Almost Awakened – Almost Awakened

Today Bill talks about 4 observations about human behavior1.) That we need to be protectors of others Stories rather than one who hijacks the narratives of others. 2.) That we need to work on being present and not getting lost in the mind chatter that can overwhelm us and prevent us from showing up for others.3.) That we need to learn that when in an argument we move from tangent to tangent such is likely a deflection mechanism that want to shift accountability.4.) Understanding Sunken Cost vs Investment and pursuing the relationships where it feels like you are investing.RESOURCES:https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/29/books/review/who-gets-to-tell-other-peoples-stories.htmlhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2017/02/28/8-science-based-tricks-for-quieting-the-monkey-mind/#4b8f22211af6https://tealswan.com/resources/articles/deflection-the-coping-mechanism-from-hell-r234/https://www.fatherly.com/love-money/why-do-we-stay-in-unhappy-relationships-sunk-cost-fallacy/

Today we dive into how to handle conflict differently. The conversation centers around what is needed to help people get out of lizard brain and to help another to feel heard creating the space needed to keep a conflict from devolving. The conversation helps us understand how fear affected us hundreds of thousands of years ago and how we evolved to create new mechanisms of fear when we created language, gossip, and myth. The conversation helps us see that if we really want a different result that we need to enter the conflict doing it differently.Resources:The Imago Method to handle conflictGetting the Love You Want: A Guide for CouplesImago Relationship TherapyEvolutionary psychology explains how humans evolved to become gossipsInside the science of bitchiness and how it helped humans thriveOn the Origin of Shame

Mekael and Bill utilize this episode to discuss the this George Floyd moment. His death, the protests and riots, the systemic racism in this country, the police abuse, and most importantly the ethnocentricity and tribalism that all these abuses and inequalities are rooted in.RESOURCES:https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/fall-2018/what-is-white-privilege-reallyhttps://www.cpt.org/files/Undoing%20Racism%20-%20Understanding%20White%20Privilege%20-%20Kendall.pdfhttps://nationalseedproject.org/Key-SEED-Texts/white-privilege-unpacking-the-invisible-knapsackhttps://au.reachout.com/articles/standing-up-to-racismhttps://www.opportunityagenda.org/explore/resources-publications/lessons-talking-about-race-racism-and-racial-justicehttps://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/people/how-to-deal-with-racist-peoplehttp://www.oprah.com/inspiration/7-ways-to-stand-up-to-racism_1https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/23/podcasts/1619-podcast.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/707189471/confronting-racismhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tR6mKcBbT4https://www.cbsnews.com/video/mlk-a-riot-is-the-language-of-the-unheard/https://www.lowellmilkencenter.org/newsroom/videos/view/jane-elliott-brown-eyes-blue-eyeshttps://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/06/10/loving-day-june-12-marks-supreme-court-interracial-marriage-decision/5326018002/https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.9ab792c9-d158-dbcc-452d-232a8e14f6a0?autoplay=1&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb

Mekael and Bill sit down with Steve Conlin from Five Wives Vodka to discuss the The History of their company and the challenges that their company has faced in getting their product out and how the alcohol industry generally is developing. As a side tangent we also touch on the history of the Barrison Sisters. We discuss the religious and religious deconstruction influence on their brand and how those who partake of alcohol can work with Vodka generally and what seperates good quality vodka from low quality vodka. We also share how Five Wives Vodka is helping during the Covid19 pandemic by shifting a significant segment of their production over to making hand sanitizer for hospitals and other institutional entities. RESOURCES:https://www.fivewivesvodka.com/https://ogdensown.square.site/ – (Website section regarding their hand sanitizer along with other alcohol options they produce)https://www.fivewivesvodka.com/blog – Five Wives Vodka PodcastBarrison Sisters

Today Mekael and Bill sit down with EMDR Therapist LaDawn and discuss Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.  Discussing how this therapeutic approach deals with trauma and help patients to heal and repair. LaDawn Dewitt What is EMDRHow Does EMDR Work?EMDR Taking a Closer Look

