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PODCAST

The Thief in the Empty Room

Where Zen meets business in a unique exploration of mindfulness and mental health. Join me, Craig French, as I sit down with artists, entrepreneurs, and Zen teachers to uncover the secrets of expanding creative problem-solving, reducing stress, and finding balance in the fast-paced world.

religion & spirituality buddhism

All Episodes

00:37:18

Taming the Brain: How Meditation Calms ADHD

The Thief in the Empty Room ·

2025/06/14

In this episode, Craig welcomes Jeff Nieves, Hollywood screenwriter, to explore the intersection of Zen, mindfulness, and creative success.Here’s a glimpse into the profound insights you can expect:The Thief in the Empty Room: Jeff and Craig dive into the meaning of the podcast's namesake koan, relating it to themes of nothingness, presence, and finding value in emptiness.From Zen to Screenwriting: A Mindful Journey: Jeff discusses his personal journey from early interest in Buddhism to becoming a

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00:35:23

Sitting with Suffering: How Zen and Therapy Can...

The Thief in the Empty Room ·

2025/06/07

In this episode, Craig welcomes Jessica Mariglio, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Mindful Trauma Therapy, who shares her insights on the intersection of Zen, mindfulness, and trauma therapy.Here’s a glimpse into the profound insights you can expect:The Thief in the Empty Room: Jessica and Craig explore the meaning of the podcast's namesake koan, relating it to themes of surprise, allowing, and the importance of being present in therapeutic practice. From Zen to Therapy: A

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00:40:30

The Principal of Presence: Leading Students with...

The Thief in the Empty Room ·

2025/05/31

In this episode, Craig welcomes Matt Sloan, 2024 New York State Principal of the Year at Middleburg Junior Senior High School, who shares his insights on implementing mindfulness programs in schools and creating a distraction-free learning environment.Here’s a glimpse into the profound insights you can expect:The Thief in the Empty Room: Matt shares his interpretation of the podcast's namesake koan, relating it to the importance of inner peace and setting aside desires to be present. From Urban to

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00:45:43

From Brokenness to Wholeness: TJ Woodward's Conscious...

The Thief in the Empty Room ·

2025/05/24

In this episode, Craig welcomes TJ Woodward, author, speaker, and founder of the Conscious Recovery Model, who shares his journey of spiritual awakening and offers a fresh perspective on addiction recovery, emphasizing self-love and the reclamation of one's essential self.Here’s a glimpse into the profound insights you can expect:The Thief in the Empty Room: TJ shares his interpretation of the podcast's namesake koan, viewing it through the lens of recovery and the idea that true peace comes from

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00:40:44

Beyond the Bottom Line: Zen Principles for Startup...

The Thief in the Empty Room ·

2025/05/17

In this episode, Craig welcomes Paul Agostinelli, a three-time startup founder and transmitted Zen teacher, who offers insights into integrating Zen principles with entrepreneurship through his Three Contracts and manifestation frameworks. Here’s a glimpse into the profound insights you can expect:The Thief in the Empty Room: Paul shares his perspective on the podcast's namesake koan, relating it to having nothing to hold onto and finding fundamental peace. From Zen Center to Startup: Hear

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00:40:41

The Power of Kindness: An NBA Story of Compassion and...

The Thief in the Empty Room ·

2025/05/10

In this episode, Craig welcomes Erwin Valencia, the former head of the New York Knicks medical and performance staff and founder of the Grasshopper Project, who offers a unique perspective on mindfulness, gratitude, and navigating life's transitions with the wisdom of a "renaissance man". Here’s a glimpse into the profound insights you can expect:The Thief in the Empty Room: Erwin shares his interpretation of the Zen koan that gives the podcast its name, relating it to the importance of

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00:36:27

From Despair to Zen: Finding Hope with the Homeless

The Thief in the Empty Room ·

2025/05/03

In this inaugural episode of season two, Craig welcomes Shinko Hagn, an ordained Zen priest in the lineage of prominent figures like Uchiyama Roshi, Suzuki Roshi, and Okumura Roshi. From Zendo in Vienna, Shinko has established multiple Zen centers and has dedicated himself to working with marginalized communities, including prisoners and the homeless.Here’s a glimpse into the profound insights you can expect:• The Empty Room Koan: Explore Shinko's initial reflections on the famous Zen koan that

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00:43:03

Can Zen Help You Save the World? A Zen Writer's Guide...

