Best Paul Sheppard Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 170: The Founder of the American West You've Never Heard Of 1:29:04

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21m ago1:29:04

1:29:04

This week Max Perry Mueller drops in to talk about Wakara, a Ute man who shaped the modern American West. We also talk about the complexities of Native American identity, the impact of Manifest Destiny, and the ethical considerations in writing Native history. Max also highlights the importance of cultural exchange, environmental stewardship, and t…

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I Asked For A Sign From The Afterlife. This is What Happened. 8:13

1d ago8:13

8:13

YouTube Video Series Watch Here Filmed for a new YouTube Series, Come and join me there too. Have you ever asked for a sign — and then questioned whether what happened next was coincidence… or something more? In this episode, I share some deeply personal experiences that challenged my rational mind, stirred something far deeper, and left me reflect…

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Listen Again: Scents of China - A Modern History with Xuelei Huang 1:07:10

5d ago1:07:10

1:07:10

#170: As we ease into the holiday season, we’re revisiting a beautiful conversation with scholar Xuelei Huang about her book Scents of China: A Modern History of Smell. You’ll definitely want to gift this aromatic treasure to yourself, or someone you love! In this episode, Frauke sits down with University of Edinburgh Senior Lecturer and author Xue…

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Episode 169: Is Pompeii the best bad movie/good history ever made? 1:39:43

6d ago1:39:43

1:39:43

2014's Pompeii is all over the place. Designed to be a Roman apocalypse story with a star making turn by Game of Thrones' Kit Harrington, Pompeii fizzled at the box office. But strangely, it's a phenomenal film to talk about the Roman empire and the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Historian and archaeologist Dr. Steven Tuck joins in to talk everything …

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Awaken The Power Beyond Your Mind: 15 Min Meditation 18:02

2d ago18:02

18:02

Join my newsletter, community or YouTube Channel here. In today’s episode, we explore one of the most transformative shifts a human being can make — discovering the power that exists beyond the thinking mind, your ego. Most people live trapped inside narratives, labels, and identities that keep them anxious, limited, and disconnected from who they …

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No Music Calm Anxiety Stress 15 Minute Meditation 17:18

8d ago17:18

17:18

Experience a calming guided meditation designed to reduce anxiety, release tension, and bring you back to your natural state of peace. In this session, Paul helps you slow down the nervous system, activate the vagus nerve, and access the stillness beneath the noise of the mind. Perfect if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or disconnected — or i…

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Calm Anxiety / Stress : 15 Minute Guided Meditation 17:18

9d ago17:18

17:18

Experience a calming guided meditation with binaural beats designed to reduce stress, anxiety, release tension, and bring you back to your natural state of peace. In this session, I will help you slow down the nervous system, activate the vagus nerve, and access the stillness beneath the noise of the mind. Perfect if you’re feeling overwhelmed, str…

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Episode 168: How Colorado Springs became the epicenter of evangelical capitalism with Will Schultz 1:30:13

13d ago1:30:13

1:30:13

How did a small town south of Denver emerge as the center of evangelical capitalism after World War II? Historian Dr. William Schultz explains how evangelicals' faith intertwined with a specific interpretation of Americanism, especially during the Cold War era, and how this allowed them to transition from the margins of society to the epicenter of …

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Stress Relief In Minutes Technique 5:17

11d ago5:17

5:17

This episode is part of my new YouTube series on stress relief, presence, and being superconscious . In this short episode, you’ll discover a simple yet profound question that can dissolve stress in minutes: “What is here right now with no problems to solve?” This isn’t about positive thinking or forcing yourself to calm down. It’s about interrupti…

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Episode 167: Ken Burns' The American Revolution (Historians' Commentary) 2:12:56

16d ago2:12:56

2:12:56

It's a special podcast here at Reckoning. Early American historians Dr. Liz Covart, Dr. Michael Hattem, and Dr. Craig Bruce Smith joined me to live stream Ken Burns' new series The American Revolution and answer questions from people around the world. It's kind of like a Director's Commentary, only if the director was actually four people with degr…

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BONUS: Sagittarius Sign (Nov 22 - Dec 21) - Aromatic Astrology 11:18

