It's Now Again by Jeremy West

In this episode, I’m joined by Matthew Boswell for a slow, open conversation across difference.Matt and I come from very different backgrounds.I approach mindfulness from a secular, psychology based perspective.Matt moved through atheism and later returned to Christianity, and now serves as a pastor.Rather than debating beliefs or trying to persuade each other, we talk about how belief forms, how doubt lives in the body, and what belonging can mean when people hold very different worldviews.We explore upbringing, identity, faith, secularism, certainty, uncertainty, and what it takes to stay present and curious in conversations where agreement is not the goal.This episode is about listening without needing to win.About understanding without collapsing difference.And about what becomes possible when people remain in relationship across belief.Matthew is the pastor of Redemption Church in Duvall, Washington, which you can find at iamrc.org.He also hosts a podcast called Everyday Missionary, available at everyday-missionary.com, where he reflects on faith and everyday life.Alongside this podcast, I host Calm Hours, a free, secular sanctuary where people can rest together without fixing, sharing, or performing.This work is community supported.You can learn more at jeremywest.net

Join comedian (and philosopher?) Myq Kaplan and I for a long, reflective conversation about his experiences with ayahuasca.Rather than offering advice or instruction, Myq speaks openly about what these experiences were like for him, how they shifted his relationship with fear, death, love, and belief, and how he now holds uncertainty with more ease.We talk about psychedelic experiences not as answers, but as moments that can reframe questions.About surrender, humility, and the difference between insight and integration.About spirituality without dogma, and meaning without certainty.Myq also shares how these experiences influenced his comedy, including his album AKA, which is largely shaped by his ayahuasca journeys and is available via his website at myqkaplan.com. His handle on all the socials is @myqkaplan.His newer special Rini is available on YouTube.This is not a guide to ayahuasca.It’s a thoughtful, human conversation about experience, interpretation, and living honestly with not knowing.Alongside this podcast, I host Calm Hours, a free, secular sanctuary where people can rest together without fixing, sharing, or performance.This work is community supported.You can learn more at jeremywest.net

Deconstructing your faith is a deeply personal and often painful journey, especially when it’s intertwined with trauma. In today’s episode, we explore the struggles of processing a fundamentalist upbringing, dealing with PTSD rooted in religion, and addressing well-meaning but challenging questions from family. Discover how mindfulness can help you rest comfortably in the unknown and empower you to navigate conversations with compassion and boundaries.

Moving from shame and self-hatred to self-love is a vital step in your deconstruction journey, especially when leaving evangelical culture and its toxic teachings. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West shares practical tools, book recommendations, and alternative practices for cultivating self-compassion and silencing the internal voices of shame.

Leaving a faith tradition can feel like losing a connection to the spiritual practices that once grounded us. In this episode, Jeremy shares his personal journey of deconstructing evangelical Christianity and finding new ways to engage with spirituality. Whether it’s through mindfulness, connecting with nature, or observing the beauty in life’s patterns, Jeremy explores how to create a non-religious, non-dogmatic spiritual practice that nurtures your soul.

What do you do when the idea of God feels overwhelming or anxiety-inducing? In this episode, Jeremy West explores how mindfulness can help you navigate feelings of dread and powerlessness when grappling with existential questions about life, death, and the nature of God. Discover tools to find peace in uncertainty, reclaim a sense of agency, and cultivate a life grounded in the present moment.

Religious teachings that frame suffering as deserved can deeply harm our mental health, especially for those already dealing with depression. In this episode, Jeremy West explores how mindfulness can help us deconstruct these beliefs, reclaim a sense of safety in the world, and cultivate self-compassion. Learn practical steps to heal from the damage caused by harmful theological ideas and reconnect with your inherent worth as a human being.

During deconstruction, standard Christian phrases can feel like roadblocks to genuine connection. In this episode, Jeremy West shares insights into navigating the frustration of reductive religious language. Learn how mindfulness can help you process these moments, reclaim meaningful conversations, and engage with others authentically, even when faced with triggering phrases.

Even after leaving a faith tradition, the fear of hell can linger, deeply ingrained in our minds and emotions. In this episode, Jeremy West explores why this fear persists and how mindfulness can help untangle its grip. Learn practical techniques for acknowledging fear, challenging beliefs, and embracing peace through curiosity and self-compassion.

Life is full of unexpected challenges, like flat tires on a Saturday night. In this episode, Jeremy West shares how a mindfulness parable helped him navigate a difficult setback with curiosity and acceptance. Learn how to shift your perspective, respond to challenges with grace, and embrace life’s uncertainties as opportunities for growth.

Parenting after leaving a faith tradition can feel daunting, as you navigate life without the guidance of religious frameworks. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West shares practical mindfulness strategies for redefining values, fostering open communication, and raising children with authenticity and empathy. Discover how to create new traditions, guide moral dilemmas, and support your child's growth while aligning with your evolving beliefs.

Leaving a faith tradition often brings profound questions about life's uncertainties, including the fear of deathIn this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West explores how mindfulness can help you embrace life’s impermanence, find peace in the present, and reframe death as part of a natural cycle. Learn grounding exercises, reflection practices, and affirmations to navigate this fear with clarity and compassion.

Religious trauma can leave lasting emotional scars, but healing is possible. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West explores how mindfulness can help you process pain, release guilt, and rebuild trust in yourself. Learn practical steps, from grounding techniques to reframing spirituality, that will guide you toward a life of authenticity and peace.

After leaving a faith tradition, finding joy can feel like an uphill battle. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West explores how to redefine joy on your terms, let go of "shoulds," and embrace the small, meaningful moments that bring happiness. Learn practical steps to cultivate gratitude, build connections, and discover joy that feels authentic to your journey.

Gratitude might feel out of reach when navigating the challenges of leaving a faith tradition, but it can become a powerful tool for healing and growth. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West explores how gratitude helps anchor us in the present, reframe challenges, and find small moments of beauty amidst uncertainty. Learn practical techniques to cultivate gratitude daily and transform your deconstruction journey with mindfulness.

In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, we tackle a vital question: how do you explore and integrate new spiritual or philosophical perspectives that align with your evolving beliefs? Discover how mindfulness, curiosity, and openness can guide your journey, helping you build a worldview that feels authentic and meaningful. We’ll discuss using your values as a compass, experimenting with practices, seeking diverse voices, and avoiding dogmatic traps.

Faith deconstruction can be an emotionally challenging journey, filled with grief, anxiety, and uncertainty. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, we explore practical ways to support your mental health. From mindfulness exercises and therapy options to finding community and practicing self-care, discover the resources and strategies that can help you navigate this transformative process with clarity and resilience.

How do you maintain meaningful relationships with family and friends who remain in the religious tradition you've left? In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, we explore how mindfulness can help you approach these dynamics with compassion, clarity, and boundaries. Discover practical strategies to foster understanding, maintain your authenticity, and navigate challenging interactions while honoring your journey.

Developing a moral framework outside of religious doctrines can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a chance to align your values with your authentic self.In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West guides you through steps to reflect on your core values, cultivate empathy, make mindful decisions, and learn from mistakes.Discover how mindfulness can help you create a meaningful and ethical life beyond religious guidance.

Fear of judgment from loved ones can make the deconstruction journey even more challenging. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West explores how mindfulness can help you manage the fear of criticism and rejection with clarity and compassion. Learn how to set healthy boundaries, respond intentionally, and find strength in your truth while fostering understanding and connection.