None But Curious - A Podcast for Nones and Agnostics

Candyce Glave
  • 5.0 (6)
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In a world that often demands you choose a belief system, being a none, agnostic, or spiritual-but-not-religious can feel isolating. None But Curious is a space for people exploring meaning outside traditional categories. At times we lean on reason, and at others we wander into the wonder hidden in ordinary life. This podcast explores everything from the quiet rituals that shape our days to the myths and stories that have traveled across cultures. Together, we explore big questions, small moments of awe, and the playful, thoughtful spaces in between belief and doubt. If you’re searching for a grounded, open-hearted way to make sense of the world, this podcast is your companion on the journey. A new episode is uploaded every two weeks! #nonebutcurious #findmagicinthemundane #awedinary

  1. 2D AGO

    The Kind of Friend Who Changes Your Life (And Why Every Tradition Talks About It)

    February surrounds us with reminders of romance — heart decorations, flowers at checkout lines, and the quiet suggestion that love belongs mainly to couples. Yet across cultures and wisdom traditions, love has never been limited to romance. Again and again, friendship appears as one of the most life-shaping forms of love — the kind that walks beside us, tells the truth with kindness, and helps us grow into ourselves. In this episode, Candy explores friendship as a path in its own right. Buddhist teachings remind us that spiritual friendship is not an extra part of the journey but part of its foundation. The idea of kalyāṇa-mitta, or “noble friend,” points to companions who help us realign when we drift and encourage wisdom, compassion, and shared effort. Sufi wisdom teaches that the company we keep shapes the condition of the heart. True companions soften what has hardened, awaken sincerity, and reflect us back to ourselves with honesty and care. Confucian philosophy views friendship as a relationship that strengthens integrity and responsibility. Good companions encourage reflection, help us correct mistakes, and make honesty feel safe rather than shaming. Celtic spirituality offers the image of the anam cara, or “soul friend,” someone who welcomes doubt, hope, and uncertainty without judgment. In their presence, nothing essential needs to be hidden, and honesty becomes possible. Throughout the episode, Candy reflects on the quiet ways friendship sustains us — someone who listens without rushing to fix, remembers what matters to us, or stays present when life feels uncertain. Because the friendships that shape us most are rarely dramatic. They unfold in steady moments of truth, care, and shared presence. And in a culture that moves quickly, this kind of companionship reminds us: we are not meant to grow alone.   Drop Candy a line at nonebutcurious.org or find her on social media @nonebutcurious

    11 min

  2. FEB 12

    Are You Afraid of Routine? You're Not Alone.

    Routine gets a bad reputation. We associate it with boredom, stagnation, or losing momentum. We worry that if our days start to look the same, we’ve stopped growing. But what if repetition is one of the places where meaning forms? In this episode of None But Curious, we explore: Why routines calm the nervous system during uncertain times How small repeated actions become deeply personal The difference between routine and intimacy in relationships Why returning to the same habits doesn’t mean you’re stuck How repetition can reveal what truly matters to you From the way you make your morning coffee to the walk you take when your thoughts feel heavy, your routines carry memory. They hold yesterday’s exhaustion, last week’s relief, and subtle shifts in who you’re becoming. Routine doesn’t demand transformation. It simply invites you to return. Worried that routine means you’re settling? Crave growth but also crave steadiness? Ever felt unexpectedly comforted by something ordinary but familiar? This episode is for you. Visit nonebutcurious.org for more resources and past episodes. Look on social media for @nonebutcurious

    11 min

  3. JAN 29

    You Don’t Need Certainty to Begin—Ancient Myths Agree

    Have you ever stood at the edge of something new—a project, a decision, a blank page—and felt that quiet, dizzy question rise up? Do I actually know what I’m doing? In this episode of None But Curious, we explore a comforting truth hidden inside some of the world’s oldest creation stories: beginnings don’t start with certainty. They start with chaos, curiosity, pauses, missteps—and wonder. Rather than treating creation myths as explanations of how the world began, we approach them as mirrors for how humans begin again and again in their own lives. In this episode, we wander through: • The Rig Veda’s Nasadiya Sukta, a creation poem that dares to say maybe—suggesting that even the gods might not know how it all began • Hundun, from ancient China, a story of wholeness before categories—and the risk of rushing to clarify what was never broken • Obatala, from Yoruba tradition, shaping life with care, imperfection, humility, and responsibility • The Diné Bahane' - Navajo Creation Story, where worlds rise, fall, and rise again—teaching that learning, leaving, and beginning anew are part of life’s rhythm Along the way, we pause with questions like: Where are you waiting for certainty before taking a first step? What if uncertainty isn’t something to overcome, but something to respect? What becomes possible when you release the need to get it right? Could some beginnings require leaving rather than fixing? These stories don’t give instructions. They offer companionship. They remind us that beginnings are often lived before they are understood. If this episode resonates, you’re invited to sit with it awhile. Let the stories linger. Carry one question with you into your day. Notice where you are already beginning—quietly, imperfectly, without a map. New episodes of None But Curious arrive every other week, offering stories, reflections, and moments of pause drawn from mythology, folklore, and human experience across cultures. You can follow or subscribe wherever you listen, explore companion pieces at nonebutcurious.org, or simply return when you’re ready.

