Bewildered
Martha Beck and Rowan Mangan
What if we stopped listening to the controlling voice of the culture around us, and instead learned to reconnect with our own true nature?
Sometimes we aren’t even sure why we feel so bewildered… and discontented… and even downright miserable. Often it’s because we have let the forces of society replace our own instinctive knowledge of what is right for us.
Now, it’s time for us to find that voice again—before it’s too late.
For Martha and Rowan, Job One is to live according to our deepest truths, making the commitment to feeling good even when it means looking weird. We believe that this is how we will reinvent our world—from the inside out— to create a society that’s kinder, more equitable, and more ecologically sustainable than the one we see around us right now.
This is the vision that we laugh and stumble and chat and feel our way towards here on this podcast. Did we mention LAUGH? We want no part of personal and global transformation if it isn’t fun!
So if you struggle to find a place where people who are as idealistic and brokenhearted, as silly and deeply sincere, as bewildered as you are—you might have just arrived.
Welcome!
Sometimes we aren’t even sure why we feel so bewildered… and discontented… and even downright miserable. Often it’s because we have let the forces of society replace our own instinctive knowledge of what is right for us.
Now, it’s time for us to find that voice again—before it’s too late.
For Martha and Rowan, Job One is to live according to our deepest truths, making the commitment to feeling good even when it means looking weird. We believe that this is how we will reinvent our world—from the inside out— to create a society that’s kinder, more equitable, and more ecologically sustainable than the one we see around us right now.
This is the vision that we laugh and stumble and chat and feel our way towards here on this podcast. Did we mention LAUGH? We want no part of personal and global transformation if it isn’t fun!
So if you struggle to find a place where people who are as idealistic and brokenhearted, as silly and deeply sincere, as bewildered as you are—you might have just arrived.
Welcome!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 2, 2024 • 27min
Wilder Together
Martha and Ro are back with a different kind of episode this time, to introduce something they are crazy excited about... It's called Wilder: A Sanctuary for the Bewildered—and it's a new online space where they can hang out with YOU! If you've been yearning to connect with like-minded souls, and you know there's a next step out there but you're not sure what it is, Martha and Ro believe that next step is community—and they hope you'll join them in Wilder. For details, tune in for the full episode! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 18, 2024 • 48min
Don't Control Yourself
We all have a "control mode" inside us that tells us if we don't tightly control everything, it's all going to go wrong. The only problem is...it's literally impossible to control everything! Sometimes a little control is necessary, but often it's the opposite of what we need. And control kills the creativity we need to solve our problems. So if you've been trying really hard to control things, and you could use some tips on how to let go of control, join Martha and Ro for this episode of Bewildered! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25 snips
Sep 4, 2024 • 55min
Treasure Hunter Mode: Engaged
Martha and Ro dive into the thrill of treasure hunting, inspired by a 'secret' society's game. They reflect on living life as an adventure and the joy of spontaneous discoveries. Personal anecdotes reveal the challenges and joys of trying new activities, from Pilates to navigating a daunting exercise studio. The duo emphasizes embracing curiosity to transform daily experiences into treasure hunts, urging listeners to explore unexpected interests and let imagination guide their journeys.
Aug 21, 2024 • 48min
Not Everything Has to Have a Point
Do you enjoy making shiny, pretty things—or, as Martha and Ro like to call them, “precious, pointless” things? These can be anything you make for the sheer enjoyment of creating, rather than for making money (which our culture believes is the only "point" to anything). Join Martha and Ro for this inspiring episode of Bewildered to learn how making shiny, pretty, pointless things can help you become more attuned to the beauty all around you—in people, in objects, in nature…and in your own wild soul. CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 7, 2024 • 52min
Shining Your Light and Charging What You're Worth
Do you find it difficult to share your unique offerings with the world? How about charging money for your work? In this BeWild Files episode of Bewildered, Martha and Ro answer a question from listener Rebecca who is trying to find the courage to shine her light in the world—and get paid well for it. Martha and Ro share their own experiences with this issue, and they offer three magical little words that can banish shame and set you free to shine your light and charge what you're worth. Join them! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 24, 2024 • 53min
Change the Shape of Culture
On their Bewildered podcast, Martha and Ro explore the many ways that the culture pulls us away from our true nature. However—as they want to make absolutely clear in this episode—the culture is not the boss of us! As Martha and Ro point out, we have a hand in creating the culture, and it can be thrilling to look at the power we have when we put ourselves into the cultural equation. To learn how to step fully into your role as a creator of the culture (and why it matters), tune in for the full episode! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 10, 2024 • 41min
Beware Fake Urgency
Explore the intriguing nature of urgency as the hosts discuss how it can either uplift or drain your spirit. They share amusing anecdotes about childhood and societal expectations, including haircuts gone wrong. The conversation dives deep into false urgencies that stifle creativity and the importance of fostering supportive artistic environments. Insightful distinctions between true creative urgency and pressures driven by fear offer listeners a path to authentic expression. Engage with their community for personal growth and fulfillment!
Jun 26, 2024 • 38min
The Empty Project
Do you ever feel like you’re trying to fit even more stuff into a life that’s already full? In this episode of Bewildered, Martha and Ro are talking about our culture's obsession with more, more, more, and how it's making us overwhelmed, exhausted, and burnt out. Their solution? Empty space! Our culture doesn't train us to appreciate empty spaces, but emptiness is what gives things value. To hear how to shift your focus so you can start noticing and using the empty spaces in your life, be sure to tune in! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 12, 2024 • 43min
All the Way to Heaven is Heaven
The discussion challenges the belief that happiness must be earned through suffering. Personal stories mix humor and insight, like a funny mishap with a vegetable subscription. A thrilling zip lining adventure leads to reflections on fear and authenticity. The hosts critique the notion that pain precedes pleasure and advocate for effortless joy instead. They explore creative expression and the importance of emotional awareness, urging listeners to embrace their true desires over societal expectations.
May 29, 2024 • 41min
"Dream Food" And Other Lies About Fulfillment
Culture teaches us that scrambling up peaks of achievement is a worthy goal—and that when we reach the pinnacle of success, we'll finally be happy. The problem is, not everyone can reach the very top. And even for those who do, achieving that goal doesn't make them happy. Wondering how this could be? Martha and Ro offer a theory: We're climbing the wrong mountain! Join them for this fun episode as they break down the cultural myths surrounding success and fulfillment and point you toward true happiness. CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Bewildered Show Notes Follow Ro on Instagram Follow Bewildered on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
