Creativity, Spirituality & Making a Buck with David Nichtern

• Ep. 59 – Strawberry Moons: A New Kind of Media with Debbie Nutley

  Discussing their newest project, Strawberry Moons Media, David Nichtern and Debbie Nutley get into how they truly merged creativity with spirituality and ‘making a buck’.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.This time on the CSM Podcast, David and Debbie share about:The creation of Strawberry Moons Media as a hub for conscious creators and spiritual storytellers Having a ‘sky view’ perspective while also staying grounded and executing dreams here on earthExperiencing Buddhism and meditation in a way that is accessible, engaging, and entertainingDebbie’s inspiration behind Pengwee and Ruby, two mindful penguin best friends who teach compassion and playfulnessHow music bypasses the logical mind, opening the door to intuition and emotional depthRediscovering our natural state as intuitive, spiritual beingsBreaking down superficiality to reconnect with the sacred and the beyondCheck out Strawberry Moons Media on YouTube, where you can find access to entertainment with meaning, mindful living tips, and mindful lessons for children. You can also keep up with Strawberry Moons on Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok.About Debbie Nutley:Debbie Nutley is an award-winning children's picture book author, certified meditation instructor and trained to teach mindfulness to children. Her picture books, Pengwee's Breath and Ruby's Heart Song, both contain engaging stories involving two adorable and best friend penguins. Each story weaves lessons of mindfulness and social-emotional learning. Always finding inspiration in music, Debbie collaborated with composer and songwriter Wells Hanley to create a musical rendition of the signature song embedded in the story of Ruby's Heart Song. Debbie has a large extended family with a cadre of kids. Eons ago, Debbie was an accomplished attorney and human resources leader. Then she sat still for a moment, took a few mindful breaths, and forged a path of purpose-driven and creative endeavors. Keep up with Debbie on her Instagram and learn more about her books on her website. “The whole reason why I decided to publish children’s books about mindfulness, and Pengwee and Ruby are these adorable, mindful, heart-centered penguins, they’re best friends, the whole reason I did it is because I thought it would be great for kids to learn about mindfulness at a young age. That it would be a better world if every kid knew about this stuff.” –Debbie NutleyAbout David Nichtern:David Nichtern, founder of Dharma Moon, is a senior Buddhist teacher who has been practicing and teaching meditation for over 40 years. He was one of the initial American students of renowned meditation master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and studied closely with him soon after his arrival in the United States in 1970. He is also a business consultant with companies creating a variety of offerings integrating meditation in a larger health and well-being context. David is also a multiple Grammy-nominated and Emmy Award-winning musician. David’s journey has crisscrossed with the Maharaji/Ram Dass sangha for decades. He has produced multiple Krishna Das albums and frequently joins the Bhaktettes live on guitar. He considers himself to be a first cousin and an honorary member of the Bhakti community.Move from practitioner to teacher via Dharma Moon’s 100-Hour Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training,or, consider a year long Buddhist Studies certificate with Ethan Nichtern.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  --------  

  28:27

  --------

  28:27
• Ep. 58 – Bringing Depth to Our Lives with Emily Esfahani Smith

  Dissecting the process of her book, The Power of Meaning, Emily Esfahani Smith joins David to explore bringing depth to our lives via belonging, purpose, transcendence, and storytelling.Pick up Emily's book, The Power of Meaning, HERE.This time on the CSM Podcast, David and Emily discuss:Positive Psychology: shifting from a focus on what’s wrong to the science of well-being and human flourishingHow connecting to something greater than ourselves can lead to self-transcendence and deeper meaningWhat scientific research reveals about activities that create a meaningful lifeMaking intentional, values-aligned choices instead of following external pressuresEmily’s four pillars of meaning: belonging, purpose, transcendence, and storytellingFinding true community and belonging without reinforcing exclusion or “othering”How cultural values are evolving toward greater empathy, compassion, and collective careThe bodhicitta aspiration: working toward the end of suffering for all beingsStart your journey from meditation practitioner to meditation guide via Dharma Moon’s course, Deepening Your Practice to Teach or step on into their 100-Hour Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training. About Emily Esfahani Smith:Emily Esfahani Smith is the author of The Power of Meaning. A psychotherapist and writer, her articles have appeared in The Atlantic, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. Her TED Talk, 'There's more to life than being happy,' has been viewed over 15 million times." Learn more on Emily’s website. “The more I got into the research, the more that I saw that maybe it’s not happiness that we should be pursuing and glorifying, but maybe it’s this concept of leading a meaningful life.” – Emily Esfahani SmithAbout David Nichtern:David Nichtern, founder of Dharma Moon, is a senior Buddhist teacher who has been practicing and teaching meditation for over 40 years. He was one of the initial American students of renowned meditation master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and studied closely with him soon after his arrival in the United States in 1970. He is also a business consultant with companies creating a variety of offerings integrating meditation in a larger health and well-being context. David is also a multiple Grammy-nominated and Emmy Award-winning musician. David’s journey has crisscrossed with the Maharaji/Ram Dass sangha for decades. He has produced multiple Krishna Das albums and frequently joins the Bhaktettes live on guitar. He considers himself to be a first cousin and an honorary member of the Bhakti community.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  --------  

