Mormon Discussion Podcast: Leading With Faith: Recent Episodes

Brittney Hartley & Bill Reel

A No-Nonsense Approach To Spirituality

What if the reason you felt like you were never enough… wasn’t you? In this episode, Teresa explores the striking parallels between narcissistic relationship dynamics and high-demand religious systems, specifically within Mormonism. Through a compassionate but honest lens, she examines how institutional patterns like shifting expectations, avoidance of accountability, image preservation, and conditional belonging can shape identity, nervous system regulation, and long-term wellbeing, especially physical health. This conversation goes beyond theology and into lived experience and explores: • Why high-demand systems can mirror narcissistic dynamics. • How that creates codependency patterns. • Chronic self suppression and its impact on the nervous system. • Why chronic symptoms like fatigue, pain, anxiety, and autoimmune conditions can emerge in these environments. • How healing often requires moving through grief, anger, and identity reconstruction. • And why the body’s response is not a character flaw, but a survival adaptation. If you’ve ever felt exhausted from striving, confused by persistent symptoms, or disconnected from your authentic self after leaving a high-demand environment, this episode may help you understand why and that healing is possible.

Join us at our NEW CHANNEL: @almostawakenedpodcast

Teresa will be launching her upcoming Anchor and Regulate groups beginning March 11th. These groups are structured nervous system healing spaces designed for individuals navigating chronic symptoms, chronic pain, fatigue, anxiety and mystery illnesses that are driven by stress or trauma. These groups combine psychoeducation, somatic practices, emotional processing, and supportive community to help you rebuild safety in the body and support you in resolving chronic symptoms.
Learn more here: https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/group-support

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Learn more about coaching at https://awakenandthrive.org

You were never broken. You were disconnected. In this unforgettable episode of Almost Awakened, we sit down with Kimberly Bryant — also known as Miss Bliss — a dominatrix and intimacy coach who helps people leaving high-demand religion reclaim the parts of themselves that were labeled “forbidden.” This isn’t just a conversation about sex. It’s about Eros — your life force. Your creativity. Your desire. Your intuition. Your pleasure. Your internal authority. High-demand religion didn’t just regulate behavior. It regulated bodies. It regulated desire. It regulated play. And when desire is suppressed, something deeper goes offline.

We explore: How kink can become structured, consensual nervous-system healing Why dominance and submission can rebuild consent and personal agency The difference between indulgence and embodied reclamation Why play is threatening to controlling systems How erotic energy reconnects us to wholeness The role of safety, consent, and aftercare in healing sexual shame This conversation is provocative — yes. But more than that, it’s trauma-informed, sovereignty-centered, and deeply aligned with the principles of Almost Awakened: Slow down. Regulate. Get curious. Reclaim your voice. Reclaim your body. Reclaim your choice. Because awakening isn’t about rejecting your past. It’s about inhabiting your present — fully, consciously, and unapologetically alive. If you’ve ever felt both curious and terrified of your own desire… This episode is for you.

Southern Utah Event on April 24-26th Reclaiming the Forbidden Where Sensuality, Soul & Surrender Meet Hosted by Kimberly Bryant Founder of That Deeper Feeling https://www.facebook.com/events/hurricane-utah/reclaiming-the-forbidden-where-sensuality-soul-surrender-meet/1220237470257148/

Kimberly’s Personal Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BH5BWHaHe/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Kimberly’s Personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/kimberly_mccooey_bryant?igsh=MWkxeGxvenY5Z3k3bQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Learn more about Kimberly at: thatdeeperfeeling.com Follow her on Instagram & Facebook: @thatdeeperfeeling

What if humanity suddenly shared one mind? In this episode, Bill Reel and Britt Hartley dive into the provocative sci-fi film Pluribus and unpack the ethical, psychological, and existential questions it raises. Would you join a collective consciousness if it promised peace, belonging, and an end to loneliness? Or would you choose autonomy—even if it meant isolation? We explore: • Whether individuality is sacred or just biological habit • If shared consciousness eliminates conflict—or eliminates dissent • The ethics of consent when “the greater good” becomes dominant • Why some characters embrace the hive while others resist • What this story reveals about human nature, freedom, and fear Is a hive mind utopia… or the softest form of tyranny? This conversation goes beyond the plot and into deeper territory: identity, morality, connection, loneliness, trauma, agency, and what we’re actually afraid of losing when we say we value “freedom.” If you had the choice, would you join? Let us know in the comments.

What happens after you leave religion — but still feel a deep pull toward meaning, ritual, spirituality, or transcendence? In this conversation, Bill Reel and Britt Hartley sit down with religious ethicist and author Liz Bucar to explore what fills the vacuum when traditional faith falls away. From modern wellness culture and yoga to psychedelics, embodiment, and moral pressure, we ask hard questions about where people turn next — and whether those new spaces truly free us or quietly recreate the same dynamics we thought we escaped. Liz shares insights from her work and her book Beyond Wellness, examining how even “spiritual but not religious” communities can reproduce shame, hierarchy, and invisible expectations — often without realizing it.

Together, we explore:

Why wellness culture increasingly functions like religion
How moral pressure sneaks into spiritual spaces
What it means to “steal from religion” ethically
Why humans still crave ritual and transcendence
How authority, identity, and meaning-making persist after deconstruction
What secular communities often miss emotionally
How embodiment, yoga, and psychedelics can be approached with care rather than dogma

This is an honest, thoughtful, and deeply human conversation for anyone navigating life after faith — especially those who are intellectually out but still feel emotionally or culturally tethered to their religious past. If you’ve ever wondered why leaving belief didn’t automatically bring peace… this episode helps explain why

00:02:41 – Who is Liz Bucar and how she became a religious ethicist
00:04:13 – Why Liz wrote Beyond Wellness
00:07:01 – What modern wellness culture gets wrong
00:12:22 – When spirituality becomes moral pressure
00:16:45 – Stealing from religion ethically
00:22:38 – What secular people often miss after deconstruction
00:30:14 – Yoga, embodiment, and deeper spiritual practice
00:38:52 – Psychedelics, meaning-making, and ethical use
00:49:41 – Authority, experience, and who gets to decide truth
01:00:27 – Why humans still crave ritual and transcendence
01:10:36 – Advice for those intellectually out but emotionally tethered
01:17:39 – Reflections on Beyond Wellness and modern spirituality
01:19:26 – Britt & Bill reflect on Liz’s insights

What happens when reason starts questioning itself? In this episode of Almost Awakened, Britt Hartley and Bill Reel sit down with Austin DiValentino, creator of the rapidly growing platform Reason & Religion (@austindivalentino). Austin has built a large following by exploring philosophy, belief, atheism, morality, and meaning—often asking the questions most people quietly avoid. While he has identified as an atheist, his thinking continues to evolve, and this conversation dives straight into the tension between certainty, doubt, and what it actually costs to pursue truth.

Together, we explore:

What led Austin to begin creating content around religion, philosophy, and critical thinking
When belief or disbelief stops being theoretical and becomes deeply personal
Whether reason and religion are truly opposed—or falsely framed as enemies
Why modern humans vastly overestimate how rational we actually are
Where reason genuinely helps us—and where it completely breaks down

We also wrestle with some of the biggest existential questions people face after faith shifts:

Can morality exist without God or a transcendent framework?
Is losing belief in God harder—or losing belief that the universe “cares”?
Is it always good to know what’s true, even if truth destabilizes hope and meaning?
Should everyone be exposed to ideas that may unsettle mental health—or should some stories be handled with care?

Austin also reflects on:

The emotional cost of studying philosophy deeply
Whether there are ideas that feel beautiful even if they may not be true
What modern people most avoid asking because the answers might change them
What he ultimately hopes people take away from his work beyond simply “being right”

This is an honest, human conversation about meaning after certainty—about what remains when belief loosens, and how we learn to live anyway. If you’re navigating belief, disbelief, or somewhere painfully in between, this episode is for you.

Follow Austin DiValentino
— Reason & Religion Instagram: @austindivalentino

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If anyone needs support dealing with spiritual trauma, 1-on-1 coaching and support groups are available at: https://awakenandthrive.org/

In this episode of Almost Awakened, we sit down with Rainn Wilson, best known to many as Dwight Schrute from The Office, for a wide-ranging conversation on spirituality, meaning, and the search for depth in a modern world. Rainn Wilson has spent the years since moving beyond sitcom fame to explore some of life’s biggest questions. Through his podcast Soul Boom, Rainn brings together voices from across belief systems to wrestle with spirituality, purpose, and how humans make sense of existence in an age of disconnection, certainty loss, and cultural fragmentation. This conversation explores: What spirituality can look like outside rigid religious frameworks Why meaning, wonder, and transcendence still matter—even in a skeptical age How storytelling, community, and curiosity shape spiritual growth The role Soul Boom plays in creating conversations that unite rather than divide Rather than preaching answers, this episode leans into thoughtful exploration—asking how we live well, stay grounded, and remain open when traditional narratives no longer hold the same power. Rainn is joined by hosts Britt Hartley of No Nonsense Spirituality and Bill Reel of The Almost Awakened Podcast for a conversation that is curious, grounded, and refreshingly human. Whether you’re familiar with Rainn Wilson from his acting career, his work on Soul Boom, or you’re simply interested in thoughtful conversations about spirituality without dogma, this episode invites you to explore the edges with us.

0:00 Intro
2:15 Why Rainn Wrote Soul Boom
6:40 The Workbook and Creative Spirituality 10:22 Mental Health and Faith 14:48 The Baha’i Path 19:50 Wrestling with God and Morality 24:30 Spiritual Bypassing and Recovery 28:55 A New Kind of Religion?
33:10 Atheism, Truth, and Meaning
37:50 Science, Mystery, and Humility
42:20 How Words Like “God” Divide Us
47:10 The Future of Faith
52:05 Spirituality and Privilege
56:40 The Purpose of Religion Today
1:00:25 Finding Awe in the Modern World
1:05:10 Unlocking the Heart
1:09:30 Final Reflections

RESOURCES:
NEW Soul Boom Workbook https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Boom-Workbook-Spiritual-Modern/dp/1538775549
Original Soul Boom Book – https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Boom-Need-Spiritual-Revolution/dp/B0BCCGD7WP
Soul Boom Podcast – https://www.youtube.com/@SoulBoom

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The Hardest Part of Leaving Religion: On Loss of Community Leaving religion often comes with a sense of relief, clarity, and freedom, but for many people, the hardest part isn’t the loss of belief. It’s the loss of community. In this episode, Teresa talks about the quiet grief that often follows a faith transition: losing built-in belonging, shared language, familiar rhythms, and the sense of social safety that religion once provided. I explore why rebuilding connection outside of organized religion can feel so difficult, especially in a post-pandemic world where many of us are already feeling more isolated and disconnected than before. This episode isn’t about fixing yourself or rushing the process. It’s about understanding what you’re actually grieving, normalizing why this phase feels so hard, and gently reminding you that meaningful connection is still possible, even if it looks different than it did before.

Join us at our NEW CHANNEL: @almostawakenedpodcast

Resources mentioned: Bill Reel and Teresa Hobbs facilitate a Faith Transition & Deconstruction Support Group, a trauma-informed, bi-weekly space for people navigating life after religion. The next group begins January 20, 2026, and a few spots are still available. Sign up here: https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/circle

Join the conversation.
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Learn more about coaching at https://awakenandthrive.org

In this solo episode of the Almost Awakened Podcast, Teresa Hobbs explores codependency through a nervous-system and systems lens, with a specific focus on why high-demand religious environments, especially Mormonism, are fertile ground for codependent patterns. Rather than framing codependency as a flaw or character issue, this episode reframes it as a survival adaptation that develops when safety, belonging, and worth are tied to external approval, emotional harmony, or compliance. If you grew up: Monitoring other people’s moods Scanning the room before checking in with yourself Feeling responsible for others’ emotions Struggling to identify your own needs, feelings, or limits …this conversation is for you. Interested in the Upcoming Religious Deconstruction Support Group starting in January?

Go here to sign up: https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/circle

Join us at our NEW CHANNEL: @almostawakenedpodcast

Join the conversation.
Like, share, and subscribe to support this work.
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Learn more about coaching at https://awakenandthrive.org

Getting together with family during the holidays can be beautiful… or it can feel like stepping into a spiritual escape room you never signed up for. In this episode of Almost Awakened, Teresa and I dive into the real-life challenges that mixed-faith families face this time of year — from surprise prayers to passive-aggressive testimony moments to the subtle pressure to play your old role in the family system. In this episode of the Almost Awakened Podcast, We’ll walk through 10 practical, human, and emotionally intelligent tools that help you stay regulated, connected, and true to yourself when the room is full of different beliefs and a whole lot of history. If you’re navigating a faith transition, supporting someone who is, or just trying to get through Thanksgiving without a meltdown or a debate about Kolob, this one’s for you.

