Multimedia

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:34 — 58.2MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

March 17, 2018 | Law/Politics/Religion

Prosecutorial Misconduct: The Hidden Driver of Mass Incarceration

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 8:34 — 5.9MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

March 7, 2018 | Law/Politics/Religion, Spirituality/Meditation

Judaism and Evolving Dharma

Jay joins the Judaism Unbound podcast for a discussion of 21st century Judaism in an era of multicultural exchange.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:02 — 43.2MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

February 22, 2018 | Performance

Water Has No Need of Opposites

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:19 — 1.5MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

November 8, 2017 | Law/Politics/Religion, Spirituality/Meditation

Anger, activism, and responsibility | Lama Surya Das and Jay Michaelson

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 56:13 — 52.5MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

October 18, 2017 | Law/Politics/Religion

Xenophobia and Antisemitism in the Age of Donald Trump | SUNY New Paltz

Dr. Michaelson reviews the data on increased xenophobia in the Trump era, and calls for a richer understanding of antisemitism and its relationship to nationalist populism. [Click here to watch]

October 8, 2017 | Spirituality/Meditation

Guided Meditation for Pessimists | 10% Happier

It all comes down to this.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:15 — 2.3MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

June 26, 2017 | Law/Politics/Religion

SCOTUS Puts Travel Ban on Life Support | MSNBC

Jay Michaelson discusses the Trump travel ban on the Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell [Click here to watch]

May 7, 2017 | Law/Politics/Religion

Religious Liberty and LGBT Equality at the Supreme Court | NPR

Jay is interviewed on public radio's State of Belief show.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()

Subscribe: Android | RSS

April 3, 2017 | Spirituality/Meditation

Making the Shadow Your Teacher | Tricycle

In this dharma talk hosted on Tricycle, Jay explores how true happiness can emerge, paradoxically, from accepting sadness. [Click here to watch]

February 8, 2017 | Law/Politics/Religion

Religious Liberty, Civil Rights, And Public Policy | Pitt Law School

Dr. Jay Michaelson and Prof. Ira Karoll debate liberal vs. conservative understandings of religious liberty.

December 3, 2016 |

Spiritual Responses to Trump | Robert Wright Show

July 26, 2016 | Law/Politics/Religion

Religion and the Democrats | State of Belief

Live from the Democratic National Convention, July 2016

July 19, 2016 | Law/Politics/Religion

Warren for VP? | CNN

Should Hillary Clinton choose Elizabeth Warren as her running mate?

Content currently unavailable

April 10, 2016 | Spirituality/Meditation

The Future of Buddhism | The Jay Forrest Show

Dr. Jay Michaelson discusses the future of Buddhism in the West with host Jay Forrest.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:33 — 16.5MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

April 3, 2016 | Law/Politics/Religion

The Supreme Court Nomination of Judge Merrick Garland |Charlie Rose Show

A discussion about President Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland the Supreme Court. Charlie is joined by Jan Crawford of CBS News, Adam Liptak of the New York Times, and Jay Michaelson of The Daily Beast [click here to watch].

April 3, 2016 | Spirituality/Meditation

10% Happier with Dan Harris and Dr. Jay Michaelson | ABC News

Jay and Dan talk about what comes next after mindfulness.

ABC Breaking News | Latest News Videos

March 20, 2016 |

The Gate of Tears: Difficult Emotions and the Path of Insight | Dharma Talk

Dharma talk given by Jay Michaelson in the Insight Chicago community in March, 2016.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:37 — 50.0MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

December 10, 2015 | Spirituality/Meditation

The Gate of Tears | Buddhist Geeks

In this conversation with host Vincent Horn, Jay discusses The Gate of Tears and its themes of compassion, joy, and justice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:55 — 18.8MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

November 15, 2015 | Spirituality/Meditation

The Jew in the Lotus: 25 Years After the Journey

Award-winning author and teacher Rodger Kamenetz joined a conversation with Dr. Jay Michaelson 25 years after The Jew in the Lotus.

