Unraveling Religion

Part 2 continues panel discussion by exploring the lived experience of unity, spirituality, and what it means to feel 'at home' in the universe, beginning with reflections on whether healing and awakening dissolve the sense of separation. Andy, drawing from his 12-step recovery background, describes spirituality as a relationship with a higher power understood personally, sharing that his connection takes shape through Christian symbolism rooted in his upbringing. He emphasizes that this framework is not exclusive, but a language through which he experiences alignment, meaning, and a sense that everything in existence is placed in right relationship. Central to his path is humility—learning to recognize value in all people and to move beyond ego-driven identity. The conversation expands into spiritual awakening as both gradual and sudden, drawing on William James’ distinction between 'educational' awakenings and sudden insight, with participants noting that suffering, hindsight, and breakthrough moments all contribute to a growing awareness of interconnectedness. Themes of non-separation emerge across traditions, including Zen and Advaita Vedanta, where suffering is understood as rooted in the illusion of a separate self, and healing arises through re-experiencing unity—both psychologically and physically in the body. Humility as a balance between recognizing higher forces and maintaining personal agency The idea that all relationships—including with the divine—are reciprocal rather than one-directional A Sufi perspective, influenced by Inayat Khan, describing the universe as moving toward love, harmony, and beauty The concept of a 'pull of the future' shaping evolution alongside past causes Parallels to scientific ideas of uncertainty and unfolding potential within the universe Joel offers a complementary perspective on karma, rooted in mystical traditions, emphasizing that every thought, action, and intention generates corresponding effects that return 'measure for measure,' shaping future experience. He frames reality as an interplay between seen and unseen dimensions, where intentionality—especially loving-kindness—acts as a generative force. The panel reflects on the interplay of karma, grace, randomness, and free will, suggesting that human life unfolds within a dynamic system of influence and choice, where individuals both shape and are shaped by experience. Closing reflections highlight the importance of shared inquiry and spiritual community, with participants emphasizing that these conversations create space for meaningful exploration beyond solitary practice. The discussion concludes with a Zen teaching offered by Joel, pointing to the enduring challenge of ethical living—avoiding harm and cultivating virtue—not as abstract ideals, but as practices that must be lived moment to moment.

Part 1  Alchemical Dialogues and Unraveling Religion co-hosts Joel Lesses and Henry Cretella convene a panel exploring spirituality, recovery, philosophy, and science through lived experience, centered on the theme of transformation as an embodied, ongoing process. Ben, a therapist and former addiction counselor, reflects on his journey through trauma, psychosis, and recovery, including an ego death experience that reframed his life through the lens of rebirth. He describes moving from feeling unsafe in his body to cultivating grounding through breath and meditation. Andrew, trained in physics, shares his experiences with bipolar disorder, atheism, and long-term substance use, ultimately finding recovery and a return to a sense of inner peace, identifying addiction as an attempt to fill a deeper spiritual void. Rich Grego, a philosopher and Professor of religion and metaphysics, introduces his scholarly background while emphasizing his continued existential questioning, highlighting the gap between intellectual understanding and lived spiritual experience. Henry Cretella, a psychiatrist influenced by Inayat Khan, describes a syncretic approach to spirituality, drawing from multiple traditions while seeking a unifying thread, and challenges the idea of 'pure' traditions by pointing to nature as inherently evolving and interconnected. Joel builds on this by referencing Eihei Dogen’s idea of 'many languages, one tongue,' suggesting that different traditions express a shared source, and introduces the central inquiry 'What am I?' as a core spiritual question. The discussion explores addiction as existential longing, reframing the restless search for meaning as a potential catalyst for transformation, and examines the relationship between humans and nature, questioning whether any true separation exists. Joel emphasizes language as a uniquely human capacity that shapes reality, while Henry dissolves the distinction between humans and nature, asserting that all phenomena arise from the same natural processes. Themes of unity and non-dual awareness emerge, with connection understood as internal rather than dependent on external conditions, and Ben reflecting that true connection can be found even in solitude. Joel introduces the metaphor of the world as a garden, drawing on teachings associated with Menachem Mendel Schneerson, describing humans as caretakers responsible for cultivating and tending both inner and outer life.

Part 2 of 'Echoes of the Tao, Seeking Truth Across Traditions,' starts with 'what does it mean to Serve and Love God (or Tao)? God (Tao) says, 'be what I made you to be!' God (Tao) is found in relationship. Does God want us to know Him (or ourselves) most intimately? Dependent Co-arising? 'Simultaneously, I and all beings attain the Way' (Awaken to Reality) ~Buddha 'Essentially, outside of me, nothing exists' Verse 18 What does it mean to let go? What do we let go of? To be human is to be attached? Closes with Verse 81, and then Joel reads two poems by Ikkyu. Biographies of Panel: Dr. Bob Insull is an New York State Licensed Psychologist with more than 60 years experience teaching, training, and treating in the arena of human behavior. In his clinical practice, he has worked across the developmental stages (children to golden-agers), across the diagnostic spectrum (chemical dependency, severe mental illness, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, and PTSD), and treatment settings (clinics, inpatient psychiatric centers, and private practice). During the closing years of his practice, he became interested in the area of psychological trauma and worked with survivors in individual and group settings. He has been retired from active practice for about 15 years and spends his time engaged in self-discovery on the Sufi Path and social-change activities with his church. ------ Brian Mistler enjoys communing with fellow inquirers and reflecting together on revealed perennial wisdom. Hari Om Tat Sat. Peace, peace, peace. ------- Richard Grego is Professor of philosophy and cultural history at FSCJ. His research interests focus on cross cultural themes in religion and science - including philosophy of mind, comparative world religions/world civilizations, and the metaphysical - theological implications of theoretical physics and cosmology. His publications have included studies in the history - philosophy of science and conceptions of nature in the history of western philosophy, as well as cross-cultural perspectives on mind/ consciousness in western philosophy - psychology and the neo-Vedanta Hindu tradition. Prior to his academic career, he was a criminal investigator - polygraph examiner for the Florida Office of the Public Defender and in the private sector Instructor at the Criminal Justice Institute and International Academy of Polygraph Science in Florida, and national Academic Director of the Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council. ------- Joel David Lesses is President and Executive Director of Education Training Center, Inc. and his work experience is in education, psychology, and counseling for people marginalized by trauma, addiction, and psychological distress. He is deeply vested in addressing the effects of mental health distress and its marginalization including, incarceration, homelessness, and institutionalization. Joel is dedicated to reframing mental health distress as a potential spiritual marker and existential opportunity. He holds dual Master of Science degrees from University at Buffalo in Rehabilitation Counseling and Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Epidemiology.    ------- Henry Cretella, M.D. studied and practiced Tibetan Buddhism for several years along with training in martial arts.  He then immersed himself in the more universal Sufism of Inayat Khan, an Indian mystic, for close to twenty years. He functioned as a senior teacher in the Inayati Order and the Sufi Healing Order before pursuing  his independent practice and study of mysticism. He now integrates what he has learned and experienced over these many years. He graduated from Vanderbilt Medical School and completed his psychiatric training at Strong Memorial Hospital of the Univer...

In this exploration of the Tao Te Ching and other traditions, the conversation opens to introductions  of the five Panelists and a invocation of hope of others to investigate the Tao Te Ching.  Bob, Brian, Rich, Henry and Joel share Verse 1 and questions arise: What is Reality? Is the Tao Reality? What is the Tao? What does the term Anti-foundational mean? Reversal Yin/ Yang in relation to Tao. Paradox and the Tao. Everyday consciousness is the pathway to the Tao. What is the relationship with Buddhism, Hinduism, Christiainity and Tao? What does silence offer in relation to the Tao? The Beginningless Beginning? Is the Tao directly knowable? Tibetan Buddihsm and the Tao. Verse 17 and Verse 38 are explored. Wu Wei.  How do we serve God? How do we serve Tao? Why did God create? Biographies of Panel: Dr. Bob Insull is an New York State Licensed Psychologist with more than 60 years experience teaching, training, and treating in the arena of human behavior. In his clinical practice, he has worked across the developmental stages (children to golden-agers), across the diagnostic spectrum (chemical dependency, severe mental illness, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, and PTSD), and treatment settings (clinics, inpatient psychiatric centers, and private practice). During the closing years of his practice, he became interested in the area of psychological trauma and worked with survivors in individual and group settings. He has been retired from active practice for about 15 years and spends his time engaged in self-discovery on the Sufi Path and social-change activities with his church. ------- Brian Mistler enjoys communing with fellow inquirers and reflecting together on revealed perennial wisdom. Hari Om Tat Sat. Peace, peace, peace. ------- Richard Grego is Professor of philosophy and cultural history at FSCJ. His research interests focus on cross cultural themes in religion and science - including philosophy of mind, comparative world religions/world civilizations, and the metaphysical - theological implications of theoretical physics and cosmology. His publications have included studies in the history - philosophy of science and conceptions of nature in the history of western philosophy, as well as cross-cultural perspectives on mind/ consciousness in western philosophy - psychology and the neo-Vedanta Hindu tradition. Prior to his academic career, he was a criminal investigator - polygraph examiner for the Florida Office of the Public Defender and in the private sector Instructor at the Criminal Justice Institute and International Academy of Polygraph Science in Florida, and national Academic Director of the Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council. ------- Joel David Lesses is President and Executive Director of Education Training Center, Inc. and his work experience is in education, psychology, and counseling for people marginalized by trauma, addiction, and psychological distress. He is deeply vested in addressing the effects of mental health distress and its marginalization including, incarceration, homelessness, and institutionalization. Joel is dedicated to reframing mental health distress as a potential spiritual marker and existential opportunity. He holds dual Master of Science degrees from University at Buffalo in Rehabilitation Counseling and Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Epidemiology.    ------- Henry Cretella, M.D. studied and practiced Tibetan Buddhism for several years along with training in martial arts.  He then immersed himself in the more universal Sufism of Inayat Khan, an Indian mystic, for close to twenty years. He functioned as a senior teacher in the Inayati Order and the Sufi Healing Order before pursuing  his...

