Between the Covers Podcast

For this month's hero study, I had the privilege to speak with Cecil Cicirello, one of the cohosts for Cognitive Dissonance and Citation Needed, two of my favorite podcasts to listen to. He's also the cohost on the Know Rogan Experience podcast, an interesting listen especially if you are Joe Rogan curious, which I am not. I tried my best to not point out parallels every five minutes, but our stories have so many similarities. That being said, he also had some great pushback to some of my ideas that I greatly appreciated. I hope you enjoy this conversation with an awesome person and podcaster. Check out his work! Citation Needed is my favorite comedy podcast, and if you want more political takes, then give Cognitive Dissonance a listen. Cognitive Dissonance: https://www.dissonancepod.com/ Citation Needed: https://www.citationpod.com/ The Know Rogan Experience: https://www.knowrogan.com/ We also talk about his endeavors in cooking and he has an abandoned channel where he shares some recipes, but the content is still there! There are some good recipes I want to try in the future. https://www.youtube.com/season%20liberally Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about being gracious with ourselves, and being flexible. If you're like me, then the one person you tend to be the most strict with is yourself. We can be inflexible, rigid, and even hold ourselves to a much higher standard than we hold others to. What would it look like to allow ourselves to be flexible? What would it look like for us to be gracious with ourselves? What if we were to treat ourselves better and actually give ourselves the opportunity to grow? Image by wayhomestudio on Magnific Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Today I want to talk about taking pride in Pride. This last June I had the privilege to man a booth at the local Pride Rally for Therapists @ Pride, a group of therapists in this area who are LGBTQAI+ themselves, or affirming of these people. It was fascinating to see all of these people who are stereotyped, persecuted, and judged having the freedom to be and represent themselves. Let's take a look at some of the lessons I learned from participating in the second Pride Rally I've ever been a part of since my faith deconstruction. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

My apologies for the noise disturbances in this episode. My microphone doesn't always want to cooperate and until I have the funds to replace it, sometimes it's going to be a pill. Let's talk about what we are holding within us. I had an experience around my birthday where I had a release of emotion that I didn't know was stored within me. Times were tough and stress and pressure build up over some weeks. The disappointment with a lackluster birthday, changes in plans that required less time to prepare for a D&D one-shot for my nephew, on top of all the usual difficulties of work, finances, and mental health in my home. What helped me get the emotion out? Of all things, fantasy tavern AI music videos. I don't even remember how I found these videos, but there were some lyrics that spoke to me in such a deep way that it helped to release these emotions. I know! Two AI music videos spoke to me and helped release everything that was being held inside. That being said, what is it that you are holding on to? It's possible that the solution to release it all will come in an unexpected form. Person Crying Stock photos by Vecteezy: https://www.vecteezy.com/free-photos/person-crying Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

For this month's hero's study, we're looking at the character Mega Man X (X for short) from the...Mega Man X video game franchise. This titular protagonist of this post apocalyptic future of mankind is also the progenitor of a race of sentient robots called Reploids. X is one of those reluctant heroes. He was specifically built to protect the last remnants of mankind. He also has many hidden talents that are granted to him by his long passed creator and he learns to find confidence in himself and even does all he can to avoid violence in his later years. Does it work? Not quite. He wrestles with his own creation, whether he is able to avoid falling into the dysfunction of the Mavericks he hunts, and has to work through the betrayal of people that he trusts. X is a very complex character and I can't wait to share about him with you! Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about some things I've learned from the game Stardew Valley. This is one of my favorite life/farming/adventure simulation games that came out in 2016. Just like any other game that touches on how life actually is, there are some striking lessons to learn from the character interactions throughout the game. As usual, I came up with a list of 10 and only talk about 5 because then these episodes would be as long as an interview. Let's dive in! Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about the impressions our characters make. This is one of those actions speak louder than words kind of conversation. You see, at the time of this recording, there have been some incidents that have shows how people in power are saying one thing, but then acting in another. At the White House Correspondents Dinner, a shooter broke through a security checkpoint. Once it came to the attention of everyone in power that this was happening, there was only one example of these "pro-life" men who actually made sure that his wife was safe. Everyone else completely ditched their spouses. That has left an unfortunate impression that these people aren't walking the walk that they talk. Let's get into it. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about what we are able to do, because we are all able to do something. This is inspired by the saying that comes up often in recovery that you can't do everything, but you can do something. Even if what needs to be addressed is something that you didn't contribute to. *cough*politics*cough* Regardless of what is bringing about our current situations, we can always do something, even if it's small and all you can do for that day. With enough small efforts, we can make a huge difference. Thumbnail Art milanicreative.art @milanicreative Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about trying new things today. This is one of my favorite topics to discuss with my clients because I'm essentially giving them permission to play and explore. We all need to, even if we are adults. On my recent vacation to Victoria, BC with two of our friends, Libby and I tried a lot of new things. The thumbnail is a picture taken from the metal concert we went to for Three Days Grace. What did I discover? It's not my cup of tea in a concert setting, but seeing my friend Brandon in his element with all of these other people who have been moved by this bands music makes me consider giving it another chance, only with me being in control of the volume. What does it look like for you to try new things? Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

For this month's hero's study, we are looking at Katniss Everdeen, the protagonist of the Hunger Games books and movies. This is a hero who has spent all her life in the almost abyss of District 12 of Panem and found herself the head of a rebellion against not one, but two forces of power vying for the right to rule. She overcomes so much threat, danger, and attention from millions of people, has to wrestle with the results of the tragedies thrust upon her, and through it all is a powerful and dangerous badass to her enemies and a stalwart friend to those who she loves and cares for. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about our need for control and how it's often an illusion. I'm reminded early on when working with my therapist that we reviewed a poster that said showed the most common things in life that people become anxious about and how that anxiety is often due to feeling like life is out of control when in fact we are trying to control things that we don't have control over. We want to be in control of people, situations, and outcomes. We want to make sure that life is going our way and if it doesn't, then we throw the blame at others. It doesn't need to be this way. Let's see how this can change. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about advocates and the value in finding one, or two, or more. This is a wonderful privilege I have with my partner, friends, family, and even some clients. It's valuable to have someone standing beside us to help speak our thoughts and/or stand between us to fight for us when someone or a system isn't working for us. As a coach, I can be an advocate along with my roles of being a cheerleader and mentor. I share some examples from recent events, so stay a while and give this a listen. Advocate Handwriting Image Alpha Stock Images - http://alphastockimages.com/ Nick Youngson - link to - http://www.nyphotographic.com/ Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about respect. One thing that often makes our heroes a hero in our eyes is because we respect them. We respect their values, morals, actions, and words. They are people who don't just talk, they walk out their words and beliefs. Anyone that we admire likely exhibits some kind of heroic qualities. Respect is something that is earned, not demanded. Part of the journey is that we will gain and lose respect with others. When you think about the people who you respect, you will likely see commonalities between them and why they are deserving of your respect. Let's see what we can learn from individuals that we respect, and even those that we don't. Respect Tile Image License Alpha Stock Images - http://alphastockimages.com/ Nick Youngson - link to - http://www.nyphotographic.com/ Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  

For this month's hero's study, we are looking at one of my favorite silent protagonists, Link from the Legend of Zelda franchise. Why is he one of my favorite heroes? He's the embodiment of courage, literally. He is the hero of time, the legendary hero, and he's the one who wields the Triforce of Courage. If you want someone to relentless help his friends and protect the land, Link's your guy...er...elf. Let's look at what Link's heroic qualities are and how we can apply them into our lives. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

*A correction: I misappropriated Joshua Haymes' words at belong to Brooks Potteiger until I found the actual clips. Brooks does want James Talarico crucified, but most everything I attributed to Brooks was actually said by Joshua. Let's talk about how power corrupts people, using some real examples for 2026 here. One of the things that is causing so much harm in our world today is the blatant disregard for the humanity in others. Discourse, particularly on the far right of the political aisle, uses language that demeans and distorts the very nature of people. Growing up in the Christian tradition, it was very common to see people as different from the church going, Bible-believing, avoid-the-sins-of-the-world, and they were often equated with such descriptors as "demonic, sinful, wordly, and anti-Christ/Christian." If that's the kind of language you are using to describe people, then you're missing their humanity and have likely been corrupted by power and influence. Here, we are going to take a look at those in power and what they are saying and compare that to those who we have defined as heroic. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's actual words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc3ifKCm-3w Brooks Potteiger's & Joshua Haymes' slavery words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hnaoXiYRSg Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about spiral dynamics today. This is a model of evolution that tries to explain the process that society takes as we develop toward, hopefully, a more egalitarian society. It uses colors to denote the different stages and what each one can tell us about a specific group of people. It's no wonder with the current power structures in the United States at the moment, this came upas they are a perfect example of what is denoted at the color Red, and that's not because they are Republicans. We'll get more into it, so join me for this conversation. https://www.smartliving365.com/how-spiral-dynamics-helps-to-explain-why-its-hard-to-get-along/ https://scottjeffrey.com/spiral-dynamics/ https://angelicaoung.medium.com/spiral-dynamics-explained-with-terrible-people-22738e1f77c7 Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about another franchise that I love and adore that has taught me some lessons. I'll warn you in advance, this gets a little chunky with some fractions when I'm talking about rare item drop rates and finding rare enemies. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about what unites us today. In an age where we are more and more characterized by what makes us different, it's important for us to see what brings us together. Even people with different spiritual and religious beliefs, cultural backgrounds, political perspectives, and upbringing, there are more things that unite us than separates. A love for life. A desire for acceptance and comradery. To be accepted for who we are. To have community and a place to feel safe and secure. Instead of trying to tear ourselves apart, what would happen if we instead focused on what unites us? Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

For this month's hero's study, I go back to the roots of these episodes. Today, we're looking at Samwise Gamgee from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Some have said at he's the true protagonist in the story. He exemplifies so many heroic traits through his loyalty, brave when he needs to be, and always supports those closest to him without question. In the epilogue of the story, he's one of the first to stand up to Saruman and Wormtongue when they lead a group of bandits to take their revenge against the Shire. He starts out as a humble and timid farmer who doesn't speak up for himself to becoming the one who literally carries the ring bearer to the volcano so he can complete his task. Sam is a true inspiration! Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's continue to talk about some political woes and why they are so exhausting. As we are moving into spring and looking toward the summer and the political landscape continues to heat up, it's important to remember what's happened over the last year and a half. This is a reminder so we don't forget. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about the notion that we are problems to be solves, because we're not! This is a message I've wrestled with since childhood and it's something that was taught by family, neighbors, friends, and society. If you've struggled with this message, then please tune in! We aren't problems to be solved. We may have problems that need to be worked on, such as mental and physical health, but that doesn't mean we are the problem. With many clients I've worked with, this is almost a universal mental wall that needs to be dismantled. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about what others are saying about us, and even what we are saying about others. If you're like me, then there is a running inner dialogue that is often less than flattering, but it doesn't have to be this way. If you are your own worst critic, then I challenge you to look outside yourself and see what others say about you. Let's face it, the people closest to us often see things differently from what we see and can shed some light on our good qualities. In fact, I encourage you to take a challenge that I did back in June of 2025: ask people who know you well to describe you in 3-5 words. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

For this month's hero's study, I had the opportunity to interview John Duresky, the Democratic candidate for the US House of Representatives in Washington's 4th District. In this conversation, we discuss politics and almost everything it entails including health care, gerrymandering, voting, the tragedies from ICE in Minnesota, and what his plans are for this midterm election if he gets into the House. We also go over all the usual questions, and while it always meanders back to politics, it's was a great conversation with an awesome person. Enjoy! You can connect with/follow and even donate to his campaign with the links below. [email protected] https://johnduresky4congress.com/ https://secure.actblue.com/donate/john-duresky Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDuresky4Congress https://www.instagram.com/johnduresky4congress/ https://www.youtube.com/@JohnDuresky4Congress https://www.tiktok.com/@johnduresky https://bsky.app/profile/fjohnd4.bsky.social https://x.com/JohnDuresky4 https://www.threads.com/@johnduresky4congress Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about finding the humanity in others and ourselves. In a world where we often are looking through a lens of good and evil, black and white, or them and us, it's easy for us to look at the "other side" from us and see them as objects of our ire. This robs them of their humanity. Even though I didn't want to try this out myself, I even look at the actions of President Donald Trump and the GOP to see the humanity of what they are doing. Does that mean I agree with what they're saying and doing? Of course not. You don't need to agree with people in order to find the humanity in them. In the end, finding that humanity is really the only place where we are going to find any kind of conversation instead of throwing darts at each other. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about the hard work we're doing on our journeys, because let's face it that this is some of the hardest work that we can do. It involves us putting ourselves out there. We have to use our voices. Stand up for ourselves. Stand up and protect others. Rejection, loss, pain, hardship, confusion, crossroads, and bad actors are all a part of the hero's journey. I share some of my own experiences recently and what I've learned from them.   Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about authority today. I find it important for us to answer the question: who is an authority in your life? While we should be the ones who have authority in our lives, there are so many people and powers that want to have authority over our lives. Whether we are talking about spiritual authorities, family, friends, or political figures, none of these people have the authority to tell you what to do with your life. That's ultimately up to you. I challenge you to be the authority in your life. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

