Multimedia

July 10, 2014 |

Gay in the Eyes of God

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)

June 17, 2014 | Law, Politics & Culture, LGBT/Sexuality Issues

Obama Takes On LGBT Job Discrimination

President Obama is drafting an executive order to ban workplace discrimination against LGBT employees. Critics say this is long overdue and Obama has been reluctant to take on LGBT rights. Jay Michaelson joins this panel taking a closer look at Obama's LGBT legacy.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:05 — 12.9MB)

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 19, 2014 | LGBT/Sexuality Issues

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 | Judaism and Israel, Meditation and Spirituality

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)

March 31, 2014 | Judaism and Israel

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 | Meditation and Spirituality

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)

March 16, 2014 | Meditation and Spirituality

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)

February 25, 2014 | Law, Politics & Culture, LGBT/Sexuality Issues

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)

February 20, 2014 | LGBT/Sexuality Issues

‘Religious Freedom’ Legislation Is Really Anti-LGBT | Buzzfeed

Buzzfeed LGBT editor Saeed Jones and political research associates fellow Jay Michaelson explain how states are using "religious freedom" to draft anti-gay legislation and prepare for a future that includes same-sex marriage.

February 11, 2014 | LGBT/Sexuality Issues

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)

February 4, 2014 | Meditation and Spirituality

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 & Culture

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

Lecture given at Yale Law School in January 2014

January 23, 2014 | Meditation and Spirituality

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 | Meditation and Spirituality

Meditation as a technology — The Big Picture over time

Everybody is doing meditation and yoga sometimes without knowing that it is part of a larger practice of Buddhism or other Eastern religions. CJ Liu and Jay Michaelson talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of these modern technologies.

January 11, 2014 | Law, Politics & Culture

When The Right To Religion Conflicts With A Changing Society | NPR–ATC

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)

January 5, 2014 | Meditation and Spirituality

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)

December 22, 2013 | Meditation and Spirituality

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)

December 22, 2013 | Meditation and Spirituality

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)

December 2, 2013 | Judaism and Israel

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)

November 26, 2013 | Meditation and Spirituality

The Dark Side of Zen | The Colin McEnroe Show

Mark Oppenheimer, Jay Michaelson, and Brian Daizen Victoria were guests on the Colin McEnrow Show, discussing some instances of good teachings being used to do bad things, and how Buddhism has evolved to make some of these stumbles less likely in the future.

Here in the West, Zen Buddhism is often where you go when you’ve concluded the religion you grew up with is marred by venality, hypocrisy, misogyny, patriarchal structure, and an insufficient commitment to peace and love.

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

November 16, 2013 | Meditation and Spirituality

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)

October 10, 2013 | Meditation and Spirituality

Guru’s Forum with @joshzepps

On Huffington Post Live, Jay discusses the meditation revolution and how the pragmatic Western dharma has evolved.

October 6, 2013 | Meditation and Spirituality

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)

July 1, 2013 | LGBT/Sexuality Issues

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)

June 27, 2013 | LGBT/Sexuality Issues

What’s Next for Gay Rights? | HuffPost Live

Yesterday the Supreme Court stuck down DOMA, paving the way for marriage equality, but many are still fighting for gay rights. Tune in as we discuss what's next in the fight for LGBT equality.

June 3, 2013 | LGBT/Sexuality Issues

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)

June 3, 2013 | LGBT/Sexuality Issues, Meditation and Spirituality

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

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)

May 31, 2013 | Judaism and Israel

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)

May 23, 2013 | Law, Politics & Culture, LGBT/Sexuality Issues

Why LGBT Protections Got Tossed From The Immigration Bill | HuffPost Live

An amendment to protect same-sex couples has been withdrawn from immigration reform legislation. Did Democrats throw the LGBT community under the bus? Elise Foley, Felipe Sousa-Rodriguez and Jay Michaelson join Alicia to discuss.

April 3, 2013 | Law, Politics & Culture, LGBT/Sexuality Issues

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)

March 23, 2013 | Law, Politics & Culture

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)

March 23, 2013 | Law, Politics & Culture

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)

March 19, 2013 | LGBT/Sexuality Issues

Right to Discriminate | HuffPost Live

Dr. Jay Michaelson and other guests speak with Alicia Menendez about a piece of pro-LGBTQ legislation at odds with Conservative Christian religious freedom.

February 5, 2013 | Meditation and Spirituality

The Power of Mindfulness

Jay speaks with Josh Zepps about mindfulness on HuffPost Live.

January 4, 2013 | Meditation and Spirituality

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)

December 15, 2012 | Meditation and Spirituality

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)

December 8, 2012 | Law, Politics & Culture

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)

December 3, 2012 | Law, Politics & Culture, Meditation and Spirituality

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)

November 12, 2012 | Judaism and Israel

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 | LGBT/Sexuality Issues

Listen Now:

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

August 1, 2012 | Meditation and Spirituality

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 | Judaism and Israel

March 26, 2012 | LGBT/Sexuality Issues

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)

March 18, 2012 | LGBT/Sexuality Issues

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)

March 16, 2012 | Law, Politics & Culture, LGBT/Sexuality Issues

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)

March 1, 2012 | LGBT/Sexuality Issues

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)

January 20, 2012 | LGBT/Sexuality Issues

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)

January 15, 2012 | LGBT/Sexuality Issues

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)

November 15, 2011 | LGBT/Sexuality Issues

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)

November 13, 2011 | LGBT/Sexuality Issues

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 | LGBT/Sexuality Issues

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.