Oneself

Stephen Maher & Adam Bartleman
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Self-Improvement

Oneself is a podcast about questioning the stories we've inherited, and figuring out who we are underneath them. Hosted by Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman, the show explores how we come to understand who we are, through our experiences, relationships, and the deeper work of self-discovery. In each episode, they share personal stories and honest conversations around topics like mentorship, trauma, masculinity, healing, and growth. Whether you’re navigating your own path or curious about the human experience, Oneself invites you into a space where vulnerability meets wisdom and reflection leads to action.

  1. 4d ago

    Oneself - Episode 58 - A Good Death

    Summary: On this week's episode of Oneself, Stephen and Adam talk with Jasmine Henry, a death educator from Houston, Texas. Jasmine shares insights on the importance of community, access, and cultural practices in end-of-life care. This episode explores how conversations about death can transform communities and individual lives. Takeaways: The role of death educators and doulas in community careAccess disparities in end-of-life care for Black and Brown communitiesThe impact of systemic distrust and historical trauma on death careThe importance of cultural rituals and community involvement in mourningThe influence of religion and spirituality on death decisionsThe need for open conversations about death and dyingInnovative death rituals from around the worldThe future of death in the digital age and environmental considerationsChapters: 00:00Introduction to Jaz Henry and the episode's focus 02:01What is a death educator and what does the role entail? 04:59Access disparities in end-of-life care among Black and Brown communities 10:03The systemic distrust rooted in historical trauma 14:47The influence of religion and spirituality on death decisions 19:54Community care and the return to traditional death rituals 24:50The importance of conversations about death and dying 29:59Innovative and cultural death rituals from around the world 34:56The future of death: digital bodies and environmental considerations 39:54How community and vulnerability can transform grief and mourning 45:03Closing thoughts and resources for community death care

  2. Sep 21

    Oneself - Episode 57 - The Man You Were Taught to Be

    Summary: In this episode, Stephen and Adam explore the true meaning of masculinity, vulnerability, and the importance of self-love among men. They discuss societal programming, the impact of language, and how men can embrace a healthier, more balanced identity. Takeaways: The societal programming of masculinity and its impactThe importance of vulnerability and emotional expression for menLanguage and its role in shaping perceptions of strength and weaknessThe need for self-love and compassion among menThe influence of role models and cultural narratives on masculinityThe contrast between traditional masculinity and healthy emotional balanceThe role of fear and insecurity in male behaviorHow societal change can foster healthier masculinity Chapters: 00:00Introduction and overview of the episode 01:52Men's reactions to vulnerability and societal expectations 04:12The programming of masculinity by family and culture 07:07The importance of love and emotional expression among men 09:53Societal myths about strength and masculinity 12:59The illusion of toughness and its fragility 16:14The impact of language and labels on perceptions of weakness 18:53Questions to challenge societal norms and beliefs 22:03The importance of self-awareness and compassion 25:09The role of fear and insecurity in male behavior 27:57The need for societal change and healthier models of masculinity 30:52Practical steps for men to embrace vulnerability and love 33:59The future of masculinity and societal evolution

  3. Sep 7

    Oneself - Episode 56 - Love. Allow. Be.

    Summary: On this week's episode of Oneself, Stephen and Adam speak with Tamila Tim, who shares her unique insights on death, consciousness, past lives, and the spiritual journey, blending her experiences as a hypnotherapist, nurse, and medium to explore profound questions about life and beyond. Takeaways: - Perspectives on death as a transition, not an end- The role of love and liberation in understanding death- Past lives and their influence on current life- The nature of consciousness beyond physical death- Near-death experiences and what they reveal about the afterlife- The importance of community and relationships in spiritual growth- The impact of water and water-related near-death experiences- The concept of energy and tethering in death and transition- The role of love, allow, and be in spiritual practice- The cultural differences in approaching death and dying Chapters: 00:00Introduction to Tamila Tim and her background01:01Experiences in Guatemala and the magic of Lake Atitlan02:50Cultural perspectives on death and the afterlife03:21Tamala's memories of seeing spirit since childhood04:16Death as a transition, not an end08:44Near-death experience during water drowning12:14Past lives and their influence on current life16:06Soul connections and past life agreements22:27Why humanity is stuck in separation and judgment26:19Earth as a classroom for spiritual growth33:35The beauty of death and the transition process36:43Supporting loved ones at the moment of death44:07Consciousness and awareness at the moment of death54:41Spirit's message: love, allow, and be Follow Tamila Here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EbHgFR9sd/?mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://www.instagram.com/guidesofwisdom/https://www.tiktok.com/@guidesofwisdom?_r=1&_t=ZS-99BS7RuysPYhttps://youtube.com/@guidesofwisdom?si=uFBTG_Y3Ooypdmg2https://guidesofwisdom.com/

