Podcasts about self knowledge

This is one of the most personal episodes I've ever recorded. I have an announcement...I'm pregnant. That's right, cutie! We're having a baby! And in this episode, I'm sharing what this moment means not just in my life, but in my identity as a creative. For years, I've talked about creativity as something we make. The art. The ideas. The projects. But this season is inviting me to rethink everything I thought I knew about purpose, growth, and what it really means to create something meaningful. This feels like the greatest creative project of my life so far, and I wanted to share it with you honestly and in real time.In this episode, I talk about:-The greatest lesson I've learned so far -The difference between preparation and pre-suffering -The creative expansion that motherhood can bring -The Power of letting yourself evolve in public-PLUS: the full story of how I found out I was pregnant Thank you for being here with me. It means more than I can say.

“God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). The Catechism teaches us about man's God-given dignity and unique place in creation. Fr. Mike explains the unity that exists between all persons, and how this necessitates a “law of human solidarity and charity.” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 355-361. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

How do you know when it's time to reinvent yourself creatively? And once you do, how do you remember that through it all, who you are in the best thing about you? This episode was recorded while podcast host and producer, Zak Rosen and I walked around Belle Isle in Detroit talking about creative reinvention, identity, and what it really means to build a life around your values.You'll hear the wind moving through the trees and the ice crunching beneath our feet and sheer creative vulnerability as Zak discusses how he knew it was finally time to shift a long-term project. Zak is the host of the beloved indie podcast Weirdly Hepful and a longtime creative whose path has included multiple reinventions, pivots, and personal awakenings. Together, we explore the emotional side of creativity that rarely gets talked about, especially the danger of tying your self-worth to what you make.We talk about:-Why separating your identity from your work is essential for long-term creative health-The freedom that comes from redefining success on your own terms-Creative reinvention and how to let yourself evolve -What it means to build a creative life instead of chasing external validationListen to Zak's Pod: https://weirdlyhelpful.show/

