Observations from Life

In the final episode of this three part series on Demons, Ghosts, and Evil Spirits, I explore how different cultures and traditions view demons and spirits. I also examine alternative theories, like Carl Jung's concept of the shadow and how the collective consciousness carries forward myths and traditions.

In Part II of my series on Demons, Ghosts, and Evil Spirits, I discuss famous exorcisms, demonologists, and hauntings. This includes the story of the exorcisms of Anneliese Michel and Anna Ecklund. I also talk about famous demonologists Father Malachi Martin and Ed and Lorraine Warren. Finally, I'll cover two famous hauntings - The Enfield Poltergeist and the Smurl Haunting.

This is the first of three episodes covering demons, ghosts, and evil spirits. Do they exist? Can a person be possessed? How do our own fears shape our interpretation of events around us? Part I starts with The Exorcist and c...

David Farrier, journalist and documentary filmmaker, shares insights about his life and career, including behind the scenes events while discussing his films "Tickled" and "Mister Organ" as well as his Netflix series, "Dark Tourist." He also talks about Webworm, his email newsletter and the community around it. Topics range from the importance of speaking up for marginalized people and taking on bullies to exploring the themes of religious abuse, including his coverage of ARISE church in New Zea

What happens when your fairy tale story turns into a nightmare? Rebecca Craig talks about this very thing - how she, a female pastor, survived a relationship with a narcissistic, abusive man who had perfected gaslighting, lying, and manipulation. Her vulnerability and honesty make this a gripping true life tale as described in her upcoming book, Once Upon a Nightmare: Through the Looking Glass of Narcissistic Abuse. Rebecca explores the connection between fairy tales and faith, drawing on he

Dave Canfield, a former member of Jesus People USA, shares his journey from being a holiday Catholic to joining the Christian counterculture community. He discusses the vibrant music scene, the impact of Christian rock and roll, and his involvement in promoting concerts and working backstage. Dave also talks about his experience with Mike Warnke, a Christian comedian and author who claimed to be a former Satanist high priest, and the role he played in helping expose Warnke's fraudulent ministry.

In this episode, I dive into fundamentalism and fear-based Christianity. This includes a revisit of the Satanic Panic of the 70s and 80s, Jack Chick, and movies like The Burning Hell and A Thief in the Night. What's it like to grow up in a church that uses the fear of Hell to convert lost souls? How does it impact people later in adulthood and what is the path to heal from it?

In this episode, I interview Reverend Joanna Fontaine Crawford, lead minister for the Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church in Cedar Park, Texas. Joanna talks about her experience growing up a UU in Texas, how she came into the ministry, and the importance of building a spiritual community outside of traditional religions.

What are the Akashic Records and how do they work? I talk about them, another experience with Emily, and a surprising discovery about one of my past lives.

This is the second episode related to my daughter, Emily's, recent death. In it, I discuss a series of Tarot and Oracle card readings, a couple of dreams, and Emily's surprise drop in to send me a message a couple of weeks after her death. I have also posted a series of blog posts with pics of the drawings so you can see what they look like as you listen.

This is the first of two episodes, talking about the recent passing of my daughter, Emily, and how, in the midst of it, I learned alot about love, empathy, and compassion and just how powerful they are. It's probably a little...

Hannah Smith shares her incredible journey from being trapped in an abusive cult to engaging in many self-destructive behaviors that nearly ended her life. She had a true Dark Night of the Soul experience that led to her find...