It's Now Again by Jeremy West
by Jeremy West
It’s Now Again is a podcast of slow, honest conversations with people who have inspired me. I’m Jeremy West, a mindfulness teacher and guide with a secular, psychology based approach, and each episode is a chance to pause and listen in on a real conversation rather than a performance or an interview. Some guests are artists, comedians, teachers, carers, thinkers, or quiet changemakers. Some are people whose way of being in the world has stayed with me over time. Mindfulness is a recurring thread, because it’s been central in my own life, but the conversations are not limited to any single topic or framework. We talk about meaning, change, fear, creativity, love, loss, belief, uncertainty, and what it’s like to live honestly inside a human nervous system. There’s no fixing here. No advice to follow. No conclusions to land on. Just presence, curiosity, and conversation. Alongside the podcast, I host Calm Hours, a fr
Episodes
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3.2 Belief, Doubt, and Staying in the Room Together
In this episode, I’m joined by Matthew Boswell for a slow, open conversation across difference. Matt and I come from very different backgrounds. I approach mindfulness from a secular, psychology based perspective. Matt moved through atheism and later returned to Christianity, and now serves as a...
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3.1 Ayahuasca, Fear, Love, and Not Knowing with Myq Kaplan
Join comedian (and philosopher?) Myq Kaplan and I for a long, reflective conversation about his experiences with ayahuasca. Rather than offering advice or instruction, Myq speaks openly about what these experiences were like for him, how they shifted his relationship with fear, death, love, and...
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2.26 Navigating the Unknown: Finding Peace After Religious Trauma
Deconstructing your faith is a deeply personal and often painful journey, especially when it’s intertwined with trauma. In today’s episode, we explore the struggles of processing a fundamentalist upbringing, dealing with PTSD rooted in religion, and addressing well-meaning but challenging…
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2.25 From Shame to Self-Love: Resources for Your Deconstruction Journey
Moving from shame and self-hatred to self-love is a vital step in your deconstruction journey, especially when leaving evangelical culture and its toxic teachings. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West shares practical tools, book recommendations, and alternative practices for...
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2.24 Finding Spiritual Connection Beyond Religion
Leaving a faith tradition can feel like losing a connection to the spiritual practices that once grounded us. In this episode, Jeremy shares his personal journey of deconstructing evangelical Christianity and finding new ways to engage with spirituality. Whether it’s through mindfulness…
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2.23 Overcoming Dread: Finding Peace Amid Uncertainty About God
What do you do when the idea of God feels overwhelming or anxiety-inducing? In this episode, Jeremy West explores how mindfulness can help you navigate feelings of dread and powerlessness when grappling with existential questions about life, death, and the nature of God. Discover tools to find...
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2.22 Healing After Religious Trauma: Finding Safety and Self-Worth Without a God
Religious teachings that frame suffering as deserved can deeply harm our mental health, especially for those already dealing with depression. In this episode, Jeremy West explores how mindfulness can help us deconstruct these beliefs, reclaim a sense of safety in the world, and cultivate...
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2.21. Navigating Triggers During Deconstruction: Finding Freedom from Empty Phrases
During deconstruction, standard Christian phrases can feel like roadblocks to genuine connection. In this episode, Jeremy West shares insights into navigating the frustration of reductive religious language. Learn how mindfulness can help you process these moments, reclaim meaningful…
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2.20 Overcoming the Fear of Hell: Mindfulness and Freedom from Religious Conditioning
Even after leaving a faith tradition, the fear of hell can linger, deeply ingrained in our minds and emotions. In this episode, Jeremy West explores why this fear persists and how mindfulness can help untangle its grip. Learn practical techniques for acknowledging fear, challenging beliefs, and...
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2.19 Finding Calm in Unexpected Setbacks: The Parable of the Farmer and His Horse
Life is full of unexpected challenges, like flat tires on a Saturday night. In this episode, Jeremy West shares how a mindfulness parable helped him navigate a difficult setback with curiosity and acceptance. Learn how to shift your perspective, respond to challenges with grace, and embrace…
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2.18 Mindful Parenting After Leaving Faith
Parenting after leaving a faith tradition can feel daunting, as you navigate life without the guidance of religious frameworks. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West shares practical mindfulness strategies for redefining values, fostering open communication, and raising children...
