The Hoffman Podcast

Today, we’ve brought together our Hoffman pre-Process Panel. Hoffman teachers Jason, Marc, Regina, and our host, Drew, share personal and professional insights into how the time leading up to the Hoffman Process solidly prepares you for your week at the Process. Regina offers wisdom on the pattern of perfection and how it doesn’t serve you when you come to the Process. Allowing ourselves to be messy in the container of the Process supports the deeper transformation that’s possible during the week. Regina calls us to trust the Process, saying, “The moment you commit, it’s the opportunity to lean into the edge of Spirit…” Marc talks about the power of choice. Oftentimes, students come to work on something happening in the present. But the work of the Process is to heal the pain of your past, which in turn affects things happening now, because the healing is within you. As Marc shares, at the Process, “You are stepping into your own childhood pain.” He goes on to say, “You are choosing that. That is a choice, whether there’s resistance, whether you’re scared…but you’re choosing that on some very, very big level.” A compassionate moment comes when Jason shares about the pre-work each student must complete. He mentions how hard it can be to complete the work because often students feel the pain as it is laid out on the page. Jason shares that the “homework is not who you are. It’s a story of what happened to you. And the more information you can get into that, the more connections you can make in that exploration of what happened to you and who you had to become, the greater your awareness will be stepping into the work at your Process.” In other words, the homework can lay a powerful foundation for your Process week. And, of course, Regina, Marc, and Jason share more insights, suggestions, and wisdom to help support you as you prepare for your week at the Process. We hope you enjoy this conversation about how your pre-Process time is integral to supporting your transformational week at the Process. Our Pre-Process Panel Regina Louise: Regina Louise holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from California Institute of Integral Studies. In addition, she holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Writing for the Performative Arts from the University of California, Riverside. Regina has canvassed the U.S. extensively as a national spokesperson and child advocate, and is excited to be a Hoffman teacher! Read more about Regina here. Listen to Regina share her story on The Hoffman Podcast. Marc Kaplan: Marc’s life purpose is to support people in finding and using their authentic voice. In addition to teaching the Hoffman process, Marc is an esteemed music educator, producer, conductor, and coach. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Political Science from The George Washington University. “The Hoffman methodology is the foundation of my spiritual practice. It helped me discover that I have choices, enabling me to step into my dignity and live my life from a place of love.” When Marc first did the Process in 2011, he envisioned being a father, and now he is one. He lives in Westchester County, NY with his wife and two daughters. Listen to Marc, along with Dan Siegel, on the Hoffman Podcast. Jason Beegle: Jason holds a BA in Psychology from John F. Kennedy University and an MA in Religion from the University of Hawaii. As a certified NLP coach and intuitive healer, he brings a warm, heart-centered presence to the work of transformation. Jason first experienced the Hoffman Process in 2017. It was a profound turning point that deepened his connection to spirit, purpose, and inner freedom. He is devoted to helping others reconnect with their true selves through compassion, presence, and spiritual insight. “Teaching the Process fills me with hope. It’s a sacred privilege to witness people return to themselves with love, truth, and tenderness.” Jason lives in the Bay Area, where spending time in nature offers him the space to reflect, ground, and renew. As mentioned in this episode: Pre-Process work/Homework Once enrolled in the Process, you’ll receive the homework. As Jason says, completion takes about 8 -10 hours and is a foundational piece of your week at the Process. Negative Love Syndrome Read Bob Hoffman‘s A Path to Personal Freedom and Love Listen to the Post-Process Panel on the Hoffman Podcast Dr. Dan Siegel shares his Process story on the Hoffman Podcast Mementos and a childhood photo Once enrolled, you will learn more about what you are asked to bring to your Process, including these mementos and a childhood photo of yourself. The Quadrinity™ Symbol The Hoffman Quadrinity™ Symbol was designed by Bob Hoffman in 1967 to represent the wholeness of Self: The circle represents the Body; the large vertical diamond in the middle represents the Spirit; the 2 smaller horizontal diamond shapes represent the Intellect and Emotions. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.  

