Bewildered

Follow Bewildered
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

What if we stopped listening to the controlling voice of the culture around us, and instead learned to reconnect with our own true nature?  Sometimes we aren’t even sure why we feel so bewildered… and discontented… and even downright miserable. Often it’s because we have let the forces of society replace our own instinctive knowledge of what is right for us.  Now, it’s time for us to find that voice again—before it’s too late. For Martha and Rowan, Job One is to live according to our deepest truths, making the commitment to feeling good even when it means looking weird. We believe that this is how we will reinvent our world—from the inside out— to create a society that’s kinder, more equitable, and more ecologically sustainable than the one we see around us right now.  This is the vision that we laugh and stumble and chat and feel our way towards here on this podcast.  Did we mention LAUGH? We want no part of personal and global transformation if it isn’t fun! So if you struggle to find a place where people who are as idealistic and brokenhearted, as silly and deeply sincere, as bewildered as you are—you might have just arrived.  Welcome!

Martha Beck and Rowan Mangan


    • May 14, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 49m AVG DURATION
    • 145 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Bewildered podcast is truly a treasure that cannot be adequately described in words. It goes beyond the confines of a typical podcast and feels more like spending time with two dear friends who are wise, hilarious, and full of wonder. Each episode is a comforting, inspiring, and entertaining journey that leaves listeners feeling joyful and emboldened to live a life that feels true. Rowan and Martha create a world that is both wild and weird, while also being insightful and enlightening. The laughter and storytelling are brilliant, making it an absolute delight to listen to.

    One of the best aspects of The Bewildered podcast is the genuine joy and laughter that emanates from Martha and Rowan's conversations. Their banter and storytelling skills are top-notch, weaving together life advice, personal anecdotes, science, and bizarre animal/human facts in a masterful way. Listening to them feels like being in the company of your best friends, laughing out loud while also experiencing "AHA" moments of insight. They have a unique ability to offer comfort, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on heavy topics without taking themselves too seriously.

    While it's difficult to find any flaws in The Bewildered podcast, some listeners may find it challenging to fully understand the humor or references if they're new to Martha Beck's work or unfamiliar with the hosts' dynamic. However, given enough time spent listening to the episodes and getting acquainted with their style, this issue quickly dissipates.

    In conclusion, The Bewildered podcast is an exceptional show that combines humor, wisdom, playfulness, and enlightenment into every episode. Martha Beck and Rowan Mangan create an atmosphere that feels like home, where listeners can laugh out loud while also gaining valuable insights about life. This podcast has the power to brighten your day, make you feel understood and validated in your human experience.



    Search for episodes from Bewildered with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Bewildered

    Why We Need Your Art with Amie McNee and James Winestock

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 60:42


    Did you know that the world needs your art? On this special episode of Bewildered, our friends Amie McNee and James Winestock join us to talk about Amie's new book, We Need Your Art—and why your creativity matters now more than ever. In this rollicking conversation, we discuss how making art is a revolutionary act, why art is needed in unprecedented times, and what it means to stay soft amid the hardness of the culture. If you've been looking for a spark to light your creativity, this episode is for you! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Out-Kind the Culture

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 52:41


    Kindness. Our culture often frames it as something weak, naive, foolish, or passive—and there’s a reason for that. If we stay “nice” and subscribe to the culture’s idea of kindness, then we stay obedient and easier to control. So in this episode of Bewildered, we get ultra-revolutionary around kindness. We’re talking about the most radical type of kindness—kindness toward one’s self—and how it’s a force that can change our cultural systems of cruelty to create the revolution we want. Come join us! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How to Train Your Human

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 52:44


    At the beginning of this game called life, we each get a human—a body that we get to steer through the world. In this episode of Bewildered, we’re talking about the idea of “training your human”—because you are not your body, mind, or personality, but rather a consciousness that inhabits your human form. If you can gently guide your human instead of forcing it to conform to culture, then your human can thrive while still being able to function in the world. Want to learn how? Tune in and find out! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    War of the Worldviews

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 63:18


    Have you ever been drawn into conspiratorial thinking? In this Episode 99 of Bewildered, we’re talking about how easy it is to get pulled into conspiracy theories because of a phenomenon called apophenia. It's the tendency to perceive connections or meaningful patterns between unrelated or random things—and it happens to feel delightful. Want to learn more about apophenia, conspiracy theories, fractured worldviews, and how we can all come to our senses? Join us for this episode of the Bewildered podcast! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Your Money or Your Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 46:11


