The Thief in the Empty Room

Taming the Brain: How Meditation Calms ADHD

In this episode, Craig welcomes Jeff Nieves, Hollywood screenwriter, to explore the intersection of Zen, mindfulness, and creative success. Here’s a glimpse into the profound insights you can expect: * The Thief in the Empty Room: Jeff and Craig dive into the meaning of the podcast's namesake koan, relating it to themes of nothingness, presence, and finding value in emptiness. * From Zen to Screenwriting: A Mindful Journey: Jeff discusses his personal journey from early interest in Buddhism to becoming a successful screenwriter, highlighting the influence of meditation on his focus and creativity. * The Power of Bravery: The conversation explores how meditation cultivates courage, non-judgment, and authenticity, essential tools for navigating the challenges of a creative career.

Sitting with Suffering: How Zen and Therapy Can Transform Trauma

In this episode, Craig welcomes Jessica Mariglio, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Mindful Trauma Therapy, who shares her insights on the intersection of Zen, mindfulness, and trauma therapy. Here’s a glimpse into the profound insights you can expect: * The Thief in the Empty Room: Jessica and Craig explore the meaning of the podcast's namesake koan, relating it to themes of surprise, allowing, and the importance of being present in therapeutic practice.   * From Zen to Therapy: A Mindful Journey: Jessica discusses her personal journey from exploring Zen and Eastern philosophies to becoming a trauma therapist, highlighting the influence of her early experiences and spiritual explorations.   * The Power of Presence: The conversation delves into the parallels between meditation and therapy, emphasizing the importance of non-judgmental witnessing, compassion, and creating a safe space for healing.

The Principal of Presence: Leading Students with Mindfulness

In this episode, Craig welcomes Matt Sloan, 2024 New York State Principal of the Year at Middleburg Junior Senior High School, who shares his insights on implementing mindfulness programs in schools and creating a distraction-free learning environment. Here’s a glimpse into the profound insights you can expect: * The Thief in the Empty Room: Matt shares his interpretation of the podcast's namesake koan, relating it to the importance of inner peace and setting aside desires to be present.   * From Urban to Rural: A Principal's Journey: Matt discusses his diverse career path, from working with urban youth in Boston to observing the disparities in resource allocation and ultimately leading change in a rural New York district.   * Mindfulness and a Distraction-Free Environment: Explore Matt's initiatives to introduce mindfulness practices, address social-emotional needs, and implement a cell phone policy to encourage a more focused and supportive school community.

From Brokenness to Wholeness: TJ Woodward's Conscious Recovery Journey

In this episode, Craig welcomes TJ Woodward, author, speaker, and founder of the Conscious Recovery Model, who shares his journey of spiritual awakening and offers a fresh perspective on addiction recovery, emphasizing self-love and the reclamation of one's essential self. Here’s a glimpse into the profound insights you can expect: * The Thief in the Empty Room: TJ shares his interpretation of the podcast's namesake koan, viewing it through the lens of recovery and the idea that true peace comes from within, not from external pursuits. * From Brokenness to Breakthrough: Hear TJ's personal story, including his early experiences of feeling disconnected, his journey through addiction, and the transformative moment that led him to a spiritual path and the development of Conscious Recovery. * Unlearning Shame: Explore TJ's emphasis on unlearning shame and connecting with the "essential self" as a core component of recovery, and how this approach differs from traditional models.

Beyond the Bottom Line: Zen Principles for Startup Success and Sanity

In this episode, Craig welcomes Paul Agostinelli, a three-time startup founder and transmitted Zen teacher, who offers insights into integrating Zen principles with entrepreneurship through his Three Contracts and manifestation frameworks.   Here’s a glimpse into the profound insights you can expect: * The Thief in the Empty Room: Paul shares his perspective on the podcast's namesake koan, relating it to having nothing to hold onto and finding fundamental peace.   * From Zen Center to Startup: Hear Paul's journey from an early immersion in Zen practice to navigating the challenges of founding multiple startups and advising executives.   * The Three Contracts: Explore Paul's framework for establishing sacred relationships with self, others, and work, and how aligning these "wheels of the tricycle" can lead to greater equanimity and purposeful action.