  52:00

  --------

  52:00
• Ep. 57 – Bhakti & Buddhism: The Heart and Mind of Practice with Krishna Das

  Blending together Bhakti and Buddhism, best of friends Krishna Das and David Nichtern discuss the gradual cultivation of practice and finding your ‘niche’ within the dharma.Join the Wisdom & Wellbeing Week 1 Intensive with Krishna Das & Nina Rao | January 3 - 10, 2026 | Click to Learn MoreThis episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.In this episode, David and Krishna Das thoughtfully explore:Leaning into the dharma and gradually planting seeds of spiritual practice Giving oneself fully to whatever one is doing in daily life and in practiceDeepening concentration and devotion in the Bhakti yoga traditionUsing the breath as an anchor for mindfulnessThe story of Hanuman and how he represents the strength to remove obstaclesThe Amitabha Mantra, a powerful Buddhist tool for purificationKrishna Das’ reflections on a bucket list: seeking out more stability, remembrance, and selfless serviceStability, clarity, and emotional resilience as the byproducts of mindfulness meditationHonoring the diversity of spiritual paths and listening deeply to what resonates with the individual soulAbout Krishna Das:Layering traditional Hindu kirtan with instantly accessible melodies and modern instrumentation, Grammy nominee Krishna Das has been called yoga’s “rock star.” With a remarkably soulful voice that touches the deepest chord in even the most casual listener, Krishna Das – known to friends, family, and fans as simply KD – has taken the call-and-response chanting out of yoga centers and into concert halls, becoming a worldwide icon and the best-selling chant artist of all time. His album ‘Live Ananda’ (released January 2012) was nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Age album category.KD spent the late ’60s traveling across the country as a student of Ram Dass, and in August 1970, he finally made the journey to India, which led him to Ram Dass’ own beloved guru, Neem Karoli Baba, known to most as Maharaj-ji. Krishna Das now travels the world sharing his kirtan practice and wonderful stories of his life, of Maharaji-ji, of his life on the Path and discusses bringing chanting into our lives through retreats and workshops. To date, KD has released 15 well-received albums, most recently Trust in the Heart released in October 2017.Join Krishna Das in Boone, North Carolina this August for the fourth annual Ram Dass Legacy Summer Mountain Retreat.MORE INFORMATION and OFFERINGS VISIT: https://krishnadas.com/ KRISHNA DAS ON SOCIAL: FACEBOOK: facebook.com/KrishnaDasMusic INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/krishnadasmusic YOUTUBE: / krishnadasmusic X: @krishnadas #KrishnaDasAbout David Nichtern:David Nichtern, founder of Dharma Moon, is a senior Buddhist teacher who has been practicing and teaching meditation for over 40 years. He was one of the initial American students of renowned meditation master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and studied closely with him soon after his arrival in the United States in 1970. He is also a business consultant with companies creating a variety of offerings integrating meditation in a larger health and well-being context. David is also a multiple Grammy-nominated and Emmy award-winning musician. David’s journey has crisscrossed with the Maharaji/Ram Dass sangha for decades. He has produced multiple Krishna Das albums and frequently joins the Bhaktettes live on guitar. He considers himself to be a first cousin and honorary member of the Bhakti community.Head over to DharmaMoon to sign up for The Body of Meditation Teacher Training Course, starting July 10th, 2025.“There’s not spiritual life and worldly life, there’s just your life—you’ve got to live it. If you don’t develop some inner strength, will, and direction in daily things, when you sit down on the mat it’s not going to be any different. How you sit is how you live, and how you live is how you sit.” – Krishna DasSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  --------  

