The Spiritual Forum

Guest Cheri Neal, a trailblazing public servant and author, shares her transformative journey of resilience, faith, forgiveness, and community impact. Feeling overwhelmed after her divorce, Cheri was inspired to learn how to raise Monarch butterflies. This experience opened her up to the remarkable process of transformation -- a process which is inherent in each of us. Starting as caterpillars, the butterflies taught her about shedding limiting layers, embracing discomfort, taking risks, trusting the Divine process and learning to fly.  In this episode, Cheri shares personal stories about running for public office (losing and winning), finding ways to work with those who stood against her, writing her book Message of the Monarch, walking the Camino de Santiago, and igniting joy in her community -- all  which mirror the path of the Monarch. Cheri also reveals how forgiveness, collaboration, and courage lead to personal and collective growth, and her life demonstrates that the greatest contribution you can make to the world is to transform yourself. Bio - Cheri Neal has served as Zion, Illinois Township Supervisor, a full-time elected office, since 2001. She holds a double B.S. in Psychology and Human Behavior in Society from the University of Wisconsin Parkside and a Master’s in Management with a Certificate in Leadership, and has been recognized numerous times for her visioning and collaboration. A champion of community engagement, dynamic speaker, and certified life coach, she passionately assists people soar personally and professionally, and helps turn adversity into opportunity. Cheri has always been a trailblazer, having been the first woman to drive a snow plow for the State of Illinois, the first woman to join the Zion-Benton Kiwanis Club, and the first woman elected as Zion Township Supervisor. She is also the past president of the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Speakers Association and a published author of two books. She’s passionate about life, family, health, Monarchs, Zinnias and helping others live their BEST life. About Cheri's book : Messages of the Monarch, How to Find Your Wings and Fly AND Seeds of Joy, Growing Zinnias and Your Zest for Life! and the Lake County Joy Summit - 1/25/25 available on - https://www.cherineal.com/products #Transformation #TrustTheProcess #FromCaterpillarToButterfly #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualAwakening #ForgivenessHeals #OvercomingChallenges #JoyfulLiving #BreakingBarriers #LeadershipLessons #InspirationForChange #ButterflyEffect #FindingYourWings #HealingThroughForgiveness #InnerTransformation #DivineGuidance #LifeLessonsFromNature #Empowerment #ResilienceAndFaith 

Join us for a deep exploration of the Enneagram, a powerful 9-point personality system designed to uncover your primal motivations, core fears, and unique pathways to personal and spiritual growth. Discover how this ancient tool can help you break through layers of ego, embrace your true nature, and transform your relationships. We’re thrilled to feature Katherine Chernick Fauvre, an internationally renowned Enneagram expert and the creator of the Enneagram Tritype and Instinctual Stackings. Katherine shares her groundbreaking insights into how the Enneagram can illuminate your inner world, whether you’re navigating workplace dynamics, enhancing relationships, or seeking deeper spiritual understanding.  Explore the breakdown of the 9 personality types and their core fears, desires, and unique virtues. From the perfectionism of Type 1 to the visionary optimism of Type 7, learning how understanding these patterns can foster forgiveness, connection, and compassion in your daily life. Discover how the spiritual path of each type moves through type-specific holy ideas and virtues, such as serenity, equanimity, and hope. This conversation is packed with wisdom, research-backed insights, and practical tips to help you understand yourself and others on a whole new level. Bio - Katherine Chernick Fauvre, the creator of Tritype® and Instinctual Stackings, is an internationally recognized personality expert. She is an IEA Accredited Teacher with Distinction, inducted into the Marquis Who’s Who in America Biological Registry and the International Association of Top Professionals, and named Enneagram Coach of The Year for 2023 and Empowered Woman of the Year for 2024. She is Triple Certified with Palmer-Daniels, Riso-Hudson, and Hurley-Dobson and is distinguished as the only person to have attended intensives with Claudio Naranjo and Oscar Ichazo. About Katherine's book : New book on: Enneagram Instinctual Subtypes 2.0: Instincts, Stereotypes, Countertypes, and Stackings Everything you want to know about the Instinctual Types! As Promised! Super Savings! • Advanced Bundle: Enneagram of Process, Countertypes, Lost in Transmission $900 now $300 - more • Introduction to the Enneagram with Introduction to Tritypes® 10-week Course - $450 now $150 - more • Introduction to the Enneagram videos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and overview -was $50 now $25 - more • All 27 Individual Advanced Tritype® Archetype videos - $65 now $45 each - more • Guiding the 9 Types to Change - Full Set - Digital Download - $95 now $40 - more • Guiding the 9 Types to Change by Type: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Core Fears only - now $10 ea.  #enneagram #selfawareness #spiritualgrowth #personaldevelopment #transformation #personalityinsights #selfdiscovery #KnowYourType #emotionalintelligence #innerpeace #transformyourlife #psychology #spirituality #findyourtrueself #PersonalityTypesDecoded #mindsettransformation #selfgrowth #corefear 

