Best Guided Autobiography Podcasts (2025)

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The Stoic Capitalist: How Rational Thinking Creates Success | Robert Rosenkranz 1:08:46

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10h ago1:08:46

1:08:46

A Note from James: Man, what a fascinating career Robert Rosenkranz has had—multi-billionaire, involved in virtually every part of finance and American industry. He wrote a book called The Stoic Capitalist, and what really stands out is how he's actively applied stoic principles to achieve immense success throughout his career. Even from a young ag…

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How to Master Anything—at Any Age: Lessons from World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand 32:02

3d ago32:02

32:02

Notes from James: When I turned 40, I was depressed. I checked the top 50 chess players and saw only one person around my age: Viswanathan Anand. That moment gave me hope. Episode Description: I met one of my lifelong heroes—five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand—and got to sit down with him at the Norway Summit to unpack what it really t…

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“Optimism” with Ted Turner Autobiography Co-Author, Bill Burke, in the USA 57:06

6d ago57:06

57:06

Being optimistic doesn't come naturally to everyone. Still, as we learn from Mark Twain, Ted Turner, Mr. Rogers, and Nelson Mandela, there are ways to incorporate more positivity into our lives. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Bill Burke, a former media executive who not only helped bring Ted Turner's vision to life but is now actively f…

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Gary Vaynerchuk: The Brutal Blueprint for Real Freedom 1:09:39

6d ago1:09:39

1:09:39

A Note from James: So I’ve been doing this podcast for a long time—over 1500 episodes—and I’ve spoken to everyone from billionaires to best-selling authors, athletes to entrepreneurs. But there are a handful of episodes that still ring in my ears years later. One of them was Episode 156 with Gary Vaynerchuk. I was just re-listening to it while pull…

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🎬 Crossing the Threshold: Embracing Your Hero’s Journey 5:02

7d ago5:02

5:02

Welcome to First Editing! I’m JoEllen, and in today’s video, we explore one of the most powerful moments in storytelling: crossing the threshold—the point where your character commits to the unknown and begins their true transformation. Whether you're writing a fantasy novel, a memoir, or anything in between, understanding this part of the Hero's J…

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Crossing the Threshold: Embracing Your Hero’s Journey 5:02

7d ago5:02

5:02

🎬 Crossing the Threshold: Embracing Your Hero’s Journey Welcome to First Editing! I’m JoEllen, and in today’s video, we explore one of the most powerful moments in storytelling: crossing the threshold—the point where your character commits to the unknown and begins their true transformation. Whether you're writing a fantasy novel, a memoir, or anyt…

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7. Family Story Preservation: How Video Biographies Save Memories 42:04

8d ago42:04

42:04

Send us a text Preserving Family Stories: The Urgent Need for Video Biography When family voices fade into silence, irreplaceable stories disappear forever. Sean Daigle, founder of Memoria Films, shares why capturing video biographies is critical for family preservation—and why waiting could mean losing these precious memories permanently. The Hidd…

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#260 - Lachie Abbott: "High and Fast”. 1:33:41

10d ago1:33:41

1:33:41

Send us a text He gets excited, he likes to go fast, and he likes to go high, Mr Lachie Abbott shares this week. From growing up and cutting his teeth on Monster vert ramp with mentors such as Adam Luxford; to being a standout skater at the best skate jam events, Lachie goes deep on his purpose and passion on and off his skateboard. Creative and un…

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Obsession, Chess, and the Myth of Mastery | James & Dirk Jan ten Geuzendam on the "New in Chess" Podcast 1:03:57

10d ago1:03:57

1:03:57

A Note from James: So the question is, I really feel that in order to get not good at something, but great at something, you have to be obsessed. You can't just wake up and decide to be obsessed—it has to be deep, almost irrational. Obsession is like addiction. It throws your life off balance, and yet... there’s this insane joy when you enter the s…

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The Soul’s Greatest Need 43:32

12d ago43:32

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In this episode, SRF monk Brother Prafullananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how we can find the true happiness we are all seeking by experiencing the presence of the Divine within. Have you ever wondered if it is possible to possess a lasting happiness, one that transcends the fleeting pleasures of this world?When we give priority …

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Michael Dell vs. Wall Street: Dorm Room to Billion-Dollar Battles 54:28

13d ago54:28

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A Note from James: Michael Dell. Founder of Dell. I remember in college, hearing about this kid who was building computers in his dorm and making millions. I thought it was a myth. It wasn’t. He’s the real thing—and he just kept going. I wanted to understand what drove him, what it felt like to deal with Carl Icahn trying to wrestle his company fro…

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How to Craft Captivating Characters with Character Profiles 7:19

16d ago7:19

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📝✨ Welcome to First Editing! I’m JoEllen, and in today’s episode, we’ll explore how to create dynamic and realistic fictional characters using character profiles. ✅ Learn why it’s essential to craft relatable characters that draw your readers in. ✅ Discover what a character profile is and why it’s an invaluable tool for any writer. ✅ We’ll walk you…

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Non-Fiction Writing Process: 5 Steps to Success 5:30

17d ago5:30

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Welcome to First Editing! I’m JoEllen, and in this episode, I’ll guide you through the five essential steps in non-fiction writing. Whether you’re crafting a memoir, biography, self-help book, or any other type of non-fiction, these steps will help you bring your ideas to life and create a polished, professional manuscript. We’ll cover: ✅ Prewritin…

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Achieving Spiritual and Material Success 56:09

19d ago56:09

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In this episode, SRF monk Brother Achalananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how we can find the greatest success and fulfillment in both our inner and outer endeavors. Within each one of us lie divine powers — such as willpower, positive thought, and initiative — that enable us to achieve our noblest pursuits. When we continually pra…

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Part 5: How to Write and Publish Your First Book in 30 Days - The Four Book Frameworks 35:16

20d ago35:16

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Notes from James: Most people get stuck at the idea stage. That’s why I’m sharing frameworks—so you’re not staring at a blank screen. These techniques have helped hundreds of people (including me) go from idea to published book in just 30 days. Episode Descriptions: In Part 5 of my 30-day writing series, I unveil four of the most powerful book-writ…

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6. Why Baby Boomers Aren't Preparing for Aging (And How Person-Centred Care Can Help) 12:11

22d ago12:11

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Send us a text The oldest Baby Boomers will turn 80 in just four years, yet most aren't preparing for aging. Why do we avoid these crucial conversations? In this episode, I explore the gap between our aging reality and our readiness, drawing from research showing Baby Boomers' underestimated impact on society and healthcare. We'll discuss how stigm…

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Shoveling Sh*t: Entrepreneurs’ Secrets to a $700M Exit with Michael & Kass Lazerow 1:05:08

22d ago1:05:08

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Episode Description: James reconnects with entrepreneurs Michael and Kass Lazerow, whose journey spans selling Golf.com for $24 million, launching and pivoting Buddy Media into a $700 million Salesforce acquisition, and now investing in breakout brands like Liquid Death. This episode isn’t about startup clichés—it’s about emotional resilience, firi…

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#259 - AHA (Andrew H. Alcorn): “Get up. Dress up. Show up.” 1:53:23

23d ago1:53:23

1:53:23

Send us a text Andrew H. Alcorn, otherwise known as AHA, is the founder of C Four International, and the creative force behind the legendary Sydney label Censored Skateboards. Over the decades, AHA has played a key role in sponsoring and supporting skateboarders across generations. In this episode, we dive into his journey from skater to brand rep,…

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Anchor Yourself in God 35:03

26d ago35:03

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In this episode, SRF nun Sister Ranjana shares wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how we can anchor ourselves in the awareness and protection of the Divine to experience true solace and safety — no matter what is going on around us in this world. When we are able to use the science of Kriya Yoga and the power of positive thinking to establish a b…

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Part 4: How to Write and Publish Your First Book in 30 Days – Self-Publishing, Traditional Deals, and Making Real Money 39:56