For this month's hero's story interview I had the privilege to speak with Dr. Kade Sharp, a licensed independent social worker I met at a local Pride Rally in June of 2025. He's also a sex therapist and has a PhD in Clinical Sexology. He's also transgender and autistic! We have an incredible conversation about being transgender, autistic, and the unique struggles he's experienced in his life. You can connect with Kade here: https://www.kadesharp.com/ https://www.patreon.com/cw/AcesUpYourSleevePodcast Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about taking ownership. With the conversations I have with clients, one of the threads that is strewn throughout their experiences is a desire to only take ownership of their follies or that taking ownership of their successes is prideful. It doesn't have to be this way. We can be confident in our abilities tell others that we have succeeded at a goal and we can also choose to not beat ourselves into a bloody pulp when we do something wrong. Heroes are those who own their shortcomings and successes. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

To wrap up our look at purity culture, we are going to talk about love and lust today. I grew up believing that lust was a bad trait and therefore something was wrong with me if I ever had something that could remotely be qualified as a lustful thought. Turns out, that's not true. Lust is a feeling and like most feelings, I can choose to act on it or not. Same with love. Let's see if we can break down the unfair comparison between love and lust and see if they share more common ground than we give them credit for. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Content Warning: this episode is going to mention specific biblical scriptures and I discuss the impacts purity culture on sex and sexuality, specifically in the Christian faith tradition. Take care of yourself while listening to this episode. If you need to, skip it and come back later, or leave this episode in the archives. Trust your body to know whether it's a worthwhile topic to dive into. Let's continue our discussion of purity culture, this time looking at the notion that for most Christian women, they are obligated to have sex with their husband or else they will leave their man open to being tempted by pornography or affairs. This creates an orgasm gap where the majority of women don't experience a sexual orgasm throughout their entire lives, not to mention the immense body shame that comes from the messages women and girls receive from purity culture and how bad sex is, until you're married of course. By then, the damage is done. We're going to see how we can turn this marvelous experience of sexual intimacy into play rather than obligation. How can everyone involved have fun? Let's remove the stigma that sex is bad and make it beautiful again. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

For this month's hero study, we are interviewing Corey Seemiller, an author, podcaster, speaker, and professor who recently released a book titled The Soulmate Strategy: My Imperfect Plan to Conquer Heartbreak and Find True Love. Seems fitting for our February study. We talk about overcoming grief, heartbreak, and what she did to find love in the course of a year. Join our conversation for some fun stories, inspiration, and affirmations, especially if you are experiencing heartbreak or struggling to find a romantic partner. You can get a copy of Corey's book here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Soulmate-Strategy/Corey-Seemiller/9798896360681 You can find Corey's podcast, Rock that Relationship, here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0oNHpJlAFTInCnkp85ELjP Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Content Warning: this episode is going to mention specific biblical scriptures and examples of self-harm, shame, and trauma from purity culture, specifically in the Christian faith tradition. Take care of yourself while listening to this episode. If you need to, skip it and come back later, or leave this episode in the archives. Trust your body to know whether it's a worthwhile topic to dive into. Let's talk about a purity culture belief in the Christian tradition that it's more important to be holy than happy and what it can look like to reverse this notion. In my effort to follow a more "holy" path around sex and sexuality, all I received was shame and terrible hatred for myself and others. Body shame, even body dysmorphia, hiding sexual exploration, and judgement, or even punishment, for a private thought life is often what people received in an abstinence only world around sex. What does it look like to seek happiness instead? I share some of my own insights and experiences around this topic, so buckle up. We're going on a wild ride this February! Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about changing our air and water, something that came to mind when I heard others refer to our upbringing as "the air we breathe" or "the water we swim in." You can think of it also as it's all been a part of the zeitgeist. In my work, having someone with an outside perspective can help to shed a light on what we deemed as "normal" when it could be better and healthier. We often are unaware of the influences in our lives until we step away from them. This can be challenging as it forces us to take a look at our preconceived notions and beliefs to look at them from a new perspective. Let's get into what can happen when we change the air we breathe and the water we swim in. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about broadening our sources that we take in. In a recent experience, I had a spiritual guide challenge me on some of the doom and gloom I've been experiencing thanks to all the political garbage going on, mental health struggles, and despair for the future. Thanks to Rob Bell and his Robcast, he broadened my perspective with his own insights and it helped me get out of a slump. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about our comfort zone, and more importantly, how can we stretch ourselves to leave it. I've shared this before how we can struggle to make some of the changes that we wish to in our lives because it'll take us out of what we are comfortable with. While this is absolutely normal and helpful at times, it can also keep us stuck. If we stick with what we know, we know what we're going to get in the end. Is that working for you? Is it helping you get where you want to go? Personally, that answer is both yes and no because there are some changes I've made in my life to reach these goals while others remain left simmering on the back burner until they eventually burn out because of my own neglect. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

For this month's hero study, I had the privilege of interviewing Michael Marshall, aka Marsh, from the Merseyside Skeptics Society. He's a podcaster, editor of The Skeptic magazine, and Project Director of the Good Thinking Society. He's a prolific skeptic and researcher who is great at asking the right questions to get people thinking about their perspectives on life. I first heard about him from guest spots on the God Awful Movies podcast and have enjoyed listening to him also on the Know Rogan Experience and The Skeptics with a K podcasts as well. We talk about conspiracy theories, putting people on pedestals and dangers of that kind of hero worship, and the value of looking at the world through curiosity and compassion. https://www.skeptic.org.uk/ https://www.knowrogan.com/ https://www.merseysideskeptics.org.uk/podcasts https://goodthinkingsociety.org/ https://www.knowrogan.com/ Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about our nervous system and the information it tells us. In a society that values our ability to logically think our way through life's problems and challenges, there is so much value in relying on our gut and nervous system to let us know when something isn't right. Our nervous system knows more than we often give it credit for and it can do so much to keep us safe. We talking about something that has kept us as a species alive for thousands of years. It's worth listening to. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about checking the fruit in the actions and words of others. For those of you like me who have experienced spiritual trauma or adverse religious experiences, then allow me to apologize in advance for getting preachy in this one and relying on biblical scripture to guide the conversation today. Take care of yourself. If you need to skip this episode or take breaks from it, I understand and encourage you to do what you need to do. In our modern age where I keep hearing people express that they get their morality from the Bible, I sure don't see many high profile examples of people doing what it says. Today, I look at verses from two chapters, one from Matthew and one from Galatians, where I look at what is considered fruits of the spirit and how we can tell what they are in others. This one is a doozy! Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about what excites you, and more importantly, sharing it! I had a recent experience where I received some PDFs for a set of role playing rules I preordered leading up to the release of the physical book...and I couldn't contain myself! It took everything I had to not spend the rest of the day scrolling through the digital copy and actually record this episode. I wanted to share the excitement with Libby and with all my friends. There have also been times where I've held space for others to share what they have been excited for and it's contagious. Find what excites you and share it with others. Listen in more for why I believe it's important. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

For this month's hero's study, I have the privilege of introducing you to Reverend Alba Onofrio. In our conversation, we talk about faith, spirituality, sexuality, queerness, the Bible, God, and so much in our time together. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much, if not more than I did speaking with Alba. Reverend Alba Onofrio is a theologian and spiritual activist rooted in the U.S. South, engaged in human rights work for over two decades throughout the Americas. A queer, feminist Christian pastor—also known as Reverend Sex—they are co-founder of the Sexual Liberation Collective and serve as Executive Director and Spiritual Strategist of Soulforce. Their work heals the wounds of spiritual violence and reclaims pleasure and desire as sacred sources of knowledge, healing, and liberation. If you want to connect with Reverend Alba, here are plenty of links to connect with them: https://www.reverendsex.com/hi https://www.instagram.com/teosinverguenza/ https://www.instagram.com/soulforceorg https://www.instagram.com/reverend_sex https://www.facebook.com/SoulforceOrg https://www.facebook.com/TeoSinVerguenza https://www.soulforce.org https://linktr.ee/soulforceorg https://redcircle.com/shows/bb8f7ce2-d8f0-4859-bbac-c33c48e3ccb6 Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about following our desires. I share about a story of a trip to Leavenworth, WA where Libby and our friends, John and Dan, spent most of a weekend at one of our favorite places to visit and the fun we had. Much of this came from us choosing to follow our delight. In western societies today when we are often told many important things that we need and should be doing, sometimes it's more important to provide time for what we want to do. The things that need and should be done are nice, but often times not life giving. Finding the balance between these can be challenging, but prioritizing the life giving activities can help us come back to what need and should be done with a clearer mind and greater focus to be more effective than if we powered through. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about safe community and the benefits we gain from it. A safe community helps us feel physically and emotionally safe, especially in these uncertain times. My community is a lifeline for me and Libby. It's helped us weather mental health crises, given us plenty to look forward to, and has been a light for us even in the darkest of times. I've shared before that I wish it didn't take me over 30 years to find this community, yet having found it is the more important dynamic in our search for safe community. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about hope once more. It's something that many people need more of these days, myself included. It's also something that many people wrestle with because hope can set us up for falls. That's all a part of the game and the nature of hope and hoping. Let's talk about hope once more. It's something that many people need more of these days, myself included. It's also something that many people wrestle with because hope can set us up for falls. That's all a part of the game and the nature of hope and hoping.

For this month's hero's study, we interview Brad Onishi, a podcaster and writer with some awesome answers to my questions. He's the cohost of Straight White American Jesus, author of Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism And What Comes Next, and he has some great things to say about heroes, faith, religion, politics, and masculinity. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did! I especially like the answers to my last three questions. Brad Onishi can be found on Bluesky at @bradleyonishi.bsky.social. You can follow his work on Straight White American Jesus at https://www.straightwhiteamericanjesus.com/, or you can search for it on your favorite podcast app. You can also go to his home on the web at https://www.bradonishi.com/. Take a look at his book, and he has another one coming out hopefully next year titled American Caesar.  Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about what lights your fire. This is one of my favorite topics because we all have at least one thing that we just come to life when we engage in the activity. It can be games, reading, writing, sports, outdoor activities, working with wood or on vehicles, painting, watching movies, etc. You name it! We all have something that lights the fire in our souls and if you're like me, these are the activities that we often set aside for things that we should be doing. Is that how it needs to be?  Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about our beliefs. For most, if not all of us, our beliefs color how we see our world. Is your world black and white with clear lines of what's right and wrong with rigid rules? Is your world open and expansive to include many different walks of life and experiences? What we believe about ourselves and the world has a dramatic impact on how we view the world, in good and bad ways. Today I talk about what our beliefs can do and how whether you believe something is true or not, ultimately you are right. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about a prominent topic in today's society. Today we look at authoritarianism, a wide political movement taking place all over in western societies. Much of this discussion comes from the work of Dr. Hilary McBride from her Holy/Hurt podcast (definitely give this a listen if you have experience being hurt from religious/spiritual groups). She uses five qualifiers to describe authoritarianism: 1) Control 2) Consequences 3) Compliance 4) Codependence 5) Cultural If you are experienced all, or even some of these five Cs, there's a good chance you're involved in an authoritarian structure. It could be in your home, community, spiritual group, or country. What do we do with all of this? Find healing. Leave the authoritarian structure. Resist it. Whatever it is that you can do. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Let's talk about some lessons from another video game interest of mine. This time we're looking at the games Diablo 1 and Diablo 2. The fantastical adventures I'd have going around the world and slaying demons that were clearly the enemy was a favorite past time of mine. Nowadays, what's truly evil is much harder to discern. These two games have helped me move out of my clear as mud, black-and-white thinking that's guided my life for years. Let's dive in! Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

For this month's hero's study, we interview Tori Williams Douglas! She's the cohost of the White Homework podcast, an activist, and anti-racism educator. Her experience in the conservative evangelical church and being a mother had lasting impacts on who she is and what she does. This was an incredible interview and I hope you glean as much if not more from it. Enjoy an awesome conversation! If you want to follow Tori's work, you can follow her on Bluesky and Instagram. You can also hear more from her on the White Homework podcast. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  

Let's talk about how we can be setting ourselves up for failure. Much of this comes down to expectations. I'm a king at setting my expectations too high for many of the projects I want to work on. This came up with a conversation Libby and I had with our friend Katie about some of our financial goals that we're not meeting. It's good to have goals that will stretch you, but also having ones that are reasonable prevent us from falling into the trap of losing faith and hope in ourselves. Let's look at w hat we can do to prevent ourselves from setting ourselves up for failure. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow me on Bluesky! @marcus-spaur.bsky.social Have questions you'd like discussed on the podcast, or people to interview/research for future hero studies? Send me an email! You can reach me at questions (dot) btcpod (at) gmail (dot) com. Website: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/ Interested in working with me? Schedule a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/marcus-spaur/discovery-call Free Recovery Resources: https://www.betweenthecoverscoaching.com/free-resources "Nonstop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/