This episode features author, theologist, and Community Dharma Leader, Pamela Ayo Yetunde. Hear about Ayo’s upbringing and early roots in the church and Black Christian community, and how her love of music and poetry spawned a deep appreciation of the spiritual and symbolic elements hidden within artistic compositions. Ayo discusses influential figures, authors, and musicians from Gandhi, bell hooks, and Audre Lorde to American singer and songwriter, India Arie. In particular, she cites the pop icon Prince as having a significant influence on her life and work, underscored in her recent book Dearly Beloved: Prince, Spirituality and This Thing Called Life. All these early experiences and more ripened Ayo to explore the heartfelt dimensions of healing and spirituality, starting with the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh followed by Insight Meditation teacher Gil Fronsdal and her work early on with the Zen Hospice Project alongside beloved volunteer coordinator Eric Poché. The cumulation of these experiences and more are what brought her to This Very Moment.

In addition to discussing her life and work, this interview focuses on the intersection of music and spirituality, aligned with Ayo’s current exploration of theolyricology, a term coined by Ayo meaning “the study of song lyrics about God, gods, spirituality, and/or the divine.”

Watch this interview or read the episode show notes at shambhala.com/podcast.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Ayo Yetunde and her work

00:52 – Early life, church roots, and spiritual beginnings

06:10 – Music, poetry, and creative expression as formation

13:45 – Hospice work and being with death and grief

22:30 – Black Buddhist organizing and community building

32:05 – Editing Black and Buddhist and shaping collective voice

41:20 – Theolyricology: studying song lyrics about the divine

52:10 – Wisdom, practice, and sustaining spiritual life

01:06:40 – Closing reflections and where to find Ayo’s work

Books by the Author:

• Casting Indra’s Net
• Black and Buddhist

This episode features Dungzin Garab Dorje Rinpoche, the son and dharma heir of his father, Thinley Norbu Rinpoche. Learn about his upbringing and early introductions to the deepest layers of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. From his early studies to empowerments and teachings from some of the most revered Buddhist masters, Rinpoche shares stories about how the Buddhadharma took root in his heart, leading him to become a renowned throne holder in the Dudjom lineage in This Very Moment.

In this interview, Rinpoche recalls early memories of living and studying Buddhism in Darjeeling at Kangyur Rinpoche’s gompa as a young boy, followed by intensive study at Mindrolling and Palyul. He describes how his connection with his father developed as he matured. Slowly he began to witness his father’s teachings and the vision he had for him with more clarity, transforming their relationship from father and son to teacher and disciple. Likewise, he reminisces his remarkable familial connection with Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche (paternal grandfather) and Sonam Zangpo Rinpoche (maternal grandfather), as well as the challenges and auspicious connections required to build the Rangjung Woesel Choeling Monastery and his extensive dharma activities seen today.

Watch this interview or read the episode show notes at shambhala.com/podcast.

Timestamps

• 00:00 — Intro & guest overview: Garab Dorje Rinpoche, Throma Nagmo/Chöd, and his remarkable family lineage.
• 05:00 — Early life in Bhutan: strict upbringing, morning prayers, and how his father shaped his discipline.
• 20:00 — Entering monastic life: being sent to monastery/retreat settings, adapting to training, and first major influences.
• 30:00 — Formal studies & turning points: philosophy training, teachers, and the weight of responsibilities amid personal loss.
• 40:14 — Building for the sangha: renting land, plans for temples/hostels, and the Singapore fundraising story tied to his mother’s passing.
• 54:24 — Founding Throma lay groups: how and why he began organizing Throma/Krodhikali practice communities in Bhutan.
• 60:17 — Propagating Dudjom lineage today: vision for temples, nunneries, monastic education, and challenges like fewer young monks.
• 70:02 — Initiations explained: Root vs. Supreme Initiation, samaya commitments, and why practitioner cards are required.
• 80:00 — Teaching on the road + stories: traveling to students, benefits/miracles of practice, and reflections on lay vs. Dharma perspectives.

Join Ivan and Sara Bercholz (co-owners of Shambhala Publications) in conversation with the renowned yoga teaching couple Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor. From the ‘60s music scene to transcendental philosophy, Eastern thought, holistic psychology, and integrated health, through their first discoveries of yoga and meditation and travels to India and Iran, we get a glimpse into the early experiences that carried them forward to becoming the revered yoga practitioners and teachers that they are in This Very Moment.

In this interview we learn about Richard and Mary’s early upbringing and the environment that inspired them to embark on the spiritual path. With their signature warmth, hear how Richard and Mary found their way to the Buddhist and yogic tradition through the waves of hippy counterculture, revolt against the Vietnam War, and the growing tension in the Middle East. Learn about their early interactions with their teachers K. Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar, and the origin story of their relationship and how they became co-teachers.

Watch this interview or read the episode show notes at shambhala.com/podcast.

Timestamps

00:00 – Getting Started & Meet Richard and Mary

09:45 – How Breath Shapes Awareness

20:30 – Finding Balance Between Effort and Surrender

33:00 – The Mind-Body Connection in Practice

47:15 – Teachers, Mentors, and Keeping Yoga Real

59:20 – Relationships, Compassion, and Daily Life

1:12:10 – Emptiness, Wholeness, and Letting Go1:22:00 – Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

In this inaugural episode, Ivan Bercholz (co-owner of Shambhala Publications) queries John Canti, a founding member of the Padmakara Translation Group, about the path that has led him to This Very Moment.

We learn about John’s family lineage and childhood, his spiritual roots and early skepticism toward religion, as well as the pivotal moments that led him to embrace Buddhist teachings. He reflects on the impact of early teachers, pop culture, and significant encounters with key lamas, ultimately emphasizing the importance in his life of having multiple teachers. The discussion highlights the ongoing quest for understanding the nature of mind and the winding path of the journey toward that end.

Watch this interview or read the episode show notes at shambhala.com/podcast.

Chapters:

00:00 Tulku Pema Wangyal Rinpoche influence 

06:27 Wrapping up work in Nepal and Three-Year Retreat in France 

13:48 Lessons from the Retreat: Expectations vs. Reality 

25:19 Spending time with Dudjom Rinpoche at the end of his life 

30:01 Stories of the Kudung and bringing to Nepal

45:08 Personal Stories with Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

01:01:35 Core Teachings: Understanding Mind and Awareness 

In this inaugural episode, Ivan Bercholz (co-owner of Shambhala Publications) queries John Canti, a founding member of the Padmakara Translation Group, about the path that has led him to This Very Moment.

We learn about John’s family lineage and childhood, his spiritual roots and early skepticism toward religion, as well as the pivotal moments that led him to embrace Buddhist teachings. He reflects on the impact of early teachers, pop culture, and significant encounters with key lamas, ultimately emphasizing the importance in his life of having multiple teachers. The discussion highlights the ongoing quest for understanding the nature of mind and the winding path of the journey toward that end.

Watch this interview or read the episode show notes at shambhala.com/podcast.

Timestamps  

00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Upbringing 

06:29 Family Background and Early Influences 

10:03 Religious Perspectives and Family Dynamics 

16:30 Early Teachers and Inspirations 

21:00 Cultural Influences and Personal Growth 

29:03 Ignition of Spiritual Interest 

36:42 Exploring Buddhist Texts and Teachings 

40:24 First interactions with Lamas 

47:43 Meeting the Great Lamas: A Transformative Encounter 

51:27 The Path of Study: Balancing Medicine and Buddhism 

01:01:18 The Impact of Kangyur Rinpoche: A Lasting Impression