The Light Inside

Tune in to The Light Inside to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on mental health with Karen Stevens, co-founder of the AI chatbot app EarKick.

Discover how EarKick is revolutionizing mental health support by offering compassionate guidance and wisdom in a user-friendly way.

Join us as we delve into the future of well-being and the potential of technology to transform the way we approach mental health challenges.

Timestamps:

00:00:02 - Introduction to Mental Health Stigma
00:01:06 - Introducing EarKick AI Chatbot
00:01:32 - Mint Mobile Sponsorship
00:03:08 - Addressing Mental Health with AI
00:04:14 - Understanding AI in Mental Health
00:04:35 - EarKick's Approach to Mental Health
00:05:08 - Guest Introduction: Karen Stevens
00:05:32 - Karen Stevens' Background and Inspiration
00:06:36 - The Genesis of EarKick
00:07:53 - The Concept of a Mental Health Sidekick
00:08:17 - EarKick as an AI-Driven Chatbot Hybrid
00:09:09 - Tracking Personal Data for Mental Health
00:11:21 - Building Trust and Inclusion in EarKick
00:13:23 - EarKick's Board of Advisors
00:15:27 - EarKick's Data-Driven Feedback System
00:17:36 - Cultural Availability and Accessibility
00:21:00 - Addressing Subconscious Patterns with AI
00:24:47 - Detecting Serious Mental Health Issues
00:27:53 - Adapting Traditional Mental Health Approaches
00:31:27 - Addressing Cultural Disparities in Mental Health Care
00:37:18 - Future Growth and Reshaping Mental Health Care
00:40:04 - How to Access EarKick Resources

JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast

SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside

Featured Guest:

Karin Stephan

Music Score by Epidemic Sound

Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker

Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

Senior Program Director:  Anna Getz

Explore the intriguing relationship between emotions, perceptions, and memories on The Light Inside.  Our guest, Kim Korte, author of "Yucky, Yummy, Savory, Sweet: Understanding the Flavors of Emotions," joined us to discuss her innovative approach to emotional awareness through the lens of food and cooking. Kim shared insights on how we're not born with preset emotional responses, but rather have the ability to shape our emotions. 

She introduced the concept of emotional recipes, which allows us to fine-tune our emotional predictions based on our perceptions. We discussed the importance of emotional granularity and how it can enhance our ability to understand and manage our emotions more effectively.

Join us on The Light Inside for a refreshing perspective on emotions and personal growth.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Constructing Our Worlds

Credits:

JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast

SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside

Featured Guest:

Kim Korte

Credits: Music Score by Epidemic Sound

Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker

Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

Senior Program Director:  Anna Getz

Explore the hidden layers of existence in this episode of The Light Inside with host Jeffrey Besecker. We unravel the impact of past lives and parallel experiences on our present reality, challenging the notion of life as linear. 

Join guest Alara Sage, a shaman, as she uncovers the subconscious belief structures inherited from our past lives and family dynamics. Discover the multi-dimensionality of life and how these insights shape our growth and transformation.

Embracing the Simultaneity of All Perspectives

In the podcast episode, the conversation delves into the concept of embracing the simultaneity of all perspectives and experiences. The host and guest explore the idea of allowing for the coexistence of seemingly opposing beliefs and emotions, highlighting the importance of being present in the moment and open to diverse viewpoints.

Key Points from the Episode:

[00:01:36] Parallel lives and subconscious beliefs.

[00:07:36] Ego processes in past lives.

[00:10:05] Unity of opposites.

[00:13:24] Love and Unity Consciousness

[00:19:23] The growth of the universe.

[00:22:22] Embracing positive and negative energies.

[00:29:09] The power of feeling everything.

[00:32:55] Perception and behaviors in interactions.

[00:37:42] Perception and empathy in interactions.

[00:41:31] Ego dynamicism and consciousness.

[00:43:35] The ego and divine light.

[00:48:23] The complexity of consciousness.

[00:53:48] Embracing AI in Communication.

[00:59:36] Parallel lives and gifts.

[01:04:47] Deep desire to engage fully.

[01:06:14] Levels of density exploration.

[01:10:21] A beautiful, loving conversation.

Credits:

JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast

SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside

Featured Guest:

Alara Sage

Credits: Music Score by Epidemic Sound

Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker

Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

Senior Program Director:  Anna Getz

In this episode of The Light Inside, we extol the profound significance of the word 'kahu' within Hawaiian culture and its relevance to our modern lives.

Kahu, a term that transcends its literal meaning, represents the roles of guardian, caretaker, and honored attendant, embodying a sacred duty to honor and nurture all that exists.

As your host, Jeffrey Besecker, I invite you to consider the concept of being a Kahu in your own life. Imagine being entrusted with the care of something cherished, guiding and supporting others through life's challenges, and recognizing our interconnectedness within the fabric of humanity.

We are each kahu, walking the other home.

Time Stamp:

00:00:00 - Listening Beyond Words
00:00:29 - The Essence of Kahu
00:01:43 - The Sacred Duty of Kahu
00:02:14 - Stewardship and Legacy
00:02:57 - Keeper of Bones Metaphor
00:03:52 - Kahu in the Modern World
00:04:35 - Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

Credits:

JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast

SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside

Opening Quote:

Danny Bruce Levin - "Visionary who listens, listener who sees"

Credits: Music Score by Epidemic Sound

"Forever Sacred" by Gerald Franklin

"Cloudy Skies of Hope" by Rand Aldo

Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker

Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

Senior Program Director:  Anna Getz

Unprocessed Trauma. In the aftermath of the unspeakable, our stories unfold—marked by the haunting echoes of anguish and distress. 

In this episode of The Light Inside, host Jeffrey Besecker explores the profound impact of unprocessed trauma, specifically focusing on the pain and torment of sexual abuse. 

He speaks with author and inspirational speaker Cindy Benezra, who shares her journey of resilience and redemption in navigating the healing process. 

Through the lens of cognitive reappraisal and reframing, they discuss how to reclaim ownership of one's narrative and find solace amidst the wreckage of the past. This episode offers a compassionate hand and a guiding light for those on their own healing journey.

Timestamps:

[00:03:41] Cognitive reappraisal and healing.

[00:04:43] Emotional abuse and healing.

[00:11:38] Taking steps back for growth.

[00:15:05] Dissociation and self-loathing.

[00:17:41] Trauma and dissociation.

[00:24:52] Suppression of emotions.

[00:27:41] Empowerment through introspection and refection.

[00:31:43] Meditation and reconnection.

[00:35:38] Cellularly changing the body.

[00:41:09] Parenting and sharing traumatic experiences.

[00:45:32] Focused on completing a project.

[00:48:55] Trusting in self and redemption. 

Credits:

JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast

SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside

Featured Guests: 

Cindy Benezra

Credits: Music Score by Epidemic Sound

Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker

Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

Senior Program Director:  Anna Getz

In this episode of The Light Inside, we explore the complex nature of color perception and what it teaches us about our understanding of the world.

Joining us is Master Atelier Artist, Mandy Theis, as we discuss how our perceptual filters shape our understanding of the world around us, highlighting the role of selective attention, cognitive biases, cultural influences, and memory limitations.

Mandy also introduces the Atelier art training techniques and cognitive perspectives as tools for gaining insight into our perspective forming dynamics. 

Tune in to gain valuable insights into shaping and questioning our perspectives and challenging how we choose to see the world.

Timestamps:

[00:02:06] Our perspectives shape our worldview.

[00:05:15] Atelier training resurgence.

[00:08:06] Seeing beyond black and white.

[00:13:07] Having a diverse range of tools.

[00:17:00] What Atelier training teaches us about limitations. 

[00:19:18] Accessible art education online.

[00:24:03] Painting personalities and seeing our uniqueness.

[00:26:39] Learning happens in plateaus and jumps.

[00:29:36] Creating likeness through cartoon art.

[00:34:17] Emphasizing shadows in art.

[00:42:02] Pursuing our truth.

[00:44:11] The power of training under an Atelier artist.

[00:48:55] Shifting Perspectives and Art.

[00:53:18] Seeing yourself from different perspectives.

Credits:

JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast

SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside

The 4D Klein Bottle

Featured Guests: 

Mandy Theis

Credits: Music Score by Epidemic Sound

Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker

Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

Senior Program Director:  Anna Getz

In this thought-provoking episode of The Light Inside, we explore the complexities of neophobia—an unhealthy fear of the unknown—and how it can paralyze us from embracing new experiences and opportunities for growth. 

