I Can't Believe It's Not Buddha with Lee Mack & Neil Webster
Comedian Lee Mack has long had an interest in Buddhism, mindfulness and the possibility of leading a more spiritual life. After a few years of dabbling in meditation, he feels the time has come to decide once and for all whether he should seriously seek spiritual enlightenment.
‘I Can’t Believe It’s Not Buddha’ is a new podcast which finds Lee and his friend Neil taking their first (often clumsy) steps on the road to Nirvana.
From picking which type of Buddhism to follow, to contemplating what a woodland creature would say to you if you asked it the time; Lee and Neil explore the principles and practices of Buddhism in a way that spiritual practice has never been explored before… Possibly for very good reason.
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
Episodes
Introducing The Dribbling Buddhist with Neil Webster
Neil Webster (co-host of the podcast 'I Can't Believe It's Not Buddha' with Lee Mack) is back with a new podcast, all about his continuing investigation into the world of enlightenment, non-duality and all things mindful. You could say he's going it alone, but Neil would argue that as we are all ultimately one entity, we're all going together. But just to be clear, he is going it alone. Neil will bring you interviews, field reports, Q&As, general musings and stories about him dribbling uncontrollably whilst meditating.If you'd like to get in touch with the podcast, Neil would love to hear from you, at Dribblingbuddhist@gmail.com. Please subscribe and leave a review.
Listen HERE: https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42KuZ9/
10/02/23•1m 46s
Introducing 'Feast is Feast' with Big Zuu...
You love food right - who doesn’t? Well, we’ve got a brand new podcast we think you’ll enjoy.
Feast is Feast is hosted by TV Chef Big Zuu and it’s all about the celebration of food across different cultures, communities and generations. In each episode Big Zuu and his guest chat about their relationship with food and the role food has played in their lives.
Here’s a quick taster - if you like what you hear, go to Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts, search for Feast is Feast and subscribe!
07/02/22•2m 21s
46. "Could you explain because I’ll make a pigs ear of it." With Michael Taft (Pt. 2)
Here's the second part of Neil's chat, with the endlessly patient Michael Taft. Get ready for Neil to introduce the concept of Trigger's broom into the spiritual arena and see if Michael encounters any questions he simply can't answer.
If you'd like to find out more information about Michael, follow this link: https://deconstructingyourself.com/michael-w-taft
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03/12/21•44m 20s
45. "Neil You Ignorant Twit!" With Michael Taft (Pt. 1)
One of our favourite guests, Michael Taft, returned this week for an exquisite conversation. Neil discusses the affect that daily meditation has had on him and whether it's possible to experience a meditative state whilst asleep.
If you'd like to find out more information about Michael, follow this link: https://deconstructingyourself.com/michael-w-taft
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26/11/21•42m 0s
44. Neil’s Guided Meditation Attempt
Although Neil in no way claims to be an expert, you've asked him for a guided meditation and so, here it is! Take a moment. Breathe. Allow the thoughts to come if they do and let them go away on their own. Enjoy!
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
19/11/21•28m 0s
43. Jamie Catto
This week, Neil is joined by author, film-maker and musician, Jamie Catto. It's straight into the action in this episode, as they discuss desires, anxiety, enlightenment and plenty more besides!
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05/11/21•53m 0s
42. Rupert Spira (Pt. 2)
Here it is! The second part of Neil's chat with Rupert Spira. Rupert explains the love that you feel for your neighbour and the search for happiness.
If you'd like to test Lee & Neil's egos, you can vote for the podcast at The National Comedy Awards 2021, here: https://www.thenationalcomedyawards.com/
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17/10/21•47m 0s
41. Rupert Spira (Pt. 1)
And now for something completely different...! Join Neil as he sits down with author and teacher of non-duality, Rupert Spira.
If you'd like to try out the Mooji meditation which Neil mentioned, here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbZnL6mTtLA
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08/10/21•52m 19s
40. It’s Raining Brackets Men
Well this must be a surprise, surely? Lee & Neil return in an episode that's been a long time coming! Find out where they've both been, what they've been doing and what the future holds.
If you'd like to try out the Mooji meditation which Neil mentioned, here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMEoPgg-PE
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
29/09/21•1h 2m
This Is Not An Episode
Neil makes it very clear that "this is not an episode". He insisted the (not) episode was called that and it's also the first thing he says in the (not) episode. So, are we all absolutely clear? This is NOT an episode.
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
05/07/21•10m 40s
39. What's a Subreddit?
In a bumper episode before a few weeks break, Lee & Neil discuss Alan Watts, Stoicism and Subreddits (?), before it becomes all too obvious why everyone needs a break!
If you'd like to read the book which Neil mentioned, it's called The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are by Alan Watts.
