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

    Weaving Threads of Tradition | Samuel Beautysta on Zapotec Weaving, Symbols, and Ancestral Story revisited

    In this episode of The Observatory, Samuel Beautysta joins the show to discuss the ancient art of Zapotec weaving and the living stories carried in each thread. Samuel, a traveling weaver from Oaxaca, Mexico, shares how his curiosity about identity and lineage led him deep into the Benizaa tradition, uncovering the meanings behind patterns, the natural colors drawn from the earth, and the symbols that honor life, death, and ancestry. He reflects on his family’s response to his search for knowledge, his experiences traveling and teaching, and how weaving becomes a language that connects cultures and generations.  Timestamps [02:31] How Scott and LaRae first met Samuel Bautista [05:36] Samuel’s background information on the weaving culture and tradition [13:33] How things unfolded for Samuel after the curiosity of wanting to know who he is [19:02] Samuel’s experience in the United Kingdom [20:10] The similarities of Samuel’s culture to that of other cultures during his research [25:46] How Samuel’s parents reacted to his journey of seeking knowledge about their tradition  [29:11] How Samuel discovered the natural colours of weaving [38:43] Samuel’s episode on The Reluctant Traveler Show about the Day of the Dead [49:27] Connecting to one another and the Mother Earth [55:34] How Samuel created a community of collaboration and co-creation Notable quotes: “History is always written with an agenda and a hidden power, like governments and institutions. It’s up to us to answer questions for ourselves, who we are, our lineage, and our story.” - Samuel Beautysta [11:59]“When we start to discover that we are more similar than we are different, it changes our whole perspective on what our parents taught us.” - LaRae Wright [25:46]“To survive the hottest days of summer, you have to feed your roots, your ancestors, and remember your teachings.” - [43:25]“For us, instead of fearing death, we embraced it and added it to our symbols and rituals.” - Samuel Beautysta [50:38]“All the knowledge is lying dormant within you, just like a seed that is buried in the ground and ready to sprout. ” - Samuel Beautysta [01:07:42]Relevant links: Samuel Beautysta Website: https://dixza.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sam_dixza/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dixzarugs Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcasts Produced by NC Productions

  2. Aug 13

    Postponed Polygamy within Mormonism with Carol Lynn Pearson revisited

    In remembrance of Carol Lynn Pearson, we are honored to reshare this October 2023 conversation and celebrate the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind as a writer, poet, advocate, and courageous voice for love, faith, women, and the LGBTQ community. In this episode of The Observatory, Carol Lynn Pearson joins the show to talk about the doctrine of plural marriage in Mormonism. Hear about how the doctrine of polygamy developed, how polygamy causes irreversible damage, the importance of resonating with love, practical solutions to the problem, and Carol’s upcoming books. Timestamps [03:53] Have Carol Lynn’s views changed on the doctrine of polygamy. [10:14] Mormonism and polygamy. [18:00] How the doctrine changed over time. [21:11] How polygamy showed up in Carol Lynn’s story. [26:54] The damage that this doctrine causes. [44:27] Resonating with love. [51:30] Carol Lynn’s favorite passages. [70:41] Solutions to the problem. [74:15] Carol Lynn’s diaries. Notable quotes: “It benefits no one.” – Carol Lynn Pearson [04:27]“However we deal with the past, it is the past.” – Carol Lynn Pearson [26:48]“Society must move historically into more and more of a place of light.” – Carol Lynn Pearson [72:15] Relevant Links: Website: carollynnpearson.com Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast Produced by NC Productions

  3. Aug 6

    Finding Mother God with Carol Lynn Pearson | Heavenly Mother, Mormon Feminism & the Divine Feminine

    In remembrance of Carol Lynn Pearson, we are honored to reshare this October 2023 conversation and celebrate the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind as a writer, poet, advocate, and courageous voice for love, faith, women, and the LGBTQ community. In this episode of the Observatory Podcast, Scott and LaRae Wright sit down with author, poet, playwright, and longtime Mormon feminist voice Carol Lynn Pearson for a powerful conversation about Finding Mother God, Heavenly Mother, the divine feminine, LGBTQ compassion, and the work of bringing women’s spiritual value back into full view. Carol Lynn shares her personal story, from her early life in Utah and her marriage to Gerald Pearson, to the writing of Goodbye, I Love You and her lifelong advocacy for queer and marginalized voices within Mormon culture. The conversation then moves into Finding Mother God, the sacred feminine, patriarchy, partnership, and why restoring the feminine face of God may be essential to healing families, faith, and the human family as a whole. Timestamps: [00:00:03] Welcome to The Observatory Podcast [00:00:18] Introducing Carol Lynn Pearson and Finding Mother God [00:01:28] Carol Lynn’s background, diaries, theater, and early writing [00:05:18] Gerald Pearson, marriage, and what the 1960s misunderstood [00:10:39] Gerald’s AIDS diagnosis, death, and the beginning of Goodbye, I Love You [00:16:00] Carol Lynn as a pioneer in LGBTQ understanding and Mormon culture [00:20:46] Women’s issues, gay issues, and the lifelong work of gender [00:24:33] “If God is male, the male is God” [00:25:30] Finding Mother God, feminine power, and LaRae’s connection to the book [00:31:21] Mother Wove the Morning and the feminine face of God [00:33:16] Heavenly Mother, the Goddess, and restoring the feminine origin [00:41:07] Moving from patriarchy into partnership [00:42:17] Carol Lynn reads from Finding Mother God [00:48:17] Moving beyond words, pictures, and gendered ideas of God [00:51:58] Paradigm Shift and the heavenly he and her [00:56:09] Carol Lynn’s calling and bringing humanity to higher ground [00:59:06] The Ghost of Eternal Polygamy and a future conversation [01:00:23] Current projects, diaries, and closing thoughts Notable Quotes: “Well, originally I am from heaven.” - Carol Lynn Pearson [00:01:59]“I pretty suddenly knew that this was the correct thing to do.” - Carol Lynn Pearson [00:11:56]“I was born into what we call women's issues, and then I married into what we call gay issues.” - Carol Lynn Pearson [00:20:52]“If God is male, the male is God.” - Carol Lynn Pearson quoting Mary Daly [00:24:33]“It is a historical necessity that we move across the planes of patriarchy into the promised land of partnership.” - Carol Lynn Pearson [00:41:17]“This is what I was called to do in the world. I know that.” - Carol Lynn Pearson [00:56:09]Relevant Links: Website: carollynnpearson.com Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast Produced by NC Productions

