Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg

For episode 297, Sharon sits down with Chris Germer to discuss his new book, Self-Compassion for Shame. Chris Germer, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and lecturer on Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He is the author of several books including Self-Compassion for Burnout, co-authored with Dr. Kristin Neff. His new book, Self-Compassion for Shame: A Step-by-Step Guide to Inner Freedom was just released in September of 2026 from The Guilford Press. Chris lectures and leads workshops internationally and has a small psychotherapy practice in Massachusetts. This is his first appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast.In this conversation, Sharon and Chris speak about:Chris’s early interest in psychologyLearning meditation in the seventiesContemplative practice with psychologyHow Chris came to self-compassionSharon’s influence in Chris’s pathHow loving-kindness changed Chris’s lifeChris’s public speaking anxietySharon’s experience with public speakingHow Chris became aware of his own shameShame is an attack on the sense of selfShame compared to similar emotions and traitsHow we can learn to recognize shameHow the new book is organizedWhen shame can be helpfulDr Kristin Neff’s model of self-compassionWelcoming all parts of ourselvesTaking responsibility for our shameLean in, lean back, or let goNon-striving and non-fixing in self-compassionSelf-compassion is the end of the struggleHow Chris approaches his therapy practiceAdditional Resources:The episode closes with Chris leading a guided meditation on self-compassion for shame. You can learn more about Chris’s work right here.Related Metta Hour Episodes:Episode 252 Dr. Kristin Neff’s most recent appearance on the Metta Hour, released in 2024.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Caverly Morgan joins Sharon for episode 295 of the Metta Hour Podcast to talk about her book, The Heart of Who We Are.Caverly Morgan is a teacher of awakening, nonprofit founder, speaker, and author who blends the original spirit of Zen with a modern nondual and relational approach. Her practice began in 1995 and has included eight years of training in a silent Zen monastery. She has been teaching contemplative practice since 2001. Caverly supports others in remembering our true nature—not through more techniques or self-improvement strategies, but through presence, inquiry, and togetherness. The Heart of Who We Are was released in 2022 from St. Martin's Essentials. Her other book, A Kids Book About Mindfulness, was released in 2024. She is a founder of the nonprofits Peace in Schools and Realizing Freedom Together, and has pioneered ways for communities to awaken collectively, making teachings that lead to liberation accessible to all. This is Caverly’s first appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast.In this conversation, Caverly and Sharon speak about:What drew Caverly to the dharmaHer eight years in a Zen monasteryGoing from monastic life to teaching youthCaverly’s definitions of Zen and non-dualityBeing aware of awareness itselfThe shadows of any practiceThe practice of inquiry and togethernessWhat inspired the book, The Heart of Who We AreThe CARE frameworkWhat self-compassion offersCaverly’s work with Dr. Kristin NeffHow personal practice impacts othersMindfulness with young kidsThe Realizing Freedom Together nonprofitAdditional Resources: The episode closes with a guided meditation from Caverly. You can learn more about Caverly’s work right here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 274, we are continuing a new series on the Metta Hour, centered on kids, in honor of Sharon’s first children’s book, Kind Karl, coming out on December 9th!Co-authored by Jason Gruhl, this illustrated picture book is for 4-8 year-olds and is a new children’s adaptation of Sharon’s beloved book Lovingkindness. To learn more about Sharon’s forthcoming children’s book, Kind Karl, and pre-order a copy with a special pre-order gift, you can visit Sharon’s website, right here.For this podcast series, Sharon speaks with educators, caregivers, and researchers about the ways meditation, mindfulness, and lovingkindness can impact children of all ages and the family systems that support them. For the third episode of the series, Sharon speaks with Meena Srinivasan.Meena Srinivasan is an educational leader, speaker, author, and visionary edupreneur. With over two decades of dedicated service, she has consistently championing the fusion of Mindfulness and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). In 2022, she was featured as one of Mindful Magazine's "Ten Powerful Women of the Mindfulness Movement," while also gaining recognition in Educational Leadership Magazine for her insights into Mindful Leadership and Wellbeing. Her recent TEDx Talk on Tenderness is one of the most popular talks of 2024 with more than 2 million views. A dedicated practitioner for more than 25 years, Meena is a newly ordained lay Dharma teacher in the Plum Village tradition, in the lineage of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, who calls her a “precious ambassador of mindfulness.”In this conversation, Meena and Sharon speak about:Aligning inner life with outer workMeena’s early spiritual foundation in Hindu cultureSocial and Emotional Learning (SEL)SEL practices for different ages & environmentsSmell the Flower and Blow Out the Candle meditationsSupporting kids in crisisThích Nhất Hạnh’s School of InterbeingThe importance of parents'’ and educators’ well-beingCommunity practice as a necessity Transformative Educational Leadership Meena’s research on tenderness with Yale Tenderness versus compassion, vulnerability & empathyThe Three Breath Hug MeditationThe Non-Toothache MeditationThe episode closes with Meena leading guided practice. You can learn more about Meena’s work on her website, right here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.