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Keith Akers, former computer consultant turned author, activist, and pioneering researcher of early Christianity. Keith shares his journey from tech to theology, where his research challenges long-held assumptions about Jesus, Nazerenes and early Christians. In this episode, we dive into: ✨ Jesus’ opposition to animal sacrifice, vegetarianism in early Jewish Christianity, and the powerful nonviolent ethos at its heart. ✨ The fascinating historical conflict between Paul and the Jewish Christians, including the Ebionites and Nazarenes, who lived as "the poor" and rejected meat and wealth. ✨ How modern Christianity diverged from these early teachings and what that means for faith today. ✨ Insights into Keith's philosophical journey, his discovery of Peter Singer’s Animal Liberation, and the life-changing decision to embrace veganism. We also unpack the tension between pro-meat and pro-vegetatian writers in the bible and explore the controversial narratives in the New Testament about fish, sacrifices, and the deeper spiritual messages they may conceal. If you’re curious about the hidden history of Christianity, the ethical teachings of Jesus, or how faith connects with compassion for animals and the environment, this conversation will inspire and challenge you. Don’t miss Keith’s thought-provoking appearance in the documentary Christpiracy!  Bio - Keith Akers is a writer, speaker, and activist. He’s written four books, including two books on vegetarianism in early Christianity, “The Lost Religion of Jesus” (2000) and “Disciples” (2013). Most recently, he was interviewed for the documentary “Christspiracy”.  He has been active in vegetarian and vegan groups for over 40 years and is the co-organizer of Denver Vegans. In his former life as a computer consultant, he worked on projects with the US Departments of State and Education, American Management Systems, Bell Atlantic Nynex Mobile (now Verizon), and others. You can reach him through his website at CompassionateSpirit.com . Keith’s website: https://compassionatespirit.com/wpblog/ Keith’s books: The Lost Religion of Jesus: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Religion-Jesus-Nonviolence-Christianity/dp/1930051263 Disciples - How Jewish Christianity Shaped Jesus and Shattered Christianity: https://www.amazon.com/Disciples-Jewish-Christianity-Shaped-Shattered/dp/1937002500 Embracing Limits: https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-Limits-Necessary-Approach-Environmental/dp/0945528027 #earlychristianity #jesusteachings #animalrights #compassionatefaith #Christpiracy #TheLostReligionOfJesus #nonviolence #disciples #Ebionites #nazarenes #pacifism #vegetarianism #bibleinterpretation #christianorigins #hiddentruth #christianity #bible #religion #spirituality #jesus #god #belief #truth #knowledge #history #documentary #consciousness #awakening #enlightenment 

Emmy Award-winning reality TV star, life coach and bestselling author Rhonda Britten shares her incredible journey from a devastating family tragedy to becoming a beacon of hope and healing for millions. Like so many of us, Rhonda spent years struggling with feelings of guilt, powerlessness, and unworthiness. After surviving three suicide attempts, a pivotal moment sparked her transformation, ultimately leading her to rebuild her relationship with God and recreate herself as a successful author and life coach. In this lively episode, Rhonda shares stories she’s never shared before about her remarkable spiritual evolution. You will learn about: · The hidden core fears that drive our lives · The value of living in paradox and grey spaces · The blessing of ‘evil’ people · Wrestling with God to uncover your mission · Overcoming fears to step into life’s opportunities · And much more! Bio: Rhonda Britten – Emmy Award-winner, repeat Oprah guest and Master Coach – has changed lives in over 600 episodes of reality television including starring in the hit daytime reality show, "Starting Over." She is the author of four bestsellers including her seminal work, “Fearless Living,” and is the Founder of the Fearless Living Institute, home of the Ivy League of Life Coaching Training. Named “America’s Favorite Life Coach,” she brings the neuroscience of fear down to earth giving you a path out of “not being good enough” using the “Wheels” technology she developed that saved her own life. Find out more at www.FearlessLiving.org .   #fearlessliving #lifecoach #inspiration #motivation #overcomingadversity #mentalhealth #personalgrowth #selfhelp #truestory #overcomingtrauma #suicidepreventionawareness #mentalhealthawareness #spiritualawakening #empowerment #selflove #transformation #resilience #hope #corefear #discernment #livingwithparadox #wrestlewithgod

In this powerful conversation with Ray Crist, founder of the Jaguar Path School of Modern Shamanism, you will hear his incredible journey of healing and transformation. After an unexpected cancer diagnosis in 2003 and a prognosis of only 90 days, Ray was forced to re-evaluate everything he knew about life, death, and purpose. Leaving behind a successful career as a high-profile photographer, he embarked on a soul-searching pilgrimage across Mexico, Peru, and ultimately to the United States—seeking wisdom from indigenous healers and Quero elders. Ray shares how shamanic practices and modern medicine guided him through profound healing, how close brushes with death changed his life perspective, and how every moment since has been a gift. He discusses the physiology of the healing process and opens up about the power of listening within, letting go of material pursuits, and embracing a purposeful new path. Ray’s story is a transformative lesson for anyone questioning their purpose or feeling trapped by the weight of daily life. Ray Crist is a world-renowned visionary and master teacher devoted to sharing the transformative healing wisdom of shamanic traditions through The Jaguar Path School of Modern Shamanism and the Science of Healing. For over 30 years, he has dedicated himself to sharing the powerful practices he discovered, guiding others on paths of healing, balance, and spiritual growth. Through The Jaguar Path, Ray and his wife, Nina, lead a comprehensive 9-month Shamanic Certification Training, empowering participants to harness the science and soul of healing to enrich their own lives and help others with insights to yoga, tai chi, Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. In addition to the annual training, they offer virtual classes in yoga, tai chi, healing sessions, and more. Before relocating to Greece in 2022, Ray taught thousands at world-renowned wellness centers, including Kripalu, NY Open Center, and Yoga Journal Conferences. Ray’s teaching is a testament to his commitment to helping others access ancient practices that transformed his own journey, inspiring a life of profound purpose and service. About Ray's Shamanic Certification : Our upcoming Shamanic Certification Training in Modern Shamanism & the Science of Healing is an annual, exclusive training offered only once a year! This immersive 9-month program begins on November 16, 2024 - https://www.jaguarpath.com/shamans-9-month-certification-training #shamanism #spiritualhealing #mindbodyspirit #healing #spiritualawakening #alternativehealing #holistichealth #inspiration #ScienceOfHealing #positivevibes #cancersurvivor #spiritualjourney #personaltransformation #overcomingadversity #lifechangingstory #ancientwisdom #modernshamanism #cancerhealing 

Explore the concept of Whole Planet Spirituality, where unity transcends human differences and embraces all living beings. We have been conditioned to see ourselves as superior, separate and dominant. Currently entrenched in a war-based paradigm, we see nearly everything through that lens. To create a new world based on love, respect and interconnectivity, we need to raise our consciousness! Learn about the creative process through a metaphysical lens, inspired by the 7 days of creation in Genesis, and how faith, imagination, understanding, will and discernment can shape a world that works for everyone—including the animals, trees, and entire planet. This is a condensed version of Rev. Carol's presentation at the recent annual Whole Planet Spirituality Forum & Retreat that she led at Unity Village, Missouri. Learn more at thespiritualforum.org/retreat Link to the book which inspired my talk :   https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Life-Keys-Inner-Genius/dp/1585422703?origin=serp_auto  #WholePlanetSpirituality #spiritualawakening #consciousnessshift #DivinePurpose #spiritualgrowth #mindfulness #meditation #yoga #selflove #positivevibes #bibleinterpretation #metaphysical #spiritualhealing #animalrights #environmentalawareness #vegan #plantbased #compassion #empathy #veganspirituality #creativeprocess #createanewworld 

