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In a world that often seems to be chaotically out of control, in a world of an endless cacophony of competing voices, in a world that encourages us to do whatever we want, in a world that relentlessly encourages us to pursue our own interests and desires, how can we possibly even begin to "live well"? What does that mean? Is it pursuing personal peace and affluence? The perfect job? The perfect spouse? The right college? The right neighborhood? Our guest this week on the Profile, Dr. Alan Noble of Oklahoma Baptist University, has written a helpful little guide that answers these and other questions about what it means for Christians to live well. This is not a self-help book or a name-it-and-claim-it prosperity treatise, but an invitation to meditate upon and pursue the ancient virtues. Noble does not advocate that we are earning God's favor by pursuing the virtues. Rather, because we are made righteous in Christ, we have the freedom in Christ to pursue patience, wisdom, charity, love, courage, and resoluteness. The pursuit of virtue is not dry religious legalism, but an adventure, accomplished by and through the Holy Spirit. Come and see!From AlanNoble.comAlan Noble is Assistant Professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University. Alan launched the group Public Faith with Michael Wear to offer an alternative evangelical political voice. He also joined The AND Campaign as an advisor, were he served for a number of years. Alan has written articles for Christian publications such as Modern Reformation, InTouch Magazine, and Christianity Today and for secular publications like VOX, Buzzfeed, and The Atlantic. He has been interviewed, quoted, or cited in The New York Times, The Washington Post, MTV News, MSNBC, The Guardian, Buzzfeed, Politico, Village Voice, Yahoo! News, ThinkProgress, The Blaze, WORLD Magazine, and Slate. And he has spoken at colleges, organizations, churches, and youth groups on a range of topics related to the church and culture. In 2023, Alan became a “fellow” at the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. Free Watchman Profile articles. These profiles provide an overview of the person and ideas as well as a concise biblical response. NaturalismDeconstructionAtheismCarl Sagan's CosmosRichard DawkinsNihilismAdditional Resources:FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (two volumes totalling over 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.
In this episode, we reflect on why time is often an important element of development acceptance, in ourselves and with other people.Questions or thoughts you would like to share? I would love to hear from you. Email me at dailydharmapodcast@gmail.com
**SEO Title:** Dr. Rick Strassman: DMT, Endogenous Psychedelics, and the Code of Biblical ProphecyDr. Rick Strassman, pioneer of clinical DMT research, reveals how naturally occurring DMT in the human brain bridges the gap between medical science, altered states, and divine revelation. Moving beyond exogenous substances, he explains how the mammalian mind independently holds the chemical keys to unlock realms far beyond everyday reality.From evaluating early safety data to detailing how endogenous DMT mediates near-death experiences and mystical visions, Rick explores the biological mechanics of spiritual contact. He cautions against modern psychedelic commercialization while demonstrating how the biblical world of Genesis may have operated as a parallel, DMT-like dimension that bled into human history.Tracing his evolution from Zen Buddhism to ancient Hebrew scholarship, Rick contrasts the formless state of classical enlightenment with the specific, verbal downloads of biblical prophecy. He examines the pineal gland, fetal development, and divine *shefa*, illustrating how natural neurochemistry enables higher communication without dogmatic rituals.Is endogenous DMT merely a biological buffer for extreme physical stress, or is the human brain explicitly engineered to receive divine communication?___
The emergency room and the ICU are not just emotionally draining and traumatic environments for patients, but for healthcare workers as well. ER doctor Kat Moore tells us how Zen Buddhism is working its way into emergency rooms to improve the wellbeing of both patients and doctors. Learn more about the Contemplative Medicine Fellowship at: https://zencare.org/contemplative-medicine-fellowship/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What do you say if two young Missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints suddenly show up at your doorstep? What do you say? How do you say it? Watchman Fellowship can help! If you know little or nothing about Latter-day Saints, the Book of Mormon, or their beliefs, doctrines, and practices, we have the perfect, handy little book, just for you! Watchman staff have combined their years of engagement and experience with Latter-day Saints into one compact, easy-to-read, easy-to-use, little book called Trading Questions - Twenty Essential Conversations to Have with Your Mormon Friend. We're featuring an exclusive new-release offer you can take advantage of right now, right here. In addition to an autographed signed copy of Trading Questions you'll also receive additional bonus material and resources on Latter-day Saints from Watchman Fellowship! Also be sure to check out our trip to Utah this September! Brady Blevins is the Senior Apologist for Watchman Fellowship. He has been married to his wife, Jennifer, for over 25 years, and they have three children: Drew, Madison, and Jett. He earned his doctorate from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has served as both a college professor and a pastor for more than 20 years.Daniel Ray is a Staff Apologist for Watchman Fellowship. He holds a master's degree from Houston Christian University and is the co-author and editor of The Story of the Cosmos: How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God. Daniel also serves as the primary host of Watchman Fellowship's podcast, Apologetics Profile.James K. Walker is the President of Watchman Fellowship and a former fourth-generation Mormon. He holds a master's degree from Criswell College and is the author of The Concise Guide to Today's Religions and Spirituality, What the Qur'an Really Teaches About Jesus, and The Truth Behind the Secret.Apologetics Profile podcast episodes about Latter-day Saint beliefs and practices. You'll find the episodes to our interview with Dr. Bowman in this link. Additional information featured in this broadcast. https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/history-of-missionary-work-in-the-churchhttps://churchhistorylibrary.churchofjesuschrist.org/guides/missions-and-missionaries?lang=eng#finding-local-unit-historical-recordshttps://provo.mtc.missionary.org/aboutAdditional Resources:FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (two volumes totalling over 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.
In this episode, we talk about how we can weather the ebbs and flows of life, especially when the changes are hard and unexpected.Thoughts, questions or having issues with audio? I would be happy to help you. Email me anytime at dailydharmapodcast@gmail.com
What do you say if two young Missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints suddenly show up at your doorstep? Watchman Fellowship can help! If you know little or nothing about Latter-day Saints, the Book of Mormon, or their beliefs, doctrines, and practices, we have the perfect, handy little book, just for you! Watchman staff have combined their years of engagement and experience with Latter-day Saints into one compact, easy-to-read, easy-to-use, little book called Trading Questions - Twenty Essential Conversations to Have with Your Mormon Friend. We're featuring an exclusive new-release offer you can take advantage of right now, right here. In addition to an autographed signed copy of Trading Questions you'll also receive additional bonus material and resources on Latter-day Saints from Watchman Fellowship! Brady Blevins is the Senior Apologist for Watchman Fellowship. He has been married to his wife, Jennifer, for over 25 years, and they have three children: Drew, Madison, and Jett. He earned his doctorate from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has served as both a college professor and a pastor for more than 20 years.Daniel Ray is a Staff Apologist for Watchman Fellowship. He holds a master's degree from Houston Christian University and is the co-author and editor of The Story of the Cosmos: How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God. Daniel also serves as the primary host of Watchman Fellowship's podcast, Apologetics Profile.James K. Walker is the President of Watchman Fellowship and a former fourth-generation Mormon. He holds a master's degree from Criswell College and is the author of The Concise Guide to Today's Religions and Spirituality, What the Qur'an Really Teaches About Jesus, and The Truth Behind the Secret.Apologetics Profile podcast episodes about Latter-day Saint beliefs and practices. You'll find the episodes to our interview with Dr. Bowman in this link. Additional information featured in this broadcast. https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/history-of-missionary-work-in-the-churchhttps://churchhistorylibrary.churchofjesuschrist.org/guides/missions-and-missionaries?lang=eng#finding-local-unit-historical-recordshttps://provo.mtc.missionary.org/abouthttps://www.watchman.org/utahAdditional Resources:FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (two volumes totalling over 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.
In this episode, we reflect on what it means to reframe our identity and what it looks like in practice.Questions or thoughts you would like to share? Email me anytime at dailydharmapodcast@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you.
