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Aaron J. French is a post-doctoral researcher in Religious Studies at the University of Erfurt in Germany. His main research focuses on the History of Esotericism, the History and Philosophy of Science, Sacred Space and Architecture, modern German Philosophy, and Science and Technology Studies. In this episode we discuss J. Allen Hynek, Jacques Vallee, Rudolf Steiner, and UAPs.UAP chat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLQZqzee3oU&ab_channel=HermitixPodcastVideo link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1irPsTBWXxA&feature=youtu.beKnowing Others paper: https://correspondencesjournal.com/ojs/ojs/index.php/home/article/view/152---Become part of the Hermitix community:Hermitix Twitter - / hermitixpodcast Hermitix Discord - / discord Support Hermitix:Hermitix Subscription - https://hermitix.net/subscribe/ Patreon - www.patreon.com/hermitix Donations: - https://www.paypal.me/hermitixpodHermitix Merchandise - http://teespring.com/stores/hermitix-2Bitcoin Donation Address: 3LAGEKBXEuE2pgc4oubExGTWtrKPuXDDLKEthereum Donation Address: 0xfd2bbe86d6070004b9Cbf682aB2F25170046A996
Some places do not ask for your attention. They change you quietly.You arrive carrying noise, deadlines, distractions and the weight of everyday life. And then somewhere between the trees, the silence, the air itself, something begins to soften. You remember there is another way to live in the world. More connected. More awake. More human.This episode of Speaking of Travel lives inside that feeling.What unfolds here is more than a discussion about nature or stewardship. It is a reflection on presence, on caring deeply for the land and for one another, and on the quiet power of creating spaces where people can reconnect to something larger than themselves.Drake Fowler, Executive Director of The North Carolina Arboretum, brings a rare kind of humanity to this conversation... thoughtful, grounded, compassionate, and deeply aware of the relationship between the natural world and the human spirit. You can hear the sincerity in his story and feel the intention behind the work being done.At the heart of this episode is a sacred connection and understanding that nature is not separate from us, but essential to who we are as human beings. Through stories, reflections, and insight, we explore the ways wild spaces can restore us and reconnect us to ourselves and to each other.This conversation is filled with authenticity and quiet wisdom and reminds us that places created with intention and care can become sanctuaries where people feel seen and are welcomed. Through education, conservation, and community connection, the NC Arboretum is a place where nature and humanity meet in meaningful ways. This is a beautiful and heartfelt conversation that will leave you inspired and comforted. And perhaps seeing the world a little differently. ❤️Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.
Some treat Nursery leader as a calling that doesn't matter or one to be avoided but Angie Robertshaw is not one of those people. Instead, she calls serving in nursery "her thing" and takes the responsibility to teach the Lord's little ones very seriously. On this week's episode, Angie shares why she believes our service in the Church regardless of calling matters. 1:45- Finding the Gospel in New Zealand 6:20- Māori Culture and Upbringing 13:15- A Sacred Space 17:11- Special Days 27:12- Worth the Effort to Serve 35:09- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? "Wherever the children are, it's a sacred space."
Let's Chat!!Boo Bitches!So ... you didn't cleanse it. You didn't plan it. You barely noticed it. And yet… there it is. A suspiciously powerful pile of objects in your home that has ✨vibes✨. In this chaotic mini cauldron of chaos, we're diving into accidental altars—how they form, why they feel weirdly sacred, and when you should maybe stop moving things around at 2 a.m. We'll be back!Support the showUntil then, Stay Witchy!!River's Etsy Store: www.batsandbaublesinc.etsy.comWebsite: www.c3witchypodcast.comMerch: www.c3witchypodcastmerch.comOur wonderful logo is done by: www.nellamarinadraws.etsy.comIntro and Outro Audio:podcast intro & outro music:Góða Nótt by Alexander NakaradaLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/4754-g-a-n-ttLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-liceSound from Zapsplat.com – Witches Cauldrons bubbling
This episode draws on experimental and review literature on mirror-gazing, strange-face illusions, anomalous self-experience, dissociation, agency, face pareidolia, and face-distortion disorders, especially the work of Giovanni B. Caputo, Caputo/Lynn/Houran, Mash et al., Bregman-Hai and Soffer-Dudek, Derome et al., Palmer and Clifford, and Blom et al. Historical and occult context comes from research on catoptromancy, John Dee's angelic scrying records, the British Museum's “Dr Dee's Magical Mirror,” Campbell et al.'s Antiquity study on the mirror's Mexican/Aztec obsidian origin, and Mesoamerican material on Tezcatlipoca and the “Smoking Mirror.”Links For The Occult Rejectshttps://linktr.ee/theoccultrejectsOccult Research Institutehttps://www.occultresearchinstitute.org/Cash Apphttps://cash.app/$theoccultrejectsVenmo@TheOccultRejectsBuy Me A Coffeebuymeacoffee.com/TheOccultRejectsPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/TheOccultRejectsCore Scientific Sources: Mirror-Gazing, Strange Faces, and Altered Self-ExperienceCaputo, Giovanni B. “Strange-Face-in-the-Mirror Illusion.” Perception 39, no. 7, 2010, 1007–1008.Key use: This is the main science anchor for the episode. Caputo showed that prolonged mirror-gazing under low illumination can produce strange-face apparitions, including distortions, unknown faces, monstrous faces, animal-like faces, archetypal faces, and faces of relatives or deceased people.Caputo, Giovanni B., Steven Jay Lynn, and James Houran. “Mirror- and Eye-Gazing: An Integrative Review of Induced Altered and Anomalous Experiences.” Imagination, Cognition and Personality 40, no. 4, 2021, 418–457.Key use: This is one of the strongest overview sources. It reviews empirical studies on mirror-gazing, psychomanteum work, and eye-to-eye gazing, especially in relation to altered perception, anomalous experiences, bodily experience, and self-identity.Mash, Joanna, Paul M. Jenkinson, Charlotte E. Dean, and Keith R. Laws. “Strange Face Illusions: A Systematic Review and Quality Analysis.” Consciousness and Cognition 109, 2023, article 103480.Key use: Newer review source. Useful because it supports strange-face illusions as a reliable phenomenon in both mirror-gazing and interpersonal gazing, while also warning that stronger research is still needed on mechanisms and prevalence.Bregman-Hai, Noa, and Nirit Soffer-Dudek. “Mirror-Gazing-Induced Dissociation Impairs Self-Reported and Implicit Sense of Agency: A Causal Investigation of Dissociation and Agency Under Controlled Laboratory Conditions.” PLOS ONE 21, no. 2, 2026, e0341316.Key use: Excellent source for the agency section. This connects mirror-gazing-induced dissociation with weakened sense of agency, which pairs well with mediumship, possession, automatic writing, and the feeling that “something else” is present.Derome, Mélodie, Eduardo Fonseca-Pedrero, Giovanni Battista Caputo, and Martin Debbané. “A Developmental Study of Mirror-Gazing-Induced Anomalous Self-Experiences and Self-Reported Schizotypy from 7 to 28 Years of Age.” Psychopathology 55, no. 1, 2022, 49–61.Key use: Useful developmental source. It connects mirror-gazing-induced anomalous self-experiences with age, self-perception, and schizotypal traits.Caputo, Giovanni B. “Visual Perception During Mirror-Gazing at One's Own Face in Patients with Depression.” The Scientific World Journal, 2014.Key use: Useful for the emotion/self-face relationship section. Caputo found that strange-face apparitions were reduced in patients with depression compared with healthy controls, including shorter duration, fewer strange faces, weaker intensity, and lower emotional response.Tramacere, Antonella. “Face Yourself: The Social Neuroscience of Mirror Gazing.” Frontiers in Psychology 13, 2022, article 949211.Key use: Strong support for the idea that mirror-gazing is like seeing yourself as another. It connects self-face perception with social neuroscience and the overlap between how we perceive our own face and the faces of others.Chakraborty, Anya C., and Bhismadev Chakrabarti. “Looking at My Own Face: Visual Processing Strategies in Self–Other Face Recognition.” Frontiers in Psychology 9, 2018.Key use: Useful for the self-face recognition section. This study looks at how people process their own face compared with other faces.Conty, Laurence, Nathalie George, and Jari K. Hietanen. “Watching Eyes Effects: When Others Meet the Self.” Consciousness and Cognition 45, 2016, 184–197.Key use: Best support for the gaze/presence section. It argues that direct gaze captures attention and triggers self-referential processing, which helps explain why a mirror can make the viewer feel watched.Face Perception, Pareidolia, and Monstrous DistortionPalmer, Colin J., and Colin W. G. Clifford. “Face Pareidolia Recruits Mechanisms for Detecting Human Social Attention.” Psychological Science 31, no. 8, 2020, 1001–1012.Key use: Best source for the “face-making brain” section. It supports the idea that illusory faces are not treated as meaningless noise; they can recruit mechanisms involved in social attention.Blom, Jan Dirk, Bastiaan C. ter Meulen, Jitze Dool, and Dominic H. ffytche. “A Century of Prosopometamorphopsia Studies.” Cortex 139, 