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
09/06/21•1h 24m
38. B & Q & A
Because you very kindly keep sending your emails, it's only right that Lee & Neil should read them out from time to time! Is all of this just a 'midlife crisis', what was Neil's big showbiz moment and who is Clive?? Find out!
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
02/06/21•1h
37. We'll See, Or, You Never Know
Two things you ought to know: 1) Lee's microphone broke this week and 2) Lee had far too much coffee before recording this episode. Aside from that, after Neil has been on about it for weeks, the focus is finally upon that podcast episode he told you to listen to... Ram Dass - Battle Between Mind & Heart. Let's see what happens!
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
26/05/21•54m 30s
36. Cardboard box dragons... Dragons made out of cardboard boxes
Perhaps in an attempt to further demonstrate that he has the most understanding wife in the world, Neil went away in his camper van this week, on his own, for three nights. Find out how he got on after he kept an audio diary of his experience and just imagine what the neighbouring campers must have thought!
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
19/05/21•57m 17s
35. "What's the question?" With Michael Taft
35 episodes in and it's time for Lee & Neil's first ever guest! Join them as they chat to meditation teacher, author and podcaster Michael Taft! See if Neil can hold it together and behave himself as he speaks to his "current squeeze"!
If you'd like to listen to the podcast episode that Neil mentioned, search on your chosen podcast platform for "Ram Dass Here And Now" - Episode 32: Battle Between Mind and Heart
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
12/05/21•1h 4m
34. Everything's down in The Bay Area
To say that this weeks episode didn't go to plan would be a considerable understatement, but you can always rely on Lee & Neil to come with something when there are problems in The Bay Area.
There's also plenty for you to look at in the meantime, before things get back on track next week!
If you'd like to watch some of Michael Taft's "Nondual Awareness" videos, you can find them here: https://deconstructingyourself.com/nondual-awareness-meditation-series
Also, if you are looking for the books that Lee & Neil discussed, they are The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, Why Buddhism Is True by Robert Wright, Being Aware of Being Aware by Rupert Spira & Be Here Now by Ram Dass.
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
05/05/21•47m 15s
33. I like we you more than me
Let's not mess about, because there's some BIG news this week! Find out what's been going on behind the scenes and what's coming soon! Plus, following last weeks homework, Lee & Neil discuss Alan Watts and Neil reveals how he's been getting on with the "Lumenate" app.
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
28/04/21•44m 15s
32. Digest the Egg (but I’d give the potatoes a miss)
Have you done your homework? Don't worry if you haven't, because neither has Lee. This week Neil wants to talk about "The Egg" by Andy Weir and though it might help if you've read/seen it and had time to take it in, Lee proves that this is not 100% necessary.
If you'd like to watch the Alan Watts video as mentioned in this episode, just tap the link below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckiNNgfMKcQ
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
21/04/21•53m 0s
31. Join me under the duvet, Nigel
If you were in doubt about how many new things Neil could be 'in to', then prepare yourself. The rest of you won't be surprised to hear that Neil has found something else that he thinks is "the best thing ever". There's also a trip into Lee's garden and a very long callback to an early episode of Not Going Out.
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
14/04/21•50m 0s
30. Stressed is the opposite of rest
Lee was not in a good way this week! His back was giving him a very hard time and a bag of frozen peas was hastily arranged to get him through the recording. Of course, he soldiered on very bravely, but not without mentioning it every few minutes. Amongst the moans and groans, you can expect mention of Russell Brand, Michael Taft and yet more chat about jigsaws.
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
07/04/21•53m 20s
29. I’m so sorry, Anna
It seems that Lee's opinion of "advanced meditation" has really shifted and it's all thanks to Michael Taft! You'll also find out about Lee's remarkable childhood job and also, why Neil is having to apologise to his wife so much.
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
31/03/21•53m 50s
28. The Age of Aquarius and s*** like that
It's all about 'proliferation' this week. It's time to transcend our original impulses and move on to a new "age", just like the title suggests. There's also a fair amount of evidence this week that Lee has caught Neil's style of story telling and that could make things very long and drawn out for all of us!
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
24/03/21•1h 6m
27. Non-duality for rat fans
Had any of you decided that the podcast was desperately missing a catchphrase, you needn't worry any more... As long as it wasn't important to you whether or not it should be an original catchphrase! This week, Lee & Neil discuss a series of "Nondual Awareness Meditation Videos" by a chap called Michael Taft. If you'd like to see them for yourself, just tap the link below!
https://deconstructingyourself.com/nondual-awareness-meditation-series
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
17/03/21•46m 3s
26. Lee and Neil briefly attempt to be in the now, then give up to impart some half-arsed wisdom
Have you actually tried to be exclusively 'in the now'? It's really hard, and Lee is very keen to point that out to Neil. Once that's done, as the title suggests, they've got some more emails and questions to answer, and who better to answer your philosophical questions than two blokes who just decided to start a podcast six months ago?