The I Thou Video Series' host Richard Wicka has a conversation with Joel opening with the posited question, 'What Is?' or 'What Is, existentially?'  The discussion response from Richard offers Panta Rhei (i.e., everything changes). What is identity? Identity and a Real Self, are there two aspects within each of us? Is only one real? Kireeragard: real world self (work self), imaginary self (the self you desire to be), true self (the one you don't know be discover) The question of First Principles (i.e., don't question, axiom) Richard as a mentor to many, including Joel, at Home of the Future The beginning of Unraveling Religion podcast, when Richard asked Joel 'would you like to do a radio show?' Arguments of Philosophy can sharpen one another Chavruta and sharping one another  Thomas Aquinas  Do things exist outside of time? Zen (i.e., in China Ch'an, the Mind Only School of Buddhism) is discussed Bodhidharma and Joshu, and the koan 'does a dog have Buddha nature?' Joshu started teaching at age of 80 and lived to be 120, he taught for 40 years Does this contradict Hieggerder's Being and Time that everything exists in Space and Time Is economics the basis of consciousness? Richard and Joel deconstruct that premise The reciprocity of energy is the basis of healthy community How do we support people who do not value the importance of recipocity Father Greg Boyle, Gangs Service and Kinship Judaism's emphasis on care for the widow, stranger, and the orphan The Lubavaticher Rebbe emphases on care of those without parents How is this emphases is embeded in Torah? From Richard Wicka's notes: Kierkeggaard spoke about the concrete self (where you are today), the ideal self (the self you aspire to be) and the true self (the self that contains all your potential) 'Expanse' (a type of experience) is in contrast to words you use to describe the world.  You are observing. (Identity is a verb not a noun).  I can't think of anything that exists outside of time. People who think there are such things are following in the footsteps of Plato.  Krista Tippets has a podcast called 'On Being'.  The widow, the stranger and the Orphan vs. The Alienated, the ostracized and the damned.  I am where I am now because of good mentorship.   Biography Richard Wicka is a Buffalo, N.Y.-based media artist and photographer and the proprietor of "The Home of the Future,"a media access center and production/recording studio based in his Kaisertown home. Wicka has been providing a forum for artists in all media, activists, and everyday...

Pádraig Ó Tuama joins Joel and shares a conversation from the heart about poetry, spirituality, community, and communion. The conversation opens to how Joel and Pádraig met, and what informed Pádraig's life as a Poet and Theologian. Pádraig recalls the influences of Ireland and school and the foundation of poetry in that experience, and poetry as resistance, and the role of Peacemaker in the world. Pádraig reads from his new book of poetry Kitchen Hymns' poem, 'The Long Table.' The conversation opens to many faces of poetry and existence: Are we irrelevant to the Universe or is the human being the center point of existence? Do we understand what Love Is? Joel reads from the Mountains and Rivers Sutra of Dogen Zenji's Shobogenzo Coming together for the point of comprehension and not necessary agreement The Church views of LGBTQ+ Community Beyond formal belief and nurturing the heart Pádraig and mentoring the younger generation Pádraig's Kitchen Hymns and On Being's Poetry Unbound Anthology released in 2025: 44 Poems on Being with Each Another  Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah Kabbalah is for Humankind Plato's Soul with Two Faces The importance of Good Questions is rooted in Judaism and is applicable to all spiritual traditions Midrash in Judaism  The body and the erotic in relation to spirituality and the deeper questions of existence Star of David deconstructed In Judaism a single person is known as half a human being The Garments of the Soul: Intention, Thought, Action, and Speech The Zohar and the thirst for deeper esoteric secrets Pádraig examines the relationship between poetry and prayer 'You' in poetry, most prayers include the word 'you' Pádraig reads from Kitchen Hymns, 'Do You Believe In God?' Close examination of a text will lead you into infinitity  Are Jewish soul's always in Jewish bodies? Joel reads Gary Synder's 'Why Log Truck Drivers Rise Earlier Than Students of Zen' Poetry transports us to other time and place, poetry as a time-machine Rooted spirituality is in the body 

Crazywise Documentary Filmmaker Phil Borges joins Joel for a discussion of Phil's life post Crazywise and together they explore mental health and its relation spirituality, beginning with how does one define spirituality.  Phil's history of experiences into spirituality, beginning with the death of his father and Phil's Aunt returning from a psychiatric hospitalization to Phil's home when Phil was a boy. Also discussed, Phil's career development and choice and his search for meaningful work; from Orthodontistry to Photography and shooting covers of Romance Novels, Phil begin an ascent into work and exploring indigenous cultures. His first project was working on a project in Tibet which he meet a young man identified as a Tulku (i.e., channeler of the Nachung Oracle, the Oversoul Protector of the Tibetan People Culture and Heritage).  Phil interviewed the Tulku and learned how he came to his position in the Tibetan community. The indicators of this position were seen in his Tibetan Community as positive signs of a gifted person and included mood swings, personality changes, hearing voices, and seeing visions. This mental health crisis was the mark of a gifted person in Tibetan community.  In other work, Phil worked with Amnesty International and the Samburu Tribe in where he met a young woman who at 14 started hearing voices and seeing vision. Her grandmother recognized she had the gift to become a predictor, healer, and shaman in her community and took her under her wing and mentored her and these gifts into a skillset to benefit the community. As Phil worked with many indigenous communities he began to interview the shaman, seers, healers, and predictors of these communities and found about 85% of the shaman had an an initiation into the path of the Shaman by a mental health crisis, defined by what the West would call psychosis.  The community understood the mental health crisis as the beginning of a process of developing a person to become a leader, healer, and teacher in their community, and an elder would take them under their wing and mentor and guide them. The mental emotional crisis is known by many shaman as 'The Little Death' or Ego Death. Phil also in his career worked with neuroscientists to research the pathways of the brain. Sudden awakening versus slow awakening was discussed across cultures (i.e., Mahayana school of Soto and Rinzai). Phil also discusses his own experiences with psychedelics and micro-dosing and the importance of integrating those expericences into daily life require effort and work. Phil and Joel discuss that we each have a specific kind of work and the human's journey is to search and find what that work might be.  Liminal Space was defined as a threshold or a doorway and rebuilding after a breakthrough. Phil reflects on his life now and his work on his memoirs documenting where his quest for meaningful work took him through his life.     Biography Phil Borges, has been documenting indigenous cultures and striving to create an understanding of the challenges they face. Phil has spoken at multiple TED talks; including TED in 2007, TEDxRainier in 2012 and TEDxUMKC in 2013 and hosted television documentaries for Discovery and National Geographic. 

In a Post-Pandemic June 2022, Joel and Chris sat together at Network of Religous Communities in Buffalo, New York and examined and reflected on Chris' travels to Seattle and San Fransisco via train, a pilgrimage. Chris discusses his recent trip and the lessons, resolutions, and insights from his travels to the west coast, focusing on the spiritual aspects. The conversation tends toward defining 'Pilgrimage' as setting an intention of questions and seeing what happens or unravels with the experience as an answer or response to the questions and intention.  After graduation from college, his path opened to extended compassion to the marginalized, the poor, and after college Chris entered into another phase of life, he lived in solidarity with people who were homeless, practicing presence and 'present-ness' with these communities. Chris cites in his life the transformation from service to devotion: born into a challenging family, his compassion for others was cultivated, later manifesting into activism with the homeless communities and prisoners and inmates, seeking to address the Prison System. Chris intentionally placed himself in the heart of suffering as an act of mercy to fulfill an aspect of his understanding of spirituality, and this helped him bridge his own suffering into compassion for others in community who are marginalized and suffer. Chris was inspired reading the Buddhist Sutras and the New Testament, influenced by Buddha and Jesus. Chris' understanding of activism and advocacy lends itself to cultivating and amplifying voices of the marginalized.  Chris shares he has been working with Jesus the Liberatory Seminary for over a decade, utilizing creativity and theology to amplify voices. Prisoners share writings though Jesus the Liberator Seminary of Religous Justice, which has three books published: Prison Theology (Published, 2013) Dreamers, Romans and Prisons: Meditations on Crime, Illness, Healing and Liberation (Published, 2015) More to this Confession: Relational Prison Theology (Published, 2020) Chris found that communal living developed skill building toward activism, repair, and restoration. Chris talks about the 'why' of his activism, work, and devotion; the 'why' of activism identified by Chris is 'the general compassion for others, that is the 'why' of activism.' This general compassion for people ties into activism and his pilgramages:  helps Chris in addressing suffering 'pilgrimages' uncover how and why one acts the way they do  Chris reflects on his initial pilgrimage, the Tenderloin District in San Fransisco   Chris took an early pilgramage to Wounded Knee (i.e., 1890 Massacre), also reflecting on Sitting Bull and Black Elk Chris reads from his writings. The discussion turns to The Ten (10) Ox Herding Dipictions and the Marketplace as the last of the Ten (10) Dipictions. The conversation opens to a quotation shared by Roshi Philip Kapleau: 'life is not a riddle to be solved, but a reality to be lived.' Many struggle with 'The Why?' of Life, the talk outlines 'the why' is for the Divine and 'the how' is for people to respond to Life's complexities.    Biography of Chris Barbera: Chris Barbera has lived in the backs of empty churches and intentional communities and worked on various social justice movements and has, for many years, administered an educational nonprofit, Jesus the Liberator Seminary of Religious Justice, which focuses upon developing a 'Prison Theology' with people incarcerated. He currently li...

Pulled from the Archives of Unraveling Religion this June 2013 conversation with Chris Barbera explores discussion based on the book Prison Theology, published by Jesus the Liberator Seminary of Religious Justice, and opens the question: 'Can the criminal on the cross be the incarcerated, executed Godhead?'  Chris and Joel address America, Prisoners, and the Prison Industral Complex through a Restorative Justice lens and how to evolve and connect with spiritual teachings and pedagogical through a Restorative Justice framework. 'Prison Theology' is an extension of Liberation Theology: At their core, both express a ‘preferential option for the poor’ Both work to articulate a theology that empowers people disaffected by dominant paradigms of power Both articulations are born among the struggles of oppressed people '…and so we start from where we are.' About the book Prison Theology, eight different writers share their experiences and thoughts regarding incarceration in America. Restorative Justice was born in Latin America, and the Vatican II Era, a grassroots, poor people movement, mobilization to return the spiritual aspect of those who have been marginalized and inprisioned. The discussion moves to these topics: The notion of the Bodhisattva, responding to the cries of the world Jesus as a Bodhisattva, who is considered Jesus? Do money and wealth correlate with character, worth, and human value and dignity? A person is free when they are allowed to work through their trials and tribulations  What is a crime versus what is criminalized? Equality of the Law, a realistic approach to Justice Judgement and Punishment  What is judgement? Who determines the fate of others? To evaluate how to better address the infractions society creates Looking at Society and the Individual Reconciliation: what is it? bringing the sin and the rehabilitation from the sin together, refiguring and understanding it society and inmate, reconciliation  victim and offender, reconciliation  when the victim has the strength, to offer forgiveness to the offender looking at the context and circumstance of life of the inmate Chris emphasizes the work should come from a place of love, concern for another person, regardless of the actions  Forming community, connection in community with theology, religious justice, education and Universities that have prison programs, and utilize them to work toward an equality of voices. Chris' work helps to create a network unifying the connection between the church, the university, and inmate. Chris shares his vision and hope where advocacy addressing the Prison Industrial Complex is going. The Church and the University are within the inmate, Prison Theology and Liberation Theology seek to cultivate this understanding.   Biography of Chris Barbera: Chris Barbera has lived in the backs of empty churches and intentional communities and worked on various social justice movements and has, for many years, administered an educational nonprofit, Jesus the Liberator Seminary of Religious Justice, which focuses upon developing a 'Prison Theology' with people incarcerated. He currently lives intentionally at the interfaith nonprofit, Network of Religious Communities. In short, he has lived and worked with poor people at the intersection of grassroots justice movements, spiritually lived ideas and experiences in relation with institutional structures, traditions, and nonprofit efforts, as well as at the intersection of poetry and theo...

