Lion’s Roar Talk Openly
Brought to you by Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California, this show explores the human experience through a dharma lens. Each week, hosts Jac and Daniel introduce an engaging and sometimes challenging theme, with occasional interviews with sangha members and special guests. They discuss their lives and the path, navigating life's ups and downs. Through debate and dialogue, the podcast encourages listeners to expand their vision and open their hearts to the way things actually are.
Episodes
The Self, In Five Pieces
This episode of Talk Openly is all about the 5 skandhas (aka five aggregates). This show was recorded on March 25, 2025.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Somatic Mindfulness
This episode of Talk Openly has a special guest, Matthew Kruse, joining Jac & Daniel to talk about somatic mindfulness of the body. This show was recorded on March 18, 2025.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Tonglen Sending and Receiving Practice
This episode of Talk Openly has Jac & Daniel talk about the powerful mind-training practice known as tong-len (aka "sending and receiving") meditation. This show was recorded on March 11, 2025.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Four Opponent Powers: The Power of Resolve (4 of 4)
This is the fourth Talk Openly episode in a 4-part series on "The Four Opponent Powers" of purification. Jac & Daniel talk about the power of resolve on the Buddhist path. This show was recorded on March 4, 2025.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Four Opponent Powers: The Power of Remedy (3 of 4)
This is the third Talk Openly episode in a 4-part series on "The Four Opponent Powers" of purification. Jac & Daniel talk about the power of remedy on the Buddhist path. This show was recorded on February 25, 2025 and streamed live on our YouTube channel.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Four Opponent Powers: The Power of Reliance (2 of 4)
This is the second Talk Openly episode in a 4-part series on "The Four Opponent Powers" of purification. Jac & Daniel talk about the power of reliance on the Buddhist path. This show was recorded on February 18, 2025 and streamed live on our YouTube channel.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Four Opponent Powers: The Power of Regret (1 of 4)
This is the first Talk Openly episode in a 4-part series on "The Four Opponent Powers" of purification. Jac & Daniel talk about the power of regret on the Buddhist path. This show was recorded on February 4, 2025 and streamed live on our YouTube channel.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Faith on the Path
This episode of Talk Openly has Jac & Daniel talk about the role of faith on the Buddhist path0. This show was recorded on January 21, 2025 and streamed live on our YouTube channel.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Every Day Bodhicitta
This episode of Talk Openly features a discussion between Jac & Daniel about bring the enlightened mind of bodhicitta into our everyday ordinary lives. This show was recorded on January 7, 2025 and streamed live on our YouTube channel.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Peace Amid Chaos
This episode of Talk Openly features a discussion between Jac & Daniel about being peaceful in a world of chaos - perfect for Election Day in the USA. This show was recorded on November 5, 2024 and streamed live on our YouTube channel.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Antidotes to Common Meditation Obstacles
This episode of Talk Openly has Jac & Daniel continuing their discussions about the meditation obstacles of laxity and excitement, but this time it's all about the antidotes - what to do about the obstacles. This show was recorded on October 22, 2024 and streamed live on our YouTube channel.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Obstacle of Laxity in Meditation
Jac & Daniel discuss the obstacle of dullness and laxity in meditation on this episode of Talk Openly. This was recorded on October 15, 2024 and streamed live on our YouTube channel.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Excitement as Mediation Obstacle
Jac & Daniel discuss the obstacle of excitement in meditation on this episode of Talk Openly. This was recorded on October 8, 2024 and streamed live on our YouTube channel.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Everyone is Our Mom
This episode of Talk Openly is all about the practice of viewing all sentient beings as our mothers. Jac & Daniel recorded this live on September 17, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Ego in Debate
This episode of Talk Openly is all about the role of ego in debates and how to create constructive dialogue with others. Jac & Daniel recorded this live on September 10, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Adhisthana Blessings
This episode of Talk Openly features Jac and Daniel exploring the nature of spiritual blessings, the role of the guru-disciple relationship, and how adhisthana functions as a transformative force in Buddhist practice.. Recorded on September 3, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Facing our Fears
In this episode of Talk Openly, Jac and Daniel discuss their fears, especially the fears we share in spiritual practice, and they talk about how to work with those fears. Recorded on August 27, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Apathy
In this episode of Talk Openly, Jac and Daniel dive into the topic of apathy - how it manifests and how we can work with it. Recorded on August 13, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Boredom
In this episode of Talk Openly, Jac and Daniel dive into the topic of boredom - its impact and how to embrace it for personal growth. Recorded on August 6, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Doubt