In this episode, I'm joined by Rebecca Hinds — organizational behavior expert and founder of the Work AI Institute at Glean — for a practical conversation about why meetings deteriorate over time and how to redesign them. Rebecca argues that bad meetings aren't a people problem — they're a systems problem. Without intentional design, meetings default to ego, status signaling, conflict avoidance, and performative participation. Over time, low-value meetings become normalized instead of fixed. Drawing on her research at Stanford University and her leadership of the Work Innovation Lab at Asana, she shares frameworks from her new book, Your Best Meeting Ever, including: The four legitimate purposes of a meeting: decide, discuss, debate, or develop The CEO test for when synchronous time is truly required How to codify shared meeting standards Why leaders must explicitly give permission to leave low-value meetings We also explore leadership, motivation, and the myth that kindness and high standards are opposites. Rebecca explains why effective leaders diagnose what drives each individual — encouragement for some, direct challenge for others — and design environments that support both performance and belonging. Finally, we talk about AI and the future of work. Tools amplify existing culture: strong systems improve, broken systems break faster. Organizations that redesign how work happens — not just what tools they use — will have the advantage. If you want to run better meetings, lead with more clarity, and rethink how collaboration actually happens, this episode is for you. You can find Your Best Meeting Ever at major bookstores and learn more at rebeccahinds.com.  00:00 Start 00:27 Why Meetings Get Worse Over Time Robin references Good Omens and the character Crowley, who designs the M25 freeway to intentionally create frustration and misery. They use this metaphor to illustrate how systems can be designed in ways that amplify dysfunction, whether intentionally or accidentally. The idea is that once dysfunctional systems become normalized, people stop questioning them. They also discuss Cory Doctorow's concept of enshittification, where platforms and systems gradually decline as organizational priorities override user experience. Rebecca connects this pattern directly to meetings, arguing that without intentional design, meetings default to chaos and energy drain. Over time, poorly designed meetings become accepted as inevitable rather than treated as solvable design problems. Rebecca references the Simple Sabotage Field Manual created by the Office of Strategic Services during World War II. The manual advised citizens in occupied territories on how to subtly undermine organizations from within. Many of the suggested tactics involved meetings, including encouraging long speeches, focusing on irrelevant details, and sending decisions to unnecessary committees. The irony is that these sabotage techniques closely resemble common behaviors in modern corporate meetings. Rebecca argues that if meetings were designed from scratch today, without legacy habits and inherited norms, they would likely look radically different. She explains that meetings persist in their dysfunctional form because they amplify deeply human tendencies like ego, status signaling, and conflict avoidance. Rebecca traces her interest in teamwork back to her experience as a competitive swimmer in Toronto. Although swimming appears to be an individual sport, she explains that success is heavily dependent on team structure and shared preparation. Being recruited to swim at Stanford exposed her to an elite, team-first environment that reshaped how she thought about performance. She became fascinated by how a group can become greater than the sum of its parts when the right cultural conditions are present. This experience sparked her long-term curiosity about why organizations struggle to replicate the kind of cohesion often seen in sports. At Stanford, Coach Lee Mauer emphasized that emotional wellbeing and performance were deeply connected. The team included world record holders and Olympians, and the performance standards were extremely high. Despite the intensity, the culture prioritized connection and belonging. Rituals like informal story time around the hot tub helped teammates build relationships beyond performance metrics. Rebecca internalized the lesson that elite performance and strong culture are not opposing forces. She saw firsthand that intensity and warmth can coexist, and that psychological safety can actually reinforce high standards rather than weaken them. Later in her career at Asana, Rebecca encountered the company value of rejecting false trade-offs. This reinforced a lesson she had first learned in swimming, which is that many perceived either-or tensions are not actually unavoidable. She argues that organizations often assume they must choose between performance and happiness, or between kindness and accountability. In her experience, these are false binaries that can be resolved through better design and clearer expectations. She emphasizes that motivated and engaged employees tend to produce higher quality work, making culture a strategic advantage rather than a distraction. Kindness versus ruthlessness in leadership Robin raises the contrast between harsh, fear-based leadership styles and more relational, positive leadership approaches. Both styles have produced winning teams, which raises the question of whether success comes because of the leadership style or despite it. Rebecca argues that resilience and accountability are essential, regardless of tone. She stresses that kindness alone is not sufficient for high performance, but neither is harshness inherently superior. Effective leadership requires understanding what motivates each individual, since some people thrive on encouragement while others crave direct challenge. Rebecca personally identifies with wanting to be pushed and appreciates clarity when her work falls short of expectations. She concludes that the most effective leaders diagnose motivation carefully and design environments that maximize both growth and performance. 08:51 Building the Book-Launch Team: Mentors, Agents, and Choosing the Right Publisher Robin asks Rebecca about the size and structure of the team she assembled to execute the launch successfully. He is especially curious about what the team actually looked like in practice and how coordinated the effort needed to be. He also asks about the meeting cadence and work cadence required to bring a book launch to life at that level. The framing highlights that writing the book is only one phase, while launching it is an entirely different operational challenge. Rebecca explains that the process felt much more organic than it might appear from the outside. She admits that at the beginning, she underestimated the full scope of what a book launch entails. Her original motivation was simple: she believed she had a valuable perspective, wanted to help people, and loved writing. As she progressed deeper into the publishing process, she realized that writing the manuscript was only one piece of a much larger system. The operational and promotional dimensions gradually revealed themselves as a second job layered on top of authorship. Robin emphasizes that writing a book and publishing a book are fundamentally different jobs. Rebecca agrees and acknowledges that the publishing side requires a completely different skill set and infrastructure. The conversation underscores that authorship is creative work, while publishing and launching require strategy, coordination, and business acumen. Rebecca credits her Stanford mentor, Bob Sutton, as a life changing influence throughout the process. He guided her step by step, including decisions around selecting a publisher and choosing an agent. She initially did not plan to work with an agent, but through guidance and reflection, she shifted her perspective. His mentorship helped her ask better questions and approach the process more strategically rather than reactively. Rebecca reflects on an important mindset shift in her career. Earlier in life, she was comfortable being the big fish in a small pond. Over time, she came to believe that she performs better when surrounded by people who are smarter and more experienced than she is. She describes her superpower as working extremely hard and having confidence in that effort. Because of that, she prefers environments where others elevate her thinking and push her further. This philosophy became central to how she built her book launch team. As Rebecca learned more about the moving pieces required for a successful campaign, she became more intentional about who she wanted involved. She sought the best not in terms of prestige alone, but in terms of belief and commitment. She wanted people who would go to bat for her and advocate for the book with genuine enthusiasm. She noticed that some organizations that looked impressive on paper were not necessarily the right fit for her specific campaign. This led her to have extensive conversations with potential editors and publicists before making decisions. Rebecca developed a personal benchmark for evaluating partners. She paid attention to whether they were willing to apply the book's ideas within their own organizations. For her, that signaled authentic belief rather than surface level marketing support. When Simon and Schuster demonstrated early interest in implementing the book's learnings internally, it stood out as meaningful alignment. That commitment suggested they cared about the substance of the work, not just the promotional campaign. As the process unfolded, Rebecca realized that part of her job was learning what questions to ask. Each conversation with potential partners refined her understanding of what she needed. She became more deliberate about building the right bench of people around her. The team was not assembled all at once, but rather shaped through iterative learning and discernment. The launch ultimately reflected both her evolving standards and her commitment to surrounding herself with people who elevated the work. 12:12 Asking Better Questions & Going Asynchronous Robin highlights the tension between the voice of the book and the posture of a first time author entering a major publishing house. He notes that Best Meeting Ever encourages people to assert authority in meetings by asking about agendas, ownership, and structure. At the same time, Rebecca was entering conversations with an established publisher as a new author seeking partnership. The question becomes how to balance clarity and conviction with humility and openness. Robin frames it as showing up with operational authority while still saying you publish books and I want to work with you. Rebecca calls the question insightful and explains that tactically she relied heavily on asking questions. She describes herself as intentionally curious and even nosy because she did not yet know what she did not know. Rather than pretending to have answers, she used inquiry as a way to build authority through understanding. She asked questions asynchronously almost daily, emailing her agent and editor with anything that came to mind. This allowed her to learn the system while also signaling engagement and seriousness. Rebecca explains that most of the heavy lifting happened outside of meetings. By asking questions over email, she clarified information before stepping into synchronous time. Meetings were then reserved for ambiguity, decision making, and issues that required real time collaboration. As a result, the campaign involved very few meetings overall. She had a biweekly meeting with her core team and roughly monthly conversations with her editor. The rest of the coordination happened asynchronously, which aligned with her philosophy about effective meeting design. Rebecca jokes that one hidden benefit of writing a book on meetings is that everyone shows up more prepared and on time. She also felt internal pressure to model the behaviors she was advocating. The campaign therefore became a real world test of her ideas. She emphasizes that she is glad the launch was not meeting heavy and that it reflected the principles in the book. Robin shares a story about their initial connection through David Shackleford. During a short introductory call, he casually offered to spend time discussing book marketing strategies. Rebecca followed up, scheduled time, and took extensive notes during their conversation. After thanking him, she did not continue unnecessary follow up or prolonged discussion. Instead, she quietly implemented many of the practical strategies discussed. Robin later observed bulk sales, bundled speaking engagements, and structured purchase incentives that reflected disciplined execution. Robin emphasizes that generating ideas is relatively easy compared to implementing them. He connects this to Seth Godin's praise that the book is for people willing to do the work. The real difficulty lies not in brainstorming strategies but in consistently executing them. He describes watching Rebecca implement the plan as evidence that she practices what she preaches. Her hard work and disciplined follow through reinforced his confidence in the book before even reading it. Rebecca responds with gratitude and acknowledges that she took his advice seriously. She affirms that several actions she implemented were directly inspired by their conversation. At the same time, the tone remains grounded and collaborative rather than performative. The exchange illustrates her pattern of seeking input, synthesizing it, and then executing independently. Robin transitions toward the theme of self knowledge and its role in leadership and meetings. He connects Rebecca's disciplined execution to her awareness of her own strengths. The earlier theme resurfaces that she sees hard work and follow through as her superpower. The implication is that effective meetings and effective leadership both begin with understanding how you operate best. 17:48 Self-Knowledge at Work Robin shares that he knows he is motivated by carrots rather than sticks. He explains that praise energizes him and improves his performance more than criticism ever could. As a performer and athlete, he appreciates detailed notes and feedback, but encouragement is what unlocks his best work. He contrasts that with experiences like old school ballet training, where harsh discipline did not bring out his strengths. His point is that understanding how you are wired takes experience and reflection. Rebecca agrees that self knowledge is essential and ties it directly to motivation. She argues that the better you understand yourself, the more clearly you can articulate what drives you. Many people, especially early in their careers, do not pause