Centered: Becoming Whole in a Chaotic World

What does it mean not just to live longer — but to live more fully?In this episode, Dr. Jeff Armstrong sits down with Becky Blue, author of Turning The Magic and Mystery of More Days, to explore the deeper work of becoming whole over time.Drawing from her personal journey and reflections on transformation, Rebecca shares how pivotal life transitions can become invitations — not just to change direction, but to reorient the center of our lives.Together, they explore the connection between aging and flourishing, the role of identity and purpose, and what it means to move from fragmentation toward integration across the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, and social dimensions of life.Learn more at https://www.beckybluewrites.com/

We live in an age obsessed with self-improvement. Boost your confidence. Reinvent yourself. Curate a new identity. But what if our modern approach to identity is actually fueling anxiety, burnout, and fragmentation?In this episode of Centered, Dr. Jeff Armstrong sits down with Dr. Eric Moyer, Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and author of Redeeming Identity, to explore why self-esteem without rooted identity may be doing more harm than good.Dr. Moyer argues that we’ve treated identity like open-source software—assuming we can revise and upgrade ourselves at will. The result? A psychological “system crash.” Together, they explore how Principles, Perspectives, Purposes, and Priorities form the architecture of mental health—and why the cure for burnout isn’t another motivational boost, but a return to our original design.This is a deep, practical, and clarifying conversation for anyone seeking not just confidence—but coherence.

George Jerjian is a Retirement Mindset Mentor, creator of the DARE Method, and an Emmy-winning storyteller who has studied the emotional and psychological side of retirement through a 20,000-retiree survey.In this episode* of Centered, Dr. Jeff Armstrong talks with George about why so many people feel lost after leaving work, even when they are financially prepared. They explore how longer lifespans have outgrown outdated retirement narratives, why identity often collapses when careers end, and how “unretirement” can become a courageous step toward renewed purpose. Drawing from the DARE Method, George shares practical, non-financial strategies for aging with meaning, vitality, and direction.*an excerpt of an episode that previously aired on The Aging Well Podcast

What does it really mean to become centered in a chaotic world?In this episode of Centered: Becoming Whole in a Chaotic World, Dr. Jeff Armstrong sits down with Sandi Griffin to explore the deeply personal journey of healing, boundaries, and rediscovering who we truly are.Sandi shares a powerful story about confronting childhood trauma, navigating a complicated relationship with a narcissistic parent, and the moment she realized that forgiveness does not require reconciliation. That realization became a turning point that helped her reclaim her voice, establish healthy boundaries, and begin living a more centered life.Together, Jeff and Sandi explore the deeper dimensions of human flourishing — including spirituality, physical health, intellectual growth, emotional regulation, and meaningful relationships.In this conversation, you’ll discover:• Why so many people feel fragmented and disoriented today• The difference between forgiveness and reconciliation• How childhood experiences shape adult emotional responses• Why boundaries are essential for healing and self-respect• The role of spirituality, exercise, and nutrition in becoming whole• How meaningful relationships help us stay grounded• Why listening — not reacting — transforms relationships• Simple practices that can help you feel more centered starting todayThis episode is ultimately about moving from fragmentation to integration — learning to live with clarity, purpose, and deeper connection to ourselves and others.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, scattered, or disconnected from your deeper purpose, this conversation offers insight, wisdom, and practical ways to begin the journey back to wholeness.Learn more at https://sandigriffin.com/

What if your stress, anxiety, and even physical symptoms were trying to tell you something?In this episode of Centered: Becoming Whole in a Chaotic World, Dr. Jeff Armstrong sits down with Andrew Grinbaum to explore the powerful connection between the body, mind, and spirit—and why ignoring that connection may be silently working against your health, clarity, and purpose.Andrew shares a pivotal moment from his early career when chronic physical symptoms—despite being young and healthy—forced him to confront a deeper truth: he was living out of alignment with himself. What followed was a radical shift into spiritual practice, self-awareness, and a new understanding of what it means to truly be centered.Together, they unpack:• Why modern culture fuels disconnection and burnout• The hidden cost of ignoring emotional and physical signals• How technology both connects and fragments us• The role of spiritual intelligence in decision-making• Why high performers often rely more on intuition than intellect• The difference between urgent vs. truly meaningful work• How simple practices like walking, breathing, and stillness can restore balance• And a powerful, practical exercise to reconnect with your “heart intelligence”This conversation challenges the idea that success is purely intellectual—and instead offers a more integrated model of human flourishing across the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, and social dimensions.Becoming centered isn’t about doing more—it’s about learning to listen more deeply to what your body, emotions, and inner life are already telling you.Learn more at https://spiritualbiz.org/

