What should you do when you feel distant from God? In this episode, we dive deep into the concepts of Spiritual Desolation and the Discernment of Spirits as taught by Ignatius of Loyola.  We explore the three main reasons why desolation might be showing up in your life: neglecting your spiritual life, learning to love the Divine for its own sake, and being reminded of your ultimate dependence on God. We also discuss how to prevent, endure, and conquer Spiritual Desolation, and the importance...

The mystical teachings of Ignatius of Loyola guide us through the complexities of our spiritual journey. Applying the principles of Discernment of Spirits will help you navigate the highs and lows of your spiritual life. Discover the essence of Spiritual Consolation—those moments when you feel an unshakable connection to your deeper self and the divine, bringing clarity and joy to your spiritual journey. Contrastingly, we'll tackle the challenging phases of Spiritual Desolation  in a future...

If you've ever felt called to walk the Camino, this is for you! Imagine packing your bags and taking a break to connect with yourself on a deeply personal level.. The Camino offers a unique opportunity to do so. This mini-episode is your invitation to a potentially life-changing adventure. Sign up for The Camino Experience Live Class. This 90-minute PACKED info session will give you everything you want to know about what it takes to walk the Camino.  🚀 what to pack 🚀 how to train...

In this deeply enriching episode, we explore the concepts of the Cosmic Christ, Teilhard de Chardin, and the Mystical Body of Christ, guiding listeners through a transcendent yet practical understanding of how these ideas can inspire and impact our daily lives. Cosmic Christ: Discover how the Cosmic Christ concept offers a unique perspective on spirituality that transcends traditional religious boundaries, inviting us into a deeper, more inclusive relationship with the divine and the...

There's extraordinary power in sacrifice— the enduring light of hope that can emerge from the depths of darkness. In today's episode, we explore the heroic life of Maximilian Kolbe. A man who, in the face of indescribable evil, chose to embody the purest act of love—laying down his life for another. We will journey through his inspiring story, reflecting on what it means to truly live for others and how, even in the darkest times, the human spirit can shine with an unquenchable light....

How can the pursuit of peace become not just a noble idea, but a radical act of courage? In this episode, we dive into the heart of peacemaking, inspired by the beautiful paradox of the seventh beatitude:  "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." Explore what it truly means to make peace — not just to avoid conflict, but to actively create harmony in every sphere of our lives. We take you on a journey from the bystander’s chair to the frontline of...

Are you being true to yourself? It’s a loaded question . . . and if the answer is “I’m not sure,” that’s normal. In your busy life, it’s easy —and completely human!—to feel pulled in dozens of different directions, from romantic relationships and family dynamics to your job and your creative dreams. But if you get bogged down by the demands of daily life and it leads you to stray from the center of your heart, you can lose sight of your true self. And when you lose your true self, your...

How can we extend forgiveness to those who've caused us pain? How do we resist the urge for revenge when we feel wronged? In this thought-provoking episode, we grapple with an often-overlooked virtue—mercy. We navigate the tricky balance between justice and grace, all through the lens of the Beatitude 5: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." If you're seeking to understand mercy at a deeper level, to not only forgive but to empathize and love, then this episode is a...

Injustice is all around us, from suffering in our own communities to tragic news stories from the complete other side of the world. Think about the last time you saw injustice or unfairness in your life. Maybe you saw a coworker being treated harshly, encountered a homeless person struggling to find shelter on a cold night, or read a news story about children in the Middle East suffering during a humanitarian crisis. How did you react, or want to react? For some of us, the natural reaction...

Mastering the art of self-control is essential to finding peace and happiness in life. In this episode, we explore the often-misunderstood virtue of "meekness", drawing inspiration from Mother Teresa, who often demonstrated composure under stressful circumstances. It takes great strength to face challenges with patience and respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively. Our conversation also touches on the role suffering plays in shaping our free will. Would you prefer a world without...

