Imagine Paradise Podcast with Levi Kreis

Send us a textIf your creativity feels more like a checklist than a calling lately, this one's for you.In this soulful sit-down, Levi Kreis welcomes producer, educator, and creative force Kris Bradley—founder of Produce Like A Boss and Harmonic Course Creator—to explore how heart-centered creativity can transform everything from how you show up online to how you feel in your art.They unpack what happens when we stop chasing algorithms and start creating from alignment, how burnout can sneak in when we forget we're artists first, and why your presence—your vibration—is a gift, even before it becomes a product.If you've ever felt stuck between what you “should” do and what your soul actually wants to make… hit play.

Send us a textWhat if the very thing you're trying to protect is what's keeping you stuck?This week on The Church of Kreis Podcast, Levi cracks open the unspoken rules of impression management — that sneaky, exhausting pressure to “look the part” in order to stay relevant, accepted, or successful. From Broadway to boardrooms, we've all sacrificed parts of ourselves to perform for approval. But what if true creative freedom begins the moment you stop managing your image?Levi shares personal stories — including the moment an agent dismissed his Tony Award — and offers soulful insight into why reclaiming your authenticity is the key to real joy, real expression, and real connection.This is your permission slip to stop performing and start becoming.

Send us a textCynicism isn't insight — it's fear in a leather jacket. This week, Levi unpacks how our culture has made cynicism stylish and why it's starving your creativity. From entertainment and social media to personal relationships and inner voices, this episode is a soulful call to reclaim your voice and stop shape-shifting for approval.

Send us a textMeghan Murphy, award-winning actor and powerhouse vocalist, joins Levi for a soulful, no-holds-barred conversation about artistic conviction, creative evolution, and why it's time to stop waiting for permission.Tony Award-winner Levi Kreis sits down with the magnetic Meghan Murphy—known for her commanding vocals, signature “Big Red” flair, and fearless storytelling—for a deep-dive into what it means to create with conviction. From the soul of Amy Winehouse to the spirit of Bette Midler, Meghan shares her journey from Chicago's theater scene to international stages, revealing the rebel heart behind her celebrated persona.In this heartfelt, hilarious, and unfiltered episode, Levi and Meghan unpack:The power of showing up fully—on stage and in lifePerforming for cruise ships and queer cabaretsTurning pain into purpose without apologyWhy “there are no lanes” is the mantra every artist needsWhat it means to be the thermostat, not the thermometerIf you're craving artistic permission, soulful encouragement, and a reminder that your voice is enough, this one's for you.

Send us a textWelcome to The Church of Kreis Podcast — where artistry meets authenticity.In this episode, Tony Award-winner Levi Kreis reframes midlife as a sacred season of becoming. Instead of a crisis, what if midlife is a powerful pause — a time of spiritual growth, personal reinvention, and deep self-acceptance?Levi shares honest reflections on aging, identity, and letting go of who we thought we had to be. With humor, storytelling, and Gen X perspective, he invites listeners to embrace midlife as a fertile space for creativity, clarity, and courageous change.Whether you're navigating a personal crossroads, recovering your voice, or simply craving meaningful conversation — this episode is your permission to slow down, trust the process, and ripen in your own time.

Send us a textIn this return episode of The Church of Kreis Podcast, Tony Award-winner Levi Kreis breaks his two-year silence with a deeply personal reflection on reclaiming his voice. He shares the spark that reignited his creative journey, the lessons learned from pulling back, and the quiet power of holding transformation with grace.This episode explores what it means to integrate all aspects of self — the artist, the spiritual seeker, the truth-teller — and why showing up authentically in today's curated world is more than brave… it's necessary.Support the show

After weeks of evaluating various kinds of dysfunctions related to compulsive thinking and the identification with the mind, we begin exploring the one thing that will allow us to move deeply into the now moment -letting go of the concept of time.  Identification with the mind is intrinsically connected to either the past or the future.  When we can let go of the illusion of time, we discover the space between thoughts and are invited to be completely present in the now moment. Support the show

Continuing our discussion on enlightenment, we take some time this week to understand the emotional pain body and how to free ourselves from its compulsive, controlling reactions.  Understanding your triggers and learning how to dis-identify with the pain body is essential to enlightenment and will help free you from identification with the mind.Support the show

With the last few episodes focusing on freedom from compulsive thinking and identification with the mind, I turn my gaze towards the body-mind connection.  All of us need to learn how to create more space between ourselves and the emotions that we so strongly identify with.  In this episode, you will learn how to become the observer of your emotions rather than becoming your emotions.  I also talk about how to connect with emotions that seem hard to reach.   Join me as I break down principles from the book The Power Of Now and strive to make them easily understandable and immediately applicable.  Support the show

