Tanis Helliwell has seen higher realms and spoken with Masters, angels and elementals since childhood. Walking in many worlds, she led tours to sacred sites for two decades, was a management consultant working for over 30 years, and founded the International Institute for Transformation specializing in spiritual transformation in 2000.

A true mystic who has worked with Masters in higher realms since childhood, her gift is assisting others to develop a soul-infused personal life in harmony with spiritual laws. Her knowledge and understanding of other worlds and spiritual realms can be found in some of her most popular books:

Summer with the Leprechauns,

The Leprechaun’s Story,

HYBRIDS: So you think you are human,

The High Beings of Hawaii,

The Dragon's Tale, and

Good Morning Henry: An In-Depth Journey With the Body Intelligence.

Website: tanishelliwell.com

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Interview recorded December 16.

Efrat Shokef, Ph.D., is a mother to three spiritually aware teens. A daughter, wife, sister, writer, teacher, cosmic journeyer, a shamanic energy healing practitioner working primarily with children, teens, parents, and families, and the Author of The Promise We Made: Three Universal Soul Promises We Made to Our Children – Near Death Experience and the Parenting Teachings It Invites.

Efrat was severely injured in a car crash and experienced a profound near-death experience (NDE) when her three daughters were all still younger than four. Her journey of physical recovery, the integration of her NDE, and, at the same time, her inability to participate in the caretaking of her daughters sent her on a quest to the essence of motherhood. What makes us our child(ren)’s parent beyond the doing? A quest and insights she shared in her book, and on her website.

Efrat believes that when parents know/remember that they are more than their physical bodies or their confused, wounded emotions, they can recognize the luminosity of their child(ren). When we all accept that we are on a journey of growth, we can mirror the possibility of this Earthly journey to the children in our lives.

When we walk our essence and connect to who we are at our core, we can see that same luminosity in everyone, beyond gender, race, ethnicity, or age. Respecting all others, including our children— dependent humans, yet also powerful, experienced souls—becomes a way of life.

Explore articles and resources for Spiritually Aware Families and Contact Efrat through her website: https://efratshokef.com/

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Interview recorded December 8, 2024.

Born in Kenya, and of Indian ancestry, Riyaz came to North America when he was ten years old (growing up in Canada, and then moving to the United States as an adult). Each of these lands, peoples, and cultures has informed and shaped his expression and sensibilities. He is a product of both East and West.

Most of his adult life has been devoted to the study and practice of both psychotherapy and spirituality. And both of these disciplines have been integral to a path of healing and awakening. Professionally, his life’s work has been to bring together Eastern wisdom with Western science and psychology in a synergistic alliance.

After 26 years of mainly practicing as a psychotherapist, and many years of teaching and supervising students and interns in a transpersonally oriented graduate school (CIIS in San Francisco), he has shifted his work in a more explicitly spiritual direction. He now leads individuals and groups in spiritual work through groups, and day-long and multi-day retreats.

In April 2023, he received dharma transmission and the blessing of his teacher, Adyashanti.

Website: riyazmotan.com

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded November 26, 2024

Thomas Legrand is a wisdom’s seeker, a social scientist and sustainability practitioner.

He is the author of the internationally acclaimed book “Politics of Being. Wisdom and Science for a New Development Paradigm” (2022), an invitation to radically rethink our model of development, which received the Grand Prize of the Nautilus Book Award in 2024.

His spiritual journey began at the age of 23 with an encounter with native spirituality in Mexico, before embracing the wisdom of a wide range of traditions and practices, including meditation, energetic healing and Tai-chi-chuan. He lives with his wife and their two young daughters near Plum Village, the monastery of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh in the South West of France, his country.

He is currently the Lead Technical Advisor for the UNDP-convened Conscious Food Systems Alliance.

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Interview recorded November 9, 2024

For over 30 years, Georgette Star, MA, D.Min, has dedicated her life to empowering adults and youth to live soul-embodied, joyful, and purposeful lives. An intuitive Soul Stream Life Coach & Mentor, and Method trainer, her own deep quest for Self-Realization informs all aspects of her work. Finding joy in sharing this journey with others and a calling to contribute to the greater good inspired her to found the Life Blessing Institute (LBI).

This transformational learning community is designed to guide individuals on the journey of human potential, spiritual awakening, and actualization of their soul’s agenda. Through LBI, Georgette developed a variety of programs, including Maiden Spirit & Peace Warriors Youth Programs, Individual and Community Rites of Passage Celebrations and the Soul Stream Method Practitioner Training.

