What Would Buddha Do?

Send us Fan Mail What if clarity never comes? What if you stay stuck, uncertain, and spinning forever? In this season finale, we explore the deep discomfort of not knowing—and how Buddhist teachings invite us to meet uncertainty with compassion rather than panic. Through reflections on groundlessness, faith ( śraddhā ), and the Middle Way, this episode offers gentle guidance for living in the questions when the answers just won’t arrive.

Send us Fan Mail You’re collecting a paycheck, but secretly polishing your resume. Is that dishonest—or just practical? In this episode, we explore the ethical tension of job hunting while still employed through a Buddhist lens. We’ll look at the Middle Way between guilt and justification, Right Intention, and the liminal space of bardo—the in-between state where clarity often begins. If you’ve ever wondered how to honor your current commitments while still making space for change, this one’s for you.

Send us Fan Mail You started with a shared vision—but now the path is splitting. What happens when you and your business partner no longer want the same things? Do you push forward, part ways, or try to realign? In this episode, we explore the discomfort of diverging goals through a Buddhist lens—drawing on teachings about impermanence, attachment to outcomes, and relational clarity. You’ll hear reflections on: How to navigate misalignment without blame Why fixed views create suffering What it means to let go without giving up If you’re facing hard conversations in your work or creative life, this episode offers insight into moving forward—skillfully and honestly.

Send us Fan Mail You’ve done the work. You’ve earned the value. So why does asking for a raise feel so uncomfortable? In this episode, we unpack the emotional weight behind money, self-worth, and the fear of seeming “greedy.” Through the lens of Buddhist teachings on Right Livelihood, generosity ( dāna ), and the Middle Way, we explore: Why money talk triggers shame or scarcity How to separate confidence from entitlement What it means to ask with clarity and integrity If you're navigating the awkward dance between humility and self-advocacy, this episode will help you find your footing—with compassion and courage.

Send us Fan Mail What do you do when someone you care about refuses to take care of themselves? It’s easy to feel helpless, angry, or convinced that love should mean compliance. In this episode, we explore the painful intersection of love and control—what we think it means to care, and what it actually means to let go. Drawing from Buddhist teachings on compassion, non-attachment, and the illusion of control, we’ll look at: The difference between love and responsibility How to sit with fear without trying to fix Why letting go isn’t giving up If you’ve ever thought, “If they really loved me, they’d change,” this episode offers a gentler, wiser path forward.

Send us Fan Mail Ever found yourself obsessing over someone you know you can’t have? Whether it’s a fleeting infatuation or a full-blown fantasy, The Crush dives into the sticky sweetness—and suffering—of unrequited desire. In this episode, we explore what Buddhism teaches us about craving, projection, and the stories we tell ourselves when the heart won’t listen to reason. With insight from the Second Noble Truth and practices from the Salāyatana Sutta and Vitakkasaṇṭhāna Sutta , we’ll uncover: Why the mind fixates on the unavailable How fantasy can feel more powerful than reality What to do when your thoughts keep circling back If your crush is living rent-free in your mind, this one’s for you.

Send us Fan Mail I’m tired of always doing the work—of being kind, thoughtful, and forgiving—especially when others don’t seem to care. In this episode, we explore the resentment that can build when you’re the one always trying, and what Buddhist teachings like the Simile of the Saw, the Eight Worldly Winds, and the Dhammapada say about staying true to yourself when the world feels unfair.

Send us Fan Mail What do we owe our parents when they can no longer care for themselves? In this episode of What Would Buddha Do? , I explore a deeply personal and often painful question: What are our responsibilities to aging parents, especially when the relationship has been difficult? Drawing from Buddhist teachings—and reflections from the 17th Karmapa—I share: 🌿 How Buddhism views the “debt” we owe to our parents 🌿 The meaning of reciprocal responsibility and compassion 🌿 How to honor familial duty while setting healthy boundaries If you're struggling to navigate complex family dynamics with aging parents, this conversation offers ancient wisdom, modern insights, and personal reflections to help you move forward with clarity and peace. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:46 Listener's Dilemma: Caring for an Ailing Parent 02:06 Buddhist Teachings on Parental Debt 05:21 Reciprocal Responsibilities in Buddhism 07:12 Modern Reflections on Parental Relationships 07:45 Personal Insights and Conclusion

Send us Fan Mail What does a good friend really look like? In this episode of What Would Buddha Do? , I answer a listener’s heartfelt question about navigating a long-term but unfulfilling friendship.Drawing on Buddhist teachings—specifically the Four Kinds of Good Friends —I explore: 🌿 How to recognize true, supportive friendships 🌿 The role habits and patterns play in shaping our relationships 🌿 When (and how) to compassionately let go of connections that no longer serve growth We discuss how ancient wisdom can guide modern relationships toward greater freedom, connection, and authenticity. Whether you're reevaluating a friendship, a partnership, or even your professional circle, this conversation offers practical insights for your journey. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:47 Listener's Question: Struggling with a Longtime Friend 01:47 Buddha's Teachings on Friendship 03:23 Exploring the Four Types of Friends 06:39 The Importance of Good Friends 08:17 Evaluating and Ending Friendships with Compassion

Send us Fan Mail How do you build a collaborative team when everyone sees things differently? In this episode of What Would Buddha Do? , I answer a real-world leadership question about resolving conflict between departments.Drawing on the Buddhist parable of The Blind Men and the Elephant , I’ll explore: 🐘 Why different perspectives create conflict—and opportunity 🐘 How ancient teachings can help modern leaders foster collaboration 🐘 Practical steps to help your team see the bigger picture and reduce tensionPlus, a surprising NASA story that shows why communication across silos matters more than ever.Tune in for practical leadership wisdom with a mindfulness twist. 🌿 Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:41 Introducing Today's Question 01:38 A NASA Anecdote 02:27 Buddhist Teachings: The Blind Men and the Elephant 05:27 Explaining the Parable 08:45 Applying the Lesson to Leadership

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 2 of 'What Would Buddha Do?', host Lena DiGenti addresses a heartfelt question from a listener about handling verbal and emotional abuse from a loved one with a drinking problem. Drawing from Buddhist teachings, particularly the narrative of 'The Buddha Rejects Abuse,' Lena explores how to navigate abusive situations by refusing to accept hostility, akin to not partaking in an unwanted meal. Emphasizing the importance of separating abusive actions from the person, this episode sheds light on the Buddha's profound wisdom and its relevance in modern contexts, including personal relationships affected by addiction.

Send us Fan Mail What Would Buddha Do? - Finding Equanimity Amidst Family Conflict In the premiere episode of 'What Would Buddha Do?', host Lena DiGenti addresses a heartfelt question about dealing with an adult daughter's hostile behavior during family gatherings. Drawing on her expertise in Buddhist teachings and personal experiences, Lena offers wisdom on maintaining equanimity in the face of anger, with references to the teachings of the Buddha and contemporary Buddhist thinkers. Through vivid analogies and practical advice, she teaches how to respond with calm and compassion rather than conflict, providing specific techniques to manage emotional turmoil and foster inner peace. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:47 Listener's Question: Dealing with a Difficult Daughter 01:16 Buddhist Teachings on Anger and Equanimity 02:58 Applying Equanimity in Real Life 06:06 Practical Techniques for Developing Equanimity 08:35 Conclusion: Embracing Equanimity and Compassion