Awake In Relationship

Passion and the razors edge on the tantric path with Irini Rockwell

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0700

076 From celebrities like Sting boasting about their sexual prowess to heretical gurus in white robes sleeping with students, the topic of tantra is shrouded in mystery and sometimes scandal. Working with sexual energy is only a part of the sacred outlook of tantric spirituality. Rather than withdrawing from the world of sense pleasures to cultivate awareness, tantra embraces the messy and illuminating aspects of life and relationships equally as fuel for realizing our true nature. Tantra is a transformative approach to waking up, but also comes with inherent risk. Like licking honey from a razors edge, without basic mindfulness and compassion the medicine of great bliss can turn into the poison of self deception.

In this episode of Awake in Relationship I speak with Irini Rockwell, Buddhist teacher and author of several books including The Five Wisdom Energies about the tantric journey of awakening in the modern world. In this conversation we explore the role of passion and sexuality in spiritual growth. We also discuss the yogic approach of working directly with the energetic quality of our conflicting emotions to turn confusion into unshakable wisdom.

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REWIND: Birth of the spiritual warrior with Susan Gillis Chapman

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0800

075 When war and rumours of war are everywhere in the news how we personally relate to uncertainty and show up for others matters more than ever. The temptation to harden our hearts and join the chorus of polarizing voices is difficult to resist. However, it doesn’t matter what side of a conflict we identify with or the opinions we hold. Toxic certainty, hatred and fear are contagious and the real enemies of peace. Spiritual warriorship has existed in eastern and western traditions for thousands of years to show the way of bravery. In times of crisis the spiritual warrior rises above aggression and looks within to transform a fearful mind in the cradle of compassion.

In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with returning guest Susan Gillis Chapman, Buddhist teacher and author of The 5 Keys of Mindful Communication and a new book, Which Way Is Up?: Finding Heart in the Hardest of Times, due to be published in June 2024. In this conversation we discuss the transformative power of compassion and qualities of a modern spiritual warrior living in times of great change and fear. We also discuss contemplative practices for invoking the heart of bravery and leading with love.

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If you have been loving what you are hearing on AIR please rate, review and subscribe to get the latest content fresh to your device. Sign up for our newsletter at awakeinrelationship.com to learn about upcoming programs and events.

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Kids these days: Rethinking the youth mental health crisis with Dr Nevin Harper

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0800

074 Since the time of Socrates people have been opining and pearl clutching about the wayward state of the youth. For better or worse, Millennials and Gen Z have received a tremendous amount of attention and public scrutiny from professionals and social media influencers. With labels like ‘the anxious generation' more young people find themselves defined through a mental health lens and aggressively treated for conditions that previously may have been considered adaptive challenges of adolescence.

Rather than focusing on a perceived fragility of young people or finger pointing at over protective parenting, the origins of the youth mental health crisis might be sourced in common issues we all struggle with in the digital age and the anxieties of professionals and policy makers.

In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with Dr Nevin Harper, nature based clinical therapist and coauthor of Kids These Days: Understanding and supporting youth mental health. In this conversation we talk about the societal and cultural origins of our current thinking around the youth mental health and 3 common disruptors in modern life that negatively effect the developmental process. We also discuss how to shift focus from an interventionist approach to returning to the basics of mental health, including healthy attachments, connection to the natural world and encouraging risk tolerance to create the conditions for young people to thrive.

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Masculine spirit and the recovering ‘nice guy’ with Jason Lange

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0800

073 Only recently have both women and men been able to liberate themselves from the yoke of patriarchal norms. The transition to a more egalitarian, post modern society in the last 50 years also meant a rejection of historical narratives about manhood, including what some mythological traditions call the masculine spirit. In the absence of this archetypal energy, many men languish and struggle with a deep insecurity about their place in a fast changing world.

While the media focuses on caricatures of alpha males and examples of ‘toxic masculinity’, the shadow side of men, especially well intentioned and conscious men, more often appears in the form of the ‘nice guy’. Dr Robert Glover first coined the term ‘nice guy syndrome’ to describe a complex of self defeating traits, including passivity, excessive people pleasing, covert manipulation and weak personal boundaries. Paradoxically, nice guys rarely get what they truly want from relationships or life by being nice.

In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with Jason Lange, men’s embodiment coach, group leader and podcaster, about men’s shadow work to recover the generative power of the masculine spirit. In this conversation we discuss the origins of nice guy syndrome, it presentation in intimate relationships and creating transformative spaces for men to be seen and supported to rise to the challenge of modern masculinity.

Do you have suggestions for guests or feedback on the show? Send us an email at awakeinrelationshippodcast@gmail.com

Salon culture and the art of hosting conversations that matter with Justine Kolata

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0700

072 The age of connectivity was supposed to give everyone a voice and spread liberal values around the world, but instead public discourse in the digital town square has been reduced to 280 characters and cynical memes shared with strangers. In contrast to the dumpster fire of social media is the rich tradition of a salon culture that thrived during the age of enlightenment. From the ferment of these social gatherings flowed a new world of reason and possibility, including egalitarian systems of self governance and the inalienable rights that have come to define the West, but are now under threat.

Innate to the experience of salons is the pursuit of meaning, connection and beauty. As more of life is lived online there are fewer spaces in the real world where diverse people and perspectives can engage in healthy and spirited exchange about things that truly matter. In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with Justine Kolata, a philosopher, salonnière and author of In Pursuit of the Beautiful Soul about reviving the art of conversation as an antidote to online toxicity and restoring hope in a brighter future through holding space for beauty and heartfelt dialogue.

If you have been loving what you are hearing on AIR please rate, review and subscribe to get the latest content fresh to your device. Sign up for our newsletter at awakeinrelationship.com to learn about upcoming programs and events.

Do you have suggestions for guests or feedback on the show? Send us an email at awakeinrelationshippodcast@gmail.com

ON AIR: Chosen family and the mirror of relationships with Silas Rose

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0700

071 As we transition to fall and celebrate thanksgiving (In Canada) it seems like a natural time to focus on the hearth, the place of warmth, family and community. The constellation of people we share our world with, especially our chosen family, are always reflecting something back to us, some important feedback. In this short monologue Silas Rose explores the mirror like quality of our close relationships, known in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition as the Mandala Principle. Like a Buddha in the centre of a colourful sacred circle by bringing awareness to every conversation we can transform our habitual patterns and reactivity. When we change, the image in the mirror also changes. In this way our circle of relationships expands and we can experience greater openness and joy.

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Getting into flow: Productivity and work that feeds your soul with Steve Puri

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0700

070 The road to original and impactful work can be long and lonely. The digital age has enabled more freedom, creativity and opportunity, but also epidemic levels of disconnection and distraction. It is estimated that 20 percent of North Americas are involved in some early stage enterprise or work online. Even more are opting for remote or hybrid work. When we are literally switching screens every 3 minutes new strategies and tools are needed to help us access our potential and do deep work.