What does it really mean to become whole in a fragmented world—and why do so many outwardly successful people still feel broken inside?In this powerful and deeply practical conversation, Dr. Jeff Armstrong sits down with Dr. Robb Kelly to explore the difference between success and true flourishing. Drawing from decades of experience working with thousands of individuals—including high-performing professionals, celebrities, and those struggling with addiction—Dr. Kelly offers a raw and compelling look at how identity, mindset, and spiritual alignment shape the quality of our lives.Together, they unpack the hidden fragmentation that exists beneath achievement, the role of subconscious programming in shaping behavior, and why healing must begin from the inside out. Dr. Kelly challenges conventional thinking around mental health, emphasizing personal agency, daily practices, and the profound impact of community and connection.Listeners will gain practical tools to begin the process of becoming more centered, including a simple but transformative morning routine, strategies for breaking destructive patterns, and insights into how small interactions can change lives in meaningful ways. The conversation also explores the importance of spiritual grounding, emotional awareness, intellectual growth, and relational depth as essential dimensions of a well-lived life.This episode is both a wake-up call and a roadmap—inviting listeners to move beyond survival, reexamine who they are, and take intentional steps toward clarity, purpose, and wholeness.If you’ve ever felt scattered, disconnected, or stuck between who you are and who you want to become, this conversation offers a starting point for real change.Learn more at https://robbkelly.com/dr-robb-kelly-phd/

In this episode of Centered: Becoming Whole in a Chaotic World, Dr. Jeff Armstrong is joined by Wayne Lehrer, author of The Art of Conscious Aging to explore the themes of societal fragmentation, personal centering, and the journey towards a more integrated life. They discuss the importance of morning rituals, physical and mental disciplines, and community building to foster resilience and transcendence in a chaotic world.Key Topics:• Societal fragmentation and disorientation• The three acts of life and personal transformation• Daily rituals for spiritual and physical health• The importance of community and interdependence• Overcoming mental and emotional overloadTakeaways:• Most people live from the neck up, disconnected from higher guidance.• Morning rituals set the tone for a centered and resilient day.• Physical activity and movement are crucial for aging well.• Controlling input—media, food, social interactions—is vital for mental health.• Healing trauma and internal parts through therapy and reflection is essential.Learn more at https://waynelehrer.com/BUY The Art of Conscious Aging on Amazon and support this podcast: https://amzn.to/3NTAA9h

Orientation without practice becomes aspiration.In this fourth foundational episode of Centered: Becoming Whole in a Chaotic World, Dr. Jeff Armstrong moves from vision to embodiment. If fragmentation is the problem, and integration and orientation are the structure, then practice is the pathway.Drawing on the SPIES framework — Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social — this episode lays out concrete, sustainable disciplines that cultivate wholeness over time.Because becoming centered is not a feeling. It is a formation.

Integration is not enough. The deeper question is direction.In this third foundational episode of Centered: Becoming Whole in a Chaotic World, Dr. Jeff Armstrong explores the idea of orientation — the reality that every life is moving toward something. Drawing on theology, philosophy, and the vision of convergence articulated by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, this episode asks a penetrating question: What is actually at the center of your life?Because flourishing is not just about aligning the dimensions of life. It is about aligning them toward what is ultimate.

Flourishing is not accidental — it is structured.In this episode of Centered, Dr. Jeff Armstrong unpacks the SPIES framework: Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social wellness. Rather than treating these as separate self-improvement categories, this episode argues that they are dimensions of one integrated life.If fragmentation is the problem, integration is the architecture. This episode lays the foundation for building a life that is aligned, embodied, and oriented toward wholeness.

We live in a chaotic world — but chaos is not only cultural. It is personal.In this foundational episode of Centered: Becoming Whole in a Chaotic World (formerly the ...We Have a Spiritual Problem podcast), Dr. Jeff Armstrong explores the hidden force shaping modern life: fragmentation. From divided attention and digital overload to compartmentalized identities and disordered priorities, fragmentation erodes our capacity for flourishing.Before we can become whole, we must recognize where we are divided. This episode diagnoses the deeper issue beneath our exhaustion and anxiety — and sets the stage for integration through the SPIES framework.

...We Have a Spiritual Problem is now Centered: Becoming Whole in a Chaotic World.What is Centered? And what is it not?In this foundational manifesto episode, Dr. Jeff Armstrong articulates the vision, convictions, and commitments behind Centered: Becoming Whole in a Chaotic World. This is not a reaction to cultural noise. It is a declaration of orientation.Naming fragmentation as the defining pathology of our age, this episode outlines the architecture of wholeness through the SPIES framework and argues that integration without right orientation cannot produce flourishing. Drawing on theology, philosophy, and the vision of convergence articulated by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, this manifesto defines the standard for future conversations.This is the constitution of Centered.

For years, we have named the diagnosis: we have a spiritual problem. But what if naming the problem is only the beginning?In this pivotal transition episode, Dr. Jeff Armstrong introduces the rebranding of the podcast to Centered: Becoming Whole in a Chaotic World. Moving beyond critique and cultural diagnosis, this episode asks a deeper question: What does human flourishing actually require?Drawing from the SPIES model (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social wellness), exercise physiology, theology, and the vision of convergence articulated by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, this episode lays the foundation for a new direction — one focused not merely on identifying disorder, but cultivating integration.This is the shift from problem to formation. From fragmentation to wholeness. From reaction to orientation.

The recent attention on the “Epstein files” has reignited conversations about power, exploitation, secrecy, and moral corruption at the highest levels of society. But what if the real story is not who is in the files—but who is not? In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong reflects on ten things you will never find in those files—ten markers of spiritual maturity, humility, and human flourishing. This is not an episode about scandal. It is an episode about transcendence, about the urgent need for Spiritual evolution in a world captivated by darkness, and about who we are becoming when we choose conscience over power.

In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong sits down with Ron Kastner—author of A Life Yet to Live: Finding Health, Vitality, and Joy After 60—to explore a spiritual journey still unfolding. After decades of focusing on health, vitality, and longevity, Ron shares a recent religious and philosophical reawakening that has reshaped how he thinks about meaning, community, and purpose. Together, Jeff and Ron discuss how early religious experiences shape lifelong worldviews, what it means to say we have a “spiritual problem,” and whether today’s crises of meaning and connection are spiritual at their core. They explore universalvalues, practical tools for cultivating purpose, and the role of community in spiritual flourishing—across belief systems and philosophical divides. Whether you identify with a faith tradition, consider yourself spiritual-but-not-religious, or simply feel a quiet hunger for deeper meaning, this conversation offers thoughtful insights and practical steps for beginning—or continuing—a spiritual life yet to be lived. BUY A Life Yet to Live: Finding Health, Vitality, and Joy After 60 on Amazon and support this podcast: https://amzn.to/4kFMQWW Learn more about Ron Kastner at https://ronkastner.com/

Transformation is not a moment; it is a way of living that unfolds slowly across a lifetime. In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong revisits ten mantras that have appeared, implicitly and explicitly, across previous conversations and episodes—not as slogans, but as anchors for transformative aging.These mantras form an informal rule of life, shaping identity, posture, and purpose as we age. Drawing connections between spiritual formation, mortality awareness, humility, gratitude, and discernment, this episode explores how the words we rehearse internally may determine not just how long we live, but how well—and how wisely—we age… as we live with Purpose.

What if the solution to our deepest spiritual crisis isn’t dramatic, mystical, or complicated—but small, ordinary, and human? In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong explores how everyday acts of kindness—smiles, listening, gratitude, generosity—quietly repair what isolation, speed, and self-absorption have damaged. Through stories, reflection, and practical insight, we discover how tiny acts of connection create powerful ripples of meaning, belonging, and spiritual renewal in our lives and communities.

Negativity is often treated as a personality flaw or a mental habit—but what if it is, at its core, a spiritual problem? In this episode, Dr. Jeff Armstrong explores how negativity grows when meaning erodes, when suffering goes unanswered, and when the soul quietly concludes that life is no longer trustworthy. Drawing from psychology, spirituality, and lived experience, this conversation invites listeners to see negativity not as a failure of character, but as a wound of the spirit—and to discover how healing begins when we learn to say yes to life again.