We are storytellers. From childhood fairy tales to the most erudite and complex cosmological theories, we use good stories to communicate truth. What exactly then is the story of the cosmos? Is there one? And what can modern science tell us about this story? Good science communicators attempt to answer these questions, composing their explanations about the heavens into meaningful and compelling narratives. But is the modern story of the cosmos the true story of the cosmos? Most scientific theories about the universe take little or no account for God. The universe is only or "just" what it is made of, just what it does, nothing more. But we here at Good Heavens! believe there is a true and good story about the universe that includes where it came from, what it all means, and to whom it points. Jesus. As Colossians 1 proclaims, "For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven" (Colossians 1.17-20, NASB 1995). Astrophysicist Jeff Zweerink is a former senior research scholar at Reasons to Believe (RTB). He earned a BS in physics and a PhD in astrophysics from Iowa State University with a focus on gamma rays. He taught at and ran the planetarium at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, until postdoctoral research in gamma rays led him to the University of California, Riverside. Jeff spent years working on the STACEE and VERITAS gamma-ray telescopes and was involved in research projects such as the Solar Two project and the Whipple Collaboration. He continues to work as a project scientist at UCLA on GAPS, a balloon experiment seeking to detect dark matter. Zweerink is also a coauthor of more than 30 academic papers published in peer-reviewed journals such as Astrophysical Journal, Astroparticle Physics, and Astrobiology. While an undergrad at Iowa State University, he heard astrophysicist and RTB founder Hugh Ross speak on the constructive integration of science and the Christian faith. Ten years later, a professor encouraged Zweerink to enroll in RTB's volunteer apologists program. This involvement eventually led to a scholar position in 2005. Today, Zweerink writes and speaks on the compatibility of science and the Christian faith and on evidence for intentional design from multiverse theory and exoplanets, as well as artificial intelligence (AI). His speaking engagements take him to universities, conferences, churches, high schools, youth groups, and other venues around the world. His books include Is There Life Out There?, Who's Afraid of the Multiverse?, Escaping the Beginning?, and Building Bridges (coauthor). He has also made many media appearances on television, radio, and in print. Zweerink and his wife, Lisa, live in Southern California and have five children. Image credit (Crab Nebula): Hubble Space Telescope, NASA, Goddard. Two-part episode with cosmologist Dr. Luke Barnes on C.S. Lewis' science fiction. Part One Part Two Watchman Fellowship Resources on the Question of Aliens, UFOs, and UAPs: Free Four-Page Profile Articles UFOs and UAPs Raelians Heaven's Gate Disclosure Day The Urantia Book Podcast Episodes on UFOs, Aliens, and Extraterrestrials Aliens, Evolution, and Intelligent Design What is the Message of Spielberg's Disclosure Day? UFOS and Aliens Ufologist Gary Bates Part One Ufologist Gary Bates Part Two Ancient Aliens? No. Daniel's interview with Sasha Sagan, the daughter of the late planetary astronomer Carl Sagan Additional Resources FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give Good Heavens! is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc. Podbean enables our podcast to be on Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms. To support Good Heavens! on Podbean as a patron, you can use the Podbean app, or go to https://patron.podbean.com/goodheavens. This goes to Wayne Spencer. If you would like to give to the ministry of Watchman Fellowship or to Daniel Ray, you can donate at https://www.watchman.org/daniel. Donations to Watchman are tax deductible.
Welcome to Dive Into Reiki, an interview series hosted by Nathalie Jaspar that explores the journeys of high-profile Reiki teachers and practitioners.You can support the mission of spreading Reiki education through my Patreon for less than the cost of a cup of coffee or for free by rating this podcast on your app!EPISODE 76: DIVE INTO REIKI WITH FRANCIS VENDRELLFew Reiki practitioners have a background as diverse as Francis: A doctor of physics and an ordained Zen monk, he has spent over thirty years demonstrating how analytical science and deep mindfulness can be combined to enhance Reiki practice.Having moved from Santiago, Chile, to Switzerland at a young age, Francis began his Reiki journey in 1994. By 2000, he had established his own Reiki school in Geneva and in 2010, co-founded the SwissReiki association. He was a co-founder of the European Reiki Group (ERG), which was originally launched as a collaborative website in 2016 and has since grown into a vital network for the European Reiki community.His current work focuses on two key pillars: The first one, education based on the disciplined, structured framework of traditional Zen practices.The second: pioneering scientific research to champion evidence-based 'energy medicine'. He played a pivotal role in helping Stephan Stadelmann create the world's first Reiki scientific database and establish the World Reiki Research (WRR) organisation. Francis is currently investigating the fundamental mechanisms of Reiki through the lens of quantum physics. By combining spiritual wisdom with cutting-edge physics, he aims to establish a sophisticated, measurable new paradigm for Reiki in the modern scientific era.You can contact Francis on his website.Nathalie Jaspar, the founder of Dive Into Reiki, is a Reiki master with over a decade of experience. She's a graduate teacher from the International House of Reiki, led by world-renowned Reiki master Frans Stiene. She also trained with the Center for True Health and the International Center for Reiki. To gain an even deeper understanding of Reiki practice, Nathalie went to Japan to practice Zen Buddhism at the Chokai-san International Zendo. She is the author of Reiki as a Spiritual Practice: an Illustrated Guide, Reiki Healing Handbook (Rockridge Press), and Infinite Light: Conversation with 21 Reiki masters and practitioners.Support the show
In today's episode, we reflect on what it means to light up the path - for ourselves and those around us. Thoughts and questions you would like to share? Email me anytime at dailydharmapodcast@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you.Apologies for this week's late upload - thank you for being here! Next week will resume regular upload on Sunday.
In this episode, we reflect on what it means to grasp the right lesson - the big picture insight on life's challenging situations.Questions or thoughts you would like to share? Email me anytime at dailydharmapodcast@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you.
Program Note: Daniel misspoke about the Tycho and Kepler supernovae. They were not the last to be seen in the universe but the last two supernovae to be seen in the Milky Way galaxy. A great deal of time, effort, and tax dollars have been spent to explore the heavens. But even after all the expenditures, secular astronomy and cosmology are still unable to say what it all means. Some have suggested the universe doesn't mean anything, that it just is. Others say we can make up our own meaning. But we here at Good Heavens! believe the universe exists for one main purpose, to declare the glory and the righteousness of God, to display His handiwork and remind us of His many invisible attributes (Psalm 19; 50.6; Romans 1.18ff; Colossians 1.16ff). Here on this episode we sit down with Christian and astrophysicist Dr. Jeff Zweerink and get his thoughts about how he sees the universe pointing him to the glory of God. Astrophysicist Jeff Zweerink is a former senior research scholar at Reasons to Believe (RTB). He earned a BS in physics and a PhD in astrophysics from Iowa State University with a focus on gamma rays. He taught at and ran the planetarium at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, until postdoctoral research in gamma rays led him to the University of California, Riverside. Jeff spent years working on the STACEE and VERITAS gamma-ray telescopes and was involved in research projects such as the Solar Two project and the Whipple Collaboration. He continues to work as a project scientist at UCLA on GAPS, a balloon experiment seeking to detect dark matter. Zweerink is also a coauthor of more than 30 academic papers published in peer-reviewed journals such as Astrophysical Journal, Astroparticle Physics, and Astrobiology. While an undergrad at Iowa State University, he heard astrophysicist and RTB founder Hugh Ross speak on the constructive integration of science and the Christian faith. Ten years later, a professor encouraged Zweerink to enroll in RTB's volunteer apologists program. This involvement eventually led to a scholar position in 2005. Today, Zweerink writes and speaks on the compatibility of science and the Christian faith and on evidence for intentional design from multiverse theory and exoplanets, as well as artificial intelligence (AI). His speaking engagements take him to universities, conferences, churches, high schools, youth groups, and other venues around the world. His books include Is There Life Out There?, Who's Afraid of the Multiverse?, Escaping the Beginning?, and Building Bridges (coauthor). He has also made many media appearances on television, radio, and in print. Zweerink and his wife, Lisa, live in Southern California and have five children. Image credit (Helix Nebula): NASA/JPL-Caltech, Spitzer Space Telescope. Two-part episode with cosmologist Dr. Luke Barnes on C.S. Lewis' science fiction. Part 1: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jwalker55293/episodes/2026-06-28T22_00_00-07_00 Part 2: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/jwalker55293/episodes/2026-07-05T22_00_00-07_00 Watchman Fellowship Resources on the Question of Aliens, UFOs, and UAPs: Free Four-Page Profile Articles UFOs and UAPs Raelians Heaven's Gate Disclosure Day The Urantia Book Podcast Episodes on UFOs, Aliens, and Extraterrestrials Aliens, Evolution, and Intelligent Design What is the Message of Spielberg's Disclosure Day? UFOS and Aliens Ufologist Gary Bates Part One Ufologist Gary Bates Part Two Ancient Aliens? No. Daniel's interview with Sasha Sagan, the daughter of the late planetary astronomer Carl Sagan Additional Resources FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give Good Heavens! is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc. Podbean enables our podcast to be on Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms. To support Good Heavens! on Podbean as a patron, you can use the Podbean app, or go to https://patron.podbean.com/goodheavens. This goes to Wayne Spencer. If you would like to give to the ministry of Watchman Fellowship or to Daniel Ray, you can donate at https://www.watchman.org/daniel. Donations to Watchman are tax deductible.
In this episode, we reflect on the importance of looking at the present from the other side.Apologies for the late upload and scratchy voice due to the sore throat! Thank you to everyone who listens in and writes in - if you have any episode requests, thoughts or questions you would like to share, please email me anytime at dailydharmapodcast@gmail.com
If physical extraterrestrial beings from another region of our galaxy or universe is scientifically impossible, then what other alternatives are there which might reveal the true identity of aliens and extraterrestrial intelligences? Are they all just science fiction, or might there be a deeper, spiritual reality behind their true identity? On this episode of the Profile, Watchman Fellowship President James K. Walker sits down with Watchman founder David Henke to discuss some biblical possibilities regarding the nature and identity of alleged extraterrestrials. Why would any alien beings from another part of the universe be so focused on correcting our understanding of Jesus and the Gospel message?The Bible is clear about the identity of anyone who comes preaching a different Gospel or a different Jesus, even if they appear to us as angels of light. Other Watchman Fellowship Resources on the Question of Aliens, UFOs, and UAPs: Free Four-Page Profile ArticlesUFOs and UAPsRaeliansHeaven's GateDisclosure DayThe Urantia BookPodcast Episodes on UFOs, Aliens, and Extraterrestrials Aliens, Evolution, and Intelligent DesignWhat is the Message of Spielberg's Disclosure Day?UFOS and AliensUfologist Gary Bates Part OneUfologist Gary Bates Part TwoAncient Aliens? No.Daniel's interview with Sasha Sagan, the daughter of the late planetary astronomer Carl SaganAdditional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.
In this episode, we reflect on how small moments of love and care from others and ourselves serve as a form of silent protection throughout our lives.Thank you to everyone who has written in - I truly appreciate it! If you have any episode requests, thoughts or questions you would like to share, please email me anytime at dailydharmapodcast@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you.
In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, hosts Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry, LPP explore how Steve Jobs' Autistic traits shaped Apple's revolutionary success.
What are the messages behind the new Steven Spielberg's new alien film Disclosure Day? Should we pay attention to them? What should we think about them? What exactly are they? On this episode of the Profile, Watchman Fellowship President James K. Walker sits down with Watchman apologists Brady Blevins and Daniel Ray to analyze and discuss the deeper religious themes in the film and how we might respond to them as believers. Does the film present any new ideas that would be a threat to Christianity? We'll discuss this and several other questions on this episode. Other Watchman Fellowship Resources on the Question of Aliens, UFOs, and UAPs: Free Four-Page Profile ArticlesUFOs and UAPsRaeliansHeaven's GateDisclosure DayThe Urantia BookPodcast Episodes on UFOs, Aliens, and Extraterrestrials UFOS and AliensUfologist Gary Bates Part OneUfologist Gary Bates Part Two Ancient Aliens? No. Daniel's interview with Sasha Sagan, the daughter of the late planetary astronomer Carl SaganAdditional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.
In this episode, we talk about the importance of having moments of lightness and humor, especially when we are struggling. Thank you to everyone who tuned into Wednesday's special episode! If you have any requests, questions or thoughts you would like to share, email me anytime at dailydharmapodcast@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you.
Bedtime Zen Story Sleep Meditation: Point To The MoonWhat if the answers you've been searching for cannot be found in words alone?In this Bedtime Zen Story Sleep Meditation, join Mei and Master Lin as they explore one of the most profound teachings in Zen Buddhism: the difference between the words that point toward truth and the truth itself.As you listen to this relaxing Zen story for sleep, allow the stress, anxiety, and worries of your day to slowly fade away while you prepare your mind and body for deep, restful sleep.Through gentle guidance, mindfulness, breathing exercises, visualization, and timeless Zen wisdom, this guided sleep meditation invites you to let go of the need to understand everything through logic and embrace the peace that comes from simply being present.The famous Zen teaching of the finger pointing to the moon reminds us that words, ideas, and concepts are only guides. Sometimes the deepest truths in life are not explained but experienced directly through silence, awareness, and an open heart.This sleep meditation is perfect if you are looking to:
Bright on Buddhism - Kōan Series Episode 15 - Unmon's KanshiketsuHello and welcome to a new episode of the Kōan Series. In this series, we will read and discuss real Buddhist kōans to try and better understand them. We hope you enjoy.Resources: Episode 10 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-is-Zen-Buddhism-e1a2sm2Episode 18 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-is-the-Buddhist-philosophy-of-speech--language--and-words-e1dgqu9Episode 32 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-are-kans-e1j5sclEpisode 33 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-is-emptiness-e1jc31iHori, Victor Sogen (1999). "Translating the Zen Phrase Book" (PDF). Nanzan Bulletin (23).; Hori, Victor Sogen (2000), Koan and Kensho in the Rinzai Zen Curriculum. In: Steven Heine and Dale S. Wright (eds)(2000): "The Koan. Texts and Contexts in Zen Buddhism, Oxford: Oxford University Press; Heine, Steven (2008), Zen Skin, Zen Marrow; Bielefeldt, Carl (2009), "Expedient Devices, the One Vehicle, and the Life Span of the Buddha", in Teiser, Stephen F.; Stone, Jacqueline I. (eds.), Readings of the Lotus Sutra, New York: Columbia University Press, ISBN 9780231142885; Kotatsu, Fujita; Hurvitz, Leon (1975), "One Vehicle or Three", Journal of Indian Philosophy, 3 (1/2): 79–166; Lopez, Donald (2016), The Lotus Sutra: A Biography (Kindle ed.), Princeton University Press, ISBN 978-0691152202; Lopez, Donald S.; Stone, Jacqueline I. (2019), Two Buddhas Seated Side by Side: A Guide to the Lotus Sūtra, Princeton University Press; Pye, Michael (2003), Skilful Means – A concept in Mahayana Buddhism, Routledge, ISBN 0203503791; Watson, Burton (tr.) (1993), The Lotus Sutra, Columbia University Press, ISBN 023108160X; Patrick Olivelle, trans. Life of the Buddha. Clay Sanskrit Library, 2008. 1 vols. (Cantos 1-14 in Sanskrit and English with summary of the Chinese cantos not available in the Sanskrit); Stone, Jacqueline Ilyse (2003), "Original enlightenment and the transformation of medieval Japanese Buddhism" (PDF), Studies in East Asian Buddhism, University of Hawaii Press (12), ISBN 978-0-8248-2771-7, archived from the original (PDF) on November 5, 2013; Hakeda, Yoshito S., trans. (1967), Awakening of Faith—Attributed to Aśvaghoṣa, with commentary by Yoshito S. Hakeda, New York, NY: Columbia University Press, ISBN 0-231-08336-X; Jorgensen, John; Lusthaus, Dan; Makeham, John; Strange, Mark, trans. (2019), Treatise on Awakening Mahāyāna Faith, New York, NY: Oxford University Press, ISBN 9780190297718_________________________________If you like our show and would like to support us, we encourage you to give your money or resources to a worthy cause. We can get through this. Our strongest weapon is solidarity. Stay strong and help where you can. Thank you.Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.Credits:Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-HostProven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host
Today's special episode reflects on chronic illness through the lens of an original story about a mighty tree. Thank you to Wendy for requesting this episode. This one is for you, and for everyone who is facing chronic illness, supporting a loved one through chronic illness or contemplating it in their life.We will be back with a new episode this Sunday. Wishing you a beautiful, safe and joyful week ahead.
