
Buddha at the Gas Pump
Conversations with spiritually awakening people.
Latest episodes

Apr 19, 2025 • 2h 2min
728. Mary Shutan
Mary Mueller Shutan, a spiritual healer and teacher with nearly two decades of experience, shares her insights on navigating the complexities of spiritual awakening. She discusses her transformative kundalini journey, the significance of shadow work for personal growth, and the paramount importance of body awareness during spiritual experiences. Mary warns against spiritual bypassing and emphasizes the need for community support. The conversation is rich with wisdom on integrating spiritual practices into daily life, fostering emotional intelligence, and confronting the shadows within ourselves for true healing.

Apr 5, 2025 • 1h 39min
727. Diane Hennacy Powell
Diane Hennacy Powell, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist from Johns Hopkins, discusses her groundbreaking work in The Telepathy Tapes. She explores the profound abilities of non-speaking autistic children, who defy conventional understanding with their telepathic talents. Powell shares fascinating anecdotes, including the extraordinary case of a girl overcoming autism to master complex math. She also examines the interconnectedness of consciousness, highlighting how advancements in technology could reshape our understanding of human cognition and communication.

Mar 21, 2025 • 1h 39min
726. Dr. Neil Schuitevoerder
Dr. Neil Schuitevoerder, a clinical and organizational psychologist, has been doing spiritual practices for 50 years. He's no longer interested in his ego's story, so here's the story of his soul's evolution: He had early instruction in how to use a pendulum, which led to the opening of his intuitive knowing, which has continued to expand into higher stages. His intense meditation practices in his 20s led to illness, and he was guided to return to a householder life as husband and father. He continued practices in mystical Judaism, then turned to Vedanta, kundalini, and other Hindu practices. With a kundalini master, and with the Diamond Approach technique of Inquiry, he opened the higher chakras and began to experience states of unity and nonduality, first with a near object, such as a tree, then with a far object, such as the galaxy. Slowly, the dualities of self/other, near/far, past/future, dissolved, and his knowing expanded to include the distant past, his past lives, his rebirth in this lifetime, and his ability to travel in subtle bodies to the subtle planes, including conversing with the deceased. His mind emptied out, then his body became empty, containing the whole galaxy, a nondual body. Then his astral body emptied out, and he no longer "traveled" but was united with the subtle mental and causal planes, all within him. The state of bliss is always accessible. The local identity of Neil remains when he functions in the world, as he lives in dual and nondual levels of awareness simultaneously.
Neil's has a podcast with his wife, Connie Zweig, about his ongoing awakening and what it's like to live in the world in advanced levels of consciousness -- Dr. Neil's Spiritual Awakening to Nonduality. It posts on Apple, Spotify, and all platforms.
Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.
Summary and transcript of this interview
Interview recorded March 15, 2025
YouTube Video Chapters:
00:00:00 Different Levels of Perception
00:02:35 Soul's Evolution and Spiritual Practices
00:06:23 Journey of Consciousness and Skepticism
00:10:27 Near-Death and Out-of-Body Experiences
00:13:59 Exploring Consciousness and Cosmic Manifestation
00:17:19 Extraordinary Abilities in Blind Individuals
00:21:08 Understanding Freedom and Non-Attachment
00:25:32 The Importance of Moral Development in Spiritual Growth
00:30:46 Exploring Multidimensional Consciousness
00:34:03 Exploring the Buddhic Plane and Astral Projection
00:38:55 Understanding Subtle Body Layers and Incarnation Process
00:42:07 Exploring Reincarnation and Astral Realms
00:46:36 Exploring the Universe and Spiritual Liberation
00:51:36 The Nature of True Governance according to Lao Tzu
00:54:01 The Role of Ego in Daily Life
00:57:52 Understanding the Reduction of Thoughts and Ego
01:02:11 Understanding A.H. Almas's Protocol
01:06:05 Telepathic Abilities and Humanity's Shift
01:11:09 The Coexistence of Creation and Destruction Forces
01:15:21 The Cosmic Perspective: Our Place in the Universe
01:19:38 Energy Healing and Silent Therapy
01:23:35 Do Microbes Have Souls and Their Evolutionary Journey
01:27:50 Chakras and the Evolution of Consciousness
01:31:00 Understanding Chakras and Energy Centers
01:34:55 Exploring Spiritual Evolution and Incarnation
01:38:52 Understanding Shadow Material and Spiritual Bypassing
01:43:09 The Importance of Spiritual Community and Marriage
01:47:18 Embracing Pain Through Meditation
01:51:31 Exploring the Connection Between Consciousness and the Body-Heart
01:55:45 Exploring the Concept of the Vajra Body
01:58:30 Upcoming Interview with Diane Hennessey Powell on Telepathy Tapes

Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 38min
725. Jim Grove
Jim Grove is a lifelong practitioner of yogic meditation who grew up in a small logging town on the West Coast of Canada. At age thirteen, he was introduced to a teacher who was one of the few ministers directly ordained by Paramahansa Yogananda during his lifetime, Mother Yogacharya M. Hamilton of Seattle. A series of early transcendental experiences convinced him to commit himself to continued yogic practice under her tutelage. His recent memoir, A Curious Spiritual Journey, recounts some of the prominent experiences that have arisen from his practice over four decades, starting from early adolescence, in the interests of providing some insight into the often unpredictable process of spiritual unfoldment. He likes to speak plainly about spiritual experience and practice, avoiding the vague, abstract, and sometimes inflated language used in much spiritual and new age writing. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Website: jimgrove.ca
Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.
Summary and transcript of this interview
Interview recorded February 15, 2025
YouTube Video Chapters:
00:00:00 Jim Grove's Journey in Yogic Meditation
00:03:42 Editing a Manuscript: From 80,000 to 55,000 Words
00:07:23 Discovering a Life-Changing Teacher
00:11:24 A Humorous Encounter at Denny's
00:16:23 Spiritual Awakening and Motivation Changes
00:21:30 The Ripple Effect of Everyday Actions
00:25:47 Mariana Kaplan's Global Soccer Mission
00:30:15 The Importance of Spiritual Integrity and Ethical Conduct
00:34:29 The Importance of Integrity in Organizations and Community
00:38:25 Cultural Ethics vs. Universal Values
00:42:13 The Importance of Humility and Kindness in Life
00:47:09 Leadership Dynamics and Corporate Culture
00:51:16 The Purpose of Suffering and Spiritual Growth
00:55:51 Embracing Mortality in Tibetan Buddhism
00:59:10 Exploring Shamanic Practices and Cross-Cultural Spirituality
01:03:24 Exploring the Life and Teachings of Joel Goldsmith
01:06:55 Joel Goldsmith and Spiritual Anecdotes
01:10:33 Exploring Multiverse and Other Dimensions
01:14:40 The Role of Specialists in Reincarnation Research
01:18:30 Exploring Past Life Regressions and Reincarnation
01:23:25 Vision of Furry Boots with Curly Toes
01:27:52 Healing Through Past Life Regression
01:31:46 Balancing Depth and Breadth in Personal Growth
01:36:04 Exploring Kundalini Activation and Spiritual Growth
01:40:49 The Metaphor of the Ring: Ego and Humility Lessons from Tolkien
01:45:52 The Concept of Humility in Spiritual Teachings
01:49:50 The Spiritual Lessons of the Prodigal Son and Christ's Doubt
01:54:11 Career Shift: From Private Sector to Provincial Government
01:59:06 Embracing Change and Trusting the Universe
02:03:47 Instilling Inner Guidance in Children
02:07:44 Future of Humanity: Transitions and Endgames

Feb 5, 2025 • 1h 44min
724. Lisa Carrillo
Although Lisa worked as a chemical engineer, spirituality always was the priority in her life. In 2009, at a silent retreat, her thought-based identity dropped away, and she saw only the single flow of benevolence in all that is.
When some of those thoughts returned a few weeks later (less convincing than before), there also came a deep curiosity to inquire into those thoughts. She developed many tools to return to a lived experience of the deeper knowing. Both of her books share these tools. All that is is a vibrant expression erupting from a single full emptiness.
Website: experiencingthetrueself.com
Books:
An Unprincipled Life: Living from the Unknown
Living Awake: 20 Techniques to End "I Got It; I Lost It"
Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.
Summary and transcript of this interview
Interview recorded January 26, 2025
YouTube Video Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump Series
00:04:27 Early Childhood Spiritual Insights
00:08:09 Exploring the Astral Body and Embodiment
00:11:15 Understanding the Koshas: Layers of Existence
00:15:16 Discovering Inner Strength Through Adversity
00:19:44 The Journey of Pure Intelligence and Self-Rediscovery
00:23:47 Understanding the Mind: A Sense Organ analogy
00:27:56 Discovering the Root of Aliveness in Spiritual Practice
00:31:05 Embracing Life's Uncertainties and Letting Go of Control
00:34:18 Understanding Impermanence in Awakening
00:38:12 Embracing Flexibility in Life's Demands
00:42:34 Understanding Life's Impetus
00:47:11 Parenting Lessons from Calvin and Hobbes
00:51:44 Spiritual Principles in Dire Situations
00:55:33 The Power of Positivity and Human Kindness
00:58:56 Choosing Challenging Lifetimes for Wisdom
01:02:29 Exploring Past Life Memories
01:06:48 Concept of Past Lives and Dimensions
01:11:42 Finding Positivity in Adversity: Lessons from Prisoners
01:17:00 The Illusion of Shoulds and Self-Realization
01:20:57 The Balance of Opposing Forces and Human Nature
01:25:15 Experiencing Wisdom in a Different Realm
01:29:49 Understanding Malignant Narcissism in Leadership
01:33:25 Embracing Life's Harmony and Challenges
01:36:44 The Role of Creativity and Connection in Environmental Action
01:40:16 Climate Change and Thwaites Glacier Threat
01:42:32 Embracing Inner Wisdom vs. Scientific Method
01:46:06 Integrating Science with Inner Wisdom
01:50:29 Embracing Personal Growth and Self-Reflection
01:55:24 Political Perspectives and Third Party Hopes
01:59:09 Embracing Open Dialogue and Challenging Ideas

