"What Are Animals Telling Us?" with Jo-Anne McArthur - EP 352

Discover the groundbreaking world of animal photojournalism with Jo-Anne McArthur. Her work reveals the profound connections and divides between humans and animals, pushing us to reflect on our cultural practices, awaken from our indifference, and ignite our innate compassion. Jo-Anne tells some remarkable stories captured through her lens and offers practices to help us live with the harsh realities of the world without succumbing to despair. We were created not as dominators but to be in relationship with all sentient beings, and this conversation inspires us to spiritual restoration. ✍ Book Link to buy Jo-Anne McArthur : https://weanimals.org/shop/purchase-our-books/ ❤️Jo-Anne McArthur NGO is We Animals. www.weanimals.org 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & rate us to spread the light! – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spiritual-forum ❤️ Support this mission: https://thespiritualforum.org/ Bio-  Jo-Anne is an award-winning photojournalist, sought-after speaker, photo editor, and the founder of We Animals. She has visited over sixty countries to document our fraught relationship with animals and is the author of three books: We Animals (2014), Captive (2017), and HIDDEN: Animals in the Anthropocene (2020). Jo-Anne is the subject of the acclaimed Canadian documentary, The Ghosts in Our Machine, and her photographs have received accolades from Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Nature Photographer of the Year, Big Picture, Picture of the Year International, the Global Peace Award, and others. Jo-Anne enjoys jurying photo competitions and has done so for World Press Photo, Big Picture, and others. She hails from Toronto, Canada. #WildlifePhotography #AnimalStories #AnimalPhotojournalism #WildlifeConservation #AnimalsOfTheWorld

For as long as Master Sacred Dancer Banafsheh Sayyad can remember, she’s had two passions - one for dance and one for uncovering the mystery of being alive. Born in Iran, her family fled the oppressive regime that took power in 1979.. Against intense cultural pressure, Banafsheh fused her two passions and taught herself to dance, eventually founding Dance of Oneness. In this episode, she shares her fascinating life story, the hope she has for Iran and the world, the fascinating lineage of Sufism, and the important role of dance and embodiment in the spiritual restoration of humanity’s wholeness and reconnection to the Earth. Her new book, Dance of Oneness, comes out on February 10, 2026. ✍ Book Link to buy Banafsheh Sayyad : https://danceofoneness.org/dance-of-oneness-book/ 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & rate us to spread the light! – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spiritual-forum ❤️ Support this mission: https://thespiritualforum.org/   Bio: Banafsheh Sayyad, MFA, Choreography and MA, Chinese Medicine, is a master sacred dancer, choreographer, and visionary teacher of spiritual embodiment whose life’s work is devoted to helping people activate greater health, awareness, and resilience through conscious movement. Internationally acclaimed for her pioneering fusion of spirituality and sensuality, she is the founder of Dance of Oneness®, a Divine Feminine lineage of healing and transformation uniting Sufi whirling, Persian dance, flamenco, mysticism, and Taoist wisdom. Her forthcoming book, Dance of Oneness (St. Martin's Essentials, March 2026), invites readers to rediscover the body as a portal to presence, vitality, and joy. Drawing from her own awakening through dance that transmuted the pain of exile from Iran, Banafsheh weaves Rumi’s poetry, feminine mysticism, and embodied healing into a radiant call to live as a channel of love and light. Born in Iran to legendary filmmaker Parviz Sayyad, she defied cultural taboos to create a feminine expression of Sufi whirling, transforming dance into a pathway of liberation, divine communion, and activism. Through her non-profit NAMAH and her transformative teachings at centers such as Esalen, Kripalu, Omega, and Hollyhock, Banafsheh has inspired thousands across the world to awaken, embody love, and dance the divine into being. #SpiritualAwakening #SacredDance #DanceOfOneness #SufiWhirling #SpiritualHealing #DivineFeminine #ConsciousMovement #EmbodiedSpirituality #MysticalWisdom #RumiWisdom #SpiritualTransformation #FeminineEnergy #DanceMeditation #HealingThroughDance #SpiritualPodcast #freeiran #embodiment #sufiwisdom #liberation #iranliberation  

Lois Bouchard lives with acceptance, surrender, and peace in the face of serious health challenges. Rev. Carol spoke with her three years ago (episode 206) and she is now in palliative care, as calm and fearless as ever, and in service to bereaved people. In this episode Lois shares the power of her deep faith and how she connects with God to embrace the path she has been given. She also shares some of her meditation “downloads” including one on the topic of extraterrestrials and their hopefull impact on humanity. If you face adversity of any kind. Lois’s life will surely inspire you. ✍ Amazon Link to buy Lois Bouchard : https://www.amazon.in/Dear-Lord-Am-Listening-Messages-ebook/dp/B0BLQP2T9X Lois's Substack: lightmessenger.substack.com  🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & rate us to spread the light! – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spiritual-forum ❤️ Support this mission: https://thespiritualforum.org/ Bio - Through years of suffering with serious heart and lung symptoms and the confusion and frustration of awaiting a diagnosis, Lois Bouchard sat with Spirit and listened. She was eventually diagnosed with an extremely rare and fatal autoimmune disease that few doctors are able to treat. In 2020, she suffered a stroke, and in 2022 she was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Lois documented her three-year journey of meditation and prayer in her book, Dear Lord, I Am Listening. Her hope is that the message in her book will provide people of all walks of life, convictions and generations with inspiration, faith, hope, and love. #FaithOverFear #SpiritualHealing #PowerOfPrayer #SurrenderToGod #hopeinhardtimes #overcoming #faithhope #healing

Dr. Moshe Daniel Block shares his model of reality which begins with the Allness of God seeking to know Itself through material duality. He joins Rev. Carol for a second hour in an intriguing dialogue about Israel's spiritual influence and humanity's journey from darkness to unity. Explore how the ancestral narratives of Ishmael and Isaac shape current events and discover paths to reconciliation and collective evolution to Christ consciousness. ✍ Amazon Link to buy Moshe Daniel Block's book : https://www.amazon.in/Holistic-Counseling-Introducing-Breakthrough-Psychology/dp/1785352091 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & rate us to spread the light! – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spiritual-forum ❤️ Support this mission: https://thespiritualforum.org/ #IsraelUnfinishedCovenant #IsraelPalestine #SpiritualAwakening #ChristConsciousness #MiddleEastConflict #InterfaithDialogue #SpiritualPodcast #HealingHumanity #ConsciousnessShift #FaithAndPolitics #AbrahamicTraditions #PeaceInTheMiddleEast #TorahAndChrist #SpiritualTruth #UnityConsciousness

Born into orthodox Judaism, Dr. Moshe Daniel Block became a spiritual explorer and seeker of truth at an early age. Currently a naturopathic doctor, he joins Rev. Carol to explore the profound connections between mind and body healing. Merging insights from ancient wisdom and the teachings of Rudolph Steiner, they discuss the challenges facing our current world, the crucial need for inquiry, the consciousness where miracles happen, and a process that eliminates those false beliefs that keep resurfacing. This is the first part in a two-part interview with Dr Moshe. ✍ Amazon Link to buy Moshe Daniel Block's book : https://www.amazon.in/Holistic-Counseling-Introducing-Breakthrough-Psychology/dp/1785352091 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & rate us to spread the light! – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spiritual-forum ❤️ Support this mission: https://thespiritualforum.org/ Bio -  Dr. Moshe Daniel Block is a naturopathic doctor, homeopath, and spiritual researcher whose work bridges ancient wisdom, modern healing, and the deep story of human consciousness. He is the creator of the Vis Dialogue, a mind–body therapeutic method developed over 25 years of practice, and the author and producer of Israel’s Unfinished Covenant, a four-part cinematic exploration of Israel’s purpose, pain, and evolving destiny. Moshe’s work brings together Torah, Kabbalah, Anthroposophy, alchemical traditions, and contemporary spiritual teachings to illuminate how humanity can heal old patterns of fear, separation, and inherited trauma. His perspective is both rooted in Jewish lineage and open to universal truth, offering rare insight into how ancient stories reveal pathways to reconciliation between peoples, faiths, and cultures. He speaks with a gentle, grounded clarity that helps listeners feel safe exploring complex themes—identity, conflict, prophecy, and the evolution of the human “I”—through the lens of peace and shared purpose. Moshe’s mission is simple: to help heal the fractures between brothers, nations, and within the human heart, and to remind us that the story of Israel is ultimately the story of all of us. #MindBodyHealing #SpiritualAwakening #HolisticHealth #Consciousness #HealingJourney

