Gary Renard Podcast

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.

Episode 25: Gary is in Western Massachusetts as this episode is recorded, and he starts off by discussing all the ice and snow he's had to deal with while traveling; as the Course describes everything in the ego's universe, things can appear beautiful from a distance, but upon closer inspection, it's often a different story... Gary talks about how his previously living in Maine was really the perfect location for Arten and Pursah to begin their visits to him. He then mentions an upcoming workshop in a warmer location, as he'll be appearing at "The Crossings" in Austin, Texas this coming March - on his birthday, in fact. Gary and Gene then enter into a discussion area that's a bit more somber than usual, in that one of Gary's closest and most long-time friends just recently passed away. Gary talks about their many experiences together, and then relates the discussion to a Course perspective, specifically referencing the section from the Manual for Teachers entitled, "What Is Death", and also how the grief period becomes shorter when one learns that the body is not the reality of a loved one, and that Spirit - the true reality of us all - goes on forever, and is not ended by the body's passing. The conversation shifts into the area of pain and suffering - both emotional as well as physical - and how these, too, are lessened (and even ultimately eliminated) by the practice of advanced forgiveness, and allowing the Holy Spirit to be in charge of one's thoughts. Next, Gene presents several 'Questions for Gary' that relate to this episode's theme. First: how to deal with an unwillingness to progress with one's Course work, out of a concern that this might prevent a person from still feeling connected to a loved one who has passed. And then, do we continue to make progress in our forgiveness practice (and does Jesus continue to help us in this) when we are on "the other side", the "in between life" that we seem to experience after we have passed on from our physical form?

Episode 24: The Combined Holiday Show! This episode begins with a Christmas theme, and then moves into a New Year's theme, opening the doorway into 2009. Gary begins with his recent experience of Christmas in California, including a wonderful musical event; he then gives a brief reading from the Course, from the section, "Christmas as the End of Sacrifice." Gary and Gene then discuss how the concept of sacrifice is always related to the body, and as the Course teaches, true communication (which is the basis of our Reality) is always of the Mind. Gary then talks about his holiday trip to South Florida, where Gene and Gary got to connect at one of their favorite places, the Mai-Kai -- and then also to spend New Year's Eve together in Miami! Gary talks a bit about the concept of a New Year from a Course perspective, about "making this year different by making it all the same." Gary discusses the ego's script versus the Holy Spirit's script, and how the HS may shift us from one script to the other, depending upon our forgiveness practice. Gary's "real life" approach to forgiveness is then surprisingly demonstrated by a knock on the door, and a visit from his plumber -- which of course, is NOT deleted from this podcast! Next up: Questions for Gary; first: can Gary explain the seeming contradiction between the Course's teaching that the world is not real, and the Workbook lesson, "God is in everything I see." Gary's response addresses the fact that the workbook lessons, particularly the early ones, must be taken in context to be understood properly. Next, a brief question regarding Jesus' famous brief quote, "Be Passerby." Gary's explanation involves the corrected Gospel of Thomas as delivered by Pursah in "Your Immortal Reality." Gary closes out this episode with some optimistic commentary on the upcoming year, foreseeing many good things ahead in 2009 - and beyond!

Episode 24: The Combined Holiday Show! This episode begins with a Christmas theme, and then moves into a New Year's theme, opening the doorway into 2009. Gary begins with his recent experience of Christmas in California, including a wonderful musical event; he then gives a brief reading from the Course, from the section, "Christmas as the End of Sacrifice." Gary and Gene then discuss how the concept of sacrifice is always related to the body, and as the Course teaches, true communication (which is the basis of our Reality) is always of the Mind. Gary then talks about his holiday trip to South Florida, where Gene and Gary got to connect at one of their favorite places, the Mai-Kai -- and then also to spend New Year's Eve together in Miami! Gary talks a bit about the concept of a New Year from a Course perspective, about "making this year different by making it all the same." Gary discusses the ego's script versus the Holy Spirit's script, and how the HS may shift us from one script to the other, depending upon our forgiveness practice. Gary's "real life" approach to forgiveness is then surprisingly demonstrated by a knock on the door, and a visit from his plumber -- which of course, is NOT deleted from this podcast! Next up: Questions for Gary; first: can Gary explain the seeming contradiction between the Course's teaching that the world is not real, and the Workbook lesson, "God is in everything I see." Gary's response addresses the fact that the workbook lessons, particularly the early ones, must be taken in context to be understood properly. Next, a brief question regarding Jesus' famous brief quote, "Be Passerby." Gary's explanation involves the corrected Gospel of Thomas as delivered by Pursah in "Your Immortal Reality." Gary closes out this episode with some optimistic commentary on the upcoming year, foreseeing many good things ahead in 2009 - and beyond!