Welcome to Dive Into Reiki, an interview series hosted by Nathalie Jaspar that explores the journeys of high-profile Reiki teachers and practitioners.You can support the mission of spreading Reiki education through my Patreon for less than the cost of a cup of coffee or for free by rating this podcast on your app!EPISODE 75: DIVE INTO REIKI WITH BOSHKO BOSKOVICBoshko Boskovic is a Reiki Master, Sound Healing practitioner, and the founder of Let's Heal NYC, a private practice dedicated to Reiki and Sound Healing treatments. Trained in the Usui Shiki Ryoho lineage and certified by the Sound Healing Center in Sausalito, California, Boshko brings a grounded, intuitive understanding of energy work to every session.He serves as the Community Reiki Manager at Minka Brooklyn and leads monthly Sound Bath experiences at the 14th Street Y, Grand Street Healing Project, and the Brooklyn Community Pride Center.As a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Boshko facilitates specialized Reiki and Sound Healing programs in Memory Care communities, including Coterie Hudson Yards and Coler Hospital. He also offers therapeutic sessions in the Teal Room at the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, supporting both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Additionally, he collaborates with the Alzheimer's Disease & Memory Disorder Program at Weill Cornell Medicine and provides services to clients of Affirmed Home Care.You can reach Boshko at: https://letshealnyc.com/Or follow him on Instagram @letshealnycNathalie Jaspar, the founder of Dive Into Reiki, is a Reiki master with over a decade of experience. She's a graduate teacher from the International House of Reiki, led by world-renowned Reiki master Frans Stiene. She also trained with the Center for True Health and the International Center for Reiki. To gain an even deeper understanding of Reiki practice, Nathalie went to Japan to practice Zen Buddhism at the Chokai-san International Zendo. She is the author of Reiki as a Spiritual Practice: an Illustrated Guide, Reiki Healing Handbook (Rockridge Press), and Infinite Light: Conversation with 21 Reiki masters and practitioners.Support the show
How does the omnipresence of God in the created world fill our day-to-day lives? How are our everyday lives actually manifestations of God's extraordinary grace? What makes a good story? And what role do pack animals play in some of the greatest moments in the history of Western civilization? We tackle these and other mysteries here on part two of our conversation about the science fiction writing of C.S. Lewis with author, cosmologist, and budding philologist Dr. Luke Barnes. We hope this conversation will stir your wonder and imagination and inspire you to have better conversations with people whom God brings into your life. Luke A. Barnes is a theoretical astrophysicist, cosmologist, and postdoctoral researcher at Western Sydney University. "He received his PhD in Astronomy from the University of Cambridge in 2009. He is a John Templeton Fellow. He has published papers in the fields of galaxy formation and the fine-tuning of the Universe for life. He is the author, with Geraint Lewis, of A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos published by Cambridge University Press. He has also published papers on the philosophy of science, and regularly engages in public outreach through public speaking, articles in the popular press, and social media. He has modeled galaxy formation in a cosmological context with supercomputer simulations, and connected those simulations to observations with modeling of radiative transfer (particularly Lyman alpha emission and absorption) and realistic models of IFU observations.He has investigated the fine-tuning of the universe for intelligent life, modeling the effect of the cosmological constant on galaxy formation and the effect of alternative nuclear physics on stars. He has contributed to the philosophy of science by considering the challenges of testing multiverse theories using probability theory." Daniel and Luke's co-authored profile on Scientism. https://www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdfAdditional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.
In this episode, we reflect on how we can learn to acknowledge and lift our inner burdens, little by little. This Wednesday, there will also be a special episode reflecting on the topic of chronic illness, dedicated to podcast listener Wendy. Thank you for suggesting this topic for the podcast, Wendy!If you have any episode requests or questions you would like to share, email me any time at dailydharmapodcast@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you. Thank you so much to everyone who has written in!
What is the most important thing we can do in life? During my time training in a Zen monastery in Japan, I asked a 107-year-old Zen master one question that completely changed the way I see life.His answer was surprisingly simple: breathe.In this video, I share that unforgettable conversation and the profound lesson hidden within it. You'll discover why conscious breathing is at the heart of Zen meditation, how it helps us return to the present moment, and why every breath reminds us that as long as we are alive, transformation is still possible.If you're interested in Zen Buddhism, meditation, mindfulness, personal growth, spirituality, inner peace, and living with greater awareness, I hope this reflection inspires you.If this message resonates with you, please like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who may need this reminder today.#Zen #Meditation #Mindfulness #Breathwork #Breathing #ZenBuddhism #PresentMoment #InnerPeace #SpiritualGrowth #PersonalGrowth #Awareness #MindfulnessPractice #RobertAcevesMusic by Epidemicsound.com:Drifting into Tao - Mandala Dreams
Venus is the morning and evening star, often mistaken for a plane or UFO. Named after the Greco-Roman goddess of love, Venus is anything but hospitable to human life. Tornado-like windspeeds in the upper atmosphere, a crushingly suffocating and poisonous atmosphere, a harsh, volcano-covered surface, all make us marvel and wonder. What exactly is Venus? Here on this month's Good Heavens! episode Wayne and Dan ponder aloud the mysteries and wonders of the second planet from the sun and how they think Venus points us to the glory of God in Christ. Thumbnail image from NASA: Radar Observations of Venus "This hemispheric view of Venus was created using radar observations, including images from NASA's Magellan spacecraft. Magellan imaged more than 98% of Venus. Gaps in the Magellan coverage were filled with images from the Earth-based Arecibo radar. The composite image was processed to improve contrast and to emphasize small features, and was color-coded to represent elevation. Magellan launched on May 4, 1989, and was deployed from the cargo bay of Space Shuttle Atlantis on May 5, 1989. The spacecraft orbited Venus from Aug. 10, 1990, until Oct. 13, 1994 when the spacecraft was commanded to plunge into the atmosphere of Venus." Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/USGS Good Heavens! is a production of Watchman Fellowship, Inc., Arlington, Texas. Check us out at Watchman.org FREE: We offer a FREE a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give Good Heavens! is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc. Podbean enables our podcast to be on Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms. To support Good Heavens! on Podbean as a patron, you can use the Podbean app, or go to https://patron.podbean.com/goodheavens. This goes to Wayne Spencer. If you would like to give to the ministry of Watchman Fellowship or to Daniel Ray, you can donate at https://www.watchman.org/daniel. Donations to Watchman are tax deductible.
In today's episode, we talk about the importance of taking a different perspective - changing the story - in order to experience growth in how we see others and the world around us.Stories, questions, thoughts or episode suggestions you would like to share? Email me anytime at dailydharmapodcast@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you.---This episode is a re-upload of last Sunday's episode due to a technical issue! Hoping that this upload will go more smoothly than the last. Thank you everyone.
In the opening chapter of the Book of Isaiah, the LORD calls the heavens and earth to witness a remarkable but tragic thing. Planets and stars and all the heavenly hosts, which do not have ears, will listen and obey their Creator, but we who do have hears fail to hear or understand. Even oxen and pack animals have more sense than we do, according to what God says through the prophet. In order to circumvent our sinfulness, Jesus often used parables stories to get His audience's attention. And to this day, Jesus's parallels are the most well-known stories in the world. From the Prodigal Son, to the Good Samaritan, Jesus tells us of the kingdom of God and of His mercy and grace toward sinners. C.S. Lewis likewise believed stories were perfectly suited to convey spiritual and theological truths. Lewis used stories to get past our analytical "watchful dragons" of bias, skepticism, and false beliefs we might harbor about God, lessons and truths we might miss if spoken directly to us as an object moral lesson. This week and next on the Profile, we have a delightful rambling chat about Lewis's science fiction with author, budding philologist, cosmologist and C.S. Lewis enthusiast, Dr. Luke Barnes. We hope the conversation will inspire you to have likewise enjoyable and meaningful conversations, too, as well as inspire you to use words wisely! Luke A. Barnes is a theoretical astrophysicist, cosmologist, and postdoctoral researcher at Western Sydney University. "He received his PhD in Astronomy from the University of Cambridge in 2009. He is a John Templeton Fellow. He has published papers in the fields of galaxy formation and the fine-tuning of the Universe for life. He is the author, with Geraint Lewis, of A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos published by Cambridge University Press. He has also published papers on the philosophy of science, and regularly engages in public outreach through public speaking, articles in the popular press, and social media. He has modeled galaxy formation in a cosmological context with supercomputer simulations, and connected those simulations to observations with modeling of radiative transfer (particularly Lyman alpha emission and absorption) and realistic models of IFU observations.He has investigated the fine-tuning of the universe for intelligent life, modeling the effect of the cosmological constant on galaxy formation and the effect of alternative nuclear physics on stars. He has contributed to the philosophy of science by considering the challenges of testing multiverse theories using probability theory." Daniel and Luke's co-authored profile on Scientism. https://www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdfAdditional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.
Bedtime Story Sleep Meditation: The Awakening Of TesshoHave you ever wondered what enlightenment really means in Zen Buddhism?In this relaxing Bedtime Story Sleep Meditation, Robert Aceves shares the powerful Zen story of Tessho and his encounter with the Zen master Dokuon. Through this ancient Zen teaching, you'll experience a calming journey into mindfulness, self-discovery, inner peace, and the true meaning of emptiness.As you relax into deep sleep, you'll be guided through a peaceful meditation that helps release stress, quiet the mind, and cultivate present-moment awareness. This soothing sleep meditation combines a traditional Zen story with gentle relaxation techniques, making it perfect for reducing anxiety, calming racing thoughts, and preparing for a restful night's sleep.Whether you're interested in Zen Buddhism, meditation, mindfulness, spiritual growth, or simply looking for a bedtime story to help you sleep, this guided meditation offers wisdom and tranquility for both beginners and experienced practitioners.Allow yourself to unwind, let go of the day, and discover the peace that exists beyond thought.