2021, 298–308.Key use: Use carefully as a comparison source, not as a direct explanation for all scrying. Prosopometamorphopsia is a rare condition where faces appear distorted, showing that face-processing systems can produce frightening facial distortions under certain conditions.Psychomanteum, Grief, and Seeing the DeadHastings, Arthur, Michael Hutton, William Braud, et al. “Psychomanteum Research: Experiences and Effects on Bereavement.” OMEGA: Journal of Death and Dying 45, no. 3, 2002, 211–228.Key use: Main grief / dead-in-the-mirror source. Use carefully. It does not prove afterlife contact, but it supports the idea that mirror-gazing, darkness, memory, and grief can produce powerful experiences interpreted as contact.Moody, Raymond A. Reunions: Visionary Encounters with Departed Loved Ones. New York: Villard, 1993.Key use: Main modern popular source for the psychomanteum as a grief-contact chamber. Use as practitioner/popular context, not as the strongest academic evidence.Terhune, Devin B., and Matthew D. Smith. “The Induction of Anomalous Experiences in a Mirror-Gazing Facility: Suggestion, Cognitive Perceptual Personality Traits and Phenomenological State Effects.” The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease 194, no. 6, 2006, 415–421.Key use: Good supporting source for anomalous experiences in a mirror-gazing facility. Pairs well with Hastings and the Caputo review.Kamp, K. S., Evgenia Steffen, Louis A. Kasket, and others. “Sensory and Quasi-Sensory Experiences of the Deceased in Bereavement: An Interdisciplinary and Integrative Review.” Schizophrenia Bulletin 46, no. 6, 2020, 1367–1381.Key use: Strong source for the grief section. It supports the point that bereaved people often report sensory or quasi-sensory experiences of the deceased, including feeling a presence, seeing, hearing, smelling, or sensing the dead.Hewson, Helen, and colleagues. “The Impact of Continuing Bonds Following Bereavement: A Systematic Review.” Death Studies, 2024.Key use: Useful for continuing bonds. It helps frame ongoing inner relationships with the dead as part of bereavement rather than automatically pathological.Historical, Religious, and Occult Mirror DivinationJohnston, Sarah Iles. Ancient Greek Divination. Wiley-Blackwell, 2008.Key use: Broad academic background for ancient divination systems. Not only mirror scrying, but very useful for framing divination as a serious religious and cultural practice.“Technical Divination and Mechanics of Sacred Space.” In Technologies of the Marvellous in Ancient Greek Religion. Cambridge University Press.Key use: Useful for ancient catoptromancy. This chapter discusses mirror divination as a technical mode of ancient divination involving reflective/catoptric knowledge and assumptions about divine intervention in human knowledge.Lee, Mireille M. “The Gendered Economics of Greek Bronze Mirrors.” Hesperia 86, no. 1, 2017.Key use: Useful for Greek bronze mirrors as social, gendered, material, and possibly magical/divinatory objects.Pitt Rivers Museum. “Mirrors.” Body Arts Collection Resource.Key use: Good museum-level source for folklore around mirrors and catoptromancy. Useful for basic show-note support on the traditional belief that mirrors could reveal the future.John Dee, Black Mirrors, and ObsidianBritish Museum. “Dr Dee's Magical Mirror / Dr Dee's Magical Speculum.” Collection object 1966,1001.1.Key use: Essential object source. The British Museum identifies the object as Dr. Dee's magical mirror or magical speculum, made of obsidian, catalogued as Aztec, and broadly dated to the 14th–16th century.Campbell, Stuart, Elizabeth Healey, Jago Cooper, Naomi Speakman, and others. “The Mirror, the Magus and More: Reflections on John Dee's Obsidian Mirror.” Antiquity 95, 2021.Key use: Essential academic source for Dee's mirror. The study uses geochemical analysis to show that the British Museum obsidian mirrors are Mexican in origin, with Dee's mirror matching the Pachuca obsidian source.Nature. “A ‘Spirit Mirror' Used in Elizabeth I's Court Had Aztec Roots.” 2021.Key use: Short science-news summary of the Antiquity findings. Useful for quickly explaining that Dee's mirror was traced to a source near Pachuca, Mexico.Smithsonian Magazine. “Obsidian ‘Spirit Mirror' Used by Elizabeth I's Court Astrologer Has Aztec Origins.” 2021.Key use: Useful public-facing summary of Dee's mirror, its Aztec/Mexican origin, and its connection to Elizabethan occult culture.Dee, John, and Meric Casaubon, ed. A True & Faithful Relation of What Passed for Many YeaAlso want to remind people about the website, if you're into reading we have tons of information by multiple contributors, and we got t-shirts up on the site if you're interested. Fun fact, the art is all based on the eyeball. A
Clint and Wendy discuss the spiritual aspects of weddings, particularly in the context of their event planning business. Wendy explains the unique elements of South Asian and Middle Eastern weddings, highlighting the importance of auspicious days in Hinduism, such as Diwali, Akshaya Tritia, and Maha Shivaratri. They also touch on the significance of specific dates in other religions, such as Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Two travelers walk miles with a stranger, their eyes somehow unable to recognize who he is… until suddenly, they do. Like a Magic Eye image, beauty and meaning are often already present; sometimes we just need to soften our gaze to recognize it. LINKS: Current Conversations | Connect | YouTube | Coming Up TRANSCRIPT: "The Road Is Already There: Waking Up to Beauty" Opening:: The Magic Eye Show Magic Eye… bring a couple ppl up to “race”... ask what their “trick” is… Do you all know what this is? Maybe if you're like me, you also know the particular frustration of standing in front of one of these and seeing absolutely nothing. Just noise. Just chaos. Everyone else around you is gasping and pointing — I see it, I see it — and you're standing there thinking: there is nothing there. This is a scam! And then — maybe — something shifts. You relax your eyes. You soften your gaze. You stop trying so hard to find it. And suddenly, almost against your will: there it is. A dolphin. A spaceship. A whole three-dimensional world that was present the entire time, completely invisible until you stopped straining to see it. The image was always there. You just needed a DIFFERENT WAY OF LOOKING. That's the story we're sitting with today. The Story: Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35) It's the same day as the resurrection. Two of the people who had been learning from Jesus are walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus — about seven miles away (from here to downtown Hopkins, or here to the State Fair). One is named Cleopas, and he's traveling with another person the author of this book leaves out… They are walking away. Away from the city where everything fell apart. Away from the site of the execution. Away from the tomb and the wild, confusing reports the women brought back that morning that nobody quite knew what to do with. They're processing. Talking through the wreckage. And a stranger falls into step beside them along the road. The stranger asks what they're talking about. And they stop — looking downcast — and say: are you the only person in Jerusalem who doesn't know what happened? There's something almost darkly funny about that. They proceed to explain the whole story to Jesus. He listens. Then he walks them through the scriptures, reframing everything. They reach Emmaus as evening falls. The stranger acts as if he's continuing on — and they say: stay with us. It's getting late. He stays. They sit down to eat. He takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it, gives it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished. They turn to each other: weren't our hearts burning within us while he talked to us on the road? They had been walking with him the whole time and couldn't see it. Until the bread broke, and their eyes softened, and there it was. What They Were Walking Away From I want to sit with this story and look at it through the lens of liberation for a moment, because it matters who these people are and what they were carrying. Cleopas says to the stranger: we had hoped he was the one who would redeem Israel. The Greek word there — lytrōo — means to liberate from an oppressive situation. To set free. These weren't abstract spiritual hopes. They were political hopes. They had hoped this was the one who would break the power of Rome, dismantle the systems of domination, set the occupied people free. And instead he was executed, in an extremely public, humiliating way Rome had devised specifically to crush movements and make examples of leaders. So they're walking away not just from grief, but from the particular grief of crushed political hope. The grief of people who believed change was possible and watched it get squashed. That is not a distant or unfamiliar grief. Many of us carry some version of it. And the story doesn't say: get over it. Go back. Pretend it didn't happen. The story says: a stranger joins you in it. Listens to you talk through it. And eventually — in the act of sharing a meal with an unexpected guest — something you couldn't see before comes into focus. Paying Attention as a Practice Robin Wall Kimmerer (botanist, writer, member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation) has spent her life arguing that attention is not PASSIVE. It is an act. A PRACTICE. A form of reciprocity. In her framework, drawn from Indigenous ways of knowing, the world is already speaking. Already offering gifts. The question