In the third episode of the special series Remembering Robert Thurman, we return for part two of Bob's first talk at the Sacred Stream in 2008. With more than 80 people crowded into Laura and Isa's San Francisco living room, Bob captivated the audience, bringing his extraordinary humor, intellect, and enthusiasm to this gathering of Sacred Stream students and friends. In this part of the talk, he takes us deep into the Buddhist cosmos, exploring the nature of emptiness and challenging our assumptions about what it means to exist. With characteristic delight, he declares that "emptiness is not nothing," addressing common Buddhist misunderstandings of the concept and challenging scientific materialism and its assumption that we somehow came from nothing and ultimately return to nothing. From there, he leads us into the clear light of the void and toward one of the most beautiful ideas in Buddhist thought: that at the very foundation of reality is bliss.

It's Bob at his most exuberant, provocative, and illuminating—and a wonderful reminder of the gift he brought to everyone who had the opportunity to hear him teach.

To learn more about Robert Thurman and his work, visit bobthurman.com, Tibet House US (thus.org), and Menla Retreat (menla.org).

In this episode, Laura Chandler is joined by executive coach Hal Adler, founder of Leadership Landing and Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D., founding director of the Foundation of the Sacred Stream and creator of Depth Hypnosis.

Hal has spent decades helping leaders and organizations cultivate greater awareness, authenticity, and impact. A lifelong musician and composer, he brings creativity, deep listening, and collaborative spirit of music to his work with leaders.

Isa has spent more than three decades integrating wisdom traditions—including Buddhism, shamanism, energy medicine, and psychology—to help people develop greater self-awareness, resilience, and purpose. Her work has inspired thousands to lead their lives with clarity, compassion, and integrity.

In this conversation, they explore the evolving nature of leadership and why inner awareness, authenticity, and meaningful connection are increasingly important in a rapidly changing world. They also discuss the upcoming Telluride Leadership Summit and the importance of bringing wisdom, courage, and humanity to the practice of leadership.

Join Laura, Hal, and Isa for a thoughtful conversation about the inner work of leadership and what it means to lead with greater awareness and purpose.

To learn more about Hal, Leadership Landing, and the Telluride Leadership Conference, visit leadershiplanding.com. To learn more about Isa Gucciardi, visit isagucciardi.org.

In the second episode of the special series Remembering Robert Thurman, we return to one of the first talks Robert Thurman gave at Sacred Stream, in 2008. On that particular fall evening, another event was taking place at the Sacred Stream Center, so Laura Chandler and Isa Gucciardi invited everyone into their San Francisco living room instead. More than 80 people crowded into the house for what remains one of Bob's most popular Sacred Stream lectures.

This previously unreleased material has been divided into two episodes. At the heart of the first part of this teaching is one of Bob's favorite insights: Buddhism is realism. He describes the Dharma as an invitation to see reality more clearly and, through that clearer seeing, to discover our true nature. He explores samsara as the world of mistaken perception we construct when we fail to recognize reality as it is, offers a fresh perspective on the Four Noble Truths, and takes on one of the most persistent misconceptions about Buddhism: the idea that the teaching of "no self" means that we do not actually exist.

In this joyfully provocative teaching, Bob invites listeners to become more realistic about who and what they are and to discover the bliss that underlies everything. The result is a wonderful glimpse of Robert Thurman at his most passionate, playful, and illuminating—bringing the Dharma to life with the unmistakable energy, humor, and intellectual clarity that made him such a beloved teacher.

To learn more about Robert Thurman and his work, visit bobthurman.com, Tibet House US (thus.org), and Menla Retreat (menla.org).

On this episode, Laura Chandler talks with Suzanne Ross – inspirational speaker, intuitive guide, and the founder of both the Sedona Ascension Retreat and the San Diego Transcendence Retreat. Suzanne is also the author of the Up! book series—featuring Wake Up! and Rise Up! She has dedicated her life to exploring consciousness, spirituality, and the evolution of human awareness, bringing together some of today's leading spiritual teachers with seekers from around the world.

In their talk, Suzanne and Laura discuss Suzanne's path, the evolution of consciousness, and the importance of creating spaces where people can come together to learn, grow, and transform. They also discuss the upcoming San Diego Transcendence Retreat, taking place September 19th and 20th, with an incredible lineup of presenters for a weekend of inspiring talks, workshops, and community.

