Episode

The Dhamma of Asking Questions: Deep Listening Advice From A Professional Interviewer | Steve James

Podcast
Clear Mountain Monastery Project
Published
Jun 25, 2026
Duration seconds
4004
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Canonical source
https://clearmountainmonastery.podbean.com/e/the-dhamma-of-asking-questions-deep-listening-advice-from-a-professional-interviewer-steve-james/
Audio
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/coxiz7ma3ifemezw/yt_video_flw4pX2I8P8_mfia35.mp3
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/v1/public/podcasts/clear-mountain-monastery-project-3695945/episodes/the-dhamma-of-asking-questions-deep-listening-advice-from-a-professional-interviewer-steve-james
Markdown
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Summary

In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Steve James, meditation teacher & host of the Guru Viking Podcast (https://www.guruviking.com/).00:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:01:32 Formative faith moments and vocation00:06:18 Life on an English canal boat00:08:40 The rhythm of travel and interviewing00:10:59 Interviewing the same guest over time00:14:20 Most moving and luminous conversations00:17:21 Handling negative reactivity in conversation00:22:24 Balancing internal and external awareness00:23:50 Advice for engaging with teachers and mentors00:29:50 Finding beauty in people on different paths00:34:45 Questions that bring out conversational depth00:41:06 Personal frameworks for organizing experience00:48:15 Belief alignments and the "pie chart" of faith00:55:30 Personal relationship to the Buddha00:59:44 Navigating dual vs. non-dual teachingsSteve James' Biography:Steve James is an international educator specializing in somatic practices, meditation, and contemplative inquiry. Through public workshops and private consultancy, he facilitates deep explorations into mystic traditions and relational dynamics. He is the creator of the Movement Koan Method and the host of the Guru Viking Podcast, a platform through which he interviews a wide range of Buddhist and non-Buddhist spiritual teachers and adepts, and through which we first came to know of Steve. To learn more about Steve, visit https://www.guruviking.com/ or tune in to his YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GuruVikingTune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)-…