>>Join Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: Proven paths to break 90, break 80, and crush competitive golf (no swing changes required) Jim Waldron is a mental performance coach and golf professional with one of the most diverse backgrounds in the sport, incorporating lessons from Buddhist mindfulness, modern neuroscience, NLP, and shamanism into his "mind-body connection" holistic approach. After a tough showing in a junior tournament led to an 11-year hiatus from the game following an anger-filled outburst at age 15, Jim spent his time in California studying human potential and Zen Buddhism before returning to the game to help thousands of golfers overcome mental blocks like the yips. In this episode, you will learn: The "Two Minds" Theory and the Watchdog: How the unconscious mind acts as a computer that can be programmed for new skills, and why a skeptical "watchdog" often prevents golfers from successfully implementing swing changes. A Radical Approach to Curing the Yips: Why the "principle of paradoxical intention"—giving yourself permission to yip—actually decreases the frequency of the disorder. External vs. Internal Meditation: Why traditional "internal" meditation can be dysfunctional for beginners and how to practice "external" meditation, such as focusing on a candle flame or practicing walking meditation to stay present between shots. The Power of the Carefree Mindset: Lessons from Jack Nicklaus and Scotty Scheffler on maintaining emotional detachment from outcomes and using a singular focal point to strengthen the mind-body connection. Tactical On-Course Reset Strategies: Specific techniques to handle fear and pressure, including the 336 breathing method (3-second inhale, 3-second hold, 6-second exhale) and the "I'm safe" amygdala-calming affirmation. And more! WICKED SMART GOLF Recommended Products Speed Train With Rypstick: The #1 speed trainer to add 10+ yards in 40 days or less (use code WICKEDSMART to save 20%) Master Mobility & Flexibility with Golf Forever: The best way to work on your golf fitness at home or the gym, with easy to follow plans & app (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 15%). Use HackMotion for Better Ballstriking: The best wrist trainer in golf and become your swing coach (use code WICKEDSMART to save 5% on your investment). Speed Train with HiiTs Driver: Developed by 3X WLD Champion, Fast Eddie, this hittable driver will help you add distance while hitting balls (use code "WICKEDSMART" to save 10%). Wicked Smart Golf Academy To Lower Your HDCP Fast: The FASTEST way to play consistent golf. Practice Like a Pro With Wicked Smart Golf Practice Formula: 100 Practice plans and a 90-minute masterclass to practice like a pro. Wicked Smart Golf Books Play better FAST with the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon or Audible. Simplify "golf fitness" with my book, The Wicked Smart Golf Fitness Formula on Amazon. Or, listen to it on Audible. Also, don't forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube
If intelligent design is so apparent in living organisms and in the cosmos, why don't more people accept it? Here on part two of our conversation with President of Reasons to Believe, biochemist, author, and apologist, Dr. Fuz Rana, we explore this question and reveal how people do in fact recognize design, but yet suppress that truth. Fuz will give us some winsome wisdom about how we as Christians can intelligently engage in the theology-science dialogue and help unbelievers see Christ more clearly. Fuz's Testimony and Background: "As a graduate student studying biochemistry, I was captivated by the cell's complexity, elegance, and sophistication. The inadequacy of evolutionary scenarios to account for life's origin compelled me to conclude that life must come from a Creator. Reading through the Sermon on the Mount convinced me that Jesus really was who Christians claimed him to be: Lord and Savior. Still, encouraging others to join me in following Christ wasn't important to me—until my father died. His death changed that. In 1999, I left my position in research and development at a Fortune 500 company to join Reasons to Believe. I felt the most important thing I could do as a scientist was to show Christians and non-Christians alike the powerful scientific evidence for God's existence and for the reliability of the Bible."Free Resources from Watchman Fellowship Naturalism: https://www.watchman.org/Naturalism/ProfileNaturalism.pdfScientism: https://www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdfPanpsychism: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfilePanpsychism.pdfAtheism: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/atheismprofile.pdfAdditional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.
In this episode, we talk about why our needs are always shifting and why it's important to stay open to the process of change. Stories, thoughts or questions you would like to share? Email me anytime at dailydharmapodcast@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you!
“I considered it elder abuse. She put him through the paces, not only before the debate, but after. She should have gotten him out of there immediately.” — Sally Quinn on Jill Biden and the debate Today's guest is amongst America's most verbal octogenarians. No, not you-know-who. Sally Quinn is the illustrious Washington DC hostess, writer and commentator. The almost 85-year-old does improv comedy every Sunday, ballroom dancing every week and Zen Buddhist meditation every Monday night. Her novel, Silent Retreat, is now out in paperback. And she's working on her memoir, tentatively entitled Never Invite Sally Quinn. Certainly Jill Biden won't be inviting Sally Quinn any time soon to one of her tête-à-têtes. Quinn's account of what went wrong with the Biden presidency is sharply personal. Her late husband, legendary Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee, had dementia. She watched his cognitive decline from inside, and the parallels with what she observed in Biden were, she tells me, too close for comfort. Jill Biden's decision to keep Joe running after the debate, when she privately suspected he'd suffered a stroke, was, in Quinn's word, “elder abuse.” Silent Retreat, set at a monastery in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, is about the sexiness of silence. A prize-winning reporter and the venerable Archbishop of Dublin fall in love in enforced silence. Anything but elder abuse. But autobiographical? Probably not. As Ben Bradlee used to tease her over breakfast, it's always been hard for not-silent-Sally to keep her mouth shut. Five Takeaways • The Army Brat Who Became Washington's Most Powerful Hostess: Quinn grew up as an army brat, moving from posting to posting with her military father. She arrived in Washington after college, did a stint as social secretary to the Algerian ambassador, and was then hired by Ben Bradlee to write for the Washington Post's new Style section — the first style section in the history of American journalism. She and Bradlee eventually married. Their home in Georgetown became the hub of Washington's social and political life for decades. She describes herself not as a powerhouse but as someone who “really lucked out.” An army brat who knew how to work a room. • Gerontocracy Is Real — But People Who Keep Going Are Different: Quinn agrees with Samuel Moyn that American gerontocracy is a genuine problem: people who lose their cognitive sharpness should not be running organizations or countries, and the tragedy is that no one can know in advance who will lose it and who won't. But she draws a distinction: the problem is not old people, it's old people who have stopped growing. She surrounds herself with younger people, particularly younger journalists, because of their energy, idealism, and optimism. She is still working full time. The issue is not age. It's vitality. • Biden and Jill: Elder Abuse: Quinn's account of the Biden presidency is the most personal Andrew has heard. Her husband Ben Bradlee had dementia. She knows the signs. She watched Biden lose it, got a knot in her stomach every time he spoke publicly. The debate was her worst nightmare. Everyone in the White House knew what was happening and wasn't telling the truth. And Jill Biden — who now admits she thought he had had a stroke after the debate — raised his arm in a victory salute the next day and took him off to campaign in North Carolina. Quinn's verdict: “I considered it elder abuse.” • Silent Retreat: A New Yorker Writer and an Archbishop Fall in Love in Enforced Silence: The novel grew from Quinn's own annual visits to a Trappist monastery in Virginia's Berryville. She is a woman who once failed to stay quiet for three days — or so her husband thought — and who found to her surprise that she loved it. The novel: a prize-winning reporter whose marriage is falling apart, and an Archbishop of Dublin whose faith is in crisis, check into the same monastery for a silent retreat. They can't speak to each other. They speak to the monk instead. The novel is told through those confessions. Kirkus: “an unholy brew of lust and faith.” Airmail: “a bodice ripper with a fillip of Roman Catholic ritual.” • Improv, Ballroom Dancing, Zen Buddhism, and Dinner by Candlelight: Quinn's account of how she stays alive at 84 is the most energetic thing in this conversation. Improv comedy every Sunday for two and a half hours — performances after the class, with people half her age. Ballroom dancing every week. Zen Buddhist meditation every Monday night for two hours. Working out every day. Writing her Washington memoir. And hosting small dinner parties — six or eight people, candlelight, good food, a lot of wine — as a form of community-building in what she calls the toxic environment of today's Washington. The memoir's title: Never Invite Sally Quinn. Andrew has already secured an invitation to the next dinner party. About the Guest Sally Quinn is a longtime Washington Post journalist, columnist, television commentator, Washington insider, and one of Washington's legendary social hostesses. She is the author of Silent Retreat (Simon & Schuster), Finding Magic, The Party, Happy Endings, Regrets Only, and We're Going to Make You a Star. She was the founder and moderator of On Faith, the Washington Post's religion website. She lives in Georgetown, Washington DC. References: • Silent Retreat by Sally Quinn (Simon & Schuster). In paperback. • Episode 2945: Samuel Moyn on Gerontocracy in America — referenced at the opening. • Ben Bradlee — Quinn's late husband, executive editor of the Washington Post during Watergate, referenced throughout. About Keen On America Nobody asks more awkward questions than the Anglo-American writer and filmmaker Andrew Keen. In Keen On America, Andrew brings his pointed Transatlantic wit to making sense of the United States — hosting daily interviews about the history and future of this now venerable Republic. With nearly 3,000 episodes since the show launched on TechCrunch in 2010, Keen On America is the most prolific intellectual interview show in the history of podcasting. WebsiteSubstackYouTubeApple PodcastsSpotify Chapters:...
