Gary Renard Podcast

Episode 34: "Giving Thanks to the Holy Spirit". This Thanksgiving Podcast begins with Gary briefly telling Gene about his recent trip to Australia (and it's been 5 years since he was there last.) During the past 5 years, Gary's audience in Australia has grown substantially, and these podcasts are very popular Down Under, as well! The guys then chat a bit about the upcoming conference call on Nov. 30. Gary talks about going out (right after recording this show) to see the film, 2012, which apparently has a scene in which Gary's book "Your Immortal Reality" is seen sitting on a desk! (One would hope that alone would be enough to save the world...) Next up: Questions for Gary. First question asks Gary to summarize the relationship between our experiences of unity (or separation) with those around us, and our awareness of our relationship with God. Next question inquires about the nature of déja vu. The answer involves the Course's teaching that we are actually reviewing all that has already gone by. This episode closes out with some thoughts on Thanksgiving, and how important it is to maintain an attitude of gratitude not just at this time of year, but all throughout our lives.

Episode 33: "It's Halloween For The Ego!" At least that's the topic of Gary and Gene's first conference call, scheduled for just a few days after this podcast episode will be released. We have some discussion about that, some brief mention of Gary's current schedule (including his upcoming return trip Down Under), and there's also some discussion about Love Has Forgotten No One. Then, we move right into Questions for Gary! First up is a question regarding the forgiveness thought processes Gary describes in his books - and will there be a new one included in LHFNO. Next question asks about other authors who claim to be channeling God or Jesus; if their message is not the truth as the Course presents it, then who or what are they channeling? Next question asks about sayings from Pursah's Gospel of Thomas; and then, a question about Jesus' other possible lifetimes. Our last question asks about people who commit suicide; is the script written for them, as well? The answer involves multiple dimensions of time, and addresses the great ACIM quote, "My brother, choose again."

Episode 32: "It Never Rains in Southern California"... at least, according to Gary's weather report, discussing the drought conditions he has witnessed since moving to S.Cal two years ago. But Gary is really enjoying living in California, and he discusses a few of the very nice experiences he has had since moving there. Gary then tells Gene about meeting Ossie (she's one of the yahoo DU group moderators) while on a trip to Denver, and also meeting up with her fellow moderator Lyn while there. (Gary also tells of meeting the DU group's third mod, Marcy, in Chicago a few weeks back... making it a trifecta of mod meets!) Gary talks about his new trip to Europe, including some of the new destinations he'll be visiting there. Gary and Gene talk a bit about Gary's upcoming group cruise, this time to Mexico in April 2010. There's also some quick mention about our buddy Mikey (from the yahoo DU group) who Gary just saw in person recently, and who does a very funny "impersonation" of Gary in a YouTube video clip. Then... it's time for "Questions for Gary!" First up: since everything we experience is "scripted", does it actually do any good to pray for someone or something? Second question is from a listener in Austin, Texas (where Gary has visited several times), who asks about the nature of Heaven. What is it really like when we join with God for good? Both of these questions are answered and discussed at great length, with many references to Course teachings - as well as explaining the true nature of Gary's teachers, Arten and Pursah. Gary closes out this episode with his thoughts on why everything happens when it happens -- or more correctly, "seems" to happen.

Episode 32: "It Never Rains in Southern California"... at least, according to Gary's weather report, discussing the drought conditions he has witnessed since moving to S.Cal two years ago. But Gary is really enjoying living in California, and he discusses a few of the very nice experiences he has had since moving there. Gary then tells Gene about meeting Ossie (she's one of the yahoo DU group moderators) while on a trip to Denver, and also meeting up with her fellow moderator Lyn while there. (Gary also tells of meeting the DU group's third mod, Marcy, in Chicago a few weeks back... making it a trifecta of mod meets!) Gary talks about his new trip to Europe, including some of the new destinations he'll be visiting there. Gary and Gene talk a bit about Gary's upcoming group cruise, this time to Mexico in April 2010. There's also some quick mention about our buddy Mikey (from the yahoo DU group) who Gary just saw in person recently, and who does a very funny "impersonation" of Gary in a YouTube video clip. Then... it's time for "Questions for Gary!" First up: since everything we experience is "scripted", does it actually do any good to pray for someone or something? Second question is from a listener in Austin, Texas (where Gary has visited several times), who asks about the nature of Heaven. What is it really like when we join with God for good? Both of these questions are answered and discussed at great length, with many references to Course teachings - as well as explaining the true nature of Gary's teachers, Arten and Pursah. Gary closes out this episode with his thoughts on why everything happens when it happens -- or more correctly, "seems" to happen.

