Deconstructing Yourself

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Dedicated to liberation in all its forms, Deconstructing Yourself is passionate about fearlessly investigating, attempting, and questioning all things to do with awakening, meditation, mindfulness, brain hacking, consciousness, neurofeedback, and more.

Your host Michael W. Taft interviews some of the most interesting thinkers, authors, and teachers around, as well as other offerings. In this hard-hitting, radical, and fun podcast we look at secular post-, non-, un- Buddhism, Vajrayana, nondual Hindu Tantra, philosophy, the neuroscience of the sense of self, neurofeedback and the consciousness hacking movement, aspects of artificial intelligence, entheogens, and much more.

If you’re looking for fresh directions, free from dogma and conformism, think of the Deconstructing Yourself podcast as the radical cafe where you can hear from the most interesting luminaries either from the outside edges of dharma, or a fresh take from more traditional teachers. If you’re interested in more, check out the Deconstructing Yourself website at https://deconstructingyourself.com.

Sanity and Sainthood, with Dr. Tucker Peck
Apr 18, 2025 – 00:44:59
Awakening, Cessation, and Vulnerability, with Stephen Snyder
Feb 12, 2025 – 00:49:42
Aghora, Deities, and Devotion with Dr. Robert Svoboda
Jan 15, 2025 – 01:03:00
Invocation and Shadow with Charlie Awbery
Dec 12, 2024 – 00:45:20
Tantra, Aghora, and Death, with Dr. Robert Svoboda
Nov 11, 2024 – 00:58:51
Meditation and Memory with Anthony Metivier
Oct 7, 2024 – 01:10:45
Practicing the Diamond Sutra with Ken McLeod
Jul 24, 2024 – 00:46:51
Original Love with Henry Shukman
Jul 9, 2024 – 00:56:37
Practicing Tummo with Peter McEwen
Jun 25, 2024 – 00:53:57
Jhanas, Technology, and Tradition with Stephen Zerfas
May 1, 2024 – 00:41:54
Embodying the 21 Taras with Chandra Easton.
Mar 6, 2024 – 00:52:08
Can You Learn Meditation from an AI? - with Shinzen Young
Feb 6, 2024 – 01:00:40
A Conversation with Jeffrey Kripal
Jan 22, 2024 – 00:49:54
Transgression with Erik Davis
Dec 31, 2023 – 01:09:48
A Conversation with Sam Harris
Dec 2, 2023 – 01:01:22
The Power of the Imaginal with Stephen Aizenstat
Nov 4, 2023 – 01:07:18
Nondual Love with A. H. Almaas
Oct 30, 2023 – 00:46:47
Tantra and Embodied Awakening with Christopher Wallis.
Sep 29, 2023 – 00:53:43
Reverse Meditation with Andrew Holecek
Aug 23, 2023 – 00:48:49
A Conversation with Kati Devaney
Jul 13, 2023 – 00:48:16
A Few Stray Points about Nonduality with Jake Orthwein
Apr 18, 2023 – 01:07:42
Exploring Nondual Shaiva Tantra with Christopher Wallis
Mar 20, 2023 – 01:08:34
The Magic of Vajrayana Part 2 with Ken McLeod
Feb 27, 2023 – 00:37:16
The Magic of Vajrayana with Ken McLeod
Feb 14, 2023 – 00:44:40
Meditation and the Bayesian Brain with Shamil Chandaria
Dec 17, 2022 – 00:49:37
John Vervaeke on Relevance Realization
Oct 5, 2022 – 00:49:49
A Conversation with Rosa Lewis
Sep 6, 2022 – 00:30:17
Changing Minds with David McRaney
Jul 24, 2022 – 00:59:24
A Conversation with Guy Sengstock
Jun 1, 2022 – 00:57:26
The Power of Non-sleep Deep Rest with Kelly Boys
May 4, 2022 – 00:31:43
A Conversation on Nonduality with Andrew Holecek
Apr 25, 2022 – 00:53:35
Nondual Teachings of LinJi, with Shinzen Young
Mar 14, 2022 – 00:59:59
Can People Really Change? with Tina Rasmussen.
Jan 19, 2022 – 00:58:30
Meditation, Insight, and Predictive Processing with Ruben Laukkonen
Jan 4, 2022 – 01:12:12
Eco-Aesthetics and the Poetry of Longing with Rick Jarow
Nov 30, 2021 – 00:56:55
Vision, Visualization, and Vajrayana, with Chandra Easton
Nov 1, 2021 – 01:06:20
Talking about Zen Koans with Henry Shukman
Aug 18, 2021 – 00:39:56
Vajrayana as a Living Practice, with Ken McLeod
Jul 20, 2021 – 01:14:30
Dimensions of Nonduality with Tina Rasmussen
Jun 30, 2021 – 00:58:02
Meditation and Communication with Shinzen Young
Jun 2, 2021 – 00:54:53
Spiritual Bypassing and the Spiritual Friend
May 17, 2021 – 00:23:04
Meditation and Healing Trauma with Thomas Hübl
Apr 1, 2021 – 01:04:51
A Conversation with Spring Washam
Mar 12, 2021 – 00:50:39
Talking with People about Things, with David McRaney
Feb 3, 2021 – 01:02:27
Soulmaking Dharma, with Catherine McGee
Dec 8, 2020 – 00:49:58
Dreams and the Spiritual Imagination, with Steve Aizenstat
Nov 6, 2020 – 00:58:51
Love Unveiled with A. H. Almaas
Oct 7, 2020 – 00:48:23
Vajrayana and Deity Yoga with Chandra Easton
Sep 21, 2020 – 00:55:15
Evolving Ground with Rindzin Pamo and Jared Janes
Aug 25, 2020 – 01:13:09
A Conversation with Ken McLeod
Aug 3, 2020 – 01:20:09

