Mirabai Starr is author of CARAVAN OF NO DESPAIR: A Memoir of Loss and Transformation, new translations of the Spanish mystics, John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila, and the award-winning book, GOD OF LOVE: A Guide to the Heart of Judaism, Christianity & Islam. She leads contemplative inter-spiritual retreats worldwide.
Episode Outline:

The Transformational Power of Loss – Mirabai and I discuss her new book, Caravan of No Despair and how she lays her entire heart and guts out in a raw and unabashed way for readers to see. We also discuss the transformational power of loss and how that can be a great catalyst for change and growth in our life.


On Suffering – Mirabai and I discuss Ram Dass’s quotes, “Suffering is the sandpaper of our incarnation. It does its job of shaping us” and how we can grow through our suffering. Mirabai also discusses the role the great mystic teachers can play in helping us to make sense of pain, loss and suffering.


On Healing – We’re all human and we’re all recovering from something, which is something Mirabai and I explore. We also talk about how bullshit spiritual niceties often don’t get the job done and what does work instead.
On Spirituality – In a previous conversation that Mirabai and I had, she said, “I don’t know any enlightened beings. I used to think that was the goal but I don’t think we get perfection and I know you know that. And so all we can do is be present for all of it, no matter how yucky, with humility, humor and gentleness.” We discuss that and many of the preconceived notions people tend to have about spirituality.


What Is God? – The title says it all, and Mirabai and I dive right in.


We Are The Ones We’ve Been Waiting For – Mirabai and I discuss the passing of the spiritual torch that seems to be taking place and how can we make sure that to keep the lines of communication and mentorship open between generations so as to not lose the very important heart transmission from these great wisdom teachers.