The Jew in the Lotus: 25 Years After the Journey from NMAJH on Vimeo.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:08:56 — 31.6MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

November 15, 2015 | Spirituality/Meditation

The Gate of Tears | The Robert Wright Show

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:58 — 20.6MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

November 15, 2015 | Spirituality/Meditation

A fresh perspective on spirituality and happiness | State of Belief

Jay has an exciting new perspective to share in his latest work The Gate of Tears: Sadness and the Spiritual Path, which has been called, “A Stunning antidote to the plethora of ‘get happy’ guides.” Today on the show Jay will discuss his new book, and will offer his thoughts on the relationship between happiness and spirituality in our everyday lives.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 17:32 — 4.0MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

October 28, 2015 | Spirituality/Meditation

The Gate of Tears: Sadness and the Spiritual Path

October 13, 2015 | Performance, Spirituality/Meditation

The Gate of Tears: Sadness and the Spiritual Path | The Secular Buddhist

Jay Michaelson speaks about his new book, The Gate of Tears: Sadness and the Spiritual Path.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:26 — 16.3MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

September 19, 2015 | Performance

Is Burning Man for The Rich? | HuffPost Live

There's been much debate stirring over whether or not the decades-old Burning Man festival has become too costly, and therefore stratified, in recent years, but according to Daily Beast columnist and veteran "burner" Jay Michaelson, those splurging at the event are only doing themselves a disservice.

The Prosecutor Problem | The Daily Beast Podcast

Daily Beast reporter Jay Michaelson digs into the problem of prosecutorial misconduct across the country and some of the reforms needed to repair the judicial system.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 8:34 — 2.0MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

July 2, 2015 | Law/Politics/Religion

The Religious Divide Over Same-Sex Marriage | NPR Interfaith Voices

Will the landmark decision to legalize gay marriage nationwide spark a showdown between gay rights and religious freedom? A Rabbi Jay Michaelson and a conservative Christian weigh in.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:30 — 12.0MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

April 26, 2015 | Law/Politics/Religion

Religious Freedom and LGBT Rights | HuffPost Religion

Jay Michaelson is among the guests speaking about the continuing battle around the American protection and definition of religious liberty.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:50 — 15.0MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

April 2, 2015 | Law/Politics/Religion

What’s Changed Since The First Religious Liberty Law Was Passed In 1993?

Jay participates in a National Public Radio piece on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 4:41 — 2.1MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

March 24, 2015 | Law/Politics/Religion

Prayer Breakfast Dispute: Christianity and the Crusades | Meet the Press

Dr. Michaelson's work discussed in conversation with Random House editor Jon Meacham on President Obama's speech.

March 24, 2015 | Law/Politics/Religion

Marriage Equality and the National Prayer Breakfast | State of Belief

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (8.6MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

March 24, 2015 | Law/Politics/Religion

Gays Under Attack Over Ebola | MSNBC

The underreported story you wanted to hear more about. We talk to Jay Michaelson of The Daily Beast about a disturbing development in Liberia where some are blaming the Ebola outbreak on the LGBT community.

July 10, 2014 |

Gay in the Eyes of God | NPR Interfaith Voices

Open any Torah, Bible or Koran, and the passages about homosexuality seem clear: being gay is an abomination. But these strict interpretations are changing.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:31 — 12.0MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

May 28, 2014 |

Gay Rights and Religious Freedom | Newseum

Is common ground possible? Moment Magazine, in partnership with the Religious Freedom Center of the Newseum Institute, present a panel discussion to explore the question, “Are gay rights and religious freedom a balancing act — or a zero-sum game?”

May 24, 2014 | Law/Politics/Religion

Gay Rights and Religious Freedom | Newseum

Is common ground possible?

May 19, 2014 | Law/Politics/Religion

Queer Theology & Social Transformation | Pacific School of Religion

Dr. Jay Michaelson delivered the Seventh Annual CLGS John. E Boswell lecture on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at Pacific School of Religion.

Queer theology holds forth the promise of reinventing theological discourse in the light of LGBTQ experience, queer theory, and a hermeneutic informed by marginalized voices and outsider discourse. But how does the queer theological enterprise intersect with queer activism? What are the possibilities, and perils, of translating between theology and activist practice? What forms of political discourse are informed by queer theology, and what are undermined?

