Spiritual Psychotherapy with Michael Franco, M.D.
by Michael Franco
Join psychiatrist Michael Franco as he explores spiritual psychotherapy through Torah, Kabbalah, Zen, and Taoism. Each episode blends ancient wisdom with psychological insight to inspire healing, self-awareness, and personal transformation. This podcast offers a meaningful path for anyone seeking emotional growth, deeper purpose, and a more connected life.
Episodes
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 5 Episode 2: The Direct Path
In this podcast, we open with the Tao te Ching's message about the sage and the ability to get in touch with the mysterious feminine. We then explore 3 koans from The Gateless Gate, learning about the ways to a direct experience of Zen. We close with some words from Alan Watts comparing life and...
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 5 Episode 1: A Palace in Time
In this episode, our season premiere, we open with a quote from the Tao te Ching, followed by some wise words from the koans of The Gateless Gate. We then hold a discussion about time from Alan Watts' lecture on The Taoist Way. We close with an in-depth discussion on The Garden of Eden.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 23: Finale: The Harmony of Discord
In this episode, our celebratory season finale, we open with a song by S.E. Rogie called Recipe for Truth and Lasting Happiness. We continue with some talking points and standup comedy. Next, we explore Alan Watts' words on the myths that keep humans trapped in incomplete narratives. We close…
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 22: This Mind, This Path
In this episode, we begin with the opening verses of the Tao te Ching. After some rich discussion, we run through some intriguing Zen Koans from the Gateless Gate. We close with the Zohar's comparison of the argument of Korah and Moses with that of Hillel and Shammai.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 21: The Wisdom Beyond Words
In this episode, we open with the Tao te Ching's concluding verse. We then explore some deeply cryptic koans from the Gateless Gate. Finally, we close with the Zohar's introduction to the second day of Creation.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 20: Simple Living
In this episode, we open with a quote from the Tao te Ching about living simply. We then continue our study of Ryokan's writings, followed by Zen Koans from Zen Flesh, Zen Bones and we introduce the Gateless Gate. After a brief excerpt from Alan Watts, we conclude with the Zohar's description of...
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 19: Like a Drifting Cloud: Entering Ryōkan’s World of Zen
In this episode, we open with a quote from the Tao te Ching and we learn the wisdom of returning injury with kindness. We then explore the poetry and stories of Ryokan Taigu, a Sōtō Zen Buddhist monk who spent most of his life wandering in nature. Next, we continue our study of Alan Watts'…
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 18: The Bittersweet Beauty of Change
In this episode, we open with the Tao te Ching's teachings about the wisdom of being like water, Wu Wei. We continue with some talking points about the Zen view of reincarnation, dispelling misconceptions from the Western mind. We then transition to Alan Watts' study of Zen feelings that capture...
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 17: The Tao of Infinite Wealth
In this class, we weave through quotes from the Tao te Ching, the Buddha, and The Discourse on the Middle Way. We gain insight about right view and right speech, while understanding the connections to Maimonides' Golden Mean. We close with the Zohar's teachings on the 3rd verse of Genesis: "Let...
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 16: To Walk on Earth
In this episode, we open with a quote from Linji and connect this with the philosophy of the Tanak"h regarding Moshe, Eliyahu, and Iyyob. After a quote from the Tao te Ching, we explore Alan Watts' ideas on the Taoist philosophy of trusting one's own nature. We close with the Zohar's ideas on…
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 15: Sailing the Ocean of Consciousness
In this episode, we open with the Tao te Ching's wisdom and then connect this with the Torah's description of the vision held by the elders of Israel on Mount Sinai (Correction: the Torah balances the name of Moses and the word Alah, not Har, in the two halves). We then continue with a teaching...
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 14: The Secret of Health
In this podcast, we open with a quote from the Tao te Ching regarding being "sick of sickness." We also explore the concept of the "therapy" that happened for Bene Yisrael at the Red Sea. We continue with a story from Thich Nhat Hanh's Old Path, White Clouds about the Budhha's refusal to answer...
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 13: Judo and the Strength of Weakness
In this episode, we open with the Tao te Ching's advice regarding how to act without losing the spirit of the Tao. We continue with a discussion of the name of God and the similarities between Enlightenment and the Grace of God. Next, we analyze the wisdom of Sri Ramana Maharshi regarding the…
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 12: The Virtue of Noncompetition
In this episode, we open with the Tao te Ching's description of the attributes to be cultivated through the Tao. We continue with some talking points on Fractals, Cymatics, and Nothingness. Next, we read a passage from Old Path, White Clouds on the Buddha's teaching regarding how to "flow all the...