16d ago11:18

11:18

#169: Attention all Sagittarians! In this bonus episode, Frauke revisits a conversation with astrologer Karima from The Cosmic Vibe and animistic perfumer Mauricio Garcia which explored the intersection of astrology and aromatics. Here the focus is on the Sagittarius sign (Nov 22 - Dec 21), which is part of the Fire element. Karima explains the uni…

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No Music 25 Minute Non Sleep Deep Rest Protocol Meditation 25:08

15d ago25:08

25:08

No Music version as requested. If you want to rest deeply, recharge your mind, and fall asleep more easily, this 25-minute NSDR protocol is designed for you. Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR), also known as Yoga Nidra, is backed by neuroscientists like Dr Andrew Huberman for its ability to restore focus, calm the nervous system, and support the body’s nat…

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Episode 166: Apollo 13 with Jeffrey Kluger 1:18:05

19d ago1:18:05

1:18:05

Houston, we have a podcast. Today, Apollo 13 author Jeffrey Kluger drops in to talk about the Apollo missions, what really made it on the film, and his new book, Gemini: Stepping Stone to the Moon, the Untold Story. About our guest: Jeffrey Kluger, editor at large, oversees TIME's science and technology reporting. He has written or co-written more …

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25 Min Non Sleep Deep Rest Protocol NSDR Meditation 25:08

16d ago25:08

25:08

If you want to rest deeply, recharge your mind, and fall asleep more easily, this 25-minute NSDR protocol is designed for you. Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR), also known as Yoga Nidra, is backed by neuroscientists like Dr Andrew Huberman for its ability to restore focus, calm the nervous system, and support the body’s natural recovery processes. Lie ba…

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Episode 165: How the United States failed Puerto Rico with Ed Morales 1:14:56

21d ago1:14:56

1:14:56

Puerto Rico is the oldest colony in the world, something that must change, says Ed Morales. Today Ed drops in to talk about the history of Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rican diaspora, and how colonialism has hurt the island over the last 500 years. About our guest: Ed Morales is an author and journalist who has written for The Nation, The New York Times…

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How To End Your Suffering And Be Free 5:59

18d ago5:59

5:59

YouTube Link. This is your wake up call out of suffering so you can liberate yourself from unnecessary suffering and be free. This quote is powerful and I have used it countless times when feeling anxious, stressed or lost in thought to bring me back to reality. Your suffering is mostly optional and in this mini episode originally recorded for YouT…

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How I finally Solved my Insomnia 26:18

18d ago26:18

26:18

Most of you will know this feeling… you want to sleep, but your mind feels light, busy, and jumps from thought to thought like an erratic monkey in a tree. You try harder to relax, to think of nothing — but no luck. Then comes the creeping panic that tomorrow will be a total sh*t show, and your body now believes it’s in danger from tomorrow. In thi…

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A Feast for the Senses: Exploring Fragrance and Flavor with The Aromatic Gourmet, Jeffrey Paul Ames 1:00:58

23d ago1:00:58

1:00:58

#168: In this episode, Frauke sits down with Jeffrey Paul Ames, aka The Aromatic Gourmet, to explore the deep connection between fragrance, flavor, and beauty. Jeffrey shares how scent has guided his life, from his Italian family’s aromatic kitchen to teaching sensory classes at the Institute for Art and Olfaction. You’ll hear how he merges gastron…

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No Music Deep Peace Of Mind Meditation : 15 Mins 16:50

22d ago16:50

16:50

No music for those that prefer the power of silence. There is a Binaural Beats version if you would like some music to help you relax. We all know the grip of negative thoughts: those relentless inner dialogues that replay what went wrong and imagine what could go wrong next. In this brief but powerful meditation, Paul guides you to a state of stil…

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Episode 164: Archie Bunker for President with Oscar Winberg 1:16:06

22d ago1:16:06

1:16:06

This week historian Oscar Winberg joins in to talk about the origins of All In The Family and how the politics of the 1970s were filtered through television's biggest show. About our guest: Dr. Oscar Winberg is a postdoctoral fellow at the Turku Institute for Advanced Studies and the John Morton Center for North American Studies at the University o…

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Deep Peace of Mind Meditation : 15 Mins Music Version 16:50

23d ago16:50

16:50

How to stop negative thoughts. We all know the grip of negative thoughts: those relentless inner dialogues that replay what went wrong and imagine what could go wrong next. In this brief but powerful meditation, I will guide you to a state of stillness where those negative loops lose their hold. Without giving away the secret, you’ll be invited to …

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Episode 163: The American Revolution and the Fate of the World with Richard Bell 1:22:07

25d ago1:22:07

1:22:07

Have you ever wondered what else was happening during the American Revolution? It turns out that the conflict was waged far beyond the shores of North America. Historian Richard Bell joins in today to talk about the unexpected participants in and ramifications of the American Revolution across the globe. About our guest: Richard Bell received his P…

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Episode 162: The Cutting Edge with Paul Gagliardi and Dart Adams 1:36:10

28d ago1:36:10

1:36:10

Toe pick! If you don't love The Cutting Edge, something is seriously wrong with you. This week Dart Adams and Paul Gagliardi drop in to talk about the history behind the 1992 cult classic and why we love it so damn much. About our guests: Dart Adams is a historian, journalist and a lecturer from Boston, MA. His work has appeared in various online &…

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How Oud Is Graded and What It Means for Quality (Whiff of Wisdom) | Rahel Ali 9:20

1M ago9:20

9:20

#167: In this week's whiff of wisdom, Oud Artisan Rahel Ali helps us understand the different grades of oud on the market so you know what to look for when you buy the chips or oil. To listen to the original full episode “Exploring Oud” go to episode #94. Whiff of Wisdom is a biweekly format that spotlights an inspirational insight from a previous …

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85 Minutes Deep Sleep Binaural Beats Vagus Nerve Yoga Nidra Meditation 8:03:48

1M ago8:03:48

8:03:48

Sleep Like a Baby : Binaural Beats Version This is the longest meditation and resource for people struggling to sleep I have ever created. I would love your feedback to help me create better content too. So let me know how this was for you. If your mind feels restless when you’re trying to sleep, this Yoga Nidra and vagus nerve relaxation journey w…

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Episode 161: Three Decades and a Bottle of Wine with Dr. Karen Cox 1:48:42

30d ago1:48:42

1:48:42

This week legendary historian Dr. Karen Cox drops in to talk about her life, her work, and advise for historians and students as we enter this new era. About our guest: Karen L. Cox is an award-winning historian and a Distinguished Lecturer for the Organization of American Historians. She is the author of four books, the editor or co-editor of two …

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85 Minute Deep Sleep Pink Noise Vagus Nerve Yoga Nidra Meditation 8:03:02

1M ago8:03:02

8:03:02

Sleep Like a Baby : Pink Noise Version This is the longest meditation and resource for people struggling to sleep I have ever created. If your mind feels restless when you’re trying to sleep, this Yoga Nidra and vagus nerve relaxation journey will gently guide you into deep restful sleep to help you free fresh and restored when you awaken. The firs…

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Episode 160: A new George Washington Movie is coming your way with Dr. Craig Bruce Smith 38:01

1M ago38:01

38:01

Dr. Craig Bruce Smith and I break down the trailer for the upcoming film, Young George Washington About our guest: Craig Bruce Smith is Professor of History at National Defense University in the Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS) in Norfolk, VA. He authored American Honor: The Creation of the Nation’s Ideals during the Revolutionary Era and c…

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20 Minute (No Music) Reconnect to Your Higher Self Meditation 22:48

1M ago22:48

22:48

Coaching & Community for next level success What if everything you’ve been chasing — happiness, peace, success — was already within you, waiting to be remembered? In this music-free guided meditation, you’ll be guided into stillness and connection with your true self — the part of you that exists beyond thoughts, emotions, and external achievements…

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Episode 159: Jelani Cobb talks about Spielberg's Lincoln and the Promise of Black Freedom 42:12

1M ago42:12

42:12

This week Jelani Cobb drops in to talk about Steven Spielberg's Lincoln, what we don't see onscreen, the promise of Barack Obama, and the rise of Donald Trump. Plus, we preview his new book, Three or More is a Riot: Notes on How We Got Here, 2012-Present. This is a powerhouse episode. About our guest: Jelani Cobb joined the Columbia Journalism Scho…

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Healing Through Plants & Scent with Sharon Louise Chapman 47:31

1M ago47:31

47:31

#166: In this episode, Frauke sits down with aromatherapist, herbalist, and botanical perfumer Sharon Louise Chapman to explore how plants and scent can be powerful partners in healing and self-discovery. Sharon shares her deeply personal journey, from leaving an abusive marriage and facing chronic illness, to rebuilding her life through gardening,…

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20 Min : Reconnect To Your Higher Self Meditation 22:48

1M ago22:48

22:48

Connect, community and social links What if everything you’ve been chasing — happiness, success, peace — was already within you, waiting to be remembered? In this transformative Guided Meditation, you’ll be guided to move beyond the noise of the thinking mind and reconnect with your true self — the still, conscious presence behind every thought and…

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Episode 158: The Transformation of Hunting in the Modern South with Dr. Julia Brock 1:02:48

1M ago1:02:48

1:02:48

Today Dr. Julia Brock joins in to talk about how hunting transformed and was transformed by the Modern South. We talk about dimensions of race, class, and sex and how they informed land stewarship and environmental conservation in the early twentieth century and how those changes affect us today. About our guest: Dr. Julia Brock is Associate Profes…

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BONUS: Scorpio Sign (Oct 23 - Nov 21) - Aromatic Astrology 14:42

1M ago14:42

14:42

#165: Attention all Scorpios! In this bonus episode, Frauke revisits a conversation with astrologer Karima from The Cosmic Vibe and animistic perfumer Mauricio Garcia which explored the intersection of astrology and aromatics. Here the focus is on the Scorpio sign (Oct 23 - Nov 21), which is part of the Water element. Karima explains the unique tra…

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Episode 157: WWII Movies through Time with Dr. John McManus 1:27:29

2M ago1:27:29

1:27:29

This week Dr. John McManus joins in to talk about how WWII films have evolved over time, including our picks for best and worst movies ever made about the war. About our guest: John C. McManus is Curators’ Distinguished Professor of U.S. military history at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). This professorship is best…

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25 Min: No Music Brain Reboot & Refresh NSDR Meditation 27:02

1M ago27:02

27:02

Guided only by Paul’s voice, this music-free version strips away all external noise so you can reconnect directly with your breath, body, and awareness. Through a gentle body scan and carefully paced guidance, you’ll move the brain from a state of mental stress and fatigue into one of deep restoration and clarity. No music. No distractions. Just pu…

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25 Min Brain Reboot & Refresh NSDR Meditation 27:02

2M ago27:02

27:02

Feeling mentally drained, overwhelmed, or stuck in overthinking mode? This 25-minute Brain Reset & Recharge NSDR (Non-Sleep Deep Rest) meditation, also known and Yoga Nidra is designed to help your brain let go, reboot, and recharge. Through a gentle guided body scan and 10Hz alpha binaural beats, you’ll activate your brain’s natural ability to shi…

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Episode 156: Dr. Kevin Gannon 1:24:08

2M ago1:24:08

1:24:08

This week my friend Kevin Gannon drops in to talk about his career in history education, how education has changed, what to do about A.I., and the role of social media as a scholar. This is a cool conversation with one of the coolest dudes I know. About our guest: Dr. Kevin Gannon is the Director of the Center for the Advancement of Faculty Excelle…

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Episode 155: 13 Days, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Fate of the Americas with Renata Keller 1:06:36

2M ago1:06:36

1:06:36

For 13 days beginning on October 16, 1962 the world teetered on total nuclear destruction. Today, Dr. Renata Keller joins in to talk about the Cuban Missile Crisis, how it is depicted in the film 13 Days, and how the events played out in Latin America. This is a deep dive into arguably the most consequential two weeks in world history. About our gu…

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Lavender in Coal Country: A Story of Second Chances with Jocelyn Sheppard 58:21

2M ago58:21

58:21

#164: In this episode, Frauke sits down with Appalachian Botanical Co. CEO Jocelyn Sheppard to talk about transforming reclaimed coal mine land in West Virginia into thriving lavender fields. Jocelyn shares her unexpected journey from librarian and consultant to CEO of a natural products company, the challenges of starting an agricultural business …