Scott Jeffrey is an author and is the founder of CEOsage, a transformational leadership agency and resource for self-actualizing individuals. Scott is a voice of wisdom in several fields and one of those is Shadow Work. You can read Scott’s guide on Shadow work HERE. In today’s conversation we hear Scott’s wisdom around why we hide and why we create unhealthy mechanisms to protect ourself. What it means to start waking up and want to face one’s shadows. What to do when one is confronted with their shadow in the tense moment. And for the Newbie how to intiate and step into doing shadow Work. RESOURCES:A Definitive Guide to Jungian Shadow Work: How to Get to Know and Integrate Your Dark SideHuffPost article on Shadow Work – https://www.huffpost.com/entry/shadow-work-the-beauty-of_b_9440912 Website dedicated to Shadow Work – https://lonerwolf.com/shadow-work-demons/ Welcome to Shadow Work – https://shadowwork.com/ Another shadow Work Guide – https://individualogist.com/shadow-work

Jared Clavin belonged to a religious system where alcohol was forbidden. Then Jared discovered his system didn’t have all the answers. As he begin questioning his faith he in turn had to question all the things his faith told him were good and were bad including alcohol. Once Jared stepped away from the faith of his Childhood he was now free to experiment for the first time with alcohol and to as an adult navigate and figure out this scary thing. We talk today about Jared’s written blog post on his journey titled “My First Year with Alcohol“. ‘Jared tells us about his good experiences, his bad experiences, what a hangover feels like, what alcohol does as a social lubricant, and how he managed discovering what he liked and what he didn’t and how to do this thing in a healthy and responsible way.RESOURCES: https://medium.com/@jaredclavin/my-first-year-with-alcohol-11281cabd5ef Casual Drinking, Problem Drinking & AlcoholismHow to Drink Responsibly and Enjoy AlcoholHow to drink responsiblyHow to Drink Responsibly at That Party and Still Have FunHow to Get Past the College Phase and Drink Alcohol Like an Adult

Mekael and Bill discuss Body Image today. How different Genders perceive their bodies, what things we humans feel shame over, and How we can be healthier in how we treat others and ourselves. RESOURCES:Body Image: Not Just About Your Body: Jessi Kneeland: TEDBattling Our Bodies: Understanding and Overcoming Negative Body ImagesUncomfortable in our skin: the body-image reportIt’s Not Just Girls. Boys Struggle With Body Image, TooDefining the new male idealWomen’s Ideal Body Types Throughout HistoryBuilding self-esteem Don’t for get to check out our sponsor RED ROCA COFFEE and type in the code AWAKE for a discount on your order. Our logo Concept was created by Kelsey Jones Subscribe on Itunes, Stitcher, and other third party apps. And be sure to leave us a positive review. You can donate to the podcast by Clicking Here

Mekael and Bill discuss three things today. First they review some of their thoughts from last weeks conversation with River about ethical non-monogamy. Second Bill discusses some recent Shadow work including a sound bite from the hit TV show Criminal Minds. Lastly Bill and Mekael discuss Kinks and Fetishes including Bills discovery and sharing of how own kink. RESOURCES: MindHunter TV Show Criminal Minds TV Show 101 KINKY THINGS – AN EXTENSIVE LIST OF KINKS AND FETISHES Dacryphilia (Crying kink/Fetish) Don’t for get to check out our sponsor RED ROCA COFFEE and type in the code AWAKE for a discount on your order. Our logo Concept was created by Kelsey Jones Subscribe on Itunes, Stitcher, and other third party apps. And be sure to leave us a positive review. You can donate to the podcast by Clicking Here