Hello everyone! For this week, we have a special treat - a listener story, submitted by Sarah. Thank you Sarah for sharing this beautiful, real-life story with me and our podcast community! I truly enjoyed reading this story and feel grateful to share it with everyone.
"Evolution is a settled fact!" we're often told by scientists, science popularizers, and probably have seen this statement not a few times on social media. But there has been another, perhaps less-noticed trend in the evolutionary sciences today. There is an ever-increasing academic dissent against evolution by means of natural selection as the best explanation for the variety of life we see on Earth today. The more scientists probe the wonders of living organisms, and the stunningly overwhelming variety of species that exist today, the more improbable the Neo-Darwinian account of the diversification of species seems to many. This week on the Profile we feature a conversation with the President of Reasons to Believe, biochemist, author, and Christian apologist Dr. Fuz Rana. We'll discuss some of the key reasons why intelligent design in biology is seemingly making a comeback. We go beyond mere intelligent design though, and discuss the specifics of how design in biology and in the universe points us back to Scripture and ultimately to Christ. Fuz's Testimony and Background: "As a graduate student studying biochemistry, I was captivated by the cell's complexity, elegance, and sophistication. The inadequacy of evolutionary scenarios to account for life's origin compelled me to conclude that life must come from a Creator. Reading through the Sermon on the Mount convinced me that Jesus really was who Christians claimed him to be: Lord and Savior. Still, encouraging others to join me in following Christ wasn't important to me—until my father died. His death changed that. In 1999, I left my position in research and development at a Fortune 500 company to join Reasons to Believe. I felt the most important thing I could do as a scientist was to show Christians and non-Christians alike the powerful scientific evidence for God's existence and for the reliability of the Bible."Free Resources from Watchman Fellowship Naturalism: https://www.watchman.org/Naturalism/ProfileNaturalism.pdfScientism: https://www.watchman.org/scientism/ProfileScientism.pdfPanpsychism: https://www.watchman.org/files/ProfilePanpsychism.pdfAtheism: https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/atheismprofile.pdfAdditional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.
In this episode, we will be reflecting on what we're carrying with us, whether it's the past, present or future, and how we can decide what to do with these elements every day.Questions, stories or thoughts you would like to share? Email me any time at dailydharmapodcast@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you.
Hey friends, Chase here Eric Zimmer is on the show today, and this conversation is exactly the kind of reminder we all need when we are trying to change something real. You probably know Eric from The One You Feed, his award-winning podcast about wisdom, behavior change, mental health, spirituality, and what it means to live well. But Eric's new book, How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life, goes somewhere even more fundamental. It asks a question that feels especially urgent for creators, entrepreneurs, leaders, parents, and anyone trying to build a meaningful life in a world that constantly tells us to optimize everything: What if lasting change is not about becoming more disciplined, but about learning how to stop fighting yourself? That question matters because most of us have made change too heavy. We wrap it in shame, pressure, perfectionism, identity, ambition, self-criticism, and the fantasy of the big breakthrough. We get stuck waiting for the epiphany, the watershed moment, the dramatic turn where everything finally becomes clear. Eric's message is simpler, deeper, and more freeing: "There are moments that stand out because we pull them out and we pluck them out and we make them important, but they don't make sense without the moments before and after. There's all these little, deeply uninteresting moments where I made a small choice to move towards my recovery and away from my addiction again and again. And that's the way change really works." That idea is the center of this episode. We talk about Eric's journey from homelessness and heroin addiction to recovery, coaching, teaching, and writing; why your mind has a mind of its own; how to work with competing desires instead of pretending they are not there; and why small choices compound into a completely different life. This conversation is about loosening the grip. It is about getting back to the part of you that knows what matters, even when another part of you wants comfort, distraction, escape, or relief right now. Why This Conversation Matters Right Now We are living in a strange moment for anyone who wants to grow. On one hand, there has never been more access to tools, ideas, books, podcasts, teachers, frameworks, research, and practices that can help us change. That is extraordinary. But it also comes with a cost. The pressure to optimize every corner of our lives has never been stronger. Every scroll seems to bring another routine, another system, another habit, another rule, another version of the person we are supposed to become. We are constantly being asked to improve ourselves: What is your morning routine? What habit are you tracking? What are you optimizing? What are you building? What are you eliminating? What is the plan? Those questions can be useful at the right time. But when they show up too early, or too often, they can turn growth into another way of beating ourselves up. Eric's work reminds us that change begins with honesty. Before the perfect habit. Before the flawless system. Before the heroic reinvention. Before the new identity. Before the transformation story, there is a person being pulled in different directions. Wanting to change. Wanting to stay comfortable. Wanting what matters most. Wanting what feels good right now. Wanting freedom. Wanting safety. Wanting growth. Wanting acceptance. That does not mean something is wrong with you. It means you are human. And in that understanding, there is a kind of wisdom most self-improvement advice forgets. What We Explore in This Episode Eric's low point at 24 and how homelessness, heroin addiction, illness, and the threat of prison became the beginning of his recovery journey. Why the big turning point is not the whole story and why change actually happens in the small choices that come after. How to understand the "off-camera moments" of transformation that never make the montage but make all the difference. Why your mind has a mind of its own and what it means to be a motivationally complex person. How to work with what you want now and what you want most without shaming yourself for having competing desires. Why "playing the tape all the way through" can help you see past the first scene your mind wants to show you. How structure and story both shape change, and why systems alone are not always enough. How to hold change and acceptance at the same time when life refuses to fit into simple categories. Why trying smaller can create momentum when trying harder is not working. The Core Idea: Little by Little, a Little Becomes a Lot The fastest way to get unstuck is often to stop waiting for the big transformation and start paying attention to the next small choice. We get obsessed with the dramatic moment. The rock bottom. The epiphany. The vow. The clean break. The day everything changed. We want the music to swell. We want the story to make sense. Eric's story has one of those moments. At 24, he was homeless, addicted to heroin, physically depleted, and facing the possibility of decades in prison. Going into long-term treatment mattered. But Eric is careful not to confuse the turning point with the transformation. The transformation was not one decision. It was thousands. The decision to move toward recovery again. The decision to not use again. The decision to show up again. The decision to do the next small thing again. The decision to choose what mattered most over what felt urgent right now. The on-camera moment gets the attention. The off-camera moments create the life. Eric's point is not that ambition does not matter. It is not that insight does not matter. It is not that we should abandon goals, systems, or discipline. It is that the living center of change is choice. The small one comes first. Your Mind Has a Mind of Its Own One of the big tensions in this conversation is the voice many of us carry around that says, "If I really wanted to change, this would be easier." That voice says: You should have more discipline. You should be more consistent. You should know better by now. You should not still struggle with this. You should be able to just decide. Eric's response is that we are not simple creatures. We are motivationally complex. We do not want one thing. We want lots of things. We want what we value most, and we want what feels good right now. We want to grow, and we want to be comfortable. We want to change, and we want to be accepted exactly as we are. That is why the phrase "your mind has a mind of its own" is so useful. It gives language to something we all experience. You decide you are going to do one thing, and then you watch yourself do another. You know what would help, and still you avoid it. You care deeply about the future, and still the present moment feels more real. The work is not to shame that complexity out of yourself. The work is to understand it. Play the Tape All the Way Through One of my favorite parts of this conversation is Eric's explanation of a recovery practice called "playing the tape all the way through." When we want something in the moment, our mind often shows us only the first scene. The first scene is relief. The first scene is escape. The first scene is pleasure, comfort, avoidance, or release. In Eric's addiction, that first scene was all the reasons getting high would feel amazing. But recovery taught him not to stop there. He had to keep the tape running. Then what? The shame comes back. The fear comes back. The despair comes back. The consequences come back. The craving comes back, often stronger than before. This is such a powerful tool because it makes the future less abstract. Before you avoid the work, play the tape through. Before you send the angry email, play the tape through. Before you break the promise to yourself, play the tape through. Not to punish yourself. To see clearly. Structure Matters, But It Is Not the Whole Story Eric makes an important distinction in this episode between the external architecture of change and the internal moments of choice. A lot of personal