The Observatory | Discovery of Consciousness & Awareness

The Observatory Podcast
  • 5.0 (67)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

In the world of structure, stress, and seemingly meaningless tasks, it can be easy for one to feel lost and empty. Move beyond career success and access true mental wellness and personal fulfillment as we take you through the landscape of the emotions and personal discoveries that shape who we are. The Observatory podcast, is a space for authentic discussions, dedicated to helping you discover or rediscover meaning in your life. Rooted in the wisdom of their own experiences, our hosts Scott and LaRae Wright started their journeys as accomplished executives, with their successful and lucrative 9-5 jobs with Fortune 100 companies and in the finance industry. Unsatisfied with restrictive environments that demanded a disconnected, curated self, these successes gave them meaningful insights into who they weren’t and led them to the path of truly empowered self-discovery. Their journeys have opened their eyes to the possibilities of their own futures and they want to help you do the same. Each week, join us in our commitment to helping you navigate everything from entrepreneurial dreams to personal transformation with stronger clarity of who you truly are.

  1. 1D AGO

    Breaking Sacred Chains | Iilona Nielson’s Journey to Freedom Beyond Mormonism revisited

    In this episode of The Observatory, Iilona Nielson joins the show to discuss her journey to releasing the attachment with the Mormon Church and coming out on the other side. Hear how Iilona realized something was wrong, the experience of building a family on a belief that feels wrong, and how she navigated the journey of getting out of Mormonism with her husband. Iilona also shares the challenges of getting out, the things that helped her on the journey, and the experience of being on the other side. Scott also shares his story of getting out of Mormonism.   Timestamps [01:57] Iilona Nielson’s background information [05:14] The time Iilona moves from Ireland to the USA [08:02] The first time Iilona realized she was brainwashed [11:40] How Iilona met with her husband [13:58] The Masonic Temple [17:14] The experience of building a family on a belief that feels wrong [22:06] How Iilona realized that something is wrong [26:19] Scott’s journey out of Mormonism [28:20] How Iilona navigated her journey of getting out with her husband [36:00] Things that helped Iilona on her journey of getting out  [37:40] The challenges of getting out of the Mormon Church [43:00] The experience of moving to North Carolina [48:50] How the kids responded to the new environment  [54:00] The best gift that Iilona gave her kids [01:00:44] Shifting from the outside to within [01:01:18] Plato’s Allegory of the Cave [01:07:23] How Iilona got into breathwork yoga [01:08:27] Iilona's relationship with herself now [01:14:26] Advise to people with self-doubt and fear of the unknown   Notable quotes: “It’s powerful for people to know they are not going to Hell. Hell is invented just like Heaven. It’s all right here.” - Scott Wright [16:28]“The process of doubting helps you understand that things are not right.” - LaRae Wright [34:09]“It’s challenging to be authentic and speak the truth when everything around you says something different.” - Iilona Nielson [54:45]“The only true wisdom is in knowing that you know nothing.” - Scott Wright [01:06:06] “ The home is not external but when you are in balance with yourself.” - Iilona Nielson [01:08:13]Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast Produced by NC Productions!

    1h 18m

  2. MAR 5

    The Dynamics of Being in a Relationship | Dan and Ally McFarland’s Inspiring Journey Through Marriage revisited

    In this episode of The Observatory, Dan and Ally McFarland join the show to discuss their journey through marriage, highlighting what makes their relationship thrive. Hear the origin of their drive to provide service to people, the first time they met, how their lives came together, and their lives before the awakening.  They also discuss their battle with addiction, their turning point to getting sober, the tools that helped them navigate addiction and strengthen their marriage, and how their marriage is different now. You will also learn how to combine the masculine and feminine energies, as well as the importance of having men's and women's groups.   Timestamps [02:30] The drive of Dan and Ally to provide services to people [09:29] Dan and Ally’s lives before the awakening [13:29] The first time that Ally and Dan met [23:41] How Dan and Ally's lives came together [27:22] Their battle with addiction [35:13] Dan and Ally's turning point to getting sober [41:17] The tools that helped Dan and Ally navigate addiction and strengthen their marriage [46:59] Finding love for yourself [53:15] The marriage work that Dan and Ally did [01:04:03] How their marriage is different now [01:07:19] Combining the masculine and feminine energies [01:15:40] The importance of having the men’s and women’s groups [01:26:18] ‘You are Medicine’ retreat Notable quotes: “For you to heal, you have to put your trust in something outside yourself.” - Dan McFarland [37:39]“The principle of spiritual enlightenment is that you have radical control over yourself and take accountability.” - Dan McFarland [41:24]“You can always start afresh in your relationship.” - Ally McFarland [01:16:13]Relevant links: Dan McFarland Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mistermcfarland/ Ally McFarland Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intent.ion.ally/?hl=en Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast Produced by NC Productions!

    1h 35m

  3. FEB 26

    Creative Beings | Scott and LaRae's Guide to Finding Bliss and Meaning Through Creativity revisited

    In this revisited episode of The Observatory, while our hosts are globetrotting, Scott and LaRae share the transformative power of creativity, a fundamental aspect of human nature that enables self-discovery, emotional fulfillment, and the pursuit of meaning in life. Creativity is a universal capacity that allows us to express our authentic selves, connect with others, and find joy. Hear Brené Brown’s perspective on creativity, how you can start to be creative, and how a bigger imagination prompts beautiful experiences. Timestamps [05:40] Brene Brown’s perspective of creativity [07:00] Why are many humans not creative? [16:19] Having a bigger imagination that prompts beautiful experiences [18:34] The book: Mary Jane Wild by Brooke [22:43] Creating the internal landscape of you [23:21] Starting the journey to being creative [29:02] Where is your creativity showing up? [33:00] Allowing things to unfold naturally [39:34] The real meaning of abracadabra [44:51] Keep dreaming Notable quotes: “There is no such thing as creative people and non-creative people. There are only people who use their creativity and people who don’t.” - Brene Brown [05:40]“The unused creativity stays inside of us because we are creating a life.” - LaRae Wright [21:48]“If you don’t feel creative, this is a good place to start. Go into nature and observe.” - Scott Wright [22:54]“Open yourself up to the possibility that you don’t have to know what you will do when you begin to do it. You are opening a space to allow yourself to create.” - Scott Wright [31:26]Relevant links: The book: The Gifts of Imperfection The book: Mary Jane Wild Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast

    47 min

  4. FEB 19

    Prayer as Medicine — Scott & LaRae on Words, Gratitude, and Intentional Asking

    In this episode of the Observatory Podcast, Scott and LaRae Wright sit down for a short, intimate conversation about prayer—not as a rule-bound ritual, but as a living practice shaped by words, intention, gratitude, and alignment. They unpack how prayer can evolve beyond fear-based asking, and why the language we use—internally and out loud—can land as either medicine or venom. If you’ve ever felt conflicted about prayer, spirituality, or how to “talk to the Divine,” this episode offers a grounded reframe you can actually use. Timestamps [00:00:18] Scott introduces the topic: prayer (and why this conversation may surprise you) [00:01:20] Setting the scene: a quiet Sunday afternoon, post–Valentine’s Day reflections [00:04:39] Scott shares a moment from his men’s group that sparked this episode [00:08:39] What prayer meant growing up: structure, habit, and fear-based “asking” [00:10:07] When prayer feels like a ritual—or a task—instead of communication [00:13:30] Reframing prayer: intention, energy, and how words shape experience [00:19:34] Gratitude as a shared frequency: how prayer can create resonance [00:20:58] Scott reads a prayer that shifted his relationship with “prayer language” [00:24:39] “Toxic positivity”: when words sound good but aren’t aligned underneath [00:29:20] The line that hits: “no venom passes my lips” and why it matters [00:30:16] Venom as poison: what words can do once they’re released [00:34:46] Emotional regulation, balance, and not getting stuck in heavy energy [00:39:05] Closing takeaway: your words are either venom or medicine Notable Quotes “It felt more like a ritual or maybe a task. Task that I had to do.” – Scott Wright [10:07]“Well, it creates a resonance like a song would. Those words create a resonance.” – LaRae Wright [19:48]“So no venom passes my lips and no destruction results from my speech.” – Scott Wright [21:50]“That venom is like poison. It’s not retractable.” – Scott Wright [30:16]“Just everyone pay attention to your words. Pay attention to whether they are venom or medicine.” – Scott Wright [39:05] Relevant links: Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast Produced by NC Productions

    40 min

  5. FEB 12

    Turning the Lens Inward — Scott Wright on Awakening, Relationships, and Radical Self-Honesty

    In this episode of the Observatory Podcast, Stephen Karafiath steps into the interviewer role alongside LaRae Wright to turn the conversation toward host Scott Wright himself. What unfolds is an honest and expansive discussion about Scott’s personal awakening, the evolution of his relationships, and the inner work required to live life from the inside out. Scott reflects on pivotal life experiences that reshaped how he views identity, connection, and spiritual growth. Together, they explore vulnerability, shadow work, emotional responsibility, and the courage it takes to dismantle old belief systems while building a deeper sense of authenticity. This episode offers listeners a rare look behind the microphone as Scott shares his own story — not as a teacher, but as someone continually learning, questioning, and growing. Timestamps [00:00:03] Welcome to The Observatory Podcast [00:00:18] Stephen Karafiath introduces the idea of interviewing Scott Wright [00:01:12] Why turning the lens inward feels different [00:03:40] Scott reflects on early identity and personal shifts [00:08:22] Awakening moments that changed his trajectory [00:15:06] Navigating relationships through transformation [00:21:55] Vulnerability and emotional honesty as a practice [00:29:14] Letting go of certainty and embracing curiosity [00:37:45] The cost of authenticity and redefining success [00:48:30] Shadow work and self-accountability [00:59:11] Building emotional resilience through discomfort [01:10:44] Partnership, growth, and relational evolution [01:22:05] What it means to live from the inside out [01:33:50] Integration — how Scott applies these lessons daily [01:44:12] Reflections on hosting the Observatory Podcast Notable Quotes “Sometimes the hardest thing is realizing you don’t have to defend the version of yourself you used to be.” – Scott Wright [29:14]“The work isn’t about becoming someone new — it’s about remembering who you’ve always been underneath the noise.” – Scott Wright [37:45]“When we stop trying to control how others see us, that’s where real freedom begins.” – Scott Wright [48:30]“You can’t bypass the shadow… you have to sit with it long enough to understand what it’s asking from you.” – Stephen Karafiath [59:11]“Living from the inside out means you’re willing to let your life look different than you imagined.” – LaRae Wright [01:22:05]Relevant links: Earlier episode with Stephen can be found here. Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast Produced by NC Productions

    1h 53m

  6. FEB 5

    Restoring Guardian Mansion | Chasing Dreams and Building a Life Together | Nate & Zaid Plummer

    In this episode of the Observatory Podcast, Scott and LaRae Wright sit down with Nathan Chase Plummer and Zaid Plummer to explore the story behind Guardian Mansion — a bold cross-country move, a historic restoration, and a shared vision rooted in partnership, creativity, and purpose. Together, they reflect on how a simple dream of restoring historic spaces evolved into a life-changing journey. Nate and Zaid share how they discovered the Kentucky property, what it felt like stepping into the mansion for the first time, and how the process of renovation mirrors deeper themes of identity, resilience, and co-creation. This episode dives into the emotional realities behind chasing big dreams — the hard days, the unexpected beauty, and the profound connection that comes from building something meaningful together. Timestamps: [00:00:18] Introducing Nate and Zaid Plummer and the story of Guardian Mansion [00:01:05] Early dreams of restoration and historic properties [00:05:17] First conversations about buying and restoring old buildings [00:09:51] Working through challenges together and trusting the vision [00:12:54] Discovering historic architecture styles and the “Second Empire” home [00:15:54] Traveling to Kentucky and arriving at the Bluegrass region [00:17:43] Turning into the driveway — the first emotional moment seeing the mansion [00:26:40] The deeper meaning behind restoring a historic space [00:38:15] Creative vision, storytelling, and preserving history [00:52:20] The realities of renovation and learning as you go [01:04:30] What Guardian Mansion represents today Noteable Quotes: “I would love to buy it and renovate it and restore it.” – Nate Plummer [05:17]“The houses we were drawn to were the antebellums or the Greek revivals — like this house, a second empire.” – Nate Plummer [12:54]“Sometimes we have really hard days. But, we work.” – Zaid Plummer [10:08]“We flew into Lexington airport where my family for years had lived and done the horse business.” – Nate Plummer [16:03]“A dream together...” – Zaid Plummer [01:14:43]Relevant links: Follow the adventure here:  Guardian Mansion YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuardianMansion Guardian Mansion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guardianmansion/ Also, listen to Nate's story;  coming out at 30, business & authorship, meeting Zaid — the big wedding, and manifestation of the Guardian: here! Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast Produced by NC Productions

    1h 17m

  7. JAN 29

    Wading Through the Muck | Stephen Karafiath & Carrie Cox on Secure Attachment, Co-Regulation, and Conscious Relationship