In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with Steve Puri, CEO of The Sukha, a productivity app and community of remote workers to discuss hacks for getting into flow, the creative process and building healthy relationships and teams online and off. Steven draws on insights from a long career as a producer and studio executive at DreamWorks and 20th Century Fox for being more productive and getting to the real work that feeds your soul.

Do you have suggestions for guests or feedback on the show? Send us an email at awakeinrelationshippodcast@gmail.com

Credit: Music used in this episode intro by Grand_Project

The pilgrimage from the head to the deep heart with Dr. John Prendergast

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0700

069 The heart is not just a pump, it is also the tender center of our being we most often guard and long to liberate. As young children we got to experience the wonders of life through an open heart, but also the pain of separation and in some cases, betrayal. The process of adulting in a materialistic culture necessitates constructing elaborate strategies and conceptual shells to navigate the chaos of life and keep us safe. However, the more we identify with our thoughts and live life from head, the more disconnected we become from our true nature and sense of aliveness. The desire for wholeness demands an inner journey into the deep heart.

In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with Dr John J Prendergast, non dual spiritual teacher, psychotherapist and author of The Deep Heart: Your Portal into Presence and Your Deepest Ground about the archetypal spiritual journey of restoring connection with the subtle and profound wisdom of the heart. In this conversation we also discuss the intersection of psychotherapy and a grounded approach to spirituality in working through trauma and internal blocks to loving more fully.

Do you have suggestions for guests or feedback on the show? Send us an email at awakeinrelationshippodcast@gmail.com

Credit: Music used in this episode intro by Orangery

Loneliness and the highest yoga of love with Susan Gillis Chapman

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0700

068 The spiritual journey is not all love and light. The more one commits to waking up, the more life is punctuated by times of intense loneliness and a longing to be liberated from the sense of separateness. The nature of love is expansive and free flowing. Only when we fixate and try to constrain it does it become transactional and begin to sour. Without warning the transcendent joy of a passionate love affair can turn to self doubt and neediness.

According to the Buddhist tantric tradition, love is a vast storehouse of energy that exists beyond the dualistic barrier of ego clinging or relationship status and is available to all who are brave enough to seek its truth. By becoming familiar with the open nature of love we can dance and communicate with others with greater delight and ease. In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with Buddhist author, teacher and returning guest, Susan Gillis Chapman on the non dual, indestructible nature of love and cutting through ego’s obsessive strategy to possess it.

Do you have suggestions for guests or feedback on the show? Send us an email at awakeinrelationshippodcast@gmail.com

Credit: Music used in this episode intro by Grand_Project

Dancing with the Shadow and conscious relationships with Dr Connie Zweig

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0700

067 Every rose has its thorn... so too, there is no intimacy without first facing the Shadow. In the background of our quest to be known and held deeply in relationship is a murky and sometimes dangerous territory. The Shadow contains a lifetime of unmet needs and raw emotion that can resurface abruptly in situations involving power, money and sex. It also holds a vast treasure trove of latent gifts and the potential of love waiting to be expressed if we are brave enough to look.

In a time when 50 percent of marriages end in divorce and1/3 of us live alone shadow work may be the secret to transforming old wounds and self defeating patterns and realizing our deepest desires in conscious intimacy and connection. In this episode of Awake In Relationship we welcome back Dr Connie Zweig, retired Jungian and author of Romancing the Shadow to discuss the path of shadow work and waking up in our relationships.

Do you have suggestions for guests or feedback on the show? Send us an email at awakeinrelationshippodcast@gmail.com

Intro to Season 3: Conscious relationships at the dawn of AI with Silas Rose

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0700

066 After an extended hiatus Awake In Relationship is back on the AIR with season 3! In this short episode Silas discusses the origins of the loneliness epidemic and the evolution of his mission in the brave new world of super intelligent machines to help people reclaim time and attention from devices to invest in conscious relationships and deep work in the real world.

Do you have suggestions for guests or feedback on the show? Send us an email at awakeinrelationshippodcast@gmail.com

REWIND: The state of boys and men outside the 'man box' with David Jurasek

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 02:00:00 -0700

065 In this episode of REWIND we revisit an interview about mens struggle to find a generative form of masculinity in a rapidly changing world. FYI we will be taking a break from regular publishing over summer and be back in fall with the launch of season 3. Stay tuned!

In almost every metric of success including education, career advancement and earning potential men have fallen behind the opposite sex. In this conversation I speak with David Jurasek, psychotherapist and mens coach about the current state of boys and men and the often overlooked causes of antisocial male behaviour, under performance and inability to access emotional help. We also discuss ways conscious men can re-access the power latent in their biology and psyche in healthy ways that serve others and open to greater love and a sense of purpose.

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If you have been loving what you are hearing on AIR please rate, review and subscribe to get the latest content fresh to your device. Sign up for our newsletter at awakeinrelationship.com to learn about upcoming programs and events.

Do you have suggestions for guests or feedback on the show? Send us an email at awakeinrelationshippodcast@gmail.com

ON AIR: Social fitness & relating in the wild with Silas Rose

Fri, 17 May 2024 02:00:00 -0700

064 Long before the pandemic many of us were practicing some form of social distancing. Modern life is rich in connectivity, yet so often lacking in the felt sense of connection and belonging. In the transition to the digital world more of life is being lived online and we are more lonely than ever. Like a muscle that never gets flexed, the close relationships that we rely on in good times and bad can quickly atrophy if we are not paying attention. In this instalment of ON AIR host Silas Rose discusses the importance of social fitness and reclaiming time and focus from the algorithms for real world relationships.

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If you have been loving what you are hearing on AIR please rate, review and subscribe to get the latest content fresh to your device. Sign up for our newsletter at awakeinrelationship.com to learn about upcoming programs and events.

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Spiritual warriorship in a world on the edge of war with Susan Gillis Chapman

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 02:00:00 -0700

063 When war and rumours of war are everywhere in the news how we personally relate to uncertainty and show up for others matters more than ever. The temptation to harden our hearts and join the chorus of polarizing voices is difficult to resist. However, it doesn’t matter what side of a conflict we identify with or the opinions we hold. Toxic certainty, hatred and fear are contagious and the real enemies of peace. Spiritual warriorship has existed in eastern and western traditions for thousands of years to show the way of bravery. In times of crisis the spiritual warrior rises above aggression and looks within to transform a fearful mind in the cradle of compassion.

Do you have suggestions for guests or feedback on the show? Send us an email at awakeinrelationshippodcast@gmail.com

Micro dosing & psychedelic therapy for evolving your relationships with Jim Kragtwyk

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0800

062 From Silicone Valley tech bros to stressed out single moms, many people are proclaiming the therapeutic virtues of micro dosing for enhancing creativity and mental health. Micro dosing involves the consumption of a sub perceptual, fractional quantity of psilocybin or LSD, typically 1/5th to 1/20th of a recreational dose. Once vilified, interest in psychedelics and psychedelic therapy has exploded in recent years leading to a number of high profile FDA approved drug trials for treatment resistant depression, anxiety and addictions.