growth advice focuses on structure. Set the goal. Build the system. Make the habit obvious. Make the habit easy. Design the environment. Remove friction. Put the right reminders in place. That matters. But structure is not the whole story. Because even when you know exactly what to do, and even when you have made it as easy as possible, the moment still comes. You and the choice. Do you write? Do you walk? Do you call? Do you tell the truth? Do you choose what you want most over what you want now? When we do not make the choice we wanted to make, Eric says there is usually something happening inside us. A feeling. A thought pattern. A story. A fear. A form of self-doubt we have not learned how to work with yet. That is why real change needs both. The structure and the story. Try It Smaller Eric says something in this episode that every ambitious person should sit with: Try it smaller. That does not mean the goal does not matter. It means the path has to be walkable. When a change plan is not working, many of us assume we need more discipline. More pressure. More intensity. More accountability. But often, the better move is to make the action smaller. If you cannot write for two hours, write for ten minutes. If you cannot meditate for 30 minutes, sit for three breaths. If you cannot change your whole health routine, put on your shoes and walk around the block. If you cannot face the entire project, open the document. Small does not mean meaningless. Small means repeatable. And repeatable is where momentum comes from. Change and Acceptance Are Not Opposites Another major theme in this episode is the tension between growth and acceptance. One of the best parts of us wants to change. We want to grow, improve, heal, create, recover, repair, and build better lives. And yet, so many wisdom traditions point us toward acceptance. Presence. Contentment. Allowing things to be as they are. So which is it? Do we change, or do we accept? Eric's answer is that very often we have to do both about the exact same thing. He talks about depression in his own life. Is that something he has changed, or something he has accepted? Both. There are things he does that make depression less likely. There are practices, supports, behaviors, and choices that help. And sometimes the cycle comes around anyway, and the most skillful thing he can do is say, "Oh, this is what's here." That is not resignation. That is honesty. Wise Habits Create Momentum With Compassion The title of Eric's book is not just a catchy phrase. It is a worldview. A little becomes a lot. Not because one tiny action changes everything overnight, but because small choices compound. They build identity. They build trust. They build momentum. They begin to align our daily actions with our deeper values. Eric calls these Wise Habits. They are not just outer behaviors designed to make us more efficient. They also include inner attitudes that bring more peace, clarity, and self-compassion to everyday life. That matters because self-criticism is often mistaken for seriousness. We think if we are hard enough on ourselves, we will finally change. But harshness usually creates more resistance. More shame. More hiding. More all-or-nothing thinking. A Wise Habit does something different. It helps us move forward without declaring war on ourselves. Ask What Problem You Are Solving Near the end of the conversation, Eric offers a simple question that I love: What problem are you solving? That question is a filter. Because we are surrounded by advice. Every day, someone is telling us to start a new routine, stop eating at a certain time, wake up earlier, track something, optimize something, remove something, add something, become something. Some of those ideas might be useful. But not every good idea is your idea. Not every habit belongs in your life. Before you collect another self-improvement assignment, ask what problem you are actually trying to solve. That question brings you back to values. It brings you back to clarity. It brings you back to the life you are actually living. About Eric Zimmer Eric Zimmer is an author, teacher, speaker, behavior coach, and the creator of The One You Feed, an award-winning podcast about wisdom, behavior change, mental health, spirituality, and what it means to live well. At 24, Eric was homeless, addicted to heroin, and facing the possibility of decades in prison. His recovery sparked a lifelong exploration of human transformation, resilience, meaning, and the small daily choices that shape a life. His new book, How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life, brings together behavioral science, Zen Buddhism, modern psychology, and timeless wisdom to show how lasting transformation happens through small, repeatable choices. Timecodes 00:00 – Eric on why change happens in the small off-camera moments 02:11 – Chase introduces Eric Zimmer and How a Little Becomes a Lot 05:25 – Eric shares the low point that became the beginning of his recovery journey 06:17 – Why Eric's extreme story contains something universal 09:34 – How treatment, recovery, and the question "why do we change?" shaped Eric's work 11:19 – The tension between wanting to grow and learning to accept where we are 13:48 – Why the big turning point only matters because of the choices that follow 15:12 – The difference between external architecture and internal moments of choice 18:29 – What it means that your mind has a mind of its own 19:07 – Why we are motivationally complex creatures 20:20 – The dilemma between what we want now and what we want most 22:00 – Why small changes require trust in the process 23:19 – Playing the tape all the way through 24:52 – The rider and the elephant as a model for change 26:30 – Why "you are the average of the five people around you" is incomplete 28:29 – Emergence, friendship, and why relationships are more than instruments for success 30:44 – How to seek growth while allowing life to be as it is 33:04 – Eric reflects on grief, Alzheimer's, and the practice of allowing 35:08 – Why some things must be both changed and accepted 38:31 – Two types of change: change that happens to us and change we cause to happen 39:01 – Getting clear on why you want to change 39:25 – Asking "what problem are you solving?" before chasing another tactic 40:42 – The SPA method and why specificity matters 41:53 – Planning for what will go wrong 42:14 – Deconstructing the choice point when you do not follow through 43:01 – Working with self-doubt skillfully enough to begin 43:50 – Why trying smaller can help you build consistency 44:21 – Chase reflects on the hope, kindness, and practicality of Eric's work 45:37 – Where to find Eric's book, podcast, and work Questions to Ask Yourself If you want to turn this episode into action, take a few minutes with these questions: What change am I trying to make right now, and why does it actually matter to me? Where am I waiting for a dramatic breakthrough instead of making the next small choice? What am I trying to force that I might need to understand first? What do I want now, and what do I want most? What first scene is my mind showing me, and what happens if I play the tape all the way through? What would it look like to try smaller instead of trying harder? Where is self-criticism pretending to be discipline? What part of my life needs more structure? What part of my life needs more compassion? What am I trying to change that I may also need to accept? A Simple Practice for Making Real Change Here's something practical you can do this week. Choose one change you care about. Not ten. Not your whole life. One. Ask yourself: What problem am I solving? Then make the next action smaller than your ambition wants it to be. Open the document. Walk for five minutes. Sit for three breaths. Send the text. Put the shoes by the door. Write one paragraph. Make the call. Tell the truth in one sentence. Do not evaluate it too early. Do not turn it into a full identity. Do not decide that it only counts if it is dramatic. Do not use one missed day as proof that you cannot change. Just make the next small choice. Then notice what happens. Notice what gets in the way. Notice what story shows up. Notice whether something in you begins to trust that change does not have to arrive all at once. That is enough. Final Thought The longer I do this work, the more I believe that transformation is not something we can force. It is something we practice. It happens after the decision. After the insight. After the moment we wish would change everything. It happens in the quiet, ordinary, off-camera choices that do not look like much at first. Eric's invitation in this conversation is simple, generous, and quietly radical: Stop making change so dramatic that you cannot touch it. Get clear on what matters. Understand the parts of you that are pulling in different directions. Build the structure. Work with the story. Play the tape all the way through. Try it smaller. Return when you stumble. Little by little, a little becomes a lot. Until next time: make the next small choice, and keep feeding what matters most.
Doctrine and Covenants section 9, verse 8 are supposedly the words of the Lord, given through Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery in 1829. "But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right." This week we continue taking a biblical look the burning in the bosom and how Latter-day Saints testify that they believe the Book of Mormon is true with president of the Institute for Religious Research Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr.Dr. Bowman is an evangelical Christian apologist, biblical scholar, author, editor, and lecturer. Rob is the author of over sixty articles and the author or co-author of fifteen books including Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism, Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ, co-authored with J. Ed Komoszewski, and Faith Has Its Reasons: Integrative Approaches to Defending the Christian Faith, co-authored with Kenneth D. Boa. Dr. Bowman holds the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary and South African Theological Seminary. He is widely regarded as the leading evangelical scholar addressing the uses and interpretations of the Bible by such religious groups as Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons. LDS LinksPreach My Gospel Journal of DiscoursesResources from Watchman FellowshipPrevious podcasts on Latter-day Saint beliefs, practices, history, and doctrines. Recent podcasts on Mormonism Sandra Tanner Part OneSandra Tanner Part TwoAaron Shafowalof Part OneAaron Shafowalof Part TwoEric Johnson Part One Eric Johnson Part TwoBradley Campbell Part OneBradley Campbell Part TwoAdditional Resources:FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (two volumes totalling over 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.