What you’ll get in this episode:
• Tools to stay grounded when old patterns show up
• Ways to create internal boundaries that actually work
• Scripts for redirecting tricky conversations
• Tips for mixed-faith families who want peace (not pressure)
• How to choose connection over correction
• Why you don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to
• And yes… how to sneak outside for a 2-minute nervous-system reset

We’re here to make your holidays less stressful, more connected, and a whole lot more human.

Join us at our NEW CHANNEL: @almostawakenedpodcast
Join the conversation.
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Join our Support Group – https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/circle
Learn more about coaching at https://awakenandthrive.org

Britt Hartley from No Nonsense Spirituality and Bill Reel from the Almost Awakened Podcast are teaming up again for a brand-new series built around honest, wide-open conversations on spirituality, atheism, psychology, consciousness, and whatever else grabs our curiosity in the moment. In this first episode, we jump from one fascinating question to the next. What is the nature of reality? Are we living in a simulation? What does an AI revolution mean for human meaning and purpose? And would you pull your kids out of a religion you know is false… even if staying in it meant they’d live a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life? No scripts, no guardrails, just two friends following the most interesting threads wherever they lead. If you enjoy deep questions, sharp insights, and conversations that blend intellect with real-life stakes, this new series is for you.

Support Almost Awakened: https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2

Spiritual Trauma Support: If anyone needs support dealing with spiritual trauma, 1-on-1 coaching and support groups are available at https://awakenandthrive.org/

Britt Hartley’s work can be found
https://nononsensespirituality.com/
https://www.audible.com/pd/No-Nonsense-Spirituality-Audiobook/B0F25P5DV2
* https://www.youtube.com/@nononsensespirituality

RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE:
DMT and the Mapping of Other Dimensions
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2016.00211/full
https://newrepublic.com/article/169525/psychonauts-training-psychedelics-dmt-extended-state
https://www.dmtx.org/resources-1
https://psychedelicspotlight.com/researchers-are-mapping-out-new-dimensions-through-dmtx-technology/

Donald Hoffman and What is Reality
https://sites.socsci.uci.edu/~ddhoff/
https://www.mindscienceacademy.org/en/do-we-see-reality-as-it-is-donald-hoffman/
https://www.quantamagazine.org/the-evolutionary-argument-against-reality-20160421
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/consciousness-self-organization-and-neuroscience/201912/what-is-reality-interview-donald
* https://tim.blog/2022/04/13/donald-hoffman

The Argument That We Are Living In A Simulation
https://simulation-argument.com/simulation.pdf
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/are-we-living-in-a-computer-simulation/

Purity culture didn’t begin with religion, it began with control. In this episode, Teresa and Bill explore how ancient systems of ownership and inheritance evolved into moral laws that still shape our relationship to the body, desire, and worth today. Even after leaving high-control faiths, the conditioning remains embodied, showing up as shame, numbness, fear of pleasure, self-policing, and confusion about intimacy. From a trauma-informed and nervous-system lens, Teresa unpacks how sexual shame becomes a learned state of dysregulation, where the body equates arousal with danger. Together, they trace the historical roots of purity codes, examine how they persist in secular culture through double standards and body judgment, and invite listeners to begin reclaiming trust in their own desire and sensual aliveness. This episode explores: The anthropological origins of purity culture and why it once served social survival. How shame becomes wired into the nervous system. The psychological and somatic effects of sexual repression. How purity messages impact women, men, and queer people differently. The process of deconstructing purity conditioning and rebuilding embodied safety, curiosity, and pleasure. Healing isn’t rebellion, it’s integration and remembering who you were before shame told you your body was the problem.

Join the conversation.

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Join our Support Group – https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/circle

Learn more about coaching at https://awakenandthrive.org Referenced

Resources:
Pleasure Activism – Adrienne Maree Brown
Come As You Are – Emily Nagoski
Pure – Linda Kay Klein
Shameless – Nadia Bolz-Weber
Beyond Shame – Matthias Roberts

In this episode of Almost Awakened, we dig into the emotional weapon that too many of us have been shaped by—shame. Bill and Teresa break down how unhealthy systems—religious, familial, and relational—use shame to keep people small, obedient, and disconnected from their true selves. We explore the difference between guilt and shame, unpack the mechanics of control, and call out the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways shame is embedded in Mormonism and beyond. Topics covered: How shame hijacks our sense of worth and belonging Lesser-known examples of shame-based control in high-demand religions The psychological damage caused by chronic shame Why not all shame is bad (and how it can serve society) A quick overview of Brené Brown’s Shame Resilience Method How to build awareness, speak shame, and reclaim your inner authority Whether you’re fresh out of Mormonism or years into your healing journey, this episode offers insights to help you recognize shame for what it is—and reclaim your right to live free from it.

Join us for a conversation that’s raw, real, and liberating. You’re not bad. You’re awakening.
Join us at our NEW CHANNEL: @almostawakenedpodcast3619
Join the conversation.

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Join our Support Group – https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/circle
Learn more about coaching at https://awakenandthrive.org

What happens when trauma awareness turns into over-protection, and healing gets stuck in the identity of what harmed us? In this episode of Almost Awakened, Teresa Hobbs and Bill Reel unpack the concept of fragilization; the process by which individuals and cultures become organized around avoiding discomfort in the name of safety. Drawing from their work supporting people through religious trauma, deconstruction, and nervous system healing, Teresa and Bill explore how the instinct to protect ourselves can sometimes keep us trapped in patterns of helplessness. They discuss how to honor pain without becoming fused with it, how validation can restore dignity without reinforcing dependency, and why resilience requires learning to tolerate life’s inevitable discomforts. They also explore: How “trauma bonding” can become a comfort zone The difference between co-regulation and dependence Why denial breeds fragility How true strength comes from integration, not suppression The cultural consequences of fragilization: polarization and loss of resilience This conversation invites nuance, compassion, and empowerment, recognizing that honoring the wound is essential, but staying in it can keep us small. For those healing from high-demand religions or systems of control, it’s a reminder that real freedom isn’t the absence of pain, it’s the ability to hold both safety and strength as we grow.

Join us at our NEW CHANNEL: @almostawakenedpodcast3619
Join the conversation.
Like, share, and subscribe to support this work.
Donate to Almost Awakened: https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2
Join our Support Group – https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/circle
Learn more about coaching at https://awakenandthrive.org

Books Mentioned:
“The Expectation Effect” by David Robson – https://a.co/d/aRCk3wy
“The Coddling of the American Mind” by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt – https://www.thecoddling.com/buy

In this episode of Almost Awakened, Bill and Teresa explore one of the most misunderstood aspects of emotional health, boundaries. We unpack what safe and unsafe boundaries look like, how trauma and conditioning shape the ways we draw our lines, and why some “boundaries” are really just walls disguised as self-protection. You’ll learn how to identify when a boundary is rooted in fear versus self-respect, and how to create space for connection without sacrificing your safety or authenticity. If you’ve ever felt guilty for setting boundaries, or confused when someone else’s “boundary” felt more like a punishment, this conversation will help you untangle what’s actually going on beneath the surface.

Join the conversation. Like, share, and subscribe to support this work.

Join our Support Group – https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/circle

Learn more about coaching at https://awakenandthrive.org/

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What happens when your church convinces you that your own memories, questions, and feelings can’t be trusted? In this episode of Almost Awakened, Bill Reel and Teresa Hobbs unpack the dark art of religious gaslighting — how high-demand faiths twist reality, dismiss legitimate concerns, and make believers doubt themselves under the guise of “God’s will.” We’ll explore: What gaslighting is and how it got its name Five real-world examples from Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Scientology, and more How leaders rewrite history, dismiss evidence, and blame the victim The deep psychological harm caused when faith makes you distrust your own perception Practical tools and therapeutic insights for healing from religious gaslighting If you’ve ever been told “you’re misremembering” or “your doubts are from the adversary,” this conversation will hit home. And if you’re working through the trauma of spiritual manipulation, we’ll share concrete steps to reclaim your reality, rebuild trust in yourself, and move forward with clarity.

Support our work: If you find value in these conversations, consider donating:
Almost Awakened: https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2

Need support? If you’re dealing with spiritual trauma, 1-on-1 coaching and support groups are available at https://awakenandthrive.org/

Join our Religious Transition support group – https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/circle

The Almost Awakened Podcast is planning out a “Opposing Viewpoints” series and in this first episode of our new Opposing Viewpoints series, Bill shares a recent confrontation he had with a Mormon apologist—an exchange where both sides walked away feeling the other had acted in bad faith. Together, Bill and Teresa unpack the experience, steelman the apologist’s position and motivations, and vulnerably explore Bill’s own thought process and responses in the moment. What happens when two people both believe they’re standing for truth, yet each feels misrepresented by the other? What drives these kinds of clashes, and what would it take to not only understand each other better, but to create more productive, respectful dialogue? Join us as we wrestle with the paradoxes of human interaction—where sincerity meets suspicion, conviction meets doubt, and the chance for deeper understanding lies in the tension between.

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In this episode of the Almost Awakened Podcast, Bill Reel and Teresa Hobbs explore why stillness can feel so uncomfortable, especially for those recovering from religious trauma, chronic stress, and nervous system dysregulation. Teresa shares a powerful moment between them as a couple when a simple request for soothing touch opened the door to a deeper mindfulness and somatic tracking practice. Together, they talk about why so many of us are constantly moving, fixing, distracting, or bracing… and how mindfulness can help us gently be with our sensations rather than run from them. They discuss: The science behind mindfulness and why it heals. How early life stress and religious programming affect the nervous system. What it means to separate the “story” from the “sensation”. How mindfulness can repattern trauma responses and support nervous system regulation. Mindfulness as a form of re-parenting and building secure attachment. This episode is raw, vulnerable, and full of practical insight, especially for post-Mormons, ex-vangelicals, or anyone rebuilding safety in their body and relationships after trauma.

Teresa’s blog post on mindfulness: https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/post/rewiring-for-connection-how-trauma-informed-mindfulness-rebuilds-the-inner-architecture-of-safety

Book on Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness: https://a.co/d/4tXisU2

Interested in trauma-informed coaching or somatic healing? Learn more at: https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com Whether you’re deconstructing religion, healing from chronic symptoms, or just trying to slow down… this episode offers a sacred tool to help you come home to yourself.

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Contact Us: Bill Reel: MormonDiscussionsPodcasts@gmail.com
Teresa Hobbs: monarchintegrativecoaching@gmail.com

Mindfulness #NervousSystemHealing #ReligiousTrauma #SomaticPractice #AlmostAwakened

In this episode of Almost Awakened, Bill and Teresa explore the transformative shift from external obedience to internal integrity. What happens when we stop living by someone else’s rules and start listening to our own inner voice? The conversation dives into the psychology of control, the cost of compliance, and the courage it takes to choose authenticity. With humor, vulnerability, and practical insight, they unpack how we were conditioned to equate obedience with virtue—and how reclaiming our autonomy is the path to real wholeness. If you’ve ever felt like your strings no longer fit, this one’s for you. [Almost Awakened: 192]

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[Almost Awakened Ep: 191] What happens when obedience no longer defines you? In this episode, we explore the tender, disorienting, and ultimately liberating journey of shifting from a life shaped by external authority to one grounded in inner truth. We unpack how high-demand systems condition us to equate obedience with worth—and how, once that structure falls away, we’re left with a terrifying silence that’s actually a blank canvas.

Together, we examine what integrity really means—not moral perfection, but alignment between who you are and how you live. With honesty, vulnerability, and practical insight, we guide you through the void, the rebuilding, and the quiet bravery of living in congruence with yourself—especially when it costs you belonging.

This isn’t a call to rebellion. It’s an invitation to return to yourself.

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Contact Bill Reel or Teresa HobbsMormonDiscussionsPodcasts@gmail.com

Why do some relationships thrive after conflict while others crumble? What if conflict wasn’t the problem in your relationships—but the key to deeper connection? In this powerful episode of the Almost Awakened Podcast, Bill Reel and Terresa Hobbs dive into the vital but often misunderstood cycle of rupture and repair. From parenting to romantic relationships to friendships and even spiritual community, we explore how moments of disconnection can either erode trust—or, when repaired with care, build unshakable emotional safety. You’ll learn why healthy relationships aren’t rupture-free, how our nervous systems respond during conflict, and what real repair looks like. We also share personal stories, practical tools, and science-backed insights to help you show up more authentically and courageously in every relationship. Whether you’re navigating challenges in a romantic partnership, friendship, or family bond, this conversation is for you.

