Business and spirituality do not mix
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“I found this podcast about six months ago and quickly became a regular listener via YouTube. I was impressed by Adam’s knowledge of ancient and Hellenistic astrology, and I appreciated the substance of this approach compared to much of the astrological content I had come across on YouTube prior. I delved into past content as well as following his new content, which follows a consistent five episode per week upload schedule.
As the year wound down, he began his annual fundraising campaign. While I had habitually fast forwarded through his 4-8 minute promotional section of his classes and courses that begins every episode, the fundraising content got my attention more and more. There were days when he spent 10-12 minutes explaining his philosophies and personal practices to help the listeners become comfortable donating to help him reach his $200,000/1,777 backer goal on Kickstarter.
The misgivings I’d had here and there as a consumer of his content begin to grow, and I realized that Adam was a business person with a business model, and that I was part of his business as a listener. Here are a few of my observations and thoughts:
Spirituality is a major focus of Adam’s work, but I do not believe it is possible to serve two masters: the master of ever growing business, content creation, and internet prestige, as well as the master of humble spirituality practiced in one’s daily life, serving others. The two do not mix.
No one should be in your ear every day. I realized that Adam’s voice was suddenly in mine every day except perhaps weekends, and I was increasingly receptive to and influenced by his views. While spirituality and business do not mix, Adam—and, to be fair, countless other people online—have struck gold with the ever unfolding and perpetual transits of astrology being fertile ground for the daily churning out of social media content.
Given that he has such a packed content schedule, Adam often pads his content by reading lengthy passages from books by astrological authors he admires. This isn’t surprising given that five videos per week is certain burnout for any content creator. At the end of his frenetic pace of promotion of his Kickstarter campaign, he announced a month long break of his Instagram presence and a weeklong absence of podcast content. In the wake of huge fundraising success (nearly doubling his $200,000 goal) his listeners lavished him with praise, congratulations, and urges for him to take a hard earned break.
From the beginning, Adam strongly reminded me of the men I’d grown up around in my Protestant upbringing, and I see clearly now that he truly is the son of a preacher, and he has never stopped being a teacher and leader long enough to be a student and a servant, never been silently listening long enough to experience the value in not transforming one’s thoughts and experiences into authority, achievement, and profit.
I will no longer be a listener of this podcast, and I write this so that others may be prompted to consider what place it (and others like it) has in their life. Many astrological and “spiritual” content creators are simple the latest evolution of the TV evangelists in the 1980’s, who were evolutions of the tent revival preachers before them. This has been a sobering reminder to me to look at a person’s actions, not just listen to their words, and not to allow any person to gain such an influential foothold in my mind.”
qod2094 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/02/24
More reviews of The Nightlight Astrology Podcast
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“I love this show. It found me during a difficult time in life and I’ve benefited immensely from Adam’s wisdom and the openness he brings to his audience. Thanks to Adam for the excellent vibes!”
Danube NJ via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/26/23
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“This is one of the most delightful listens every time— Adam’s open heart, humility, joy, and innocence shines so radiantly and lovingly. 🤍”
a professional astrologer via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/17/24
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“I love hearing the transit updates their so on point and I really enjoy his way of speaking”
Rivi121 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/27/23
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