Alan Watts Being in the Way

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Take a deep dive into the collected recordings of Alan Watts with Alan’s son, Mark Watts. 

Being in the Way is a podcast series that explores the Alan Watts Archive’s 100-hour tape collection - including recordings not heard in 40 years. We will meet some of the people being influenced by the works of Alan Watts today and learn a little of the history behind how these remarkable recordings were made. 

Mark and his guests offer reflections on Alan’s ideas— ideas that were radically innovative and groundbreaking in the sixties and seventies, and yet seem to have come of age today.

Being in the Way is brought to you by the Alan Watts Organization, in partnership with Ram Dass' Be Here Now Network.

Check out all of the Alan Watts Organization's offerings at alanwatts.org. 


Recent Episodes
  • Ep. 33 – Zen Reconsidered
    Nov 22, 2024 – 00:51:27
  • Ep. 32 – Zen and the Art of the Controlled Accident
    Oct 23, 2024 – 00:42:28
  • Ep. 31 – Religion of No Religion
    Jul 29, 2024 – 00:53:34
  • Ep. 30 – Flow: Symbolic Reality vs. Real Reality
    May 2, 2024 – 00:42:15
  • Ep. 29 – Philosophy of the Tao
    Mar 28, 2024 – 00:46:27
  • Ep. 28 – Limits of Language
    Feb 6, 2024 – 00:53:58
  • Ep. 27 – Love Of Waters
    Jan 15, 2024 – 00:23:05
  • Ep. 26 – Relevance of Eastern Philosophy
    Nov 22, 2023 – 01:01:38
  • Ep. 25 – Religion and Sexuality
    Sep 15, 2023 – 00:28:30
  • Ep. 24 – Myth of Myself
    Aug 2, 2023 – 00:43:52
  • Ep. 23 – Out of the Trap Pt. 2
    Jun 23, 2023 – 00:29:34
  • Ep. 22 - Out of the Trap Pt. 1
    May 24, 2023 – 00:31:50
  • Ep. 21 – Joyous Cosmology
    Mar 13, 2023 – 01:09:34
  • Ep. 20 – Man is a Hoax
    Jan 30, 2023 – 00:34:25
  • Ep. 19 – Improbable and Magical: A Tribute To G.K. Chesterton
    Dec 26, 2022 – 00:44:42
  • Ep. 18 – The Unpreachable Religion
    Nov 14, 2022 – 00:29:20
  • Ep. 17 – Learning the Human Game
    Oct 17, 2022 – 00:43:44
  • Ep. 16 – A Coincidence of Opposites
    Aug 11, 2022 – 00:41:18
  • Ep. 15 – Changes: The Houseboat Summit with Alan Watts, Timothy Leary, Allen Ginsberg, Gary Synder, & Allen Cohen
    Jul 11, 2022 – 01:11:55
  • Ep. 14 – Aesthetics and Mystical Vision
    Jun 15, 2022 – 01:04:14
  • Ep. 13 – Psychology of Mystical Experience
    May 18, 2022 – 01:00:09
  • Ep. 12 – Cosmic Drama
    Apr 6, 2022 – 00:59:47
  • Ep. 11 – Essential Teachings from the Gita w/ Ram Dass & Alan Watts
    Mar 8, 2022 – 00:47:20
  • Ep. 10 – Veil of Thoughts: Money, Relationships & Desire
    Jan 29, 2022 – 01:12:32
  • Ep. 9 – Inevitable Ecstasy
    Jan 6, 2022 – 01:00:35
  • Ep. 8 – Man and Nature
    Nov 25, 2021 – 00:58:20
  • Ep. 7 – Drugs: Turning the Head or Turning On
    Oct 29, 2021 – 01:03:43
  • Ep. 6 – On Being God
    Sep 30, 2021 – 01:20:31
  • Ep. 5 – Zen Bones
    Sep 2, 2021 – 00:56:41
  • Ep. 4 – Our Place In The Universe
    Aug 9, 2021 – 00:44:24
  • Ep. 3 – In Your Own Way
    Jul 19, 2021 – 00:47:14
  • Ep. 2 – Dropping Out From Karma
    Jun 29, 2021 – 01:09:48
  • Ep. 1 - Following the Taoist Way
    Jun 7, 2021 – 01:00:57
  • The Official Alan Watts Podcast is Coming to the Be Here Now Network!
    Jun 2, 2021 – 00:03:10
Recent Reviews
  • Roadie55
    Unavailable episodes
    Tried starting at the beginning and only one episode out of the first six episodes was available. I finally gave up. If they're not available you should remove them.
  • Juice McCahren
    Profound & Timeless
    So grateful for these recordings. I find myself listening, getting to the end of an episode, and rewinding back to the beginning & re-listening. Always poignant and thought-provoking. Alan Watts ♾️
  • KMNewton
    Thank you for this!
    I discovered Alan Watts in the 1990’s thanks to KPFA radio. I’ve learned so much from listening to him. His outlook on Eastern thought is one that I find most fitting for me. Thank you so much for creating this podcast!
  • PSD NJ
    My go-to podcast
    I stumbled upon Alan Watts when I was a high schooler very into the Beats (mid 1990s). I was also getting into Zen, so the book Zen and the Beat Way caught my eye, and I bought it. His writing and discerning, but lighthearted, intellect captivated me. I bought other books by him — This is It, The Wisdom of Insecurity — and read and reread often. Later, I discovered some of Watts’s recordings. His speaking voice was as lovely and engaging as his writing style — and funny, but in an unforced way. And, of course, organized, focused, and philosophically serious. I was delighted to find this series, Being in the Way, run by his son Mark Watts. I hope there will be more episodes, but, as I wait, I keep going back to the existing ones, as there’s always something to glean through repeated listening. P.S. The discussion with Alan Watts, Allen Ginsberg, Gary Snyder, and Timothy Leary, on Watts’s houseboat is a treasure trove. It’s also bittersweet in that the idealism and hopes they espoused have all but evaporated—but they are still there, waiting to be rekindled.
  • onlymekat
    my father my father