00:00 – What Is Rupture & Repair? 06:00 – Attachment Theory: It’s Not About Perfection 10:30 – Secure Attachment Only Requires 30% Attunement 13:00 – Can Adults Shift Attachment Styles? (Earned Secure Attachment) 19:00 – Common Causes of Rupture 27:00 – The Role of the Nervous System in Rupture 39:00 – Taking Responsibility Without Shame 48:00 – Why Most People Avoid Repair (and What It Costs) 51:00 – Spiritual & Religious Ruptures in Family Systems 56:30 – Grieving the Relationship That Was 1:03:30 – Healthiest Way to Bring Up a Rupture 1:17:40 – Can Every Rupture Be Repaired? Not Always 1:19:30 – Real-Life Example: When Repair Fails 1:34:44 – Repair Checklist Recap 1:39:50 – Bill & Terresa Share a Repair Example: Laundry Soap & Grace 1:50:15 – Self-Rupture and Inner Repair 1:53:00 – Final Reflections: You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Safe

Support the Almost Awakened Podcast and help us create more conscious content!
Donate via DonorBox: https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2
Join our Mailing List: subscribepage.io/MormonDiscussion
Listen on Your Favorite Podcast Apps: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/almost-awakened/id1470786994 https://open.spotify.com/show/59vB23bBAvNvdP74vIO3UT
Follow Us: Instagram: @mormondiscussion @monarchintegrativecoaching
Visit Our Website: https://almostawakened.org https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com
Contact Us: Bill Reel: MormonDiscussionsPodcasts@gmail.com Teresa Hobbs: monarchintegrativecoaching@gmail.com

In this powerful episode, we explore the fascinating—and at times unsettling—truth that your body can carry pain, anxiety, and illness long after the danger is gone. Through bizarre medical stories and neuroscience-backed insights, we expose how the brain can misfire protective signals, trapping us in cycles of suffering with no clear physical cause. But we don’t stop at science. We take a hard look at how religious trauma—especially from high-demand systems like Mormonism—can sabotage the nervous system, teaching us to fear our own instincts and stay hypervigilant in the name of obedience. From chronic pain to panic attacks to unexplained sickness, we reveal how trauma—spiritual or otherwise—can become embedded in the body… and how healing is possible. If you’ve ever wondered why you still feel unsafe, even when you’re “out,” or why your symptoms don’t match your diagnosis—this is the episode that connects the dots.

In this powerful and vulnerable episode, Teresa Hobbs opens up about her personal journey through years of chronic illness, unexplained symptoms, and deep emotional and physical collapse — and what it took to slowly find her way back to life.

From early signs of nervous system dysregulation to being dismissed by doctors, chasing countless integrative and alternative healing paths, and finally hitting a wall that forced her to leave everything behind — this is the full story. For the first time, Teresa shares how trauma, stress, and disconnection from self, played a role in her decline, and how she began the slow, gentle work of re-regulating her nervous system and learning how to truly heal.

This episode is not about education or theory — it’s about lived experience. It’s raw, real, and deeply human.

If you’ve ever felt like your body is failing you, if you’re lost in your symptoms and afraid that things may never change, this story is for you.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Raelan Agle YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RaelanAgle
The Way Out by Alan Gordon: https://a.co/d/5gKIXjy
Symptomatic Me: https://www.symptomatic.me

Learn more or inquire about coaching with Teresa at:
www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com

Support the Almost Awakened Podcast and help us create more conscious content!

Donate via DonorBox: https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2

Join our Mailing List: subscribepage.io/MormonDiscussion

Listen on Your Favorite Podcast Apps:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast…

https://open.spotify.com/show/59vB23b…

Follow Us:

Instagram: @mormondiscussion

@monarchintegrativecoaching

YouTube: @monarchintegrativecoaching‬ ‬

Visit Our Website: MormonDiscussions.org

Contact Us:

Bill Reel: MormonDiscussionsPodcasts@gmail.com

Teresa Hobbs: monarchintegrativecoaching@gmail.com

Why does the world feel so divided—and why is it so hard to stay curious when we disagree? In this episode of Almost Awakened, we unpack the hidden forces driving today’s polarization. From ancient survival wiring to cognitive biases to trauma-shaped perception, we explore how our brains are glitching in a modern world built to trigger fear and certainty. We also dive into how media algorithms hijack our nervous systems, and why outrage spreads faster than truth. Most importantly, we offer a path back: through regulation, curiosity, and reclaiming our humanity in a world pulling us apart. Take a breath… and let’s dig in.

What happens when the very thing that was supposed to save you ends up breaking you? In this deeply personal episode of Almost Awakened, Bill and Teresa dive into the hidden wounds left by high-demand religions and spiritual systems. From shame-laced teachings to fear-based obedience, they unpack the symptoms of religious trauma and explore what healing actually looks like.

With raw honesty and a touch of dark humor, they share their lived experiences—navigating everything from crushed intuition and performative worthiness to early marriages, spiritual gaslighting, and the long road back to self-trust. Whether you’ve deconstructed your faith or are just beginning to question it, this conversation offers language, validation, and hope.

Because healing doesn’t mean finding new beliefs to cling to. It means coming home to yourself.

Help support Bill Reel & Teresa Hobbs in creating Awakened Resources and Content

DONATE VIA DONORBOX!https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2

Join our Mailing List – subscribepage.io/MormonDiscussion

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/almost-awakened/id1470786994

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Instagram: /https://www.instagram.com/mormondiscussion/

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Mormon Discussion Merch store https://www.exmoshirts.com/collections/mormondiscussions
Mormon Discussions Website – https://mormondiscussions.org/

Contact Bill Reel or Teresa Hobbs

MormonDiscussionsPodcasts@gmail.com

You’ve heard the word ‘trauma’—but do you really know what it means? In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we break down the truth about trauma: not just the dramatic events, but the subtle, often invisible wounds that live in our bodies, shape our behavior, and distort how we see the world.

We explore:
What trauma actually is (hint: it’s not the event itself)?
Why trauma is more common than most people think?
The crucial difference between “Big T” and “little t” trauma!
How unresolved trauma hides in perfectionism, people-pleasing, anxiety, and chronic pain?
The science of how trauma rewires the brain and nervous system!
And most importantly—how we can heal, rewire, and grow from it!

Whether you’re on your own healing path, supporting someone else, or simply want to understand yourself and others better—this episode is for you.

You’re not broken. You’re responding exactly the way a nervous system responds to pain. And there’s a way forward.

Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share if this conversation resonates with you.

Ep. 184 | Almost Awakened In this episode we explore how nervous system dysregulation affects your health, relationships, emotions, and identity—and how understanding this system can radically change the way you live and heal. Welcome to the reboot of the Almost Awakened Podcast—where big awakenings meet real-life healing. Bill Reel is joined by his new co-host, trauma coach Teresa Hobbs, and they are kicking things off with a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood—and most powerful—keys to personal transformation: your nervous system. But this isn’t just about science and stress responses. We’re talking relationships, emotions, identity, illness, and the invisible ways trauma shapes our lives.

In this episode, you’ll learn: What trauma actually is (hint: it’s not just what happened to you). How your nervous system holds the key to healing and wholeness. Why you might be stuck in fight, flight, freeze—or shutdown—and how to shift. What co-regulation, Polyvagal Theory, and chronic symptoms have in common. *Simple, body-based tools to start rewiring your system today.

Whether you’re navigating religious deconstruction, chronic stress, or just want to feel more alive and at ease, this conversation is your launchpad.

Subscribe for weekly episodes on: Itunes, Google Play, Apple Music, Stitcher and FEATURED on YOUTUBE

Hosted by: Bill Reel, Almost Awakened Podcast Founder Teresa Hobbs, Trauma Recovery & Mind-Body Coach, Monarch Integrative Coaching Dive in: https://almostawakened.org

Britt Hartley returns to engage Bill on several questions that will create a fantastic awakened conversation and to reconnect on where being almost awakened has led them.

In this episode of Almost Awakened, Bill shares his two month dive into relationship research. From John & Julie Gottman to Jordan Peterson

RESOURCES:
https://youtu.be/mS3bfCt0K88?si=qi-wdEVuZVHDJ0_p
https://youtu.be/E5swtIjpxxA?si=jpBWf28DfDMZbjtb
https://youtu.be/PQo8hFqfe9A?si=46f4K_7rRlvVfgXi
https://youtu.be/Qv70RMUFlu0?si=lqBYi7z256AW7ME9
https://youtu.be/Xvb-v83qJ8U?si=iPCFr8BISXxG2z9H
https://youtu.be/knVfc_B0W6E?si=CUvMcGhvT6lOSw6Z
https://youtu.be/gh5VhaicC6g?si=6FBHmmD0xl_k63vK
https://youtu.be/sa0RUmGTCYY?si=nmIOn9WnnN_wsZBp
https://youtu.be/-pdCDq_MTj4?si=OxeVnc8sNArOHj56
https://youtu.be/aS3oxcTk-9Q?si=Fdcp2GEN4UBKSn6s

Thanks so much for watching! Please like, subscribe, and leave a comment!

Visit our Channel to find everything Mormonism! https://www.youtube.com/c/MormonDiscussionsInc or @MormonDiscussion Our mission at Mormon Discussion is to be a beacon of support for those who are questioning the truth claims or renegotiating their relationship with faith.

Our podcasts like “Mormonism Live,” “Radio Free Mormon,” and “Mormon Discussion” offer a safe space for Discovery and healing. But we need your help. Your donations power our work – expanding outreach, improving content, and creating new initiatives.
Visit https://donorbox.org/umbrella-entity or https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/please-consider-donating-today/ and make a difference today.

Your support empowers us to empower others. We are a 501C3 Non-Profit and your donation is tax deductible inside the United States https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/please-consider-donating-today/ Thank you for being part of the change. Together, we’re making a real impact.

Join Bill Reel and Jon Streeter in a thought-provoking conversation that delves deep into the complexities of the Gender Dysphoria & Transgender Debate. In this YouTube video, these two articulate voices engage in a nuanced exploration that transcends the surface-level discourse often seen in mainstream media. At the heart of their discussion lies a fundamental clash between two philosophical frameworks: Modern Scientific Rational Empiricism and Postmodern Relativism, which includes Gender Theory. Bill and Jon carefully dissect the implications of these opposing paradigms on the understanding and acceptance of transgender identities. Throughout the video, they unpack the Philosophy surrounding gender theory to illuminate the experiences of transgender individuals. Simultaneously, they critically examine the role of postmodern theories in shaping societal attitudes towards gender, highlighting the importance of acknowledging diverse perspectives while upholding scientific rigor. Through their insightful analysis, Bill and Jon guide viewers towards a deeper understanding of the Gender Dysphoria & Transgender Debate as a microcosm of broader philosophical tensions in contemporary society. By elucidating the clash between Modern Scientific Rational Empiricism and Postmodern Relativism, they empower audiences to critically engage with the nuances of gender discourse and cultivate empathy towards diverse experiences. Ultimately, this YouTube video serves as a beacon of intellectual inquiry, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of introspection and dialogue that transcends ideological divides. Join Bill and Jon as they navigate the intricate intersections of science, theory, and human experience in the pursuit of greater understanding and compassion.

Resources:

The Trojan Unicorn: Queer Theory and Pedophilia (Audio Essay) (youtube.com)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAP4czG3DjE

Sex & Gender: An Evolutionary Perspective – Heather Heying (youtube.com)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkjL58HOS60

In “No Nonsense Spirituality,” author, philosopher, and friend Britt Hartley offers a groundbreaking exploration that marries the rigor of rational inquiry with the depths of human spirituality. Best of all? No faith in the unbelievable is required. Drawing from the wellsprings of science, philosophy, religion, and psychology, this illuminating work charts a course for those who seek a meaningful life without dogma or woo. Hartley draws on her work as an atheist spiritual director to provide practical guidelines for navigating a secular approach to ritual, morality, awe, transcendence, wisdom, community, intuition, connection, and meaning that can withstand the harsh truths of reality. With wisdom gleaned from the best of rationalism and the timeless insights of religion, “No Nonsense Spirituality” offers pathways to the good life that honor the complexity of the human experience. Engaging, thought-provoking, and deeply resonant, this book invites readers to explore a new understanding of what it means to live the good life in the middle of a culture that ranges from cold skepticism to the unhealthy truth claims of religion and pseudoscience that cannot stand up to modern sensibilities.

The Book – https://www.amazon.com/No-Nonsense-Spirituality-Belief-Required-ebook/dp/B0D1NLMFBR

Britt’s website – https://nononsensespirituality.com/

Thanks so much for watching! Please like, subscribe, and leave a comment!

Visit our Channel to find everything Mormonism! https://www.youtube.com/c/MormonDiscussionsInc or @MormonDiscussion

Our mission at Mormon Discussion is to be a beacon of support for those who are questioning the truth claims or renegotiating their relationship with faith. Our podcasts like “Mormonism Live,” “Radio Free Mormon,” and “Mormon Discussion” offer a safe space for Discovery and healing. But we need your help. Your donations power our work – expanding outreach, improving content, and creating new initiatives.

Visit https://donorbox.org/umbrella-entity or https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/please-consider-donating-today/ and make a difference today. Your support empowers us to empower others.

We are a 501C3 Non-Profit and your donation is tax deductible inside the United States https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/please-consider-donating-today/ Thank you for being part of the change. Together, we’re making a real impact.