    “Your money, or your life.” Those two things are very, very different, but in our culture, they tend to get blended together. That’s what we’re talking about on this episode of Bewildered. We explore how our culture is so focused on money it’s practically a religion. And how for many of us, this obsession with money can become an addiction because “you can never get enough of something that almost works.” Want to try shifting your central focus away from money and work? Join us for the full episode! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Clamor and Birdsong

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 57:49


    Noise. It’s ever-present in our culture, and often it affects us in ways we don’t even realize. In this episode of Bewildered, we explore how different sounds impact the nervous system—from disrupting sleep to interfering with brain waves to triggering fear in the amygdala—and what we can do to heal. (Hint: Birdsong is a powerful antidote!) Tune in for the full conversation to learn about the physiological and emotional effects of noise and how to regain your equilibrium in an increasingly noisy world. CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Stand By for Further Instructions

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 38:46


    This is a spicy time in history, and in between bouts of fear, we’ve been thinking about how to navigate through potentially dark and dangerous times. Want to know our go-to strategy? Trusting our intuition! In this episode of Bewildered, we talk about how intuition is heightened during uncertain and chaotic times, and how to recognize the messages your intuition is trying to send you. (Hint: It involves curiosity, synchronicities, and inexplicable joy.) Tune in for the full episode to find out more! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    You Have One Missed Call From Destiny

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 65:23


    Intuition is like a call from destiny that we often miss because we're always "on the other line" with culture. In this episode of Bewildered, Martha and Ro explore the concept of intuition and how to connect with it amidst all the noise of our cultural conditioning. They talk about how to tell the difference between intuition and anxiety, the reasons we tend to ignore intuition, and how to hang up with culture so you can listen to the messages your intuition is trying to tell you. Don't miss it! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How Not Anxious?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 52:31


    Martha and Ro are back with another episode of Bewildered, and it's a follow-up to their "Why So Anxious?" episode. This time they're talking about how not to be anxious, and why moving beyond anxiety is linked to creativity, your life’s purpose, and building a better society. You'll learn ways to retrain your brain to have a completely different experience of being human in community—and how lowering anxiety can help us all create a more beautiful, more just world together. Give it a listen! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Why So Anxious?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 48:44


    Do you suffer from the odd bit of anxiety? In this Bewildered, Martha and Ro are talking about Martha's new book Beyond Anxiety, which examines the causes of anxiety, its prevalence in our culture, and tried-and-true ways to overcome it. Martha says that moving more activity into the right sides of our brains is the only way to conquer anxiety—and the first step to getting there is curiosity. Tune in to hear more about cultivating curiosity to step out of anxiety and into a life of creativity and calm. CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Best of Bewildered: How to Get Started

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 46:31


    In this Best of Bewildered episode, Martha and Ro answer a question from listener Josephine, who's trying to understand and overcome her resistance to doing things that are good for her. The culture tells us that if something is good for us, we should just do it! Otherwise, we need to punish ourselves. There's only one problem with that: Punishments don't work. To learn how Martha and Ro use kindness and creativity to get past inertia and move through transitions, be sure to listen to the full conversation! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Best of Bewildered: The Other Butterflies

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 30:51


    Martha and Ro have a very special guest on this Best of Bewildered episode…Ro's mum Paula! Paula has a mind-expanding story to tell about the time she followed monarch butterflies on their migratory path and learned that 10% of these butterflies always follow a different path—and for an unexpected reason. Tune in to find out the purpose of these aberrant butterflies' journey, why Martha and Ro relate to them so strongly, and why all paths through life, whether "normal" or divergent, are valid and valuable. CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Awkward Moments

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 61:06


    Do you ever lie awake, burning with embarrassment about something awkward you said or did? In this episode of Bewildered, Martha and Ro are talking about how those awful, awkward moments (like when your child pulled your pants down in front of the babysitter, or when you unintentionally said something offensive during a big presentation) could be the moments that give you access to personal—and maybe even global—revolution. Find out how by tuning in for this inspiring (and hilarious) conversation! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Missing Your Exit

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 56:53


    Have you ever woken up feeling like you're off course, as if you somehow missed an exit you were meant to take? This happened to Martha recently, and on this episode of Bewildered, she and Ro are talking about how to choose the right navigation system to guide your course through life, how to recognize when you've missed an exit, and how to get back on track. To learn how you can be sure you're navigating by your true nature and not by cultural rules you never chose, tune in for the full conversation! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    When to Go with the Flow

