Unraveling Religion

On Richard Wicka's I Thou Video Series Richard and Joel, two old friends, talk and deconstruct meaning, trauma, and suffering and its relation to political and religous spectrums and systems of belief. Richard and Joel teach each about their perspectives in deeply honoring and respectful discourse, examining: nationalism, Hilter, neonazism, the liberal or left versus the right or conservative belief systems that influence the world, tolerance and love versus projecting one's suffering on to others. The spiritual aspect of reality and existence in relation to Trump and tendencies of liberal communities and people versus conservative communities and people. From Karl Marx to Capitalism, Joel and Richard look at a wide array of terrain to answer questions about the 'Why.' To view this talk on YouTube unedited, please click here. Richard Wicka is a Buffalo, N.Y.-based media artist and photographer and the proprietor of "The Home of the Future,"a media access center and production/recording studio based in his Kaisertown home. Wicka has been providing a forum for artists in all media, activists, and everyday citizens of his Western New York community since the mid-1970s. He provides interested parties with technical support, studio time, and production tools free of charge, encouraging them to express themselves in ways that mainstream culture has not historically sanctioned. With the advent of internet radio came ThinkTwice Radio in 2006, offering podcasts to anyone with a subject to discuss and the commitment to produce a regular show. Wicka attended the seminary as an adolescent, then pursued a BA in philosophy from the University at Buffalo. In 1976 he founded Buffalo Paralegal Services. His work has been screened at venues and on television stations around the world. Wicka is a past board president of Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center. For more information on Richard Wicka, visit hotftv.net.

Karl Shallowhorn and Joel talk about lived experience with mental health distress, the different ways to improve the quality of life for people with mental health distress, Karl's own history and biography, personally and professionally, with lived experience. Karl and Joel explore the importance of peer to peer connection not just for people with mental health distress, but its importance for all people to see what is shared, what we have in common, our shared human condition. Together Karl and Joel share personal and professional history and hopes for our collective future. Karl wears many hats, working at Mental Health Advocates as Director of Youth Programs, Karl Shallowhorn Consulting, he also has his own radio program dedicated to discussing the relationship music has with mental health ‘Mental Health Verses’. Thursday, 03/02/2023, 7:00 Karl presents Mental Health Verses: Live, a multi-media talk based on his 91.3 FM WBNY radio program of the same name. For tickets to attend or support, please click here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/mhaoeci/event/mentalhealthverses/ Bio: Mental health advocate, educator, speaker and coach, Karl Shallowhorn, has a proven track record of delivering engaging and informative presentations to wide-ranging audiences across the United States. His combination of lived experience and clinical expertise makes him a unique resource. Karl is the author of Working on Wellness: A Practical Guide to Mental Health, Leadership Through the Lens of the 12 Steps and is the creator of a Mastermind course based on the 12 Step Leadership concept. He has been a featured blogger and writer for BP magazine. Karl has received numerous awards for his work in the mental health field including from the National Federation of Just Communities and the Buffalo Association of Black Social Workers. He has also been selected as a presenter for TedX Buffalo 2021 with his topic being, “African American Men and Mental Health: Crisis or Opportunity.” Karl is a much sought-after speaker and a member of the Black Speakers Network, He is the host of a Facebook Live public affairs and health program sponsored by the Community Health Center of Buffalo. As a person in long-term recovery from bipolar and co-occurring addiction disorder, Karl’s goal is to help people discover their unmet potential and eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness. He has educated diverse audiences, including behavioral health providers, law enforcement, youth, educators, veterans and faith communities, among others.

In this brief talk, Henry Cretella, MD and Joel examine the history and relationship between Amber Light's Podcast 'Alchemical Dialogues' and Joel's own podcast 'Unraveling Religion.' Henry and Joel have been friends since 2014, and have cross-pollinated sharing ideas and wisdom including episodes regarding dreams, poetry, the spiritual path, psychology and mental health. 'Alchemical Dialogues' are live and unscripted conversations with topics from our current social and cultural climate, and an emphasis on humanism and spirituality. Amber Light International is a non-profit educational/spiritual group. Through it, Henry and his partner Kathleen offer spiritual guidance, individual and group retreats, workshops, intensive book studies, celebrations and other related experiences. Amber Light link here: https://www.amberlightinternational.org/podcast/

Curiosity delving deeply into the Talmud and Rabbi Gedaliah Gurfein's website 'The People's Talmud' https://thepeoplestalmud.com/home (which is all in English). Rabbi Gedaliah Gurfein and Joel discuss a vast terrain of time and topics, in Judaism, Judaism's relation to the World, and a Jew's responsibility and obligation to their community. Every single aspect of life is address in Talmud, the interface of G-d and this physical World, Torah. Joel and Gedaliah outline the Sages from the Talmud, Hillel and Shammai, the need for discourse and dialogue in the course of antisemitism. The People's Talmud’s reach has a following in West Africa and China. Also explored is ‘what is a Jewish Soul,’ from a practical and mystical perspective. The People’s Talmud is not a translation of Talmud, but a narration of the Talmud. Love and Hatred as the same energy, the difference is how it is expressed. Wisdom versus Knowledge, the importance of falling or failing in life as a way of gaining wisdom.