is not whether beauty and meaning are present — they are. The question is whether we have learned, or been willing, to receive them. She writes that paying attention is a form of reciprocity with the living world — receiving its gifts with open eyes and open heart. This is exactly what the Emmaus story is about. The beauty — the presence — was already there on the road. It had been there for seven miles. In this story, the disciples' eyes were, as Luke puts it, kept from recognizing him. Not because the presence was absent. Because something in their grief, their exhaustion, their framework kept them from seeing what was right in front of them. The Magic Eye image was already there. Their gaze just hadn't softened yet. And here's the liberationist move in Kimmerer's thinking that connects directly to this story: the practices that train us to notice beauty, to receive gifts, to recognize interconnection — those practices are not luxuries for people who have the time and leisure to be contemplative. They are, she argues, acts of resistance against systems that profit from our disconnection. A culture that keeps us distracted, anxious, consuming, competing — that culture depends on us not noticing the gifts that are already here. Not recognizing each other. Not seeing the fire that was already burning on the shore. Defiant attention is a revolutionary act. The Meal As the Moment Notice where recognition happens in this story. Not during the stimulating conversation while they were on the road — though something was stirring (weren't our hearts burning?). Not through an argument or a proof. Not through a performance of power. Recognition happens at a table. When food is distributed and shared. When a stranger is invited to stay and then becomes the host. This is how the writer of Luke tells the entire story of Jesus. Over and over, the pivotal moments happen around food. The outcast is seen at a dinner party. The lost son is welcomed home with a feast. The thousands are fed with what seemed like not enough. And now: Jesus, once again in their presence, is recognized in the breaking of bread. From a womanist perspective, [[every table can be a SACRED SPACE.]] It is where bodies gather. Where hunger is acknowledged. Where the work of sustaining life happens. Where people who might otherwise stay strangers become known to each other. And in this story, it's a table in an ordinary house in an ordinary village, with two grieving, exhausted travelers who thought to offer hospitality to someone they didn't yet recognize. The beauty was in the ordinary. The coming back to life was in a meal. The recognition was in the distribution of food. What This Asks of Us… So what does it mean to live with a softened gaze — especially right now, in a world that gives us a thousand reasons every day to harden? Here's what I think: it doesn't mean ignoring the hard things. These disciples didn't ignore them. They talked about them for seven miles. They named the execution. They named the dashed hope. They named the confusion & chaos. Soft gaze is not the same as averted gaze. You can see the wound clearly and refuse to let the wound be the only thing you see. What Kimmerer points to, and what this story enacts, is something like this: the world is more beautiful and more interconnected than the loudest voices in our culture want us to believe. The story of scarcity, isolation, and meaninglessness is not the whole story — and insisting on that, quietly and stubbornly, in the way we pay attention and share meals and recognize each other, is a form of resistance. What would it mean to be defiant in our insistence that beauty is real? That connection is real? That everything actually is interconnected? That a stranger on the road might be carrying something we need? The disciples had to invite the stranger to stay before their eyes opened. Hospitality preceded recognition. They didn't know who he was when they said come in, stay with us, it's getting late. They just knew the evening was coming and there was room. Closing Practice One practice this week… Soften your gaze once — deliberately — at something you usually rush past on the way to something else. A person. A tree. A meal. A moment with someone you love. A moment with a stranger. The view out a window you stopped noticing. Don't try to extract meaning from it. Don't analyze it. Just let it be there. Let yourself receive it… And notice: was something already present that you hadn't been still enough to see? The road is already there. The stranger is already walking beside you. The bread is about to break. You already have eyes to see it…! May it be so.
God demands His people to be holy as He is holy.
Welcome back, Empowered Fam! In this episode of The Empowered w/ Deanna Merlino Podcast, I give you an inside look into a whirlwind month filled with unexpected challenges, deep personal growth, and transformative experiences. From stepping up to host and coordinate every detail of an emergency retreat for a fellow heart-led leader, to reflecting on the power of investing in oneself, I share heartfelt stories, lessons in abundance and receiving, and encouragement to step into your fullest self. Tune in as we explore the magic of sisterhood, the sacredness of tending to your own well-being, and the invitation to say yes to life-changing opportunities - even when it's uncomfortable. Whether you're looking for an energetic reset or inspiration to embrace abundance, this episode is packed with motivation and actionable wisdom for your journey!- Sign up for my hybrid group mentorship - The Expansion Room *waitlist* here before doors reopen!-Info and enrollment for WildFire, Quantum recalibration & Alchemical Immersion Retreat. --Let's connect! To see what else I'm up to, get more info on my latest offerings, and updates on my life and the podcast, follow me on Instagram: @thedeannamerlinoClick here to receive my FREE & potent Manifestation Vault with 15 tools! All other programs/offerings: www.deannamerlino.com
By Matt King - The Bible presents a unified narrative of sacred geography — three concentric zones of proximity to God's presence, each with its own requirements, and a real cost when His way of life is rejected. The same three zones recur at every stage of the biblical story — Eden, the Tabernacle, the Temple
We'd love to hear from you, send us a text about your favorite show!Your land is alive — and it is filled with nature spirits.In this episode, Christina explores soulful ways to build a genuine relationship with the spirit of your property. Whether you have a sprawling yard, a small patio, or a collection of potted plants on a balcony, the space around you holds energy, memory, and intelligence — and the way you tend it makes a big difference in what energies you can unlock there.Christina walks you through her favorite ways to raise the chi of your outdoor spaces, make meaningful memories on your land, and align what you grow and create with your deeper intentions and values. You will also hear why strong, vibrant nature spirits do more than just make your garden feel magical — they create a layer of energetic protection for your home that is important when you are doing intuitive development or healing work.***2026 in-person Reiki class dates in Sedona are scheduled! Join us in-personChristina Wooten helps you access the wisdom and support of the Spirit World to elevate your life.She is a Certified Psychic Medium and Reiki Master Teacher. Christina is the owner of Sedona Medium and co-host of Modern Life and Spirit podcast.She offers Psychic Medium Readings, Soul Readings, and teaches how you can start communicating and receiving messages from your Spirit Guides - through her program.Learn more about her offerings here>>>>>>Please rate, review, and subscribe to show your support, be informed of new episodes and stay connected with the conversation
When you need to collect yourself and remember that you are safe, strong and healthy, press play on "I Am Safe, Strong, And Healthy" Each affirmation is repeated so you can listen along or repeat with me. If this episode was helpful and you want to leave a tip, simply go to AffirmationPod.com/TipJarThe sister episode to this one is Episode 460 Creating a Safe and Sacred Space https://AffirmationPod.com/SafeAndSacredThis episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Great days start with better nights!Thanks to Cozy Earth's advanced temperature-regulating technology, their bedding promotes uninterrupted and refreshing sleep. I only use Cozy Earth bedsheets now to get the best rest possible!Your special offer is up to 20% OFF Cozy Earth bedding and more when you use code AFFIRMATION at CozyEarth.comReady to change the way you think and start seeing real results?Want to start thinking more positively and feel more confident?Secure your one-on-one affirmations coaching spot at AffirmationPod.com/CoachingWANT MORE EPISODES LIKE THIS ONE? Episode 552 Fear of Flying https://AffirmationPod.com/FearofFlying Episode 547 Anxiety Affirmations https://AffirmationPod.com/AnxietyAffirmations Episode 292 Processing Fear and Anxiety Before Going to Sleep https://AffirmationPod.com/FallingAsleep Episode 157 When You Can't Think Straight https://AffirmationPod.com/CantThinkStraightEpisode 147 Overthinking https://AffirmationPod.com/OverthinkingLISTENER LOVE ❤️"I feel so good this morning because I'm getting back to a routine. I found Affirmation Pod that I listen to and it's really relaxing." - Jen Stancill "Can't get enough of Affirmation Pod. Thank you Josie!" - Nicole Chaput"I listen every morning" - Chriselle LimWhat's in your self-care toolbox?