Whether you're curious about consciousness, looking to deepen your spiritual practice, or simply seeking inspiration for your own journey, I think you'll really enjoy this conversation. For more information about Suzanne, visit suzannerosstranscendence.com. Learn more about the San Diego Transcendence Retreat at sandiegotranscendenceretreat.com.

In the first episode of the Remembering Robert Thurman series, Laura Chandler reflects on the recent passing of Robert A.F. Thurman—renowned Buddhist scholar, bestselling author, educator, and one of the world's foremost interpreters of Tibetan Buddhism. A close friend, mentor, and longtime supporter of the Sacred Stream, Bob devoted his life to making the profound wisdom of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition accessible to modern audiences. He was the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor Emeritus of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University, co-founder of Tibet House US, and a lifelong advocate for the preservation of Tibetan culture and the teachings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

Recorded during Bob's West Coast book tour for Man of Peace: The Illustrated Life Story of the Dalai Lama of Tibet, this candid conversation took place in the car on the way to a talk at Google. Filled with his trademark humor, brilliant storytelling, and unwavering devotion to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the interview offers a rare glimpse into the warmth, brilliance, and infectious joy that made Bob such an extraordinary teacher and cherished friend.

This episode also honors the contributions of composer Dan Walters and legendary recording engineer Jesse Osborne, whose artistry helped bring this conversation to life. Join us as we celebrate the life, legacy, laughter, and enduring wisdom of Robert A.F. Thurman.

To learn more about Robert Thurman and his work, visit bobthurman.com, Tibet House US (thus.org), and Menla Retreat (menla.org).

On this episode of Sacred Stream Radio Podcast, Laura Chandler welcomes renowned neurosurgeon and consciousness researcher Dr. Eben Alexander. After a profound near-death experience during a week-long coma, Dr. Alexander's understanding of the mind, brain, and the nature of reality was forever transformed. His bestselling memoir, Proof of Heaven, which chronicles that extraordinary journey beyond ordinary consciousness, spent 41 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.

In this conversation, Laura and Dr. Alexander explore consciousness beyond the brain, the use of binaural tones and sound technologies to access altered states of awareness, and key insights from his book Living in a Mindful Universe. They also discuss the evolving relationship between science, spirituality, and human potential.

Dr. Alexander will be appearing at the San Diego Transcendence Retreat, September 18–20, alongside an inspiring lineup of speakers and workshop presenters. Learn more about Dr. Alexander at ebenalexander.com.

On this episode, Laura speaks with author and activist Deborah Santana about her new memoir, Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom—a story of awakening, courage, and the transformative power of finding one's voice.

Deborah shares the arc of her life from growing up as the daughter of pioneering interracial parents to her years alongside legendary musician Carlos Santana. While she embraced many roles—partner, mother, and supporter—this conversation centers on the pivotal moment when she chose to step forward fully as herself, reclaiming her voice and redefining her purpose.

At the heart of this episode is Deborah's commitment to uplifting others, particularly women and BIPOC communities. She speaks about how her personal awakening led her into meaningful, impact-driven work—from co-founding Do A Little to supporting education initiatives like Daraja Academy and contributing to cultural preservation through the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Her journey illustrates how finding one's voice is not only a personal liberation, but a pathway to collective empowerment.

Grounded in stories of resilience, heritage, and spiritual growth, Deborah's story is a call to anyone ready to move beyond old roles, speak their truth, and engage in work that uplifts and transforms lives—starting with their own.

To learn more about Deborah, visit deborahsantana.com.

Welcome to the Sacred Stream Radio Podcast, brought to you by the Foundation of the Sacred Stream and Red Cow Productions. Hosted by Laura Chandler, this episode features a conversation with licensed clinical psychologist, Depth Hypnosis Practitioner, and executive coach, Joanna Adler.

Together, they explore the wisdom of the body—how it stores information, including trauma, and how learning to listen more deeply to its signals can support profound healing across physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.

Joanna Adler brings a unique integration of clinical expertise and depth-oriented healing practices. She teaches classes in Depth Hypnosis and Coming to Peace at the Sacred Stream and is co-author of the pilot study "Using Depth Hypnosis to Treat Mood Disorders and Raise Well-Being," published in the International Journal of Regression Therapy.

She will also be offering a new livestream class through the Sacred Stream, Somatic Wisdom as a Path of Inner Awakening. To learn more about Joanna and her work, visit her website, joannaadler.net.