Many spiritual gurus say that the identification with the mind is the greatest obstacle to our enlightenment, but what the crap does it mean?  In this episode, I help us pull this concept out of the self-help books and into a tangible understanding of when we are using the mind and when the mind is using us.  Continuing our conversation from previous episodes, we learn this nuance so that we may be free from compulsive thinking, move into the space between thought and discover what communing with our own Divine Beingness feels like.  Support the show

Most of our society suffers from an addiction to compulsive thinking.  The mind is always reevaluating the past or strategizing for the future -a constant loop of conflict/solution - but very seldom are we ever in the present moment. Identification with the mind is the single greatest obstruction to our enlightenment.  So what is identification with the mind and how do we found our way out?  I want you to know that you can be free from the enslavement of the mind.  It is not some distant, woo woo goal that only a spiritual guru can attain.  Let's start a conversation on how you can free yourself from compulsive thinking and discover the bliss of beingness.Support the show

There is one spiritual discipline that is often considered the gateway to lasting enlightenment.  Through this, we can be free from the enslavement of the overactive mind and cultivate a life of Oneness.  In the last episode, I started our conversation about spirituality by asking you what is it and why does it matter.  I don't think it matters if it is not tangibly and measurably improving your life.  I like talking about this first step towards enlightenment because it tangibly creates little moments of heaven throughout the day and if incorporated into your daily life, will inevitably shift your consciousness.   Support the show

What is spirituality?  Why are you interested in starting a spiritual journey?      There is a reason you are asking this question and I want to tell you the very best place to start.  If you feel a radical transformation calling you to explore something deeper, then congratulations.  I believe this desire shows up at the perfect time and comes fully equipped by the universe to guide you to a spiritual awakening.  I also think that spirituality doesn't have to be so somber and serious.  Holding lightly to the process and laughing through the learning allows us to enjoy our personal and spiritual awakening without self-criticism and perfectionism.  Your radical transformation is calling you and I hope you let me be a friendly guide through the process of personal rebirth.Support the show

Welcome Lindsay P to the podcast! Lindsay is gracious enough to share not only her journey to sobriety, but how the spiritual principles she encounters along the way have also helped her cope with cancer.  I personally love the back end of this conversation when Lindsay and I spill over into our shared love and knowledge of metaphysics and new thought.  I hope this conversation is encouraging to you this week. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and consider going to levikreis.com to become a member or simply offer a one-time donation to help support the ongoing creation of this podcast along with future music and theatre projects.  Support the show

The Spiritual Doula returns for a poignant conversation about making new friends in adulthood and how to maximize the quality of those relationships.  We are who we hang around.  When those we spend most of our time with are actively upleveling their life, it only reinforces our own spiritual and personal development.  On the other hand, if they're clowning, it will only lessen our own ambition.  Please consider supporting the podcast by making a one-time donation or becoming a member today at levikreis.com  Support the show

Ahbra Schiff is production manager of the REEL Recovery Film Festival, an annual event that celebrates stories of addiction and recovery.  In this episode, she shares her own story about what life was like before sobriety and how getting sober has changed her life.  Support the show

In this episode, you will learn about Jason Antone's experience as a gay man in the classical crossover genre, the message of Antone's song "Inside My Heart" and Antone's perspective on why he believes it is important to be authentic in his art.  Your voice matters in this world and this episode is a good reminder to stand in your authenticity, speak from your own unique perspective and know that someone is in need of hearing what you say specifically the way you say it.  Powerful stuff.  Powerful self-confidence.  Click here to watch the new video for Antone's song "Inside My Heart". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdm0cRlyTHMSupport the show

All of us find ourselves in a perpetual loop of negative thinking sometimes.  Knowing how to create distance between you and a pattern of negative thinking will allow you to toss out those limiting beliefs, assert spiritual principle in their stead and start creating a different quality of life.  Today I discuss a few ways to make that happen.  Become a member of the LK Crew at levikreis.com/join - being a member helps the ongoing creation of the podcast, music and theatre projects.  Support the show

It's a topic we discussed on season one with the Spiritual Doula Ms. Anjie Hosley.  A topic we've discussed with classical-crossover recording artist Jason Antone.  But today I do some solo reflection on why I personally have not quite gotten this concept in my own life.  I remind myself (and you the listener) of the importance of boundaries as necessary of preserving one's energy and experiencing a greater degree of self love.  I also feature a song about self worth from the album Imagine Paradise called Taking Back My Boogie.Support the show

