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PODCAST · health

Making the Darkness Conscious

by Chris

Making the Darkness Conscious" is a journey into authentic self-discovery and the raw realities of life's most challenging experiences. Host Chris, a widower, single father, workplace leader, and individual in recovery, invites listeners to explore the depths of human existence with unflinching honesty.Inspired by Carl Jung's quote, this podcast delves into the shadow self, grief, mental health, addiction, leadership challenges, and the pursuit of genuine self-expression. Through candid personal stories and reflections, Chris demonstrates how confronting our darkest moments and embracing our whole selves—shadows and all—can lead to profound growth, healing, and authentic living.Join us as we navigate the intersections of our conscious and unconscious selves, exploring loss, love, professional life, and recovery. Together, we'll find light in unexpected places, uncover the transformative power of authenticity, and make our darkness conscious.This isn't about advice but shared experi

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Episodes

  1. Many Things Can Be True

    A spoken journal recorded five days before brain surgery. Unedited, unpolished, and honest about being scared and grateful at the same time. Before you press play. I talk openly in this one about grief, brain surgery, and my own addiction/recovery, including the morning eleven years ago when I…

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  2. Don't Push the River - Sitting with the In-Between

    In this episode, Chris returns after a few months to explore the concept of liminality—that threshold space between where we were and where we're going. Drawing on wisdom from his coach and Gestalt therapist Barry Stevens, Chris reflects on his second Thanksgiving trip with Waverly to London,...

  3. My Truth (Today)

    In this episode, I speak out loud what’s true for me — today. It’s not about politics or taking sides. It’s about the gap I see between what we say we stand for and how we really show up — in our communities, our faith, our families, and ourselves. I talk about the tension I carry with how I was...

  4. One Year Later — Redefining Strength

    “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” – Carl Jung After a long pause, I’m back on the mic—coming up on one year since my wife passed away. In this episode, I share what’s been stirring in me during this milestone month: grief that still…

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  5. Integration, Presence, Connection: Three Words for 2025

    In this episode of Making the Darkness Conscious, Chris returns after a month-long break to reflect on navigating the holiday season - from Disney trips to Christmas decorations that sparked joy and profound grief. With remarkable candor, he shares the weight of celebrating Blythe's birthday, the...

  6. The Space Between: Holding Space While Finding Present Wonder

    In this heartfelt episode, Chris reflects on his recent trip to New York City with his 4-year-old daughter over Thanksgiving week, which coincided with six months since the passing of his wife Blythe. He explores the profound realization of the importance of being present - both through...

  7. Certainty is the Enemy of Unity: Finding Connection in Divided Times

    In this thought-provoking episode, host Chris explores how he strives to maintain human connection and find unity in increasingly polarized times. Drawing from research on certainty, beliefs, and tribal thinking, Chris examines why conversations around politics and deeply held beliefs can feel so...

  8. Leadership Beyond the Office: Finding Balance in Accountability, Growth, and Grace

    In this insightful episode of Making the Darkness Conscious, host Chris explores the critical intersection of leadership principles across both professional and personal life. Drawing from his experiences as a widower, single father, and workplace leader, Chris unpacks how the lessons of...

  9. Navigating the Depths of Grief: Part 2 (Checkin)

    "Making the Darkness Conscious" is an intimate, raw exploration of grief, personal growth, and authentic living. Host Chris shares his journey through loss, recovery, and the complexities of single parenthood. In this episode, "Navigating the Depths of Grief: Part Two," Chris revisits his...

  10. My Story: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - PART 3

    In this heartfelt conclusion to his three-part personal narrative, host Chris shares the most transformative chapters of his life story. From his move to California and early sobriety to finding love, marriage, and fatherhood, Chris opens up about the beautiful and challenging moments that shaped...

  11. My Story: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - PART 2

    In this profoundly personal continuation of his story, Chris shares: •His experiences in rehab, including challenges with the concept of a God/higher power •The process of writing his fourth-step inventory and breakthroughs in therapy •Transition from rehab to sober living and early jobs in...

  12. My Story: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - PART 1

    In this raw and deeply personal episode, host Chris bares his soul, sharing the unfiltered chapters of his life journey. From a sheltered upbringing to the depths of addiction and the transformative power of recovery, Chris offers an intimate look at the experiences that shaped him. Trigger...

  13. Navigating Dualities

    In this episode of Making the Darkness Conscious, host Chris explores the complex terrain of navigating dualities, particularly in grief, parenting, and professional life. Drawing from his experiences as a widower and single father, Chris delves into the challenges and insights that come from...

  14. Behind the Curtain: Addiction, Mental Health, and Life After Getting Sober

    Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about addiction, mental health struggles, and mentions of suicidal thoughts and ideation. Listener discretion is advised. --- In this compelling episode of Making the Darkness Conscious, host Chris is joined by his friend Nate to pull back the...

  15. Leading with Empathy: Emotional Intelligence

    In this insightful episode of Making the Darkness Conscious, host Chris explores the critical role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in both leadership and personal life. Drawing from his experiences as a widower, single father, and workplace leader, Chris unpacks how EI can help navigate grief,...

  16. Navigating the Depths of Grief

    Episode 1: Navigating the Depths of Grief In this powerful debut, host Chris shares his raw journey through grief after losing his wife to brain cancer. As a newly widowed single father, Chris explores how walking through our darkest moments can lead to unexpected growth and self-discovery.…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Making the Darkness Conscious" is a journey into authentic self-discovery and the raw realities of life's most challenging experiences. Host Chris, a widower, single father, workplace leader, and individual in recovery, invites listeners to explore the depths of human existence with unflinching honesty.Inspired by Carl Jung's quote, this podcast delves into the shadow self, grief, mental health, addiction, leadership challenges, and the pursuit of genuine self-expression. Through candid personal stories and reflections, Chris demonstrates how confronting our darkest moments and embracing our whole selves—shadows and all—can lead to profound growth, healing, and authentic living.Join us as we navigate the intersections of our conscious and unconscious selves, exploring loss, love, professional life, and recovery. Together, we'll find light in unexpected places, uncover the transformative power of authenticity, and make our darkness conscious.This isn't about advice but shared experi

HOSTED BY

Chris

CATEGORIES

health fitness mental

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Making the Darkness Conscious have?

Making the Darkness Conscious currently has 16 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Making the Darkness Conscious about?

Making the Darkness Conscious" is a journey into authentic self-discovery and the raw realities of life's most challenging experiences. Host Chris, a widower, single father, workplace leader, and individual in recovery, invites listeners to explore the depths of human existence with unflinching...

How often does Making the Darkness Conscious release new episodes?

Making the Darkness Conscious has 16 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Making the Darkness Conscious?

You can listen to Making the Darkness Conscious on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Making the Darkness Conscious?

Making the Darkness Conscious is created and hosted by Chris.
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