Retired trial judge, Rusty Duke, came to the Hoffman Process on the advice of his wise, eleven-year-old granddaughter. Her father, Rusty’s son, had returned home happier after his time in California. While swinging on a porch swing together, Rusty and his granddaughter were talking. She said she thought that Rusty, her grandfather, was happy, but Rusty would return from California even happier, just like her dad had. Rusty listened to her wise counsel. Just two days later, he registered for the Process. The prominent theme running through Rusty’s story is happiness. He was a happy child. He has a good life. And, Rusty did, indeed, return home even happier. One of the most important realizations students have during the Process is that we are not our patterns. Before coming to the Process, Rusty didn’t know he had patterns. Realizing that we have patterns and that we aren’t those patterns can open the door to a deeper discovery of life and who we are. In Rusty’s words, Hoffman “brings a reality to life. It helps you to stop and listen and consider where you are, who you are, and what you are.” During his week at the Process, Rusty crossed the ‘bridge’ into a newfound sense of self-love, shepherded by the love he felt from his Process-mates. He’d never really heard anyone talk about self-love before. Rusty left California and returned home, leaving behind the negative voices in his head that can keep self-love at bay. We hope you enjoy this heartwarming conversation with Judge Rusty Duke and Drew. More about Rusty Duke: Rusty Duke is a retired trial judge, married 52 years, with three children and nine grandchildren. He lives in Greenville, North Carolina, and is ‘Of Counsel’ at a local law firm. Duke enjoys visiting with his children and grandchildren and traveling with his family and friends. He enjoys being involved in community activities and service. Rusty enjoys speaking to various local civic groups and caring for a local camp. He recently published his first book, “Call Your Next Case: My Stories.” As mentioned in this episode: Blackbeard the Pirate Edward Teach (or Thatch), better known as Blackbeard (c. 1680 – 22 November 1718) Blackbird’s buried treasure chest Blackbeard House in Beaufort, NC, circa 1700 The Algonquian Peoples Hoffman tools mentioned: The Quadrinity Spiritual Self, the body, the intellect, and the emotional self. Patterns: Patterns are typically negative, compulsive, automatic, and emotionally charged. They can be direct copies of parental behaviors, rebellions against them, or reactions to them. Read more about patterns here. Recylcing Transforming negative patterns into positive alternatives requires following the Cycle of Transformation. The tool used to transform patterns is recycling. The Hoffman App Your journey to discover your authentic self does not end after completing a Hoffman course. Rather, it is just the beginning. The Hoffman App is here to support you as you continue this journey, today and far into the future. The app is full of guidance, practices, and visualizations to inspire and help you achieve your personal goals. We like to think of this app as “Hoffman in your pocket.” It’s available at the App Store.  

Entrepreneur and business owner, Carol Frank, came to the Hoffman Process for one clear reason: she wanted to find a life partner. In her early fifties and never married, Carol had just ended a year-long relationship. The beautiful thing was that Carol was ready. She knew that if she wanted a lasting partnership, she had to make a change. Carol shared this with a friend who happened to be a Hoffman graduate. Although this friend had mentioned Hoffman prior, it wasn’t until this moment that Carol said, Yes, to the lasting change that would happen for her at the Hoffman Process. Within a week of this conversation, Carol had signed up. Within two weeks, she was in the classroom at White Sulphur Springs. This was in 2011. One year later, Carol ran into someone she had dated prior. This time, though, was different. They decided to have another date. After a bit, he said to her, “You are different. What’s changed?” It was her week at the Hoffman Process. In the years since, Carol and her partner married, and he attended the Hoffman Process. Carol’s transformation, during her Process and in the months and years after, has been profound. She healed deep family patterns. Carol came to understand why her parents were the way they were and found peace and forgiveness for them. She shares some beautiful moments with her mother directly following her Process. Carol’s mother died just a short time later. These moments were a precious gift. Hoffman’s tagline is, “When you’re serious about change.” And we mean it. People must truly be ready for the deep change that can happen in their lives. Carol was ready, and life was ready and waiting for her on the other side of her transformative week. We hope you enjoy this heart-warming conversation with Carol and Drew. More about Carol Frank: Carol is passionate about business, animals, and the intersection of the two. After starting her career as a CPA, she founded and operated three pet companies– a retail pet store, a wholesale distribution company, and a pet product manufacturing company.  Carol then leveraged her experience in both finance and entrepreneurship to start BirdsEye Advisory Group. This M&A Advisory firm helps pet company founders and entrepreneurs when they are ready to sell their business. She has a BBA in accounting from The University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.  Over the years, Carol has served in leadership roles within the pet industry. She’s also served on the board of over a dozen nonprofit and business organizations, including the Dallas Zoo, the Denver Zoo Leadership Council, and Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation. Carol is a Trustee for The University of Colorado Foundation. She is also a member of the Colorado Chapter of the International Women’s Forum. Her biggest passion is animals. Carol shares her life with her Eclectus parrot, Peri, and Daphne, a sweet, energetic Whoodle.  She loves skiing, biking, and birding. Follow Carol on LinkedIn. As mentioned in this episode: White Sulphur Springs: The Hoffman Institute’s past retreat site was lost in the Glass fire, which started in the early morning hours of September 27, 2020. Hoffman Refresher Course Raz Ingrasci, Hoffman teacher and Coach Listen to Raz on The Hoffman Podcast: Husband, Father, Son Hoffman and the Enneagram with Raz and Ward Ashman Spiritual Lineage & the Hoffman Process with Raz and Marissa Ingrasci Hoffman Couples Retreat

Our post-Process panel, Kevin, Steve, and Zeina, gathers together with Drew to share both personal and professional insights into why your days after the Hoffman Process are so important to the journey that lies ahead. As Hoffman teacher and coach, Zeina Mobassaleh, says about leaving the Process, “You’re not done, you’ve just begun.” Why is this time immediately post-Process so important? Listen in as our delightful post-Process panel of teachers shines a light on the gifts that lie ahead over the days, weeks, and after completing the Hoffman Process. Kevin offers insights into the Hoffman tools and practices. As he says, “We get good at what we practice.” Hoffman Practices are offered through the Hoffman App and daily on Instagram, where you can practice with the Hoffman community. Steve underscores the importance of the weekend after the Process. He explains that a large part of the Process is becoming Spirit embodied. Steve shares that we can “settle in and allow the work just completed to percolate down and in where the Spirit meets the bones” during the integration weekend. Zeina generously shares a beautiful quote that her Hoffman Process teacher told her upon graduation about the sun and clouds, and how to flow with our internal weather. Zeina reminds us that during our Process week, we’ve come to see the sun. Clouds will come again, but the tools and practices that can clear the clouds away. You can return to this conversation to refresh your memories of your Process and reset your daily Hoffman practices. We hope you enjoy this conversation and use it to stay grounded in your Hoffman transformation. Our Post-Process Panel Kevin Eyres: “I am passionate about supporting people on their healing journey, facing what is blocking them, finding their full range of emotions, and embodying self-love. My Process showed me how to face my shame, self-doubt, and destructive patterns from a fundamentally different perspective – self-compassion.” Kevin Eyres holds a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is a seasoned technology executive and a YPO member since 2002. Kevin is also an executive coach and speaker. Kevin, his wife, and daughter live in Los Altos Hills, California. Listen to Kevin on The Hoffman Podcast Steve Granville: “I so enjoy witnessing the changes in students as they move through the Process. It is such an honor and privilege.” When Steve did his Process, he discovered, “A profound sense of who I really am. I finally understood that I was not my patterns and that by simply being honest about what was true for me, I could cultivate the intimacy with myself and others that I always wanted.” Steve Granville holds a Master’s degree in International Management. He is a Restorative Justice facilitator and trainer, and executive leadership consultant in clinical healthcare. He loves helping people grow into their potential. Steve lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and two kids. They love playing together outside, especially in fresh powder. Zeina Mobassaleh: Zenia Mobassaleh holds a B.A. from Brown University, a J.D. from Columbia University, and diplomas from Sciences Po and the Sorbonne in Paris. She is a certified Parenting Coach, and has written the book, Your Children Are Not Your Children: 100 Mindful Baby Steps to a More Joyful Home. The Hoffman Process was a gift in Zeina’s life, putting her on the path to responding rather than reacting in life, and to leading with love and living with joy. It is a gift that she feels lucky to be able to share with others as she supports them on their own paths and journeys to healing. As mentioned in this episode: The Hoffman App Your journey to discover your authentic self does not end after the completion of a Hoffman course. Rather, it is just the beginning. The Hoffman App is here to support you as you continue this journey, today and far into the future. The app is full of guidance, practices, and visualizations to inspire and help you achieve your personal goals. We like to think of this app as “Hoffman in your pocket.” It’s available at the App Store. Instagram Lives: Join our virtual community Quad-Check at 8:00 am PT on Instagram. A Quad Check is a practice to support you in integrating and honoring all four parts of your Quadrinity: Spiritual Self, Intellect, Emotional Self, and your Body. Come be a part of our daily Appreciation and Gratitude practice at 6:00 pm PT on Instagram. You’ll find the Appreciation and Gratitude practice to be a beautiful way to reflect on your day. This practice will support your Spiritual Self’s natural desire to appreciate and give thanks for all that life brings you. The Integration Manual: This is passed out to Hoffman graduates on the final day of their Process. The Self-love, Self-forgiveness walk, and the reading, My Life is My Responsibility, are found in the Integrational Manual. The Four F’s: Fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. The Role of Sleep in Emotional Brain Function: “Assessed using functional MRI (fMRI), one night of sleep deprivation triggers a 60% amplification in reactivity of the amygdala in response to emotionally negative pictures, relative to a normal night of sleep…” (continue reading) For Process Grads link: For more courses, tools, practices, and ways to stay in touch, check out the For Process Grads…link on our website.

