
Back To The Present
Deep, open & amusing conversions with curious, honest & conscious people.
Latest episodes

Jul 30, 2024 • 1h 30min
Ancient Stoicism in a Modern World | w/Matthew Sharpe
Philosophy is a way of life. I also believe that even those who don’t see themselves as philosopher’s are still living a philosophical life.
We all seem to be figuring it out as we go. Some in a little more formal manner than others, though it feels like we all have that part of ourselves somewhere inside.
Matt is a philosopher in the true sense of the word, as teacher & student and an avid practitioner of stoicism, his blend of knowledge and wisdom is profound & exciting.
Stoicism may be thousands of years old, but it’s principles and values have never been more relevant in an age full of potential distractions.
We cover the foundations of stoicism and still get to the juicy parts, some of which include navigating overthinking & anxiety, applying stoicism in the workplace, the art of constructive dialogue and a few fun religious & political tangents.
May sure you have your listening ears on for this one.
Connect with Matthew
Medium Blog | Heroes In The Seaweed
LinkedIn | Matthew Sharpe
Connect with Mitchell
Instagram | mitchellbastock
Email | mitchell.bastock@gmail.com

Jul 18, 2024 • 1h 32min
From Squishy Brain Matter To Higher Consciousness | w/Lynne Malcom
Science and spirit are both such beautiful things. Unfortunately it often feels like there’s a gap between the two, though I truly believe when real science and a better understanding of spirit are thread together, us humans create the best internal and external environments for prosperous and harmonious living.
We live among a time where there is sooo much information, and that can mean a lot of it is rubbish, BUT there’s also not been a time in recorded history where sooooo much valuable information is available at our fingertips and for our delicately shaped ears.
Lynne has been at the forefront of brain science for over a decade and her knowledge & passion for such topics is influential & compelling.
As an experienced story teller, she is able to rhythmically explain complex & interesting subjects all while adding her unique and fun loving flare.
We discussed the mind vs the brain, remarkable memory cases, the power & limitations of science, multiple personality disorders and a plethora of other important stories
Connect with Lynne
Instagram | lmalcolm1
Website (to buy book) | All In The Mind

Jul 3, 2024 • 1h 19min
Action Opens Doors | w/Jane Holman
The biggest battle we have going on is within ourselves.
I’m confident most of us have heard this before, though I wonder how many of us have begun to take small daily steps toward a more peaceful way of being.
I believe we’re often hearing a part of ourselves that knows what we should/want to be doing and yet we can limit ourselves with inaction.
Jane reminded me that “action opens doors”. We can listen to the voices in our heads and/or those of others, but at the end of the day, action is the only way we can be the true version of ourselves, the version we know we are deep down, the version we are meant to be.
We had a great life-conversation and spoke about Jane’s teaching career, overcoming challenges while finding purpose, the power of perspective & mindset, un-learning & self-love, tapping into innate creative abilities and energy healing.
Connect with Jane
Instagram | jane__holman
Website | www.janeholman.com.au

Jun 23, 2024 • 1h 17min
What May I Give | w/Anja Steensig
How many of us are really listening to the subtle messages we receive from our internal or external world? I sure know I’m guilty of ignorance & avoidance.
The thing is that what we resist, persists (Carl Jung), and this persistence often returns in different shapes and sizes throughout life until we’re ready to embrace it and do something.
Anja is someone who has developed a deep level of embracement and is an admirable example of someone willing to surrender and have a deep conversation with life.
Super fun, loving and rich conversation with Anja, touching on the power or prayer, allowing emotions & embracing the human experience and the mystical thread in spirituality.
Connect with Anja
Instagram | anjasteensig
Website | www.anjasteensig.com

