[Ann Tashi Slater practical matters]: On listening, following your obsessions, and knowing when to set the pen down Ep 1224

Finding the Throughline with Kate Hanley

My guest this week is Ann Tashi Slater, who for decades has written about her Tibetan American heritage and about Buddhism in Western society for the New Yorker, the Paris Review, the New York Times, and the Washington Post, among other outlets. Her brand new book, “Traveling in Bardo:The Art of Living in an Impermanent World,” helps us find meaning, happiness, and hope in an impermanent world. Ann is also a contributing editor at Tricycle, the Buddhist review, and her work has been included in the best American essays. She is joining us today from her home in Tokyo.
We covered:
- Reconnecting with her Tibetan and Buddhist heritage after growing up in the States
- Using the things you’re obsessed with as fodder for writing
- Why there are so many empty houses in Tokyo
- How having kids helped become more productive, much to her surprise
- How her writing practice is like “Top Chef”
- The simple practice that helps her get ready to write
Connect with Ann @AnnTashiSlater on Instagram, Facebook, Blue Sky, and LinkedIn, or at anntoshislater.com.
For full show notes with links to everything we discuss, plus bonus photos!, visit katehanley.substack.com.
Thank you for listening!
And thanks to this week’s sponsor, Air Doctor Pro. Visit airdoctorpro.com and use code KATE to save 30% off an amazing indoor air filter *and* receive a free three-year warranty (an $84 value).

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices