Podcasts about Illusion

In this episode, I breakdown a mindset shift that will change the way you handle pressure, problems, and the moments that usually make people panic. I dig into the psychology behind how most people think when life gets difficult… and why that thinking keeps them stuck, reactive, and overwhelmed. We go deep into clarity, self-respect, and the kind of mental discipline that turns chaotic situations into moments of power. If you've been dealing with stress, tough decisions, uncertainty, or people who drain your energy, this episode will give you a completely different lens. One that puts you back in control. One that sharpens your thinking. One that shows you exactly where your leverage is in the moments most people fall apart.Buy my book Above the illusion. Above the Illusion: The blueprint for mental clarity, self-respect, and irreplaceable value" is a deep exploration into the hidden forces shaping our lives – the conditioning, beliefs, and stories we've unknowingly accepted as truth. This book exposes the psychological distractions that cloud our vision, keeping us blind, fearful, and stuck in cycles of limitation.Anthony Minaya challenges you to question the narratives that hold you back, illuminating the illusions that prevent you from seeing yourself clearly. From the self-imposed boundaries to the unconscious patterns dictating your choices, "Above the Illusion" guides you to break free from the mental fog and step into undeniable personal growth.This isn't just a book about change – it's about learning how to see. When you learn to recognize what is real and what is fabricated by fear and doubt, you gain the clarity, awareness, and self-respect necessary to reshape your life."Above the Illusion" will leave you more prepared, more conscious, and more powerful than ever before – ready to live with a sharpness that cuts through deception and a confidence rooted in truth.Buy now. https://a.co/d/8w516R7

Discover why anxiety feels so convincing and how to break free from the mind-made illusions that keep you stuck. In this empowering spiritual talk, Rev. Lee Wolak reveals how anxiety is a real experience built on unreal facts and how presence, awareness, and conscious choice dissolve fear at its root. This message is perfect for anyone seeking spiritual growth, emotional clarity, inner peace, and practical tools for living awake and grounded. Sign up for my daily thought and weekly newsletter by clicking this link: https://www.agapespiritualcenter.com/free-affirmations If you find value in what Agape offers—spiritually, emotionally, and in community—consider becoming a supporting member. Your recurring contribution helps us continue to share truth, healing, and transformation with the world. Click here to become a supporter: https://www.agapespiritualcenter.com/recurring-contributions/

Noam Dworman, Dan Naturman and Periel Aschenbrand are joined by Richard Hanania. Hanania writes a newsletter about American politics, ethics, international relations and culture. He is the author of Public Choice Theory and the Illusion of Grand Strategy and The Origins of Woke. His work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, The Economist, and other publications. His book, Kakistocracy: Why Populism Ends in Disaster, is forthcoming.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Steve Winton from Lakeland, FL. Your commitment through Project23 helps deliver God's Word daily with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 15:3-5 "And Samson said to them, 'This time I shall be innocent in regard to the Philistines, when I do them harm.' So Samson went and caught 300 foxes and took torches. And he turned them tail to tail and put a torch between each pair of tails. And when he had set fire to the torches, he let the foxes go into the standing grain of the Philistines and set fire to the stacked grain and the standing grain, as well as the olive orchards." — Judges 15:3-5 Samson is furious. His wife's father gave her away to another man, and now humiliation burns inside him. So he cooks up a plan—literally. He ties torches between the tails of 300 foxes and lets them loose in Philistine fields, torching grain and olive orchards. For Samson, it felt like justice. For the Philistines, it was destruction. And shortly, the retaliation would escalate. That's the way revenge works—it feels satisfying for a moment, but it never ends there. It multiplies the misery. Revenge never heals your hurt; it multiplies it. When you've been betrayed or wronged, the urge to "get even" screams loud. We daydream about comebacks, plots, or even just the perfect cutting words. And for a moment, it feels powerful. But it never brings peace—it only fans the flames of bitterness. Samson's fire scorched the Philistines, but it also scorched his future. His revenge didn't settle the score; it made the fight bigger. God calls us to a better way. Romans 12:19 says, "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" God can handle justice better than you ever could. Revenge chains you to anger; forgiveness frees you to live. ASK THIS: Where are you tempted to "get even" right now? How have you seen revenge backfire in your life before? Why is it so hard to trust God with justice? What might forgiveness free you from today? DO THIS: Write down the name of the person you want revenge on. Pray: "God, vengeance belongs to You. I give this into Your hands." PRAY THIS: Lord, You see the hurt in my heart. I want revenge, but I choose to release it to You. Free me from bitterness, and help me trust You with justice. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Battle Belongs."

Want a quick estimate of how much your business is worth? With our free valuation calculator, answer a few questions about your business, and you'll get an immediate estimate of the value of your business. You might be surprised by how much you can get for it: https://flippa.com/exit -- Most business owners believe selling their company is a single event—a signature on a dotted line. But according to Chris Spratling, Founder of Chalk Hill Blue, treating your exit like an event is the fastest way to leave millions on the table. In this episode, we unpack why the "illusion of readiness" kills deal value and why over half of all founders regret their exit within 12 months. Chris shares his experience from the private equity and consulting worlds to explain exactly what modern buyers are looking for. We move beyond basic EBITDA multiples to discuss the psychology of the seller, how to survive forensic due diligence, and the shift from "growth at all costs" to "predictability." If you are building a business with the intention of selling—whether next year or in a decade—this conversation is your blueprint for maximum value and zero regret. In this episode, you will learn: The "Illusion of Readiness": Why having a profitable business does not mean you have a sellable business. The 8-10 Drivers of Value: What acquirers actually look for (hint: it's not just your bottom line). Deal Structure Strategy: How to align earn-outs, non-competes, and tax efficiency with your personal life goals. The Negotiation Edge: How one seller secured a 40% premium over the initial offer simply by being better prepared than the buyer. Market Shifts: Why post-COVID buyers are paying for predictability over hockey-stick growth. The Regret Trap: Why 50% of owners hate their deal a year later and how to ensure you aren't one of them. -- Timestamps: (01:49) Why selling is a journey, not an event (03:36) The difference between Perceived Value and Market Value (05:56) Seller Readiness vs. Business Readiness (09:21) How to negotiate deal structures and multiple bids (17:55) How buyer psychology has changed in the last 5 years (22:54) The #1 piece of advice: "Prepare like your life depends on it" -- Chris Spratling is the founder of Chalkhill Blue Limited, a leading business coaching and consulting practice that helps UK business owners scale effectively and prepare for profitable exits. With more than 30 years of experience owning, buying, and selling multiple seven-figure businesses, he brings deep, practical insight to every client engagement. He is also the author of The Exit Roadmap: The Insider's Guide to Selling Your Business Profitably, where he distills his proven approach to exit planning and leadership transformation, including how to understand whether a business is truly sale-ready. Website - https://chalkhillblue.org/ Check out his book - https://a.co/d/cKVGTFs Take the Exit Readiness Survey - https://chalkhillblue.org/exitreadiness-survey -- The Exit—Presented By Flippa: A 30-minute podcast featuring expert entrepreneurs who have been there and done it. The Exit talks to operators who have bought and sold a business. You'll learn how they did it, why they did it, and get exposure to the world of exits, a world occupied by a small few, but accessible to many. To listen to the podcast or get daily listing updates, click on flippa.com/the-exit-podcast/

Important video message for subscribers of The Illusion of Consensus!As the founder and author of this Substack I've invested in some key areas to expand its reach and visibility on various platforms like YouTube and Instagram with new strategic hirees.In the last several months since Jay has left the Substack, there has been an understandable but challenging precipitous drop in paid memberships.As I take the podcast in a new direction with focus on mental health, wellness, relationships, social health etc I hope you'll support me in my mission of shattering mainstream consensus and providing you with the highest quality tools, knowledge, and information to improve your life (mentally, socially, relationally, spiritually etc).Upcoming guests:Bret Weinstein, Robert Malone, Mattias Desmet, Jonathan Pageau, and more.Please support us now (sale extended to Cyber Monday!):* 30% off a yearly subscription:* 50% off for 90 days of monthly subscription:Alternatively, if you'd like to make a larger, one-time donation the show, here is a link where you can do so:Thank you again for being part of this community. Wishing you a great weekend with family and friends. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.illusionconsensus.com/subscribe

Tonight, my dear, the dial drifts into places where time kinks, debts come due, and footsteps follow just out of sight. Settle in with Unknown Broadcast—your portal to classic OTR chills, old-time radio horror stories, and radio suspense that still breathe in the dark. Listen close… the night is speaking.

