The Meaning Mindset with Rabbi Ron
The Meaning Mindset with Rabbi Ron is a weekly podcast hosted by Rabbi Ron Li-Paz. It explores big questions of faith, culture, human nature, and meaning through thoughtful conversations and timeless Jewish wisdom. Episodes cover philosophy, relationships, purpose, spirituality, current events, and the ideas that shape modern life. The show aims to help listeners make sense of modern life through stories and reflection.
Episodes
The Hidden Problem With Judging Other People | Rabbi Ron Li-Paz:
We judge people by what they say, how they look, the choices they make, and the mistakes they’ve made.But what if the flaws we notice most quickly in others are revealing something about ourselves?In this episode of The Meaning Mindset, Rabbi Ron Li-Paz explores judgment, self-awareness, humility, and the difference between seeing clearly and condemning too quickly.Drawing on Jewish wisdom and eve
10 Things You Didn't Know About the Jewish High Holy Days | Rabbi Ron Li-Paz
What if the Jewish High Holy Days are about something much bigger than religion?In this episode of The Meaning Mindset, Rabbi Ron Li-Paz explores 10 surprising ideas behind Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and what they reveal about being human.From a New Year that begins with an audit, to a tradition that says Yom Kippur cannot repair what you did to another person, these ancient practices offer a p
What Judaism Teaches Us About Online Shaming | Rabbi Ron Li-Paz
Online shaming gets clicks, shares, and attention, but what does it do to the person on the other side of the screen?In this episode of The Meaning Mindset, Rabbi Ron Li-Paz explores the Jewish tradition’s radical teachings on shame, human dignity, accountability, and the difference between correction and cruelty.From the Talmud’s teaching that public humiliation is like bloodshed to the question
We Were Never Meant to Get Our Worth From Work | Rabbi Ron Li-Paz
Who are you when the title is gone and the phone stops ringing?In this episode of The Meaning Mindset, Rabbi Ron Li-Paz unpacks why retirement feels like grief for so many people, and why an older, wiser tradition never accepted the idea that your worth is measured by your work in the first place.Drawing on Torah, Jewish practice, Hindu philosophy, Okinawan longevity research, and modern studies f
How to Let Go of Resentment and Finally Find Peace | Rabbi Ron Li-Paz
Does time really heal all wounds?In this episode of The Meaning Mindset, Rabbi Ron Li-Paz explores what true forgiveness really means. Blending Jewish wisdom, psychology, neuroscience, and biblical insights, he challenges the myth that time alone heals.Discover why forgiveness isn't condoning, forgetting, or necessarily reconciling, and how letting go can be one of the greatest gifts you give
The Ancient Story That Explains What We Are All Looking For | Rabbi Ron Li-Paz
A few days ago, Rabbi Ron and his son walked out of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey after three hours that flew by.What followed was a conversation Rabbi Ron hasn't been able to stop thinking about.In this episode, he explores how The Odyssey and the Torah tell two very different stories about the human journey - and what they reveal about repentance, temptation, homecoming, and what it tr
Can You Forgive Without Forgetting? Ancient Jewish Wisdom Explains | Rabbi Ron Li-Paz
Does time really heal all wounds?In this episode of The Meaning Mindset, Rabbi Ron Li-Paz explores why forgiveness is so difficult, and why it matters.Drawing on Jewish wisdom, psychology, neuroscience, and biblical stories, he explains that forgiveness isn't about excusing the past, it's about reclaiming your freedom.If you've struggled to forgive others or yourself, this conversation
12 Jewish Teachings That Could Change How You See Life
Most people think they know Judaism. But many of its most important ideas are often misunderstood.In this solo episode of The Meaning Mindset, Rabbi Ron Li-Paz shares 12 surprising truths about Judaism, from the real meaning of being "chosen" and the purpose of Shabbat, to why disagreement is considered sacred, how gratitude is woven into Jewish identity, and what Tikkun Olam really means.Whether
What Makes You Jewish Has Nothing to Do With Your DNA | Rabbi Ron Li-Paz
