Sean Illing talks with the author and self-described mystic David Spangler about parenting as a spiritual enterprise, where the parent communes in a radical way with the spirit of another and expands the limits of the self. They discuss what it means to adopt the "beginner's mindset" in parenting, relating to children as full individuals, and how to cope with obstacles that all parents experience — from misbegotten family dinners, to the perils of getting dressed in the morning.

Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), Interviews Writer, Vox

Guest: David Spangler, spiritual director, Lorian Institute

References:

Parent as Mystic, Mystic as Parent by David Spangler (Riverhead; 2000)

Enjoyed this episode? Rate Vox Conversations ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear the next episode of Vox Conversations by subscribing in your favorite podcast app.

Support Vox Conversations by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts

This episode was made by:

Producer: Erikk Geannikis
Editor: Amy Drozdowska
Engineer: Paul Robert Mounsey
Deputy Editorial Director, Vox Talk: Amber Hall

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Poutine, immigration, inflation: Trump en échec? - Vos questions sms -

C dans l'air

Faiblesse des démocrates et opportunités

C dans l’air du 29 novembre 2025 - Poutine, immigration, inflation: Trump en échec?

The AI-powered Podcast Player