  4. Jul 30

    Nurturing the Gift | Gina Scarpino on Life as a Psychic Medium and Teaching Others to Trust Their Calling revisited

    In this episode of The Observatory, Gina Scarpino joins the show to discuss her journey as a psychic medium, the reality of communicating with the other side, and how emerging mediums can confidently develop their gifts. Gina is a Psychic Medium & Spiritual Life Coach who has dedicated her life to uplifting the spirits of others. She shares her first telepathic connection with her grandfather after his passing, how her calling unfolded, and why she feels compelled to support others on a similar path.   Timestamps [02:00] Gina’s Journey to being a Psychic Medium [04:20] The telepathic connection that Gina had with her dead grandfather [07:57] Gina’s why in her Psychic Medium work [09:46] Gina's experience with other mediums in England [13:00] What ‘Psychic’ and ‘Medium’ means [20:54] Gina’s biggest lesson of healing [22:17] How Gina engages with people spiritually [30:11] Gina’s experience of teaching 30 students while grieving [34:41] How does medium training look? [38:13] The things that Gina loves doing that keep her energized [44:39] The ‘Charmed to Life Project’ Podcast [54:05] Balancing the feminine and masculine [55:40] Gina’s revelation about Scott and LaRae Wright Notable quotes: “The term 'medium' means you can communicate with people that have crossed over to the other side.” - Gina Scarpino [13:09]“Where there is a will, there is a way, and you’re always guided to where you need to be.” - Gina Scarpino [36:40]“When you bring in the science element to all the spiritual subjects, it gives you something concrete when the spiritual aspect is more fluid.” - Gina Scarpino [46:52] Relevant links: Gina Scarpino Website: https://www.ginajulianscarpino.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GinaScarpinoPsychicMedium Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-charmed-life-project/id1829457788 Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast Produced by NC Productions

  5. Jul 23

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

    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

  6. Jul 16

    Restoring a Historic Kentucky Mansion | Zaid Dariel & Nathan Chase Plummer | Guardian Mansion

    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 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guardianmansion/ https://www.tiktok.com/@guardianmansion Guardian Mansion YouTube: https://www.youtube.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

  7. Jul 9

    Threads of Being | Jake Orak on Spirituality, Self-Discovery, and Living Authentically revisited

    In this episode of The Observatory, Jake Orak joins the show to discuss his journey of self-discovery, spirituality, and what it truly means to live authentically. From his early years in drumming to life-changing experiences in Vietnam, Switzerland, Bali, and Nepal, Jake shares how travel, entrepreneurship, and personal breakdowns opened the door to deeper self-awareness and intentional living. He reflects on closing one chapter of his life through a powerful completion ceremony, the origins of his meditation and inner work, and how these threads eventually wove into his book, Threads of Change. Timestamps [02:02] Jake Orak’s background in drumming [03:00] Jake’s background information [06:00] Jake’s experience in Vietnam and Switzerland [14:07] Jake’s entrepreneurial journey [23:57] The completion ceremony that Jake did with his ex-wife [27:28] How Jake nurtured his self-awareness and intentionality [29:40] The nervous breakdown that Jake had in Bali [37:30] The genesis of meditation and personal work [47:57] How Jake’s trip to Nepal influenced his life [01:08:45] Jake's connection with Utah [01:17:20] Jake’s journey of writing the book: Threads of Change [01:21:28] How Jake met his partner, Adrian [01:24:57] The Inner Circle Stewards Drum Session [01:30:41] Developing your spirituality [01:35:24] The difference between living in the space of being and the space of doing Notable quotes: “When you start doing things consciously for yourself and developing your own flavor of spirituality, that’s when things start to unfold, especially when you are able to share that openly within a group.” - Jake Orak [01:30:41]Relevant links:  Jake Orak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakeorak/?hl=en Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast Produced by NC Productions

  8. Jul 2

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

    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

See All (206)

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