In a time when an epidemic of loneliness and despair is spreading like wildfire could micro dosing help nudge our perceptual reality towards a more hopeful future and richer relationships? In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with returning guest Jim Kragtwyk, a registered clinical counsellor and educator who specializes in psychedelic integration work. In this discussion we talk about the current research and possible psycho-social and emotional benefits of micro dosing for overcoming self imposed barriers to deeper creativity, growth and relationships.

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If you have been loving what you are hearing on AIR please rate, review and subscribe to get the latest content fresh to your device. Sign up for our newsletter at awakeinrelationship.com to learn about upcoming programs and events.

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Powerful questions for illuminating the hidden spaces of love with Topaz Adizes

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0800

061 The modern world is filled with connectivity, yet for so many people the need for authentic connection goes unmet. Even in a long term relationship we can hide our vulnerability and true desires, sometimes for decades. When we avoid having the important and risky conversations with the people we love we miss a precious opportunity for deeper intimacy and healing old wounds. The questions we ask have the power to illuminate and transform any relationship for the better.

In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with Topaz Adizes, an Emmy Award-winning director, experience design architect and author of 12 Questions For Love: A Guide to Intimate Conversations and Deeper Relationships. Since 2014 Topaz has been documenting intimate conversations in an celebrated series called THE AND, which has been viewed by millions of people online. In this chat we talk about the nature of love, the modern hunger for intimacy and how to hold space for conversations that matter. We also discuss how the questions we ask can help us see loved ones in a new light.

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If you have been loving what you are hearing on AIR please rate, review and subscribe to get the latest content fresh to your device. Sign up for our newsletter at awakeinrelationship.com to learn about upcoming programs and events.

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The tender art of breaking up & caring for a broken heart with Mel Cassidy

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 02:00:00 -0800

060 For anyone who has loved and lost you know how much it can hurt when the fairy tale ends. Neuroscience has shown that social and emotional pain stimulate the same regions of the brain as physical pain. However, while heartbreak might be the price we pay at the end of a relationship it doesn’t mean we have to suffer. The grief that follows breaking up is an invitation to mend our most primary relationship, the one we have with ourselves.

In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with returning guest Mel Cassidy, a relationship coach and educator who focuses on ethical non monogamy, about the subtle art of breaking up and tending to a broken heart. We also discuss how to know when it is time to end a relationship and how to exit in a compassionate and clean way.

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ON AIR: Courting the MUSE and other subversive acts in 2024 with Silas Rose

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 02:00:00 -0800

059 Artists and creators have always held a special station in life, even if their work goes unnoticed. It is the artist who sees the details of life that we often miss, speaks truth to power and imagines into existence new ways of being. Central to the creative process is the source of inspiration, the Muse. When the Muse is present middling art and science is elevated to greatness. The Muse awakens the senses and ignites revolutions.

In this instalment of ON AIR the host of Awake In Relationship Silas Rose explores the critical role of the artist and Muse in breaking through the current state of cultural stagnation and polarization to imagine a hopeful future again.

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REWIND Authentic Relating: Revealing your truth on the first date with Ryel Kestano

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 02:00:00 -0800

058 If your New Year's resolutions include improving your social fitness this holiday replay is for you!

The promise of online social platforms was access to an infinite pool of new friends and possible mates. However, rather than making the search for love easier, the apps have trained our brains to select connections based on the shallowest metrics. For anyone with a heartfelt desire to find love the daily grind of swiping left and right can feel soul destroying. Authenticity and real intimacy requires letting go of our curated online personas and masks to reveal the truth of our inner experience at every stage of relationship.

In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak to the cofounder and lead coach of Authentic Relating Training International Ryel Kestano about using the tools and practice of Authentic Relating in the murky realms of dating. We also discuss the role of curiosity and following the thread of aliveness in conversations to quickly build trust and connection on the first date.

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Getting to the roots of ecological anxiety with David Segal

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 02:00:00 -0800

057 Ecological anxiety a is new diagnostic label describing a complex of physical and emotional symptoms related to existential dread and despair around the state of the environment. Extreme weather events like wild fires, floods and hurricanes in combination with politicians slow walking meaningful change is causing many, especially young people to give up on a hopeful vision for the future.

In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with returning guest David Segal, therapist and co founder of Human Nature Counselling, a not for profit society with a mission to provide accessible nature based therapy for youth and adults. This conversation explores some of the unique challenges we face as humans living through the Climate crisis and identifies common physical and emotional symptoms of ecological anxiety and grief. We also discuss proactive ways for processing the collective trauma of the climate crisis and finding the will to take action in community and our innate connection to the natural world.

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ON AIR: Searching for the love & light in the fog of war with Silas Rose

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 02:00:00 -0800

056 The Oct 7th attack on Israel has ignited a new hot war in the middle east and a polarizing information war online. For many people around the world the conflict between Israel and Palestine touches old wounds of injustice as a cycle of religious violence repeats again and claims more innocent lives. If anything has been learned from this war it is that history is complex and good and evil are indistinguishable in the fog of war.

In this instalment of ON AIR Silas Rose, the host of Awake In Relationship, reflects on the unspoken grief at the centre of his Jewish identity and the prescient need to recognize and interrupt the chain reactions of suffering and violence, beginning with our own complex and sometimes paradoxical emotions.

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Heart centred business and healing your relationship to money with Mark Silver

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0700

055 There are few things in life more ephemeral than money. Those who seek an enduring happiness and freedom through a path of awakening often find themselves rich in spirit, but constantly struggling to keep the lights on, literally. This is especially true for creators, social entrepreneurs and heart based business owners who lead with their values. Survival and success requires that we first go through the fire of reconciling our relationship with money. Rather than being the root of all evil, money can be a natural expression of the inherent richness at the core of the human spirit, even in an unjust economic system.

In this episode of Awake In Relationships I speak with Mark Silver, business mentor and author of Heart centred business: Healing from a toxic business culture so your small business can thrive about the possibilities that arise when we put love and our deepest values at the center of our work and business. We also discuss some of the unconscious blocks that prevent spiritual entrepreneurs from achieving financial growth and how to re-align our heart with the income and the impact in the world we desire.

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Original Sin: The split between sex and spirit with Indrus Piche

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0700

054 The struggle to reconcile the better angels of our nature with powerful, earthly desires of the flesh is familiar to anyone on a spiritual path. Historically vilified and repressed by religious intuitions and the state, our sexual energy often hides in the shadows. Unexamined, it remains as a juvenile object of fascination or worse, a corrupting influence to avoid at all costs.

The sexual revolution cast off centuries of rigid norms around sex, yet half a century later instead of liberation we have fallen into what many experts have called a ‘sex recession’, especially among young adults. A legacy of trauma, internalized shame and fear around sex endures and has blocked many from experiencing the full potential of their sexuality for connection, creativity and transcendence.

In the episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with Indus Piche, transpersonal therapist and sacred sexuality teacher, about healing the hidden religious and cultural blocks to sexual expression and freedom. We also discuss practical steps to reclaiming our sexual energy as a source of empowerment in daily life and spiritual growth.

