In this episode, we sit down with multi-hyphenate storyteller Christopher Rivas — actor, writer, Buddhist practitioner, and host of the Brown Enough podcast. We dive deep into themes of identity, race, belonging, and what it means to “live in the middle space.” Christopher shares his journeys into Buddhism, the stories behind his creative work (including Brown Enough and Rubirosa), and how life, art, and spiritual practice intersect for him.

✨ Guest Bio & Links

Christopher Rivas is an actor, author, playwright, and podcast host known for exploring issues of race, culture, identity, and transformation. Christopher Rivas

• He hosts the Brown Enough podcast, where he explores what it means to navigate “brownness” in a Black/white world. Brown Enough Podcast

• He also created Rubirosa, a documentary-style story about Porfirio Rubirosa (a Dominican figure many believe inspired James Bond). Rubirosa Podcast

Key writings in Tricycle Magazine
Christopher regularly contributes essays to Tricycle. A few notable ones:

• Non-Self Storage — reflection on attachment, possessions, and letting go Tricycle: The Buddhist Review

• I Think the Clock Is Broken — on time anxiety, meditation, and being present

• Always Lie When Someone Asks If You Meditate — an unconventional take on how practice begins (and how we show up)

Social & Web Links

• Christopher’s official site:

• Brown Enough podcast: Apple Podcasts Apple Podcasts | Spotify Spotify | general listing via Podnews Podnews

• YouTube playlist for Brown Enough episodes: YouTube

• Twitter / X: @chris__rivas X (formerly Twitter)+1

🔍 Themes & Talking Points from the Episode

Here are some of the central topics and takeaways we explore:

1. Integration of spiritual practice & creativity
   We talk about his meditation journey (16 years and counting), how Buddhist ideas inform his storytelling, and practices that help him stay grounded amid creative turbulence.

2. Storytelling as healing & reimagining narratives
   Christopher uses storytelling not just as art, but as a bridge to identity, culture, and reconciliation.

3. Attachment, letting go, and identity
   We unpack his reflections on possessions, ego, attachment, and what does it mean to truly let go (materially and emotionally).

🔗 Links for Listeners & References

Christopher Rivas & His Work

• Official website / podcast hub: christopherrivas.com

• Brown Enough podcast:
   • Apple Podcasts Apple Podcasts
   • Spotify Spotify
   • Podnews listing & show info Podnews

• YouTube Brown Enough playlist YouTube

• Twitter / X handle: @chris__rivas X (formerly Twitter)+1

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

Become a Super-Fan of the Show
If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page.

Be a part of the show!
🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter
📧 Email: thom@zencommuter.com
📱 Instagram: @thom_walters
🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify