Podcasts about Big Sur

In this conversation, Host Michael Lerner talks with author Jeffrey Kripal about his book Roads of Excess, Palaces of Wisdom: Eroticism and Reflexivity in the Study of Mysticism. Roads continues and expands Kripal's exploration of homoerotics themes in world religion. It focuses on the inner lives of five great scholars of religion and their own engagement with the homoerotic themes in the saints and traditions they studied. Kripal also continues his own autobiographical experience with five "secret talks" interspersed with his five case studies. Jeffrey J. Kripal Jeff holds the J. Newton Rayzor Chair in Philosophy and Religious Thought at Rice University. He also co-directs the Center for Theory and Research at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. Jeff is the author of numerous books, most recently How to Think Impossibly: About Souls, UFOs, Time, Belief, and Everything Else. His remarkable website jefrreyjkripal.com describes his groundbreaking 13 books and his entire oeuvre. This series of conversations explores all 13 books. Host Michael Lerner Michael is founder and board chair emeritus of Commonweal. His principal work at Commonweal is with the Cancer Help Program, CancerChoices.org, the Omega Resilience Projects, the Collaborative on Health and the Environment, and The New School at Commonweal. He was the recipient of a MacArthur Prize Fellowship for contributions to public health in 1983 and is author of Choices in Healing: Integrating the Best of Conventional and Complementary Therapies (MIT Press). *** The New School is Commonweal's learning community and podcast — we offer conversations, workshops, and other events in areas that Commonweal champions: finding meaning, growing health and resilience, advocating for justice, and stewarding the natural world. We make our conversations into podcasts for many thousands of listeners world wide and have been doing this since 2007. Please like/follow our YouTube channel for access to our library of more than 400 great podcasts. tns.commonweal.org