What if aging is not decline—but direction? In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong explores the work of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and the idea of Spiritual evolution toward the “Omega Point.” Using the lenses of well-centered fitness, the SPIES model, and transformative aging, this episode argues that aging well is not just physical or psychological—it is spiritual. Not in a religious sense, but in the deepest human sense: growing toward love, connection, community, and purpose. Aging well becomes not something that happens to us, but something we consciously grow toward.

For decades, many evangelical churches have centered the Christian faith on having a “personal relationship with Jesus” and securing one’s own salvation. While often well-intentioned, this framework has quietly reshaped Christianity into something highly individualistic, future-oriented, and disconnected from the way Jesus actually taught people to live.In this episode of '…We Have a Spiritual Problem', Dr. Jeff Armstrong examines how self-focused salvation theology can undermine discipleship, love of neighbor, and the transformation of the world. Drawing on John 3:17, the teachings of Jesus, spiritual evolution, the Omega Point, and voices like NT Wright, this conversation reframes Christianity not as a rescue plan for individuals, but as a way of life oriented toward love, sacrifice, and participation in God’s ongoing renewal of creation.

What if the real bottleneck in our businesses isn’t strategy, hustle, or even talent — but a spiritual problem? In this conversation, Andrew Grinbaum, founder of the Spirituality in Business Institute and a leader who runs two companies on just one hour a week, reveals why meaning, purpose, and inner alignment are the missing engines of healthy organizations. From working with executives at major firms to guiding hundreds of small business owners, Andrew has witnessed how spiritual clarity transforms productivity, culture, and leadership. This episode explores the deeper forces at play beneath burnout, stagnation, and broken workplace systems — and how reconnecting with our “why” can radically change the way we work and lead.

PART IWhat if the real bottleneck in our businesses isn’t strategy, hustle, or even talent — but a spiritual problem? In this conversation, Andrew Grinbaum, founder of the Spirituality in Business Institute and a leader who runs two companies on just one hour a week, reveals why meaning, purpose, and inner alignment are the missing engines of healthy organizations. From working with executives at major firms to guiding hundreds of small business owners, Andrew has witnessed how spiritual clarity transforms productivity, culture, and leadership. This episode explores the deeper forces at play beneath burnout, stagnation, and broken workplace systems — and how reconnecting with our “why” can radically change the way we work and lead.Learn more at https://spiritualbiz.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/spirituality-in-business-institute/https://www.youtube.com/@Spiritualbiz-Institute https://www.facebook.com/p/Spirituality-in-Business-61572174381879/ Connect with Andrew Grinbaum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grinbaum/

In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong explores one of the most enduring truths found across spiritual traditions, psychology, and philosophy: we become what we think. Drawing from the Buddha, James Allen, Emerson, C.S. Lewis, and Bruce Lee, Jeff unpacks how our inner world shapes our outer lives—and why mindset is a spiritual issue long before it becomes a behavioral one.He also wrestles with the counter-argument that we are what we do, highlighting how action and intention intertwine. Through the lens of the SPIES well-being model, Jeff invites listeners to reclaim agency, choose purpose over passivity, and embrace the daily opportunity to be their best today and better tomorrow.A reflective, practical, and motivating episode for anyone seeking spiritual and personal renewal.

A recent backlash against actor and Christian commentator Kirk Cameron has reignited a long-standing debate within evangelical Christianity: Is eternal hell the central motivator of faith? And is personal salvation the primary point of the Christian life?In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong explores why the obsession with eternal outcomes may reflect a deeper spiritual problem—one that distracts us from the way of Jesus in the present. Drawing on Scripture, theology, cultural voices, and music, Jeff argues that Christianity is not merely about securing a future destination but about how we live now—for God and toward others. Referencing John 3:17, the Omega Point, spiritual evolution, NT Wright, Rob Bell, and Shinedown’s haunting question, “How did you love?”, this episode challenges listeners to reconsider what faithfulness really looks like.

In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong is joined by author, theologian, and Director of Communications and Engagement at ABWE, Alex Kocman, to discuss the spiritual crisis behind modern leadership and cultural division. Together, they consider how doctrine shapes not just belief, but mission — and how recovering a spiritually grounded theology might be the only way to heal our fractured world. From the hollow performance of public faith to the privatization of moral conviction, this conversation explores what happens when the church’s message becomes unmoored from its spiritual roots. Alex offers thoughtful insights from his work in global missions and Christian media, helping us see how truth and love must once again meet in the spiritual formation of leaders, communities, and culture itself.