Currently Georgette is also working on a documentary film titled The Woman’s Rite. The film examines the challenges of ageism faced by women (and all genders) and explores how these limitations can be transformed through creative expression, conscious rites-of-passage and spiritual awakening. It highlights the opportunity for women to step into empowered, vibrant, and respected elderhood, offering their wisdom, creativity, light, and love to a world that deeply needs their contributions.

Georgette holds a Master’s degree from the Naropa Institute and a Doctorate of Ministry from the University of Creation Spirituality. Using her life experience, education and an array of natural abilities, Georgette actively pursues contributing to humankind however she can. In addition to her professional work, she cherishes being a mom, grandmother, artist, forest dweller and daughter of Mother Earth. She also finds joy in creating collaboratively with others and sharing the spiritual journey of awakening with her friends and colleagues.

Website links:

The Life Blessing Institute (LBI)

The Woman’s Rite documentary project

Click here to contact Georgette if you are interested in her Soul Stream Life Map Readings and include the word “BatGap” in the message field.

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded October 27, 2024

Dr. Edi Bilimoria was born in India and educated at the universities of London, Sussex, and Oxford. He presents an unusual blend of experience in the fields of science, arts, and philosophy.

Professionally, Edi is an award-winning engineer and consultant to the petrochemical, oil and gas, transport, and construction industries. He has been Project Manager and Head of Design for major innovative projects such as the Channel Tunnel, London Underground systems, petrochemical plants and offshore installations. He also worked in safety and environmental engineering for several Royal Navy projects, including the Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier and the fleet of Offshore Patrol Vessels.

A student of the perennial philosophy for over half a century, Edi has given courses and lectured extensively in the UK, and internationally. He has organized and chaired conferences with the object of encouraging discourse on the different, but overlapping, roles of science, religion, and practical philosophy. Edi has published extensively in the fields of science, engineering, and the esoteric philosophy.  "Unfolding Consciousness" has received recognition with the 2022 Grand Prize Award from the Scientific and Medical Network. Edi's earlier work, "The Snake and the Rope" is also an award winner.

Website: edibilimoria.com

Summary and transcript of this interview

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Interview recorded October 12, 2024

Kim Sheridan is an award-winning author, naturopath, entrepreneur, and more. Her focus includes animals, the afterlife, health, the environment, veganism, and all topics related to compassion for humans and animals alike. She is a highly respected expert on life after death for animals, and much of her time is devoted to rescuing animals, caring for them, and providing hospice care for elderly animals making their transition to spirit.

Kim is the author of Animals and the Afterlife and the founder of Compassion Circle, a non-profit organization with a mission to expand the circle of compassion to all beings. Compassion Circle is comprised of animal rescue, animal sanctuary, and a line of nutritional products for animals, all proceeds of which help fund the rescue and sanctuary.

Kim has been listed in 2,000 Notable American Women, Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals, and Great Minds of the 21st Century. Her goal is to help make the world a better place, to provide comfort to those grieving the loss of a beloved animal, and to be a voice for the voiceless, teaching compassion and respect for all living beings.

Website: animalsandtheafterlife.com

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded September 30, 2024

YouTube Video Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump  

00:04:15 Life's Mission and Early Connection to Animals  

00:07:32 Mystical Experiences and Auras  

00:11:32 Finding Peace with Loss

00:15:20 The Value of Immortality Discussed  

00:18:26 The Gift of Animal Communicators

00:22:07 Debating the Afterlife with an Atheist  

00:25:29 The Case for Intelligent Design

00:28:43 The Spiritual Connection with Animals  

00:32:21 Ethical Considerations of Consuming Different Life Forms

00:36:27 Animal and Human Visitations After Passing

00:38:27 Understanding Animal Communication and Grief

00:42:17 The Role of Compassion in Spiritual Teachings  

00:45:52 The Possibility of Animals Returning in Another Form  

00:49:08 The Debate on Souls and Animals in Religion

00:52:41 The Soul's Higher Self and Astral Realms  

00:56:18 The Concept of Group Souls in Nature

00:59:19 The Continuation of Love Beyond Loss

01:02:17 Tribute to June: The Rat That Inspired a Journey

01:05:01 Ghostly Encounters with Deceased Pets

01:08:45 Embracing Mystical Experiences  

01:12:14 The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Science

01:15:25 Scientists and Believers: Bridging the Gap

01:19:37 Messages from Animals through Professional Mediums  

01:21:59 Communicating with Animals and Nature  

01:24:48 Experiencing Pet Communication  

01:27:51 Profound Contact Dreams

01:31:16 Investigating Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP)  

