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PODCAST

Artfully Mindful

Welcome to the w3 award-winning podcast, "Artfully Mindful", produced and hosted by D. R. (Don) Thompson. Don is a filmmaker, essayist, and playwright. He also teaches meditation because meditation has helped him understand life more deeply and be more effective as a creative. In addition to degrees in Film and Media Studies from UCLA, Don is certified to teach mindfulness meditation through UC Berkeley"s Greater Good Science Center and Sounds True. He is also a founding partner with the Center for

education self-improvement

All Episodes

22:57

Truth, Tolerance, and the Threat to Intellectual Life...

Artfully Mindful ·

2025/06/14

What happens when political power directly challenges academic freedom? Fresh from a six-month sabbatical from podcasting, I'm witnessing concerning parallels between McCarthyism and the current political climate's impact on American universities. The Trump administration's approach to higher education—slashing research funding and criticizing intellectual exploration—threatens to fundamentally alter the academic landscape. Working within this system, I see firsthand how political pressure c...

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16:09

Embracing Change: A Sabbatical Journey

Artfully Mindful ·

2024/12/30

Kicking off 2025 with a whirlwind of changes, I, Don Thompson, bring you a podcast episode filled with personal insights and professional shifts. As we usher in a new presidency, the potential impacts on our administrative state—especially for those of us with family ties to government—are unknown and intriguing. This episode takes on a special significance as I announce my sabbatical from the podcast world to embrace a passion for teaching media and film courses in Washington DC and Maryland...

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16:39

New Year, New Beginnings

Artfully Mindful ·

2024/12/23

Ever wondered how a simple shift in language could transform your life? Join me, Don Thompson, as we kick off 2025 with an episode brimming with personal insights aimed at sparking positive change. We unravel the unsuspecting impact of the phrase "I don't care," unveiling its potential to lead to unwelcome outcomes. Experience the stirring world of classical music, with Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto as a standout example, and discover how these timeless compositions can nurture feelings of in...

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19:14

Trump's Return: Threat or Catalyst for Change?

Artfully Mindful ·

2024/12/16

Is the re-election of Donald Trump a threat to the values of mindfulness, compassion, and kindness, or could it be an unexpected catalyst for positive change? As we unpack the implications of Trump's surprising return to the presidency, we explore the stark contrast between his aggressive worldview and the values many of us hold dear. Drawing from Lisa Lehrer's insightful analysis in the New York Times, we delve into concerns surrounding potential authoritarian tendencies, economic challenges...

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12:42

REPLAY: Body Scan: A Mindful Journey to Self-Awareness

Artfully Mindful ·

2024/12/09

Unlock the secrets of mindfulness and transform your relationship with your own body with Don Thompson's guided journey through the powerful practice of the body scan. Imagine experiencing each moment with heightened awareness and compassion, beginning with the simple act of noticing your left foot. This episode promises to equip you with the tools to cultivate a deeper connection with your physical being, inspired by the teachings of renowned mentors Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. Engage in ...

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10:44

REPLAY: Breathing into Tension

Artfully Mindful ·

2024/12/02

Discover the transformative power of mindful breathing with this episode of the podcast, where Don Thompson leads you through the art of "Breathing into Tension." What if you could unlock a simple technique to alleviate the burden of daily stress? Join us as we explore how the pressures of modern life manifest physically and mentally, and learn to harness the breath to release stored tension. Don offers an insightful journey into mindfulness, perfect for both seasoned practitioners and those ...

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11:08

REPLAY: Points of View

Artfully Mindful ·

2024/11/25

Have you ever wondered how truly understanding different perspectives could transform your worldview? Join me, Don Thompson, as I guide you through a powerful mindful exercise inspired by Sean Fargo. This episode promises to teach you practical steps to engage with opposing viewpoints meaningfully, from political and cultural differences to spiritual beliefs and even conspiracy theories. You'll learn how to uncover the needs, fears, and concerns that shape others' beliefs, all while reflectin...

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12:58

Saying Thank You

Artfully Mindful ·

2024/11/18

Curious to learn why expressing gratitude could be a game-changer for your mental health? Join me, Don Thompson, in an enlightening conversation where we uncover how the simple act of saying thank you can transform your well-being. Drawing inspiration from a compelling Harvard Medical School article published in August 2021, we'll explore the scientific studies that emphasize the positive effects of gratitude. I'll also share personal anecdotes, like my experience with Japanese culture and it...

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15:57

Sticking Up for Yourself

Artfully Mindful ·

2024/11/11

What if you could assert your worth in a way that is both gentle and powerful? Join me, Don Thompson, as I explore the nuanced world of self-advocacy from a mindful perspective. You'll discover how to stand up for yourself without crossing the line into selfishness, and understand why advocating for fair treatment is a fundamental human right. We dive into the historical roots of self-advocacy, touching upon philosophical critiques by influential figures like Nietzsche, and trace how these id...