Jan 14, 2025 • 2h 4min
723. Eli Recht
Born and raised in San Diego, CA, and currently residing in Carlsbad, CA, Eli Recht is a licensed psychotherapist (LMFT), EMDR clinician, spiritual counselor, editor, and teacher of Self-realization.
In 2020, Eli experienced a falling away of ego identity and an awakening to the true nature of Reality. As a result, Eli has dedicated his life to service – to help alleviate suffering, cultivate connection, guide people through the often-confusing journey of Life, and invite others to recognize our shared unconditioned essence.
Eli’s specialty is blending contemporary psychological knowledge with timeless spiritual wisdom and advocating for the integration of these two disciplines.
Website: elirecht.com
Books (Editor and Foreword):
Grace Happens: An Awakening of Consciousness
Reflections of Consciousness: Essays on the Journey of Awakening and the Nature of Reality
Summary and transcript of this interview
Interview recorded January 11, 2025
YouTube Video Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump Series
00:03:56 Discovering Spiritual Insights through "Buddha at the Gas Pump"
00:09:14 Discovering Eastern Thought at Deer Park Monastery
00:15:21 Exploring Higher States of Consciousness Through Music
00:19:32 The Challenges of Kriya Yoga Practice
00:24:04 Struggles with Kriya Yoga and Finding Purpose
00:28:25 Journey to Emotional and Psychological Healing
00:33:16 Understanding Kundalini Activation and Its Effects
00:38:00 Discovering My Higher Self
00:41:31 Differentiating Awakening from Psychosis
00:45:44 The Path of Perseverance and Enlightenment
00:49:48 Realization of Oneness and Unity
00:54:33 The Importance of Service Post-Awakening
01:00:47 Understanding the Transition from Ego-Identification to Ego-Transcendence
01:04:41 The Influence of Meher Baba and the Journey to Self-Realization
01:09:36 Embracing a Different Memory Post-Awakening
01:13:03 Navigating Non-Doership and Embodiment
01:18:00 Understanding the Ego and Brahman
01:21:01 Rocket Ship as a Metaphor for Awakening
01:25:44 Understanding Psychosis and Spiritual Awakening
01:30:48 Illuminating the Ego: Pre and Post Awakening
01:35:40 Challenges of Kundalini Awakening
01:39:29 The Relationship Between Ego and Self-Realization
01:44:19 Navigating the Role of a Spiritual Teacher
01:49:30 The Role of Spirituality in Addressing Mental Illness
01:53:13 Humanity's Journey Through Suffering to Awakening
01:58:20 The Role of Donations in Spiritual Endeavors
02:02:07 Vision for a Peaceful Humanity
02:06:18 Exploring Life's Big Questions: Meaning, Reality, and Participation
02:10:52 Embracing the Present Moment: The Power of What over Why
02:16:25 Upcoming Interview with Lisa Carrillo

Jan 4, 2025 • 1h 47min
722. Tanis Helliwell
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.
YouTube Video Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction to Tanis Helliwell and Her Mystical Experiences
00:05:06 Yogananda's Astral Universe Exploration
00:09:55 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality
00:13:25 Navigating Spiritual Breakthroughs in Modern Life
00:17:29 Ken Wilber's Lines of Development Explained
00:21:34 Evolution of Souls: From Microbes to Humans
00:26:07 Canadian Identity and Its Global Influence
00:30:21 Interacting with Human Frequencies
00:35:14 Exploring Universal Reality and Intuition
00:38:38 Overcoming Past Life Traumas and Societal Norms Shifts
00:42:18 The Impact of Collective Consciousness
00:46:40 Exploring Human-Elemental Hybrids
00:49:47 Introduction to Elementals and Their Longevity
00:54:15 The Mythical Origins of Dragons and Mermaids
00:58:01 Near-Death Experience and Spiritual Awakening
01:01:29 Notable Figures as Elves in Mythology
01:04:54 Understanding Star Beings and Their Qualities
01:09:08 The Role of Elementals in Universal Orchestration
01:13:16 The Rise in Earth's Frequency and Cosmic Energies
01:16:56 Aligning with Higher Consciousness and Personal Responsibility
01:20:53 Seeds of Change and Global Consciousness
01:25:15 The Power of Frequency and Personal Transformation
01:28:42 Understanding the Role of Dragons in Higher Consciousness
01:33:29 Encounter with a Dragon in the Forest
01:37:48 Understanding Brahman and Totality in Vedic Literature
01:41:47 The Story of the Old Chinese Farmer
01:45:17 The Legacy of Rudolf Steiner
01:49:45 The Importance of Ethics in Spirituality
01:53:25 The Importance of Critical Thinking and Discernment
01:57:50 Understanding Hybrids and Unique Identities
01:59:52 Raising Your Frequency through Magical Worlds

Dec 20, 2024 • 1h 45min
721. Efrat Shokef
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.

Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 34min
720. Riyaz Motan
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

Nov 16, 2024 • 1h 39min
719. Thomas Legrand
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.
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