    look its interesting that you were alans son and im sure if the pod was about that experience and the way he had to have championed you and failed you in some ways as a dad would be fascinating, raw and real. but this format of you pretending you have insight into his zen teachings just looks sycophantic.
  • Alicia's.02
    Wonderful Collection of Talks
    These talks and teachings are curated by Mark Watts, Alan’s son. After listening to many of the recordings I’ve increased my understanding of Eastern philosophy. I highly recommend for anyone on the path of wise understanding.
  • DaveToosie50
    Helped get me into spiritualism
    Great overview on eastern religion and spiritualism
  • Mr Majestik
    Calming voice
    Thanks - his voice is a calming balm in this crazy mixed up world
  • mh42217
    Namaste Mark
    Thank you for doing this. It is so much appreciated. So glad you came out with a new episode. I am worried you may not be feeling it. The episodes seem to come out at random intervals and they are pretty sparse. If you aren’t feeling it I would like you to know that Alan Watts, though I’ve never met him, has been a fundamental part of myself becoming a better person for many years now. What I have learned from his talks has been a life changer for me. I still continue to learn from him even after I’ve heard a talk enough to memorize it. You are an awesome person Mark to do this podcast. I’m sure Alan Watts has changed others lives as he has mine. With you sharing this you will be helping to change the lives of future persons also. Please keep it up. And know that we all appreciate you very much. edit: better help. so now there will be commercials in the middle of the podcast? alan watts is my better help. please stop with them in the middle of the podcast.
  • Rsuddarth
    What I’ve been looking for!
    Thank you so much for sharing his talks with us
  • ouzlan
    A gift to humanity
    That is what Alan’s voice is!
  • K.B.Mayes
    Greatest
    It’s nice to hear Mr. Watts talk from the source his son. R.I.P.
  • HandyBenny
    Thank you
    Such an important work to let everyone hear his work. Missing Alan Watts view point is like missing that Trees Blooms. Thank you Thank you Thank you
  • P. A. L.
    Grateful this exists and is open
    Accessible archives like this are so important.
  • LawsonMatthew
    Legendary
    This man is a legend and the grandfather I never got to experience. I wished I had known of him sooner. I went and bought the whole collection I was so impressed with his teachings.
  • TheDudeAbided
    A Great Sage
    I have a couple of Alan‘s books, but it is so much better hearing him speak, I think. He communicates such deep and profound concepts with a sense of humor. His ability to synthesize wisdom from several different spiritual traditions, so fluently, is one of a kind. All the episodes demand repeat listens.
  • khurrle
    Grateful!
    The great audio quality makes Alan’s voice somehow more beautiful. Thank you for sharing these recordings. I began listening to Alan Watts as a teen in the early 2000’s around the same time I learned about Taoism through The Tao of Pooh :) but at the time I didn’t know who I was even hearing tbh I just knew it felt right and felt comfortable. I’ve stayed a Taoist, by doing nothing and always changing. Tuning into yourself and the natural rhythm of the universe is the only way to live. Listening to these episodes will change your mind, for the better. <3
  • Johnny Fuerte
    I love you all
    Grateful for these recordings
  • Wiyot79
    Inspiring
    Alan Watts has a way of speaking to my soul and inspiring my mind. He makes me want to learn more. Thank you, from this life to the next. 707 NDN #Wiyot
  • whipitoutnowboy
    Contemplative
    Listen every day. ✨✨✨✨
  • marializaxo
    Always a great listen
    Thank you, Mark Watts, for sharing your father’s wonderful works. It’s a real pleasure and privilege to be able to listen to and enjoy his teachings today ❤️
  • enja808
    Life Changer!!!
    About 2 weeks ago I found your father on YouTube. Chopped up copycat videos were tolerable for a little while but at least it gets the message out. The most important thing is that Allan has really changed my life! I have uncoupled from the freight trains and I’m able to embrace all aspects of life serenely in a state of oneness. And most importantly to be like an actor in a Timelapse scene who stands calmly and unaffected while everything moves around them in a blur and to have that state of mind towards my internal thoughts etc. “there are no bad thoughts only wrong ways to act upon them.” So imagine the joy I have in finding this podcast hosted by you! Thanks to you, your team and your dad!
  • Kyleepup
    My favorite podcast
    Thank you so much Mark & Team for this podcast, one of my absolute favorite podcasts, if not my favorite ♥️ love the background on the time the lectures took place too. Very grateful for your work and always look forward to these lectures 💗thank you all 🙏
  • kczek1
    5 star podcast
