Elizabeth Gilbert and Jack Kornfield (#751)

This episode is a two-for-one, and that’s because the podcast recently hit its 10-year anniversary and passed one billion downloads. To celebrate, I’ve curated some of the best of the best—some of my favorites—from more than 700 episodes over the last decade. I could not be more excited. The episode features segments from episode #430 “Elizabeth Gilbert’s Creative Path: Saying No, Trusting Your Intuition, Index Cards, Integrity Checks, Grief, Awe, and Much More” and episode #300 “Jack Kornfield — Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy in the Present.”

Please enjoy!

Bios of guests may be found at tim.blog/combo.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, YouTube, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Audible, or on your favorite podcast platform.

This episode is brought to you by AG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement, Helix Sleep premium mattresses, and LMNT electrolyte supplement.

Transcript for the full Elizabeth Gilbert episode | Transcript for the full Jack Kornfield episode | Transcripts for all episodes

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#751: Elizabeth Gilbert and Jack Kornfield

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What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.

SHOW NOTES

[05:36] Notes about this supercombo format.
[06:38] Enter Elizabeth Gilbert.
[07:04] Liz shares who Rayya Elias was and how she’s remembered her in story at The Moth.
[14:53] What kind of stories and storytellers make Liz break out in applause?
[21:05] What has Liz learned from Martha Beck?
[23:49] Staying true to one’s inner compass and saying “No” without remorse.
[27:03] The simple “No” via Byron Katie.
[33:07] The wisdom of the body.
[36:56] Enter Jack Kornfield.
[37:24] Jack’s connection with hang gliding and paragliding.
[40:06] Jack’s childhood, abusive father, and role as family peacemaker.
[45:12] “If you’re going to be angry, do it right.”
[47:48] Jack’s transition from pre-med to Asian studies at Dartmouth.
[49:28] From hippie to Buddhist monk.
[50:57] Psychedelics’ influence on Jack’s spiritual path and current stance.
[59:53] Meeting Stanislav Grof.
[1:03:32] Finding and studying under Ajahn Chah.
[1:05:59] Rookie monk training in Thailand and enduring suffering.
[1:13:49] Long silence periods and out-of-body experiences.
[1:16:37] Mystical experiences aren’t always pleasant.
[1:19:15] Tim’s experience at Spirit Rock.
[1:20:10] Challenges during training in Thailand and Burma.
[1:24:47] “Hatred never ceases by hatred, but by love alone is healed…”
[1:29:55] Advice for deep inner work with real-life responsibilities.
[1:42:04] Compassion vs. empathy.
[1:46:19] Technology’s role in developing compassion.
[1:47:26] Lovingkindness meditation for Westerners.
[1:56:04] Attending the first White House Buddhist Leadership Conference.
[1:57:59] The mission of CASEL.
[1:59:18] Introducing mindfulness practice and love as a superpower.
[2:10:11] Returning to self-discovery after derailment.
[2:15:57] Apparent derailment as necessary communication.
[2:19:17] Self-talk for managing inappropriate anger.
[2:37:21] Returning to the US to study clinical psychology.
[2:42:50] Using forgiveness to help veterans and at-risk youth.
[2:45:30] Why community support beats community apathy.
[2:49:23] Lack of significant initiation rituals in modern society.
[2:53:10] Recommended book for newcomers to Jack’s work.
[2:57:48] Jack’s billboard.
[2:59:02] Parting thoughts.