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Conscious dance, compersion and the music that moves us with Shauna Devlin

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0700

053 Since time immemorial humans have danced in tribal and shamanic ceremonies for healing and social harmony. The rhythmic beat of a djembe or a subwoofer connects us with the internal rhythm of the heart and entrains us with others. When we move together we co regulate our nervous systems in times of high stress. All over the planet the phenomena of ecstatic dance is breaking down barriers to connection and building diverse communities. In a time of great uncertainty dance is the perfect medicine for casting off fear and reconnecting to joy.

In this instalment of Awake In Relationship I speak with Shauna Devlin, the founder of Dance Your Ability, a Not for Profit organization that is bringing conscious dance to marginalized populations including elders and the differently abled. Shauna trained in 5 Rhythms with Gabrielle Roth and has rocked dance floors for over 20 years. In this conversation we explore the many facets and forms of conscious dance from the perspective of a seasoned facilitator and DJ. We also discuss the power of music and moving together for healing old wounds and how to make dance medicine more accessible to those who need it most.

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Awakening to the Shadow on the spiritual path with Dr. Connie Zweig

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 02:00:00 -0700

052 For decades people have been leaving traditional religious institutions in droves to pursuit a more direct path to enlightenment through eastern practices like meditation and yoga. In this lonely world it can be intoxicating to find a community that feels like home and provides a sense of safety and support to explore your spiritual longing in depth. If you are fortunate enough to connect with a teacher or mentor it might even feel like destiny calling.

In many traditions the teacher/student relationship is considered sacred because unlike other worldly relationships an authentic spiritual teacher can see through our BS and offer a glimpse into the ultimate view, our true nature beyond dualistic thought and ego clinging. However, the highest bliss of devotion also contains the possibility of a poison pill that neither student or teacher are prepared to swallow.

Great realization doesn’t necessarily mean great emotional intelligence or the absence of the shadow. The shadow is a Jungian term for the unconscious mind where we store our deepest family secrets, repressed emotions, unmet desires, and also our unexpressed potential. We only become aware of the shadow when it is activated in intimate relationships that involve power, sex and money.

What is a spiritual path for if not to bring to the light the most hidden aspects of ourselves? Yet so many spiritual communities are blindsided when allegations of clergy abuse surface. In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with Dr. Connie Zweig, author of Meeting the Shadow on the Spiritual Path: The dance of darkness and light in our search for awakening, about the archetypal quest for transcendence and the inevitable disillusionment that results when divinity mixes with human fallibility. We also discuss some of the lessons learned from patterns of misconduct in the west and how recover trust in the teacher student dynamic and joy on the path of awakening through shadow work.

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REWIND: Great intimacy begins with healthy boundaries with Mel Cassidy

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0700

051 In this episode of REWIND we revisit a conversation with relationship expert and coach Mel Cassidy focused on creating health boundaries. Personal boundaries are a natural part of any relationship, but rarely are they discussed openly until a line has been crossed.

After Covid lockdowns many people have discovering their edge the hard way. In this episode of AIR I speak with Mel Cassidy, a relationship coach who focuses on polyamory and honest non monogamy, about the art of negotiating agreements and boundaries, especially in complex relationships. We also explore how trauma shows up in intimacy and how to use mindfulness and the messages arising from our somatic experiences to guide towards our deepest needs and desires in relationship.

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ON AIR: Synthetic relationships and what makes us human with Silas Rose

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 02:00:00 -0700

050 ON AIR is a short monologue where Silas digs deeper into some of relational themes covered on the podcast and current affairs, Artificial Intelligence is all the buzz after the release of Chat GBT4 by Open AI in the fall of 2022. This version caught many technologists by surprise as it was able to pass the bar exam, right code in seconds and engage in human like dialogue with ease. It is now possible for anyone with an internet who is lonely to form complex, emotionally bonded relationships with non human chat bots.

The birth of a new super intelligence make possible a golden age, freeing humanity from sickness, poverty and war. However, we have been given godlike power, without the compassion and wisdom of the gods. Snap Chat, Microsoft, Facebook and Google are racing to add AI functionality to their platforms to drive engagement. Whoever controls the most powerful Ai holds the ring of power.

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Marketing your conscious business without selling your soul with Tad Hargrave

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 02:00:00 -0700

049 There are few personal growth paths harder than starting a business. Social entrepreneurs who care deeply about the relationships they have with their clients can find that the line between selling and serving sometimes gets blurry. Those new to business often under value their work and avoid marketing like the plague, limiting their income potential and impact in the world .

In this episode I speak with Tad Hargrave, business mentor for the Marketing for Hippies membership community about practical ways to communicate your value and get noticed in a noisy global marketplace without selling your soul. We also discuss some of the myths and hidden motives behind popular relationship marketing tactics and a simple 3 step formula for marketing that centers on authenticity and finding alignment with the people you most want to serve.

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Searching for truth and the middle way in a post truth world with Susan Gillis Chapman

Wed, 10 May 2023 04:00:00 -0700

048 Just like the natural world the information ecosystem we rely on daily for important news and meaning making is under threat. The internet was supposed to democratize access to human knowledge and wisdom, Instead, once trusted gatekeepers of information and moral authorities have been replaced by millions of self appointed experts, online content creators and bots. This has led to a proliferation of low quality information, propaganda, and sometimes bold faced lies. The truth is harder than ever to find and verify. Without shared truths the consensus reality we occupy falls prey to the proclamations of those with the biggest platform or loudest voice.

In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with returning guest Buddhist author and teacher Susan Gillis Chapman about the search for truth and meaning in a time when many of the stable ontological reference points of daily life are dissolving. In this discussion we explore the loss of knowledge keepers and the possibility of an experiential truth arising from contemplative disciplines like self inquiry, debate and mindfulness meditation. We also talk about overcoming toxic certainty and how to create safe spaces for important conversations that restore a sense of shared truths.

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The state of boys and men outside the 'man box' with David Jurasek

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 02:00:00 -0700

047 The man box is a sociological term coined in the 1980s describing a rigid set of behaviours boys are expected to conform to become ‘real men’ in society, including aggression, dominance, mental and physical toughness, self sufficiency and emotional restraint. Dismantling this old map of masculinity has been important for moving closer to gender equality. However, the absence of a clear vision for a generative form of masculinity to replace the man box has resulted in a generation of men who are struggling to find purpose, direction and belonging in a rapidly changing world.

In almost every metric of success including education, career advancement and earning potential men have fallen behind the opposite sex. In this conversation I speak with David Jurasek, psychotherapist and mens coach about the current state of boys and men and the often overlooked causes of antisocial male behaviour, under performance and inability to access emotional help. We also discuss ways conscious men can re-access the power latent in their biology and psyche in healthy ways that serve others and open to greater love and a sense of purpose.

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REWIND: Consent and the path of pleasure with Betty Martin

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 02:00:00 -0700

046 As mammals we are intrinsically wired to experience pleasure, but how we actualize our desires in this modern age has never seemed more complex. The pandemic times added a new layer of anxiety to the simple human need for intimacy and connection. Touch can be incredibly healing and transformative when mindfully offered and received fully. Consent is an ongoing process of mutual agreements, rather than a destination. As partners in the path of pleasure it is possible to move beyond old wounds and expand our capacity for love and deep intimacy.

In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with author and educator Betty Martin regarding her new book The Art of Giving and Receiving:The Wheel of Consent and how to arrive at YES in any relationship. We also discuss how relaxation and the curiosity to follow your own pleasure can lead to deeper ecstatic states in intimacy.

From surviving to thriving in traumatic times with Jennifer Summerfeldt

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0800

045 Trauma shapes the trajectory of life and relationships in profound and often long lasting ways. Most of the time the effects are hidden in the background of daily life and only come to surface in times of high stress. Many of us are walking wounded. One in two adults have experienced a major traumatic event. Trauma can show up in mental health challenges and complex social problems like the opioid crisis. When the survival mechanism is active it is hard to see above the clouds. Without perspective we are prone to repeating dysfunctional relationship dynamics from the past rather than being open to possibilities of greater love and connection in the present.

In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with Jennifer Summerfeldt, clinical counsellor and birthing doula about about mastering our neurobiology to develop the capacity to relax old survival strategies to move into a thriving state no matter what is happening in our internal or external worlds.

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ON AIR: Season 2 and the ART of reconnecting with Silas Rose

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 04:00:00 -0800

044 After a hiatus Awake In Relationship is back! In this episode host Silas Rose talks about his personal bardo experience in the summer of 2022 and the vision for SEASON 2 of the podcast. In this short monologue Silas also discusses social fitness and the art of reconnecting in an age of constant distractions and dysregulation and the rise of a loneliness epidemic as our attention is increasingly being fragmented and monopolized by algorithms.

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Fear as a stepping stone to fearless love with Susan Gillis Chapman

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 02:00:00 -0700

During the past couple of years our lives have been disrupted in ways we never thought possible. Having seamlessly transitioned from a global pandemic to major European land war with global implications you might be feeling some background anxiety about the future. The spectre of fear always shows up in times of great transition when things are most fluid and uncertain. However, rather than freezing it is possible to relate directly with fear and see its illusory quality. This liberates us from the internal bondages that normally constrict our capacity for love.

In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with return guest Susan Gillis Chapman about discovering the path of fearlessness in the moments when we are most vulnerable and afraid. We also discuss the 3 kinds of fear that show up when the familiar reference of life suddenly fall apart and how mindfulness can help us access the inner resources of self compassion, confidence and bravery.

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Thriving in business and life without social media with Bradley T Morris

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 02:00:00 -0700

042 Since the inception of Facebook in 2004 social media platforms have come to dominate both the marketing and information landscape by tapping into to the intimate human need for connection and community. In exchange for ‘free’ online services tech companies mine our personal data for extraordinary profits while turning ‘users’ into free content creators and dopamine addicts. Even as the harmful effects on mental health and civil society come to light, it is hard to imagine doing business or life without a robust social media presence.

In this episode AIR I speak with Bradley T Morris, creative director at Majik Media about breaking free from the algorithms and reclaiming our creativity by investing in a village minded business and life based on collaborative, heart centred relationships. We also discuss the top strategies Bradley used to grow a 6 figure business after deleting his social media accounts.

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Finding home in awakened heart with Silas Rose

Fri, 27 May 2022 02:00:00 -0700

041 The longing for home and belonging runs deep, especially in times of crisis and change. Home is a place of comfort and safety and the container of our dreams. However, comfort can also trap us in a thick cocoon made up of our habitual patterns, relationships and emotions cultivated over years and decades. To know our deeper purpose and truth we eventually need to give up the familiar reference points of home for something new and uncertain.

In this short monologue Silas explores the complex emotions around home provoked by a recent move as well as the paradox of discovering awakened heart after chasing the wrong dream.

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Teaching Bravery: The education of compassionate warriors with Noel McLellan

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 01:00:00 -0700

040 Next to home school is where children and teens spend most of their time. Teachers have a profound influence on their students, in a way that goes beyond the mere imparting of knowledge. Educators are the ambassadors and elders of the culture, capable of passing on the positive values and aspirations of society, but also the collective anxieties and fears. By tuning into the innate awareness and compassion of learners teachers can inspire the next generation to be brave, open and loving no matter how uncertain the future may be.

In this episode I speak with Noel McClellan, educator and author of Teaching Bravery: Meditation and heart advice for teachers about self care, embodied awareness and the inner path of teaching and effective parenting. We also discuss the role of mindfulness meditation for transforming the learning environment from stress and overwhelm to deep connection and trust in basic goodness.

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Authentic Relating: Revealing your truth on the first date with Ryel Kestano

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 02:00:00 -0700

039 The promise of online social platforms was access to an infinite pool of new friends and possible mates. However, rather than making the search for love easier, the apps have trained our brains to select mates based on the shallowest metrics. For anyone with a heartfelt desire to find love the daily grind of swiping left and right can feel soul destroying. Authenticity and real intimacy requires letting go of our curated online personas and masks to reveal the truth of our inner experience at every stage of relationship.

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Reawakening the village heart and mind in the climate crisis with Brandy Gallagher

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 02:00:00 -0800

038 Ecovillages are an innovative model of living that integrates the needs for affordable housing, livelihood and community into natural systems. Intentional communities often begin with a powerful idealistic vision, but many fail when confronted with the realities of complex human relationships and power dynamics. We evolved over thousands of years in intimate groups sharing resources, but now one third of us live alone. To successfully transition to a low carbon, sustainable future, we first need to rediscover the heart of the village and cultivate a cooperative culture.

In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with Brandy Gallagher, educator and executive director of OUR Ecovillage about the evolution of the ecovillage movement, permaculture design and deep adaptation. We also discuss the realities of living in community including power dynamics and conflict, as well as the potential for finding a way of life filled with connection and belonging.

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REWIND; The Lover archetype in dangerous times with Indrus Piche

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 02:00:00 -0800

037 In this episode we celebrate Valentines day by digging into Awake In Relationship's back catalogue to replay an early interview about the Lover archetype with Indrus Piche.

There is nothing like a pandemic and 2 years of social distancing to make one yearn for the presence of the beloved. Regardless if one is single or partnered the lover archetype can be both a source of tremendous inspiration or the agent of our own undoing.

The shadow aspect of the Lover is present in many negative habitual patterns of relationship, By skillfully embracing and integrating our desires, rather than suppressing them, it is possible to reclaim the transformational power of the Lover in everyday life.

In this episode we talk with Indrus Piche, a transpersonal therapist, couples counsellor and sacred sexuality teacher about the power of archetypes and path of Lover in dangerous times.

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ON AIR: Why Awake In Relationship? with Silas Rose

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 02:00:00 -0800

036 ON AIR is a pithy monologue by Silas Rose, the host of Awake In Relationship, exploring topics arising from guest interviews and current affairs. In this segment Silas reintroduces the podcast for new listeners.

February marks the 2 year anniversary of AIR. The show launched in the wake of some big personal losses and a global pandemic. The inspiration or 'why' of Awake In Relationship comes from a realization that many of the relationships we have relied on for generations of stability, comfort and wellbeing are in serious disrepair or breaking down in these times of change.

We have been social distancing for a while, long before Covid. If we want a better world we need better relationships. The ‘awake’ in Awake In Relationships speaks to a quality of awareness that acknowledges our intrinsic goodness and worthiness of love in its many magical forms. Through practicing the art of connection in daily life a saner, more compassionate world is possible.

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Individual rights VS the social contract in a pandemic with Hon. Brian Peckford

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 02:00:00 -0800

Since the time of Cleisthenes and Pericles freedom has been the aspirational force behind the formation of democracies around the world. However, as history has shown the path to securing individual freedoms often comes at a high cost. Public health restrictions and mandates during the pandemic have challenged our constitutional rights in ways not seen since times of war. As we enter year 3 of the war on Covid with a new variant and record case counts the tension between individual rights and the social contract is becoming impossible to ignore.

In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with Hon. Brian Peckford, former Premier of Newfoundland Labrador (1979 - 1989) and last living architect of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, about the history of the Charter and its significance in the era of Covid.

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Discovering intrinsic health in a world running out of sanity with Melissa Moore

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 02:00:00 -0800

034 The pandemic has highlighted some fundamental and often painful differences in worldview between nations, political parties, friends and family. As we enter a 5th wave polarization and fear can undermine our collective ability to respond effectively to a changing world. According to contemplative psychology we all possess intrinsic health, a basic reservoir of sanity and compassion we can rely on. By reconnecting with intrinsic health through mindfulness practices it is possible to release fear, bridge differences and foster healthy relationships.

In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with return guest Melissa Moore, director of Karuna Training and author of the Diamonds Within Us: Uncovering brilliant sanity through contemplative psychology, about the often hidden resource of intrinsic health. In this conversation we discuss how polarization creates pathology both in the culture and the mind and how to work with strong emotions using the tools of contemplative psychology. We also discuss specific ways to reconnect to intrinsic health and create a compassionate space for dialogue in these polarizing times.

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Rude Awakening: Keys to mindful life transitions with Susan Gillis Chapman

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0800

033 According to the Tibetan Book of the Dead a bardo is a period of great transition and uncertainty. Change is an inevitable part of life, but often when it comes to the BIG changes like a divorce, a career change, the death of a parent or a pandemic we often freeze or panic. Time spent in a bardo cuts to the core of who we are and tests our resolve to stay present in the midst of what feels like chaos. However, if we have trained in the practice of mindfulness it is possible to meet uncertainty with openness and navigate our way through the bardo to a place that reflects our highest aspirations rather than our fears.

In this episode of AIR I speak with return guest Susan Gillis Chapman, Buddhist teacher and author of the 5 Keys of Mindful Communication, about the perils and possibilities of mindful life transitions. In the course of this chat we discuss the role of meditation for overcoming the fear of change, self care practices during big transitions and the keys for awakening to greater wisdom and compassion in uncertain times.

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Ditch the dating apps: Finding love in the real world with Camille Virginia

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 02:00:00 -0700

032 Despite an abundance of connectivity in the digital age, finding love online can be elusive. Time on dating apps often be a frustrating roller coaster ride of hope and fear. The ability to bypass the algorithms and spark connections with strangers in the real world might seem like a superpower. However, as humans we evolved to be social to survive. By reawakening dormant skills and instincts it is possible to open to the infinite possibilities for love and connection hiding in plain sight.

In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with author and dating coach Camille Virginia about the benefits of offline dating skills for your love life and social network. We go deep into the foundations of social intelligence and attraction and how to overcome approach anxiety and the fear of rejection when meeting someone new.

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The power of attention and compassion in the information age with Dr Charles Chaffinn

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 02:00:00 -0700

O31 In exchange for so called free services like Google products, social media, or online dating apps we offer in return our most precious asset - our attention. Most people in the western world now spend 11 or more hours a day online. Attention is a zero sum game. The more time we spend doom scrolling on Twitter or creating, consuming and sharing online content the less focus and empathy we have left over for the people in our lives.

In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with author and educator Dr Charles Chaffin about the power of our attention in the information age and his book Numb: How the information age dulls our senses and how to get them back. In this conversation we discuss the perils of online life for our mental well being and focus. We also explore how to reclaim attention and put the ‘social’ back in social media by using online tools to enhance existing relationships and build connections.

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Consent and the path of pleasure with Betty Martin

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 02:00:00 -0700

030 As mammals we are wired for pleasure, but how we actualize our desires has never seemed more complex. The pandemic has added new layers of anxiety to the simple human need for intimacy and connection. Touch can be healing and transformative when mindfully given and received. Consent is an ongoing process of agreements rather than a destination. As partners in pleasure it is possible to move beyond old wounds and expand our capacity for joy.

In this episode of Awake In Relationship I speak with Betty Martin regarding her new book The Art of Giving and Receiving:The Wheel of Consent and how to arrive at YES in any relationship. We also discuss how relaxation and the curiosity to follow your own pleasure can lead to deeper ecstatic states in intimacy.

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ON AIR: Polarization and the middle way in a pandemic with Silas Rose

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 02:00:00 -0700

029 ON AIR is a pithy monologue by the host of Awake In Relationship Silas Rose featuring commentary on topics arising from interviews and current affairs. As we enter the fourth wave of the global pandemic polarization threatens to derail the public health response and divide family and friends. How can we meet the challenge of the climate crisis if we cant even have a conversation? In this instalment of ON AIR Silas explores the middle way, the rare space where love and our shared humanity reside.

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Dancing on the edge of fear with Anne Marie Hogya

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 02:00:00 -0700

028 Dancing is something shared among all cultures to express joy and foster deep connection. How we move our body to music, especially with others can be very vulnerable and invoke awkward feelings and fear. Think Elaine Benis dancing at the staff party on the sitcom Seinfeld. Like any mindfulness practice dance goes deep and sometimes shows us where we are stuck and need to move.

In this episode of AIR I speak with Anne Marie Hogya, Occupational Therapist and 5 Rhythms dance facilitator about taking risks on the dance floor and the crossovers to creativity and flow in daily life. We also explore dance as a mindfulness practice and how to transform our stuck emotions like fear into an experience of freedom with movement.

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Expanding tolerance for connection through compassionate exchange with Melissa Moore

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 02:00:00 -0700

027 Returning to ‘normal’ after the collective trauma of the global pandemic will take more than a vaccine. Hyper vigilance and fear of can narrow our window of tolerance for connection and prevent us from forming new healthy relationships. The ability to be fully present with others depends on a safe and empathetic container. Compassionate exchange is a practice of reconnecting to the body, letting go of emotional reactivity and communicating from the heart.

In this episode of AIR I speak with Dr Melissa Moore, founder of Karuna Training, about contemplative psychology and the role of compassion in addressing the mental, physical and emotional challenges of post pandemic life, including social isolation, uncertainty and burnout. We also discuss how compassion can serve as the foundation for a renewed sense of community and civic life in these polarizing times.

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Fairy Creek: The new war in the woods with Elizabeth Noble

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0700

026 For close to a year forest activists in the Fairy Creek watershed have been defending the last unprotected stand of coastal old growth on Southern Vancouver Island. Fairy Creek is the latest salvo in a conflict that goes back decades. In 1993 mass protests in Clayoquot Sound, dubbed ‘the war in the woods’, gave birth to an international movement to protect ancient forests and highlighted the failed forestry policies that pit workers against protesters and disenfranchise and divide indigenous communities.

History is repeating itself again. This time with the renewed urgency of the climate crisis. In this episode of AIR I speak with Elizabeth Noble, campaign fundraiser at the Sierra Club BC about the the history of old growth logging in British Columbia and the struggle to protect what is left. We also discuss the innate value of ancient forests for well being and mitigating the effects of climate change, as well as policy solutions that respect First Nations title and rights over the land.

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Risk tolerance, risky play and resilient youth with Nevin J Harper

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0700

025 To thrive in an uncertain world kids need to develop the capacity to be resilient in the face of change. Wild places are the ultimate training ground for youth to cultivate inner strength, interpersonal skills and a love of the natural world. However, with more of life being lived online many parents struggle to get their children off devices and into the outdoors. In this episode of AIR I speak with Dr Nevin Harper about adventure and nature based therapy, the virtues of risky play and the need to support kids and teens in facing adversity on the journey to adulthood.

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Embodying love in a lonely world with Indrus Piche

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0700

024 The longing to love and be loved is a universal human experience that can inspire great joy or plunge us into the deepest psychological hell. Our expectations about a romantic partner are often unrealistic and locate the source of love as external to us. What if love was not a mythical destination, but a way of being in the world that is accessible to all regardless of your relationship status? In this episode of AIR I speak with Indrus Piche, a transpersonal therapist and sacred sexuality teacher about unrequited needs in long term relationships and the everyday practice of embodying love. We also discuss how singles can stay open to the possibilities of love during the arduous search for the right partner.

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REWIND: Fatherhood and forgiveness with Bill Gaston

Fri, 21 May 2021 06:00:00 -0700

023 Fathers are often held to a god like standard and judged harshly when they fall. For young men coming into adulthood there is longing for something only their fathers can provide and without this transference the journey feels incomplete. Bill Gaston is a Giller Nominated, award winning author and lecturer living in Victoria BC. In his recent memoire, Just Let Me Look At You Bill reflects on the meaning of fatherhood, family secrets and forgiveness. In this episode I talk with Bill Gaston about finding empathy for our all too human fathers, even after they have passed. We also explore the unique blocks to intimacy and connection between fathers and sons.

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ON AIR: Reclaiming connection in the Internet of Things

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 11:00:00 -0700

022 During Covid 19 how we work, shop, do yoga, relate with family and find a mate has moved online. The internet has connected us during a time of crisis, but connectivity doesn’t equal connection. As more of life is lived online our perception of the world is being shaped by powerful algorithms in ways that often undermine real relationships and our shared sense of humanity. In this episode of ON AIR I talk about the transition from analog relationships to the emerging Internet of Things and how mindfulness can help us reclaim connection in the real world.

Great intimacy begins with healthy boundaries with Mel Cassidy

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 18:00:00 -0700

021 Personal boundaries are a natural part of any relationship, but rarely are they discussed openly until a line has been crossed. After a year of Covid lockdowns many people are discovering their edge the hard way. In this episode of AIR I speak with Mel Cassidy, a relationship coach who focuses on polyamory and honest non monogamy, about the art of negotiating agreements and boundaries, especially in complex relationships. We also explore how trauma shows up in intimacy and how to use our somatic experiences to guide our deepest needs and desires in relationship.

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The medicine of mindful self compassion with Susan Gillis Chapman

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 21:00:00 -0700

020 Mindfulness is often seen as a tool for relieving anxiety, calming the mind, and developing greater focus. However, according to the Buddhist tradition mindfulness is much more than a relaxation technique, when combined with compassion it becomes a path for transforming suffering and uncertainty into confidence in our enlightened nature. In this episode I speak with Buddhist author and teacher Susan Gillis Chapman about how a cancer diagnosis helped deepen her experience of self compassion and the path.

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More Than a Pill: The emerging field of psychedelic therapy with Jim Kragtwyk

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 21:00:00 -0800

019 After decades of prohibition Health Canada and the FDA have approved psychedelic drug trials for treating a variety of mental illnesses. In this episode I speak with clinical counsellor and addictions specialist Jim Kragtwyk about the implications of the emerging field of psychedelic therapy. In this conversation we discuss the origins, taboos and potential of psychedelics for intractable conditions of the mind and healing a spiritually disconnected society.

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Intensive Journaling - Writing a new story for trauma and transition with Bill Israel

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 20:00:00 -0800

018 There are few experiences more challenging, confusing and lonely than a major life transition. Whether it comes in the form of an illness, divorce, job loss or global pandemic change is rarely welcomed as an opportunity to let go of old patterns and reinvent oneself. In this episode of AIR I speak with ordained pastor and therapist Bill Israel about navigating change and releasing old traumas through Intensive Journalling. We also discuss Bill’s extensive experience helping people experiencing addictions, homelessness and end of life to access their innate creativity and wisdom to embrace the change state.

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ON AIR: Renaissance, revolution and relationships in 2021 with Silas Rose

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 17:00:00 -0800

017 ON AIR is a new monthly addition to the podcast featuring some pithy commentary on themes and topics arising from guest interviews. It has been a year since recording the first episode of Awake In Relationship and so much has changed. There is nothing like a global pandemic to illuminate the importance of relationships and community. AIR host Silas Rose reflects on the evolution of the podcast, the vision of season 2 and the coming relationship renaissance in the post Covid era.

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The work that reconnects with Trina Woods

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 16:00:00 -0800

016 Between Trump and a global pandemic there is very little bandwidth left over for the climate crisis. Like a deer caught in the headlights it is easy to feel overwhelmed with existential dread. In this episode I talk with Trina Woods, clinical social worker and facilitator of the Work That Reconnects about processing the emotions many of us are feeling about the current state of our world. We also discuss the importance of grief and anger as touch stones for reconnecting to the greater web of life.

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Intimacy and the intelligent couple during Covid with Penelope Hagan and Michael Lium Hall

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 20:00:00 -0800

015 During the pandemic many couples are reporting that home life is feeling like a pressure cooker of stress and frustration. Some experts are even calling this time an anger incubator. Juggling domestic and work duties, as well as money problems are exposing the fault lines in many long term relationships.

In this episode I speak with intimacy coaches Penelope Hagan and Michael Lium Hall about how to keep the vitality, passion and curiosity alive with your intimate partner during a time when everything seems to be falling apart. We also discuss the role of consent in a long term relationship and practices for reigniting pleasure and connection with your beloved.