Part 1 of this talk, Reb Brian Yosef and Joel share thoughts and perspectives on Divine Providence, dreams, spiritual awakening, meditation, and the importance of how to integrate awakening experiences into our daily lives, in an enduring way. Also, seeing beyond our human conditioning into our deeper self, our Soul, and the intellect as a tool for spirituality. Buddhism and Judaism are compared and contrasted, things like 'Mu-shin,' or 'no-mind,' the mystical aspect of life seeing into emptiness or Reality. What is Kabbalah: what does it mean? who is it for? what does it offer? Kabbalah, Chasidism, The Ba'al Shem Tov and the historical developments of Judaism's spirituality. What and why does spirituality benefit people? Bio: Reb Brian Yosef Schachter-Brooks is a Jewish spiritual teacher and musician. He has been teaching the practice of Presence (meditation, mindfulness) and Judaism since 2006, and founded Torah of Awakening in 2016. He is the author of Kabbalah for Beginners, published by Rockridge Press, and Integral Jewish Meditation – Three Portals of Presence for Spiritual Awakening.Reb Brian Yosef received s’miha (ordination) as Minister of Sacred Music (Reb Yosef Briah Zohar, Menatzeiakh, Ba’al Tefilah) from Reb Zalman z”l (2012), Spiritual Teacher and Awakener of Souls (Morei Rukhani uM’oreir N’shamot) from Shaykh Ibrahim Baba Farajaje (may his secret be sanctified) and Rabbi SaraLeya Schley (2012), certification as Teacher of Jewish Meditation (Moreh L’hitbodedut) from Dr. Rabbi Avram Davis (2004), and holds a Bachelor in Music from the Eastman School of Music (1991).

In Part 2 of this talk, Reb Brian Yosef and Joel talk about the second and third Portals of Awareness, as taught by Reb Brian. Feeling the breath, the relation of the many meanings of the Hebrew word 'Ruach:' spirit, wind, breath, and soul. The practical instructions of mystical teachings, awareness, and consciousness, meditation. 'I am this awareness, the open field.' Encouraging the realization of Self. Aryeh Kaplan writings, the spiritual and mystical teachings from 'Jacob's Ladder.' Creation of postive and negative angels, Jacob's awakening stating 'the Divine is in this place and I did not know it.' Bio: Reb Brian Yosef Schachter-Brooks is a Jewish spiritual teacher and musician. He has been teaching the practice of Presence (meditation, mindfulness) and Judaism since 2006, and founded Torah of Awakening in 2016. He is the author of Kabbalah for Beginners, published by Rockridge Press, and Integral Jewish Meditation – Three Portals of Presence for Spiritual Awakening.Reb Brian Yosef received s’miha (ordination) as Minister of Sacred Music (Reb Yosef Briah Zohar, Menatzeiakh, Ba’al Tefilah) from Reb Zalman z”l (2012), Spiritual Teacher and Awakener of Souls (Morei Rukhani uM’oreir N’shamot) from Shaykh Ibrahim Baba Farajaje (may his secret be sanctified) and Rabbi SaraLeya Schley (2012), certification as Teacher of Jewish Meditation (Moreh L’hitbodedut) from Dr. Rabbi Avram Davis (2004), and holds a Bachelor in Music from the Eastman School of Music (1991).

Rah and Joel discuss the life of fathers, Rah expresses the benefits and challenges of fatherhood today and of the spiritual side of parenting. Rah teaches regarding his experiences as a father of nine, and his deep desire to improve the quality of life for parents, fathers, and children. Through his deep wisdom and life experience, Rah shares with Joel insights and hopes he also explores in his podcast 'Fatha Torch.' About 'Fatha Torch:' the podcast to help you become the dad you always wish you had. Each episode is an open discussion about fatherhood and the struggles faced as and by Black men in America. Topics include self-love, the child support system, emotional trauma from toxic relationships, societal injustices and reentry after incarceration. To listen to Rah and Fatha Torch here: https://www.fathatorch.com Rashakim 'Rah' Hudson, a father of nine children, artist and founder of Abimilechh Foundation in Rochester, NY, became a father in 1996, and struggled to be a good father or at least better than his own. Rah had struggled with emotional traumas and mental health issues for an extended periods. He was inspired by friends and family members who saw in him in a 'truth as a father' and to establish a fatherhood curriculum and program to connect with other fathers. 'Who is struggling, making common mistakes, and juggling a career, among other things such as their mental health, feelings of anxiety about parenting, and the life of a dad?' Rah has had the privilege of meeting and sharing his real-life experiences and lessons learned with parents worldwide since then.

