The Good World

Rev Br Seth Samuels

Let's build a world that is good! Support me on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/goodworld Store: https://goodworld.printful.me Instagram: https://instagram.com/goodworld.love TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@goodworld.love Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodworld.love

  1. "We each have to know what our curriculum is on this planet"

    17.12.2025

    "We each have to know what our curriculum is on this planet"

    Subscribe to The Good World at https://www.youtube.com/@thegoodworld! New episodes every Wednesday ----- "We each have to know what our curriculum is on this planet" I'm Brother Seth, an interfaith minister and spiritual atheist. In this episode of Good World, I welcome my dear friend Rev Sara Kassem (https://sarakassem.com), who is also an ordained interfaith minister, as well as a therapist. Join us as we dive into exploring interfaith ministry, the emotional maturity gap, the importance of being seen, and personal healing journeys. Sara also shares a special item from her trip to Egypt and discusses how joy and the body play vital roles in spiritual practice. Tune in for a heartfelt and insightful conversation on building a world that is good! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:10 Interfaith Ministry Journey 04:03 Freedom and Flexibility in Spirituality 10:06 Emotional Maturity and Interfaith 20:03 Knowing Yourself and Your Path 26:44 Commercial Break and Support 27:52 Therapy and Inner Child Work 39:26 Connecting Healing and Community 40:08 The Impact of Parental Facades 41:26 Navigating Emotional Exhaustion 42:23 Personal Reflections on Relationships 44:16 The Journey of Vulnerability 46:27 Healing Through Community Calls 47:19 The Ambivalence of Love and Connection 51:59 The Power of Being Seen 52:50 Challenges of Accountability and Punishment 59:39 Indigenous Approaches to Accountability 01:02:40 The Importance of Community Cohesion 01:05:24 Freedom to Walk Away 01:08:50 Conceptual Show and Tell 01:18:12 Closing Thoughts and Farewell Find Rev Sara's work at https://www.sarakassem.com/ And on her substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/energyschool ----- Support me on Patreon! https://patreon.com/goodworld Store: https://goodworld.printful.me Instagram: https://instagram.com/goodworld.love TikTok: https://tiktok.com/goodworld.love Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodworld.love Theme song animation by Deborah Pinkney. Check out her work at https://www.deborahpinkney.com ----- Mentioned in this episode: - Imam Jamal Rahman: https://jamalrahman.com/ - Rev Sara's ordination homily: https://youtu.be/1u7OjwnozwM

    1 Std. 19 Min.
  2. Is there an objective way to rank people?! (No.)

    10.12.2025

    Is there an objective way to rank people?! (No.)

    Subscribe to The Good World on YouTube! New episodes every Wednesday ----- I'm Brother Seth, an ordained interfaith minister and former data scientist. Let's delve into the complex ideas of supremacy, superiority, and objectivity. I discuss the bias inherent in both data and our societal measures of success. I use analogies and personal experience to illustrate how true objectivity is an ideal we strive for but can never fully achieve. Learn why wealth isn't an accurate measure of your worth and why our understanding of intelligence and success steers us wrong. Plus, discover the importance of community and moral leadership in building a better, more connected world. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share! 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:45 Exploring Objectivity and Bias in Data 02:45 The Role of AI and Machine Learning 04:25 Bias in Sports Statistics 12:49 Economic Value vs. Real World Value 18:50 The Flaws of GDP and Wealth Measurement 23:39 The Myth of Objective Intelligence 30:41 The Power of Stories and Community 37:43 Conclusion and Farewell ----- Patreon Store Instagram TikTok Facebook Theme song animation by Deborah Pinkney ----- Mentioned in this episode: - My article about streakiness in baseball - Fire Joe Morgan - Baseball WAR (Wins Above Replacement) - Development of Monopoly (board game) - Utopia for Realists, by Rutger Bregman - Doughnut Economics, by Kate Raworth - In 2003, Pedro Martinez comfortably led the AL in ERA, was second in WAR, tied for 15th in wins - Book about genetics and inequality - Social Psychology course with Prof Scott Plous - Influence, by Robert Cialdini

    38 Min.
  3. Let's Talk About Death, Bay-bee! with Rev Mo Annalouiza Armendariz and Rev Wakil Matthews

    03.12.2025

    Let's Talk About Death, Bay-bee! with Rev Mo Annalouiza Armendariz and Rev Wakil Matthews