Recent Reviews

Brett W. A.

True, Authentic Depth

I really enjoy this podcast because it covers one of the most fascinating aspects of the human experience (Buddhist meditation) in exquisite depth and from a place of obviously real personal experience, but it does so without any unnecessary obscurantism, mystifying religiosity, or new age hippie nonsense.
Moda108

This podcast brought the dharma to life for me!

I’ve listened to every episode and sometimes revisit them. An intellectual and heart-felt experience.
Knew Normal

I feel like I understand myself better after listening

I’m a curious nerd about the maps and models of human consciousness and the myriad paths to understanding it personally and collectively. The variety of conversations on this show are worth a trip down the rabbit hole. So glad I found this show! Michaels voice is like conversational balm that soothes as you listen and expand your mind.
sarahsanantonio

Wonderful

Michael Taft interviews on mindfulness and dharma are illuminating and have deepened my practice. Thank you! His voice is lovely to listen too also.
Pom Pons

Down-to-earthly out there.

Longtime listener. I find myself going back again and again. Excellent conversations, knowledgeable, heartfelt, and magically filled with respect while being no-bull at the same time. If you want authentic conversations around meditation and consciousness, this is a great one. Love Michael’s vibe too!
vanishingpoet

Authentic

Thanks for an authentic podcast and for not being woke. Ommmmm. Shanti.
mg7876558

Excellent

Thoughtful
Baranduin

Love yr podcast

Great interviews. Love the B-52s-ish theme song.
bigboisoccerboi

Wonderful podcast!

Great host, great guests, great podcast.
Omnitarian

Life-changing!

This is one of the best podcasts I’ve ever heard. Recommended listening for all humans, regardless of your interest in mindfulness, meditation, or spirituality.
bugs&biscuits

This is my go to meditation/consciousness podcast

There are quite a few meditation/consciousness/neuroscience podcasts these days but this is my absolute favorite. Unlike the 10% happier podcast Deconstructing Yourself doesn’t seem to cross over into the lifehack genre that i find extremely tired. Michael Taft is splendidly even and open in his conversational style which I imagine is a testament to his time on the cushion. my mind is always sparkling and illuminated after listening, a true joy.
CdexterC

A little bit of everything

Michael’s interviews are deep and engaging conversation about Buddhism, meditation, everything, and nothing that have broadened my understanding of the field and enriched my own practice. Thanks!
Aquablutan

Favorite podcast

Michael is an adept interviewer who very often asks the questions I would ask of the interviewee. Highly recommend.
Jmh1331

a great combination

Thoughtful, practical, open, and deep. Highly recommend! Looking forward to listening to more.
🐰🕳

One of the best podcasts, ever.

