Podcasts about search for meaning

Pastor Ben Stuart continues in The Search For Meaning, leading us through the turn in Ecclesiastes that moves from telling us how frustrating life is to instructing us on how to work within it and actually embrace life.—With Passion City Online you can join us live every Sunday at 9:30a and 11:30a! Join us at https://passioncitychurch.com/dc—Give towards what God is doing through Passion City Church: https://passioncitychurch.com/dc/give—Subscribe to our Youtube channel to see more messages https://www.youtube.com/passioncitychurchdc—Follow along with Passion City Church DC: https://www.instagram.com/passioncitydc—Follow along with Pastor Ben Stuart: https://www.instagram.com/ben_stuart_—Passion City Church is a Jesus church with locations in Atlanta and Washington D.C. For more info on Passion, visit https://passioncitychurch.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback sits down with actor Moshe Lobel, star of the groundbreaking new film SHTTL—a Yiddish-language, single-shot masterpiece set in a Ukrainian shtetl on the eve of its destruction in 1941. Filmed in 2021 but only recently released, SHTTL feels uncannily prophetic, speaking directly to the anxieties, divisions, and questions facing the Jewish world today.Moshe brings a deeply personal lens to the film. Raised in an ultra-Orthodox home in Brooklyn, with Yiddish as his first language, he eventually left the community of his childhood to pursue a different path—an experience that echoes through his portrayal of Mendele, a young man who also steps outside his community and becomes a filmmaker in the Soviet Army's propaganda division. In the conversation, Moshe reflects on how his own journey of identity, faith, and separation helped him understand Mendele's longing, his conflicts, and his complicated return home.Rabbi Yoshi and Moshe explore the Talmudic nature of Jewish identity—our arguments, our diversity, our longing for unity—and how SHTTL reveals both the beauty and the fragility of a people wrestling with faith, modernity, and danger. They also discuss the film's most powerful scenes: moments of denial in the face of rising antisemitism, fierce debates about unity and belief, and the urgent relevance of a story rooted in 1941 yet alive with meaning in our own moment.A moving, timely, and deeply reflective conversation that reminds us how fragile—and how enduring—the Jewish story truly is.Learn more about the film at: https://www.menemshafilms.com/shttl

Welcome to our ✨Holiday Special✨! In an episode that is ostensibly about Elf On The Shelf (or Mensch On The Bench — for Sarah), we explore our collective annual search for meaning and self with the great Meaghan O'Connell, author of And Now We Have Everything and noted Elf On The Shelf apologist. Pressing items interrogated lightly include: Should Elf On The Shelf be a Dad thing? Does holiday magic necessarily include lying to our kids? What do we say when our kids ask if we're Santa? What is the true magic? How do we even know what we enjoy and what we don't in a season this busy, and should we take Miranda's recommendation to do a witchy ritual to remind ourselves? Links: * Meaghan O'Connell's book, And Now We Have Everything * St. Nicholas day* Mr. Willoby's Christmas Tree* ‘Lazy Mom' Elf On A Shelf* Elf on a Shelf Book* The first Mother of it All holiday special, featuring Sara Petersen* Mensch on a Bench (“as seen on Shark Tank”)* Sarah on Boo Baskets (The Cut)* When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron* Miranda's Grandma Ruth's Peanut Butter Balls* Meaghan's Substack This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit motherofitall.substack.com/subscribe

Phil Svitek and Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) dive into Albert Camus' Exile and the Kingdom, a collection of six vivid, unsettling, and deeply human short stories exploring what it means to be isolated yet yearning for connection. Written in 1957 against the backdrop of the Algerian War, these stories capture individuals at decisive moments—moments of moral conflict, longing, rebellion, and revelation.We explore Camus' legacy as a French-Algerian writer, Resistance journalist, and Nobel laureate whose ideas on the Absurd, Revolt, and moral responsibility shaped the intellectual landscape of the 20th century. Phil and Marisa walk through each story—from Janine's desert epiphany to the silent cask-workers, the tortured missionary, the conflicted schoolteacher, and the weary artist—unpacking the symbols, emotional arcs, and philosophical questions that define Camus' work.We discuss the recurring themes of exile, identity, freedom, guilt, spiritual hunger, and the longing for a “kingdom” where meaning and belonging finally converge. Plus, we compare our favorite stories, reflect on what resonated most personally, and consider why Camus' writing still feels urgent in today's fractured world.Up next in our Bookmarked series:-Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore – Emily Krempholtz (Dec 2025)-The Phantom Tollbooth - Norton Juster (Jan 2026) -Marisa pick (Feb 2026)-The Lost Bookshop – Evie Woods (Mar 2026)-Marisa pick (Apr 2026)-How to Solve Your Own Murder – Kristen Perrin (May 2026)

Veteran trial lawyer Marc Kasowitz has taken his courtroom skills to a new front—the battle against antisemitism on America's college campuses. In this episode, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback talks with Kasowitz about the lawsuits he's brought against universities like NYU and Harvard, where Jewish and Israeli students faced harassment and exclusion.Their conversation explores how the legal system can hold powerful institutions accountable, what meaningful change looks like in practice, and where Kasowitz finds hope in an era of rising hate.This thoughtful exchange offers a rare look at the intersection of law, justice, and Jewish identity—and what it takes to stand up for truth and dignity when it matters most.

What if the stories you tell yourself are the very thing shaping — or sabotaging — your leadership? In this powerful episode of the Build a Vibrant Culture Podcast, Nicole sits down with Dr. Jaime Goff, psychologist, executive coach, and author of The Secure Leader. Together, they unpack the hidden forces that shape how leaders think, feel, and behave — stories formed early in life that quietly influence everything from delegation to decision-making.Dr. Goff explains why humans rely so heavily on story to make sense of the world, how neural pathways become entrenched through repetition, and why the good news of neuroplasticity means every leader can rewrite their narrative. Nicole and Jaime explore secure vs. insecure attachment styles, the roots of perfectionism and approval-seeking, emotional regulation, personal triggers, ambiguity, connection in leadership, and what it truly takes to become a secure, resilient, and authentic leader.If you've ever wondered why you lead the way you lead — or how to elevate your leadership story — this conversation is your roadmap.Vibrant Highlights:[00:01:51–00:03:24] Why Story Shapes Leadership. Dr. Goff explains how humans interpret the world through internal stories and neural pathways — and how those stories can become invisible scripts driving leadership behavior.[00:15:11–00:17:42] The Two Questions That Define Your Leadership Story. Am I worthy? Are others trustworthy? These two unconscious beliefs shape everything about how leaders show up — from delegation to receiving feedback.[00:35:00–00:39:19] How to Move from Reactive to Regulated. Using emotional awareness, triggers, naming feelings, and reflection techniques, leaders can create the space between stimulus and response where growth happens.Connect with Dr. Jaime:Website - https://drjaimegoff.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr_jaimegoff/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjaimegoff/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@drjaimegoffGoodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/235737746-the-secure-leaderAmazon - https://www.amazon.com/Secure-Leader-Discover-Leadership-Story/dp/B0FBZ39H8Y/Bookshop - https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-secure-leader-discover-the-hidden-forces-that-shape-your-leadership-story-and-how-to-change-them/f89704d58aefbc84 Also mentioned in this episode:Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl: https://a.co/d/8mgGTUxListen at vibrantculture.com/podcast or wherever you get your podcasts!Book Nicole to help your organization ignite clarity, accountability, and energy through her SHINE™ Coaching MethodologyVisit vibrantculture.comEmail: nicole@vibrantculture.comWatch Nicole's TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/SMbxA90bfXE

I'm reading Viktor E. Frankel's book, ‘Man, Search for Meaning', and it's really thought-provoking. I came across a paragraph that gave me a fresh perspective on life. My AA sponsor says he wakes up every morning and says, ‘Father, I'm ready for service. What can I do for you today?' He's one of the most spiritual and level-headed people I know. I know he's helped many people. Thank you for listening in and get yourself a copy of the book. Good stuff.

In this episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback sits down with Michael Honigstein, a career Foreign Service Officer who has served in countries around the world—including Sudan, Sri Lanka, and Israel—working to promote peace, democracy, and human rights.Michael reflects on his remarkable journey from an advertising career in New York to decades of diplomatic service, shaped by his Jewish upbringing and a deep sense of moral responsibility. He speaks candidly about the challenges of diplomacy, the toll of public service, and the circumstances surrounding his recent and painful forced retirement from the U.S. State Department.Together, they discuss the complexities of pursuing peace in the modern world and Michael's thoughts on the Witkoff–Kushner–Trump peace plan for Gaza.This is a powerful and deeply human conversation about integrity, purpose, and the enduring call to serve.

“Please—all of you people out there—don't wait until you're dying to see the beauty in life.” Becca was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer at 34, went into remission, and eleven years later—when she thought she was in the clear—her cancer returned as stage four metastatic disease. What followed was a journey through brutal treatment side effects, painful decisions about quality versus quantity of life, and a profound reckoning with faith, value, and what it means to live authentically while dying. In this week's episode, Becca shares her experience leaving evangelical Christianity after her first diagnosis, wrestling with what makes a life worth living when you're sleeping 14-15 hours a day, and the reality that even within cancer communities, certain truths feel taboo to speak. She talks about the irony of saying “I'll never treat again” and then, when faced with recurrence, immediately asking “How do we treat this?” Becca's story is filled with hard-won wisdom about flexibility, authenticity, and the surprising peace that can come from facing uncertainty without the answers she once relied on. Tune in to hear Cody and Becca explore: The gap between what we say we'll do and what we actually do when facing terminal illness Leaving evangelical Christianity and finding peace in uncertainty as an atheist facing death Quality versus quantity of life: setting boundaries and taking treatment “vacations” Redefining personal value from “a human doing” to “a human being” The loneliness of dying and what's taboo even in cancer communities How “life isn't fair” can cut both ways Parenting through terminal illness and the legacy we leave in our children's minds Patient autonomy: “This is our life. We get to call the shots.” Note: This episode includes a content warning regarding discussion of suicidal ideation and self-harm during Becca's first cancer diagnosis.

In this episode of Search for Meaning, host Yoshi Zweiback sits down with dear friend and esteemed spiritual leader Rabbi Sydney Mintz. Rabbi Mintz, longtime rabbi at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco and founder of the 13th Tribe community, brings her unique blend of rabbinic insight, performance art, and lived experience to the conversation.After touching on her creative work—including her one-woman show You May Think I'm Funny, But It's Not—the discussion turns to her recent High Holy Day sermon, a deeply personal reflection on her love for Israel and the complexities of wrestling with one's Zionism. It's an invitation to imagine a Zionist tent that is broad, diverse, and alive with thoughtful engagement.This episode offers honesty, heart, and hope at a moment that calls for all three.

Questions? Comments? Text Us!Radically Personal is a new series exploring how divine reality reveals itself within the lives of individual seekers. Based on Dr. Jerry L. Martin's newest book, Radically Personal: God and Ourselves in the New Axial Age, the series invites listeners to rethink what it means to encounter the divine as intimately present and personally responsive. Each episode follows the unfolding conversation between human experience and transcendent reality, uncovering how theology itself must evolve to meet a pluralistic, spiritually awake world.In this premiere episode, “How Divine Reality Reveals Itself in Every Spiritual Journey,” Jerry begins with a simple but profound truth: reality discloses itself. Drawing from philosophy, theology, and lived experience, he explores how ultimate reality — or what we might call God — has revealed itself across times, cultures, and religious traditions.Through stories like missionary Kenneth Cracknell's awakening in Nigeria and reflections on Abraham Joshua Heschel's life-seeking theology, Jerry challenges traditional boundaries and invites a new kind of understanding. Theology Without Walls, he argues, is not just a scholarly ideal but a way of life: the quest to orient one's being toward the ultimate source of meaning.Hosted by Scott Langdon, this episode introduces listeners to a living philosophy of faith — one that honors revelation wherever it occurs and asks how each of us might find our own access point to the divine.✨ Listen as theology becomes personal, revelation becomes universal, and the search for God becomes the search for your truest self.Other Series:The podcast began with the Dramatic Adaptation of the book and now has several series:The Life Wisdom Project – Spiritual insights on living a wiser, more meaningful life.From God to Jerry to You – Divine messages and breakthroughs for seekers.Two Philosophers Wrestle With God – A dialogue on God, truth, and reason.Jerry & Abigail: An Intimate Dialogue – Love, faith, and divine presence in partnership.What's Your Spiritual Story – Real stories of people changed by encounters with God.What's On Our Mind – Reflections from Jerry and Scott on recent episodes.What's On Your Mind – Listener questions, divine answers, and open dialogue. Stay ConnectedShare your thoughts or questions at questions@godandautobiography.com

Buckle up, today we're getting philosophical! Matthew McConaughey joins us for a vulnerable and reflective conversation that reaches far beyond the pages of his new book, Poems and Prayers. We unpack some of life’s most elusive questions—Why are we here? What does it mean to live well? McConaughey personally opens up about his evolving relationship with uncertainty, the power of reinvention, and how he learned to live in the in-between spaces—where identity shifts, purpose gets blurry, and the answers don’t come easy. This isn’t a conversation about having it all figured out. It’s about learning how to live fully, honestly, and in pursuit of something deeper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would life be like if there is no God?​In the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon writes about the meaning of life. He says a lot of the same things over and over. He also uses this phrase, "life under the sun."When Solomon says "life under the sun," he's asking you to consider—what would life be like if there is no God? Solomon says that it leads to a life that's empty and meaningless. We look for ways to divert the mind.You see this in Solomon's life in Ecclesiastes, and you see this today. The way you deal with this sense of meaninglessness, this vanity is to look for ways to divert your mind. And the way you do it, the way he did it, and the way people do it today is through pleasure and through their work.Solomon talks about all these great buildings that he's built. He talks about all the wives that he had.​Then we learn from Solomon that this is not effective. It doesn't work. These pursuits in life don't bring any type of permanence or lasting satisfaction.​And therefore he says, it's all vanity. It's all meaningless. >>Watch on YouTube

Liberated Life Series | Episode 775 Join Josh Trent, host of the Wellness + Wisdom Podcast, and Mar, co-host of the Liberated Life Series, as they expose the shocking truth about the meaning of life. Why do money, success, and approval so often leave us empty? And how can struggle, the very thing we try to avoid, become the secret key to fulfillment? If you've ever asked yourself why achievements don't make you happy or why the search for purpose collapses into anxiety, this episode will shake your perspective, reveal where most people get meaning wrong, and guide you toward a deeper truth that can never be taken away. We ALL have problems. Stop hiding. Start living life liberated. Learn how to set yourself free from self-sabotage, limiting beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors so you will have lifelong confidence and clarity of purpose through a thriving community and practical tools, guiding you to play a new reality game. Join Josh and others in the Liberated Life Tribe to: Discover lifelong confidence, clarity, and a true sense of purpose with practical tools and a supportive community. Learn to rewrite your reality + master a new “reality game.” Unlock your highest potential in your physical, mental, emotional, spiritual + financial SELF beyond your wildest dreams through accessing the power of surrender to trust life + create new results. Join the Tribe Today (It's FREE) Listen To Episode 775 As Josh Trent Uncovers: [00:00] If You Died Tomorrow, Would Your Life Mean Anything? Why chasing money, approval, or success leaves most people empty. The shocking truth: achievements without alignment always collapse into anxiety. How Emotional Epigenetics™ reveals that unresolved trauma blocks real fulfillment. Why true meaning only comes when your biology no longer argues with your reality. [07:20] Why Doing the Dishes Could Save Your Soul How finding joy in boring, everyday tasks rewires your relationship with life. Why “mundane moments” are the secret to lasting peace. The hidden danger of chasing dreams while ignoring the present. How presence in small things creates capacity for true abundance. [11:55] Happiness Is a Fool's Game Why Jordan Peterson warns against chasing happiness. The paradox of suffering: struggle is the fuel for deeper joy. How resistance is life signaling you to grow, not a sign to quit. Why maturity means embracing suffering as necessary for fulfillment. [14:55] The 8-Step Authentic Abundance Formula The proven roadmap: Values → Identity → Purpose → Dream → Vision → Gift → Give → Receive → Repeat. Why clarity on values is the non-negotiable foundation of identity transformation. How journaling through these 8 steps gives you a clear, personal life plan. The shocking truth: you can't shortcut embodiment - even ChatGPT can't do the work for you. [21:40] Why Planning Alone Will Keep You Stuck Why silent internal blocks only dissolve when exposed in community. The hidden cost of trying to figure it out by yourself. How tribe accountability reveals the lies trauma imprints into your biology. Why the Liberated Life Tribe™ is essential: we are not designed to evolve in isolation. [23:55] Turning Suffering Into a Spiritual Weapon Why acceptance transforms pain into fuel for your highest dreams. The radical mindset shift: nothing is good or bad - thinking makes it so. How neutrality and trust alchemize struggle into growth. Why resistance is secretly the doorway to your next level of meaning. [25:35] Life Has No Meaning... Until You Choose One The bus metaphor: two passengers, same ride, two radically different realities. How perspective creates meaning, even when facts stay the same. Why focusing on despair destroys - from Robin Williams to everyday burnout. [27:30] What Is The True Meaning of Life? Why unconditional love is the real test of human existence. How community and connection become the antidote to despair. Why peace must be the foundation of true power. The ultimate paradox: God is everything and nothing - and love is the only meaning we get to create. Leave Wellness + Wisdom a Review on Apple Podcasts Links From Today's Show  Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig Emotional Epigenetics™: The Sacred Science of Identity Transformation (Remember Who You Are) The Talk: Philip Seymour Hoffman & Robin Williams (Part 2) 

In this episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback speaks with Rania Fadel Dean, a leader of the Druze community in Los Angeles and founder of Covenant of Blood (Brit Damim).Together they explore the unique history and religion of the Druze people, their deep integration into Israeli society, and the “covenant of blood” that binds the Druze and Jewish communities through shared sacrifice and loyalty. Rania also sheds light on the persecution of Druze communities in Syria, including the tragic violence in Sweida, and shares how her work through Covenant seeks to amplify Druze voices and build bridges of understanding across cultures.It's a moving conversation about identity, resilience, and the power of solidarity in times of crisis.Stay tuned and be inspired.

It's really worth fighting to reclaim the deepest part of our heart and its capacity to feel. None of us are inherently greed or aversion rooted. What we are missing is our connection to what is contained in the stillness. When we overcome our numbness, the quest to find meaning in life is over.  

In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron unpack the recent conversation between Ross Douthat and Ezra Klein, diving deep into the question: What is the guiding story of progressive politics today? With insight, wit, and theological reflection, they explore the cultural crisis of meaning, the limits of techno-utopianism, and why modern narratives—both secular and spiritual—are failing to satisfy the human soul. Drawing from Joan Didion, Charles Taylor, and American pop culture, they challenge Christians to consider how the gospel offers a fuller, more coherent vision of life, purpose, and hope. If you're a believer wrestling with the intersection of faith, politics, and culture, this thoughtful analysis will sharpen your mind and deepen your understanding of the stories shaping our time.DONATE LINK: https://toltogether.com/donate BOOK A SPEAKER: https://toltogether.com/book-a-speakerJOIN TOL CONNECT: https://toltogether.com/tol-connect TOL Connect is an online forum where TOL listeners can continue the conversation begun on the podcast.

A sermon by Brad Snyder based on Ecclesiastes 1:1-18 preached on September 28th as part of our sermon series called "Devoted: Following Jesus Together."

A sermon by Joe Byler based on Ecclesiastes 1 preached on September 28th for our Short North congregation as part of our sermon series called "Fully Alive: Wisdom and the Way of Jesus in Ecclesiastes"

A sermon by Brad Snyder based on Ecclesiastes 1:1-18 preached on September 28th as part of our sermon series called "Devoted: Following Jesus Together."

A sermon by Joe Byler based on Ecclesiastes 1 preached on September 28th for our Short North congregation as part of our sermon series called "Fully Alive: Wisdom and the Way of Jesus in Ecclesiastes"

What happens when a Reform journalist and an Orthodox rabbi spend years studying Torah together? In this episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback welcomes Abigail Pogrebin and Rabbi Dov Linzer to talk about their new book, It Takes Two to Torah.Drawing from very different backgrounds—Abby, the daughter of feminist thinker Letty Pogrebin, who grew up in a more assimilated Jewish home, and Dov, who was raised in a Modern Orthodox community, immersed in hours of daily Talmud study—they share how their partnership has shaped their lives, their faith, and their understanding of Torah.The conversation explores questions of determinism and Tikkun Olam, wrestles with challenging texts like the Sotah ritual in Parshat Naso, and highlights how studying Torah across lines of difference can transform both individuals and communities.Engaging, candid, and deeply thoughtful, this episode is a celebration of what becomes possible when we open ourselves to dialogue and discovery—together.https://www.mvpublishers.org/product-page/it-takes-two-to-torah

Joining us on the show this week is the parkour teacher, martial artist, and founder of Evolve, Move, Play - Rafe Kelley. Having spent 20 years exploring diverse movement practices, Rafe has gone on to create a system which combines parkour, connecting with the natural world, and building community through intentional interactions. In this conversation, we explore how we can create a deeper sense of embodied living through movement. You can check out Rafe's work by heading over to evolvemoveplay.com or following his socials @evolve.move.play     Show Topics: - History of Parkour and How it Changes Us - Risk Vs. Danger - The Importance of Play - The Pros and Cons of Devices - Learning from Rejection and Friction - Apprenticeship - How Ideologies Colonize Us - Building Somatic Resiliency - Sensory Desensitization and Political Extremism - Parkour Helps Us Establish Faith in Reality

Journalist and author Greg Sheridan talks about How Christians Can Succeed Today. Greg takes us on a journey back to the world of the early church and draws out lessons for Christians navigating life in our modern world. From the resilience of the first Christians, to the wisdom of St Augustine, to what it means to hold onto faith in a society searching for meaning, Greg shares how the message of Jesus still speaks with power and hope today.Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do we find laughter when everything feels too heavy? What role does humor play when we're facing unimaginable challenges? Emmy, Peabody, and Grammy-winning comedy writer Rob Kutner offers surprising wisdom on these questions through the lens of Jewish history and his own creative journey."I can't solve those problems, nor should I try to, but at least I can give people's brains a break so that they'll have the strength to come back to the problems and solve them or be engaged in them," Kutner reflects. This perspective frames comedy not as escape but as essential mental restoration—something the Jewish people have relied on throughout their 5,000-year history.Kutner's book "The Jews: 5,000 Years and Counting" blends sharp wit with deep historical research, creating an accessible entry point to Jewish history that honors both its complexity and its resilience. We explore how his own Jewish identity was paradoxically strengthened by attending a Christian school in Atlanta, which prompted him to ask fundamental questions about who he was and what he believed.Our conversation takes a profound turn when discussing the current moment of heightened antisemitism and global conflict. Writing during and after October 7th, 2023, Kutner experienced a creative paralysis that forced him to reconsider his approach to Jewish history. What emerged was a deeper appreciation for the Jewish tradition of holding multiple truths simultaneously—acknowledging both suffering and resilience, recognizing both grief and joy.Perhaps most fascinating is Kutner's creative approach to biblical stories, reimagining characters like Abraham, Sarah, and Moses in modern contexts like group therapy sessions or personal diaries. These exercises in empathy allow readers to connect with ancient stories in fresh, meaningful ways while honoring the tradition's inherent complexity.Whether you're seeking perspective during difficult times or simply curious about how comedy can illuminate profound truths, this conversation offers both comfort and challenge—reminding us that sometimes, the most serious thing we can do is laugh.Learn more at https://www.robkutner.com/.