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Penney Peirce, a renowned clairvoyant, empath, and author of 11 best selling books including, Frequency: The Power of Personal Vibration. Learn how the frequency of Earth is getting more intense and how our emotional vibration is rising to higher levels of sensitivity, making it easier to shed unhealthy patterns. Discover how we can create harmonious fields of energy to accelerate planetary awakening and how to tune into our own home frequency. There's a reason for the turbulence and polarization we are currently experiencing in today's world. We are at the precipice of an enormous shift from fear/separation to love/compassion as we each do our personal work to clear ourselves and become more loving. Penney reminds us that it doesn't take dramatic experiences to become clairvoyant or empathic. We can all tap into heightened awareness. Bio - Penney Peirce is an internationally respected clairvoyant-empath, visionary, and pioneer in transformation dynamics, intuition development, expanded perception, and dreamwork. She trains and advises coaches, business and government leaders, psychologists, scientists, celebrities, and seekers of all types. Penney is known for her common-sense approach to spirituality and the development of expanded human capacities. She is the author of eleven bestselling books, including her Transformation series: Frequency, Transparency, Leap of Perception, and The Intuitive Way. Learn more at penneypeirce.com. About Penney Peirce's book : A long-running classic, Frequency is a pioneering, award-winning, bestselling book on personal transformation and expanding consciousness. In the new expanded 15th anniversary edition, readers are given a guide to mastering the world’s rapidly accelerating energy and using it to improve the quality and flow of their lives. Available now online and in stores at all major retailers. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Frequency/Penney-Peirce/Transformation-Series/9781582702155 #spirituality #consciousness #mindfulness #healing #personalgrowth #selfimprovement #intuition #vibration #frequency #transformation #power #spiritualawakening #higherconsciousness #energy #quantumleap #mindbodyspirit #enlightenment #soulevolution #raiseyourvibration #unlockyourpotential #liveyourbestlife #spiritualupgrade #beyondtheveil #thefutureisnow #newearth #ascension #clairvoyant #empath #visionary #pioneer #dreamworks 

Dr. Frederick Woodard, a clinical psychologist and certified hypnotherapist, delves into the intersections of psychotherapy, hypnosis, and the paranormal. From tracing his family roots with an uncanny revelation to exploring profound near-death experiences, Dr. Woodard shares real-life examples of supernatural transformations. We discuss the ability to sense energies, experience spiritual connections, and manifest internal experiences in the material world. Are these phenomena more natural than we think? Dr. Woodard explains why he believes we have been conditioned to overlook the supernatural and how the compelling stories and self-help exercises in his latest book, Developing Your Supernatural Awareness: Connecting with an Interactive Universe aims to reconnect us with the unseen.   Bio - Dr. Fredrick Woodard is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified hypnotherapist who conducts original research on the supernatural/paranormal, hypnosis, and psychotherapy. The author of Perceptual Hypnosis: He holds a PhD in clinical psychology and Doctor of Clinical Hypnotherapy (DCH) degree, as well as three psychology-related masters degrees. In 2012, he received the New England Paranormal Researcher of the Year award from CeCe Productions. Dr. Woodard was voted Hypnotist of the Year for 2021 in the Merrimack - Souhegan Valley Region of New Hampshire, Honorable Mention in 2019, 2018, 2017. Fredrick Woodard's latest book: https://www.amazon.com/Developing-Your-Supernatural-Awareness-Interactive/dp/1803414782 #spiritualawakening #paranormal #supernatural #spiritualgrowth #BeyondTheVeil #Psychic #ghoststories #neardeathexperiences #afterlife #mystery #hypnotherapy #psychotherapy #unexplainedphenomena #paranormalinvestigations #spiritualwarfare #beyondreality #unknown  

Marlene Watson-Tara and her husband Bill Tara are passionate advocates for a healthy planet and mind/body/soul. As long-time health educators and authors, they founded the Human Ecology project, whose mission is to communicate the deep connections between human wellbeing, environmental sustainability, a healthy society, and the rights of all living things. In this episode you will discover how food is more than just sustenance—it is spiritual energy, consciousness itself! It shapes our consciousness and connects us to every aspect of our lives. Learn about eating as a spiritual practice, the difference between ecology and the environment, and the call for humans to mature spiritually to truly embrace the interconnectedness of all life. Marlene and Bill’s decades of experience in macrobiotics, traditional Chinese medicine, yoga, and nutritional science offer insights into living with joy, purpose, and vitality at any age. Bio -  * Marlene Watson-Tara: Marlene is a highly profiled and dedicated health counselor with over 40 years of teaching in the health industry, Her dietary advice draws from the fields of Macrobiotic Nutrition, her studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine and her certification in Plant-Based Nutrition. Marlene's clients range from the movies and arts to members of royal families. She co-founded The Human Ecology Project with her husband, Bill Tara. * Bill Tara:  Bill Tara is a pioneering health educator and entrepreneur with 57 years of experience. He was the co-founder of Sunwheel Natural Foods and founder of the Community Health Foundation, the world's largest natural health education center. He also co-founded the Kushi Institute together with Michio and Aveline Kushi and served as Executive Director of the institute programs in London and Boston. Bill now focuses on The Human Ecology Project with his wife, Marlene.  About Marlene and Bill's book : Go Vegan by Marlene Watson-Tara and How To Eat Right & Save The Planet by Bill Tara. #SpiritualJourney #HealthyLiving #FoodForThought #NatureLovers #HolisticHealth #ConsciousLiving #PersonalGrowth #SelfDiscovery #SpiritualGrowth #HealthyEating #NutritionMatters #FoodIsMedicine #SpiritualPractices #WellnessTips #SpiritualAwakening #Macrobiotics #TraditionalChineseMedicine #Daoism #YogaAndSpirituality #FoodAsEnergy

Guests Kim Shelton and Norberto Rodrigues explore the journey behind Kim’s latest documentary “Any Given Moment,” which delves deep into Norberto’s spiritual healing and awakening. Kim, an award-winning filmmaker with 40 years of experience, first documented Norberto’s path to healing in her documentary, “Already Free,” but as life unfolded, his story continued to evolve. Norberto shares his incredible transformation—from facing a debilitating spinal injury that doctors said could only be managed with extensive surgery, to finding relief and healing through Ren Xue, a unique path of Qigong and consciousness work. With relentless dedication, he practiced Qigong up to 8 hours a day, overcoming pain and discovering profound inner growth. Hear about the moments of intuition that guided his journey and his inner work to discover the limiting patterns that set him free. Learn how anyone can find the right teacher or path when they tune into their heart.  Noberto Rodrigues Bio : Born in Bragança, a small town in Northern Portugal, in 1984 Noberto Rodriguez was fascinated by meditation, martial arts, consciousness work, wisdom, healing and learning how to improve my life and help others. From a very young age he practiced a variety of martial arts, Qigong, Yoga, meditation and Muay Thai. With his interest in science, Noberto earned a Master’s in Physical Activity and Health, with research in Biochemistry and Physiology. After suffering a debilitating back injury, he I came across Yuan Tze and Ren Xue in 2010, which turned out to be the path he had been seeking for so many years: a path that could help him  to accomplish his dream: to help people to improve their lives at all levels and help them to realize their own Pure Hearts and True Self. Since then, he has embraced the mission of Ren Xue with as his own life mission: Zi du, Du Ren, Uplift yourself and help others. Kim Shelton Bio : Kim Shelton has been an independent documentary filmmaker for over 40 years. Her films have been screened and broadcast both nationally and internationally. Her tastes are eclectic and she has covered a very wide range of subjects from cowboys to Sudanese refugees, war veterans and now, Buddhist nuns.  Her films, The Highly Exalted, Cowboy Poets, Tuscarora, Lost Borders, Coming of Age in the Wilderness, A Great Wonder, The Lost Children of Sudan, The Welcome, A Thousand Mothers and Already Free, have won numerous film festival awards, and have been broadcast nationally and internationally on POV, PBS, National Geographic, The Discovery Channel and the BBC.  #healing #spiritualawakening #qigonghealing #consciousness #energymedicine #holistichealth #backpainrelief #naturalhealing #mindbodyconnection #spiritualgrowth #personaltransformation #innerhealing #RenXue #YuanGong #LifeCultivation #inspiringstories #spiritualjourney