In this episode of Talk Openly, Jac and Daniel explore the theme of doubt in Buddhist practice. They discuss personal experiences with uncertainty on the spiritual path, examine teachings on doubt, and offer practical advice for practitioners grappling with doubts. Recorded on July 30, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
The Heavenly Deva Realm of the Gods
This is the sixth and final episode in a series about the six realms, all about the highest realms of samsaric existence - the heavenly deva realms. Listen as Jac and Daniel talk about the passions and pleasures of these gods and why we may want to think twice before aiming for rebirth in the deva realms. Recorded on July 23, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion
The Precious Human Realm
This is the fourth episode in a series about the six realms, all about the realm we all occupy - that of humans. Join Jac and Daniel as they talk about why this is the optimal realm for those who wish to escape samsara. Recorded on July 9, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
The Hell Realms
This is the third episode in a series about the six realms, all about the hell realms. Join Jac and Daniel as they talk about the different hells and how we can avoid creating hell for ourselves. Recorded on July 2, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Preta Realm of Hungry Ghosts
This is the second episode in a series about the six realms, all about hungry ghosts (pretas). Join Jac and Daniel as they talk about the different types of pretas, how they came to be that way, and what we can do to avoid acting like or becoming hungry ghosts ourselves. Recorded on June 11, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento,
The Animal Realm
This episode of Talk Openly kicks off a new series on the six realms, starting with the animal realm. Join Jac and Daniel as they talk about the various causes and conditions of this realm so close to our own. Recorded on June 4, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Why bother?
Have you ever wondered why you've embarked on the spiritual path when there are so many other 'fun' things to do in samsara? Join Jac and Daniel as they explore the question. Recorded on May 28, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Negativity Bias
Jac and Daniel explore the topic of negativity bias - what it is and how we can work with it through the dharma teachings. Recorded on May 22, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Aggression Towards Peace
Jac and Daniel discuss what Chogyam Trungpa described as an "attack of negativity" that can come when noticing one's inner goodness. Recorded on May 7, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
STRESS!!!
Jac and Daniel explore dharma approaches to thinking about and managing stress in this show. Recorded on April 30, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Mindfulness & Meditation as Tools for Healing Trauma with Special Guest Host Matthew Kruse
For this episode, we had a special guest host, Matthew Kruse, who spoke with Daniel about the potential of mindfulness and meditation as tools for healing trauma. Recorded on April 16, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Entering the Path and Taking Refuge
For this episode, Jac and Daniel talk about their experiences entering the Buddhist path and taking refuge. Recorded on April 9, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Tara, Fully Enlightened Female Buddha
Jac and Daniel share their experiences meditating on the wonderful qualities of the female Buddha Tara. Recorded on April 2, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Buddhist Cosmology & Spiritual Practice
On this episode of Talk Openly, Jac and Daniel explore the relationship between their limited understanding of Buddhist cosmology and their spiritual practices. Recorded on March 26, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
The Sangha "Rock Tumbler"
Jac and Daniel continue their discussion on Sangha, this time exploring the metaphor of Sangha as a "rock tumbler" for wearing down afflictions & polishing good qualities. Recorded on March 19, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Relating to the Sangha
In this episode, Jac and Daniel explore the important role of Sangha on the path and how we can relate to our sangha siblings. Recorded on March 12, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Cultural Conditioning
Jac and Daniel talk about how various cultural conditionings may affect us on the path. Recorded on March 5, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Contentment in the Desire Realm
Jac and Daniel discuss dissatisfaction and how to practice contentment in this realm of desire. Recorded before a live audience on February 20, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Keeping an Open Mind Toward Others
Join Jac and Daniel as they explore how the dharma allows us to meet others with curiosity and openness. Recorded before a live audience on February 13, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Everyday Mindfulness
This episode of Talk Openly has Jac & Daniel discussing mindfulness practice off the cushion and in daily life. Recorded before a live audience and includes a surprise guest, Sue Forster, who discusses mindful pain management techniques. Recorded live on January 30, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Challenges in Meditation
This episode finds Jac and Daniel talking about the various meditation challenges and solutions they've experienced in their training. Recorded live on January 23, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
People-Pleasing
This episode centers around a discussion between Jac and Daniel about the neurosis of people-pleasing. Recorded live on January 16, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Interview with Patty Marcotte
Jac and Daniel interview Patty Marcotte from the Lion's Roar Dharma Center community to discuss how to best deal with difficult people who may challenge us.