Jun 8, 2024 • 1h 23min
Hypnotherapy, Big Emotions & Bullying | w/Lyn Jenkins
Understanding why we do the things we do ultimately starts with understanding who we are.
Both tasks can take a lifetime (or more) and it’s not always an easy endeavour as an adult or child, though it’s vital to live a joyful and fulfilling life.
Lyn Jenkins is a clinical child psychologist and children’s author who is all too familiar with these questions and through her work she guides our little people into being who they really are.
Early intervention, supportive parenting, emotional regulation and parent-child connection are but some of the fascinating topics covered this week.
Parent or not, you’ll love this one.
Connect with Lyn
Instagram | lifematterspsychologists
Website | bossbrainkids.com.au / lifematters.com.au

May 21, 2024 • 1h 26min
Energy Work, Shifting Blocks & Psychotherapy | w/Andrew Edmonds
The process of self discovery and improvement is a long one. It never really ends. It’s also not a path for everyone.
It’s my opinion that those of us courageous enough to step into the unknown and retain a beginners mindset, are those worth listening to.
Andrew certainly has both of these characteristics and much more. His knowledge and passion in psychotherapy, plant medicine, reiki, counselling and energy work offer a humble & grounded approach to living his life and serving that of others.
Plenty of little gems in this episode for you beautiful people.
Connect with Andrew
Instagram | andrew.templeofthesoul
Website | www.templeofthesoul.org

May 5, 2024 • 1h 23min
Eros, Unique Self & A New Story of Value | w/Marc Gafni
I don’t know about you, but being a human is pretty cool. All of us almost always take it for granted. It’s so easy getting caught in what’s going on in our our lives that we forget about the bigger picture.
Marc paints this picture. We are at a bit of a crossroad it seems on this planet right now. I don’t believe anyone really knows which way things will go, though I’m 101% confident us humans need to change the way we do things if we want our descendants to enjoy this amazing planet the way we can.
The work Marc and his colleagues are doing provides the tools and stimuli for those of us courageous enough to fight for everlasting love.
Connect with Marc
Instagram | marcgafni
Website | www.marcgafni.com

Apr 28, 2024 • 1h 10min
Kindness, The Universal Rays & Embracing Change | w/Susie Cameron
We all have a North Star. A guiding light. For some of us it is a little clearer than others and for some it’s harder to see. Regardless, I believe it helps shine us in the right direction in times of forgetfulness.
Kindness is that North Star for Susie Cameron. It is infectious & inspirational to myself and many others. In a world where all possibilities are endless, there can never be too much kindness, for both ourselves and all others.
Susie and I spoke about acceptance, embracing change, resistance & its meaning, the universal ray healing modality, honouring all parts of ourselves, finding joy through connection and gratitude for life’s gifts & opportunities.
Connect with Susie
Instagram | petalsnpassiongracencompassion
Website | www.wayshowersassociation.org

Apr 14, 2024 • 60min
Mindful Parenting | w/Chelsea Bodie
Anyone lucky enough to be a parent knows damn well it’s the hardest and most rewarding thing on the planet. And if you’re a mother the ride is multiplied in many different directions.
We weren’t taught how to do parenting at school, we mimic what we can from our own parents and make up the rest.
Fortunately these days, we all have access to the wide world web and so people like Chelsea are able to share their knowledge to those of us in need and interested.
We spoke about sibling fights & conflict resolution, highly sensitive children & emotion regulation, decision fatigue & mental load in parenting, the perinatal period & postpartum experiences and screen time guidelines & their effects on development.
Connect with Chelsea
Instagram | mamapsychologists
Website | www.mamapsychologists.ca

Apr 2, 2024 • 1h 19min
Pressure to Prevent Coasting | w/Lachlan Rowston
We all seem to have a natural tendency for the path of least resistance, and at the same time most of us realise resistance is required for growth, both physically and mentally. It is our relationship to this resistance that I find beyond interesting and a huge difference between those doing what they love to do and those who are not.
Lachy is apart of the former. His experience in the health, fitness and business industry is highly regarded, and yet his desire to do more and keep growing & learning never seems to fade.
Amongst all order and chaos Lachy, still knows how to have fun and stay even under the pressure.
Connect with Lachy
Instagram | lachyrowston
Linkedin | Lachlan Rowston