gentle—noise

This episode explores what happens when spirituality becomes something we assemble for ourselves. Reflecting on his conversation with religious ethicist Liz Bucar, Manoj considers the freedom of choosing the teachings and practices that resonate with us, and what we might lose when we leave behind the traditions, structures, and communities that once challenged us. A reflection on spiritual freedom, ethics, and responsibility, and whether a practice can truly transform us if it never asks us to confront the parts of ourselves we'd rather avoid.

What happens when we take the parts of religion we like and leave the rest behind? This week, I'm joined by Dr. Liz Bucar, professor of religion at Northeastern University and author of Beyond Wellness, to explore the rise of self-directed spirituality, why religion isn't disappearing but changing shape, and how the mindfulness industry has reduced transformative spiritual practices to tools for personal wellbeing. We discuss what happens when spirituality becomes detached from the traditions, communities, and ethical frameworks that once gave it meaning, and what we gain and lose in the process.

This episode explores the gap between understanding an idea and actually embodying it. Through the lens of meditation and Buddhist practice, we explore why we can intellectually understand things like impermanence, attention and suffering for years before they begin to change how we live. A reflection on practice, repetition, and the slow movement from information into lived experience.

Tracey Ryans helped build the rooms New York goes out in: La Esquina, The Box, NeuHouse, the relaunch of Soho House. He also had a life changing experience in Vipassana and would eventually go on to become a teacher. We talk about losing his mother young and treating that loss as fuel rather than something to hide, the years he spent fluent in the language of practice without doing the practice, how the same bad moment can play as comedy or horror, and why Coltrane's "Olé" still makes him cry.

The gentle—noise podcast. Conversations on how we live, what we believe, and what gives our lives meaning - in this crazy, beautiful, and brave world. Hosted by Manoj Dias.  10.20, wherever you listen. Video @okdeonEditor @osment.movCreative Director @manojdias_Music @ericvanthyne