Episode 73: Gary Crouth

In this episode of The Ripple Effect of Wellbeing in Work and Life, Dr. Stephanie Romero speaks with Gary Crouth about his path to Zen meditation and his volunteer work with The Still Workers at the Allegheny County Jail.

Gary discusses why the stark simplicity and discipline of Zen resonated with him, how engaged Buddhism sparked volunteer efforts in the local criminal justice system, and the real-world impact mindfulness tools have on incarcerated individuals and jail staff alike. Together, Stephanie and Gary reflect on the interconnectedness of all beings, the power of community (Sangha), and how small shifts in individual well-being ripple out to families and communities.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Books & Authors

• Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda

• Alan Watts (Writings on Taoism and Zen)

Curricula & Frameworks

• Path of Freedom – A mindfulness-based emotional intelligence curriculum (developed by Fleet Maull / Prison Mindfulness Institute) taught in prison/jail settings.

Organizations & Volunteer Programs

• The Still Workers – Engaged Buddhist volunteer group delivering practice in correctional facilities.

• Foundation of Hope – Organization managing chaplaincy, the Hope Pod, mentorship, and aftercare programming at the Allegheny County Jail.

• Awaken – Organization offering re-entry programming at the jail.

• Buddhist Peace Fellowship – Engaged Buddhism network (inspired the local group's inception).

• Buddhist Society of Pittsburgh – Local organization linking regional Sanghas and hosting annual Vesak ceremonies.

Practice Centers & Sanghas Mentioned

• Zen Center of Pittsburgh (Bell Acres / Sewickley Heights)

• Friends Meeting House (Oakland, PA)

• Theravada Centers / Temples (Allison Park with Bhante Pema; Thai Buddhist community in Monroeville)

• Temple Llama (Greenfield)

• Tibetan Center / Olmo Ling (White Oak)

Teachers & Key Figures Cited

• Kyoki Roberts & Nonan (Zen Center of Pittsburgh)

• Fleet Maull (Founder of Prison Mindfulness Institute / Path of Freedom)

• Catherine Gammon & Katherine Pepper (Co-founding/early figures in The Still Workers)

• Robert "Whiffer" Wilson (Still Workers volunteer working with Awaken)

Buddhist Concepts Discussed

• Zazen (Seated Zen meditation)

• Metta / Loving-Kindness Meditation

• Dedication of Merit

• The Three Gems (The Buddha/Teacher, Dharma/Teachings, and Sangha/Community)

• Vesak (VSAC) (Annual Buddhist celebration)

Learn More at www.awakencollaborative.com

Music: Weather Any Storm by Cody Francis and Forever and A Day by Kim Aspen (canva.com)

Produced by Say Some Thing Studios, a creative media division of Elevate 1 Consulting.

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Music: "Chill Mode" by Audiobinger from the free music archive. This work is openly licensed via CC BY 4.0.