Episode 31: Gary's "Hawaiian Wedding" Podcast! This episode is recorded while Gary is still in Hawaii, just a few days after his wedding to Cindy. Gary shares all the details about the wedding itself, including telling about the songs that he and Cindy sang to each other during the ceremony. (Gary actually played guitar while singing; the first time he's played "publicly" in many years!) And in a 'first' for our podcast series, we are then joined on the phone by Cindy herself, who discusses the wedding - including the fact that she and Gary discovered, just a few hours before the ceremony, that they had neglected to obtain a marriage license! Fortunately, all worked out well... Gene asks Gary about his feelings concerning the wedding from a Course in Miracles perspective. Gary's answer expands on the concept of the Holy Relationship, and in seeing the other person as who they truly are; the perfect creation of God. The discussion goes into some depth regarding the Course's teaching that as we see others, so we perceive ourselves - and how forgiveness is the key to bypassing our distorted perceptions in everything. After some lengthy Course-based discussion, Gary brings things to a close by thanking all the folks who have expressed so many messages of love and support for him and Cindy on their marriage.

Episode 30: Gary starts off by recapping his recent travels, beginning with his extensive appearance tour in Europe. He began in Amsterdam (and tells some VERY interesting stories about that), then moved on to Paris (we can all see it's a tough life for certain spiritual teachers..;-) Next stop, Barcelona, where Gary encountered tremendous enthusiasm for his personal appearances as well as for his books and the Course in general. There is also some discussion regarding the recent ULC (Universal Lightworkers Conference) event in Fort Lauderdale, where Gary was a keynote speaker, and where Gene and Helen performed as part of the ULC musical presentation! Gary then discusses his next upcoming trip, this one to Japan for the first time. And after that, Gary will be off to Hawaii -- not for a speaking engagement -- but for his wedding to Cindy! Gary talks a bit about their plans, and about the nature of their their multi-incarnational relationship; Gary and Gene then extend the discussion into the Course's principles regarding how we experience what "seems" to come our way within the illusion. They both also speak about Robert Scheinfeld's book, "Busting Loose From the Money Game", and how the principles expressed in this book are very much in line with the 'mechanics' of the metaphysics of the Course. Next up, Gary officially announces the next upcoming group cruise: this time, to the Mexican Riviera! (The cruise is scheduled for April 2010.) The discussion branches into the fact that Hay House will now be taking over the Spanish translations of Gary's books; interesting also, as Gene poses a question from a listener in Argentina, asking about finding DU in Spanish! (There ARE no coincidences...) Gary also mentions that there will soon be a Portuguese translation of DU for folks in Brazil. He also brings up his upcoming third book, and gives some explanations as to the delays in its release. This discussion then moves into a lengthy discourse of ACIM principles relating to forgiveness and releasing all the elements of expectation within the illusion, as well as ultimately choosing between what is Real and what is illusory. Near the close of the show, Gene reads to Gary a comment from a podcast listener (our friend Jamie Hosmer, a terrific professional musician), which tells of his applying a particular Course quote (also referenced in Your Immortal Reality) which Jamie uses as a centering affirmation prior to performing on stage.

