Heart Wisdom with Jack Kornfield

Jack Kornfield is one of the people most responsible for bringing Theravada Buddhism to America. He trained as a monk in Thailand, India, and Burma, then co-founded the Insight Meditation Society with Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein. So when he talks, he's drawing on decades of direct practice and teaching. Heart Wisdom runs about 316 episodes and updates every two weeks. The format is a mix of solo teachings and conversations with guests. Jack has this remarkable ability to fold Buddhist concepts into stories from daily life, from parenting struggles to political anxiety, without ever sounding preachy. His episodes with guests like Anne Lamott or Tami Simon feel more like genuine friendships than stiff interviews. You can hear them laughing, disagreeing gently, working through ideas together. Episodes typically run 35-40 minutes, which feels just right. Long enough to develop a real idea but short enough for a commute or lunch break. Jack's storytelling is a real strength here. He'll share something from his time in a Thai monastery, pivot to a Mary Oliver poem, and then land on a practical insight about handling grief or anger. The 4.7-star rating with over 1,400 reviews reflects a loyal audience that keeps coming back. Produced by Be Here Now Network, the show carries Ram Dass's legacy of accessible spirituality forward. Jack's warmth and occasional self-deprecating humor make Buddhist wisdom feel personal rather than distant.