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 11: Fractal Infinity
In this episode, we open with the Tao te Ching's description of the humility of the sage. We then discuss the concept of fractals and the implications this has for infinity. We close with the Zohar's description of the first three words of Creation.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 10: Simple Greatness
In this episode, we hold a discussion on the Tao te Ching's advice on practicing nonaction and achieving greatness through simplicity. We then analyze a story from Old Path White Clouds regarding the Buddha's advice on avoiding overarching theories of reality. We close with the Zohar's words on…
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 9: The Treasure-House
In this episode, we open with the Tao te Ching's remedy for evil. We then engage in a discussion about OCD, Jacob, and the shadow element. Next, we examine Alan Watts' eloquent words regarding how the ego finally gives up. We close with our continued study of the Zohar's explanation of Bereshit.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 8: Patterned Resonance
In this class, we open with quotes from the Tao te Ching and then expand into a wider discussion based on Alan Watts' explanation of field theory and the natural patterns of the Tao. We close with the beginning of the Zohar's brilliant opening to Bereshit.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 7: Zen Gardens
In this episode, we begin with some quotes from the Buddha and the Tao te Ching. We then take a close look at the philosophy of Zen gardens and architecture. We close with the 14th and final commandment of Bereshit, thus concluding the introduction to the Zohar.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 6: The Secret Embrace
In this episode, we focus on select passages of the Tao te Ching and spark an in-depth discussion regarding what it means to be in line with the Tao. We finish the story of Angulimala from Old Path, White Clouds and we close with the Zohar's 12th and 13th commandments of Bereshit.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 5: Eternal Light
In this podcast, we open with some moving and joyful sections of the Tao te Ching. We then explore some Zen stories regarding suicide and the reformation of a murderer. We close with the Zohar's beautiful discussion of the significance of Tefillin, the 10th commandment of Bereshit.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 4: Realize Your Essence
In this class, we open with a Zen story about the value of presence over eloquence. We continue with quotes from the Tao te Ching and discussions of attaining enlightenment. After some words from Jayasara and Thich Nhat Hanh, we end with the Zohar's ninth commandment of Bereshit regarding the...
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 3: Yonah of Peace
In this podcast, we begin with some excerpts from the Book of Yonah, noticing, through intertexts and midrash, the philosophical transformation that occurs. We trace this theme within the Tao te Ching and the Buddhist Sutta regarding right speech. We close with the Zohar's eighth commandment of...
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4: Episode 2: Splendor and Humility
In this podcast, we open with some excerpts from the Tao te Ching that reflect the balance of masculine and feminine. We continue with a comparison of Pinocchio and Peter Pan in their quests toward adulthood. After some Zen quotes, we close with the Zohar's seventh commandment of Bereshit.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 1: The Hero's Journey
In this podcast, our season premiere, we open with awe of the vastness of Infinity. We continue with explorations of Zen stories and then with an exhibition of the depth psychology of Jung and Neumann in contrast to the psychology of Freud. We close with the Zohar's sixth commandment of Creation.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 15: Attention, Attention, Attention
In this episode, we open with some grounding quotes from an ancient Zen master. We share some parables from the life of the Buddha, a famous story about Ikkyu, and we dabble in some Freudian concepts. We continue with Thich Nhat Hanh's Old Path White Clouds on the life and times of Siddhartha...
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Passover 2025: Social Justice Warriors
In this Passover special, we discover what God was truly seeking from Moshe Rabbenu for him to become the leader that God needs.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 14: Look Inside
In this episode, we open with some therapeutic talking points regarding virtue signaling and the differences between Jesus and Buddha. We continue with some excerpts from Old Path White Clouds and the enlightenment journey of the Buddha. We close with the Zohar's 4th commandment of Genesis and…
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 13: The Truth About Truth
In this podcast, we open with some talking points about serendipity, the vices of 'self-expression,' and the virtues of 'judgementalism.' We then discuss the differences between Greek notions of truth as opposed to a more experiential approach to truth. After reading an excerpt from Thich Nhat...
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 12: Virtue and Vice
In this episode, we begin with some talking points regarding modern psychology and some differences with Zen. We then open a discussion of the symbolism of the mishkan and its connections with Genesis, noticing that the mishkan may actually be a blueprint for meditation. We close with the Zohar's...
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 11: Just Walking Through
In this episode, we open with a funny story and some Zen talking points. We spend the next large chunk of the class delving into the leveling up of Moshe Rabbenu in Parashat Ki Tissa. After surveying some of these mysterious elements, we close with the Zohar's discussion of the Love of God and…
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 10: The Diamond of Clarity
In this podcast, we open with an exploration of the very cryptic ending of Parashat Mishpatim and the vision of God beheld by the elders of Israel. We continue with some Zen talking points and koans, followed by Alan Watts' discussion on "Democratization of the Esoteric." We close with the…
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 9: A Calm Mind
In this episode, we explore various Zen Koans and stories from the life of the Buddha. These stories exemplify how the Buddha's teachings cultivate calmness of mind. We close with the Zohar's fantastic tale of Rabbi Pinhas seeking out Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 8: I See You
In this episode, we open with some miscellaneous talking points, ranging from Jordan Peterson's wisdom to the vision of Isaiah in Chapter 6. We continue with some zen stories and koans, finally closing with the Zohar's discourse on 'meditating upon the forefathers.'
