Show 97 — Radical Acceptance

Show 97 — Radical Acceptance

Author: Tod Perry April 14, 2025 Duration: 0:00
Prompted by a passage in Derek Lin’s “Tao of Joy” book, Tod and George discuss the Taoist attitude of radically accepting the external world and ourselves. Plus, a listener asks about the difference between Taoism and Buddhism. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

Back in 2015, a conversation began between journalist Tod Perry and Dr. Carl Totton-a unique dialogue that evolved into What's This Tao All About?. Dr. Totton brings a fascinating perspective as a Doctor of Psychology, founder of the Taoist Institute, and even a member of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Together, they embark on a lighthearted yet profound journey through the ancient wisdom of the Tao. This isn't a dry lecture; it's an accessible and engaging exploration designed for the curious, whether you're deeply spiritual or simply wondering what these ideas are all about. Each episode delves into the basic, often misunderstood concepts of Taoism and walks through the chapters of the foundational text, "The Tao Te Ching." You'll hear their discussions unpack how these teachings apply to the flow and challenges of modern life, from personal psychology to everyday decisions. The charm of this podcast lies in the genuine, meandering dialogue between the two hosts, making profound philosophy feel like a relatable conversation. It’s a chance to listen in as they parse out what it means to live in harmony, embrace simplicity, and understand the natural way of things.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 112

What's This Tao All About?
Podcast Episodes
Show 10 – The Three Treasures and Chapter 17 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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After a brief hiatus, Dr. Carl Totton discusses his time at the Taoist Gathering in Oakland, California. Then Dr. Totton and Tod discuss the Three Treasures and Chapter 17 of the Tao Te Ching. Subscribe to What’s This Ta…
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We’re taking a quick break, show 10 will show up in two weeks. Until then, May the Tao be with you! “When there is no desire, all things are at peace.” – Lao Tzu Tod and Dr.Carl Totton
Show 9 – The Uncarved Block and Chapter 57 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Are there hard-set rules to being a practicing Taoist? What is Pu? What style of governing is most beneficial to the people? These questions and much more are answered on episode nine of What’s This Tao All About? Subscr…
Episode 8 – Chapters 13  and 33 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Tod’s smart phone is driving him nuts so he asks Dr. Carl how to find balance in a world ruled by technology. After missing a chapter last week, Dr. Carl and Tod cover chapter 13 of the Tao Te Ching, a verse dealing with…
Episode 7 – A World out of Balance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Our show opens with Tod reporting back after five weeks of practicing meditation. Is he doing it right? Would he know if he was? Later, Dr. Carl discusses how the teachings of the Tao can help right a world that’s gone o…
Episode 6 — God? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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The show opens with some thoughts on the nature of the universe: is it friendly or hostile? Later we delve into a discussion of how the concept of god fits into the Taoist philosophy. The show closes with Dr. Carl’s thou…
Episode 5 — Te (or the Tao In-Action) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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We open the show with a discussion on how to become a practicing Taoist. Later, Dr. Carl and Tod tackle the oh-so important Tao concept of Te. The Te helps put the Tao in action, Dr. Carl discusses how you can make it wo…
Epiosode 4 — Meditation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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We open the show speculating whether some of the greatest minds of the last century were secretly Taoists. Later, Dr. Carl discusses mediation and we end with a break down of Chapter Three of the Tao Te Ching. Subscribe…
Episode 3 — Social Status, Yin and Yang [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Recently, Tod got stuck riding the bus to work, prompting a discussion on social status and how it relates to the Tao. Later, we get into a conversation on the Taoist principal of Yin and Yang. This week’s Tao Te Ching r…
Episode 2 – Busy Brags vs. the Art of Non-Doing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Our show opens with a discussion about the perils of the persistent business pervasive in modern society. Later, Dr. Carl Totton discusses the Taoist principal of wu-wei or the “art of non-doing.” The show ends with a br…