April 29, 2014 | Spirituality/Meditation

Metivta Panel on Jewish Meditation

Panel Discussion Moderated by Rabbi Andrew Hahn, Ph.D., the Kirtan Rabbi

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:35:42 — 43.8MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

March 31, 2014 |

Interview About “Redefining Religious Liberty” | PRA

PRA fellow Jay Michaelson speaks about his recent report, “Redefining Religious Liberty: The Covert Campaign Against Human Rights,” with Abby Scher, PRA’s Interim Research Director.

March 18, 2014 | Spirituality/Meditation

Evolving Dharma | Expanding Mind

Jay Michaelson speaks with Eric Davis about new school dharma, McMindfulness, and the politics of Buddhist insight, on Expanding Mind, a program of Progressive Radio Network.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:12 — 13.3MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

March 16, 2014 | Spirituality/Meditation

The Zen Predator of the Upper East Side | The Secular Buddhist

Jay Michaelson and Mark Oppenheimer join the show to speak about Mark's book, Zen Predator of the Upper East Side.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:02 — 21.6MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

February 25, 2014 | Law/Politics/Religion

Amid Controversy, ‘Right To Refuse’ Bill Hits Governor’s Desk |NPR

Arizona's Republican Governor Jan Brewer is being pressured to veto a bill that would allow business owners in the state to deny service to gays and lesbians. Jay Michaelson speaks with NPR's Ted Robbins.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:54 — 917.6KB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

February 20, 2014 | Law/Politics/Religion

Religious Freedom Legislation is Really Anti-LGBT

Jay Michaelson and Saeed Jones talk to Fusion.net about the motivations behind "religious freedom" laws.

February 11, 2014 | Law/Politics/Religion

Russia’s Anti-Gay Crackdown | WNPR

Jay speaks on The Colin McEnroe Show about Russia's LGBT community and anti-gay laws.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:29 — 11.3MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

February 4, 2014 | Spirituality/Meditation

What is the End Goal of Meditation | Fire it up with CJ

Are you new to meditation and need some help? Maybe, you are an advanced spiritual practitioner and need to go back to basics or have plateaued and need some extra oomph. CJ talks to author Jay Michaelson, about his book Evolving Dharma: Meditation, Buddhism, and the Next Generation of Enlightenment to discuss how spiritual practices can evolve over time.

January 24, 2014 | Law/Politics/Religion

Religious Refusals: The New Front in the Culture War | Yale Law School

Lecture given at Yale Law School in January 2014

January 23, 2014 | Spirituality/Meditation

A Buddhist High: Epiphany, Bliss, and then the Laundry

What happens when you really concentrate in Jhana meditation? Jay Michaelson describes Jhanas when your mind disassociates from itself.

January 23, 2014 | Spirituality/Meditation

Meditation as a technology | Fire it Up with CJ

January 11, 2014 | Law/Politics/Religion

When The Right To Religion Conflicts With A Changing Society | NPR All Things Considered

Jay Michaelson, a fellow at the liberal Political Research Associates, wrote a report on "redefining religious liberty."

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 7:37 — 1.7MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

January 5, 2014 | Spirituality/Meditation

Evolving Dharma | The Secular Buddhist

Jay Michaelson speaks with The Secular Buddhist about his new book, Evolving Dharma: Meditation, Buddhism, and the Next Generation of Enlightenment.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:29 — 19.1MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

December 22, 2013 | Spirituality/Meditation

The Next Generation of Enlightenment | Buddhist Geeks

Jay joins host Vincent Horn to discuss his new book, which explores the evolution of Buddhism.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:31 — 7.1MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

December 22, 2013 | Spirituality/Meditation

Evolving Dharma: Developmental Models in Buddhist Meditation | Insight Chicago

This is a talk about the evolution of evolution. In traditional Asian settings, insight meditation is often taught according to a linear model of development, with various “attainments” along the way. In the West, however, a different notion of evolution has evolved.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 56:02 — 25.6MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

December 2, 2013 |

The Am I Engaging in a Cultic Idolatrous Ritual Episode! | TanakhCast

Jay joins TanakhCast host Dan Mendelsohn-Aviv to discuss the extremely limited purview of Leviticus 18.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 21:45 — 10.0MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

November 26, 2013 | Spirituality/Meditation

The Dark Side of Zen | The Colin McEnroe Show

Mark Oppenheimer, Jay Michaelson, and Brian Daizen Victoria on the Colin McEnrow Show talking about challenges in American Buddhism.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:28 — 11.3MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