In this conversation recorded, Sam, a deeply gifted poet, and Joel deconstruct aspects of friendship and creative writing and its process. Sam and Joel share some of their own personal influences, also talk about story poems, and Shakespeare. Together the two explore 'Where did poetry find you?' and 'where did poetry bring you?' Also, reflections on poetry and the contemplative aspects of life are shared. Sam is working on a new book of poems. Contemporary masculinuity is explored, and the aspects of justice and mercy with the masculine. Also, 'What can poems do?' 'Why do we practice poetry?' A parent's experience, and it relation to God, the support, and meaning, and richness of Sam's life as a father. Sam and Joel recall how they first met at a writing group, Sam shares some new poems, and Joel and Sam seek to deepen life experience by sharing in a genuine authenic and congruent way. Sam Floyd is a poet, advocate of those with a wide range of disability and mental health conditions, and a peer with lived experience (i.e., having anxiety and depression). His podcast, Comma 23, creates and builds a safe space to share stories with familiarity and trust. As a poet and person with lived experience, Sam has learned a great deal through the struggles with depression. He displays the ability to discover and reveal grace, through the honest expressions of his personal experience and how, at times, it can feel impossible to do so with anxiety. He is working currently on a manuscript of poetry of his early years.

Dr. Hilary Weaver and Joel connect and speak of relational understanding the web of life for all people, all life; the talk opens discussing the Lakota people and ways, her devotion to people through her vital efforts to improve the quality of life for people as a Social Worker, her past experiences working with inmates on death row at San Quentin, the shootings in Buffalo, NY and how to view darkness in the human condition, and how the Sun and Dead Kennedys helped her heal. Hilary and Joel also speak of the vital necessity of tolerance for others, and embracing and celebrating diversity, spirituality, and why Unraveling Rellgion might seek a new name. Hilary N. Weaver, DSW (Lakota) is a Professor and Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the School of Social Work, University at Buffalo (State University of New York). She received her BS from Antioch College in social work with a cross-cultural studies focus and her MSW and DSW from Columbia University. Her teaching, research, and service focus on cultural issues in the helping process with an emphasis on Indigenous populations. Dr. Weaver received funding from the National Cancer Institute to develop and test a culturally-grounded wellness curriculum for urban Native American youth, the Healthy Living in Two Worlds program. She is a member of NASW, Chair-elect of the CSWE board of directors, Global Indigenous Commissioner for IFSW, and currently serves as President of the Indigenous and Tribal Social Work Educators’ Association (formerly American Indian Alaska Native Social Work Educators’ Association). She was inducted as an NASW Social Work Pioneer in 2020 and was named the American Public Health Association’s Public Health Social Worker of theYear in 2020. Dr. Weaver has presented her work regionally, nationally, and internationally including presenting at the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at the United Nations in 2005-2008, 2013-2019, and 2021-2022. She has numerous publications including the text, Explorations in Cultural Competence: Journeys to the Four Directions (2005), the edited book, Social Issues in Contemporary Native America: Reflections fromTurtle Island (2014), Trauma and Resilience in the Lives of Contemporary Native Americans: Reclaiming our Balance, Restoring our Wellbeing (2019), and the edited volume Routledge International Handbook of Indigenous Resilience (2022). The Image for this podcast is from [https://www.filmsforaction.org/articles/lakota-wisdom-why-native-american-truths-can-heal-the-world/]

In Part 2 of this talk, Graham and Joel touch on common ground between them, forms of contemplation and how the best minds, poems, paintings, are formalized spirituality. The mystical experience, Science, the elemental construction of nature, what is our relation as humans to the Universe? Does the soul exist? The Theory of Evolution, Gravity, laws of Science and consciousness, Religion as an unintended consequence. Does Religion and Spirituality address our needs and hopes as human. Is fear a good motivator? What is the relationship between the Bible and Shakespeare? Biography of Graham Sears, born in Buffalo, New York in 1953. His education includes The Nichols School and Liberal Arts at Hobart College, then the University of Buffalo. In 1984 and 1985 studied at the School of Fine Arts in Paris and have been working artist for 25 years. His work is shown in New York City (Robert Steele) and museums across the United States. Graham is a serious student of philosophy, science the history of ideas and the history of expression. Personally, Graham rejected utterly his Christian upbringing beginning around age of 12. He writes "Haunted by great poetry, music and literature. Life is beautiful, people are beautiful, love is beautiful. Religion is a tragic sexist delusion more responsible for human misfortune than any other single cause, it is niether the source of truth about man, origins or morality nor is it justifiable as a source of comfort despite its' factual absurdity it is in short completely unneccesary and dehumanizing..."

In Part 2 of this talk, Graham and Joel touch on common ground between them, forms of contemplation and how the best minds, poems, paintings, are formalized spirituality. The mystical experience, Science, the element construction of nature, what is our relation as humans to the Universe? Does the soul exist? The Theory of Evolution, Gravity, laws of Science and consciousness, Religion as an unintended consequence. Does Religion and Spirituality address our needs and hopes as human. Is fear a good motivator? What is the relationship between the Bible and Shakespeare? Biography of Graham Sears, born in Buffalo, New York in 1953. His education includes The Nichols School and Liberal Arts at Hobart College, then the University of Buffalo. In 1984 and 1985 studied at the School of Fine Arts in Paris and have been working artist for 25 years. His work is shown in New York City (Robert Steele) and museums across the United States. Graham is a serious student of philosophy, science the history of ideas and the history of expression. Personally, Graham rejected utterly his Christian upbringing beginning around age of 12. He writes "Haunted by great poetry, music and literature. Life is beautiful, people are beautiful, love is beautiful. Religion is a tragic sexist delusion more responsible for human misfortune than any other single cause, it is niether the source of truth about man, origins or morality nor is it justifiable as a source of comfort despite its' factual absurdity it is in short completely unneccesary and dehumanizing..."

