PODCAST · religion
Practical Spiritual Tidbits
by Michael Macks
A deeper exploration of the spiritual nature of the universe, based on Torah sources
Episodes
-
Ep. 101- Relationship Dynamics (Part 1)
This episode is about the subtle dynamics present in relationships. 3 teachings from Kabbalah about the spiritual/energetic dynamics of our relationship with G-d, and how each of those can be applied in our relationships with other people (whether friendly or romantic.)
-
Ep. 100- Why is kindness valuable?
In this episode we discuss 3 reasons why it's valuable to be kind to others, based on Biblical verses and Kabbalah.
-
Ep. 99- Everything in the Universe is words
In this episode, we discuss the Kabbalistic concept that everything in the universe is built out of words. We explore how this applies to a person's name.
-
Ep. 98- Conversation with Rachel Chaya
In this episode I sit down with Rachel Chaya, who is a soon to be published author. We discuss spiritual journeying, free choice, whether coincidences are possible, conversion, personal growth, dating, and life in the Philippines, Italy and Israel, amongst other topics. You can find her on...
-
Ep. 97- The Seven Noahide Laws
In this episode we explore the concept of the "Seven Noahide Laws," their deeper meanings, and the consciousness/ awareness they seem to be designed to help achieve.
-
Ep. 96- The Energy of Colors
In this episode we explore the spiritual roots of various different colors, based on "Gate 10" from the book Pardes Rimonim by the Kabbalist Rav Moshe Cordevero (1522-1570). As well as multiple research studies about the impact that looking at different colors has on a person. Many of the sources...
-
Ep. 95- Spirituality of Children
This episode is about the unique spiritual qualities of children, including 7 different concepts and sources.
-
Ep. 94- How to forgive (5 perspectives)
In this episode, we share 5 perspectives, based on spiritual ideas, that may help a person to forgive someone who has wronged.
-
Ep. 93- 5 levels of consciousness
In this episode we discuss the idea that the human soul is made of 5 levels. This also corresponds to 5 levels the human body itself, the 5 universes, and the 5 levels of depth of words. We give a few practical applications of this concept and how it can be helpful in everyday life.
-
Ep. 92- A deeper look at Divine Judgement (Rosh Hashana)
In this episode we explore the concept of Divine judgement. What does this have to do with the new year (Rosh Hashana)? We share 2 approaches for where to place the concept of judgement.
-
Ep. 91- Connection between 'Belief in G-d' and 'Belief in Self'
In this episode we quote 2 sources-- Rashi (1040-1105) and Rav Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin (1823-1900)-- who shed light on the relationship between belief in a higher power and belief in self.
-
Ep. 90- The power of beliefs
In this episode we talk about the power of our beliefs. Do we fear something because it has the power to harm, or does it only have the power to harm because we fear it? We explore several Biblical sources that point to the latter. We also give a practical application of this insight.
-
Ep. 89- "Fear of God" deeper meaning
Could it really be that our Divine Source wants us to feel afraid of 'Him'? Is that really what the concept of "fear of God" means? In this episode we explore the true, deeper meaning of the concept of fear of God.
-
Ep. 88- Feeling Feelings
In this episode, we give a Kabbalistic explanation of the benefit of feeling one's feelings, i.e. developing a positive relationship with one's emotions.
-
Ep. 87- The 12 Tribes
The Zohar teaches that the 12 Tribes, all together, form the completion of the Divine Presence. In this episode, we explore the unique energy of each of the 12 Tribes, as seen in the qualities and personalities of the 12 sons of Jacob and their descendants. Most of the sources quoted in this...
-
Ep. 86- Knowing what you want
In this episode we discuss wants/desires. Why is it valuable to know what you want? We discuss 2 approaches on how to clarify one's desires, based on Kabbalistic and psychological sources.
-
Ep. 85- Seeing with depth
In this episode we discuss the idea of seeing the soul of things; with more depth. The ability to see through this lens was described by the Kabbalists as the ability to see truth. We discuss multiple examples and sources, and offer 3 practical applications.
-
Ep. 84- "Soulmate Day" (The 15th of Av)
In this episode, we share 4 insights about the holiday of Tu B'Av (the 15th of Av), which is known as an opportune time to find one's soulmate. Why is specifically this day opportune? What energy is more accessible on this day? What is the significance of a full moon? What's the deeper meaning of...
-
Ep. 83- What is the "Shechinah"?
In this episode we discuss the concept of the "Shechinah," often translated as "Divine Feminine." What actually is it? What do the Sages teach about it? What philosophical question does it help to answer? How does it impact a person practically? One source I forgot to mention connected to the...
-
Ep. 82: The voice of self-doubt
In this episode we explore the inner voice of self-doubt. Based on a Kabbalistic reading of two characters in the Bible, and based on that, what seems to be the biblical advice for overcoming that voice. Please note that this episode was recorded outdoors, please forgive me for the audio quality.
-
Ep. 81- Divine timing
In this episode, we discuss the topic of Divine timing. Is it really true that there's a preordained time for when things will happen? And, is there anything we can do to speed up that timeline?
-
Ep. 80- Music & Unity
In this episode we look at the power of music to foster unity. We quote Kabbalistic, Talmudic, and psychological sources.
-
Ep. 79- Why do we always want more?
In this episode, we explore the phenomenon that humans always seem to want more/growth/expansion. We go through some stories and sources on the topic, and offer a Kabbalistic explanation for it.
-
Ep. 78- Gog & Magog
In this episode we discuss the prophecies about the war of Gog and Magog from Ezekiel 38-39 and Zechariah 14, and how later Sages understood them. What is it? Who is Gog? Who is involved? Is it metaphorical? What is its purpose? And more...
-
Ep. 77- Aura
In this episode we discuss the concept of an aura. Starting with Nicola Tesla and other scientists, and then getting into multiple spiritual/Kabbalistic sources.
-
Ep. 76- The "Third Eye"
In this episode, we suggest 3 different sources for the concept of the 'third eye.' We get into a discussion about where desires originate.
-
Ep. 75- The energy of "appreciation"
In this episode we discuss the energy of "appreciation." We discuss the spiritual impact of appreciation, including a few stories, as it relates to different types of relationships in our lives: person to person, person to self, and person to Creator.
-
Ep. 74- Gemstones' Healing Powers
The fact that gemstones have healing properties is rooted in the Bible. In Exodus 39:10-14 it lists 12 gemstones that were to be placed in the breastplate the high priest in the Temple, each stone corresponding to a son of Jacob. The Kabbalists (e.g. Rabbeinu Bachya (1255-1340), on Exodus 28:15)...
-
Ep. 73- God: Being or Principle?
In this short episode, we discuss whether G-d is more of a being or a principle.
-
Ep. 72- Rabbi Josh Zebberman: Couples Counseling
In this episode, I sit down with Rabbi Josh Zebberman, who is a rabbi and couples counselor. He shares his unique approach to counseling, which involves focusing more on & highlighting what's working well, and less on what's not working as well. He shares many stories of different clients and how...
-
Ep. 71 - Katia Bolotin
Katia Bolotin, a Torah educator and speaker, writer, pianist and composer, is the author of the recently published book "Making it Relevant," which is about finding practical meaning and application from the weekly Torah portion. In this conversation we talk about King David's life, various…
more -
Ep. 70- Noa Amalia Arazi: Conversion to Judaism
In this episode I sit down with Noa Amalia Arazi, the founder of "Destined to be a Jew," an organization that supports thousands of people converting - and considering converting - to Judaism. We discuss her personal story converting to Judaism, the top reasons why people decide to convert, where...
-
Ep. 69- Rav Yehuda HaKohen: A Vision for Israel's Future
It was enlightening to speak with Rav Yehuda HaKohen, the co-founder of the Vision Movement, about a vision for Israel's future. We discuss the biblical concept of a society based on tribal identity, the concept of a "Kohen/Priest," what a government looks like from a biblical perspective, the...
-
Ep. 68- Rav Joey Rosenfeld
In this conversation, Rav Joey Rosenfeld shares profounds insights about Kabbalah, the past, free will versus divine orchestration, a perspective for singles, effort versus faith, where does HaShem "end" and a human "begin," self-love and giving to oneself, how to be less judgemental, and more!…
more -
Ep. 67 - Dr. Aziz Gazipura: The relationship between self-confidence and faith
Dr. Aziz Gazipura is a world renowned expert in self-confidence, the famed bestselling author of "Not Nice," host of "Shrink for the Shy Guy" Podcast and the "Get More Confidence" YouTube channel, and the recently published book "Doubtless." In this conversation, we go deep into how one's...
-
Ep. 66- Dr. Jessica Newman: Chinese Medicine
Dr. Jessica Newman, who practices Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Pilates in Jerusalem, is a master expert in all of the above, and the founder of Jerusalem Acupuncture & Pilates. In this conversation, we discuss her experience working with thousands of patients, the differences between Western...