November 16, 2013 | Spirituality/Meditation

Secular Meditation | State of Belief Radio

In his brand-new book, Evolving Dharma: Meditation, Buddhism, and the Next Generation of Enlightenment, best-selling author Dr. Jay Michaelson explores how meditation and mindfulness are becoming a technology, and offers very practical benefits.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 16:39 — 3.8MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

October 6, 2013 | Spirituality/Meditation

Evolving Dharma—and Evolving Practitioners | Beyond Awakening

Jay discusses the evolving dharma with leading integral thinker Terry Patten. Many believe consciousness is evolving to become ever more self-aware. What happens when, over the course of practice, this belief itself relaxes and evolves into something else?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:35:07 — 16.3MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

July 1, 2013 | Law/Politics/Religion

God vs. Gay | NPR RadioWest

Jay Michaelson talks about religion and sexual diversity on NPR RadioWest

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:41 — 23.7MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

June 3, 2013 | Law/Politics/Religion

Homophobia | State of Belief Radio

Jay Michaelson discusses homophobia: what it is, how it is created, and what impact it has on Queer People and on our larger culture. He also talks about the concept of "internalized homophobia."

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:34 — 14.0MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

June 3, 2013 | Law/Politics/Religion, Spirituality/Meditation

God vs. Gay?, B.D.S. & Meditation | Shtetl Podcast

God vs. Gay? is one of many books by author and spiritual teacher Dr. Jay Michaelson. He writes about religion, meditation, law, politics and is the founder of a number of LGBT organizations in the U.S. On Shtelt we’ll talk about the “erotic economy of traditional religious life”, LGBT activism and the B.D.S. movement.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:02:01 — 28.4MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

May 31, 2013 |

The Ultra-Orthodox Challenge to Jewish Continuity

In this week’s Reporters Roundtable podcast, host Josh Nathan-Kazis is joined by Forward contributor Jay Michaelson to talk about his recent, controversial piece on Jewish fundamentalism and the ultra-Orthodox.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 17:37 — 20.2MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

April 3, 2013 | Law/Politics/Religion

Redefining Religious Liberty: The Covert Campaign Against Civil Rights

Jay Michaelson speaks with Gretchen Borchelt of the National Women’s Law Center and Rob Boston of Americans United in a conference briefing (audio) for his new report, "Redefining Religious Liberty: The Covert Campaign Against Civil Rights," published in March by Political Research Associates, where Jay is a Religious Liberty Fellow. Read more

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:20 — 29.6MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

March 23, 2013 | Law/Politics/Religion

Religious Liberty | State of Belief

Religious Liberty used to mean freedom from persecution and even death—and still does in many parts of the world. But how did this powerful phrase come to represent the interests of conservative Christians in this country? How did oppression get redefined to mean not being able to impose one's own beliefs on others? An explosive new report from Political Research Associates explains how we got here, and how high the stakes are if things keep moving in this direction. Author Jay Michaelson is with us.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 22:47 — 10.4MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

March 23, 2013 | Law/Politics/Religion

On the History of Religious Liberty | State of Belief Radio

Jay Michaelson speaks about a new report from Political Research Associates about the history of religious liberty.

Religious Liberty used to mean freedom from persecution and even death—and still does in many parts of the world. But how did this powerful phrase come to represent the interests of conservative Christians in this country? How did oppression get redefined to mean not being able to impose one’s own beliefs on others? An explosive new report from Political Research Associates explains how we got here, and how high the stakes are if things keep moving in this direction.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 22:47 — 10.4MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

January 4, 2013 | Spirituality/Meditation

Spirituality: The “S” Word

In this half-hour lecture at the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture, Jay attempts to define 'spirituality,' distinguish it from religion, and explain why it might be a good thing after all.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:26:46 — 33.6MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

December 15, 2012 | Spirituality/Meditation

A Conscious Life | Assertion and Surrender on the Spiritual Path [Podcast]

On Dr. Jennifer Howard's radio show, Jay Michaelson discusses two Buddhist stories of enlightenment, illustrating when we need to “go for it” and when we need to relinquish as part of our spiritual practice. (Free registration is required.)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:00 — 6.9MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

December 8, 2012 | Law/Politics/Religion

The End is Near: A Book Review | State of Belief

Jay Michaelson talks about the conclusions he drew when reviewing two lengthy books about apocalypse for Religion Dispatches Magazine.

