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In the final episode of this series, Laura Chandler sits down with Isa Gucciardi, founding director of the Sacred Stream, to reflect on the life and legacy of their dear friend Robert Thurman, and the impact he had on them personally and on so many others. They also share reflections from their longtime friend Thupten Jinpa, who offers his thoughts on Bob's remarkable life and death. Bob dedicated his life to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to the Tibetan people, whose long exile from their homeland remained an enduring cause close to his heart. His commitment extended beyond advocacy and scholarship to the living practice of wisdom, love, and compassion. Through his teaching, writing, humor, and deep devotion to the Buddhist tradition, he helped bring Tibetan Buddhism to a wider audience and inspired countless people to engage more deeply with its teachings. In this conversation, Laura and Isa remember Bob not only for his extraordinary contributions, but also for the personal connections, shared experiences, and moments of insight that made him so beloved. They reflect on what it meant to be with his community in the days surrounding his passing, and on how his life and teachings continue to resonate. May his legacy continue to inspire us to meet the world with greater understanding and compassion.

In this episode, an excerpt from a recent talk by Tibetan Buddhist nun Ani Choyang offers a glimpse into her remarkable journey from Tibet to becoming one of the first Tibetan women on track to earn the Geshema degree in Buddhist philosophy. The degree represents a significant milestone for women in Tibetan Buddhism and has been championed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A Tenzin Gyatso Science Scholar, Ani Choyang was among the first Tibetan nuns to participate in a two-year science training program at Emory University. She later completed a neuroscience internship at Northwestern University and continues to participate in research exploring lucid dreaming and dream yoga. She currently serves as a science teacher and Coordinator of the Library and Learning Center at Jangchub Choeling Nunnery in Mundgod, India. In this talk, Ani Choyang shares what compelled her to escape Tibet, her profound meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and the experiences that have shaped her path as a Buddhist scholar, educator, and bridge between Buddhist philosophy and modern science. Her story offers a powerful perspective on the evolving role of women in Tibetan Buddhism and the possibilities that emerge when ancient wisdom meets contemporary scientific inquiry. Learn more about Ani Choyang at hidden-happiness.com.

In the third episode of the special series Remembering Robert Thurman, we return for part two of Bob's first talk at the Sacred Stream in 2008. With more than 80 people crowded into Laura and Isa's San Francisco living room, Bob captivated the audience, bringing his extraordinary humor, intellect, and enthusiasm to this gathering of Sacred Stream students and friends. In this part of the talk, he takes us deep into the Buddhist cosmos, exploring the nature of emptiness and challenging our assumptions about what it means to exist. With characteristic delight, he declares that "emptiness is not nothing," addressing common Buddhist misunderstandings of the concept and challenging scientific materialism and its assumption that we somehow came from nothing and ultimately return to nothing. From there, he leads us into the clear light of the void and toward one of the most beautiful ideas in Buddhist thought: that at the very foundation of reality is bliss. It's Bob at his most exuberant, provocative, and illuminating—and a wonderful reminder of the gift he brought to everyone who had the opportunity to hear him teach. To learn more about Robert Thurman and his work, visit bobthurman.com, Tibet House US (thus.org), and Menla Retreat (menla.org).

In this episode, Laura Chandler is joined by executive coach Hal Adler, founder of Leadership Landing and Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D., founding director of the Foundation of the Sacred Stream and creator of Depth Hypnosis. Hal has spent decades helping leaders and organizations cultivate greater awareness, authenticity, and impact. A lifelong musician and composer, he brings creativity, deep listening, and collaborative spirit of music to his work with leaders. Isa has spent more than three decades integrating wisdom traditions—including Buddhism, shamanism, energy medicine, and psychology—to help people develop greater self-awareness, resilience, and purpose. Her work has inspired thousands to lead their lives with clarity, compassion, and integrity. In this conversation, they explore the evolving nature of leadership and why inner awareness, authenticity, and meaningful connection are increasingly important in a rapidly changing world. They also discuss the upcoming Telluride Leadership Summit and the importance of bringing wisdom, courage, and humanity to the practice of leadership. Join Laura, Hal, and Isa for a thoughtful conversation about the inner work of leadership and what it means to lead with greater awareness and purpose. To learn more about Hal, Leadership Landing, and the Telluride Leadership Conference, visit leadershiplanding.com. To learn more about Isa Gucciardi, visit isagucciardi.org.

