Ep. 286 – Engaged Compassion: Parker J. Palmer & Jerry Colonna

Ep. 286 – Engaged Compassion: Parker J. Palmer & Jerry Colonna

May 13, 2026 · 51 min · Episode 286

About this episode

Sharon Salzberg engages in a conversation with Parker J. Palmer and Jerry Colonna about navigating compassion in a world filled with suffering.

The Buddha taught a path of awakened living, but how does that manifest in today’s world of constant connectivity and widespread suffering?  How do we keep our hearts open without being defined or hardened by the pain that surrounds us, whether personal, collective, or historical? How do we navigate the paradox of holding both pain and joy, without mistaking suffering for punishment or personal failure? Can we infuse our compassion with wisdom and perspective to find the agency to take meaningful action in our communities? In her new series, Engaged Compassion, Sharon delves into these questions and more, engaging in candid conversations with a diverse group of teachers, activists, and changemakers. For the fourth episode in the series, Sharon speaks with Parker J. Palmer and Jerry Colonna.   Parker J. Palmer is a writer, speaker and activist who focuses on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality and social change. He is founder and Senior Partner Emeritus of the Center for Courage & Renewal. Parker holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California at Berkeley, as well as fourteen honorary doctorates, two Distinguished Achievement…

More episodes of Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg podcast page.