Change-leading catalyst Jamie Meyer joins the conversation to unravel the psychological mechanisms that underpin this irrational fear and how it can hinder our ability to form new routines and perspectives. Throughout our conversation, we examined the processes necessary to embrace new possibilities and open our minds to the richness of our diverse experiences. 

Jamie, and I discussed the subconscious bias of the comfort zone, as coined by business theorist Alasdair White, and how it can limit personal growth by keeping us rooted in familiarity. The episode touched on mental heuristics like the status quo bias, which drives our preference for consistency and an adverse fear of risk, and how these subconscious patterns can become liabilities to our well-being.

Jamie Meyer shared her insights on the importance of recognizing and engaging with healthy fear and risk to move beyond reluctance towards new experiences. She emphasized the need to navigate the distress often felt during uncertainty and how her work helps clients through this process.

Tune in to gain insights on transforming unhealthy fear and embracing more diverse pathways to change.

Timestamps:

[00:01:35] Comfort zone, healthy psychological safety, and personal growth.

[00:06:22] Cultural dynamics and heritage.

[00:08:46] Dualities of purpose and self-sabotage.

[00:13:22] Healthy fear and risk-taking.

[00:18:07] Neophobia and limiting perspectives on comfort zones.

[00:23:15] How a subconscious pattern known as the mere exposure effect limits our frameworks. 

[00:26:13] Subconscious thoughts and more empowered decision-making.

[00:30:12] Self-constructs and adverse social conditioning.

[00:36:42] Somatic symptoms to watch for.

[00:40:59] Understanding our emotionality.

[00:45:09] Stress and emotional inference.

[00:48:20] The Illusory Truth Effect and navigating the complexities of neophobia

[00:53:49] The principle of not poking the bear.

[01:00:10] Questioning our comfort zones and developing healthy windows of tolerance.

[01:03:09] Hearing others challenge bias.

[01:06:08] Neophobia and cognitive distortions.

Credits:

JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast

SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside

Featured Guests: 

Jamie Meyer

Credits: Music Score by Epidemic Sound

Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker

Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

Senior Program Director:  Anna Getz

In this enlightening episode of The Light Inside, we unravel the concept of emotional uncoupling and the importance of establishing a healthy psychological distance to better understand and process our emotions. Our guest, Veronica Rottman, founder of Waking Womb, shared her expertise on somatic-based healing and the role of the nervous system in emotional regulation.

We began by discussing the challenges we face when our emotions become entangled with our experiences, leading to a web of complex reactions. Veronica explained the textbook definition of dissociation and its role in emotional regulation, emphasizing the body's inherent capacity for healing and balance.

Throughout the conversation, we explored the idea of neuroception, the body's perception of safety, and how our past experiences can influence our present emotional responses. We highlighted the importance of compassion towards our own dissociative responses, recognizing them as protective mechanisms rather than signs of brokenness. We also touched on the concept of overcoupling, where our nervous system associates certain stimuli with past threats, and how somatic practices can help us untangle these associations. 

[00:02:40] Emotional Regulation and Dissociation.

[00:06:11] Neuroception and Dissociation.

[00:08:52] Dissociation and its protective function.

[00:13:20] Perception of safety

[00:16:12] Somatic investigation and dissociation.

[00:20:30] Interoceptive and exteroceptive awareness.

[00:24:56] Overcoming self-awareness and shame.

[00:29:34] Sensory experience and grounding.

[00:35:38] Co-regulation and energetic vibrations.

[00:39:04] Trauma and reproductive health.

[00:43:44] Conditioning and frameworks.

[00:45:44] Our primal instincts and suffering.

[00:49:00] Movement and embodiment.

[00:56:33] Healing through gentle processes.

[00:56:50] Relationship is key to healing.

[01:01:11] Somatic experience and mindfulness.

In this podcast episode, host Jeffrey Besecker reflects on the year 2023 and the deep exploration of the human experience that has taken place.

The episode acknowledges that while the holiday season can be joyful for many, it can also be a time of challenge and loneliness. The top downloaded episode of the year is revisited, delving into the topic of anhedonia, a condition that robs individuals of joy and leaves them feeling empty. The episode concludes with warm wishes for the holiday season and a reminder to reach out to those who may be in need of support.