A woman walked into Rabbi Ron's office with a 23andMe result and one question:Does this make me Jewish? 🤔In this episode, Rabbi Ron Li-Paz explores why Jewish identity has never been about DNA or bloodline, it's about choice.From Abraham and Ruth to October 7th, discover what truly defines identity and why this conversation matters to everyone. ⏱️Timestamps00:00 - Identity Starts with a Ch
Police Chief Jim McDonnell on Leading the LAPD Through Crisis and Change
In this conversation, Police Chief Jim McDonnell and I sit down for a grounded conversation about policing, leadership, and what it means to carry responsibility in a city like Los Angeles.We talk about trauma, trust, public expectation, and the very human weight behind a uniform. We also go deeper into the questions we often avoid, about society, safety, and what it takes to hold a community toge
Why We Keep Chasing Stability (And Why It Never Lasts) | Rabbi Ron Li-Paz
In this episode of The Meaning Mindset, Rabbi Ron Li-Paz explores one of the defining questions of our time:How do we stay steady in a world that never stops changing?From AI and technological disruption to political division, anxiety, and information overload, Rabbi Ron examines why stability may have always been an illusion, and what we can cultivate instead. Drawing from Jewish wisdom, psycholo
BJ Miller on Death, Meaning, Healing, and the Lost Art of Being Human
What if healing isn't about fixing what's broken?In this powerful conversation, BJ Miller joins Rabbi Ron LiPaz to explore mortality, meaning, spirituality, suffering, and the lost art of simply being present for one another.Drawing from his own life-changing accident, years of work in palliative care, and his deeply human approach to medicine, BJ shares why vulnerability and strength belo
Andrew Wohlwend on Living With Addiction, Fear, and the Collapse of a Household
"Andrew Wohlwend joins Rabbi Ron Li-Paz for a deeply honest conversation about addiction, family trauma, grief, and the difficult balance between love and self-protection. 🎙️Drawing from his memoir The Pimp and The Great One, Andrew reflects on growing up alongside his brother’s addiction and the lasting impact it had on his family, identity, and relationships.⏱️Timestamps0:00 - Introduction1
Rabbi Ron Li-Paz on What Chernobyl, the Titanic & Broken Relationships Have in Common
"What if the most dangerous thing in your life… is the feeling that you’re absolutely right? In this episode, Rabbi Ron Li-Paz explores the hidden cost of certainty, why intellectual humility matters, and how curiosity can transform our relationships, conversations, leadership, and faith.From the Titanic and Chernobyl to broken friendships and family divides, this conversation unpacks how cer
How Carlos Vasques Survived Prison, Solitary Confinement & Transformed His Life
"Carlos Vasquez spent 17 years in prison, including 3 years in solitary confinement. In this deeply powerful conversation with Carlos Vasquez and Rabbi Ron Li-Paz, he shares the experiences that transformed his life, from gang violence, addiction, and survival inside maximum security prison to discovering meaning, healing, purpose, and redemption. 📖🕊️This episode explores trauma, forgiveness,
Faith and Compassion in a Divided World (w/ Father James Martin)
What if prayer isn’t something you start… but something you respond to?In this powerful conversation, Rabbi Ron Li-Paz sits down with Father James Martin to explore faith, doubt, division, and what it means to stay connected to God in a complicated world.From prayer as a response…to navigating suffering and disagreement…to finding meaning in everyday work…This episode is about staying grounded in
Imam Yahya Abdullah Explains The True Meaning of Jihad and Inner Peace
In this episode, I sit down with Imam Yahya Abdullah for a thoughtful and honest conversation about faith, identity, and responsibility.We explore what it really means to listen across differences, the role of ego in shaping division, and whether religion can still be a force for connection in today’s world.This is not a debate, but a conversation grounded in respect, depth, and reflection.Timesta
The Myth of Religious Violence and What’s Really Behind Conflict
Religion is often blamed for violence, but that explanation is incomplete.In this episode, I explore a deeper argument: most conflicts attributed to religion are driven by politics, power, and economics, while religion often becomes the language through which those conflicts are expressed.This is not a denial of harm done in the name of religion. It is a call to understand more carefully what reli