In the second episode of the special series Remembering Robert Thurman, we return to one of the first talks Robert Thurman gave at Sacred Stream, in 2008. On that particular fall evening, another event was taking place at the Sacred Stream Center, so Laura Chandler and Isa Gucciardi invited everyone into their San Francisco living room instead. More than 80 people crowded into the house for what remains one of Bob's most popular Sacred Stream lectures. This previously unreleased material has been divided into two episodes. At the heart of the first part of this teaching is one of Bob's favorite insights: Buddhism is realism. He describes the Dharma as an invitation to see reality more clearly and, through that clearer seeing, to discover our true nature. He explores samsara as the world of mistaken perception we construct when we fail to recognize reality as it is, offers a fresh perspective on the Four Noble Truths, and takes on one of the most persistent misconceptions about Buddhism: the idea that the teaching of "no self" means that we do not actually exist. In this joyfully provocative teaching, Bob invites listeners to become more realistic about who and what they are and to discover the bliss that underlies everything. The result is a wonderful glimpse of Robert Thurman at his most passionate, playful, and illuminating—bringing the Dharma to life with the unmistakable energy, humor, and intellectual clarity that made him such a beloved teacher. To learn more about Robert Thurman and his work, visit bobthurman.com, Tibet House US (thus.org), and Menla Retreat (menla.org).

On this episode, Laura Chandler talks with Suzanne Ross – inspirational speaker, intuitive guide, and the founder of both the Sedona Ascension Retreat and the San Diego Transcendence Retreat. Suzanne is also the author of the Up! book series—featuring Wake Up! and Rise Up! She has dedicated her life to exploring consciousness, spirituality, and the evolution of human awareness, bringing together some of today's leading spiritual teachers with seekers from around the world. In their talk, Suzanne and Laura discuss Suzanne's path, the evolution of consciousness, and the importance of creating spaces where people can come together to learn, grow, and transform. They also discuss the upcoming San Diego Transcendence Retreat, taking place September 19th and 20th, with an incredible lineup of presenters for a weekend of inspiring talks, workshops, and community. Whether you're curious about consciousness, looking to deepen your spiritual practice, or simply seeking inspiration for your own journey, I think you'll really enjoy this conversation. For more information about Suzanne, visit suzannerosstranscendence.com. Learn more about the San Diego Transcendence Retreat at sandiegotranscendenceretreat.com.

In the first episode of the Remembering Robert Thurman series, Laura Chandler reflects on the recent passing of Robert A.F. Thurman—renowned Buddhist scholar, bestselling author, educator, and one of the world's foremost interpreters of Tibetan Buddhism. A close friend, mentor, and longtime supporter of the Sacred Stream, Bob devoted his life to making the profound wisdom of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition accessible to modern audiences. He was the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor Emeritus of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University, co-founder of Tibet House US, and a lifelong advocate for the preservation of Tibetan culture and the teachings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Recorded during Bob's West Coast book tour for Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet, this candid conversation took place in the car on the way to a talk at Google. Filled with his trademark humor, brilliant storytelling, and unwavering devotion to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the interview offers a rare glimpse into the warmth, brilliance, and infectious joy that made Bob such an extraordinary teacher and cherished friend. This episode also honors the contributions of composer Dan Walters and legendary recording engineer Jesse Osborne, whose artistry helped bring this conversation to life. Join us as we celebrate the life, legacy, laughter, and enduring wisdom of Robert A.F. Thurman. To learn more about Robert Thurman and his work, visit bobthurman.com, Tibet House US (thus.org), and Menla Retreat (menla.org).

On this episode of Sacred Stream Radio Podcast, Laura Chandler welcomes renowned neurosurgeon and consciousness researcher Dr. Eben Alexander. After a profound near-death experience during a week-long coma, Dr. Alexander's understanding of the mind, brain, and the nature of reality was forever transformed. His bestselling memoir, Proof of Heaven, which chronicles that extraordinary journey beyond ordinary consciousness, spent 41 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. In this conversation, Laura and Dr. Alexander explore consciousness beyond the brain, the use of binaural tones and sound technologies to access altered states of awareness, and key insights from his book Living in a Mindful Universe. They also discuss the evolving relationship between science, spirituality, and human potential. Dr. Alexander will be appearing at the San Diego Transcendence Retreat, September 18–20, alongside an inspiring lineup of speakers and workshop presenters. Learn more about Dr. Alexander at ebenalexander.com.

On this episode, Laura speaks with author and activist Deborah Santana about her new memoir, Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom—a story of awakening, courage, and the transformative power of finding one's voice. Deborah shares the arc of her life from growing up as the daughter of pioneering interracial parents to her years alongside legendary musician Carlos Santana. While she embraced many roles—partner, mother, and supporter—this conversation centers on the pivotal moment when she chose to step forward fully as herself, reclaiming her voice and redefining her purpose. At the heart of this episode is Deborah's commitment to uplifting others, particularly women and BIPOC communities. She speaks about how her personal awakening led her into meaningful, impact-driven work—from co-founding Do A Little to supporting education initiatives like Daraja Academy and contributing to cultural preservation through the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Her journey illustrates how finding one's voice is not only a personal liberation, but a pathway to collective empowerment. Grounded in stories of resilience, heritage, and spiritual growth, Deborah's story is a call to anyone ready to move beyond old roles, speak their truth, and engage in work that uplifts and transforms lives—starting with their own. To learn more about Deborah, visit deborahsantana.com.

