Dr. Neil Schuitevoerder, a seasoned clinical and organizational psychologist, shares insights from over 50 years of spiritual practices. He delves into the nuances between physical pain and mental suffering, emphasizing awareness. His vivid recollections of past life awakenings challenge perceptions of reality. He discusses states of oneness with the universe and ethical conduct in psychotherapy. Moreover, he reflects on the transformative journey of human consciousness and the interconnectedness of all beings, urging listeners to explore the depths of their own awareness.

Jim Grove, a lifelong yogic meditation practitioner and author of "A Curious Spiritual Journey," shares his transformative experiences from over four decades of practice. He discusses the balance between daily life and spiritual awakening, recounts heartfelt tributes to a beloved mentor, and emphasizes kindness's ripple effect on communities. Grove explores suffering as a catalyst for spiritual growth and delves into the multiverse theory's implications on healing, advocating for an experiential and honest approach to spirituality that fosters integrity and humility.

Lisa Carrillo, a chemical engineer turned author, recounts her profound spiritual awakening during a silent retreat in 2009, where she glimpsed the unity of existence. She discusses the importance of self-discovery, sharing tools to navigate thoughts and suffering. By embracing adversity, she highlights personal transformation and resilience. Carrillo also emphasizes the balance of humility and desire, advocating for mindful consumption of information. Through humor and insight, she inspires listeners to find meaning and growth in life's challenges.

Eli Recht, a licensed psychotherapist and spiritual counselor who experienced a transformative awakening in 2020, discusses his unique blend of modern psychology and spiritual wisdom. He shares his journey of healing from anxiety and physical challenges through practices like Kriya Yoga and EMDR therapy. Eli explores the distinction between spiritual awakening and psychosis, emphasizing community support's role. He encourages personal transformation as a pathway to collective consciousness and advocates for integrating generosity and self-realization in healing.

Tanis Helliwell has seen higher realms and spoken with Masters, angels and elementals since childhood. Walking in many worlds, she led tours to sacred sites for two decades, was a management consultant working for over 30 years, and founded the International Institute for Transformation specializing in spiritual transformation in 2000. A true mystic who has worked with Masters in higher realms since childhood, her gift is assisting others to develop a soul-infused personal life in harmony with spiritual laws. Her knowledge and understanding of other worlds and spiritual realms can be found in some of her most popular books: Summer with the Leprechauns, The Leprechaun’s Story, HYBRIDS: So you think you are human, The High Beings of Hawaii, The Dragon's Tale, and Good Morning Henry: An In-Depth Journey With the Body Intelligence. Website: tanishelliwell.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded December 16.

Efrat Shokef, Ph.D., is a mother to three spiritually aware teens. A daughter, wife, sister, writer, teacher, cosmic journeyer, a shamanic energy healing practitioner working primarily with children, teens, parents, and families, and the Author of The Promise We Made: Three Universal Soul Promises We Made to Our Children – Near Death Experience and the Parenting Teachings It Invites. Efrat was severely injured in a car crash and experienced a profound near-death experience (NDE) when her three daughters were all still younger than four. Her journey of physical recovery, the integration of her NDE, and, at the same time, her inability to participate in the caretaking of her daughters sent her on a quest to the essence of motherhood. What makes us our child(ren)’s parent beyond the doing? A quest and insights she shared in her book, and on her website. Efrat believes that when parents know/remember that they are more than their physical bodies or their confused, wounded emotions, they can recognize the luminosity of their child(ren). When we all accept that we are on a journey of growth, we can mirror the possibility of this Earthly journey to the children in our lives. When we walk our essence and connect to who we are at our core, we can see that same luminosity in everyone, beyond gender, race, ethnicity, or age. Respecting all others, including our children— dependent humans, yet also powerful, experienced souls—becomes a way of life. Explore articles and resources for Spiritually Aware Families and Contact Efrat through her website: https://efratshokef.com/ Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Interview recorded December 8, 2024.