Episode 23: It's the Thanksgiving Show! Actually recorded slightly after Thanksgiving, and being released in December, but who's counting... Anyway, Gary and Gene want to give thanks to all their podcast listeners, and they also chat a bit about the concept of gratitude and it's importance in attaining an abundant state of mind all through the year, and all through one's life. The guys discuss how movies, music, and other artistic endeavors are so often linked to those with a spiritual mindset - and how the enjoyment of these things can be yet another cause for gratitude. Next up: Questions for Gary! First question: if there were no humans, but only 'lesser' life forms (like plants and fish), would the forgiveness process still be at work - and if so, how? Next question - somewhat related to the previous one - asks about mentally handicapped people, and if (and again, if so, how) they are able to make spiritual progress while in human form? Then, a listener asks about some of the "other" apostles from the time of Jesus (other than Thomas and Thaddeus), and if any of them are now also in ascended states. Gene then clarifies that the "Steven" referred to in the Bible is not to be confused with the Steven who produces the spoofs of our podcasts... but also announces that there is now a third spoof available! (It can be located at the Links page at Forgiveness.tv) Gary closes out this episode with some thoughts on how giving thanks and feeling gratitude will bring us closer to the mindset of perfect wholeness and oneness, which is the state in which we have been created by God - and where we are always perfectly sustained.

Episode 22: Before launching into "Questions", Gary briefly discusses the cold weather he's currently experiencing in Boston, where he's not only doing a workshop, but celebrating the fifth anniversary of his very first workshop, presented in that same city 5 years ago. Gary also mentions the release of a new audio CD titled "Fearless Love" (just released this week), and also references a new movie as well as a new DVD project he's involved with. A brief discussion ensues about health/body related issues that both Gene and Gary have dealt with recently, and why numerologically, 2008 has been a strange year... but Gary predicts that 2009 will be "smokin'!" Then, as promised, it's on to "Questions for Gary." First up: can Gary clarify a seeming discrepancy between DU and the Course regarding God's answer to the separation. Next, a listener asks for clarification regarding 'healing', and whether Gary will ever do a book solely on that topic. The discussion involves the Course's teachings concerning healing, illness, and the body; Gary also mentions that his upcoming book, "Love Has Forgotten No One", contains a chapter devoted specifically to healing. Another questioner states that some lessons in the Workbook are difficult for him, often creating anxiety and fear; does Gary have any coaching suggestions to help deal with this? Gene and Gary elaborate on their mutual feeling that doing the workbook is one of the most important developments any Course student can make; and they both feel that the lessons actually become easier and more effortless as one progresses. The episode closes out with a final question that might have come... well, almost from an alternate universe! (When you hear it you'll see what we mean.)

