I met Aaron at the Budokon retreat this summer, and I was immediately impressed by his candor, kindness, and the depth of his intellect. Then, when I learned that he led men’s groups, I thought he’d be a great guest for the podcast, since I know little about that world and, in fact, have some resistance to what often ends up being somewhat exploitative of men’s very real sense of alienation and desperation. But Aaron seemed like the real deal, so I invited him to set me straight on that.

Please check out Khuda, the app I mentioned, and let Pete Lord and me know what you think.

Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. “Stand by Me,” by Ben E. King, performed by Stephen Wilson, Jr. (video below). Outro: “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton.

Try to fix this old house again, or should we burn it down and start over?

Deborah and her husband lost everything but their lives and each other when Hurricane Helene washed away their house a few weeks ago. Deborah’s experience of this “emergence” is framed by her experiences as a Zen Buddhist monk, teacher, and author. I greatly appreciate her trust in sharing her thoughts and insights — even while still immersed in the rawness of her grief and shock at almost being swept away with her home and everything in it. Listen to her explain what it’s like to find diamonds in the wreckage.

Here’s the video Deborah took in the ruins of her home:

If you are moved to help in the recovery, please go here.

Intro music “Brightside of the Sun,” by Basin and Range. “Still Water,” by Daniel Lanois. Outro: “Smoke Alarm,” by Carsie Blanton.

Still Water, by Daniel Lanois

Sad eyes, sad eyesWhere're you going with that confidence?Sad eyes, sad eyesWhere're you going with that confidence?I'm going to where the boats go byCaledonia river flow so wideI'm going to where the boats go byCaledonia river flow so wideStill water - Laying overStill water - Laying overStill water - Laying overCaledonia river oh, so wideWild eyes in the wildernessWhere're you going with the devil in hand?Wild eyes in the wildernessWhere're you going with the devil in hand?I'm going to build the bridges highfor working money, for working moneyI'm going to climb the bridges highCaledonia brother far awayStill water - I'm laying overStill water - Lay my body down overStill water - Laying overCaledonia river far away...Sad eyes in the weary nightHave you seen your brother,have you seen your brother?Waiting by the river GrandCaledonia river oh, so wideGoing to where the rain fallsLook for my brother,look for my brotherGoing to where the rain fallsCaledonia river far awayStill water - Laying overStill water - Lay my body downStill water - Laying overCaledonia river far away...