In this old talk with a dear friend, reposting from the archives from August 2009, Graham and Joel cover religion and ethics and Graham's formative ethical and philosophical development, including the history of religion and the philosophy of religion, exposure to the Koran, Bhagavad Gita, and the old and new Testament. Graham and Joel continue to explore how to inform oneself with moral awareness, the relation of religion and law, morality found in children and primates, religion and science and the human condition. Essentially, Part 1 of this talk explores is religion necessary? Biography of Graham Sears, born in Buffalo, New York in 1953. His education includes The Nichols School and Liberal Arts at Hobart College, then the University of Buffalo. In 1984 and 1985 studied at the School of Fine Arts in Paris and have been working artist for 25 years. His work is shown in New York City (Robert Steele) and museums across the United States. Graham is a serious student of philosophy, science the history of ideas and the history of expression. Personally, Graham rejected utterly his Christian upbringing beginning around age of 12. He writes "Haunted by great poetry, music and literature. Life is beautiful, people are beautiful, love is beautiful. Religion is a tragic sexist delusion more responsible for human misfortune than any other single cause, it is niether the source of truth about man, origins or morality nor is it justifiable as a source of comfort despite its' factual absurdity it is in short completely unneccesary and dehumanizing..."

In this old talk with a dear friend, reposting from the archives from August 2009, Graham and Joel cover religion and ethics and Graham's formative ethical and philosophical development, including the history of reigion and the philosophy of religion, explosure to the Koran, Bhagavad Gita, and the old and new Testament. Graham and Joel continue to explore how to inform oneself with moral awareness, the relation of religion and law, morality found in children and primates, religion and science and the human condition. Essentially, Part 1 of this talk explores is religion necessary? Biography of Graham Sears, born in Buffalo, New York in 1953. His education includes The Nichols School and Liberal Arts at Hobart College, then the University of Buffalo. In 1984 and 1985 studied at the School of Fine Arts in Paris and have been working artist for 25 years. His work is shown in New York City (Robert Steele) and museums across the United States. Graham is a serious student of philosophy, science the history of ideas and the history of expression. Personally, Graham rejected utterly his Christian upbringing beginning around age of 12. He writes "Haunted by great poetry, music and literature. Life is beautiful, people are beautiful, love is beautiful. Religion is a tragic sexist delusion more responsible for human misfortune than any other single cause, it is niether the source of truth about man, origins or morality nor is it justifiable as a source of comfort despite its' factual absurdity it is in short completely unneccesary and dehumanizing..."

In this epsode recorded for Alchemical Dialogues, Henry Cretella inteviews Joel about the arts, and how they are instrumental in creating change within ourselves and in the world. The relationship of inner and outer reflects a unity in the mystical experience. Henry and Joel talk about a particular immersion in poetry, and for Joel, this art form is an expression of humanity’s mystical longing. Joel also explores other avenues of change through his podcasts on Unraveling Religion, his commitment to revisioning our conception of mental health issues and treatment, his spiritual practices, and reflecting on his own personal journey. Join us and dive into the change that we all long to embody. This same talk is posted on Alchmical Dialogues from Amber Light International. Link for Alchemical Dialogues: https://www.amberlightinternational.org/podcast/ Alchemical Dialogues are live and unscripted conversations recorded on Zoom brought to you by the great folks of Amber Light International. We choose topics from our current social and cultural climate, with an emphasis on humanism and spirituality.Bio on Alchemical Dialogues: Joel David Lesses crafts poems about the landscape of our mind and life, capturing the mystical and spiritual elements of being human. He explores our humanness and resilience in the face of true suffering, overcoming these with the transformative power of self-inquiry, introspection, contemplative, and meditative practices. Joel grounds our human experience and spiritual realms in poetry. He has lived in Nepal and Israel, and now resides in Western New York. Joel was previously voted ‘Buffalo’s Best Poet’, founded WNY’s ‘Ground and Sky Poetry Series’, and created the podcast Unraveling Religion, which explores world mysticism and spirituality. His autobiography, Odyssey of Autumn’s Breath, is in-progress, and combines much of his life’s poetry with prose​.​

In the second half of this two part conversation recorded, the panelist delve deeper into spirituality and practices with anticdotes, lessons, tips, and stories. Topics covered and included are Materialism and science and spirituality, relationships and consumerism, how does 'Service' relate to spirituality, healing and trusted loving relationships as spirituality, wonder and rest as spiritual practices, breath pratices connecting body mind and heart, and what role does the human body play in intelligent spirituality?