A quick episode recorded on a travel day of tour giving you the backstory of a song from the album Imagine Paradise called Let It Go and the importance of extending grace to yourself and learning to forgive the past and reclaim that fire inside of you.   Support the show

This week I am joined by one of my long time friends writer/director Del Shores who offers a unique perspective as a perpetual lover of immensely talented actors who often had their own journey towards sobriety.  A very necessary episode for those of you who love an addict or alcoholic and want to know more about how to love them without enabling them.  Watch video of this episode at yt.com/imagineparadise  Support the show

If you know my story of sobriety, you know that Leslie Jordan was one of the first fellow southerners I met when moving to Los Angeles and had a key influence on me getting sober.  Join Leslie and I as we reflect on our stories of sobriety and how it has elevated everything in our life including our careers.  We also spend a bit of the conversation talking about our craft and ways he's influenced my own take on acting.  Head over to youtube.com/imagineparadise to subscribe and see video of this episode.Support the show

Recovering addicts here in San Francisco will tell you first hand there is a direct correlation between homelessness and substance abuse.   Local ex-homeless/ex-addicts will attest that 8 out of every 10 people on the street are struggling with addiction.  Over 75% of unsheltered have a drug or alcohol addiction and a similar number have a severe mental health disorder. So why are we constantly marketed the idea that this is primarily a poverty problem and housing is the solution?  You can build all the housing in the world and get homeless off the street so you don't have to look at us, but if we are struggling with drug addiction and mental illness, we're just housed dealing with drug addiction and mental illness.  In 2020, the death rate among San Francisco homeless doubled.  They condone this behavior and even help promote it with harm reduction policies that blur the line between harm reduction and drug promotion.  Caroline Shores Thrush is back and we're giving you a recovering addict's perspective on the “compassionate” policies she witnessed while working in the non-profit sector with transitional housing here in San Francisco.  Support the show

My guest, Caroline Shores Thrush, shares her dynamic story about discovering her need for sobriety at twenty years old and learning the power of self love, service to others and finding her own spiritual solution.  Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast and head over to youtube.com/imagineparadise for videos of each episode.Support the show

We become who we spend most of our time with.  It's important that those who make up our inner circle are living out the same high vibration lifestyle that we expect of ourselves.  Surrounding yourself with disciplined, positive, motivated individuals only supports your own efforts to be the same. Today's episode welcomes back the spiritual doula Anjie Hosley to discuss the important of quality friendships and how to attract them, cultivate them and be supported and empowered by them.  Support the show

Matt Gilhooly takes a moment away from The Life Shift Podcast to talk with me about his story, the importance of your story and how we are all on a journey to transmute pain into power.  We cover a few topics here with some great ah ha moments to enjoy. This episode will leave you inspired and hopefully make you more certain of your own ability to make good of broken things.Support the show

Focused on the liberating nature of letting your guard down and just being yourself, Anyway You Wanna was a song written for our LGBTQ+ youth to inspire and encourage them to know self-love on the deepest possible level.  But the message of valuing who we are is not just for the young, for many of us still carry deep wounds that linger still from a long arduous journey of coming out.  This episode not only tells the backstory of how the song came to be, but seeks to move us from pain into power.  Support the show

If you want to know how to optimize the quality of your romantic relationships and come to the table fully equipped to build something meaningful and fulfilling, there are three key non-romantic relationships you might want to get in order.  The Spiritual Doula Anjie Hosley is back with some real life applications that will get you maximum results in your relationship endeavors.  Support the show

We cannot attract that which we are not a vibrational equivalent to.  Therefore, in order to attract love and manifest the relationship of your dreams, we must do the work to become a vibrational match to the kind of love we desire.   Today's episode and conversation is inspired by the lyrics of Timeless (We Are) from the album Imagine Paradise available on all streaming platforms.  Don't forget to subscribe to youtube.com/imagineparadise for daily inspiration and motivation.  Support the show

As so many of my interviews this season, this is another fascinating true story of a phoenix rising from the ashes of addiction and making a new life for himself.  This is Steve on how he found sobriety, beat cancer and found a purpose for life.  We also have a great conversation about the transformative power of surrender.  Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and visit youtube.com/imagineparadise for daily motivational/spiritual content.Support the show

Scott L reminds us of the power of community and how isolation is death for those of us struggling with addiction and alcohol.  A great conversation of what life was like before addiction and what life is like in sobriety.  Remember to subscribe to this podcast and visit youtube.com/imagineparadise for daily motivational/spiritual content.Support the show