The host has done decades of personal practice that enable him to bring richly insightful questions, and pauses, to the show. Even if you aren’t super interested in the dharma, his way of choosing and interacting with guests is worth a listen.
Nishagra

What a delight!

Thank you for the uplifting and clear conversations, simply awesome!
Jed-I jester

Meta-modern mind-craft, so to speak

I’m just delighted to have been steered to this rich body of conversations! Deep bow of gratitude to Michael Taft for the evident devotion invested in production and all the leg-work upstream. Hip, humble and honest. The 5/20/20 episode with Dan Brown is astonishing for the esoteric implications.
Vikolat

Clarity

The clarity and wisdom of Michael’s podcasts are wonderful.
amoripaz

Thumbs up

Appreciate the critical analysis of the closed-system that is Buddhism. Helps us glean its wisdom without become a lemming. Thanks for the stimulating, freedom-oriented conversations.
ORcoast555

Deconstructing Yourself - Michael Taft

Absolutely Excellent if you are interested in a science based exploration of mindfulness!!
Chrislopher

Friggin Fudge

Michael gets in and gets down. Great guest. Great podcast.
ColonelHaste

Best Content Ever

Best content ever. At least for people into these sorts of things.
Randy McDreamy

Listen to this

Can’t describe how fascinating and helpful this podcast is. Just listen for yourself.
Bellpepper22

Incredible

The best meditation podcast, hands down
jwaltergreenslade

Thought provoking and educational

Great episode on deconstructing sensory experience with a map of vipassana stages. Deep stuff, but also clear and approachable.
Do Nothing Just Feel

Best intermediate / advanced meditation podcast

Before I had sufficient experience the conversations here were way over my head. But coming back, after experience with spirituality/Buddhist/nondualist practices, this is easily the best podcast on meditation and awakening. Michael’s wide ranging knowledge is truly impressive and his ability to contextualize all the practices is invaluable. Easily on par with the best spiritual teachers (w/ Shinzen, Adyashanti, Culadasa, Spira, etc)-!
enronal

Terrific podcast

I just listened to the podcast on deconstructing sensory experience and found it very insightful. I’ve been a meditator for about 10 years, though only seriously for the last two, and learned a lot from it. I’ve also started reading Michael’s books, starting with “Nondualism”, and he makes things clear without oversimplifying. Looking forward to learning more, and deepening my understanding and experience of meditation. Thanks!
yeschaton

Straightforward Illumination

DY is a gift for the dharma curious. Soft-spoken and skillful, Michael talks with big names in meditation training. In plain language, the curious labyrinth of mindfulness becomes accessible.
Huffy hydrophyte

Great for a Science-Oriented Beginner!

The woo jargon of meditation and awakening has always put me off. This podcast has very little of it and makes all this much more accessible!
golgikanji

Sensory Experience

Brilliant! Love the language-imagery used. This topic has never been more precisely communicated. Nice going.
Kidpalmtree

So good!

Balances weirdness and common sense in wonderful ways. In general I feel inspired to continue my practice and search but I also love the critical approach to these processes. Buddhist practices don’t solve/hack all of psychotherapy, mainstream mindfulness has great benefits and real drawbacks. A lot of nuance and good ideas found here.
LOGIC PRISONER

Into The Void.

My favorite podcast!
I Am Jeff

Amazing!

Very deep and substantive dives into Dharma. I waited too long to start listening to this one - now I’m devouring it!
aryanaco

Listening to this podcast is a great addition to my practice.