    In this episode of the Observatory Podcast, Scott and LaRae Wright sit down with Stephen Karafiath and Carrie Cox, two friends in a new relationship who are intentionally building love through secure attachment, emotional honesty, and nervous-system awareness. Together, they explore what it means to “wade through the muck” instead of bypassing discomfort — how trauma can be alchemized, how boundaries create safety, and how a shared relational container allows for co-regulation, depth, and intimacy. This conversation touches on vulnerability, conscious partnership, and the courage required to stay present when things get messy — because that’s often where transformation lives.  Timestamps [00:00:18] Scott and LaRae introduce Stephen Karafiath and Carrie Cox [00:01:03] A new relationship built on depth, presence, and intention [00:02:45] Referencing the Safe to Love podcast conversation [00:03:44] Growth, humility, and learning to soften [00:04:42] Experiencing secure attachment for the first time [00:06:25] Vulnerability, grief, and emotional safety [00:09:22] Metasound, play, and relational witnessing [00:10:31] Water rituals and nature as grounding allies [00:12:46] “Wading through the muck” and where alchemy happens [00:26:02] Alchemizing inherited shame and childhood beliefs [00:26:21] Letting water and nature help hold what can’t be fixed [00:32:45] Polyamory as a doorway into deeper relational conversations [00:34:04] Creating a relationship container that doesn’t leak energy [00:40:32] Exploring depth together — even where there might be dragons [00:48:17] A shared nervous system and the power of co-regulation [00:49:29] Boundaries, communication, and relational clarity [00:55:46] Relational pillars: emotional, physical, spiritual, sexual [01:10:04] Closing reflections and gratitude Noteable Quotes  “From secure attachment, for what feels like the first time in my life.” – Carrie Cox [04:42]“I love to wade through the muck because I know that’s where the alchemy occurs.” – Carrie Cox [12:46]“Setting a container around our relationship that’s bigger than both of us, and not leaking any energy outside of it.” – Stephen Karafiath [34:04]“We can go right back down to the depths — you’re not afraid to explore coves that might have dragons.” – Stephen Karafiath [40:32]“We’ve created this shared nervous system, and the benefit is co-regulation.” – Carrie Cox [48:17] Relevant links: Stephen Instagram Carrie's Instagram Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast Produced by NC Productions

    1h 11m

  8. JAN 22

    Healing Inside Out | Understanding and Embracing the Journey | Scott and LaRae Wright revisited

    Revisiting this episode of The Observatory, in a time when it is much needed in our country, Scott and LaRae discuss the profound concept of healing, exploring what it truly means, emphasizing why we crucially need healing, and guiding us through the transformative journey to achieve inner healing. Hear why the healing journey is so personal, how your belief system impacts it, and the things in your life that can ignite it. They also share the steps to take in your healing journey and why it’s important to let go of the need always to be right.  Timestamps [03:44] What is a healing journey? [10:58] Why the healing journey is so personal [13:04] God is a mirror [18:03] How your belief system impacts your healing journey  [21:02] The book: Wonderland by Steven Johnson [27:33] The evolution of taste, music, and fashion  [34:00] How the mind works  [43:03] The moments in your life that can ignite your healing journey  [50:34] The steps to take in your healing journey [53:34] The importance of letting go of the need to be right  Notable quotes: “A healing journey starts from the desire to become more aware of yourself.” - LaRae Wright [05:12]“Everyone is a mirror, and we get to see different perspectives of other people’s lives.” - Scott [13:08]“Your belief system is going to limit your ability to see other things differently.” - Scott [18:05]“Just because we think differently doesn’t mean we can’t be friends.” - LaRae Wright [29:37]Relevant links: LaRae Instagram: @larae_wright Scott Instagram: @scott_david_wright The book: Wonderland by Steven Johnson Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast Produced by NC Productions

    1h 1m
See All (184)

5
out of 5
67 Ratings

About

In the world of structure, stress, and seemingly meaningless tasks, it can be easy for one to feel lost and empty. Move beyond career success and access true mental wellness and personal fulfillment as we take you through the landscape of the emotions and personal discoveries that shape who we are. The Observatory podcast, is a space for authentic discussions, dedicated to helping you discover or rediscover meaning in your life. Rooted in the wisdom of their own experiences, our hosts Scott and LaRae Wright started their journeys as accomplished executives, with their successful and lucrative 9-5 jobs with Fortune 100 companies and in the finance industry. Unsatisfied with restrictive environments that demanded a disconnected, curated self, these successes gave them meaningful insights into who they weren’t and led them to the path of truly empowered self-discovery. Their journeys have opened their eyes to the possibilities of their own futures and they want to help you do the same. Each week, join us in our commitment to helping you navigate everything from entrepreneurial dreams to personal transformation with stronger clarity of who you truly are.

Information

You Might Also Like