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Join hosts Bill Reel & Britt Hartley on this thought-provoking episode of Almost Awakened as they engage in a profound conversation with Dr. Dan McClellan. With a rich background in Ancient Near Eastern studies and a doctorate in the cognitive science of religion, Dr. McClellan brings a unique perspective to the table.

In this interview, delve into the intricacies of Mormon doctrine, particularly examining James E. Talmage’s role in codifying beliefs about the Godhead and exploring how this approach is received in wider biblical scholarship. Beyond the theological discussion, the conversation opens up to the broader benefits of studying the Bible, even for those in the post-deconstruction phase of their spiritual journey.

Dr. McClellan shares insights on the significance of biblical literacy in understanding Western civilization, literature, art, and government. The interview doesn’t shy away from tough questions, addressing Dr. McClellan’s experience with various religious groups claiming him and how he navigates identity in the context of evolving beliefs.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into Dr. McClellan’s perspective on Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible, his favorite stories for deep exegesis, and the challenges and rewards of being a public scholar. As the conversation unfolds, the hosts explore the delicate balance between data and dogma, pondering the impact of changing doctrines on spiritual experiences.

The interview wraps up with a glimpse into Dr. McClellan’s ongoing projects, his stance on reporting religious aspects of global situations like Gaza, and a shout-out to his social media platform, courses, and the Data over Dogma podcast. Tune in for a captivating dialogue that transcends boundaries, inviting you to discern between data and dogma in your own spiritual exploration. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your understanding of the Bible and religion with Dr. Dan McClellan on Almost Awakened!

Thanks so much for watching! Please like, subscribe, and leave a comment! Visit our Channel to find everything Mormonism! https://www.youtube.com/c/MormonDiscussionsInc or @MormonDiscussion

Our mission at Mormon Discussion is to be a beacon of support for those who are questioning the truth claims or renegotiating their relationship with faith. Our podcasts like “Mormonism Live,” “Radio Free Mormon,” and “Mormon Discussion” offer a safe space for Discovery and healing. But we need your help. Your donations power our work – expanding outreach, improving content, and creating new initiatives. Visit https://donorbox.org/umbrella-entity or https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/please-consider-donating-today/ and make a difference today. Your support empowers us to empower others.

We are a 501C3 Non-Profit and your donation is tax deductible inside the United States https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/please-consider-donating-today/

Thank you for being part of the change. Together, we’re making a real impact. ohZeLtE3XAc0U096emWM

In this thought-provoking episode, host Bill Reel engages in a candid and enlightening conversation with the incredible Natasha Helfer—a Mental Health & Sex Therapist. Join us as we dive deep into the realms of vulnerability, authenticity, and a topic bubbling to the surface for many: Post Religious Sexuality.

Natasha brings her expertise to the table, unraveling the layers of the human experience after leaving religious frameworks. From navigating the complexities of relationships to rediscovering intimacy, this conversation is a powerful exploration of personal growth and liberation.

Have you ever wondered about the impact of religious conditioning on your sexuality? Curious about the journey to reclaiming autonomy and authenticity in this aspect of your life? Natasha Helfer shares her insights, experiences, and professional wisdom to guide us through these important discussions.

Topics Covered: Vulnerability and Authenticity in Personal Growth Navigating Relationships Beyond Religious Constraints Rediscovering Intimacy and Connection The Intersection of Mental Health and Sexuality Overcoming Challenges in Post Religious Sexual Exploration

Join Bill Reel and Natasha Helfer in this eye-opening episode of Almost Awakened. Whether you’re on your own journey of self-discovery or simply interested in understanding the diverse facets of the human experience, this conversation is sure to inspire and resonate.

About Natasha Helfer: Natasha is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Sex Therapist, and a prominent voice in the mental health and sexuality field. Her work extends beyond traditional therapy, advocating for healthy conversations around sex, relationships, and spirituality.

Following deals available to listeners.

Save $225 when you pay in full for the October 2024 Couples Retreat when you use the coupon code UNWIND225 at checkout https://www.natashahelfer.com/store/p/unwind-together Save $65 on any of Natasha’s 2024 groups when you pay in full. Use the coupon code GROUPSAVE65 when you register. To register please call our office at 1-208-391-7804 or fill out the form at https://symmetrypath.com/group-registration RESOURCES: https://www.natashahelfer.com/ https://www.natashahelfer.com/the-natasha-helfer-podcast https://symmetrypath.com/groups Tune in, engage with us, and let’s embark on this enlightening exploration together! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below.

AlmostAwakened #NatashaHelfer #PostReligiousSexuality #PodcastInterview #PersonalGrowth #Relationships #SexualityExploration

Thanks so much for watching! Please like, subscribe, and leave a comment!

Visit our Channel to find everything Mormonism! https://www.youtube.com/c/MormonDiscussionsInc or @MormonDiscussion

Our mission at Mormon Discussion is to be a beacon of support for those who are questioning the truth claims or renegotiating their relationship with faith.

Our podcasts like “Mormonism Live,” “Radio Free Mormon,” and “Mormon Discussion” offer a safe space for Discovery and healing. But we need your help.

Your donations power our work – expanding outreach, improving content, and creating new initiatives.

Visit https://donorbox.org/umbrella-entity or https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/please-consider-donating-today/ and make a difference today.

Your support empowers us to empower others. We are a 501C3 Non-Profit and your donation is tax deductable inside the United States https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/please-consider-donating-today/

Thank you for being part of the change. Together, we’re making a real impact.

“Awakened Perspectives” is a transformative podcast series that invites listeners on a profound journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. In each episode, your host Bill Reel sits down with a remarkable individual who embodies a wealth of grounded life experiences and wisdom. These guests have traversed diverse paths, accumulating a treasure trove of insights and practical tools for navigating life’s complexities. Today’s Guest is Utah Family Law Lawyer Manda Beers.

RESOURCES:

If you need Legal help in Utah in the area of Family Law you can reach Manda at mandabloxbeers@gmail.com

Thanks so much for watching!

Please like, subscribe, and leave a comment!

Visit our Channel to find all the desired info on Mormonism!
https://www.youtube.com/c/MormonDiscussionsInc

You can support our channel by donating here! (We are a 501C3 Non-Profit)
https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/please-consider-donating-today/

“Awakened Perspectives” is a transformative podcast series that invites listeners on a profound journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. In each episode, your host Bill Reel sits down with a remarkable individual who embodies a wealth of grounded life experiences and wisdom. These guests have traversed diverse paths, accumulating a treasure trove of insights and practical tools for navigating life’s complexities. Today’s Guest is Radio Personality and friend Michael Foley. RESOURCES: https://www.facebook.com/mikeyandthemrs/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mikey-the-mrs/id1639895192 https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mikeyandthemrs

“Awakened Perspectives” is a transformative podcast series that invites listeners on a profound journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. In each episode, your host Bill Reel sits down with a remarkable individual who embodies a wealth of grounded life experiences and wisdom. These guests have traversed diverse paths, accumulating a treasure trove of insights and practical tools for navigating life’s complexities. Through intimate conversations, “Awakened Perspectives” offers a rare opportunity to glean from the collective wisdom of these extraordinary individuals. From seasoned spiritual guides to accomplished artists, from resilient adventurers to compassionate healers, each guest brings a unique perspective that is both deeply rooted in their own journey and universally resonates with our shared human experience. Listeners can expect to embark on a voyage of self-reflection, growth, and empowerment. With each episode, you’ll discover new perspectives, invaluable tools, and profound insights that can be applied to your own life journey. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, guidance, or a fresh outlook on life’s challenges, “Awakened Perspectives” is a sanctuary for seekers of truth, purpose, and fulfillment. Tune in and join us as we dive into the hearts and minds of these extraordinary individuals, uncovering the timeless wisdom that has shaped their awakened perspectives. This podcast is a beacon of light, inviting you to illuminate your own path towards a more conscious, fulfilled existence. Today’s Guest is Ammon Arave. He is an entrepreneur, creator, marketer, and a friend and he has a lot of depth to share and I deeply enjoyed the conversation we created.

“Awakened Perspectives” is a transformative podcast series that invites listeners on a profound journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. In each episode, your host Bill Reel sits down with a remarkable individual who embodies a wealth of grounded life experiences and wisdom. These guests have traversed diverse paths, accumulating a treasure trove of insights and practical tools for navigating life’s complexities. Through intimate conversations, “Awakened Perspectives” offers a rare opportunity to glean from the collective wisdom of these extraordinary individuals. From seasoned spiritual guides to accomplished artists, from resilient adventurers to compassionate healers, each guest brings a unique perspective that is both deeply rooted in their own journey and universally resonates with our shared human experience. Listeners can expect to embark on a voyage of self-reflection, growth, and empowerment. With each episode, you’ll discover new perspectives, invaluable tools, and profound insights that can be applied to your own life journey. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, guidance, or a fresh outlook on life’s challenges, “Awakened Perspectives” is a sanctuary for seekers of truth, purpose, and fulfillment. Tune in and join us as we dive into the hearts and minds of these extraordinary individuals, uncovering the timeless wisdom that has shaped their awakened perspectives. This podcast is a beacon of light, inviting you to illuminate your own path towards a more conscious, fulfilled existence. Today’s Guest is Phil McLemore. He is an Yogi, Meditator, and Wisdom Teacher.

This is the second in series of Conversations where I sit down with people to delve into the deeper conversations of humanity. People I know and respect and sense they have wisdom and experience that will benefit us all. Today that is life coach Miles Hunsaker . Miles was a gay man who grew up in a homophobic religion and tried so hard to be the human others commanded him to be. But in the end he chose to be himself and that just so happened to be one of the kindest coolest human beings on the planet. Please LIKE & SUBSCRIBE and please share your thoughts in the comments.

RESOURCES:

https://www.mileshunsaker.coach/

You can support the Mormonism Live show by donating here https://almostawakened.org/donate-to-almost-awakened-podcast/

Today begins a new chapter in the Almost Awakened Podcast. A series of Conversations where I sit down with people to delve into the deeper conversations of humanity. People I know and respect and sense they have wisdom and experience that will benefit us all. Today that is Comedian and Friend, The Fresh King Benjamin. Ben Brown grew up in fundamentalist polygamy Mormonism and knows a thing or two about trauma, about calling out bullshit, and about reconstructing a healthy vibrant life. I think you will find this series and this conversation specifically deeply insightful and beneficial.

Please LIKE & SUBSCRIBE and please share your thoughts in the comments.

RESOURCES:

The Fresh King Benjamin full set “The Spring Prophecy of The Fresh King Benjamin” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBx5g6FOEaM&pp=ygUXVGhlIEZyZXNoIEtpbmcgQmVuamFtaW4%3D

You can support the Mormonism Live show by donating here https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/please-consider-donating-today/

Britt and Bill sit down to look back at the work they have done and to discuss the future of Britt, of Bill, and of the Podcast.

The Almost Awakened Podcast has some news to share and we wanted to tell our audience that news and how it will affect the show. And we have a short discussion on Trauma

In this enlightening episode, we delve deep into the life and philosophy of the Naked Pastor, a remarkable figure whose journey from the pulpit to […]

Christ, Krishna, and the Buddha with Bob Peck, Mystic Author Almost Awakened: 167 “Christ, Krishna, and the Buddha” is a exploration of the lives and teachings of three iconic spiritual figures who have left an indelible mark on the world. We sit down with mystic author Bob Peck delving into each of these spiritual figures investigating their timeless wisdom, remarkable stories, and enduring legacies of Jesus Christ, Lord Krishna, and Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha.

Bob Peck is a festival award-winning filmmaker, author, lawnmower, meditator, and a spiritual student of Christ, Krishna, the Buddha. With bachelor’s degrees in Religious Studies & Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas, he has made ‘conscious films’—spiritual & advocacy documentaries—since graduating in 2011. He’s also a Kriya Yoga practitioner through KYI and a certified mindfulness & meditation teacher. His day job is centered around ads and mindfulness in Big Tech. A native Austinite, he lives with his wife and young son in Austin, Texas. “Original Sin Is A Lie” is his first book.

RESOURCES:

https://www.originalsinisalie.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Original-Sin-Lie-Spirituality-Reveals/dp/B0BCD1YBG8

https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Original-Sin-Is-A-Lie-Audiobook/B0BF66JYY1

https://www.tiktok.com/@originalsinisalie

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Barbie & the Heroines Journey Bill and Britt outline the heroines journey and how it differs from the hero’s journey.

