Sharon Salzberg – Metta Hour – Ep. 228 – Mental Health Series with Richie Davidson, PhD

For episode 228 of the Metta Hour, we are continuing our Mental Health Series. In this series, Sharon sits down with different teachers, experts, and health advocates to explore and destigmatize mental health by applying the tools of Buddhist wisdom and spiritual practice.

For this sixth episode of the series, Sharon speaks with Dr. Richie J. Davidson, PhD. Richie is the William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Founder and Director of the Center for Healthy Minds. He is best known for his groundbreaking work studying emotion and the brain. A friend and confidante of the Dalai Lama, he is a highly sought after expert and speaker, leading conversations on well-being on international stages such as the World Economic Forum, where he serves on the Global Council on Mental Health.

In this episode, Sharon and Richie discuss:
  • How Richie came to this path
  • Meeting Daniel Goleman and Ram Dass
  • How Danny Goleman brought Sharon to her first retreat
  • The term “Mental Health”
  • Innate Goodness
  • Believing in Growth Mindset
  • A vision of possibility for ourselves
  • The role of systemic oppression in mental well-being
  • Intergenerational Resilience
  • Richie’s four pillars of well-being
  • Personal mental hygiene
  • “The road to Lhasa goes up and down” – Mingyur Rinpoche
  • The value of community and teachers in mental health 
  • Richie driving Mingyur Rinpoche
  • Contemplative Neuroscience
  • The Science of Flourishing Course
  • Richie’s new book project
The conversation closes with a guided meditation led by Richie. To learn more about Riche’s work or his different books, you can visit his website and check out the Center for Healthy Minds.
Join Richie’s upcoming course The Science of Flourishing: Well-Being Skills for Daily Life. Save 20% off the course using coupon code METTA20.
If you would like to suggest a topic for this series, you can email admin@sharonsalzberg.com with your questions and suggestions.
Mental Health Resources
Jump into the first episode of the Real Life Series with Jon Kabat-Zinn
Tune into Ep. 1 of the Metta Hour to learn about The Buddha Within
Reggie Hubbard kicks off Sharon’s Mental Health Series on Episode 210 of the Metta Hour Podcast
Hear from Tara Brach and Sharon Salzberg in Ep. 56 of Metta Hour
Listen to more from Sharon Salzberg:
Jump into the first episode of the Real Life Series with Jon Kabat-Zinn
Tune into Ep. 1 of the Metta Hour to learn about The Buddha Within
Listen to Joseph Goldstein’s Meditative Story, Hosted By Rohan Gunatillake
Hear from Tara Brach and Sharon Salzberg in Ep. 56 of Metta Hour
Sharon Salzberg