 Born in Kenya, and of Indian ancestry, Riyaz came to North America when he was ten years old (growing up in Canada, and then moving to the United States as an adult). Each of these lands, peoples, and cultures has informed and shaped his expression and sensibilities. He is a product of both East and West. Most of his adult life has been devoted to the study and practice of both psychotherapy and spirituality. And both of these disciplines have been integral to a path of healing and awakening. Professionally, his life’s work has been to bring together Eastern wisdom with Western science and psychology in a synergistic alliance. After 26 years of mainly practicing as a psychotherapist, and many years of teaching and supervising students and interns in a transpersonally oriented graduate school (CIIS in San Francisco), he has shifted his work in a more explicitly spiritual direction. He now leads individuals and groups in spiritual work through groups, and day-long and multi-day retreats. In April 2023, he received dharma transmission and the blessing of his teacher, Adyashanti. Website: riyazmotan.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded November 26, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 Embracing Vulnerability in Teaching    00:03:24 Transition to Spiritual Teaching    00:06:25 The Unexpected Lung Cancer Diagnosis  00:10:10 Embracing Life's Challenges as Spiritual Lessons  00:13:24 Philosophy of Evolution and Suffering    00:17:23 Embracing Mortality and Living Fully  00:20:23 Wisdom from Sri Ramakrishna: Always Be Learning  00:23:25 Navigating Cancer Treatment Challenges  00:26:34 Embracing Alternative Healing Methods    00:29:41 Embracing Non-Western Healing Approaches    00:33:01 The Profound Experience of Near-Death and Out-of-Body Events     00:36:32 Personal Transformations Through Marriage    00:40:30 Embracing Earthly Spirituality  00:45:53 The Impact of Spirituality as an Escape Mechanism  00:49:46 Cultivating Presence for Emotional Healing  00:53:54 The Power of Group Consciousness  00:57:45 The Toll of Being a Spiritual Teacher    01:01:07 Embracing Vulnerability in Teaching  01:05:08 The Evolution of Spiritual Teaching Methodologies  01:08:57 Evolution of Teacher-Student Dynamics in Education    01:12:51 Importance of Preparatory Spiritual Practices    01:16:26 Lack of Spiritual Development and Global Issues  01:19:34 Humanity's Crisis and Opportunity for Change    01:22:26 Awakening of a New Consciousness  01:26:27 Exploring Neurodivergence and Enhanced Perception  01:30:28 Transformative Power of Psychedelics and Nature    01:33:46 Ayahuasca Experience: A Catalyst for Awakening    01:36:57 Spiritual Awakening through Nature and Retreats    01:40:52 Exploring the Hero Dose: Insights from Adyashanti    01:43:41 Transition from One-to-One Work to Spiritual Mentoring  01:47:33 Upcoming Guests and Spiritual Experiences

Thomas Legrand, a wisdom seeker and author of 'Politics of Being,' dives into the links between spirituality and politics. He challenges conventional development models, advocating for a wisdom-driven approach to societal issues. The conversation explores universal basic income and the complexities of human motivation, while also examining the ethics of undesirable jobs in an automated future. Legrand highlights the importance of integrating spiritual values into societal structures, illustrating how collective consciousness can drive transformative change.

 For over 30 years, Georgette Star, MA, D.Min, has dedicated her life to empowering adults and youth to live soul-embodied, joyful, and purposeful lives. An intuitive Soul Stream Life Coach & Mentor, and Method trainer, her own deep quest for Self-Realization informs all aspects of her work. Finding joy in sharing this journey with others and a calling to contribute to the greater good inspired her to found the Life Blessing Institute (LBI). This transformational learning community is designed to guide individuals on the journey of human potential, spiritual awakening, and actualization of their soul’s agenda. Through LBI, Georgette developed a variety of programs, including Maiden Spirit & Peace Warriors Youth Programs, Individual and Community Rites of Passage Celebrations and the Soul Stream Method Practitioner Training. Currently Georgette is also working on a documentary film titled The Woman’s Rite. The film examines the challenges of ageism faced by women (and all genders) and explores how these limitations can be transformed through creative expression, conscious rites-of-passage and spiritual awakening. It highlights the opportunity for women to step into empowered, vibrant, and respected elderhood, offering their wisdom, creativity, light, and love to a world that deeply needs their contributions. Georgette holds a Master’s degree from the Naropa Institute and a Doctorate of Ministry from the University of Creation Spirituality. Using her life experience, education and an array of natural abilities, Georgette actively pursues contributing to humankind however she can. In addition to her professional work, she cherishes being a mom, grandmother, artist, forest dweller and daughter of Mother Earth. She also finds joy in creating collaboratively with others and sharing the spiritual journey of awakening with her friends and colleagues. Website links: The Life Blessing Institute (LBI) The Woman’s Rite documentary project Click here to contact Georgette if you are interested in her Soul Stream Life Map Readings and include the word “BatGap” in the message field. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded October 27, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump    00:03:51 Georgette Star: Wisdom and Creativity for a Needy World    00:07:28 Spiritual Awakening for Ordinary People  00:11:17 Embracing Categories in Spiritual Journeys  00:15:00 Embracing Uncertainty and the Free Fall of Life  00:17:59 Embracing Paradox and Spiritual Maturity  00:22:17 Can Society Transition Without Collapse?  00:26:08 Discovering Meaning in Spiritual Practice    00:30:43 Women's Rights Documentary Project    00:34:32 The Visionary Origins of the Project    00:38:51 The Journey from Idea to Film    00:43:27 Reflecting on Life's Journey and Self-Discovery  00:47:42 Childhood Mystical Experiences  00:51:34 Early Meditation Experiences and Visionary Insights    00:55:11 Meditation vs. Drug Use: Finding Natural Bliss    00:59:18 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs about Aging and Activity  01:03:54 Benefits of Pickleball and Meditation for Seniors    01:07:49 Creating Maiden Spirit: Empowering Young Girls  01:11:31 The Dark Side of Technology and Its Impact on Young Girls    01:15:44 Overcoming the Fear of Death with Spirituality  01:19:51 Transition from Scientist to Mystic    01:23:20 A Traumatic Car Accident and Its Impact  01:26:55 Timelessness in Self-Identity    01:30:06 Discovering the Concept of Original Blessing with Matthew Fox  01:34:47 Introduction to Soulstream Life Maps    01:38:40 Understanding Karmic Learning Pathways    01:42:00 The Role of Vedic Astrology in Naming  01:45:54 The Ripple Effect of Personal Growth    01:50:16 The Importance of Consciousness in Global Change

