The Thief in the Empty Room

The Thief in the Empty Room

By Craig FrenchReligion & SpiritualityBuddhism
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The Thief in the Empty Room episodes

  • The Power of Meditation: Saving Ourselves from Ourselves

    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 ourselves
    • Planting Seeds: How can we cultivate positive seeds through our actions?

      • For more information on my work, including workshops and coaching opportunities, please visit my website at craigjaredfrench.com. Thank you for listening!




        53 min
      • From Pizza to Zen: The Unlikely Journey of a Rock 'n' Roll Wanderer

        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 running a Zen center as a business

          • For more information on my work, including workshops and coaching opportunities, please visit my website at craigjaredfrench.com. Thank you for listening!





            29 min
          • Finding Purpose: Zen Monk & Author Shozan Jack Haubner

            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 retreat.
            • Shozan's Philosophy: Explore Shozan's unique perspective on embracing impermanence, living with intention, and finding purpose

              • For more information on my work, including workshops and coaching opportunities, please visit my website at craigjaredfrench.com. Thank you for listening!

              36 min
            • A Serendipitous Encounter: Craig's Discovery of "Hardcore Zen"

              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 "Zen Wrapped in Karma, Dipped in Chocolate" at a Barnes & Noble.
              • Brad's Philosophy: Explore Brad's unique perspective on accepting reality, finding peace in the present, and incorporating Zen into daily life.

                • For more information on my work, including workshops and coaching opportunities, please visit my website at craigjaredfrench.com. Thank you for listening!

                29 min
              • Embracing Imperfection: From Trauma to Self-Acceptance with Rylend Grant

                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 retreat at Mt. Baldy Zen Center with Rylend.
                • Rylend's Philosophy: Explore Rylend's unique perspective on creativity, navigating life's challenges, and embracing imperfection

                  • For more information on my work, including workshops and coaching opportunities, please visit my website at craigjaredfrench.com. Thank you for listening!

                  50 min

                About The Thief in the Empty Room

                From the publisher's feed

                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…