Thomas Droge Page

07/05/2026

The orchard we forgot we needed.

I had the pleasure and gift of sitting down with Iain Gillespie, co-founder of Sangha, for a conversation about community, connection, and the times we're moving through.
Real community isn't something you consume or subscribe to. It's something you plant, tend, and grow over seasons. Most of us have been living without it for so long that we forgot it was ever there.
I've spent the past 30 years practicing and teaching Chinese medicine and contemplative practice, and guiding leaders. We are in a time of tremendous change, and we have the opportunity to turn toward each other with compassion and equanimity in a way we never have before.
This conversation is part of Inside the Circle, a series from Sangha, a community I'm grateful to be part of.
Watch the full conversation here: https://sangha.one/inside-the-circle-2/

05/15/2026

It was a huge gift to spend time with my dear friend, Molly Campbell on her podcast Cracking Open. We had a great conversation and got into some pretty real content about the inner work that helps us stay present and connected in these chaotic times. I shared stories from my life and from my new book, The Leader Within. I hope you enjoy it.

You can click on this link to check it out. Give it a listen and tell me what you think: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1787118/episodes/19164237

04/09/2026

What a pleasure and a gift to spend time with Steven Miyao on his podcast Midlife Remix. We dug into some meaningful questions about what truly matters, how we step into change, and why practice is so central to growth. I loved the depth of our conversation and the way we explored practical ways to bring intention into daily life.

We also had a chance to talk about my new book, The Leader Within: 14 foundational practices for living a meaningful life. Sharing the ideas behind those practices and hearing Steven’s thoughtful questions made for a rich conversation.

If you’re curious about reframing midlife, building habits that stick, or leading yourself with more clarity and purpose, this episode is for you. It was an honor to be part of Midlife Remix—thank you, Steven, for the generous conversation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goOju0f02eg

03/20/2025

10/08/2024

👁️ What you see isn’t always what’s there.

In this image, our brains perceive three different people of varying sizes, yet the truth is—they are ALL THE SAME SIZE. Visual information consumes nearly 40% of the brain's processing power, which means we assign almost half of our attention to what we see. But how accurate is this?

We make assumptions based on our perspective, often believing that others experience the same world we do. Of course, we intellectually know this isn’t true, yet our brains habitually keep filling in the gaps. At first glance, the image seems to tell one story, but when you realize that all three people are the same size, your mind opens to new questions.

It's easy to forget that we've all had different experiences that have shaped how we experience the world. If you want to know who you are actually talking to, step into empathy.

Empathy is the ability to neutralize these biases, helping us see others more clearly, and creating the opportunity for deeper human connection.

The easiest way to practice this? Ask questions. Imagine you're from another planet.
Ask them: WHAT'S IT LIKE TO BE YOU?

This simple shift in perspective can open up a whole new world of possibility.

EmpathyInLeadership

12/26/2022

It’s been a long time since I’ve posted, but since we moved to Boulder I wanted to reach and connect on this lovely Christmas Day. So many people I miss from the east coast. Sending you love and joy and peace from and I in the frosty mountains.

12/08/2021

You know there is a phrase, an idea that incarnates for a moment in crimson gold of sunrise, if you are quiet your mind and open your heart, you’ll hear it….
Come play with us this Thursday night at 7. Spend an hour writing talking and cultivating your creative side.
There’s one of them links in the bio.

06/12/2021

Tomorrow come practice Zhan Zhuang (standing meditation) practice. Discover the power and connection this ancient gateway to peace and strength.

This is my favorite way to connect with the universal Qi.

05/06/2021

Join us for a short guided practice to start off your weekend.

03/30/2021

Registration link in bio! Looking forward to sharing this class with YOU!