to examine what truly motivates them. She notes that motivation is often intangible and not primarily monetary. For some people it is praise, for others criticism, learning, mastery, collaboration, or autonomy. She also emphasizes that motivation changes over time and shifts depending on organizational context. One of Rebecca's biggest lessons as a manager and contributor is the importance of codifying self knowledge. Writing down what motivates you and how you work best makes it easier to communicate those needs to others. She believes this explicitness is especially critical during times of change. When work is evolving quickly, assumptions about motivation can lead to disengagement. Making preferences visible reduces friction and prevents misalignment. Rebecca references a recent presentation she gave on the dangers of automating the soul of work. She and her mentor Bob Sutton have discussed how organizations risk stripping meaning from roles if they automate without discernment. She points to research showing that many AI startups are automating tasks people would prefer to keep human. The warning is that just because something can be automated does not mean it should be. Without understanding what makes work meaningful for employees, leaders can unintentionally remove the very elements that motivate people. Rebecca believes managers should create explicit user manuals for their team members. These documents outline how individuals prefer to communicate, what motivates them, and what their career aspirations are. She sees this as a practical leadership tool rather than a symbolic exercise. Referring back to these documents helps leaders guide their teams through uncertainty and change. When asked directly, she confirms that she has implemented this practice in previous roles and intends to do so again. When asked about the future of AI, Rebecca avoids making long term predictions. She observes that the most confident forecasters are often those with something to sell. Her shorter term view is that AI amplifies whatever already exists inside an organization. Strong workflows and cultures may improve, while broken systems may become more efficiently broken. She sees organizations over investing in technology while under investing in people and change management. As a result, productivity gains are appearing at the individual level but not consistently at the team or organizational level. Rebecca acknowledges that there is a possible future where AI creates abundance and healthier work life balance. However, she does not believe current evidence strongly supports that outcome in the near term. She does see promising examples of organizations using AI to amplify collaboration and cross functional work. These examples remain rare but signal that a more human centered future is possible. She is cautiously hopeful but not convinced that the most optimistic scenario will unfold automatically. Robin notes that time horizons for prediction have shortened dramatically. Rebecca agrees and says that six months feels like a reasonable forecasting window in the current environment. She observes that the best leaders are setting thresholds for experimentation and failure. Pilots and proofs of concept should fail at a meaningful rate if organizations are truly exploring. Shorter feedback loops allow organizations to learn quickly rather than over commit to fragile long term assumptions. Robin shares a formative story from growing up in his father's small engineering firm, where he was exposed early to office systems and processes. Later, studying in a Quaker community in Costa Rica, he experienced full consensus decision making. He recalls sitting through extended debates, including one about single versus double ply toilet paper. As a fourteen year old who would rather have been climbing trees in the rainforest, the meeting felt painfully misaligned with his energy. That experience contributed to his lifelong desire to make work and collaboration feel less draining and more intentional. The story reinforces the broader theme that poorly designed meetings can disconnect people from purpose and engagement. 28:31 Leadership vs. Tribal Instincts Rebecca explains that much of dysfunctional meeting behavior is rooted in tribal human instincts. People feel loyalty to the group and show up to meetings simply to signal belonging, even when the meeting is not meaningful. This instinct to attend regardless of value reinforces bloated calendars and performative participation. She argues that effective meeting design must actively counteract these deeply human tendencies. Without intentional structure, meetings default to social signaling rather than productive collaboration. Rebecca emphasizes that leadership plays a critical role in changing meeting culture Leaders must explicitly give employees permission to leave meetings when they are not contributing. They must also normalize asynchronous work as a legitimate and often superior alternative. Without that top down permission, employees will continue attending out of fear or habit. Meeting reform requires visible endorsement from those with authority. Power dynamics and pushing back without positional authority Robin reflects on the power of writing a book on meetings while still operating within a hierarchy. He asks how individuals without formal authority can challenge broken systems. Rebecca responds that there is no universal solution because outcomes depend heavily on psychological safety. In organizations with high trust, there is often broad recognition that meetings are ineffective and a desire to fix them. In lower trust environments, change must be approached more strategically and indirectly. Rebecca advises employees to lead with curiosity rather than confrontation. Instead of calling out a bad meeting, one might ask whether their presence is truly necessary. Framing the question around contribution rather than judgment reduces defensiveness. This approach lowers the emotional temperature and keeps the conversation constructive. Curiosity shifts the tone from personal critique to shared problem solving. In psychologically unsafe environments, Rebecca suggests shifting enforcement to systems rather than individuals. Automated rules such as canceling meetings without agendas or without sufficient confirmations can reduce personal friction. When technology enforces standards, it feels less like a personal attack. Codified rules provide employees with shared language and objective criteria. This reduces the perception that opting out is a rejection of the person rather than a rejection of the structure. Rebecca argues that every organization should have a clear and shared definition of what deserves to be a meeting. If five employees are asked what qualifies as a meeting, they should give the same answer. Without explicit criteria, decisions default to habit and hierarchy. Clear rules give employees confidence to push back constructively. Shared standards transform meeting participation from a personal negotiation into a procedural one. Rebecca outlines a two part test to determine whether a meeting should exist. First, the meeting must serve one of four purposes which are to decide, discuss, debate, or develop people. If it does not satisfy one of those four categories, it likely should not be a meeting. Even if it passes that test, it must also satisfy one of the CEO criteria. C refers to complexity and whether the issue contains enough ambiguity to require synchronous dialogue. E refers to emotional intensity and whether reading emotions or managing reactions is important. O refers to one way door decisions, meaning choices that are difficult or costly to reverse. Many organizational decisions are reversible and therefore do not justify synchronous time. Robin asks how small teams without advanced tech stacks can automate meeting discipline. Rebecca explains that many safeguards can be implemented with existing tools such as Google Calendar or simple scripts. Basic rules like requiring an agenda or minimum confirmations can be enforced through standard workflows. Not all solutions require advanced AI tools. The key is introducing friction intentionally to prevent low value meetings from forming. Rebecca notes that more advanced AI tools can measure engagement, multitasking, or participation. Some platforms now provide indicators of attention or involvement during meetings. While these tools are promising, they are not required to implement foundational meeting discipline. She cautions against over investing in shiny tools without first clarifying principles. Metrics are useful when they reinforce intentional design rather than replace it. Rebecca highlights a subtle risk of automation, particularly in scheduling. Tools can be optimized for the sender while increasing friction for recipients. Leaders should consider the system level impact rather than only individual efficiency. Productivity gains at the individual level can create hidden coordination costs for the team. Meeting automation should be evaluated through a collective lens. Rebecca distinguishes between intrusive AI bots that join meetings and simple transcription tools. She is cautious about bots that visibly attend meetings and distract participants. However, she supports consensual transcription when it enhances asynchronous follow up. Effective transcription can reduce cognitive load and free participants to engage more deeply. Used thoughtfully, these tools can strengthen collaboration rather than dilute it. 41:35 Maker vs. Manager: Balancing a Day Job with a Book Launch Robin shares an example from a webinar where attendees were asked for feedback via a short Bitly link before the session closed. He contrasts this with the ineffectiveness of "smiley face/frowny face" buttons in hotel bathrooms—easy to ignore and lacking context. The key is embedding feedback into the process in a way that's natural, timely, and comfortable for participants. Feedback mechanisms should be integrated, low-friction, and provide enough context for meaningful responses. Rebecca recommends a method inspired by Elise Keith called Roti—rating meetings on a zero-to-five scale based on whether they were worth attendees' time. She suggests asking this for roughly 10% of meetings to gather actionable insight. Follow-up question: "What could the organizer do to increase the rating by one point?" This approach removes bias, focuses on attendee experience, and identifies meetings that need restructuring. Splits in ratings reveal misaligned agendas or attendee lists and guide optimization. Robin imagines automating feedback requests via email or tools like Superhuman for convenience. Rebecca agrees and adds that simple forms (Google Forms, paper, or other methods) are effective, especially when anonymous. The goal is simplicity and consistency—given how costly meetings are, there's no excuse to skip feedback. Robin references Paul Graham's essay on maker vs. manager schedules and asks about Rebecca's approach to balancing writing, team coordination, and book marketing. Rebecca shares that 95% of her effort on the book launch was "making"—writing and outreach—thanks to a strong team handling management. She devoted time to writing, scrappy outreach, and building relationships, emphasizing giving without expecting reciprocation. The main coordination challenge was balancing her book work with her full-time job at Asana, requiring careful prioritization. Rebecca created a strict writing schedule inspired by her swimming discipline: early mornings, evenings, and weekends dedicated to writing. She prioritized her book and full-time work while maintaining family commitments. Discipline and clear prioritization were essential to manage competing but synergistic priorities. Robin asks about written vs. spoken communication, referencing Amazon's six-page memos and Zandr Media's phone-friendly quick syncs. Rebecca emphasizes that the answer depends on context but a strong written communication culture is essential in all organizations. Written communication supports clarity, asynchronous work, and complements verbal communication. It's especially important for distributed teams or virtual work. With AI, clear documentation allows better insights, reduces unnecessary content generation, and reinforces disciplined communication. 48:29 AI and the Craft of Writing Rebecca highlights that employees have varying learning preferences—introverted vs. extroverted, verbal vs. written. Effective communication systems should support both verbal and written channels to accommodate these differences. Rebecca's philosophy: writing is a deeply human craft. AI was not used for drafting or creative writing. AI supported research, coordination, tracking trends, and other auxiliary tasks—areas where efficiency is key. Human-led drafting, revising, and word choice remained central to the book. Robin praises Rebecca's use of language, noting it feels human and vivid—something AI cannot replicate in nuance or delight. Rebecca emphasizes that crafting every word, experimenting with phrasing, and tinkering with language is uniquely human. This joy and precision in writing is not replicable by AI and is part of what makes written communication stand out. Rebecca hopes human creativity in writing and oral communication remains valued despite AI advances. Strong written communication is increasingly differentiating for executive communicators and storytellers in organizations. AI can polish or mass-produce text, but human insight, nuance, and storytelling remain essential and career-relevant. Robin emphasizes the importance of reading, writing, and physical activities (like swimming) to reclaim attention from screens. These practices support deep human thinking and creativity, which are harder to replace with AI. Rebecca uses standard tools strategically: email (chunked and batched), Google Docs, Asana, Doodle, and Zoom. Writing is enhanced by switching platforms, fonts, colors, and physical locations—stimulating creativity and perspective. Physical context (plane, café, city) is strongly linked to breakthroughs and memory during writing. Emphasis is on how tools are enacted rather than which tools are used—behavior and discipline matter more than tech. Rebecca primarily recommends business books with personal relevance: Adam Grant's Give and Take – for relational insights beyond work. Bob Sutton's books – for broader lessons on organizational and personal effectiveness. Robert Cialdini's Influence – for understanding human behavior in both professional and personal contexts. Her selections highlight that business literature often offers universal lessons applicable beyond work. 59:48 Where to Find Rebecca The book is available at all major bookstores. Website: rebeccahinds.com LinkedIn: Rebecca Hinds  

Are you constantly funding your own creative projects and ending up depleted, disappointed, or broke?In this minisode, I share one of the most powerful lessons I ever learned while coaching a multimillionaire: rich people do not spend their own money to launch new projects. They find sponsors, investors, patrons, and partners.So why are artists and indie creators doing the opposite?In this episode, we talk about:- Why self-funding your art can create resentment and burnout-How to stop being your own investor-Where to look for funding including sponsors, grants, corporations, nonprofits, and angel investors-Why artists used to have patrons and why that model still works-How to adopt an abundance mindset without going into debtIf you've ever drained your savings for your art, this episode is your wake-up call. You deserve funding. You deserve support. And you do not have to go broke to create.

What if the story we've been telling artists is wrong? What if you don't actually have to choose between financial stability and the thing you love most?In this episode, I sit down with actor turned entrepreneur Sarah Kleist to talk about the toxic myth of the “starving artist” and why performers are uniquely equipped to build creative businesses that support their art instead of competing with it.Sarah is a musical theater performer living in New York City who also runs a thriving web design and branding business for creatives. She shares how she built financial stability without walking away from her artistic identity and why being multi-passionate is not a weakness, but a strategic advantage.We talk about:-Why the “if you can do anything else, do that instead” advice is harmful-The powerful skills actors and performers already have that businesses are desperate for-How to rewrite your money story as a creative-Why financial stability can make you a better artist, not a worse one-Practical ways to start thinking about what your own creative business could beIf you've ever felt like you were failing because you want both meaning and money, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale.You don't have to choose. You can build a life that holds both.

Dr. Tom Curran helps listeners prepare for Lent by suggesting two practices to consider: “Lord, reveal to me my predominant fault” and “Guardian Angel, you have my permission to humble me each day.” Tom prays The Litany of Trust and explores concepts, such as: the 7 deadly sins, daughters of sin, the four temperaments, and more resources to grow in self knowledge.

I'm Jandre, founder of V8 Media (Top 1% Digital Agency) & V8 Capital.We've worked with over 500 businesses since 2018 and generated nearly R1.4 billion in sales for small to mid-sized DTC brands.After scaling companies, mentoring founders, and watching smart people stay stuck for years, I've learned this:Your results are limited by what you can perceive.Most people aren't failing because they're lazy.They're failing because they're operating inside a narrow version of reality.In today's episode, we break down why growth feels slow, why effort alone doesn't move the needle, and how your beliefs quietly shape every business decision you make.Got a question? Email me at jandre@v8media.co.za

I tried to record a normal episode today. I couldn't. I sat down to talk about creativity like I usually do, and instead I found myself overwhelmed, heartbroken, and honestly… empty. In this episode, I share what it feels like to be a creative person living in America right now when the news feels unbearable, when your emotions are so full they leave you feeling blank, and when you're wondering:What is even worth creating at a time like this?How are we supposed to go about daily life?This is a raw, unscripted reflection on creative paralysis, collective grief, human rights, and the cruelty happening around us, including the actions of ICE and the fear, harm, and devastation our communities are experiencing.I talk about:-Small ways to stay creative and human when you feel helpless-Creative burnout from current events and how to move through it -How to alchemize pain into purpose-The role of artists, makers, and storytellers during hard times-Why this moment is not a political issue, but rather, a human rights issueIf you've been feeling distracted, heavy, unable to focus, or wondering how to keep making things when your heart is breaking, this episode is for you. I love you. I'm with you.

In Chapter 4, Verse 38, Shri Krishna reveals the power of true knowledge, teaching that only knowledge of the Spirit can purify us and dissolve ignorance about who we are and what life is. By prioritizing self-development, we shift from "doing" for joy to "Being" Joy, allowing understanding to arise naturally.➡️ To maximize your experience of this season, we encourage you to request your FREE copy of the Essential Love eBook. Incorporating accessible translations and practical application, the eBook accompanies each episode with additional ways to learn, synthesize, and reflect on key insights.

What if the way you learned to love, connect, and succeed wasn't actually you, but survival strategies you picked up as a kid?In this episode of Unleash Your Inner Creative, I sit down with Beá Victoria Albina, somatic experiencing practitioner and author of Emotional Outsourcing, to explore how people pleasing, perfectionism, and emotional over-responsibility quietly block creativity, self-trust, and authentic expression.We talk about what emotional outsourcing really is, how it develops in childhood, and how it shows up in our relationships, work, decision-making, and creative lives. We also explore how healing your nervous system and attachment wounds can help you reconnect with your voice and come home to yourself.This conversation is especially vulnerable for me. Bea even guides me through a live somatic practice to help release shame, and as you listen, I hope you can do the same. In this episode, you'll learn:-What emotional outsourcing is and why it develops-How people pleasing and perfectionism disconnect you from creativity-Why shame keeps you stuck and how to work with it-Somatic tools to rebuild self-trust and self-expressionIf you've ever abandoned yourself in order to be “good,” “enough,” or lovable, this episode will help you return to a more empowered, creative version of yourself.

Do you have big goals for 2026 but aren't sure where to start or how to actually follow through?In this solo episode of Unleash Your Inner Creative, I'm sharing practical and emotional strategies for goal setting in 2026, especially if you want to go after your dreams in a way that feels doable and sustainable.This isn't about hustling harder or burning yourself out. It's about getting honest about what's been holding you back, aligning your daily actions with what you truly want, and breaking big goals into smaller steps you can realistically follow through on.I walk you through how to assess past goals, identify where you have more control than you think, and create a clear action plan that supports your dreams. I also share what I call microdosing courage, taking small steps that build momentum, confidence, and self-trust over time. We also touch on the emotional side of goal setting, including worthiness, limiting beliefs, asking for help, and healing creative wounds that can quietly block progress.You'll Learn: -How to honestly assess the goals you didn't reach last year and why-A simple way to check if your daily actions truly align with the goals you say matter most-How to microdose courage when approaching a big or scary task -Why stair-stepping goals works better than all-or-nothing thinking when fear shows up (and how it builds self-trust) -How worthiness, creative wounds, and asking for help impact your ability to follow throughIf you're setting New Year's goals for 2026 and want goal-setting advice that supports your creativity, emotions, and real life, this episode will help you move forward with compassion, clarity, self-love and momentum.

Today's guest is Kim Gravel. Kim is an entrepreneur, tv personality, public speaker, podcaster and industry leader. Most of all Kim has a passion for people and seeing them rise.Her authentic, common-sense style has resulted in Kim being one of the most booked guests on The Steve Harvey Show and starring in the hit docuseries, “Kim of Queens,” and partnering with retail giant QVC to launch her highly successful apparel line, Belle by Kim Gravel®, and the Belle Beauty® cosmetic line. She also has an awesome podcast called The Kim Gravel show! I will be on it next week! Be sure to check it out on QVC Plus, or wherever you get your pods! This is a great conversation about creativity and purpose!From this conversation you'll learn:-Kim's theory on purpose and how to find yours-How to take the first step toward your creative dream-How to use your fear as fuel-How to reinvent yourself at any age, and-The key to owning the power of ‘no!'

Every year, I sit down with my parents to record our annual Christmas podcast. What started as a holiday tradition has become one of my favorite conversations of the year. This episode is funny, emotional, honest, and full of the kinds of family stories that only come out around the holidays.In this special Christmas episode of Unleash Your Inner Creative, my parents join me in the studio to reflect on family, marriage, childhood memories, and the moments that shape us long after the holidays end. We laugh, cringe, reminisce, and share stories that reveal why family dynamics are rarely perfect, but can still be deeply meaningful and beautiful.In this episode, you'll hear:-A shocking story from my parents' early marriage that still makes us laugh decades later-The tragic yet oddly hilarious story of Tim's saddest childhood Christmas-My mom's extremely confident and very incorrect retelling of Will Ferrell's Elf-A heartfelt recap of our wedding and what it taught us about love, family, and showing up for one another-Why messy family dynamics can still be healing, connective, and full of loveWhether you're celebrating with family, missing loved ones, or navigating complicated relationships this holiday season, this episode is a reminder that connection does not have to be perfect to be powerful and it's just also just a really fun Listen!If you prefer to watch, check it out on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxllx5aGD7U 

Nick Reid is an Audience Growth Expert, Content Development Producer, and Brand Strategist who's worked with major players like Paramount, Nickelodeon, Frederator, and the Producers Guild of America. But before that? He was selling merch on Broadway, having a breakdown at Trader Joe's, and questioning everything about his career and creative path. In this powerful conversation, we explore what it really looks like to grow a creative career. From breakdowns and layoffs to healing, reinvention, and stepping into your worth. You'll learn:-How to bounce back after rejection and burnout -Tools to stop proving your worth and start trusting it-Audience growth tips for indie creators -Why your nonlinear path is not a failure, it's your power Which part of Nick's story hit home for you? Comment on Spotify and let us know! Follow Nick: @itsnickreid Sign up for my Substack: https://substack.com/@laurenlograsso?

Have you ever felt stuck in life and seriously needed a sign? In this episode, I share how I once received the clearest sign of my life and break down my 7-step CHANNEL method that you can use to get a sign from The Universe. These steps help you quiet the noise, connect with your inner wisdom, recognize synchronicities, and trust what comes through.You will learn: • The moment I received a sign that changed my life • How to use my 7-step CHANNEL method in your life • The types of questions to ask the Universe to get a clear answer • How to recognize signs and synchronicities • How to trust your intuition and take the leap If you have been longing for a sign, this episode will help you receive it.