In moments of our deepest despair, its often hard to feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and for those who experience anhedonia - its often difficult to feel emotions at all. 

Today we learn  Anhedonia is not a permanent state; it's a chapter in the complex story of being human.

Join us as we embark on this emotional journey, with author, Tanith Carey, as we exploring anhedonia from all angles, sharing Tanith’s story of resilience. 

Carey describes the experience of waking up to a world devoid of colors and melodies, where happiness and the ability to feel anything have been replaced by an overwhelming sense of emptiness. Jeffrey and Tanith delve into the ache and constant dull pain that accompanies anhedonia, as well as the numbing of the senses. 

Despite this desolate landscape, there remains a flicker of hope and a longing for the return of emotions. Join Jeffrey as he explores the journey from despair to finding the light at the end of the tunnel.

As a psychological phenomenon, Anhedonia, the silent thief of joy, wraps its cold fingers around every inch of your being. Not only is it the lack of happiness, but it’s also losing the ability to feel anything, leaving behind an overwhelming sense of emptiness.

We shed light on the path to rediscovering the beauty of emotions and guide you through the labyrinth of feelings that shape our lives.

Time stamps:

[00:01:10] The ache of anhedonia.

[00:06:07] Loss of joy: anhedonia.

[00:07:18] Disconnecting in Anhedonia.

[00:10:06] Lack of joy in Anhedonia.

[00:14:19] Shame and seeking professional help.

[00:16:59] Brains’s metalympic reward pathway.

[00:20:09] Fear of happiness.

[00:24:10] The role of happiness addiction.

[00:27:20] Breaking free of anhedonia.

[00:31:38] Feeling the soul's vibrational frequency.

[00:34:23] Reparenting and finding joy.

[00:36:04] Burnout and cortisol levels.

[00:40:33] Neurotransmitter imbalances and anhedonia.

[00:45:39] Thyroid imbalance and low mood.

[00:46:27] Antibiotic overuse and gut microbiota.

[00:50:00] Porn and anhedonia.

[00:53:24] Treatment for anhedonia.

Credits:

JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast

SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside

Featured Guests: 

Tanith Carey

Credits: Music Score by Epidemic Sound

Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker

Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

Senior Program Director:  Anna Getz

In the podcast episode titled "The Light Inside," host Jeffrey Besecker explores the concept of subconscious scripts and their profound impact on our perspectives and narratives. He invites guest Gareth Gwynne, who specializes in self-realization techniques and societal reconciliation, to delve into the intricacies of these scripts and how they shape our stories.

Certain truths are not always self-evident, with our stories and narratives impacting us in profound ways beyond our common understanding. 

Diving into the narratives embedded in our subconscious scripts reveals a profound impact on our ability to embrace our humanity and cultivate meaningful social connections. 

These internal stories, often shaped by past experiences and societal influences, can unwittingly hinder our authenticity and limit the depth of our relationships. 

Unearthing and challenging these narratives is a transformative journey toward genuine connection—freeing us from the constraints that obscure our true essence. 

Join us this for our season-ending episode of The Light Inside as we  embark on this exploration together, rewriting the scripts that no longer serve us and fostering a richer, more authentic tapestry of human connection. 

00:04:37 Uncovering subconscious scripts for transformation.

00:08:38 Emotional reactions shape our perspectives.

00:11:58 Rewriting narratives for emotional growth.

00:18:53 The role of social conditioning in neural imprinting.

The timestamp for when the podcast starts to say "Recognize reactivity and shift into feeling" is 00:22:30. Recognize reactivity and shift into feeling.

00:27:00 Inner peace is essential for world peace.

00:34:24 Embrace emotions for personal growth.

00:41:14 Embrace the darkness for growth.

The timestamp in the podcast where it starts to discuss how ego shapes our subjective perspectives is 00:44:05. Ego shapes our subjective perspectives.

00:53:29 Transformation through self-realization and empathy.

00:59:00 Embrace self-awareness for personal growth.

01:00:34 Embrace conflict for deeper trust.

JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast

SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside

Featured Guests: 

Gareth Gwyn

Credits: Music Score by Epidemic Sound

Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker

Mixing, Engineering, Production, and Mastering: Aloft Media Studio

Senior Program Director:  Anna Getz