Best AI Wizardry Podcasts (2025)

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Conscious Wizardry: AI, Archetypes, and the Magician’s Path with Stan Rain 1:00:11

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1M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

This week on The Circle, we go all in on the Magician archetype through a queer lens with guest Stan Rain, founder of the Naked Dojo. Together we explore the Magician’s gifts of creativity, imagination, and transformation—and the shadow expressions of the manipulator and the innocent one—through real stories and Internal Family Systems. We also ste…

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Swifties, Secrets, and Shenanigans: Plotting Our Vegas Takeover 53:17

6h ago53:17

53:17

Taylor Swift may have her Eras Tour, but Stacey and Troy are kicking off their Vegas Era—and things are about to get delightfully chaotic. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we spill the (iced) tea on our upcoming Author Nation adventures, dish out some not-so-secret secrets about the future of publishing, and talk writer retreats, renovation m…

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Celebrating One Year of the Circle Podcast: Reflections on Growth and Challenges 42:15

2d ago42:15

42:15

It’s our first birthday! In this anniversary episode, Eric and Tim look back on 58 conversations about men’s work, embodiment, and personal growth—told through a queer lens and grounded in community. We share surprising messages from listeners who felt less alone, and reflect on moments that changed us: Jonathan Scott’s “diamonds in the surf” tribu…

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Your Publisher is Out of Business - Now What?: Part 2 13:47

7d ago13:47

13:47

Part 2: “Fuzzy Handcuffs & Freedom In Part 2 of this mini series about when your publisher goes out of business, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert expose the sneaky “in print” clauses and fuzzy contract language that keep authors chained to old publishing deals. They share exactly how to fight back—professionally, persistently, and legally—so you c…

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Your Publisher is Out of Business: Now What? 13:23

7d ago13:23

13:23

Part 1: Reclaiming Your Power When the Publisher Pulls the Plug What do you do when your publisher suddenly closes its doors? In this special mini-episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert break down what every author needs to know when the press that published your book goes belly-up. From the first “don’t panic” moment to t…

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Unlearning Shame: Healing Internalized Homophobia and Reclaiming Worth 56:47

10d ago56:47

56:47

Many of us grew up absorbing quiet messages about who we’re allowed to be. Even after coming out, those messages can live on — shaping how we love, express, and even how we see ourselves. In this episode, we’re joined by therapist, author, and speaker Chris Tompkins (Raising LGBTQ Allies) for a conversation about internalized homophobia: how early …

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Every Book is Marketable: If you Know How to Package it. 56:47

14d ago56:47

56:47

Why do brilliant books sometimes flop while mediocre ones soar? In this candid episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert unpack the real difference between a “good book” and a marketable one. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about writing skill — it’s about packaging, positioning, and understanding your reader. In this episode, y…

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The Warrior Within: Courage, Discipline, and Heart with MJ Oshin 1:05:14

17d ago1:05:14

1:05:14

The Warrior archetype is one of the most iconic—and misunderstood—expressions of masculine energy. It’s the part of us that acts with courage, protects what’s sacred, and stays disciplined in pursuit of something greater than ourselves. But when disconnected from heart and purpose, the Warrior can turn destructive—hurting others or collapsing into …

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Tide Pods, Alien Probes, & Author Marketing: A Totally Normal Conversation 1:19:57

21d ago1:19:57

1:19:57

It's every author’s nightmare: you’ve written a book, hit “publish,” and… crickets. No sales, no clicks, no clue what to do next. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert (The Plot Dude) blow up the myth that there’s a magic formula to selling books. If you’ve ever: Spent more on ads than you made i…

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Q&A [Pt. 3/3] — What Is Men’s Intuition and How Do We Access It? 12:40

24d ago12:40

12:40

In the final episode of our three-part Q&A series, we explore the often-overlooked topic of men’s intuition—what it is, how it works, and why it matters. Tim challenges the idea that intuition is gendered, reframing it as a universal human capacity rooted in embodied awareness. Together, we unpack how cultural conditioning teaches men to distrust t…

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Stop Googling Your Career: Strategy vs. Tactics That Actually Work 1:15:46