Episode 29: Gary begins by discussing his recent participation in the Hay House "I Can Do It" conference in San Diego, and then talks about a new movie he has been interviewed for, called, "Luminous World Views". (Gary also recently did an interview for the Spiritual Cinema Circle with actress Mariel Hemingway!) Gene and Gary get into a discussion regarding the application of the Course's teachings in our everyday lives, and how forgiveness - once it becomes a habit - is actually easier than judging... and a lot more beneficial. Questions for Gary start off with one from a 15 year old listener and Course student, who asks: at what point did Jesus obtain enlightenment? Gary and Gene then also discuss the fact that many younger people are now becoming more interested (and knowledgeable) in terms of spiritual awareness. Next question asks about a quote from Pursah in DU, involving medicines and their role as effects in the perception of bodily healing and/or suffering. Gary's answer includes discussion of the concept that all bodily suffering and illness can be traced back to unconscious guilt resulting from the original belief in separation from God. Final question for this episode deals with other spiritual practices such as Silva Mind Control and Eckankar, and how those teachings compare to A Course in Miracles. Gary's answer also addresses his own previous involvement with EST training, and Gene's earlier experiences with Scientology. Gary and Gene wrap things up with some brief discussion about a new podcast spoof that's recently been posted (hello, Steven!), as well as some comments about the recent Happy Dream Cruise (hello, Martin!)... and then Gary closes out with a reminder of the importance of putting the Holy Spirit in charge of all events at the beginning of every day.

Episode 28: "Podcast at Sea - Part 2." This is the second half of the recording made aboard Gary's "Happy Dream Cruise" to the Caribbean. The action picks right up with further questions for Gary - coming directly from our live audience of fellow cruisers! First up, Rick asks about Course scribe Helen Schucman, and the nature of her "enlightenment status" at the end of her life. In his answer, Gary also discusses in-between life and past-life experiences - and why A Course in Miracles was given at just the appropriate time in human history. The next questioner asks Gary to expand on how ACIM relates to Tibetan Buddhism. Gary's answer references not only Buddhism, but the Kabbalah and traditional Christianity as well. Next question is from our friend Rogier (who is translating Gary's books into Dutch); he asks about past lives, and how we can use these experiences for the purpose of forgiveness practice, rather than as a focus for the ego. Gary and Gene wrap up the Podcast at Sea with a few personal comments; and Gary closes out with some thoughts, appropriately, on living "the happy dream!"

Episode 27: "The Podcast at Sea!" For the first time ever, Gene and Gary are in the same room at the same time for a podcast recording; and also for the first time, with a live audience! This all took place during Gary's "Happy Dream Cruise" to the Caribbean aboard the beautiful MS Westerdam. The sense of fun and excitement we all shared is plainly evident in this recording; and our fellow cruisers provided "Questions for Gary" right there as we recorded the show. First up, Jennifer asks for clarification about an earlier question regarding dealing with a person who is lying; and then follows up with asking about defending a person you love, when they are being spoken of negatively. Where does forgiveness fit into this process? Next question is from André (our "Dutch announcer"), who asks Gary about the "in between world", as Arten and Pursah have described it; if so much activity is happening in-between (the 'afterlife'), why is it so critical to do our forgiveness practice 'here'..? Gary's answer addresses all levels and forms of the forgiveness process, even dealing with "alien civilizations". Questions for Gary will continue in Part 2. (This episode contains the first half of the recording of our Podcast at Sea; the second half will be presented in our next episode.)

Episode 26: Gary's recording of this episode comes from the hotel in San Francisco, where he's appearing at the Course in Miracles Conference. Approximately 450 attendees are at the conference; and over 40 speakers -- all of whom Gary has worked with before, so it feels like "a reunion" for him! Attendees came from as far away as Macedonia, and mainland China, where DU is officially "banned" by the government there, yet underground versions are now available and being read by many Chinese people. Gary discusses with Gene how he goes about the process of speaking in public, and how it's only with the Holy Spirit's constant guidance (and a certain excerpt from A Course in Miracles) that he is able to feel so comfortable about doing it. Gene and Gary discuss –and very much in line with what Gary speaks of in public– how the undeniably central focus of ACIM is the practice of Forgiveness. Gary then talks a bit about California topics, and while discussing "The Governator", asks Gene to do his Ah-nold impersonation, where the Terminator becomes "The Illuminator!" The discussion returns to the Course, and how one's entire life should reflect one's study and practice of Course teachings, particularly in terms of applying forgiveness to whatever comes up in our daily lives - especially the things that push our buttons. Gary brings up a question that had been raised by a conference attendee earlier in the day; he discusses his answer, and quotes a section from ACIM to bring home the point. As Gary is short on time (his presence being expected back at the conference), he asks Gene (and the listeners) to hold off on "Questions for Gary" until the next episode... but closes out this show with some commentary on how to deal with suffering from a Course perspective, as promised from the previous podcast.