Group Guide Use this guide to help your group discussion as you meet this week. TranscriptGood morning. My name is Spencer. I am one of the pastors here. We are continuing to go through our Remember series, which is an opportunity for us as a church to revisit our membership commitments and remember the things we're committing to. The first half of it was going through the first seven commitments of our membership commitment, which is the gospel. And these last seven that we're going through week by week are the practices that flow out of the gospel, the things that we commit to do as a church because Jesus Christ rose from the grave. So we're going to be in number nine this week, which reads, I will pursue deep, genuine relationships with others in the Mill City family through committing to regular participation in Sunday gatherings and a community group where I can love and serve others and ensure I am surrounded by people who love Jesus and love me.So last week we saw the importance of what it means to cultivate a personal relationship with Christ. And this week we get to see what it means to as Christians who've cultivated this relationship with Christ, where God has placed us in the context of community. We are made as image bearers in humanity. Like we're made in the image of a communal God who eternally exists as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who, when he made humanity, made him, made us in the image of our triune God. And he saw that it was not good that man would be alone. That's who we are. We're made to be in community in the same way that a fish is made for water in the context of what it is placed. Humanity is made to be in community.So that if you have a child who gets really excited about taking their pet fish to show and tell, and they don't do what every child or what every person who thinks about this has done is putting a fish in the bag, sealing the bag, and then taking it to school. If they just simply put the fish in their pocket and went to school, it's going to be a super tragic moment at show and tell when that fish is pulled out. Because fish are made for water. That's the context for which they are created. And we as Christians are made to be in community. And there are some folks who will say, yes, I think we're supposed to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I get that. But I don't love the church. I've got baggage, I got church hurt, or I decided. I don't really love organized religion. I think I can have a personal relationship with Christ. What I would say is that the scriptures don't bear that to Be true. That's a fish out of water. Like we're made to be in community. When you read the rest of the New Testament, it bears this out over and over again. So yes, we want to have a personal relationship with Christ, but the idea that you can do that disconnected from God's people is a very recent Western idea. It is foreign to the Scriptures. And I want us to see that today as we walk through this commitment to. I want us to see how we're called to live this out and what's at stake as we seek to commit to this.So let me pray for us and then we'll walk through this together. Heavenly Father, I pray that you might help us see the importance of what it means to have life together. God, I pray that you would speak to our hearts. I pray that you would help us be compelled to believe the Gospel and then live out the implications of it. Community. As a church, we ask this in Jesus name. Amen.All right. So why should we commit to deep, genuine relationships with one another in a local church? As I already said, part of that's how we're. How we're made. We're made to be in community, made in the image of a communal God. And the church has been doing this since day one. Our scripture reading that we had earlier is Acts 2, 42, 47. So we were in the previous verses leading up to that last week, coming into verse 42 or picking back up in 42 today. But it's it. This is what the church has done that after the church begins, it says in verse 42,> And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.So that when we look at our commitment, you can really put it side by side with this passage and really the pattern that flows out of this passage that when we say I will pursue deep genuine relationships with others in the Mill city family, we can see in verse 42 they devoted themselves the apostles teaching and the fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayers, they were devoted to one another. They deeply valued fellowship together. That when we say through committing to regular participation in Sunday gatherings and a community group. We see that's what the church was doing. It says, day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes. They received their food with glad and generous hearts that they were as the church gathering together to go worship in the temple. Now later on, they're not invited. They end up having to. They're not invited to the temple anymore. They start to be persecuted. And then this forms into worshiping on the Lord's day, which is guided the church, as the church has come together to worship on Sunday, the day the resurrection happened for the last 2000 years. And also they gather together in homes, which is why we have community groups. We come together on Sunday and then we live in the. In the context of our community groups living out the implications of the gospel. We find it right here.And what flows out of this passage when we say, where I can love and serve others and ensure I'm surrounded by people who love Jesus and love me, we can see very clearly in verse 44, it says, and all who believe were together and had all things in common, and they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all as any had need that they so radically loved one another and served one another. They were selling off property, they were putting in money just so others could. Their needs could be met. So we look at this passage as foundational for how we live out the implication of the Gospel as a church and the rest of the Book of Acts and the rest of the New Testament. When you read the letters that make up the rest of the New Testament, continue to teach this over and over again. That's why we have this commitment for our church.So what I want to do is I want to slow down. I want to walk through each part of our commitment and help us see how the rest of the New Testament helps us understand how we're called to live this out as a church. So let's deal with the first part. I will pursue deep, genuine relationships with others in the mill city family. Okay? That's very specific language for a reason. When you look at the New Testament, there's a lot of metaphors for the the church. So if you look at Ephesians chapter three, you see, the church is called a temple in whom the whole structure being joined together grows into a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.> In him the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.This picture of the church is all different building blocks of the temple that the Spirit has come to live and dwell inside of the church is also called a body. It says in Romans chapter 12.> so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.That we're all collectively the body flowing into Christ, who's the head of the body. And all of us are just different members of that body. We get. In Ephesians 5, the church is called the bride.> Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.The idea of two becoming one flesh together, the bride, the church and Jesus Christ the bridegroom. It's called a holy nation.> But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession...1 Peter 2. There are all types of metaphors that we could choose to build off of with this language. We chose the language of family. There are passages like first Timothy, chapter three that says,> if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.That's the household family of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and a buttress of the truth. One of the most common words that shows up in the New Testament is the Greek word for brothers and sisters. Adelphoi over and over again referred to brothers and sisters in Christ. You'd be the passages that talk about fathers and mothers in the faith. So we went with the metaphor family that we are devoted. We want to be. Have deep, genuine, loving, Christ exalting relationships with others in the mill city family. And that's what you see in the early church. They were a family. So much so they believed that they were selling off possessions because you take care of your family, you make sure they don't have needs. They, they believe this and they lived like it was true. Because listen, you, you don't sell your stuff and give it away to someone if you don't believe it. Like you're not doing that with any other person. No, they, they, they believed the gospel and they lived as if it was true. Because they understood if Jesus rose from the grave, if the God man took sin upon the cross and judgment on our behalf and he actually walked out of the tomb and he ascended to the right hand of God the Father, that if that's true, then I'm all in that you live a radically different life. If you believe that is true. If you go into the casino and you are guaranteed, as the roulette table goes, that it is going to be on red and you got all your cash, that's a win. Put it on red. I'm all in on that. So they believe if Christ, he's alive. Well, I'm all in on this. So we're going to have all things in common. We're going to be a family together. They believe this and they live like it was true.So I don't want us to be a church that just throws around the word church family and then doesn't live like it is true. A couple of months ago, I saw a video compilation of a bunch of churches like ours doing their opening announcements. And they just took the same kind of clip over and over again from a bunch of churches. And it was the same thing. It was, hey, church family. Hey, church fam. Hey, church family. Good to see you, church family. And I heard it over and over again, and a part of me died because I hate. I don't ever want to seem cliche. And they just, in a rude clip, they just, absolutely, just belittled the use of that phrase over and over and over again. So part of me looked at that and was like, oh, goodness, should we, I don't know, should we? Do we ever use that? Should we not say that anymore? I said, oh. And then I thought more about it and I was like, no, no, that's only trite and played out and cliche. If we say it over and over again but don't actually believe it, if we use it over and over again but don't live like that is true. But if we say it and don't back it up, then, yeah, it's super cringe. But if we actually believe this and own this, then, yeah, we're going to keep using it over and over again. Because being a church family takes investment. Being a family is investing. It's this Acts 2 devotion devoted to one another, which you see in these relationships that they have as they go deeper with one another throughout the book of acts. So we want to be a church that pursues deep, genuine relationships with others and the Mill City family.And the next part says, through committing to regular participation in Sunday gatherings and a community group. Okay, let's tackle that one at a time. Tackle groups first. Committing to community groups, y', all, groups are not just an event that you put into your calendar. We say this quite a bit. It's not just a thing, a programmatic thing that you go to. No, your group is the people that you journey through life with. It's the localized expression of family in the church. So you walk side by side with and sure, we do. We have a time that is helpful for all the family. For us in our groups to come together. We have a group meeting time that we come to once a week, and that's good for us to do. To practice the rhythms that the early church practiced. Says they devote themselves to the apostles teaching, to studying God's Word. They devoted themselves to prayer. They devoted themselves to a fellowship meal. We want to do that. And that's what our groups do. They come together once a week and they eat a meal together, which is incredibly valuable. It is good for us to come together and eat a meal together. There's something that God has designed in eating a meal with someone else that brings depth and connection, that builds relationship that is valuable.If you bring your dishes, you're bringing a bit of your personality. So if you volunteer boldly to take the Mac and cheese for the week and you don't bring this wonderful creamy casserole esque, but not over the top, like just simplistically wonderful, tasteful Mac and cheese, and you, like, throw a bunch of lobster in it and stuff, that just doesn't belong there, then we know some things about you. We've gathered some things that honestly probably should change with sanctification over time in the context of community. So there's a little your personality that comes, but also you just in conversation over a meal. This is universal. Have you ever traveled the world? People sit down together, even more so than Western culture, because sometimes we treat it like it's a substance to be consumed and not an opportunity to enjoy someone else across the table. But it's a universal experience to come to sit down and to talk and tell jokes and to laugh and to hug and to even cry like that. There's something that God has built in that. So we have that, that built into our groups. We're gonna eat a meal, and we're also gonna study the Word together.We're gonna open up the Bible. And one of the things that I so deeply appreciate is that I can spend all week in a text studying it, getting to know it, putting together a sermon, and I can preach that text and I can show up to group. And then all of a sudden, when we have our time together and we're studying the Word, I'll hear someone say something that I didn't catch after hours and hours and hours and hours of being in it. And I love that that happens to all of us. When you study the Word. We should study the Word, as we said last week, privately. But we also. We're meant to do this corporately so that when you open up the scriptures together you're going to hear how the Spirit worked through this person to grab that insight, and you're going to go, oh, that's a wonderful. That's a wonderful interpretation. I hadn't heard that. I didn't see that. So we study the word together and it sharpens us and it grows us together. And then we pray together. Though our groups, we should pray and grow in praying together.My wife and I, we led groups for a decade, and a couple years ago, we transitioned out of group leading and I got to be a part of a group. And our last group leaders did this so well that at any given time, they just stop and pray. Not just someone share something difficult and then move on from it. Not even just share something difficult and do what is actually good too, which is to give good news before you give good advice, but actually to just stop and pray. And they stopped and prayed multiple times. And I've so appreciated that as an aspect of life, to just stop and actually pray. Not to just say, I'm gonna pray for that, but to pause and just say, let's pray right now. So we pray together and we practice these practices as a group. But again, it's not just something that we do at a meeting time. It flows out of that, that we're texting each other, that we're getting together, hang out afterwards, that we're living life together. Groups of the people that you belong to. And it's essential, so essential that we, as a church, run our membership through groups like, you cannot become a member of this church unless you belong to a group.And what happens over time is that as you have your people in your group and it is your people, like this is your people that you rock through the most difficult times, that they come alongside you, and then you get the opportunity to do the same thing with them that as you live with them over time, eventually, God willing, in the next, you know, a couple of years, like, your group's going to multiply. And that's always bittersweet. It's exciting because it creates more opportunity for space for new people, but also it's sad because you're not going to be seeing them every week, but you do that a couple of times as you belong to this church for a few years, and all of a sudden you've built genuine depth with a variety of people in different parts of the church. So that when you come here on Sundays, you see each other, and it's just wonderful. But our groups are essential. And if you have been coming around for a little bit and you are not plugged into a group, please, like we say this every week and we, we want you to stop by our connect table. We want to talk to you about our groups because this is where you get to see the goodness of the gospel lived outside by side in life together.So we commit to groups that's valuable and important for us to live out the implications of the gospel and also committing to Sundays. Let's talk about that for a moment.Hebrews chapter 10 says,> And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.So our church is a collection of community groups, but those aren't individual house churches. That's not how we practice. The other churches that do that, that's fine. We don't. Those aren't individual house churches. There are community groups. So in order for us to Collectively Obey Hebrews 10, we do what the church has done for 2000 years. And all of our community groups come together here for a few hours on Sunday morning where we come and we fellowship and we remember and celebrate like we just did about how good Jesus Christ is. So that's what we do. We come together on Sundays in the tradition of the church for the last 2000 years. And we also live out the teachings of the New Testament on what the church is supposed to do when we come together.Colossians chapter three says,> Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.So that's the command, Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly. And then the unpacking of how the Word of Christ dwells in us richly is teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Which means that when we come together in order for the word of Christ to dwell in us richly, someone stands up here after spending time in the text and prayerfully discerning how this is going to apply to our people. And they teach and we sing songs together like we just did. Psalms, hymns, spiritual songs. And what I appreciate about this is that the understanding here is that yes, that's all primarily to God in worship, but there's a one anothering aspect of that. It says admonishing one another in all wisdom with singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. I appreciate the horizontal nature of worship so that sometimes when I'm singing and if you sit in front of me, sometimes you hear that I'm a loud Singer. And I'm sorry, because there's a reason I'm not doing that. Okay. But sometimes I just, I stop and I just listen. And in a morning like this morning, I just so clearly hear the saints collectively singing joyfully, worshipfully. And that blesses my soul. It's wonderful to hear one another sing to the Lord.But this is what we come to do on Sundays as we continue, as we also have prayers and we fellowship, we spend time together. And so one of the things I love doing is getting here and seeing other people. I love my group, but also seeing people that aren't in my group and seeing people that I love and having times to hug and to laugh and to cut jokes and to also maybe get away and to talk and to cry and to do the things that Christians are called to do. But here's the deal. You can't accomplish any of that if you aren't here on Sundays. You can. There's a reason why I don't look at the camera back there and say, hey, online campus, that's never going to be a thing, ever. We were at times debated, like, should we just, like, not even film this? Like, just. And it's like, no, like, we think this is valuable for those who can't be here. Literally can't be here. You can watch this when you're on vacation. That's. Yeah, it's fine. But we prioritize here, being here together as the church, because it's not just the songs, it's not just the teaching. It's being here and being here early enough to fellowship, which you should do is get here early enough to see one another, not do the express version of just running through this, but actually embracing one another, serving one another. This is valuable. And we want to continue to live this out together as the church.So in groups and on Sundays, that's how we assemble as our church. So I want to focus on this last part that says where I can love and serve others and ensure I am surrounded by people who love Jesus and love me. Okay? So the church gets to do this, Love and serve one another. Now those are a few of the one another commands that we see throughout the New Testament. And there are a lot of them. And because we have to be concise with our commitment, otherwise you just say all the things some of the people that we had, even in this process, people make really helpful, like, what about this and what about that? It's like, yeah, no, that's great. We're trying to make this as concise as Possible, but yes, absolutely. So I could throw in a bunch of one another commands in here. We chose Love and service as kind of the header for all of that. But when you read the rest of the New Testament, you see all of these one another commands. I just want to go through a few of them. Let's start with what we got on the page, which is love one another. Should love one another, which means knowing how people are loved and truly loving them.There are folks in this church who know that I love baked goods. They know I love sweets because they know I love a sweet tooth. And they love me because they bring things that are baked and wonderful. And that's some version of that with so many other people. This happens over and over and over again. What I love is that as a pastor, I get to see all of that. Not all of it, but a lot of it, at a bigger view. And I get to see all these examples of how people love each other in profound ways. And part of it is like, I want other people to know this. I want to be able to tell them. But then there's a little bit of like, yeah, I know, but we're called to do all of this. Not the left know what the right hand is doing. And we need to do things in a way that's for the glory of God, not for ourselves. I get all that, which is why we don't publish all of that. But boy, oh, boy, to sit in my seat and to see all the ways that people love one another is amazing.Love one another. And that command goes from the Gospel of John all the way to the end. First John's loaded with it, and they keep going. Serve one another. Galatians 5, 13.> For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.Serving one another. This is you using your gift and your abilities for the service of others. And again, I get to see this all the time. I get to see mechanics who turn a wrench 40 hours a week and would rather not do that once they clock out. Go and fix cars for other people in our church. I see people who build houses and work a trade, go and serve others with their time and their talents. I see people that are gifted in math, sit down with someone who's a kid that's not good at math, which I so would have appreciated growing up, and teach them homework. And that's what we're called to do, is to use how God has gifted you in service and to serve one another. That's not just in the regular Things that happen on Sunday, though, you should do that as well. Specifically Kid City. But also, that happens. And the one another service opportunities that happen regularly, week in, week out, serving one another.It says, live in harmony with one another. Romans 12:16, which is living at peace with one another, which means surrendering sometimes your preferences, because it's not all about you surrendering your preferences for the sake of others to live at peace with one another. Y'. All, I have opinions. If you know me, you know that I have preferences, which, again, if you know me, unfortunately, you probably know that. But I don't get all of my preferences, and I appreciate them. I do. I don't get my preferences on Sunday morning. I get a say in what gets sung. And I don't even get my preferences with all the songs. Every now and then I'm like, you know what? Not my favorite. This is not. But then I hear y' all sing it, and I'm like, boy, oh, boy, praise God. It's not all about me. We shouldn't get our preferences. We should live in harmony with one another. We should live at peace with one another in a way that's consistently yielding in preference for and to one another.We should bear with one another. Ephesians 4:2.> with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.That means being patient with one another even when that person is difficult, which is so valuable. And that's one of the things I appreciate about our church and our groups, is that if you've been in groups long enough, you know, this is that there are some people in your group that if you didn't have Jesus Christ in common, you would never hang out with them, ever. It just. It's just true. You can be in group. I can be in group with someone who's like, I don't really love football. I don't love sports. I don't love music. You know, I'm just like, what? What? What's wrong with you? I mean, I can just go down the list of, like, what are we even going to talk about? And then I have more depth with them than I do with someone who loves football and loves sports and loves hunting and loves all the things that I love, because the most important thing about me is the most important thing about them, and that's Christ. And when you build that kind of depth on him, you realize, oh, like this. This is what's most important. You can be in group with someone who is just difficult. Like, your personality and their personality. It's just. No, it's just like, I don't. You are so different than me. And what I appreciate is that in groups you get to die to your own sin, die to your own selfish desires, and bear with them in patience and love them, even though they are so much different than you.Bear with one another. Be kind to one another. Ephesians 4:32.> Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.To grow in kindness towards one another. Which means that when somebody on the group chat says, hey, will somebody watch my dog while I'm on vacation next week? And you know, their dog is the worst, is the kind of dog that absolutely will cause financial damage to your home and emotional damage to you and your family. You say, yeah, I'll do it absolutely. Because my life is more than my things and my comforts. And I want to be kind to you. Be kind to one another. Forgiving one another. Ephesians 4. 32. To practice forgiveness. Because we say this quite a bit, if you are in groups, if you're a part of our church, at some point sometime you're gonna get your feelings hurt. I have to say that to people I'm in group with that as your pastor, I'm also now side by side in group with you. And at some point I'm going to sin against you. Please do not be shocked. I am a sinner and you're a sinner. It's going to happen because that's what we do outside of the work of Christ in us and the Holy Spirit changing us, we. We are wretched. That's just the truth. So knowing that when it happens, and it will happen, we get to practice what Jesus commands us to do in forgiving one another. So important and so vital that in Matthew 18, that the parable that's given is, if you don't do this, you don't really know. You don't know God, you don't know his forgiveness. So that's what I love in seeing in our church, is people. I can see it. All of a sudden this person and this person have had friction, and then all of a sudden God moves in their heart and they go to a different part of the building and they just talk and they pray and they cry and they hug and they practice what it means to be a Christian and forgiving one another.Do a few more. Encourage one another. First, Thessalonians 4, 18, which, as I saw this week, and thinking about that, how that's directly used there in the verses that lead up to it, in verse 18, is talking about the work of Christ and the return of Christ, which is the gospel, out of the gospel, encourage one another, which that's good news before good advice. You guys, we're doing it. Encourage one another to look at people who are struggling to remind them of who Christ is and how he works, what he has done, and who they are in him. And going out of your way to bring encouragement to those who need it.Bear one another's burdens. Galatians 6:2.> Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.This is something that shows up in our care night content for groups that we should, as Christians, bear one another's burdens. That means y'. All. That means when someone is sharing something that is difficult to listen intently, do not, do not feel like you're being robbed because you don't have the opportunity to speak. Do not feel like you're just biding the time until they get done. Don't be thinking about other things. Don't be trying to move past them, to really sit in front of them and say, yeah, absolutely, I'm so sorry you're struggling with this sin. I'm so thankful that Jesus Christ died for that and he's empowered you to put that to death and I want to help you put that to death. To hear someone who's burying their sufferings and their trials and to just sit with them and to weep with them and to love them.Bear one another's burdens. The church is called to do. And I'll do one more. Outdo one another in honor. Romans 12:10,> Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.which for me, the way I think about this is almost competitive honor. And I see this, I see this in people in our church where they're showing deference here and deference here. And it's. Sometimes a part of me is like, oh, that's nauseating. Just someone just, just take someone, get in line and get the food. And I just like, no, but this is it. We're just showing honor and showing deference and caring about others more than ourselves. But this is what we're called to do as the church, to love and serve one another, growing in these practices together.And it's good for us to be knit like that together with this. When I was in high school, I got to do a trip with my stepdad, went out to California for a two week road trip. We started in Sacramento, we drove to San Francisco, we went down the one to la, but we stopped in a town called Big Sur south of San Francisco and we spent a night there. And there is the edge of the redwood forest. So if you've ever seen redwood trees, they're massive. We don't have these on the east coast, but I mean, any tree like this on the east coast, okay, these things are massive. They're like 300ft tall. They're huge. You look at them just like, whoa. And there's so many of them. And it may surprise you to know that redwood trees actually have a pretty shallow root structure. Like, that's a pretty shallow Beneath the surface root structure. It's not a deep tap root. It's a gigantic, massive tree that just has its roots just below the surface, spread out across the ground. You may wonder, how in the world is something that big, that tall, that massive, how in the world does it stay and stand when wind and rains and floods hit? And the reason is, is that they. They're. They're part of a redwood grove, and beneath the surface is a bunch of redwood roots interconnected, locked together in a system of support that they're tied together in a way that helps them as the. As. As they're growing taller and the seasons are getting harsher, that they're able to bear through storms together because. But no, beneath the surface, they're so deeply locked and interconnected and strengthening one another.And I cannot think of a more beautiful metaphor of what we're called to be as the church, as we serve one another, as we love one another, as we live out the implications of the gospel, to be so deeply knitted together and interlocked together in a way that when life is difficult and when suffering knocks us down and when sin is crouching at the door, that we're so deeply locked together as the church that when it hits, we stand. That when it hits, we might be moved for a moment, but we are built upon the rock that is Christ together in a way that we can get through anything. That's what the church is called to be as we live this out together. And that's why we have this ninth commitment written in the way that we do, that we are about one another, which means we need to be present. Like, it's bad when you're not here. It's bad when you're gone. It's bad when you. It's not just that. At group, if you volunteered to bring the meat for the meal, and then all of a sudden you just like, 10 minutes out say, God, I can't make it today. Busy. It's not just now we have to eat cheese tacos, which is the word, is that. No, like you, the Spirit works in you in a beautiful way that when you're not present, that's missing. It's not just that your seat is empty on Sunday. It's that the spirit works in you in a unique way, that when you're missing, it's lacking. We're called to be this together, and that takes devotion and commitment.So let me read number nine. Altogether, I will pursue deep, genuine relationships with others in the Mill City family through committing to regular participation in Sunday gatherings and a community group where I can love and serve others and ensure I am surrounded by people who love Jesus and love me.So as we as a church are considering in this recommitment process, as we're looking through all of this again, I want you to ask yourself, I want us to ask, am I committed to pursuing deep, genuine relationships? Am I committed to this? Am I hiding things from my life? Am I hiding the real me? Am I actually committed to pursuing deep, genuine relationships even when it is hard and sometimes it's hard? Am I committed to being here on Sundays? Am I committed to being here and worshiping y'? All? We have older saints that literally break bones and are just hobbling in here on Sunday because they see the value in this. They see how important it is. And at times when it's raining outside and it's cold, I just know I'm like, we're gonna have less numbers today. And it sometimes bears to be true. And I'm like, no, it's the rain. Am I committed to being here even though it's difficult? And we have the caveat, y', all, for those that are homebound and cannot be here, they literally cannot be here. We have the caveat for those who work jobs, they just literally cannot get out of the trying or they have an essential job. We have the caveat for those that are. That are ministering elsewhere on a Sunday morning, but that is a small, small minority. The rest of us should be committed. Let's commit at times for some of us, course correct. And being here on Sundays, am I committed to being to the people in my group? Am I committed to my people? Do I see the value in driving across town for our group meeting time, to actually showing up to the hangout times that we schedule at different times? Am I committed to actually reading the messages that come through on my phone and praying for that person? Am I committed to being a part of my group?And I'll tell you, one of the things I tell folks that are going through difficult periods of time, they're struggling with Suffering or sin or brokenness, anxiety, depression, lust, et cetera, is that at some point you've got to, as you are fighting sin, pick your head up and not just look at yourself, but look at the people that are around you. Because part of our spiritual health is developed through one another in and that happens mostly through groups. Am I committed to groups? Am I committed to loving and serving one another? Am I committed to the practices that God has called me to practice? About a year ago at a family meeting, Chet printed out all the one another commands. And then our group leaders at the time, I think they made a magnet of all of that and gave it to us and putting it on the fridge and seeing these over and over again was just so helpful and so encouraging to see this is what Jesus calls us to be. And I get to, by the power of the Holy Spirit, live these out even when it is difficult.So all of this, all of this is difficult and it cuts against the grain of culture, a culture that's so drunk on itself and the betterment of self. This is difficult. But if the gospel is true and if Jesus is alive and he is, it's worth it. It's worth the effort. It's worth from the hope of the gospel leveraging our lives for the sake of him and one another.Let's pray. Heavenly Father, I pray that you might help us live out the implications of the good news that you came to save sinners and call them into a church that belongs to you to declare the excellencies of you who called us out of darkness into marvelous light and God. I pray that that you would help us see the value of that. I pray that there are folks here that do not belong to a church. I pray they would see the importance of trusting in you as their Savior and belonging to a church. I pray that there's anyone here that is hurting and suffering from bad experiences in the past. They would not grow in cynicism or fear, but they would take a leap of faith and belong. And that in all of us. You would grow in us a radical belief in the hope of the resurrection that empowers us to. To be not about ourselves, but about one another. In Jesus name, Amen.We're going to come and we're going to close and sing and one final song. As I said earlier, may we be a people that as we worship, we worship joyfully. That may our souls be ministered to as we sing and as we listen and as we worship.