This episode of Talk Openly was recorded live on January 9, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
The Noble Truth of Suffering
For the first Talk Openly of 2024, Jac and Daniel discuss the first of the Four Noble Truths, the truth of suffering.
This episode of Talk Openly was recorded live on January 2, 2024.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Compassion Fatigue
In this episode of Talk Openly, Jac and Daniel discuss the trendy topic of compassion fatigue. They will explore secular ideas as well as what the dharma might say on the subject.
This episode of Talk Openly was recorded live on December 19, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
The Paramita of Wisdom
This Talk Openly episode is the sixth and final in a series on the six paramitas. Jac and Daniel discuss the perfection of wisdom.
This episode of Talk Openly was recorded live on December 12, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
The Paramita of Meditation
This Talk Openly episode is the fifth in a series on the six paramitas. Jac and Daniel chat about the perfection of meditation, of concentration.
This episode of Talk Openly was recorded live on December 5, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
The Paramita of Diligence
This Talk Openly episode is the fourth in a series on the six paramitas. Jac and Daniel discuss joyful effort in pursuing what is virtuous, positive, and wholesome.
This episode of Talk Openly was recorded live on November 28, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
The Paramita of Patience
This Talk Openly episode is the third in a series on the six paramitas with a focus on the virtue of patience.
This episode of Talk Openly was recorded live on November 21, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
The Paramita of Discipline
This Talk Openly episode is the second in a series on the six paramitas with a focus on the second paramita of ethical conduct, also known as discipline. Join Jac and Daniel for a discussion on how they are developing discipline on their paths.
This episode of Talk Openly was recorded live on November 14, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacr
The Paramita of Generosity
On this episode of Talk Openly, Jac & Daniel begin a series on the six paramitas, starting with generosity. Listen to a discussion on the beauties and challenges of giving without expectation.
This episode of Talk Openly was recorded live on November 7, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
What we fear and what we should fear
For a spooky Halloween special, Jac & Daniel talked about some of the things that they fear most in life, as well as those things that the dharma teaches us we might be wise to fear.
This episode of Talk Openly was recorded live on October 31, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Respecting Differences
For this episode of Talk Openly, Jac and Daniel chose to discuss the challenge of respecting differences between ourselves and others.
This episode of Talk Openly was recorded live on October 24, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Maintaining compassion regardless of others’ actions
On this episode of Talk Openly, Jac and Daniel explore the importance of not losing bodhicitta when people do harmful things.
This episode of Talk Openly was recorded live on October 17, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Jealousy
This episode of Talk Openly features a discussion by Jac & Daniel about the emotion of jealousy and how we can work with it.
This episode of Talk Openly was recorded live on October 10, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Receiving Criticism
This episode of Talk Openly finds Jac & Daniel exploring the challenges of receiving criticism and how it is part of the path.
This episode of Talk Openly was recorded live on October 3, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
The Body, Sickness, and the Dharma
As a follow-up to the previous episode touching on illness, this episode of Talk Openly features a discussion between Jac & Daniel about the body, illness, and the dharma.
This episode of Talk Openly was recorded live on September 26, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Touching on Illness
This is a shorter-than-usual episode where Jac & Daniel touch on the subject of illness after Jac got sick with Covid.
This episode of Talk Openly was recorded live on September 19, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Dealing with Life’s Uncertainties
Jac & Daniel talk about applying dharma when dealing with life's uncertainties.
This episode of Talk Openly was recorded live on August 29, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
The Noble Eightfold Path, Part 3
Jac & Daniel dissect the last three points of the Noble Eightfold Path for this edition of Talk Openly namely right effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
This show was recorded live on August 22, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
The Noble Eightfold Path, Part 2
Jac & Daniel dissect points four and five of the Noble Eightfold Path for this edition of Talk Openly. The next show will cover the remaining three points.