    Subscribe to The Good World at https://www.youtube.com/@thegoodworld! New episodes every Wednesday ----- Let's Talk About Death, Bay-bee! This conversation was so much fun--fun is important *especially* when the topic is difficult. Join me, Brother Seth, and my guests the Reverent Mother Annalouiza Armendariz and Rev Wakil Matthews as we discuss the vital but often avoided topic of death and end-of-life planning. Together, we explore the importance of talking about death, practical aspects like advance directives, and the healing power of ritual, nature, and poetry. Together we share playful banter, heartfelt stories, and practical advice on embracing life's final chapter. Subscribe, like, and share to support meaningful content! 00:00 Welcome to The Good World 00:08 Meet the Guests: Reverent Mother Annalouiza Armendariz and Rev Wakil Matthews 01:04 The Importance of Adult Conversations 03:15 Choosing Titles and Honorifics 05:35 The Origins of the End of Life Conversations Podcast 07:58 Discussing Death and Dying 12:28 Dark Humor and Death 14:31 Exploring the Mysteries of the Universe 26:17 Promoting the Podcast and End of Life Planning 29:51 Navigating Medical Decisions and Advanced Care Directives 31:39 The Importance of Conversations About End-of-Life Wishes 35:30 Personal Stories and Experiences with Hospice and Grief 42:27 Cultural Practices and Rituals Around Death 51:59 Maintaining Emotional Well-being in Caregiving 58:35 Conceptual Show and Tell (or an actual thing) ----- Support me on Patreon! https://patreon.com/goodworld Store: https://goodworld.printful.me Instagram: https://instagram.com/goodworld.love TikTok: https://tiktok.com/goodworld.love Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodworld.love Theme song animation by Deborah Pinkney. Check out her work at https://www.deborahpinkney.com ----- Mentioned in this episode: - End of Life Conversations Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/38z5ESStxkIJYt4d2mGlRX - Brother Seth on the End of Life Conversations Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0If58nB9q4rpG8pjk4888b?si=gW2HSNdZS9yGeMjTH-x3kA - Stiff, by Mary Roach: https://bookshop.org/p/books/stiff-the-curious-lives-of-human-cadavers-mary-roach/76853f8b62d47dcb?ean=9780393881721&next=t - Dark Matter: https://science.nasa.gov/dark-matter/ - Wakil's Substack (with link to Before You Go classes): https://revwakildavidmatthews.substack.com/p/next-before-you-go-end-of-life-planning-a12 - Annalouiza's book, The 15 Minutes Before I Die: https://www.jaguar-journey.com/store/p4/The_15_Minutes_Before_I_Die.html#/ - Five Wishes advanced directive: https://www.fivewishes.org/ - Seeing Ghosts, by Kat Chow: https://bookshop.org/p/books/seeing-ghosts-a-memoir-kat-chow/0e9741b16e25b068 - Karma Affirmation Cistern Don’t Be Afraid Keep Going Toward the Horror, by Gabrielle Calvocoressi: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/1723449/karma-affirmation-cistern-dont-be-afraid-keep-going-toward-the-horror - Hanuman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanuman - This Star Shall Abide, by Sylvia Engdahl: https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-star-shall-abide-aka-heritage-of-the-star-sylvia-engdahl/285d2cc1987a71e1

    1 Std. 2 Min.
  4. How can linguistic diversity help us expand our minds (and avoid an AI bubble)?

    26.11.2025

    How can linguistic diversity help us expand our minds (and avoid an AI bubble)?