Join Robert Ellsberg, publisher of Orbis Books, in this One On One interview with author Cyprian Consiglio, as they discuss Epiphanies of Nature and Grace: Twelve Meditations from a Life in Dialoguehttps://maryknoll.link/oc9These moving and eloquent meditations on a range of spiritual themes draw on the author's study of scripture and his deep monastic experience, as well as on his many pilgrimages to India and his immersion in the spiritual wisdom both of Asia and the Christian West.Cyprian Consiglio, OSB Cam., is a Camaldolese Benedictine monk, musician, composer, author, and teacher. He has shared his time between a hermitage in Big Sur, CA, and traveling in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, studying, teaching, and performing. After retiring from his office as prior of his community, he currently lives in Rome, serving as Secretary General for Monastic Interreligious Dialogue (DIMMID). His books include Rediscovering the Divine: New Ways to Understand, Experience, and Express God. Get your copy today:  https://maryknoll.link/oc9#RobertEllsberg #OrbisBooks #DustinFeddon #spiritualwisdom #Christian #meditations

Hometown Radio 10/06/25 3:30p: Syd Carr previews the Big Sur Jade Festival

In this episode of the CPQ Podcast, Frank Sohn welcomes Adam Wainright, a veteran with 15+ years in the Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) space, now helping lead HubSpot's CPQ and revenue strategy. Adam shares his career journey across Selectica/Determine, CallidusCloud, Clari, Cacheflow (acquired by HubSpot), and beyond. Adam discusses: HubSpot's CPQ launch at INBOUND and how it delivers speed, visibility, and control to sellers and revenue operations teams. Why their North Star is Revenue Operations—and how HubSpot is building a complete Revenue Lifecycle Management solution. Lessons learned from scaling companies from $7M to $200M in revenue, navigating multiple M&As, and leading global sales teams. His “Supersonic Sales Process” philosophy, with the mantra: Don't pitch product—pitch process. The role of AI in CPQ, from conversational quote builders to revenue governance. Personal insights on leadership, active listening, and balancing life in Marina, CA with family, running, and hiking Big Sur. If you're interested in HubSpot CPQ, Revenue Operations, or the future of Revenue Lifecycle Management, this episode offers valuable insights into strategy, technology, and customer success.

In this conversation, Host Michael Lerner talks with author and professor Jeffrey Kripal about his book The Secret Body: Erotic and Esoteric Currents in the History of Religions. Jeffrey considers this unusual autobiographical journey through his work as the key to much of the rest of his 13-volume oeuvre, which will be examined throughout this series of conversations. Jeffrey J. Kripal Jeff holds the J. Newton Rayzor Chair in Philosophy and Religious Thought at Rice University. He also co-directs the Center for Theory and Research at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. Jeff is the author of numerous books, most recently How to Think Impossibly: About Souls, UFOs, Time, Belief, and Everything Else. His remarkable website jefrreyjkripal.com describes his groundbreaking 13 books and his entire oeuvre. This series of conversations explores all 13 books. Host Michael Lerner Michael is founder and board chair emeritus of Commonweal. His principal work at Commonweal is with the Cancer Help Program, CancerChoices.org, the Omega Resilience Projects, the Collaborative on Health and the Environment, and The New School at Commonweal. He was the recipient of a MacArthur Prize Fellowship for contributions to public health in 1983 and is author of Choices in Healing: Integrating the Best of Conventional and Complementary Therapies (MIT Press). Find out more about The New School at Commonweal on our website: tns.commonweal.org. And like/follow our Soundcloud channel for more great podcasts.

In this conversation, Host Michael Lerner talks with author and professor Jeffrey Kripal about his book Kali's Child: The Mystical and the Erotic in the Life and Teachings of Ramakrishna. This was a revised version of his PhD dissertation at the University of Chicago. It was greeted with acclaim in the West and with vitriol by Hindu fundamentalists. It begins Kripal's long study of homoerotic themes in world religions. Jeffrey J. Kripal Jeff holds the J. Newton Rayzor Chair in Philosophy and Religious Thought at Rice University. He also co-directs the Center for Theory and Research at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. Jeff is the author of numerous books, most recently How to Think Impossibly: About Souls, UFOs, Time, Belief, and Everything Else. His remarkable website jefrreyjkripal.com describes his groundbreaking 13 books and his entire oeuvre. This series of conversations explores all 13 books. Host Michael Lerner Michael is founder and board chair emeritus of Commonweal. His principal work at Commonweal is with the Cancer Help Program, CancerChoices.org, the Omega Resilience Projects, the Collaborative on Health and the Environment, and The New School at Commonweal. He was the recipient of a MacArthur Prize Fellowship for contributions to public health in 1983 and is author of Choices in Healing: Integrating the Best of Conventional and Complementary Therapies (MIT Press).

