How can you stay present to a world that breaks your heart open—without hardening or turning away? What is right action when there is no right answer?

In this episode, Jennifer talks with Joshin Byrnes—Zen teacher, former AIDS activist, and founder of Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community—for a deeply honest conversation on his evolving expressions of activism and spirituality as he wrestles with and practices ethical action in a time of trouble.

Together, they explore:

• Growing out of enemy oriented and dehumanizing activism
• “Bearing witness” as essential practice in a culture of separation
• How letting go of fixed ideas creates healing action
• The Zen principle of vowing mind as a compass for ethical responsiveness.

Come join us for a slow and tender dialogue about how to deepen your relational intimacy, practice and ethical inquiry as you taste the ache of being human.

Content Note: This episode includes a story that references suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Resources are included below.

Links & resources—

• Learn more about Joshin Byrne’s work at Bread Loaf Mountain Zen
• Zen Peacemakers
• Get Jennifer’s Substack Newsletter
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedIn
• Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8 or https://988.ca/
• US Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8 or https://988lifeline.org/
• International suicide resources can be found at https://findahelpline.com

Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

Ever find yourself caught in a loop of analyzing what you're feeling—trying to think your way through the ache, the confusion, the rage, the numbness? Or find that it feels easier to let your mind fix or solve the hard things rather than sense in or move with them?

In this short practice episode, Jennifer England invites you into a somatic experience of feeling—beyond story, solving and fixing. Inspired by her recent conversation with therapist and writer Lisa Olivera, you’re invited to drop the narrative and let music, movement, and presence guide you into a relationship with aliveness.

You’ll be guided through:

• A simple, intuitive practice to shift from analysis into sensation.
• Choosing music that mirrors your current emotional tone—no need for it to be calm or upbeat.
• A movement invitation that meets you exactly where you are—angry, tender, exhausted, joyful, or stuck.

Whether you're overwhelmed, can't access how you're feeling, or somewhere in-between, this episode offers a powerful way to grow your fluency in feeling—by letting your body lead.

Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.

What if pain isn’t something to fix or escape—but a wise, living presence asking for our attention?

In this episode, Jennifer sits down with writer and therapist Lisa Olivera for a heartfelt conversation about relating to pain as a wise teacher, rather than an adversary. Drawing from Lisa’s personal journey—shaped by early experiences with a culture that teaches us to avoid pain—they explore:

• The social narratives that keep us from feeling fully
• The role of somatic practice in understanding our body’s intelligence
• What it means to approach suffering with reverence
• The slow, courageous path toward collective belonging

This episode invites you to deepen your fluency with feeling —in your body, the mystery of life and one another.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Lisa’s therapeutic and written work
• Sign up for Human Stuff, Lisa’s Substack
• Get Already Enough, Lisa Olivera’s first book
• Receive Jennifer’s biweekly newsletter
• Connect with Jennifer on Instagram or LinkedIn

Gratitude for this show’s theme song Inside the House, composed by the talented Yukon musician, multi-instrumentalist and sound artist Jordy Walker. Artwork by the imaginative writer, filmmaker and artist Jon Marro.