  Pulled from the Archives of Unraveling Religion, this September 2009 episode recorded at the studio in the Home of The Future, Chris and Joel speak of the Erie County Holding Center Federal Investigation Findings of Human and Constitutional Rights abuses which open the talk to the practical responses from ancient and spiritual foundations and teachings to point the way and address to the conditions and actions that violated human and constitutional rights that were recorded and documented in the Federal Findings and Report.  Erie County Holding Center under Federal investigation, and Chris discusses the response from the Erie County Holding Center Leadership, 'consider the source' inferring that because the investigation addresses human and constitutional rights abuses of inmates and prisoners, there should be no concern, dehumanizing the reality that inmates and prisoners are human beings. Chris and Joel expand the talk to Native Teachings and how labels and stereotypes dehumanize Native People concealing the deep wisdom and sanctity of Native People, the embodied connection with ecology and Nature, spirituality and honoring relations.  Regarding County Jails and Holding Center, some of the voices coming out of the Holding Center, what the experiences taught people who were/are prisoners and inmates: wisdom born out of suffering  suffering is part of our world suffering has helped created the greatest teachers of the world making wisdom out of the suffering of the conditions of the Erie County Holding Center Chris and Joel discuss incorporating meditation and ancient teachings applied not only to inmate and prisoners but also those as advocates and activists for the prison system. The talk turns toward insights regarding the practical way of understanding projections of the mind toward others (e.g., inmates) as one's own dark aspect (e.g., Prison Leadership). Also discussed, William Blake's Poison Tree: 'I was angry with my friend; I told my wrath, my wrath did end.I was angry with my foe: I told it not, my wrath did grow.'  Supermax Prisons seek to deepen isolation techniques for inmates: 'what is that really about?' how is that considered ethical treatment of human beings how does that contribute to the rehabilitation and restoration of people in prison Siddhartha Gautama, 'ignorance is the main cause of human suffering.' we create our own (human) experiencemuch of our choices are based on unconscious aspects of our human experience 'Cause and Effect' (i.e., Karma) is not (another) Law, but rather it is Reality Expressed, a practical expression of the Unity of Existence.   'Be Still and Know that I am God:' what does that mean and how can it be applied to healing our prisons and prisoners karma is also 'work' (i.e., another interpretation) 'you want to know my faith, look at my works' if you want Justice in this world, find injustice and address it spirituality as practical, a practical solution (i.e., spirituality is practical when applied with care) when religion becomes a superstition, too abstract, or metaphysical, people lose genuine connection with God Joel asks Chris what he hopes to see for a vision of the future Community Action, call to action Legal Route, class action law suit Awareness Joel and Chris close the talk referencing the Ba'al Shem Tov ('everything you see is a teaching for Divine Service to God') and Native American Teachings of animal spirit and animal totem.  Biography of Chris Barbera: Chris Barbera has lived in the backs of empty churches and intentional communities and worked on various social justi...

Sitting down with Chris Barbera at Network of Religious Communities to record this trailer, Joel opens to discuss, introduce, and summarize three recorded conversations, previously archived, and these newly edited talks include: 2009 'Real Flowers Of This Painful World,' Compassion Manifest For All Beings, Spirituality Forged Through Practical Application: A Conversation With Chris Barbera 2013 'Prison Theology,' Restorative Justice and Equalizing Voices, An Examination of The Prison Industrial Complex: A Discussion with Chris Barbera (scheduled release end of July 2025) 2022 A Pilgrimage, Journey Of The Heart: Examining 'The Why' Of Life With Chris Barbera (scheduled release end of August 2025) Reissued, these previously archived talks with Chris are introduced and Joel and Chris address a summary of each episode and arrive at discussing the importance of mentorship in life as a part of societal restoration, the need for positive role models, both mascline and feminine to offer wisdom, guidance, and counsel to people who would otherwise be without it.      Music: Natalie Merchant 'Owensboro' and 'Poor Wayfaying Stranger' both from 'The House Carpenter's Daughter' (© 2003 Myth America Records)

Naomi Shihab Nye opens the talk reading a new, recently penned poem, Current Affairs.   Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish then introduces himself and segways into the realities of his experiences growing up in Gaza, the Jabalia Camp, what he has seen and witnessed, the loss of his three daugthers and niece in 2009 from an Israeli tank shell (i.e., I Shall Not Hate) and his pride in his Palestinan heritage, family, and community.   He shares his deep belief and conviction 'nothing is impossible in life.' He also expresses: Medicine as a great human equalizer Toward human rights, once people step away from the border of the hospitals, they become categorized and labeled 'Palestinian' or 'Israeli' If you believe in Humanity, we must all stand for all Human Rights is deeply tested in Gaza, people must stand up for human rights Advocate not for peace but for dignity, justice, freedom, and human rights for all: peace will follow when these conditions are cultivated  Naomi shares her family history and the experiences of relocating after the Nakba. Naomi also shares: As a poet, every voice is important in the world, every voice represents humanity.  Regarding Gaza, this is an overwhelming tragedy of sorrow The importance of actions based on one's convictions The power of the military industry complex to overide the voice of the majority and humanity's collective voice How can we be heard, how can we be listened to? Who is listening? The idea, our obligation is to our humanity, looking within our selves we recognize our humanity Dr. Abuelaish shares his experiences as an author.    The priority of Palestinians toward education.   Human Rights, respect and dignity for all.   What is our modern sense of responsibility and obligation toward our fellow humans, what is our modern sense of meaning, mission, and purpose.   A human being is a human being [only] through another person.   Truth telling as means of healing.     The situation is Gaza and West Bank harms Israel deeply as well.    Naomi shares Hibu Abu Nabab's poem, Not Just Passing.   The political power and politics contrbuting to the crisis in Gaza and the West Bank.   Dr. Abuelaish reviews the history of Gaza since 2000.   And, Naomi closes with her poem, For Gaza   The children are still singing They need & want to sing They are carrying cats to safe places Holding what they can hold  

In Part 2 of this heartfelt talk, David and Joel discuss poetry as a transmission, what the heart of one poet offers to others, and their community, and the notion of transmission from 'mind to mind from mind' within the frame of poetry. David recalls a story of Maj pulling up in David's driveway in Maj's Chevy Nova and Maj reciting Antonio Machado's 'Last Night, As I Was Sleeping.' David and Joel discuss David's forthcoming memoir 'Prayer Wheel' and Maj's influence, open readings in Kent, and death and how it is healthy to openly discuss death as a preparation for its coming. The unique quality of the Kent poetry community and Kent as a epicenter and confluence as a spiritual portal, and Kent's poetry commmunity as wisdom holder and torch-bearer drawing poets to the Kent community. Dreams as a connection with our ancestors and those dreams as a conversation with messages from our ancestors for us, waking us up to what we need to see our lives more clearly. Hearing the voices of the living and the dead, and how we tend to the dead as a reflection of the quality of our life. David offers the Mayan teaching that the other world sings us into being. David and Joel close out the conversation with discussion of the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Wick Poetry Center, and winding down David reads 'Kissing Lightening.'   Biography David Hassler is the Bob and Walt Wick Executive Director of the Wick Poetry Center at Kent State University and cofounded Traveling Stanzas, a community arts project which brings poetry to the most urgent and evolving needs of our communities through expressive writing interventions, interactive exhibits, and digital platforms. Most recently in May 2023, Hassler presented the Poets for Science project with poet Jane Hirshfield at the Nobel Prize Summit at the National Academy of Sciences. Hassler is the author or editor of ten books of poetry and nonfiction, including Dear Vaccine: Global Voices Speak to the Pandemic. His play, What We Learned While Alone, drawn from the Dear Vaccine anthology, debuted at the National Academy of Sciences in October 2022. Hassler is also the author of the play, May 4th Voices: Kent State, 1970, based on the Kent State Shootings Oral History Project, which was produced in 2020 as a national radio play. Hassler’s awards include Ohio Poet of the Year, the Ohioana Book Award, and the Carter G. Woodson Honor Book Award. His memoir 'Prayer Wheel' is forthcoming. His TEDx talk, “The Conversation of Poetry,” conveys the power of poetry to strengthen communities. In addition to his creative writing publications, he has co-authored articles on poetry, technology, and healing in the Journal of Palliative Medicine, the Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, and the Online Journal of Issues in Nursing.

Part 1 as the conversation begins, David and Joel share David's introduction and talk about poetry as a growing voice to address 'what troubles us' and the community of poetry providing a sense of belonging. David gives a history of the Wick Poetry Center and his academic career. The conversation examines 'how do we make sense of the world and manage our own life?' with and through poetry. Discussion turns to the topic of death and the loss of David's mother as a source of need to write and make sense of the grief and loss for David, and how he was influenced by Maggie Anderson and Maj Ragain. David shares his travels to Japan and Obon Festival in Japan and David's connection to the festival and its relationship to his mother's passing, his coming to terms with her death through poetry.  David reads his own poem 'Obon.' Also discussed, how Maj Ragain lit the light of poetry in others.David shares a dream about Maj, how he felt Maj visited David in the dream, and Maj shared to David, 'you cannot touch me.' Threading the voices of poets, living and dead throughout the ages, poetry as a way of keeping poetry alive for our Kent poetry community. David reads his own poem 'Sharing The Drum That I Am.'     Biography David Hassler is the Bob and Walt Wick Executive Director of the Wick Poetry Center at Kent State University and cofounded Traveling Stanzas, a community arts project which brings poetry to the most urgent and evolving needs of our communities through expressive writing interventions, interactive exhibits, and digital platforms. Most recently in May 2023, Hassler presented the Poets for Science project with poet Jane Hirshfield at the Nobel Prize Summit at the National Academy of Sciences. Hassler is the author or editor of ten books of poetry and nonfiction, including Dear Vaccine: Global Voices Speak to the Pandemic. His play, What We Learned While Alone, drawn from the Dear Vaccine anthology, debuted at the National Academy of Sciences in October 2022. Hassler is also the author of the play, May 4th Voices: Kent State, 1970, based on the Kent State Shootings Oral History Project, which was produced in 2020 as a national radio play. Hassler’s awards include Ohio Poet of the Year, the Ohioana Book Award, and the Carter G. Woodson Honor Book Award. His memoir 'Prayer Wheel' is forthcoming. His TEDx talk, “The Conversation of Poetry,” conveys the power of poetry to strengthen communities. In addition to his creative writing publications, he has co-authored articles on poetry, technology, and healing in the Journal of Palliative Medicine, the Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, and the Online Journal of Issues in Nursing.

