In this deeply personal episode of Eyes Wide Open, I share the story of how I transitioned from unwavering certainty in Mormonism to a mindset of humble, honest inquiry. I explore the tools I once used to build my faith—spiritual experiences, miracles, and emotional comfort—and how I came to question their reliability. Along the way, I introduce the concept of epistemology and how reexamining how we come to believe can open the door to connection, peace, and truth. Whether you’ve deconstructed a belief system yourself or are simply curious about how people change their minds, this episode invites you to replace fear with curiosity—and to keep your eyes wide open.

Have you ever found yourself in a heated argument, only to realize later that fear—not love or logic—was running the show? In this episode, we explore why defensiveness shows up in our conversations, how it blocks connection and learning, and what it takes to shift from conflict to curiosity. Through personal stories and hard-won lessons, I share a path toward more peaceful, compassionate dialogue — even when the stakes feel high.

In this debut episode of Eyes Wide Open, host Tanner Braden shares his personal journey from a devoutly religious background to becoming an amateur scientist and rationalist. He introduces the podcast's mission: to explore meaningful ideas and elevate consciousness through open, honest dialogue. Tanner discusses his core values of peace and truth, and introduces his framework of nine virtues that guide his pursuit of wisdom. Whether you're interested in philosophy, science, psychology, or simply seeking deeper understanding, this introductory episode sets the stage for thoughtful discussions that transcend traditional boundaries.