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2024 50:41


    Martha and Ro are digging into their BeWild Files for this episode of Bewildered, answering listener Mandy's question about the distinction between drifting in a cultural current versus surrendering to cosmic guidance. They talk about the difference between the behaviors we adopt due to cultural pressure and the behaviors that truly represent our deepest selves, what it means to live your life by surrendering, and how to recognize the kind of cosmic guidance you'll likely want to follow. Don't miss it! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Wilder Together

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 27:13


    Martha and Ro are back with a different kind of episode this time, to introduce something they are crazy excited about... It's called Wilder: A Sanctuary for the Bewildered—and it's a new online space where they can hang out with YOU! If you've been yearning to connect with like-minded souls, and you know there's a next step out there but you're not sure what it is, Martha and Ro believe that next step is community—and they hope you'll join them in Wilder. For details, tune in for the full episode! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Don't Control Yourself

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 47:35


    We all have a "control mode" inside us that tells us if we don't tightly control everything, it's all going to go wrong. The only problem is...it's literally impossible to control everything!  Sometimes a little control is necessary, but often it's the opposite of what we need. And control kills the creativity we need to solve our problems. So if you've been trying really hard to control things, and you could use some tips on how to let go of control, join Martha and Ro for this episode of Bewildered! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Treasure Hunter Mode: Engaged

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2024 54:59


    Hey there, Cahootniks! Martha and Ro are back with another episode of Bewildered, inspired by their recent discovery of a "secret" society that's been playing a game right out in the open, all over the world… The game is a literal treasure hunt—and Martha and Ro are obsessed!  They share how they've been following clues, making delightful discoveries, and wondering what it would mean to live life like one big treasure hunt. Want to find treasure in unexpected places? Join them for the full episode! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Not Everything Has to Have a Point

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 47:41


    Do you enjoy making shiny, pretty things—or, as Martha and Ro like to call them, “precious, pointless” things? These can be anything you make for the sheer enjoyment of creating, rather than for making money (which our culture believes is the only "point" to anything). Join Martha and Ro for this inspiring episode of Bewildered to learn how making shiny, pretty, pointless things can help you become more attuned to the beauty all around you—in people, in objects, in nature…and in your own wild soul. CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Shining Your Light and Charging What You're Worth

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 51:59


    Do you find it difficult to share your unique offerings with the world? How about charging money for your work? In this BeWild Files episode of Bewildered, Martha and Ro answer a question from listener Rebecca who is trying to find the courage to shine her light in the world—and get paid well for it. Martha and Ro share their own experiences with this issue, and they offer three magical little words that can banish shame and set you free to shine your light and charge what you're worth. Join them! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Change the Shape of Culture

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2024 52:37


    On their Bewildered podcast, Martha and Ro explore the many ways that the culture pulls us away from our true nature. However—as they want to make absolutely clear in this episode—the culture is not the boss of us! As Martha and Ro point out, we have a hand in creating the culture, and it can be thrilling to look at the power we have when we put ourselves into the cultural equation. To learn how to step fully into your role as a creator of the culture (and why it matters), tune in for the full episode! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Beware Fake Urgency

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2024 41:00


    "Quick! Do this now! It's urgent!"  Our culture constantly pressures us to do things that serve the system, and we're trained to think of these things as urgent. But are they really? In this BeWild Files episode of Bewildered, Martha and Ro dive into the topic of urgency—how there's a type that will crush your soul and a type that will grow your soul, and how you can tell the difference.  If you often find yourself responding frantically to problems which may or may not be urgent, this episode is for you! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Empty Project

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 37:39


    Do you ever feel like you're trying to fit even more stuff into a life that's already full? In this episode of Bewildered, Martha and Ro are talking about our culture's obsession with more, more, more, and how it's making us overwhelmed, exhausted, and burnt out. Their solution? Empty space! Our culture doesn't train us to appreciate empty spaces, but emptiness is what gives things value. To hear how to shift your focus so you can start noticing and using the empty spaces in your life, be sure to tune in! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    All the Way to Heaven is Heaven

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024 43:16


    Most of us are socialized to believe that if we suffer enough, we'll be rewarded later—and the reward for our suffering will be happiness. In other words, happiness is something we must earn through suffering. In this episode of Bewildered, Martha and Ro challenge this cultural belief, inspired by the words of 14th century mystic St. Catherine of Siena who said, “All the way to heaven is heaven.” To hear more about this idea—and how you can experience happiness right now—don't miss the full episode! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    "Dream Food" And Other Lies About Fulfillment