Temples as Living Energy FieldsProf Ujwala Chakradeo is an architect-academician and the Vice Chancellor of SNDT Women's University, with a distinguished career spanning architecture, urban planning, and heritage conservation. Her recent book, Temples of Bharat: A Journey through Time, Art, Architecture and Culture, synthesises her expertise in design, planning, and cultural history, presenting Indian temple architecture as a living lens to understand India's civilisational knowledge systems.She was one of the distinguished speakers at the 2nd Global Vedic Conference held at Prasanthi Nilayam in January 2026, where she elucidated how the temple architecture of Bharat is a living expression of India's Vedic knowledge.Later, at the Sri Sathya Sai Media Centre, she dwelt deeply on the spiritual science behind temple architecture in India and across the world.
Michael is Professor of Architecture at the University of Hartford. He is the sole author, editor, or contributor to more than 75 books on architecture, including five books for children.Michael is the recipient of the Edward S. Frey Memorial Award, in Recognition of the Contributions Made to Religion, Art, and Architecture, bestowed by the American Institute of Architects' Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art, and Architecture. He's practiced with Centerbrook Architects and Steven Winter Associates and is a registered architect in the State of Connecticut.I spoke with Michael about the relationship between architecture and spirituality, with a focus on sacred architecture and spatial justice. We discussed the historical importance of sacred spaces, the role of inclusivity in design, and how materials and art contribute to meaningful environments. We also explored why accessibility and welcome are essential for sacred spaces if they're to reflect and effectively serve the diversity of their communities.
In this second episode of The Cunning Farmer, Todd Elliott and I tromp-on through Chapter 2 of his pivotal book and masterpiece, The Cunning Farmer: Agrarian Magical Practices, Mythology, and Folklore, diving first into the idea of Sacred Geography and Sacred Spaces and then progressing into the concept of Cosmic Vitality and inter-world spirit-laces in both symbology and practice.Join the Unshod Substack (for free) and commune with us! Purchase The Cunning Farmer HERE.Learn more about Daniel's work HERE.Episodes or Articles mentioned in the podcastGod Is Red with Taylor Keen Episode 1The Great Animal Master article by Todd Elliott
Big Idea: What we corrupt Jesus makes sacred Problem: We corrupt what was meant to be sacredby wanting the sacred without the King Solution: Jesus makes us, the church, into the sacred space where God is present. Vision for Church:A people who live as holy ground cleansed, filled with God's presence, and bringing glimpses of Eden wherever they go
If you enjoy this episode, we're sure you will enjoy more content like this on The Occult Rejects. In fact, we have curated playlists on occult topics like grimoires, esoteric concepts and phenomena, occult history, analyzing true crime and cults with an occult lens, Para politics, and occultism in music. Whether you enjoy consuming your content visually or via audio, we've got you covered - and it will always be provided free of charge. So, if you enjoy what we do and want to support our work of providing accessible, free content on various platforms, please consider making a donation to the links provided below. Thank you and enjoy the episode!Links For The Occult Rejectshttps://linktr.ee/theoccultrejectsOccult Research Institutehttps://www.occultresearchinstitute.org/Cash Apphttps://cash.app/$theoccultrejectsVenmo@TheOccultRejectsBuy Me A Coffeebuymeacoffee.com/TheOccultRejectsOn Saturday, April 25th, 2026, the 2026 Southeastern Masonic Symposium is happening in person at the Asheville Masonic Temple (80 Broadway St., Asheville, NC)I'll be there in person, so, come down and meet me and the rest of the crew.John Michael Greer — prolific occult and esoteric historian with 70+ books, including Circles of Power and the award-winning New Encyclopedia of the Occult; an initiate across Hermetic, Masonic, and Druidic lineages, and former Grand Archdruid (AODA).Collin Conkwright (American Esoteric) — creator behind American Esoteric, focused on ancient philosophy & comparative religion and serious work around universalism and the Western tradition; also publicly listed as a Master Mason and writer.Ike Baker — independent scholar & esoteric instructor, a practicing ceremonialist and initiatic Mason (Blue Lodge + York Rite), also connected with Martinism and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn; host of the ARCANVM podcast; author of A Formless Fire and Aetheric Magic.Thom Carter — a Brother out of Mt. Hermon Lodge No. 118 (Asheville, NC) and part of the presenting lineup for the symposium.https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-asheville-masonic-symposium-tickets-1980822909645?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Christina Zupke's path to consciousness work began not with a dramatic awakening, but with a quiet, inexplicable knowing. one that arrived in a church pew at age five and never left. In this episode, she makes the case that most humans are living far below their actual capacity, not because of a lack of intelligence or spiritual desire, but because the architecture of our energy field has been scattered, conditioned, and cut off from the unseen realms that create and sustain physical reality.We explore how a small distortion in the collective field, passed down through ancestry, cultural programming, and unresolved trauma, keeps us locked in cycles of repetition, and how dream time is one of the most powerful tools available to break free. Christina unpacks the shamanic framework of lower, middle, and upper worlds not as mythological concepts but as real states of being accessible to anyone willing to do the work, and she shares why this particular window of time on Earth is uniquely positioned to allow humanity to heal millions of lifetimes of accumulated inertia, if we choose to step into it.The conversation also moves into precognitive dreams, visitations from loved ones, parallel timelines, and the emerging phenomenon of people receiving downloads from their future selves, a technique once reserved for the most advanced shamanic initiates, now spontaneously awakening in people everywhere.Where to find Christina: https://www.lightbodyacademy.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the showLove the show? Your support helps keep these conversations going. You can treat me to a coffee here:https://buymeacoffee.com/shiftingdimensionsSubscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr0p1zDPaPLmnmI3AIWhDFQFollow us: TikTok - @shiftingdimensions444 Instagram - @shiftingdimensions_podDisclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the guest's own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Shifting Dimensions. The material and information presented here is for general information and entertainment purposes only.
5 SETTER: This Week in Racket Sports, where we bring you the top five headlines across tennis, padel, pickleball, and more. In this episode: 1. Coco Gauff Injury Update 2. Airline Issues & Huge Entourage 3. Miami Open's Latest Additions 4. WTA Calls for “Sacred Spaces” 5. BJK Cup Rosters Announced Subscribe to the 5-Setter Newsletter: https://www.newsletter.servedpodcast.com/ Grab Some Served Merch: https://store.servedpodcast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you enjoy this episode, we're sure you will enjoy more content like this on The Occult Rejects. In fact, we have curated playlists on occult topics like grimoires, esoteric concepts and phenomena, occult history, analyzing true crime and cults with an occult lens, Para politics, and occultism in music. Whether you enjoy consuming your content visually or via audio, we've got you covered - and it will always be provided free of charge. So, if you enjoy what we do and want to support our work of providing accessible, free content on various platforms, please consider making a donation to the links provided below. Thank you and enjoy the episode!Links For The Occult Rejectshttps://linktr.ee/theoccultrejectsOccult Research Institutehttps://www.occultresearchinstitute.org/Cash Apphttps://cash.app/$theoccultrejectsVenmo@TheOccultRejectsBuy Me A Coffeebuymeacoffee.com/TheOccultRejectsOn Saturday, April 25th, 2026, the 2026 Southeastern Masonic Symposium is happening in person at the Asheville Masonic Temple (80 Broadway St., Asheville, NC)I'll be there in person, so, come down and meet me and the rest of the crew.John Michael Greer — prolific occult and esoteric historian with 70+ books, including Circles of Power and the award-winning New Encyclopedia of the Occult; an initiate across Hermetic, Masonic, and Druidic lineages, and former Grand Archdruid (AODA).Collin Conkwright (American Esoteric) — creator behind American Esoteric, focused on ancient philosophy & comparative religion and serious work around universalism and the Western tradition; also publicly listed as a Master Mason and writer.Ike Baker — independent scholar & esoteric instructor, a practicing ceremonialist and initiatic Mason (Blue Lodge + York Rite), also connected with Martinism and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn; host of the ARCANVM podcast; author of A Formless Fire and Aetheric Magic.Thom Carter — a Brother out of Mt. Hermon Lodge No. 118 (Asheville, NC) and part of the presenting lineup for the symposium.https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-asheville-masonic-symposium-tickets-1980822909645?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
In this episode, Church historian Emily Utt shares about the sacred sites that witnessed the Restoration. From the Kirtland Temple to the stories of faithful women like Emma Smith and Eliza R. Snow, Emily shares how these places and people remind us that God works through ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary things.When we understand these stories more deeply, our faith in the Restoration, and in our own role in God's work, grows stronger.how preserving sacred Church history sites deepens our understanding of priesthood power, highlights the vital leadership of women in the Restoration, and offers a faith-filled perspective for navigating difficult questions about the past.
