Best Ben Umstead Podcasts (2025)

In this episode, we focus on worldwide inter-connectivity and what comes when we make conscious choices in our economic caste system.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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Your Part with Diane Umstead 46:47

Play Pause

1M ago46:47

46:47

In this episode, Ben and Martin speak with Diane Umstead about her lifelong journey advocating for children and what it means to her as she transitions into a new phase of life.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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The Rise & Fall of Empathy 1:02:40

2M ago1:02:40

1:02:40

In this episode, Martin and Ben inquire into and explore a correlated journey between the rise of empathy and the technologies that have brought us to an increasingly desensitized and overwhelmed world.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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Your Part with Romey Pittman 45:02

2M ago45:02

45:02

Returning to our Your Part series, Martin speaks with visionary educator Romey Pittman on resiliency, coming to terms with the dynamics of power, and the foundational importance of connection in the classroom and beyond.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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Ghosts in the Machine 42:58

3M ago42:58

42:58

In this episode Martin and Ben dynamically explore creativity in relation to materials and resources, dance into the realm of the Chakras, and within the flow, bring the tragedy of the commons into consideration within the freedom and responsibility that comes when using technologies such as AI.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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Hyper-rationality in a world of unprocessed emotion 35:50

3M ago35:50

35:50

In this episode, Martin and Ben explore the threads and consequences of hyper-rationality and unprocessed emotion. In doing so, we discover an unexpected truth.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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The Fever Dream of Generational Wealth 49:58

4M ago49:58

49:58

In this episode, Martin and Ben explore the fevered aspiration of generational wealth in American culture. A notion of ascension not seeded in equity or fairness but rather in achieving immortality through material wealth and its accompanying power.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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Your Part with Virginia Newcomb 41:46

4M ago41:46

41:46

In this conversation we touch upon the nature of home, what her vision for a more patient cinema feels like, and how inner practice meets life through a sense of community and shared vision. It is often the case that humans see this process through the lens of struggle rather than possibility. Our conversation explores this dichotomy through a more…

1
Shadows Fill Time 22:04

5M ago22:04

22:04

In the 25th episode, Martin and Ben explore the transformative impact that an engaged practice in presence has on shaping our sense of time.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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Your Part with Rory Turner 38:50

5M ago38:50

38:50

Martin and Ben speak with Rory Turner, Professor Emeritus in Sociology & Anthropology at Goucher College, about the nature of flow, the power of storytelling, and the concept and practice of Communitas.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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Your Part with Tom Clement 44:23

5M ago44:23

44:23

In this episode, Martin and Ben share a conversation with Tom Clement, documentary cinematographer and director, whose latest work, Projecting Protest, is the centerpiece of our discussion around Tom's creative journey as a filmmaker.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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Your Part with Luna S. Perkins 27:49

6M ago27:49

27:49

In this episode, Martin and Ben discuss with Luna S. Perkins her experiences in bringing conscious awareness to life as a human being, an artist and a writer.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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The Unfolding 20:55

6M ago20:55

20:55

In this episode, Martin and Ben discuss how a conscious practice in life leads to the Unfolding.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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A Call To Integrity 23:43

7M ago23:43

23:43

In the latest episode of the podcast, Martin and Ben wrap up their Three Treasures of Daoism series, exploring humility through personal truth and integrity.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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The Building of Resiliency: Part 2 of the Three Treasures 30:27

7M ago30:27

30:27

In order to deepen resiliency in a chaotic world, Ben and Martin share experiences in the practice of simplicity.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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The Three Treasures Part 1: the Loss of a Common Language 37:19

8M ago37:19

37:19

In this pod Martin and Ben grieve the loss of a common language and what it means to be human.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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Trusting Ourselves in a Performative World 34:47

8M ago34:47

34:47

In this episode, Martin and Ben explore the nature of performance, trustworthiness in the media and a practice in trusting ourselves.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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Soul Journaling 29:44