Mekael and Bill sit down with River who chooses along with her primary partner to live in the space of Non-Monogamy.  Today we talk about what that looks like in terms of how someone approaches this lifestyle.  How someone begins conversations about this part of themselves.  How someone initiates conversations around the pro and cons of monogamy and the pros and cons of non-monogamy. RESOURCES: Three Steps to Opening Your Marriage: A New Permissive Monogamy – https://www.huffpost.com/entry/three-steps-to-opening-yo_b_9170688 How to Save Your Marriage With Ethical Non-Monogamy – https://www.fatherly.com/love-money/open-marriages-consensual-non-monogamy-therapists/ Is an Open Marriage a Happier Marriage? – https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/11/magazine/is-an-open-marriage-a-happier-marriage.html 9 Things to Know About Having a Successful Open Relationship – https://www.thecut.com/article/open-relationship-how-to-guide.html The Most Skipped Step When Opening a Relationship – https://medium.com/@PolyamorySchool/the-most-skipped-step-when-opening-a-relationship-f1f67abbbd49 How To Tell Your Partner You Want An Open Relationship – https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-21544/how-to-tell-your-partner-you-want-an-open-relationship.html How to Have a Happy Open Marriage – https://www.brides.com/story/how-to-have-a-happy-open-marriage 9 people in open marriages reveal what their relationships are actually like – https://www.insider.com/what-being-in-open-marriage-relationship-sex-is-like-reddit-2018-5 Don’t for get to check out our sponsor RED ROCA COFFEE and type in the code AWAKE for a discount on your order. Our logo Concept was created by Kelsey Jones Subscribe on Itunes, Stitcher, and other third party apps. And be sure to leave us a positive review. You can donate to the podcast by Clicking Here

Today Bill and Mekael sit down with Author Spencer Wright regarding his book “How to think”. The discussion revolves around how we humans can be more rational with the beliefs we hold. We discuss at length the feasibility of completely shedding Ego and yet the merits of shedding some portions of ego in order to have the critical thinking skills necessary to shed false absurd beliefs when those beliefs make benefit us emotionally and are central to our identity.Resources:“How To Think” by: Spencer Wright“Understanding the Tao Te Ching” by: Spencer WrightCritical Thinking6 Critical Thinking Skills You Need to Master NowCan I Learn to Think More Rationally?A User’s Guide to Rational ThinkingRational Thinking as a ProcessHow to Train Yourself to Be a More Rational ThinkerWhy Rational Thinking Is Not All It’s Cracked Up To BeDon’t for get to check out our sponsor RED ROCA COFFEE and type in the code AWAKE for a discount on your order.Our logo Concept was created by Kelsey Jones Subscribe on Itunes, Stitcher, and other third party apps. And be sure to leave us a positive review.You can donate to the podcast by Clicking Here

Today Mekael and Bill talk about what has gone on over the last month.  The passing of a loved one, what they and their lovers are reading, the saving of a baby and essentially just catching the listeners up after a month of chaos.  They also spend a few minutes to talk about entering the drinking culture as a 40 year old adult. Resources:Sex At Dawn Bill Rescuing a baby and it making National News Don’t for get to check out our sponsor RED ROCA COFFEE and type in the code AWAKE for a discount on your order. Our logo Concept was created by Kelsey Jones Subscribe on Itunes, Stitcher, and other third party apps. And be sure to leave us a positive review. You can donate to the podcast by Clicking Here

Today Bill records an episode on his own giving Mekael a break. Bill had been in Ohio for two weeks sitting by the bedside of his mother who was in the final stage of her battle with Cancer. Today’s episode revolves around Bill’s confronting the death of his mom along with dealing with how we in this country handle the dying, Euthanasia, and if we are doing the best things to relieve suffering.