Victor Strecher: Finding Meaning After Loss
In this episode, I sit down with Victor J. Strecher, a behavioral scientist, a father, and someone whose life was forever changed by the story of his daughter, Julia.What starts as a deeply personal story of his daughter Julia turns into a powerful conversation about grief, ego, and the moment that forced him to rethink everything.This isn’t just about tragedy;It’s about what comes after.If you’ve
Season 2 Recap: Highlights, Lessons, and Reflections
Producer Jonah Li-Paz joins his father, Rabbi Ron, to look back on Season 2 of The Meaning Mindset. Together they revisit the most memorable conversations—from Angel Blue’s faith-filled artistry to Izzy Ezagui’s resilience, John Alite’s uneasy redemption, Amy Berg’s fearless filmmaking, Carl Honoré’s wisdom on slowing down, and more. Along the way, they reflect on what it means to host meaningful
Rabbi Ron Li Paz - Words and Violence
In this solo episode, Rabbi Ron explores how words can fuel violence—or prevent it. Tracing five dangerous “crossings” from everyday disagreement to contempt, dehumanization, permission, targeting, and ultimately action, he draws lessons from Rwanda, history, and wisdom traditions to show how societies slip toward conflict. With clarity and urgency, he offers practical tools for speaking with prec
Faina Kukliansky - Memory, Leadership, and the Future of Jewish Life in Lithuania
Rabbi Ron welcomes Faina Kukliansky, Chairwoman of the Jewish Community of Lithuania, for a profound conversation about history, identity, and resilience. A lawyer by training and the daughter of Holocaust survivors, Faina has dedicated her life to preserving Jewish memory while working toward a vibrant future for Lithuanian Jewry. Together, they explore the challenges of Holocaust remembrance, po
Doug Mankoff - Storytelling, Integrity, and Building a Legacy in Hollywood
In this special episode, Rabbi Ron sits down with longtime friend Doug Mankoff, founder and CEO of Echo Lake Entertainment, the company behind films like Nebraska and Hulu’s The Great. Doug shares candid reflections on navigating Hollywood’s constant change, balancing creativity with business, and leading with honesty in an industry where ethics are often tested. From his early days working in a S
Rabbi Ron Li-Paz - One Word That Can Change Everything
In this solo episode, Rabbi Ron unpacks the remarkable Albanian tradition of Besa—a sacred promise that once protected thousands during the Holocaust and continues to symbolize honor and trust. Through stories of courage and cultural identity, he explores how a single word can shape values, guide choices, and inspire communities. What’s the one word you would choose to define your life and legacy?
Carl Honoré - Slowing Down and Growing Older Boldly
Bestselling author and TED Talk speaker Carl Honoré returns to The Meaning Mindset for a rich conversation on time, authenticity, and the beauty of aging. With Rabbi Ron, he revisits his groundbreaking book In Praise of Slowness before diving into Bolder, which challenges cultural myths about aging. Together they explore tempo, authenticity, creativity, intergenerational connection, and even roman
Amy Berg - Truth, Art, and the Stories That Won’t Let Go
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Amy Berg joins Rabbi Ron for an unflinching look at the art and cost of telling difficult stories. From exposing abuse in Deliver Us From Evil to confronting Warren Jeffs in Prophet’s Prey and chronicling Evan Rachel Wood’s journey in Phoenix Rising, Amy reflects on the emotional toll, ethical stakes, and transformative power of documentary work. She shares the five-year
Stephen Silver - Drawn to Purpose
Beloved artist, animator, and educator Stephen Silver joins Rabbi Ron for an inspiring deep-dive into creativity, failure, and finding purpose. From his early struggles in school to shaping characters for Kim Possible and Scooby-Doo, Stephen shares how observing the world, embracing mistakes, and letting go of comparison fueled his journey. They explore art in the age of AI, why process matters mo
Victor Tabbush - Wisdom, Health, and a Life Well-Lived