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The Survival Frequency : Why This Kills Your Success 18:50

2M ago18:50

18:50

Coaching for next level success Most people don’t realise they’re running their entire life from survival frequency — a nervous system tuned to fear, urgency, and control. You wake up anxious. You chase goals, but nothing feels enough. You’re constantly “on,” yet somehow disconnected from yourself. In this episode, Paul reveals how survival mode qu…

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Big Data, Little Brain: Making Structural Components Known and Emergent Outcomes Clear with Paolo Gaudiano 35:40

2M ago35:40

35:40

In this episode of The Flux, host John Cordier, CEO of Epistemix, sits down with Paolo Gaudiano, a complexity scientist turned DEI innovator, whose journey spans neuroscience, agent-based modeling, and the business of inclusion. Together, they explore what happens when we stop treating diversity as a box to check and start understanding it as an em…

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Episode 154: Comanche Nation Chairman Forrest Tahdooahnippah 1:10:02

2M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

Comanche Chairman Forrest Tahdooahnippah joins in to talk about Comanche history, culture, and so much more. We had a chance to talk about the legal relationships between Tribal nations and the United States, the importance of language preservation, what it’s like to lead a Tribe, thoughts on how Comanche people have been portrayed on film, and how…

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How Scent Can Deepen Our Connection To Movies (Whiff of Wisdom) | Tammy Burnstock & Jas Brooks 11:50

2M ago11:50

11:50

#163: In this week's whiff of wisdom, In-Glorious Smell-O-Vision co-director and producer Tammy Burnstock and historical scent technology aficionado Jas Brooks share how bringing scent into movie theaters deepens our connection to the story on screen. To listen to the original full episode go to episode #104. Whiff of Wisdom is a biweekly format th…

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Episode 153: Notting Hill with Kate Sheppard and Colin Colbourn 1:46:12

2M ago1:46:12

1:46:12

This week Kate Sheppard and Colin Colbourn return to ask if Notting Hill is the greatest romcom of its generation. About our guests: Dr. Kathleen Sheppard earned her PhD in History of Science from the University of Oklahoma in 2010. After a post-doctoral teaching fellowship at the American University in Cairo, she arrived at Missouri S&T in the fal…

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Why You Always Feel So Mentally Exhausted. 14:40

2M ago14:40

14:40

By Paul Sheppard

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Olfactive Literacy with Clare Presser 53:08

2M ago53:08

53:08

#162: In this episode, Frauke sits down with librarian, fragrance enthusiast, and Paperback Perfumes podcaster Clare Presser to unpack the emerging idea of olfactive literacy: what it means to understand, communicate, and create using our sense of smell. Together they ask: Can we read scents the way we read words? How do memory, culture, and emotio…

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5 Minute Mental Reset For Busy Minds on Busy Days 6:30

2M ago6:30

6:30

Experience Next Level Coaching for Success In just 5 minutes, reset your stressed and overthinking mind with this guided meditation using peripheral vision and breath work to calm the Default Mode Network — the part of the brain linked to rumination and inner chatter. Through simple yet powerful techniques, you’ll: Use peripheral vision to instantl…

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10 Minute Mindset Reset Meditation For Stressed & Anxious Minds. 12:16

2M ago12:16

12:16

Work with me Give your busy mind a reset in just 10 minutes with this guided meditation designed to ease stress, anxiety, and overthinking. Your mind is like a pond. When thoughts stir it up, the water becomes muddy and unclear. This meditation helps the ripples settle, so you can see beneath the surface with clarity, calm, and peace. Through gentl…

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30 Minute (No Music) Deep Peace NSDR Yoga Nidra 32:40

2M ago32:40

32:40

Work with me This 30-minute NSDR (Non-Sleep Deep Rest) and Yoga Nidra meditation uses guided body awareness and strategies to shift your brain into deep rest—helping you relax fully, quiet the mind, and connect with your true self. Perfect for stress relief, nervous system reset, better sleep, and accessing deeper states of awareness. Use headphone…