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Dance your ability with Shauna Devlin

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:00:00 -0700

014 Many of us are craving a release from the restrictions Covid has put on our lives. In all cultures and in all times music and dance have served as a means to elevate the spirit, move through emotional blocks and unify people in uncertain times. In this episode of AIR I speak with Shauna Devlin, ecstatic dance facilitator and founder of Dance Your Ability, about ecstatic dance as a relational practice. We will also discuss how Shauna is making the joy dance available to those who have been excluded due to age or ability.

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Nature Based Therapy in an Age of Anxiety with David Segal

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 12:00:00 -0700

In a time when many of us are spending 11 or more hours a day glued to screens our innate connection to the nature has suffered. Youth are particularly vulnerable to algorithms that distort our sense of self and perception of the world around us. Beyond Covid 19 there is a looming mental health crisis on the horizon, and there isn’t an App for that. In this episode of AIR I speak with David Segal, clinic counsellor and co author with Dr. Nevin J. Harper, Kathryn Rose of Nature Based Therapy: A Practitioners Guide to Working Outdoors with Children, Youth and Families. David offers some practical nature based practices for working with anxiety and grief around the climate crisis and global pandemic.

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Healing in Community and Circle Dialogue with Ame-Lia Tamburrini

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 16:00:00 -0700

012 - With Covid 19, the climate crisis, economic free fall and massive social unrest you might be feeling the need to find your tribe. Community is more important than ever, but as many of us in this ‘new normal’ are spending more time at home and online it is harder than ever to form those intimate bonds. In this episode of AIR I speak with Ame Lia Tamburrini, a community engagement consultant and change maker about the power of Circle Dialogue to create safe spaces for deep sharing, resolving conflict and creating connection among diverse communities. We will also discuss how to use principles of Circle Dialogue as a practice for personal and organizational transformation.

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Can the mindfulness movement co-exist with social justice? with Farheen HaQ

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 14:00:00 -0700

011 - Thanks to the star power of Oprah and other influencers millions of people have been introduced to the power of mindfulness and compassion practices. Despite an emphasis on self liberation and ending suffering many western meditation communities have failed to encourage diversity among their membership. In this episode of AIR I speak with artist, activist and dharma practitioner Farheen HaQ about some of the barriers to inclusion she has encountered on the path and the Sweet Refuge Sangha, a meditation group Farheen co founded for people of colour.

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Fatherhood and forgiveness with Bill Gaston

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 17:00:00 -0700

010 The relationship between father and son is often defined by ordinary moments shared in silence. Fathers are held to a god like standard and judged harshly when they fall. For young men coming of age there is longing for something only their father’s can provide, and without it the journey feels incomplete. In this episode of Awake In Relationship I talk with Bill Gaston, celebrated Canadian author and memoirist about finding forgiveness for our all too human fathers, even after they have passed. We also explore some of the uniquely male blocks to intimacy and connection between fathers and sons.

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Asserting Indigenous rights in the fight against eco racism with Ana Simeon

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 13:00:00 -0700

009 - In the wake of George Floyd's murder at the hands of police in Minneapolis a global anti racist movement has risen up and brought to light a long history of inequality and racism woven into our key institutions. In this episode we discuss First Nations rights and title and the struggle against eco-racism with Ana Simeon, fundraiser and campaigner for Raven Trust, a not for profit that raises money for First Nations legal defence.

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Relational Tonglen - Creating space for hard conversations with Susan Gillis Chapman

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 16:00:00 -0700

#008 After 3 months of Covid lockdown many people are confronting conflict and challenges in close relationships, When it is at home or work a breakdown in communication can sometimes feel like living inside a pressure cooker that is about to blow. Strong emotions quickly take over and it easy to turn someone we care deeply about into an object of anger or even hate. How do we stay connected to our vulnerability and express our needs when emotions are running high? Tonglen is an ancient Buddhist practice for opening the heart and working with suffering, others and our own. In this episode we will talk with Susan Gillis Chapman, author and Buddhist teacher about this powerful practice and creating a safe space for difficult conversations.

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Being Held: The power of touch in the Covid era with Tricia Bowler and Michael Haines

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 14:00:00 -0700

#007 - Reestablishing close human contact after Covid 19 can be anxiety provoking. Touch is an essential part of our mental wellbeing and trust building with others and without it relationships and even communities start to fall apart. In this episode we talk about creating safety for platonic and intimate touch in the post Covid era with Trica Bowler and Michael Haines from Being Held, a monthly community gathering focused on conscious touch.

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TAKAYA - Lessons on aloneness from a lone wolf with Cheryl Alexander

Tue, 12 May 2020 15:00:00 -0700

#006 - For 8 years a lone wolf named TAKAYA survived and thrived on a small archipelago near Victoria BC. Cheryl Alexander, an internationally recognized conservation photographer and educator spent 6 years documenting his remarkable life. Sadly, TAKAYA was killed by a hunter in March 2020, but his story of resilience has now gone global. In this episode Cheryl shares some of her personal journey with TAKAYA as well as what we can learn from the wisdom of wild places.

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The Lover archetype in dangerous times with Indrus Piche

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 15:00:00 -0700

#005 - There is nothing like a pandemic and social distancing to make one yearn for the beloved. Whether you a single or partnered the lover archetype is likely showing up in your life and relationships in surprising ways.

How do we work with the shadow aspect of the lover and embrace this transformational energy for healing ourselves and the world? Does the Lover have any place is a #metoo era? In this episode we will be chatting with Indrus Piche, a transpersonal therapist, couples counsellor and sacred sexuality teacher about these questions and more in this episode, the Lover archetype in dangerous times.

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Meditation and bringing intimate relationships to the path with Ethan Nichtern

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 16:00:00 -0800

#004 - For anyone who is committed to a path like meditation or yoga it can be easy to feel a sense of separation between our spiritual and intimate lives. We might feel very awake and aware as the result of practice, but completely shut down when it comes to relating to those we are close too. In this episode with Buddhist teacher and author of the Dharma of the Princess Bride, we chat about meditation as a practice of fully showing up in friendship, romance and family life. If you are a fan of the Princess Bride you are going to love this episode.

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Ethical non monogamy with Mel Cassidy

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 15:00:00 -0800

#003 - Intimate relationships can sometime be work, a lot of work! The challenge is we are only given one road map for doing it well, called monogamy. We find ourselves on a relationship escalator with someone that naturally progresses from dating to marriage, kids, home and exclusivity till death do you part. However, with divorces rates in the US around 45% something seems wrong with the escalator. In this podcast with relationship coach Mel Cassidy we explore ethical non monogamy as a possible choice for those wanting more love, sex and freedom in their intimate lives

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5 keys of mindful communication with Susan Gillis Chapman

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 15:00:00 -0800

#002 - The filter bubbles of social media and hyper partisan political discourse seem to be making it harder to find common ground, even with those we love. In this episode with author Susan Gillis Chapman we explore principles of mindful communication and how to create create safety and connection in any relationship.

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Intro to Awake In Relationship with Silas Rose and Michael Lium Hall

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 15:00:00 -0800

#001 - In this inaugural episode AIR host Silas Rose introduces the podcast inspiration and backstory in conversation with friend and colleague Michael Lium Hall,

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