Struggling with self-doubt or a loud inner critic? In this episode, empathy expert, keynote speaker and bestselling author, Mimi Nicklin breaks down why self-empathy is the key to quieting that voice and unlocking deeper creativity, confidence, and clarity.We explore the neuroscience of empathy, the rise of loneliness, how listening transforms relationships, and why reconnecting with yourself is essential for creating your best work.You'll discover:What self-empathy is and how to practice itHow empathy impacts creativity and innovationTools to calm your inner critic and reduce anxietyHow to build stronger relationships through listeningWhy creatives need community more than everIf you're craving more confidence, creativity, and compassion, then this episode is for you.

My dear Shiny Mind… Do you feel like you've tried a hundred different things—jobs, relationships, habits, manifestations—but nothing sticks? You're not broken. You're just not aligned.   In this powerful episode of The Shiny Minds Show, I reveal a truth that has taken me 15 years of metaphysics, consciousness studies, NLP, and coaching education to fully understand:   ✨ Before 2027, you must know WHO you are. Not what you do. Not what your job title is. Not what society expects from you.   Your self-knowledge gap must close—because the world is shifting into a new era of consciousness, frequency, and human mutation… and your soul needs to be ready.   Inside this episode, we dive into:

Hi Creative Cutie! The holidays...They're often a time that can trigger old wounds of all sorts. Definitely not the least of which, are wounds around our bodies and body image. I wanted to reshare this episode with you to help you gain some awareness and tools to heal your relationship to your body and gain Body Neutrality. More info below. I love you and happy Thanksgiving, if you celebrate!Original Description:TW: Eating Disorders and Body image.Today's guest is Jessi Kneeland. They are a queer and non-binary writer, speaker, podcaster and body image coach. Jessi started off as a physical trainer-- working with everyone from celebrities to supermodels and they found something interesting -no matter the body type, their clients always thought their bodies were not enough. This led Jessi to dig into their own body image, traumas and past to finally discover what helped them start their healing journey, which is something they call, Body Neutrality. As someone who has long suffered with a bevy of body image issues including eating disorders, disordered eating and just generally never feeling Like I have the “right” body…I can honestly say I find Jessi's work revolutionary and healing in such a deep way, it's hard to really put into words. Between their book Body Neutral, which comes out this June (and I highly recommend you pre-order now) and this conversation, I feel like I'm finally on a path to do some deep healing and rewiring in this area. I hope this chat will do the same for you.From today's chat, you'll learn:What exactly body neutrality isHow to stop self-objectifyingHow to build up self-advocacy and become your own protectorHow to get to the bottom of your body storyHow to distinguish body positivity from body neutralityWhat happens to your creativity when you take the focus off of how you lookOrder Jessi's book here: https://www.jessikneeland.com/product-page/sustainable-movement-a-body-neutral-guide-to-health-fitness 

Today’s Topics: Father Raymond of the Blessed Sacrament joins Terry 1) Gospel – Luke 21:1-4 – When Jesus looked up He saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and He noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.” Memorial of Saint Andrew Dũng-Lạc, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs Saint Andrew and Companions, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Terry and Father Raymond discuss self-knowledge and all it encompasses as described by Saint Teresa of Avila

What if getting older could actually make you feel younger and more free? In this solo episode of Unleash Your Inner Creative, I share the audio version of my recent Substack essay about why I feel more youthful at 36 than I ever did at 22. The secret is self-acceptance. I talk about the pressure I felt in my early twenties, the urgency that aged me from the inside out, and the healing that helped me finally feel light, calm, and creative again.Youth is not the absence of age. It is the presence of self love. When we stop tying our worth to our achievements and start trusting ourselves, everything opens up. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt behind, struggled with self worth, or been hard on their younger self.You will learn:How self-acceptance can make you feel youngerWhy your twenties often feel stressful and heavyThe difference between disappointment and failureHow pressure and perfectionism age your spiritHow to reconnect with joy and creativityIf you are ready to feel more confident, peaceful, and creatively free, this episode will help you get younger from the inside out.Subscribe to my Substack here:

What do you do when your biggest dream comes true but leaves you feeling more lost than ever? In this powerful episode, singer-songwriter and activist MILCK (whose viral anthem “Quiet” became the soundtrack of the 2017 Women's March) shares the journey of how she got fame and chose to give it back so she could reclaim her own voice, her music, and herself.  We also deep dive into her amazing album, Mother Tongue, which you have to check out. You'll Learn:-How to know when it's time to walk away from something shiny but misaligned-Tools to rebuild self-trust after people pleasing and self abandonment-Why learning to like yourself is actually harder than loving yourself-How to listen to your body for guidance and creative healing-The grief of assimilation and the journey of coming home to yourself & your rootsIf you've ever achieved success and still felt disconnected, this episode will help you remember your authenticity, your creativity, and your voice and come home to yourself.

Have you ever made a creative promise to yourself and actually kept it? In this episode, I'm sharing the promise I finally followed through on, what made it stick, and how you can keep your own creative vows, too! I'll walk you through:-How to choose a creative promise that feels aligned-Why the words you use to describe it matter-The power of naming a timeframe-How to lean on your community -And why letting it be imperfect is the key to actually beginningI also share a big announcement I've been holding close to my heart. Hint: it has to do with writing, courage, and coming home to a part of myself I've missed for years.If you've been feeling the call to start something new, return to something you love, or simply show up for yourself more fully this month, this episode is for you! Link to subscribe to my Substack here: https://substack.com/@laurenlograsso 

What do shellfish and the ability to express yourself artistically have in common? You'll have to download the episode to find out how Elizabeth is making that connection and what she learned from her allergist about really listening to the stories we tell ourselves.  Radiant BadassChris Martin, Creativity Coach

Is humility making yourself small… or living in the truth? Joe and Father Boniface unpack humility as honesty—seeing ourselves as we are before God—and why that frees us to use our real gifts in service (yes, even taking the seat that has your name on it). We explore self-forgetfulness, how affirmation heals the reflex to self-protect, and practical ways to grow from self-concern into self-gift. Throughout, we keep all three lenses in view: integrity with ourselves, charity toward others, under a living relationship with God.Key IdeasHumility is truth: neither self-inflation nor false modesty, but an honest acceptance of who we are before God—and using our gifts accordingly.Concrete example: sometimes the humble act is to take the role or “reserved spot” that's yours, because it serves the community best.Know your tilt: some of us oversell; others undersell—humility learns our tendency and seeks honest mirrors (trusted people who can praise and correct).Self-forgetfulness grows from being loved and affirmed; emotional safety reduces self-protective focus and opens us to others.A simple path: notice insecurity triggers, share them with someone who loves you, receive affirmation there—and then go build that same affirmation in others this week.Links & ReferencesConrad Baars, affirmation and emotional development — Conrad Baars Institute (official): https://www.conradbaars.comPope Francis, Gaudete et Exsultate (On the Call to Holiness in Today's World) — official Vatican text: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-et-exsultate.htmlCTA If this helped, please leave a review or share this episode with a friend.Questions or thoughts? Email FatherAndJoe@gmail.comTags Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, humility, honesty, meekness, truth, sainthood, virtue, self-forgetfulness, affirmation, Conrad Baars, emotional safety, trauma and healing, self-knowledge, self-possession, self-gift, narcissism, ego, vanity, false modesty, discernment, service, vocation, speaking gifts, leadership, community, parenting, children, interior freedom, relationships, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, practical spirituality, growth, healing, gratitude

Do you ever wonder why you are the way you are, or why certain patterns keep repeating in your life and relationships? What if the path to healing isn't about becoming someone new, but coming home to who you've always been?In today's pod, I sit down with internationally accredited Enneagram teacher and author of The Enneagram of the Soul, Nhien Vuong, to explore how this powerful tool can serve as your roadmap to authenticity, spiritual growth, and creative freedom.From this episode, you'll learn:-What the Enneagram really is and why it's more than just a personality typing system-How to find your type and why it's different from what you think -How to soften your inner critic and develop self-compassion-How to identify the box you're unconsciously living in (and how to get out) and -How to use the Enneagram as a spiritual and creative practice Get Nhien's Book: https://nhien-vuong.com/book/ More on Nhien

Do you have a memory from your early creative life that still stings? Maybe it was a teacher who embarrassed you, a moment of rejection, or a time when you decided it was safer to shrink than shine.If so, you may have a creative wound and it is likely still playing out in your creativity and career to this day. But do not fret: today, we're going to begin the process of healing it together.Discover:-What a creative wound is and how it could be secretly holding you back-The real-life moment that brought up one of my deepest creative wounds (and why it caught me off guard)-A guided visualization to help you meet your younger self, rewrite the limiting story of the wound, and start to reclaim your creative power-Why healing the creative wound is the key to greater confidence, visibility, and joyThis episode is gentle, honest, and might bring up some emotion, but it's all in service of creative freedom and inner peace. If you've been feeling blocked, afraid to share your work, or like you're still carrying the weight of what someone once said about your voice, art, or ideas... this is for you.