28d ago1:15:46

1:15:46

Stop Googling your career and actually build one. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert (The Plot Dude) tackle the biggest trap authors fall into: confusing tactics with strategy. Should you go wide or stay exclusive with KDP Select? Redo your book cover or launch a special edition? Chase the NaN…

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The Publishing Team That Could Make or Break You: How to Choose Wisely 1:42:56

1M ago1:42:56

1:42:56

Building a book is bigger than just writing—it’s about choosing the right team to bring your story to life. Buckle up, this is a long one. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert (The Plot Dude) pull back the curtain on what really matters when hiring editors, designers, and other key publishing pr…

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Q&A [Pt. 2/3] — What Does It Mean to Be a Man and What Is a Queer Man? 14:34

1M ago14:34

14:34

In part two of our three part Q&A series, we turn to two of the biggest questions our listeners ask: what does it mean to be a man? And what do we mean when we say queer men? Tim shares how his definition of manhood has evolved from fear and rigidity to a more expansive, skillful, and authentic engagement with life. Together, we explore how gender …

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The Author's Responsibility in a Divided World 1:20:06

1M ago1:20:06

1:20:06

In the wake of recent events, free speech is once again under fire. But what does that mean for authors? In this episode, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert dive deep into the role writers play in shaping conversations, protecting humanity, and telling stories that challenge perspectives without silencing voices. We’ll tackle: Why free speech and bo…

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Nourishment as Devotion w/ Chef Ava Malazian: Scan with Love, Serve with Heart 49:37

1M ago49:37

49:37

What does it mean to truly nourish someone—body and soul? Chef Ava Malazian joins us to explore cooking as a sacred practice, where structure creates safety and play brings the meal to life. We talk about scanning the room with love (not fear), setting intentions for others and for ourselves, and how mastery lets the right-brain “dance” in the kitc…

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Anthropic Settlement Shocker: Why Most Authors Won’t See a Dime (Unless You Did THIS) 1:01:27

2M ago1:01:27

1:01:27

Anthropic Settlement Shocker! The motion for settlement in the Anthropic lawsuit has the author world buzzing—but here’s the truth no one’s telling you: most authors won’t see a dime unless they took the right steps before their books were pirated by AI. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert brea…

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Q&A [Pt. 1/3] — What Is Embodiment and Why Does It Matter in Men’s Work? 13:25

2M ago13:25

13:25

This is part one of our three-part Q&A series, where we answer the questions you’ve been sending since we launched The Circle. We start with the big one: what is embodiment, and why does it matter in men’s work? Tim unpacks embodiment as the practice of listening to the body’s wisdom—our inner dashboard of sensations, emotions, and signals. Eric co…

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From Spark to Wildfire: Crafting Irresistible First Chapters 1:45:36

2M ago1:45:36

1:45:36

"It was a pleasure to burn." Your first chapter can make or break your book, so why not learn from one of the greatest? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy crack open Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 to show exactly why its opening pages are unforgettable and how you can steal those techniques for your own writing. We’ll break down:…

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Moving from Physical to Embodied Intimacy with Tom Bruett 53:08

2M ago53:08

53:08

Queer therapist Tom Bruett joins us to explore what it means to move from connection that’s just physical to intimacy that’s truly embodied. We unpack how early messages around fear, secrecy, and performance shape desire, and what becomes possible when we bring awareness back into the body. Together we get practical: the “thumb out” signal for paus…

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Books to Blockbusters in a Day?! Michael Evans on the AI Storytelling Revolution 1:11:00

2M ago1:11:00

1:11:00

What if your book could become a movie in less than 24 hours? In this explosive and possibly controversial episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy sit down with tech innovator and author Michael Evans to talk about The Movie Machine at Creatorwood—an AI-powered platform that turns novels and scripts into full-fledged films. Is this the futur…

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When Care Doesn’t Land: Recognizing Love Even When We Don't See It 40:07

2M ago40:07

40:07

Why is it that sometimes, even when care is offered freely, it doesn’t land? In this episode of The Circle, Eric and Tim unpack the messy, beautiful complexity of giving and receiving care. From family dynamics and love languages to roommates, ex-husbands, and Provincetown coffee shop connections, they explore why care often misses the mark—and wha…

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Slow the $%^# Down: Quality Over Speed: Building an Author Life That Lasts 1:31:25

2M ago1:31:25

1:31:25

Rushing to finish your draft? Racing to hit “publish” before your book is ready? Burning out trying to keep up with other authors? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (editor and publishing coach) and Troy Lambert (author, editor, and plot doctor) unpack why the real secret to success in publishing is simple: time. We break down…

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Intimacy Without Sex: A Queer Conversation on Asexuality With Hannah O'Rourke 56:52

2M ago56:52

56:52

In this episode of The Circle, we explore asexuality and the many ways intimacy can thrive outside of sexual expression. Eric and Tim are joined by Hannah O’Rourke—a yoga teacher and early childhood educator—who shares her experience identifying as asexual and how it reshaped her understanding of romance, validation, and connection. Together, they …

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Arduino Nano R4, Bela Gem Funded, Nordic WiFi 6 Magic, and More! 39:21

2M ago39:21

39:21

This week's Electromaker Show is now available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Welcome to the Electromaker Show episode 171! The Electromaker Show returns! Today we look at the wonderful Bela Gem, a music and sound coding platform based on the PocketBeagle 2, Discover the nRF70x series from Nordic Semiconductor, and learn about the…

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Stop Describing the Door and Just Leave Already!: How Show Don't Tell Really Works. 1:18:32

3M ago1:18:32

1:18:32

If your readers know how to open a door, they don’t need three paragraphs explaining it. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy tackle the infamous “show, don’t tell” debate, armed with examples from The Hunger Games, Twilight, Tolkien, Ernest Hemingway, A Quiet Place, and even Wheel of Time. We dive deep into sensory writing, inclu…

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Softening the Story: Forgiveness, Resentment, and Relational Repair 48:40

3M ago48:40

48:40

In this episode of The Circle, we explore forgiveness not as a final destination, but as a living, breathing process. From unspoken resentments to painful memories of being let down, Eric and Tim share personal stories about parental wounds and what it means to carry the weight of hurt for years. This conversation unpacks: Why forgiveness isn’t the…

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Authors Beware: Audible’s New Plan Could Cost You Big 1:05:22

3M ago1:05:22

1:05:22

Amazon Strikes Again: Audible’s New Plan Could Gut Your Audiobook Royalties Amazon’s Audible just pulled a move that could quietly slash indie author earnings, and they’re selling it like it’s a gift to creators. Spoiler: it’s not. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy rip the shiny wrapping off Audible’s “Premium Plus” rollout to …

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Parts Work with Tim Neal: Meeting Your Inner Critic and Finding the Centered Self 1:01:48

3M ago1:01:48

1:01:48

In this episode of The Circle, Eric and Tim are joined by Tim Neal, a men’s transformation coach and embodiment facilitator, to explore the power of parts work. Drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS) and shadow work, Tim explains how the voices inside us, like the inner critic or perfectionist, are not problems to fix, but parts to understand, …

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CSI: Crap Scene Investigation - Write Crime Right 1:33:02

3M ago1:33:02

1:33:02

True crime fans and thriller writers, beware: your story might be committing a felony. In this hilariously unfiltered episode, Stacey and Troy dive into the crime-writing crimes that make editors weep and readers rage-quit. From interrogations without Miranda rights to chairs jammed under hospital doorknobs (yes, that happened), we dissect the rook…

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Belonging vs. Fitting In: How to Stop Abandoning Yourself to Be Liked 52:22

3M ago52:22

52:22

What’s the difference between truly belonging and just fitting in? In this raw and resonant episode of The Circle, Eric and Tim unpack the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways we abandon ourselves in order to be accepted—and what it takes to stop. They explore how social conditioning, internalized fear, and curated identities shape our choices around ho…

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Stop Chasing Algorithms: Write Like an Artisan 1:10:11

3M ago1:10:11

1:10:11

Are you writing for algorithms or for actual humans? In this refreshingly honest episode of Pros Talking Prose, we’re joined by indie author legend Johnny B. Truant to talk about his upcoming book, The Artisan Author, a rebellious, soul-restoring manifesto for authors who are done with burnout and ready to love writing again. We dive into: The myth…