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 7: Universe 25
In this episode, we discuss everything from Israeli war heroes to experimentation with rodents that have grave implications for human society. We then explore different schools of Zen such as Soto Zen and Rinzai Zen, closing with our continued study of the Zohar's analysis of Abraham and Sarah.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 6: Leftism, CBT, and Yugen
In this podcast, we open with a quote from the Tao te Ching regarding mastery of self. We then discuss some salient points from Jonathan Haidt's The Coddling of the American Mind. We explore some common Leftist cognitive distortions and some CBT techniques that could be helpful. Next, we discuss...
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 5: Solitude
In this class, we touch on some key Taoist and Zen concepts, followed by some Hassidic tales. We close with the Zohar's discussion of elevating shekhinah.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 4: Whereabouts Unknown
In this class, we open with a recent dream, connecting this with the mystical experience. We then continue with our study of the Tao te Ching and the nature of virtuous unfoldment. Next, we present a Zen Koan followed by an interesting set of quotes from Alan Watts regarding the mysterious…
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 3: I Release Control
In this episode, we open with some therapeutic talking points regarding love in the midst of hate. After a discussion from the Tao te Ching, we tell the poignant Hassidic story called The Black Wolf. We close with a continued discussion of Nothingness in the Zohar.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 2: Inevitable Ecstasy
In this podcast, after some opening quotes, we enjoy a guided meditation from Alan Watts, followed by some Zen Koans and excerpts from the Tao te Ching. We then delve into Alan Watts' discussion of "Do you do it, or does it do you?" We close with the Zohar's beautiful expository of humans as...
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 1: The Real Miracle
In this podcast, our season premiere, we open with some quotes from the Tao te Ching and some intriguing Zen Koans. We continue with Alan Watts' discussion of Myamoto Musashi and his no-sword philosophy of Zen. We close with the Zohar's discussion about the pitfalls of Cain.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Summer Session 2: Thunderous Silence
In this episode, after opening with some zen koans, we begin a discussion of the dialectic method of Zen, as well as the Buddhist notion of emptiness. We connect these teachings with the lessons learned by Elijah the prophet in I Kings 19.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Summer Session 1: Act Natural
In this podcast, we open with a few Zen koans focusing on the practical elements of Zen. We then explore the theme of naturalness as it manifests in Zen and how this relates to the doctrine of dialectical thinking. We close with some insights about Moshe Rabbenu from Parashat Huqqat.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 26: The Sound of Water
In this podcast, the season finale, we begin with some talking points about "God's plan." After a series of interesting koans, we shift to Alan Watts' discussion of Zen culture and Zen as a cure for being "too civilized." We finish off with some uplifting quotes by Rav Kook.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 25: Superior Virtue of Tao
In this class, we begin with some psychotherapeutic talking points relevant to world events today. After a Zen Koan, we then delve into a discussion of the word Te, virtue, in the Tao Te Ching. We close by finally finishing the story from Rabbi Nachman, The Lost Princess.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 24: The Stormy Wind
In this podcast, we open with some important psychology for modern times. Next, we move to some Zen Koans and the wisdom of Alan Watts. After a beautiful quote from Rav Kook, we close with the penultimate portion of The Lost Princess.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 23: The No-Sword School
In this podcast, we open with some quotes from Alan Watts regarding the No-Sword School and the Controlled Accident. After some more Zen Koans, we finish with our continued study of The Lost Princess.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 22: The Harmonious Whole
In this class, we open with some beautiful quotes from the Tao te Ching. We discuss the applicability to the political situation the world faces today and how we can remain in a state of peace all the while. After some Zen Koans, we continue our quest of The Lost Princess.
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 21: Zekhut Abot
In this podcast, we open with a quote from the Tao te Ching regarding the formless perfection of the Tao. We continue with a discussion of Zekhut Abot, the merit of our forefathers. We transition to Alan Watts' discussion of pain and the Buddha's teachings on deliverance from suffering. We end…
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Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 20: Spiritual Medicine
In this podcast, we open with the words of Alan Watts, cautioning the audience against spiritual addictions. We continue with various talking points and then we close with the next episodes within The Lost Princess.
About this show
Join psychiatrist Michael Franco as he explores spiritual psychotherapy through Torah, Kabbalah, Zen, and Taoism. Each episode blends ancient wisdom with psychological insight to inspire healing, self-awareness, and personal transformation. This podcast offers a meaningful path for anyone seeking emotional growth, deeper purpose, and a more connected life.
Hosted by
Michael Franco
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