  53:02

  --------

  53:02
• Ep. 56 – Social Action & Misplaced Faith with Sharon Salzberg

  Old friends Sharon Salzberg and David Nichtern meet to discuss the calamity of misplaced faith and the expansion that can come from individualized social action.Join Sharon's Upcoming Course with Tricycle to uncover your Buddhist Personality TypeThis episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.This week on the CSM podcast, David and Sharon have a thought-provoking conversation about:Expanding the definition of social action to include art and genuine spiritual practiceLooking deeper into the root cause of social problemsAttempting to bring Buddhist teachings into a democracyMisplaced faith and the three root poisons in Buddhism - Grasping, Aversion, and DelusionPurification: going beyond awareness and into the elbow grease required for actually changing negative patternsThe building blocks of real mindfulness and incorporating many different practicesKali Yuga, considering the state of the world, and trying to remain optimistic Understanding the consequences of our actions and our role in the collectiveHow we relate to unchosen suffering and chosen suffering Sign up for Dharma Moon’s Summer 100-Hour Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training Course with David Nichtern, starting June 13th. Or, for a shortened version, join Dharma Moon for an Introductory Weekend Course on the Path of Meditation and Mindfulness.About Sharon Salzberg:Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She is one of the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over 45 years ago, inspiring generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of twelve books, including the New York Times bestseller, Real Happiness, now in its second edition, and her seminal work, Lovingkindness. Her podcast, The Metta Hour, has amassed five million downloads and features interviews with thought leaders from the mindfulness movement and beyond. Learn more about Sharon and her books at www.sharonsalzberg.comAbout David Nichtern:David Nichtern, founder of Dharma Moon, is a senior Buddhist teacher who has been practicing and teaching meditation for over 40 years. He was one of the initial American students of renowned meditation master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and studied closely with him soon after his arrival in the United States in 1970. He is also a business consultant with companies creating a variety of offerings integrating meditation in a larger health and well-being context. David is also a multiple Grammy-nominated and Emmy award-winning musician. David’s journey has crisscrossed with the Maharaji/Ram Dass sangha for decades. He has produced multiple Krishna Das albums and frequently joins the Bhaktettes live on guitar. He considers himself to be a first cousin and honorary member of the Bhakti community."There's this saying going around that action absorbs anxiety. If you're feeling really anxious, uptight, take action. Action might not mean marching, signing a petition, or vocalizing, it may mean helping your neighbor." – Sharon SalzbergSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  --------  

  1:05:29

  --------

  1:05:29
• Ep. 55 – An Intimate Look at the Heart Sutra with Susan Piver

  Meditation teacher, Susan Piver, joins David Nichtern to share her profound and ever-evolving connection to The Heart Sutra.Learn about the heart and mind of practice with David Nichtern and Krishna Das in an upcoming free online talk! Register HERE.In this episode, David Nichtern and Susan Piver explore:The many variations of The Heart Sutra and why it deeply inspires SusanFocusing on the sound of the words in The Heart Sutra, not just the meaning of the words Considering how a sutra can transform an environment and how an environment can transform a sutra The inseparability of meaning, sound, and atmosphere within the Heart Sutra A reading of The Heart Sutra from Susan Piver Tying our daily lives back to some form of study or practiceEmptiness as the main theme of The Heart Sutra, and of the Buddhist arena in general Why Buddhist emptiness is not nihilism but an expansive, liberating insightThe transformative value of being around someone wise with skillful meansAbout Susan Piver:Susan Piver has an international reputation as an exceptionally skillful meditation teacher. She teaches workshops and speaks on mindfulness, innovation, communication, relationships, and creativity. Susan has been a student of Buddhism since 1995, graduated from a Buddhist seminary in 2004, and was authorized to teach meditation in 2005. In 2012, she founded The Open Heart Project, the world’s largest online-only meditation center. Susan is also a New York Times bestselling author. Her most recent book, Inexplicable Joy: On the Heart Sutra, is now available. You can keep up with Susan on Instagram or on her website.Join Susan for a 10-day Heart Sutra meditation retreat this August, 2025 “Emptiness sounds like everything’s dead, but empty doesn’t mean that. It means empty of separate existence. You are here due to causes and conditions. You did not get here in a space capsule. So, emptiness could be expressed more accurately as the great expanse, fullness, complete fullness.” – Susan PiverSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  --------  

  1:09:43

  --------

  1:09:43

More Business podcasts

Trending Business podcasts

About Creativity, Spirituality & Making a Buck with David Nichtern

Creativity, Spirituality & Making a Buck with David Nichtern: Podcasts in Family