01:34:25 Werner Von Braun on Spiritual Continuity

01:37:41 Full Circle: The Author's Journey and Ending Reflections  

01:41:10 Safe Driving Tips and Personal Experiences

Four years ago, I experienced an awakening that opened up different worlds and granted me access to the Akasha through telepathy, leading to a higher state of consciousness. Since then, I have dedicated my time to integrating this experience and helping others identify past influences that hinder the realization of their soul's full presence. I also assist animals through telepathy.

I conduct workshops on esoteric teachings gathered since my awakening, providing keys to help people find their way home.

Website: lucasbergendahl.com

Summary and transcript of this interview

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Interview recorded September 7, 2024

A lifelong student of philosophy and comparative religion, a practitioner of Shaiva Tantra in the Shaiva Siddhanta lineage, and recent entrant into the Ramakrishna lineage by his guru, Swami Sarvadevananda Puri, Nishanth Selvalingam shares an authentic, firsthand approach to the Sanskrit texts of the Tantrik scriptural tradition to expose audiences to the profoundly positive and transformative philosophies and practices that this tradition offers. Nishanth Selvalingam graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Philosophy in 2024 and now lives in Westwood, Los Angeles where he hosts satsanghs with his wife, coaches middle school debate and lectures incessantly on all things Tantra and Non-Duality.

Website: nishyoga.com

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Interview recorded August 18, 2024

Tree works as a Spiritual Mentor, Kundalini Support, Certified Global TRE® Instructor, Transformational Bodyworker and a Healer from the Shamanic tradition.

Tree believes healing trauma can precipitate spiritual awakening and it is from this precept she works. She works with the body releasing contraction and with the nervous system establishing balance - with the understanding that a disregulated nervous system can hold the beingness hostage.

She believes enlightenment is achieved not by bypassing the body, but by going into the body. By addressing and releasing trauma bound in the flesh and stored in the nervous system. This is true freedom and the result is presence - embodied.

Tree has been a devotee of Meher Baba since she was 21.

She and her husband are establishing a Retreat Centre on the Far South Coast of New South Wales, Australia called Meher Farm Healing and Awakening Centre.

Tree is the author of Hot Flush Dark Cave describing her healing and awakening journey through the portal of menopause.

She is a devoted mother, grandmother and healer - her favourite past time is swimming in the river and the ocean and chanting to God.

Website: awakeningthroughthebody.com.au

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded August 3, 2024

YouTube Video Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump

00:03:53 - The Correlation Between Consciousness and Neurophysiology

00:07:53 - The Loop of an Agitated Nervous System

00:11:35 - The Nervous System and the Flow State

00:15:38 - The Impact of Early Trauma in Human Beings

00:19:39 - The Importance of Healing the Nervous System

00:23:22 - Trauma and its manifestations

00:27:11 -  “Koyaanisqatsi: Life Out of Balance”

00:31:06 - Body Work and Spiritual Awakening

00:35:21 - Kundalini Awakening and Working with the Body

00:39:05 - Working through Impressions

00:43:00 - The Beginning of the Involution

00:47:13 - Understanding vs Realization

00:51:05 - Avatars and Spiritual Teachers

00:54:55 - Astral Exorcism and Healing Dance

00:58:44 - The Kundalini Awakening Process

01:02:31 - Kundalini Awakening and Spontaneous Movements

01:06:19 - Purging Negativity

01:09:54 - The Annihilation of the Apparent World

01:13:37 - The Final Destination and Different Planes of Existence

01:17:35 - The Journey of Awakening

01:21:44 - The Existence of Ego in Different States

01:25:51 - Kundalini Awakening and the Sacred Fluids

01:29:42 - The Value of a Life

01:33:33 - Different Types of Meditation

01:37:30 - Releasing Emotions

01:41:18 - The Presence of Benign and Caring Intelligences

01:45:17 - Healing Ceremonies and Nature Retreats

01:49:19 - Following Intuition and Divine Orchestration at 61

01:53:24 - Following the Synchronicities

01:56:55 - In Touch for the Next 15 Years