What happens when we reconnect with the sacred feminine power within? In this deeply grounding conversation, we explore Inner Power — the divine feminine force that restores balance, awakens compassion, and brings harmony between the feminine and masculine energies within us. This episode dives into healing, self-awareness, ancient wisdom, and the simple yet profound practices that help us return to our true nature. If you’re feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or seeking deeper meaning, this conversation invites you to pause, soften, and awaken the power that already lives inside you. 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & rate us to spread the light! – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spiritual-forum ❤️ Support this mission: https://thespiritualforum.org/ Bio - Maya Tiwari discusses her journey from fashion design mogul in New York City to spiritual teacher and humanitarian, emphasizing the need to understand and harness the innate feminine power within. This dialogue delves into the personal and global importance of balancing feminine (Shakti) and masculine (Shiva) energies, the healing power of compassion, and creating space for inner peace in a complex world. #AwakeningInnerShakti #DivineFeminine #SpiritualHealing #InnerBalance #SacredWisdom #FemininePower #ConsciousLiving #SpiritualAwakening

Most of us resist change but want other people to change. Psychologist Clare Mann explores the myths of choice that hold us back from change, including those that might better align us with our own natures. Our discussion touches on the existential aspects of identity and group influence, and how these shape our worldview and ingrained habits. Clare's personal and professional experiences provide unique perspectives on embracing loving kindness, making authentic choices, and creating a world we want to live in. 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & rate us to spread the light! – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spiritual-forum ❤️ Support this mission: https://thespiritualforum.org/ Bio - Clare Mann is an organizational psychologist, university lecturer, bestselling author and existential psychotherapist, with extensive international experience facilitating individuals and organizations to create extraordinary results. Her main focus has been on communication, leadership, executive coaching, organizational development and work/life integration. Currently she works as a vegan psychologist and communications skills trainer, helping vegans navigate our current world and become calm, confident and influential communicators. Her books include Vystopia: The Anguish of Being Vegan in a Non-Vegan World and the follow-up, Myths of Choice: Why People Won't Change and What You Can Do About It. Clare became vegan nearly 18 years ago, after releazing 30 years of vegetarianism was totally inadequate if she wanted to do everything possible to not use or exploit animals. #ClareMann #VeganMentalHealth #BurdenOfKnowing #WhyPeopleWontChange #MythsOfChoice #CommunicateForChange #VeganCommunication #PsychologyOfChange #EthicalLiving #groupthink #valuesalignment #anxietyavoidance #mentalgymnastics #createyourworld #bethechange 