Dale G takes you on a remarkable journey of what life was like before sobriety and what life is like now.  If you need to be reminded of your ability to overcome addiction and build a new life for yourself that is happy, joyous and free, do not miss this episode.Remember to subscribe to this podcast and visit youtube.com/imagineparadise for daily motivational/spiritual content.Support the show

It's the final episode of Season 2 and we have a bit of light discussion around my song Lonely Sunday Morning from my debut album One Of the Ones.   If there is any sort of offering this episode gives is just to encourage you to savor every experience you have in life - it makes us who we are.Support the show (http://Patreon.com/LeviKreis)

This episode is a great review of the four stages of spiritual awareness that I've referenced in previous podcasts.  I use my song Man Outta Me to transport me back to a time in my life where the journey from victim to victor was new and unfamiliar to me.  This conversation will remind you of your spiritual identity and the power that is inherently within you as a Divine expression of Infinite Potentiality.  Support the show (http://Patreon.com/LeviKreis)

Forgiveness is not easy to come by sometimes, but nine times outta ten we are the ones that are still suffering - not them.  We are the only ones hurting by holding on to it.  Sometimes all the universe needs to hear is that little whisper from us that says "I am willing".  Just asking the universe to show us what we need to let go of - to show us who we need to become in order to forgive - it sets things in motion.  In this episode, I discuss the experience that informed my song Left Over and encourage all of us to lay claim to our own personal freedom through the power of forgiveness.  Support the show

Did you know that those of us who are prone to addiction are a special little breed with a natural inclination towards spiritual transcendence?  The problem is that we are seeking that transcendental experience through false substitutes.  When we realize that spirituality is the door to that transcendence, something clicks for us and we find a profound power.  If we daily invest in a spiritual solution, life can be a daily high that only Spirit can provide.  In this episode, I use my song Love In Another Light from my debut album One Of The Ones to tell my own journey from addiction to recovery.Support the show (http://Patreon.com/LeviKreis)

Emotions are our internal guidance system.  They are to be observed and evaluated, but not necessarily absorbed as our identity.  Becoming the observer of our emotions creates a healthy distance between feeling and "being" that feeling.  "I am angry" vs "I have anger" is notably different vibration.  Instead of identifying with every rush of emotion we have, it is possible to become the thoughtful observer of our feelings and follow them down to the fundamental belief that is supporting that feeling.  In this episode, discussion is inspired by my song I Should Go from my debut album One Of The Ones.  Support the show (http://Patreon.com/LeviKreis)

We all gotta stumble before we're standing tall.  It's part of the learning process.  If recent failures have you feeling hopeless and loosing perspective,  be reminded that you have the power to transform any experience and there is nothing to be alarmed about.  You are lacking nothing.  In this episode, I do a deep dive into my song Standing Tall from the EP Bad Habit and review the four stages of spiritual awareness.Support the show (http://Patreon.com/LeviKreis)

Are you exhausted by how much weight we as a society put on virtually everything these days?  There is a real joy in holding things lightly, staying loose and allowing circumstances to go where they will with the inner assurance that the universe always has your back.  In this episode, I discuss how liberating it was to let go of my overly serious attitude around music and give myself permission to simply experience laughter through my song Tell Me Twice from my EP Bad Habit.Support the show (http://Patreon.com/LeviKreis)

You heard Rev. Denise say it last season..."The context of our life creates the content of our life." Once we take a closer look at the old paradigms that give us the same disappointing experiences over and over, we are  free to create new paradigms that will create better circumstances.  In this episode I use my song Three Words as an example of how I wrote down all the old paradigms I had around relationships and created a list of new beliefs that actually worked to my benefit.  This concept applies to anything we desire to create - counter old life-denying beliefs with new life-affirming beliefs, work with them and watch them create new experiences in time.  Support the show (http://Patreon.com/LeviKreis)

Something about surrendering to a higher power in the face of our most intense challenges causes synchronicity to meet us right where we are.  Countless times I have seen something beyond me carry me through moments I thought I would surely fail.  In this episode, I riff a bit about my song Bad Habit and explore the power in the simple act of surrender.Support the show (http://Patreon.com/LeviKreis)

If you know what you were called to do, it makes no difference if the people around you get it.  Let it confuse them.  Let them judge you.  Stand in your truth and stop waiting for others to give you permission to use your anointing!  Allow every obstacle to re-invent you.  Your anointing has come fully equipped to find its path.  Trust and believe in your inner compass.  I wrap up this month's focus on my album The Gospel According To Levi with a deep dive into my song Say It Out Loud.  Support the show (http://Patreon.com/LeviKreis)