RESOURCES:

https://heroinejourneys.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/victoria-schmid.jpg
Weird Barbie – https://creations.mattel.com/products/weird-barbie-barbie-the-movie-hyb84
https://heroinejourneys.com/heroines-journey/
https://maureenmurdock.com/articles/articles-the-heroines-journey/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heroine’s_journey
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/22/books/maria-tatar-heroine-with-1001-faces.html
https://storygrid.com/heroines-journey/
https://mythcreants.com/blog/using-the-heroines-journey/

Brene Brown has said that, “practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning, and purpose to our lives.” She defines spirituality in terms of connection […]

Celtic Spirituality is not a church. It was never formed into a unified institution. So what is it? And how can learning about it help […]

Delve into the intricate relationship between mysticism, religion, societal control, and progress in this thought-provoking podcast episode. Explore how mysticism, the pursuit of direct spiritual […]

In this podcast, we present six beautifully crafted parables, each designed to illuminate the significance of values and perspectives in resolving conflicts. Through these timeless […]

In this thought-provoking episode of The Almost Awakened Podcast, we courageously delve into the heart of some of the most contentious and divisive topics of […]

Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Unveiling the Layers of the Self: AA: 160 In this follow-up episode, we delve back into the Internal Family Systems […]

In this Episode of Almost Awakened we take a look at Integral theory also known as Spiral Dynamics, a cognivitive development model made famous by […]

Today on the Almost Awakened Podcast Bill sits down with Licensed Professional Counselor and Author Sarah Westbrook to discuss the intersection of Psychedelics & Spirituality […]

While being kind and thoughtful others are traits that are correlated with thriving relationships, when they dominate to the detriment of our own needs, wants, […]

One of the big modalities currently in therapeutic practices is “Internal Family Systems” or “IFS” and the idea that the core you can learn to […]

Bill Reel and Gabe go for round 2 of looking at the nature of reality. They look at various models of seeing the world, check […]

Bill Reel and Gabe take a long look at the nature of reality. They look at various models of seeing the world, check in on Modern Science such as Quantum Physics, and share insights from their own learning and experience to investigate if the world we all believe we are seeing is in fact reality. A Little more Mormonism than normal but the conversation is definitely Almost Awakened !

What are the 7 variations of atheism and the 7 new religions on the rise. Based on two books – The Seven Types of Atheism by John Gray and Strange Rites: New Religions in a Godless World by Tara Burton

Hartley and Reel sit down with Lincoln Cannon to discuss Transhumanism and to evaluate if it could, in fact, become a new religion.

RESOURCES:

https://lincoln.metacannon.net/

today we talk with TikTok sensation Matt Hershberger, whose interests lie in Nihilism, Anti-Natalism, and the Dark Arts.

resources:
https://betterstrangers.substack.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@betterstrangersbooks

Hundreds of thousands of years, maybe millions, and this is the furthest we have come in creating a healthy world of Humans. War, genocide, starvation, homelessness, Poor or non-existent healthcare, abuse, & trauma. Today we lay out and discuss 10 Changes that would elevate our human race to a healthier state of peace, health, and inner wellbeing.

The New Ten Commandments – https://chat.openai.com/

Respect the dignity and worth of every human being.
Practice empathy and compassion towards others.
Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Foster a sense of community and promote social responsibility.
Promote equality and fairness for all individuals.
Encourage honesty, integrity, and transparency in all dealings.
Promote peaceful conflict resolution and nonviolence.
Respect the environment and preserve natural resources for future generations.
Encourage lifelong learning and personal growth.
Promote the common good and work towards the betterment of society as a whole.

These principles are not exhaustive, but they could form a foundation for a set of commandments that could guide individuals towards creating a better, kinder world. Ultimately, it is up to society as a whole to determine what values and principles are most important and how best to promote them.

We sit down with Jonathon Streeter, founder of the Blog and Youtube Channel “Thoughts On Things And Stuff” to discuss the manipulative tactics of High Demand Religions and how to spot them immediately.

RESOURCES:
https://thoughtsonthingsandstuff.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVTCFh3uDMH0GZlwl1JOoHQ
https://www.facebook.com/ThoughtsOnThingsAndStuff/

In This Week’s episode of the Almost Awakened Podcast, Hartley and Reel peek behind the curtain of Zen Buddhism to discuss the rampant sexual misconduct happening there. We are so used to hearing about sexual abuse with Catholicism or Mormonism or the Jehovah’s Witnesses but while sort of unexpected, Buddhist circles are also deeply affected by these atrocious acts. We sit down with TikTok’r @LifeAfterZen to discuss this sensitive issue and to learn how we can better be aware of and address the such problems.

RESOURCES:
https://www.shilohproject.blog/sexual-misconduct-and-buddhism-centering-survivors/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzoMdW8GEVI&list=PLpxqAk60QqWrlqnlVVWr4IvLyv1GtBw5I&index=2
https://www.religionandsexualabuseproject.org/
https://tricycle.org/magazine/sexual-abuse-in-buddhism/
https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-shocking-scandal-at-the-heart-of-american-zen
https://tricycle.org/magazine/sex-sangha-again/
https://www.lionsroar.com/openletteronabuse/

Abraham Maslow’s pyramidal “Hierarchy of Needs” model is a highly-influential way of organizing human needs from the most “basic” to the most advanced. Maslow’s argument is that the most basic needs must be met before people can move “up” to the more advanced needs. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid. From the bottom of the hierarchy upwards, the needs are: physiological (food and clothing), safety (job security), love and belonging needs (friendship), esteem, and self-actualization. Needs lower down in the hierarchy must be satisfied before individuals can attend to higher needs. What is not as commonly known about Maslow is that toward the end of his life, he began to have some doubts about this model and just prior to his death added a 6th stage at the top of the pyramid called “Self-Transcendence” and today we review the standard hierarchy and finish by discussing at length the missing piece, Self-Transcendence.

RESOURCES:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow’s_hierarchy_of_needs

https://www.wichita.edu/services/mrc/OIR/Pedagogy/Theories/maslow.php

https://www.thecareerproject.org/blog/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs/

https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-4136760

https://www.thoughtco.com/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-4582571

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs

Hartley and Reel sit down TikTok Sensation Jordan The Grey Witch, an Atheist Witch to discuss what it even means in 2023 to be a witch and how being a witch plays out. https://www.tiktok.com/@jordanthegreywitch

Today we sit down with Dr. Lisa Miller author of “The Awakened Brain” and “The Spiritual Child”. The discussion centers around spirituality and awakeness and what the science and research says about both. How can we humans be our best healthiest selves? How can we thrive while also progressing as a species to achieve our potential?

Lisa Miller, Ph.D., is the New York Times bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and a professor in the clinical psychology program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is the founder and director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program in spirituality and psychology, and for over a decade has held joint appointments in the department of psychiatry at Columbia University medical school. Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred empirical, peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Cerebral Cortex, The American Journal of Psychiatry, and the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and three children.

a.i. chat gpt was used to arrive at the following answers

Some potential solutions for world peace may include:

Building strong international partnerships: Countries can work together to establish partnerships and collaborations aimed at achieving common goals, such as reducing poverty, addressing climate change, and promoting human rights.
Promoting diplomacy and conflict resolution: Diplomacy can play a critical role in resolving conflicts and preventing violence. International organizations, such as the United Nations, can facilitate diplomatic negotiations and promote peaceful solutions to disputes.
Encouraging tolerance and understanding: Education and awareness-raising programs can help promote tolerance and understanding between different cultures and religions, reducing the risk of conflict.
Investing in economic development: Economic development can promote stability and reduce the risk of conflict by creating job opportunities, improving infrastructure, and reducing poverty.
Strengthening human rights protections: Protecting human rights can help prevent conflict by reducing inequality, promoting social justice, and ensuring that individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

Ultimately, achieving world peace requires a sustained and coordinated effort from individuals, communities, and governments around the world. It is important to recognize that there is no easy solution or quick fix, but rather a long-term commitment to promoting peace and cooperation.

Global climate change is a complex and urgent issue that requires a comprehensive approach at all levels of society. Here are some steps that can be taken to address and solve global climate change:

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions: This can be achieved by transitioning to renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing the use of fossil fuels.
Implement carbon pricing: Implementing a carbon pricing system can help incentivize companies and individuals to reduce their carbon emissions.
Increase investment in research and development: Developing new technologies and innovations, such as carbon capture and storage, can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Encourage sustainable agriculture and land use practices: Promoting sustainable agriculture practices and reducing deforestation can help mitigate the impact of climate change.
Educate and raise awareness: Educating people about the causes and impacts of climate change can help build support for climate action and encourage individuals to take action in their own lives.
Encourage international cooperation: Climate change is a global problem that requires a coordinated effort by all countries. Encouraging international cooperation and agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, can help ensure that all countries are working together towards a common goal.

Addressing and solving global climate change will require significant effort and action from individuals, businesses, and governments around the world.

Hartley and Reel take on a conversation around the book “The Four Agreements” by Miguel Ruiz. Reel has read the book 4 times but Hartley is tackling the content for the very first time. This will be the backdrop of this incredible conversation.

“The Four Agreements” is a self-help book written by Don Miguel Ruiz. It offers a code of conduct based on ancient Toltec wisdom that can help transform one’s life by breaking free from self-limiting beliefs and behaviors.

The book’s insights can be summarized in the following four agreements:
Be impeccable with your word – Speak with integrity, say only what you mean, and avoid using your word to speak against yourself or others.
Don’t take anything personally – What others say or do is a projection of their own reality and has nothing to do with you. Don’t take things personally or make assumptions about others’ motives.
Don’t make assumptions – Avoid misunderstandings by asking questions and clarifying things. Don’t make assumptions about others’ thoughts, feelings, or intentions.
Always do your best – Give your best effort in everything you do, regardless of the circumstances. Focus on the process, not the outcome.

These agreements can help you improve your relationships with others, free yourself from limiting beliefs and self-judgment, and live a more authentic and fulfilling life. One of the deepest insights of the book is the idea that much of our suffering comes from our own thoughts and beliefs, which can be changed through conscious awareness and a commitment to personal growth. The book encourages readers to take responsibility for their own happiness and to create their own reality through their thoughts and actions.

Brian McLaren has proposed 10 reasons to stay inside Religion and 10 reasons to leave Religion. Hartley and Reel dive into this list and share their thoughts and contemplate how much weight these reasons might have and what these reasons bring up within them.

Britt runs solo this week exploring a course for Teens she has created. The conversation will delve into what that course looks like and who it is designed for and will share several facets of Gen Z Spirituality.

Bill will be flying solo today (Britt had step away from this week’s episode due to an unexpected event). and discussing a couple of thoughts he had this week and to discuss the mass exodus out of Christianity.

The 5 Big Personality Traits are openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Everyone of us at any given moment fall somewhere on a spectrum within each of these traits. These traits affect our mood, our energy, our behavior, our ability to connect with others, how we disagree, and how we perceive our outer and inner world. Reel and Hartley not only explain each trait and how such affects our perception and behavior but also give a ton of examples and insights into how an awareness of these traits and how they play out in our lives can help us navigate these differences with less disruption and less negative impact on ourselves and others.

RESOURCES:

https://www.verywellmind.com/the-big-five-personality-dimensions-2795422

https://www.typematchapp.com/application-features/?forkey=Big%205%20Compatibility%20Dating%20-%20TypeMatch%20App

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/big-5-personality-traits

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Five_personality_traits

https://www.simplypsychology.org/big-five-personality.html

https://www.truity.com/test/big-five-personality-test

https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-big-five-personality-traits

https://positivepsychology.com/big-five-personality-theory/

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/big-five-personality-traits

https://www.bustle.com/p/what-is-self-distancing-this-practice-can-help-your-mental-health-relationships-17298648

https://effectiviology.com/self-distancing-rational-decisions/

http://selfcontrol.psych.lsa.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/1-s2.0-S0065260116300338-main-2.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org//wiki/Distancing_(psychology)

https://positivepsychology.com/psychological-distancing/

https://www.vice.com/en/article/k7a3mm/why-you-should-talk-to-yourself-in-the-third-person-inner-monologue

Aphantasia: The inability to visualize images (medicalnewstoday.com)

Hartley and Reel sit down with “Faith Transition Coach” Kyle Bishop to discuss the process of deconstruction and what lies beyond God and Religion?

RESOURCES:
https://www.beyondgodandreligion.com/

Hartley and Reel welcome back Jana Spangler as their guest to discuss the Netflix Program “Stutz”. Stutz features Jonah Hill’s conversation with his friend and therapist, Phil Stutz as they try to present Phil’s unique, visual model of therapy To come to the conversation prepared, please take the opportunity to watch Stutz on Netflix.

RESOURCES:

https://www.netflix.com/title/81387962

https://www.thetoolsbook.com/tools/insecurity

An ISM is defined as “a distinctive doctrine, cause, or theory”. And in this week’s episode we explore just that. Everything from Theism to Nihilism to Absurdism and everything in between. What Ism’s do you ascribe to and how useful are the labels known as Isms.

Isms –

Is there a God? Theism, Deism, Atheism, Agnosticism

Theism – Belief in a supreme being, especially a belief in one supreme entity as a creator of the universe intervening intentionally and having a personal relationship with humans.

