Kinda Religious

Eli Zaffirini
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Spirituality

Exploring religion, spirituality, and skepticism through real stories. No debates. No shouting. Just thoughtful conversations about how we find meaning, identity, and connection in a changing world.

  1. Jun 23

    Finding Freedom in Flexibility

    Therapist Danielle Kaplan shares insights on dialectical thinking, the importance of flexibility in life, and how ancient philosophies influence modern therapy. She discusses practices that resonate with Jewish tradition like dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, and contingency planning to help create a meaningful life. Resources: Danielle’s Practice: http://www.keepaustincentered.com The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli: https://www.amazon.com/Order-Time-Carlo-Rovelli/dp/0735216118  Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): https://behavioraltech.org/what-is-dbt/ Topic Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:19 Exploring Identity and Cultural Judaism 05:02 Dialectical Thinking and Its Applications 07:32 Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) 10:03 Acceptance and Change in Therapy 12:47 Mindfulness and Eastern Philosophical Influences 15:31 The Nature of Truth and Non-Judgment 18:10 Contradictory Ideas in Judaism 20:11 The Role of Rituals and Structure in Grief 22:41 Contingency Planning and Flexibility in Life 24:54 Conclusion and Reflections on Therapy and Life 35:52 The Power of Grieving and Celebrating Mindfully 36:51 Coping Ahead: Preparing for the Worst 38:01 The Nature of Fear and Anticipation 38:48 Finding Freedom from Anxiety 40:45 The Role of Rituals in Life 42:22 Belief vs. Practice in Spirituality 44:26 Creating Meaning through Actions 45:51 The Importance of Doing 47:32 Hope as a Verb 49:10 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 55:21 Building a Life Worth Living 01:00:46 The Significance of Rituals and Fire

    1h 9m

  2. Jun 9

    Pre-Birth Experience: Surrender and Trust

    Christian Sundberg shares his insights into consciousness, spiritual awakening, and the nature of reality, exploring how life on Earth serves as a powerful spiritual growth opportunity. This conversation delves into pre-birth experiences, the limitations of religious frameworks, and practical ways to transcend trauma and fear. Christian Sundberg is the author of "A Walk in the Physical," a concise spiritual framework for understanding human life, consciousness, and ultimately...love. He is a prolific public speaker who has presented at MANY events on consciousness,  pre-birth memory, out-of-body experience, and spiritual identity. He brings with all this a grounded  background in professional project management, making his work an unusual bridge between technical discipline and  spiritual inquiry.   Resources: Christian’s Website: https://awalkinthephysical.com/welcome/ Christian’s Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Physical-Understanding-Experience-Spiritual-ebook/dp/B097CHLN7C  Topic Timestamps: 00:00 Exploring Personal Backgrounds in Religion 01:14 The Limitations of Language and Theology 04:13 Understanding the Human Experience 07:21 The Nature of Consciousness and Spirit 10:13 The Unique Journey of the Soul 13:27 Life Before Life: Pre-Birth Experiences 16:09 Out-of-Body Experiences and Their Significance 19:07 The Value of Earthly Existence 30:03 The Weight of Spiritual Growth 32:54 Understanding Pain and Suffering 35:26 The Nature of Trauma 40:36 Grief, Loss, and Connection 47:07 Vibration and Spirituality 53:48 Deconstruction and Awakening 59:36 Collective Consciousness and Healing 01:04:37 Surrender and Trust

    1h 8m

  3. May 28

    Local Histories, Memory, and Civic Harmony

    Austin Albanese shares insights on the significance of small town Jewish histories, community memory, and the universal aspects of Jewish identity across time and place. Discover how local stories shape broader cultural understanding and foster interfaith and civic harmony. Resources: “Memory Is the Only Inheritance I Have” Substack : https://austinalbanese.substack.com/Website: https://sites.google.com/view/austinalbanesehistory/bioTimes of Israel Articles: https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/author/austin-reid/A Code of Jewish Ethics by R. Joseph Telushkin (a book mentioned in this episode): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/B8A/a-code-of-jewish-ethics/ Topic Timestamps: 00:00 Exploring Jewish Presence in Small Town America 02:48 The Importance of Local Media in Community 05:46 Interfaith Collaboration and Community Support 08:47 Positive Narratives in Jewish History 12:06 The Role of Non-Jews in Jewish Life 14:13 Universalism in Jewish Tradition 17:04 Memory and Its Mobility in Jewish Culture 19:27 Personal Journey to Conversion 25:50 The Tension Between Tradition and Innovation 30:27 The Essence of Jewish Identity 33:11 Belonging and Conversion Experiences 37:51 Navigating Community and Connection 40:46 Memory, History, and Civic Responsibility 47:55 The Role of Memory in Jewish Tradition 56:23 Spontaneity in Prayer and Interfaith Connections

    59 min

  4. May 12

    An Offering to the Land: Indigenous Traditions and Decolonization

    Ethnographer of Religion Dr. Natalie Avalos explores the deep roots of indigenous religious traditions, the impact of settler colonialism, and paths toward healing the ontological wounds of colonization. She discusses the role of land, spirituality, and community in restoring indigenous sovereignty and cultural identity. Resources: Dr. Natalie Avalos’ Faculty Webpage: https://www.colorado.edu/ethnicstudies/people/core-faculty/natalie-avalos Send any questions or comments to: info@kindareligious.com  Topic Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Decolonization and Indigenous Perspectives 03:15 Understanding Settler Colonialism 06:10 Religious Discourse in Colonial Contexts 08:57 Historical Trauma and Its Impacts 12:00 The Concept of Land in Indigenous Cultures 14:41 The Ontological Wound of Colonization 17:58 Healing Through Cultural Reclamation 20:46 Decolonization as Community Building 23:41 The Role of Religion in Indigenous Identity 26:22 Comparative Perspectives: US vs. Mexico 29:22 Mestizaje and Identity in the Americas 35:44 Navigating Native Identity in a Colonial Context 38:53 Cultural Contradictions: Indigenous Identity in Latin America 41:21 Religion as Camouflage: Indigenous Spirituality and Christianity 48:19 Experiential Understanding of Indigenous Religion 54:10 Individualism vs. Community: The Indigenous Perspective 01:00:12 Reconnecting with Indigenous Ancestry and Practices

    1h 11m

  5. Apr 28

    The Gen Z Turn to Tradition

    There are so many stories about Gen Z conversion to more traditional or more conservative denominations of Christianity. Whether this is a trend is debatable, but the lived experience of young adults in this cohort provides truly valuable insight into this cultural moment. Emily Dinneny is a prime example. She is a Gen Z convert to Roman Catholicism who also has a significant social media presence and now works in Catholic apologetics. Here she shares her journey from non-denominational Christianity to Catholicism, exploring the appeal of liturgy, tradition, and community. Links: Emily on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@catholic.converts/ Emily on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/catholic.converts/ Emily’s at Catholic Answers: https://www.catholic.com/profile/emily-dinneny Saint Ignatius of Loyola's Prayer: https://prayerguide.org/ignatius-prayer Topic Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Gen Z and Religion 03:12 Emily's Conversion Journey 06:06 The Appeal of Traditional Liturgy 08:54 Mental Health and Religion 11:55 Navigating Online Discourse 14:46 Authority and Trust in Online Content 17:46 Constructive Argument vs. Conflict 20:47 The Noise of Modern Discourse 23:34 Diversity in Catholic Worship 26:45 Comparing Protestant and Catholic Practices 31:32 Exploring Community and Church Engagement 34:26 The Role of Rituals in Faith 35:39 Personal Experiences with Liturgy 41:00 Human Dignity and the Value of Life 45:58 The Impact of Consumerism on Faith 48:13 The Search for Authentic Community 53:13 Redefining Freedom in a Religious Context 59:11 Perceptions of Religion Among Generations 01:02:41 Meaningful Practices and Reflections