What if you were one of the money changers in the Temple—doing what “everyone” said was acceptable—until Jesus showed up and flipped the tables? In this episode, Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks take a fresh angle on a familiar Gospel moment: not from the perspective of the disciples, but from the unnamed people caught in a system that slowly drifted from worship to marketplace.They unpack why the issue wasn't currency exchange itself, but desecrating the Temple—turning God's house into a commercial space. Then Father adds a deeper layer: the money changers were set up in the courtyard of the Gentiles, a space meant to welcome non-Jews who were being drawn toward God. Clearing it wasn't only a moral correction; it carried a prophetic message—God's salvation is universal, and room must be made for the nations.The conversation becomes a practical mirror for modern life: how groupthink, incentives, and “location, location, location” logic can normalize behavior we'd question if we had fresh eyes—and why we need Scripture and the Church to “air out” the room when we've stopped noticing the stench.Key IdeasThe practice (currency exchange / selling offerings) wasn't intrinsically evil; the sin was turning sacred space into a marketplace.Corruption often happens gradually: you stop noticing it from the inside (“stench in the room” analogy).Groupthink can normalize what individuals might resist alone—especially when money and institutional approval are involved.The courtyard of the Gentiles matters: Jesus' action also signals the universal mission—making room for those outside.A helpful self-audit: where am I “going with the flow” in ways that would change if God overturned the tables in my world?Scripture Mentioned (no links)Matthew 21:12–13 / Mark 11:15–17 / Luke 19:45–46 / John 2:13–22 (Temple cleansing accounts)Acts 10 (Cornelius)Jeremiah 31 (new covenant referenced)Links & References (official/source only)Dr. Jordan B. Peterson (official site):https://www.jordanbpeterson.com/CTA: If this helped, please leave a review or share this episode with a friend.Questions or thoughts? Email FatherAndJoe@gmail.com .Tags (comma-separated)Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, money changers, cleansing of the temple, Temple in Jerusalem, house of prayer, den of thieves, sacred space, reverence, desecration, corruption, groupthink, moral blindness, incentives, location location location, courtyard of the Gentiles, Gentiles, universal salvation, mission to the nations, Messiah, prophetic sign, Pope Francis, Pope Benedict, Jordan Peterson, Ordinary Men, conscience, ethics, integrity, repentance, self examination, Scripture in daily life, Acts 10, Cornelius, Jeremiah 31, Council of Jerusalem, YouTube podcast, Father and Joe on YouTube
What if the gifts you once tried to ignore, were actually the ones you were meant to share with the world? In this beautiful and deeply personal episode, Mayume and Manjeet kick off 2026 with their very first guest of the year, Donna Wojcik, founder of Kindred Healing Space. From traditional Filipino healing practices to energy work, intuition, and community building, Donna's journey is one of courage, rediscovery, and answering a powerful inner calling. Donna shares how her intuitive abilities showed up early in life, why she shut them down out of fear, and what finally brought them roaring back during the quiet chaos of 2020. Through meditation, Reiki training, and deep self-trust, she learned to embrace what once scared her, and turn it into a path of service and healing for others. You'll also hear the inspiring story behind Kindred Healing Space, the wellness community she created for healers, teachers, and spiritual practitioners who were searching for a place to belong. What began as a private healing practice grew into a thriving hub for connection, growth, and spiritual exploration. In this heartfelt conversation, they explore: ✨ How Donna rediscovered her intuitive gifts after years of suppressing them ✨ The role of community in spiritual awakening and healing ✨ Traditional Filipino healing practices and ancestral connections ✨ How healers protect and maintain their own energy ✨ The surprising family discovery that confirmed Donna's healing lineage ✨ Why embracing your gifts, even the scary ones, can transform your life Plus, Mayume and Manjeet pull a powerful Lightworkers Unite oracle card for Donna that reveals a message about flexibility, expansion, and trusting where life is leading next. If you've ever questioned your intuition, felt called to healing work, or wondered how to step fully into your spiritual path, this episode will speak straight to your soul. Join Mayume n' Manjeet as they celebrate the light, wisdom, and heart of their dear friend Donna Woic. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Spread the word and spread the light with Lightworkers Unite. Follow them on Instagram: @mayumenmanjeet Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lightworkersunitepodcast7
Clint and Wendy discussed the concept of the Holy of Holies in the Jewish temple during their Spiritual Cake Podcast episode. They explored the temple's structure, including its three main zones and the significance of the Holy of Holies, the most sacred space, which only the high priest could enter once a year during Yom Kippur. The discussion included details about the Ark of the Covenant and its contents, as well as comparisons to similar sacred spaces in other religions. Wendy shared insights into temple access requirements in Mormonism, reflecting on the protective nature of restricted sacred spaces and their importance in maintaining a contemplative environment.
Leaders Who Create from Story: Join Jason Squires as he sits down with Toby Walters, founder of ChurchGear, to talk about how an ordinary ministry challenge grew into a mission that's helping churches across the country. Toby shares the story behind ChurchGear, how his ministry journey shaped the company's purpose, and why the message behind the business eventually became a book called Sacred Spaces. Together they explore stewardship, leadership, and how ordinary stories can create extraordinary impact. If you've ever wondered whether your story really matters, this conversation will encourage you to see your potential.
Title: The Return: Recalibration, Sacred Space Stewardship, and the Dharma of Retreat HoldingAfter an unintentional three month pause, I'm returning to Fire and Soul with a solo episode that feels long overdue.In this episode I'm pulling back the curtain on what this season has really been about for me, the numerology, the move out of Lakeway, the spiritual deepening, and the new chapter that is quietly becoming one of the most exciting things I have ever created.I also share why 2025 was simultaneously the hardest and greatest teacher of my life, what the 12 Wild and Holy Nights revealed to me, and the sacred thread of 222 that has been weaving through everything.Plus I'm giving you the first real look at Sacred Space Stewardship, my brand new certification program for women who are ready to lead transformational retreats with integrity, capacity, and true stewardship. The founding cohort kicks off May 19th and we are only taking eight women.If you have been feeling the call to hold space at this level, this episode is for you.Links mentioned:Sacred Space Stewardship waitlist: sacredspacestewardship.comSedona Rising retreat (2 spots remaining, April 16-20): https://www.michelle-sorro.com/sedonarisingretreatSynergy: https://www.michelle-sorro.com/synergymichelle-sorro.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Day 2813 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2813 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 118:19-29 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2813 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand eight hundred thirteen of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The Title for Today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Rejected Cornerstone – The Triumphal Entry into Sacred Space. In our previous episode, we trekked through the fierce, chaotic battleground of Psalm One Hundred Eighteen, focusing on verses ten through eighteen. We stood with the psalmist as he was completely surrounded by hostile nations, swarming around him like angry bees, and blazing like a fire of thorns. Yet, instead of surrendering to panic, he wielded the authority of the Lord. We learned that while God may allow His servants to face severe discipline, and agonizing trials, He will never abandon them to the grave. The strong right arm of the Lord brought ultimate victory, turning a scene of near-death into a vibrant camp of joyful celebration. Today, the dust of that cosmic battlefield finally settles. We are moving from the bloodstained trenches, directly to the majestic gates of the temple. We will conclude our journey through the "Egyptian Hallel," exploring the grand finale of Psalm One Hundred Eighteen, covering verses nineteen through twenty-nine, in the New Living Translation. As we read this final movement, picture a magnificent, royal procession. The victorious King has returned from the war. He approaches the holy city, leading a procession of worshippers, ready to cross the threshold into the sacred presence of Yahweh. These verses are bursting with prophetic, Messianic weight. In fact, these are the very words the crowds shouted as Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Let us join the procession, and experience the triumphant entry of the King. Psalm One Hundred Eighteen: verses nineteen through twenty-one. Open for me the gates where the righteous enter, and I will go in and thank the Lord. These gates lead to the presence of the Lord, and the godly enter there. I thank you for answering my prayer and giving me victory! The psalmist stands before the massive doors of the temple. He cries out with authority, "Open for me the gates where the righteous enter." In the Ancient Israelite worldview, cosmic geography is incredibly important. The world was viewed as a battleground of rival spiritual forces, but the temple in Jerusalem was the ultimate sacred space. It was the earthly headquarters of the Divine Council, the very intersection of heaven and earth. To cross through these gates was to step out of the chaotic, contested territory of the nations, and step directly into the ordered, holy domain of Yahweh. But these are not just ordinary doors; they are "the gates where the righteous enter." The text explicitly states, "These gates lead to the presence of the Lord, and the godly enter there." Sacred space cannot be occupied by just anyone. The rebel gods, the wicked nations, and the unrepentant sinners cannot survive the holy presence of the Creator. Only those who have been justified, those who walk in covenant faithfulness, are granted access. As the heavy wooden and bronze gates swing open, the psalmist steps into the courtyard. His first act is not to boast of his own military prowess. Instead, he lifts his voice in profound gratitude: "I thank you for answering my prayer, and giving me victory!" He remembers the narrow, suffocating place from verse five. He remembers crying out in distress. As he looks at the altar and the sanctuary, he acknowledges that his survival is entirely the result of divine intervention. Psalm One Hundred Eighteen: verses twenty-two through twenty-four. The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing, and it is wonderful to see. This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. As the procession moves into the temple complex, the psalmist points to the architecture of the building itself, and draws out one of the most famous, and powerful, metaphors in all of Scripture. "The stone that the builders rejected, has now become the cornerstone." In ancient masonry, builders would carefully inspect the quarried rocks. If a stone was misshapen, flawed, or deemed unworthy, they would toss it aside into the rubble heap. The cornerstone, however, was the most critical piece of the entire foundation. It was the massive, perfectly cut block that locked the intersecting walls together, bearing the weight of the structure, and setting the alignment for the whole building. In the context of the Divine Council worldview, the "builders" represent the rulers of this age. They are the hostile nations, the corrupt human kings, and the dark spiritual principalities that govern the world. They inspected God's chosen King—and ultimately, the Messiah, Jesus Christ—and they judged Him as worthless. They rejected Him. They threw Him onto the rubble heap of the cross. But Yahweh, the Supreme Architect of the cosmos, walked over to the rubble heap. He picked up the rejected, discarded stone, and He made it the chief cornerstone of a brand new, eternal temple. God takes what the world despises, and uses it to anchor His entire kingdom. The congregation looks at this incredible reversal of fortunes, and responds in awe: "This is the Lord's doing, and it is wonderful to see." Human engineering cannot explain this. Political strategy cannot achieve this. It is a sheer, unadulterated miracle of God. Because of this miraculous reversal, the choir erupts into a famous declaration: "This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." We often quote this verse casually, to celebrate a sunny Tuesday morning. But in its original context, it is much heavier. "The Day" is a technical term for the Day of Yahweh's victory. It is the specific, appointed moment in history when God vindicates His rejected King, and establishes His cornerstone. That is the true reason for our rejoicing! Psalm One Hundred Eighteen: verses twenty-five through twenty-six. Please, Lord, please save us. Please, Lord, please give us success. Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord. The celebration reaches a fever pitch. The people cry out, "Please, Lord, please save us." In the original Hebrew, this phrase is Hoshiah-na, which translates directly into the word we know as "Hosanna." It is both an urgent plea for deliverance, and a roaring shout of praise. As the victorious King steps forward, the priests, standing on the steps of the temple, pronounce a blessing over Him: "Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord." They are officially recognizing His divine authority. He is not coming in his own name, seeking his own glory. He is acting as the authorized vice-regent of Yahweh. Then, the priests extend that blessing to the entire procession: "We bless you from the house of the Lord." The temple acts as a distribution center for God's grace. The blessing flows from the Holy of Holies, out to the King, and then washes over the entire assembly of the righteous. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, the crowds waved palm branches, and screamed these exact verses. "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" They were recognizing Him as the rejected stone, who had come to bring the ultimate Day of Salvation. Psalm One Hundred Eighteen: verses twenty-seven through twenty-nine. The Lord is God, shining upon us. Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar. You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. The procession reaches the very center of the courtyard, stopping before the great bronze altar. The psalmist declares, "The Lord is God, shining upon us." This evokes the ancient priestly blessing from the Book of Numbers: "May the Lord make his face shine upon you." It is a theophany—a manifestation of divine light and favor. The darkness of the enemy swarm has been entirely replaced by the radiant, blinding light of God's smiling presence. But true worship is never cheap. Victory always requires a cost. The leader commands: "Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar." Literally, the Hebrew says, "Bind the festival sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar." The horns of the altar were the raised corners, symbolizing the power and...
Is buying the best, most expensive gear always the right answer to your church's production problems? (Spoiler alert: Usually not.)In this special episode recorded live at MxU, we are joined by Spencer De Young and Dillan Howell. We dive straight into the controversial stuff, discussing exactly why your church probably shouldn't buy a DiGiCo 338 console and the hard truth about whether you actually need a giant LED wall.In this episode you'll hear: 0:00 The "Great Gear Fixes Everything" Myth4:30 Spencer De Young & Dillan Howell (Live at MxU) Join6:30 Why Your Church Shouldn't Buy a DiGiCo 33817:00 Are AVL Integrators Overselling to Churches?20:45 How to Choose the Right AVL Gear for Your Room36:00 The Hard Truth About Giant LED Walls41:15 What New Tech Volunteers Actually Need48:45 Storytime: Getting "Blaked" at MxU52:30 Tech Takeaway: Spend Church Budget Like It's YoursGet chapter one of Toby's new book "Sacred Spaces, Modern Production" here. Get more money back in your budget and more space in your closet by selling us your used gear here. Apply to work at ChurchGear here!Resources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
Tune into the newest episode of our Energy Works Podcast, where science meets spirit to help you heal, energize, and thrive. After noticing “time blocking” highlighted in a popular time-management article, Lauren reflects on her ongoing struggle to protect open, unscheduled time. Blaine, who teaches time blocking to entrepreneurs inside the Conscious Business Builders Club, shares why she considers it a proven and surprisingly liberating method.They have some fun discussing what time blocking really is: scheduling everything, including self-care, creative play, and even “free time” to reduce decision fatigue, close mental open loops, and increase focus and follow-through. Blaine explains how intentional structure can quiet the nervous system and support meaningful momentum.But this isn't a productivity pep talk. Lauren and Blaine explore the yin/yang dance between formless creativity and structured output. They dive into the tension between flow and discipline, the importance of protecting personal time, and how alone time fuels creative emergence. This episode offers a grounded, energetic lens on time, inviting you to experiment with flexible structure while honoring the sacred space where inspiration is born. Now available wherever you get your podcasts!Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:29 What Time Blocking Is 01:47 Elements and Resistance02:58 Free Time Keeps Filling Up05:00 Blaine's Business Lens 07:49 Yin Yang and Commitments 09:36 How Blaine Schedules Life 11:17 Boredom vs Focus 15:34 Friends Visits and Open Blocks 18:12 Protecting Personal Time 18:24 Sunday Nothingness Day 19:28 Craving Space to Recharge 20:23 Alone Time Fuels Creativity 22:25 Self Worth Beyond Productivity 24:32 Creating From Enoughness26:39 Service as a North Star 29:27 Inspiration and Better Productivity 31:09 Time Blocking Takeaways 33:30 ConclusionEpisode Resources:EMYoga Online Courses: emyoga.thinkific.com/collections/emyoga-coursesShop our EMYoga Store: emyogastore.com/Sign up for our FREE weekly Newsletter: www.energymedicineyoga.net/Listen on Spotify: Energy WorksListen on Apple Podcasts: Energy WorksFollow us on Instagram: @EnergyMedicineYogaFollow us on Facebook: @EnergyMedicineYoga#EnergyMedicineYoga #EMYoga #EnergyWorksPodcast #WellnessPodcast #TimeBlocking #IntentionalLiving #CreativeFlow #SacredSpace #ProductivityWithPurpose #MindfulLiving #WomenInBusiness
Join me for a transformative live in person event in Maui on May 14-17 https://www.brianscottlive.com/hawaii-2026 Join The Reality Revolution Tribe
Jeremy, Stephen, and Ryan sit down to discuss sacred spaces. Do they exist in the Old Testament? What about the New? Are there sacred times? We discuss this and more!
Liza Moore reads her poem "Under Van Gogh's Stars," and Johanna Caton, O.S.B., reads her poem "Little Dog" from our current Winter issue. Liza Moore is an artist and storyteller who resides with her husband and son in Round Rock, TX. She has created three children's books, and some of her artwork, poetry, and essays have been published in various journals, including Fathom Mag, Ekstasis Magazine, EcoTheo Review, Apple Valley Review, Thimble Lit Mag, Humana Obscura, St. Katherine Review, and Calla Press. To learn more about Liza and her creative work, please visit https://campsite.bio/liza_moore_art.Johanna Caton, O.S.B, is a Benedictine nun of Minster Abbey, in Kent, England. Her poems have appeared in a number of publications, including The Christian Century, St. Austin Review, Ekphrastic Review, Amethyst Review, One Art, Today's American Catholic, Fathom, Fare Forward, Windhover, The Catholic Poetry Room, and in two anthologies published by Amethyst Press: All Shall be Well, Poems for Julian of Norwich and Thin Places and Sacred Spaces. She is a Pushcart Prize nominee.
Serving in the production booth can be incredibly isolating. Without a strong culture, church tech volunteers and staff often burn out in silence. So, how do you fix it?In this episode, we sit down with Christian Acevedo of Celebration Church to talk about the life-saving power of community in church production.In this episode you'll hear: 0:00 Intro: Snowstorms & "The Mix" Events5:30 Christian Acevedo (Celebration Church) Joins9:40 Christian's Journey to Celebration Church14:30 Building a Thriving Church Production Community25:40 Raising Up the Next Generation of Church Techs30:00 The Dangers of Isolation in Tech Ministry 34:00 Gear Talk: What is Celebration Church Using?38:00 Church Tech Disaster Story42:00 Tech Takeaway: Checking Your Blind SpotsGet chapter one of Toby's new book "Sacred Spaces, Modern Production" here. Get more money back in your budget and more space in your closet by selling us your used gear here. Apply to work at ChurchGear here!Resources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
Episode Summary In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson chats with Emmanuel Manolakakis, owner of Fight Club Martial Arts and Archery Training Center Incorporated and creator of The Masters Method. Emmanuel shares how a blunt comment from a prospective student early in his career fueled him to build a martial arts school that has now thrived for nearly 25 years. The conversation explores authenticity in business, adapting under pressure, and why mental training may be the most important skill entrepreneurs need heading into the future. From martial arts to music to leadership, Emmanuel breaks down what it really means to master your craft and yourself. Who is Emmanuel Manolakakis? Emmanuel Manolakakis is the founder of Fight Club Martial Arts and Archery Training Center Incorporated and the creator of The Masters Method. With over two decades of experience teaching martial arts, archery, and personal development, he now focuses heavily on mental training, resilience, and authenticity. Through his teaching, writing, and courses, Emmanuel helps entrepreneurs, athletes, and everyday people go inward, build discipline, and perform under pressure. Connect with Emmanuel Manolakakis Website: https://www.fight-club.ca Website: https://www.mastersmethod.ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/systema_at_fightclub/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FightClubToronto YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Fight-Club Host Contact Details Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/workathomestar Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:34 25 Years of Fight Club 02:54 Mistakes and Adaptability 04:13 Authenticity Over Copying 07:09 Martial Arts vs Entertainment 11:09 Mastery and Finding Your Voice 16:17 Teaching Kids and Adults 17:48 Training for the Unexpected 20:05 Training for Chaos 21:17 Entrepreneur Crisis Mindset 22:13 Calm Under Fire 24:17 Pressure and Performance 26:03 Mental Training Shift 27:06 Information Overload 30:26 Mind as Sacred Space 34:21 Ten Minute Mindfulness 36:03 Start Small Habits 36:52 Where to Find Emmanuel 38:02 Authenticity for Entrepreneurs 38:45 Music and Role Models 40:18 Podcast Farewell
British-born Shelley Anne Lewis, reportedly Epstein's longtime secret girlfriend, was identified in newly unsealed court documents after years of mystery about her identity. Lewis, then in her early 20s, is said to have met Epstein around 1999 while working in the contemporary art department at Christie's auction house in New York and to have dated him until about 2002. Flight logs suggest she took numerous trips on his private jet, including to his properties, and was part of his social circle for several years. She later became known as a children's book author, spiritual entrepreneur and wellness figure, running ventures like Chocolate Sauce Books and Sacred Space and describing herself as pursuing holistic wellbeing projects. Despite the spotlight on her name, there's no indication she was involved in or aware of Epstein's criminal conduct, and she declined to comment publicly after her identity was exposed.Lewis' family acknowledged in other reports that they knew she was seeing “someone in New York” during that period, but her connection to Epstein only fully came to light through references in emails between Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. In one 2015 message, Maxwell asked Epstein to confirm that Shelley had been his girlfriend from the late 1990s to early 2000s, to which he agreed. While some media have highlighted her social travels and describe her as part of Epstein's circle during a formative time in his life, she has not been accused of wrongdoing and has kept a low profile since the documents were released.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.
How do you allocate a new church build budget between Audio, Video, and Lighting? And at what church size does production start to get exponentially more expensive?In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Ruse (former Technical Director at Saddleback Church and FOH engineer for Matt Redman) to break down the reality of modern church production. Before diving into the interview, the guys react to the massive production behind the Super Bowl Halftime Show.In this episode you'll hear: 0:00 Production Breakdown: Super Bowl Halftime Show4:25 Aaron Ruse (Saddleback Church / Sweetwater) Joins8:30 Aaron's Start in Church Production13:00 What It Takes to Mix FOH for Matt Redman14:30 Church Tech: What Has Changed in 20 Years (And What Hasn't)18:00 Essential Skills for Managing an LED Wall19:40 Production Trends to Embrace (and Which to Avoid)26:00 Acoustic Treatment Strategies for Worship Spaces34:00 The "Breaking Point" Where Production Costs Skyrocket38:45 Allocating Your AVL Budget: Audio vs. Video vs. Lighting43:00 Church Tech Disaster Story46:00 Tech Takeaway: Fostering Authentic WorshipGet chapter one of Toby's new book "Sacred Spaces, Modern Production" here. Resources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
British-born Shelley Anne Lewis, reportedly Epstein's longtime secret girlfriend, was identified in newly unsealed court documents after years of mystery about her identity. Lewis, then in her early 20s, is said to have met Epstein around 1999 while working in the contemporary art department at Christie's auction house in New York and to have dated him until about 2002. Flight logs suggest she took numerous trips on his private jet, including to his properties, and was part of his social circle for several years. She later became known as a children's book author, spiritual entrepreneur and wellness figure, running ventures like Chocolate Sauce Books and Sacred Space and describing herself as pursuing holistic wellbeing projects. Despite the spotlight on her name, there's no indication she was involved in or aware of Epstein's criminal conduct, and she declined to comment publicly after her identity was exposed.Lewis' family acknowledged in other reports that they knew she was seeing “someone in New York” during that period, but her connection to Epstein only fully came to light through references in emails between Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. In one 2015 message, Maxwell asked Epstein to confirm that Shelley had been his girlfriend from the late 1990s to early 2000s, to which he agreed. While some media have highlighted her social travels and describe her as part of Epstein's circle during a formative time in his life, she has not been accused of wrongdoing and has kept a low profile since the documents were released.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com
What if faithful leadership is less about having the right answers and more about asking the right questions? In this episode, J.R. Briggs joins us to explore how curiosity shapes spiritual formation, deepens relationships, and transforms the way leaders lead. Drawing from his newest work on asking better questions—and his honest reflections on failure, disillusionment, and resilience—J.R. invites leaders to move from control to presence, from performance to humility. This conversation offers practical wisdom and hope for leaders longing to lead in the way of Jesus: building trust, bearing pain, and bringing hope.Ecclesia NetworkPodcasts: Resilient Leaders PodcastKairos Partnerships: https://www.kairospartnerships.org/The Art of Asking Better Questions
British-born Shelley Anne Lewis, reportedly Epstein's longtime secret girlfriend, was identified in newly unsealed court documents after years of mystery about her identity. Lewis, then in her early 20s, is said to have met Epstein around 1999 while working in the contemporary art department at Christie's auction house in New York and to have dated him until about 2002. Flight logs suggest she took numerous trips on his private jet, including to his properties, and was part of his social circle for several years. She later became known as a children's book author, spiritual entrepreneur and wellness figure, running ventures like Chocolate Sauce Books and Sacred Space and describing herself as pursuing holistic wellbeing projects. Despite the spotlight on her name, there's no indication she was involved in or aware of Epstein's criminal conduct, and she declined to comment publicly after her identity was exposed.Lewis' family acknowledged in other reports that they knew she was seeing “someone in New York” during that period, but her connection to Epstein only fully came to light through references in emails between Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. In one 2015 message, Maxwell asked Epstein to confirm that Shelley had been his girlfriend from the late 1990s to early 2000s, to which he agreed. While some media have highlighted her social travels and describe her as part of Epstein's circle during a formative time in his life, she has not been accused of wrongdoing and has kept a low profile since the documents were released.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Send Us a Message!What actually makes a group feel safe enough to transform? We open with a vulnerable debrief from a tantric couples retreat—where the intention was beautiful but the container felt thin—and use it to map the anatomy of true space holding. From feeling “muted” to identifying the missing check-ins, we explore how safety, consent, and integration are built through small, deliberate choices rather than rushed practices.In this episode, we'll explore:
When hiring a new church tech director, should you look for the person with the most technical knowledge or the best leadership potential? And if you are currently in the role, which skill set should you be developing first?In this episode, we are joined by Max Brown (formerly of Willow Creek Church) to tackle the age-old debate of Competence vs. Character. Max shares his experience running production at one of the most influential churches in the country, revealing the reality of their team size and workflows.In this episode you'll hear: 0:00 Blake's Beach Blunder4:45 Max Brown (Former Willow Creek) Joins9:00 Principles of Leading Church Production13:00 Debate: Developing Leadership vs. Technical Skills22:00 Hiring Strategy: Character vs. Competence?28:30 Inside Production at Willow Creek Church32:20 Can You Run a Sunday Service with Just Tracks?34:45 Willow Creek's Production Team Size46:20 Is Church Production an Art or a Science?51:30 Tech TakeawayGet Toby's new book "Sacred Spaces, Modern Production" here. Resources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
If you had a limited budget, would you spend it on a better PA system or a better mixing console? And with all the hype around spatial audio, should your church actually be looking at Immersive Audio installs?In this episode, we are joined by Johnny Ragin, the face behind Worship Sound Guy, and we dive deep into the gear debates every church tech has.In this episode you'll hear: 0:00 Handling Unsolicited Feedback5:00 Johnny Ragin (Worship Sound Guy) Joins7:00 Segment: Five Truths & A Lie16:45 Johnny's Start in Church Production21:15 Overcoming the Tech "Knowledge Gap"25:15 Training New Audio Volunteers27:45 Debate: Better PA vs. Better Console?28:45 Overused Production Effects & Tools33:00 Real Talk: Church Drum Budgets34:45 Is Immersive Audio Worth It for Churches?37:45 The Pros & Cons of Remote Mixing47:45 Rapid Fire: Favorite Audio Consoles49:00 Favorite PA System of All Time49:25 Favorite Audio Plugin51:00 Tech Takeaway: Keep It SimpleGet Toby's new book "Sacred Spaces, Modern Production" here. Resources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
Join us as our guest speaker, Tapio Tikkala of Overland Missions speaks on the sacred space of sacrifice.
Taking risks in church production is terrifying. If you try something new and it fails, everyone notices. But if you never take risks, your production gets stale. So, how do you find the balance?In this episode, we sit down with John Williams, Production Director at Church of the King, to discuss how to push your church forward with strategic risks. We cover how to approach the first few months of a new church tech role, the safest ways to test new gear or workflows on a Sunday, and how to have difficult conversations with your pastor when a volunteer makes a mistake.In this episode you'll hear: 0:00 Intro: The Biggest Risks We've Ever Taken5:00 John Williams (Church of the King) Joins6:15 John's Origin Story in Production15:00 Starting a New Role: The First 90 Days Strategy18:30 Taking Strategic Risks on Sunday Mornings22:00 Safe Ways to Test New Gear & Workflows35:30 Handling Volunteer Mistakes with Your Pastor38:45 Disaster Story: A Squirrel Destroyed Our Service43:45 Tech Takeaway: Keep the Main Thing the Main ThingGet Toby's new book "Sacred Spaces, Modern Production" here. Resources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
In this episode, we explore the rare but inspiring career path from Production Director to Executive Pastor.We are joined by Dave Clark of Fellowship Church (Grapevine) to discuss how he transitioned from technical leadership to executive leadership. We break down the difference between treating ministry as a "job" versus a "calling," and Dave shares practical advice on how tech directors can build trust with senior pastors and get "unstuck" when they feel stagnant.In this episode you'll hear:0:00 Toby's Church Planting Story6:30 Dave Clark (Fellowship Church Grapevine) Joins14:30 Defining Ministry: A Job vs. A Calling17:00 Career Path: From Tech Director to Executive Pastor21:45 How to Minister to Production Volunteers27:00 Getting "Unstuck" in Your Ministry Career29:00 Building Trust with Senior Leadership38:00 Pastor Ed Young's Wildest Production Requests48:00 Staying Calm During a Tech Disaster53:00 Avoiding "Imaginary Arguments"54:15 Tech Takeaway: Ask Questions to Understand55:45 C3 Conference PreviewYou can sign up for the C3 Conference with this link to get a special rate discount from $229 to $99. https://brushfire.com/fellowship/c3conference2026/598770/register?typeCode=C3COMEBACKGet Toby's new book "Sacred Spaces, Modern Production" here. Resources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!
Adam Bursi's Traces of the Prophets: Relics and Sacred Spaces in Early Islam (Edinburg University Press, 2024) uses writings by early Muslims to map a history of material objects, relics, and tombs of prophetic figures as they were conceptualized in the 8th and 9th centuries. The book draws from various genres of writings, including biographies and hadith of the Prophet Muhammad and Qur'an commentaries and juristic compilations to capture the tensions and practices around tomb and relic veneration. Some of the discussion of Muslim relic veneration are polemical as they aim to establish some boundaries around similar pious practices amongst Jewish and Christian communities. In the process, we learn that there were indeed debates with regards to the post-mortem “traces” or “athar” of Muhammad's tomb, which then impacted how spaces associated with him were also perceived, as well as other prophetic figures like Ibrahim (Abraham) or Daniel. Such examples raise conceptual questions of absence and presence and Prophet Muhammad's capacity for intercession and obligatory versus non-obligatory rituals. In charting these early Muslim debates and narratives, Bursi masterfully captures the differing approaches Muslims had to holy bodies and sacred spaces. The book will be of interest to scholars who think about early Islamic history and also for scholars who work on contemporary Islamic material and shrine cultures. Shobhana Xavier is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Queen's University. More details about her research and scholarship may be found here and here. She may be reached at shobhana.xavier@queensu.ca. You can follow her on Twitter via @shobhanaxavier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
We follow our conversation about Sacred Space, with a natural next step discussion about engaging Scripture.
What if the key to understanding the Bible's supernatural storyline has been hiding in plain sight—on every mountain peak from Genesis to Revelation?Dr. Joel Muddamalle returns to break down the cosmic mountain motif: an ancient Near Eastern concept that shaped how the Hebrews understood everything from Eden to the temple to the final battle. Mountains weren't hiking destinations—they were portals. Meeting places. Contested territory between Yahweh and the rebellious sons of God.In this episode, we explore why Eden was almost certainly elevated, how the Tower of Babel was humanity's attempt to build their own sacred peak, what made Mount Hermon the headquarters of evil, and why God chose Sinai to reveal His personal name to Moses. Joel walks us through the cosmic geography that connects Sheol, the abyss, and the heavenly throne room—all anchored to the mountain image.Plus: we officially announce Stranger Theology, our new theological project. New Substack. New podcast series. Bible-in-a-Year journal that doesn't flinch at Leviticus or Nephilim. You're gonna want in on this. Check out www.strangertheology.com This Episode is Sponsored By: https://mintmobile.com/blurry — Get your premium wireless plan for $15 a month when you try Mint Mobile for the first time! https://quince.com/blurry — Get free shipping on your order & 365-day returns when you shop now! https://livemomentous.com — Get up to 35% off your first order with promo code BLURRY at checkout! - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Emily Utt has one of the most unique jobs within the Church: she spends her days inside its most sacred and historic spaces. Sometimes that means slipping on a hard hat; other times it means uncovering stories and artifacts that deepen our understanding of the faith's heritage. In this episode, Emily shares what she's learned from a career spent safeguarding holy places—and why these spaces should matter to each of us. 1:43- What Constitutes a Sacred Space? 4:49- Remembering and Connection 9:55- We are Them 16:40- A Very Cool Job 19:09- Principles of Preservation 24:47- Appropriateness and Real People 27:22- Why Spend Time in Sacred Spaces? 31:33- Kirtland Temple 37:46- Until You've Been in Their Home 44:21- Looking Forward and Looking Back 50:07- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? "I imagine every person in the world has a place that would be their waters of Mormon and how beautiful is that place, for there they came to know God." Links: Follow Him podcast with Emily- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/followhim/id1545433056?i=100070927727 Hi Five Live with Emily- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy1wPXog1q8