Best Justin Schaefer Podcasts (2025)

Today I sit down with Dr. Daniel M. Ingram, a retired ER physician, co-founder of the Emergent Phenomena Research Consortium, CEO of Emergence Benefactors, and a noted adept in Buddhist meditation. Together we explore “emergent phenomena,” or the spiritual, mystical, magical, energetic, and psychedelic possibilities at the deep end of human experie…

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Baptism of The Holy Spirit - Episode 48 27:50

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21d ago27:50

27:50

"He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." Matthew 3:11 In this episode, we are going to magnify the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The hosts explain the meaning of baptism, recount the events of Pentecost, and discuss the significance of being filled and led by the Holy Spirit. The conversation covers the differences between water baptism a…

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The Mandala of Animist Forces, with Josh Schrei 1:02:42

1M ago1:02:42

1:02:42

Today I sit down with Josh Schrei, storyteller, sound artist, and host of The Emerald Podcast. Josh helps us to embrace and center the spirit world in our understanding of contemporary Buddhism. Along the way, we talk about Tibetan weather makers, shamanic battle, the trance-inducing effect of stories, and how to diplomatically negotiate with animi…

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Are You Saved? - Episode 47 31:01

1M ago31:01

31:01

Are you saved? What is it that you are saved from? In this episode, hosts Justin Olbrantz and Don Schaefer explore the profound question: 'Are You Saved?' They discuss what it means to be saved, the role of Jesus as the savior, the One who saves, and why humanity needs salvation. The episode widens into the biblical definitions of holiness and the …

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Separating from Your Past - Episode 46 29:48

2M ago29:48

29:48

"Old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new!" In this episode, hosts Justin Olbrantz and Don Schaefer explore the theme of separating from one's past to embrace the present and future that God has in store. They discuss how Jesus provides an opportunity to discard past burdens and live a life aligned with God's purpose. Key top…

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Walking in the Spirit - Episode 45 31:36

2M ago31:36

31:36

Unlocking the Spiritual Realm Through the Guidance of the Spirit This episode aims to introduce viewers to the spiritual realm, offering insights for those beginning their spiritual journey or for those looking to deepen their walk. The conversation covers how to decipher the spiritual realm, the importance of spiritual rebirth, the role of the Hol…

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Spiritual Weirdness and Shadow Work, with Mary Shutan 1:01:26

2M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Today I sit down with Mary Shutan, a spiritual teacher specializing in awakening and shadow work. Our conversation focuses on the weirdness, emotional volatility, darkness, and other challenges that inevitably accompany serious spiritual practice. Along the way, we talk about the diverse range of awakenings, the difficulties of managing kundalini e…

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Developing the Perfect Character - Episode 44 29:48

3M ago29:48

29:48

Character isn’t just about morals; it’s about preparing for the eternal journey. In this episode, the two explore the topic of developing the perfect character. They begin by defining character through the lens of moral excellence and firmness. The discussion touches on the challenges of striving for perfection and the biblical concept of being per…

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Waiting On God for An Answer - Episode 43 32:08

3M ago32:08

32:08

The Art of Waiting on God: Faith, Trust, and Persistence In this episode, hosts Justin Olbrantz and Dr. Don Schaefer tap into the intricate and sometimes exhausting process of waiting on God for answers. They discuss the importance of faith, persistence, and trust in God's perfect timing. Through biblical examples such as Daniel and personal anecdo…

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Meditation Side-Effects and Other Altered States, with Miguel Farias 1:09:39

4M ago1:09:39

1:09:39

Today I sit down with Miguel Farias, an experimental psychologist and researcher of religion, spirituality, and cognition. Together we try to get to the bottom of whether meditation is actually good for you through a comparison of Miguel's research on the adverse effects of meditation with my research on Asian notions of meditation sickness. Along …

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Daemons, Tantra, and Cultural Exchange, with David Gordon White 55:54

4M ago55:54

55:54

Today I sit down with David Gordon White, a distinguished indologist and scholar of Tantra. Our conversation focuses on David’s most recent project tracing the transregional histories of spirits, gods, demons, and their associated rituals across Eurasia. Along the way, we dive into an intellectual conversation about dog-headed men, angry goddesses,…

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Your Hardship Has A Purpose - Episode 42 31:28

4M ago31:28

31:28

From Hardship to Relationship In this episode, Dr. Don and Justin discuss the profound topic of how hardships serve a divine purpose in our lives. They emphasize that while going through tough times can be incredibly challenging, these moments are crucial for personal and spiritual growth. Don and Justin demonstrate the importance of perspective, s…

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Magic, Death, and Necromancy in Thai Buddhism, with Justin McDaniel 52:17

5M ago52:17

52:17

💀💀 Warning: This episode contains potentially disturbing content! 💀💀 Today I sit down with Justin McDaniel, a scholar of Theravada Buddhist literature and art. Together we explore the darker side of Thai Buddhism, including meditation on decomposing bodies, fetus spirits, corpse oil, and the spectrum of white and black magic. We discuss the logics …

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Coming Out of Darkness - Episode 41 42:50

6M ago42:50

42:50

It is time for you to walk in the Light. Dr. Don and Justin discuss the concept of coming out of a dark period - both historically and personally in one's life. They explore the idea that many people live in a state of spiritual darkness, comparing it to the Dark Ages in history, where people were disconnected from the Word of God. They emphasize t…

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Defying Temptation - Episode 40 30:17

6M ago30:17

30:17

Let's talk about defying temptation. In this episode, the hosts explore the nature of temptation, the ways it manifests in modern life, and the spiritual tools required to resist it. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding temptation, staying grounded in the Word of God, and developing spiritual muscles to overcome challenges wh…

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Growing in the Spirit - Episode 39 33:35

6M ago33:35

33:35

Join us for our One-Year Anniversary celebration! In this episode, the two discuss the crucial topic of 'Growing in the Spirit.' What does it mean? How do we discern if something is spirtual? They emphasize the importance of spiritual growth alongside physical growth, explaining how nurturing one's spirit is essential for a fulfilling and resilient…

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Daoist Exorcism, with Josh Paynter & Jack Schaefer 1:12:46

7M ago1:12:46

1:12:46

Today I sit down with Jack Schaefer and Josh Paynter, co-abbots of the Parting Clouds Temple, to discuss their practice of Daoist exorcism. We talk about the differences between spirits, ghosts, demons, and other entities; as well as a range of practices including talismans, body replacement, curse breaking, and spiritual battle. Along the way, we …

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Sharing Our Testimonies Pt. 2 - Episode 38 44:05

7M ago44:05

44:05

Meet The Hosts : Welcome to Part Two! The Wise & the Wandering hosts Justin Olbrantz and Dr. Don Schaefer share part two of their personal testimonies. The discussion focuses on their transformative journeys through faith, emphasizing the rapid changes that belief and the baptism of the Holy Spirit can bring. They highlight the importance of heartf…

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Season 3: Introducing Black Beryl, with Pierce Salguero 52:24

7M ago52:24

52:24

You are not mistaken: this is in fact the podcast formerly known as The Blue Beryl. We have changed our name for season 3, as we are embracing the darkness! You'll notice a new logo and a new URL, but if you're a subscriber, there's nothing you need to do. Everything will automatically be updated. In today's episode, we are launching the new season…

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Meet Dr. Don! - Episode 37 39:25

7M ago39:25

39:25

Meet Dr. Don : A Spiritual Journey When did Dr. Don Schaefer meet the Lord? This is Part One of our hosts Justin Olbrantz and Dr. Don Schaefer sharing their personal testimonies. They discuss their faith journeys, the transformative power of God's unconditional love, and the importance of acting on one's faith in the moment. From Don's early experi…

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Learning How To Pray - Episode 36 30:57

8M ago30:57

30:57

Let us pray. Hosts Justin Olbrantz and Dr. Don Schaefer discuss the critical aspects of prayer in a believer's life. They delve into how prayer forms the essential connection between believers and God, emphasizing that prayer is a necessity rather than an option. The duo covers different facets of prayer, including thanksgiving, praise, and direct …

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Meta-Practice, with Volker Scheid 50:43

8M ago50:43

50:43

PLEASE NOTE: Shortly, we will be changing our name to Black Beryl. Your subscription will automatically update and no action is necessary on your part. Thanks for your continued support! Today I sit down with Volker Scheid, an interdisciplinary scholar and longtime practitioner of Chinese medicine. Together, we take an intellectual deep dive into h…

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Getting Rid of Anxiety - Episode 35 30:21

8M ago30:21

30:21

Let's stop living in fear. Hosts Justin Olbrantz and Dr. Don Schaefer discuss how to handle and completely get rid of anxiety through spiritual means. They emphasize the importance of relying on God as a remedy for anxiety, citing biblical references such as Philippians 4:6-7 and 2 Timothy 1:7. The hosts offer practical advice for Christians, inclu…

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“Dead” To Our Old Self - Episode 34 31:18

9M ago31:18

31:18

Today, we celebrate the dead. Not a physical death, but a spiritual one. We are no longer plagued by our pasts and stuck living by the stories that once defined us. We are a NEW creation. In this episode, hosts Justin Olbrantz and Dr. Don Schaefer discuss the theme of 'Dead to Your Old Self'. They explore biblical teachings on the transition from a…

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Bonus: Embodiment and Pedagogy, with Frances Garrett (Rebroadcast from 2023) 1:00:58

9M ago1:00:58

1:00:58

In this episode I sit down with Frances Garrett, a scholar of Tibetan culture, history, and language. We talk about Frances’s interests in embodiment and movement, and how her experiences as ballet dancer, surfer, and rock climber connect with her work on religion and healing. Our conversation focuses on her commitment to embodied and trauma-aware …

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Renewing Your Mind - Episode 33 30:06

9M ago30:06

30:06

Transformation. When does it start? If not now, when? In this episode, hosts Justin Olbrantz and Dr. Don Schaefer discuss the profound impact of transforming one's mind by embracing faith in Jesus Christ. They highlight the biblical concept of renewing the mind, referencing Paul's teachings, and the necessity of not being conformed to the world, bu…

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Getting Over Resentment - Episode 32 30:17

9M ago30:17

30:17

Have you ever dealt with resentment? Our hosts Justin Obrantz and Dr. Don Schaefer discuss the complex emotion of resentment, its causes, and its impacts on individuals. They define resentment as a mix of anger, bitterness, and disappointment often resulting from being wronged. The hosts emphasize the need to understand the root causes of resentmen…

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Critique, Wonder, and Chinese Anatomy, with Lan A. Li 55:21

10M ago55:21

55:21

Today I sit down with Blue Beryl's producer, Lan A. Li, a historian of Chinese science, medicine, and the body. We talk about their life-long practice of qigong, the limits of academic critique, and the integration of divergent epistemologies in studying Chinese anatomy. Along the way, we discuss Lan’s new book, Body Maps: Improvising Meridians and…

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Defeating Your Ego - Episode 31 34:29

10M ago34:29

34:29

Edging God Out The hosts discuss the concept of the ego as a barrier to spiritual growth and fulfillment, described as 'edging God out.' They explore how an egocentric perspective can prevent deeper relationships with God and others, and the importance of moving beyond self-centric thinking to embrace a spiritual relationship rooted in love, humili…

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Living From Your Heart - Episode 30 33:52

10M ago33:52

33:52

Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes. ~ Carl Jung It's time to operate from a place of Love. Wouldn't you want to live in a place where you are speaking and acting FROM love instead of always NEEDING love? Justin and Don explore the importance of the heart as t…

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Winning Your Spiritual Battles - Episode 29 33:34

10M ago33:34

33:34

"We are natural beings living in a spiritual world." Do you want to learn how to be guided by the Spirit when times get tough? Justin and Don discuss the importance of being prepared for spiritual battles. They explain the distinction between the soul and the spirit and emphasize the need to recognize the spiritual dimensions of life that affect ou…

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Knowing Your True Value - Episode 28 30:20

11M ago30:20

30:20

"God doesn't make junk." In this episode, Justin and Don discuss the concept of knowing one's true value. They emphasize that every person is inherently valuable, a truth often obscured by societal pressures and distorted perceptions of worth. They explore how understanding this intrinsic value can completely transform lives, reduce the prevalence …

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The Body in Classical Hathayoga, with Ruth Westoby 52:09

11M ago52:09

52:09

In this episode I sit down with Ruth Westoby a scholar, teacher, and practitioner of yoga. We discuss Ruth’s work on the body in early hatha yoga texts. We talk about the broad diversity of approaches to the material body in these sources, including their ideas about gender, the cultivation of powers, and approaches to liberation. Along the way, we…

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Ep. 7: I Once Was Lost - with Kris & Cari Goodrich 53:20

11M ago53:20

53:20

Send us a text Today we discuss the amazing journey of Kris and Cari Goodrich, on their way to salvation.By Justin Schaefer

