The Sentient Beans Podcast cover art

The Sentient Beans Podcast

The Sentient Beans Podcast

Written by: Cara Liu
Listen for free

About this listen

Welcome to The Sentient Beans Podcast, a series where I, Cara Liu, a life-long practicing Buddhist, explore how Buddhism and spirituality can resonate with today’s modern generation. Each episode dives into conversations with spiritual leaders, teachers, and thought-leaders, sharing their expert insights to help you live a more mindful, peaceful, and purpose-driven life.

Buddhism, like many spiritual traditions, can often seem daunting or inaccessible. My mission is to break it down, making these timeless teachings relatable, practical, and empowering for everyone. Whether you’re new to Buddhism and spirituality or simply seeking ways to enrich your life, join me on this transformative journey toward greater clarity, connection, and compassion.

Let’s walk this path together! ✨

© 2025 The Sentient Beans Podcast Philosophy Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • #002: Douglas Myeong'il Cheolsoeng Gentile – The Real Path to Freedom: Buddhist Secrets to Rewire Your Mind

    #002: Douglas Myeong'il Cheolsoeng Gentile – The Real Path to Freedom: Buddhist Secrets to Rewire Your Mind
    Nov 4 2024

    Today I sit down with Professor Douglas Myeong'il Cheolsoeng Gentile, a distinguished professor of psychology at Iowa State University, award-winning research scientist, educator, and author, He's also a practicing Zen Buddhist monk and meditation teacher with decades of experience in both scientific research and Buddhist practice. We discuss the effects of media on our behavior, the challenge of overcoming our biases to have true freedom, and ways we can approach healing our emotions & trauma from the perspective of karma, self, and thought.

    We want to hear from you! Send us a text.

    Support the show

    ✨ Connect with Cara ✨

    🎥 YouTube: Watch all video versions of the podcast here
    💖 Patreon: Support this podcast and become a member on Patreon
    📸 Instagram: @cara.leo_

    Thank you for listening and joining me on the spiritual path! 🙏💫
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 57 mins
  • 🔒 Premium Bonus Episode - Q&A with Daishin Eric McCabe

    🔒 Premium Bonus Episode - Q&A with Daishin Eric McCabe
    Oct 3 2024

    Subscriber-only episode

    We want to hear from you! Send us a text.

    ✨ Connect with Cara ✨

    🎥 YouTube: Watch all video versions of the podcast here
    💖 Patreon: Support this podcast and become a member on Patreon
    📸 Instagram: @cara.leo_

    Thank you for listening and joining me on the spiritual path! 🙏💫
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • #1 - Daishin Eric McCabe - Finding Your Place: How Zen Buddhism Can Help You Break Free from the Hamster Wheel of Life!

    #1 - Daishin Eric McCabe - Finding Your Place: How Zen Buddhism Can Help You Break Free from the Hamster Wheel of Life!
    Oct 3 2024

    In this first ever episode, host Cara Liu welcomes Zen Buddhist monk Reverend Daishen Eric McCabe for an insightful discussion on spirituality's role in modern life. Daishin, a seasoned Soto Zen Buddhist priest, shares his transformation from semi-practicing Catholic to dedicated Zen teacher. The conversation covers topics such as balancing personal growth with self-acceptance, the transition from celibacy to family life, and the impact of social media and societal pressures. Listeners will also hear about trauma-sensitive mindfulness and the importance of finding personal passion and mission.

    To donate to Daishin's fundraiser for Haiti, go to: https://zenfields.org/giving/

    Connect with Daishin:
    Website: https://zenfields.org/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenfieldsiowa/

    We want to hear from you! Send us a text.

    Support the show

    ✨ Connect with Cara ✨

    🎥 YouTube: Watch all video versions of the podcast here
    💖 Patreon: Support this podcast and become a member on Patreon
    📸 Instagram: @cara.leo_

    Thank you for listening and joining me on the spiritual path! 🙏💫
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 39 mins
No reviews yet