Critical care physician Adam Rizvi offers a heartfelt perspective on life and death, rooted in decades of bedside encounters and the principles of a Course in Miracles. Reflecting on stories from the ICU, Adam illustrates how facing disease and contemplating death call us to grow personally and spiritually. His cross-cultural upbringing (Catholic mother and Muslim father) and dedication to forgiveness create an enlightening discussion on finding peace within ourselves and with others. ✍ Amazon Link to buy Dr. Adam Rizvi 's book : https://www.amazon.in/Love-Does-Not-Know-Death-ebook/dp/B0FRK3LXR1 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & rate us to spread the light! – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spiritual-forum ❤️ Support this mission: https://thespiritualforum.org/ Bio - Adam Rizvi is a critical care physician and neurointensivist whose frontline work in America’s ICUs and decades of contemplative study converge in his book Love Does Not Know Death, a luminous guide to meeting mortality without fear. Drawing on hundreds of bedside encounters and a clear, accessible integration of non‑dual principles from A Course in Miracles, he translates hard‑won insight into practical tools, especially the discipline of true forgiveness, that help patients, families, and clinicians face loss with courage, clarity, and compassion. Based in California, he leads hospital teams, teaches workshops on awakening and end‑of‑life care, and co‑hosts the spirituality podcast Letters to the Sky, inviting readers into a grounded, loving community devoted to transforming grief into peace and remembering love’s enduring presence. #AdamRizvi #LoveDoesNotKnowDeath #EndOfLifeWisdom #FacingMortality #LoveBeyondDeath #SacredDeath #CompassionateCare #ICUStories #SpiritualMedicine #WhenMedicineMeetsMysticism #NonDualWisdom#PeaceAtTheEnd #LivingWithoutFear #ConsciousLiving 

In this episode of the Spiritual Forum, Rev. Carol speaks with John Loxley, a recovered alcoholic, DJ, and author, about his spiritual journey and transformative experiences with recovery, prayer, and divine encounters. We discuss the essence of God, the power of surrender, and how pivotal experiences with meditation and psychedelics shaped his understanding of life and connection with a higher power. Loxley also shares personal insights on balancing spirituality with everyday life and the healing power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. ✍ Amazon Link to buy John Loxley 's book : https://www.amazon.com/stores/John-Loxley/author/B001HPWP46?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & rate us to spread the light! – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spiritual-forum ❤️ Support this mission: https://thespiritualforum.org/ Bio - Life in Recovery Podcast Host, John Loxley (aka Ren Koi), is a DJ, recovered alcoholic and published author. His LiR Podcast aims to help people, who suffer with mental health issues and addictions/compulsive behaviours, to live a more holistically healthy life.   @lifeinrecoverypodcast   #JohnLoxley #LifeInRecovery #RecoveryJourney #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #SoberLiving #HolisticHealing #HealingFromWithin #MindBodyRecovery #ConsciousRecovery #InnerWork #EmotionalHealing #SelfAwareness #ResilientLife #PodcastLife

Energy medicine pioneer and best selling author Inna Segal successfully transformed lifelong pain into healing and shares her journey with Rev. Carol Saunders. Their conversation explores the impact of emotional states on accidents, the connection between life experiences/unresolved feelings and physical ailments, the importance of spiritual awareness in healing, and the role of medicine in modern society.   ✍ Amazon Link to buy Inna Segal 's book : https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-... 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & rate us to spread the light! – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... ❤️ Support this mission: https://thespiritualforum.org/ Bio - Inna Segal is a pioneer in the field of energy medicine and human consciousness, and the bestselling author of The Secret Language of Your Body, translated into 27 languages and sold over a million copies worldwide. Her journey began after years of illness and the tragic stillbirth of her child, which led her to discover a profound ability to heal herself. From that turning point, she dedicated her life to helping others transform pain into freedom. For over 25 years, Inna has worked with people worldwide—from doctors and psychologists to trauma survivors and creatives—teaching how to uncover the true roots of suffering and restore health through the wisdom of the body and soul. #InnaSegal #SpiritualLiving #PracticalSpirituality #HealingWisdom #TransformationalHealing #AuthenticLiving #GracefulLiving #InnerHealing #ConsciousAwakening #MindBodySpirit #EnergyHealing #SoulAlignment #SelfEmpowerment #HolisticWellbeing #SpiritualGrowth