Victor Tabbush—UCLA professor emeritus, health care consultant, and lifelong seeker of meaning—joins Rabbi Ron to explore how small insights can transform entire lives. From shaping health systems in East Africa to redefining elder care and journaling one reflection each day, Victor shares practical wisdom on reframing our outlook, embracing gratitude, and aging with purpose. This deeply reflectiv
John Alite - Mafia, Loss & Second Chances
Former Gambino crime family enforcer John Alite sits down with Rabbi Ron for a raw, unflinching conversation about redemption, resilience, and responsibility. John opens up about his violent past, his time in the Mafia, and the personal tragedy of losing his daughter Chelsea to fentanyl poisoning. Now a powerful voice for change, he shares how faith, community work, and mentoring at-risk youth hav
Ran Margaliot - Pedaling Toward Purpose
Ran Margaliot, former professional cyclist and CEO of Bartali – Youth in Movement, shares the remarkable story behind Israel’s most inspiring youth program. In conversation with Rabbi Ron, Ran opens up about transforming trauma into resilience through cycling, and how Bartali empowers at-risk youth—Jewish, Arab, and beyond—to find strength, structure, and hope on two wheels. From life-saving legac
Finding Sacred Ground After the Fire - Reverend Dr. Grace Park & Rabbi Dr. Steven Carr Reuben
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, returning guest Reverend Dr. Grace Park and Rabbi Dr. Steven Carr Reuben join Rabbi Ron to explore what it means to lose everything—and still find meaning. Both leaders recount their experiences of devastating fires that destroyed their homes and places of worship, sharing profound reflections on grief, resilience, and rebuilding community. Together, t
Dr. John P. Whelan: Healing the Mind, Body, and Spirit
Dr. John P. Whelan, pediatric rheumatologist and Harvard educator, explores the powerful intersections of immunology, psychiatry, and spirituality. In this expansive conversation with Rabbi Ron, he sheds light on misunderstood pediatric conditions like PANDAS, the mind-body connection, and how music, ritual, and liturgy serve as therapeutic forces. From cutting-edge research to the spiritual lesso
Izzy Ezagui - Resilience with One Arm and a Whole Heart
Izzy Ezagui, the only soldier in the world to return to combat with one arm, joins Rabbi Ron for a gripping, deeply human conversation about war, faith, identity, and recovery. From his Miami upbringing to surviving a direct rocket strike on the Gaza border, Izzy recounts the physical and spiritual battles that shaped him. With humility and clarity, he reflects on trauma, service, atheism, purpose
Introduction to Season 2
Season 2 of The Meaning Mindset with Rabbi Ron is here.Join us for a powerful new lineup of thought-provoking conversations with world-class guests—artists, authors, activists, scholars, and seekers—all exploring what gives life meaning in today’s chaotic world. From the deeply personal to the universally human, each episode challenges us to think bigger, connect deeper, and live more intentionall
Angel Blue - Singing from the Soul
International opera star Angel Blue joins Rabbi Ron for a heartfelt conversation on music, faith, and family. From traveling the country in a motorhome with her pastor father to commanding stages like the Metropolitan Opera, Angel shares how her grounding in spirituality, her joyful upbringing, and a deep sense of purpose shape both her art and her life. She opens up about finding balance, honorin
Reflections on Season 1
In this special episode of The Meaning Mindset
with Rabbi Ron, join Rabbi Ron and the
podcast's producer as they sit down for a candid conversation reflecting on the journey of Season 1. Together, they share personal highlights, favorite moments, and behind-the-scenes insights from the episodes that have left a lasting impression.
From thought-provoking discussions with guests like Abbie Schiller,
Abbie Schiller - Like Your Life
In this inspiring episode of The Meaning Mindset with Rabbi Ron, life coach Abbie Schiller shares powerful tools for transforming your mindset and creating a life you like—even before you love it. Through her concise and practical framework, Abbie explains how our thoughts shape our emotions, actions, and results, offering actionable steps to interrupt negative patterns and build resilience.
