Almost Awakened

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-2Join our Mailing List – subscribepage.io/MormonDiscussion  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/almost-awakened/id1470786994  https://open.spotify.com/show/59vB23bBAvNvdP74vIO3UT Instagram: /https://www.instagram.com/mormondiscussion/ TikTok: @mormondiscussion https://www.tiktok.com/@mormondiscussion Mormon Discussion Merch store https://www.exmoshirts.com/collections/mormondiscussionsMormon 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.

Delve into the essential traits that enhance compatibility in romantic relationships. Discover how emotional intimacy and positive responses can strengthen connections. Explore Gottman's research on managing conflicts and fostering communication. Learn about the impact of romantic gestures and thoughtful questions on deepening intimacy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of daily affection for sustaining long-term bonds. Uncover insights that can transform your romantic life into a fulfilling adventure!

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.

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