The Best Podcasts on Tai Chi, Health and the Martial Arts
There are many podcasts that follow a tried and trusted formulae: Interview people the host likes and chat about things in common. But this gets a little dull after a while, so I have sought out those that I believe break with this standard and are a useful reference point for all students. I’ve chosen podcasts on: Health, Martial Arts, Taoism, Chinese history, culture, names and nonsense in this list of the Best 7 podcasts over the last 700 years. Once you have skimmed over the list, check out my evaluation at the end and leave me your thoughts.
1. Best Podcast on Beginners Health: Just One Thing
By Doctor Michael Mosley. BBC
The podcast introduces itself with: “If time is tight, what's the one thing that you should be doing to improve your health and wellbeing?” And it does just that, presenting one subject at a time.
Despite the irritating theme tune, there are many gems hidden away in these episodes. The podcast (now in its third series) deals with all aspects of health care that we can - and this is the important bit - realistically and practically incorporate into our daily activities. Many of the issues overlap with the benefits attributed to Tai Chi - in fact there several episodes in which Tai Chi is the recommended practice. Check out the episode on Balance or the one devoted to Tai Chi .
LISTEN TO THE SERIES: * LISTEN TO THIS BBC TAI CHI EPISODE: * TRY OUT A HEALTH WORKOUT
2. Best Podcast that pre-dates Podcasting: Shadow Boxing
Shadow Boxing on the Path to Nirvana (Martial Arts and Tai Chi)
This early BBC radio series (now a podcast) of just 4 episodes from the late 1990s makes for fascinating listening. The reporter travels around Malaysia watching, talking to and interviewing people. One of my favourites is episode 2 with input from Nigel Sutton - author of several books on Tai Chi and a man who was influential on the UK Tai Chi Circuit during the 80s. Atmospheric, ambient, and enjoyable simply because it reminds you that there is more to putting together a show than simply chatting with mates on zoom. Investigative and qualitative research still means something to a discerning audience. Enjoy.
3. Best Academic Podcast on Martial Arts Studies
Martial arts studies (Academic)
Paul Bowman of Cardiff University talks to a range of academics on the theoretical studies of the martial arts studies. Sometimes dry, sometimes electric but nearly always insightful. He presents an “evidence based” approach to both practical and cultural elements under the martial arts studies title.
LISTEN TO THE SERIES: * SAMPLE EPISODE: Episode Sample: Myth, Legend and Orientalism.
4. The Best Podcast on the Tao
Alan Watts being in the way (Philosophical and comical)
Although most people will have stumbled across some audio clip of Alan Watts during their life, this very special organised collection of his recordings has been arranged by his son (Mark), amongst others and brings an intimate and personal context to his work. And if you are wondering what is the connection with Watts and Tai Chi - well he has inspired many a practitioner. Read more about Alan Watts and Tai Chi here.
Alan Watts remains an influential figure despite his death nearly 50 years ago. This is simply because there are few others with an authentic voice that can bridge the cultural and social differences between East and West - with humour, insight and depth.
5. The Best Podcast IN WHICH to learn the NAMES OF Tai Chi
TAI CHI CHINESE
Short episodes featuring different Tai Chi postures with their names explained in detail. Though of interest, I still find literal translations never quite make it for me. This may be because I studied machine translation at university, and learnt that irrespective of language level, without having a deep understanding of both native and host culture, the translation will fail. I also remember reading How to Grasp the Sparrows Tail if Your Don’t Speak Chinese (ridiculously expensive now) and finding the balance between literal meaning and suggestive meaning - the better balance. Still, and interesting listen.
6. The Best Podcast on Chinese History
Chinese characters
The History of China explored in 20 lives. Excellent 24 episode series by the BBC exploring Chinese history though the lives of key personalities. Once more, this is a series that helps contextualise the arts and helps top deepen our understanding of where they stand in relation to the history and culture of China.
SAMPLE EPISODE: Bruce Lee (Martial Arts and Culture) -
7. Best Podcast ON TAI CHI (THAT DOESN’T take itself seriously.)
TALKING TAI CHI WITH THE TEAPOTMONK
Now you may roll their eyes and look up, saying, "I knew he was going to include one of his own in this list" but the Talking Tai Chi Series still offers a fresh perspective on this ancient art. Never dull for a moment, full of humour and packed with useful insights on training and practice. All presented from an irreverent and nonsensical approach, characteristic of the teapotmonk.
LISTEN TO THE SERIES ON APPPLE PODCASTS, SPOTIFY ETC
Reboot the Podcast: The teapot speaks…
I began this article talking about the standard formulae for podcasting: interviewing friends, teachers and then taking it in turns to interview each other. It’s about mutual back scratching and is the trusted formulae for so much media offerings. Everyone chats about themselves, their agenda, trophies and belts-acquired, battles fought and won… it's all fine, I've even participated in a few myself 🙄
But, they are of limited interest to a wider public. The banter between two experienced practitioners leaves many, floundering in the background, losing attention and scratching their heads, wondering how people can sound so certain of everything, so definitive, so self-assured.
The formulae is in need of a reboot. Perhaps one that leaves the jargon at the door of the recording room. One that seeks to entertain as well as inform. I'm not saying you should tell jokes or tap-dance (of limited value on a podcast), but perhaps try to engage the audience, and keep them listening. I believe podcasts can be more inclusive, less incestuous and more open to contradiction, juxtaposition and the uncertainty of life that we all experience. There I have said it. Let the trolling begin.
Let me know if I have missed a podcast you listen to or would recommend, and what your thoughts are on the subject? Let me know below.