Patrick Belisle, Director of Philanthropy at the Hoffman Institute Foundation, is our guest today. A self-described practical mystic, Patrick embarked upon a spiritual journey that took him around the world and the country. In 2022, he participated in what he calls the pinnacle of his spiritual journey, the Hoffman Process. In this conversation with Drew, Patrick shares his unique perspective on money as “financial energy.” He explains how philanthropic giving is a win-win; a way to fulfill both parties’ goals and dreams. Patrick’s approach to money will inspire you to craft your own financial story. We hope you enjoy this conversation with Patrick and Drew. More about Patrick Belisle: Patrick Belisle is a self-described “practical mystic” who studied theology with Benedictine monks at his college in Minnesota, meditated with Buddhist monks in Thailand, and had a powerful spiritual awakening at the Osho Commune in Pune, India. He and his wife Jane, also a Hoffman graduate, traveled around the world for a year, and around North America for another three years, in search of the meaning of life. They live happily and authentically in Charlottesville, Virginia. Over the years, Patrick has worn many hats: He is a longtime student and teacher of famous psychic Edgar Cayce’s readings. Patrick had a 15-year tenure as a Director at Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) in Virginia Beach, VA. He’s also worked for  Dr. Ian Stevenson’s Division of Perceptual Studies at the University of Virginia for many years. UVADOPS.org applies rigorous scientific research to Near-Death Experiences (NDEs), children who seem to remember past lives, psychic phenomena, and other consciousness-related topics. Patrick has practiced hypnotherapy for many years. He has worked with young people in many capacities, facilitated various relationship workshops, and officiated over 60 weddings, baby blessings, and celebrations of life. Patrick currently serves as Director of Philanthropy at the Hoffman Institute Foundation. He helps raise over $2 million annually for student scholarships and teacher training. Beginning in 2025, Patrick and Hoffman’s Board has set a goal to raise $25 million to purchase and renovate Hoffman’s new Santa Sabina campus in San Rafael, CA. Santa Sabina will open in 2026. His unique perspective on money as “financial energy” will inspire you to think of your financial energy in a whole new way; how it comes to you, how you use it, and how it all works. As mentioned in this episode: Ways to Donate to Hoffman Catholic Benedictine monks Eastern Philosophy Mysticism Breathwork David Brooks •   How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen •   The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life The Post-Process Weekend Integration: Participants often feel very different after completing their Process, almost like a new self inhabiting a new life. It is important to orient and synthesize everything you have experienced and learned. We strongly recommend taking the weekend to complete this quiet integration. Raz Ingrasci & Liza Ingrasci, Founders of the Hoffman Institute Foundation •   Listen to Raz on the Hoffman Podcast Hoffman Scholarships Hoffman tools mentioned The Hoffman App Join Hoffman’s Instagram Daily Quad Checks at 8:00 am PT Hoffman 1-Day Graduate Refreshers in the US and Canada The Hand-on-Heart Practice Left Road/Right Road – Making a Choice Negative Love Patterns •   Pattern tools: Pre-Cycling, Vicious Cycle, Recycling

Nita Gage, Hoffman teacher and Director of Faculty, worked closely with Dr. Lipsenthal, M.D., for several years before his death. He was an internationally recognized leader, teacher, and author in integrative medicine and physician wellness. And he loved the Hoffman Process. The vision, care, and understanding that Dr. Lipsenthal brought to the world of medicine and medical doctors has changed how doctors care for themselves. Through his own time in the medical profession, Dr. Lipsenthal observed that the health, morale, and work satisfaction of many physicians were often worse than that of their patients. He found a way to support physicians in improving these areas of their lives. Like both Dr. Lipsenthal and Nita, many physicians they worked with eventually came to do the Hoffman Process, which gave them additional tools to change their lives for the better. Listen in as Nita shares her experience of working with Lee, the physician, and Lee the man. We hope you enjoy this conversation with Nita and Drew. More about Lee Lipsenthal, M.D.: Lee Lipsenthal, MD Lee Lipsenthal, M.D., was an internationally recognized leader, teacher, and author in integrative medicine and physician wellness. He was the medical director with Dean Ornish of the