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The Dominant Way to Avoid Burnout: Ms. Elle X on Rest and Radical Self-Advocacy 1:02:48

3M ago1:02:48

1:02:48

What if rest was the most dominant thing you could do? In this episode of the Circle, trauma-informed BDSM educator, licensed life coach, and former Dominatrix Ms. Elle X joins us to explore the hidden cost of leadership—and why so many men, Dominants, and space-holders burn out before they ever give themselves permission to stop. We talk about the…

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AI Didn’t Kill the Author. You Did. 1:38:36

4M ago1:38:36

1:38:36

Is AI the villain in the author’s downfall—or are readers, publishers, and even fellow writers part of the problem? In this fiery episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy and Stacey unpack the emotional, ethical, and legal minefield of AI-generated content in publishing. From TikTok's “100% Human” trend to copyright battles and the philosophical death o…

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Urgency Without the Rush: Moving Quickly with Presence and Purpose | Men’s Work Podcast 48:47

4M ago48:47

48:47

Urgency doesn’t have to mean rushing. In this episode of The Circle, Eric Bomyea and Timothy Bish explore urgency and embodiment, unpacking how to move quickly with purposeful action instead of reactive rushing. Drawing from personal stories—airport chaos, bartending mishaps, and even Tim’s professional dance training—they discuss how urgency impac…

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Scambaiting for Authors: Avoiding Those Inbox Traps 1:04:59

4M ago1:04:59

1:04:59

Think your book is getting picked up for a Netflix deal out of the blue? Think again. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy dive headfirst into the glittery garbage fire of scams targeting indie authors. From fake PR packages and “guaranteed” bestsellers to shady Netflix pitches and vanity publishers masquerading as the real deal, …

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Belonging Without the Buzz: Queer Sobriety & Connection 55:05

4M ago55:05

55:05

What does it mean to feel free, connected, and authentic in queer spaces—without the crutch of alcohol or drugs? In this episode of The Circle, Eric and Tim are joined by Dave Becker, founder of Sober Gay Sunday, to explore queer sobriety, nightlife, and what it means to connect without substances. Dave shares his personal story—from circuit partie…

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Bad Reviews and Brutal Trolls - Surviving Negative Reviews Like a Pro 1:17:19

4M ago1:17:19

1:17:19

Haters gonna hate, and trolls gonna troll—but what does that mean for authors? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy dive into the dark, weird, and sometimes hilarious world of negative reviews, trolls, hate mail, and DM drama. From a grandma’s unexpected 3-star critique to a one-star reviewer who can’t spell "plagiarism," they sha…

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Stop Shouting "I Have a Gay Friend!" and Other Cringey Author Mistakes 1:01:03

4M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

Diversity in fiction doesn’t mean tossing in a rainbow cast like it’s a checklist. In this episode, Stacey and Troy tackle the awkward, over-the-top, and downright cringey ways authors attempt diversity—and how to actually write inclusive stories that don’t scream “I’m trying too hard.” We break down: When and why to include diverse characters How …

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Doing vs. Being: When Growth Becomes Another Grind 56:08

4M ago56:08

56:08

In this episode of The Circle, Eric and Tim explore how personal growth and spiritual practice can quietly slip into another form of hustle. Why do we sometimes treat healing like a to-do list? What happens when our breathwork, yoga, or journaling stops being supportive and starts becoming performative? Together, they unpack perfectionism, self-tru…

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The Father Wound Part 2 w/ Amir Khalighi: Judgment, the Lone Wolf Trap, and Re-Fathering Yourself 55:09

4M ago55:09

55:09

In Part 2 of our conversation with Amir Khalighi, we move from uncovering the father wound to exploring what it takes to heal it. Why are so many men with this wound quick to judge—others, themselves, and especially other men? How does hypervigilance become a way of life? And what does it take to re-father ourselves and trust again? We talk about t…

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Your Story Came to You in a Dream? SAME!: The Mystical Side of Writing You Can’t Explain 1:10:21