The Thief in the Empty Room ·

2024/11/02

I met Emily standing outside Against the Stream Meditation Center back in 2012. Our friendship blossomed from there, along with years and years of deep Zen practice, retreats and everything in between. Emily is a Hollywood screenwriter along with her husband and has a very unique perspective on life.Here is a small sampling of what you can expect to hear: The Creative Process and Insecurities: How Zen helped her to overcome self-doubt and maintain a positive mindset The Wandering Mind: Managing

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00:59:39

From Addiction to Enlightenment: A Zen Teacher and...

The Thief in the Empty Room ·

2024/10/26

I first met Ben many moons ago when he came to talk at our Zen Center in Culver City, LA, shortly after publishing his first book "Inside the Grass Hut." I was intrigued by his story and his understanding of a very unique lineage in Zen called Yogacara. Here is a small sampling of what you can expect to hear: The Path to Recovery: Struggles with addiction and how Zen Buddhism provide a new path to healing The Psychological Benefits of Zen: Mindfulness, stress reduction, and emotional

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00:43:29

Alone in the Wild: A Brooklyn Producer's Survival Guide

The Thief in the Empty Room ·

2024/10/19

Chris and I go way back to our high school days on Long Island. Fast forward to my obsession with the History Channel show Alone that Chris was an original producer on that sparked this conversation. Here is a small sampling of what you can expect to hear: The Power of Nature: The significance of connecting back to nature The Human Condition: Our tendency for greed and ignorance. The Interconnectedness of All Things: Explore our relationships with each other and the planet. For more

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00:52:08

The Power of Meditation: Saving Ourselves from Ourselves

The Thief in the Empty Room ·

2024/10/12

I could have never imagined when I emailed Dogen Sangha Los Angeles back in 2011 that John would respond to me and become my first ever Zen teacher (although he would never admit to that). This episode is jam-packed with John's incredible insight into Zen philosophy. Here is a small sampling of what you can expect to hear: Interconnectedness: Explore the concept of interconnectedness as presented in Zen Buddhism Human Potential: The significance of awakening the dormant potential within

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00:28:52

From Pizza to Zen: The Unlikely Journey of a Rock 'n'...

The Thief in the Empty Room ·

2024/10/05

Dave came to our Zen Center many years ago from Nashville, where he was a former touring musician, pizza shop owner and baker. His story is fascinating, with many twists and turns, all leading him to helping start Angel City Zen Center in Los Angeles. Here is a small sampling of what you can expect to hear: Wandering: How has his wandering contributed to his understanding of Zen and life? Depression: His personal experience with depression Zen & Business: Explore the unique challenges of

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00:35:24

Finding Purpose: Zen Monk & Author Shozan Jack Haubner

The Thief in the Empty Room ·

2024/09/28

My first Zen retreat at Mt. Baldy Zen Center introduced me to the remarkable Shozan Jack Haubner. As the head monk, his guidance and wisdom were invaluable. Our relationship has grown over the years, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to share his insights with you all.Shozan's Journey: Discover how Shozan Jack Haubner transitioned from Hollywood screenwriting to becoming a head monk at Mt. Baldy Zen Center. Craig's Encounter: Hear Craig's story of meeting Shozan while on

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00:28:54

A Serendipitous Encounter: Craig's Discovery of...

The Thief in the Empty Room ·

2024/09/21

In the summer of 2011, I was living a humble life in Aliso Viejo, California. One day, a chance visit to Barnes & Noble led me to a life-changing discovery. I stumbled upon Brad Warner's book, and the rest, as they say, is history. Here is a small sampling of what you can expect to hear: Brad's Journey: Discover how Brad Warner overcame initial failures as a novelist to find success with "Hardcore Zen." A Serendipitous Encounter: Hear Craig's story of discovering

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00:49:01

Embracing Imperfection: From Trauma to...

The Thief in the Empty Room ·

2024/09/14

Back in 2012, in the bustling city of Los Angeles, our lives intersected at Dogen Sangha. Both seeking a deeper connection and purpose, our journeys crossed at this spiritual community. Rylend's creativity and success as a writer always inspired me. Here is a small sampling of what you can expect to hear: Rylend's Resilience: Discover how Rylend overcame a troubled childhood in Detroit to find solace and purpose in Zen. A Zen Retreat: Hear Craig's account of their transformative

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15 results

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