Have you ever felt like you were living someone else's dream? This week I'm talking with Erica Pepin, a powerful example of what happens when you take a chance on your creative call. She left a stable job to follow her dreams. Now she's a published author who built her creative life from the ground up, with no roadmap, just trust and a love for literature. Oh she's also one of my high school besties and we get to reunite for an hour here! SO FUN! From this chat, you'll learn:-How to trust your intuition even when it doesn't make sense-What it really takes to become a published author-How to break free from corporate life and go toward your dreams, and -The unexpected power of rejectionIf you're ready to stop people-pleasing and start listening to your inner voice, this episode is for you!Get Erica's book here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Work-Nights/Erica-Peplin/9781668050873 

John Campbell shares his journey through the world of Ashtanga Yoga and Buddhism, detailing his experiences in Mysore, the influence of Pattabhi Jois, and the philosophical underpinnings of yoga. He discusses the integration of Tibetan practices into his teaching and the evolution of yoga in the modern context. John emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge and the transformative power of yoga, while also addressing the challenges of mixing traditions. The conversation concludes with insights into the future of yoga and upcoming events. Instagram:  @dr.john.campbell | tibethouse.us Nov 8-9, 2025, Urban Vajrayoga™ Retreat with Professor Robert Thurman and Dr John Campbell: https://www.yogacampus.com/courses/events-and-continuing-professional-development/urban-vajrayoga-retreat Dec 5-7, 2025, Vajra Yoga Winter Immersion Retreat - Sponsored by Tibet House US: https://menla.org/retreat/vajra-yoga-winter-immersion-retreat/ John Shares How he spent years in Mysore, deeply influenced by the experience. ·       The early days of Ashtanga Yoga were marked by a close-knit community. ·       Pattabhi Jois's teachings had a profound impact on John's practice. ·       The philosophical aspects of yoga are as important as the physical practice. ·       Self-knowledge is a central theme in both yoga and Buddhism. ·       Vajrayoga integrates Tibetan practices into traditional yoga. ·       The evolution of yoga practices reflects changing societal contexts. ·       Teaching yoga today requires a balance of tradition and innovation. ·       John emphasizes the importance of kindness and open heartedness in practice. ·       The future of yoga involves exploring diverse practices and lineages.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to John Campbell and His Journey 02:02 Early Experiences in Mysore and Ashtanga Yoga 06:04 The Influence of Patabi Joyce and Adjustments in Practice 11:54 Philosophical Insights on Self and Ashtanga Yoga 18:05 The Role of Self-Knowledge in Yoga Practice 24:00 Buddhism, Vedanta, and Their Impact on Asana Practice 37:38 The Interconnectedness of Yoga Traditions 40:12 Hatha Yoga and Its Techniques 42:16 The Three Dimensions of Yoga Practice 49:30 Mythology and Authenticity in Yoga 55:02 The Role of Bhavana in Yoga Practice 01:00:56 Integrating Tibetan Yoga into Practice 01:06:51 The Evolution of Yoga in Modern ContextJohn Campbell Keen on Yoga Website: www.keenonyoga.com Follow Adam:  @keen_on_yoga | @adam_keen_ashtanga Retreats with Adam: https://www.keenonyoga.com/ashtanga-yoga-retreats Support: Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoRf Become a Patron: https://www.keenonyoga.com/patrons/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Keenonyoga

Have you ever had a gut feeling, a prophetic dream, or a sign that felt too perfect to be coincidence? In this episode, I sit down with psychic medium and spiritual teacher MaryAnn DiMarco to help you unlock your intuition, reconnect with your spirit guides, and reclaim your creativity through divine collaboration.We talk about:-The difference between ego and divine guidance-How to hear from your guides (even if you feel “blocked”)-What's really stopping your intuitive connection (hint: it might have to do with your smart phone!)-How to overcome fear and disappointment to create with spiritual support-A powerful practice to meet your guides todayThis is a soulful, fun, deeply grounding conversation that will expand your perception of what's possible...both creatively and spiritually. I left this talk with chills and renewed creative clarity. I hope it does the same for you.

Sunday Evening FLASH Livestream 28 September 2025Philosopher Stefan Molyneux addresses callers on family dynamics and relationship complexities. The first caller explores the moral aspects of toxic family ties, while a second caller seeks advice on forming genuine connections after heartbreak. Stefan underscores the importance of self-awareness and reflects on the repercussions of infidelity. He concludes by emphasizing that self-knowledge is key to meaningful relationships, thanking callers and listeners for their engagement.SUBSCRIBE TO ME ON X! https://x.com/StefanMolyneuxFollow me on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/@freedomain1GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

What we consider a 'bad' meditation session, e.g. the mind can't settle down and is struggling with strong emotions like anger, lust and anxiety, can be very useful to gain insight into our own character. Rather than being upset with ourselves thinking 'I can't really meditate'; or becoming frustrated and demotivated; we investigate the obstructions to gain insight and understanding into our own character and the working of our mind. Once we've identified them, we can apply wisdom and skilful means to overcome them, contemplating them to let go of them.⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our Spotify Playlists⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dhammagiri Youtube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#meditation #buddhistmeditation #insight #vipassana #wisdom #kilesa #defilements.

On His way to Jerusalem to give His life on the Cross, Jesus turns aside to the crowd following Him ... summoning those that would follow Him to wholehearted allegiance to His Lordship in thier lives. (Lk 14:26) As we do so, we find the abundant life Jesus said He came to give. (Jn 10:10)

The readings for this Sunday's Mass relate the fruits of humility.  Growth in humility is worth the effort.  St. Theresa of Avila offers sound advice on how to advance in this essential Christian virtue. 

e326 Self Knowledge, Zombie Bunnies and Weed, Ghosts? by Paul George

Homily of Fr. Mike O'Connor from Mass on August 26, 2025 at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church in Bay St. Louis, MS. Readings 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Matthew 23:23-26 If you would like to donate to OLG and her livestream ministry, please go to https://olgchurch.net/give