4M ago1:10:21

1:10:21

Ever woken up at 3 AM with a plot twist so good you were convinced it wasn’t entirely your idea? Yeah—same. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy go full woo (but keep it grounded) as they explore the mysterious, magical, and mildly unhinged side of the creative process. From dream downloads to possessed plotlines, sacred rituals t…

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Healing the Father Wound Part 1: Reclaiming Power, Presence, and Trust with Amir Khalighi 1:02:45

5M ago1:02:45

1:02:45

In this special two part episode of The Circle, we’re joined by our mentor and teacher Amir Khalighi—founder of Embodied Masculine—for a deep conversation about the father wound, masculine lineage, and the path to healing. Together, we explore how emotional or physical absence from a father figure can shape a man’s identity, disrupt his relationshi…

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Your Characters Aren't Traumatized, They're Going Through Some Stuff 1:23:00

5M ago1:23:00

1:23:00

Tired of every protagonist having a tragic backstory, a clinical diagnosis, and a mountain of unresolved childhood trauma? SAME. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy sit down with licensed therapist and voracious reader Jeanne Anderson to dismantle the overuse of trauma tropes in fiction. We’re talking big T vs. little t trauma, e…

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Building Trust: How Consistency, Embodiment, and Surrender Shape Self-Trust and Relationships 1:01:52

5M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

In this episode of The Circle Podcast, Eric and Tim go all in on the many dimensions of trust—from how we cultivate trust within ourselves to how we navigate the messy terrain of trusting others, institutions, and even the universe. With personal stories, embodiment reflections, and real-world examples from breathwork, therapy, and men’s work, they…

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Chasing Bookstore Sales - The Truth About Book Sales and How Authors Make Money 1:08:20

5M ago1:08:20

1:08:20

Think getting your book "in bookstores" guarantees big sales? Think again. In this brutally honest episode of Pros Talking Prose, publishing coach Stacey Smekofske and author strategist Troy Lambert break down the myths about bookstore distribution, author royalties, and what really moves books. From Amazon algorithms to the truth about IngramSpark…

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Circles of Care: Queer Intimacy, Radical Fairies & Healing Through the AIDS Epidemic 51:59

5M ago51:59

51:59

In this episode of The Circle Podcast, we’re joined by Jonathan Scott—also known as Wild Blue Yonder and Esther the Village Mermaid—for a deeply moving conversation about queer resilience, the Radical Fairy movement, and the healing power of gathering in circle. A longtime community organizer and founder of the Victory Programs, Jonathan shares his…

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Publishing Math: The True Cost of Becoming an Author 1:49:43

5M ago1:49:43

1:49:43

Think publishing is just writing a book and hitting “upload”? Think again. In this raw and real episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy break down the true financial equation of getting your book into the world, whether you’re self-publishing, hybrid publishing, or chasing that traditional dream. This is a long one, and I am sort of sorry ab…

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Taking It All In: The Art of Receiving Without Shame or Obligation 43:36

5M ago43:36

43:36

Why is it so hard to simply take it in—a compliment, a gift, a moment of care, or even a deep breath? In this episode of The Circle Podcast, Eric and Tim unpack the cultural, emotional, and personal blocks that make receiving feel vulnerable, awkward, or even shameful. Whether it’s feeling unworthy of love, fearing hidden strings, or being conditio…

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Book Marketing Shenanigans: Can Kickstarter Actually Work? 56:45

5M ago56:45

56:45

Can Kickstarter actually help you market your book, or is it just a time-consuming gimmick wrapped in fancy rewards? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert wade into the wild world of book marketing to unpack what Kickstarter really offers authors. They discuss: The real definition of marketing (and why most author…

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The Shaman’s Mind: Jonathan Hammond on Queer Wisdom, Nature’s Intelligence, and the Power to Co-Create Reality 1:00:51

5M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

In this episode of The Circle, Eric and Tim sit down with Jonathan Hammond—author, spiritual teacher, and trained shamanic practitioner—to explore how earth-based spirituality and Hawaiian wisdom can help us reclaim authenticity, heal limiting beliefs, and reimagine a more connected world. From the ancient role of queer people in shamanic cultures …