Meditative Story

WaitWhat

Meditative Story combines extraordinary human stories with meditation prompts embedded into the storylines — all surrounded by breathtaking music. Think of it as an alternative way into a mindfulness practice, through vivid stories and cinematic music and production values. Meditative Story is an original series produced by WaitWhat and supported by our members. Our community tells us that they listen to the same episodes over and over again, and according to data provided by Apple Podcasts, Meditative Story may have the highest engagement of any podcast in the world. And that makes us proud!

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

Introducing: Offsite Adventures
17-04-2024
Introducing: Offsite Adventures
From the team behind Meditative Story, we're happy to share the first episode of Offsite Adventures, our newest show uncovering the gems, magical moments, and unique learnings in iconic business travel destinations.Three minutes before midnight in Times Square, one of the most trafficked commercial centers in the world momentarily transforms into a vibrant digital art installation, providing a refreshing pause for locals and tourists alike. It’s called the Midnight Moment, and you won’t believe how something so unexpected came together. In this episode, Janet digs into the history of this unique collaboration between the advertising and arts communities before experiencing it herself with innovative, boundary-breaking artist Shahzia Sikander.Offsite Adventures is a Masters of Scale Production presented in alliance with Capital One Business.Special thanks to Jean Cooney and Times Squares Arts and artists featured as part of the Midnight Moment episode:  Artist: Shahzia Sikander | Title: Reckoning | Video by Tatyana Tenenbaum Artist: Nora Maité Nieves | Title: Eyes of the Sea | Video by Tatyana TenenbaumArtist: LuYang | Title: DOKU: Digital Reincarnation | Video by Phatt FeaturesSpecial thanks to composer Du Yun for music featured in this episode.See this story come to life in our video series on YouTube. Click here to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERpUrWKdCjESee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Move forward without moving on, by Kelly Rizzo
09-04-2024
Move forward without moving on, by Kelly Rizzo
Meditative Story has received two nominations for this year's Webby Awards. We’d be grateful if you vote for both categories:Original Music Score / Best Sound Design: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2024/podcasts/features/original-music-score-best-sound-designHealth, Wellness & Lifestyle: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2024/podcasts/individual-episodes/health-wellness-lifestyle***When Kelly Rizzo’s husband Bob Saget passes away without warning, she’s faced with the challenge of moving forward day by day without leaving her memories of Bob behind. As she processes her grief, Kelly reflects on the way her father left his home country and never returned, but realizes that his memories of that place will always be a part of him. Now she must find a way to honor her own memories even as her life moves forward.Visit Kelly's website: http://www.eattravelrock.comFollow Kelly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eattravelrockFollow Kelly on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5544019If this episode resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a moment to share your reflections by rating and reviewing Meditative Story in your podcast player. It helps other listeners find their way to the show, and we’d be so grateful.Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.comSign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
To do hard things, be adaptable, by Alex Honnold
26-03-2024
To do hard things, be adaptable, by Alex Honnold
Alex Honnold, renowned rock climber and the subject of the documentary Free Solo, has always known how to do hard things. Yet he’s also had to learn that his drive to push himself will only take him so far. In today's episode, he tells the story of how he’s come to understand the importance of reading the conditions of the environment, and learning to adapt.Meditative Story has received two nominations for this year's Webby Awards. Please consider voting for both categories:Original Music Score / Best Sound Design: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2024/podcasts/features/original-music-score-best-sound-designHealth, Wellness & Lifestyle: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2024/podcasts/individual-episodes/health-wellness-lifestyleVisit Alex's website: www.alexhonnold.comFollow Alex on Instagram: https://instagram.com/alexhonnold/Follow Alex on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexHonnoldFollow Alex on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexHonnoldIf this episode resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a moment to share your reflections by rating and reviewing Meditative Story in your podcast player. It helps other listeners find their way to the show, and we’d be so grateful.Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.comSign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Finding inspiration from strong women, by Rohan Gunatillake
19-03-2024
Finding inspiration from strong women, by Rohan Gunatillake
In honor of International Women’s Day, Rohan relates the story of a woman who greatly influenced his journey towards mindfulness and unknowingly helped shape the course of his life — Gaia House co-founder Christina Feldman. As this calming and enlightening anecdote unwinds, Rohan invites you to reflect on the strong women in your own life and examine how they embody the qualities you wish to see in yourself.Meditative Story has received two nominations for this year's Webby Awards. Please consider voting for both categories:Original Music Score / Best Sound Design: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2024/podcasts/features/original-music-score-best-sound-designHealth, Wellness & Lifestyle: https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2024/podcasts/individual-episodes/health-wellness-lifestyleIf this episode resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a moment to share your reflections by rating and reviewing Meditative Story in your podcast player. It helps other listeners find their way to the show, and we’d be so grateful.Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.comSign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Redefine your generational patterns, by Marcia Gay Harden
27-02-2024
Redefine your generational patterns, by Marcia Gay Harden
