A Simple Life with Michael Jefferies

2020 was a huge year of change in my life. Not only did I begin a 12 step program of recovery from drugs and alcohol, but I took a mental healthcare journey that I talk about in this episode. And then, towards the end of the year my then-wife filed for divorce. This on top of moving back in with my parents and a global pandemic lockdown.

This conversation is really just two friends taking time to engage with each other on beliefs, values, and life updates. The result is a meandering interview without being boring. Resources: Alan Watts Waking Up with Sam Harris

My good friend Daniel Bedich and I talk about the birth of the podcast in this episode, and how pivotal his encouragement was for me to move past talk and into action.

In 2016 Hope’s son was shot and killed by a roommate, just a few days before Thanksgiving. This is Hope’s story of grief, frustration, anger, and guilt that eventually turns into a story of giving to others and becoming a friend of God. Resources: grief2hopesupport.com

Chicago-based dermatologist and improvisational actor Michael Greenberg shares how the rules and practice of improv have enhanced his spiritual, professional, and personal life. Resources: crawlspacecomedy.com

Tiffani Patlán, best-selling author of Unlocking Your Ability to Heal, shares how she grew up on the streets of Las Vegas after being kicked out by her mom, survived incestuous rape, and eventually became a christian. Resources: tiffanipatlan.com

This mini episode of the podcast gives listeners a little behind the scenes look by sharing a pre-interview conversation between Michael and his guest.

In this episode I interview Martin Bunzl, a La Jolla-based author and professor of philosophy. Martin joins the podcast to promote his book, and generously engages in a conversation that ranges from philosophy to morality to environmentalism. Resources: Thinking while Walking: Reflections on the Pacific Crest Trail mbunzl.com

In this episode, I expose myself as a recovering alcoholic and drug addict. I start with early memories from childhood, then tell the story of the disease's progression in my life up till I lost a job, a friend, and a wife before reaching my bottom. The episode culminates with reflections and gratitude for the new life I’ve been given in recovery. Resources: Alcoholics Anonymous

This is the second of a two-part interview with Kristance Buelow. During this portion of the interview, Kristance shares the story of losing her mother on her last day of high school; and how feeling abandoned by her church changed her opinion of God, and herself.

The first of a two-part interview with my high school friend Kristance Buelow. This portion of the interview centers on her remarkable story of health and how she deals with a body that is always surprising her. Resources: Feedspot’s list of Top Philosophy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/philosophy_podcasts/

In this episode I interview Mike Iamele, a Boston-based author and branding consultant. Mike openly shares his failures and what they’ve taught him, how uncomfortable “going viral” made him feel, and how he’s come to define success. All woven into stories told with a vivaciousness that is incredibly entertaining. Resources: MikeIamele.com/map

In this episode, I interview a Facebook friend who in real life was an acquaintance from twenty years ago. Vivian shares her journey from a childhood where she didn’t feel seen or heard to a divorce that left her nearly homeless, right up to her current reality of finding real healing.

In this episode, I revisit my interview with Catharine Clarenbach from episode 14a. This portion of our conversation centers on the rules Catharine and her wife use when fighting. It ends with me getting vulnerable by sharing my hopes for healthy relationship conflict. Resources: Catharine Clarenbach’s website - TheWayOfTheRiver.com Intro video on Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication - ht...

My vulnerability abounds in this episode. I introduce a new segment called Bible Thoughts. Today's thoughts center on chapter 2 in the book of John. Resources John 2

In this episode, I interview a Wiccan Unitarian Universalist minister who offers one-on-one and small-group spiritual guidance via her website, TheWayOfTheRiver.com. During the conversation, we discuss a number of topics that relate to religion and spirituality. Such as her thoughts on how our understanding of God’s gender can, in extreme cases, be very damaging to us as humans. Resources: Rev Cat...

In this episode, I get vulnerable about being selfish and hard-headed towards my wife, the value of health insurance to my family, and how a CPAP machine is probably adding years to my lifespan.

In this episode, I interview a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy who’s been one of my very best friends since we were twelve. We start with memories, like fishing for bluegill and the time we almost sunk my sailboat because we forgot to put the plug in the hull. We end with him laying it all out there including helicopter crashes, his divorce, mental health issues sustained in two warzones, and his...

Podcast Sponsor: Dyper (Check them out! They are awesome!!) In this episode, I interview two of my oldest friends about our experiences growing up in the Advanced Training Institute, an ultra-conservative cult of homeschoolers. The conversation centers on what they saw and felt in their late teens, how this part of their upbringing informs their understanding of the world now, as well as the bagga...

In this episode, I briefly talk about my vocational history, some intense times of stress, how I found confidence in making changes to how I pay the bills. And what that has meant in my life as a father. If you want to support the podcast, like & share, and consider buying some high-quality diapers for your baby or your friend's baby via this affiliate link: https://getdyper.com/?ref=michaelje...

In this episode, I talk about my 13 month journey from considering myself an overweight, trashy eater to becoming a regular at my local fitness club and realizing I can be whoever I want. I talk about how I got started, some of the mind-games and challenges I faced. And how I finally realized that I'm not faking myself out. I really am a gym guy. If you want to support the podcast, like & shar...

In this episode, I talk about ideas I've had on myths and early civilizations to offer an explanation for climate change, and our difficulty as a human species to stop it, even though we should never stop trying. I also open up more about my religious upbringing and how it relates to my context on this issue and many others. Resources:  Documentary about the Great Lakes' lakebottoms Article a...

In this interview, Sebastian details his adventure as an English teacher living in South Korea. He shares what the experience taught him, after growing up in Southwest Michigan as the son of an immigrant, and concludes with themes that apply to all of us equally in our need to find adventure and fulfillment.

Sponsors: Lems Shoes and Dyper Subscription Diapers (Check them out! They are awesome!!) Description: In this episode, I open up about how The Serenity Prayer has brought goodness and truth into my life. Resources: More info about The Serenity Prayer The Courage to be Disliked by Fumitake Koga , the book I mentioned in the closer

Podcast Sponsor: Lems Shoes and Dyper Subscription Diapers (Check them out! They are both awesome!!) In this 2nd part of my interview with Jason Goodin, Jason lays out the interpretation and meaning he has found in the ancient story of Noah and the Flood, rather than the more traditional, mainstream, christianized version, he had as a boy. If you skip past the first part of the episode, 5a, just r...