Three Abrahamic religions Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Bill: – A Need to explain the three questions (Where did we come from, why are we here, where are going) while also dealing with our sentient consciousness

Deism – Popular in the 17th and 18th century, deists insisted that religious truth should be subject to the authority of human rather than divine revelation. Rejected the Bible as the word of God, rejected supernaturalism and superstition like miracles and prophesy. For Deists, God was a benevolent, and distant, creator whose revelation was nature and human reason.

Bill: – Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Omniscient – When we boil God down to this base level of agreement of what God is such easily fits within the atheist view of the universe. (Analogy – blood cell in the body)

John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine

Thomas Jefferson: “Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.”

You can be a Christian deist and believe in the moral teachings but not divinity of Jesus.

You can be A-deist which is that you don’t believe in a creator of any kind.

Atheism – Not a belief structure, simply is familiar with the arguments of theism and is not convinced.

Agnosticism – Agnosticism in our culture kind of means I just don’t know, but from a philosophical definition kind of place its the idea that we can’t know. Some people say that agnostics are then by definition atheists because they are not convinced by the theist and just say we can’t know, but that is a semantic argument that is up for debate.

Picture 1 – There is a scale of agnosticism. Agnostic Atheist – doesn’t believe in God but also doesn’t claim to know there is no God. Agostic theist, believes a god exists but doesnt claim to know the belief is true Gnostic atheist – does not believe any god exists and knows that. Gnostic theist believes a god exists and claims to know.

Picture 2 – Scale of theistic probability which is in The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins

1 – Strong theist 100% probability of God. I do not believe, I know.

2 – De facto theist very high probability but short of 100%. “I dont know for certain but I strongly believe in God and live my life on the assumption that he is there.”

3 – Leaning towards theism. Higher than 50%, I am very certain but I am inclined to believe in God.”

4 – Completely impartial. Exactly 50% Gods existence and non existence are e ually probable.

5 – Leaning towards atheism, more than 50% believe there is no God. “I do not know whether God exists but I’m inclined to be skeptical.”

6 – De facto atheist. Very low probability but short of zero. “I don’t know for certain but I think God is very improbably, and I live my life on the assumption that he is not there.”

7 – Strong atheist. “I know there is no God.”

Dawkins argues that while there appear to be plenty of individuals that would place themselves as “1” due to the strictness of religious doctrine against doubt, most atheists do not consider themselves “7” because atheism arises from a lack of evidence and evidence can always change a thinking person’s mind. In print, Dawkins self-identified as a “6”, though when interviewed by Bill Maher he suggested “6.9” to be more accurate.

“Once you assume a creator and a plan, it makes us objects in a cruel experiment whereby we are created sick and commanded to be well, and over us to supervise this is installed a celestial dictatorship. A kind of divine North Korea.” – Chris Hitchens

We will include quiz in the show notes

Are You a Believer? Take The Dawkins Test.

What Kind of God? – Monotheism, Polytheism, Henotheism, Pantheism, Panentheism, Animism

Monotheism – Belief in one God

Is Christianity tritheistic?

Polytheism – Belief in many Gods

Bill: Allows us to separate good and bad, various skills, different and contradicting but also important values

Tribal religions in Africa, some folk religions in China

Henotheism – Worship one god but recognize many Gods

Most forms of Hinduism for example, are not polytheistic where there’s a bunch of Gods like in Greece, these are all manifestations of the same God that they worship. There are very few Hindu atheists and I think that’s because there’s just a high level of choice. One worships the god that one chooses. There are no rules in this regard. All gods yield the desired fruit, if properly worshiped. There are some guidelines in the form of class or sex or if you’re a leader or king but these are all manifestations of the same God that people come to know by different names.

Is Mormonism technically henotheism? Eugene England thinks so.

Bill: Allows some individualism as we select the God we want to emphasize

Pantheism – Everything shares the same spiritual essence and individuals do not have distinct spirits or souls. Its the idea that God is one and its the collective consciousness of all living creatures. Richard Dawkins says pantheism is sexed up atheism. So there is a rejection of God but there’s still some romanticism around the universe or life or the earth enough so to still call it God. Mushrooms?

Bill: touch on again a connected universe and creative energy

Panentheism – Picture 3 Pantheism is that God is the universe, they are identical, Theism is that God created the universe, and Panentheism is that there is a God, but God is a part of the universe. So you can still get the everything is divine or spirit, but there is also a God, and God is a co-creator or a part of the universe. The shocking thing is that Mormonism now is God to prophet direct line and just be obedient, but early Mormonism from the Pratts and from Joseph’s King Follett Discourse God was very much a co-creator. God didn’t create the universe from nothing. He awoke and Jesus awoke and they made plans to help others awake but God can’t make all the rules because God didn’t create the universe out of nothing. So one way that Mormonism was interesting at the time is that when everyone else in this second great awakening in America were fighting about the extent of God’s power and the fall, Joseph has a unique answer to that. He doesn’t believe in the Fall, he doesn’t believe God is just a distant spirit, and he puts everything on a path of eternal progression, even apple trees and animals. So everything is spirit and can progress and is part of the universe. Its one of the most interesting things about Mormonism, but its been entirely lost in the bureaucracy which if you want to learn more about that transition please see all of Bills other podcasts.

Animism – The attribution of a soul to plants, inanimate objects, and natural phenomena and the belief in a supernatural power that organizes and animates the material universe.

Science that our organs have their own consciousness, Mushrooms, Twins.

Philosophies – Humanism, Nihilism, Absurdism, Existentialism

Nihilism – Life is meaningless and to pursue meaning is pointless. You can get there with depression, you can get there with philosophy, you can get there just by thinking about how in the time span of 1,000,000,000 years nothing anyone does matters, or you can get there when you lose God. Philosophers call this place the void and I’ve talked about this on the podcast before because its something I struggled with and reached out to my own spiritual directors for help. It’s a black hole where you can’t make any decisions and its dangerous to individuals because its related to suicide. Its a hatred of being itself which we find in the Columbine killers if you ever read their journals. So you’re not just like there’s not God you’re just unimpressed with life itself.

Bill: If the only meaning is the meaning you make up in your head what does such mean
How important is any of us – Analogy with Presidents (zachary taylor, benjamin harrison, james buchanon, james polk), a speck of dust flying through the universe and some day humans won’t exist, and some day all life on earth won’t exist, and some day this galaxy won’t exist. None of it really matters and in the effort to help life on earth within my realm of influence to have their trauma reduced and for life to have more pleasant moments and less unpleasant moments collectively, this very moment means everything..

Active nihilism – Blow up the matrix so that you and other people could construct their own narratives and meanings. Nietszche wants us to erect our own values.

Bill: If the last 3 minutes of one’s life hurts beyond comprehension will it matter all the good they experienced prior? Will that life have been worth living?

Passive nihilism – There will never be any meaning in the world so best you can do is separate yourself from your desires and reduce suffering where you can. You stay within the matrix of traditional values, but you have severe doubts about those values.

Absurdism – Like the nihilism believes that the universe is absurd, but it embraces the absurdity and is open to the possibility of creating meaning, or enjoyment. Its like sunny nihilism. You want to spend your life surfing? Great life is absurd might as well. Want to collect cat posters? Cool why not? Embrace the absurdity and be free to do whatever you want to do with life as long as it doesn’t hurt others. So Absurdism is not about finding a meaning to life but about rebelling against the absurdity of life, it’s about standing aloof of the demand to find a meaning, rebelling against the absurd game itself and affirming life for what it is.

Albert Camus 3 choices when you face nihilism

Suicide but you add more absurdity to life so you become the thing you hate, and your life was a miracle to begin with
Philosophical Suicide where you take a leap of faith and pretend there’s a higher power that gives our life meaning
Embrace the Absurd and realize that we’re truly free. From there, we’re free to pursue anything we want and try to embrace what life has to offer.

Bill: I try to intentionally choose (No, I don’t believe in free will) 3 everyday.

Existentialism – Existentialists also doesn’t believe that the universe has intrinsic meaning but insists we have free will, awareness, and personal responsibility to become everything we can be and create subjective meaning. No one else is responsible for meaning except us and it is created through our existence and the choices we make. So Kierkegaard who was the first existentialist philosopher believed that each individual is tasked with giving meaning to life. He was also Christian so there’s room to work within religion here if you think the best expression of yourself is on a religious path.

Humanism – Rejection of the divine and putting prime importance on human matters.

Ten Commandments of Humanism:

Promote the greater good
Be curious
Harm to your fellow human is harm to humanity. Do no kill, rape, rob, or victimize anyone.
Treat all humans as equals
Use reason as your guide. Science, knowledge, observation, and rational analysis are the best ways to determine any course of action
Do not force your beliefs onto others or insist that yours is the only way to live happily
Govern with reason not superstition, religions should have no place in any government
Act for the betterment of your fellow humans ans be altruistic in your deeds
Be good to the earth and its bounties for without it humankind is lost
Impart your knowledge and wisdom gained in your lifetime to the next generation so that with each passing century, humanity will grow wise and more humane.

Secular Humanism – Rejection of all supernatural, most popular form of humanism.

Religious Humanism – Atheist but finds value in congregational rites and community activities. Self-described religious humanists differ from secular humanists mainly in that they regard the non-theistic humanist life stance as their religion while organizing with a congregational model. Religious humanism is sometimes referred to as non-theistic religion or congregational humanism.

Difference between empiricism and rationalism for Atheists

Rationalism – knowledge comes from reason and logic

Empiricism – knowledge comes from experience and experimentation

The best example I’ve ever heard of this is that an empiricist would say that it would be valuable for the President of the United States once a week to walk up to a statue of George Washington and tell George what you did that week for the country. A rationalist would say George Washington is dead and there’s no reason this. But an empiricist says true but there’s something valuable in the experience. So Richard Dawkins is a rationalist, he read Alain de Botton’s Religion for Atheists and thought it was stupid. Steven Fry is an empiricist, he’s an atheist the problem of evil doesn’t make sense to him but he loves story and allegory and myth and symbolism and sees something valuable in those things on the level of experience.

A few last isms that come up in modern conversations there’s hundreds of isms but some ones that are interesting:

Panpsychism is all the rage right now. Anciently it is an old idea from early Greek philosophers that there was an element of mind to everything that is physical. We would instead use the word consciousness today instead of mind. This theory says that consciousness does not emerge from matter, which is the hard problem of consciousness, but is a fundamental character of the universe. So the lights are on for everything. You’ll hear Sam Harris and especially his wife Annaka Harris discuss the possibility of panpsychism. The problem is we can’t test for it. If the universe was alive, if the sun was alive, everything would act how it acts now so its not currently falsifiable. But one way to solve the consciousness problem is that maybe everything is conscious.

Bill: It is this battle of whether Consciousness can only be born of itself or could it have been created for the first time out of a universe that is unconscious (And happy a billion times in a billion places in the universe)

Daoism – Daoism sometimes its pronounced Daoism or Toaism it depends when you’re translating from Chinese, but its become an increasingly popular ism because of Star Wars. The easiest way to describe it is that yoda is a taoist. Daoism is a Chinese philosophy of living simply, honestly, and in harmony with nature and with the flow of life. In balance with the flo of life. So when Luke is teaching ray about the force, this is what she says and its so close to Daoist scripture its unbelievable.

Luke Skywalker: What do you see?

Rey: The island. Life. Death and decay, that feeds new life. Warmth. Cold. Peace. Violence.

Luke Skywalker: And between it all?

Rey: Balance and energy. A Force.

Luke Skywalker: And inside you?

Rey: Inside me, that same Force.

The yin yang symbol which is popular enough in America that you see it everywhere has its roots in Daoism. Its this balance. In Star Wars you would say its a balance of the force, but in Daoism you would say the balance of the Dao. The yin, which is the dark swirl, is associated with shadows, the feminine, chaos, creativity…and the yang is the light swirl which is masculinity, passion, growth, strength. So even if you go down to your local yoga studio there is yin yoga which is softer and more flow and easier, and there is yang yoga which is like we’re going to kick your ass yoga.

The purpose of daoism is to recognize opposing forces and recognize which side of the coin is needed in that moment and flowing with that energy so to speak.

Doaism through Star Wars became so popular that in 2015 Jediism was recongized as an official religion by the US government. These are people from what I understand who know that Star Wars isnt real but find the life of a jedi and the meditation and balance of the force and simple life of service to be a moral life worth living and they take it to heart.

5 last isms that come up in popular culture

Asceticism – Severe self discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence. This happens in America mostly in the exercise world. Christian asceticism is not as common because right now in American history you’re more likely to get prosperity gospel Christianity which is the opposite of asceticism. But if you know someone who does long periods of fasting, limits social media, very strict diet, never any sugar or alcohol, takes cold showers, exercises obsessively, its kind of like a religion because it puts aside pleasure in order to strengthen your discipline and its a way to a kind of enlightenment or self transcendence. Sometimes it mixes with religion directly, like this link here:

How it works

Or in certain cults like this new cult movie I saw on HBO The Way Down where it was a whole cult that was Christian but also a weight loss club where you give up all your temptations for Jesus.