    16 min

  4. JAN 14

    What if You Stop Searching for a Life Narrative?

    What if you stopped trying to explain your life? Just for a little while. In this episode of the None But Curious podcast, we question the pressure to turn our lives into a clean, meaningful story and explore what psychology and philosophy actually say about living well without one. This episode is for you if you have ever felt: Pressure to make sense of everything that has happened The urge to explain who you are and where you are going Frustrated when your life does not form a clear arc Like you should have a lesson, a takeaway, or a tidy explanation by now Here is what we explore together: Why modern culture and psychology made life narratives feel mandatory What narrative identity research really shows and what it does not Why storytelling helps some people in some seasons, but not everyone How forcing meaning too early can actually increase stress and emotional fatigue Why uncertainty is not a personal failure We also introduce philosopher Galen Strawson’s idea that not everyone experiences life as a story: Some people are narrative and naturally connect their past, present, and future Others are episodic and live more fully in the present without a strong personal storyline Episodic ways of being are not broken, immature, or incomplete From there, we turn to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and the idea of psychological flexibility: You are not your story You are the space where thoughts, feelings, and identities come and go Meaning does not have to come from explanation You can live ethically, deeply, and intentionally without having things figured out This episode offers permission to: Stop connecting the dots Let your identity stay unfinished Live inside a pause without labeling it as failure Care about your life without narrating it   Consider sharing this episode with someone who might need the permission to pause their narrative. Follow along at nonebutcurious, subscribe to the podcast, or visit nonebutcurious.org for more reflections on living gently with uncertainty. .

    10 min

  5. 12/31/2025

    Beginning Again in the Middle of Real Life

    What if real change doesn’t require a clean slate, perfect timing, or a brand-new version of yourself? In this episode of None But Curious, we explore why the idea of a “fresh start” can actually hold us back—and how meaningful change usually begins in much quieter, more human ways. You’ll hear about: The psychology behind the fresh start effect and why waiting for the “right moment” often delays growth Why most beginnings happen in the middle of messy, unfinished lives A personal story about New Year’s resolutions, choosing a word for the year, and noticing change over time Insights from The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg on how habits really form and shift Why small cues, routines, and gentle interruptions matter more than motivation or willpower We also share three practical, low-pressure ways to begin again today: Change the scale, not the goal Create a gentle marker instead of a big ceremony Begin without certainty, using curiosity rather than confidence This episode is for anyone who feels tired of starting over, unsure about their beliefs, or quietly longing for change without erasing the past. If you’re navigating transitions, rethinking habits, or simply trying to live with more intention, this conversation offers reassurance that beginnings don’t require perfection—just willingness. Listen in and consider this question: What’s one small way you could begin again, right here, right now? Subscribe to None But Curious and visit NoneButCurious.org for reflective conversations about meaning, habits, curiosity, and everyday life—no answers required.

    10 min

  6. 12/11/2025

    A Non-Religious Guide To Winter Solstice Rituals

    As the calendar nudges us toward the longest night of the year, the winter solstice offers a quiet invitation to pause, reflect, and reset. In this episode of None But Curious, we explore simple, grounded rituals that you can realistically practice—even in the busiest season. No need for fancy ceremonies. Just intention, presence, and gentle awareness. In this episode you’ll discover: A thoughtful candle ritual to pause and ask yourself: What do I want to carry into the returning light — and what can I leave behind in the dark? A brief solstice walk: just a few minutes outdoors, connecting with nature’s rhythms and marking the turning of the season. A one-page journaling practice to reflect on growth, acknowledge what’s weighed you down, and set intentions for what you want to welcome as daylight returns. A simple shared meal ritual — whatever feels comforting, from soup and crusty bread to hot cocoa — as a way to slow down, connect, and share space meaningfully. A symbolic release practice: write down one thing you wish to let go of, then safely tear, bury, or burn the note — making space for new possibilities. A reminder that you don’t need elaborate plans to mark the solstice. Even just pausing, breathing, noticing the dark or the light, can be enough to honor this ancient turning of the year. Why this episode matters: The winter solstice holds deep resonance not because of grandeur, but because of simplicity — a steady reminder that even the longest night ends, and that light always returns. In the middle of the holiday rush, seasonal pressure, or year-end to-do lists, these rituals offer a gentle way to reconnect with yourself, your values, and the cycles that shape our lives. If you’re seeking rest, clarity, quiet reflection, or just an intentional pause, this episode provides accessible practices that meet you where you are. Thank you for listening! If this resonated with you, consider subscribing to None But Curious, sharing this episode with a friend, or connecting on social media (@NoneButCurious) or nonebutcurious.org.  And whenever you might be listening to this, may the returning light meet you with ease.

    13 min

  7. 11/27/2025

    Messy Gratitude

    In this episode of the None But Curious podcast, we explore a version of gratitude that doesn’t require perfection, positivity, or emotional ease. If you're moving through the year with burnout, grief, overwhelm, or simply a sense that gratitude feels harder than usual, this episode offers a grounded, honest way back to yourself. Instead of treating gratitude like a mindset you “should” access, we look at it as something shaped by what you’ve lived through this year, what your body is holding, and the quiet details of your real life. This is gratitude for people navigating complicated holidays, shifting family dynamics, loneliness, uncertainty, or emotional fatigue. Gratitude that can coexist with everything else you’re carrying. Inside this episode, you’ll hear a gentle reframing of what thankfulness can look like in hard seasons. We talk about: • Messy gratitude—why appreciation often shows up tangled with grief, exhaustion, or change • How gratitude lives in the body through grounding sensations, not just positive thoughts • Why forced gratitude backfires and how pressure disconnects us from real meaning • Small practices of “microgratitude” that soften the edges of difficult days • The invisible network of helpers and supports that quietly hold our lives • How to notice tiny moments of warmth, ease, or presence when emotions feel heavy • A simple 30-second exercise to reconnect with the world around you If traditional holiday gratitude messages feel out of sync with your actual life, you are not alone. This episode invites you to redefine gratitude on your own terms—slower, quieter, gentler, and more truthful. There is no correct way to be thankful; there is only the way that feels real right now. The None But Curious podcast is all about finding the extraordinary in ordinary life. This episode is a companion for anyone navigating the holidays with tenderness, honesty, and a desire for grounding rather than perfection. Listen in for a compassionate reimagining of gratitude—one that meets you exactly where you are. If someone you love is having a hard season, share this episode with them. And if this resonates, subscribe for more reflections on presence, awe, and the small moments that make our days more livable.

    16 min

  8. 11/12/2025

    Why You’re Always Distracted and How to Come Back to What Matters

    In a world overflowing with pings, pop-ups, and endless scrolls, staying focused has become harder than ever. This episode of None But Curious explores distraction not as an enemy to fight, but as a signal to listen to — a gentle tug reminding us to return to what truly matters. We dive into the deeper meaning of distraction: not just the digital kind, but the subtle drift away from ourselves that leaves us feeling busy yet strangely empty. Through reflection, research, and small everyday practices, this episode helps you rediscover presence in a culture designed to keep you scattered. What we explore in this episode: What distraction really is — and why it’s not always a bad thing How the “attention economy” shapes our habits and emotions Why focus isn’t about perfection or discipline, but freedom Six gentle tools to reclaim your attention with awareness and intention The power of small rituals to ground you in daily life How to reshape your environment to naturally support focus The importance of rest, wandering, and knowing your “why” Author Johann Hari calls distraction a collective condition, not a personal flaw. Understanding that truth changes everything. Instead of blaming ourselves for losing focus, we can meet distraction with grace — learning to notice, reset, and return to what nourishes us. From mindful morning rituals to the science of attention, this episode offers a roadmap for reconnecting with yourself in the age of overwhelm. You’ll walk away with simple, compassionate practices that help you find stillness in the noise — and rediscover meaning in the small moments that make life feel whole. If you’ve ever caught yourself scrolling when you meant to rest, multitasking through conversations, or ending the day feeling scattered, this episode is for you. Learn how to turn attention into an act of devotion — to your work, your relationships, and your own inner life. Listen to “Why You’re Always Distracted and How to Come Back to What Matters” to learn: How distraction can be a mirror for your unmet needs Why attention is like sunlight — and how to choose what you want to grow Practical ways to be more present, calm, and creative How to live with intention in a world built to steal your focus Subscribe to None But Curious for more thoughtful conversations that explore the extraordinary in the everyday. Each episode invites you to slow down, reflect, and reconnect — with curiosity, compassion, and wonder.

    10 min
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out of 5
6 Ratings

About

In a world that often demands you choose a belief system, being a none, agnostic, or spiritual-but-not-religious can feel isolating. None But Curious is a space for people exploring meaning outside traditional categories. At times we lean on reason, and at others we wander into the wonder hidden in ordinary life. This podcast explores everything from the quiet rituals that shape our days to the myths and stories that have traveled across cultures. Together, we explore big questions, small moments of awe, and the playful, thoughtful spaces in between belief and doubt. If you’re searching for a grounded, open-hearted way to make sense of the world, this podcast is your companion on the journey. A new episode is uploaded every two weeks! #nonebutcurious #findmagicinthemundane #awedinary

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