Welcome to the Sacred Stream Radio Podcast, brought to you by the Foundation of the Sacred Stream and Red Cow Productions. Hosted by Laura Chandler, this episode features a conversation with licensed clinical psychologist, Depth Hypnosis Practitioner, and executive coach, Joanna Adler. Together, they explore the wisdom of the body—how it stores information, including trauma, and how learning to listen more deeply to its signals can support profound healing across physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Joanna Adler brings a unique integration of clinical expertise and depth-oriented healing practices. She teaches classes in Depth Hypnosis and Coming to Peace at the Sacred Stream and is co-author of the pilot study "Using Depth Hypnosis to Treat Mood Disorders and Raise Well-Being," published in the International Journal of Regression Therapy. She will also be offering a new livestream class through the Sacred Stream, Somatic Wisdom as a Path of Inner Awakening. To learn more about Joanna and her work, visit her website, joannaadler.net.

On this episode, Laura speaks with author, yoga instructor, and meditation teacher Oneika Mays. They are talking about her new book, Sit with Me: A No-BS Journey to Mindfulness and Meditation. Oneika spent nearly 15 years teaching meditation in yoga studios, hospitals, and correctional facilities, including at Rikers Island. As a queer Black teacher, she emphasizes that meditation isn't just for those who have it all figured out—it's for all of us: the anxious, the heartbroken, the angry, the lost, and those who have been marginalized or overlooked. Pull up a cushion and settle in for this candid conversation on meditation, identity, and showing up as you are. Learn more about Oneika at oneikamays.com.

Welcome to the Sacred Stream Radio Podcast. In this episode, Laura Chandler talks with Zero Balancing Practitioner and teacher, Linda Wobeskya. Zero Balancing is a hands-on bodywork system conceptually related to acupuncture and grounded in the Eastern understanding of energy and its relationship to physical structure. Unlike acupuncture, however, Zero Balancing uses skilled touch rather than needles and works directly with the energy held within the bones rather than along meridian lines. Within this paradigm, imbalance between structure and energy contributes to pain, stress, reduced function, and diminished well-being. Linda brings together a strong foundation in Western medical training with deep expertise in Zero Balancing, creating a uniquely integrative approach that supports healing across the entire body–mind spectrum. Join us for an illuminating conversation on how touch, energy, and structure intersect to restore balance and well-being. Learn more about Linda at lindawobeskya.com.

On this episode, Laura speaks with best-selling author and visionary success coach, Tama Kieves. Tama is an honors graduate of Harvard Law School who left a prestigious corporate career in law to follow her passion and now she helps others do the same. Tama has been featured on Oprah Media, Forbes, and ABC News. She has written five books and her latest, Learning to Trust Yourself, is a masterclass in modern intuition. Whether she's teaching at the Omega Institute or on the TEDx stage, she is known for her electrifying presence and her belief that we are all meant to live from inspiration instead of fear. Today she and Laura talk about how to remove the blocks to trusting yourself, following your bliss, and how to wildly succeed in your life's work. To learn more about Tama, visit tamakieves.com.

In this episode, Laura sits down with Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. for a timely and deeply reflective conversation about hope—not as a passive wish, but as an active state and a conscious choice. Together, they explore what it means to live hope as an action in times of collective uncertainty and social fracture. Drawing inspiration from the Bhutanese government's radical commitment to policies that prioritize the happiness and well-being of its people, the conversation opens into a broader inquiry: What if healing and consciousness were central measures of progress? Laura and Isa examine how the deep fractures within our society mirror unresolved splits within the individual psyche—and how healing personal wounding becomes a powerful act of social and spiritual transformation. Rather than bypassing pain, they speak to the necessity of meeting it directly, integrating disowned parts of the self, and allowing this inner work to catalyze a revolution of consciousness. This episode invites listeners to consider spiritual evolution not as an abstract ideal, but as a lived, embodied process—one that begins with healing, deepens awareness, and restores our capacity to imagine and enact a more whole, compassionate world. For more information about Isa, Laura, and the classes they teach at the Sacred Stream, visit isagucciardi.org, laurachandler.net, and sacredstream.org.

On this episode, Laura speaks with Cynthia James—author, musician, Emotional Integration Leadership Coach, and a compelling voice for personal transformation. Cynthia is an inspiring teacher and speaker whose podcast Women Awakening shines a light on the powerful stories of women she believes are catalyzing a collective shift in consciousness on the planet. The author of five books, including What Will Set You Free, I Choose Me, and her latest release, The Kingdom of Magic and Mystery, Cynthia brings deep wisdom and compassion to all she does. Her work is rooted in her own courageous journey of rising above childhood violence and PTSD. In this episode, we explore how Cynthia transformed pain into purpose—and how she now guides others to do the same. She also shares the non-negotiables that keep her grounded and healthy, along with her powerful perspective on how women are reshaping the world through everyday acts of courage and strength. Learn more about Cynthia at cynthiajames.net.