Episode 22: Before launching into "Questions", Gary briefly discusses the cold weather he's currently experiencing in Boston, where he's not only doing a workshop, but celebrating the fifth anniversary of his very first workshop, presented in that same city 5 years ago. Gary also mentions the release of a new audio CD titled "Fearless Love" (just released this week), and also references a new movie as well as a new DVD project he's involved with. A brief discussion ensues about health/body related issues that both Gene and Gary have dealt with recently, and why numerologically, 2008 has been a strange year... but Gary predicts that 2009 will be "smokin'!" Then, as promised, it's on to "Questions for Gary." First up: can Gary clarify a seeming discrepancy between DU and the Course regarding God's answer to the separation. Next, a listener asks for clarification regarding 'healing', and whether Gary will ever do a book solely on that topic. The discussion involves the Course's teachings concerning healing, illness, and the body; Gary also mentions that his upcoming book, "Love Has Forgotten No One", contains a chapter devoted specifically to healing. Another questioner states that some lessons in the Workbook are difficult for him, often creating anxiety and fear; does Gary have any coaching suggestions to help deal with this? Gene and Gary elaborate on their mutual feeling that doing the workbook is one of the most important developments any Course student can make; and they both feel that the lessons actually become easier and more effortless as one progresses. The episode closes out with a final question that might have come... well, almost from an alternate universe! (When you hear it you'll see what we mean.)

Episode 21: Gary begins by discussing reincarnation (as he recently attended a conference on the subject), and explains the concept from a Course in Miracles perspective. He then talks about attending the most recent Hay House conference, and interacting with many of the well-known authors who were there. Next, Gary tells Gene about his unexpected experience of "the separation"; in this case, the separated shoulder he underwent due to an accident on an escalator at the Cincinnati airport! Fortunately, all turned out reasonably well, and Gary explains how applying forgiveness can actually speed the healing process. (He also references the section from the Course's "Manual for Teachers", entitled, "How Is Healing Accomplished.") Then: as promised in the previous episode, Gene presents several "Questions for Gary!" First up (non-coincidentally enough): since the Course teaches that there is no separation, aren't God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus really all the same - and why then, do we differentiate? Next: if "the script is written" for our earthly lives, is there any point in doing "anything" while we seem to be here... or, can forgiveness actually change our experiences? A podcast listener from the Big Island in Hawaii asks, are the beloved pets in our lives only here for "one time", or do they come back for other lifetimes, as we appear to do? The final question for this show leads Gary into his closing commentary on, "the best way to meditate."

Episode 20: Gary and Gene begin this episode by discussing this past Summer's activities, including Gary's recording of his third audio-CD set for Sounds True (entitled, "Fearless Love", which should be due out this coming November.) Gary also discusses some new directives coming from Arten & Pursah. Gary then gives some new details about his relationship with his ex-wife, Karen, and how continually applying the principles of love and forgiveness as taught in A Course in Miracles makes all the difference in healing our relationships. He then elaborates on dealing with "seeming to be here" in the physical world, while in reality, we are not. Gary and Gene then discuss the "Love Has Forgotten No One" cruise to Alaska from this past July - and also then discuss Gary's upcoming group cruise to the Caribbean ("The Happy Dream Cruise") in March 2009, which will once again be aboard the same incredible cruise ship, Holland-America's "Westerdam". Gary then talks about some of the international destinations he'll be visiting next year, and also discusses the amazing "global reach" of the podcast series. The two guys close out this show with a bit of inspired silliness, as this becomes the longest podcast episode to date!

Episode 19: This episode continues with more "Questions for Gary!" First up, a question (from a listener in Kansas City), regarding the differences between the 'dream reality' which we think we are, and the true reality (or the "true I") which we really are. A confusing but not uncommon question... (“To whom is the Course being addressed?") The discussion continues into the area of "choice", and, exactly who is it that is doing the choosing - and, who is it that we really, ultimately are. Next up, and following on an area of question from the previous podcast episode, Gary speaks more about the current identity in this lifetime of Arten, which will be revealed in Gary's third book, "Love Has Forgotten No One". Another listener asks about ill health and other body-related issues interfering with her study of the Course, and how best to address this problem. Gary speaks about a healthy body or a sick body being no different, spiritually, as neither is actually "real" - and then gives an example of this concept, using Woody Allen as a role model. (Only Gary could do this... :-) Gary closes out this episode with some comments regarding the "overlap period" between the time of a person's enlightenment (using Jesus as one example), and the time of finally laying the body aside.