    Subscribe to The Good World at https://www.youtube.com/@thegoodworld! New episodes every Wednesday ----- How can linguistic diversity help us expand our minds (and avoid an AI bubble)? Hi friend, I'm Brother Seth, an ordained interfaith minister and spiritual atheist! Join me as I dive into the fascinating world of linguistic and cultural diversity. From Sacramento, California out to the entire world, this episode explores the immense value and richness that different languages and cultures bring to humanity. Learn about the historical languages of California, the impact of colonialism on linguistic diversity, and the importance of engaging with different ways of being human. As always, I also share some personal anecdotes from my life and offer insights into how exploring local and global cultures can enrich our lives. I also share a warning about how when we avoid this richness, we risk disaster. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to help keep the conversation going! 00:00 Introduction & Greeting 00:54 Native American Heritage Night at the Sacramento Kings 03:54 California’s Linguistic Diversity 05:42 The Fascination of Languages 06:46 How Geography Shapes Language 08:14 Tonal Languages & Communication 11:05 Break & Call to Action 11:45 The Value of Linguistic Diversity 13:09 Indonesia, Flores, and Komodo Dragons 15:00 Language, Colonialism, and National Identity 21:12 Colonialism’s Impact in Europe & Beyond 24:00 Local Languages Across the World 26:03 Revival of Indigenous Cultures in Sacramento 28:00 The Resilience of Peoples & Cultures 29:45 Groupthink, AI Bubbles, and the Value of Diversity 36:14 Final Thoughts: Explore Local Languages & Cultures 38:14 Closing & Farewell ----- Support me on Patreon! https://patreon.com/goodworld Store: https://goodworld.printful.me Instagram: https://instagram.com/goodworld.love TikTok: https://tiktok.com/goodworld.love Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodworld.love Theme song animation by Deborah Pinkney. Check out her work at https://www.deborahpinkney.com ----- Mentioned in this episode: - SSMBI Language Website: https://ssbmilanguagedepartment.github.io/greetings.html - "Tonal Languages Like It Hot and Humid" https://languagemagazine.com/tonal-languages-like-it-hot-and-humid/ - Komodo Dragons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komodo_dragon - Your brain literally grows when you learn a new language: https://www.berlitz.com/blog/neuroscience-language-learning - About half the world is multilingual: https://preply.com/en/blog/bilingualism-statistics/ - Map of historical indigenous language ranges in the Americas and Australia: https://native-land.ca/maps/native-land - Map of language families in Europe: https://jakubmarian.com/map-of-languages-and-language-families-of-europe/ - Map by Jakub Marian, on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JakubMarian/ - On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakub.marian/ - Languages in Russia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_Russia - Maps of (current) Languages around the world: https://www.muturzikin.com/countries.htm - Wilton Rancheria purchase of Sacramento Republic FC: https://www.sacrepublicfc.com/news/2024/11/07/jointventure/ - Shingle Springs Band purchase of land in downtown Sacramento: http://inedc.com/24/business/miwok-tribe-becomes-major-player-in-downtown-sacramento-with-32m-land-investment/ - The growing AI bubble: https://graceblakeley.substack.com/p/the-ai-circular-economy

    39 Min.
  5. My wows are in California!

    19.11.2025

    My wows are in California!

    Subscribe to The Good World at https://www.youtube.com/@thegoodworld! New episodes every Wednesday-----My wows are in California!Join Brother Seth as he reflects on his initial disdain for living in California after attending grad school at UC Berkeley, and how he ultimately fell in love with Sacramento. Seth shares his experiences working with Sacramento ACT, an interfaith social justice organization, and explores the importance of teamwork and taking breaks. Dive into the rich biodiversity of California, hear about Seth's challenges of maintaining his show, and enjoy personal anecdotes, including why California's diverse landscapes and cultures inspire him. Stick around for some fun stories about his dogs and a recent acapella audition!00:00 Introduction and Personal Story00:42 Welcome to the Good World00:51 Community and Social Justice01:55 The Importance of Taking Breaks04:58 Challenges of Content Creation07:45 Dog Adventures and Daily Life10:41 Overcoming Resistance13:29 Merchandise and Audience Interaction18:51 Reflections on Living in California19:30 A Negative Experience in California19:59 Discovering the Diversity of California22:47 California's Superlative Trees25:05 The Unique Ecosystems of California26:50 California's Topography and Hydrology33:03 The Agricultural Richness of California35:01 Cultural Diversity and Personal Reflections38:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts-----Support me on Patreon! https://patreon.com/goodworldStore: https://goodworld.printful.meInstagram: https://instagram.com/goodworld.love TikTok: https://tiktok.com/goodworld.love Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodworld.loveTheme song animation by Deborah Pinkney. Check out her work at https://www.deborahpinkney.com-----Mentioned in this episode:- Sacramento ACT: https://www.sacact.org/- The Table UMC Sacramento: https://thetableumc.org/- Thich Nhat Hanh funeral procession: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHYCibNJV2E- My most-viewed episode, "But do I have to?": https://youtu.be/xrg8zPmDzAg- Episode with Lance Rubin and Naomi Ekperigin: https://youtu.be/0w2zwrZCn98- The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-war-of-art-break-through-the-blocks-and-win-your-inner-creative-battles-steven-pressfield/0a9974970e9bb833- Deborah Pinkney on Instagram (her website is in the description of every episode so I figured I'd mix it up): https://www.instagram.com/drpcreates- Support me on Patreon! https://patreon.com/goodworld- Merch store: https://goodworld.printful.me- Episode with Emily Perez about the Sacramento Pop Choir: https://youtu.be/YBNB1yEj1sI- Episode with Rev Susie Idzek: https://youtu.be/6VMd_dJ9474- Good World hoodie: https://goodworld.printful.me/product/unisex-hoodie- Good World stickers: https://goodworld.printful.me/product/sethicorn-holographic-sticker- Tallest known living tree: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperion_(tree)- Coast redwood trees: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequoia_sempervirens- Redwood range map by James R. Griffin & William B. Critchfield - The distribution of forest trees in California. Berkeley: U.S.D.A. Forest Service. 1972 (modified by the uploader for clarity), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63645645- Largest known living tree (by volume): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Sherman_Tree- Giant sequoia trees: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequoiadendron_giganteum- (Possible) Oldest known living tree: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methuselah_(pine_tree)- Great Basin bristlecone pine trees: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinus_longaeva- California Hydrological Map: https://muir-way.com/collections/search-by-state/products/california-hydrological-map- California Elevation Map: https://muir-way.com/collections/search-by-state/products/california-elevation-map- Costanoa Lodge: https://www.costanoa.com/

    40 Min.
  6. Where Are Your Wows, with Rev Susie Idzik

    12.11.2025

    Where Are Your Wows, with Rev Susie Idzik

    Subscribe to The Good World at https://www.youtube.com/@thegoodworld! New episodes every Wednesday ----- Where Are Your Wows, with Rev Susie Idzik In this episode, I sit down with the amazing Reverend Susie Idzik to dive into the intricacies of being spiritual but not religious. We explore topics like spirituality, ministry, and the parallels between art and spirituality. Susie shares their journey towards ordination, working with non-religious congregations, and the role of intentionality in their life. Tune in for a thought-provoking and heartwarming discussion about building a good world, spirituality, and finding your 'wows.' 00:00 Introduction and Opening Banter 00:23 Meet Reverend Suzy 02:23 The Journey to Ordination 04:08 Understanding Spiritual Direction 06:20 Community and Congregational Life 16:47 Spiritual but Not Religious 19:42 Intentional Living and Spiritual Practices 30:15 Reflections on Change and Memory 34:54 Sentient Meat Donuts and Doing Our Best 35:49 Teenage Struggles and Education System 37:38 Influence and Coping Mechanisms 39:24 Spirituality and Personal Transformation 42:09 New Leadership Role at the Chaplaincy Institute 44:30 Reimagining Spirituality and Community 55:13 Guiding Principles and Moral Compasses 58:52 Conceptual Show and Tell ----- Support me on Patreon! https://patreon.com/goodworld Store: https://goodworld.printful.me Instagram: https://instagram.com/goodworld.love TikTok: https://tiktok.com/goodworld.love Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodworld.love Theme song animation by Deborah Pinkney. Check out her work at https://www.deborahpinkney.com ----- Mentioned in this episode: - The Chaplaincy Institute: https://chaplaincyinstitute.org/ - Spring 2025 ordination ceremony at the Chaplaincy Institute (aka ChI): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYEdWGYayUc - Susie's spiritual direction page: https://thisspiritedlife.com - Headcanon: https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/words-were-watching-headcanon-fanon - Zed Moonstein Makes a Friend: https://bookshop.org/p/books/zed-moonstein-makes-a-friend-lance-rubin/3f79a1604dca15f1 - You Made It Weird, with Pete Holmes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBIeL6Ot52KNDVyDoS1fYczpcqizeJFJe - Darién Gap: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dari%C3%A9n_Gap - Metta Meditation: https://www.lionsroar.com/metta-meditation-guide/ - Rev Susie's art: https://www.susieidzik.com

    1 Std. 5 Min.
  7. The Good World is Expansive!!!

    05.11.2025

    The Good World is Expansive!!!