Vulcan breaks down the ultimate illusion of the modern age: the belief that better tools lead to true mastery.He explores the Convenience Trap of wanting the "best, biggest, newest" device (software, camera, carbon-plated shoes). But this reliance leads to the Complaint Reflex ("I could have done better if my tool was better").Key Questions Addressed:Quill vs. Keyboard: Does faster distribution make the work better?The Placebo Effect: Does new gear boost your confidence and speed, or does it mask a lack of fundamental skill?The Illusion of Quality: The best camera needs a photographer; the best software needs a writer. You still have to take the photo.The Stoic Challenge:The tool is indifferent—it's external and fragile. Your competence is internal and anti-fragile. What is your Plan B? If the answer to tool failure is "I quit," you've mastered dependence, not utility.Final Challenge: Invest effort that cannot be taken away. Master the skill, and you will master your utility.

In this powerful audio experience, I interview the voice of nothingness (Apathy) the mindset of emotional emptiness and internal decay. Apathy reveals what life feels like when nothing matters, how the mind shuts down, why people stop trying, and how self-respect collapses without them noticing. It talks about drifting through life, doing the bare minimum, living without excitement or pain, and watching your potential fade in silence. This is one of the rawest, darkest, most philosophical conversations you'll ever hear, a look into the void most people never confront.Buy my book Above the illusion. Above the Illusion: The blueprint for mental clarity, self-respect, and irreplaceable value" is a deep exploration into the hidden forces shaping our lives – the conditioning, beliefs, and stories we've unknowingly accepted as truth. This book exposes the psychological distractions that cloud our vision, keeping us blind, fearful, and stuck in cycles of limitation.Anthony Minaya challenges you to question the narratives that hold you back, illuminating the illusions that prevent you from seeing yourself clearly. From the self-imposed boundaries to the unconscious patterns dictating your choices, "Above the Illusion" guides you to break free from the mental fog and step into undeniable personal growth.This isn't just a book about change – it's about learning how to see. When you learn to recognize what is real and what is fabricated by fear and doubt, you gain the clarity, awareness, and self-respect necessary to reshape your life."Above the Illusion" will leave you more prepared, more conscious, and more powerful than ever before – ready to live with a sharpness that cuts through deception and a confidence rooted in truth.Buy now. https://a.co/d/8w516R7

In this powerful episode of The Vinney & Beau Show, hosts Vinney Chopra and Beau Eckstein dig deep into an issue so many high-earning professionals silently carry: feeling stuck. They talk openly about why people making "good money" often still feel trapped by their jobs, their expenses, and the pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle. This conversation is grounded, relatable, and filled with real talk about what it truly takes to step into freedom.   They break down the real reasons people stay stuck—beyond the salary, beyond the fear—and explain what actually works in today's economic environment. You'll hear them unpack:

This episode digs into the real history behind Thanksgiving—far beyond the feel-good myth. We look at Indigenous civilizations before Columbus, what actually happened with the Pilgrims, how the holiday was invented, and how land theft became policy. It's direct, factual, and mixed with humor to make the truth easier to take in. If you want a clearer, more honest understanding of the holiday, this is the episode to hear.introIndigenous Life Before ColumbusThe Pilgrims and the First ThanksgivingHow Thanksgiving Became a National HolidayLand, Laws and the Illusion of GenerosityMusic by Loghan LongoriaFollow us on instagram: Sergio Novoa My Limited View PodSources & References• Cahokia: A Pre-Columbian American City – Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.Overview of the largest urban center in North America before European arrival, showing the complexity and scale of Native civilizations.• Beginner's Guide to Pre-Columbian Civilizations – Native Americans Today.Covers widespread agriculture, trade networks, mound-building societies, and political structures that existed long before 1492.Pilgrims, Wampanoag & the Thanksgiving Myth• This Land Is Their Land by David J. Silverman (2019).Definitive modern history of the Wampanoag and the creation of the Thanksgiving myth, including alliances, conflicts, and how the holiday was reshaped over time.• Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick.Detailed account of the Pilgrims' arrival, early relations with Native nations, and the decades of tension and war that followed.• The Rediscovery of America by Ned Blackhawk (2023).Reframes U.S. history through Indigenous experiences and explains how Native peoples shaped the nation's political and cultural development.Land Theft, Forced Removal & U.S. Policy• Indian Removal Act (1830) – Encyclopedia Britannica.Explains the federal policy that authorized the forced relocation of Indigenous nations, leading to mass death and the Trail of Tears.• Dawes Act (1887) – U.S. Library of Congress & National Archives summaries.Shows how communal tribal lands were broken into individual plots, resulting in the loss of millions of acres to settlers and the federal government.• General Allotment Policies – National Archives.Additional documentation on how land “exchange” policies functioned as large-scale dispossession.Historical Context for Disease, Population Loss & Colonization• American Indian Demographic History – Journal of Interdisciplinary History.Research on population decline due to epidemics introduced by Europeans.• 1491 by Charles C. Mann.Not a primary source but a widely referenced synthesis of archaeological and historical work on pre-Columbian societies and post-contact disease impact.Wider Context: Slavery, Inequality & Structural Power• Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi.Helps understand how racial hierarchies and myths were built into American law, culture, and historical narratives.• The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander.Connects historical systems of racial control to modern structures, supporting the episode's theme of how myths mask deeper inequalities.

In this episode, Lilly Simon of the University of North Carolina dives into “The Illusion of Choice”—the idea that small, seemingly simple decisions can shape the direction of a coaching career. Drawing on her journey from lacrosse athlete to strength coach, Lilly explains how taking initiative, reflecting on personal values, and making intentional choices have positioned her for early success in the field. Her insights highlight how meaningful career growth often stems from the smallest moments of alignment.Key Takeaways:Small decisions can significantly impact your career trajectory.Evaluating decisions through the lens of your values is essential.Aligning goals with values strengthens long-term decision-making.Reflection provides clarity for shaping future choices.Career development is built through consistent, small actions.Knowing your values helps guide your professional path.Success is often the result of many small, intentional choices.Intentional decision-making fosters fulfillment and growth.Values-aligned career paths lead to greater satisfaction.Continuous reevaluation of goals is key to development.Quote“Just how impactful small decisions can be… evaluating how choices align with my values and goals has put me in the position I am today.” — Lilly Simon

If you've ever told yourself, “I'll finally relax when my relationship is better, my house is cleaner, my body looks different, my career is farther along,” this conversation is for you and me both. As we step into the holiday season - a time that invites reflection, gratitude, and sometimes a little extra pressure - I'm revisiting this episode because the message is timeless. We're talking about cultivating contentment in the life you actually have, not some upgraded future version of it, and how to feel more at peace inside yourself without giving up your dreams, your drive, or your big, beautiful goals. We'll look at the difference between quick hits of happiness and that steadier “all is well in my world” feeling, the paradox of being an ambitious human who also wants to enjoy today, and some very practical ways to take inventory of your life, question old beliefs about worth and achievement, and stop outsourcing your emotional climate to your circumstances. As you listen, I'd love for you to consider: What have you been making your happiness conditional on? And what might change if today, messy and imperfect as it is, actually counted as a good life? Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction to Contentment 04:24 The Pursuit of Happiness vs. Contentment 10:56 Understanding Contentment 20:36 The Paradox of Growth and Contentment 22:29 Taking Inventory for Contentment 29:17 Exploring Core Beliefs and Values 32:55 The Impact of Negative Thinking 37:10 Contentment and Happiness 40:37 The Illusion of Circumstantial Happiness 46:20 The Journey of Personal Growth 52:32 Finding Joy in the Process of Life If you're noticing how long you've been living in “when things are different, then I'll be okay,” and you'd like a thoughtful partner while you practice something healthier, I'd love to connect with you. You can schedule a consultation with me or a member of my team; it's a private, secure space where you can tell us what's really been going on in your world and what you're hoping will feel different. We'll help you get matched with the right counselor or coach so you can feel more grounded, more understood, and more free to enjoy the life you're in while you grow into what's next.

Jason Bird has headlined on the Las Vegas Strip, appeared on Masters of Illusion, and now has written a book, Strolling for Dollars. He details his decades of experience as a strolling magician, making a successful living, so that you can learn how to translate his experience into your success. Plus, he shares some incredible tips that you can start using right away.

Think you control your money because you have a 401(k), IRA, or a checking account?  In this episode, we unpack the real problem in Becoming Your Own Banker: chasing rates on tiny savings while 34.5% of every disposable dollar quietly goes to interest.

In this episode of This Daring Adventure podcast, hosted by mindset mentor and life coach Trista Guertin, the focus is on 'The Illusion of Safety.' Inspired by Tony Robbins' concept of human needs, especially certainty, Trista explores how our quest for external predictability often holds us back. She contrasts external certainty—control, comfort, predictability—with internal certainty—self-trust, confidence, groundedness. Highlighting that real security comes from within, Trista shares actionable tips through the three pillars of inner certainty: self-trust, emotional regulation, and intentional thinking. Additionally, she offers daily practices to help shift from fear to faith and from control to growth. Work with Me:If this episode resonated with you, it's time to take the next step.Book a free one-on-one coaching session with me and experience what it's like to finally release the story that's keeping you stuck.This isn't just a conversation — it's a powerful hour that will change how you see yourself forever.You'll uncover the thought that's still hurting you and walk away seeing your life through a completely new lens.You'll bring one area of your life — your relationship, your job, or that feeling of being stuck — and she'll show you exactly how to change it from the inside out.

After you have faced death, you can't believe what people care about online. In this episode, Ryan sits down with bestselling author and legendary war reporter Sebastian Junger. Sebastian talks about why he refuses to get a smartphone, how technology gives us the illusion of control, Ambrose Bierce, and the multiple times he was nearly executed as a war reporter. Sebastian Junger is the #1 New York Times Bestselling author of The Perfect Storm, Fire, A Death In Belmont, War, Tribe, Freedom and In My Time Of Dying. As an award-winning journalist, a contributing editor to Vanity Fair and a special correspondent at ABC News, he has covered major international news stories around the world, and has received both a National Magazine Award and a Peabody Award. Junger is also a documentary filmmaker whose debut film "Restrepo", a feature-length documentary (co-directed with Tim Hetherington), was nominated for an Academy Award and won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. He is also the founder and director of Vets Town Hall.Follow Sebastian on Instagram @SebastianJungerOfficial and on X @SebastianJunger Grab signed copies of Sebastian's books Tribe, Freedom and In My Time Of Dying at The Painted Porch | https://www.thepaintedporch.com

Carl Sagan's apple-pie insight becomes a launchpad for a sweeping journey from kitchens to cosmos, as Raghunath and Kaustubha explore why nothing we "create" is truly from scratch, why everything we touch is on loan, and how embracing our smallness opens the door to spiritual freedom. From the caves and rivers of Rishikesh to the wheel of saṁsāra and Lord Brahma's realization of Kṛṣṇa's supremacy, this episode dismantles the illusion of independence and invites us into a more grounded—and liberating—vision of reality. ******************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 ********************************************************************* Join Raghu's Whatsapp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb704tt9WtC02KPwhc1R

When Rest Feels Wrong: Why You Can't Relax & How to Feel Safe RestingDo you ever sit down to rest… and immediately feel tense, guilty, or like you “should” be doing something?In this episode of The Restored Minds Show, licensed therapist Matt Codde, LCSW explores why rest can actually feel unsafe for people living in chronic anxiety, stress, or high-performance mode. Matt explains how busyness becomes a persona, how overworking turns into emotional avoidance, and why your nervous system doesn't trust stillness — even when your life looks “successful” on the outside.If you feel restless when you slow down, or you only allow yourself to rest when you've “earned it,” this episode will help you understand what's really going on underneath and how to start re-teaching your body that it's safe to stop.

"Your enoughness is not determined by what you do." Have you ever felt that no matter what you do, how much you achieve, how hard you work… it still doesn't feel like enough? In this powerful episode of Soul Talk, I invite you into a deep exploration of one of the greatest illusions we carry as human beings, the lie that says, "I am not enough." This conversation is a journey back to the truth of who you are. Together, we peel back the layers of childhood conditioning, emotional survival patterns, and unconscious programming that convinced you that your worth was something you had to earn, hustle for, or prove. You'll discover how this lie hides behind perfectionism, over-giving, success, achievement, and the constant push to be more, and how it subtly shapes your relationships, your choices, and even your destiny. This episode is an invitation to remember the essence of your being: the part of you that was never broken, never unworthy, never not enough. The part of you that is whole, perfect, and complete exactly as you are. Listen to this episode and learn how to finally dissolve the lie of not-enoughness so you can reclaim the truth of who you really are. Timestamps:  (00:00:54) -  What "not enoughness" looks like for high achievers (00:02:43) -  Perfectionism, overgiving & the hidden forms of unworthiness (00:04:03) -  You were not born feeling unworthy (00:05:12) -  How childhood conditions us to earn love (00:06:08) -  Kute's personal story growing up in his father's ministry (00:07:46) -  How identity forms around pleasing, proving, and performing (00:08:41) -  How culture and religion reinforce unworthiness (00:09:55) -  Sneaky ways "I'm not enough" hides in everyday life (00:10:26) -  Why success can't fix the inner void (00:11:20) -  Fact vs. story: the difference we must learn (00:12:48) -  Recognizing the cost of holding onto the lie (00:13:46) -  Step 1: Questioning the story you made up (00:14:55) -  Step 2: Reinterpreting childhood events (00:15:42) -  How to meet the inner voice with compassion (00:16:50) -  Healing through self-love and internal reframing (00:18:19) -  You were never not enough, reclaiming your true self (00:20:00) -  How the "not enough" identity becomes a form of control (00:21:47) -  Why letting go feels scary (00:22:40) -  Releasing the belief and grieving what was missing Some questions I ask:  Where did the voice saying "I'm not enough" first come from? Whose voice does your inner critic actually sound like? What events from childhood shaped how you interpreted your worth? What else could those events have meant besides "I'm not enough"? What would change in your life if you stopped believing this lie? How does holding onto "I'm not enough" give you a false sense of control? In this episode, you will learn about:  How love became confused with performance in childhood, and how that pattern still limits you today. The sneaky ways not-enoughness shows up in your relationships, boundaries, finances, and self-expression. How to trace this belief back to its origin and reinterpret the moment that shaped your identity. How childhood conditioning creates a "transactional relationship" with love. How to rewire your self-worth from the inside out. A powerful way to reconnect with the part of you that is untouched by trauma, infinitely worthy, and already whole.   Get in Touch: Email me at kuteblackson@kuteblackson.com Visit my website: www.kuteblackson.com   Resources with Kute Blackson:   Kute's Life-changing Path to Abundance & Miracles: https://www.8levelsofgratitude.com Free masterclass: Learn The Manifestation secret to Remove Mental Blocks & Invisible Barriers to Attract The Life of Abundance You Desire. REGISTER NOW: https://www.manifestationmasterclassonline.com                    

What is the true structure of reality? In his fourth appearance on Mind-Body Solution, cognitive scientist Donald Hoffman returns with the most significant update yet to Conscious Realism: trace logic, decorated permutations, the emergence of spacetime from networks of conscious agents, and the strongest mathematical progress so far toward deriving Minkowski space from consciousness itself. Across nearly three hours, we explore what has changed in Hoffman's thinking since our last dialogue two years ago: breakthroughs in the trace-order formalism, new clarifications on evolution and perception, deeper implications for identity and suffering, and the surprising philosophical consequences of consciousness being fundamental. This is Hoffman at his most refined - technically rigorous, personally honest, and metaphysically bold.TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) — Intro(03:12) — What has changed in Hoffman's thinking in the last two years? (07:45) — Why Spacetime Is Doomed: The 2026 Case(12:58) — Conscious Agents: What's Changed in the New Theory(18:30) — Traces of Consciousness (2026): Don's Biggest Breakthrough Yet(25:44) — Restricted Channels of Consciousness (RCCs)(32:02) — The Mathematics of Trace Order & Trace Logic(38:55) — Is Reality Built from Relations, Not Things?(45:40) — What the Spacetime Headset Really Is(52:18) — Scattering Amplitudes & the Illusion of Objects(59:50) — Why Evolution Hides the Truth (Updated Evidence)(1:07:14) — Perception as a User Interface, Not a Window on Reality(1:14:32) — Are Particles Just Icons? The Physics Implications(1:22:10) — Causality, Emergence, Time & the √n Structure of Trace Chains(1:29:48) — Can We Test Conscious Realism in the Lab?(1:37:05) — AI, Conscious Agents & Synthetic Phenomena(1:45:22) — Conscious Realism vs Idealism, Physicalism & Competing Frameworks(1:53:44) — The Meaning Question: Why Is There Something It's Like?(2:02:58) — What This Theory Says About Death & Identity(2:10:00) – Identity, the Avatar, Death, Suffering & the “Infinite Self” (2:30:00) – Meditation & Waking Up from the Headset (2:40:00) – The New Paper Timeline & Call for Collaborators (2:48:00) – Closing reflectionsEPISODE LINKS:- Donald's Website: https://www.cogsci.uci.edu/~ddhoff/- Donald's Books: https://tinyurl.com/5x7bmzbd- Donald's Publications: https://tinyurl.com/bp7btw9a- Donald's Round 1: https://youtu.be/M5Hz1giUUT8- Donald's Round 2: https://youtu.be/Toq9YLl49KM- Donald's Round 3: https://youtu.be/QRa8r5xOaAA- Donald's Lecture 1: https://youtu.be/r_UFm8GbSvU- Donald's Lecture 2: https://youtu.be/YBmzqNIlbcICONNECT:- Website: https://mindbodysolution.org - YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MindBodySolution- Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/mindbodysolution- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drtevinnaidu- Facebook: https://facebook.com/drtevinnaidu - Instagram: https://instagram.com/drtevinnaidu- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/drtevinnaidu- Website: https://tevinnaidu.com=============================Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational purposes only. The content is shared in the spirit of open discourse and does not constitute, nor does it substitute, professional or medical advice. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening/watching any of our contents. You acknowledge that you use the information provided at your own risk. Listeners/viewers are advised to conduct their own research and consult with their own experts in the respective fields.

On this week's Inside Business, host Ciarán Hancock is joined in studio by senior lecturer in housing at TUD Dublin, Lorcan Sirr.The episode starts with some recent good news, that the net wealth of Irish households is nearly €1.3 trillion, or an average of €228,000 each.Sounds good but as Lorcan explains, this is an illusion. He argues that Ireland isn't really a wealthy country in spite of what the statistics tell us. Lorcan also touches on the housing crisis in its many forms and goes through some possible solutions. And he does have some solutions. He also explains why he thinks judicial reviews of planning decisions haven't caused the housing crisis. Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Craig explores what happens when we stop trying to reach a special state in meditation and allow the moment to unfold naturally, exactly as it is.Instead of resisting certain thoughts or feelings and grasping for others, he invites us to rest in a posture of openness that makes room for a deeper, already-present freedom to reveal itself.Through guided practice and teaching, Craig shows how the natural state is not something we create or achieve — it emerges when all of our inner strategies fall away. This episode begins with a guided meditation, so you may want to listen at a time when you can be fully present.To access the full transcript of this episode and discover more resources, visit the episode page on MeditationChangesEverything.com. You can also sign up here for Craig's weekly newsletter.. You can also sign up there for Craig's weekly newsletter.For a deeper experience of Craig's approach to meditation, consider joining our Awakened Life membership program which offers in-depth guidance, a meditation workshop, and a live online retreat with Craig. Register today to receive your first month for 50% off at AwakenedLifeMembership.com.If you're interested in exploring more of Craig's meditation experiments, you're invited to tune in to a 90-minute online workshop Craig will be hosting called Meditation 2.0 – The Miracle of Direct Awakening. Register for free at FreeMeditationWorkshop.com.If you would like to share your experience of the podcast or have questions about Craig's teachings, please feel free to email us at support@craighamiltonglobal.com.

Deputy CIO & Portfolio Manager Adam Rich discusses the Capital Allocation Framework team's most recent Winners & Warnings piece: Oil, The Illusion of Abundance. The World Didn't Run Out of Oil. It Ran Out of Reinvestment.

This week, I talk with Keith Giles about how the early Christian world was far more diverse and mystical than most people realize. He unpacks the history of suppressed gospels, the erasure of Mary Magdalene's authority, and how non-duality, interconnectedness, and compassion sit at the heart of Jesus's original teachings. We dive into deconstruction, Christian nationalism, biblical misuse, and how theology shapes our relationships with ourselves and others.Keith offers a grounded, hopeful vision of spirituality rooted not in fear or hierarchy, but in transformation, justice, and shared humanity.The Quantum Gospel of Mary Info Check Out Author Social Media PackagesCheck out the Bookwild Community on PatreonCheck Out My Stories Are My Religion SubstackGet Bookwild MerchFollow @imbookwild on InstagramOther Co-hosts On Instagram:Gare Billings @gareindeedreadsSteph Lauer @books.in.badgerlandHalley Sutton @halleysutton25Brian Watson @readingwithbrianMacKenzie Green @missusa2mba

I break down the real reason people hesitate, overthink, and doubt their own decisions. It's deeper than fear, it's self-betrayal and psychological laziness. In this episode, I expose how you lose trust in yourself by avoiding responsibility, choosing comfort over clarity, and breaking the promises you make to you. I break down the illusions that shape your identity, the conditioning that taught you to seek permission, and the laziness of the mind that looks for relief instead of resolution. And most importantly, I give you the blueprint to rebuild self-trust through alignment, standards, consequences, and truth. If you're tired of second-guessing yourself and ready to stop abandoning your potential, this episode will hit you hard.Buy my book Above the illusion. Above the Illusion: The blueprint for mental clarity, self-respect, and irreplaceable value" is a deep exploration into the hidden forces shaping our lives – the conditioning, beliefs, and stories we've unknowingly accepted as truth. This book exposes the psychological distractions that cloud our vision, keeping us blind, fearful, and stuck in cycles of limitation.Anthony Minaya challenges you to question the narratives that hold you back, illuminating the illusions that prevent you from seeing yourself clearly. From the self-imposed boundaries to the unconscious patterns dictating your choices, "Above the Illusion" guides you to break free from the mental fog and step into undeniable personal growth.This isn't just a book about change – it's about learning how to see. When you learn to recognize what is real and what is fabricated by fear and doubt, you gain the clarity, awareness, and self-respect necessary to reshape your life."Above the Illusion" will leave you more prepared, more conscious, and more powerful than ever before – ready to live with a sharpness that cuts through deception and a confidence rooted in truth.Buy now. https://a.co/d/8w516R7

I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destinationMoving Beyond Inner SeparationAt the heart of our core - is a deep inner split between who we are and who we think we must be to feel worthy. This division persists due to external standards that make personal worth seem measurable and dependent on validation.The mind, conditioned for approval, creates conflict between what is “acceptable” and what must be hidden or improved. This inner separation fuels external division, driving an US vs. THEM mindset.If you can't reconcile your own trauma's, you'll project it onto reality as good vs. bad or worthy vs. unworthy, leading to judgment and the belief that survival relies on aligning with the right group. Breaking this illusion starts by recognizing how deeply separation has taken root within—where do you feel divided or doubt your wholeness? By exploring these harms, you dissolve fixing and perfectionism—the urge to prove worth—and develop self-trust and unity.As inner unity grows, the world appears less fractured; differing perspectives no longer threaten your sense of self. In this way, we move from separation to wholeness within ourselves and in our world.We are moving toward truth in spirit because this entire game here is one massive, huge deception.So....Why? Do they - do we - separate ourselves? To hide us from ourselves. Our Power. Our Agency. To make us feel like we are small human beings.To make us feel like all of this is the real thing, and this is all there is.We are only these bodies and only these minds and only these thoughts.That's not true.That's just a minuscule, a tiny expression of who we actually are.That is coming out.I think if I look to the year 2035, ten, nine years from now, it is still chaotic.There is still a lot of transformation.But the baseline perception of what our reality is will have changed by then.Fewer people, far fewer people, will actually view this world as solid, material, or real.They won't believe the current origin stories.A lot more people will be closer to the truth at that point.Think about how your life has changed since you have been questioning all of this.When this happens on an even larger scale, hundreds of millions of people, we are going to see vastly different thoughts.We will see vastly different ideas.Nothing is going to happen overnight.This might take a whole generation or two to really trickle out, but it is happening.In all of this, our main focus needs to be to be as balanced, as harmonious as we can be.We need to do the work that shows up for us.We need to heal our old wounds.We need to forgive ourselves.We should not give ourselves grief about the stuff we believed in.We need to transform the guilt and the shame.Guilt and shame have been so ingrained into our existence.For some people, these are constant companions throughout their lives.Guilt and shame—they constantly feel guilty about something or ashamed of something.It absolutely keeps them from experiencing something deeper, more profound.That was a tactic that's big on the religious side of things.We are going to see everything.Everything will be so much more visible.If you could rewind with your current awareness, if you could go back to the year 2010 or 2008.From that perspective, look at what we are seeing today.It is insane.It is literally insane.It is unbelievable what is being talked about today on a political stage and everywhere else.We forced that into the limelight.There is no backing away from it.A lot of people keep hoping that we are going to return to some level of normalcy.For some, that is 1986—that was their level of normalcy.For others, it is 1992 or the 70s or the 50s.It doesn't matter.We are never going to return to that level of normalcy because it wasn't normal.The world wasn't normal.It was just as insane, only much better hidden.The insanity happened more in the shadows than out in the light.Now it is out in the light.That is what makes it so valuable in this process. The more you expand your awareness, the more you become that which you truly are, which is infinite.The more of that you experience, the better your life becomes.You begin to thrive.At the same time, you are still going to be able to observe the insanity unfolding.That is the challenge.That is why we need to stay strong and centered.That is why we need community and communication.That is why we need to show up for each other.That is why we need to remind each other of what is happening.Everything is coming down.Every last system of lies and deception is coming down.If not today, then tomorrow.If not tomorrow, then in a year from now or two or ten.But it is coming down.It is in the process already.It is not something that needs to start happening.It has started. And....Self-agency is critical and extends the idea of choice, emphasizing the power or freedom to direct oneself and act according to your own heart. It involves the capacity for free will and the process of selecting one's course of life.The power of choice shapes our lives, fostering personal growth, autonomy, and self-connection. Understanding choice dynamics and embracing ambiguity helps unlock our full potential for agency and self-determination.Love, Kassandra

In this episode, I sit down with fear itself. He breaks down the real intelligence behind his moves, the force that hijacks your biology, rewires your psychology, distorts your identity, and quietly shapes your entire life. Fear reveals how it disguises itself as intuition, uses your past against you, manipulates your nervous system, turns sensations into stories, and stops you at the very moments that could change everything. This is not motivation or comfort it's a psychological confrontation. If you've ever felt stuck, hesitant, overwhelmed, or controlled by invisible limits, this episode exposes the architecture of fear in a way you've never heard. Once you hear fear speak, you'll never see it the same again.Buy my book Above the illusion. Above the Illusion: The blueprint for mental clarity, self-respect, and irreplaceable value" is a deep exploration into the hidden forces shaping our lives – the conditioning, beliefs, and stories we've unknowingly accepted as truth. This book exposes the psychological distractions that cloud our vision, keeping us blind, fearful, and stuck in cycles of limitation.Anthony Minaya challenges you to question the narratives that hold you back, illuminating the illusions that prevent you from seeing yourself clearly. From the self-imposed boundaries to the unconscious patterns dictating your choices, "Above the Illusion" guides you to break free from the mental fog and step into undeniable personal growth.This isn't just a book about change – it's about learning how to see. When you learn to recognize what is real and what is fabricated by fear and doubt, you gain the clarity, awareness, and self-respect necessary to reshape your life."Above the Illusion" will leave you more prepared, more conscious, and more powerful than ever before – ready to live with a sharpness that cuts through deception and a confidence rooted in truth.Buy now. https://a.co/d/8w516R7

Monica Harris is the Executive Director of FAIR For All,  a Harvard Law graduate, former Hollywood executive, and author of The Illusion of Division. Monica explains how her experience as a gay Black woman in Hollywood and then in "flyover country"shattered many elite narratives about America. She describes why she believes much of our current polarization is manufactured by media and political interests, and how identity-based frameworks like liberated ethnic studies and DEI are deepening division rather than healing it. We dig into the following: Why "Liberated Ethnic Studies" is dividing students, not uniting them How modern DEI programs drifted far from genuine civil rights principles Why identity-based teaching harms kids socially and emotionally The catastrophic decline in civic education—and why it matters now more than ever How the American Experience curriculum offers a unifying alternative What parents MUST know about what's being taught in classrooms today This conversation is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone concerned about polarization, education, and the future of democracy.   Resources & Links FAIR For All: https://fairforall.org Monica's Substack: The Illusion of Division Monica's book, "The Ilusion of Division" If you want to know about this topic, listen to our podcast with Brandy Shufutinsky: The Marxist Roots of Coursework in K-12 and our College Campuses.   Quotes "We have so much more in common than what separates us, but division is being manufactured." "Kids don't need to see each other as oppressors and oppressed—they need tools for civil discourse." "The bones of America are exceptional" "At FAIR, we're asking: what comes after polarization? Everyone can diagnose the problem; we're focused on solutions." "The entire liberated ethnic studies model flies in the face of reality on the ground. It pits students against each other at the exact moment in life when they most need to see each other as allies." ⏱ Episode Timestamps 00:00 -Welcome & Monica's California-to-Harvard-to-Hollywood story 05:00 -Leaving Hollywood for Montana: the real story behind the culture shock 07:50 - Why Monica wrote The Illusion of Division 09:20 — What FAIR For All does across education, arts, medicine & law 13:00 — Inside the American Experience curriculum 15:00 — The problems with Liberated Ethnic Studies 19:00 — Why America's system needs repair, not replacement 20:30 — How social media fuels division and fear 24:00 — "This isn't capitalism"—the economic reality young people face 26:00 — The collapse of civics education & why it matters 32:00 — How FAIR's curriculum teaches civil discourse & unifying history 35:00 — Why parents are the key to changing school districts 38:00 — What's happening in California, Oregon & other states 42:00 — When students should take the course: age, grade level & design 44:30 — The pilot program: access, cost & rollout plans 47:00 — How ethnic studies frames Jews, Asians & successful minorities as "privileged" 50:00 — Why human beings will always choose freedom over authoritarianism 51:00 — Closing thoughts & how to learn more  

Behind the Wall of Illusion- Sean MacLeodHere are a few things you will discover from this text: How the Beatles expressed a modern take on the ancient Greek god Dionysus, How the title Yellow Submarine brings together male and female symbolism, That John Lennon's first experience with LSD influenced the song ‘Help!', Why the Beatles' hair cultivated spiritual connotations, How the film Magical Mystery Tour foreshadowed John's murder.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

Dunning–Kruger Effect This is the best-known term. It refers to a cognitive bias where people with low ability in a domain overestimate their competence, often because they lack the knowledge to recognize their own mistakes. It doesn't necessarily involve delusions, but it explains why someone might think they're much more skilled at decision-making than they really are. Illusion of Superiority (Optimism Bias) Sometimes called the “better-than-average effect.” People consistently rate their own decision-making, intelligence, or skills as above average, even when objective measures show otherwise. 3.Illusion of Superiority (Optimism Bias) Delusional Disorder / Grandiosity (Clinical Context) When the overestimation of ability moves beyond bias and into fixed false beliefs that resist contrary evidence, it becomes clinical. In psychiatry, this would be described as grandiose delusions, a symptom sometimes seen in bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. 4. Over coming -Overconfidence Bias (Decision Science / Finance) In economics and behavioral finance, “overconfidence bias” is the specific term for people placing too much faith in their own judgments, leading to poor decisions and risky behavior. hawthorne Effective - ✅ If you mean a psychological bias → Dunning–Kruger effect or overconfidence bias. ✅ If you mean a clinical, delusional state → grandiose delusion

Gratitude isn't feel-good fluff—it's a full-on rebellion against illusion. In this episode, Raghunath and Mara weave together Charles Dickens, modern cognitive science, and Brahmā's prayers to Krishna to show how redirecting the mind toward blessings transforms your entire inner landscape. From frequency illusion and "Kia consciousness" to humility, appreciation, and seeing God's hand everywhere, this is a bhakti-centric reset of how to live, perceive, and move forward. ******************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 ********************************************************************* Join the Raghu's Whatsapp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb704tt9WtC02KPwhc1R

The Epstein Transparency Illusion & AI That Blackmails Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I break down one of the most important truths I've learned: winners analyze, losers guess. Most people fail because they think incorrectly. They react instead of observe, assume instead of verify, and make decisions based on emotion, insecurity, pressure, or illusion. Then they wonder why their life keeps repeating the same patterns. I talk about how I slow my mind down, collect real data, study patterns, and make decisions based on long-term value, not short-term relief. I show you how to separate emotion from truth, how to read people through consistency instead of words, why guessing destroys confidence, why clarity is a discipline, and why one honest decision can completely change the direction of your life.Buy my book Above the illusion. Above the Illusion: The blueprint for mental clarity, self-respect, and irreplaceable value" is a deep exploration into the hidden forces shaping our lives – the conditioning, beliefs, and stories we've unknowingly accepted as truth. This book exposes the psychological distractions that cloud our vision, keeping us blind, fearful, and stuck in cycles of limitation.Anthony Minaya challenges you to question the narratives that hold you back, illuminating the illusions that prevent you from seeing yourself clearly. From the self-imposed boundaries to the unconscious patterns dictating your choices, "Above the Illusion" guides you to break free from the mental fog and step into undeniable personal growth.This isn't just a book about change – it's about learning how to see. When you learn to recognize what is real and what is fabricated by fear and doubt, you gain the clarity, awareness, and self-respect necessary to reshape your life."Above the Illusion" will leave you more prepared, more conscious, and more powerful than ever before – ready to live with a sharpness that cuts through deception and a confidence rooted in truth.Buy now. https://a.co/d/8w516R7

Understanding the Modern Customer Experience: A Guide for Aspiring Professionals 1.0 Introduction: The Great Customer Experience Divide In today's competitive market, the customer experience isn't just a part of the brand; it is the brand. Every interaction, from a first glance at a social media post to a final click on a purchase button, serves as a referendum on a company's value and trustworthiness. Get it right, and you build loyalty. Get it wrong, and customers will walk away without a second thought. 1.1 The Loyalty Illusion A significant conflict is brewing between how businesses perceive customer loyalty and how customers actually feel. This "loyalty illusion" creates a dangerous blind spot for executives who believe they are succeeding while their customer base is quietly eroding. Executive Belief Consumer Reality ~90% of executives believe customer loyalty has grown in recent years. Only 40% of consumers feel they have become more loyal to brands. This perception gap isn't just a difference of opinion; it's a direct threat to revenue. "About nine out of 10 [executives] say customer loyalty has grown in recent years, but only four in 10 consumers say the same." The business risks of this blind spot are clear: 52% of consumers have stopped buying from a brand due to a bad product or service experience, and 29% have abandoned a brand due to poor customer experience. To close this gap, companies must first understand the entire modern customer journey, which starts long before a customer ever visits a website or store. 2.0 The Customer Journey: From First Glance to Final Click 2.1 Redefining the Starting Line Customer loyalty no longer begins at a company's digital or physical front door. It's now seeded much earlier in what can be called the "experience supply chain"—the connected sequence of interactions that moves a person from curious to committed. This journey often starts in the realm of indirect influence. Key "indirect influence" touchpoints include: A friend's recommendation A discussion thread on Reddit A product review on an independent site While price remains the single most significant factor for 69% of consumers when making a purchase decision, mastering these early stages of discovery and influence is critical for building the long-term commitment that defines true loyalty. 2.2 What Brands Can Do To win customers in this new landscape, brands must adopt a more holistic and proactive approach to the customer journey. Analyze the Journey: Use data analytics and AI to forensically examine every step of the customer life cycle. This allows you to identify and fix points of friction before they drive potential customers away. Embrace New "Front Doors": Treat online comment threads, product comparison sites, and even AI-generated search results as strategic entry points to your brand. These platforms are where modern discovery happens. Ensure Consistency: Align every touchpoint—from social media chatter to post-purchase support—with a cohesive brand narrative. This consistency builds the trust necessary for a customer to move from awareness to action. Understanding the full customer journey is the first step. The next is understanding what customers truly expect from a brand during that journey. 3.0 Beyond the Basics: What Customers Truly Value 3.1 Table Stakes vs. True Delight In the modern marketplace, fundamentals like fair pricing and product quality are no longer differentiators. They are simply "table stakes"—the minimum cost of entry to compete. The real opportunity for brands lies in their ability to layer personalized, meaningful value on top of these basics to create moments of true delight. Factor Considered a Minimum Expectation (%) Considered a Bonus (%) Good value for price 77% 19% Product/service quality 76% 20% Transparent business practices 58% 35% Personalized experiences 17% 62% However, many companies are struggling to keep up. A staggering 70% of executives feel that customer expectations are evolving faster than their company can adapt. This widening gap creates a significant risk of eroding customer trust and losing business to more agile competitors. 3.2 The Generational Lens Customer expectations are not one-size-fits-all; they vary significantly across generations. A strategy that delights one demographic may alienate another. Brands must segment their approach to meet these diverse needs. Boomers: This group is generally less likely to be influenced by a brand's social media presence or its sustainability efforts. Millennials and Gen Z: In contrast, these younger consumers pay close attention to a brand's values, online activities, and social impact. Successfully meeting these varied and rapidly evolving expectations increasingly involves technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence. 4.0 The AI Paradox: A Tool for Help and Hindrance 4.1 High Ambition, High Anxiety Artificial Intelligence represents the new frontier in customer engagement, but its rapid adoption has created a central paradox. While companies are rushing to implement AI-driven solutions, many customers remain wary. A majority of consumers (58%) report being "only somewhat or not at all comfortable" using AI tools to engage with brands. This suggests that AI implementation is often driven more by a company's internal ambition for efficiency than by genuine customer demand, creating a gap between what brands offer and what customers actually want. 4.2 Finding the Right Balance Consumer acceptance of AI is highly nuanced and depends heavily on the specific task. More Likely to Use AI for: Simple, transactional tasks like tracking an order or delivery status (49%). Less Likely to Use AI for: Sensitive interactions like making a payment (29%). Crucially, despite the rise of automation, 86% of consumers still say that human interaction is moderately or very important to their brand experience. The key insight for aspiring professionals is that successful brands don't choose between AI and human support; they integrate them. They use AI for efficiency where it adds value but provide clear, fast paths to human support when empathy, nuance, and judgment are required. This balance between technology and humanity extends to the data that fuels these systems, bringing the issue of privacy to the forefront. 5.0 The Data Dilemma: Balancing Personalization and Privacy 5.1 The Trust Trigger Personalization presents another paradox for modern brands: customers want it, right up until the moment they don't. The desire for a smooth, tailored experience often conflicts with concerns over data privacy, creating a delicate balancing act for companies. "More than half of consumers (53%) think that it's worth it to share personal information if it makes their experience interacting with a brand smoother. But mishandle that data and 93% say that a brand will lose their trust." This dynamic means that every personalization strategy carries a built-in "trust trigger." Respecting data boundaries is no longer just about legal compliance; it has become a powerful competitive advantage. 5.2 What Brands Can Do To navigate this dilemma, brands should adopt a set of core principles that build trust while delivering value. Focus on low-intrusion data: Prioritize using information like stated preferences and past purchases to tailor experiences. This provides value without crossing sensitive privacy lines. Be transparent: Clearly communicate what data is being collected and why. When customers see an immediate and tangible benefit in return, they are more likely to trust the exchange. Empower the customer: Give customers a sense of control over their data. When personalization feels like a choice, it becomes a driver of loyalty, not a red flag. By internalizing these lessons, companies can reshape their approach to building lasting customer relationships. 6.0 Actionable Principles for a Modern Customer Experience To succeed in today's landscape, aspiring professionals should focus on a set of core principles that connect the entire customer journey, from discovery to long-term loyalty. Treat discovery like a make-or-break moment. A customer's journey starts long before they visit your website. Design every early touchpoint as a seamless, story-driven experience. Rebuild loyalty based on behavior, not fantasy. Reassess loyalty programs based on real customer actions and measurable business goals, not assumptions. Segment smarter and personalize with purpose. Move beyond generic demographics to target customers by generation, behavior, and emotional triggers to deliver true relevance. Pair AI with empathy and know when to hand off. Use AI to streamline simple tasks, but ensure a quick and easy path to human support when nuance and empathy matter most. Win the moments that matter or lose customers. Identify the high-stakes moments in the customer journey where loyalty can be instantly won or lost, and design solutions to win them decisively. Turn privacy into a competitive advantage. Build trust by being transparent, providing clear value, and giving customers control over their personal data. Measure what actually moves the needle. Go beyond traditional metrics to track the behavioral, emotional, and financial impact of your customer experience initiatives. These seven principles are the foundational building blocks for anyone seeking to create the exceptional and effective customer experiences that define modern brands.   Source:  https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/consulting/business-transformation/library/2025-customer-experience-survey.html  

Gratitude isn't feel-good fluff—it's a full-on rebellion against illusion. In this episode, Raghunath and Mara weave together Charles Dickens, modern cognitive science, and Brahmā's prayers to Krishna to show how redirecting the mind toward blessings transforms your entire inner landscape. From frequency illusion and "Kia consciousness" to humility, appreciation, and seeing God's hand everywhere, this is a bhakti-centric reset of how to live, perceive, and move forward. ******************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 ********************************************************************* Join the Raghu's Whatsapp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb704tt9WtC02KPwhc1R

The Hard Truth About Being "The Helper" (And Why It's Keeping You Stuck) In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood patterns in relationships: codependency. If you've ever felt exhausted from being "the strong one," guilty when you prioritize yourself, or frustrated when someone doesn't take your advice, this conversation is for you. I break down how codependency masquerades as love but is actually a hidden form of control—and how the need to be needed keeps both you and the people you care about stuck. You'll learn to recognize the subtle daily patterns that signal codependency, from checking your phone for someone else's emotional weather to canceling your own plans when someone seems "off." Then, I walk you through the practice of detachment with love—caring deeply while releasing your grip on outcomes. This isn't about being cold or distant. It's about trusting that others have their own path, their own lessons, and their own capacity to grow. I share practical steps like setting real boundaries (yes, you can not respond to every text), tolerating discomfort, and offering support without attachment. Finally, we dive into personal responsibility and emotional independence. You'll discover how to build your own sense of meaning that doesn't depend on being needed, practice self-compassion with the same kindness you give others, and reclaim the energy you've been pouring into everyone else's lives.

In today's explosive episode, Tara and Lee break down the illusion behind the so-called “Epstein document release.” Despite congressional votes, history shows intelligence agencies—not elected officials—decide what gets exposed. From classified evidence hauled away in semitrucks to past failures like the COVID origins declassification, this episode explains why we're unlikely to see anything new. They dive into ongoing stonewalling on critical subpoenas tied to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, unravel bizarre decision-making within the Republican leadership, and examine deep political hypocrisy involving Epstein-linked Democrats. The conversation crescendos with a hard look at escalating violence tied to illegal immigration, cartel influence, and shifting U.S. demographics—warning of long-term political transformation if current trends go unchecked. A deeply sobering episode about control, corruption, and consequences.

We explore the “portion illusion” and how plate size, color, bowls, spoons, and even room space trick our brains into eating more. Practical swaps and hand-based guides make portions feel right without weighing or counting.• how large plates make food look smaller• why dessert plates feel more satisfying with small servings• space illusions from rooms to dinnerware• plate color contrast and fullness perception• bowls and serving spoons driving bigger portions• deceptive glass sizes and “value” signals• family-style refills lowering friction for seconds• easy swaps for plates, bowls, and where food sits• hand-based portion guides for protein, carbs, fats• mindful questions that reset “enough” at mealshttps://aarondegler.com/

If you're feeling called to practice that choice in real life—with people who get it—we co-created the Inspired Evolution Circle with you, our community, for exactly this: weekly practices, real conversations, and live sessions with guests like Jeffery.

When people think of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, they often picture tweedy Oxford professors and beloved fantasy authors. But their writing wasn't drawn only from their bucolic days teaching at Oxford and walking in the English countryside; it had a darker, deeper backdrop: the trenches of World War I and the cataclysm of World War II. Lewis and Tolkien weren't just fantasy writers — they were war veterans, cultural critics, and men with firsthand knowledge of evil, heroism, and sacrifice.In today's episode, I'm joined by Joseph Loconte, returning to the show to discuss his latest book, The War for Middle Earth. We explore how both world wars shaped the perspectives of Tolkien and Lewis, found their way into works like The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia, and infused their literary masterpieces with moral weight, spiritual depth, and timeless themes of resistance, friendship, and redemption. We also talk about the legendary friendship between Tolkien and Lewis, the creation of the Inklings, and how the men demonstrated the countercultural power of imaginative storytelling.Resources Related to the PodcastRelated AoM podcasts:#178: The Inklings Mastermind Group#272: Lewis, Tolkien, and the Myth of Progress (Loconte's first appearance on the AoM podcast)#430: Why You Need to Join the Great Conversation About the Great Books#499: A Fascinating Primer on Norse Mythology #594: How Churchill (and London) Survived the Blitz of 1940#723: Men Without Chests#765: C.S. Lewis on Building Men With Chests#951: The Hobbit VirtuesRelated AoM articlesThe Power of Conversation: A Lesson from CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien Lessons in Manliness from Viking Mythology Lessons in Manliness: The HobbitMen Without Chests“Blood, Sweat, and Tears” speech by Winston Churchill4 Classic Chapter Books to Read Aloud With Your KidsRelated outside articles:Tolkien's Deadly Dragons Munich AgreementOwen BarfieldTolkien books mentioned:The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien Beowulf translated by Tolkien The Hobbit The Lord of the Rings Beren and Luthien Letters from Father Christmas Lewis books mentioned:The Letters of C.S. Lewis The Collected Poems of C.S. Lewis The Pilgrim's RegressThe Chronicles of NarniaThe Great DivorceThe Screwtape Letters The Space Trilogy The Four LovesMere Christianity The Reading Life Related books by other authors:Tolkien and the Great War by John GarthThe Somme by Martin GilbertThe Guns of August by Barbara TuchmanThe Future of an Illusion by Sigmund FreudThe Aeneid by VirgilPhantastes by George MacDonaldThe Vinland SagasThe Iliad and The Odyssey by HomerThe Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri Le Morte d'Arthur by Thomas MaloryConnect With Joseph LoconteJoseph's websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, i breaks down one of the most uncomfortable truths people hate admitting: you're always selling yourself. In relationships, business, friendships, opportunities, everything is a value exchange. You don't get chosen because you “deserve it.” You get chosen because you present yourself, carry yourself, and deliver value in a way that people can't ignore. I exposes how people sabotage themselves with low standards, poor presentation, weak communication, and no awareness of the market they're operating in. I break down the psychology of attraction, opportunity, credibility, and why the world responds to the version of you that you show, not the one you fantasize about.Buy my book Above the illusion. Above the Illusion: The blueprint for mental clarity, self-respect, and irreplaceable value" is a deep exploration into the hidden forces shaping our lives – the conditioning, beliefs, and stories we've unknowingly accepted as truth. This book exposes the psychological distractions that cloud our vision, keeping us blind, fearful, and stuck in cycles of limitation.Anthony Minaya challenges you to question the narratives that hold you back, illuminating the illusions that prevent you from seeing yourself clearly. From the self-imposed boundaries to the unconscious patterns dictating your choices, "Above the Illusion" guides you to break free from the mental fog and step into undeniable personal growth.This isn't just a book about change – it's about learning how to see. When you learn to recognize what is real and what is fabricated by fear and doubt, you gain the clarity, awareness, and self-respect necessary to reshape your life."Above the Illusion" will leave you more prepared, more conscious, and more powerful than ever before – ready to live with a sharpness that cuts through deception and a confidence rooted in truth.Buy now. https://a.co/d/8w516R7

The Rocktober 2025 New Music Train sets off for its journey with the listeners today, leaving Scotland and heading for Illinois for a ride with Steven Routledge and Paul Hayden. They will give you the lowdown on new tunes from An Abstract Illusion, Friendship Commanders, Guided By Voices and Belair Lip Bombs. Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Threads, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, next covered by Frank Muffin and now re-done in a high-voltage version by Quartjar again!  Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com.

This energy invites us to look beneath the surface… pierce the veil… and dissolve the limiting beliefs that keep us from caring for ourselves, building capacity, and taking meaningful leaps toward our purpose. While many astrologers focus on prediction (and yes, we're all wondering what will happen when the Epstein files drop), I share why I don't find prediction useful, and how it can actually give away your power. Astrology isn't here to tell you what will happen. It's here to invite you into an energy… and give you the free will to decide how you want to work with it. This Scorpio New Moon + Mercury Rx midpoint is your moment to: Rewire your beliefs Break cycles that aren't yours Burn away old illusions Reconnect to your purpose and joy Build the nourishment and capacity you need to lead Practice doing things differently Honor the gifts that came from your past challenges I walk you through a powerful Scorpio ritual to identify where your limiting beliefs come from, thank them for the protection they once offered, reclaim the strength born from those experiences, and safely burn the illusions that are no longer aligned with who you're becoming. This is your invitation to do the shadow work, attune to your truth, and move toward your purpose with courage, clarity, and care. If you're ready to explore your chart, your purpose, and your Star Powered® leadership, learn more at starpowered.com.

Chad Hufford joins Something For Everybody this week. Chad is a Financial Planner at Veritas Wealth Management and Dave Ramsey's SmartVestor Pro.  In this conversation, Chad shares his journey from a near-death experience to a life filled with gratitude and optimism. He discusses the importance of perspective, the impact of tragedy on personal growth, and the need for open conversations about money. The discussion delves into financial fundamentals, the significance of living within one's means, and the metaphor of building wealth as cultivating an orchard. Chad emphasizes the importance of patience, discipline, and intentionality in both financial planning and parenting, ultimately defining financial freedom as the ability to live comfortably without relying on a paycheck. - See discounts for all the products I use and recommend: https://everybodyspod.com/deals/ - Shop For Everybody  Use code SFE10 for 10% OFF

What if everything you believe about who you are — your name, your past, your emotions, even your thoughts — is not actually you? In this powerful episode, Lisa A. Romano guides you beyond surface-level healing and into the core illusion that keeps so many of us trapped: the false self. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and spiritual wisdom, Lisa reveals how trauma wires the brain to associate authenticity with danger, keeping us neurologically stuck in survival mode long after the threat is gone. When safety is wired to people-pleasing, fawning, or emotional shutdown, the real you gets buried beneath layers of programming. But through conscious awakening, and by breaking through veil after veil of illusion, you can remember who you truly are. In this episode, you'll discover: ✨ Why your brain resists emotional truth even when your soul craves freedom

Summary In this transmission, Clayton Cuteri delves into various pressing topics, including the release of the Epstein files, the implications of US-Israel financial relations, and the consequences of military spending on American society. He emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in government, while also exploring the broader themes of consciousness and social justice. Clayton advocates for a shift in priorities towards education, healthcare, and community welfare, envisioning a future where the government serves the interests of the people rather than the military-industrial complex. In this transmission, Clayton Cuteri also discusses the implications of U.S. funding to Israel, the impact of closing the hemp industry, the consequences of tariff wars, and the ongoing strikes in Venezuela. He emphasizes the need for awareness regarding political choices and the dehumanization of immigrants, while advocating for empowerment through knowledge and wealth creation.Clayton's Social Media LinkTree | TikTok | Instagram | Twitter (X) | YouTube | RumbleTimecodes 00:00 - Intro01:30 - The Epstein Files: Unveiling Controversies11:42 - US-Israel Relations and Financial Implications17:20 - The Consequences of Military Spending22:11 - A Vision for a Better Future28:04 - The Hemp Industry Shutdown30:53 - Venezuela Strikes and Innocent Casualties39:15 - The Illusion of Political Choices46:42 - Empowerment Through Knowledge and WealthIntro/Outro Music Producer: Don Kin IG: https://www.instagram.com/donkinmusic/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/44QKqKsd81oJEBKffwdFfPSuper grateful for this guy ^NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP HEREBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/traveling-to-consciousness-with-clayton-cuteri--6765271/support.

In this episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosts Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton unpack one of the most deceptive beliefs in first responder culture (Amazon Affiliate) — that the next promotion will make things better. Many responders chase advancement believing that more authority, a new title, or a higher paycheck will finally bring peace. But often, the opposite happens. The pressure grows, the politics intensify, and the burnout that once hid beneath the surface follows you straight into your new office. This episode explores the hidden psychological trap behind "The Promotion Illusion" and what it really takes to find fulfillment that rank alone can't provide.