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
10/03/21•1h 5m
25. 57 minutes of nothing
When this podcast began, we all agreed that it was a journey we'd be going on together, so the 25th episode is as good a time as any to have a quick reflection on how the practice itself is going! Lee & Neil will tell all about their meditation is going and before you press play, why not have a quick guess about who takes longer to tell the story?
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
03/03/21•1h 8m
24. Ramana Maharshi, enough said
Has everybody done their homework? Check back to last week's episode for the recommendation of a film about Ramana Maharshi and prepare for a discussion! Lee & Neil talk about the young man who went up a mountain with very few clothes on and sat for a very long time. You'll also to be treated to a lovely moment of silence, if you feel that you need it and a singalong to finish, whether you like it or not!
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
24/02/21•1h 5m
23. The Other Two Noble Truths
Once again, owing to Neil's unique style of delivery, this may have taken slightly longer than it needed to. But nonetheless, here are the 2nd two of the 4 Noble Truths! What you'll need to bear in mind though, is that the 4th Truth is actually a whole collection of its own, so strap in!
Also, if you'd like to see the video that Neil talked about (and Lee went to great lengths to spell out), here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVYv9ktilQw
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
17/02/21•1h 13m
22. The Two Noble Truths
There will be those of you who are confused by the title, because you'll know that there are in fact, FOUR Noble Truths. You also might have guessed, that owing to Neil's unique style, this episode only had room for two of them!
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
10/02/21•50m 20s
21. Neil is definitely dribbling less
Whatever you're doing right now, STOP doing it. Neil has been on another retreat! That's right! Even in the face of a national lockdown, he's managed a full weekend of meditation, but don't worry, because it all happened in the box room in his house!
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
03/02/21•1h 5m
20. Brain Trorming: A Q&A Special
It turns out that you've been emailing in your droves about all manner of things, so this week, Lee & Neil dig into the mailbox to see what's on your mind! Most of them are pretty on-topic, but do make sure you stick around until the end for an email that's most definitely NOT what you'll be expecting!
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
27/01/21•53m 15s
19. Lee is barely aware of "Being Aware of Being Aware"
In this second part of Neil's run down of Rupert Spira's "Being Aware of Being Aware", Lee gets to the very essence.... i.e. he is literally Googling the definition of "awareness". There's a shopping list memory test, dreams and the BIG question about what happens when you die!
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
20/01/21•56m 55s
18. There's no F in I
It's time for Neil to get one of his little bullet point books out again and this time, even Lee isn't sure which one it is. For the avoidance of doubt, the book Neil is referring to is "Being Aware of Being Aware" by Rupert Spira! Can they make sense of it in a concise manner? Take a wild guess.
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
13/01/21•50m 45s
17. Clinking glasses with your "Post Office worker"
In the first episode of 2021, Lee & Neil discuss Tina Turner, Xanadu, the must have books & the issue of cutting out booze. By now you'll realise that somehow, all of those things will link back to the subject matter and it'll all make sense (sort of) by the end!
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
06/01/21•49m 11s
16. Lee Mack's Christmas Presence
As he promised last week, Lee has put a lot (not loads) of work into this weeks episode. He's even providing his own sound effects! You'll get the full version of his Paul McCartney anecdote, in case you didn't hear enough of it last week and there's a fun Buddhist Top 10 to top it all off!
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
23/12/20•51m 22s
15. Bob the Buddhist, can he fix it?
Lee & Neil have reached a point in their journey where it's time to talk to an expert. Enter: Bob the Buddhist (not his real name, obviously). Neil interviewed him in a typically Neil way, so what do you reckon was the first question he asked? Also, how many of The Beatles can Lee do a passable impression of? Find out here!
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
16/12/20•1h 1m
14. Man seeking non-flammable woman to join him in tipi for romance
Neil's gone and got himself a tipi and he's lighting a fire in it, but ONLY because it's safe to do so! This week, the focus is on Wim Hof and how his method is enhancing Neil's meditative practice. Maybe cold showers aren't for everyone, but like he's done with most other things, Neil has FULLY embraced them and Lee is on hand to ask all the relevant questions!
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
09/12/20•47m 5s
13. The Retreat 2: Retreat Harder (Pt.2)
It's time to conclude the saga of Neil's latest retreat and we've already heard about his unfortunate medical mystery, so surely nothing else went wrong did it? Of COURSE it did! Find out if he made it to the last day and whether everyone else ended up thinking he was weird because he said something he shouldn't have.
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
02/12/20•51m 17s
12. The Retreat 2: Retreat Harder (Pt.1)
Neil's been on another retreat! Stop the press! Let the long-form, intricately detailed story-telling begin!! This week, we find out (in the first of two parts) how Neil got on when he arrived at a retreat that would prove to be a test for several reasons! What was it like? Did he let himself down? As well as that, we'll find out how Lee is doing with a bit more time to meditate and what happened when he met Peter Fonda!
