Dive into a fresh, unscripted conversation with psychotherapist‑and‑Daoist practitioner Ian Felton as he explores Chapter 2 of the Daodejing (the classic Daoist text). In this episode Ian:Reads the original Chinese verses and his own literal translation, then offers a poetic rendering that captures the spirit of the passage.Unpacks the core ideas of the chapter—how beauty and ugliness, morality and immorality, ease and difficulty, life and death arise together, and why the sage “handles matters without trying to control.”Connects Daoist philosophy to modern psychotherapy, illustrating how “non‑coercive action” and “presence over words” can improve therapeutic work and everyday relationships.Shares practical reflections and daily questions you can use to notice judgments, let situations unfold, and avoid dwelling on success—all aimed at making life “significant.”Offers relatable anecdotes—from Instagram’s shifting beauty standards to the pitfalls of “bridezilla” perfectionism—to show how the Daoist mindset helps navigate contemporary pressures.Whether you’re a longtime Daoist student, a therapist seeking a fresh perspective, or simply curious about how ancient wisdom can inform modern life, this episode provides a thoughtful, accessible guide to living in harmony with the flow of things.

What the heck is Daoism and why should I care?

"I don't know," is the answer to both, but we're going to explore this ancient text anyway.

This episode introduces the history of Daodejing before exploring the first chapter. We cross-examine it with other translations before diving into its mysterious depths. I provide some simple practices to take away to start walking the path of a Daoist with more psychological ease.

In this episode, we bring closure to our podcast.

Note: The podcast was rebooted with a new format on 2/19/2026. Please check out the new episodes.