    1h 5m

  6. Apr 15

    Healthy Relationships & Religion

    Therapist and relationship coach Karen Gwaltney shares her journey through an evangelical upbringing, her crisis of faith, and her work in therapy focusing on religious trauma, spiritual abuse, and healthy relationships. Discover how a shift in spiritual perspective can foster greater self-trust, acceptance, and relational health. Resources:  Karen’s Website - https://www.karengwaltney.comKaren’s Gentle Approach to Sex Talks - https://www.karengwaltney.com/parent-coachingFacing Codependence by Pia Melody - https://www.amazon.com/Pia-Melody/e/B001LHF4UOThe Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck, M.D. - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0743243153 Topic Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Karen Gwaltney and Her Background 02:54 Exploring Evangelical Upbringing and Its Impact 05:21 Transitioning Between Different Church Denominations 07:34 Theological Interests and Crisis of Faith 10:07 Understanding Religious Trauma and Spiritual Abuse 12:15 The Role of Therapy in Healing 14:54 Deconstructing Faith and Rebuilding Identity 17:15 Near-Death Experiences and Their Influence on Faith 28:58 Exploring Near-Death Experiences and Consciousness 33:31 Embracing Humanity and the Human Experience 40:24 Understanding Boundaries in Religious Practice 46:09 The Importance of Comprehensive Sexuality Education 51:48 Reconstructing Faith and Spiritual Practices

    1h 2m

  7. Mar 25

    Stop Performing, Start Being by Awakening the Self

    An enlightening conversation with Rev. Connie Habash who explores the intersection of spirituality, psychology, and nature. She discusses the concept of awakening the true self, the pitfalls of organized religion, and practical ways to cultivate inner peace and authenticity in a world allergic to stillness. Rev. Connie Habash’s Website: https://www.awakeningself.com Other Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mata_Amritanandamayi Jack Kornfield - https://jackkornfield.com Topic Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Spirituality and Wellness 02:02 The Influence of Mata Amritanandamayi 03:59 Connie's Spiritual Journey and Interfaith Ministry 05:53 The Dichotomy of Organized Religion and Spirituality 09:53 Understanding the Self: Small-S vs. Large-S 13:46 The Challenge of Spiritual Expectations 17:27 The Role of Perfectionism in Spirituality 21:40 Judgment vs. Discernment in Spiritual Practice 25:40 The Importance of Humility in Spiritual Growth 33:06 The Essence of Humility 35:12 Navigating Social Media and Authenticity 41:25 Healthy vs. Unhealthy Spirituality 45:15 Dialoguing with Anxiety 50:05 Understanding Internal Narratives 58:42 The Importance of Stillness 01:00:34 Spiritual Health and Mental Health Connection 01:03:11 Nature as a Source of Wisdom

    1h 7m

  8. Mar 10

    Journey from Jehovah’s Witness: Disfellowshipping to Self-Discovery

    Yesenia Anaya shares her journey growing up as a Jehovah's Witness, navigating faith, community, and personal growth. She discusses the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses, her experiences with disfellowshipping, and her path to understanding spirituality beyond organized religion. Topic Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Yesenia Anaya 02:13 Understanding Jehovah's Witnesses 08:14 Personal Experiences with Jehovah's Witnesses 13:58 Disfellowshipping and Its Impact 21:59 Family Dynamics and Religion 30:10 The Role of Structure in Faith 33:02 The Burden of Perfection and Fear of Disfellowshipping 34:44 The Impact of Disfellowshipping on Family Dynamics 39:49 Navigating Relationships After Disfellowshipping 42:14 The Role of Support Systems in Crisis 44:53 Reassessing Faith and Relationship with God 49:52 Exploring Diverse Perspectives on Belief 56:45 The Journey of Unlearning and Self-Discovery 01:01:43 Advice to My Younger Self: Embracing Grace 01:03:08 The Power of Perspective and Mindfulness

    1h 6m
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About

Exploring religion, spirituality, and skepticism through real stories. No debates. No shouting. Just thoughtful conversations about how we find meaning, identity, and connection in a changing world.

Information

  • Creator
    Eli Zaffirini
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Eli Zaffirini