Part 2 the Panels opens to discuss: 'What makes us come alive?' 'What is your 'note' in life?' (Rumi's 'be your note.') Discussion turns to Rumi's quote 'when I was young I wanted to change the world, when I grew older I wanted only to change myself.'How do we attune to spiritual teachers? How do we know who our spiritual teachers are meant to be?Moments that open and we lose sense of time, time falls away: Activity ​ When meeting new people, old karmic connections?  In our Dharma, our work Henry's discussions, Sohbet, mystical discussions on mystical subjects, with his teacher. How do we find what makes us home in the world? How do we cultivate spiritual discernment in Life? The World as ourself Is there preparation to receive 'flow' states? The Panel also explores: Where does the spiritual path begin?  What are the implications of having a guide or spiritual teacher? Teachers seeing into their students Tears as an indicator of one's spiritual path Sufism as a path of 'heart' Karma of helping others as way of being helped The importance of 'others before self.'We end with two poems from Ikkyu:Raincoat and Straw HatWoodcutters and fishermen know just how to use things.What would they do with fancy chairs and meditation platforms?In straw sandals and with a bamboo staff, I roam three thousand worlds,Dwelling by the water, feasting on the wind, year after year.I Hate The Smell of IncenseA master's handiwork cannot be measuredBut still priests wag their tongues explaining the 'Way' and babbling about 'Zen.'This old monk has never cared for false pietyAnd my nose wrinkles at the dark smell of incense before the Buddha. Biographies of Panel:Dr. Bob Insull is an New York State Licensed Psychologist with more than 60 years experience teaching, training, and treating in the arena of human behavior. In his clinical practice, he has worked across the developmental stages (children to golden-agers), across the diagnostic spectrum (chemical dependency, severe mental illness, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, and PTSD), and treatment settings (clinics, inpatient psychiatric centers, and private practice). During the closing years of his practice, he became interested in the area of psychological trauma and worked with survivors in individual and group settings. He has been retired from active practice for about 15 years and spends his time engaged in self-discovery on the Sufi Path and social-change activities with his church.Brian Mistler is a hillbilly from rural Missouri, he has spent his life investigating Reality and learning about the apparent world. He has lived as a computer scientist, psychologist, running and growing some successful businesses, helping others entrepreneurs, hospitals, and healthcare providers. In 2021, Brian had a partially debilitating nerve injury and soon after met a true Vedanta teacher who spent 30+ years in India and trained under Swami Chimayananda, Sawmi Dayananda, and others. He now studys and disseminate non-dual wisdom through writing and conversation. The Om/Aum is a reminder of this fact.Richard Grego is Professor of philosophy and cultural history at FSCJ. His research interests focus on cross cultural themes in religion and science - including philosophy of mind, comparative world religions/world civilizations, and the metaphysical - theological implications of theoretical physics and cosmology. His publications have included studies in the history - philosophy of science and conceptions of nature in the history of western philosophy, as we...

Part 1 of this discussion examines psychology, philosophy, religion, spiritually, science, and medicine, a panel of five (5) people opens with the question, 'where am I?' and 'what is going on [in the world]?' and refers to James Hillman, ideas and action as an artificial distinction, are they the same thing? How are they interlinked? The poet Major Ragain is quoted, 'contemplation alters the course of rivers.' From the Bhagavad Gita: Freedom from action is not accomplished by abstaining from action, so how is it accomplished? Relinquishing the fruit of action  Ghandi's, 'through service, I find myself.' The Panel begins to examine the Taoist concept of non-action, Wu Wei. How do we cultivate Wu Wei? The Panel explores Univerisal Truths. Natural action arises, we have a deep intrinsic calling, how do we find and express it? What is our reason for being here? To receive the Divine Will is a part of choiceless action.   Biographies of Panel: Dr. Bob Insull is an New York State Licensed Psychologist with more than 60 years experience teaching, training, and treating in the arena of human behavior. In his clinical practice, he has worked across the developmental stages (children to golden-agers), across the diagnostic spectrum (chemical dependency, severe mental illness, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, and PTSD), and treatment settings (clinics, inpatient psychiatric centers, and private practice). During the closing years of his practice, he became interested in the area of psychological trauma and worked with survivors in individual and group settings. He has been retired from active practice for about 15 years and spends his time engaged in self-discovery on the Sufi Path and social-change activities with his church. Brian Mistler is a Missouri-hillbilly curious about Reality. He has lived as a computer scientist, psychologist, running and growing  businesses, and helping entrepreneurs, hospitals, and healthcare providers. Mid-life Brian had a partially debilitating nerve injury and soon after met a true Vedanta teacher who spent 30+ years in India and trained under Swami Chimayananda, Sawmi Dayananda, and others. This refocused his study of the classic non-dual wisdom as presented in the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads. Learn more at http://www.stillcenter.media. Hari Om Tat Sat. Peace, peace, peace.  Richard Grego is Professor of philosophy and cultural history at FSCJ. His research interests focus on cross cultural themes in religion and science - including philosophy of mind, comparative world religions/world civilizations, and the metaphysical - theological implications of theoretical physics and cosmology. His publications have included studies in the history - philosophy of science and conceptions of nature in the history of western philosophy, as well as cross-cultural perspectives on mind/ consciousness in western philosophy - psychology and the neo-Vedanta Hindu tradition. Prior to his academic career, he was a criminal investigator - polygraph examiner for the Florida Office of the Public Defender and in the private sector Instructor at the Criminal Justice Institute and International Academy of Polygraph Science in Florida, and national Academic Director of the Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council. Joel David Lesses is President and Executive Director of Education Training Center, Inc. and his work experience is in education, psychology, and counseling for people marginalized by trauma, addiction, and psychological distress. He is deeply vested in addressing the effects of mental health distress and its marginalization including, incarceration, homelessness, and institutio...

Rabbi Jessica Minnen and Joel sit for a deep examination of work and the different forms work takes for us as human beings. Rabbi Jessica and Joel start with discussing Torah and the teaching of G-d's Work (i.e., Six (6) Days of Creation) and G-d's Rest, and how that relates to Shabbas: The conversations about the Shabbas Hebrew shoresh (i.e., root of the word) 'shin, bet, and taf' (i.e., Shabbas)  From the teaching of Shabbas, the thirty-nine (39) forms of Melachot (i.e., work) are discussed, and Melachot is outlined as work forbidden on Shabbas.  The definition of the thirty-nine (39) Melachot comes from the work required to create the Mishkan (i.e., Tabernacle) and that specific work defines what work is not allowed on Shabbas. Also discussed is the relationship between work and destiny, and the spirituality of work. An excerpt from Pema Chodron 'nothing leaves us before it teaches us what we need to know' suggests the work required in human relationships and the teaching of Reb Soloveitchik are also discussed: two stories of creation in Torah point to two ways to relate to the world and two kinds of work: physical and spiritual.  Work and its relation to authencity and authenic expression versus Quid Pro Quo are contrasted, as well as women in work from a Judaism perspective, evolution of women and work and practical consideration. The organization 'One Table' is mentioned, helping young people access Shabbas Dinner experiences. Plato's teaching of the Soul with Two Faces and its relation to the Jewish teaching of Bashert and Kabbalah. Lanie Gardner as an example of authencity in work. Tzelem Elokim (i.e., humans are created in the image of G-d) posits that because God creates, we too are meant to create. Are we called to create in work through destiny or do we work to pay bills and solve practical problems. Work is revealed in it own time. Marcus Aurelius 'the obstacle is the door.' Chappell Roan and their NPR Tiny Desk. How to make work meaningful for all. Seattle Grunge scene in the early 1990s an an authentic expression of music and work. The shoresh 'aleph, lamed, and chaf' (i.e., from Melachot) ties to 'dispatching for a purpose' and the root ties to the Hebrew work for 'Messenger' and/or 'Angel'- that work offers purpose, and can give one a sense of mission that ties into intention and service.   About Rabbi Jessica Minnen   Rabbi Jessica Minnen is a writer, ritualist, and liturgist committed to the discipline of delight. Inspired by user-...

Leanne and Joel met at the Lamberton Conservatory move to sit on the grass near Poet's Park in Rochester's Highland Park. The time opens with Leanne asking Joel about his sweatshirt and the meaning of 'Am Yisrael Chai' as Joel explains the emblem on the sweatshirt, a Hamsa and the talk moves to intentions of people, ill intention and service orientated intention and how the Universe mirrors our intentions by giving what we give and offering what we offer. A blanket is set and the Soul, biking, hiking in relation to health is discussed. The topic of hiking arises and Joel shares how he met his 'good friend' Dave at a Zen group and the intuitive knowing that arose guiding the connection. Leanne talks and teaches about Green Burial, birth, and Isiah House a hospice house for people at end of life without options to afford hospice care otherwise. Leanne shares more about Green Burial and the talk moves to Bardos and Karma. Joel shares the story of a most influential mentor and 'good friend' John Bednarchik (Pictured) and John's passing from this world in 2012.

In today’s The Labyrinth podcast, retired psychiatrist Henry Cretella joins us to share both his philosophy and personal experience with surrender. We begin our conversation with Eckart Tolle’s view that surrender requires an expansion (and often suspension) of our rational mind. From there, we discuss the general nature of surrender and the role of intuition. We move into sharing stories about times when we felt a deep intuition/calling to stretch the boundaries of our limited rational frameworks and take a leap. The podcast ends with Hazrat Inayat Khan's essay on the future of humankind. Biography Henry Cretella, M.D., graduated from Vanderbilt Medical School and completed his psychiatric training at Strong Memorial Hospital of the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY.  His professional career spanned over 40 years as a general and child and adolescent psychiatrist and included teaching, administration, clinical practice and consultation in the greater Rochester and western NY areas.  This, along with his spiritual and especially mystical interests lead him to certification as a mind body practitioner through the Center for Mind Body Medicine and Dr. James Gordon.  He retired several years ago from active psychiatric practice, but continues to incorporate what he has learned into his spiritual practices and offerings. Henry studied and practiced Tibetan Buddhism for several years along with training in martial arts.  He then immersed himself in the more universal Sufism of Inayat Khan, an Indian mystic, for close to twenty years. He functioned as a senior teacher in the Inayati Order and the Sufi Healing Order before pursuing  his independent practice and study of mysticism. He now integrates what he has learned and experienced over these many years.