 Dr. Edi Bilimoria was born in India and educated at the universities of London, Sussex, and Oxford. He presents an unusual blend of experience in the fields of science, arts, and philosophy. Professionally, Edi is an award-winning engineer and consultant to the petrochemical, oil and gas, transport, and construction industries. He has been Project Manager and Head of Design for major innovative projects such as the Channel Tunnel, London Underground systems, petrochemical plants and offshore installations. He also worked in safety and environmental engineering for several Royal Navy projects, including the Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier and the fleet of Offshore Patrol Vessels. A student of the perennial philosophy for over half a century, Edi has given courses and lectured extensively in the UK, and internationally. He has organized and chaired conferences with the object of encouraging discourse on the different, but overlapping, roles of science, religion, and practical philosophy. Edi has published extensively in the fields of science, engineering, and the esoteric philosophy.  "Unfolding Consciousness" has received recognition with the 2022 Grand Prize Award from the Scientific and Medical Network. Edi's earlier work, "The Snake and the Rope" is also an award winner. Website: edibilimoria.com Summary and transcript of this interview Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Interview recorded October 12, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters:  00:00:00 Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump    00:02:50 The Intersection of Science, Spirituality, and Philosophy    00:06:22 The Evolution of Scientific Thought    00:10:10 Understanding the Levels of Science and Consciousness    00:14:20 The Limits of Intellect and Wisdom of Great Thinkers    00:18:45 Meditation, Psychedelics, and Brain Perception    00:23:13 The Brain as a Transmitter-Receiver    00:26:51 Misunderstanding Isaac Newton's Philosophy    00:30:49 Is the Sun Alive? Examining Unconventional Definitions of Life  00:34:13 The Incredible Complexity of Human Cells    00:37:39 Debunking the Infinite Monkey Theorem    00:41:40 Materialism and Its Role in Science    00:44:42 The Potential of Science and Spirituality Working Together    00:49:12 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality    00:53:04 The Science of the Human Eye: Discoveries and Design  00:56:44 The Debate on Intelligent Design and Evolution    01:00:09 The Interplay of Spirit and Matter in Evolution    01:04:36 Evolution as a Spiritual Journey    01:08:30 The Monad and the Journey to Divinity    01:12:12 The Absurdity of Freezing Bodies and Understanding Reincarnation    01:15:01 Exploring the Distinction Between Ethics and Morality    01:17:56 The Spiritual Essence of Matter  01:21:17 Understanding Karma: The Puzzle Piece of the Universe  01:24:08 Understanding Karma and Spiritual Evolution    01:27:56 Personal Spiritual Journey: Overcoming Life Challenges    01:31:14 Understanding Karma and Rising to Bodhisattva    01:34:42 Themes of the Book: Mystery Teachings    01:37:06 The Myth of Bacchus and Human Duality    01:40:45 Understanding the Supreme Consciousness and the Kabbalah    01:44:56 David Bohm and the Unity Elephant in Science  01:48:13 Building a Body of Wisdom Through Interlocking Insights