Continuing with our featured conversations around songs from my album The Gospel According To Levi, I give the backstory on what became one of my most triggering songs for religious communities, Bittersweet Salvation.  The lesson for us is to never stop being a seeker.  Never stop questioning, reading and reaching beyond what is comfortable.  If our thirst for spiritual wisdom never ventures beyond what is familiar to us, chances are there is so much more to discover.  Best quote - if anyone is using fear to sell you a spiritual narrative, tell'm to get to steppin'. Support the show (http://Patreon.com/LeviKreis)

For decades, monotheistic religions have managed to use their holy books as a reason to drive up the body count of nonbelievers.  As a matter of fact, you will be hard pressed to find many examples of religion-inspired violence and bigotry before monotheistic religions  came to power.  From the twin towers, to slavery, to condemning interracial marriage, to withholding black men from positions in the priesthood, to women's suffrage, to same sex marriage and so much more, the common thread is men using "sacred" passages from their holy books to justify their violence and bigotry.  The song In The Name Of God features a myriad of transgressions justified by "righteous anger".Support the show (http://Patreon.com/LeviKreis)

I never like to present a problem without a solution and for my album The Gospel According To Levi, there were plenty of problems articulated.  However, the song Futurelove was a shift in the tone of that controversial album.  And in this episode, it is the catalyst for a conversation around learning to talk to others who may share a completely different world view than the one we value.  There is a willingness to come together in this lyric  - and I hope our passion for a world of unity inspires us to do the work that such a selfless and humble mission requires.  Support the show (http://Patreon.com/LeviKreis)

When I first wrote my song We're Okay, featured on the album The Gospel According To Levi, it was an attempt to reunite my mother and I after coming out to her.  This podcast goes back to the moment when I became willing to build a bridge between myself and those who couldn't have more different views.  Being committed to love is easy when we are isolated by like-minded individuals.  It's only when we reach across the great divide that we truly discover what it means to be humble and empathetic.  Our desire for true Unity will eventually require us to know what it's like to walk in someone else's shoes.  Support the show (http://Patreon.com/LeviKreis)

The first responsibility you have to your dreams is to ensure that you are not enveloping them with a vibration of lack, a belief in not enough-ness, or an egoic desperation.  The work begins by affirming your spiritual identity and knowing the spiritual principles that govern this opulent, infinite universe.  But this episode really gets good when I start exploring the profound work of neuroscientist Dr. Joe Dispenza and his book Breaking The Habit Of Being Yourself.  These scientific concepts will make tangible the possibility of becoming the person you dream of, but haven't yet actualized.  Really good concepts all inspired by the song Neverland from my album Broadway At The Keys.  Support the show (http://Patreon.com/LeviKreis)

We have the power to create our own individualized experience of the world based on how intentional (or unintentional) we are with the quantum laws of the universe.  As a matter of fact, the things that trouble us the most will never enter our matrix if we are not a vibrational match to them.  We will always find what we're looking for - it's quantum law.  The universe only knows one word - yes.  And in response to your thoughts, your feelings, your beliefs, the universe will faithfully send back to you the experiences that are a perfect vibrational match.This week, I riff on the message found in the song In My Own Lifetime from my album Broadway At The Keys  and explore what possibilities exist in this conversation.  I also talk about our broader contribution to the world.  When we understand that every solution is first and foremost a spiritual solution, we start to operate from a place of Divine identity, informed by universal spiritual principles rather than a limited secular viewpoint.  This transforms the way we go about making change in the world and inspires ideas that are more elevating than destructive, more loving than not. Support the show (http://Patreon.com/LeviKreis)

When shame and guilt infect areas of our life, it can encourage self-destructive choices, depression, anxiety, and worse.  Bringing every part of ourselves into the light of love is not only healing personally, but can be of service to others as well.  In this episode, we look at the lyrics of Living In The Shadows from my album Broadway At The Keys and shine the light into all the dark spaces.Support the show (http://Patreon.com/LeviKreis)

Whatever dream has found its way to your soul, it is your responsibility to envelop it with the vibration of infinite possibility.  So often we hold so tightly to our dreams that we operate from a vibration of lack and not enough-ness.  And at times, our ego can become attached to a particular outcome and become resentful when things do not out-picture as we imagined.  In this episode, we dive in to the lyrics of Corner Of The Sky from my album Broadway At The Keys and create a sacred space where dreams can grow and thrive.  Support the show (http://Patreon.com/LeviKreis)

Tanya Tucker may have had it right when she sang "If It Don't Come Easy, Better Let It Go".  The universe loves grace and ease and Taking Back My Boogie from my album Imagine Paradise celebrates that moment when you decide to retire the old habit of looking for complicated relationships.  Support the show (http://Patreon.com/LeviKreis)