Preventative Medicine Research Institute in Sausalito, California, for ten years, and has also served as president of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine and on the American Medical Association’s Physician Wellness Committee. Through his years in the medical profession, Dr. Lipsenthal observed that the health, morale, and work satisfaction of many physicians were often worse than that of their patients. Inspired by his personal and professional experience, he developed the “Finding Balance in a Medical Life” program, which has been adapted by major medical groups and is being delivered at medical schools and residency programs nationwide. Lee was a 2006 graduate of the Hoffman Process. He died in September 2011. His wife, Kathy, also a physician, and his two children live in California. Lee Lipsenthal authored, Enjoy Every Sandwich: Living Each Day as If It Were Your Last. More about Nita Gage: From 1970 to 1980, Nita trained in psychoanalysis with R.D. Laing in London. Upon returning to the United States, she pursued graduate degrees in clinical psychology and a doctorate in shamanic psychology. Nita has been leading transformational healing retreats for over 25 years and the last 10 years recently with the Hoffman Institute. She is now the Director of Faculty for Hoffman Institute.  Before Hoffman, she founded the Healer Within Retreats, with Lee Lipsenthal, MD, offering physician wellness retreats.  She also served clinical and executive positions in hospitals and treatment centers over the 50 years of her career. Listen to Nita on The Hoffman Podcast – A Courageous Ripple   Nita has authored two books: Soul Whispering: The Art of Awakening Shamanic Consciousness and Women in Storage: How to Reimagine Your Life. As mentioned in this episode: Dean Ornish Ornish.com ACEs – Adverse Childhood Experiences Sausalito, CA Moloka’i, Hawaii •   Hui Ho’olana Retreat Center Buddhist Fundamental Teachings Co-Dependency Work addiction Chronic Illness/Disease IONS – Institute of Noetic Sciences, Established by Hoffman Graduate, Astronaut, Dr. Edgar Mitchell. “I realized that the story of ourselves as told by science—our cosmology, our religion—was incomplete and likely flawed. I recognized that the Newtonian idea of separate, independent, discrete things in the universe wasn’t a fully accurate description. What was needed was a new story of who we are and what we are capable of becoming.” Dr. Edgar Mitchell HeartMath Recycling – Hoffman tool Self-Compassion •   Kristen Neff and self-compassion on the Hoffman Podcast – Goodwill & Intention, the Magic Ingredients •   Chris Germer and self-compassion on the Hoffman Podcast – The Antidote to Shame Randy Perkins – previous Hoffman Institute Foundation Board Member “Today is a good day to die.” Lee’s book, Enjoy Every Sandwich: Living Each Day as If It Were Your Last Warren Zevon’s final appearance on the David Letterman Show The iPod The Shadow •   “Do you want to be good or do you want to be whole?” Carl Jung John Lennon

Miranda Barnhart Domenico, a mom of two, came to the Hoffman Process wanting to heal from a recent, painful breakup. Even before arriving at the retreat site, Miranda realized that she was coming for so much more. With two difficult relationships behind her, Miranda discovered that blaming her ex-partners wasn’t helping. Instead, she found that by looking back to her childhood she could heal what was driving the difficulties in her relationships. As she joyfully recounts, Miranda was reunited with her young self at the Process. Her story gives us deep insight into the nature of negative patterns and the Negative Love Syndrome. Miranda can now talk about her painful childhood story without being nearly as triggered. From the time she was young, Miranda had lived her life disconnected from both her emotional self and her Spiritual Self. Learning about the Quadrinity reconnected Miranda back to her Spirit and her emotions. Now, one of the most important things she wants to impart to her daughters is the understanding that feeling, and talking about, their emotions is vital to healthy relating. We hope you enjoy this powerful Love’s Everyday Raidus conversation with Miranda and Drew. More about Miranda Barnhart Domenico: Miranda Barnhart Domenico, a mom of two, moved to Colorado, on her own, directly after high school, balancing college and work while building a tech career. She embraced travel, outdoor adventures, and her career until building a family shifted her focus in her 30s.   Though Miranda stepped back from some of the outdoor pursuits she loved, her dedication to being an athlete, an exceptional mom, and a driven professional never wavered.  She hadn’t realized that she wasn’t doing any of those three things wholly as she had fallen prey to trying to master all three without emotion and a deeper purpose. It wasn’t until Miranda’s divorce and other personal challenges led her to the Hoffman Process in 2019, that she rediscovered her authentic self.  Now, she leads with vulnerability, inspiring others through connection. Once ultra-independent, Miranda channels that strength into leadership, mentoring at work, coaching young athletes, and finding purpose in empowering others.  Her mission is clear: to show up authentically and create spaces where others feel inspired to do the same. Follow Miranda on Instagram and LinkedIn. As mentioned in this episode: The Quadrinity – Symbol of the Process Quad checks for grads and non-grads alike daily on Instagram at 6:00 pm PT White Sulphur Springs, Hoffman’s old retreat site Bashing day: Bashing is one form of Expression done in the Process. to help students somatically release the negative patterns. To let go of our patterns, we must exercise our free will – choose to step out of a pattern and take action using our Voice, Body, and Intention. Expression is not necessarily about anger – it’s about “claiming” your life. It’s about taking a stand. Sometimes that includes anger, but it can also be about joy, love, commitment, and empowerment. Read more… Growth Mindset •   Developing a Growth Mindset by Carol Dweck, Stanford Professor Recycling – Hoffman transformation tool Brené Brown – Shame Resilience  

Sarah Hernholm, the Founder and President of Whatever It Takes (WIT), is our guest today. Through WIT, Sarah supports teens and young adults in using their voices, launching businesses, and creating sustainable impact in their communities. Feeling “sick and tired of being sick and tired,” Sarah came to our retreat site in Connecticut to attend the Process. During the Process, students face the pain of the past and learn to take responsibility for their lives. It’s challenging work. As a writer, podcast host, and three-time TEDx speaker, Sarah is used to speaking honestly and eloquently. While at the Process, she voiced her feelings of wanting to leave. In response, her coach, Drew, suggested she take it one session at a time. Sarah was able to do that and stayed. She’s glad she did. Sarah beautifully expresses that she found it “really overwhelming to take on the history of being yourself and of what that has been.” This is what the Process is about. It is where you learn to face yourself, your past, and your behaviors. And it’s where you discover deep compassion and forgiveness for yourself and others. We’re grateful to her for sharing her experience and insights from her week at the Process. We hope you enjoy this engaging, enlightening conversation with Sarah and Drew. More about Sarah Hernholm: Sarah Hernholm is the Founder and President of Whatever It Takes (WIT). She hosts both the DO WIT podcast and the Just Start podcast. Sarah focuses on creating platforms for teens and young adults to use their voices, launch businesses, and create sustainable impact in their communities. Sarah champions young entrepreneurs committed to innovation and doing “whatever it takes to make the world a better place.” She’s a three-time TEDx speaker, a contributor to FORBES, a Today Show blogger, editor of WIT Magazine, a WSB speaker, and, one of these days, she will finally finish her book “The 11 Tips for Doing WIT.” Follow Sarah (Miss WIT), Doing Wit, and the WIT Podcast. As mentioned in this episode: Hoffman Retreat Site Connecticut – Guest House •   Donate to Guest House Hoffman Tools Gratitude – •   “Focus on the Give, not the Get” •   Gratitude Sandwich – Always focus on something good first, then on what needs improvement, and then close with something good. Hoffman Tool – A Practice of Appreciation and Gratitude Awareness Hell – In awareness hell, we use the intellect to create awareness so the body and Spirit lag behind. In awareness hell, we know we are aware of our patterns and the things we do we wish we didn’t do, but we are still unable to change. We understand but feel stuck in this place of hell even though our awareness keeps expanding.  To get out of awareness hell, our work to grow and transform must include three additional steps for change. These three steps are Expression, Compassion, and New Ways of Being. All four make up the Cycle of Transformation. Tweener – A child who is between the stages of childhood and adolescence. The term “tween” comes from this “in-between” stage 

