PODCAST · society
Wake Up, Human
by Shannon M. Wills
Wake Up, Human is an exploration of the native powers of the human being. This podcast examines the ways we humans have become disconnected—from our innate wisdom, from each other, and from the natural world—and explores practical strategies for reconnecting to wholeness. Drop in for information and inspiration to help us reawaken and heal ourselves, our relationships, and our planet.
Episodes
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Ep.31: We're All Living on Bonus Time
In this episode I introduce the concept of bonus time: a hack for orienting ourselves to time in a way that makes our moments more precious and our actions more powerful — especially in times of ecological crisis. On the eve of an important birthday I ponder human mortality, the blessings of…
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Ep.30: The Power of Being Raw
In this episode, I explore what it means to show up raw in body, mind, and spirit, and in the everyday moments of our lives. I reflect on the layers of conditioning, perfectionism, and “shoulds” that disconnect us from ourselves, and why waking up is less about becoming "better," and more about...
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Ep.29: Exercise Your Freedom of Mind (no Bill of Rights required)
In this episode, I'm exploring the fundamental freedom of mind: a freedom we all share that does not require permission from any government or authority to be true. Let's learn to exercise our freedom of mind, so we can all become a bit more human.
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Ep.28: Bending Spoons and Other Powers of the Mind | with Petra Monson
In this episode my guest and I explore the fascinating skill of bending spoons with the mind—something that all of us humans are capable of!—as a portal to greater self-knowledge, inspiration, and connection with the world around us.
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Ep.27: Politics of Reconnection: the US Election and the Power of You and Me
I explore the aftermath of the 2024 US election through a lens of rehumanization, focusing on how we can heal divisions by understanding others' needs—and thinking for ourselves. Some topics I touch upon... The dangers of falling into lockstep with political "teams" without questioning our…
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Ep.26: Intentional Living: Manifestation as a Lifestyle | with Irina Portnova
Manifestation is not just about vision boards and wishful thinking—it's an intentional practice of aligning our energy with our desire, through the power of the mind. In this episode I talk with Irina Portnova about the practical side of manifestation: "We don't attract what we want, we attract…
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Ep.25: Honoring the Death of Things: An Ode to Letting Go
Our modern world rushes past death and endings, urging us to "move on" before we've properly acknowledged what's been lost. But what if this cultural tendency keeps us subtly tethered to the past, preventing us from fully opening to what comes next? Inspired by the death of the hawk on a busy…
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Ep.24: Israel, Palestine, and the Hatred in Our Own Hearts
The seeds of hatred can take root in any human heart—even those most committed to compassion and peace. In this episode, I share my journey through betrayal and rage alongside reflections on the genocide in Palestine, exploring parallels between personal and collective trauma. What happens when...
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Ep.23: The Tyranny of Urgency and the Wisdom of Slowing Down
The constant pressure to do everything immediately has become so normalized we barely notice it anymore – but this "tyranny of urgency" is destroying our wellbeing, relationships, and connection to life itself. Urgency isn't just about feeling rushed; it's a colonial, capitalist programming that...
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Ep.21: [Short Story] A Red Truck, a Mountain on Fire, and Other People's Intuition
Have you ever had a moment where everything went sideways – literally? This storytelling episode takes you deep into the Guatemalan countryside where a borrowed red Toyota truck, a burning mountainside, and a muddy crevasse converge to deliver some fun insights about decision making and human...
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Ep.20: The Prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor
In this episode I explore the prophecy of the Eagle and Condor, which in its different iterations offers a powerful framework for understanding humanity's divisions between "north and south," and a possible path toward reconciliation and healing. This particular teaching of the prophecy…
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Ep.19: The Cure for the Pain is In the Pain
What if the very pain you're running from contains the medicine you need? In this vulnerable and deeply personal episode, I dive into the wisdom behind the poet Rumi's profound insight: "The cure for the pain is in the pain." Pain isn't just something that hurts us—it's a messenger, a signal…
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Ep.18: Forget "Retirement Age"— Let's Live Fully Now. [In Memory of a Friend]
In this episode I reflect on the passing of a dear friend, exploring what it means to live fully while we have the chance, and the ways in which our lives create meaningful ripples in the world, beyond the simple moments we live. When my friend Susan died of cancer just months after retiring, it...
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Ep.17: Barbie vs. The Matrix - You and Me and Manufactured Reality
What happens when we compare Barbie's journey out of Barbie Land with Neo's escape from the Matrix? In this exploration I dive into how these starkly different films both challenge us to question the manufactured realities we live within—and consider how me might transcend them. Both characters...
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Ep.16: The Power of Nonviolence | A Conversation with Lorin Peters
Lorin Peters shares his 50-year journey as a physicist, teacher, and lifelong activist for nonviolence and peace, from his transformative experience in the Peace Corps to his work with Christian Peacemaker Teams in Palestine. How a death threat and a prophetic dream in Thailand launched Lorin's...
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Ep.15: On Wasting Time in the Corporate World
Have you ever looked back at years spent in a soul-sucking corporate job (or other seemingly dead-end pursuit) and thought, "I wasted so much time"? We often convince ourselves we've wasted time in corporate careers or chasing someone else's definition of success, but every choice we make teaches...
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Ep.14: The Ancient Language of Animals | A Conversation with Rose de Dan
What if the wisdom we're seeking has been speaking to us all along, but we've forgotten how to listen? Rose de Dan's journey from disconnection to animal communication began during what she calls her "black and white Kansas" period – a time of feeling lost and questioning life's purpose. Through…
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Ep.13: Ancient & Sacred Sites of Ireland | A Conversation with Jack Roberts
What if the ancient sites of our ancestors still held living wisdom that could reconnect us with our forgotten heritage? Ireland stands as perhaps the last repository in Europe where this connection remains unbroken, where stone circles and fairy mounds aren't silent relics but continue to speak...
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Ep.12: Love as a Spiritual Path | A Conversation with Matthew Busse
What if love isn't just a feeling, but a powerful spiritual path that could heal our divided world? In this soul-stirring conversation, I speak with Matthew Busse, a former molecular biologist turned spiritual teacher who serves as teacher-in-residence at the Abbey of the Redwoods. Matt shares…
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Ep.11: We Are All Indigenous
What does it mean to belong somewhere? As a person of European descent living in the United States, I've often wrestled with this question – how to honor the indigenous peoples of the land I call home while also nurturing my own sense of place and belonging. In this special narrative episode, I...
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Ep.10: Everyone is an Artist | A Conversation with Denise Kester
What does it mean to be a creative person? If you've ever dismissed your own creativity with "I'm not artistic," this conversation might fundamentally change how you see yourself. In this enlightening exploration of human creativity, artist and dreamkeeper Denise Kester reveals how our modern...
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Ep.09: Meditation as Medicine
Have you ever noticed the endless stream of thoughts running through your mind? The unexamined mental chatter that dictates your mood, decisions, and sense of self? What if there was a simple practice that could help you step back from this mental noise and reconnect with your deeper wisdom? In...
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Ep.08: The Wisdom of Yoga-Vedanta | A Conversation with Gajananam
Dive deep into the authentic traditions of yoga and Vedanta with Gajananam, a dedicated practitioner with nearly three decades of experience studying under direct disciples of Swami Vishnu Devananda, one of the pioneering yogis who brought these practices to the West in the mid-20th century. Most...
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Ep.07: Living a Life of No Regrets | On Henry David Thoreau with Jeffrey S. Cramer
Dive into the world of America's most influential naturalist and social reformer as Shannon Wills welcomes Thoreau scholar Jeffrey S. Kramer to explore the lasting power of Henry David Thoreau's ideas for our modern lives. "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation," wrote Thoreau in 1854....
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Ep.06: Your Body is Your Own Business | A Conversation with Janis Isaman
Movement specialist Janice Eisenman shares her passionate mission to help people reconnect with their bodies from the inside out, challenging cultural narratives that equate physical appearance with personal value. Through mindfulness practices and compassionate awareness, she guides clients to...
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Ep.03: Daoist Tips for Getting Back to the Garden | A Conversation with Solala Towler
Solala Towler, teacher of ancient Chinese Taoism, shares how we can reconnect with our true nature through Taoist practices in an increasingly disconnected modern world. Drawing from 30 years of experience, Solala explores the profound difference between head knowledge and belly knowledge…
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Ep.02: What is Wake Up, Human? An Intro to the Podcast
Wake Up, Human explores the ways we humans have become disconnected from our native ways of knowing, and what we can gain from coming back into wholeness. This introductory episode unpacks the podcast's theme of reconnecting with our innate human power to heal ourselves, our relationships, and…
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Ep.01: The Mythic Resistance | A Conversation with Tonja Reichley
In this inaugural episode of the Wake Up, Human podcast, I talk with Tonja Reichley, an herbalist, ritualist and author in the Irish Celtic tradition. Our conversation centers on the theme of the mythic resistance: exploring myth as a tool for reclaiming our place—and our power—within the often...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Wake Up, Human is an exploration of the native powers of the human being. This podcast examines the ways we humans have become disconnected—from our innate wisdom, from each other, and from the natural world—and explores practical strategies for reconnecting to wholeness. Drop in for information and inspiration to help us reawaken and heal ourselves, our relationships, and our planet.
HOSTED BY
Shannon M. Wills
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Wake Up, Human have?
Wake Up, Human currently has 30 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Wake Up, Human about?
Wake Up, Human is an exploration of the native powers of the human being. This podcast examines the ways we humans have become disconnected—from our innate wisdom, from each other, and from the natural world—and explores practical strategies for reconnecting to wholeness. Drop in for information...
How often does Wake Up, Human release new episodes?
Wake Up, Human has 30 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Wake Up, Human?
You can listen to Wake Up, Human 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 Wake Up, Human?
Wake Up, Human is created and hosted by Shannon M. Wills.
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