    Subscribe to The Good World at https://www.youtube.com/@thegoodworld! New episodes every Wednesday-----Join Brother Seth as we dive into the essence of building a good--not perfect--world. Seth shares his experiences with the Sacramento Pop Choir, and the joy and community it brings. Beyond choir talk, Seth explores themes of inclusivity, expansiveness, and the impact of societal structures on our daily lives. He reflects on historical and current societal constraints, the need for abundance over scarcity, and the power of loving oneself and others. With personal anecdotes and philosophical insights, Seth encourages us to rethink and rebuild a world that is truly good. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking and heartwarming episode!00:00 Introduction to The Good World00:45 Recap of Last Week's Episode01:03 The Pop Choir Experience02:37 Building a Good Community07:56 The Concept of Expansiveness10:08 Embracing Diversity and Differences15:04 Personal Reflections on Identity24:57 The Power of Self-Love26:26 Support the Channel27:44 Historical Teachings on Love30:10 Honoring Identity and Truth34:19 Challenging Scarcity and Inequality38:46 The Role of Violence in History46:08 Imagining a Better Future47:52 Conclusion and Farewell-----Support me on Patreon! https://patreon.com/goodworldStore: https://goodworld.printful.meInstagram: https://instagram.com/goodworld.love TikTok: https://tiktok.com/goodworld.love Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodworld.loveTheme song animation by Deborah Pinkney. Check out her work at https://www.deborahpinkney.com-----Mentioned in this episode:- Episode with Emily Perez from Sacramento Pop Choir: https://youtu.be/YBNB1yEj1sI- Sacramento Pop Choir: https://sacpopchoir.com/- My TikTok video: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodworld.love/video/7522214146805337399- Sethicorn t-shirt: https://goodworld.printful.me/product/sethicorn-t-shirt- Inequality today vs the French Revolution: https://gigafact.org/fact-briefs/income-equality-us-today-greater-france-french-revolution/

    49 Min.
  8. The origins and awesomeness of the Sacramento Pop Choir with Emily Perez

    29.10.2025

    The origins and awesomeness of the Sacramento Pop Choir with Emily Perez

    Subscribe to The Good World at https://www.youtube.com/@thegoodworld! New episodes every Wednesday ----- Join Brother Seth and special guest Emily Perez, managing director and co-founder of the Sacramento Pop Choir, for an insightful and entertaining discussion about the choir's origins, growth, and community impact. Emily shares the journey from a simple idea to a thriving inclusive choir, the challenges faced, and the triumphs celebrated along the way. They also explore the choir's approach to inclusivity, the importance of lifelong learning, and plans for the future. Plus, get a glimpse into Emily's love for books and how she balances running a successful choir with personal passions. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share! 00:00 Welcome to the Good World 00:05 Meet Emily Perez: Co-Founder of Sacramento Pop Choir 01:13 The Birth of Sacramento Pop Choir 03:25 Launching the Choir: Challenges and Triumphs 05:50 Creative Marketing and Early Performances 10:16 Balancing Passion and Practicality 12:58 Navigating Opportunities and Limitations 18:13 Reflecting on Growth and Sustainability 25:24 The Importance of Work-Life Balance 26:41 Concert Anxiety and Ticket Sales 28:18 Balancing Song Difficulty in Choir 31:24 Inclusivity and Community in Choir 34:03 Reflecting on the Choir's Success 42:04 Future Plans for the Choir 44:16 Curb Cut Effect and Choir Adaptations 49:04 Conceptual Show and Tell (or an actual thing) 54:10 Closing Remarks and Farewell ----- Find the Sacramento Pop Choir: - On their website: http://sacpopchoir.com/ - On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sacpopchoir/ - On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sacpopchoir/ - On Linktree: https://linktr.ee/sacpopchoir ----- Support me on Patreon! https://patreon.com/goodworld Store: https://goodworld.printful.me Instagram: https://instagram.com/goodworld.love TikTok: https://tiktok.com/goodworld.love Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodworld.love Theme song animation by Deborah Pinkney. Check out her work at https://www.deborahpinkney.com ----- Mentioned in this episode: - Sacramento Pop Choir: http://sacpopchoir.com/ - Deborah Pinkney https://www.deborahpinkney.com - Sacramento Pop Choir https://sacpopchoir.com/ - Empire Arts Collective: https://empireartscollective.org/ - "Smelly Cat Fugue" performed by Empire Arts Collective Pop Choir, arranged by Heather Waid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoJuwZ7unrY - "Sacramento, California" performed by Empire Arts Collective Pop Choir, arranged by Heather Waid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IuX1DRzhg0 - "Bob's Burgers Thanksgiving Song" performed by Empire Arts Collective Pop Choir, arranged by Heather Waid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHCit2jQQeM - Gaia Music Collective: https://www.instagram.com/gaiamusiccollective - Curb cut effect: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curb_cut_effect - "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/656.War_and_Peace - "Beginners" by Tom Vanderbilt: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49829875-beginners - "The Art of Gathering" by Priya Parker: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37424706-the-art-of-gathering - Diversity of Sacramento, CA: https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-most-diverse-cities-are-often-the-most-segregated/

    55 Min.

Info

Let's build a world that is good! Support me on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/goodworld Store: https://goodworld.printful.me Instagram: https://instagram.com/goodworld.love TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@goodworld.love Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodworld.love