Welcome to Dive Into Reiki, an interview series hosted by Nathalie Jaspar that explores the journeys of high-profile Reiki teachers and practitioners.You can support the mission of spreading Reiki education through my Patreon for less than the cost of a cup of coffee or for free by rating this podcast on your app!EPISODE 74: DIVE INTO REIKI WITH RENÉ VÖGTLIRené Vögtli is a Reiki teacher, author, facilitator and mediator. He has been founder and member of numerous Reiki organisations and is the source of Reiki-Conciliation committed to reconciliation within the Reiki community.In 2017, René released the acclaimed Interview-Documentary “Reconciliation – Along the path of Mastery” featuring Phyllis Lei Furumoto. Untill 2023, he hosted the talk-show RTalk – agree to disagree.The current project is titled “RECONCILIATION – Provoke and Evolve. Reiki History through One Man's Journey” and is an Interview-Documentary with Frank Arjava Petter. See https://reiki-conciliation.org/projects/interview-documentary-with-frank-arjava-petter/.NOTE: YOU CAN ACCESS THE BUNDLE WITH A 26% DISCOUNT USING THE CODE DIVER26!You can see my previous interview with René in which we discuss his Reiki journey here.Contact René:Websites: reiki-conciliation.org reiki-international.netFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/reikiconciliationYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/REIKIConciliationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/reiki.internationalNathalie Jaspar, the founder of Dive Into Reiki, is a Reiki master with over a decade of experience. She's a graduate teacher from the International House of Reiki, led by world-renowned Reiki master Frans Stiene. She also trained with the Center for True Health and the International Center for Reiki. To gain an even deeper understanding of Reiki practice, Nathalie went to Japan to practice Zen Buddhism at the Chokai-san International Zendo. She is the author of Reiki as a Spiritual Practice: an Illustrated Guide, Reiki Healing Handbook (Rockridge Press), and Infinite Light: Conversation with 21 Reiki masters and practitioners.Support the show
In this episode, we reflect on the shadow self - what it is, and why it's important to accept as a part of our greater self.Questions or thoughts you would like to share? Email me anytime at dailydharmapodcast@gmail.com
Mountain peaks and summits make for excellent platforms for observing the glory of God. How might the summit of the dormant volcano of Mauna Kea in Hawaii, with its thirteen active telescopes operated by 11 different countries, point us to the glory of God and what God has done for us in Jesus? Thumbnail image: The James Clerk Maxwell Telescope atop Mauna Kea, Hawaii. The telescope is operated by the East Asian Observatory https://www.eaobservatory.org/jcmt/public/gallery/images/ Good Heavens! is a production of Watchman Fellowship, Inc., a nonprofit educational research ministry. Check out Watchman Fellowship's free Profile articles! The profiles provide an insightful analysis of beliefs, individuals, worldviews, and other religions impacting our world today. Charles DarwinNaturalismScientismDeconstructionAtheismRichard DawkinsNihilism Additional Resources: FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (two volumes totalling over 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give Good Heavens! is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc. Podbean enables our podcast to be on Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms. To support Good Heavens! on Podbean as a patron, you can use the Podbean app, or go to https://patron.podbean.com/goodheavens. This goes to Wayne Spencer. If you would like to give to the ministry of Watchman Fellowship or to Daniel Ray, you can donate at https://www.watchman.org/daniel. Donations to Watchman are tax deductible.
Doctrine and Covenants section 9, verse 8 are supposedly the words of the Lord, given through Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery in 1829. "But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right." This week and next on the Profile we'll be taking a biblical look the burning in the bosom and how Latter-day Saints testify that they believe the Book of Mormon is true with president of the Institute for Religious Research Dr. Robert M. Bowman, Jr.Dr. Bowman is an evangelical Christian apologist, biblical scholar, author, editor, and lecturer. He has lectured on biblical studies, religion, and apologetics at Biola University, Cornerstone University, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Rob is the author of over sixty articles and the author or co-author of fifteen books including Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism, Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ, co-authored with J. Ed Komoszewski, and Faith Has Its Reasons: Integrative Approaches to Defending the Christian Faith, co-authored with Kenneth D. Boa. Dr. Bowman holds the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary and South African Theological Seminary. He is widely regarded as the leading evangelical scholar addressing the uses and interpretations of the Bible by such religious groups as Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons. LDS linksEncyclopedia of MormonismWho Do Mormons Worship? Resources from Watchman FellowshipPrevious podcasts on Latter-day Saint beliefs, practices, history, and doctrines. Recent podcasts on Mormonism Sandra Tanner Part OneSandra Tanner Part TwoAaron Shafowalof Part OneAaron Shafowalof Part TwoEric Johnson Part One Eric Johnson Part TwoBradley Campbell Part OneBradley Campbell Part TwoAdditional Resources:FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (two volumes totalling over 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.
In this episode, we reflect on the deeper impact of how our perspective on other people affects how we view ourselves.Thoughts or questions you would like to share? Email me anytime at dailydharmapodcast@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you.
— In this episode, we delve into how mindfulness and meditation serve as vital tools in connecting with the present, and how therapy cultivates openness to new possibilities. We explore key topics such as defining mental health and human suffering, the role of mindfulness in therapy, and the art of rewriting personal narratives to alleviate anxiety and depression. Samantha shares her insights on nurturing our inner child, transforming language and perception, and utilizing art as a healing medium. Our conversation touches on the complexity of suffering, how simple changes in our environment help combat overstimulation, and the profound impact of finding fullness in stillness. We also discuss the concept of "glimmers" in nature, experiences to cherish before death, and how they aid in overcoming triggers. Throughout the discussion, Samantha shares how mindfulness, creativity, and a simplified life help us embrace authenticity and clarity. Valeria interviews Samantha Maederer — She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, with over a decade of experience. With a background in Art Therapy from Florida State University, her unique path intersects art and mental health. Samantha began her career by co-creating a public art installation highlighting patient voices from the Florida State Psychiatric Hospital, and now encourages creativity in her clients to navigate challenges. She spent 12 years in community mental health, offering therapy to survivors of sexual trauma and postpartum clients. Samantha's approach is informed by her own mental health journey and a belief in art as a tool to process experiences. She integrates Zen Buddhism and Daoism principles, helping clients embrace non-judgment and reality awareness. Samantha specializes in working with women with complex trauma histories. She employs somatic work, mindfulness, and focuses on anxiety, panic, and OCD. Her therapeutic approach includes helping clients reconnect with their younger selves. Outside of therapy, Samantha enjoys gardening, kayaking, and promoting a holistic approach to mental health, emphasizing focus and the mind-body connection. Learn more about Samantha Maederer and her work.
This week we continue our conversation with pastor, author, and publisher at B&H Academic, Dr. Michael McEwen about the influences of 19th-century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. How did Nietzsche's thought correspond to social Darwinism? We talk further about Nietzsche's Ubermensch, his "will-to-power," and "eternal recurrence" and their influence on our culture today. Be sure to check out Michael's new book we're discussing! The Devil Reads Nietzsche - A Public Theology for the Post-Christian Age. Michael McEwen (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is an author and publisher for B&H Academic and pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Trenton, Tennessee. Free Watchman Profile articles. The profiles provide an overview of the person and ideas as well as a concise biblical response. Charles DarwinNaturalismScientismDeconstructionAtheismRichard DawkinsNihilismAdditional Resources:FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (two volumes totalling over 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.
Lindy Lee is Chinese-Australian artist and zen practitioner.As a little girl growing up in Brisbane in the era of the White Australia policy, Lindy lived through the pain of always feeling different.It took her many years to find the power in what she calls the 'tearing' in her identity.When she began using it as fuel for her art, she began to make work based on her own family story, and her Zen practice.Lindy is now one of Australia's leading contemporary artists.This episode of Conversations was first broadcast in 2022
Why do we keep feeding the habits, thoughts, and emotions that make us suffer? Eric Zimmer explores addiction, anxiety, depression, radical acceptance, Zen Buddhism, mindfulness, emotional healing, and the hidden psychology behind self-destruction. He explains the “good wolf vs bad wolf,” letting go of control, rewiring negative thought patterns, and finding inner peace through small daily choices. SPONSORS!
Former character actor Peter Coyote joins Will to talk about his new book Smothered by Riches, a polemic on the collapse of the New Deal consensus and the legacy of the Powell memo. He and Will talk about the history of neoliberalism from the Chicago boys to Bill Clinton, Peter's decades-long political life including time in an Anarchist theater troupe, and a bit of Zen Buddhism for good measure. Pick up a copy of Smothered by Riches wherever you can: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/smothered-by-riches-peter-coyote/1147458103