Links gap in transmission to west
Epstein does an awesome job of linking the intent of pyschology/psychotherapy with the intent of buddhist teachings. He is able to explain the "shame" that is so pervasive in the west, which befuddled the Dalai Lama and other eastern teachers. This is a biggie for the transmission of eastern thought into a new culture. He's real, admitting normal human feelings like numb, alone, missing something, anxious, and shows his progression on how they became workable for him.
Besides, the grinding teeth and teeth disintegrating dreams - it's worth it just for that! :)