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Yoga, Disability, and Animism, with Theo Wildcroft 58:13

11M ago58:13

58:13

Today, I sit down with Theodora Wildcroft, a researcher, anthropologist, and long-time teacher of what she calls “post-lineage yoga.” We discuss Theo's ethnographic research on yoga in the UK, focusing on its connections with animism, paganism, and other somatic practices. We also dive into Theo’s personal approach to yoga as a liberatory practice …

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The Church Is The People, (Not The Building) - Episode 27 34:30

11M ago34:30

34:30

In this episode, the hosts Dr. Don and Justin tap into talking about the true purpose of the church, emphasizing that it is about the people rather than the buildings. They discuss the misinterpretations surrounding the church and underscore the importance of fellowship, intimate gatherings, and the spiritual connection among believers. Through scr…

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Keeping Your Promises - Episode 26 29:20

12M ago29:20

29:20

In this episode, hosts Justin Olbrantz and Dr. Don Schaefer carefully detail the importance of keeping promises, both to others and to yourself. They highlight the significance of promises in building trust, character, and spiritual integrity, referencing biblical examples and personal experiences. The discussion also emphasizes how fulfilling prom…

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What You Believe Is What You Live - Episode 25 32:33

12M ago32:33

32:33

Don't just believe in it. Believe it in. In this episode, hosts Justin Olbrantz and Don Schaefer explore the profound impact of personal beliefs on our lives. They discuss how what we believe shapes how we live--we stand by our beliefs, we defend our beliefs, and therefore, we live by them--emphasizing the importance of having a strong belief syste…

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You Could Be A Witness - Episode 24 30:39

1y ago30:39

30:39

“Every test in your life is a Testimony and every mess is a Message…” In this episode, hosts Justin Olbrantz and Dr. Don Schaefer delve into the concept of what it means to be a witness. They discuss the importance of personal transformation and how witnessing is more than just sharing words—it's about reflecting Jesus' love and goodness through on…

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BONUS: Awakening the Body, with Willa Baker (Rebroadcast from 2023) 57:45

1y ago57:45

57:45

Today I sit down with Willa Blythe Baker, a writer, translator, and teacher of meditation based on Himalayan Buddhist tradition. We talk about Willa’s early discovery of Buddhism with her mother, her time living as a nun, and our shared experience in graduate school at UVa. We then do a deep-dive into Buddhist tantra and the alchemical transformati…

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Ep. 6: Unity - with Bruce Schaefer 29:44

1y ago29:44

29:44

Send us a text Today we discuss the reality that unity can be contrary to the will of God.By Justin Schaefer

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Your Identity Drives You - Episode 23 31:33

1y ago31:33

31:33

"You will be whatever comes after the words 'I am.'" In this episode, hosts Justin Olbrantz and Don Schaefer take a journey into the concept of identity and its profound impact on one's life. They discuss how one's self-perception and beliefs shape their path and dictate their successes or failures. The conversation highlights the role of identity …

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How To Push Past Your Trauma - Episode 22 31:42

1y ago31:42

31:42

"This generation, which has suffered fully as much if not more heartache than people in preceding eras, needs to re-learn that which the wisest people of all time have known, namely, that there is no healing of the pain suffered by humanity except through the benign ministrations of faith." - Norman Vincent Peale In this episode, hosts Justin Olbra…

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Ep. 5: Choosing Your Attitude - with Tony Carrillo 45:31

1y ago45:31

45:31

Send us a text Today we discuss the importance of choosing your attitude to live a successful life.By Justin Schaefer

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Ep. 4: Salt & Light - with Bruce Schaefer 24:45

1y ago24:45

24:45

Send us a text Today we discuss the Biblical principles of being salt and light, and why that is so important.By Justin Schaefer

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Ep. 3: Visuals in the Bible - with Rev. Sammy Draper 38:48

1y ago38:48

38:48

Send us a text We discuss the visual illustrations found throughout scripture, and how we can apply them to our lives today.By Justin Schaefer

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Nondual Psychosomatic Chinese Medicine, with Brandt Stickley 49:00

1y ago49:00

49:00

Today I sit down with Dr. Brandt Stickley, associate professor of classical Chinese medicine at the National University of Natural Medicine. We talk about Brandt’s approach, which he calls “nondual psychosomatic medicine.” We also explore how perceiving yin and yang moment by moment can be a portal to nondual experience, and how placing needles in …