Cross posting this episode recorded for Alchemical Dialogues, Henry Cretella hosts Lisa Carley from the podcast The Labyrinth regarding mental health and spirituality and Lisa's lived experience. Avoiding and easing unnecessary suffering is a worthwhile goal, but so is the less often discussed opportunity for transformation that distress provides.   Mystics teach that the heart and mind open through suffering.   The good news is that we don’t have to look for upsets, they find us quite easily. Join Henry Cretella and Lisa Carley as we discuss her journey through mental illness and how it led to her personal heart-mind opening and impacted her life for the better.   It’s a journey of courage to explore and change, using all the tools that are available to understand and ease the pain while never closing the door that has been unlocked.     Biographies  Lisa Carley Hosting the podcast, 'The Labyrinth,' Lisa Carley is passionate about India, existential and phenomenological philosophy/psychology, and maternal mental health. She chooses to explore her passion through travel, connection with others, and writing. She holds a degree in English Literature from SUNY Albany, and has worked toward a Psy. D. in Clinical Psychology with a Masters in Existential Humanistic Psychology from Saybrook, is a mother, student of Philosophy and English, artisan, and poet.   Henry Cretella Henry Cretella's Alchemical Dialogues are live and unscripted conversations recorded on Zoom brought to you by the great folks of Amber Light International. We choose topics from our current social and cultural climate, with an emphasis on humanism and spirituality. In a cross-collaboration with both Lisa Carley's new podcast The Labyrinth, and Joel Lesses' Unraveling Religion podcast, we have begun posting 'Selected, Best of The Labyrinth' and 'Selected, Best of Unraveling Religion' episodes on Alchemical Dialogues. We continue to promote conversations that evolve our understanding of the vital topics of spirituality, the humanities, psychology, and The Arts and deepen community through this mutual support.

In this panel discussion with four Rabbis from America's West Coast to Israel, Joel guides an exploration of mobilizing Jewish outreach (i.e., or 'inreach' or 'in reach') how to, why, and what Jewish tradition teaches and offers from a wide range of teachings including Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson and the Baal Shem Tov. This collection of dedicated and diverse Jewish voices guide the contemporary question 'how do we strengthen the spiritual health of our Jewish community?' Discussion includes Passover and meditation, The Tanya, and Pirkei Avot (i.e., Ethics of Our Fathers). By the very question of mobilization outreach, the necessity of examining one's own intentions and purity of action in humility and approaching others in friendship as vital to sharing love of Judaism. The talk arrives at the place of true friendship as the means of transmitting the teaching of Judaism and Torah to others in the Jewish community and the vital realization that all people have significance and a role in the restoration of the World.       Biography of Panelists: Rabbi Heschel Greenberg is a preeminent Jewish thinker, scholar, and teacher. Rabbi Greenberg has brought the highest ideas to broad audiences. Across half a century, Rabbi Greenberg has elevated the way people live and feel by elevating the way they think. In a world of new media, where digital waves move oceans of information across continents, Rabbi Greenberg stands out as a voice of clarity. In the fathomless sea of information, often overwhelming and confusing, Rabbi Greenberg serves as a calming conveyer of eternal ideas—an expert lighthouse directing the ships of humanity through the possibilities of life by the light of the divine. Rabbi Gedaliah Gurfein has been a teacher of Jewish wisdom for over 45 years. His experiences have included a range from traditional yeshivot to Pueblo Indians, Igbo Tribes, China, Netherlands, Mexico and, of course, Israel. Gedaliah has also been involved in the Israeli High-Tech industry since 1995. His classic work - free to the public - is www.thepeoplestalmud.com. Rabbi Brian Yosef Schachter-Brooks is a Jewish spiritual teacher and musician. He has been teaching the practice of Presence (i.e., meditation, mindfulness) and Judaism since 2006, and founded Torah of Awakening in 2016. He is the author of Kabbalah for Beginners, published by Rockridge Press, and Integral Jewish Meditation – Three Portals of Presence for Spiritual Awakening. Rabbi Brian Yosef received s’miha (ordination) as Minister of Sacred Music (Reb Yosef Briah Zohar, Menatzeiakh, Ba’al Tefilah) from Reb Zalman z”l  (2012), Spiritual Teacher and Awakener of Souls  (Morei Rukhani uM’oreir N’shamot) from Shaykh Ibrahim Baba Farajaje (may his secret be sanctified) and Rabbi SaraLeya Schley (2012), certification as Teacher of Jewish Meditation (Moreh L’hitbodedut) from Dr. Rabbi Avram Davis (2004), and holds a Bachelor in Music from the Eastman School of Music (1991). Rabbi Micha Odenheimer: 'Born in 1958 in Berkeley California, Micha Odenheimer has been a writer, journalist, Jewish teacher and social activist in Israel since making aliyah 31 years ago. Micha’s life and interests include fields rarely seen in combination. As a rabbi he has written dozens of essays on Judaism the Torah, and social justice, and has reported on trends in Judaism and the Jewish world. Micha has a special interest in Jewish mysticism and Hasidism.'

From the archives, the fourth ever episode recorded of Unraveling Religion, this from June 18th, 2008 is reposted In Memoriam for Reverend Kyoki Roberts of Pittsburgh's Deep Spring Temple. In speaking with Joel, Kyoki explored insights from her long time Zen practice. What is the nature of Self? Questions opening into 'what is Zen?' and the relation to Dukkha (Sanskrit, suffering), how Zen practice addresses 'when are material possessions enough?' The practical and experiential aspects of Zen practice, the streams of Soto versus Rinzai Zen traditions. Addressing the sense of a separate self or as Dogen Zenji's teaching 'dropping away body and mind.' Rinzai's koan, public case study: 'what is the sound of one hand clapping?' and Joshu's (Chinese, Zhouzhou) 'does a dog have Buddha nature? MU!' Kyoki skillfully guides the conversation toward seeing things as they are. What do we awakened to? How do we reconcile Zen practice with God? A examination of Dogen Zenji's teaching of Parental Mind, from his treatis Shobogenzo. Bodhidharma's importance in Chinese Ch'an roots, and the story of Bodhidharma and Emperor Wu, 'no holiness, vast emptiness' and merit and Zen practice, doing things for 'no reason.' Discursive mind versus Big Mind, the moment as fresh and new, all potentiation, step into the moment: here, now! What is a Bodhisattva? Exploring the Bodhisattva vow, and the question 'where can I be helpful?' Taking suffering as a way to learn and be helpful and benefit others, through action and wisdom.   Biography   Reverend Kyōki Roberts (December 17, 1951 to December 19, 2023) was a retired American Sōtō Zen priest. The single Dharma heir of Nonin Chowaney-roshi, Roberts received Dharma transmission in June 2001 and was a member of an organization of priests known as the Order of the Prairie Wind (OPW). She studied Zen in Japan and in the United States. Roberts blended her practice with art during the 2003 exhibition Gestures: An Exhibition of Small Site-Specific Works at The Mattress Factory Museum in Pittsburgh. Her installation exhibit, No where to go; nothing to do: Just Sitting, invited visitors to experience aspects of Zazen. In March 2006, Roberts served as a member of the Plenary Panel of Venerable Women: Women Living the Dharma in the 21st Century during the first Buddhist Women's Conference held at DePaul University and sponsored by the Buddhist Council of the Midwest. (Biography from Wiki)

This initial epsiode of Unraveling Religion recorded on November 14th, 2007 in Buffalo, New York explores the question 'what's it all for?' in the largest scale we can imagine. Maj Ragain, who passed in 2018, presents in this talk the intersection of loneliness and its cure, touch, and the ways in which we can comfort one another. Sharing poetry and the makeup of what is meaningful to him, Maj examines the different frameworks of modern life rooted in an ancient and sacred wisdom. Beginning with the wisdom of the Sundance, Maj speaks of how the soul was formless and did not know limitation. As the Soul found form, the human body, it knew limitation including loneliness. Drawing on Buddhism's Zen Flesh, Zen Bones and Zen Mind, Beginners Mind Maj's talk weaves the 'Big Mind' that includes the thread and voice that forms his poetry. Maj's talk includes the Tao Te Ching and its author Lao Tzu sharing 'I have only three things to share: simplicity, patience, and compassion.' Maj concludes with Meister Eckhert's notion 'if the only prayer that is said is 'thank you' that would be enough.'   Biography: Maj Ragain (1940 to 2018) was born into a small, southeastern Illinois farm town. Home-tutored and raised on Vernor Lake, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English at Eastern Illinois University, and an Master of Arts in English at the University of Illinois. He had been on faculty, off and on, at Kent State University since 1969, where he obtained his Ph. D. in 1990. He is the author of seven chapbooks of poetry and five book-length collections, all of which contribute to Clouds Pile Up in the North: New & Selected Poems. Maj had served for more than thirty years as host to open poetry readings in Kent, monthly, downtown, mentoring hundr​eds​​ of poets through the years.

This episode asks the questions: How do we resolve life's Existential Delimma and paradox? What is 'Virtue?' Can 'Virtue' be taught?   Joel drops in at Before Your Quiet Eyes Bookstore and finds Ken Kelbaugh, David White, and 'Ted' Estragon in philosophic discourse and joins the discussion examining Bishop Butler, Plotinus, and Plato. A few minutes into the conversation, Rochester poet Stephen Lloyd joins the conversation. Through the evolution of the talk, an examination of 'Virtue' begins to take shape.  What is Virtue? Is it inherent? Can it be cultivated? David outlines Bishop Butler's discourse on the topics of Human Nature, The Divine, Thought, Conscience, and Intellect and shares Butler's raison d'etre to 'seek the truth unashamed to learn.' Ted shares 'we [human beings] are not a being, we are a becoming.' An examination of 'daimon' versus 'intuition' is sought. A myth of Zeus and the human question is shared. Through this deep investigation of Virtue, myth and religion are explored. The day's discussion closes with David White reading from his original poem Astratto. Biography: David White's birthplace was Fitch's Sanitarium in the Bronx (founded in 1920 and closed in the early 1960s) now he is in senior housing. David was born on December 29, 1946. The axis of his career is in philosophy, religion, and drama, and turned when he came to understand Bishop Butler’s explanation of the prophet unheeded. David's first poem was written on assignment for a college English class. On the last day, the professor handed his poem back, unmarked and ungraded. She said she had the poem on her desk since it was turned in, David reported that when the course had ended all she could say was, “I don’t know, I just don’t know.” Vladimir Estragon ('Ted') is a militant Platonist, Plotinian, and Dionysius-Areogapitian - but insists on radical moderation in others. His career aspirations include learning Attic Greek, juggling with flaming torches, and performing 'Lucky's Speech' in a stage performance of 'Waiting for Godot.' Ted host's a monthly film viewing at Before Your Quiet Eyes Bookstore every 3rd Thursday of the month (except April), starting at 6:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public at 439 Monroe Avenue, Rochester NY. Stephen Lloyd is a Rochester poet and frequenter of Before Your Quiet Eyes Bookstore. Ken Kelbaugh is the owner of the Before Your Quiet Eyes Bookstore.

In this trailer of The Labyrinth Podcast, Lisa Carley introduces the podcast's orgins, philosophy, topics, and terrain covered in curiosity of life and existence with these conversations, an invitation to join.        2015; 'The Sound of Silence' (Instrumental); Immortalized; Reprise Records

This conversation with Lisa and Joel explores Lisa Carley's new podcast 'The Labyrinth' and its slogan 'Destination Unknown' and its relationship to the 'Unraveling Religion' podcast, whose own slogan 'What You Are Is More Than What You Want.' These two old friends share deep vision of hope and work toward a brighter future as they deconstruct meaning, mission, and purpose, and the mechanisms of what comprises the most vital aspects of life and relationship. In this brief discussion, Lisa and Joel outline the parallel journey of spirituality and curiousty that forms the basis of their timeless bond.