Welcome to a new episode of the Future Generations podcast! In this episode, Dr. Stanton Hom welcomes a Yerasimos for a deep and practical conversation about self-knowledge, personal values, and living authentically in the face of adversity. This episode is for anyone seeking to reconnect with their purpose, navigate life's challenges with resilience, and find meaning in both everyday moments and major life transitions.   It's time to build your family's future on a foundation of true health and freedom. Join us at Future Foundations—because your future generations deserve the best start to the mission that will outlive us… Check it out here. Use code FREEDOM25 for 25% off!  Whether you're looking for tinctures, topicals or teas or a deeper connection to your INNATE healing capacity, Noble Task Homestead is here to serve you. Join the movement. Visit NobleTaskHomestead.com/noblestan today and enjoy a 10% discount on your order. San Diego area residents, take advantage of our special New Patient offer exclusively for podcast listeners here. We can't wait to experience miracles with you!   Highlights: "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom."   “Treat your life as a gift. I know it's hard, but that's part of being human."   "Memento Mori. Remember, you will die. Because there's a finite time for us here, do we really understand that?"   "We suffer more in imagination than reality."   Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:56 – The Origin of 'Here for the Truth' Podcast 06:54 – Navigating Crisis: Fires, Floods, and Empathy 14:11 – Human Adaptability and First World Problems 21:21 – The Challenge of Distraction in Modern Life 26:16 – The Importance of Self-Knowledge and Values 33:07 – Post-COVID Shifts: Living Authentically 36:39 – Miracles of Authenticity: Real-Life Transformations 42:57 – Memento Mori: The Power of Remembering Mortality 49:11 – The 'Rise Above the Herd' Program & Process   Resources:   Remember to Rate, Review, and Subscribe on iTunes and Follow us on Spotify!   Learn more about Dr. Stanton Hom on:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstantonhom  Website: https://futuregenerationssd.com/    Podcast Website: https://thefuturegen.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/drstantonhom  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanhomdc  Stay Connected with the Future Generations Podcast:   Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/futuregenpodcast  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futuregenpodcast/    Links:    https://www.thehivemethod.co/ https://www.instagram.com/thehivemethod.co   About Yerasimos: Yerasimos is a transformational coach, holistic health practitioner. He's the co-host of the “Here for the Truth” podcast and the co-creator of the “Rise Above the Herd” group coaching program.    With a background in psychology, energy work, and somatic healing, he supports individuals in breaking free from cultural conditioning and reconnecting to their authentic selves. Through his work, Yerasimos empowers others to live with greater clarity, sovereignty, and purpose.   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_yerasimos/ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/areyouhereforthetruth/ Website: https://hereforthetruth.com/   The desire to go off grid and have the ability to grow your own food has never been stronger than before. No matter the size of your property, Food Forest Abundance can help you design a regenerative layout that utilizes your resources in the most synergistic and sustainable manner. If you are interested in breaking free from the system, please visit www.foodforestabundance.com and use code “thefuturegen” to receive a discount on their incredible services.   Show your eyes some love with a pair of daylight or sunset (or both!) blue-light blocking glasses from Ra Optics. They have graciously offered Future Generations podcast listeners 10% off any purchase. Use code FGPOD or click here to access this discount, and let us know how your glasses are treating you!   One of the single best companies whose clean products have supported the optimal wellness of our family is Earthley Wellness. Long before there was a 2020, Kate Tetje and her team have stood for TRUTH, HEALTH and FREEDOM in ways that paved the way for so many of us. In collaboration with this incredible team, we are proud to offer you 10% off of your first purchase by shopping here.   Are you concerned about food supply insecurity? Our family has rigorously sourced our foods for over a decade and one of our favorite sources is Farm Match and specifically for San Diego locals, “Real Food Club PMA”. My kids are literally made from their maple breakfast sausage and the amazing carnitas we make from their pasture raised pork. We are thrilled to share 10% off your first order when you shop at this link.   Another important way to bolster food security is by supporting local ranchers. Our favorite local regenerative ranch is Perennial Pastures. They have the best nutrient-dense meats that are 100% grass-fed and pasture-raised. You can get $10 off of your first purchase when you use the code: "FUTUREGENERATIONS" at checkout. Start shopping here.  

What do you really want—and how do you even begin to ask for it? In this episode of laidOPEN, I'm joined by somatic sex therapist Susan Morgan Taylor, a healer and teacher who guides people through the often-overlooked terrain of embodied desire. With over 25 years in somatic healing, Susan brings a grounded, intuitive approach to what she calls the Pleasure Keys Process—a set of practices designed to help individuals and couples reconnect with their sensuality, emotional truth, and authentic connection. We dive into how early wounding, stress, and disembodiment can short-circuit intimacy—and what it really takes to come back into alignment with your body and your partner. Susan shares how her background in massage therapy and intuitive healing shaped her path, and offers practical, heartfelt wisdom on navigating low libido, sacred sexuality, and the art of noticing, naming, and negotiating in relationships. Whether you're in a long-term partnership or simply curious about deepening your relationship to pleasure, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and reclaim the wisdom of your body. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to LaidOPEN Podcast 00:07 Meet Susan Morgan Taylor: Somatic Sex Therapist 02:48 The Pleasure Keys Process 03:20 Intuitive Healing and Somatic Work 04:50 The Importance of Touch and Consent 05:39 Navigating Desire Mismatches in Relationships 09:24 The Wheel of Consent 11:19 The Pleasure Keys Framework 16:55 Understanding Low Libido in Women 23:44 Exploring Sacred Sexuality 32:11 Exploring Sensitivity and Numbness 33:03 The Role of Physical Sensation in Relaxation 33:41 Martial Arts and Body Work in Emotional Healing 34:54 Understanding Numbness and Its Origins 36:25 Pathway to Emotional and Physical Healing 38:45 Sacred Sexuality and Emotional Depth 43:34 The Paradox of Polarity and Union 49:56 Sexual Freedom and Self-Knowledge 52:49 Practical Steps for Emotional and Physical Awareness 55:43 Conclusion and Resources  

*This is the Free Content version of my interview with Dr. Tristán Kapp. To access the full interview, please consider joining Tier 1 by becoming a Patreon member; alternatively, this episode is also available for a one-time purchase at Patreon. www.patreon.com/RejectedReligion.My guest for the month of June is Dr. Tristán Kapp.Tristán is an interdisciplinary researcher, writer, and speaker specialising in comparative religion, esotericism, secularism, and conspirituality. His work examines new and alternative religious movements, secularism, and the intersections of religion, politics, and sexuality. He holds a PhD in Religious Studies from the University of Pretoria, where his thesis explored sex magick as post-theistic spirituality across Eastern, Western, and African esotericism. He also holds an MDiv (focused on Systematic & Historical Theology) and BDiv (focused on Dogmatics & Christian Ethics).As an advocate for the normalisation and destigmatisation of secularism, alternative religions, and marginalised spiritualities, Tristán engages in public education, media commentary, and community support. His insights have been featured in podcasts, news media, and academic conferences worldwide.He is also the founder of Alterity Counselling, a virtual counselling practice supporting individuals from diverse spiritual and non-religious backgrounds across the globe. His non-profit advocacy with the South African Pagan Rights Alliance (SAPRA)—as an executive member, spokesperson, and interfaith officer—along with his community paralegal work, informs his approach to research, activism, and counselling. In this interview, Tristán discusses portions of his captivating dissertation, titled, “Secret self-knowledge: considering sex magick as post-theistic spirituality in Eastern, Western, and African Esotericism.” Highlights of this engaging discussion include:-        Tristán's ideas about a ‘post-theistic spiritual practice,' that distances itself from an external deity and moves toward a non-traditional or non-religious spirituality, with creativity in terms of co-existence between the divine and the individual;-        The underrepresentation of Eastern and African regions with regard to esotericism;-        The negativity surrounding sexuality and the expression of it, including taboos and fetishes (drawing for example on Foucault);-        The inclusion of Conspirituality in this discourse, and how it relates to the notion of the Self;-        Examples of Eastern esoteric sexual practices and what these offer with regard to knowledge of the Self;-        The issue of colonialism and slavery as it relates to Africana esoteric religions;-        How sexuality and the Self are understood in both African Traditional Religion and the Sangoma Tradition;-        The syncretic expressions of the African diaspora as found in African-American Conjure or Supernaturalism;-        The notion of ubuntu, that states a person is a person because of other people;-        His conclusions after all of his research and his future endeavors.PROGRAM NOTESDissertation: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386987710_Secret_self-knowledge_considering_sex_magick_as_post-theistic_spirituality_in_Eastern_Western_and_African_Esotericism

Have you ever told yourself you're "fine" when deep down you felt like you were disappearing? Like your life force was gone and you were just going through the motions? This conversation is for you. In this episode, I talk with bestselling author, speaker, and teacher, Jen Pastiloff. She is also the author of the brand new book, Proof of Life, which is about owning your worthiness and giving yourself permission to live.Today, we dive into the messy, beautiful process of waking up to your truth, reclaiming your voice, and finally choosing a life that feels fully yours. From divorce, to sobriety, to rediscovering her creativity, Jen shares the real story behind what it takes to stop pretending and start truly living.From our chat, you'll learn:-How to recognize when you're stuck in survival mode-What your body might be telling you when you're abandoning yourself-The powerful connection between shame, people-pleasing, and self-worth-How to stop waiting for permission and take up space and live-Ways to use creativity as a tool for healing and reconnectionIf you've been numbing, hiding, or quietly shrinking to fit a life that doesn't fit you, this episode is your permission to begin again.Jennifer Pastiloff trots the globe as a public speaker and to host her retreats to Italy, as well as her one-of-a-kind workshops, which she has taught to thousands of people all over the world. The author of the popular Substack, also called Proof of Life, she teaches writing and creativity classes called Allow, and workshops called Shame Loss, when she isn't painting and selling her art. She has been featured on Good Morning America, and Katie Couric, and in New York magazine, People, Shape, Health magazine, and other media outlets for her authenticity and unique voice. She is deaf, reads lips, and mishears almost everything, but what she hears is usually funnier (at least she thinks so). The author of the national bestseller On Being Human, Pastiloff lives in Southern California with her son, Charlie Mel.