Megan Lowry, Marine Corps Veteran, Veteran Wellness Specialist, and citizen of the Muscogee Nation is our guest today on the Podcast. Megan’s story is one of hope. She held ‘a kernel of hope’ when she came to the Hoffman Process in 2015. As a Native American, Megan wasn’t sure how she would navigate the week of the Process. She shares, “Being Native, there’s things that we do to grieve and things that we never show and never talk about just, culturally, and so just bringing all of that to the Hoffman process, it was intimidating.” Megan served our country in the Marine Corps and then in the Secret Service for President George W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush. The military was where Megan gained so much, yet it was a place that also caused her great harm. She grew and learned to “adapt and overcome,” but she suffered both sexual and emotional abuse during those years. After leaving the service, she found herself having a difficult time. Then she was fortunate to meet Lee Lesser, founder of Veteran’s PATH. Lee became a mentor to Megan, helping Megan find a path of healing that included the Hoffman Process. Now a PhD student, Megan continues to heal her significant PTSD while bringing her many skills and wisdom to serve as the commander of the Muscogee Creek Nation women’s honor guard and support Veterans in finding healing and well-being. For her dissertation, Megan intends to highlight the need for a blend of healing modalities, such as talk and recreational therapies, and ties to the community to give you purpose. Megan says, “It’s not just one thing or another, it’s a blend of so many things, of so many pieces to create the human experience.” Content warning: This episode references sexual assault, emotional trauma, and suicide. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, you can call the US National Suicide Prevention Program at 800-273-8255 (or simply 988), or message the crisis text hotline at 741741. If you are a veteran, you can also reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line. More about Megan Lowry: Megan is a Marine Corps Veteran who served as a military police officer and presidential security. She resides in Oklahoma on the Muscogee Creek Nation Reservation with her family, caring for her aging mother and two special needs stepdaughters. Her partner builds hot rods! Megan is also serving as the commander for the Muscogee Creek Nation women’s honor guard, where they are asked to travel the country providing tribal veteran representation for ceremonies. Megan received her sociology degree and her Master’s in Social Work. She is working on her PhD in Psychology while also working full time as a Veteran Wellness Specialist. She covers the state of Oklahoma for Aetna and is also on the national leadership team for veterans and native resource groups. Megan has 10 dogs, 7 chickens, 2 ducks, a pig named Pumba, and a bunny named Iggy Hop. In her free time, Megan likes to garden, be outside, cycle, and meditate. As mentioned in this episode: Mvto – “Thank you.” in Muscogee Creek •   More on the Muscogee Creek language Read and watch more about Megan and her life at the University of Tulsa website. Lee Lesser •   Sensory Awareness Retreat •   Veteran’s Path Secret Service, serving President George W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush •   Interview with Megan about the process of applying to the Secret Service •   Megan received the Marcy Lawless Service Award Marine Corps Military Police •   Military Sexual Trauma PTSD – Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Conex Box Muscogee Creek Nation Reservation Muscogee Creek Nation women’s honor guard Suicide in the Military Veteran’s Mental Health Congresswoman Jackie Speier Invisible Wounds Documentary Vanessa Guillen Service dog, Therapy dog,  vs. Emotional Support dog PTSD Dysregulation “It’s literally … your ordinary brain trying to cope with an extraordinary situation, and that is human. That is in essence human nature.” Megan Lowry Native Sweat Lodge Wisdom 2.0 Conference Hoffman Process tools and practices mentioned: •   Play and Celebration •   Recycling

Welcome to Season 10 of the Hoffman Podcast! We’re glad to be back with you and a new season of conversations. Marissa and Raz Ingrasci Marissa Ingrasci and Raz Ingrasci, Hoffman Process teachers, join Drew for this deep dive into the many layers of spiritual lineage running through the Process, and their own journeys to becoming Process teachers. There’s also a familial lineage, as Marissa is Raz’s daughter. Raz and Marissa came to teach the Hoffman Process through the lens of theatre. For Raz, this meant studying classic Greek theater; for Marissa, it meant studying and living the art of acting. In this conversation, they share fascinating ways theatre, in its many forms, illuminates the Process’s inner workings. Within the Hoffman Institute and the Process are layers of spiritual lineage. The spiritual lineage of teaching the Process is passed down as each new teacher takes their seat, teacher