In this dynamic and unique discussion, Unraveling Religion brings together five former guests of the show: Chris, Henry, Rich, Sara and Bettie. Together with Joel, the panel explores the fundamentals of spirituality including what it is, what means, its potentials, and practices. Lively, invigorating, and warm​ -​​ our discussion centered around exploring definitions, meaning and difference, perspective, and awareness. ​Topics covered were enlightenment versus separate self, spiritual experiences, ​connection and relationship, being at home in the world. Process? Change? Spirituality as life, with a Creation story. What role does suffering and healing play in spirituality?Biographies of the panel:Chris Barbera's biography includes currently 3 areas of spiritual life and work: working with and in relationship with the Network of Religious Communities, an interfaith human rights project; Chirs also directs a prison theology writing program with inmates and faith communities; and writes, meditates and supports his local community. Henry Cretella is a retired psychiatrist, active spiritual guide, and teacher. He studied Sufism becoming a senior teacher before deciding to pursue his interests independent of any organization. He has co-founded Amber Light International, revolving around mysticism and humanism. He hosts his own podcast, Alchemical Dialogues, through Amber Light.Richard Grego is professor of philosophy and cultural history at Florida State College at Jacksonville. His research interests focus on comparative and cross-cultural philosophy of religion and science, metaphysics and philosophy of mind, the philosophical implications of theoretical physics and scientific cosmology, and history of World Civilizations. His recent books-publications include: Sensual Austerity and Moral Leadership: Plato, Confucius, and Gandhi on Building a Peaceful Society.Sara Hughes (she/they) is a Relationship Artist who seeks to live in right relationship to all in the Web of Life. Sara's relational work has been primarily focused on improving conditions for young people in the unceded Seneca/Haudenosaunee region of the land currently known as Rochester, NY. More information may be found at https://mama-sara-says.comBettie Scullin's previous life activities included working in accounting and quality management in the steel, high tech and food industries. Retired and living in Florida she offers Akashic records consultations and classes, devotes time to spiritual practices and meditations, writes poetry and enjoys participating in her grandsons’ lives.

In this talk, Bill and Joel cover the terrain of poetry, storytelling, and questions: 'What does silence teach?' 'What is the ego, what is Self?' 'What of service in our world?' Bill and Joel reference Before Your Quiet Eyes the local Rochester Bookstore for many local literary events, and where Joel and Bill met. In this engaging and dynamic conversation, poetry is shared and discussed and Bill reveals Coyote's enlightment, and tales, poems, teachings, and lessons from his books: 'Hands, No Hands' and 'The Binding Dance.' William Pruitt has been a construction laborer, reference librarian, hospital courier, loading dock receiver, manager in a natural foods collective, assistant editor for Narrative Magazine and for 26 years, teacher of English as a Second Language He is a writer of poetry and narrative fiction as well as a storyteller. His poems and stories have been published in numerous journals and anthologies such as Ploughshares, Country Journal, Otis Nebula , Crack of the Spine Literary Magazine, Midway, Adelaide Literary Magazine, Hypertext, Cottonwood and Finding the Way Home: Poems of Awakening and Transformation (White Pine press). He has two chapbooks from White Pine and FootHills presses, and the self-published full-length book of poems Walking Home from the Eastman House. Additionally, he has taught storytelling and performed traditional and original tales at hundreds of libraries, schools, art galleries, science centers and other institutions including the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, New York. He and his wife Pam live in Rochester New York, and have a daughter, Cedar, a son, Elliott, and two grandchildren.

In this walk and spontanous talk through a local neighborhood and nearby meadow in Rochester, NY, Henry and Joel discuss Henry's path and development in spirituality, syncretism, Indiginous teachings, studying shamanism, forces in Nature, Tibetan Buddhism, Sufism, and what called him to his path. While walking, rustling leaves, Henry and Joel explore synchronicities, his guides and teachers, lessons, and opening to deepening his human experience, beyond his life as a successful Psychiatrist. Also talked about were the development of Amber Light International and Alchemical Dialogues and the classes and impact they offer, how to manifest through study of desire, wish, and will, connecting to community and the connection to the Universal practices found in Sufism, including life's teachings and lessons personal to Henry. As a lifelong student of humanism and seeking the freedom many traditions and paths of spirituality offer, Henry and Joel explore the universal aspects of the different paths in our shared human experience. Henry Cretella is a retired psychiatrist and an active spiritual guide and teacher. In addition to a traditional psychiatric practice, he also trained with James Gordon, M.D. in mind-body medicine and incorporated this into his psychiatric teaching. He spent close to 20 years intensively studying and teaching in the universal sufi tradition of the Indian mystic, Inayt Khan, becoming a senior teacher before deciding to pursue his interestsindependent of any organization. Henry feels it is important now to inte

In this fascinating episode with Sara Hughes and Joel, the conversation examines the activism surrounding ‘relationship’ in our human experience within the Web of Life. Sara's work has focused on transforming relationships with young people, and ways of doing so including Eco-farms, intentional communities, 'unlearning' habits of cultural norms, to create a safe world for all. The terrain dialogue looks at the evolution and calling of Sara to this work, how it came to be, as well as the philosophical and spiritual influence in Sara's maturation as an activist. Also, how to learn from animistic cultures and indigenous people the ways of reciprocal relationship and walking the Earth respectfully. Organizations mentioned in this talk: https://soulfirefarm.org https://pachamama.org https://designingasociety.org Sara Hughes (she/they) is a Relationship Artist who seeks to live in right relationship to all in the Web of Life. Sara's relational work has been primarily focused on improving conditions for young people in the unceded Seneca/Haudenosaunee region of the land currently known as Rochester, NY. More information may be found at https://mama-sara-says.com

