What's This Tao All About?

Tod Perry

A lighthearted Taoism podcast hosted by a journalist and Tao philosopher.

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20 episodes
Updated March 16

Episodes20

Newest first

March 16
Show 106 — Overcoming Contentiousness
Tod and George examine the works of Derek Lin and Chuang Tzu to discuss how to live with less contention and greater harmony. Also, George shares the power of the “sacred” pause, and Tod shares why balancing your internal checkbook can help you find peace.
February 16
Show 105 — Li, Listener Mail, Hundun
Tod and George explore the concept of li, or the natural energy patterns inherent in all of us. They also help a listener with love problems and examine Chuang Tzu’s tragedy of Hundun, the faceless but benevolent emperor. Pick up a copy of Dr.Sijo: The Taoist Monk in Modern Clothing by Jeremy Newman
January 26
Show 104 — Wu-Chi and Chuang Tzu’s Metamorphosis
Tod shares how Jason Gregory’s “The Tradition of Natural Taoism” aims to correct some Western interpretations of the Tao. Also, George explains the mysterious emptiness of wu-chi and the pair dive deep into one of Chuang Tzu’s strangest stories, “Metamorphosis.” Pick up a copy of Dr.Sijo: The Taoist Monk in Modern Clothing by Jeremy Newman
Nov 5, 2025
Show 103 — How to Be Kind to Yourself
Tod took a trip to Cuba and felt an incredible joy getting away from technology and consumer culture for a few days. George shares tips on being kind to yourself and building space around your personal challenges to put them in proper perspective. Also, Chuang Tzu’s thoughts on being competitive.
Oct 14, 2025
Show 102 — Lu Dong Pin’s Dream and the Tower of Spirit
Tod interviewed Deepak Chopra for a work assignment and asked for his thoughts on Taoism. Later, Tod and George also explore Lu Dong Pin’s dream, which led him to reject worldly power for the Tao, and Chuang Tzu’s “Tower of Spirit,” a lesson in guarding sincerity. George’s new film, “What is Consciousness?”
Sep 18, 2025
Show 101 — Dr. Totton’s passing, Chuang Tzu’s Active Life, and Listener Mail
After nearly two years in hospice care, Dr. Totton has passed away, Tod discusses the aftermath. Later, George talks about how improv classes have helped his Tao cultivation and they dive deep into Chuang Tzu’s chapter on the “Active Life.” Also, a listener asks how they can be more disciplined in their practice. GoFundMe: Care […]
Jul 17, 2025
Show 100 — The Unseen and Detachment
Tod and George dig deep into the writings of Derek Lin to discuss how to interact with the unseen and the power of detachment. Later, they discuss relationships and Chuang Tzu’s “Man of Character.” GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days
Jun 26, 2025
Show 99 — Faith and Chuang Tzu’s Monkeys
George and Tod contemplate the age-old debate about whether all spiritual practices lead down the same path. Later, they examine the role that faith plays in Taoism and examine the wisdom of Chuang Tzu’s monkeys. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days
Jun 5, 2025
Show 98 — Mirror Mind and Intuitive Wisdom
Tod and George examine the mysterious concept of the “mirror mind” and how it can help you live in the present moment, and how to make decisions by getting in touch with our intuitive wisdom. Later, they dig into Chuang Tzu’s chapter on “Great and Small.” GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final […]
Apr 14, 2025
Show 97 — Radical Acceptance
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
Mar 24, 2025
Show 96 — Getting Unstuck and Chuang Tzu’s Morality
With the help of some insightful folks from Reddit, Tod and George dive into what it means to age gracefully—without getting stuck in their ways. They also explore their current challenges of cultivating the Tao and unpack the morality of Chuang Tzu through his chapter on apologies. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His […]
Mar 3, 2025
Show 95 — The Tao of Play and Chuang Tzu’s ‘Good Fortune’
On this episode, Tod reviews George Thompson’s new movie “The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself.” The two also examine George’s ideas about play and Chung Tzu’s thoughts on the true meaning of having good fortune. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days
Feb 10, 2025
Show 94 — William Martin, Author of ‘Daily Tao: 365 Meditations on the Tao Te Ching’
Tod Talks with William Martin, author of “Daily Tao: 365 Meditations on the Tao Te Ching.” We discuss his transformation from pastor to Taoist, the liberation Taoism offers from societal conditioning, and how it counters today’s constant wave of mediated information. William also reflects on learning from Alan Watts at the Esalen Institute, explores fear […]
Jan 20, 2025
Show 93 — Excess Baggage and the ‘Kingly Man’
Tod and George reflect on Derek Lin’s insights about the unnecessary baggage we carry through life. They also discuss Thomas Merton’s translation of Chuang-Tzu’s “Kingly Man,” and George shares practical tips on how we can all let go of our excess baggage. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days
Jan 2, 2025
Show 92 — Praise and Action vs. Non-Action
Tod and George examine why Lao Tzu says that Tao cultivators should work without looking for praise. Later, Chuang Tzu’s Action vs. Non-Action and David Lynch teaches how to catch the big fish. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days
Dec 11, 2024
Show 91 — Manifestation and Senselessness
George and Tod discuss whether the concept of manifestation works within the Tao and how we can all embrace the senselessness of the cosmos. Also, George talks about his new film, “The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself.” GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days Watch George Thompson’s new film, “The Subtle Art […]
Nov 5, 2024
Show 90 — Taoism and Recovery with Buddy C.
On this episode, Tod talks with Buddy C., the host of the “Tao of Our Understanding” podcast that looks at Taoism through the lens of addiction and recovery. Here, Buddy discusses how Taoism helped him overcome addiction and his recovery-focused version of the Tao Te Ching, “Powerless But Not Hopeless.” GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl […]
Aug 12, 2024
Show 89 — The Inner Law
Tod and George examine Chuang Tzu’s inner law, a chapter that discusses whether we should be directed by our inner vice or outside forces. Plus, Tod answers an interesting philosophical question from his 8-year-old son, and George shares a gratitude practice. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days
Jul 29, 2024
Show 88 — Born in Tao
Tod and George discuss Chuang Tzu’s “Man is Born in Tao” and examine how we know whether we are connected to the Tao or not. Plus, a children’s TV show is getting into Taoism and why popcorn is cannibalism. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days
Jul 8, 2024
Show 87 — Chuang Tzu and liberation
Tod and George start their investigation into the works of Chuang Tzu with Thomas Merton’s translation of his pivotal chapter, “Man of Tao.” We also meet our new co-host, George Thompson and Tod shares an update on Dr. Carl Totton’s health. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

What's This Tao All About?

Show 106 — Overcoming Contentiousness

Show 105 — Li, Listener Mail, Hundun

Show 104 — Wu-Chi and Chuang Tzu’s Metamorphosis

Show 103 — How to Be Kind to Yourself

Show 102 — Lu Dong Pin’s Dream and the Tower of Spirit

Show 101 — Dr. Totton’s passing, Chuang Tzu’s Active Life, and Listener Mail

Show 100 — The Unseen and Detachment

Show 99 — Faith and Chuang Tzu’s Monkeys

Show 98 — Mirror Mind and Intuitive Wisdom

Show 97 — Radical Acceptance

Show 96 — Getting Unstuck and Chuang Tzu’s Morality

Show 95 — The Tao of Play and Chuang Tzu’s ‘Good Fortune’

Show 94 — William Martin, Author of ‘Daily Tao: 365 Meditations on the Tao Te Ching’

Show 93 — Excess Baggage and the ‘Kingly Man’

Show 92 — Praise and Action vs. Non-Action

Show 91 — Manifestation and Senselessness

Show 90 — Taoism and Recovery with Buddy C.

Show 89 — The Inner Law

Show 88 — Born in Tao

Show 87 — Chuang Tzu and liberation