What's This Tao All About?

Tod Perry

A lighthearted Taoism podcast hosted by Dr. Carl Totton and Tod Perry.

  • Show 106 — Overcoming Contentiousness

    Tod and George examine the works of Derek Lin and Chuang Tzu to discuss how to live with less contention and greater harmony. Also, George shares the power of the “sacred” pause, and Tod shares why balancing your internal checkbook can help you find peace.

    16 March 2026, 2:57 am
  • Show 105 — Li, Listener Mail, Hundun

    Tod and George explore the concept of li, or the natural energy patterns inherent in all of us. They also help a listener with love problems and examine Chuang Tzu’s tragedy of Hundun, the faceless but benevolent emperor.

    Pick up a copy of Dr.Sijo: The Taoist Monk in Modern Clothing by Jeremy Newman

    16 February 2026, 2:00 am
  • Show 104 — Wu-Chi and Chuang Tzu’s Metamorphosis

    Tod shares how Jason Gregory’s “The Tradition of Natural Taoism” aims to correct some Western interpretations of the Tao. Also, George explains the mysterious emptiness of wu-chi and the pair dive deep into one of Chuang Tzu’s strangest stories, “Metamorphosis.”

    Pick up a copy of Dr.Sijo: The Taoist Monk in Modern Clothing by Jeremy Newman

    26 January 2026, 2:32 am
  • Show 103 — How to Be Kind to Yourself

    Tod took a trip to Cuba and felt an incredible joy getting away from technology and consumer culture for a few days. George shares tips on being kind to yourself and building space around your personal challenges to put them in proper perspective. Also, Chuang Tzu’s thoughts on being competitive.

    5 November 2025, 7:15 am
  • Show 102 — Lu Dong Pin’s Dream and the Tower of Spirit

    Tod interviewed Deepak Chopra for a work assignment and asked for his thoughts on Taoism. Later, Tod and George also explore Lu Dong Pin’s dream, which led him to reject worldly power for the Tao, and Chuang Tzu’s “Tower of Spirit,” a lesson in guarding sincerity.

    George’s new film, “What is Consciousness?”

    14 October 2025, 2:59 am
  • Show 101 — Dr. Totton’s passing, Chuang Tzu’s Active Life, and Listener Mail

    After nearly two years in hospice care, Dr. Totton has passed away, Tod discusses the aftermath. Later, George talks about how improv classes have helped his Tao cultivation and they dive deep into Chuang Tzu’s chapter on the “Active Life.” Also, a listener asks how they can be more disciplined in their practice.

    GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

    George’s new film, “What is Consciousness?”

    18 September 2025, 3:25 am
  • Show 100 — The Unseen and Detachment

    Tod and George dig deep into the writings of Derek Lin to discuss how to interact with the unseen and the power of detachment. Later, they discuss relationships and Chuang Tzu’s “Man of Character.”

    GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

    17 July 2025, 5:11 am
  • Show 99 — Faith and Chuang Tzu’s Monkeys

    George and Tod contemplate the age-old debate about whether all spiritual practices lead down the same path. Later, they examine the role that faith plays in Taoism and examine the wisdom of Chuang Tzu’s monkeys.

    GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

    26 June 2025, 2:08 am
  • Show 98 — Mirror Mind and Intuitive Wisdom

    Tod and George examine the mysterious concept of the “mirror mind” and how it can help you live in the present moment, and how to make decisions by getting in touch with our intuitive wisdom. Later, they dig into Chuang Tzu’s chapter on “Great and Small.”

    GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

    5 June 2025, 2:42 am
  • Show 97 — Radical Acceptance

    Prompted by a passage in Derek Lin’s “Tao of Joy” book, Tod and George discuss the Taoist attitude of radically accepting the external world and ourselves. Plus, a listener asks about the difference between Taoism and Buddhism.

    GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

    14 April 2025, 2:20 am
  • Show 96 — Getting Unstuck and Chuang Tzu’s Morality

    With the help of some insightful folks from Reddit, Tod and George dive into what it means to age gracefully—without getting stuck in their ways. They also explore their current challenges of cultivating the Tao and unpack the morality of Chuang Tzu through his chapter on apologies.

    GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

    24 March 2025, 2:31 pm
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