In this episode Bettie Scullin joins Joel to discuss the Akashic Record. The Akashic Records is a non-physical compendium of all universal events, thoughts, words, emotions and intent ever to have occurred in the past, present, or future in terms of all entities and life. Bettie has spent decades cultivating a sensitivity to accessing these records for the benefit of people. Bettie and Joel discuss the aspects of the mystical path and mental health, reincarnation, living on the edge or threshold of psychological health, and how to cultivate stability using the Akashic Record. Prayer, messages, and intuition as a form of communication (two-way) were examined, as well as meditation and nature as a means of health for people. The Akashic Records are a field of energy through which we can access divine messages, that may include past lives and/or ancestral memories. The record keepers are the illuminated souls who guide and teach us when we access this field. The work is on the vibratory level and is done in the highest good for all concerned.Bettie’s life picture includes many ordinary aspects such as working as an accountant and project manager in the steel, food and high tech industries; raising a child and now fulfilling the role also as grandmother. Her life is also dotted with extraordinary experiences with unseen beings. Illuminated souls who guide and support and, at times, protect her. Attending to the business of making a life took her attention away from that connection with the unseen world until she was in her late twenties. Since then she has worked to deepen her connection and to use that connection toward her own souls evolution and to serve others. Her path eventually led her to the akashic records and she now offers individual and group consultations and facilitates classes to teach others how to access their records. She may be reached at akashicwings [at] gmail.com

In this dialogue, Rich and Joel seek to understand awakening, awareness, and enlightenment in relation to identity. Rich and Joel discuss congruence and authencity in relation to our human experience, and the distractions from living a genuine life. Krishnamurti and Tolstoy, Ghandi and Confucius, Rumi and Rilke are called on to aid us in examining these questions. "Is there spiritual redemption" - how do we know and how do we find it? In religion and spirituality what is the difference between belief and experience? How is expectation a barrier to living a genuine life? What is intrinsic to all of us? Richard Grego is a Philosopher and Historian at Florida State College. His research areas include comparative cosmologies in religion and science, metaphysics and consciousness, and cultural history. His recent publications include studies of environmental thought in the history of American philosophy in “History of Intellectual Culture”, Gandhi’s ethics and Vedanta philosophy in “Gandhi And The World”, Sri Aurobinda’s metaphysics of consciousness in “The Philosophy of Sri Aurobindo” , Abraham Maslows psychology of science and modern scientism in the ‘International Journal of Transpersonal Studies’ (forthcoming) and a forthcoming book (co-authored with Aurobinda Mahapatra)on how conceptions of the mind-body relationship influenced classical political philosophies across cultures.

Sister Grace says 'we all have a story to tell,' in this conversation Joel and Sister Grace explore the mystical application to homelessness, hope, faith, and belief in one another. Regarding Sister Grace, whether at war protests, in advocacy for the homeless, or through initiatives to ensure proper burials for the poor, Sister Miller brought her advocacy work to Rochester a little more than three decades ago when she opened the doors to the homeless shelter House of Mercy. Sister Grace Miller could see that homelessness was a big problem in Rochester, NY, and there simply weren’t enough shelters to meet the need. Sister Grace went to work, and with help from the Sisters of Mercy, she opened a shelter in a small house on Central Park just north of downtown Rochester. This is a conversation about how that happened. Link to House of Mercy http://houseofmercyrochester.org/ and the link to her book, Amazing Grace click here for link to Sister Grace's book

In this brief talk, Joel describes the origins and purpose of Unraveling Religion, reviewing some of the guests and giving an overall flavor of what these talks contain and mean.

Vicki and Joel discuss her evolution in spirituality and as an activist, including the struggles of many different people and populations, the power of indiginous life-ways and the importance of connection to Nature and humility, the prison system and war and restricting pipeline access by Water Protectors. In Vicki's path as an activist, her upbringing and family influences were explored, Martin Luther King, Jr. and other examples and literature, conversations that influenced her and her deep principles rooted in Spirit. Victoria Ross is Executive Director of the WNY Peace Center since August 2015, and Consultant to the Interfaith Peace Network of WNY, is a social worker and peace activist. Through community building efforts, Vicki helps to #UnitetheStruggles. Through the WNYPC, she organized all the Women’s Marches in Buffalo (the first two both record-breaking rallies), and all conducive to more collaboration and unity in Buffalo and Western New York. Vicki calls out violence wherever it is: including especially state-sponsored, state-permitted, and/or state-excused violence. She emphasizes principles and the Spirit as what we need for radical changes locally, nationally, and internationally - the principles and Spirit of Unarmed Truth and Unconditional Love. (Peace Center link: https://wnypeace.org/wp/)

Henry Cretella, M.D, host of the humanistic and spiritual podcast Alchemical Dialogues, talks with Joel Lesses, host of Unraveling Religion in a far-reaching and engrossing conversation about spirituality and poetry. Listen to Henry and Joel discuss the meaning of identity and paradigm, mysticism, and ‘who am I’ as a resolution to the existential question of life. With an emphasis on the sacred, mundane, and profane, Henry and Joel take a deep dive into what poetry is in relation to authenticity and genuineness. This talk is also on Alchemical Dialogues under 'Spirituality and Poetry: Beyond the Edge.' Alchemical Dialogues are live and unscripted conversations recorded on Zoom by Amber Light International. They choose topics from our current social and cultural climate, with an emphasis on humanism and spirituality. Subscribe to Alchemical Dialogues on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or search for us in your favorite podcast app. Joel David Lesses' background is in psychology and counseling with other passions including the intersection of poetry, spirituality, science and phenomenology shared and disparate in the human experience, and transformative power of self inquiry and introspection through contemplative and meditative practices. Joel was nominated by Artvoice in 2013 and 2014 Buffalo's Best Poet and won the honor in 2014, he has been published in various magazines and publications, founded Ground and Sky Poetry Series, facilitated numerous poetry workshops.