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
25/11/20•49m 8s
11. Be here to polish a mirror now - a Ram Dass special
He's had plenty of mentions in the ten episodes up to now, so it makes sense to spend a bit more time talking about Ram Dass! Find what you've been looking for (even though you don't know what it is) in an episode covering some of Neil's favourite Dass quotes. Like all the other episodes though, there's plenty of time for diversions; like anecdotes involving Tony Blackburn, why you might say something rude to a tree and the fact that "you are not your arms".
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
18/11/20•1h 5m
10. Lee intervenes in Neil’s attempt at an intervention
After 10 weeks of ups and downs, Neil feels that it's time to talk to Lee about how his meditation has been going, or rather, whether or not it's happening at all! If you've come this far, you've probably got a fair idea of how his 'intervention' will go down with Lee! Find out how he's canvassed opinion and gathered evidence as to whether Lee's mood has changed and also, whether Lee will accept that something ought to be done!
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
11/11/20•50m 51s
9. If you like Buddhist podcasts that bang on about Soccer Aid, you’re in for a treat this week
Sometimes a title says it all. In the week leading up to Soccer Aid, Lee caught up with Neil to discuss the egoic mind, polishing the mirror and whether it's possible to meditate in a car at a campsite. Plus, if you meditate on a beach, the sand is going to end up everywhere... So get ready for a troublingly in-depth conversation about that.
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
04/11/20•43m 55s
8. Neil’s brain is constantly telling him to take his top off
Accept that your mind will wonder. It's not a problem. If it does, just notice that it's happened and return to your breathing. That's all very well, but what if your mind has gone completely off the tracks? What if you're suddenly thinking about Ross Noble? Or Luxembourg? Join Lee & Neil for another exploration of such things and see if you can make sense of it all.
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
28/10/20•43m 24s
7. 2 "Interesting” Facts, 8 Gates of Zen & 1 Original Face
There's plenty to get into this week. Lee has some "interesting" facts and Neil has had several epiphanies, not to mention that he's gone ahead and developed "The Webster Method" and it's all yours for 50p... Or nothing... Nobody's sure yet.
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
21/10/20•46m 46s
6. The power of The Power Of Now, now
It's a good job we're thinking about time differently now, because this week, Lee & Neil do away with the concept of chronology completely! In an episode that was recorded goodness knows when, it's time to focus on a book that's been very important to the journey so far. This week, it's all about Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now"
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
14/10/20•58m 46s
5. Lee Makes Neil FINALLY Finish The Retreat Story
A warm welcome to those of you who are newly aboard and CONGRATULATIONS to those of you who've waited this long to finally hear the conclusion to the story which has kept us all awake at night! This week, at last, we hear how "The Retreat" story actually came to an end.
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
07/10/20•45m 14s
4. Neil's Guided Meditation
It's time for Neil to try his hand at leading a guided meditation. How well do you reckon it'll go? There's also an aggressive apology, Neil decides whether Lee is a Zen Master yet, plus, find out why Lee has been kicking the door down at Wetherspoons and asking for a fight (metaphorically of course).
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
30/09/20•34m 35s
3. Special Trousers, Secret Mantras & A Tangerine
If you've made it to Episode 3, you'll be VERY keen to hear the conclusion to Neil's story about the retreat. Surely we'll find out the ending this week? Don't bank on it. You'll also hear about Lee's Mantra (but not the secret bit), Neil's online meditation with a bloke called Clive and curiously, a robot lawnmower.
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
23/09/20•48m 45s
2. Jigsaws, Vajrayana & "The Retreat"
Lee and Neil have decided to embark upon the journey towards enlightenment, but is it all as simple as that? Well, no.... As it turns out, there are many variations of Buddhism to choose from, so that's exactly what they'll need to do. Alongside that, you'll hear all about the retreat that Neil went on, in more detail than you can possibly imagine.
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
15/09/20•47m 46s
1. What Are We Doing?
Welcome to the beginning of a journey with Lee Mack and Neil Webster, as they explore Buddhism, mindfulness and spirituality. Join them as they find out what it's all about, whether it offers any insight and if it can bring them tranquillity, or frankly anything in their lives. This week, they ask themselves what has brought them to this point and what they are looking to gain from their new lifestyle choices.
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You can email Lee and Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
15/09/20•43m 45s
Welcome to "I Can't Believe It's Not Buddha!"
‘I Can’t Believe It’s Not Buddha’ is a new podcast which finds Lee and his friend Neil taking their first (often clumsy) steps on the road to Nirvana. Join them in the coming weeks as they discuss (and argue over) meditation, mindfulness, spirituality, veganism and more.
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You can email Lee & Neil here: hello@icantbelieveitsnotbuddha.com
08/09/20•4m 44s
