A Christian and a Buddhist walk in to a bar

Re Release - The mindfulness capitalist conspiracy: Part 2

In our last throwback episode, we are back to finish the discussion of  'what does mindfulness look like without ethics behind it?'. This week we  turn the lens toward the mindfulness industry, and investigate the intersection between mindfulness and capitalism while asking: is there a place for mindfulness as a commodity in the market?
 
https://www.theguardian.com/l

Re Release - The mindfulness capitalist conspiracy: Part 1

Another throwback this week to an earlier conversation about how mindfulness has also become just a little bit of a capitalist industry. Ne episodes are just around the corner, we promise! 
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Mindfulness is an ancient Buddhist technique for achieving enlightenment. It is also a massive capitalist industry, promising to both counter the issues caused by capitalism, and also to bring productivity and riches to all. 
What does 'McMindfullness' have to do with traditional Buddhism, and what does it say about our society and religions?
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/jun/14/the-mindfulness-conspiracy-capitalist-spirituality 

Re Release - Mistakes, Love and Enlightenment

We are diving back in to the archives this week to bring back our conversation on mistakes, different types of love, and a bit about what samsara and enlightenment are. Hope you enjoy, new episodes will be back very soon! 
 
Article: https://bswa.org/teaching/wisdom-of-silence/ 

Is God a Dungeon-Master? Part 2

We return to the D&D tavern with Rebecca. Talking all things religious, fantasy and in between. Who will roll a nat 20 this time around? Tune in to find out! 

Is God a Dungeon-Master? Part 1

We have Rebecca back! And this time, its nerdy. We delve in to the wonderful and spiritual world of Dungeons and Dragons, so see what alignment various characters are, how we might face in the world of D&D and importantly, is God just playing Dungeon Master? 

Becoming a non-monk - part 1 - Before

What is it like going through a spiritual journey. Jamal is starting a lay-ordination process and in part 1 of this series, talks about what he is doing, why he's doing it, and what his hopes and fear are. 
 
https://www.lionsroar.com/what-is-jukai/ 

The Role of Fasting

Its a special time of the year for multiple religions at once. And it all has to do with limiting our intake of food, and reflecting instead on the spiritual path. Today we talk about the coalescence of Ramadan, Lent and the Bahai Fast, and what role fasting plays in religion. 
 
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/10/three-religious-traditions-overlap-this-year-providing-a-rare-opportunity-for-collective-reflection? 

Do cultures evolve?

Today we ask a very old question - is cultural evolution a thing? (bet you cant guess our answer...)
https://scribepublications.com.au/books-authors/books/the-lamb-enters-the-dreaming-9781921640476

Stan Grant and Christmas in March

We love Stan Grant here in the Christian Buddhist Bar. So we did an episode on a wonderful article of his on Christmas. Someone get Stan to listen to the pod!
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/comment/topic/2024/12/14/seeking-the-soul-christmas

Wrestling with cults

Today we approach the thorny topic of religious cults, and what can happen if they really go too far. 
 
TRIGGER WARNING  - this pod discusses a recent manslaughter and death of a child. 
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-29/elizabeth-struhs-diabetes-insulin-witheld-verdict/104863074?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=other