
Almost Awakened
A No-Nonsense Approach To Spirituality
Latest episodes

Oct 5, 2023 • 2h 6min
Awakened Perspectives – The Fresh King Benjamin: AA: 171
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/

Sep 28, 2023 • 1h 38min
Looking Back & Looking Forward: AA: 170
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.

Sep 19, 2023 • 44min
The Future Of The Almost Awakened Podcast: AA: 169
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

Sep 13, 2023 • 1h 11min
Baring it All With The Naked Pastor: Almost Awakened: 168
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 the canvas has captivated hearts worldwide. Known for his candid approach to faith and art, the Naked Pastor offers a raw and authentic perspective on spirituality. Join us as we uncover the roots of his unique artistic expression and how it intertwines with his spiritual beliefs. From his early struggles with conventional religious norms to his breakthrough moment of creative liberation, every stroke of the canvas tells a story of transformation. Through thought-provoking anecdotes and heartfelt insights, the Naked Pastor shares how his work challenges dogma and invites others to explore their own paths to spiritual authenticity. Discover the profound connections between faith, vulnerability, and the artistic process, and gain a newfound appreciation for the power of creative expression in the realm of spirituality. Prepare to be inspired as we peel back the layers of the Naked Pastor’s artistic journey and reveal the beauty of baring one’s soul in the pursuit of a more genuine faith experience. This episode is a testament to the transformative potential that lies within each of us, waiting to be unveiled. Tune in to “Baring it All With The Naked Pastor” for an intimate conversation that will leave you with a fresh perspective on faith, art, and the boundless possibilities of self-expression.
RESOURCES:
Home – The Lasting Supper
https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3ADavid+Hayward&s=relevancerank&text=David+Hayward&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1
https://nakedpastor.com/

Sep 5, 2023 • 1h 34min
Christ, Krishna, & the Buddha – A Mystical Approach W/ Bob Peck: AA: 167
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/B0BCD1YBG8https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Original-Sin-Is-A-Lie-Audiobook/B0BF66JYY1https://www.tiktok.com/@originalsinisalie

Aug 29, 2023 • 1h 16min
Barbie & the Heroine’s Journey: Almost Awakened: 166
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.jpgWeird Barbie – https://creations.mattel.com/products/weird-barbie-barbie-the-movie-hyb84https://heroinejourneys.com/heroines-journey/https://maureenmurdock.com/articles/articles-the-heroines-journey/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heroine’s_journeyhttps://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/22/books/maria-tatar-heroine-with-1001-faces.htmlhttps://storygrid.com/heroines-journey/https://mythcreants.com/blog/using-the-heroines-journey/

Aug 22, 2023 • 1h 41min
Vulnerability With The Other: Almost Awakened: 165
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 to others and to a power greater than ourselves. For some, they call a greater power God. For others, they call it nature, or fishing. Whatever name we use for our greater power, there is one skill that is essential to connecting deeply to it and to other people in our lives, and that is vulnerability. Join us as we have a conversation about vulnerability with Maxine Hanks. Maxine is a trained chaplain and mediator who has studied conflict resolution extensively. She is also a religious studies scholar and practiced in interfaith ministry. We will talk about why spirituality and vulnerability are important to our well-being and also why they can be so difficult to access. Our guest today is Maxine Hanks – Chaplain, Mediator, studied Conflict Resolution, Religious Studies scholar, Interfaith Ministry

Aug 15, 2023 • 1h 36min
Celtic Spirituality: Almost Awakened: 164
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 people dispossessed of their early religious formation continue to explore their spirituality? How does this tradition of “Insular Christianity” originating in the British Isles survive without a formal religious structure? This and more is what we hope to discover in a conversation with Father Scott Jenkins. Scott holds a Master of Divinity and is a trained pastor, chaplain, and spiritual director who has served in religious, spiritual, and service communities for nearly 40 years. He is the Creative Director of Celtic Way in Denver, which according to their website is “a collaboration of people moved to bring a fresh vision to the spiritual life by nurturing a vibrant, evolving and sustainable life with God in nature.
RESOURCES:
John O’Donohue — The Inner Landscape of Beauty
https://www.stitcher.com/show/crossing-over-podcast/episode/celtic-christianity-with-father-scott-jenkins-48987580

9 snips
Aug 8, 2023 • 1h 35min
Mysticism & Esoterica: Almost Awakened: 163
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 experience, weaves through diverse religious traditions, fostering inner transformation and unity with the divine. Uncover the “wounded healer” archetype, where personal suffering becomes a wellspring of wisdom, guiding others on their spiritual journeys.
Discover the common themes linking esoteric practices across religions, from hidden knowledge to sacred symbolism. Investigate how esoterica can be both a source of empowerment and a means of reinforcing authority. Journey through history to understand how religion has been harnessed to shape societies, offering moral frameworks, social cohesion, and educational platforms. Examine its dual role in promoting progress while sometimes stifling scientific exploration.
Navigate the intricate dance between religion’s capacity to inspire charitable acts and its potential to divide due to differing beliefs. Grasp the ways religion has molded cultures and traditions, fostering a sense of identity and belonging. Ultimately, this podcast illuminates how religion and mysticism, as forces of control and catalysts for advancement, coalesce in a complex tapestry that continues to shape human society in diverse and profound ways.

Aug 7, 2023 • 39min
Values, Perspectives, & Taking The Tie: AA: 162
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 tales, we celebrate the art of taking a tie – whether through compromise, agreeing to disagree, or fostering room for understanding. Join us on this insightful voyage as we reflect on the significance of values and perspectives in resolving conflicts, and how taking a tie can lead to profound understanding and unity. Let these enchanting parables inspire you to navigate life’s challenges with empathy, respect, and an open heart. Tune in to “Values, Perspectives, & Taking The Tie” for an enriching podcast experience that will leave you enlightened and motivated to embrace the beauty of diversity and harmony.