    Absolutely love & appreciate these words that come from Alan & this podcast. A way to listen to great content with good quality recordings. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Always watching for the next episode.
  • Shouzyy Q
    So excited for this!
    Thanks so much for making it happen!🙏💗. New episodes take too long to come out though.
  • 303nickp
    Finally!
    Thank you, thank you, thank you for this! I so appreciate the generosity of putting this out there and making it so accessible. These ideas could save the world.. Bye bye YouTube - I’ll take my Watts this way from now on ✌🏼
  • Starscuba
    Thanks to Mark Watts
    I have read Alan Watts since the early 1970’s, and enjoy these recordings as complementary to the books. Alan’s perspectives seem relevant even in 2021, and I find myself telling others “you won’t believe what Alan Watts said in 1968!” Reflections on a society caught up in delusions, anger, greed and lust for power. His comments predated the internet, but sitting in front of the TV eating TV dinners back then, has evolved into sitting in front of a smart phone, or streaming service / TV, endlessly watching contentious “news”, fantasies, “reality shows” or social media. Thank you Mark.
  • cheyennedorothy
    Thank you!!!!
    Thank you thank you thank you for creating this podcast!!!!!
  • Shen-Yun
    Hidden Gems
    Some truly amazing talks from the Watts archives, lovingly curated and compiled by his son. Episode 6 is the best yet, containing a treasure trove of hilarious insight and wisdom. Watts’ discourses are just as alive and electric today as they were when he gave them.
  • RamSantoyo
    Deep and Meaningful
    Mark, I thank you and your entire team for putting forth the noble effort of organizing and propagating these wonderful lectures. To share across this platform expounds on your father’s purpose with depth and a delicate meaning. Namaste
  • Beeperzzzx
    Thank you
    Thanks so much Mark, Be Here Now, and those who made this possible.
  • Craigmoon
    Much Needed Timeless Wisdom
    I’ve listened to scores of hours of Alan Watts’ talks, and the wisdom he imparts and the playful spirit in which he does so keeps his talks fresh, delightful, and meaningful. He distilled the essence of Buddhist, Hindu, Taoist, and even Gnostic thought in a way that makes these philosophies palatable and digestible to the western mind. Thanks to his son Mark for keeping his father’s legacy alive and for starting this podcast.
  • DillonDav
    A Gift!
    Deeply grateful for this podcast. Excited for the episodes to come.
  • BeTrueToMe
    Most astonishing minds of the 20th century
    Few would argue that Alan’s lectures were one of the most precious gifts from any human designed to raise our consciousness to meet the future. My life has been profoundly evolved by this one man. PS please lose the background noise/music during his words. It is so disturbing.
  • Indy Dreamer
    A great entry point!
    I’m newer to the ideas of Eastern thought, and this podcast is deep truth presented masterfully to make it simple to understand for those of us unfamiliar with the ideas presented.
  • cag_life
    Thank you
    Thank you for creating this in a format that is available to so many! You are doing a great thing for us all!
  • Diciteco
    Only One So Far… can’t wait for more
    I will voraciously consume this podcast as soon as episodes are uploaded… please send us more!
  • V|n(en+
    Yes!!
    Finally!!! Alan Watts!!
  • Chet Lightbuzz
    Not Updated Enough
    Several episodes should have already been li ed up prior to launch. No value added here beyond what you can get on Youtube.
  • Diyalight
    Thank you! Alan Watts prepared us for life!
    I’m so grateful for your podcast especially during the Pandemic. The loneliness and isolation have been overwhelming, but meditation and mindfulness practices have been critical to my life. Alan Watts’s works are so accessible to those of us who thirst for self-discovery and search for wisdom of returning to the Present. Please continue to add to this collection!
  • Man Mm
    Great Content!
    I really like that this follows the format of Ram Dass’ podcast. I enjoyed episode one and can’t wait for the other episodes. Overall a great podcast!
  • Mxdx84
    Alan Watts on Be Here Now Network! Woohoo!!!
    I’ve listen to nearly every Alan Watts podcast I can find. It’s wonderful that there is now an official one and it’s on my favorite podcast network for spiritual, mythological, and religious stuff. Ram Dass and Alan Watts are immortal wisdom embodied and their voices preserved for all of us is a blessing.
  • scttmchld
    Grateful
    Amazing to have this in podcast form. Happy to be here. Thank you
  • Chicago_red
    the best teams up with the best
    Ever since the pandemic began last year, I was looking for something to relieve my nerves and calm me down, which was a challenge. I was introduced to Ram Dass first and then Alan Watts. Now two worlds will become one!? Yea, I already know this podcast is going to be amazing to listen to. Thank you guys for making this happen. You just made a lot of souls and spirits very very happy.
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