Buddhability

Today we’re talking with journalist Melissa Hirsch about how her Buddhist practice helped her navigate her career journey. This episode is especially relevant for anyone who may have a dream they are pursuing but is finding the path to get there a bit more winding than they expected. Melissa explains how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her transform her childhood dream of becoming a journalist into a deep desire to use her voice for justice.

Show Notes

Today we’re talking with journalist Melissa Hirsch about how her Buddhist practice helped her navigate her career journey. This episode is especially relevant for anyone who may have a dream they are pursuing but is finding the path to get there a bit more winding than they expected. Melissa explains how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her transform her childhood dream of becoming a journalist into a deep desire to use her voice for justice.

CHEAT SHEET

1:04 How Melissa started practicing Buddhism
6:46 Why she wanted to pursue journalism
9:05 Her first steps on her career path
15:03 The tension between survival and purpose
18:08 The challenges she faced in graduate school
22:35 How chanting helped her succeed in her investigative work
25:54 Overcoming social anxiety and imposter syndrome
32:40 Melissa’s favorite Buddhist quote
37:35 How her growing sense of purpose allowed her to open a new career path
45:48 What she does now
49:05 The role that the Buddhist community played in her journey
51:20 What true confidence is
53:10 Advice for anyone navigating their career

References:
  • The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, volume 6, p. 244
  • Discussions on Youth, p. 73


What is Buddhability?

The reality is, we’re already enlightened. It’s only as we face obstacles, stress and our own messiness that we start to forget it. This is a show about how to believe in yourself again, told by a community of Buddhists doing it everyday, and changing the world along the way. Hosted by Cassidy Bradford, each week you’ll hear an honest conversation about real life and how to tap into your Buddhability. From relationships and dream jobs to lessons from psychology and activism, subscribe to Buddhability on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts so you never miss an episode. For more stories, tips on practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism, and our newsletter, visit www.buddhability.org.