This show was recorded live on August 15, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
The Noble Eightfold Path, Part 1
Jac & Daniel dissect the first three points of the Noble Eightfold Path for this edition of Talk Openly. The next show will cover the remaining five points.
This show was recorded live on August 8, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
The Intersection of Buddhism & Artificial Intelligence
This edition of Talk Openly has Jac & Daniel exploring the rapidly expanding uses of AI technology, the ethical dilemmas, as well as ways it could be used to benefit others.
This show was recorded live on August 1, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Feeling Let Down by Others
The topic for Jac and Daniel's discussion on this Talk Openly show is the feeling of being disappointed by others. They will share helpful dharma antidotes to apply in this very common experience.
This show was recorded live on July 25, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Meditating on Karma
In this episode of Talk Openly, Jac & Daniel talk about how meditating on karma has affected their lives.
This show was recorded live on July 18, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Nurturing a Resilient Meditation Practice
This Talk Openly episode finds Jac & Daniel talking about nurturing a resilient meditation practice by addressing doubt and cultivating confidence.
This show was recorded live on July 11, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
All About Anxiety, Part 2 - The Antidotes
This episode of Talk Openly is the second in a two-part series where Jac & Daniel discuss their experiences with anxiety and methods for alleviating anxiety.
This show was recorded live on July 4, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
All About Anxiety, Part 1 - The Causes
This episode of Talk Openly is the first in a two-part series where Jac & Daniel discuss their experiences with anxiety and use a dharma lens to explore the causes.
This show was recorded live on June 20, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Antidotes to Anger
As a follow-up to the previous episode of Talk Openly about anger, Jac and Daniel explore antidotes to anger.
This show was recorded live on June 6, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Anger!
Jac & Daniel discuss their experiences with anger on this episode of Talk Openly. They explore how dharma has shifted how they relate to this emotion.
This show was recorded live on May 30, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Peer Pressure
In this episode of Talk Openly, Jac & Daniel talk about maintaining our values in the face of peer pressure.
This show was recorded live on May 23, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Sharing the Dharma with Others
In this episode of Talk Openly, Jac & Daniel explore ways to share the dharma with others without being preachy.
This show was recorded live on May 16, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Practicing Forgiveness
In this episode of Talk Openly, Jac & Daniel explore the role of forgiveness of self and others in dharma practice.
This show was recorded live on May 9, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Time, time, time!
On this episode of Talk Openly, it's time to talk about time! Jac & Daniel discuss relating to time through dharma practice and embracing the present moment.
This show was recorded live on May 2, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Buddhism’s mental health benefits
On this episode of Talk Openly, Jac & Daniel share positive changes observed in their mental health since starting to practice sacred and secular dharma.
This show was recorded live on April 25, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Saving money on the path to enlightenment
On this episode of Talk Openly, Jac and Daniel will discuss one of the indirect effects of spiritual practice: saving money! While not the main goal of Buddhism, there are financial benefits along the path.
This show was recorded live on April 18, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
When the shit hits the fan
Jac & Daniel return to Talk Openly to discuss secular and sacred dharma approaches for when life gets downright hard and all hell breaks loose.
This show was recorded live on April 11, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Can Buddhists have fun?
Jac and Daniel explore the question, "Can I be a Buddhist and still have fun?"
This show was recorded live on March 28, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Interview with Geshe Tsewang Dorje from Ngari Institute in Ladakh, India
Jac and Daniel interview Geshe Tsewang Dorje, the Director and President of Ngari Institute Of Buddhist Dialectics in Ladakh, India. On this show, Geshe Tsewang discusses mind-training techniques and shares information about his efforts to provide free shelter and modern education for local Ladakhi children and young monks.
Spiritual Materialism
Jac and Daniel approach the topic of spiritual materialism, or how the ego twists spiritual practice into self-centered aims.
This show was recorded live on March 7, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
Mind Training with Lojong Sayings
Jac & Daniel discuss the mind-transforming practice known as Lojong. They explore its origins, purpose, and benefits.
This show was recorded live on February 28, 2023.
Talk Openly is an online talk show offered through Lion's Roar Dharma Center in Sacramento, California.
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