Tony and Academy Award-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden recognizes that, like so many of us, she is who she is because of the people that raised her. In this episode, Marcia Gay tells the story of how she’s learned to reevaluate all that she inherited from her parents, and to let go of learned patterns that no longer serve her. To hear more from Marcia Gay, check out her upcoming children’s mindful bedtime podcast “Snoriezzz,” co-produced by Natalie Peyton.Listen to Shawn Colvin's Meditative Story, "What my father gave me": http://listen.meditativestory.com/ShawnColvinWWFind out more about Marcia Gay here: http://theofficialmarciagayharden.com/Find Marcia Gay on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/mgh_8We value your input. Please find the Meditative Story Survey here: https://meditativestory.com/surveyIf this episode resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a moment to share your reflections by rating and reviewing Meditative Story in your podcast player. It helps other listeners find their way to the show, and we’d be so grateful.Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.comSign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Release the expectations that limit you, by Lulu Wang
30-01-2024
Release the expectations that limit you, by Lulu Wang
Lulu Wang, writer-director of The Farewell, and Expats, grows up in a family where the expectations for her future are clear: she’s destined to become a piano prodigy, and she must be grateful for the sacrifices her parents have made to give her that opportunity. In today’s episode, Lulu tells the story of how she finally finds her own space away from those expectations, and in doing so, unlocks the joy of making her own discoveries.Listen to Franklin Leonard's Meditative Story, "Writing the main character": https://listen.meditativestory.com/FranklinLeonardPIOLulu’s new show, EXPATS, can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Expats-Season-1/dp/B0CMHGXRHN Find Lulu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thumbelulu/Find Lulu on X: https://twitter.com/thumbeluluIf this episode resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a moment to share your reflections by rating and reviewing Meditative Story in your podcast player. It helps other listeners find their way to the show, and we’d be so grateful.Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.comSign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Embracing everything life has to offer, by Garrett McNamara
23-01-2024
Embracing everything life has to offer, by Garrett McNamara
Garrett McNamara is a legend in the surfing world who’s ridden some of the biggest waves on the planet. To maintain his surfing career, Garrett spends all his time and energy chasing the next big swell. But when he unexpectedly gets knocked off his board, he has to step away from doing the thing that makes him the happiest. He tells the story of how he learns to embrace all the moments life has to offer, rather than always chasing the next wave. Garrett’s television show “100 Foot Wave” won an Emmy award for Outstanding Cinematography For A Nonfiction Program at the 2024 ceremony.Listen to Keith Yamashita's Meditative Story, "Starting the story of my life again": https://listen.meditativestory.com/KeithYamashitaPIOFind out more about Garrett and the McNamara Foundation: https://www.garrettmcnamara.comFind Garrett on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcnamara_s/If this episode resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a moment to share your reflections by rating and reviewing Meditative Story in your podcast player. It helps other listeners find their way to the show, and we’d be so grateful.Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.comSign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Rediscover the roots of your joy, by Dr. Kwane Stewart
16-01-2024
Rediscover the roots of your joy, by Dr. Kwane Stewart
CNN’s 2023 Hero of the Year, veterinarian Dr. Kwane Stewart, has long had a passion for helping animals. Yet when a difficult work environment leaves him entirely depleted, he starts to consider walking away from his profession forever. It’s only when an unexpected encounter reminds him to return to the fundamentals, that he rediscovers the magic of his craft.Listen to Hrishikesh Hirway's Meditative Story, "Giving myself permission to create": https://listen.meditativestory.com/HrishikeshHirwayPIOVisit Dr. Stewart's website: drkwanestreetvet.com Find Dr. Stewart on Instagram: https://instagram.com/drkwane Fine Project Street Vet on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thestreetvetDiscover Dr. Stewart's book, What it Takes to Save a Life: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/what-it-takes-to-save-a-life-kwane-stewart?variant=40766843846690Learn more about Dr. Stewart's CNN Hero Award: https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/10/world/cnn-hero-of-the-year-dr-kwane-stewart-homeless-pets/index.htmlIf this episode resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a moment to share your reflections by rating and reviewing Meditative Story in your podcast player. It helps other listeners find their way to the show, and we’d be so grateful.Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.comSign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Tig Notaro: There’s more than one way to get there
02-01-2024
Tig Notaro: There’s more than one way to get there
The many highs of Tig Notaro’s comedy career (Emmy and Grammy nominations, creating TV shows, and hosting the “Don’t Ask Tig” podcast) may seem predestined. Yet these are all things that seem beyond the realm of possibility for young Tig. In the early 2000s she’s told that because she’s a woman, and she’s gay, and she’s low-key and deadpan, she’ll never make it. Today, she shares the story of how she learns to keep going, no matter how impossible the road may seem, and to remember that there’s no one way to get somewhere.Listen to Michael Imperioli's Meditative Story, "Michael Imperioli: having the courage to create": https://listen.meditativestory.com/MichaelImperioliPIOFind Tig’s tour dates: tignotaro.comListen to Tig’s podcast, Don’t Ask Tig: dontasktig.org andListen to Tig's podcast True Story: headgum.com/tig-and-cheryl-true-storyFollow Tig on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TigNotaroInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealfluffnotaro/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tignotarocomedy/If this story resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you. Please take a moment to share your reflections by rating and reviewing Meditative Story in your podcast player. It helps other listeners find their way to show, and we’d be so grateful.Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.comSign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.