Bumming some Wi-Fi, the creative juices of a day job, and the gateway to the San Juan Islands. "Like the coziness of nostalgia, the 4-track tape recorder is immediately evident during the guitar jangle that opens “Blue Eyed Open Sky”. Recorded in a tent cabin on a river in the musician's hometown of Big Sur, California, the lo-fi aesthetic of Richard Tripps sophomore album was a deliberate choice, inspired by the analogue charm of tape, where the musician's formative demos crossed paths with key influences like the VU and fellow Big Sur psych-folk outfit The Range of Light Wilderness." Excerpt from https://aquariumdrunkard.com Richard Tripps: Bandcamp: https://richardtripps.bandcamp.com Instagram: @richardjeorgetripps Website: https://linktr.ee/richardjeorgetripps Records: https://store.perpetualdoom.com/product/between-the-morning The Vineyard: Instagram: @thevineyardpodcast Website: https://www.thevineyardpodcast.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thevineyardpodcast

Today we're welcoming Jessie Lane, an interior designer based in Los Angeles who created what might be the most unique cabin interior I've ever seen. During the pandemic, Jessie and her husband purchased a log cabin in North Carolina sight unseen—a decision that launched a three-year design journey that would challenge everything you think you know about cabin interiors.Jessie describes herself as someone who loves novelty and wants spaces to transport people, which explains why her approach to this traditional log cabin was anything but traditional. What started as plans for a Big Sur-inspired 70s aesthetic evolved into something she calls "fairy tale meets Art Nouveau"—complete with stained glass windows, rich wallpapers applied directly alongside massive logs, and custom furniture pieces she invented specifically for the space.This isn't just a cabin makeover story—it's a masterclass in creative problem-solving and trusting your artistic instincts. Jessie walks us through her discovery that working with logs means embracing richness rather than fighting it, why cream walls felt "unfinished" next to the natural wood, and how a failed stained glass installation in the kitchen hood led to an even better solution that became the centerpiece of the space.We explore the philosophy behind her design choices, from incorporating meaningful family heirlooms like her grandmother's clock to creating custom pieces like the Shasha sofa that transforms from seating to a proper guest bed. Jessie also opens up about the emotional challenges of the creative process, the frustration that's actually a necessary part of innovation, and why she believes interior design is ultimately about creating "soulful spaces for your story."Whether you're struggling with how to design around existing wood elements, curious about mixing traditional and modern pieces, or wondering how to trust your creative instincts when everyone says it won't work, this conversation offers both practical advice and philosophical permission to create something truly unique.Instagram: @jessielaneinteriorsWebsiteArchitectural Digest Feature Cozy Rock Contact InfoInstagram: @cozyrockcabinCozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.comYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FgMwAgvORd1IwlH1nlC9g

In dieser Folge nehmen wir euch mit auf einen der legendärsten Roadtrips Nordamerikas: den Highway 1 entlang der kalifornischen Küste – genauer gesagt, den Abschnitt südlich von San Francisco bis kurz vor Los Angeles. Wir sprechen über landschaftliche Highlights wie Big Sur, die berühmte Bixby Bridge, den 17-Mile Drive rund um Monterey und die Kontraste zwischen wilder Küste, roten Felsen und stillen Bergpanoramen. Unterwegs begegnen uns Orte wie Morro Bay mit dem imposanten Morro Rock, das charmante San Luis Obispo und das mediterran anmutende Santa Barbara. Dabei geht's nicht nur um Stopps und Fotospots, sondern auch um die Besonderheiten dieser Strecke: Wie unterscheidet sich der “klassische” Teil des Highway 1 von seinem südlichen Pendant bei Los Angeles? Was macht diesen Abschnitt so besonders? Und warum lohnt es sich, sich dafür wirklich Zeit zu nehmen? Eine Folge für alle, die von Meerblick, kurvigen Straßen und dem Gefühl von kalifornischer Freiheit träumen – ganz ohne Eile, aber mit vielen Zwischenstopps. Deine spektakuläre West-Coast-Highway-Reise

The closure of Highway 1 in Big Sur has cost Central Coast communities hundreds of millions of dollars in lost tourism spending. And, the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band will regain full access rights to land in their ancestral territory for the first time since their forced removal over 225 years ago.

Healthcare workers across Southern California are struggling to provide medical care to undocumented patients, without clear guidance on how to handle encounters with immigration agents. Medical workers want hospitals to improve guidelines and provide better training so they can protect patients and themselves. Reporter: Anthony Victoria, KVCR A federal court hearing on whether or not roving immigration patrols can continue in the Los Angeles area has been postponed. Reporter: Wendy Fry, CalMatters A nearly seven mile stretch of Highway 1 near Big Sur will remain closed this winter, three years after back to back landslides wrecked the roadway. But things could improve in the spring. Reporter: Robert Garrova, LAist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why would a Psychonaut want to develop archetypal intelligence? Non-ordinary state navigation: providing a framework for understanding and navigating non-ordinary states of consciousness.Expanded understanding:   offering a multidimensional understanding of psychedelic experience, which may enhance interpretation. Integration of experiences:  integrating profound psychedelic experiences into one's daily life.Stanislav Grof:Grof's archetypal perspective emerged from his work with psychedelics and holotropic breathwork:Archetypes as experiential patterns that become accessible in non-ordinary states of consciousnessThey're organized in systems of condensed experience (COEX) emotional clusters around similar themesGrof identified four Basic Perinatal Matrices archetypal patterns related to the birth process that shape psychological developmentHe expanded the concept including transpersonal archetypes that transcend individual existenceArchetypal experiences in psychedelic & holotropic sessions often relate to death and rebirth, cosmic unity, and encounters with divine or demonic entitiesGrof emphasizes the healing potential of connecting with archetypes in therapeutic settings.Richard Tarnas:built on Jung and expanded his work by exploring how planetary movements correlate with archetypal patterns of human experience across history and individual lives, providing a framework for understanding both personal and collective transformative experiences.Tarnas synthesized archetypal theory with cosmology, particularly through reinterpreting astrology.Archetypes are both psychological and cosmological principles that connect inner and outer worlds.They are dynamic, multivalent patterns that cannot be reduced to single meanings..Planetary archetypes Correlations between planetary movements may reveal archetypal patterns in human experience.Archetypes participate in human consciousness rather than causing effects.Examples include Saturn (limitation, structure, maturation), Uranus (awakening, revolution, innovation), Neptune (dissolution, imagination, transcendence), and Pluto (power, transformation)Archetypes interact in complex combinations that reflect the rich texture of human experience. They work through synchronistic correlations rather than causal mechanisms.Emphasizes the importance of archetypal astrology as a tool for understanding personal and collective psychological patterns.The Combined Work of Grof and Tarnas: Their 50 year collaboration represents a powerful synthesis ofexperiential psychology, consciousness research, ancient wisdom. They discovered a comprehensive framework for understanding both individual experiences and collective patterns through what has become known as archetypal astrology.Origins:Grof and Tarnas began working together in the 1970's at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA. Their effort emerged from:Grof's extensive clinical research with psychedelics and later with holotropic breathworkTarnas' philosophical investigations into consciousness and cultural historyTheir shared interest in exploring the deeper patterns underlying human experienceA mutual recognition that conventional paradigms were inadequate to explain the full spectrum of consciousness.Integration of Inner and Outer Worlds: Symbolic Language for Inner Experience: Archetypal intelligence provides a rich symbolic framework for understanding and articulating non-ordinary states, supporting integration back to daily life.. Active Participation in Meaning-Making: Engaging with these guides, we may recognize  the unfolding narrative of the universe,

The city of L.A. has reached an agreement to avoid layoffs amid a budget crisis. We finally know when all of Highway 1 will reopen in Big Sur. Jimmy Kimmel's back on air today - we bring you the latest from outside the show's studio in Hollywood. Plus, more.Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comVisit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency! Support the show: https://laist.com

In this episode, I share how I booked Alila Ventana Big Sur—a luxury, all-inclusive Hyatt resort perched above California's rugged coastline—using points. From sweeping redwood and ocean views to included meals, hikes, and wellness experiences, this stay was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.You'll hear:How I booked my stay with points and maximized valueWhat's included (and what's not) in the all-inclusive experienceTips to make the most of your Big Sur getawayIf you've ever dreamed of a luxury escape without the luxury price tag, this episode will inspire your next trip.Ways to learn how to book luxury vacations:Travel Points Lounge: Travel Points Lounge | Points Too ParadiseElevated Escape: Elevated Escape | Points Too Paradise

What happens when one man's childhood curiosity turns into a lifetime of terrifying encounters across California, Oregon, and beyond? In this gripping episode, we sit down with Mike — a witness whose experiences range from a shadowy figure sprinting past an abandoned UCLA camp in Lake Arrowhead… to a midnight chase through the desert tunnels of Lake Havasu… to family members hearing strange voices all night at Big Sur's Pfeiffer Beach.You'll hear stories of trucks lifted five feet off the ground in the Minnesota forests, a Tahoe driver struck by something massive in a snowstorm, and eerie footsteps circling a VW bus on a rainy night near Arcata. From Cougar Falls in Oregon to the haunted woods of Mount Shasta, Mike's accounts pull us deeper into the mystery of what's lurking just out of sight.This isn't a secondhand legend — it's a raw, emotional journey through decades of Bigfoot encounters that will leave you questioning how close you may have already come.

“No endeavor to write a travel book is ever lost, since it gives you a useful perspective on (and intensified attention to) the reality of the travel experience itself. When embraced mindfully, the real-time experience of a journey is invariably its truest reward.” –Rolf Potts In this episode of Deviate, Rolf touches on nine lessons from attempting to write a (never finished) van-life vagabonding memoir at age 23, including: On Pilgrims in a Sliding World (1:00) Lesson #1: No work is lost (and “failure” has lessons to teach) On the author as a character (6:30) Lesson #2: “Show, don't tell” is still good narrative advice On depicting other people (14:30) Lesson #3: Travel books require reporting (not just recollecting) On recounting dialogues (22:30) Lesson #4: Be true to what was said (but make sure it serves a broader purpose) On veering from the truth (32:30) Lesson #5: The truth tends to work better than whatever you might make up On depicting places (39:30) Lesson #6: “Telling details” are better than broad generalizations about a place On neurotic young-manhood (48:30) Lesson #7: Balance narrative analysis with narrative vulnerability The seeds of Vagabonding (1:01:30) Lesson #8: Over time, we write our way into what we have to say The journey was the point (1:06:30) Lesson #9: In the end, taking the journey counts for more than writing it Books mentioned: The Geto Boys, by Rolf Potts (2016 book) Vagabonding, by Rolf Potts (2003 book) The Anxiety of Influence, by Harold Bloom (1973 book) On the Road, by Jack Kerouac (1957 book) The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger (1951 book) Epic of Gilgamesh (12th century BCE Mesopotamian epic) Don Quixote, by Miguel de Cervantes (17th century novel) The Travels of Sir John Mandeville (14th century travelogue) True History, by Lucian of Samosata (2nd century novella) Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson (21st century memoir) Marco Polo Didn't Go There, by Rolf Potts (2008 book) Labels: A Mediterranean Journal, by Evelyn Waugh (1930 book) Essays, poems, and short stories mentioned "The Mystical High Church of Luck," by Rolf Potts (1998 essay) "Greenland is Not Bigger Than South America", by Rolf Potts (1998 essay) “The Faces,” by Robert Creeley (1983 poem) "Reflection and Retrospection," by Phillip Lopate (2005 essay) "Why so much travel writing is so boring," by Thomas Swick (2001 essay) "10 Rules of Writing," by Elmore Leonard (2001 essay) "In the Penal Colony," by Franz Kafka (1919 short story) Places and events mentioned People's Park (activist park in Berkeley) 924 Gilman Street (punk-rock club in Berkeley) Alphabet City (neighborhood New York City's East Village) Brentwood (Los Angeles neighborhood) 1994 Northridge earthquake Panama City Beach (Florida spring-break city) Gainesville (Florida college town) Athens (Georgia college town) Big Sur (coastal region of California) Humboldt Redwoods State Park (park in California) Other links: "Van Life before #VanLife" (Deviate episode) Paris Writing Workshops (Rolf's annual creative writing classes) Picaresque (prose genre) Roman à clef (fictionalized novel about real-life events) "Jumping freight trains in the Pacific NW" (Deviate episode) "Telling travel stories, with Andrew McCarthy" (Deviate episode) "Rolf Potts: The Vagabond's Way" (Ari Shaffir's Skeptic Tank podcast) "A personal history of my grunge-bandwagon band" (Deviate episode) Gettysburg Address (Abraham Lincoln speech) José Ortega y Gasset (Spanish philosopher) Jack Handey (American humorist known for "Deep Thoughts" jokes) Laurel Lee (American memoirist) The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel's 2017 album Lumber. Note: We don't host a “comments” section, but we're happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.