What is it about the idea of impending doom that seems to hold an attraction for so many of us? Whether it’s the Maya prediction, the “fiscal cliff” rhetoric, Y2k, or some other version of “the end is near,” the concept seems to hold a perverse appeal. Jay Michaelson is on the show to talk about the conclusions he drew when reviewing two lengthy books on the subject for Religion Dispatches Magazine.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 9:39 — 4.4MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

December 3, 2012 | Law/Politics/Religion, Spirituality/Meditation

Unity.FM | Living on Purpose: Jay Michaelson on the connection between spirituality and politics [Podcast]

Jay interviews with Jessie Herriott on "Living on Purpose: Where Psychology Meets Spirituality."

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:40 — 40.3MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

November 12, 2012 |

The Jewish Future (presented by The Jewish Agency)

Writer and Jewish activist Jay Michaelson offers his perspective on a range of Jewish issues. This video podcast is part of The Jewish Agency’s new series, “Can We Talk?”

Watch all five parts at The Jewish Agency.

November 8, 2012 | Law/Politics/Religion

Listen Now:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:24:06 — 38.5MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

August 1, 2012 | Spirituality/Meditation

Water Has No Need of Opposites

Jay performs his poem "Water Has No Need of Opposites" accompanied by musician Shir Yaakov.

Listen Here

August 1, 2012 |

Subscribe: Android | RSS

March 26, 2012 | Law/Politics/Religion

The Jesse Peterson Radio Show [Podcast]

Jay Michaelson appears on a far-right talk radio show and does his best to make the religious case for equality.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:07:37 — 43.8MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

March 18, 2012 | Law/Politics/Religion

Illinois Public Media | Jay Michaelson on “Keepin’ the Faith”

Jay Michaelson discusses 'God vs. Gay?' with Steve Shoemaker of Illinois public radio.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:01 — 27.5MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

March 16, 2012 | Law/Politics/Religion

WRPI | The Religious Case for Equality: Jay Michaelson on Quest of Life

Jay discusses "God vs. Gay?" with Harry Faddis on WRPI's "Quest of Life" radio program.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:45 — 7.5MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

March 1, 2012 | Law/Politics/Religion

Beyond Leviticus: Queering God, Torah, and Israel

In February 2012, author, scholar, and activist Jay Michaelson delivered the annual Louis Bunis Lecture to the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College Community, in which he proposes that there are distinctively queer voices and perspectives beginning to enrich the Jewish conversation—much as women’s voices have done over the last generation.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:43 — 10.9MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

January 20, 2012 | Law/Politics/Religion

NPR | Jay Michaelson debates Peter Wolfgang on Connecticut Public Radio

Jay debates Peter Wolfgang of the "Family Institute of Connecticut" on WNPR's "Where We Live" program.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:57 — 67.2MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

January 15, 2012 | Law/Politics/Religion

WRPI | Homoradio: God vs. Gay?

Jay talks about the Bible and gay rights, along with the differences between the Jewish and Christian approaches, in an hourlong conversation on Homoradio.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:45 — 14.7MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

November 15, 2011 | Law/Politics/Religion

NPR | God vs. Gay? If that’s the question, what’s the answer?

On NPR's "State of Belief" radio show, Jay Michaelson shares his personal story and professional activism with Rev. Welton Gaddy.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 18:39 — 8.8MB)

Subscribe: Android | RSS

November 13, 2011 | Law/Politics/Religion

God vs. Gay? The Religious Case for Equality

Jay gave this half-hour talk about God vs. Gay? The Religious Case for Equality in November, 2011, in San Diego.

November 5, 2011 | Law/Politics/Religion

NPR | Jay Michaelson on “State of Belief”

Jay discusses "God vs. Gay?" with Rev. Welton Gaddy of NPR's "State of Belief."

Listen to the entire November 5th, 2011 State of Belief Radio program. To hear Jay Michaelson’s previous appearance on State of Belief Radio, click here.