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2.17 Navigating the Fear of Death After Leaving Faith
Leaving a faith tradition often brings profound questions about life's uncertainties, including the fear of death In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West explores how mindfulness can help you embrace life’s impermanence, find peace in the present, and reframe death as part of a...
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2.16 Healing Religious Trauma Through Mindfulness
Religious trauma can leave lasting emotional scars, but healing is possible. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West explores how mindfulness can help you process pain, release guilt, and rebuild trust in yourself. Learn practical steps, from grounding techniques to reframing...
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2.15 Reclaiming Joy After Leaving Faith
After leaving a faith tradition, finding joy can feel like an uphill battle. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West explores how to redefine joy on your terms, let go of "shoulds," and embrace the small, meaningful moments that bring happiness. Learn practical steps to cultivate...
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2.14 The Transformative Power of Gratitude in Deconstruction
Gratitude might feel out of reach when navigating the challenges of leaving a faith tradition, but it can become a powerful tool for healing and growth. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West explores how gratitude helps anchor us in the present, reframe challenges, and find small...
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2.13. Exploring and Integrating New Spiritual Perspectives After Deconstruction
In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, we tackle a vital question: how do you explore and integrate new spiritual or philosophical perspectives that align with your evolving beliefs? Discover how mindfulness, curiosity, and openness can guide your journey, helping you build a worldview that...
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2.12. Supporting Your Mental Health During Faith Deconstruction
Faith deconstruction can be an emotionally challenging journey, filled with grief, anxiety, and uncertainty. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, we explore practical ways to support your mental health. From mindfulness exercises and therapy options to finding community and practicing...
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2.11. Navigating Relationships with Religious Loved Ones After Deconstruction
How do you maintain meaningful relationships with family and friends who remain in the religious tradition you've left? In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, we explore how mindfulness can help you approach these dynamics with compassion, clarity, and boundaries. Discover practical…
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2.10. Building Your Moral Compass: Creating a Personal Framework Beyond Religion
Developing a moral framework outside of religious doctrines can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a chance to align your values with your authentic self. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West guides you through steps to reflect on your core values, cultivate empathy, make mindful...
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2.9. Navigating Judgment: Overcoming Fear of Family and Friends' Reactions
Fear of judgment from loved ones can make the deconstruction journey even more challenging. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West explores how mindfulness can help you manage the fear of criticism and rejection with clarity and compassion. Learn how to set healthy boundaries,...
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2.8. Managing Anxiety and Uncertainty During Your Deconstruction Journey
Anxiety and uncertainty often accompany the deconstruction journey, leaving us feeling untethered and unsure of the future. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West shares practical mindfulness techniques and personal insights to help you navigate these challenging emotions. Learn…
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2.7. Emotions as Weather: Navigating Life’s Storms After Faith
Emotions can feel overwhelming, especially during the upheaval of leaving a faith-based community. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West explores the metaphor of emotions as weather, offering mindfulness practices to navigate the storms of grief, anger, confusion, and doubt.…
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2.6. Rebuilding Your Identity: Finding Yourself After Leaving Religion
Leaving a faith-based community often leaves us questioning who we are. In this episode of Mindful Deconstruction, Jeremy West explores how mindfulness can guide us in rebuilding our identity with intention and compassion. Discover practical steps to embrace uncertainty, define your core values,...
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2.5. Life's Lessons in Feathers, Bricks, and Trucks: Finding Mindfulness Through Adversity
This is a speech I'm giving at a Toastmasters speech competition tomorrow in which I share my personal journey of recognizing life's subtle and not-so-subtle lessons. Through the metaphor of feathers, bricks, and trucks, Jeremy explores how life's challenges guide us toward mindfulness and...
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2 4. Finding Purpose Beyond Faith: Building a Meaningful Life After Religion
Explores the journey of finding purpose after leaving religion. Discover how to redefine your values, create a fulfilling life on your terms, and embrace the process of self-discovery. Jeremy shares insights and practical strategies for building a meaningful life rooted in mindfulness and...
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2.3. Finding Connection After Leaving Religion: The Power of Community in Healing Religious Trauma
One of the most crucial aspects of healing from religious trauma: finding community. Leaving a faith often means losing a built-in support system, which can lead to feelings of isolation and uncertainty. Jeremy shares strategies for creating new networks of support, whether through online groups,...
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2.2. From Faith to Mindfulness: My Journey of Deconstruction and Self-Rediscovery
In this deeply personal episode of Mindful Deconstruction, host Jeremy West shares his transformative journey from training as a pastor to finding peace and purpose in mindfulness after deconstructing his faith. Jeremy opens up about the doubts and challenges he faced, the process of letting go…
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2.1. Introducing Mindful Deconstruction: Healing Beyond Religious Trauma
Welcome to Mindful Deconstruction, a podcast dedicated to those navigating life beyond religious beliefs. Join Jeremy West as he shares mindful tools and insights to support your journey of healing, growth, and rediscovery. This safe space offers practical guidance, self-compassion, and exercises...
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88. Is It Okay to Keep Some Religious Beliefs While Healing from Religious Trauma?
The deeply personal question many face while healing from religious trauma: Is it okay to hold on to certain religious beliefs? Jeremy shares insights on how to mindfully navigate this journey, honoring what still resonates without feeling bound by past frameworks. Learn how to identify, keep, or...
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87. Overcoming Overthinking and Self-Doubt After Religious Trauma
The impact of overthinking and self-doubt that often persist after leaving a strict religious background. Learn how mindfulness can help break the cycle of self-criticism and transform these thoughts into a foundation of self-trust. With practical tips for grounding, reframing, and practicing...
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86. Self-Compassion as a Healing Path from Religious Trauma
The transformative role of self-compassion in healing from religious trauma. Discover how kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness can serve as powerful tools to rewrite your inner dialogue, replace self-criticism, and foster peace on your journey. Jeremy shares practical techniques to nurture...
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85. Rebuilding Spirituality After Religious Trauma: A Personal Journey
The transformative journey of rediscovering spirituality after experiencing religious trauma. We explore how to let go of old belief systems, cultivate a new sense of spirituality, and connect with peace, nature, creativity, and community. Whether through mindfulness, nature, or personal...
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84. Setting Boundaries: A Vital Step in Healing from Religious Trauma
The importance of setting boundaries on the journey to healing from religious trauma. Many who have left high-control religious communities struggle with boundaries, often feeling selfish or guilty for asserting their needs. Learn why boundaries are essential for self-care and growth, how to...
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83. Rebuilding Self-Trust After Religious Trauma
Reclaiming self-trust is essential for healing from religious trauma, especially if you were taught to distrust your instincts in favor of external authority. In today’s episode, Jeremy West explores how a mindful approach can help you reconnect with your inner voice and regain confidence in your...
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82. Overcoming the Fear of Hell and Embracing Inner Peace
About the lingering fear of hell and eternal punishment that many experience after leaving strict faith communities. Discover how to release these deep-rooted anxieties by using grounding techniques, self-compassion, and visualization exercises. Learn to reframe this fear as a remnant of past...
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81. Letting Go of Guilt and Shame After Leaving a High-Control Faith
Explore the heavy emotions of guilt and shame that often linger after leaving a controlling or dogmatic faith. Discover where these feelings come from, how self-compassion and self-forgiveness can help unburden your mind, and the empowering process of redefining your own values. Learn mindfulness...
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80. Starting Your Healing Journey: First Steps in Overcoming Religious Trauma
The essential first steps to begin healing from religious trauma. Jeremy West discusses the power of grounding techniques, the importance of self-compassion, and the role of supportive communities in the recovery journey. Learn how to start redefining your beliefs in a way that aligns with your...
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79. Understanding Religious Trauma: Signs, Symptoms, and the Journey to Healing
Join us in the first episode of our special series on healing religious trauma. Today, Jeremy West delves into the signs and symptoms of religious trauma, explaining how controlling religious environments can leave lasting emotional and psychological impacts. Discover how anxiety, shame,...
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78. Healing from Religious Trauma: Mindfulness as a Path to Freedom and Peace
Discover the mindful journey to healing from religious trauma in today's episode. Jeremy West shares insights into overcoming the lingering effects of rigid beliefs, guilt, and shame tied to past religious experiences. Learn how to use self-compassion, grounding techniques, and personal…
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77. Mindfulness in Pop Culture: Lessons from The Good Place
Explore the mindfulness messages woven into Jeremy's favourite TV series, The Good Place. From the power of choice to embracing impermanence, The Good Place offers valuable insights that reflect core mindfulness principles. We'll dive into seven key lessons that guide us toward intentional…
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76. Mastering Mindful Parking: Stay Present and Never Lose Your Car Again
Explores the often-overlooked task of parking your car—mindfully. Learn how to turn the simple act of parking into a mindfulness practice that keeps you grounded, reduces stress, and ensures you never wander around searching for your car again. Discover techniques to stay present, avoid rushing,...
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75. Embracing Uncertainty: Finding Peace in the Unknown
Explore the certainty of uncertainty and how learning to embrace the unknown can lead to true peace. Discover mindful practices for navigating life’s unpredictability, letting go of the need for control, and cultivating presence in the here and now. Tune in for a discussion on how mindfulness…
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74. Embracing Life's Impermanence: Exploring Buddha's Five Remembrances
Buddha's five remembrances, reflections that highlight the impermanence of life and guide us toward mindfulness, acceptance, and peace. We explore how embracing aging, illness, and even death can help us live more fully. Through mindful awareness of change and loss, we cultivate compassion,...
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73. The Truth About Multitasking: Why It's Really Just Rapid Task Switching
You might think you're multitasking, but the truth is you're just rapidly switching between tasks. In this episode, Jeremy West explains how what we often call multitasking is actually a process of quickly shifting attention from one task to another, which can reduce focus and efficiency.…
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72: Can Meditation Replace Prayer? Exploring Mindfulness for Spiritual Connection and Peace
How meditation can serve as a powerful substitute for prayer, offering similar benefits of reflection, intention setting, and connection—without needing a religious framework. If you've left traditional religion or are seeking an alternative way to find peace, clarity, and support, learn how...
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71: Breaking Free from the Matrix: How Mindfulness Helps You Escape Automatic Thinking
How the classic movie The Matrix serves as a metaphor for mindfulness. Just like Neo waking up from the simulated world, mindfulness helps you break free from automatic thoughts and beliefs that shape your perception of reality. Learn how to challenge your thoughts, question the mind’s stories…
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70: How Expanding Your Perspective Through Mindfulness Naturally Leads to Gratitude
How mindfulness can help broaden your perspective and naturally lead to more gratitude, even during difficult times. Inspired by Noah Rashetta from the Secular Buddhism podcast, this episode dives into how taking a step back to see the bigger picture can open the door to appreciating life's...
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69: The Power of Mindful Listening: Strengthening Connections and Gaining New Perspectives
The transformative practice of mindful listening. Learn how this powerful tool can deepen your connections with others, foster empathy, and help you gain unique perspectives. Jeremy shares practical tips on how to be fully present in conversations, listen without judgment, and create meaningful...
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68: Navigating an Identity Crisis with Mindfulness
How mindfulness can help you navigate through an identity crisis. Learn how to let go of rigid labels, ground yourself in the present moment, and approach self-discovery with curiosity. Jeremy shares practical mindfulness tips and personal insights to help you embrace change, find clarity, and…
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67: Creating Your Own Meaning in Life Through Mindfulness
How mindfulness can help you craft your own meaning in life. Instead of searching for purpose in external sources like religion, career, or societal expectations, learn how mindfulness empowers you to create a deeply personal and fulfilling sense of purpose based on your own values, experiences,...
About this show
It’s Now Again is a podcast of slow, honest conversations with people who have inspired me.
I’m Jeremy West, a mindfulness teacher and guide with a secular, psychology based approach, and each episode is a chance to pause and listen in on a real conversation rather than a performance or an interview.
Some guests are artists, comedians, teachers, carers, thinkers, or quiet changemakers.
Some are people whose way of being in the world has stayed with me over time.
Mindfulness is a recurring thread, because it’s been central in my own life, but the conversations are not limited to any single topic or framework.
We talk about meaning, change, fear, creativity, love, loss, belief, uncertainty, and what it’s like to live honestly inside a human nervous system.
There’s no fixing here.
No advice to follow.
No conclusions to land on.
Just presence, curiosity, and conversation.
Alongside the podcast, I host Calm Hours, a fr
Hosted by
Jeremy West
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