In Part 3 Lisa, Rich, and Joel examine the secret to the existential delimma and how to resolve it. The answer, 'service.' Also, surfing and meditation and the story of Reb Zusha, a Hasidic Master. A Jewish Kabbalistic look at death, judgment, and Heavenly Decrees, ultimately who judges us? Does human life have spiritual veils and what do they hide? Also discussed is American Zen Buddhism and the two most influential books in American Zen, 'Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind' and 'The Three Pillars of Zen.' From Zen Mind, Beginner Mind, 'The basic teaching of Buddhism is the teaching of transcency or change.' and 'That everything changes is the basic truth for each existence.' What actually determines the quality of our life: is it what we receive from others, or what we give to others?  What is our relationship to Death? What are we forced to let go of in life and what returns to us in the future?  These explorations build into a final poem Lisa wrote and reads.

In Part 1 of this three part episode, Joel lassoed Rich Grego and Lisa Carley into a conversation recorded weaving threads through time and space and love, itself. This conversation meanders among these three old, dear friends, and touches on nihilism, dissolution and romanticism, Dharma decay and Dharma renewal, changes and transformations. Is there room for Hope in the world today? Optimism? Does the state of the world allow a falling away so that things might improve, a sense something better might come. What does Enlightenment look like? What does

In Part 2, Lisa, Rich, and Joel explore knowing the 'why' and knowing the 'big picture' versus being in the flow of life. The talk continues in the examination of life asking 'What is being asked of me? What do I need to learn about this situation? What do I need to perceive in this situation?' Also, asking questions of life, and responding to life's obstacles in a way that challenges our mental health and our existential paradigm, and the relationship to reconstructing ourselves, Phoenix like, after allowing ourselves to 'fall apart.' Deeper into the conversation, the topic of the Existential Abyss

Henry Cretella and Joel discuss collaboration to present a series of four workshops in 2024 from Amber Light, Int. and Education Training Center, Inc.'s Ground and Sky Poetry Series entitled 'Spirituality In Everyday Life.' The topics of the four workshops are: 1. Spirituality And Service 2. Spirituality And Relationship 3. Spirituality And Mental Health and 4. Spirituality And The Arts. Also, Henry discusses some of the aspects of Amber Light, Int. and its podcast Alchemical Dialogues and Joel explores the Programs and Services of Education Training Center, Inc. and the ways it seeks to address mental health and marginalization. In this brief talk, the foundation of Amber Light, Int.'s relationship to Sufism and the threads found in all world's traditions are discussed as well as Education Training Center's podcast Unraveling Religion's relationship to build and support mental health through a strong spiritual or existential foundation, and other programs and services of Education Training Center, Inc. that address mental health without distinction to cause. Listen to this collaboration to build healthy community with two old friends who share a common vision and passion to improve the quality of life for others.

From The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, to the Ba'al Shem Tov, to Maimonides and Moses this discussion includes topics of the security of the Jewish people and the Land of Israel and how the Jewish people can fortify their existence and safety. Rabbi Greenberg and Joel examine the best Jewish responses to the terror attack October 7th, 2023. The journey of this conversation addresses Jewish Unity, and the exiles and returns to Israel of the Jewish people, Family Purity (i.e., Niddah), Shabbas, and Kashrut (law of keeping Kosher), Gematria, examining the teaching of G-d's name and the Tetragrammatron, reducing the ego as a step in giving Tzdekah (i.e., Charity), the mind of the Teacher toward their students, the Kabbalistic teaching of the masculine and feminine energies as refined through discipline, the influence of Torah on marriage, the 613 mitvot and the Talmudic teaching of 248 postive mitzvot correlating to the 248 bones of the human body, and the 365 'negative' (i.e., 'don't do') correlating to the 365 days of the year. Also examined are the Zohar, Mishnah, Talmud, and Kabbalah and lighting Shabbas candles as a weapon to dispel darkness (i.e., Neshek). Please join us to engage in this fascinating dialogue exploring aspects of our humanity and Judaism's role in illuminating the triumph of 'Good' and creating the World as it was meant to be from the beginning.  Biography: Rabbi Heschel Greenberg is one of the world’s preeminent Jewish thinkers, scholars, teachers, inspirations, and inspirers. With a sublime blend of incredible intellectual prowess, vast encyclopedic knowledge, beautifully articulated language, and resounding resonant relatability, Rabbi Greenberg has brought the highest ideas to the broadest audiences. Across half a century, Rabbi Greenberg has elevated the way people live and feel by elevating the way they think. In a world of new media, where digital waves move oceans of information across continents, Rabbi Greenberg stands out as a voice of clarity. In the fathomless sea of information, often overwhelming and confusing, Rabbi...

Dusted off as one of Unraveling Religion's original episodes back in 2008, Activist and Poet Chris Barbera joins Joel for a talk exploring the landscape of our collective sorrows and how to address them. The terrain covers the root response to suffering found in exploring spirituality. The question of 'work' and how work is defined was answered. Chris begins with his own expressed spiritual development and biography, culminating with a deep awakening in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco. The realization placed for Chris the understanding of the inequality of systems of power against many of its marginalized citizens, mainly due to the drive to consume and commoditize, an unexamined priorities, in our nation and world.These power structures have sought to accumulate wealth and power, and in the talk Chris and Joel also explore the validities of all the world's religions. Chris came to realize G-d is not an idea but a living Reality. Through the talk, Chris and Joel discuss how these systems criminalize the poor. Also examined were ways to alleviate suffering, guided by various spiritual doctrines, and searching 'where does G-d fit into all of this?' The differences of science and religion, and how the ancient cultures made no distinction between the two.A profound examination of humankind's direction, hope, and potential outcome.Biography of Chris Barbera: Chris Barbera has lived in the backs of empty churches and intentional communities and worked on various social justice movements and has, for many years, administered an educational nonprofit, Jesus the Liberator Seminary of Religious Justice, which focuses upon developing a “Prison  Theology” with people incarcerated. He currently lives intentionally at the interfaith nonprofit, Network of Religious Communities. In short, he has lived and worked with poor people at the intersection of grassroots justice movements, spiritually lived ideas and experiences in relation with institutional structures, traditions, and nonprofit efforts, as well as at the intersection of poetry and theology. All is all in all rooted and wind.

Part 2, continues the vital disucssion regarding the implications of spirituality, of religion, or neither? Continue listening to this panel discussion with five practitioners who are either involved or have been with both spirituality and religion, as they explore their views and experiences. Aude Chesnais, Ph.D., has encountered various spiritual traditions before finding her family on the Sufi path since 2017. She is a political ecologist and senior researcher for the Native Lands Advocacy Project, and has been working closely with native communities in the USA for the past 10 years on issues of land sovereignty and Traditional Ecological Knowledge, particularly in support of regenerative food-systems transitions. Aude’s work reflects strongly on her positionality as a white researcher working in Indigenous settings. Although her spiritual path has led her on the quest to understand oneness, Aude’s professional path and commitment to social justice constantly reminds her of the real social impacts of human distinctions on their lives. Reconciling these two coexisting realities is Aude’s lifetime quest. Aude received her MA in social and solidarity economics from Université de Haute-Alsace, France and her Ph.D. in sociology from Colorado State University, CO, USA. Henry Cretella, M.D., is the host of Alchemical Dialogues and co-director of Amber Light International. He is a retired psychiatrist who received his medical degree from Vanderbilt University and his post-graduate training at the University of Rochester’s Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. Henry was raised Roman Catholic and later began initial studies in Shamanism and Tibetan Buddhism, as well as in the martial arts before finding a home in the Sufi lineage of Inayat Khan. Henry no longer practices an exoteric religion, but teaches and guides others in a mystically oriented spirituality that incorporates the wisdom from many traditions and disciplines. For Henry, he believes that we are in an era calling for each of us to find and follow our own unique spiritual path. He also believes that we can connect with others and a power greater than ourselves, in order to further a positive expansion and evolution of human consciousness. Tania Day-Magallon is an artist born in Mexico City and has collaborated in various art events and exhibits in Chicago, Mexico City, and Rochester, NY. She identifies as Muslim and is a Sufi practitioner. Tania started her art education at a young age, and she attended prominent art institutions in Mexico City. Tania’s art frequently uses symbolism and imagery emphasizing her own cultural identity and spiritual views. Tania became a member of the group formerly known as Women of Color in the Arts (WOC-Art) collaborative, where she curated an art activity and installation titled “Hands of Sorority”. Tania was also commissioned to design the cover of an issue for the academic journal Frontiers: A Journal of Women Studies entitled Deterritorializing Frontiers. Tania earned her BA in Visual Arts from SUNY Empire State College, where she continued her studies in visual arts and psychology. She is currently earning her MS in Mental Health Counseling at SUNY Brockport. Tania believes that mental health, spirituality, and the arts are interwoven, and her current work is focused on exploring her roots, the Divine Feminine, and decolonial mental health approaches that include the creative process as a fundamental aspect of human wellbeing. Margot VanEtten has a wide and varied background in spirituality and meditation, interfaith study and dialogue, martial arts, and ministerial practice including as a lay minister in the Catholic Church for many years. She holds a Master’s degree in Sacred Theology from St. Bernard’s Institute in Rochester, NY. From 2000 to 2019, Margot was the campus minister and director at the Brockport Newman Cente...

Alchemical Dialogues held a panel discussion regarding spirituality and religion. These two practices not the same, but this can be confusing for many. Westerners, in growing numbers, identify as 'spiritual, but not religious.' Likewise, there are many who list their religious affiliation as 'other.'   Atheism and agnosticism are growing, often touting the benefits of community without the perceived negatives that religion and spirituality add—or do not. What are the implications of spirituality, of religion, or neither? In late 2022, Henry Cretella's podcast Alchemical Dialogues brought together a panel to disucss religion and spirituality, a discussion with Aude Chesnais, Henry Cretella, Tania Day-Magallon, Margot VanEtten, and Joel David Lesses. Listen to this panel discussion with five practitioners who are either involved or have been with both spirituality and religion, as they explore their views and experiences. Aude Chesnais, Ph.D., has encountered various spiritual traditions before finding her family on the Sufi path since 2017. She is a political ecologist and senior researcher for the Native Lands Advocacy Project, and has been working closely with native communities in the USA for the past 10 years on issues of land sovereignty and Traditional Ecological Knowledge, particularly in support of regenerative food-systems transitions. Aude’s work reflects strongly on her positionality as a white researcher working in Indigenous settings. Although her spiritual path has led her on the quest to understand oneness, Aude’s professional path and commitment to social justice constantly reminds her of the real social impacts of human distinctions on their lives. Reconciling these two coexisting realities is Aude’s lifetime quest. Aude received her MA in social and solidarity economics from Université de Haute-Alsace, France and her Ph.D. in sociology from Colorado State University, CO, USA. Henry Cretella, M.D., is the host of Alchemical Dialogues and co-director of Amber Light International. He is a retired psychiatrist who received his medical degree from Vanderbilt University and his post-graduate training at the University of Rochester’s Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. Henry was raised Roman Catholic and later began initial studies in Shamanism and Tibetan Buddhism, as well as in the martial arts before finding a home in the Sufi lineage of Inayat Khan. Henry no longer practices an exoteric religion, but teaches and guides others in a mystically oriented spirituality that incorporates the wisdom from many traditions and disciplines. For Henry, he believes that we are in an era calling for each of us to find and follow our own unique spiritual path. He also believes that we can connect with others and a power greater than ourselves, in order to further a positive expansion and evolution of human consciousness. Tania Day-Magallon is an artist born in Mexico City and has collaborated in various art events and exhibits in Chicago, Mexico City, and Rochester, NY. She identifies as Muslim and is a Sufi practitioner. Tania started her art education at a young age, and she attended prominent art institutions in Mexico City. Tania’s art frequently uses symbolism and imagery emphasizing her own cultural identity and spiritual views. Tania became a member of the group formerly known as Women of Color in the Arts (WOC-Art) collaborative, where she curated an art activity and installation titled “Hands of Sorority”. Tania was also commissioned to design the cover of an issue for the academic journal Frontiers: A Journal of Women Studies entitled Deterritorializing Frontiers. Tania earned her BA in Visual Arts from SUNY Empire State College, where she continued her studies in visual arts and psychology. She is currently earning her MS in Mental Health Counseling at SUNY Brockport. Tania believes that...

In Part 2 of this talk, Mike, Mike and Joel continue deconstructing meaning death and spirituality. Joel tells a story of his 'good friend' John Bednarchik who passed in 2012, and John's profound influence on Joel through his living example cultivated by John's long and devoted practice of Zen Buddhism. How do we sow seeds of faith in the process of life itself? How the idea of "Ownership' or 'Propriety' is a form of delusion. How do we connect the heart and mind, as people, as practitioners, and as counselors.

In Part 1 of this episode, at Joel's place, in the midst of new friendship and burning Sage, Mike Morde, Mike Pernot, and Joel Lesses talk about life, spirituality, psychology, meaning, and death. Explored are the importance and practice of meditation and mindfulness; also 'awareness of the process as the goal in life.' The vital link between service to community and our individual health and well-being, the importance of a good name. If life is suffering, what are the ways in which we can 'suffer well?' How

In Part 2 of the Alchemical Dialogues Podcast with Henry Cretella and Joel Lesses, more discussion surrounding wisdom of lived experience including Joel's personal history exploring mental health distress and an opporunity.  Bio: Joel Lesses founded the Education Training Center as a means of counseling people marginalized by trauma, addiction, and psychological distress, and its effects including incarceration, homelessness, and institutionalization. He is dedicated to reframing mental health distress as a potential spiritual marker and existential opportunity. Also, vested in Poetry and Literature as an educator and poet, through writing workshops, poetry roundtables, poetry, and a manuscript. Finally, other passions include the intersection of poetry, spirituality, science, and phenomenology shared and disparate in the human experience, and transformative power of self inquiry and introspection through contemplative and meditative practices explored in his podcast, 'Unraveling Religion' mystical and practical discussions as an exploration of spirituality and its relation to religion and psychology. Joel was nominated and voted previously 'Buffalo's Best Poet'; he has been published in various magazines and publications, founded Ground and Sky Poetry Series, and facilitated numerous poetry workshops. Currently, he is working on an autobiography of poetry and prose entitled 'Odyssey of Autumn's Breath: An American Collection and Life.' He has worked as a healthcare administrator, trainer, facilitator, and consultant, leading the understanding in education treatment and advocacy regarding substance use, mental health, (and medical) issues.

Henry and Joel discuss lessons from lived experience with mental health distress, including: lessons from trauma, isolation, loneliness, marginalization, existential crisis, and how mental health distress may be a calling to become a healer leader and teacher in community. Extracting lessons and asking the 'why' slowly begins to uncover answers, reveals meaning and purpose, calls us to understanding and wisdom of life's deeper questions. There, passions reveal themselves, including for Joel poetry, spirituality and mysticism. For Joel these interests formed the basis of Education Training Center, Joel's nonprofit organization, to address areas of need for individuals marginalized by mental health, trauma, and psychological distress without distinction to cause. Originally recorded for Amber Light International's Alchemical Dialogues Podcast with Henry Cretella, it is slightly edited in version.  

Joy Harjo and Joel connect in this dusted off, older episode, to open and discuss our shared human experience in its different forms and the pervading spirit found in mountains and rivers, water and air, in people and the Earth. The shared community we live in calls us to understand our actions affect others and the Earth. Joy and Joel discuss spirituality, Joy's history and development as an artist, shared responsibity for our communities, Native teachings, Buddhism, Joy's plays, music, poetry, and art. Also discussed were generational influences and wisdom and how in years past there was a closer connection to our heart and mind. Joy and Joel also discuss the intelligence of the body and how common sense is spirituality expressed. Joy and Joel share many aspects of spirituality and life, and conclude reflecting on Joy's Eagle Poem. The end of the talk mentions Maj Ragain and A Gathering of Poets commemorating in 1990 the 20th anniversary of the shootings at Kent State, which introduced Joel to Joy Harjo's work.  Bio: Joy Har­jo, the 23rd Poet Lau­re­ate of the Unit­ed States, is a mem­ber of the Mvskoke Nation and belongs to Oce Vpofv (Hick­o­ry Ground). As a poet, activist, and musician, Joy Harjo’s work has won countless awards. In 2019, Harjo became the first Native American United States Poet Laureate in history and is only the second poet to be appointed for three terms. In addition to her many books of poetry, she has written several books for young audiences and released seven award-winning music albums. Click here for a list of Joy Harjo's latest books. Harjo is a founding board member and Chair of the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation and, in 2019, was elected a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets. She has since been inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, National Native American Hall of Fame, the American Philosophical Society, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Harjo currently lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma where she serves as the first Artist-in-Residency of the Bob Dylan Center. [click here for full Bio] By Kerri Lee Alexander, NWHM Fellow | 2018-2020

On Richard Wicka's I Thou Video Series Richard and Joel, two old friends, talk and deconstruct meaning, trauma, and suffering and its relation to political and religous spectrums and systems of belief. Richard and Joel teach each about their perspectives in deeply honoring and respectful discourse, examining: nationalism, Hilter, neonazism, the liberal or left versus the right or conservative belief systems that influence the world, tolerance and love versus projecting one's suffering on to others. The spiritual aspect of reality and existence in relation to Trump and tendencies of liberal communities and people versus conservative communities and people. From Karl Marx to Capitalism, Joel and Richard look at a wide array of terrain to answer questions about the 'Why.' To view this talk on YouTube unedited, please click here.    Richard Wicka is a Buffalo, N.Y.-based media artist and photographer and the proprietor of "The Home of the Future,"a media access center and production/recording studio based in his Kaisertown home. Wicka has been providing a forum for artists in all media, activists, and everyday citizens of his Western New York community since the mid-1970s. He provides interested parties with technical support, studio time, and production tools free of charge, encouraging them to express themselves in ways that mainstream culture has not historically sanctioned. With the advent of internet radio came ThinkTwice Radio in 2006, offering podcasts to anyone with a subject to discuss and the commitment to produce a regular show. Wicka attended the seminary as an adolescent, then pursued a BA in philosophy from the University at Buffalo. In 1976 he founded Buffalo Paralegal Services. His work has been screened at venues and on television stations around the world. Wicka is a past board president of Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center. For more information on Richard Wicka, visit hotftv.net.

Karl Shallowhorn and Joel talk about lived experience with mental health distress, the different ways to improve the quality of life for people with mental health distress, Karl's own history and biography, personally and professionally, with lived experience. Karl and Joel explore the importance of peer to peer connection not just for people with mental health distress, but its importance for all people to see what is shared, what we have in common, our shared human condition. Together Karl and Joel share personal and professional history and hopes for our collective future. Karl wears many hats, working at Mental Health Advocates as Director of Youth Programs, Karl Shallowhorn Consulting, he also has his own radio program dedicated to discussing the relationship music has with mental health ‘Mental Health Verses’. Thursday, 03/02/2023, 7:00 Karl presents Mental Health Verses: Live, a multi-media talk based on his 91.3 FM WBNY radio program of the same name. For tickets to attend or support, please click here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/mhaoeci/event/mentalhealthverses/   Bio:  Mental health advocate, educator, speaker and coach, Karl Shallowhorn, has a proven track record of delivering engaging and informative presentations to wide-ranging audiences across the United States. His combination of lived experience and clinical expertise makes him a unique resource. Karl is the author of Working on Wellness: A Practical Guide to Mental Health, Leadership Through the Lens of the 12 Steps and is the creator of a Mastermind course based on the 12 Step Leadership concept. He has been a featured blogger and writer for BP magazine. Karl has received numerous awards for his work in the mental health field including from the National Federation of Just Communities and the Buffalo Association of Black Social Workers. He has also been selected as a presenter for TedX Buffalo 2021 with his topic being, “African American Men and Mental Health: Crisis or Opportunity.” Karl is a much sought-after speaker and a member of the Black Speakers Network, He is the host of a Facebook Live public affairs and health program sponsored by the Community Health Center of Buffalo. As a person in long-term recovery from bipolar and co-occurring addiction disorder, Karl’s goal is to help people discover their unmet potential and eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness. He has educated diverse audiences, including behavioral health providers, law enforcement, youth, educators, veterans and faith communities, among others.

In this brief talk, Henry Cretella, MD and Joel examine the history and relationship between Amber Light's Podcast 'Alchemical Dialogues' and Joel's own podcast 'Unraveling Religion.' Henry and Joel have been friends since 2014, and have cross-pollinated sharing ideas and wisdom including episodes regarding dreams, poetry, the spiritual path, psychology and mental health. 'Alchemical Dialogues' are live and unscripted conversations with topics from our current social and cultural climate, and an emphasis on humanism and spirituality. Amber Light International is a non-profit educational/spiritual group. Through it, Henry and his partner Kathleen offer spiritual guidance, individual and group retreats, workshops, intensive book studies, celebrations and other related experiences. Amber Light link here: https://www.amberlightinternational.org/podcast/          

Curiosity delving deeply into the Talmud and Rabbi Gedaliah Gurfein's website 'The People's Talmud' https://thepeoplestalmud.com/home (which is all in English). Rabbi Gedaliah Gurfein and Joel discuss a vast terrain of time and topics, in Judaism, Judaism's relation to the World, and a Jew's responsibility and obligation to their community. Every single aspect of life is address in Talmud, the interface of G-d and this physical World, Torah. Joel and Gedaliah outline the Sages from the Talmud, Hillel and Shammai, the need for discourse and dialogue in the course of antisemitism. The People's Talmud’s reach has a following in West Africa and China. Also explored is ‘what is a Jewish Soul,’ from a practical and mystical perspective. The People’s Talmud is not a translation of Talmud, but a narration of the Talmud. Love and Hatred as the same energy, the difference is how it is expressed. Wisdom versus Knowledge, the importance of falling or failing in life as a way of gaining wisdom.  Gedaliah has been a teacher of Jewish wisdom for over 45 years. His experiences have included a range from traditional yeshivot to Pueblo Indians, Igbo Tribes, China, Netherlands, Mexico and, of course, Israel. Gedaliah has also been involved in the Israeli High-Tech industry since 1995. His classic work - free to the public - is www.thepeoplestalmud.com.

In Part 2 of this talk, Reb Brian Yosef and Joel talk about the second and third Portals of Awareness, as taught by Reb Brian. Feeling the breath, the relation of the many meanings of the Hebrew word 'Ruach:' spirit, wind, breath, and soul. The practical instructions of mystical teachings, awareness, and consciousness, meditation. 'I am this awareness, the open field.' Encouraging the realization of Self. Aryeh Kaplan writings, the spiritual and mystical teachings from 'Jacob's Ladder.' Creation of postive and negative angels, Jacob's awakening stating 'the Divine is in this place and I did not know it.'    Bio: Reb Brian Yosef Schachter-Brooks is a Jewish spiritual teacher and musician. He has been teaching the practice of Presence (meditation, mindfulness) and Judaism since 2006, and founded Torah of Awakening in 2016. He is the author of Kabbalah for Beginners, published by Rockridge Press, and Integral Jewish Meditation – Three Portals of Presence for Spiritual Awakening.Reb Brian Yosef received s’miha (ordination) as Minister of Sacred Music (Reb Yosef Briah Zohar, Menatzeiakh, Ba’al Tefilah) from Reb Zalman z”l  (2012), Spiritual Teacher and Awakener of Souls  (Morei Rukhani uM’oreir N’shamot) from Shaykh Ibrahim Baba Farajaje (may his secret be sanctified) and Rabbi SaraLeya Schley (2012), certification as Teacher of Jewish Meditation (Moreh L’hitbodedut) from Dr. Rabbi Avram Davis (2004), and holds a Bachelor in Music from the Eastman School of Music (1991).

Part 1 of this talk, Reb Brian Yosef and Joel share thoughts and perspectives on Divine Providence, dreams, spiritual awakening, meditation, and the importance of how to integrate awakening experiences into our daily lives, in an enduring way. Also, seeing beyond our human conditioning into our deeper self, our Soul, and the intellect as a tool for spirituality. Buddhism and Judaism are compared and contrasted, things like 'Mu-shin,' or 'no-mind,' the mystical aspect of life seeing into emptiness or Reality. What is Kabbalah: what does it mean? who is it for? what does it offer? Kabbalah, Chasidism, The Ba'al Shem Tov and the historical developments of Judaism's spirituality. What and why does spirituality benefit people?     Bio: Reb Brian Yosef Schachter-Brooks is a Jewish spiritual teacher and musician. He has been teaching the practice of Presence (meditation, mindfulness) and Judaism since 2006, and founded Torah of Awakening in 2016. He is the author of Kabbalah for Beginners, published by Rockridge Press, and Integral Jewish Meditation – Three Portals of Presence for Spiritual Awakening.Reb Brian Yosef received s’miha (ordination) as Minister of Sacred Music (Reb Yosef Briah Zohar, Menatzeiakh, Ba’al Tefilah) from Reb Zalman z”l  (2012), Spiritual Teacher and Awakener of Souls  (Morei Rukhani uM’oreir N’shamot) from Shaykh Ibrahim Baba Farajaje (may his secret be sanctified) and Rabbi SaraLeya Schley (2012), certification as Teacher of Jewish Meditation (Moreh L’hitbodedut) from Dr. Rabbi Avram Davis (2004), and holds a Bachelor in Music from the Eastman School of Music (1991).    

Rah and Joel discuss the life of fathers, Rah expresses the benefits and challenges of fatherhood today and of the spiritual side of parenting. Rah teaches regarding his experiences as a father of nine, and his deep desire to improve the quality of life for parents, fathers, and children. Through his deep wisdom and life experience, Rah shares with Joel insights and hopes he also explores in his podcast 'Fatha Torch.' About 'Fatha Torch:'  the podcast to help you become the dad you always wish you had. Each episode is an open discussion about fatherhood and the struggles faced as and by Black men in America. Topics include self-love, the child support system, emotional trauma from toxic relationships, societal injustices and reentry after incarceration.  To listen to Rah and Fatha Torch here: https://www.fathatorch.com Rashakim 'Rah' Hudson, a father of nine children, artist and founder of Abimilechh Foundation in Rochester, NY, became a father in 1996, and struggled to be a good father or at least better than his own. Rah had struggled with emotional traumas and mental health issues for an extended periods. He was inspired by friends and family members who saw in him in a 'truth as a father' and to establish a fatherhood curriculum and program to connect with other fathers. 'Who is struggling, making common mistakes, and juggling a career, among other things such as their mental health, feelings of anxiety about parenting, and the life of a dad?' Rah has had the privilege of meeting and sharing his real-life experiences and lessons learned with parents worldwide since then.  

In this conversation recorded, Sam, a deeply gifted poet, and Joel deconstruct aspects of friendship and creative writing and its process. Sam and Joel share some of their own personal influences, also talk about story poems, and Shakespeare. Together the two explore 'Where did poetry find you?' and 'where did poetry bring you?' Also, reflections on poetry and the contemplative aspects of life are shared. Sam is working on a new book of poems. Contemporary masculinuity is explored, and the aspects of justice and mercy with the masculine. Also, 'What can poems do?' 'Why do we practice poetry?' A parent's experience, and it relation to God, the support, and meaning, and richness of Sam's life as a father. Sam and Joel recall how they first met at a writing group, Sam shares some new poems, and Joel and Sam seek to deepen life experience by sharing in a genuine authenic and congruent way.    Sam Floyd is a poet, advocate of those with a wide range of disability and mental health conditions, and a peer with lived experience (i.e., having anxiety and depression). His podcast, Comma 23, creates and builds a safe space to share stories with familiarity and trust. As a poet and person with lived experience, Sam has learned a great deal through the struggles with depression. He displays the ability to discover and reveal grace, through the honest expressions of his personal experience and how, at times, it can feel impossible to do so with anxiety. He is working currently on a manuscript of poetry of his early years.

Dr. Hilary Weaver and Joel connect and speak of relational understanding the web of life for all people, all life; the talk opens discussing the Lakota people and ways, her devotion to people through her vital efforts to improve the quality of life for people as a Social Worker, her past experiences working with inmates on death row at San Quentin, the shootings in Buffalo, NY and how to view darkness in the human condition, and how the Sun and Dead Kennedys helped her heal. Hilary and Joel also speak of the vital necessity of tolerance for others, and embracing and celebrating diversity, spirituality, and why Unraveling Religion might seek a new name.  Hilary N. Weaver, DSW (Lakota) is a Professor and Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the School of Social Work, University at Buffalo (State University of New York). She received her BS from Antioch College in social work with a cross-cultural studies focus and her MSW and DSW from Columbia University. Her teaching, research, and service focus on cultural issues in the helping process with an emphasis on Indigenous populations. Dr. Weaver received funding from the National Cancer Institute to develop and test a culturally-grounded wellness curriculum for urban Native American youth, the Healthy Living in Two Worlds program. She is a member of NASW, Chair-elect of the CSWE board of directors, Global Indigenous Commissioner for IFSW, and currently serves as President of the Indigenous and Tribal Social Work Educators’ Association (formerly American Indian Alaska Native Social Work Educators’ Association). She was inducted as an NASW Social Work Pioneer in 2020 and was named the American Public Health Association’s Public Health Social Worker of theYear in 2020. Dr. Weaver has presented her work regionally, nationally, and internationally including presenting at the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at the United Nations in 2005-2008, 2013-2019, and 2021-2022. She has numerous publications including the text, Explorations in Cultural Competence: Journeys to the Four Directions (2005), the edited book, Social Issues in Contemporary Native America: Reflections fromTurtle Island (2014), Trauma and Resilience in the Lives of Contemporary Native Americans: Reclaiming our Balance, Restoring our Wellbeing (2019), and the edited volume Routledge International Handbook of Indigenous Resilience (2022).  

In Part 2 of this talk, Graham and Joel touch on common ground between them, forms of contemplation and how the best minds, poems, paintings, are formalized spirituality. The mystical experience, Science, the elemental construction of nature, what is our relation as humans to the Universe? Does the soul exist? The Theory of Evolution, Gravity, laws of Science and consciousness, Religion as an unintended consequence. Does Religion and Spirituality address our needs and hopes as human. Is fear a good motivator? What is the relationship between the Bible and Shakespeare?    Biography of Graham Sears, born in Buffalo, New York in 1953. His education includes The Nichols School and Liberal Arts at Hobart College, then the University of Buffalo. In 1984 and 1985 studied at the School of Fine Arts in Paris and have been working artist for 25 years. His work is shown in New York City (Robert Steele) and museums across the United States. Graham is a serious student of philosophy, science the history of ideas and the history of expression. Personally, Graham rejected utterly his Christian upbringing beginning around age of 12. He writes "Haunted by great poetry, music and literature. Life is beautiful, people are beautiful, love is beautiful. Religion is a tragic sexist delusion more responsible for human misfortune than any other single cause, it is niether the source of truth about man, origins or morality nor is it justifiable as a source of comfort despite its' factual absurdity it is in short completely unneccesary and dehumanizing..."

In this old talk with a dear friend, reposting from the archives from August 2009, Graham and Joel cover religion and ethics and Graham's formative ethical and philosophical development, including the history of religion and the philosophy of religion, exposure to the Koran, Bhagavad Gita, and the old and new Testament. Graham and Joel continue to explore how to inform oneself with moral awareness, the relation of religion and law, morality found in children and primates, religion and science and the human condition. Essentially, Part 1 of this talk explores is religion necessary?  Biography of Graham Sears, born in Buffalo, New York in 1953. His education includes The Nichols School and Liberal Arts at Hobart College, then the University of Buffalo. In 1984 and 1985 studied at the School of Fine Arts in Paris and have been working artist for 25 years. His work is shown in New York City (Robert Steele) and museums across the United States. Graham is a serious student of philosophy, science the history of ideas and the history of expression. Personally, Graham rejected utterly his Christian upbringing beginning around age of 12. He writes "Haunted by great poetry, music and literature. Life is beautiful, people are beautiful, love is beautiful. Religion is a tragic sexist delusion more responsible for human misfortune than any other single cause, it is niether the source of truth about man, origins or morality nor is it justifiable as a source of comfort despite its' factual absurdity it is in short completely unneccesary and dehumanizing..."