Hey — thanks for listening to this penultimate episode of Life, Passion, and Business. I wanted to share why I began this whole project and what kept pulling me back to the mic: a very personal nudge after my dad died in 2017, and the uneasy realisation that I could end up living a small, unexamined life like his if I didn't do something about it. I started this podcast because I was asking the big, messy questions: What is the meaning of life? What are you passionate about and how does that passion show up? How do we define success beyond the platitudes of business culture? What does contribution look like — the legacy we leave — and, crucially, how do we actually look after ourselves on the way? The show grew from those questions into conversations with people from my business world and beyond. I wanted to explore how people live, what drives them, and what they're doing it all for. Along the way I learned the importance of self-care, the messy truth behind ambition, and the ways grief can shape a life. I'll share what I discovered in the final episode, but for now: if any of this resonates, please go back through the catalogue — the episodes will be archived and available for as long as I keep them live. It's been a brilliant journey making this show with you, and I'll see you again in the final episode in a couple of weeks.

Who is God calling you to love? In this sermon, Pastor Jay unpacks how authentic purpose comes from two timeless commands: loving God wholeheartedly and loving others with His transformative love. Discover how meaning in life isn't found in possessions or accomplishments, but in relationship with Jesus and His mission to go and make disciples of all nations.

In this sermon, Matt Heerema introduces our sermon series through Ecclesiastes by examining the word "heve" - vanity, futility - and how God provides the solution to the futility of life through Christ

In this powerful episode Kail sits down with Amanda Knox for an intimate, emotional, and eye opening conversation about her wrongful conviction, the unwavering support of her family, and the lasting impact of trauma. Amanda opens up about the hidden struggles that weren't covered in the media, how her parents banded together to fight for her, the deep scars left on her siblings, and the complicated journey of rebuilding relationships after years of separation.If you think you know Amanda Knox's story, think again. This episode will challenge your perceptions and leave you inspired.Order Amanda's new book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your favorite local bookstore.Connect with Amanda at amandanox.com and check out her podcast, Labyrinths!For full video episodes head to patreon.com/kaillowryThanks for supporting the show by checking out the sponsors!Nutrafol: Start your hair growth journey with Nutrafol nutrafol.com promo code FAMOUSGIFTHERS: start your initial free visit at forhers.com/barelyfamous.Brain.FM: Unlock FREE access to all of Brain.fm for 30 days by going to brain.fm/FAMOUS.Search for your newest home on apartments.comMagic Spoon: Get 5 dollars off your next order at magicspoon.com/BARELYFAMOUSThrive: Go to ThriveMarket.com/BARELYFAMOUS and start saving today. Sale ends 8/31.Willie's: Order now at drinkwillies.com and use code FAMOUS for 20% off of your first order + free shipping on orders over $95, and enjoy life in the high country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Search for Meaning, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback sits down with Julie Brill, author of Hidden in Plain Sight: A Family Memoir and the Untold Story of the Holocaust in Serbia. Julie's book uncovers a little-known chapter of Jewish history, exploring the resilience, struggles, and heritage of the Jewish community in Serbia.Together, they discuss memory, trauma, and the ways stories from the past shape our present. Julie reflects on how the weight of history can grow as we uncover it, yet also how these stories can help us learn to manage, process, and move through trauma. This episode offers profound insights into the power of storytelling, the endurance of memory, and the transformative potential of confronting history.Learn more about Julie Brill and her book at https://www.juliebrill.com.

From World Economic Forum elites and Silicon Valley execs to celebrities like Elon Musk and Paris Hilton to hippies and even maybe your co-worker, every year right before Labor Day, thousands take their vacation time to gather in the Nevada desert for something most would never expect, that is, Burning Man. On the surface, it looks like the ultimate art festival, tens of thousands gathering to build a city, celebrate creativity, and watch a giant wooden effigy go up in flames, but is that all that it is? Behind the radical costumes, the music, and the fire, there's a deeper story. A story of ritual, drugs, grief, and a search for meaning outside of God. What began in 1986 as a small bonfire on a San Francisco beach has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. But the question remains, what is really being celebrated in the desert?   Follow Good Fight Ministries on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodfightministries  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodfightministries  Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/goodfightmin  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodfightministries  Support Us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/goodfight

How does your view of God shape your life? Join us as Pastor Jay unpacks 1 John 4, showing how God's perfect agape love—demonstrated through Jesus—meets us in our brokenness and heals what human love cannot. This message reveals how embracing God's unfailing love gives us purpose, hope, and lasting transformation.