26d ago39:56

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Notes from James: Let’s be honest: most people who write a book never make money from it. Why? Because they stop at the last page. I want you to go further. In this episode, I show you how I turned my books into speaking gigs, consulting work, investment deals, and more. You don’t need a big publisher or a massive budget—just the right strategy. Ep…

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“Shackled in Chains” with SBI Managing Executive of Exec Education, Belinda Knight, in South Africa 1:03:39

27d ago1:03:39

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What if everything you thought you knew about learning was wrong? In today's episode, get ready to delve into the transformative power of immersive learning and discover how it's revolutionizing the way we foster mindset shifts and cultivate authentic leadership. Join us as we sit down with Belinda Knight, a dynamic catalyst of change, who shares h…

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Trump’s 2025 Tariff Revolution? Wilbur Ross Spills the Dirty Secrets on Trade, China, and Your Money! 47:00

28d ago47:00

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A Note from James: Well, you can't get more information about tariffs and the economy than what I just got and you're about to listen to. Wilbur Ross, who was Secretary of Commerce under the first administration of Trump, just came on the podcast. I got to ask any question I wanted—about tariffs, the economy, everything. Don't forget, in Trump’s fi…

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YOU GOOD? Are you a NARCISSIST? With Roy Molloy, Scott Spring, Steve Tierney and James McMillan (#258). 1:37:09

1M ago1:37:09

1:37:09

Send us a text I dive into the complex world of narcissism—what it really is, how it shows up in ourselves, and the impact it has on mental health and relationships. From grandiosity to fragile egos, we explore the fine line between confidence and insecurity, drawing on insights from psychology, personal experience, and phone calls with past guests…

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How-to Thrive in the Future of Podcasting: Insights from PodcastOne Top Industry Executives, Kit Gray & Robert Ellin 50:33

1M ago50:33

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A Note from James: So I’ve been podcasting for, gosh, 11 years—over 1500 episodes. And through that whole journey, PodcastOne always stood out to me. They recently went public, and today I’ve got Rob Ellin and Kit Gray joining me. What’s the future of podcasting? If you're thinking about starting a podcast—or wondering how to grow one you already h…

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Living in Attunement With the Divine 30:36

1M ago30:36

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In this inspiring talk Sri Mrinalini Mata, fourth president of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, draws on her personal training from Paramahansa Yogananda and decades of experience living a God-centered life to share how we can bring about the perfect attunement with God which our souls seek. Emphasizing the importance o…

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Part 3: How to Write and Publish Your First Book in 30 Days - The 6 U’s, Clarity Tools, and Breaking Through Writer’s Block 52:22

1M ago52:22

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Notes from James: This is where a lot of people quit—but you won’t. This episode is about pushing through the dip that comes when writing gets tough. I give you tools I’ve used across 25+ books to keep going, stay motivated, and write better. Episode Descriptions: This is Part 3 of my 30-day writing series—and we’re getting into the real tools that…

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5. Storytelling as Healing: Kristy Wolfe on Vulnerability and Authenticity in Digital Narratives 33:44

1M ago33:44

33:44

Send us a text Show Notes Kristy Wolfe is a digital storytelling facilitator and a Wolfe Pack Warrior. She believes there is beauty in every story and she champions real stories in marketing and communication. Kristy exposes the human side of any organization, with consideration for ethics in storytelling, as well as storyteller wellness every step…

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Opening Our Hearts and Minds to the Guru 59:54

1M ago59:54

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SRF nun Sister Bhakti speaks on the importance of a guru in one’s spiritual search, and how to receive more fully the love and wisdom that the guru offers. This talk was given at the 2018 Self-Realization Fellowship World Convocation. Sister Bhakti’s presentation of this essential topic on the spiritual path interweaves delightful and instructive s…

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Keep On Keeping On, Taking God With You 52:28

1M ago52:28

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SRF monk Brother Achalananda presents ideas from Paramahansa Yogananda on how to attain an awareness of the Divine you can take with you wherever you go. “God is omnipresent, God is everywhere, and so in this sense we automatically take Him with us wherever we go. But on the other hand, although He is everywhere, we are not always aware of Him. And…

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Satsanga on Nurturing a Personal Relationship With God 44:07

1M ago44:07

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Self-Realization Fellowship nun Sister Draupadi shares wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how to address two fundamental—and interwoven—questions on the spiritual path: “What can I do to nurture a personal relationship with God?” and “What will help me to sustain that relationship through all the ups and downs of daily life?” She explains how bec…

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Deepen Your Meditations—Let Go of the Drama 35:12

1M ago35:12

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In this episode, SRF monk Brother Satyananda shares an important key for letting go of any emotional drama that is currently fighting for our attention in meditation. Drawing from Paramahansaji’s commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita, “God Talks With Arjuna,” and other works, Brother Satyananda shows us ways to empower ourselves to release mental drama…

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Part 2: How to Write and Publish Your First Book in 30 Days - Frameworks, First Lines, and the Craft of Storytelling 45:43

1M ago45:43

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Notes from James: The biggest lie about writing is that it takes years. I’ve written multiple books in less than a month—including bestsellers. With the right system, anyone can do this. In this episode, I break down how to structure your first book and why your life experience, not your grammar, is your superpower. You’ll also hear my take on AI w…

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How to Spiritualize Our Daily Lives 36:01

1M ago36:01

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In this episode, SRF monk Brother Saralananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how our practice of repeating devotional thoughts of God can spiritualize and elevate our lives. Would you like to feel a buoyancy and flow of divine inspiration throughout every day? When we keep our consciousness centered on feeling the loving presence of G…

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How to write and publish your book in 30 days: Part 1 - The Foundation of a Successful Writing Life 39:19

1M ago39:19

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Notes from James: I’ve written 25 books—some huge hits, some total flops—and what I’ve learned is this: anyone can write a book, but not everyone gives themselves permission to start. This episode is the foundation. I break down the mindset, motivation, and structure you need to go from blank page to published book—even if you’ve never written a wo…

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Developing a Moment-to-Moment Relationship With God 47:17

1M ago47:17

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Self-Realization Fellowship monk Brother Govindananda discusses Paramahansa Yogananda’s teaching on meditation—that not only do we want to experience God’s presence as peace, love, joy, in meditation, but to take that awareness with us during the day, no matter what’s going on around us. The importance of seeing our spiritual efforts as a divine of…

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Yoga and the Steps to Unconditional Love 42:25

1M ago42:25

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In this inspirational service, SRF monk Brother Bhumananda shares Paramahansa Yogananda’s wisdom on the steps that a spiritual seeker can take on the path of yoga to satisfy the heart’s deepest longing for love. The service includes a period of guided yoga meditation. This talk was recording in January, 2021, at the SRF Mother Center in Los Angeles…

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Kriya Yoga: Universal Science of God-Realization 42:12

1M ago42:12

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Brother Anandamoy (1922 – 2016), direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda and much-loved Self-Realization Fellowship minister, gives an inspiring overview of the power of Kriya Yoga to uplift the consciousness of those who practice this sacred science deeply and regularly. This talk was given at the SRF Pasadena Temple on January 4, 1998. The Kriya…

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Your Thoughts Can Change Your Life 56:45

1M ago56:45

56:45

Brother Anandamoy (1922 – 2016), a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda and much-loved minister of Self-Realization Fellowship, shares principles from Paramahansaji’s teaching on the power of thought. With compassionate understanding, profound insight, and gentle humor Brother Anandamoy reminds us of the transforming power of our own thoughts a…

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YOU GOOD? Flow State (explained) For Skateboarding and Life (#257). 38:38

2M ago38:38

38:38

Send us a text Ever had a session where time disappeared and everything just clicked? That’s flow — and your brain is literally wired for it. In this solo episode, I break down the neuroscience of flow, why skating triggers it like nothing else, and how it helps with mental health. I reference experts in the field; Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Steven K…

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God as the Divine Mother 35:57

2M ago35:57

35:57

In this episode, SRF nun Sister Usha conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda about the all-embracing Divine Mother, God in the aspect of perfect unconditional love. We all yearn to be loved unconditionally — fully understood and accepted without reservation. When we approach God as a child appealing to our Divine Mother, we can experience the sym…

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Bitcoin Meets Gold: Sunny Ray on Tokenization’s Future 57:44

2M ago57:44

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A Note from James: Sunny Ray is working on an incredible project involving Bitcoin and his company, Matador. They’re digitizing gold—turning it into crypto—and he’s a Bitcoin maximalist. That’s different from my stance: I think there are many crypto tokens that are useful for specific purposes. But Sonny’s view is clear—Bitcoin is the foundation. W…

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“Leadership On the Line” with Harvard’s Dr. Stephen Davis in the USA 1:00:15

2M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

Have you ever wondered how leadership and corporate strategy can balance profit with purpose in today’s rapidly changing world? In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Stephen Davis, a thought leader in corporate governance, law, and diplomacy, who takes us on a journey through his unexpected career evolution. From a pivotal moment at Columbia Univers…

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Dr. Mehmet Oz (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) on Food, Medicine, and the Future of Healthcare 36:04

2M ago36:04

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A Note from James: So Dr. Oz—television personality turned government official—this is such an interesting thing. He's going to be the new administrator of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, CMS. He’s going to be in charge of all Medicare and Medicaid. What does he know or think about these parts of our government? Medicare and Medicaid…

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4. Digital Life Stories for Person-Centered Care: How Echobox Memory Vault Enhances Healthcare Storytelling 25:53

2M ago25:53

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Send us a text Show Notes: Tim and Tannis Roberts take time to share about the evolution of Echobox Memory Vault, a storytelling, memory-keeping, ad-free technology that can enhance quality of life for individuals by having opportunities to share their stories and capture what matters to them which loved ones and other care partners can then learn …

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Everything Doctor's & Hospitals are Afraid to Tell You: FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary on How to Negotiate Your Medical Bills, Advocate For Yourself & Restore U.S. Healthcare 1:30:09

2M ago1:30:09

1:30:09

A Note from James: Marty Makary is the new head of the FDA, but he is also an old friend of the podcast. He's been on several times, and it's really important to know how this is going to be a new and different FDA, and it's going to be molded by Marty's very specific opinions about healthcare and the medical industry—and here they are. Episode Des…

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Guru and Disciple: An Eternal Covenant of Love 58:47

2M ago58:47

58:47

Brother Bhaktananda (1914 – 2005), a longtime SRF monk and minister who became a disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda in 1939, explains how to develop and perfect the guru-disciple relationship: the Divine’s eternal plan to free each soul. He discusses how a commitment to simplicity, obedience, and loyalty in our daily lives leads to real freedom and …

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Giving Thanks for Life’s Blessings: Attitudes of a Yogi 40:23

2M ago40:23

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SRF monk Brother Jayananda discusses positive ways we can approach all life’s situations as yogis in order to be successful spiritually: “When we talk about thanksgiving or gratitude, these are attitudes really—ways of thinking, or ways of approaching life.” Drawing from Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings and his experiences with Sri Daya Mata, SRF’…

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Gaining the Wealth of Inner Happiness 34:34

2M ago34:34

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In this episode, SRF monk Brother Jayananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how we can find the true and lasting happiness that is the very nature of our souls. Would you like to experience a happiness that is all-satisfying and never ends? All of us are looking for happiness, but the joy we get from outer conditions and experiences qu…

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DataRepublican’s Mission: Uncovering Government Fraud to Save the Country with Determination 38:46

2M ago38:46

38:46

A Note from James: The Data Republican—it almost sounds like a superhero name. And in a way, she is. She’s been single-handedly uncovering massive amounts of government waste and inefficiency. It’s honestly unbelievable. And regardless of whether you're a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or anything else, I think we can all agree: there shouldn’t…

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Awakening From the Cosmic Dream 34:37

2M ago34:37

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In this episode, SRF monk Brother Padmananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how we can awaken to the joy of Spirit that lies just behind the passing illusions of this world. The yogis of ancient India said that this material world is a dream — so how can we wake up from this dream and experience true reality? When we focus on the plea…