Buddha started out as an ascetic just long time fasts he was skin and bone, but then the story goes he heard someone playing music and the string was strung so tight that the string broke so walked away from that life and developed “The Middle Path” that wasnt so extreme.

Bill: I find the juxtaposition between indulgence and restraint deeply interesting.

Hedonism – The ethical theory that pleasure and satisfying desire is the proper aim of human life. What do you think? Charles Darwin was a fan of motivational hedonism which is that our behavior is founded on avoiding pain and pursuing pleasure and we should build lives that intentionally increase pleasure. Pleasure not just as sex and heroin but actually looking at ok what seems to be a life that has the most pleasure? It seems like being married gives you a built in safety net, my husband took care of me all week with my knee surgery, being 600 pounds doesnt look pleasurable so I’ll eat as pleasurable as I can while remaining relatively healthy, having friends both extends life and improves pleasure in life, so its building up a life of pleasure intentionally not because its the right the to do but because that’s what we are as creatures and you can study the science of happiness and pleasure and build your life on it to enjoy life as much as possible.

Philosophical weakness – people who choose more suffering in their life for more meaning

Bill: I am drawn to the ying/yang of the two extremes and finding balance and a middle way. Not forcing indulgence but allowing oneself to enjoy the good that comes one way and to allow and be present with the things that hurt or are uncomfortable.

Materialism – Nothing exists except matter and its movements, everything is matter. Richard Dawkins is a materialist. He argued that human beings are nothing apart from a body and physical matter consisting of atoms. He denied the existence of both a soul and the idea of consciousness. Dawkins also claimed that we are each the total sum of our DNA.

Bill: Consciousness is an illusion?

Determinism – The idea that all events, including human action, are ultimately determined by causes external to the will. Some philosophers have taken determinism to imply that individual human beings have no free will and cannot be held morally responsible for their actions.

Stoicism – The Daily Stoic is a very popular influencer on Instagram and stoicism is very popular right now as an ism. Its a 3rd century philosophy made popular by Marcus Aurelius, we should review his book Meditations a lot of the people we listen to really are inspired by his book Meditations. There are four virtues in stoicism Courage, temperance, justice, wisdom. Stoics live by the phrase memento mori, remember that you will die, which I love, and that remembering that because you will die focus on what you can become. And stoics are very suspicious of emotions. Just notice the emotion, decide what you want to do with it, make a correct choice, and move on. So in popular culture if someone says that person is very stoic, its kind of come to mean that person isnt very emotional. A Stoic lives well through having a good character, and death is the final test of it. While every death will be a bit different, the Roman Stoics believed that a good death would be characterized by mental tranquility, a lack of complaining, and gratitude for the life we’ve been given.

Marcus Aurelius. “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

Tom Brady, Tim Ferriss, Anna Kendrick, Arnold Schwarzennegar, Bill Belechick, are modern stoics

George Washington inspired by stoics, Thomas Jefferson had a bust of Seneca on his nightstand,

Transhumanism – a philosophical and scientific movement that advocates the use of current and emerging technologies—such as genetic engineering, cryonics, artificial intelligence (AI), and nanotechnology—to augment human capabilities and improve the human condition. Basically they are on board with the idea that we can become Gods, but what’s going to get us there is technology. Surprisingly enough, many man post Mormons find themself in this ism because its there’s a lot of still talk about progression and progression as a human society, but its not through temple ordinances its done through genetic engineering and curing cancer and living 500 years.

Should we associate with isms? “Not that I condone fascism, or any -ism for that matter. -Ism’s in my opinion are not good. A person should not believe in an -ism, he should believe in himself. I quote John Lennon, “I don’t believe in Beatles, I just believe in me.” Good point there. After all, he was the walrus. I could be the walrus.” Ferris Bueller

What’s your ism?

Bill: I deeply relate to or even believe or subscribe to most of these even as I recognize they sort of contradict each other

In this week’s episode, Bill sits down with Mushroom Medicine Minister, Gabi, and we discuss mushrooms as a tool. We will touch on the ancient traditions in which Mushrooms have been used. We will discuss the how this tool is used generally and discuss several specific Mushroom species. We will hit on Gabi’s work as a Mushroom Medicine Minister and what that entails.

Sam Harris has said – “I have two daughters who will one day take drugs. Of course, I will do everything in my power to see that they choose their drugs wisely, but a life lived entirely without drugs is neither foreseeable nor, I think, desirable. I hope they someday enjoy a morning cup of tea or coffee as much as I do. If they drink alcohol as adults, as they probably will, I will encourage them to do it safely. If they choose to smoke marijuana, I will urge moderation.[2] Tobacco should be shunned, and I will do everything within the bounds of decent parenting to steer them away from it. Needless to say, if I knew that either of my daughters would eventually develop a fondness for methamphetamine or crack cocaine, I might never sleep again. But if they don’t try a psychedelic like psilocybin or LSD at least once in their adult lives, I will wonder whether they had missed one of the most important rites of passage a human being can experience.”

DISCLAIMER:
This episode is for information purposes only. Please consult a physician and seek professional medical advice as we are not physicians or experts of anything. Please be aware that these drugs are illegal in at least some states. please ensure you follow local, state, and federal laws.

RESOURCES:
@churchofthesacredfruit – Instagram
@gabichaibird – YouTube
minister@churchofthesacredfruit.org – email
universalministryoftranscendence.org – Website

Hartley and Reel sit down with Author David Lawrence to explore Free Will. Do we have Free Will? Are we the one’s in control of our choices? David seeks to offer a counterpoint to Sam Harris’ argument that there is in fact no Free Will and this conversation is one you won’t want to miss!

RESOURCES:

https://smile.amazon.com/Are-We-Really-Biochemical-Robots/dp/B09WHPYX3Y/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TComkS60UU8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCGtkDzELAI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCofmZlC72g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u45SP7Xv_oU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J_9DKIAn48
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O61I0pNPg8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI3JCq9-bbM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_BTVN68-ZA

Hartley & Reel sit down with renowned children’s author Andrew Newman to discuss his series “Conscious Stories” Each book seeks to help children grasp the practice of meditation, helping them begin to comprehend complex emotions, exercises to regulating one’s feelings, and helping them develop tools on the way to healthy adulthood.

RESOURCES:

Andrews Author Profile on Amazon (Amazon Smile) – https://smile.amazon.com/stores/Andrew-Newman/author/B00L5OEAI8?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Andrew Newman’s Website – https://consciousstories.com/

Conscious Stories Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/ConsciousBedtimeStories/

Hartley and Reel once again invite Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller on to dive deep into the idea of Doubt. This is the Third and Final part using Brian McLaren’s book “Faith After Doubt” as the framing for this conversation. And along the way they hope to address how to move away from right belief in to encompassing Love and how to hold people as they are while make a big box for other’s humanity to fit in.

RESOURCES:

Resources for building wonder, resilience, and compassion at home

https://www.youtube.com/@UCtQo1nPDdzxeLFq021DMmTA

Today Bill sits down with his good friend and past guest Jess Foutz to discuss her work in Sound Therapy. Sound therapy is the practice of using beautiful sounding instruments to help you be both present and to go deep within yourself to process things in your past or present life. Jess gives us the example of multiple instruments that she owns and plays and around these instruments we engage in a deep conversation around music and sound.

RESOURCES:

Grow With Soul Website – https://www.growwithsoul.com/
Shamanic Sound Healings – https://www.growwithsoul.com/shamanicsoundhealings
What there is to know about Sound Healing – https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/sound-healing

Hartley and Reel decide to celebrate the Christmas Season by diving into their favorite stories that surround Christ. In spite of not holding a literal view of the Christ figure of the New Testament they still find a way to draw out modern spirituality through the stories attributed to the Christ figure!

Spiritual Atheist is a ground-breaking ‘philosophical memoir’ that draws on the author’s knowledge of cutting-edge neuroscience, physics, and psychology; his insights into wisdom traditions like Taoism, Kabbalah, Advaita Vedanta, Buddhism, Zen, and Sufism; and twenty years experience leading hundreds of major organizations, and tens of thousands of individuals, to transform themselves.

Unable to find lasting happiness with religion, reason, pills, therapy, partying, wealth, success, or entrepreneurship, the author discovered the life-changing and heart-expanding benefits of ‘spiritual’ enlightenment. But not satisfied with New Age ideology, he spent years meticulously joining the dots between science and spirituality to form a rigorous philosophy for the ‘spiritual but not religious’ who want to flourish in their inner lives, relationships, and careers.

RESOURCES:

https://switchonnow.com/

https://smile.amazon.com/Nick-Seneca-Jankel/e/B00L115YX0

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjankel

Britt & Bill once again invite Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller on to dive deep into the idea of Doubt. This is the second of three parts using Brian McLaren’s book “Faith After Doubt” as the framing for this conversation. And along the way they hope to address the following.

Doubt as Descent Doubt as Dissent
Doubt as Love
Doubt as a Human Problem
Faith, Beliefs, and Revolutionary Love

RESOURCES:

Part 1 – https://youtu.be/3iFBEtHQZqI

Jon Paulien Stages of Faith – http://www.thebattleofarmageddon.com/stages_of_faith.pdf

Perry’s Stage of Cognitive Development – https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/12/Perry-Scheme.pdf

Most of us believe inside our mind that we are being objective, fair, and reasonable. And at the same time we sort of grasp we are not and that our mind leans towards beliefs, conclusions, and taking sides on various issues. Today we discuss biases and how they affect us and how we can best avoid them which in turn helps us be more present in reality.

RESOURCES:

Brian McLaren on biases – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-how-to-see-with-brian-mclaren/id1532685433

wiki List of cognitive biases – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cognitive_biases

Another list of Biases – https://thedecisionlab.com/biases

Three Ways To Avoid Bias In Decision-Making – https://www.forbes.com/sites/jarretjackson/2020/08/26/three-ways-to-avoid-bias-in-decision-making/?sh=5a7fe890a715

MindTools How Avoid Biases – https://www.mindtools.com/a0ozgex/cognitive-bias

Outsmart your own Biases – https://hbr.org/2015/05/outsmart-your-own-biases

A dive into Greek Mythology and archetype for this episode. Chiron was the wisest of all centaurs, who can teach a lot about our wounds. […]

Hartley and Reel sit down with Theologian and Philosopher Thomas Jay Oord to discuss Theology. Namely how Religion helps us connect with our inner and […]

Britt & Bill once again invite Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller on to dive deep into the idea of Doubt. Using Brian McLaren’s book “Faith […]

On this weeks episode Bill and Britt discuss How to have “Difficult Conversations”. When a Hard Disagreement occurs, often our Egos get in the way […]

Often when we hear “Brainwashing” or “Mind Control” it feels weird or a little science fiction to us. In reality, mind control refers to a […]

Bill runs solo today and decides to talk about Privilege. How privilege permits a person or group of people to redistribute negatively felt experiences or […]

Please consider donating today. Visit https://mormondiscussions.org/ or https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/ and Click the Donate Button and select your favorite podcast or donate to the entity generally by […]

Britt and Bill explore the concept of “Dangerous Ideas”. Ideas that have the potential to turn our world upside down or to cause disruption to […]

This Week Britt & Bill take a look as various data including the Pew Research Data and try to extrapolate some of the shifts away […]

The Tree of Contemplative Practices illustrates some of the many contemplative practices used in education and secular organizations. In this Episode Britt & Bill walk […]

Bill and Britt Discuss the four Attachment styles. What are the Attachment Styles. What leads to someone displaying said style. What is healthy and unhealthy […]

Religious Humanism seeks to heal the world through religion done better. It uses the cultural technology of religion to foster individual and collective thriving, and […]

Britt & Bill tackle Spiritual Bypassing on todays episode. Spiritual bypassing describes a tendency to use spiritual explanations to avoid complex psychological issues. Rather than […]

We pick up from last week’s episode and continue the conversation here in Part 2. Where does morality come from and how best might we […]

In this Episode Britt and Bill tackle a question that often comes up. If you leave religion how will you know right from wrong and […]

We sit down with Mike Bahr who deconstructed his religious system later in life. We discuss what all is involved in deconstruction. The letting go […]

Britt and Bill pick up off last week’s conversation where they discussed the benefits of a religious narrative and religious community when one is faced […]

Britt comes back to update us on her life and to expound with Bill on the idea of how Religion helps us to deal with […]

The world is finally coming around to see the value in psychedelic drugs. These drugs are offering new and incredible ways to help people navigate […]

Bill flies solo today and talks about several insights he has had over the last week along with discussing a bit of his relationship with […]

Britt shares an update on her family situation and thoughts about spirituality in trauma after religion. To help Britt, her daughter and their family please […]

Britt and Bill take a look at spiritual practices on the edges of society. Tarot, Necromancy, Divination, Crystals, Clairvoyance, Reiki, and many others. What is […]

Bill & Britt dive into some wisdom around friendship and what it takes to be in relationship with others. We discuss little intricacies that we […]