Grief is a non-linear journey. It requires courage and grace. In this thoughtful episode, Nina shares a personal story—she recounts a roadside accident and a heartbreak that resurfaced long-buried sorrow. Challenging experiences serve as a reminder that a one instance can trigger deeply buried pain, causing a flood of emotions to resurface and be unblocked. Our discussion centers around the second beatitude: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted". We invite you to...

This episode challenges societal norms by questioning our widely accepted definitions of wealth and success. It dives deep into the first Beatitude—"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"—unraveling its profound implications on personal and spiritual growth.  As we dive into this conversation, we begin to understand that true wealth is not measured by material possessions, but by our capacity to appreciate simplicity, embrace vulnerability, and embody humility....

The Beatitudes serve as a compass in our journey towards authentic happiness. They embody the core principles of humility, empathy, and peace, guiding us to transform not just our perspective, but our very way of life.   In this insightful episode, we delve into the concept of true happiness and how it contrasts with the fleeting happiness that many of us pursue. When we internalize the Beatitudes, we begin to realize that happiness doesn't lie in external circumstances but within ourselves....

How do you tell the difference between fear and intuition? Can you learn to be more intuitive? In this episode, we'll demystify the energy anatomy of your inner compass so you can make breakthrough choices that free you from second-guessing yourself. We'll look at how spiritual principles, like those proposed by Ignatius of Loyola in ‘The Spiritual Exercises’ are essential for harnessing your most powerful assets—intuition and discernment—in a way that strengthens your inner compass and helps...

How do the Divine Mind and our own human intellect intertwine? What is the Holy Spirit? Join us as we decipher the metaphysics of the Trinity, gain insight into mystical prayer, and uncover the power of forging a direct connection with God. All this and more awaits you in this podcast episode decoding the spiritual nature of reality. We discuss how metaphysics is not only a philosophical concept, but an experiential one as well. By attuning to the rhythms and patterns of creation, you'll be...

You know what’s terrible? When God says “no". Maybe you’ve prayed, “God, heal my child’s brain injury”—and it doesn't happen… In this episode, we’re exploring the tricky and sometimes uncomfortable questions that come up when we pray for help. From cancer to heartbreak, divorce, rejection, or any kind of suffering, sometimes we're in situations where prayer feels like our only recourse. But when faced with such questions as “what does it say about God if he doesn’t answer my prayers?” or “is...

What actually happens during prayer? Prayer is not about trying to manipulate the Divine for personal gain. It's a sacred practice that can offer insight into our deepest desires and needs. Let us take an unprecedented approach—when we lift up our hearts in prayer, it will open doors of awareness that allow us to accept life with grace and courage. Prayer does not change God; rather, it changes US!  In this episode, we explore the essential attitude you need to cultivate a meaningful...

Mystical experiences are utterly mysterious and difficult to articulate, but it’s common enough that we have reports of mystical experiences across time and cultures. It’s a state of consciousness, a phenomenon that simply happens to us and we don't know why. It’s impossible to achieve through your own efforts alone, because it’s given to you—by grace.  When this happens to you, there’s no doubt because it's not a rationalization. A mystical experience is not a theory that someone has...

What makes a mystic?  —How did Rumi or Thich Nhat Hanh or Jesus feel when they sat down to pray? How can we nurture that same deep intimacy with the Universe? This is why the Holy Rebels Podcast exists—because mysticism is not a frequently discussed topic. It’s often described in an esoteric way that makes it seem like mystical intimacy is reserved for the spiritual elite.  The Number One Reason WHY mysticism is vague and hard to understand is because it happens in the deepest part of your...

Holy Rebels is the podcast for modern mystics who seek the sacred in all things. It’s for contemplatives and spiritual activists who hunger to make sense of a fractured world and to anchor their learning in compassionate action. Each week, we take a fresh look at the Western mystical tradition—from European shamanism and Celtic Christianity to the Desert Fathers and Black Madonnas. (Intrigued yet?) You’ll meet real-life sages who forged a path that will illuminate your own. We discover...