“No endeavor to write a travel book is ever lost, since it gives you a useful perspective on (and intensified attention to) the reality of the travel experience itself. When embraced mindfully, the real-time experience of a journey is invariably its truest reward.” –Rolf Potts In this episode of Deviate, Rolf touches on nine lessons from attempting to write a (never finished) van-life vagabonding memoir at age 23, including: On Pilgrims in a Sliding World (1:00) Lesson #1: No work is lost (and “failure” has lessons to teach) On the author as a character (6:30) Lesson #2: “Show, don't tell” is still good narrative advice On depicting other people (14:30) Lesson #3: Travel books require reporting (not just recollecting) On recounting dialogues (22:30) Lesson #4: Be true to what was said (but make sure it serves a broader purpose) On veering from the truth (32:30) Lesson #5: The truth tends to work better than whatever you might make up On depicting places (39:30) Lesson #6: “Telling details” are better than broad generalizations about a place On neurotic young-manhood (48:30) Lesson #7: Balance narrative analysis with narrative vulnerability The seeds of Vagabonding (1:01:30) Lesson #8: Over time, we write our way into what we have to say The journey was the point (1:06:30) Lesson #9: In the end, taking the journey counts for more than writing it Books mentioned: The Geto Boys, by Rolf Potts (2016 book) Vagabonding, by Rolf Potts (2003 book) The Anxiety of Influence, by Harold Bloom (1973 book) On the Road, by Jack Kerouac (1957 book) The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger (1951 book) Epic of Gilgamesh (12th century BCE Mesopotamian epic) Don Quixote, by Miguel de Cervantes (17th century novel) The Travels of Sir John Mandeville (14th century travelogue) True History, by Lucian of Samosata (2nd century novella) Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson (21st century memoir) Marco Polo Didn't Go There, by Rolf Potts (2008 book) Labels: A Mediterranean Journal, by Evelyn Waugh (1930 book) Essays, poems, and short stories mentioned "The Mystical High Church of Luck," by Rolf Potts (1998 essay) "Greenland is Not Bigger Than South America", by Rolf Potts (1998 essay) “The Faces,” by Robert Creeley (1983 poem) "Reflection and Retrospection," by Phillip Lopate (2005 essay) "Why so much travel writing is so boring," by Thomas Swick (2001 essay) "10 Rules of Writing," by Elmore Leonard (2001 essay) "In the Penal Colony," by Franz Kafka (1919 short story) Places and events mentioned People's Park (activist park in Berkeley) 924 Gilman Street (punk-rock club in Berkeley) Alphabet City (neighborhood New York City's East Village) Brentwood (Los Angeles neighborhood) 1994 Northridge earthquake Panama City Beach (Florida spring-break city) Gainesville (Florida college town) Athens (Georgia college town) Big Sur (coastal region of California) Humboldt Redwoods State Park (park in California) Other links: "Van Life before #VanLife" (Deviate episode) Paris Writing Workshops (Rolf's annual creative writing classes) Picaresque (prose genre) Roman à clef (fictionalized novel about real-life events) "Jumping freight trains in the Pacific NW" (Deviate episode) "Telling travel stories, with Andrew McCarthy" (Deviate episode) "Rolf Potts: The Vagabond's Way" (Ari Shaffir's Skeptic Tank podcast) "A personal history of my grunge-bandwagon band" (Deviate episode) Gettysburg Address (Abraham Lincoln speech) José Ortega y Gasset (Spanish philosopher) Jack Handey (American humorist known for "Deep Thoughts" jokes) Laurel Lee (American memoirist) The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel's 2017 album Lumber. Note: We don't host a “comments” section, but we're happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.

Marga Gomez grew up in Washington Heights, New York City, immersed in a family of Spanish-language entertainers. Welcome to Season 8, Episode 1 of Storied: San Francisco. I first learned of Marga more than a decade ago, through comedy and performance circles I was adjacent to. Because I don't have the world's best memory, I cannot recall exactly where or when I saw her perform, but I do remember feeling an immediate pull to her work. In this episode, Marga shares the story of her parents, growing up in NYC, and coming to San Francisco. We begin in Manhattan, where Marga was born to a comedian/producer/screenwriter Cuban-American dad and a dancer/aspiring actor Puerto Rican mom. Marga went to Catholic school as a youngster, which she says was every bit as harsh as folks say. Looking back, Marga thinks the only discipline she got when she was a kid was through school. Her parents, she says, were narcissists. The two met when Marga's mom danced in a show produced by her dad. The shows were varietal in nature, and took place on stages live at theaters showing Spanish-language Mexican movies. Her dad had danced in shows in Havana pre-Castro. Some white American show producer-types with Johnny Walker, the Scotch company, brought him to New York, unaware that he didn't speak English. It was the Fifties—the height of a Spanish entertainment craze (think Ricky Ricardo). Many folks from Latin America were also immigrating to the US, and New York especially, in those days. And they, too, wanted entertainment. Marga's dad found work in that world, first as a performer, then as a producer. Growing up with locally well-known/borderline famous parents instilled in young Marga a sense that she could do anything she wanted. But when they split up, Marga went with her mom to live in a white neighborhood on Long Island. She was one of the only kids of color in an otherwise homogenous, affluent area. No longer in the Spanish-language community that raised her, she lost that sense of becoming a performer in her own right. She just wanted to graduate high school and get out. And that she did. She ended up at a New York State school on the border of Canada, in Oswego near Lake Ontario. It was still the same weather she used to, but it was time to explore—with pot, acid, and women. She got really into “storyteller” musicians around this time, some women, Dylan, that kind of thing. And she met a woman who later was the reason Marga came to San Francisco. Marga's impression of San Francisco before she moved here was shaped by a magazine feature about the Hippies here at that time—the Seventies. She owes that attraction to her mom's strict parenting style—it was a rebellion in every sense. She'd not made it through to graduation (too much acid, she says), but followed her girlfriend across country to this magical new city. It was 1976, the year of the US Bicentennial. Marga's girlfriend did all the driving (she still doesn't have a license), taking the scenic route along Route 66, through the heart of the United States during its 200th birthday celebration. They saw a lot of Americana—the good and the bad (racism, misogyny, homophobia). It made landing in SF all the more poignant. They came up the California coast, saw Big Sur, then arrived in The City. We end Part 1 with Marga's story of the first place in San Francisco she and her then-girlfriend went—Castro Street. That story is also how her upcoming show, Spanish Stew, begins. More on that in Part 2, which drops this Thursday. That's also the date of the Opening Night of Every Kinda People. We hope to see you at Mini Bar that night for an evening of community, art, drinks, laughter, and love. This episode is brought to you by Standard Deviant Brewing. We recorded it at Noe Cafe in Noe Valley in August 2025. Photography by Jeff Hunt

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Ali welcomes Jo Cobbett - movement facilitator, artist, and poet - for a rich conversation about the transformative power of embodied movement. Jo shares her experiences navigating personal and community challenges, including the aftermath of wildfires, and how dance and somatic practices offer healing and connection, to self and community.Together, they explore the importance of presence, curiosity, and intention in reclaiming body intelligence. Other topics explored are inhibition, learning from the outside rather than the inside, and finding answers through movement. Jo discusses her approach to creating inclusive, supportive spaces where people of all backgrounds can rediscover themselves through movement. The episode offers inspiration for embracing change, building community, and finding body brilliance in every stage of life.FOR MORE ALI MEZEY:ALI - WebsiteALI - LinkTreeFOR MORE JO COBBETT:https://www.movinground.com/https://www.facebook.com/jobcobbettBIO:Jo Cobbett is a devotee and lover of wonder - crafting windows into profound self-encounters and discovering beauty throughout life's journey. Her primary portals are embodied movement and visual art, inviting play, curiosity, and existential dialogue with the world. Jo is directly engaged in life through nurturing family and creating spaces for self-exploration, expressed via her visual art, streamed poetry, and embodied movement offerings. Developing alongside her earlier partnership with Michael Mullen Skelton, Jo has been leading classes and workshops for over 30 years in Los Angeles and around the globe.She trained in bodywork at Esalen Institute, studied 5Rhythms with Gabrielle Roth, Soul Motion with Vinn Arjuna Martí, and Open Floor with Kathy Altman, Lori Saltzman, and Andrea Juhan, among others. Her practice has been further deepened through improvisation and creative play with Paula Shaw, Camille Maurine, and Ruth Zaporah.A primary influence in her life has been her training and collaboration with Susan Harper in Continuum Montage. Her ongoing inspiration also comes through Laura Sirkin‑Brown, and a lifelong conversation with nature — the whispers of wind, the flow of water, and the subtle intelligence of embodied movement.Jo honors countless teachers encountered along the way and remains continuously inspired — including by Ali Mezey, whose presence and insights have enriched her path.OTHER RESOURCES, LINKS AND INSPIRATIONS: Michael Molin-Skelton — Conscious Dance/Soul Motion“A few things that I hold sacred; the love of my life Anneli, the miracle of that love, Jaylan, resilience, friends that cherish and challenge me, integrity, dancing alone, dancing with you, transparency, love.”Esalen Institute -  A historic retreat center in Big Sur, California, focused on human potential and somatic practices.Five Rhythms® with Gabrielle Roth – A dynamic movement practice founded by Gabrielle Roth exploring flow, staccato, chaos, lyrical, and stillness.Soul Motion® with Vinn Arjuna Martí  –  A conscious dance practice rooted in presence, relational awareness, and creative expression.Open Floor with Kathy Altman, Lori Saltzman, and Andrea Juhan - A movement meditation practice designed for personal healing and collective connection.Improvisation with Paula Shaw, Camille Maurine, and Ruth Zaporah - Explorations in expressive arts, performance, and authentic movement.Susan Harper & Continuum Montage - Susan Harper is a Continuum teacher who developed Continuum Montage, blending movement, breath, and sound to deepen somatic awareness.Yakov & Susannah Darling Khan - Founders of Movement Medicine, a conscious dance practice integrating shamanic, therapeutic, and artistic paths.Emilie Conrad, Founder of Continuum MovementAndrea JuhanPaula ShawCamille Maurine Laura Sirkin-Brown  Anna Halprin - Pioneer in postmodern dance and healing movement practices; creator of the Life/Art Process.Baba Olatunji - Nigerian drummer and educator who popularized African drumming in the West; known for *Drums of Passion*.Rupert Sheldrake - Biologist and author known for his theories on morphic resonance and collective memory fields.Dancing in the Streets: A History of Collective Joy by Barbara Ehrenreich - A cultural and historical study of how communal dance and celebration have shaped human history.Ecstatic Dance - A global movement community offering conscious, freeform dance events with no talking, alcohol, or shoes.Let There Be Light by Jacques Lusseyran - Memoir of a blind French resistance fighter exploring inner vision and resilience.[From time to time, a word or phrase goes wonky. Please forgive my wandering wifi.]

In this episode of The Good Trouble Show, we dive deep into UFOs and the UAP phenomenon as investigative journalist Matt Ford interviews world-renowned scholar and author Jeffrey J. Kripal. Together, they explore the intersection of UFOs, alien encounters, and religion, revealing the profound truths about extraterrestrial life and supernatural events. From the Bible's mysterious encounters to contemporary UAP research, Kripal connects the dots between science, spirituality, and human history. Discover how ancient religious texts inform our understanding of modern UFO sightings, the relevance of alien abduction stories, and how recent UAP revelations could reshape our perspectives on reality. Jeffrey J. Kripal serves as the J. Newton Rayzor Chair in Philosophy and Religious Thought at Rice University and is author of "How to Think Impossibly: About Souls, UFOs, Time, Belief, and Everything Else." Find out more at jeffreyjkripal.com and join us as we explore these captivating, mind-bending topics.Jeffrey J. Kripal is the J. Newton Rayzor Chair in Philosophy and Religious Thought at Rice University, where he co-hosts the Archives of the Impossible collection and conference series. He also co-directs the Center for Theory and Research at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. Jeff is the author of numerous books, most recently How to Think Impossibly: About Souls, UFOs, Time, Belief, and Everything Else (Chicago, 2024). He is presently working on a three-volume study of paranormal currents in the sciences, modern esoteric literature, and the hidden history of science fiction collectively entitled The Super Story: Science (Fiction) and Some Emergent Mythologies. His full body of work can be seen at http://jeffreyjkripal.com  You can follow him at:  jeffreyjkripal.com

Originally released in 2022: Tracy Silverman is truly an inspiring musician in every respect and it was such an honour to meet him and be able to record this memorable episode! This interview is also available as a video; the transcript is also linked on my websiteWe talked about his classical roots, studying with legendary teachers Lewis Kaplan and Ivan Galamian, his rejection of the classical world and his fascinating career, through his years in rock bands, we even talked about some of his early gigs, including learning the ropes as a strolling violinist, getting the job as first violinist of the innovative Turtle Island string quartet, and the development of his Strum Bowing method. We talked about many musicians, including some of his collaborators and mentors including Terry Riley, Darol Anger, Roy “Futureman” Wooten, Mark Wood, and composers Roberto Sierra and John Adams. In this conversation one of the many topics we covered was the new concerto writtten for Tracy called “Ficciones” by Roberto Sierra. Finally, we dived into his creative process, how music affects our emotions, and how to stay open by listening to others, and learning to show up as ourselves. Tracy Silverman website Please help me keep this podcast going! Podcast merchNewsletter(00:00:00) Intro(00:03:29) Concerto "Ficciones" by Roberto Sierra, premiered with the American Symphony Orchestra(00:07:13) Tracy's 6-string electric violin built by Joe Glazer with demonstrations, and more about "Ficciones"(00:14:14) Tracy's support system for the instrument, progression from classical violinist through his rock days(00:22:37) Lewis Kaplan(00:25:25) Ivan Galamian(00:28:40) Tracy's approach to Bach(00:32:04) Tracy's childhood, improv and composition(00:36:17) "Ficciones" "Between the Kiss and the Chaos"(00:40:51) Turtle Island String Quartet and career advice(00:44:35) Strolling violin gigs, wedding singer(00:47:41) John Adams, "Dharma at Big Sur", solo recital versions of concerti(00:50:00) Looping with demo(00:57:27) Album "Beats and Jams" with son "Toby Beats"(01:02:11)Terry Riley(01:24:03) process of improvisation, Strum bowing different styles(01:17:47) Egberto Gismonti, Darol Anger(01:22:00) teaching, strum bowing in school music programs(01:24:43)Turtle Island String Quartet, Darol Anger and the origin of strum bowing(01:28:08) music affects our emotions(01:32:10) Roy "Futureman" Wooten, positive mindset(01:37:30) challenges with the 2020 lockdowns(01:44:35) commission for "Ficciones" with different orchestras(01:46:22)Tracy's mission with string playing, practicing, advice

In this week's episode, host Scott "Sourdough" Power describes his recent 20th wedding anniversary celebration at the breathtaking Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur. Nestled among nature's grandeur, this luxe getaway highlights the seamless blend of architecture and the environment, thanks to the visionary work of designer Mickey Muennig.Scott paints a vivid picture of the stunning landscapes that envelop the Inn, where each view is a testament to the beauty of eco-minded design. Muennig's unique approach to architecture at Post Ranch Inn embraces sustainability and fosters a deeper connection with the surrounding nature. Scott reflects on how this experience enriched his understanding of creativity and its role in harmonizing human life with the natural world.The episode is a delightful journey through joy, love, and reflection, as Scott shares personal anecdotes about his time spent there with his partner. Listeners will hear about the invigorating beauty of Big Sur and the enchanting allure of Post Ranch Inn, described as a luxurious treehouse suspended in time. Scott also explores broader themes of creativity and community in the arts, encouraging listeners to support and celebrate the artists that inspire us. With a dash of humor and whimsy, he invites everyone to join him in appreciating the interplay of love, nature, creativity, and architecture—reminding us all that life's most precious moments are meant for sharing.For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/architect-mickey-muennig

Fletcher Tucker - Big Sur artist, Esalen faculty member, independent musician, and wilderness guide - is a kind of spiritual cartographer and wild-hearted philosopher of the sonic and sacred. He has a new album, Kin, which is the focus of this conversation. Kin is a ritual, a spell, a window into the more-than-human world. It is a collection of drone-based, chant-infused compositions built with ancestral instruments like Swedish bagpipes, bowed zithers, and elder flutes. In this conversation, Fletcher walks us through the making of Kin, which emerged over years of wilderness pilgrimage through the Big Sur backcountry; songs that were written while walking, chanted into being beside waterfalls and totemic boulders, assembled later with vintage Mellotrons, and dulcimers that seem to hum with the memory of older worlds. We talk animism, and Fletcher's embrace of a concentric, non-hierarchical cosmology where stones, rivers, ancestors, and unborn children all participate in the great chorus of being. We talk proximity and kinship and enchantment; “Radical Permeability” as Altered State; the Tassajara Zen Center Influence; Emotional and Aesthetic Complexity; Birth as Ceremony; life-threatening snowstorms; Polyphonic Compositions; clear vinyl and Streaming and Digital Ethics; and Wildtender, the organization Fletcher co-founded with his wife, Noel Vietor. Fletcher Tucker: https://www.fletchertucker.com/ Wildtender: https://wildtender.org/ Kin on Bandcamp: https://gnomelife.bandcamp.com/album/kin

In this episode of Historical Happy Hour, bestselling author Serena Burdick joins host Jane Healey to discuss her latest novel, A Promise to Arlette. Inspired by the bohemian life of Burdick's grandmother—who was a muse to Man Ray and lived with Henry Miller in Big Sur—the novel blends art-world mystique, postwar trauma, and a rich exploration of female friendship and love. Set in both conservative 1950s Massachusetts and pre-WWII France, the story unfolds through a mysterious photograph and a buried past. Burdick and Healey delve into the research, historical figures, narrative structure, and the emotional weight of returning from war, offering listeners a deep look into the creative process behind this sweeping dual-timeline historical fiction.

On this episode, Tony Brueski digs into the enigmatic history of Point Sur Lighthouse, a steadfast sentinel on California's treacherous Big Sur coast. We'll explore its origins, the tragic shipwrecks that occurred in its shadow, and the eerie tales that have emerged over the years. Join us as we delve into firsthand accounts of ghostly apparitions, mysterious voices, and the theories that attempt to explain these phenomena. Is Point Sur Lighthouse a beacon for lost souls, or do natural explanations lie beneath the surface? Tune in to uncover the truth behind this coastal enigma.

Week 3 of Summer 2025! This was the last week of the beaches and brews section of the trip and we did the Northern California coast right! We spent some time wandering in the redwoods, some beach time in Half Moon Bay, and finally made it to the southern terminus of our coastal adventures - Big Sur. It wasn't without drama either, you won't believe what we did in Half Moon Bay.Thanks for listening! Please let us know what you think! You can find LFTR at http://lettersfromtheroadpod.com, and you can email us at lettersfromtheroadpod@gmail.com.If you feel like kicking us a few bucks you can Become a PenPal and chat with us and others in the PenPals Discord. Get full access to Letters From the Road at lettersfromtheroad.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode, Tony Brueski digs into the enigmatic history of Point Sur Lighthouse, a steadfast sentinel on California's treacherous Big Sur coast. We'll explore its origins, the tragic shipwrecks that occurred in its shadow, and the eerie tales that have emerged over the years. Join us as we delve into firsthand accounts of ghostly apparitions, mysterious voices, and the theories that attempt to explain these phenomena. Is Point Sur Lighthouse a beacon for lost souls, or do natural explanations lie beneath the surface? Tune in to uncover the truth behind this coastal enigma.

How can you develop deep resilience? That's the focus of this insightful episode with Dr. Michael Kearney. Dr. Diana Hill and Dr. Kearney explore the concept of deep resilience, emphasizing the importance of community, interconnectedness, and natural metaphors to navigate life's challenges. Dr. Kearney shares five vital lessons for building deep resilience, inspired by his experiences and the profound vitality of a redwood tree in Big Sur. This episode invites listeners to delve into self-care, healing connections, and the profound wisdom found within nature and our interconnected human existence.In This Episode, We Explore:Burnout and the Need for Deep ResilienceLesson #1: Take Care, Know What Feeds You and Restores YouLesson #2: Healing ConnectionsLesson #3: You Are Not Who You Think You AreLesson #4: All You Have to Do Is RestLesson #5: We Thrive Because of Each Other.Suggested Next Episode:Episode 131: What We Can Learn From Nature's Genius With Dayna BaumeisterRelated ResourcesGet enhanced show notes for this episodePre-order my upcoming book, Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most, and receive special pre-order bonus gifts.Want to become more psychologically flexible? Take Diana's "Foundations of ACT" course.Diana's EventsReserve your spot in Diana's Costa Rica retreat in 2026!See Diana at an upcoming eventConnecting With DianaSubscribe for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Leave a 5-star review on Apple so people like you can find the show.Sign up for the free Wise Effort Newsletter.Become a Wise Effort member to support the show.Follow Diana on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Diana's website.Thanks to the team, Craig and Ashley Hiatt, and Benjamin Gould of

Visionary interior designer Paul Wiseman joins us on an enlightening journey through his remarkable 45-year career. Known for his ability to seamlessly blend diverse architectural styles with local history, Paul shares captivating stories about his path from an unexpected encounter in San Francisco to founding one of the top design firms in the country. He opens up about the art of balancing creativity with business acumen, emphasizing the importance of saying no, and offers a fresh perspective on trends and the principle of "appropriateness" in design.We explore the evolving landscape of design, guided by Paul's insights on creating spaces that tell a cohesive story aligned with a client's lifestyle and environment. In an era shaped by social media, DIY culture, and an increasing interest in sustainability, Paul discusses the challenges and opportunities these trends present. With a team that values empowerment and individual strengths, The Wiseman Group is at the forefront of innovative solutions, exploring everything from eco-friendly materials to cutting-edge technology and AI's role in design.Our conversation paints a vivid picture of Paul's personal passions and inspirations, including his admiration for Tadao Ando and Luis Barragán. Exciting projects in Singapore, Spain, and Big Sur highlight his commitment to timeless elegance and human connection. Paul's wisdom on the irreplaceable human touch in design, coupled with his reflections on intuition and authenticity, offer listeners a profound understanding of how design can elevate everyday life. Don't miss this inspiring episode of Beyond the Design, where craftsmanship and heartfelt storytelling are celebrated in every space he creates.