Abbie
Life Worth Living - Matthew Croasmun & Ryan McAnnally-Linz
In this episode of The Meaning Mindset with Rabbi Ron, Rabbi Ron engages with Yale University professors Matthew Croasmun and Ryan McAnnally-Linz, co-authors of Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most. They dive into the transformative ideas behind their most in-demand course at Yale, exploring profound questions such as "What is truly worth wanting?" and "How do we navigate a life worth l
Wrestling with Impermanence
In this reflective solo episode of The Meaning Mindset with Rabbi Ron, Rabbi Ron explores what it means to embrace life’s inherent instability and impermanence. Through the stories of Olga Bloom, a violinist who created a floating concert hall on a barge, and renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman, who famously continued a concert with a broken string, Rabbi Ron shares insights into resilience, adaptat
Healing Conversations - Pastor Dave Roberts
In this episode of The Meaning Mindset with Rabbi Ron, we sit down with Pastor Dave Roberts, the insightful author and host of the program "Healing Conversations." Pastor Dave shares his perspectives on building meaningful connections, managing conflict, and nurturing genuine curiosity in a world often divided by opposing views. Together, they explore the art of true dialogue—beyond debates and ag
Jonathan Morris - The Way of Serenity
In this enlightening episode of The Meaning Mindset, Rabbi Ron converses with Jonathan Morris, formerly known as Father Jonathan Morris, who shares his remarkable journey from the Catholic priesthood to a new life as an executive coach and media personality. Jonathan opens up about his decision to leave the priesthood, the challenges of redefining his identity, and the deep sense of purpose he con
Steve Searles - What The Bears Know
In this compelling episode of The Meaning Mindset, Rabbi Ron sits down with Steve Searles, a man known for his unique approach to wildlife management, particularly his work with the bears of Mammoth Lakes, California. Steve shares his philosophy on coexistence, his experiences living alongside these majestic creatures, and the lessons he has learned from a life dedicated to understanding and prote
The Turkey Prince
In this thought-provoking episode of The Meaning Mindset with Rabbi Ron, we dive into the powerful story of "The Turkey Prince," a tale of vulnerability, acceptance, and finding one's place in the world. Rabbi Ron shares this classic narrative of a prince who, feeling out of place at the royal table, retreats beneath it, acting like a turkey. Through the wisdom of a compassionate advisor, who jo
Vanessa May - Love Untethered
In this insightful episode of The Meaning Mindset, Rabbi Ron delves into a heartfelt discussion with Vanessa May, a woman whose life and work are deeply intertwined with her faith and the pursuit of meaning in everyday moments. Vanessa shares her journey from feeling lost as a child to discovering her purpose through her connection with God and others. The conversation touches on themes of grace,
Chad Cromwell - Two Chords and the Truth
In this episode of The Meaning Mindset, Rabbi Ron sits down with renowned drummer Chad Cromwell, whose career has spanned decades and includes collaborations with legends like Neil Young, Joe Walsh, and Miranda Lambert. Chad shares stories from his early days under the mentorship of the founders of Stax Records, his philosophy on consistency and integrity in music, and the profound life lessons h
Kintsugi and the Beauty of Story
In this episode of The Meaning Mindset with Rabbi Ron, we explore the profound role that storytelling plays in human development and culture. Rabbi Ron delves into how storytelling sets us apart as a species, allowing us to preserve wisdom, connect across generations, and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. Drawing on personal experiences from his travels in Africa, India, and Ce
Pastor Grace Park - The Power of Presence
In this episode of The Meaning Mindset, Rabbi Ron engages in a deep and heartfelt conversation with Pastor Grace Park of Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church. Pastor Grace shares her unexpected journey into ministry, driven by a desire to deepen her faith and explore the mysteries of God. Through stories of personal struggle, profound moments of grace, and her reflections on the importance of pr
Carl Honoré - Rethinking the Rush
In this enlightening episode of The Meaning Mindset, Rabbi Ron sits down with Carl Honoré, the voice behind the global Slow Movement. Carl shares insights from his pioneering work on the philosophy of slowness, exploring how embracing the right tempo can improve our lives. From the superficiality of speed to the depth found in slowing down, Carl delves into how pacing ourselves can enhance everyth
Alexander Vesely-Frankl - From Suffering to Purpose
In this profound episode of The Meaning Mindset, Rabbi Ron engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Alexander Vesely-Frankl, the grandson of the renowned Viktor Frankl, author of Man's Search for Meaning and the founder of logotherapy. Alexander, an award-winning documentary filmmaker and psychotherapist, shares his grandfather’s enduring legacy and the vital role of meaning in overcom
Introduction to Season 1
Join Rabbi Ron Li-Paz as he engages in candid, thoughtful conversations with thought leaders, influencers, and icons. Explore themes of connection, the hidden lessons in success and failure, and the pursuit of wonder in our quest for meaningful lives.
Each episode offers profound insights and practical wisdom to help you navigate the day-to-day choices and challenges that shape a life of true g
Recommended
پلی لیست | PlayList
Conspiracy Files with Paige Carter
Bad Friends
Learn 50 English Phrases While You Sleep | Everyday English Phrases & Vocabulary
This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
Dateline NBC
Back to the 80s Radio
Crime Stories with Nancy Grace
Bible Tea
این نقطه
TED Business
Dark Night Tales with Brian King