In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong welcomes Lisa Hamilton whose life embodies the spiritual seasons we all move through—pruning, overcoming, believing, and surrender. From designing fashion in New York and Los Angeles to launching global business ventures, to building homes in Austin and renovating in California, Lisa’s journey is a vivid tapestry of reinvention guided by faith. Drawing from her books Winds of Change and the Unstick Your Stuck Life series, she brings an honest, grounded perspective on how God shapes us through transitions, wrestlings, and unexpected callings. Together, we explore how our messy, very human paths reveal divine movement—and what it means to grow Spiritually in real time.Learn more about Lisa at https://www.lisahamilton.com/

In this episode, we explore “the glory of the Commons,” a reframing that transforms the classic tragedy-of-the-commons narrative into a hopeful vision for human and spiritual evolution. Drawing from a recent conversation with environmental leader Tim Christophersen, the evolutionary theology of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, and themes from our previous episodes on selfishness, selflessness, the divided self, and the integration of the physical and spiritual, this episode examines how the Commons offers a spiritual path forward. We explore how the Commons becomes not just an ecological or economic idea but a lens for understanding human consciousness, moral development, and our potential for self-transcendence. Ultimately, we consider how moving from tragedy to glory may be the spiritual invitation of our era.

In this episode of the …We Have a Spiritual Problem Podcast, we explore the nature of the Self at a depth rarely examined in modern culture. What does it mean to be a “self” in a world overflowing with ego, entitlement, loneliness, and moral confusion? Using the contrast between selfishness and selflessness—not as good vs. bad, but as self-centered vs. other centered orientations—we dissect how our spiritual evolution depends on balancing identity, responsibility, and transcendence. Drawing inspiration from Gale Sayers’s powerful creed “I Am Third,” Teilhard de Chardin’s concept of the Omega Point, and the cautionary tale of the “Tragedy of the Commons,” this episode connects personal transformation with humanity’s collective future.

In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong explores the mystery of Christ as the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning, the becoming, and the beyond. Drawing on the insights of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Dr. Armstrong examines how our daily struggles, tensions, and imperfections are not obstacles but the very forces moving us toward spiritual evolution and divine fulfillment. Through the lens of the SPIES model—Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social wellness—he invites us to see how Christ’s wholeness as fully God and fully human serves as both our model and our destiny. This is not just a discussion about theology; it is a reflection on what it means to live as evolving beings directed toward divine perfection.

In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong explores how our personal and collective struggles—political division, social tension, relational friction, and inner conflict—are not detours from spiritual growth but the very conditions that make it possible. Drawing from Pierre Teilhard de Chardin’s concept of the Omega Point, the SPIES model of holistic wellness, physiological principles of adaptation, and the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, Dr. Armstrong reflects on how life’s pressure and resistance serve as catalysts for spiritual evolution. Through personal stories of marriage, family, and work, he invites listeners to consider that the friction we resist might actually be forming us into something higher—something more whole, connected, and divine.

In a world where image is everything, we’ve become masters at performance. We curate our feeds, filter our flaws, and craft public versions of ourselves that are more polished than true. But beneath the surface—beneath the filters, the branding, and the professional polish—something deeper is happening. We’re losing touch with who we really are.In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong explores The Human Facade—why we present masks to the world, how it shapes our relationships, corrodes our leadership, and ultimately impedes our spiritual evolution. Drawing on the SPIES model of whole-person wellness and insights from both psychology and spirituality, Dr. Armstrong invites us to rediscover authenticity not as an aesthetic, but as a spiritual practice.

American leadership is at a crossroads. Public life and many institutions celebrate power, performance, and personality — and too often those traits are labeled “service.” In this episode Dr. Jeff Armstrong diagnoses the rise of what he calls “self-servant leadership” and contrasts it with true servant leadership as taught by Ken Blanchard and modeled by Jesus. Drawing on Martha C. Stewart’s biography of Ken Blanchard (Episode 44), Blanchard’s practice of “catch people doing things right,” Teilhard de Chardin’s vision of spiritual evolution toward the Omega Point, and the SPIES framework (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social), we explore why servant leadership is both a practical leadership model and a spiritual practice. Jeff revisits his conversation with Greg Stewart about how “What Would Jesus Do?” was reshaped into political and religious postures like Christian Nationalism, and considers the cultural cost when leaders substitute spectacle for service. Practical takeaways include ways to cultivate servant posture in homes, workplaces, churches, and civic life — because leadership rooted in service accelerates spiritual evolution while self-serving leadership deepens division.

**This special episode of ...We Have a Spiritual Problem also aired on The Aging Well Podcast.**Ken Blanchard has shaped how millions of people think about leadership. From The One Minute Manager to his philosophy of "Catching People Doing Things Right," his work has redefined what it means to lead with purpose, compassion, and effectiveness.In this special episode of ...We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong speaks with Martha C. Lawrence, longtime collaborator and author of the forthcoming biography Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads. Drawing on more than two decades of working alongside Blanchard, Lawrence shares insights into the man behind the message: his values, his journey, and the principles that made him one of the most beloved management thinkers of our time.Together, they explore how Blanchard’s leadership philosophy remains relevant in today's rapidly changing world—and how older adults can continue to lead with wisdom and purpose.

When we feel threatened, we instinctively react: we fight, flee, freeze, or fawn. These survival patterns are ancient, hardwired into our nervous system. But what if there’s another option? A Third Way.In this episode, Dr. Jeff Armstrong explores the fight-flight-freeze-fawn response through both a biological and spiritual lens, drawing from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, Rob Bell’s teachings, and Walter Wink’s concept of nonviolent resistance. This “Third Way” is not about passive submission or aggressiveretaliation—it’s about creative, courageous engagement that disrupts cycles of fear and hostility.We’ll examine how this principle integrates with the SPIES model (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social wellness), how it connects to spiritual evolution (Teilhard de Chardin), and why it may be the response our polarized political and religious culture most needs right now.This is a conversation about moving beyond instinct—about choosing response over reaction, courage over fear, and evolution over survival.

Leadership in America is facing a crisis—not just political or organizational, but spiritual. In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong welcomes back Dr. Greg Stewart, counselor, executive coach, former pastor, and author of the new book I³ for Leaders: Unleash the Rage of Negative Emotions Against the Obstacles of Becoming More.Together, they explore why leadership has strayed from principles of service, character, and spiritual depth toward power, performance, and polarization. Drawing from the SPIES wellness model (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social), We unpack the spiritual roots of this leadership deficit, the shift from "What Would Jesus Do?" to "Make America Great Again", and how leaders at every level can rediscover humility, empathy, and moral courage.This conversation blends faith, emotional intelligence, and practical wisdom, offering a roadmap for leaders who want to heal divisions, foster human flourishing, and align leadership with spiritual values in a fractured world.BUY I³ for Leaders on Amazon and support this podcast: https://amzn.to/4mUN2kB

In this conversation, Jeff Armstrong and Lauryn Axelrod explore the themes of free will, choices, and accountability in the context of personal and spiritual growth. They discuss the importance of reflection and transformation, the nature of forgiveness, and the complexities of decision-making in a world filled with false binaries. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of making conscious choices and the impact those choices have on our lives and the world around us.Takeaways:• We often focus on the choices others make rather than our own.• Accountability is crucial for personal growth and societal change.• Forgiveness is about changing the future, not the past.• Every choice we make has the potential to change our lives.• We must navigate the complexities of choices with discernment.• Spiritual growth requires reflection on our decisions.• The cycles of nature reflect the cycles in our lives.• Questioning our beliefs is essential for spiritual evolution.• Empathy and judgment must coexist for healthy relationships.• Our opinions can become attachments that cloud our judgment.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating and sometimes controversial world of psilocybin—yes, the active compound in what many call “magic mushrooms”—and its potential for Spiritual growth, healing, and transformation. Dr. Armstrong shares his recent experience in Colorado, where I was joined by his two guests, Sandi Griffin and Sam Stroman for his first psilocybin journey. Together, they discuss not only the science and Spirituality of psilocybin but also the deeply personal side of encountering the unknown within themselves.To learn more about where you can legally access therapeutic mushrooms:Grow Your Own Thoughts219 E Vermijo Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903https://www.growyourownthoughts.org/

Schools in the United States are at a crossroads—protected, pressured, and often emptied of purpose. In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong examines how cultural trends, psychology, and spiritual imagination collide in modern education. Drawing on Lukianoff & Haidt, Eric Goff, Brian Cranley, Malcolm Gladwell, and Teilhard de Chardin, we consider practical ways to teach resilience, rekindle wonder, and orient learning toward Spiritual evolution.

Anxiety, addiction, and apathy are often seen only as medical or psychological struggles. But what if they are also symptoms of something deeper—a collective spiritual starvation? In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong explores how our modern malaise reveals not just broken psyches, but a fractured relationship with meaning, connection, and transcendence. Drawing on Carl Jung, Gabor Maté, Parker Palmer, Dr. Robb Kelly, Lauryn Axelrod, and the dangers of spiritual bypassing, this conversation reframes mental health crises as spiritual signals, pointing us toward wholeness, integration, and the possibility of a more deeply human life.

We are told that loneliness is an epidemic. But what if loneliness isn’t the real problem? What if it is only a symptom of something deeper? In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong explores why our ache for connection is spiritual at its core. Drawing on Teilhard de Chardin’s vision of the Omega Point, the mystery of quantum entanglement, and practical frameworks like the SPIES model, Jeff unpacks how we can move beyond surface-level connection into relationships that truly form us. From the “magic wand question” to the six degrees of separation, this episode invites listeners to rediscover what it means to belong, to be known, and to take part in a greater story of Spiritual evolution.

Science and faith are too often framed as rivals—one claiming reason, the other clinging to belief. But what if they’re both part of the same search for truth, grounded in wonder? In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong is joined by Brian Cranley, biomedical engineer, theologian, and author of The Call of Wonder. Together they explore how discoveries like the Big Bang and evolution can deepen, not diminish, our sense of the sacred. From the Genesis creation narratives to the insights of Greek philosophy, and from the shared traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam to today’s scientific frontiers, Cranley shows how faith and science can be partners in spiritual depth. If you’ve ever wrestled with how to reconcile your curiosity about the universe with your belief in God, this conversation is for you.BUY The Call of Wonder on Amazon and support this podcast: https://amzn.to/45q9Rap.

In a world where artificial minds are emerging alongside human ones, the question of our future is no longer just technological—it’s deeply spiritual. This episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem explores the ethical and existential challenges posed by AI, biotechnology, and transhumanist visions of the future. Drawing on Teilhard de Chardin’s vision of the noosphere, we’ll examine how our collective consciousness is being shaped, for better or worse, by digital interconnectedness. We’ll consider the cost of constant digitaldistraction, the cultivation of contemplative attention, and what it means to remain truly human in an age of artificial intelligence. This is not a conversation about whether technology is good or bad—it’s a call to discern the spiritual path forward.

We’re more “connected” than ever—and yet so many of us feel disconnected from what really matters.In this two-part episode, Dr. Jeff Armstrong sits down with Steven Puri—a Hollywood executive turned tech CEO turned spiritual community builder—to explore what really makes remote work succeed and why most leaders are asking the wrong questions. Drawing on lessons from DreamWorks, 20th Century Fox, Silicon Valley, and his growing community of over 34,000 productivity seekers at The Sukha, Steven unpacks the surprising spiritual truths hidden inside our work habits, team dynamics, and definitions of success.This isn’t another conversation about apps and hacks. It’s about meaning, purpose, human connection—and the deeper question: What are we actually working for?Learn more about Steven Puri and The Sukha Company at https://www.thesukha.co/

We’re more “connected” than ever—and yet so many of us feel disconnected from what really matters.In this two-part episode, Dr. Jeff Armstrong sits down with Steven Puri—a Hollywood executive turned tech CEO turned spiritual community builder—to explore what really makes remote work succeed and why most leaders are asking the wrong questions. Drawing on lessons from DreamWorks, 20th Century Fox, Silicon Valley, and his growing community of over 34,000 productivity seekers at The Sukha, Steven unpacks the surprising spiritual truths hidden inside our work habits, team dynamics, and definitions of success.This isn’t another conversation about apps and hacks. It’s about meaning, purpose, human connection—and the deeper question: What are we actually working for?Learn more about Steven Puri and The Sukha Company at https://www.thesukha.co/

In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong hosts Daniel A. Miller, author of The Way of the Wave: Nature’s Model for Navigating Life’s Currents in an interview that aired previously on The Aging Well Podcast. Daniel shares his journey from a controlling attorney to a reflective author and tennis player at 81. He discusses the importance of feeling good as we age, the inspiration behind The Way of the Wave, and how letting go of control can enhance our lives. Daniel emphasizes the role of nature in teaching acceptance and resilience, and he explores the significance of self-compassion in navigating life's transitions. He also addresses common control patterns and how creativity can provide a sense of purpose in later years. In this conversation, Daniel Miller discusses the importance of balance, moderation, and self-care. He shares insights from his book, emphasizing the need to embrace uncertainty and the value of daily habits that contribute to overall wellbeing. The discussion also touches on the joy of creativity and the significance of allowing oneself to flow with life's challenges rather than trying to control everything.Learn more about Daniel at https://danielamiller.com/about-the-author/BUY The Way of the Wave on Amazon and support this podcast: https://amzn.to/4kXyeka

Protein over Prozac. Skinny as sanctified. Health as holiness. A recent NYT piece traces the rebranding of Christian diet culture—but we’re asking a deeper question: Why do we keep turning the body into a battleground? In this solo episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong unpacks the theological, political, and spiritual layers beneath our obsession with fitness, thinness, and “clean” living. From SPIES to the Cosmic Christ, from Turning Point rallies to Teilhard’s Omega Point, this is a call to stop shrinking, start integrating, and reclaim your body as a sacred commons—because the real crisis isn't about health. It's about meaning.

What if the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—aren’t just Christian ideals, but spiritual truths that transcend any one religion?In this episode of “…We Have a Spiritual Problem,” Dr. Jeff Armstrong explores how these nine virtues, traditionally rooted in Christian scripture, point to universal dimensions of human wholeness and spiritual maturity. Whether you’re religious, spiritual-but-not-religious, or somewhere in between, these are qualities we all need to cultivate—not gifts we wait around to receive.Drawing from psychological insights, ancient traditions, and modern life, this episode unpacks how the fruit of the Spirit offers a roadmap for inner transformation and a challenge to the performance-driven, hyper-individualized culture we live in.

Is living longer really the same as living well? In this thought-provoking episode—featured on both The Aging Well Podcast and …We Have a Spiritual Problem—Dr. Jeff Armstrong challenges the assumptions behind biohacking and modern longevity culture.From Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint to the often-overlooked teachings of Jesuit priest and evolutionary philosopher Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Jeff explores what’s missing in the pursuit of “eternal life”: meaning, connection, and spiritual depth. He critiques the biomechanical and techno-optimistic lens of aging and introduces a more holistic framework—SPIES (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social wellness).If you're tired of quick fixes and quantified health, and you're ready to explore a vision of aging that’s integrated, embodied, and spiritually grounded, this episode offers a powerful alternative. Learn why aging well isn’t just about living longer—but living deeper.

Modern wellness culture promises transformation—if we just track the right metrics, perfect the right routines, and optimize ourselves into enlightenment. But in the rush to biohack our way to better lives, we often miss the deeper truth: wholeness isn’t a performance. It’s a practice.In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, we explore the limits of wellness culture, the commodification of health, and the cost of confusing productivity with presence. From spiritual bypassing to toxic self-help mantras, we unpack why real transformation requires formation, not just performance—and why rituals matter more than routines.This is a conversation for anyone who’s ever felt exhausted by the pressure to improve, and hungry for something more meaningful than metrics.Watch/Listen to this episode and others in their entirety where you get your podcasts:Please, support ‘…We Have a Spiritual Problem’ by hitting the ‘like’ button, subscribing/following the podcast, and sharing with a friend.

What if the ache of loneliness isn’t just emotional—but spiritual? In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong explores the deep connection between community and the soul. From ancient traditions to modern neuroscience, from monastic rhythms to the digital age’s illusions of connection, we consider how disconnection is more than a mental health crisis—it’s a sacred crisis.Dr. Armstrong reflects on how community isn’t just a convenience—it’s a spiritual necessity. With insights from early Christian models, indigenous practices, and the neuroscience of belonging, this episode offers both context and invitations for those seeking more than surface-level connection.Because we were never meant to do this alone.Please, support …We Have a Spiritual Problem by hitting the ‘like’ button, subscribing/following the podcast, and sharing with a friend.