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14:37

Errors in Thinking

Artfully Mindful ·

2024/11/04

Can recognizing and combating common cognitive distortions really transform your life? Join me, Don Thompson, as we explore this intriguing question by diving into the teachings of acclaimed psychologists Aaron Beck and Dr. David Burns. Drawing from Dr. Burns' seminal work, "The Feeling Good Handbook," we'll break down the most pervasive cognitive distortions that can sabotage our well-being and happiness. From all-or-nothing thinking to mental filtering, we'll uncover practical strategies to...

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16:10

Mindful Choices

Artfully Mindful ·

2024/10/28

Can mindful personal choices really make a difference in combating climate change, or is it too little, too late? Join me, Don Thompson, as we navigate the intricacies of love, personal connection, and the political landscape during an election cycle in the United States. We take a deep dive into the importance of mindful engagement with politics and the need for a proactive government to address critical issues, especially climate change. Highlighting the inspiring work of climate activist R...

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15:27

Joyful Effort in Meditation

Artfully Mindful ·

2024/10/21

What if finding joy in meditation could transform your entire mindfulness practice? Discover the profound impact of joyful effort, or virya, as we explore how approaching meditation with a sense of joy and skillful effort can lead to greater happiness, clarity, and balance. In this episode, we emphasize the importance of setting the right intention—cultivating joy rather than simply aiming for efficiency or productivity.Reflect on the difference a consistent meditation practice makes in your ...

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54:24

The Transformative Power of Mindfulness

Artfully Mindful ·

2024/10/14

Want to learn how mindfulness can revolutionize your life? Join us as we sit down with Debby Germino, an Emmy-winning editor turned mindfulness and somatic coach, who brings a unique perspective from her extensive background in the entertainment industry. Debby shares her incredible journey from editing hit TV shows like "Smallville" and "Agents of SHIELD" to her passion for mindfulness coaching, illustrating how the skills of concentration and authenticity play pivotal roles in both fields.W...

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17:03

The Fluid Self

Artfully Mindful ·

2024/10/07

What if the "self" you think you know is just another part you're playing? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Don, who draws from his rich theater background to challenge the notion of a fixed personal identity. Through the lens of his experience playing a demanding character in Simon Gray's "Butley," Don reveals the transformative power of losing oneself in a role and the profound realizations it brought him about the fluidity of self.In this captivating episode, Don shares ho...

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12:29

Keeping it Simple

Artfully Mindful ·

2024/09/30

Can the simple act of breathing transform your life? In this episode, we explore that profound possibility. Join me as I recount an enlightening meditation session with mindfulness coach Debby Germino, which led to a groundbreaking realization about the joy found in simplicity. Debby's guidance helped me connect with the fundamental happiness that lies in our breath, a basic but often overlooked aspect of life. Through a guided meditation, we’ll tap into the gratitude and contentment that com...

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18:03

Connecting with Nature

Artfully Mindful ·

2024/09/23

What does flowing water teach us about life? Join us as we uncover the profound lessons from a week spent by the Potomac River, reflecting on its symbolism of impermanence and continuous change. We delve into the unique rhythms of nature, distinct from human efforts to control the environment, and discuss how these natural patterns, especially observed in the early morning, reveal a deeper connection within ourselves. You'll also learn about a meditative nature gazing practice inspired by Sea...

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19:34

Observer Theory: Fact or Fiction?

Artfully Mindful ·

2024/09/16

Can reality exist without an observer? Tune in to our latest episode where we unlock the mysteries of observer theory in philosophy. We'll take you on a journey through quantum mechanics with mind-bending concepts like the Copenhagen interpretation and Schrödinger's Cat, demonstrating how observation can alter quantum states. We'll also explore the perspectives of renowned philosophers such as Edmund Husserl, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, and Immanuel Kant, who argue that our perception is integral ...

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13:29

REPLAY: The Mindful Blank Page

Artfully Mindful ·

2024/09/09

Note: This was one of my favorite podcasts, so once in a while I like to replay it. I hope you enjoy.Ever felt stuck staring at a blank page, unsure of what to create? Discover how embracing the "mindful blank page" can turn obstacles into opportunities and infuse everyday moments with profound meaning. Join us as we reframe writer's block and mundane tasks through the lens of mindfulness, revealing how even brewing a cup of coffee or supporting a loved one can become acts of artful engagemen...

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15:52

Your Story

Artfully Mindful ·

2024/09/02

Can the stories you tell yourself about who you are shape your reality? Join me, Don Thompson, as I navigate the profound influence of self-narratives on our identities and behaviors, inspired by Sean Fargo's insightful worksheet. Through personal reflections, I reveal how these narratives often root in our backgrounds and parental influences, dictating our beliefs and actions. I'll share my own journey of self-discovery, shaped by a creative father, and explore how our perceptions of ourselv...

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17:43

The Great Seal of Mahamudra

Artfully Mindful ·

2024/08/26

Unlock the mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism and transform your understanding of reality with our latest episode. Join me, Don Thompson, as we navigate the profound concept of Mahamudra, or the Great Seal. Drawing on my experiences with esteemed Tibetan Lamas and Rinpoches, we explore the interconnected essence of all things and delve into the concept of interdependent origination. We'll also dissect the intriguing debate between the mind-only school and the dependent arising school, providing yo...

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104 results

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