In this special re-release, I'm sharing one of my absolute favorite conversations from the early days of Unleash Your Inner Creative…an episode so dear to me, it feels like a time capsule. You'll even hear how my voice has changed, because I recorded this over six years ago, basically as a creative fetus. LOLz.This powerful episode features the incredible visual artist, podcaster, and creative entrepreneur, Amanda Oleander. If you're not familiar with her work yet, prepare to fall in love.Amanda's story is a shining example of what's possible when you take a leap of faith on your creative calling—especially when life pushes you before you feel fully ready. From raw talent to becoming the most-followed woman on Periscope, Amanda's rise is about so much more than art—it's about courage, self-belief, and embracing discomfort to create the life you're meant for.This episode made me emotional (I think it's the first time I ever cried on the pod!) and helped me reconnect with my own creative power. I know it will do the same for you.

Very few men think of relationships in the frame of the “sexual marketplace,” although the rules and principles of attraction and connection can very much be understood as an economic model, of sorts, of perceived value. And, the man who offers the most perceived value, is the man who gets the girl. Whether you're married or single, understanding the intricacies and nuance of what makes a man attractive to a woman will help him get more of what he wants from her. My guest today, psychologist Orion Taraban joins me to discuss these dynamics between men and women so we all get more of what we're after in relationships. We cover the importance of knowing your value and knowing what is valuable to the opposite sex, why love has little or nothing to do with attraction, what is known as the “Madonna-Whore Complex,” the concepts of Captains and Passengers as it relates to dating and mating, the difference between talking and communicating, and how best to make yourself more attractive. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction to Captain and Passenger Roles 00:30 - Orion Taraban's Background and Book Success 01:30 - The Role of YouTube in Building an Audience 03:24 - Orion's Communication Style and Credentials 07:04 - The Captain and Passenger Metaphor 11:33 - Prerogatives of the Captain 12:23 - Liabilities of Female Captaincy 15:29 - Sexual Marketplace Dynamics 18:38 - Love and Relationships 20:15 - Male Sexuality and Objectification 26:16 - Attraction and the “Bad Boy” Myth 28:12 - The Two Women Concept 32:21 - Communication vs. Talking in Relationships 37:24 - Self-Knowledge and Attraction 41:14 - Double Standards in the Sexual Marketplace 47:20 - Body Count and Sexual Novelty 51:17 - The Coolidge Effect and Male Drive 56:13 - Monogamy and Historical Context 59:54 - Relationships as Economic Transactions 1:03:36 - Marriage as a Business Partnership 1:09:48 - What Women Want in Men 1:16:01 - Standing Out in the Sexual Marketplace 1:23:12 - Where to Connect with Orion

Hello Creative Cutie! Today, in honor of our THREE Webby Wins, I am back with our third and last episode in a trip down unleash memory lane. This one is very special to me, because it's a coaching session.  I really came into myself as a coach during this episode and discovered how much I can trust myself and how my intuition is a big part of how I coach people. It's also a VERY important episode for anyone out there considering sharing a hidden dream, pursuing a new career or figuring out how to balance being a multi-passionate creative! Check it out and if you're interested in a FREE Coaching session with me on-air, reach out via my website or email below! Original Description: Today I'm taking you inside a coaching session with Caroline Stokes. Caroline is a comedian, dancer, visual artist, musician, and self-expression expert who has who has been lighting up the internet with her hilarious content for years now…Building an organic audience of 111k followers on TikTok and almost 20 thousand people on Instagram. This is actually Caroline's third time being on Unleash! I was quite honored that she, someone who I see as a fully unleashed person, wanted to be coached. It's a reminder that everyone needs someone to see, guide and believe in them--that often times, that's how they got there in the first place, and that's how they continue to grow. This coaching session helped Caroline figure out a part of her creativity she didn't even know she desired so deeply. It also was illuminating for me, as I discovered a whole new way to guide fellow multi-passionates (and honestly, myself) on how to allocate our time and creative energy. It was honestly pretty revolutionary.From today's episode, you'll learn: How to honor your authentic self -even if it's uncomfortableHow to discover the creative life you've been afraid to let yourself wantThe power of being an introvert The importance of saying what you want out LoudHow to introduce new endeavors to your audienceHow to run a relay race with yourself 

This week we continue to take a tour down memory lane with one of the best and most-listened to Unleash episodes of all time! It is with Sadie Blasucci--she shares her journey of making an extremely creative decision: leaving the religion that your parents and community have told you is the "right" one. For her, that was Mormonism. We need to use our creativity in ALL aspects of life, not just work. Questioning the script that has been given to you about life, God, love--that's part of it. Tune in for a fascinating conversation and for tips on finding yourself and spirituality when you leave the religious and/or cultural framework you were raised in. Original Description: On The Guest: Sadie Blasucci is a former Mormon and Faith Transition Coach that helps people acclimate after leaving the church. She's also the co-host of Missionary Podcast and co-author of a Faith Crisis Guided Journal titled My Authentic Faith. Her focus is to teach people to find faith, trust, and happiness within themselves.From this conversation you'll learn:The origin of Mormonism & other interesting Mormon facts The process of unlearning childhood traumasHow to find happiness outside of your spiritual community and take responsibility for itHow habit swapping can help in transitional phasesThe purpose of secrecy in MormonismThe difference between organized religion and finding your own spiritualityHow to process Spiritual grievingThe idea of worthiness in MormonismTools for faith transitioningAnd so much more!Faith Transition Coaching Services https://sadielane.podia.com/Faith Crisis Guided Journal My Authentic Faith

- Pakistan-India War Escalation and US-Houthis Truce (0:00) - Yemen-Israel Conflict and US-Israel Relations (1:53) - Middle East War Zones and Gold Prices (5:29) - Leslie Powers' Background and Health Revealed Event (6:44) - Organized Religion and Control Mechanisms (9:44) - Special Reports and Preparedness Strategies (12:31) - China's Evasion of US Tariffs (36:14) - Health and Wellness Book Review (55:17) - Chlorine Dioxide Interview Summary (1:03:03) - Leslie Powers Interview: Trauma and Systemic Issues (1:10:51) - Impact of Early Attachment on Health and Trust (1:28:50) - Challenges in the Modern Medical System (1:35:37) - The Role of Stress and Trauma in Health (1:40:11) - The Importance of Self-Knowledge and Connection (1:46:22) - Rebuilding Trust and Personal Responsibility (1:51:59) For more updates, visit: http://www.brighteon.com/channel/hrreport NaturalNews videos would not be possible without you, as always we remain passionately dedicated to our mission of educating people all over the world on the subject of natural healing remedies and personal liberty (food freedom, medical freedom, the freedom of speech, etc.). Together, we're helping create a better world, with more honest food labeling, reduced chemical contamination, the avoidance of toxic heavy metals and vastly increased scientific transparency. ▶️ Every dollar you spend at the Health Ranger Store goes toward helping us achieve important science and content goals for humanity: https://www.healthrangerstore.com/ ▶️ Sign Up For Our Newsletter: https://www.naturalnews.com/Readerregistration.html ▶️ Brighteon: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/hrreport ▶️ Join Our Social Network: https://brighteon.social/@HealthRanger ▶️ Check In Stock Products at: https://PrepWithMike.com

In a conversation with the brilliant and hilarious Ramit Sethi, we talk about “money for couples.” We discuss issues such as the four money types, how to handle conflict within a relationship, when to start talking about money when dating, red flags, and more. Resources & Links Related to this episode: Become a Super-Fan! Money for Couples by Ramit Sethi (Amazon, Bookshop) Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). The Catechism teaches us about man's God-given dignity and unique place in creation. Fr. Mike explains the unity that exists between all persons, and how this necessitates a “law of human solidarity and charity.” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 355-361. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.