Why does life so often feel like we're just going in circles—working, striving, chasing, yet never fully satisfied? In the opening chapter of Ecclesiastes, Solomon pulls back the curtain on the emptiness of life “under the sun.” Wisdom, work, and even pleasure prove to be like chasing the wind—promising fulfillment but leaving us restless. In this first message of our series Killing Time: Finding God in a World Gone Gray, Pastor Darrell Underwood explores the haunting question: “What do we really gain from all our toil?” The answer forces us to look beyond ourselves and discover that true meaning is found not in what we achieve, but in the God who gives life purpose.

What gives life true meaning? In this powerful opening message of "The Search for Meaning" series, Pastor Jay takes us through Solomon's journey in Ecclesiastes to reveal a timeless truth: pursuing pleasure, possessions, power, and even wisdom apart from God leads only to emptiness. Drawing from his own experience, Pastor Jay connects deeply with the universal human struggle to find meaning in the wrong places. Through Solomon's raw honesty about testing every earthly source of fulfillment—from wine to wealth, entertainment to endless work—we see how even the wisest and wealthiest person in history concluded it was all "vanity and striving after wind." Pastor Jay highlights alarming modern statistics about addiction, suicide, and brokenness to show how this ancient wisdom remains desperately relevant today. Yet hope breaks through as he reveals that true meaning can only be found in Jesus Christ, our Creator who designed us for purpose. Pastor Jay concludes with an urgent call to remember God in our youth and guide others, especially young people, to find their meaning in Christ before the "evil days" of life's challenges arrive.

In this episode of the Filmmaker Mixer Podcast, we're honored to be joined by award-winning filmmaker and physicist Mark Levinson (Particle Fever, The Bit Player) to discuss his latest film, The Universe in a Grain of Sand. A cinematic meditation on how we perceive and interpret the world, the film explores the interplay between science and art—from quantum computing to avant-garde cinema. Levinson invites us on a thought-provoking journey that connects scientific discovery with artistic exploration, revealing how both disciplines strive to make sense of nature's most profound mysteries. We talk about the merging of abstract thought and visual storytelling, the challenge of making the invisible visible, and Levinson's unique path from particle physics to powerful filmmaking.

Stephen J. Cloobeck joins Rabbi Yoshi for a wide-ranging conversation about business, identity, and public service. Best known as the founder and former CEO of Diamond Resorts, Cloobeck reflects on his Jewish upbringing at Stephen Wise Temple, the influence of his father, and how those early experiences continue to shape his values.They discuss his new book, Facing Hard Truths. Cloobeck also shares why he's decided to enter the political arena as a candidate for Governor of California in the 2026 election.This episode explores how personal history, faith, and ambition intersect—and what it means to lead with conviction in uncertain times.

Hello: Autumn, 1949. Fortune editor Bill Furth, flinty-eyed gatekeeper, scans a manuscript from 30-year-old whiz kid Daniel Bell. Spots the word “charisma.” Snorts. Blue pencil meets page. Word dies swiftly, without much appeal. Fast forward ten years: charisma is everywhere. Eggheads bandy it, pundits quote it, preachers peddle it. Bell—vindicated. Since the 1950s, Americans have grown used to the word “charisma” being applied to everyone, often as a synonym for “charm”.. But what if charisma is more than charm or personal magnetism—what if it's a key to understanding the moral and spiritual crises of American life itself? That's the argument of Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump, a sweeping new book by my guest historian Molly Worthen. In it, she traces the tangled story of charisma across four centuries of American history—from the Puritans through Andrew Jackson, to Malcolm X and Donald Trump.Charismatic leaders, Worthen argues, don't simply stir emotions or win votes. They offer something deeper: a sense of cosmic meaning, spiritual clarity, and moral urgency in moments when traditional institutions seem hollow or adrift. In times of upheaval, we look for figures who promise to reveal hidden truths and restore a broken order. Molly Worthen is a scholar of American religious and intellectual history. She is Professor of History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and writes regularly on religion and politics for the New York Times and other national outlets. Spellbound is her third book; she has previously authored Apostles of Reason: The Crisis of Authority in American Evangelicalism and The Man on Whom Nothing Was Lost, a biography of the diplomat, Yale professor, and  Bridgeton, NJ native Charles Hill. (That last for my five listeners in South Jersey.)

Finding meaning at work impacts organizational culture.Organizational culture impacts our ability to retain and hire the necessary talent for our mission driven organizations.Finding talent to fill our key positions is essential to the success of our "organizations that matter".In this week's episode, I discuss this phenomenon cut against the backdrop of the rapidly changing (i.e., for-profitization) of the hospice industry.

In this special live recording from Stephen Wise Temple on May 13, 2025, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback sits down with Dr. Arnold Eisen, Chancellor Emeritus of the Jewish Theological Seminary, for a profound and personal conversation about his new book, Seeking the Hiding God: A Personal Theological Essay. Together, they explore themes of theology, doubt, and faith—probing the mystery of God's presence and absence in our lives.Dr. Eisen shares insights from his lifelong engagement with Jewish thought and spiritual practice, offering reflections that are both deeply intellectual and vulnerably human. Whether you're wrestling with questions of belief or seeking new language for your own faith journey, this episode offers a meaningful dialogue about how we search for the Divine in a complicated world.

Win one of three free copies of Rick's new book by 9 Steps To Build a Life of Meaning. By messaging the word 'meaning' to speaking@jonnypardoe.com or on Instagram or Facebook to @jonnycpardoe.Feeling stuck, lost, or unsure about your direction in life? In this powerful episode of The Self Esteem and Confidence Mindset Podcast, I'm joined by Rick Walker to explore how finding meaning is the foundation of true confidence, emotional resilience, and lasting fulfilment.We dive into what meaning really is, why so many people feel disconnected from it, and how reconnecting with your purpose can reignite clarity, self-worth, and motivation. Rick shares his personal journey of rediscovering meaning after struggle — and the mindset shifts, habits, and inner work that helped him rebuild his confidence and life direction from the inside out.Whether you're going through a transition, craving deeper purpose, or simply tired of feeling like something's missing, this episode will help you create a more aligned, intentional, and meaningful life.Register for Rick's Meaning Video Series + Downloadable PDF Tools: ⁠https://funnel.rickwalker.com/optin⁠Get Rick's Book on Amazon: ⁠https://rickwalker.com/amazon/

What do you get when a Shabbat dinner meant to welcome a soon-to-be daughter-in-law turns into a night of secrets, revelations, and unlikely wisdom? You get Bad Shabbos—a comedy with heart, directed by Daniel Robbins and co-written with Zack Weiner.Robbins joins Rabbi Yoshi to discuss his new film set on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, where a Jewish family hosts Shabbat dinner for their son David and his fiancée Meg, who is preparing to convert to Judaism. As the night unfolds, tensions rise, surprises surface, and laughter and love do battle at the dinner table.At the emotional center of the film is Meg, whose D'var Torah—something she's been studying with her rabbi as part of her conversion process—is delivered during the meal as a reflection on that week's Torah portion. Her words, full of insight and heart, speak to the serendipitous nature of life and the power of choosing one's path with intention and faith. With a standout ensemble cast including Kyra Sedgwick, Milana Vayntrub, David Paymer, and Method Man as the family's beloved doorman who is practically family, Bad Shabbos is as funny as it is touching.

Harmony and Russell sit down with Paul Bramadat — professor, anthropologist, and longtime yoga practitioner — to explore the spiritual, cultural, and deeply human dimensions of modern yoga. Paul, who began his yoga journey in Harmony's studio in Victoria, BC, now returns not as a student, but as the author of Yoga Lands, a fascinating book that blends memoir, ethnography, and cultural critique. Together, they dive into the real reasons people are drawn to yoga: not just for fitness or flexibility, but as a response to suffering. From the spiritual to the sociopolitical, this episode weaves personal stories and academic insights into a rich discussion of cultural appropriation, inclusivity, identity, and the subtle energies that shape how we relate to each other in the yoga room. This episode is essential listening for yoga practitioners, teachers, and anyone who's ever felt the transformative pull of the practice — even when the reasons are messy, complicated, and rooted in pain.

In this powerful episode Kail sits down with Amanda Knox for an intimate, emotional, and eye opening conversation about her wrongful conviction, the unwavering support of her family, and the lasting impact of trauma. Amanda opens up about the hidden struggles that weren't covered in the media, how her parents banded together to fight for her, the deep scars left on her siblings, and the complicated journey of rebuilding relationships after years of separation.If you think you know Amanda Knox's story, think again. This episode will challenge your perceptions and leave you inspired.Order Amanda's new book, out March 25th, at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your favorite local bookstore.Connect with Amanda at amandanox.com and check out her podcast, Labyrinths!For full video episodes head to patreon.com/kaillowry and to keep update with Kail and The Chaos subscribe to her newsletter at kaillowry.comThanks for supporting the show by checking out our sponsors!Happy Mammoth: get 15% off your first order at happymammoth.com just use thecode FAMOUS at checkout.Nutrafol: Start your hair growth journey with Nutrafol nutrafol.com promo code FAMOUSQuince: Give yourself the luxury you deserve with Quince! Go to quince.com/famousSearch for your new home at apartments.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.