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2024 41:29


    Culture teaches us that scrambling up peaks of achievement is a worthy goal—and that when we reach the pinnacle of success, we'll finally be happy.  The problem is, not everyone can reach the very top. And even for those who do, achieving that goal doesn't make them happy.  Wondering how this could be? Martha and Ro offer a theory: We're climbing the wrong mountain! Join them for this fun episode as they break down the cultural myths surrounding success and fulfillment and point you toward true happiness. CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Living Lightly (and The Opposite of Golf)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 39:37


    Watch out, everyone...Martha and Ro have F-bombs and they're not afraid to use them! Join them for this episode of Bewildered, where they're plumbing the depths of what it is to live a good life—and more than a little profanity might be involved, along with plenty of metaphorical golf. (But definitely no literal golf.) To hear Martha and Ro's insights on seriousness vs. levity in life, surrendering to the idea of magic, and doing the opposite of playing golf (reminder: it's a metaphor), be sure to tune in! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Feeling Like an Alien

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 43:43


    Have you ever felt like a stranger in a strange land? In this BeWild Files episode of Bewildered, Martha and Ro dive into a question from listener Alia about feeling like an alien when you're among the people you're “supposed to” feel at home with. Tune in to learn how the spirit of community is different from the simple grouping together of people, and how sometimes differences can be a good thing because they enhance the wisdom of the crowd. It's a thought-provoking conversation you won't want to miss! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Other Butterflies

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2024 30:51


    Martha and Ro have a very special guest on this episode of Bewildered…Ro's mum Paula! Paula has a mind-expanding story to tell about the time she followed monarch butterflies on their migratory path and learned that 10% of these butterflies always follow a different path—and for an unexpected reason. Tune in to find out the purpose of these aberrant butterflies' journey, why Martha and Ro relate to them so strongly, and why all paths through life, whether "normal" or divergent, are valid and valuable. CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Really, Really, Really Far Outside

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 51:32


    Martha and Ro are doing something a little different and a lot of fun on this episode of Bewildered: sharing about times when they've gone WAY outside of the culture.  Because when we all tell each other stories about going outside culture, we give each other permission to do it more! Tune in to hear about invisible whales, public nose-picking, polygamy, and more—plus find out the new name they've come up with for their beloved Bewildered community. If you love stories, this is the episode for you! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    On Burnout and Reset

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2024 46:13


    Ever suffer from burnout? Martha and Ro have, and they're talking all about it on this episode of BEWILDERED! Burnout is something our culture doesn't allow because it expects us to be productive non-stop. However, our wild natures require “wintering” periods where we rest and reset. If you need to recover from burnout (or you want to preempt it), tune in to the full episode to hear Martha and Ro's insights and suggestions for getting ahead of burnout and resetting your body, mind, heart, and spirit. CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Undercover Counterculture Bandit

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 52:38


    Get excited because Martha and Ro have a very special guest on this episode of BEWILDERED: their beloved partner Karen Gerdes! While Karen may seem mild mannered and conventional at first glance, that's just her cover. Karen stopped listening to the voice of culture a long time ago, and she's a dedicated follower of her wild nature. To get to know this paragon of unconditional love, plus learn more about her baffling yet lovable quirks (aka Karen-isms), don't miss this fun conversation. It's a love fest! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Big Feelings

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2024 60:45


    Have you been struggling with big feelings? Frustration. Overwhelm. Anger. Grief. These are all vitally important human emotions, yet the culture demands we suppress them at all costs.  In this episode of Bewildered, Martha and Ro talk about why that is, and how our painful emotions help us survive—and thrive! If you want to learn more about "feeling all the feels" and the powerful healing and transformation waiting on the other side of your heaviest emotions, this is an episode you won't want to miss! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Change Cycle: Beauty That Moves

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 52:50


    The culture tells us that whenever we achieve a goal, we're supposed to stay there:  “Now you're a butterfly. The End.”  Yet Nature, which we're all part of, is always changing.  In this final episode of their series on change, Martha and Ro are coming “full square” to talk about Square Four in The Change Cycle, which is about relaxing into the fact that there is no absolute destination. Listen to find out how to enjoy Square Four without gripping it too tightly—and welcome the next change into your life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Change Cycle: Wild Horses

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2024 60:06


    Have you ever felt driven to do specific excruciating tasks, and you couldn't explain why?  This "wild horses feeling" is present whenever you're working toward your heart's desire, and it's a key part of what Martha calls Square Three in her Change Cycle methodology. To learn the difference between culture and nature when it comes to hard work, and how you can find strength in the struggle, be sure to tune in to this third installment of Martha and Ro's four-part Bewildered series on The Change Cycle. CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Change Cycle: A Space for Dreaming

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2024 63:35


    Change isn't always easy, but did you know that parts of the process can be a lot of fun? In this second re-release episode from their four-part series about The Change Cycle, Martha and Ro are exploring Square Two—the "dreaming and scheming" phase when the feeling of who you're becoming begins to filter into your consciousness. To learn how to play in the "space for dreaming," follow your curiosity, and find out who you're truly meant to be, be sure to listen to this fun and insightful conversation! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Change Cycle: Bug Soup

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2023 53:49


    Do you know what happens to a caterpillar inside its cocoon?  It disintegrates into a gooey mass before its cells reform into a butterfly. This "bug soup" phase isn't pretty, but it's an essential part of change—what Martha refers to as Square One in her Change Cycle methodology. In this special re-release episode of BEWILDERED, Martha and Ro talk all about Square One and what happens when your previous identity must dissolve.  If you've been struggling with change and letting go, this episode is for you! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Bittersweet Misunderstandings

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2023 42:26


    The culture says it's a given that the people who love you will understand you. But very often, the people who love you don't understand you at all—yet they can have the strongest ideas about who you should be. Martha and Ro are opening up the BeWild Files to talk about how to stay committed to your purpose when your loved ones don't understand it. Listen to the full episode to learn how to let go of the longing for consensus, disentangle love from understanding, and find the people who truly get you. CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Beauty That Moves

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2023 52:07


    Martha and Ro are coming “full square” on this episode of BEWILDERED® to talk about Square Four in Martha's Change Cycle. The culture tells us that whenever we achieve a goal, we're supposed to stay there: “Now you're a butterfly. The End.”  Yet Nature, which we're all part of, is constantly changing. Eventually, you'll be sent back to Square One and the cycle will start anew.  To find out how to enjoy Square Four without gripping it too tightly—and welcome the next change into your life—be sure to tune in!LINKS SECTION Bewildered episode 59: Bug Soup (Square One in Martha's Change Cycle) Bewildered episode 31: A Space for Dreaming (Square Two in Martha's Change Cycle) Bewildered episode 60: Wild Horses (Square Three in Martha's Change Cycle) Ro's cupholder diatribe (at 03:34 of Bewildered episode 17: Unshamable) Maria Bamford  “Splinter” by Ani DiFranco Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed “Little Boxes” by Malvina Reynolds 100 Foot Wave documentary series “Evolve” by Ani DiFranco Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth GilbertCONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Zen and the Art of Travel With Toddlers

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2023 55:36


    The hinges have come off, folks—Martha and Rowan have jet lag (and they're not afraid to use it!) in this episode of Bewildered: Zen and the Art of Traveling with Toddlers.  On two recent international trips, Martha and Ro's toddler got sick, and things were challenging to say the least... Now Ro wants to figure out if all the suffering was worth it, or if they sacrificed their child's wellbeing for the sake of culture. The answer they arrived at may surprise you, so don't miss the full conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Best of Bewildered: Vulnerability Hangovers

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2023 54:29


    Have you ever bravely shared your authentic self, only to agonize over it later thinking you shared too much? This is something Brené Brown calls a "vulnerability hangover”—and we've all been there. In this episode from THE BEST OF BEWILDERED, Martha and Ro share their own experiences with vulnerability hangovers and reveal the "culture work" that's brought them massive liberation.  Feeling hungover from vulnerability? Then be sure to tune in for the full episode—it's one of Martha and Ro's favorites!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Best of Bewildered: Making the Right Choice

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2023 47:02


    It's THE BEST OF BEWILDERED, and this week we're revisiting another favorite episode from the vault: Making the Right Choice. The culture believes there's always a single right choice and that choosing wrong means you've wasted your entire life. So is it any wonder a lot of us freeze in panic when faced with making a decision? Martha and Ro talk about how we can move past this "decision paralysis" and they offer a wild new way to view decision-making. It's an insightful conversation worth hearing again!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Best of Bewildered: Elizabeth Gilbert gets Bewildered!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2023 59:45


    In case you missed out the first time around, Martha and Ro are sharing some of their all-time favorite episodes in a series called The Best of Bewildered. First up, Elizabeth Gilbert Gets Bewildered! In this encore episode, Liz joined Martha and Ro to discuss why the culture is so hostile toward women who are childless by choice. Don't miss their engrossing conversation about resisting the patriarchy, the saving grace of oversensitivity, and how to trust the wisdom of the body to guide us to our truth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Wild Horses

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2023 59:36


    Have you ever felt driven to do specific excruciating tasks, and you couldn't explain why?  While the culture mindlessly tells us we should always work hard, there's also a place in our true nature for dogged, determined work. In this Bewildered, Martha and Ro talk about the “wild horses feeling” that's present whenever you're working toward your heart's desire. To learn the difference between culture and nature when it comes to hard work, and how you can find strength in the struggle, be sure to tune in!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Bug Soup

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2023 53:15


    Do you know what happens to a caterpillar inside its cocoon?  It disintegrates into a gooey mass before its cells reform into a butterfly. Martha calls this state "bug soup." It's not pretty, but it's an essential part of change—including our own! In this episode of BEWILDERED®, Martha and Ro talk about how to allow yourself to dissolve, even though the culture teaches us to resist it like crazy. If you've been struggling with change and the process of letting go, this is an episode you won't want to miss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Dream Dashers and Way Stations

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2023 46:57


    You know those big, magical dreams you can't seem to let go of, the ones that could change the whole course of your life?  Martha and Ro call these wild yearnings “way station dreams,” and you better believe the culture will try to crush them with everything it's got.  Tune in for this episode of BEWILDERED, Episode 58: Dream Dashers and Way Stations, to learn how you can discover what your own way station dreams are, overcome the culture's inevitable objections, and make your wildest dreams come true!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Deep, Slow River of Creativity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2023 37:55


    On this episode of BEWILDERED® Martha and Ro answer a question from listener Laurel, who's struggling to focus on a big creative project in a world full of distractions. The culture tells us that we can be successful at our long-term projects if we just work harder. But since we're human beings and not robots, Martha and Ro recommend a different approach. For their insights on how to commit to the flow of creativity, value surrender, and stake your claim to a creative life, tune in for the full episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    When to Leave

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2023 33:48


    "Should I stay, or should I go?" In this BeWild Files episode of BEWILDERED®, Martha and Ro dive into this question—and they say that the first step is to question our thoughts. Why? Because problems often come from our thoughts about our circumstances rather than the circumstances themselves. And our thoughts can be shifted once we get to a place of peace. To learn how to ground yourself, shift your thoughts, and use peace as a compass to make the best decisions for you, tune in for the full conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Pull

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2023 49:35


    Have you ever had the sense of being pulled towards something...but you had no idea why? Martha and Ro call this mysterious feeling “the pull,” and they're talking all about it in Episode 55 of BEWILDERED®. They share examples of following the pull in their own lives and how it led to some truly beautiful outcomes. Listen to the full episode to find out what the pull is, why our culture doesn't recognize or value it, and how you can learn to trust that it's leading you toward your soul's fulfillment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Anxiety Files, Vol. 2: A Tiny Crunch of Fear

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2023 41:59


    Anxiety in the culture—what exactly is going on there?  That's what Martha and Ro are trying to figure out in this special Anxiety Files episode of Bewildered. As a society we create structures to control things and keep us safe so we don't have to feel afraid. The irony is it doesn't work—because being controlled is also scary!  Join Martha and Ro for the full episode to learn how to use your right brain to stop the spin of anxiety, break free from the culture's control, and return to your true nature.See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.

    The Anxiety Files, Vol. 1: Courage and Avoidance

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2023 63:27


    Anxiety is like breathing for Martha and Rowan…maybe it is for you too? If so, you are sooo not alone! All over the world, anxiety is skyrocketing, and Martha and Ro are exploring this subject in depth over a series of special Bewildered episodes they're calling The Anxiety Files.  While the culture's "solution" to anxiety is to avoid discomfort, avoidance only shrinks our world, not our anxiety. But by using courage we can expand our comfort zones—and our lives. To learn how, don't miss the full episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Not Getting Enough Done

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2023 52:16


    Most of us are plagued with the fear that we're not doing enough—it's practically the fuel our culture runs on. We're pressured to constantly do more and more, and we're taught that suffering is necessary for success.  But where is the finish line? And does "enough" exist? Tune in for this episode of Bewildered to learn why doing enough is NOT the way out of the fear of not doing enough—and the wisdom from nature that Martha and Ro rely on instead. There's even some impromptu coaching, so don't miss it!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Claim Bewildered

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel