Podcast appearances and mentions of Mark Nepo

Ready to take a deep breath and find some inspiration? A brand-new season of Making Space with Hoda Kotb is officially here. Every Wednesday, Hoda sits down for open, soul stirring conversations with people who have walked through fire and come out stronger. This season, she's diving into what it really means to pivot, heal, and find your purpose. Expect raw, real-life wisdom on navigating big transitions and the unexpected moments of grace that connect us all. Featuring incredible guests like Mariska Hargitay, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Mark Nepo, Esther Perel, Laverne Cox, and many more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ready to take a deep breath and find some inspiration? A brand-new season of Making Space with Hoda Kotb is officially here. Every Wednesday, Hoda sits down for open, soul stirring conversations with people who have walked through fire and come out stronger. This season, she's diving into what it really means to pivot, heal, and find your purpose. Expect raw, real-life wisdom on navigating big transitions and the unexpected moments of grace that connect us all. Featuring incredible guests like Mariska Hargitay, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Mark Nepo, Esther Perel, Laverne Cox, and many more. To follow now, just search ‘Making Space with Hoda Kotb' wherever you're listening. New episodes drop every Wednesday. swap.fm/l/mswhkfd Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ready to take a deep breath and find some inspiration? A brand-new season of Making Space with Hoda Kotb is officially here. Every Wednesday, Hoda sits down for open, soul stirring conversations with people who have walked through fire and come out stronger. This season, she's diving into what it really means to pivot, heal, and find your purpose. Expect raw, real-life wisdom on navigating big transitions and the unexpected moments of grace that connect us all. Featuring incredible guests like Mariska Hargitay, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Mark Nepo, Esther Perel, Laverne Cox, and many more. To follow now, just search ‘Making Space with Hoda Kotb' wherever you're listening. New episodes drop every Wednesday. swap.fm/l/mswhkfd Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ready to take a deep breath and find some inspiration? A brand-new season of Making Space with Hoda Kotb is officially here. Every Wednesday, Hoda sits down for open, soul stirring conversations with people who have walked through fire and come out stronger. This season, she's diving into what it really means to pivot, heal, and find your purpose. Expect raw, real-life wisdom on navigating big transitions and the unexpected moments of grace that connect us all. Featuring incredible guests like Mariska Hargitay, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Mark Nepo, Esther Perel, Laverne Cox, and many more. To follow now, just search ‘Making Space with Hoda Kotb' wherever you're listening. New episodes drop every Wednesday. swap.fm/l/mswhkfd Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ready to take a deep breath and find some inspiration? A brand-new season of Making Space with Hoda Kotb is officially here. Every Wednesday, Hoda sits down for open, soul stirring conversations with people who have walked through fire and come out stronger. This season, she's diving into what it really means to pivot, heal, and find your purpose. Expect raw, real-life wisdom on navigating big transitions and the unexpected moments of grace that connect us all. Featuring incredible guests like Mariska Hargitay, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Mark Nepo, Esther Perel, Laverne Cox, and many more. To follow now, just search ‘Making Space with Hoda Kotb' wherever you're listening. New episodes drop every Wednesday. swap.fm/l/mswhkfd Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As an author and poet, Mark Nepo has spent decades writing about spirituality and serenity. But his life wasn't always as calm as it is now. Growing up, Mark feels challenged by the demands of his perfectionist father and struggles to feel seen. Years later, after surviving a battle with cancer, Mark looks back and realizes that watching his father refurbish a boat in their backyard provided one of the most important, surprising lessons of his life.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many of us spend our lives chasing the next milestone, believing that fulfillment lies somewhere ahead. Yet even when things appear successful on the surface, there can be a quiet sense that something essential is missing. In this episode, I'm joined by Mark Nepo, New York Times bestselling author, poet, philosopher, and cancer survivor, whose work has helped millions navigate the complexities of being human. Best known for The Book of Awakening, Mark brings a deeply thoughtful and compassionate perspective to life's challenges, transitions, and opportunities for growth. Drawing from his latest book, The Fifth Season, Mark explores what it means to move through life's turning points with greater awareness and grace. We discuss the wisdom that can emerge from loss and uncertainty, why grief and joy often coexist, and how letting go of old identities can open the door to a richer, more authentic life. Mark also reflects on the illusion that happiness exists somewhere “out there” and shares why true peace comes from learning to be fully present with what is here. This conversation is a gentle reminder that transformation doesn't require us to become someone new. Rather, it invites us to meet ourselves—and our lives—with greater honesty, courage, and presence. If you're navigating change, standing at a crossroads, or simply seeking a deeper way of being in the world, this episode offers timeless wisdom for the journey.

In deze exclusieve aflevering van de Brain Balance Podcast Exclusive spreek ik met Mark Nepo: dichter, filosoof en één van de meest gelezen spirituele schrijvers van onze tijd. Met meer dan 25 boeken en vijf decennia levenservaring deelt hij zijn diepste inzichten over bewust leven, het loslaten van de ego, angst en liefde. In dit gesprek ontdek je:•       Waarom 'terugkeren naar jezelf' de belangrijkste dagelijkse praktijk is•       Het verschil tussen gewoonte en ritueel en hoe het je hele dag verandert•       Hoe ego en zelf samenwerken (en wanneer dat misgaat)•       Wat Mark's kankerverhaal hem leerde over volledig aanwezig zijn•       De betekenis van het 'vijfde seizoen' in je leven Dit is een gesprek dat raakt. Luister, adem en laat het binnen. 

SYNOPSIS:This episode explores the idea that creativity is fundamentally embodied rather than purely mental. Gary describes the body as an “interface” or instrument through which creative energy flows, emphasizing that without the body, expression itself wouldn't be possible. Creativity is framed as a collaborative process – between body, mind, and a larger “divine” or universal intelligence – rather than something generated solely by individual effort. Gary and host, Ali Mezey, challenge the common mind-body split and reframe the body as an active participant in creative expression, not just a vessel.A central theme is the role of somatic practices (movement, breathwork, dance) in unlocking creativity. Gary shares his personal journey from disconnection and shame around the body to rediscovering it as a source of intelligence and creative flow. Through somatic work, he was able to release stored tension, trauma, and self-judgment, which had previously blocked his creative expression. The conversation highlights how presence in the body – rather than over-identification with thoughts or past experiences – can open access to what is often described as “the zone” or a flow state.The discussion also touches on identity, trauma, and how experiences are “held” in the body. While both Ali and Gary acknowledge that emotions and trauma can manifest physically, they question simplistic or overly rigid interpretations of this idea. They emphasize the importance of approaching the body with curiosity and presence rather than trying to “fix” it. The body is seen as intelligent and self-organizing, capable of healing when given the right conditions, though not everything can or needs to be resolved.Finally, the conversation addresses the practical side of creativity – discipline, skill, and sharing work with others. While creativity may flow naturally, bringing it into the world often requires structure, support, and persistence. Gary reframes discipline as something that can be supported through somatic awareness and addressing internal resistance (like the inner critic). Ultimately, creativity is portrayed as both a deeply personal and relational process – one that involves not only expression but also connection, refinement, and, for many, the courage to be seen. MORE ALI MEZEY:Website:  www.alimezey.comBody Mapping Video LibraryPersonal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundationsTransgenerational Healing Films: www.constellationarts.comConstellation Work is a highly effective method to delve into healing transgenerational trauma, unburdening consequent generations from the influences of traumas which can be transmitted epigenetically.MORE GARY GOTTSELIG:GARY BIO: Gary Gottselig is a Creative Ignition Coach, author of #1 Amazon Best-selling poetry book, A Legacy of Rainbows and creator of Unleashed Somatic Dance.He works with writers, poets, and creatives who know they have a book inside them but keep getting stuck. Through somatic practices, breathwork, and movement, he helps them burn through self-judgment so they can finally write the book that's been waiting to come through them.He is deeply passionate about embodied liberation and how it unlocks deeper creativity and authentic self-expression.GARY LINKS:STARTS TOMORROW (April 28th) SO JOIN NOW!Blaze Across the Page: 7 Day Challenge to Burn through Self-Judgment So You Can Start Writing(Launches Tuesday, April 28th. Doors close Friday, May 1st at midnight)Book a Creative Breakthrough Call with GaryFor writers who've been putting their book off and are ready to startInstagram: @garyunleashedGet a Copy of His Poetry BookIf you would like to receive a link to watch/listen to Gary's guided somatic process to unleash more of your creativity, please write: connect@thebrilliantbodypodcast.com and we'll send it! Due to copyright issues, we couldn't do it otherwise.More show notes on the way!

Episode 30 - Wake Up to Your Dreams - New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Awakening, Mark Nepo joins the powered by your soul dreams conversation along with the sleep and dream professor, Kelly Bulkeley.Disclaimer: Please note that all information and content on the UK Health Radio Network, all its radio broadcasts and podcasts are provided by the authors, producers, presenters and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge. As a service to our listeners/readers our programs/content are for general information and entertainment only.  The UK Health Radio Network does not recommend, endorse, or object to the views, products or topics expressed or discussed by show hosts or their guests, authors and interviewees.  We suggest you always consult with your own professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advisor. So please do not delay or disregard any professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advice received due to something you have heard or read on the UK Health Radio Network.

In this deeply intimate and thought-provoking episode, Ali sits down with somatic sex educator and healer Ariel Szabo to explore the intersection of sexuality, power, trauma, and transformation.The conversation opens with a bold question: Why has human society been shaped by domination – and what does that have to do with our relationship to sexuality? From there, Ariel and Ali unpack how systems of control – historically rooted in conquest and oppression – extend into our bodies, our relationships, and especially our sexual lives.Ariel shares her personal journey through early sexual trauma, sex work, and being trafficked, revealing how shame and vulnerability can be weaponized to maintain control. Yet, rather than remaining trapped in that paradigm, she describes a path of reclamation – one grounded in embodiment, agency, and the rediscovery of sexual energy as life force.Together, they explore how shame functions both as a necessary human signal and a powerful tool of suppression, particularly around sexuality. They discuss how many people dissociate into “performative” sexuality – shaped by media and conditioning – leaving them disconnected, unsatisfied, and emotionally unfulfilled.A central theme emerges: pleasure as a gateway to connection. When experienced consciously and embodied, pleasure becomes a pathway to self-awareness, intimacy, and even spiritual awakening. When disconnected, it becomes escapism – mirroring addictive patterns rather than nourishing the soul.Ariel also introduces practical insights into working with sexual energy, including how to build capacity for sensation, move energy through the body, and shift from fear or overwhelm into grounded presence.The episode culminates in a powerful reflection on healing and purpose. Ariel recounts her transition out of exploitation, a life-altering health crisis that catalyzed her spiritual awakening, and her eventual integration of sexuality, psychedelics, and embodiment into her current work.Ultimately, this conversation is both a personal testimony and a cultural critique – arguing that sexual healing is not just individual, but collective. A more embodied, liberated relationship to sexuality, they suggest, could fundamentally reshape how we relate to power, connection, and each other.To be an angel to the podcast, click hereTo read more about the podcast, click hereMORE ALI MEZEY:Website:  www.alimezey.comBody Mapping Video LibraryPersonal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundationsTransgenerational Healing Films: www.constellationarts.comConstellation Work is a highly effective method to delve into healing transgenerational trauma, unburdening consequent generations from the influences of traumas which can be transmitted epigenetically.MORE ARIEL SZABO:Website: SacredMoonflowerAuthor, Substack: TheEroticFrontierWomen's Retreat in Peru - April, 2026Ariel's beautiful article on Sex MagicARIEL'S BIO:Ariel Szabo is a writer, somatic sex educator, sexological bodyworker, and psychedelic medicine practitioner based in Los Angeles. Her work weaves sacred sexuality, nervous system repair, relational healing, and plant medicine traditions shaped by years of study with Indigenous wisdom keepers in Peru.She works with individuals, couples, groups, and practitioners in deeply embodied spaces of transformation. Ariel writes on sexuality, power, and liberation through her body of work, The Erotic Frontier, devoted to shifting how society relates to sex, power, and healing, and positioning erotic awakening as a force for personal and collective transformation.ALI NOTE: To clarify, sexual violence is not always sexual, and perhaps is infrequently about sex; however, it is always about power. I did not mean to imply otherwise.RESOURCES, LINKS AND INSPIRATION:Chimps and Bonobos - videoMantak ChiaPhilip and Allyson ShepherdCervical awakening: https://arielszabo.substack.com/p/my-cervix-taught-me-im-safer-seenAriels' partner, Rahi ChunDEFINITIONS:Dharma - The definition of Dharma is cosmic order or law. Dharma can best be explained as conduct that upholds universal natural laws, and when humankind follows these laws, it allows them to be happy and prevent suffering. It's a combination of morality and spiritual discipline that guides one in living one's life.Heteronormative paradigm - refers to the Western social norm, or assumption, that the overwhelming majority of sexual relationships in society are heterosexual.Vagus nerve -  is the longest in the body, containing both motor and sensory functions in afferent and efferent regards. The nerve travels widely throughout the body, affecting several organ systems and regions of the body, such as the tongue, pharynx, heart, and gastrointestinal system. Our first brilliant guest on the podcast, brilliant Integral Anatomist, Gil Hedley explains HEREHedonism - the pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence.Objectification - being treating or being viewed by someone in a way that disregards their individuality or humanity, especially by being considered by them only in terms of their sexual

SYNOPSIS:In this guided body scan, listeners are invited to shift their awareness from the busy cognitive mind into the full, three-dimensional experience of the body-mind. Beginning in the head and slowly moving downward, the meditation uses the imagery of a glowing sphere of consciousness traveling through the throat, heart, solar plexus, belly, and pelvic floor. As attention illuminates each area, participants are encouraged to notice sensations, emotions, breath, and subtle impulses without judgment, allowing awareness itself to soften tension and deepen embodiment. The practice concludes by resting awareness at the base of the body and reflecting on how the experience has shifted one's sense of awareness, presence, connection, inner calm - and love.MORE ALI MEZEY:Website:  https://www.alimezey.comInstagram:  ali_body_brilliancePersonal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:https://www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundationsTransgenerational Healing Films: https://constellationarts.com/If you have any questions, email Ali at: ali@alimezey.com

On this week's episode, I build on the poem I shared last week titled Because by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer. The poem is about opening our hearts, even when the world around us temps us to close it or protect ourselves from all the anguish and pain. The poem encourages us to make love matter even when it is easy to fall into despair. I've let that poem seep into me and it inspired me to look up more pieces on heart centering and tenderness. May we sit at the altar of our heart. May we breathe deeply, listen compassionately. May we embrace the tenderness that tunes us into our truth, the tenderness that frees us, the tenderness that blesses our aliveness. Check out the show notes for links to Wendy Heckert's Heart Space: A Meditation Poem as well as Mark Nepo's  short essay This Tenderness. Enjoy the podcast!  Links: Heart Space by Wendy Heckert This Tenderness by Mark Nepo

Visualize a calm lake, a reflective, peaceful body of water, to help you relax into this guided meditation led by Julie Potiker. She completes the meditation with an untitled poem from Mark Nepo's book of poems (in progress), "Tales of the Ferryman".This is from Mark Nepo's book of poems in progress, Tales of the Ferryman.A German proverb saysthat windows are the eyesof the house.And an old Jewish beliefsays that the heart is thewindow between the souland the world.And when the mind is asclear as a still patch of lake,it is the window to the deep.And the mouth, so sorry forall it carries, is the windowto silence.So, care for your windows.They let us out. They let usin. They let us put downall we hide.-Mark NepoContinue your mindfulness journey with Julie - through her writings. Her latest book is, "Gentle Currents: Poems of Pause & Peace", a collection of poems focusing on themes of nature, self-compassion, and tranquility.Her other books include,"SNAP: From Calm to Chaos", and "Life Falls Apart, But You Don't have To: Mindful Methods for Staying Calm in the Midst of Chaos". All are available on Amazon.com.Follow Julie on YouTube and Facebook at Mindful Methods for Life.comThis podcast is available on iTunes, iHeart, Blubrry and everywhere you listen to podcasts.

Visualize a calm lake, a reflective, peaceful body of water, to help you relax into this guided meditation led by Julie Potiker. She completes the meditation with an untitled poem from Mark Nepo's book of poems (in progress), "Tales of the Ferryman".From Mark Nepo's, Tales of the Ferryman.A German proverb saysthat windows are the eyesof the house.And an old Jewish beliefsays that the heart is thewindow between the souland the world.And when the mind is asclear as a still patch of lake,it is the window to the deep.And the mouth, so sorry forall it carries, is the windowto silence.So, care for your windows.They let us out. They let usin. They let us put downall we hide.-Mark NepoContinue your mindfulness journey with Julie - through her writings. Her latest book is, "Gentle Currents: Poems of Pause & Peace", a collection of poems focusing on themes of nature, self-compassion, and tranquility.Her other books include,"SNAP: From Calm to Chaos", and "Life Falls Apart, But You Don't have To: Mindful Methods for Staying Calm in the Midst of Chaos". All are available on Amazon.com.Follow Julie on YouTube and Facebook at Mindful Methods for Life.comThis podcast is available on iTunes, iHeart, Blubrry and everywhere you listen to podcasts.

In this solo episode of The Sober Edge, Teri shares a powerful story from Mark Nepo about a simple monkey trap: a coconut filled with rice that monkeys refuse to release, even when letting go would set them free. It's a striking metaphor for many of the beliefs we hold about alcohol. For many of us, alcohol begins as something that feels helpful—relief, belonging, confidence, a way to take the edge off life. But over time, what once felt like a gift can quietly become the thing that keeps us stuck. Often the hardest part isn't stopping the behavior; it's releasing the beliefs wrapped around it. Teri explores why letting go can feel so difficult through the lens of neuroscience and nervous system safety. Our brains prefer familiar discomfort over unfamiliar freedom, which can make even healthy change feel risky. This episode invites you to gently examine the "rice" you may still be gripping—whether that's alcohol, identity, perfectionism, or long-held beliefs about what life is supposed to look like. Because sometimes freedom doesn't require force or discipline. Sometimes it simply requires opening your hand.

In times of great division, disruption, and uncertainty, how can we find the ability to stay grounded? While each of us may find we have different answers, Here are a few that have been emerging for me recently:The first - remembering, in the words of one of today's guests: you don't have to do it alone. Remembering the power (and necessity) of seeking out supportive community, and friends. The second -turning to history. Gaining perspective and insight by revisiting times in the past where humans have collectively endured, and persevered in the face of tremendous adversity.The third - turning to the wisdom of elders.Seeking out the wise and caring teachers, mentors, and leaders in our communities who are further along the path and can offer guidance from where they stand. Two of these modern elders in many ways are Mark Nepo and Elizabeth Lesser.Chosen as one of OWN's SuperSoul 100, a group of inspired leaders using their gifts and voices to elevate humanity, Mark Nepo is one of the great poets and spiritual guides of our time. And bestselling author, and Co-Founder of Omega Institute, one of the world's leading conference and retreat centers, Elizabeth Lesser has had the opportunity to learn from, and collaborate with many of the greatest spiritual teachers and leaders around the world. Something she's done since Omega was first founded in 1977. I asked Elizabeth and Mark if they'd be willing to come together to engage in a rich conversation - sharing some of their own insights, practices, and ultimately what they've learned from some of their teachers about navigating troubling times. In this conversation (originally released in March 2025) we'll explore:The possibility of meeting whatever is here, including the grand challenges we are facing, with greater wisdom, balance, and love.For more on Mark please visit marknepo.comFor more on Elizabeth check out elizabethlesser.org, and for more on Omega Institute please visit: eomega.orgI was reminded in this conversation that perhaps the most potent way we might find our way through these times, And back to each other,Is by remembering that at some level we are all made of the same stuff. Each one of us, a human being - part of a larger whole.A reminder which in Mark's words took this form:“When we come back into direct connection with life,There's a reverence for life. And when we have a reverence for life we can't do harm.”Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:On the Transformative Power of Equanimity | Margaret CullenOn Saving the World and Ourselves | john a. powellRediscovering the Art of Constructive Dialogue | Dr. Mylien DuongEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thanks for listening!Support the show

Tami Simon speaks with poet-philosopher Mark Nepo about his latest book that explores aging as a transformative passage. They delve into the flexible heart, entering time rather than moving through it, breaking through to joy amid loss, and the idea that—like meteors burning brighter as they fall—maybe we too can become more luminous as our outer casing falls away.This conversation offers genuine transmission—not just concepts about awakening, but the palpable presence of realized teachers exploring the growing edge of spiritual understanding together. Originally aired on Sounds True One.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SYNOPSIS:In this live Q&A episode of The Brilliant Body Podcast, host Ali Mezey is joined by fan-favorite guest and Longevity Zoologist, Dr. Zoolittle (“Penny”) for a wide-ranging, eye-opening conversation on how we can radically improve the health, happiness, and lifespan of our animal companions.Together, Ali and Penny explore what it truly means to be intelligent caretakers of animals – moving beyond conventional pet care toward a rewilded, biologically informed approach rooted in functional and regenerative medicine. Penny explains why pets used to live much longer, how modern lifestyles disrupt animal biology, and what we can learn from wild animals about instinct, self-medication, nutrition, movement, and rest.The discussion dives into practical and often surprising topics, including animal instinct versus learned behavior, why dogs don't naturally overeat, how feeding patterns affect hormones and longevity, the profound impact of spaying and neutering on animal health, and the importance of species-appropriate diets. Penny also answers audience questions on indoor cats, fasting, raw versus cooked food, enrichment, and how to bring nature back into our pets' lives – even within modern homes.This episode challenges deeply ingrained assumptions about pet care and offers compassionate, science-based insights that empower animal guardians to support their companions in thriving – not just surviving – well into old age. A must-listen for anyone who loves animals and wants to honor the intelligence of their bodies as much as our own.FOR MORE ALI MEZEY:ALI - WebsiteALI - LinkTreeALI BIO: Ali Mezey is a Body Therapist, Family Constellation Work Facilitator, Sexologist and Media Maker with over 40 years of experience. Ali has worked in renowned rehab centers in Los Angeles for sex, drug, and alcohol addiction. She developed her groundbreaking body-based method Personal Geometry® to address the challenges of working with sexual trauma, compulsivity, dysfunctions and discontents. She works internationally with individuals, couples, and groups. Ali is also a public speaker on the intelligence of the body, a teacher of Personal Geometry® and the creator and host of The Brilliant Body Podcast.FOR MORE DR ZOOLITTLE:For ANIMAL ANTI-AGING CoursePENNY - WebsitePENNY - LinkTreePENNY - LinkedInPENNY - InstagramPENNY BIO:Penny, a world-class Longevity Zoologist, is a zoo consultant, animal welfare lecturer, mammal trainer and Pet Health Concierge. Affectionately known as Dr Zoolittle, she works with Functional and Regenerative Medicine for animal anti-aging and preventative health care.Penny is also an Applied Cognitive Ethologist specializing in animal mental health and the human-animal bond. Captivity can often mean compromise, with animals trading freedom for relationships and resources, so her co-operative care model helps them enjoy the best of both worlds by increasing their choices, sense of control and cognitive engagement.These unique perspectives create a 360 signature approach for Zoos and Pet Parents that ‘rewilds' animal health and welfare by weaving together the robust strategies of wild animals with cutting-edge longevity biology to give animals freedom from diseases, mental decline and premature aging.As well as consulting through her Pet Health Concierge Service, she offers insightful Puppy & Kitten programs that equip young animals with impeccable manners, sparkling confidence and lasting health. For adult pets, she teaches Four Paws Finishing School, a coaching program that gives pets a Longevity Lifestyle so they can live into their 20s, full of joy and vitality.ANIMAL ANTI-AGING COURSE Logistics:Please note: This class starts on Wednesday, January 14th. As all classes are recorded and available in perpetuity, you can register at any time. Of course, it's best to JOIN NOW so you can be with Penny and ask your questions live!Also, this class pertains across species (including yourself;-). When there are differences, Penny will point them out to you – so you'll have the species specifics where it's relevant and important to understand, but the foundation pieces apply to everyone.Class runs for eight weeks. We meet once a week on Wednesdays, 7:30pm UK time; 2:30pm Eastern; 11:30am PacificAn hour of class time together, and then half an hour of discussion Q and AThere's a big fat workbook that accompanies the course so you don't have to sit there taking loads of notesIf you miss a class, don't worry. Everything is recorded and you have the workbookYou also have the course for life (it may or may not be improved and updated over time - and usually it does as science always changes). You also have access to all those updates and improvements. So it's a buy once, keep it forever –  it'll grow with you and it'll still serve every animal down the line.Recommendations a'plenty for what you can do, what you could buy, best brands (Penny's done the research!) Tuition is $399Other bonuses TBA; other perks on registration pageThere's two other options there. If you want to do installments, you can do that. If you want to invite any other people in your life who love their pets to come and study alongside you that will reduce your tuition as well: for every two friends you get 50% off tuition; for three friends your tuition is free. P.S. If you do register, please let them know that you heard about it through The Brilliant Body Podcast! MORE EPISODE LINKS AND REFERENCES COMING SOON!

In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, Ali sits down with yoga teacher, author, and anatomy educator Rachel Scott to explore what it truly means to live as a body – not just to have one.Beginning with a candid inquiry into modern yoga culture, Rachel gently peels back the layers of Western commodification to reveal yoga's deeper purpose: presence, self-regulation, and intimacy with the living intelligence beneath our habits and conditioning. From there, the dialogue opens into a profound exploration of embodiment as a spiritual practice – one that includes sensation, relationship, desire, stillness, and paradox.Drawing on decades of practice, Rachel shares how yoga, anatomy study, and contemplative stillness have shaped her understanding of consciousness, love, and human connection. Together, Ali and Rachel reflect on mindfulness versus “body-fulness,” nervous-system awareness in dating and relationships, and the wisdom of listening to the body's cues around safety, timing, and consent.The conversation also moves tenderly into themes rarely spoken aloud: fertility, choice, grief, freedom, and the many ways maternal love can be expressed beyond childbirth. Rachel speaks openly about her journey through wanting children, confronting ambivalence, and ultimately trusting the larger intelligence of life – an experience that reshaped her relationships, her work, and her sense of self.Weaving together yoga philosophy, Tantra, anatomy lab awe, and everyday relational practice, this episode is an invitation to slow down, feel more, and honor the mystery of being embodied. A heartfelt exploration of love, presence, and the courage it takes to listen deeply to the body's quiet truths.FOR MORE ALI MEZEY:ALI - WebsiteALI - LinkTreeALI BIO: Ali Mezey is a Body Therapist, Family Constellation Work Facilitator, Sexologist and Media Maker with over 40 years of experience. Ali has worked in renowned rehab centers in Los Angeles for sex, drug, and alcohol addiction. She developed her groundbreaking body-based method Personal Geometry® to address the challenges of working with sexual trauma, compulsivity, dysfunctions and discontents. She works internationally with individuals, couples, and groups. Ali is also a public speaker on the intelligence of the body, a teacher of Personal Geometry® and the creator and host of The Brilliant Body Podcast.FOR MORE RACHEL SCOTT:rachelyoga.comIG/Youtube: rachelscottyogaHead Over Heels: A Yogi's Guide to Dating by Rachel ScottAll books by RachelRACHEL BIO:Rachel combines thousands of hours of teacher training experience with her academic expertise (MSc Online Education) to help yoga teachers and studios create transformational educational experiences. She supports students, teachers, and trainers to share their passion, find their voice, and inspire others.  In addition to authoring five books, she has written for Yoga International, YogaUOnline, and the Huffington Post, and exuberantly shares her knowledge through her coaching, YouTube channel, online courses, and free online classes. Find her at rachelyoga.com or on social media at rachelscottyoga.RESOURCES, DEFINITIONS, INSPIRATIONS:Integral Anatomist (and Rachel's partner), Gil Hedley and The Nerve Tour (link is to an interview of Gil speaking about it)Do yourself a favor and get yourself an Explorer Membership - a mere pittance for the wealth you'll receiveGil's Youtube Channel of amazing videosMy fantastic conversation with Gil (my very first TBBP episode!): The Body is a Gift with Gil Hedley: A Reverential Journey into the Human BodyChristopher Hareesh WallceCarlos PomedaProfessor Alexis Sanderson/Oxford (go full yoga-nerd with this guy - wow)Cheryl Strayed: Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear SugarDualism: It basically says that there are two things, or substances, and they are completely separate. For example, substance dualists believe that the mind is part of the soul and the soul resides completely outside of the body.Non-dualism: Non-dualism refers to the idea that all things are interconnected and not separate. Distinctions like self and other, or good and bad, are illusions created by the mind. Essentially, it's about recognizing the unity and interdependence of all phenomena.Proprioception: also referred to as kinesthesia, is the sense of body position, movement, and force. It is the unconscious awareness without visual input and is sometimes referred to as the sixth sense.There are three primary types of proprioceptors: muscle spindles, Golgi tendon organs (GTOs), and joint receptors. Each distinct type provides different information that together shape the sensory profile of the body's positioning and motion.Interoception: Interoception is awareness of your body's internal senses or signals. It identifies how you feel. You can consciously or unconsciously respond to these signals. For example, if your stomach rumbles, you know you're hungry.YOGA DEFINITIONS:Shiva: He is the Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hinduism. Shiva. God of Destruction. God of Time, Yoga, Meditation and Arts. Lord of Yogis and Physicians.

 We're ending this year with a deep reflection: a year in review for wild awake hearts. You know it's the end of the year when there you are, just trying to drink your tea in peace, and your feed is full of “Optimize Your 2026,” “New Year, New You,” and shit like that. Meanwhile, the Buddha is somewhere looking at all these color-coded habit trackers like, “Beloveds… you know you're still going to die, right?” So let's try something different. Something with a Buddhist flair. Something that lets you walk into the new year not as a “better project,” but as a freer, truer, more alive version of you.You will learn:// Why conventional year-end reviews often turn into spiritualized self-attack, and what to do instead.// How to use Buddhist teachings like impermanence and not-self to soften, not harden, your reflection.// A simple way to honor both heartbreak and beauty, inspired by Mark Nepo's “Adrift.”// How to bring a social justice lens into your inner work so your practice isn't separated from the world's pain.// Questions that reveal where we abandoned ourselves this year, and where we showed up bravely.// How to recognize your own moments of aliveness and decolonize the dreams you're chasing.// Why remembering lineage is a rebellious act // Ways to honor the earth as a living relative in your year-end reflection, not just a backdrop.// How to set intentions that feel like prayers rather than punishments, and one simple ritual you can do today.Resources:// Episode 154: Off the Cushion - Activism + Spirituality // Episode 174: Decolonize Your Mind - A Story of My Mother and Me// Episode 184: The Power of Intention, Ritual, and Ceremony: Rediscovering the Sacred in Everyday Life// Episode 260: Wild + Woven – Why We Need Both Nature and People// Episode 286: The Concept of No-Self (and Greater Intimacy) – Off the Cushion Part 7// If you're new to the squad, grab the Rebel Buddhist Toolkit I created at RebelBuddhist.com. It has all you need to start creating a life of more freedom, adventure, and purpose. You'll also get access to the Rebel Buddhist private group, and tune in every Wednesday as I go live with new inspiration and topics.// Want something more self-paced with access to weekly group support and getting coached by yours truly? Check out Freedom School – the community for ALL things related to freedom, inside and out. We dive into taking wisdom and applying it to our daily lives, with different topics every month. Learn more at JoinFreedomSchool.com. I can't wait to see you there!// Have you benefited from even one episode of the Rebel Buddhist Podcast? I'd love it if you could leave a 5-star review on iTunes by clicking here  or on Spotify by clicking here.

Beloved poet and philosopher Mark Nepo joins Joel Fotinos to discuss The Fifth Season, an inspiring reflection on the gifts and challenges of aging. Now in his seventies, Nepo explores how growing older can be a time of integration, creativity, and deeper clarity—a “fifth season” when life's true colours begin to shine. A New York Times #1 bestselling author of more than 20 books, including The Book of Awakening and Surviving Storms, and a cancer survivor interviewed by Oprah Winfrey and Robin Roberts, Nepo offers this new work as a companion for making meaning, finding grace, and sharing the journey of living and dying.

Mark Nepo returns to Spirit Matters for a conversation about spirituality in the second half of life. Mark is a poet, a spiritual teacher, and a bestselling author of some 26 books, including You Don't Have to Do it Alone: The Power of Friendship; Falling Down and Getting Up; Finding the Strength to Meet Adversity; and best-known of all, The Book of Awakening, which has sold more than a million copies worldwide over the last 20 years. Mark has won numerous awards, has appeared on several national television shows, including Oprah's, and has made personal appearances throughout the world - all devoted to the journey of inner transformation and the life of relationship. His latest book, the one we talk about here, is The Fifth Season: Creativity in the Second Half of Life, which, he says, celebrates "living from the inside of the one life we're given." Learn more about Mark here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MORE ALI MEZEY:Website:  https://www.alimezey.comInstagram:  ali_body_brilliancePersonal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:https://www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundationsTransgenerational Healing Films: https://constellationarts.com/If you have any questions, email Ali at: ali@alimezey.com

In this end-of-year episode, CJ reflects on the highlights and growth points that shaped his 2025. He speaks openly about “hitting the wall” when chronic pain entered his life, and how choosing to share his struggle created unexpected openings. By practicing presence instead of isolation, CJ found himself in deeper relationship with others.He describes trying countless approaches to find relief—medications, exercise, physical therapy, breathwork and more. While nothing offered a quick fix, the experience “cracked him wide open,” and deepened his empathy. And it reminded him that living in a physical body brings challenges that aren't always the result of our thoughts, despite what some New Thought teachings suggest.Some seasons of life require patience and a long, committed effort. They invite us to stay present, even when the journey feels uncertain.CJ recommends his interview with Jonathan Schechter on breathwork along with two books that supported him this year: Mark Nepo's The Book of Awakening and Amoda Maa's Embodied Enlightenment. Both writers speak beautifully about meeting life as it is and discovering presence even in discomfort.Sharing this journey with his students has been one of the most meaningful parts of his year. As CJ says, we are here to walk each other home. Not to fix one another, but to witness each other with tenderness. To show up with presence. To remind each other that we don't have to navigate the hard moments alone.As we move into the holiday season, CJ invites you to practice presence with the people in your life. Hold a sense of love in your heart. Allow yourself to slow down, listen, and walk beside those you care about. We are Spirit expressed in physical form, and our presence is often the greatest gift we can offer.He closes with an exciting announcement: beginning January 4, he will launch an online Daily Doodle Contest. Each day he will read a parable from his new book Spiritual Parable as a Daily Practice. Listeners are invited to submit drawings inspired by each story, and selected pieces will be included in a published coloring book next year.Want to learn more about CJ Miller? Check out his Spiritual Artist Retreats, 1:1 Personal Coaching, and Speaking Engagements at www.spiritualartisttoday.com. His retreats are designed to help you reconnect with your Creative Intelligence and express your true artistic voice. You can also find his upcoming schedule there, and his book, The Spiritual Artist, is available on Amazon.

Please join Samantha and Denise in welcoming a very special guest today. Mark Nepo is an author and spiritual teacher who has taught in the fields of poetry and spirituality for over 30 years. A beloved poet, teacher, and storyteller, Mark has been called “one of the finest spiritual guides of our time,” “a consummate […]

Some days, the world feels like too much. The news, the stress, the noise. You start to wonder if you'll ever feel right again. Then, out of nowhere, something lands in your lap that reminds you of what really matters. That's what today's conversation delivers: the exact words you need to hear if you're feeling stuck in that negative place. In this deeply personal and moving episode, Mel sits down with one of the most extraordinary thinkers and poets of our time: Mark Nepo, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Awakening, which has changed millions of lives – including Mel's and her husband Chris'. Mark's words have a way of cutting straight to the heart, gently opening something inside you that's been closed for too long. You'll learn: -The two questions that instantly open the door to connection with others and yourself -What it really means to follow your heart and how to trust where it's leading you -How to find purpose, peace, and meaning - right where you are -How having a daily ritual can ground you when life feels overwhelming This episode is not just an interview. It's exactly the reset you need. For more resources, click here for the podcast episode page. If you liked the episode, check out this one next: A Process for Finding Purpose: Do THIS to Build the Life You Want. Connect with Mel:  Get Mel's newsletter, packed with tools, coaching, and inspiration.Get Mel's #1 bestselling book, The Let Them TheoryWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Mel on Instagram The Mel Robbins Podcast InstagramMel's TikTok Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes ad-freeDisclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of 5 Minutes of Peace, Reiki Master, psychic medium, and massage therapist Kristy Lageson shares a moving excerpt from The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo. This reflection invites listeners to explore the deep and sometimes challenging practice of loving ourselves—and how that love connects us to the world around us.Kristy reads about the courage it takes to stay loyal to something no one else can see, and the quiet strength required to nurture our own self-worth. Through poetic imagery—like feeding a “clear bird” that only you can see—Mark Nepo illustrates how self-love transforms secrecy into light and brings us back to the oneness of life.Kristy also shares from her own experience as a healer and intuitive, weaving together themes of Reiki, mediumship, and massage therapy. Her reading offers a gentle reminder that when we believe in what no one else can see, we discover our own wings and our shared connection with all living things.This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and remember that every moment—no matter how difficult—is a fine moment to live, and a fine moment to be fully present.Kristy's Website @PositivelyZenMassage on Instagram The 5 Minutes of Peace podcast is created by The Peace Room in Boise, Idaho. Learn more at www.ThePeaceRoom.love.

Mark Nepo, poet and spiritual teacher, invites us to embrace the mystery of aging. Drawing on the world's wisdom traditions, he illuminates the gifts of growing older, turning anxiety about aging into the light of living fully.

For over five decades, poet, philosopher, and beloved teacher Mark Nepo has helped people around the world embrace life as a sacred unfolding. His bestselling classic The Book of Awakening became a spiritual touchstone for millions, while his latest, The Fifth Season: Creativity in the Second Half of Life, offers guidance for living with depth,creativity, and compassion.In this episode of the No BS Spiritual Book Club, Sandie Sedgbeer welcomes Mark for an intimate conversation about presence, resilience, and the books that helped move his journey forward. Named one of Oprah's Super Soul 100 and one of Watkins' 100 Most Spiritually Influential People, Mark's voice continues to light the way for seekers everywhere.✨ Join us as Mark Nepo reflects on poetry, philosophy, and the timeless call to live and love fully.

Beloved poet, philosopher & spiritual teacher Mark Nepo joins Sandie Sedgbeer for a moving conversation about creativity, compassion & the sacredness of life. Discover the wisdom of a voice Oprah calls “one of the finest spiritual guides of our time.”

Through ancient Chinese wisdom and personal experience, poet and spiritual teacher Mark Nepo reveals how life's second half can be our most profound creative awakening.In this intimate conversation about his new book The Fifth Season: Creativity in the Second Half of Life, Nepo shares how aging isn't about decline but rather an invitation to strip away the non-essential and access deeper wisdom, offering a refreshing perspective for anyone seeking to live more authentically at any age.You can find Mark at: Website | Mark's Substack | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, you'll also love the conversations we had with Mark about resilience, learning to fail with grace, and discovering how every setback can lead us higher.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesCheck out our offerings & partners: Beam Dream Powder: Visit https://shopbeam.com/GOODLIFE and use code GOODLIFE to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Original airdate: Feb 21, 2023 We all face adversity from time to time, but some of us are able to flourish when things get difficult, while others seem to struggle. So, what does it take to stand firm during these tough times? According to my guest Mark Nepo, the key to standing strong against life's unavoidable storms is to know our true self and solidify our connection to all Spirit and all life. He's here to explain more. Mark Nepo is a poet and philosopher who has taught in the fields of poetry and spirituality for over 40 years. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, he has published 22 books and his work has been translated into over 20 languages. Mark has been interviewed several times by Oprah Winfrey and was also chosen as one of OWN's SuperSoul 100, a group of inspired leaders using their gifts and voices to elevate humanity. In 2015, he was given a Life-Achievement Award by AgeNation. In 2016 he was named one of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People by Watkins: Mind Body Spirit. During our conversation, Mark offers his valuable insights and practical steps on navigating difficulties based on principles from his book “Surviving Storms.” He eloquently brings us to common passages and paths, urging us forward on the journey. 

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Welcome back to the podcast. I am honored to share this conversation with one of my greatest teachers, Mark Nepo, as the first interview of Homeward. Mark is a poet and spiritual teacher whose work has accompanied seekers for decades, including his #1 New York Times bestseller The Book of Awakening. He has published twenty-six books and recorded fifteen audio projects, with his newest, The Fifth Season: Creativity in the Second Half of Life (July 2025), inviting us to live from the inside of the one life we're given. In this conversation, we explore how wisdom ripens across time, what tenderness asks of us in the face of pain, and how creativity becomes a practice of becoming- especially in life's later seasons. Mark shares stories from his journey, including lessons forged through fear and uncertainty, and offers his perspective on meeting each day with presence, courage, and care. I can't wait for you to listen.    Links Mentioned: Register for THE FIFTH SEASON: Creativity in the Second Half of Life- a 3-session webinar guided by mark on Jan 11, 18, 25, 2026 Learn more about: The Power of Friendship: A Yearlong Journey Group 1: October 2026 – October 2027 Group 2: July 2026 – August 2027 Get Mark's new book: The Fifth Season Step into Your Frequency Era My brand new 3-part wealth callibration series!  Take the quiz and discover your Entrepreneurial Archetype Learn more about IGNITE Your Business Book your Breakthrough Call today!   Tag me in your big shifts + takeaways: @amberlilyestrom Did you hear something you loved here today?! Leave a Review + Subscribe via iTunes   

Could It Happen Anywhere? Listen to the rhythm of things that never die. —Mark Nepo, “For a Long Time” Worried about what was to come, I went to the river and listened to the constant song as water met stone, met log, met wall. The endless white hush of it. Song of building up banks. Song of tearing them down. Song of surrender to invisible force. Song of change that is ever the same and not the same. And in the listening, I found refuge—not in the longing to hide, not in the sound— I found refuge in the listening. Refuge in the opening of the senses. In attuning to what is here. Wave and current and eddy and flow and the attentiveness that lives through this woman. And I listened and listened, listened to it all, and was opened by listening. At some point the listener disappeared. What was left was listening itself. For a time, peace found me there. Intention To wonder. To wonder with no plan for where it might lead. No strategy for arrival. No finish line. No pot of gold. No perfect score. No striving for. To wonder. To wonder the way a small child might wonder when seeing a roly poly for the first time— oh, look at all those legs. Look at how it curls! Look how it moves again. Feel how light it is in the palm. Feel how it tickles as it moves. Imagine an awareness that new meeting a life form that old. Can I be that new as I meet this infinite world? To wonder not just with my mind but with my belly. To let every neuron spark. To notice where there is a channel and imagine the great wing of life is scraping it clean so the stream might flow in new ways. To wonder beyond the edge of the known, and in that spaciousness, play. —Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer The listing of Chat GPT response to brutal truths: Here are five core truths about your own psychology that everyone must understand—or risk sabotaging their success, happiness, or relationships: ⸻ 1. You are not your thoughts. Your mind generates a constant stream of thoughts—some true, some false, some helpful, many harmful. If you believe every thought, especially negative self-talk, you'll: • sabotage goals, • erode self-esteem, • and avoid taking necessary risks. ✅ Learn to observe thoughts without obeying them. This is the root of emotional resilience. ⸻ 2. Your emotions are messengers, not dictators. Feelings like anger, fear, jealousy, or sadness carry signals—but they don't always point to truth or demand action. Avoiding or overreacting to emotions leads to: • impulsive decisions, • emotional burnout, • or constant anxiety. ✅ Name your emotions, listen to them, and respond—don't react blindly. ⸻ 3. You have unconscious patterns driving your behavior. Much of your personality and decision-making is shaped by: • childhood experiences, • unresolved trauma, • or defense mechanisms. Ignoring these patterns means you repeat them—even when they hurt you or others. ✅ Self-awareness requires digging into your past, habits, and triggers with honesty. ⸻ 4. Your brain is wired for comfort, not growth. Your mind naturally resists discomfort, uncertainty, or change—even when it's what you need. This resistance: • kills dreams, • prevents growth, • and reinforces stagnation. ✅ Discomfort is a sign you're on the edge of transformation. Don't run from it. ⸻ 5. You are responsible for your reactions—even when others hurt you. Blaming others or circumstances for how you feel or behave keeps you powerless. Psychological maturity means: • owning your choices, • setting boundaries, • and healing, not blaming. ✅ Victimhood might be justified, but it won't help you thrive. ⸻ Bottom Line: Mastering your psychology is not optional—it's the difference between drifting through life and designing it. If you don't do the work, your patterns will run you, and you'll wonder why life keeps turning out the same.

Mark Nepo, a celebrated poet and spiritual guide, has spent over 40 years exploring the connection between poetry and spirituality. Best known for his bestselling book The Book of Awakening, his work has been translated into more than 20 languages and earned him global acclaim as one of the most inspiring spiritual teachers of our time. Mark's latest book, Surviving Storms: Finding the Strength to Meet Adversity, continues his profound exploration of resilience and inner transformation. Having overcome a life-threatening illness, Mark's teachings emphasize presence, relationships, and navigating life's uncertainties with grace.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/next-level-soul-podcast-with-alex-ferrari--4858435/support.

This week's theme, “Help Each Other Stay Awake,” emphasizes the importance of staying spiritually alert and supporting one another on the lifelong journey of awakening the soul, inspired by Mark Nepo's The Book of Soul. It highlights that spiritual growth is not a static destination but a dynamic, heart-centered process of awareness, vulnerability, and connection. We're reminded that awakening is not only personal but communal—our own journey deepens when we support others, share our path, and build compassionate spiritual communities.Website: http://www.theunitycenter.net Download Our New App: https://theunitycenter.churchcenter.com/setupAsk Yourself This: https://www.amazon.com/Ask-Yourself-This-Questions-Expand/dp/087159336XSubscribe to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/2hBqp7F Purchase Lesson Series Packages: https://theunitycenter.net/sunday-series-packagesListen to our Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YJWcAhQUnkEHFqBXQmz1G

There are no shortcuts in navigating growing older. As we pass into the second half of our lives, we will face the challenge of accepting the forces of limitation. The reality of aging is that it is an apprenticeship into life with the invitation of new ways of seeing, feeling, and being. Here we explore the challenges and gifts of growing older. Mark Nepo is a poet and philosopher and a most eloquent spiritual teacher. In 2015 he was given a Life-Achievement Award by AgeNation and in 2016 was named by Watkins Mind Body Spirit as one of the Most Spiritually Influential Living People. He was part of Oprah Winfrey's The Life You Want Tour in 2014 and has appeared several times with Oprah on her Super Soul Sunday program on OWN TV. As a cancer survivor, Mark devotes his writing and teaching to the journey of inner transformation and the life of relationship. Mark Nepo is the author of many audio learning projects and over 20 booksInterview Date: 5/9/2025 Tags: Mark Nepo, aging, curiosity, limitations, Odyssey, Odysseus, Helen Luke, Tiresias, position of mastery, confidence, aging dog, Claude Monet, Personal Transformation, Philosophy, Community, Death & Dying

Mark Nepo is a poet and philosopher and a most eloquent spiritual teacher. In 2015 he was given a Life-Achievement Award by AgeNation and in 2016 was named by Watkins: Mind Body Spirit as one of the Most Spiritually Influential Living People. He was part of Oprah Winfrey's The Life You Want Tour in 2014 and has appeared several times with Oprah on her Super Soul Sunday program on OWN TV. As a cancer survivor, Mark devotes his writing and teaching to the journey of inner transformation and the life of relationship. His the author of many audio learning projects and over 20 books including:· The One Life We're Given: Finding the Wisdom That Waits in Your Heart (Atria Books 2016) and The Fifth Season: Creativity in the Second Half of Life (St. Martins' Essentials 2025)Interview Date: 5/9/2025 Tags: Mark Nepo, aging, new normal, pathologizing aging, pain, cancer, ground of being, metaphor of the iceberg, spider web over a rushing stream, being truthful, honest and open, authenticity, deep listening to one another, compassion, monorhaphis sponge, gratitude, metaphor of waves on ocean, Personal Transformation, Philosophy

In 2018 I sat down with one of the great spiritual teachers, authors, and poets of our time. During that conversation Mark Nepo asked a question that shook me:"When my heart begins to close, how do I open it again?"My life, my work, and the trajectory of the podcast shifted as a result. The question was presented not as a simple one, with a static answer,But rather as an inquiry to live into - Allowing life's experiences to reveal the answers over time.In 2023 Mark came back on the show to take a deeper and more expansive dive into this beautiful question and the broader terrain of heart work.In this episode we cover 3 conversational chapters. 1. How do we open the heart in the face of a storm? 2. How do we follow our heart and engage in the practice of being real as we make the courageous journey toward wholeness? 3. How can we meet life's adversities, and challenges from a place of love vs. fear?What unfolded here was 5 years in the making, and remains one of the more popular episodes we've put out to date. So today we thought we'd re release it as part of season 5. We hope you enjoy!  For more on Mark including his wonderful book Surviving Storms: Finding the Strength to Meet Adversity please visit marknepo.com.Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love: On Honoring the Soul (pt. 1) | Parker PalmerOn Honoring the Soul (pt. 2 | Parker PalmerOn Wisdom and Love in Troubling Times | Mark Nepo & Elizabeth LesserThanks for listening!Support the show

SYNOPSIS:This is a recording of one of our free, live Eventbrite sessions, where Ali Mezey was joined by Jane Peterson, PhD - and you, our audience - for a live, honest, body-centered conversation about the real work of being in relationship.(Yes, this episode includes live audience questions!)Together, we explore how our bodies carry old relational patterns - what Jane calls the "social soma" - and how these hidden imprints can shape the way we love, fight, and stay (or don't stay) connected.We talk about why love alone isn't always enough to align two people's lives, and why asking deeper, more honest questions early on matters so much.Jane shares practical ways to stay close even when life pulls you in different directions: evolving agreements, repairing after hurt, setting shared goals, and building intimacy that grows with you.We touch on marriage, infidelity, and non-traditional relationships with honesty and warmth, offering grounded advice for navigating real-world love.Whether you're partnered, single, or somewhere in between, this conversation will leave you with new ways to understand yourself, your relationships, and the deep intelligence of your body in all of it.To be an angel to the podcast, click hereTo read more about the podcast, click hereMORE ALI MEZEY:Website:  www.alimezey.comPersonal Geometry® and the Magic of Mat Work Course information:www.alimezey.com/personal-geometry-foundationsTransgenerational Healing Films: www.constellationarts.comMORE JANE PETERSON:Website: www.human-systems-institute.comContact: humansystemsinstitute@gmail.comBIO:Jane Peterson, PhD, is the co-founder and executive director of the Human Systems Institute, Inc. She is the originator of Somatic Imaging and the somatic-resonance approach to constellation work. Her work is internationally respected for being tailored to meet the high learning demands of adult professionals. She was a faculty member at the International Intensive Workshop on Systemic Resolutions in Bernreid, Germany for 9 years. Jane is an INFOSYON certified Master Trainer and has served as an advisor and author for the Knowing Field journal. She has taught systemic constellation work in Asia, South America, South Africa, Mexico, Canada, Europe, and the U.S.In 2005, she organized the first U.S. Conference in constellation work. Her Institute offers trainings in Somatic Imaging and systemic constellation work, including training in organizational constellations. The institute is currently offering it's seventeenth year of training programs.Jane started her professional career as an engineer and manager in a high tech firm (the first woman engineer hired into her department) and knows first-hand the demands placed on leaders in the corporate environment. In the course of becoming a constellation facilitator, she has also been a professional ceramic sculptor and ran her own fine arts studio, Laughing Bones, Inc.Jane is a master practitioner of Neuro-linguistic Programming, a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, a Certified Professional Behavioral Coach and a member of the American Counseling Association, VOIS, OHA, and ODN. She has studied Process Oriented Psychology with Arny Mindell and Max Schupbach, Group Dynamics with Michael Grinder, Peruvian energy healing with Don Amèrico Yàbar, Attachment and Trauma work with Dan Siegel and Diane Poole Heller, a Psycho-biological Approach to Couples Therapy with Stan Tatkin (Level 2), Coordinated Management of Meaning with Barnett Pearce, and continues to learn with other research-driven leaders in the fields of personal and social evolution. She holds a doctorate in Human and Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University, and has been a post-doctoral fellow of the Institute for Social Innovation.OTHER RESOURCES, LINKS AND INSPIRATIONS:Essential Skills for CouplesAdapting Systemic Constellations to OrganizationsHuman-Systems-InstituteBurt Hellinger: “caring for desire”Elaine Debutant: compatibility is actually an achievement of love, not a precondition.”SOCIAL SOMA - our body is shaped by our social relationshipsLALAGE SNOW:  We Are the Not Dead - photographerStan Tatkin - safety in relationship = taking care of each other. The Social BiomeTerry Real - The Social EcosystemEsther Perel: Mating in CaptivityArny Mindell, Sitting in the Fire: Large Group Transformation Using Conflict  and DiversityScience of TouchingEllyn Bader, the Initiator/Inquirer processStan Tatkin, In Each Other's Care: A Guide to the Most Common Relationship Conflicts and How to Work Through ThemTerry Real,

In times of great division, disruption, and uncertainty, how can we find the ability to stay grounded? While each of us may find we have different answers, Here are a few that have been emerging for me recently:The first - remembering, in the words of one of today's guests: you don't have to do it alone. Remembering the power (and necessity) of seeking out supportive community, and friends. The second -turning to history. Gaining perspective and insight by revisiting times in the past where humans have collectively endured, and persevered in the face of tremendous adversity.The third - turning to the wisdom of elders.Seeking out the wise and caring teachers, mentors, and leaders in our communities who are further along the path and can offer guidance from where they stand. Two of these modern elders in many ways are Mark Nepo and Elizabeth Lesser.Chosen as one of OWN's SuperSoul 100, a group of inspired leaders using their gifts and voices to elevate humanity, Mark Nepo is one of the great poets and spiritual guides of our time. And bestselling author, and Co-Founder of Omega Institute, one of the world's leading conference and retreat centers, Elizabeth Lesser has had the opportunity to learn from, and collaborate with many of the greatest spiritual teachers and leaders around the world. Something she's done since Omega was first founded in 1977. I asked Elizabeth and Mark if they'd be willing to come together to engage in a rich conversation - sharing some of their own insights, practices, and ultimately what they've learned from some of their teachers about navigating troubling times. In today's conversation we'll explore:The possibility of meeting whatever is here, including the grand challenges we are facing, with greater wisdom, balance, and love.For more on Mark please visit marknepo.comFor more on Elizabeth check out elizabethlesser.org, and for more on Omega Institute please visit: eomega.orgI was reminded in this conversation that perhaps the most potent way we might find our way through these times, And back to each other,Is by remembering that at some level we are all made of the same stuff. Each one of us, a human being - part of a larger whole.A reminder which in Mark's words took this form:“When we come back into direct connection with life,There's a reverence for life. And when we have a reverence for life we can't do harm.”Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:Strong Back, Soft Front: The Practice of a Lifetime | Elizabeth LesserFinding the Strength to Meet Adversity | Mark NepoEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thanks for listening!Support the show

In this episode of the Meaning Project podcast, Dr. Dan reflects on his recent experiences in Colorado, exploring themes of meaning, spirituality, and the human condition. He discusses insights from Mark Nepo's 'Book of Awakening' and connects them to Viktor Frankl's teachings on suffering, guilt, and death. The conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing life's challenges, finding meaning in suffering, and the role of community in personal growth.takeawaysThe journey of life involves a cycle of creation and destruction.Embracing the friction of life can lead to personal growth.Suffering is an inherent part of the human experience.Finding meaning in our struggles can transform our perspective.Community support is vital in navigating life's challenges.We can change our attitude towards suffering to find peace.Creativity and self-expression are essential for personal fulfillment.Recognizing our mortality can motivate us to live fully.The teachings of Viktor Frankl provide valuable insights into meaning.We are all called to discover and create meaning in our lives.

Chapter 1:Summary of The Book of Awakening"The Book of Awakening" by Mark Nepo is a spiritual memoir and a collection of reflections and meditative writings aimed at encouraging readers to live more fully and authentically. The book is structured as a daily guide, comprising 365 entries, each focusing on themes such as connection, love, suffering, and the beauty of life's impermanence.Nepo shares personal stories, insights from nature, poetry, and wisdom from various spiritual traditions, inviting readers to explore their own experiences and awaken to their true selves. Central to Nepo's message is the importance of being present, embracing vulnerability, and finding joy in the ordinary moments of life. He emphasizes the need to connect with ourselves and others, understanding that our shared struggles and triumphs are what bind us together.Overall, "The Book of Awakening" serves as a gentle reminder of the transformative power of reflection, encouraging readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, mindfulness, and gratitude.Chapter 2:The Theme of The Book of Awakening"The Book of Awakening" by Mark Nepo is a collection of reflective writings and meditations that encourage readers to engage deeply with their lives and to explore personal and spiritual growth. The book is structured around daily readings, each offering insights and perspectives aimed at fostering mindfulness and a greater sense of connection to oneself and the world. Here are some key plot points, character development, and thematic ideas from the book: Key Plot Points1. Daily Reflections: Each entry in the book is designed as a meditation or contemplation for a specific day, guiding readers through different aspects of life, such as love, loss, joy, and suffering.2. Personal Anecdotes: Nepo shares personal stories and experiences, often reflecting on his own battles with cancer and how these challenges deepened his understanding of life and spirituality.3. Nature and Connection: Many passages highlight the importance of nature and our connection to it, often using nature as a metaphor for personal growth and spiritual awakening.4. Mindfulness and Presence: The book emphasizes living in the present moment and being mindful of one's thoughts and feelings, encouraging readers to cultivate a deeper awareness of their experiences. Character Development- Mark Nepo as a Guide: While "The Book of Awakening" does not feature traditional characters, Mark Nepo himself serves as the primary voice and guide. Through his insights and experiences, he invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and reflection.- Reader as an Active Participant: The reader is positioned as an active participant, encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and emotions. This engagement promotes a sense of connection between Nepo's insights and the reader's personal life. Thematic Ideas1. Resilience and Growth: The book stresses the idea that suffering and challenges are integral to personal growth. Nepo shares how adversity can lead to greater strength and understanding.2. Interconnectedness: A recurring theme is the interconnectedness of all beings. Nepo explores how relationships and our interactions with others enhance our spiritual journey.3. Spiritual Awakening: The notion of awakening—becoming more aware and attuned to one's inner self and the world—serves as a central theme, encouraging reflection on deeper truths and meanings in life.4. The Nature of Love: Love is portrayed not only as an emotional experience but also as a vital force that connects individuals to each other and to the universe.5. Mindfulness and Presence: The importance of being present and fully experiencing life is a key focus, highlighting practices that help cultivate mindfulness and...

Happy Halloween! With today being the spookiest day of the year, are you feeling a little haunted by fear and uncertainty? Well, you're in luck because today's Throwback Thursday is all about how to embrace love over fear. We are joined by Mark Nepo who inspired millions around the globe with his bestselling books. As "one of the finest spiritual guides of our time," he sits down with Maria to reveal how we can stop fear from ruling our lives. Leading with love not only makes life more enjoyable but also deepens our relationships. Mark shares powerful insights on navigating life's challenges, reminding us that while fear can feel overwhelming, love is the guiding light. Just as Halloween invites us to confront our fears, Mark encourages us to acknowledge them without letting them take control. Stay safe tonight, Squad! Healers and Heal Liners:  Dancing with Fear and Love. Fear and love coexist in our lives. While it's natural to feel afraid, it's crucial to recognize that fear doesn't define our entire reality. Recognize the Noise of Fear. Whether it's through media reports or personal anxieties. Learn how to balance this noise by witnessing the positive moments in life. It's important to recognize and celebrate the beauty and goodness that exists alongside them. Daily Rituals to Lean into Love. Incorporating daily practices that foster love and connection, which can help counteract fear. These actions can help shift our mindset from one of fear to one of gratitude and love. -- HEAL SQUAD SOCIALS IG: https://www.instagram.com/healsquad/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healsquadxmaria HEAL SQUAD RESOURCES: Heal Squad Website: https://www.healsquad.com/ Maria Menounos Website: https://www.mariamenounos.com My Curated Macy's Page: Shop my Macy's Wishlist OUAI: https://theouai.com/ use promo code: HEALSQUAD for 15% off Wonderful Pistachios: http://www.wonderfulpistachios.com/   Mark Nepo's Resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark_nepo/?hl=en  Website: https://marknepo.com/  ABOUT MARIA MENOUNOS: Emmy Award-winning journalist, TV personality, actress, 2x NYT best-selling author, former pro-wrestler and brain tumor survivor, Maria Menounos' passion is to see others heal and to get better in all areas of life. ABOUT HEAL SQUAD x MARIA MENOUNOS: A daily digital talk-show that brings you the world's leading healers, experts, and celebrities to share groundbreaking secrets and tips to getting better in all areas of life. DISCLAIMER: This Podcast and all related content ( published or distributed by or on behalf of Maria Menounos or Mariamenounos.com and healsquad.com ) is for informational purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Company's Podcast are their own; not those of Maria Menounos or the Company. Accordingly, Maria Menounos and the Company cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions. This podcast is presented for exploratory purposes only. Published content is not intended to be used for preventing, diagnosing, or treating a specific illness. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment.

In this powerful episode of the Passion Struck podcast, host John R. Miles explores four transformative ways you can Live Out Loud and fully embrace your authentic self. Drawing inspiration from the life and wisdom of Maya Angelou, John explores the journey of reclaiming your voice, living with purpose, and breaking free from the fears and societal pressures that often keep us quiet. He offers 4 actionable strategies for reconnecting with your inner truth, confidently expressing who you are, and making intentional choices that align with your values.Full show notes and resources can be found here:  https://passionstruck.com/4-inspiring-ways-to-live-out-loud/SponsorsBabbel is the new way to learn a foreign language. The comprehensive learning system combines effective education methods with state-of-the-art technology! Right now, get SIXTY percent off your Babbel subscription—but only for our listeners, at Babbel dot com slash PASSION.Stop hair loss before it's gone for good. Hims has everything you need to regrow hair. Start your free online visit today at “Hims dot com slash PASSIONSTRUCK.”Quince brings luxury products like Mongolian Cashmere, Italian Leather, Turkish Cotton and Washable Silk to everyone at radically low prices.Go to “Quince dot com slash PASSION” for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.--► For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to:https://passionstruck.com/deals/In this episode, you will learn:  How to reclaim your voice and live authenticallyThe power of intentional, purpose-driven choicesOvercoming fear and societal expectationsPractical steps for living out loud and making a differencePassion Struck is $.99 For a Limited Timehttps://passionstruck.com/passion-struck-book/—The book was selected by the Next Big Idea Club as a must-read for 2024 and received numerous accolades, including Best Non-Fiction Book at the International Book Awards, the Melanie P. Smith Reader's Choice Award, Business Minds Best Book 2024, a Gold Medal from the Non-Fiction Book Awards, and the Eric Hoffer Book Award.Unlock Your Best Year Yet: Join The Passion Struck Weekly Challenges!Prepare to embark on a life-changing journey with our weekly Passion Struck challenges. This isn't just a series of tasks; it's a comprehensive quest toward personal fulfillment, growth, and self-discovery. Every week introduces a new challenge, carefully crafted to enhance every aspect of your life.Why Take The 50-Week Challenge?Unearth New Perspectives: Each week unveils new viewpoints, skills to acquire, or untapped strengths.Push Your Boundaries: Embrace challenges that extend your comfort zone and amplify your capabilities.Join a Supportive Community: Connect with a dynamic group of individuals on the same path, offering encouragement, inspiration, and solidarity.Benefit from Expert Guidance: As your mentor, I'll provide insights, support, and professional advice to help you through each challenge.What Awaits You?Diverse Challenges: Addressing physical health, mental sharpness, emotional resilience, and spiritual enrichment.Practical Actions: These are straightforward, achievable steps that easily blend into your daily life.Weekly Encouragement: Newsletters featuring tips, success stories, and encouragement to keep you motivated.Exclusive Resources: Access to unique materials, expert interviews, and tailored advice as a subscriber.Start Your Transformative JourneySigning up is the first step toward a year of growth and self-discovery. Overcome each challenge and become an inspiration to others.How to BeginSubscribe to Our Newsletter: Fill in your details to join the challenge and receive your weekly guide.Initiate with Your First Challenge: Start your adventure with an engaging task delivered to your inbox.Engage with Our Online Community: Exchange experiences and find support in our exclusive group.Embrace a Year of Evolution: Prepare for a year where each week brings you closer to your best self.Catch More of Passion StruckCheck My solo episode on The Power of Choice — Why Our Choices Are PowerfulWatch my interview with Robin Steinberg on Humanizing Justice Through CompassionCan't miss my episode with Jeffrey C. Walker On The Criticality of Collaboration in Systems ChangeMy episode with Lori Gottlieb on Embracing Self-Compassion for a Better LifeCatch my solo episode on 7 Reasons Why Acts of Kindness Are More than Meets the EyeLike this show? Please leave us a review here-- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!How to Connect with JohnConnect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles and on Instagram at @john_R_Miles.Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnRMilesSubscribe to our YouTube Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@passionstruckclipsWant to uncover your profound sense of Mattering? I provide my master class with five simple steps to achieving it.Want to hear my best interviews? Check out my starter packs on intentional behavior change, women at the top of their game, longevity, and well-being, and overcoming adversity.Learn more about John: https://johnrmiles.com/

Original Air Date: January 27, 2021One of Oprah's favorite quotes comes from German mystic Meister Eckhart. He said, “If the only prayer you say in your entire life is ‘thank you,' that will be enough.” Oprah says when she started keeping a gratitude journal more than 20 years ago, it was one of the most important things she's done. The daily practice of writing down five things to be grateful for balanced her life in subtle and inspiring ways. "It sounds simple,” Oprah says, “but when you go through the day staying conscious about what you put on your gratitude list, it shifts the lens through which you see the world.” In this episode of Super Soul, Oprah sits down with luminaries like Mark Nepo, Ram Dass, Elizabeth Lesser, Reverend Ed Bacon, Tracey Jackson, Paul Williams, Geneen Roth, Cheryl Strayed, Caroline Myss, Gretchen Rubin, Shawn Achor, Marie Forleo, Lynne Twist, Louie Schwartzberg and Norman Lear to discover that the practice of gratitude can elevate our lives to a state of grace. Interviews with these talented writers, speakers and thought leaders are excerpted from Oprah's Emmy Award-winning show Super Soul Sunday. You can also find this compilation and other insightful conversations in Oprah's best-selling book The Wisdom of Sundays. Ram Dass passed away in 2019. Norman Lear passed away in 2023. Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPods  You can also watch Oprah's Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN   

In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles explores the profound wisdom of Michelle Obama's quote about true success being measured by inspiring others. Through the lens of Mark Nepo's poem "Accepting This" and the inspiring story of his sister, Carolyn Miles, John delves into the themes of embracing flawed abundance and actively expressing love to foster deeper connections with others. The episode emphasizes that success is not just about personal achievements but also about inspiring others to reach their potential and contribute to the greater good.John reflects on Carolyn's life, highlighting her dedication to promoting peace and unity from a young age, her career in fostering democratic values, and her battle with pancreatic cancer. Carolyn's legacy of compassion, resilience, and acceptance is intertwined with the wisdom of Nepo's poem, emphasizing the importance of everyday acts of love and kindness in bridging divides and fostering unity in communities.Full show notes and resources can be found here:  https://passionstruck.com/bridging-divides-through-love-and-kindness/To learn more about Carolyn Miles, go here: https://everloved.com/life-of/carolyn-miles/In this episode, you will learn: The profound wisdom of Michelle Obama's quote about success and inspiring others.Exploring Mark Nepo's poem, "Accepting This," and its connection to the inspiring story of Carolyn Miles.Embracing flawed abundance and actively expressing love to deepen connections with others.Understanding success as inspiring others to reach their potential and contribute to the greater good.Bridging divides and fostering unity in communities through acts of love and kindness.Reflecting on Carolyn's legacy and the importance of acceptance, compassion, and unity.Applying the lessons from Mark Nepo's poem to promote unity and compassion in today's divided world.Recognizing the shared humanity and interconnectedness of all individuals.Taking practical steps to foster unity and compassion in daily interactions and communities.Honoring Carolyn's memory by embodying values of love, acceptance, and compassion to create a more unified world.Sponsors--► For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to:https://passionstruck.com/deals/https://passionstruck.com/passion-struck-book/—Order a copy of my new book, "Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life," today! The book was selected by the Next Big Idea Club as a must-read for 2024 and received numerous accolades, including Best Non-Fiction Book at the International Book Awards, the Melanie P. Smith Reader's Choice Award, Business Minds Best Book 2024, a Gold Medal from the Non-Fiction Book Awards, and the Eric Hoffer Book Award.Unlock Your Best Year Yet: Join The Passion Struck Weekly Challenges!Prepare to embark on a life-changing journey with our weekly Passion Struck challenges. This isn't just a series of tasks; it's a comprehensive quest toward personal fulfillment, growth, and self-discovery. Every week introduces a new challenge, carefully crafted to enhance every aspect of your life.Why Take The 50-Week Challenge?Unearth New Perspectives: Each week unveils new viewpoints, skills to acquire, or untapped strengths.Push Your Boundaries: Embrace challenges that extend your comfort zone and amplify your capabilities.Join a Supportive Community: Connect with a dynamic group of individuals on the same path, offering encouragement, inspiration, and solidarity.Benefit from Expert Guidance: As your mentor, I'll provide insights, support, and professional advice to help you through each challenge.What Awaits You?Diverse Challenges: Addressing physical health, mental sharpness, emotional resilience, and spiritual enrichment.Practical Actions: These are straightforward, achievable steps that easily blend into your daily life.Weekly Encouragement: Newsletters featuring tips, success stories, and encouragement to keep you motivated.Exclusive Resources: Access to unique materials, expert interviews, and tailored advice as a subscriber.Start Your Transformative JourneySigning up is the first step toward a year of growth and self-discovery. Overcome each challenge and become an inspiration to others.How to BeginSubscribe to Our Newsletter: Fill in your details to join the challenge and receive your weekly guide.Initiate with Your First Challenge: Start your adventure with an engaging task delivered to your inbox.Engage with Our Online Community: Exchange experiences and find support in our exclusive group.Embrace a Year of Evolution: Prepare for a year where each week brings you closer to your best self.Catch More of Passion StruckCheck My solo episode on The Power of Choice — Why Our Choices Are PowerfulWatch my interview with Robin Steinberg on Humanizing Justice Through CompassionCan't miss my episode with Jeffrey C. Walker On The Criticality of Collaboration in Systems ChangeMy episode with Lori Gottlieb on Embracing Self-Compassion for a Better LifeCatch my solo episode on 7 Reasons Why Acts of Kindness Are More than Meets the EyeLike this show? Please leave us a review here-- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally!How to Connect with JohnConnect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles and on Instagram at @john_R_Miles.Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnRMilesSubscribe to our YouTube Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@passionstruckclipsWant to uncover your profound sense of Mattering? I provide my master class with five simple steps to achieving it.Want to hear my best interviews? Check out my starter packs on intentional behavior change, women at the top of their game, longevity, and well-being, and overcoming adversity.Learn more about John: https://johnrmiles.com/

Original Air Date: September 22, 2021Oprah says in order to experience life, you've got to start asking life's big questions. Each person on earth is charting their own spiritual course. Your soul is as unique as your fingerprint. And the journey to connect to the deepest part of yourself can only be explored by you. As long as you're asking the right questions, the answers will readily reveal themselves. Most of Oprah's Super Soul conversations end with a series of “big questions.” This podcast is a compilation of answers to those  questions from such legendary teachers as: Jack Kornfield, Elizabeth Lesser, Diana Nyad, Arianna Huffington, India.Arie, Mark Nepo, Daniel Pink, Debbie Ford, Eckhart Tolle, Llewellyn Vaughn Lee, Thomas Moore, Pema Chödrön, Iyanla Vanzant, Devon Franklin, Sister Joan Chittister, Dr. Maya Angelou, Nate Berkus, Sarah Ban Breathnach, Gabrielle Bernstein, Charles Eisenstein, President Jimmy Carter, Shonda Rhimes, Jack Canfield, Pastor Wintley Phipps, Pastor A. R. Bernard, Shaka Senghor, Cheryl Strayed, Tracy Morgan, Dr. Christiane Northrup, Timothy Shriver, Louis Schwartzberg and Gretchen Rubin. They all recommend taking time to ask yourself those same big life questions. Answering them just might change your life. Interviews with these talented writers, speakers and thought leaders are excerpted from her Emmy Award-winning show Super Soul Sunday. You can also find this compilation and other insightful conversations, in Oprah's best-selling book “The Wisdom of Sundays.” Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPods  You can also watch Oprah's Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN