A Quiet Voice

A Quiet Voice

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A Quiet Voice episodes

  • 047 - Lessons from a Spider & John Moriarty: Caring for One Another When Our Heads Get Big

    On a warm, sunny day in the west of Ireland, I watched spiders. It made me reflect on the deep link between our place and our identity. This episode explores the wisdom of August, the second harvest. It features a chat between Irish writer and philosopher John Moriarty and comedian Tommy Tiernan. Moriarty links place and identity. He stresses the need to be present and connected to our surroundings. I also share insights from leading men's groups. I discuss the value of empathy, and my nature experiences that teach patience and presence. I explore, through reflections and readings, the works of Moriarty and John O'Donohue, and personal anecdotes. They show that being present in nature helps us find our true selves and connect with others. Join me as I share these thoughts and a poignant encounter with a spider that taught me about life and presence.


    If you enjoyed this podcast, then it would mean the world to me if you would rate it 5 stars wherever you listen to podcasts.


    --

    Men's Workshop in Westport

    Anam Croi House

    August 31st

    Write to [email protected] for interest and questions

    DM @aquietvoicepodcast on Instagram

    --

    00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
    00:52 Exploring the Wisdom of August
    01:50 John Moriarty and Tommy Tiernan's Conversation
    06:53 The Importance of Community and Empathy
    09:56 A Day of Reflection and Connection with Nature
    14:06 The Profound Lessons from a Spider
    23:27 Childhood Memories and Nature's Magic
    25:28 John Moriarty's Reflections on the Countryside
    26:48 Reflecting on Marianne Danny
    28:06 The Mystery of Nature and the Human Soul
    30:20 The Power of Presence and Compassion
    32:13 The Spider and the Lesson of Fear
    36:51 The Dark Harvest and Self-Reflection
    52:49 Embracing Fear and Curiosity
    56:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    59 min
  • 046 - A Racing Mind, A Cliff's Edge, & Embracing Darkness

    I almost fell off a cliff, but luckily, we learned a lot from it...luckily.

    In this episode, I share a powerful personal story and reflections on finding sacred spaces in nature as a means of grounding and self-awareness. From my recent experiences leading men's workshops in Ireland to a near-miss on a cliff's edge, I explore how a deep connection with nature can guide us from overthinking and into presence. We delve into the ancient wisdom of stone circles, the importance of silence and solitude, and the transformative power of darkness.


    Join me as we navigate these topics and learn to embrace the quiet, reflective moments that offer us true clarity and purpose.

    --

    Support the podcast!

    Use CODE: "VOICE" on namawe.ie for 10% off

    --

    00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
    00:58 Reflecting on Past Episodes and Personal Growth
    01:52 Leading Men's Workshops
    03:29 A Transformative Beach Walk
    11:52 The Power of Nature and Sacred Places
    22:47 Historical Context of Land Protection
    23:15 Modern Restrictions on Open Fireplaces
    24:27 Technology and Disconnection
    25:48 The Power of Darkness and Solitude
    27:07 Highland Bards and Visionary States
    32:57 Colonialism and the Loss of Sacred Spaces
    37:16 Reconnecting with Nature and Darkness
    40:41 Men's Workshops and Personal Growth
    43:14 Final Reflections and Farewell

    48 min
  • 045 - Listening to Nature: Maria Mayorga of NAMAWE on Herbal Skincare, Healing, and Love

    Discover more from Maria Mayorga, her herbal skincare business, NAMAWE by visiting her shop in Westport Ireland.

    Follow her on Instagram @namaweskincare

    www.namawe.ie


    Support the Podcast!

    Use Code "VOICE" for 10% off on www.NAMAWE.ie

    --

    In this episode, the Colin sits down with Maria Mayorga, his partner (now wife) and the founder of NAMAWE Herbal Skincare in Westport. They discuss their journey from creating a business together to opening a shop in town. The conversation delves deeply into Maria's unique relationship with plants and how it inspired her to create natural remedies for sensitive skin. They explore the importance of creative habits, the simplicity of making herbal infusions, and the value of reconnecting with nature. The episode also touches on their upcoming wedding and how their partnership has grown stronger over the years.

    00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
    00:11 The Journey of Creating a Business Together
    00:28 Launching a Shop and Creative Energy
    00:38 The Inspiration Behind the Podcast
    01:17 Meet Maria: Founder and Creator
    02:54 Maria's Connection with Nature and Plants
    05:05 Discovering the Power of Cleavers
    08:21 The Healing Properties of Plantain
    13:20 The Art of Making Herbal Infusions
    19:21 Listening to Plants and Intuition
    24:56 The Power of Gratitude in Nature
    27:25 Disconnecting to Reconnect
    28:09 Balancing Work and Creativity
    35:49 Rediscovering Traditional Practices
    36:25 The Journey of Tallow
    43:49 The Significance of Marriage
    57:44 Supporting the Podcast and Future Projects

    1 hr 1 min
  • 044 - Catching Dreams and Understanding Love: A Journey Beyond the Spectacle

    In this episode, Colin Ward delves deep into the nature of dreams and the significance of love in our lives. Starting with his reflections on capturing fleeting ideas, he transitions into discussing the tensions perceived in the modern world, influenced by constant media bombardment.

    He emphasizes the importance of dreams as guiding forces and shares a personal dream involving the spiritual teacher Ram Dass, exploring the question of self-love. He discusses Guy Debord's idea of the concept of the 'spectacle' and its impact on our perceptions, juxtaposing this with the purity of dreams and the invisible guides they provide.

    The episode concludes with reflections on how love and a dream-like perspective can transform our waking world.

    --

    A Quiet Voice is organizing in-person and online men's groups for support, fraternity, and accountability. If you or a loved one is interested in learning more about this work, then write to me on Instagram @AQuietVoicePodcast or via email [email protected]
    --

    Sources:

    Guy Debord's "Society of the Spectacle"

    Jon O'Donohue's "Eternal Echoes: Exploring our Hunger to Belong

    Ram Dass': "Here & Now"

    --

    00:00 Introduction: Capturing Ideas in the Moment
    00:56 The State of the World: A Palpable Tension
    02:21 Catching Dreams: A Guiding Force
    07:02 The Dream Classroom: A Spiritual Encounter
    11:31 Self-Love and Spiritual Realizations
    15:41 Navigating Reality and Dream
    18:01 Mastering Lucid Dreaming
    18:56 The Power of Positive Thinking
    19:50 Introduction to Guy Debord's Spectacle
    20:17 Understanding the Spectacle
    22:30 Commodity Logic and Its Impact
    23:56 The Overwhelming Influence of Screens
    28:17 Connecting Back to Dreams
    32:57 The Role of Invisible Guides

    50 min
  • 043 - Reigniting Creative Power through Humility and Spiritual Practice

    Grow beyond the podcast with men's groups and wellness workshops @aquietvoice4men.

    ---

    A Quiet Voice Men's Development is coming to Donegal Town!

    July 7th Colin is bringing a men's workshop to Arcanum Crafts in Donegal Town called:

    Warrior Within: A Journey into Wellness and inner discovery

    If you are interested, then write to [email protected] or contact Arcanum Crafts.

    ---

    In this episode of 'A Quiet Voice,' Colin explores the challenges of maintaining enthusiasm for creative projects amid life's demands.

    Reflecting on personal experiences, Colin explores the importance of honesty, humility, and seeking help from others. Colin shares insights gained from revisiting his own podcast episodes and practicing Tai Chi, emphasizing the idea that true creative energy and presence come from within. Sacred places and intentional methods, while helpful, are revealed as tools rather than ultimate solutions. The episode concludes with a reflection on balancing creative practice with self-compassion and kindness.

    00:00 The Struggle of Balancing Creativity and Life
    01:43 Reigniting Creative Power: The Journey Begins
    02:41 Discovering Tai Chi: A Path to Inner Peace
    08:23 The Trap of Methods and the True Source of Energy
    11:00 Sacred Places: Finding Peace and Inspiration
    15:43 Illuminating the Sacred Space
    16:08 The Creative Act and Its Importance
    17:56 Personal and Professional Growth
    18:30 Introducing New Podcast Elements
    19:54 Re-engaging with Creativity
    20:42 The Natural Creative Force
    22:56 Aligning with Our True Purpose
    24:15 The Importance of Self-Care
    26:46 Embracing the Creative Journey
    29:22 Final Reflections and Farewell

    34 min
  • 042 - When is it more than a coincidence?

    If you haven't listened to episode 41, you may want to check out that one first before listening to this episode.

    Or not...

    We skip like a rock along Jung and Freud, a heated disagreement, early psychology, and behavioral economics.

    Most of all, though, this episode explores how we are encouraged, pushed, or brought deeper into the creative journey by otherworldly phenomena. A psychologist may call it psychotic, or a statistician may call it cognitive bias. We often dismiss it as a coincidence.

    However they view it does not matter to us because we walk our own creative path and can look for waypoints however we want and in whatever we want.

    The question is: Are you taking responsibility for your creative journey?

    36 min
  • 041 - Victor's Way & Dying to Create

    Touching on the creative process and how I kept from beating myself up over not making a podcast for one month.


    Victor's Way in Wicklow; Cultural conditioning keeping us from creating; Death and Creation; and a moment on Michaelangelo


    Don't be so hard on yourself. Ease up. Breath. (talking to myself)


    Follow on Instagram @AQuietVoicePodcast

    35 min
  • 040 - Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and releasing stress through movement with Eileen Brady

    Eileen Brady is a qualified Tai Chi and Qi Gong teacher with over 15 years of experience in the West of Ireland. She speaks on Tai Chi, Qi Gong, listening to your body, and how to move stress out of your body. 

    On her website, she states:

    "My wish is that as many people as possible experience the joys and depths of Taichi and Qigong and start their own internal journey."

    She holds in-person and online Tai Chi & Qi Gong classes around Westport and Galway City through her business, connemarataichi.com

    Find her on Instagram @connemara_taichi

    1 hr 13 min
  • 039 -Riding a Waterfall of Words in Irish Rap with Guest: EG3R BEVR

    In this episode, I chat with a poet, artist, lyricist, and Irish rapper, EG3R BEVR.

    Pushing through creative resistance as a young artist, creativity vs. performance, how messed up mental health asylums are, and how rap is a vessel for political truths.

    Find EG3R BEVR on Instagram @egerbevr

    Listen to EG3R BEVR On Soundcloud:

    https://soundcloud.com/eg3rb3vr/tracks 

    Songs samples featured in this episode:

    Songs by EG3R BEVR

    Ce - Feat. Beansidhe (prod. by DJ Green) 

    Object Of Knowledge - MeyeC x Nifty

    MC EGER - Led astray freestyle(Produced by Iron Mike Sharp)

    Other songs:

    Hypnotize by Notorious B.I.G.

    U.N.I.T.Y by Queen Latifah

    Nobody (Ft. Lauryn Hill) by Nas

    A Quiet Voice Links

    Instagram: @aquietvoicepodcast

    Help me help others 

    I want to help other stuck creators find peace - and you can help! Share! Rate! Review!

    1 hr 23 min
  • 038 - The Episode about the Slug Invasion and Guarding New Creations from Criticism

    In this episode, we take some creative lessons from the hermaphroditic slugs that are invading my house. 

    A Quiet Voice Links

    Instagram: @aquietvoicepodcast

    Help me help others 

    I want to help other stuck creators find peace - and you can help! Share! Rate! Review! 

    Let people know what we’re up to :)  
    Write to me with comments and thoughts at [email protected] and leave a review if you feel inclined.

    26 min

About A Quiet Voice

From the publisher's feed

A Quiet Voice was created as a creative experiment in 2021 to unlock blocked creativity. Colin Ward, the host, followed his own Quiet Voice that urged him to explore the unseen and challenge limiting beliefs. Now, the podcast is one part reflective, pulling insights from Colin's life experiences, and a home for interviews with spiritual guides, healers, writers, creatives, artists, and humans following their heart wherever it leads.