9M ago29:44

29:44

In this episode, Ben and Martin explore the practice of soul journaling and the journey of the inner divine.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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Cycles within Cycles 27:52

9M ago27:52

27:52

In this episode Ben and Martin discuss the cycles of the seasons and how reflection and slowing down at the winter solstice can in fact be brought to any moment, any time of the year.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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Nice & Kind 13:56

9M ago13:56

13:56

In this bonus holiday pod, Martin and Ben discuss the distinction between being nice versus being kind in our lives. The presentation of the possibility and practice of being a kind person in the world.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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On Being Effortless 34:34

10M ago34:34

34:34

In this episode, Martin and Ben discuss working with a sense of ease and effortlessness through presence and conscious planning. An exploration of how simplicity in life helps cultivate confidence and patience.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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FISHDI - F*#k it, Sh!t Happens, Dive In 35:20

10M ago35:20

35:20

In this episode, Martin and Ben discuss the role of presence in a challenging and changing world.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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The Infinite Sadness of Melancholy 19:48

11M ago19:48

19:48

In this episode, Martin and Ben step into the energetic of the Autumn Season and explore the potent nature of melancholy.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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I Don't Know - A Gentle Approach to Self-Belief 17:28

11M ago17:28

17:28

In this pod, Martin and Ben explore the importance of not knowing in learning how to believe in ourselves. We delve into the movie Perfect Days, the TV show Ted Lasso and Martin's experiences in Bali as creative pathways into the concept of I Don't Know.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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Shoshin - Opening Ourselves To Our Unique Pathway 34:51

12M ago34:51

34:51

In this episode, Martin and Ben explore how a beginner's mindset opens us up to new possibiities in our lives.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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Daoyin: The Root of Healing & Growth 28:03

12M ago28:03

28:03

In this episode, Martin and Ben discuss the myth of the Ascension Culture and the root of Healing & Growth, Daoyin.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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Forging Ease From Chaos 30:26

1y ago30:26

30:26

In this episode, Ben and Martin discuss practicing deep rest in the face of the chaotic and changing world.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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Consciousness in Today's Classroom 40:50

1y ago40:50

40:50

Martin and Ben speak with educators Treasa Edwards and Nichelle Owens about mental health, the classroom and how we can model conscious awareness for the sake of our children. This is a conversation useful for educators, parents, relatives of school-age children and in truth, for anyone interested in exploring more meaningful communication with our…

1
Red-Bellied Woodpecker 27:01

1y ago27:01

27:01

In Episode 5 Ben and Martin explore the healing of generational wounding through a relationship with nature and as well, the Marvel TV show "Echo".By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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No Longer Riding On The Merry-Go-Round 19:09

1y ago19:09

19:09

In Episode 4 Ben and Martin explore Manifestation and the Muse. A conversation around how we can practice life so that both the journey and its destination are at ease and aligned.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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Inside Voices: Making an Audiobook 25:31

1y ago25:31

25:31

In this episode, Martin and Ben are joined by Nichelle Owens, the narrating voice of the Vignettes in Language of the Soul: A Path of Simplicity. We talk about the interplay the experience of voicing the book and the opportunities that arose to Heal & Grow in the process.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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A Morning at the Social Security Administration 21:38

1y ago21:38

21:38

In Episode 2, Ben and Martin talk about an extraordinary experience Martin has in visiting the Social Security Administration. About how being present to our lives allows us to bear witness to the extraordinary.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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Letting Go of the ON/OFF Switch 29:04

1y ago29:04

29:04

In Episode 1 Ben and Martin discuss how approaching life through ease opens doors to creative life force, one’s creativity and in turn, one’s productivity in life.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead

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Intro to the Pod 1:31

1+ y ago1:31

1:31

Ben and Martin welcome listeners into a brief conversation around the nature of living a life focused in Healing & Growth.By Martin Perkins & Ben Umstead