In 2015, in the wide expanse of spiritual and emotional terrain, before his passing in 2018, Maj Ragain, northeast Ohio's poetic fixture and teacher sits with Joel to talk of spirituality and mentorship, sharing poems, talking of tenderness and eroticism and the flux of life, 'all rivers run to the sea.' Maj Ragain was born into a small, southeastern Illinois farm town. Home-tutored and raised on Vernor Lake, he earned a BA in English at Eastern Illinois University, and an MA in English at the University of Illinois. He has been on faculty, off and on, at Kent State University since 1969, where he obtained his PhD in 1990. He is the author of seven chapbooks of poetry and five book-length collections, all of which contribute to Clouds Pile Up in the North: New & Selected Poems. Maj had served for more than thirty years as host to open poetry readings in Kent, monthly, downtown, mentoring hundr​eds​​ of poets through the years.

In 2015, in the wide expanse of spiritual and emotional terrain, before his passing in 2018, Maj Ragain, northeast Ohio's poetic fixture and teacher sits with Joel to talk of spirituality and mentorship, sharing poems, talking of tenderness and eroticism and the flux of life, 'all rivers run to the sea.' Maj Ragain was born into a small, southeastern Illinois farm town. Home-tutored and raised on Vernor Lake, he earned a BA in English at Eastern Illinois University, and an MA in English at the University of Illinois. He has been on faculty, off and on, at Kent State University since 1969, where he obtained his PhD in 1990. He is the author of seven chapbooks of poetry and five book-length collections, all of which contribute to Clouds Pile Up in the North: New & Selected Poems. Maj had served for more than thirty years as host to open poetry readings in Kent, monthly, downtown, mentoring hundr​eds​​ of poets through the years.

In this talk from 2017, Wadud and Joel explore what is beyond psychology from a religious, mystical, and spiritual perspective in dreams; also, the relation of Freud, Jung, and Sufism and what dreams teach, symbols, where does meaning stop, archetypes, the unconscious, "accidents," "symptoms/neurosis" and the balance of our actions as tipping scales to what is good. About Henry Cretella, M.D: he has had a professional career spanning over 40 years along with his spiritual and especially mystical interests. Henry Cretella, M.D and Kathleen FitzPatrick, LCSW co-direct Amber Light International, a non-profit educational/spiritual group. Through it, they offer spiritual guidance, individual and group retreats, workshops, intensive book studies, celebrations and other related experiences. Under the aegis of Amber Light, Alchemical Dialogues (link https://www.amberlightinternational.org/podcast/) are live and unscripted conversations recorded on Zoom, with topics from our current social and cultural climate, with an emphasis on humanism and spirituality.

During 2015 Joel spent two months in Nepal and spoke with the NGO Tevel B'Tzedek's Founder Micha Odenheimer about Judaism, globalization, poverty, and the Prophets of the Bible. Tevel's mission is to form education and bonds in rural communities of developing nations, to enrich communities through sharing and knowlege education and resources. This talk centers on Judaism's rich tradition of supporting 'the widow orphan and stranger' and the validities of the worlds other religous traditions, working together to improve the quality of life for all people. About Rabbi Micha Odenheimer: 'Born in 1958 in Berkeley California, Micha Odenheimer has been a writer, journalist, Jewish teacher and social activist in Israel since making aliyah 31 years ago. Micha’s life and interests include fields rarely seen in combination. As a rabbi he has written dozens of essays on Judaism the Torah, and social justice, and has reported on trends in Judaism and the Jewish world. Micha has a special interest in Jewish mysticism and Hasidism.'

'Crazy…or wise? The traditional wisdom of indigenous cultures often contradicts modern views about a mental health crisis. Is it a ‘calling’ to grow or just a ‘broken brain’? The documentary CRAZYWISE explores what can be learned from people around the world who have turned their psychological crisis into a positive transformative experience.' Exploring alternatives to psychosis, from 2014 as Crazywise was nearing completion, Phil and Joel talk of spirituality, shamanism and healing Phil and Joel talk about the gifted (i.e., those who exhibit Shamanic potentic through hearing voices and visions) and their relation to mental health distress, our Western cultures treatment, and the traditional or indiginous view of these markers as a sensitivity and gift. Phil Borges, has been documenting indigenous cultures and striving to create an understanding of the challenges they face. Phil has spoken at multiple TED talks; including TED in 2007, TEDxRainier in 2012 and TEDxUMKC in 2013 and hosted television documentaries for Discovery and National Geographic.