to teacher. Bob Hoffman passed the Process lineage down to Raz and Liza, Hoffman’s CEO and President and Raz’s wife when they established the Institute in the United States. Over recent years, Raz and Liza have been working to ensure the lineage continues. Raz and Marissa share a deeper understanding of the spiritual dimension in the design of the Hoffman Process. Marissa highlights the nature of the Hero’s Journey and how the week of the Process is remarkably similar. Raz, who has studied multiple Eastern spiritual traditions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, highlights how Bob Hoffman brought the Process into being in the West. We don’t have to travel to distant lands to benefit from this spiritual lineage of the Hoffman Process. We hope you enjoy this deep, delightful conversation. More about Marissa Ingrasci: Marissa Ingrasci holds a B.A. from Emerson College. She received her coaching training through the ICF-approved, Academy of Leadership Coaching and is also a certified NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming) coach. Marissa did the Hoffman Process when she was 23 years old. Marissa says, “The Hoffman Process changed my relationship with me, quieting critical voices and allowing me greater access to my inner knowing and wisdom. In short – it gave me freedom! It’s inspiring and a joy to walk alongside and support others doing this work.” More episodes with Marissa: •   Ready to Step Into the Mystery   More about Raz Ingrasci: Marissa, Raz, and Liza Ingrasci Raz Ingrasci graduated from UC Berkeley and has been an executive, consultant, and facilitator within the Human Potential Movement since 1972. He is also a Hoffman teacher and founded the Hoffman Institute Foundation in 1998. Raz took the Process in July 1989. From that experience, he had three major takeaways: “I knew my marriage would last; I could be a great dad to my young children, and I’d found work worthy of devoting my life to.” “The Hoffman Process is the most highly effective method for people to heal, discover their true nature, and live a more free, open, loving, and spontaneous life,” Raz shares. His passion for teaching the Hoffman Process is both professional and personal; it brings him into the depths of human experience where he learns at least as much as he teaches. Raz lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife of over 40 years, Liza. More episodes with Raz: •   Husband, Father, Son •   Hoffman and the Enneagram with Raz and Ward Ashman   As mentioned in this episode: Bob Hoffman, founder of the Hoffman Process Theatre and Performing Arts Greek Theatre •   Greek Mythology •   Greek Tragedy Spiritual Modalities: •   Tibetan Buddhism •   Hinduism Joseph Campbell’s and the Hero’s Journey Quote shared by Raz: “Even the truth, when believed, is a lie. You must experience the truth, not believe it.” Werner Erhard  (Referring to the spiritual truth which can only be known through experience, not through belief.) Gift from Raz to Marissa – Lucite Buddha Hoffman Institute International Jochen Windhausen: Hoffman teacher, Hoffman Affiliate License holder for Germany. Jochen was married to Christiane Windhausen. Jochen was a close friend of Bob Hoffman and a Buddhist practitioner. The Hoffman Process as a 13-week program: In the early ’80s, the Quadrinity Process (as it was known then) was a 13-week, non-residential course. Students would come to class one night a week for 13 weeks. Giles Bateman First Chairman of the Board, Hoffman Institute Foundation (1998 – 2008) Maria Montessori •   Follow the Child Greek God – Dionysus- the destroyer God. Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Sustainer, Shiva the Destroyer Hoffman Process Terminology Embodiment: “Embodiment is the state of being connected to your body and senses. It’s an active process of living life through your body’s experiences.” Read more...  Patterns or Negative Love Patterns: “Negative love patterns” refer to recurring, unhealthy behaviors or dynamics within a romantic relationship that can lead to conflict, dissatisfaction, and ultimately, a breakdown in the partnership; these patterns often stem from past experiences, poor communication, or an imbalance of power, and can include behaviors like constant criticism, emotional manipulation, codependency, stonewalling, and the inability to express needs openly.” Read more…  Spiritual Self: The Spiritual aspect of your Quadrinity A Right Road Human: Someone who chooses from the unconditioned part of oneself rather than from conditioning. BE DO HAVE – the cycle for manifesting spirituality in the world. Quad checks: Participate in Instagram Live Daily Quad-checks and Appreciation & Gratitude Practices with Hoffman teachers and teacher candidates.