Jim Grove is a lifelong practitioner of yogic meditation who grew up in a small logging town on the West Coast of Canada. At age thirteen, he was introduced to a teacher who was one of the few ministers directly ordained by Paramahansa Yogananda during his lifetime, Mother Yogacharya M. Hamilton of Seattle. A series of early transcendental experiences convinced him to commit himself to continued yogic practice under her tutelage. His recent memoir, A Curious Spiritual Journey, recounts some of the prominent experiences that have arisen from his practice over four decades, starting from early adolescence, in the interests of providing some insight into the often unpredictable process of spiritual unfoldment. He likes to speak plainly about spiritual experience and practice, avoiding the vague, abstract, and sometimes inflated language used in much spiritual and new age writing. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

Website: jimgrove.ca

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Interview recorded February 15, 2025

Although Lisa worked as a chemical engineer, spirituality always was the priority in her life. In 2009, at a silent retreat, her thought-based identity dropped away, and she saw only the single flow of benevolence in all that is.

When some of those thoughts returned a few weeks later (less convincing than before), there also came a deep curiosity to inquire into those thoughts. She developed many tools to return to a lived experience of the deeper knowing. Both of her books share these tools. All that is is a vibrant expression erupting from a single full emptiness.

Website: experiencingthetrueself.com

Books:

An Unprincipled Life: Living from the Unknown

Living Awake: 20 Techniques to End "I Got It; I Lost It"

Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded January 26, 2025

Born and raised in San Diego, CA, and currently residing in Carlsbad, CA, Eli Recht is a licensed psychotherapist (LMFT), EMDR clinician, spiritual counselor, editor, and teacher of Self-realization.

In 2020, Eli experienced a falling away of ego identity and an awakening to the true nature of Reality. As a result, Eli has dedicated his life to service – to help alleviate suffering, cultivate connection, guide people through the often-confusing journey of Life, and invite others to recognize our shared unconditioned essence.

Eli’s specialty is blending contemporary psychological knowledge with timeless spiritual wisdom and advocating for the integration of these two disciplines.

Website: elirecht.com

Books (Editor and Foreword):

Grace Happens: An Awakening of Consciousness

Reflections of Consciousness: Essays on the Journey of Awakening and the Nature of Reality

Summary and transcript of this interview

Interview recorded January 11, 2025

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.

Summary and transcript of this interview

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

YouTube Video Chapters:

00:00:00 Embracing Vulnerability in Teaching  

 00:03:24 Transition to Spiritual Teaching  

 00:06:25 The Unexpected Lung Cancer Diagnosis

 00:10:10 Embracing Life's Challenges as Spiritual Lessons

 00:13:24 Philosophy of Evolution and Suffering  

 00:17:23 Embracing Mortality and Living Fully

 00:20:23 Wisdom from Sri Ramakrishna: Always Be Learning

 00:23:25 Navigating Cancer Treatment Challenges

 00:26:34 Embracing Alternative Healing Methods  

 00:29:41 Embracing Non-Western Healing Approaches  

 00:33:01 The Profound Experience of Near-Death and Out-of-Body Events   

 00:36:32 Personal Transformations Through Marriage  

 00:40:30 Embracing Earthly Spirituality

 00:45:53 The Impact of Spirituality as an Escape Mechanism

 00:49:46 Cultivating Presence for Emotional Healing

 00:53:54 The Power of Group Consciousness

 00:57:45 The Toll of Being a Spiritual Teacher  

 01:01:07 Embracing Vulnerability in Teaching

 01:05:08 The Evolution of Spiritual Teaching Methodologies

 01:08:57 Evolution of Teacher-Student Dynamics in Education  

 01:12:51 Importance of Preparatory Spiritual Practices  

 01:16:26 Lack of Spiritual Development and Global Issues

 01:19:34 Humanity's Crisis and Opportunity for Change  

 01:22:26 Awakening of a New Consciousness

 01:26:27 Exploring Neurodivergence and Enhanced Perception

 01:30:28 Transformative Power of Psychedelics and Nature  

 01:33:46 Ayahuasca Experience: A Catalyst for Awakening  

 01:36:57 Spiritual Awakening through Nature and Retreats  

 01:40:52 Exploring the Hero Dose: Insights from Adyashanti  

 01:43:41 Transition from One-to-One Work to Spiritual Mentoring

 01:47:33 Upcoming Guests and Spiritual Experiences



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

YouTube Video Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction to Thomas Legrand and His Work

 00:03:27 Integrating Politics and Spirituality  

 00:07:32 Radical Restructuring for Humanity's Survival  

 00:10:43 Prophecies of Transformation and Enlightenment  

 00:15:14 Exploring Spiritual Solutions for Society

 00:19:22 The Necessity of Consciously Attending to Ethics in Spiritual Practice

 00:23:51 Spirituality and Science Collaboration  

 00:27:12 The Influence of Sri Aurobindo's Spiritual Work on Global Events  

 00:31:11 Spiritual Practices and Deep Forces  

 00:34:53 The Need for Spiritual Transformation  

 00:39:07 Theory X and Theory Y: Workplace Dynamics  

 00:43:34 Prisons as Factories of Stress and Recidivism  

 00:48:32 The Importance of Relationships in Happiness  

 00:52:40 The Impact of Collective Consciousness  

 00:56:18 Emerging Sciences for Happiness and Peace  

 01:00:30 Integrating Wisdom and Science for Unity  

 01:04:21 Healing Patterns on a Societal Level  

 01:09:00 Transformation Through Breakdown and Regrowth  

 01:12:06 Introducing the Concept of a Politics of Being  

 01:15:30 The Shift Back to Human Dimensions

 01:20:37 Implementing Spiritual Solutions in Everyday Life  

 01:25:51 Economic Inequality as the Root of Social Issues  

 01:30:39 The Necessity of Change in Society  

 01:36:22 The Baha'i Vision and Progressive Revelation  

 01:39:03 Understanding the Soul of a Nation in a Globalized World

 01:43:25 The Destiny of Unity and Diversity  

 01:48:08 Conversations on Conflict and Harmony in Israel  

 01:50:45 Healing Trauma as a Gateway

 01:53:37 Presidential Apology and Indigenous Healing

 01:56:00 Navigating Economic Growth and Conscious Transformation  

 02:00:23 Exploring Our Website Offerings



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

YouTube Video Chapters:

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

 00:03:51 Georgette Star: Wisdom and Creativity for a Needy World  

 00:07:28 Spiritual Awakening for Ordinary People

 00:11:17 Embracing Categories in Spiritual Journeys

 00:15:00 Embracing Uncertainty and the Free Fall of Life

 00:17:59 Embracing Paradox and Spiritual Maturity

 00:22:17 Can Society Transition Without Collapse?

 00:26:08 Discovering Meaning in Spiritual Practice  

 00:30:43 Women's Rights Documentary Project  

 00:34:32 The Visionary Origins of the Project  

 00:38:51 The Journey from Idea to Film  

 00:43:27 Reflecting on Life's Journey and Self-Discovery

 00:47:42 Childhood Mystical Experiences

 00:51:34 Early Meditation Experiences and Visionary Insights  

 00:55:11 Meditation vs. Drug Use: Finding Natural Bliss  

 00:59:18 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs about Aging and Activity

 01:03:54 Benefits of Pickleball and Meditation for Seniors  

 01:07:49 Creating Maiden Spirit: Empowering Young Girls

 01:11:31 The Dark Side of Technology and Its Impact on Young Girls  

 01:15:44 Overcoming the Fear of Death with Spirituality

 01:19:51 Transition from Scientist to Mystic  

 01:23:20 A Traumatic Car Accident and Its Impact

 01:26:55 Timelessness in Self-Identity  

 01:30:06 Discovering the Concept of Original Blessing with Matthew Fox

 01:34:47 Introduction to Soulstream Life Maps  

 01:38:40 Understanding Karmic Learning Pathways  

 01:42:00 The Role of Vedic Astrology in Naming

 01:45:54 The Ripple Effect of Personal Growth  

 01:50:16 The Importance of Consciousness in Global Change

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

YouTube Video Chapters:

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

 00:02:50 The Intersection of Science, Spirituality, and Philosophy  

 00:06:22 The Evolution of Scientific Thought  

 00:10:10 Understanding the Levels of Science and Consciousness  

 00:14:20 The Limits of Intellect and Wisdom of Great Thinkers  

 00:18:45 Meditation, Psychedelics, and Brain Perception  

 00:23:13 The Brain as a Transmitter-Receiver  

 00:26:51 Misunderstanding Isaac Newton's Philosophy  

 00:30:49 Is the Sun Alive? Examining Unconventional Definitions of Life

 00:34:13 The Incredible Complexity of Human Cells  

 00:37:39 Debunking the Infinite Monkey Theorem  

 00:41:40 Materialism and Its Role in Science  

 00:44:42 The Potential of Science and Spirituality Working Together  

 00:49:12 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality  

 00:53:04 The Science of the Human Eye: Discoveries and Design

 00:56:44 The Debate on Intelligent Design and Evolution  

 01:00:09 The Interplay of Spirit and Matter in Evolution  

 01:04:36 Evolution as a Spiritual Journey  

 01:08:30 The Monad and the Journey to Divinity  

 01:12:12 The Absurdity of Freezing Bodies and Understanding Reincarnation  

 01:15:01 Exploring the Distinction Between Ethics and Morality  

 01:17:56 The Spiritual Essence of Matter

 01:21:17 Understanding Karma: The Puzzle Piece of the Universe

 01:24:08 Understanding Karma and Spiritual Evolution  

 01:27:56 Personal Spiritual Journey: Overcoming Life Challenges  

 01:31:14 Understanding Karma and Rising to Bodhisattva  

 01:34:42 Themes of the Book: Mystery Teachings  

 01:37:06 The Myth of Bacchus and Human Duality  

 01:40:45 Understanding the Supreme Consciousness and the Kabbalah  

 01:44:56 David Bohm and the Unity Elephant in Science

 01:48:13 Building a Body of Wisdom Through Interlocking Insights

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