Bill sits down with Carol Hollowell, founder and Executive Director of SwitchPoint. Switchpoint is a non-profit whose goal is to tackle homelessness and poverty throughout […]

Today Bill flies solo and discusses the mechanisms and process by which two parties in a shared social space relieve each other of the pain […]

Bill and Britt sit down with Kimber Dutton, host of the podcast “Just Be Your Bad Self” to explore a conversation around being the bad […]

Britt and Bill tackle the topic of Drugs or better yet Psychedelics, as “Conscious Altering Tools”. What is their usefulness, thoughts on safety, ideas around […]

Bill & Britt sit down with Jessa Bangerter to go over the Enneagram. The Enneagram is a model of the human psyche which is principally […]

David Peck, host of the podcast “Of Saints and Sufis” sits down with Bill Reel to explore the juxtaposition of Religion & Spirituality. They dive […]

The number one question heard by us from those who after having committed to stepping away from their religious system is “How am I going […]

Britt does a deep dive into soul work through the story of Jonah and the Whale. She discusses the four existential fears, the places humans […]

Britt and Bill sit down with author and the host of the “Secular Buddhism” Podcast, Noah Rasheta, and discuss second half of life principles and […]

Bill Reel was interviewed on the podcast “Rameumptom Ruminations” and below is a synopsis of the episode Is there space for agency to exist in […]

Britt and Bill sit down with Cami Hurst, host of the podcast “Sex Therapy 101” and discuss common issues within intimacy and relationships. Her podcast […]

Today we dive into Alain De Botton’s Ted Talk Atheism 2.0. While in the original conversation we included the entire talk of Botton’s, his sections […]

Bill’s wife Amanda fills in for Britt today and Bill and Amanda dive into a conversation about Miguel Ruiz’s book, the Four Agreements.Agreement 1: Be […]

Bill and Britt sit down with Teri Hales, a certified religious transition and trauma recovery coach, and the host of the Emancipate Your Mind Podcast […]

Brittney and Bill sit down with David Peck Ph.D (Sufi al-Hajj Daud) to discuss sufism and its wisdom & value to the awakening soul. Sufism […]

In the Yoga tradition, there is a state of consciousness called, Atma Darshan, which simply means, “Glimpsing the Soul”. In todays episode we sit down […]

Britt and Bill dive into the Hero’s Journey. The discuss the various elements and the ways in which those elements connect with the human world […]

Britt flies solo today doing deep dive into nihilism, when deconstruction goes too far, and how to rebuild from the ashes.

Britt and Bill take a deep dive into the topic of Consent. What is consent, How does it operate in our society in formal ways […]

Britt and Bill sit down with American humanist speaker and co-author of the book “Why I Left, Why I Britt and Bill sit down with […]

Britt and Bill sit down with American humanist speaker and co-author of the book “Why I Left, Why I Stayed: Conversations on Christianity Between an […]

Today the Almost Awakened Podcast is revamped and goes through an upgrade and we share with all of you the improvements and the redesign.

Today we delve into three stories of experiences that I was present for where something occurred and I was given by the universe an opportunity […]

This was an episode to another Podcast hosted by Bill Reel but there was so much in this episode that would pertain to the Almost […]

Bill Sits down with Brittney Hartley, Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 12 and the final session of Jack Kornfield’s series in […]

Bill Sits down with Brittney Hartley, Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 11 in a series that seeks to help the Almost […]

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 10 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience […]

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 9 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience […]

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler, Britt Hartley, and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 8 in a series that seeks to help the Almost […]

Bill Sits down with Brittney Hartley and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 7 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience […]

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler, and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 6 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience […]

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler, and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 5 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience […]

Bill Sits down with Brittney Hartley, Jana Spangler, and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 4 in a series that seeks to help the Almost […]

Bill Sits down with Brittney Hartley and Anthony Miller and they tackle part 3 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience […]

Bill sits down with his wife Amanda and they discuss “TRUE LOVE” or rather the hard work one will do to wrestle with their own […]

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler and Anthony Miller as they present part 2 in a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience […]

Bill Sits down with Jana Spangler, Brittney Hartley, and Anthony Miller and they embark on a series that seeks to help the Almost Awakened Audience […]

Today Bill brings some Buddhism in and discusses the cause of suffering or grasping at how we want the world to be rather than sit […]

This conversation is held that involves the following 5 questions as well as other interesting places we take the conversation along the way. 1. What […]

The excitement surrounding the GME Gamestop Stock story for the last week has been palpable. So In today’s Episode of Almost Awakened I explain as […]

Today with sit down with Veronica Funess, Intimacy Coach in Training and we discuss sexual shame that exists within society. We discuss how healthy negotiation […]

My friend Phil McLemore comes back on the podcast and this time to debate the question of “What is the life well lived”? We talk […]

A couple of moments this past week helped Bill connect the dots of some emotional wisdom that had been on his mind recently. IT has […]

I sit down with my friend, Professor, Podcaster, and Author Jon Westover and we discuss his new book, “The Alchemy of Truly Remarkable Leadership: Ordinary, […]

Bill talks today about how each of us is quirky, how each of us is seeking validation and acceptance. How we each are weird and […]

Holidays tend to bring up things within us and for Bill and his wife Amanda, this Thanksgiving was one of those. From Amanda’s emotional awareness […]

Phizer just announced and two more companies right behind them announced they have arrived at a vaccine for Covid19. These Vaccines are showing a 95% […]

Today Bill discusses Mental Illness and specifically Schizophrenia. Bill uses as the back drop his uncle, who was the first case of mental illness he […]

Glenn and Bill tackle an audio series created by Michael Singer, author of the untethered soul, and use it as a springboard for their own […]

Glenn and Bill tackle an audio series created by Michael Singer, author of the untethered soul, and use it as a springboard for their own […]

Do you believe everyone gets to show up in the world as their authentic self so long as they don’t cause malicious harm or interfere […]

Today Bill monologues about human development and some of the human behaviors he notices in others. How we move back and forth between doing good […]

Glenn and Bill tackle an audio series created by Michael Singer, author of the untethered soul, and use it as a springboard for their own […]

Today I sit down with my friend Glenn Ostlund author of the book “Bathing with God“. Glenn and I both were deep believers in a […]

Bill and Phil McLemore sit down and have a conversation around wisdom teachings such as meditation, awareness, being present, ego, the Yoga of Christ, mind […]

Today Bill dissects a 10 minute audio clip of Alan Watts. The video can be watched HERE and it is recommended you watch the video […]

Today Bill dives into tribalism. Why do we humans choose to be in tribes? What are the benefits and drawbacks of tribalism? What makes us […]

Today I sit down with a friend who spent roughly a year in prison. What is prison life like? How does an Almost Awakened person […]

Today on the Almost Awakened Podcast we talk about how we judge ourselves and judge others and our behaviors as good or bad. But there […]

Today Bill talks about 4 observations about human behavior 1.) That we need to be protectors of others Stories rather than one who hijacks the […]

Today we talk about the move from fitting in to showing up as your authentic self. We often show up in the world the way […]

Today I examine the issue of abortion. Not to decide the right or wrong of the issue but as a way to see into how […]

In this episode we piggy back on last weeks episode on myth and help the Almost Awakened listener deconstruct one of our judeo/ christian myths… […]

Today we dip our toes into MYTH and how pervasive it is in our cultural and social structures. Any time we label or tell a […]

Today we dive into how to handle conflict differently. The conversation centers around what is needed to help people get out of lizard brain and […]

Mekael and Bill utilize this episode to discuss the this George Floyd moment. His death, the protests and riots, the systemic racism in this country, […]

We sit down with Brad Poulos and discuss Cannabis AKA Marijuana. We discuss Cannabis generally and get into what issues are on the forefront of […]

Mekael Interviews Bill today about his career as a pawnbroker. How does a Pawn Shop Work? How do you know if something is stolen? What […]

Bill sits down with Janet Bennion, Professor of Anthropology at Lyndon State College. Prof. Bennion specializes in gender dynamics in Mormon fundamentalist communities which practice polygamy […]

Mekael and Bill sit down with Steve Conlin from Five Wives Vodka to discuss the The History of their company and the challenges that their […]

Today Mekael and Bill sit down with Anthony Magnabosco who has pioneered the recorded demonstrations of Street Epistemology. Street Epistemology is a conversational tool that […]

Mekael and Bill sit down with their good friend Ryan to discuss his career as a Fireman and Paramedic. They talk about what it takes […]

Mekael and Bill in lieu of the Covid19 Pandemic decide to do a brief historical dive into major pandemics in human history. RESOURCES: https://www.mphonline.org/worst-pandemics-in-history/ https://www.livescience.com/worst-epidemics-and-pandemics-in-history.html […]

We sit down today with Holly Hope and discuss her energy healing practice. We discuss the skepticism around this practice, how drums are made and […]

Mekael and Bill sit down with Astrologer Rob Barnes to discuss Astrology. Is it legit. What is Astrology. And how can it be helpful. RESOURCES: […]

Mekael and Bill sit down with local DJ and Music lover Chris Finnegan to discuss how Music has power to awaken us. How it soothes […]

Today Mekael and Bill discuss their recent visit to the Hashhouse, Bill’s unrelated Food Poisoning, the recent news on huge doses of LSD and how […]

Today Mekael and Bill sit down with EMDR Therapist LaDawn and discuss Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Discussing how this therapeutic approach deals with trauma […]

Scott Jeffrey is an author and is the founder of CEOsage, a transformational leadership agency and resource for self-actualizing individuals. Scott is a voice of […]

Jared Clavin belonged to a religious system where alcohol was forbidden. Then Jared discovered his system didn’t have all the answers. As he begin questioning […]

Mekael and Bill discuss Body Image today. How different Genders perceive their bodies, what things we humans feel shame over, and How we can be […]

Mekael and Bill discuss three things today. First they review some of their thoughts from last weeks conversation with River about ethical non-monogamy. Second Bill […]

Mekael and Bill sit down with River who chooses along with her primary partner to live in the space of Non-Monogamy. Today we talk about […]

Mekael and Bill sit down with Wendi Jensen, author, speaker, life coach, and trainer in the field of human potential and religious recovery. Wendi shares […]

Mekael and Bill sit down with Personal Adventure Guide, Jennifer Saunders. Jennifer shares with us her passion for life and her love of adventure and […]

Today Bill and Mekael sit down with Author Spencer Wright regarding his book “How to think”. The discussion revolves around how we humans can be […]

Today Mekael and Bill talk about what has gone on over the last month. The passing of a loved one, what they and their lovers […]

Today Bill records an episode on his own giving Mekael a break. Bill had been in Ohio for two weeks sitting by the bedside of […]

Today Bill and Mekael tackle SEX, namely Negotiating Sexuality within a relationship responsibly. Within ethical and legal constraints, we all have the right to push […]

Today we just riff discussing some shadow work we faced this week. Bill’s was his wife’s mechanism of feeling like she took something away from […]

Today we sit down with Ben Brown. He tells us about how he grew up in a high demand fundamentalist religious sect, his deconstruction of […]

Today we tackle a few of the signs of how Awakening shows up in changes in who we are and how we process life.

Today we discuss the stories that are in our head. All the mind chatter and the real damage it can do. We also spend some […]

Today we take on the topic of overcoming our Bigotry and Prejudice. We all grow up with stories handed to us about others. Often those […]

Today we take on the complex topic of Shadow Work. What is Shadow Work? How does one begin to lean into working with one’s Shadow […]

Today we discuss Pride Week in our local community. We discuss the recent local controversy where significant push back in our community over the numerous […]

You know those times there is conflict between you and your lover. One of you behaved in a way that annoyed or hurt the other […]

Today we tackle our first interview with Author and runner Cory Reese. We talk about running and how it ties into life and being present. […]

Today we talk about FEAR. Is Fear healthy? How do we cope with fear? What are some interesting things about fear such as does fear […]

Today we talk about Swearing and Cursing. Is Swearing a sign of an ignorant mind? Does it make someone sound ignorant? Is cursing good for […]

Today we talk about The Purpose of Life. Is there one Universal Purpose? Does being good matter? Is there First half of life purpose and […]

Today we talk about Dying and Death. What do we believe about Death and Dying. Thoughts on coping with such. What happens at death? How […]

Delving into deeper human connection and all that goes into us connecting with strangers and loved one.

Today we tackle the Top 5 Catalysts for Awakening. Those would be Meditation, Reading or deep profound learning, Travel, Psychedelic Substances, and Existential Crises. We […]

In Episode 3 we tackle vulnerability. What is vulnerability, when is the risk worth being vulnerable, what do safe space look like, how to lean […]

Part two of the “Almost Awakened Podcast” We dive into parts of the book Sapiens written by Yuval Noah Harari. Specifically speaking about how humans […]

What is the “Almost Awakened Podcast” you ask? Well imagine an intelligent beautiful lesbian and a equally intelligent but nerdy heterosexual male who have become […]