S2E29_Koans in Buddhism

S2E29_Koans in Buddhism

Author: Peter Economou, Ph.D. and Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. October 7, 2021 Duration: 17:18
You’ve heard koans mentioned on WEMW before, but what exactly are they? In this episode, Dr. Pete explains what koans are and how they are used to try and untangle the mind through verbal paradoxes and riddles in the Buddhist tradition. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin practice walking through one of the most well known koans together, and discuss how koans may help individuals connect with reality more effectively. This episode will help those wanting to learn more about the origin of mindfulnes...

In When East Meets West, psychologists Peter Economou and Nikki Rubin bridge the continental divide for a unique conversation. Peter, based on the East coast, and Nikki, on the West, bring their clinical expertise to explore the fascinating intersections where ancient Eastern wisdom and contemporary Western psychology converge. This podcast delves into topics across health, fitness, mental well-being, science, and spirituality, examining how timeless practices can inform modern behavioral science. Each discussion is grounded in their professional experience, offering nuanced perspectives rather than simple answers. Listeners will hear thoughtful dialogues that unpack complex ideas, from meditation and mindfulness to the psychology behind ritual and community, always aiming for practical, actionable insights. The tone is curious and accessible, making the synthesis of these two rich traditions relevant for daily life. By tuning in, you join a ongoing exploration of how we can live with greater awareness and resilience, informed by both the lab and the lineage. When East Meets West is an invitation to consider the full spectrum of human understanding, hosted by two guides dedicated to making these connections clear and useful.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

When East Meets West
Podcast Episodes
S2E22_Health Anxiety [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:54
As the medical world advances, so too do the labels that help guide providers with treatment. In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin chat about illness anxiety, OCD with a health focus, and other behavioral presentation…
S2E21_Compromise [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:04
If given the choice, do you prefer to compromise or do it your way? In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss why compromise is so difficult for human beings (hint: we’ve got those rigid and judgmental brains!) and…
S2E20_Guilt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:03
No one likes feeling guilty, but have you ever considered that maybe your guilt is trying to tell you something? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete dive into what guilt actually is (hint: it’s information!), includi…
S2E19_East vs. West [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:32
Today isn't about when East meets West, it's about East versus West! In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin dive into an exploration (and friendly rivalry) of East coast versus West coast cultures. This discussion creat…
S2E18_Curiosity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:53
Humans are a curious species, although at times curiosity can cause anxiety or pain (i.e., think about the saying "curiosity killed the cat." Sorry to you cat lovers out there). In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete de…
S2E17_Enlightenment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:09
Enlightenment is often misunderstood in western culture as something to achieve. In this episode, Dr. Pete clarifies that there actually is no arrival or achievement of enlightenment (what?!) and both docs discuss what t…
S2E16_Intuition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:42
What is a gut instinct? Can you tell the difference between your gut, your emotions, or a premonition? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss intuition, how to access it, and how its existence is explained from…
S2E15_Boundaries [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:38
Do you know the difference between boundaries and walls? How about the relationship between boundaries and connection? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss what boundaries are, how they are an essential part o…
S2E14_Values [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:52
Finally! In this episode, the docs talk through one of their favorite topics on WEMW: values. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin define what values are and how they function like directions, discuss their relationship with flexibili…
S2E13_Adjusting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:24
Whether to a global pandemic, marriage, the loss of a loved one, or a new job, humans are always adjusting. Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete highlight the behavioral aspects of adjustment, the diagnosis of adjustment disorder, and…