Today Bill and Mekael tackle SEX, namely Negotiating Sexuality within a relationship responsibly. Within ethical and legal constraints, we all have the right to push for what we want from our partner (and to suffer the consequences for pushing too hard). Similarly, we also have the right to deny our partner’s requests (and to suffer the consequences for shutting them down). But we need to remember that nothing in a relationship happens in a vacuum—it is influenced by what came before, as well as what else is going on in the relationship. So generosity can be rewarded (and bad behavior can be punished) in more ways than one. Therefore, we have to keep the bigger picture in mind—what price am I willing to pay for this? If it’s worth it, then it’s worth it, but since life and relationships involve compromise and sacrifice, we have to consider the potential ripple effects.Episode based on this post https://www.reddit.com/r/AlmostAwakened/comments/dcd3mg/i_have_been_thinking_a_ton_about_sexuality_and/ RESOURCES: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sex-matters/201704/negotiate-sexual-differences-part-1-what-we-dohttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sex-matters/201704/negotiate-sexual-differences-part-2-how-often-we-do-ithttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-apes/201908/how-couples-negotiate-frequency-sexhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sex-matters/201704/difficult-sexual-negotiationshttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/understanding-the-erotic-code/201602/caught-negotiating-the-discovery-your-man-s-pornhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/so-happy-together/201703/negotiate-don-t-compromisehttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/201301/twelve-rude-revelations-about-sexhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/201906/how-the-most-satisfied-couples-balance-sex-and-powerhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/200601/lust-the-long-haulhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/201701/the-radical-thrill-intimacy Don’t for get to check out our sponsor RED ROCA COFFEE and type in the code AWAKE for a discount on your order. Our logo Concept was created by Kelsey Jones Subscribe on Itunes, Stitcher, and other third party apps. And be sure to leave us a positive review. You can donate to the podcast by Clicking Here

Today we just riff discussing some shadow work we faced this week. Bill’s was his wife’s mechanism of feeling like she took something away from someone and then trying to force the person she feels she hurt into righting the ship for her and then punishing them when they don’t help her right her perceived wrong. For Mekael it was her interaction with a friend who challenged her to stop compromising herself to please others. The conversation traverses across things that should be helpful for all humans to consider and wrestle with. We end revealing that next weeks episode will revolve around SEX and around how humans are navigating this arena and how you balance the need to be yourself in its fullest expression while also not having it lead to hurting others Don’t for get to check out our sponsor RED ROCA COFFEE and type in the code AWAKE for a discount on your order. Our logo Concept was created by Kelsey Jones Subscribe on Itunes, Stitcher, and other third party apps. And be sure to leave us a positive review. You can donate to the podcast by Clicking Here

Today we discuss Pride Week in our local community. We discuss the recent local controversy where significant push back in our community over the numerous Pride Flags being put up to bring awareness to the cause and celebrating the week. We then talk about Pride week itself including the the “Dragalicious” Drag Queen show we attended last night. This takes us to discussing Bill’s own Homophobia and Mekael’s effort to be a safer space for others who do humanity differently. We discuss Bill’s “Asian” Massage and his masturbation experiences and end committed to try harder to be a better human. RESOURCES: https://www.abc4.com/news/southern-utah/rainbow-banners-advertising-southern-utah-pride-week-become-politicized/ https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/2019/09/20/lgbtq-rights-pride-flags-policy-change-st-george-utah-laws/2369774001/ https://fox13now.com/2019/09/18/st-george-city-leaders-receive-backlash-over-pride-banners/ https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/2019/09/14/st-george-pride-week-kicking-off-flags-controversy/2316007001/ Roots of HomophobiaTen Ways Homophobia Affects ‘Straight PeopleUnderstanding Homophobia and HeterosexismHow the Mind Rationalizes HomophobiaThe science of homophobia and how to cure itLasting Effects of HomophobiaValuable Principles That Will Make You Treat People BetterRespect May Be Even More Crucial than Love Don’t for get to check out our sponsor RED ROCA COFFEE and type in the code AWAKE for a discount on your order. Our logo Concept was created by Kelsey JonesSubscribe on Itunes, Stitcher, and other third party apps. And be sure to leave us a positive review. You can donate to the podcast by Clicking Here

You know those times there is conflict between you and your lover. One of you behaved in a way that annoyed or hurt the other and one of you lashes out in telling the other to knock off their behavior. Before you know it one of you is is being ultra defensive and the other is on the attack trying to fix their partner. and 1 hour later one of you is on the couch and one or both of you are deeply hurt and even crying. Well today is the day we try to start a new pattern. Today we sit down with Family therapist Tim Birt and discuss healthy communication. We discuss the tool needed to have a healthy conversation. We discuss how to slow the conversation down and to focus on “I” statements and to share feelings without attacking behavior. We discuss consent and reasonable requests. When it is all done we only have scratched the surface. This practice, this work, requires you to take the ball from here and begin to take seriously your relationships and begin to do the hard work. Timothy Birt, has a MS in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC- AL & GA), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT – AL & GA), a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), and an AAMFT Clinical Fellow. Tim provides individual counseling, couples and family therapy, and group counseling. He works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in Columbus, GA or Auburn, AL. He also provides home-based counseling in Lee, Russell, and Chambers counties in AL and Troop and Muscogee counties in GA. RESOURCES:Tim’s Recommended ResourcesExpression / Understanding SkillsSkillfull / UnSkillfull Communication SkillsHere’s How Experts Define Healthy Communication In A RelationshipHow Can We Communicate Better?Effective CommunicationThe Key to Healthy CommunicationCommunication Skills for Healthy RelationshipsHow to Improve Your Relationships With Effective Communication Skills

Today we tackle our first interview with Author and runner Cory Reese. We talk about running and how it ties into life and being present. Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.org Find us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party Podcast apps. Also please check out our partner Red Roca Coffee, and if you place an order use the code AWAKE to get a 10% discount and and on orders of $30 or more you get free shipping!!! Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives. Our new logo was designed by Kelsey Jones!!! And We Love It!RESOURCES: The Untethered SoulThe Power of NowNowhere Near First: Ultramarathon Adventures from the Back of the PackInto the Furnace: How a 135 Mile Run Across Death Valley Set My Soul on FireCory ReeseFast Cory Blog

Today we talk about FEAR. Is Fear healthy? How do we cope with fear? What are some interesting things about fear such as does fear have a smell? Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.orgFind us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party Podcast apps. Also please check out our partner Red Roca Coffee, and if you place an order use the code AWAKE to get a 10% discount and and on orders of $30 or more you get free shipping!!! Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives. Our new logo was designed by Kelsey Jones!!! And We Love It!RESOURCES: Eight Facts You Didn’t Know About Fear10 Things You Never Knew About Being TerrifiedTop 10 Fascinating Facts About Fear3 Interesting Facts About FearWhat Happens In The Brain When We Feel Fear13 Of The Most Unusual PhobiasThe Psychology Behind Fear7 Things You Need to Know About Fear

Today we talk about Dying and Death. What do we believe about Death and Dying. Thoughts on coping with such.  What happens at death? How to support someone who has lost a loved one?  How to arrive at peace over your own future death?  Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.orgFind us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party Podcast apps. Also please check out our partner Red Roca Coffee, and if you place an order use the code AWAKE to get a 10% discount and and on orders of $30 or more you get free shipping!!!Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives. Our new logo was designed by Kelsey Jones!!! And We Love It! RESOURCES: How to Deal With DeathCoping With Death12 suggestions for Coping with DeathCoping with LossDealing with Death as you AgeStages of Grief Kubler RossStages of Grief Kubler Ross Model 2Elisabeth Kubler-Ross facing her own death has a change of mind on God and end of life care

Today we talk about Human Connection. What does human connection look like? What levels of intimacy is appropriate with various types of relationships? How do vulnerability and authenticity come into play? And what can we do to extend ourselves in healthy ways into deeper connection with both starbngers and people we love? Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.org Find us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party Podcast apps. Also please check out our partner Red Roca Coffee, and if you place an order use the code AWAKE to get a 10% discount and and on orders of $30 or more you get free shipping!!! Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives. Our new logo was designed by Kelsey Jones!!! And We Love It! RESOURCES: We are hard wired to connectWhen two souls collideThe Science behind human ConnectionImproving connection with OthersTypes of IntimacyNeed for Intimate TouchPlatonic Sensual TouchSexuality vs SensualitySensuality and Touch

Today we tackle the Top 5 Catalysts for Awakening. Those would be Meditation, Reading or deep profound learning, Travel, Psychedelic Substances, and Existential Crises. We also throw in a surprise 6th towards the end. We hope you enjoy. Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.orgFind us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party Podcast apps. Also please check out our partner Red Roca Coffee, and if you place an order use the code AWAKE to get a 10% discount and and on orders of $30 or more you get free shipping!!!Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where Authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives. RESOURCES: Science Says That Travel Changes YouHow Travel Changes YouHow Traveling makes you a better personWays Traveling Scientifically Changes Your Personality For The BetterMeditation helps you awakenHow Meditation Taps The Subconscious MindMeditation as a toolMindful AwakeningThe Spirituality of Psychedelic substance UsersAwakening – The Relationship With Psychedelic Drug ExperiencesMagic Mushrooms change brain connectionspsychoactive drugs- the self is an illusionMagic Mushrooms lead to open mindednessMDMA as a treatment for PTSDBenefits of Reading ABenefits of Reading BSigns You’re Having An Existential AwakeningSpiritual Crisis to Spiritual AwakeningDark Night of the SoulWhat an Existential Crisis looks like

In Episode 3 we tackle vulnerability. What is vulnerability, when is the risk worth being vulnerable, what do safe space look like, how to lean into it, and so much more. We talk about vulnerability with your sacred stories, with your sexuality, and with who you are at your core. We hope you enjoy. Please email us your questions and comments at AlmostAwakened AT Gmail DOT Com and visit us at AlmostAwakened.org Find us on Itunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and other great third party podcast apps. Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where Authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives. RESOURCES:How To Embrace Vulnerability As Your Greatest StrengthYour Flaws Are Probably More Attractive Than You Think They AreHow Vulnerability Can Make Our Lives BetterThe Power of Vulnerability TED TALKOpening Song is Live in the Moment by: Portugual the ManClosing Song was Brave by: Sara Bareilles

Part two of the “Almost Awakened Podcast” We dive into parts of the book Sapiens written by Yuval Noah Harari. Specifically speaking about how humans evolved to move from tribes whose cohesive mechanism was Intimate Connection to sightly larger groups based on Gossip and eventually onto Myth. We discuss how other great apes use Grooming in place of Gossip and myth and how an Almost Awakened community seeks to get back to Intimacy, Authenticity, and Vulnerability as the binding force. Mekael and Bill are the hosts of the Almost Awakened Podcast. They have spent a ton of time diving into human development, human behavior, having deconstructed unhealthy systems and communities and what they have learned from that. As they have built with others, a vibrant healthy community where Authenticity and vulnerability matter, they want to share with you what they have learned, point you to good books, provide you with the tools and resources to help you awaken, and share with you their experiences in doing shadow work and recognizing ego and working to reduce unhealthiness in our lives. Resources: A Synopsis of Sapiens https://www.skyword.com/contentstandard/storytelling/myth-history-and-religion-and-why-they-matter-for-your-brand-story/ https://www.stenudd.com/myth/ https://fs.blog/2016/01/yuval-noah-hararri-on-why-we-dominate-the-earth-myth-making/ http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20150227-where-did-gossiping-come-from http://www.sirc.org/publik/gossip.shtml http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20150227-where-did-gossiping-come-from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/out-the-ooze/201601/gossip-is-social-skill-not-character-flaw https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Sociology/Book%3A_Sociology_(Boundless)/6%3A_Social_Groups_and_Organization/6.5%3A_Group_Dynamics/6.5A%3A_Effects_of_Group_Size_on_Stability_and_Intimacy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intimate_relationship The Book discussed in today’s episode was “Sapiens” by: Yuval Noah HarariClosing song was “Tarzan Boy” by: Baltimora