My self-enquiry practice has taken much of its shape from listening to this podcast.
Gatheral Gray

A treasure trove

Everything I want to hear within the field of mindfulness. My go to resources for what's now.
pregnantbeast

Doesn’t get better

Thank you for the great conversations.
Robert N. Stonehill

insightful

I just found this podcast and am thoroughly enjoying it. Spiritual seekers and personal development afficianados will enjoy it. The host's voice is very soothing. robertstonehill.com
Shaolintulku

Probably the best

This is so far the best podcast on matters relating to secular Buddhism, mind science, spirituality, and awakening. The guests are usually very eloquent, and Michael’s interview skills seem top notch professional caliber. Wish I would have found this sooner.
blake010507

Great deep end of the pool discussions

I'm not aware of any podcast out there like this one that is still active. Each episode pushes me at least a little.
The Cognazor

Best Meditation Podcast Period.

This is my favorite meditation podcast. Great conversations with some of the best meditation teachers in the business, including Kenneth Folk, Shinzen Young, Daniel Ingram, Rob Burbea, Culadasa, and more! Also, the host, Michael Taft is a great teacher himself, bringing decades of contemplative experience and insight to the table.
Rick DeLong

Just an amazing podcast

Has given a broad, rich foundation in the field of inner work and meditation to this beginner. I feel like it’s saved me possibly years I could have spent filtering through systems, teachers, and idea.
Monks Cat

Meta Rationality and Awakening

The best place to go for those who value multiple viewpoints on serious and playful spiritual awakening. A refuge for those who value spiritua teachings but can't stand the authoritative dogma of those who think they've got it. Michael interviews a variety of 'englightened' beings who all have interesting perspectives that can change the way you adventure through this strange thing called life.
KateHiggins

we are so fortunate!

i discovered michael on line as i was just going down the meditation links rabbit hole. i feel so fortunate to have found him! His podcasts with his teacher Shinzen young are so clear and concise and important. I am in my car a lot in Los Angeles on the freeway and this is a wonderful way to spend my time listening to Mr. Taft
transcendental1

The Best

Do yourself a favor and listen to this. By far the best podcast I’ve ever found.
tancha2

This is incredible

Michael W Taft is a really great interviewer. He has wonderful and interesting guests. I eagerly await each new podcast. Thank you Michael.
sumpinjjc

Explore meditative depths with the masters

I love this podcast. It gives us unprecedented access to the experience and guidance of the foremost pragmatic dharma teachers of our time. One of Michael’s strengths is meeting these advanced teachers with similar levels of practical and theoretical knowledge, kindly challenging assumptions and elucidating tough theory while keeping interviews candid, humanizing these “rockstar” dharma teachers in a way that I haven’t experienced before.
jarnold84

My new favorite podcast

When I listen to this podcast, I get so inspired about meditation and awakening! Michael and his guests talk about this with such clarity, groundedness, and breadth, so that awakening seems like a real possibility on my own life. Kudos!
Mickey Moodles

Title

Fascinating! The conversations lead me on amazing mental journeys and motivate me to delve deeply into this experience called life.
AllNamesAreTaken115

Deep and Insightful

As a novice meditator and follower of The Mind Illuminated by Culadasa, I love listening to Michael's interviews with various practitioners to get their points of view. I admit that much of it goes over my head at this point, but I'm thrilled to be introduced by so many different concepts and listen to the conversations surrounding them. If you're looking for an introduction to meditation, this is a bit advanced, but will definitely be eye-opening into how deep the rabbit hole goes.
Siavash.

Brilliant Discussions

Best of the interviews are the ones that an expert interviews another expert in a subject. Lots of times in the media, a lot of interviews are done by people who are not expert in the field that they are interviewing someone, so usually they don’t ask the right questions, or they ask the right questions in a wrong way, or they don’t know what follow up question or discussion they should bring up, but what Michael is doing in Deconstructing Yourself podcast, is brilliant, because he is expert in the subject, and talks with other experts, so all discussions have lots of great things to learn from. I have listened to all episodes, at least once and some of them several times, and I’ve learned a lot from each of the discussions. I really appreciate what you are doing Michael!