We're back from the inaugural @marieclaireuk Fragrance Awards, where the room sparkled with excitement and the scent of creativity. As judges, we celebrated the winners across niche, luxury, designer and high street houses, and the ever-growing world of fragrant body care.This week's episode is a journey through summer's most evocative home scents, from the ultra-luxe to the beautifully affordable, including a spinning disco-ball aromatic mister!!@meadowfarmlifestyle Smoked Orange & Honey candle: Imagine golden honey drizzled over sun-warmed orange blossoms, with bergamot and ylang ylang weaving through gentle amber smoke. Bright yet intricate, a candle that glows all year.@tothefairestlondon Cécile candle: Bergamot and mandarin shimmer, melting into rose absolute, amber and clove bud. A candle of modern sensuality - seductive, layered, and utterly beguiling.@neomwellbeing Squeeze the Day reed diffuser: The scent of ripe citrus, sharp grapefruit, juicy mandarin, and a cool breeze of eucalyptus. Instantly uplifting, a burst of pure sunshine for your space.@ormondejayne Ambre Royale diffuser: A golden aura of amber, regal and enveloping, adored by Nicola (and her florist). For those who crave warmth and elegance.@ormondejayne Rosae diffuser: Damascene rose sparkles with pear, blackcurrant, and musk, touched by gourmand fruits. Fresh, shimmering, and temptingly effervescent—perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms.@baobabcollection FETY MILALAO: Mint and vetiver entwine with ylang-ylang, echoing the playful spirit of Malagasy craftsmanship. The striped raffia recalls Côte d'Azur deckchairs, the scent a sunlit celebration.@lordsfragrancehouse Monteverde mini room spray: Rain-soaked canopies, orchid and tuberose bloom in the mist, patchouli and woods grounding you in Costa Rica's lush cloud forest.Big Sur candle: Green herbs and cracked coriander ride the Pacific breeze, mingling with cedarwood and citrus peels. A breathless journey along sunlit coastline and towering redwoods.Pengelli Forest reed diffuser: Bluebells, hyacinth, lily of the valley, and orange blossom conjure springtime woods in Wales - mossy, violet, and alive with memory.#ad Sniff-along as we explore the last two scents in the @the_rac_on_teur Discovery Set II. Use code onthescent10 for an exclusive discount on Discovery Sets and full-size bottles at @bloomperfumery (code extended as sets sold out).Pavlova Kasanova: Bittersweet distance, a heart of cream and passionfruit, lime and meringue, musk and sandalwood. Sugar kisses and midnight guitars - impossible to forget, a hot summer dream.Lord Lamington: Rich layers of bergamot, strawberry, clary sage and coconut, cocoa and amber cream. Born for the crown, dipped in sweetness, a cologne for the ambitious - have your cake and eat it.Which scent calls to you? Tell us below, and look out for our poll on @onthescentpodcast soon.

Jennifer Aniston is enjoying Big Sur with her rumored new boyfriend... who is a hypnotist!

In this episode, we're diving into one of the most aspirational redemptions in the world of points and miles—Alila Ventana Big Sur, a luxurious adults-only, all-inclusive Hyatt resort tucked along California's stunning coastline. We're joined by social worker and points enthusiast Deb, who shares how she booked this $1700+-per-night property using points, and why she says it was 100% worth it.Deb opens up about how travel has become a vital outlet for avoiding burnout in her emotionally demanding career, and how discovering points and miles through a Chase Sapphire Preferred bonus changed everything. She walks us through her strategy for locking in a three-night stay at Ventana using Hyatt points, including how she searched for elusive award space using hotel search aggregator tools. She also shares details about getting there with airline miles, her room upgrade to a Big Sur suite, and all the stunning extras that made the trip unforgettable—like forest bathing, coastal hikes, beekeeping, and nightly s'mores.If you've ever dreamed of staying at Ventana—or wondered whether luxury travel on a budget is really possible—this episode will inspire you to dream bigger and dive deeper into the world of points and miles. Deb also gives us a preview of her upcoming session at the Travel More Conference, where she'll be teaching others how to find award availability for high-end hotels using advanced search tools.Submit Your Summer Road Trip Series Story HEREFacebook GroupFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | Jo | DebHelpful LinksJoin Us At TravelMore Con In October!Affiliate LinksMary Ellen's Chase Sapphire LinkJoanna's Chase Sapphire LinkMary Ellen's Freedom Flex LinkJoanna's Freedom Flex LinkMary Ellen's Ink Business Cards LinkJoanna's Ink Business Cards Link30% off the CardPointers subscription!Credit Card Affiliate LinksThe above link includes referrals for Capital One Travel Cards. If you need AMEX or Chase please reach out and we would be happy to send you our personal referral links.We receive a small commission when you use our links. This is an amazing way to show your support for the show at no cost to you ❤️

This Fourth of July, The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind kicks off its Run the Nation series by heading out West — where the freedom to run wild is as big as the coastline itself. From misty coastal boardwalks to rugged mountain trails, the West Coast running scene is all about adventure, grit, and epic scenery that makes you grateful to lace up in the land of the free. Kyle breaks down iconic bucket-list races like Big Sur, Western States 100, and the legendary Hood to Coast Relay. We'll dig into how the terrain, climate, and laid-back surf-and-trail culture shape a community where ultramarathons, mindful miles, and post-run beers go hand in hand. You'll hear stories about West Coast running legends like Jim Walmsley, Sally McRae, Ann Trason, and Dean Karnazes — athletes who show what American endurance is all about. Whether you dream of running under the Golden Gate Bridge or climbing mountain passes in the high Sierras, this episode will stoke your wanderlust and remind you that running is one of the best ways to celebrate the freedom we have. So on this Independence Day, let's hit the road, the trail, and the coast — and honor America, one mile at a time.

Dueling Lawsuits: Newson and Trump vs. TV Networks. Hollywood is Fading. Big Sur's Remoteness Is a Selling Point. Now It's Driving Longtime Owners Away.

In this special episode I welcome Sam Stern, host of the Voices of Esalen podcast. We talk about the history of Esalen and the intersection of AI and creativity. Sam and I met at his AI-salon during my time in Big Sur beginning of June 2025. What is a salon? A salon is a conversation format where people come together and discuss a topic - pretty cool! :)In this episode, we will talk about:Creating open forums for discussion about AI is essential.Connection with others is crucial in navigating technology.Community engagement and places like Esalen foster personal growth and understanding.AI can be a companion in the creative process, not a replacement.Esalen represents a space for exploration and connection with oneself, others and nature.Find out more about Sam's workWebsiteLinkedInEsalenResourcesOne Useful ThingAi-2027Take a Moment to Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow the Modern Creativity Podcast and leave a review. It's a small act that makes a big difference in helping me bring more inspiring stories like Sam's to you.⁠Website⁠⁠Instagram⁠

A Monterey County Supervisor says Big Sur is strongly protected in the face of a federal budget bill hoping to sell off over 200 million acres of national public lands. And, Congressman Jimmy Panetta says he will fight offshore drilling proposals in Monterey Bay as the Trump Administration plans to approve oil and gas projects in National Marine Sanctuaries.

Charles learns of Link's recent habit of peeing outside with his dogs. The two talk about their trips to Hilton Head and Big Sur. Plus, they react to a viral video of professional shaggers. C'mon and have a good time with us! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever wondered what happens when we stop trying to explain away the mysterious and start truly listening to the extraordinary? Join us for a mind-expanding conversation with Dr. Jeffrey J. Kripal, a pioneering scholar who's not afraid to explore the weird, wonderful, and unexplainable.Jeffrey J. Kripal holds the J. Newton Rayzor Chair in Philosophy and Religious Thought at Rice University, where he served as the Associate Dean of the School of Humanities (2019-2023), chaired the Department of Religion for eight years, and also helped create the GEM Program, a doctoral concentration in the study of Gnosticism, Esotericism, and Mysticism that is the largest program of its kind in the world. He presently helps direct the Center for Theory and Research at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, where he served as Chair of the Board from 2015 to 2020.Jeff is the author or co-author of thirteen books, nine of which are with The University of Chicago Press. He has also served as the Editor in Chief of the Macmillan Handbook Series on Religion (ten volumes, 2015-2016). He specializes in the study of extreme religious states and the re-visioning of a New Comparativism, particularly as both involve putting “the impossible” back on the academic table again. He is presently working on a three-volume study of paranormal currents in the history of religions and the sciences for The University of Chicago Press, collectively entitled The Super Story.In this Episode, We Cover:Personal Background and Early ExperiencesThe Role of Suffering and Religious NarrativesThe Concept of Superhuman Experiences and Erotic ExperienceThe Importance of Experiences as Entry PointsThe Varying Degrees of Mystical ExperiencesThe Role of Trauma and Suffering in Accessing the ExtraordinaryThe Challenge of Integrating Extraordinary Experiences of the ImpossibleThe Role of Imagination in Mediating Extraordinary ExperiencesThe Sacred is Not Necessarily GoodHow to Think Impossibly: Get WeirdThe Importance of Visual and Symbolic RepresentationsThe Human Potential Movement at EsalenThe X-Men and Evolutionary PotentialThe Importance of Reading and StorytellingHelpful links:Dr. Jeffrey Kripal - J. Newton Rayzor Chair in Philosophy and Religious Thought at Rice UniversityHow to Think Impossibly: About Souls, UFOs, Time, Belief, and Everything ElseThe Superhumanities: Historical Precedents, Moral Objections, New Realities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Headed to the Central California Coast? Transform a slice of your vacation into a don't miss driving experience! Monterey Touring Vehicles offers you amazing drives in one of their beautifully restored vintage vehicles. Enjoy the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel, Pebble Beach and Big Sur behind the wheel of a dream machine of your choice. Owner Heather, her business partner Erin, and their dedicated staff are all passionate about creating an event that will be one of the highlights of your travels.

THE KEROUAC PROJECT: https://www.kerouacproject.org/JACK KEROUAC SCHOOL OF DISEMBODIED POETICS: https://www.naropa.edu/academics/schools-centers/jack-kerouac-school-of-disembodied-poetics/The thread of Jack Kerouac's literary and personal life in the American imagination might be unwound succinctly in the following terms: ambitious and fun-loving young man leaves behind his small-town upbringing to chase heroes and dreams in the American West, finding along the way new paths to enlightenment while blazing a trail for generations of seekers to follow.It is a theme familiar to most of us, because more than a few of our favorite novels embrace it. It is also, in the case of Kerouac, almost entirely a fiction. The man most associated with the peripatetic Beat Generation spent more than half his life in his hometown of Lowell, Mass., living with his mother. This master of the postwar American idiom grew up speaking the French dialect of his Canadian immigrant parents and actually attempted an early draft of On The Road (the book was eventually published in 1957) in the dialect of his Franco-American community. Despite the image of a modern spiritual seeker who eventually found a home in Buddhism, Kerouac was born and died a self-identified Catholic; and despite his iconic status as a chronicler of the road, the most prominent theme in Kerouac's novels is a mysticism of place.Kerouac's mystical visions had another specific theme—the crucifixion. In Maggie Cassidy, Christ speaks to him from a crucifix after confession:“My child, you find yourself in the world of mystery and pain not understandable—I know, angel—it is for your good, we shall save you, because we find your soul as important as the soul of the others in the world—but you must suffer for that, in effect my child, you must die, you must die in pain, with cries, frights, despairs—the ambiguities! the terrors!”The Autobiographical Novels of Jack KerouacVisions of Gerard (written 1956, published 1963)About Kerouac's saintly older brother, who died as a child.Doctor Sax (written 1952, published 1959)Maggie Cassidy (written 1953, published 1959)Youthful porchlight romancing in Lowell.The Town and the City (written 1946-49, published 1950)Vanity of Duluoz (written and published 1968)Kerouac's last published novel, a memoir of early days.On The Road (written 1948-56, published 1957)Visions of Cody (written 1951-52, published 1972)More about Neal Cassady.The Subterraneans (written 1953, published 1958)Kerouac's pathetic love story about a black girl who dumps him for Gregory Corso.Tristessa (written 1955-56, published 1960)Junkie prostitute girlfriend in Mexico.The Dharma Bums (written 1957, published 1958)Big Sur (written 1961, published 1962)Desolation Angels (written 1956-61, published 1965)Satori in Paris (written 1965, published 1966)

Dating, Part 1 Navigating the Dreaded (But Sometimes Needed) Dating Apps! Today we started a series on one of my favorite topics: dating. When I was in clinical practice in Philadelphia, a large proportion of my patients self-identified as single, without partner, so this was one of my favorite problems to help people with, and why I wrote the book, Intimate Connections, which included my some of my personal experiences learning about dating during my medical school days at Stanford. Our special guests include our own TEAM CBT expert, Jacob Towery, MD, who presents the free annual two-day marathon on shyness called “Finding Humans Less Scary.” He will be presenting this program at Esalen as well from September 8 – 12, 2025. Check out the September 8 - 12 shyness workshop at the beautiful and dramatic Esalen in the Big Sur! We are also joined by two wonderful young ladies: Sydney, who graduated in 2024 from University of Santa Cruz, and Sophie, who recently graduated from UC Berkely. They will give us some first-hand experiences and suggestions in the navigation of dating apps. Jacob said that after his divorce in 2012, until 2020, he went on a lot of dating apps and met nearly 200 women this way, exploring both short and long-term types of dating. He said it is sometimes difficult to figure out what someone is really looking for on an app, whereas in person it is easier. The group described the tendency to treat people as objects and ghost them when you decide you're not interested. He recommended, instead, to treat people with dignity and care, even if you're not romantically interested in them. He said that whether you've been on one or many dates, don't just ghost someone. Instead, you can let someone down gently if you aren't interested. For example, at the end of a first date in which you don't find yourself attracted to the other person, you could say “I didn't feel a spark but I enjoyed our time together. Thanks for hanging out with me.” This will make it clear to the other person you won't be asking for another date, but in a kind way, and prevents them wondering for days if you will ask them out again. In addition, he advised that initially, don't just text people back and forth endlessly. Instead, get into real life ASAP. Meet them for coffee or ice cream or whatever would be fun. That way you can find out whether or not there's a spark of interest. Jacob also recommended using a recent photo of yourself. If you use an older photo of yourself, the other person may be disappointed when they meet you! Jacob recommended being honest about what your interests are, and what you are looking for. Are you just looking for casual dating? Are you only looking for something that may evolve into a long term relationship? Are you interested in having children? What are your interests or hobbies? The group discussed many topics, like is it okay for a woman to take the initiative and ask people out they are interested in? It's easy to get overwhelmed by having too many offers, too many to select from. And the whole process can be incredibly exhausting. How do you make conversation in a way that will turn the other person on and make them interested in you? What's the secret? How do you overcome the fear of rejection? And what if you protect yourself from the fear of rejection by hiding personal information about yourself. For example, you may think that if you didn't really open up to the other person, their rejection will be less painful because they didn't see your so-called “real” self. Jacob emphasized the importance of being playful and creative when dating. People really like to have fun. Being overly serious or heavy can be a turn-off. Thanks for listening today! Future topics will include how to flirt, how to change the way you think when you're rejected, making people chase you, how to get close, and more! Rhonda, Jacob, Sydney, Sophie, and David

We can all afford to be humbled sometimes, but four times in one weekend? In this episode, Rhett talks about his trip back to North Carolina where he had a literal handful of humbling experiences, including a wild plane ride. Plus, Link recounts his romantic getaway for his 25th wedding anniversary in Big Sur, where he has quite the massage experience. Leave us a voicemail at 1-888-EARPOD-1! Get a $75 sponsored job credit at https://indeed.com/ears To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to episode #986 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Pico Iyer lives between worlds - geographically, culturally, and spiritually - and that makes him one of the most attuned chroniclers of what it means to be alive right now. Best known for travel writing that often transcends borders and genres (The Global Soul, Video Night in Kathmandu, The Lady and the Monk), Pico is also a deeply reflective thinker about silence, stillness, and solitude. In his latest book, Aflame - Learning from Silence, he returns to a Benedictine monastery in Big Sur - a place he has visited over 100 times - to explore what it means to pause in a world that won't stop moving. This isn't a religious retreat or a spiritual how-to. It's a meditation on fire: what we lose, what remains, and how burning down can be its own kind of beginning. In this conversation, we talk about the power of silence in an always-on culture, why the monastic life holds so much wisdom even for secular people, and how loss (of home, of place, of identity) can be a clarifier rather than just a crisis. There are moments of levity (Leonard Cohen, a fellow monastery-goer, makes an appearance), but mostly what Pico offers is a quiet urgency: that we're missing too much while looking at everything. His reflections on mindfulness, technology, climate anxiety, writing, and what it means to find meaning when everything feels untethered will resonate with anyone seeking more presence in a distracted world (also check out his other books: The Art of Stillness and The Half Known Life). Pico splits his time between Japan and California, writes with grace and generosity for The New York Times, Time, The New York Review of Books and others. If you're struggling to make sense of modern life, this one offers something deeper than answers - it offers permission to pause. He is one of my mentors and someone I constantly think about. Enjoy the conversation… Running time: 1:05:46. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe over at Spotify. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation. Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook. Check out ThinkersOne. or you can connect on LinkedIn. ...or on X. Here is my conversation with Pico Iyer. Aflame - Learning from Silence. The Half Known Life. The Art of Stillness. Video Night in Kathmandu. The Global Soul. The Lady and the Monk. Chapters: (00:00) - The Impact of Wildfires and Personal Loss. (02:55) - Nature's Call: The Urgency of Change. (06:07) - Fire as a Metaphor for Renewal. (08:47) - Mindfulness in a Fast-Paced World. (12:04) - The Essence of Stillness and Silence. (14:57) - The Role of Technology in Connection and Disconnection. (17:58) - Finding Serendipity in Everyday Life. (21:05) - The Monastic Experience: A Journey Within. (23:58) - Exploring the Concept of Cells in Monasteries. (27:00) - The Intersection of Religion and Personal Growth. (35:25) - The Essence of a Holy Day. (36:36) - Life in the Monastery: A Unique Perspective. (39:00) - Leonard Cohen: The Monk and the Artist. (46:45) - Solitude vs. Community: The Monastic Life. (48:50) - The Art of Writing: Silence and Reflection. (55:26) - Facing Silence: The Challenge of Solitude. (57:35) - Creating in Chaos: The Need for Retreat. (01:04:28) - Lessons from Japan: A Different Perspective.

Anaïs Nin was a literary pioneer who wrote boldly about the inner lives of women long before it was culturally accepted. Her work, including Delta of Venus, Little Birds, The House of Incest, and her 16-volume diary, continues to influence generations of writers. Nin's life was as unconventional as her prose. She trained in psychoanalysis with Otto Rank, conducted passionate affairs with both Henry Miller and his wife June, and for a time maintained two simultaneous marriages on opposite coasts. Her diaries chronicle these transgressions with brutal honesty and no small amount of poetic insight. She also had a deep connection to Big Sur and to Esalen. She once described this coastline as “a curving hand cupped around a secret." In many ways, she was a secret, too: mysterious, erotic, intuitive and ahead of her time. This is Anaïs Nin in her own voice, in 1972, with the original Q and A/ audience interaction.

Send us a textThis episode is a particularly tender one. I had the privilege of speaking with Patte Kronlund whose husband, Butch, recently passed away after a long and difficult battle with cancer. Patte and I have an open, heartfelt conversation—one marked by courage, honesty, and that shows Patte's extraordinary personal strength.She speaks about grief, love, and the quiet acts of devotion that carry us through our darkest times. Her willingness to share such intimate reflections is something I deeply respect, and I think you will, too.There's of course also much more we could have talked about Patte than what we were able to cover here. For one Patte has been a vital part of our Big Sur community through her work with CABS, and although we touched on that in our conversation, I chose to focus this episode on her personal story. I hope we'll return to her community work in a future episode.For now, we're simply grateful to Patte—for her openness, for her strength, and for reminding us that even in loss, there can be great beauty and connection. Here's a link to the podcast with Butch.Support the show_________________________________________________This podcast is a production of the Henry Miller Memorial Library with support from The Arts Council for Monterey County! Let us know what you think!SEND US AN EMAIL!

Steve Bosell laments that his crew at the office react like dead people when he brings up the topic of baseball. Dr Elcott is having his “mind wiped” in Big Sur.Sign up for a Backstage Pass and enjoy a 30,000 plus hour archive, Phil's new podcast, Classic podcasts, Bobbie Dooley's podcasts, special live streaming events and shows, and oh so very much more…

This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE! Built in 1889, the Big Sur Lighthouse was meant to guide ships safely along the rugged California coastline—but not all ships made it. What began as a beacon for sailors quickly became a haunting ground for families who lived in its shadow. The isolation, the anxiety, and the constant reminder of lives lost to the sea made Big Sur Lighthouse a place where spirits may never leave. Julie Nunes joins us in today's episode of The Grave Talks to explore the lingering hauntings and whether the energy of those who lived and worked there still echoes through the lighthouse—or if it's the spirits themselves keeping the lights burning from the other side. Become a Premium Supporter of The Grave Talks Through Apple Podcasts or Patreon (http://www.patreon.com/thegravetalks) There, you will get: Access to every episode of our show, AD-FREE! Access to every episode of our show before everyone else! Other EXCLUSIVE supporter perks and more!

This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE! Built in 1889, the Big Sur Lighthouse was meant to guide ships safely along the rugged California coastline—but not all ships made it. What began as a beacon for sailors quickly became a haunting ground for families who lived in its shadow. The isolation, the anxiety, and the constant reminder of lives lost to the sea made Big Sur Lighthouse a place where spirits may never leave. Julie Nunes joins us in today's episode of The Grave Talks to explore the lingering hauntings and whether the energy of those who lived and worked there still echoes through the lighthouse—or if it's the spirits themselves keeping the lights burning from the other side. This is Part Two of our conversation. Become a Premium Supporter of The Grave Talks Through Apple Podcasts or Patreon (http://www.patreon.com/thegravetalks) There, you will get: Access to every episode of our show, AD-FREE! Access to every episode of our show before everyone else! Other EXCLUSIVE supporter perks and more!