-
Ep. 65- Conversation with Jordana Greenfield (@drinkitin_jordana)
In this conversation with Jordana Greenfield, aka @drinkitin_jordana, we discuss finding your authentic voice--what can prevent it and tools for reclaiming it, what it means to "be yourself," the experience of teaching elementary school students versus adults, different stages of life, having vs....
-
Ep. 64 - Internal guidance
In this episode, we address the question of the path of self-development. Does most growth happen through exposure, or through getting more in touch with one's inner guidance. We discuss 4 sources that point to the latter. Note: the point of this episode is not to give a conclusion, but to…
more -
Ep. 63- Conversation with Rav Daniel Kohn
In this enlightening conversation with Rav Daniel Kohn, we discuss how to think about "God," a spiritual perspective on healing, what freedom really means, worrying about other people's opinions, alignment with one's true essence, Tefillin, and more! Rav Daniel Kohn is a world-renowned rabbi, the...
-
Ep. 62- Conversation with Rav Yakov Danishefsky
Rav Yakov Danishefsky works as a rabbi, therapist, educator and speaker. He is the author of three books, including the newly released "The Attached Haggadah." In this conversation, we talk about how the Torah speaks to this generation, attachment styles in relationships (human to human and human...
-
Ep. 61- Conversation with Menachem Forma
In this raw and reflective conversation with Menachem Forma, we go deep on the topics of ego, masculine & feminine energies (their definitions, the existence of both within every individual and how to balance the two, how balancing the two leads to a more aligned life, its relevance to one's...
-
Ep. 60 - Conversation with Rav Benji Elson
In this profound and exciting conversation with Rav Benji Elson, we discuss his experiences with Buddhism and Judaism, what it actually means to be a on a "spiritual journey," as well as specific Kabbalistic and Hassidic teachings and how they provide a map for personal-development and…
more -
Ep. 59- Conversation with Reb Adam Yitzchak Polinovskiy
In this episode I sit down with Reb Adam Yitzchak Polinovskiy, who is a Kabbalah-based teacher, mentor and coach. We discuss his spiritual journey, "healthy before holy," tips for how to develop one's desire to give, tips for how to identify as a soul, the spiritual value of creativity and...
-
Ep. 58 - Conversation with Ahuva Birnbaum
In this conversation, I sit down with Ahuva Birnbaum, aka "Holy Shid," who performs energetic healing. After serving as a psychotherapist for 18 years, she witnessed the power of energetic healing, and since then has trained in energy healing herself and is now a practitioner. In this…
more -
Ep. 57- Conversation with Yedidah Cohen
Yedidah Cohen is one of the world's foremost teachers of the Kabbalistic teachings of Rav Yehuda Leib Ashlag. She has written multiple books on his teachings, including the famed "A Tapestry for the Soul". In this conversation, we discuss the purpose of life, a deeper perspective on biblical...
-
Ep. 56 - Conversation with Rabbi Yechezkel Yosef Abulafia
In this episode recorded in the holy city of Tzfat, I sit down with Rabbi Yechezkel Yosef Abulafia to discuss meditation (its goal, benefits and different forms), prayer & manifestation, and Kabbalah. Rabbi Abulafia is a Jewish meditation expert and alignment coach, who lives in Tzfat, and is a...
-
Ep. 55 - Astrology of Israel and the United States with Malachi Tanoe
In this episode, Malachi Tanoe returns. He goes into depth and detail of the astrological charts of the countries of Israel and the United States of America, respectively. He demontrates with visuals of the charts themselves and how they are read. Malachi is an astrologist, Kabbalah teacher,...
-
Ep. 54 - Conversation with Levi Saada
In this episode, I sit down with Levi Saada to explore his journey from a Haredi ultra-Orthodox upbringing to modern Orthodox life, yeshiva, college, and the corporate world of high-level software sales—before ultimately leaving it all to pursue healing work full-time. We dive into his struggles...
-
Ep. 53 - Conversation with Leila Balter
In this episode I chat with Leila Balter about health, Chinese Medicine, the relationship between emotional and physical well-being, songwriting, teaching, and Kabbalah. Leila is currently (at the time of the recording) studying Chinese Medicine in Los Angeles. She blends Jewish wisdom into...
-
Ep. 52 - Conversation with Malachi Tanoe
In this episode I chat with Malachi Tanoe about astrology, Kabbalah, reincarnation, soulmates, dating, and geopolitics in the Middle East, amongst other topics. Malachi is an astrologist, Kabbalah teacher, martial artist, geopolitics analyst, oil & gas engineer, historian, and anthropology…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
A deeper exploration of the spiritual nature of the universe, based on Torah sources
HOSTED BY
Michael Macks
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...