From 2008, this vintage episode with Visionary Activist and Humanitarian Chris Barbera opens to the deepest aspects and understandings of work culture race religion and its mystical application including countering systems of power that dehumanize. Chris' visionary articulation illuminates the questions that face our culture and world, applying ancient wisdom to the current dilemma and imbalance in our world and offer solutions that tie into humanity's great spiritual traditions and Masters.

Two friends find meaning in discussing life and reveal kindness as the lasting binding element; is it Plato or Aristotle? It is only how we define love that matters, because only love endures forever. Richard Wicka shares Sartre's "The Wall" Joel Lesses shares a Chasidic Tale "The Rabbi's Gift" each finds newness in understanding because this evening we were not alone, we shared an evening walk.

In this final segment, more hilarity as the conversation loosens up. The poetry continues, talk of Bardos (spiritual realms), what does it mean when we first meet someone and time slows or stops, spiritual signs are discussed. The special evening ends with a favorite Rumi poem.

In this continuation of the three part show, Joel and Lisa talk more about identity and examine it through the psychological lens, relationship as a model of teaching, repressed memories; poetry begins to emerge in this second segment, existential psychology and mental health distress are examined. What do we attach or connect to in the world. Is the world physical spiritual or both? What does it mean to be a 'good father.' Past lives and poetry intertwine. What are we as human beings 'holding together' and what does it mean when we fall apart?

Into the deep of night, armed with Mike's Hard Lemonaid, American Spirits, Pringles, Eckhart Tolle and Rumi, in Lisa's 2001 Black Hundai Elantra in the parking lot of Allentown Trading Company Gas station, at the corner of Buffalo's Allen Streen and Delaware Avenue, Lisa Carley Hotaling and Joel Lesses explore the nature of the existential condition and its relation to identity and reveal an enduring friendship. Using psychological, poetic and spiritual lenses, Lisa and Joel laugh, talk, drink, and smoke their way through a terrain that is both deeply personal and exploratory, introspective and hilarious. Lisa was a Psy. D. student in Clinical Psychology with a Masters in Existential Humanist Psychology, poet, mother, student of Philosophy and English and artistian.

In this special episode of Unraveling Religion, Joel travels to Toronto to meet Dr. Abuelaish and together engage in a Sacred conversation regarding life, understanding, and reaching beyond tolerance into respect and love for our human differences found in countries, religions, cultures, and people. As a medical doctor and healer, Dr. Abuelaish's life is a tireless effort to broaden our human understanding that the differences between people are much smaller than the similarity. Joel and Dr. Abuelaish find common ground in exploring ethics and respect in common understanding, found in all the world's spiritual traditions and all faiths including Islam, Judaism, and Christianity revealed in this episode. His book is entitled, "I Shall Not Hate."

In this deep and sacred connection, Reverend Mary Masters and Joel Lesses discuss the moderate, practical and mystical aspects of Unity's message. As fellow students together, shared wisdom insight and questions for one another are explored, deepening understanding of our humanness and humanity. Joel seeks to understand forgiveness and to resolve to do "non-harm." How do we embody: "Forgiveness?" "Presence?" "Faith?" And ultimately "how do we embody Love?" While bearing a cross and burdens is a part of our reality; the everyday acts of compassion and kindness transform these suffering into beauty, happiness and devotion. Many teachers are discussed.The importance of our Creator is explored. A reverent and important conversation on a vital topic.

Joel Lesses and Richard Wicka (I Thou Video Series) discuss in deep kinship: our planet, our President, identity, problems and solutions, and delve into memory, poetry, writings, and life. Spiritual versus biological lenses are used to explore these and many other topics in this episode.

In this older talk from 2017, dusted off, Richard Wicka (I Thou Video Series) and Joel discuss in deep kinship: our planet and how decisions of our President affect our world, identity and ego of humans and Trump, problems and solutions on a large scale, and delve also into memory, poetry, writings, and life. Spiritual versus biological lenses are used to explore these and many other topics in this episode. Richard Wicka is a Buffalo, N.Y.-based media artist and photographer and the proprietor of "The Home of the Future,"a media access center and production/recording studio based in his Kaisertown home. Wicka has been providing a forum for artists in all media, activists, and everyday citizens of his Western New York community since the mid-1970s. He provides interested parties with technical support, studio time, and production tools free of charge, encouraging them to express themselves in ways that mainstream culture has not historically sanctioned. In the early 1990s Wicka collaborated with Buffalo performers Ron Ehmke and Greg Sterlace on cable access series (Snap Judgments and The Greg Sterlace Show, respectively) for the city’s new public access station, which led in subsequent years to The HOTF TV Show, a long-running program with rotating hosts and formats, and then to The Five Minute Video Series, an ongoing project in which a diverse array of guests from throughout the community are invited to tell a story that lasts 5 minutes or less. With the advent of internet radio came ThinkTwice Radio in 2006, offering podcasts to anyone with a subject to discuss and the commitment to produce a regular show. Wicka attended the seminary as an adolescent, then pursued a BA in philosophy from the University at Buffalo. In 1976 he founded Buffalo Paralegal Services. His work has been screened at venues and on television stations around the world. Wicka is a past board president of Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center. For more information on Richard Wicka, visit hotftv.net.