  4. Aug 31

    Oneself - Episode 55 - The Art of Adapting

    Summary: On this week's episode of Oneself, Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman talk with Karl Ritter. Stephen and Karl are friends who bonded over their shared experience with low vision while meeting in Guatemala. They discuss what it means to live with low vision, and how community, humor, and adaptation shape daily life. The conversation also explores the Pacific Northwest, changing food systems, environmental habits in Guatemala, and the challenge of staying active when your body changes. Takeaways: Stephen explains how he met Karl in Guatemala and why the connection felt so natural.Karl shares how low vision differs from hearing loss in terms of community and shared access.Adam reflects on growing up in the Pacific Northwest and how much he took its nature and air quality for granted.Karl compares Canadian and American media, especially how border life shaped his exposure to radio and TV.The group discusses travel, temperature, and how living near Canada taught Karl the Celsius scale through experience.Karl describes changes he has noticed in the US, including tap to pay, appointments for basic services, and the quality of food.The conversation turns to Guatemala’s food culture, fresh produce, compostable packaging, and the rise of ultra-processed foods.Karl explains how garbage, infrastructure, and education all affect pollution around Lake Atitlán.The group reflects on aging, disability, injury, and how to let go of activities that no longer serve your body.Karl closes with advice to keep going, find a new activity, and build community around it.Chapters: (00:00) - Opening and introductions (00:51) - How Stephen and Karl met in Guatemala (04:09) - Why blind and low-vision communities form differently (06:44) - Humor as a coping mechanism (08:51) - Growing up in the Pacific Northwest (10:02) - Canadian radio, media, and border culture (12:17) - Learning Celsius through everyday life (14:34) - Tap to pay and changing routines (17:06) - Food quality and the texture of US restaurant food (22:14) - Processed food, snacks, and changing diets in Guatemala (24:24) - Lake Atitlán, travelers, and technology habits (30:17) - Pollution, trash, and the shift away from organic materials (33:27) - Education, recycling, and community cleanup efforts (39:16) - Ultra-processed food and health impacts (47:34) - Staying active through injury and vision changes (50:52) - Community through disc golf, hiking, and bowling (55:25) - Reading less and choosing better books (57:03) - Aging, safety, and reducing risk (59:46) - Final thoughts on grief, adaptation, and community Karl's Social Media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgQH5zNPww0https://www.facebook.com/ABlindLife/https://www.instagram.com/ablindlife?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsi=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==https://ablindlife.com/

  5. Aug 24

    Oneself - Episode 54 - We Are What We Eat

    Summary: In this episode of Oneself, Stephen and Adam talk with Patricia Greer, who shares her lifelong journey with food, community, and sustainability, exploring how food connects us to ourselves, each other, and the earth. They discuss cycles in nature, the importance of stillness, and how love and community can foster hope for the future. Takeaways: Food as a source of comfort and communityThe cycle of growth, decay, and renewal in natureThe importance of stillness and presence in lifeThe role of plant medicine in healing and consciousnessBuilding community through local food initiativesThe spiritual and cultural significance of foodThe impact of modern agriculture on health and environmentThe importance of passing down wisdom across generations Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Pat Greer03:29 - The role of food in nourishing the soul06:37 - Dealing with excess food and community sharing10:28 - The evolution of sustainable food practices14:49 - Unconscious consciousness and interconnectedness16:31 - Cycles in farming, community, and global events19:41 - The importance of nurturing the earth and resources22:19 - Acts of kindness and community support24:19 - Passing down wisdom through generations30:17 - The communication of plants and the intelligence of nature33:39 - Food as medicine and the impact of processed foods36:36 - The evolution of food products and ingredients37:17 - Sustainable practices and permaculture42:32 - Hope for the future and the power of love44:35 - The interconnectedness of all life and energy48:47 - The value of community, sharing, and intergenerational wisdom52:46 - Redefining power and community service56:28 - The miracle of life and the cosmic lottery57:22 - Gratitude and the importance of love and presence58:52 - Final thoughts and encouragement to love and hug

  6. Aug 17

    Oneself - Episode 53 - The Opposite of Addiction Is Community

    Summary: In this episode of Oneself, Stephen and Adam have on Dan Lansdowne, who shares his transformative journey through sobriety, community, and spiritual practices like sweat lodges and fasting. This episode explores the power of vulnerability, community, and authentic living as paths to healing and happiness. Takeaways: Suffering can be constructive and a path to growthCommunity is the opposite of addiction and essential for healingAuthenticity and vulnerability are key to genuine connectionSelf-discipline and self-awareness are powerful tools for changeThe importance of showing up in a good way without expectations Chapters: 00:00Introduction and guest background 01:53Dan's experience with sweat lodges and fasting 04:52The role of community and support 09:51Sobriety and self-discovery 14:50The mental and spiritual aspects of fasting 19:58Living authentically and showing up 25:06The importance of vulnerability and humility 29:46Overcoming ego and false masks 35:04The power of role models and mentorship 40:14The significance of men supporting men 44:56Acceptance, gratitude, and continuous growth 49:56Final thoughts and encouragement

  7. Aug 10

    Oneself - Episode 52 - What If You’re Already Enough?

    Summary: In this episode, Adam and Stephen turn the conversation inward, exploring the pressure to “reach your potential,” the fear of wasting a life, and the value of meeting yourself with more grace. They reflect on discipline, rest, self-worth, physical health, and how to stay grounded when life feels stressful or uncertain. Takeaways: Growth isn’t only about achieving more, it can also mean learning to rest, receive support, and appreciate where you are.The drive to be productive can become painful when it is tied to self-worth.Paying attention to what triggers us can open a path to self-understanding.Discipline works best when it supports wellbeing rather than becoming another source of pressure.Compassion toward ourselves shapes how we show up for others.Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome and the question of inner blind spots01:03 - What does it mean to reach your potential?09:22 - Attachment, fear, and the idea of a “wasted” life13:39 - Redefining value beyond productivity17:07 - Giving yourself grace and asking for help21:31  - Responding differently to stress and triggers30:07 - Rest, movement, and listening to your body39:10 - Enjoying the process instead of chasing outcomes42:20 - Community, gratitude, and what’s next for the show43:57 - Closing thoughts: returning to kindness and simplicity

  8. Jul 27

    Oneself - Episode 51 - When Spirituality Becomes Another Ego Trap

    Summary: In this episode, Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman dive deep into the pitfalls and hypocrisies within contemporary spiritual communities. They explore themes of performativity, hygiene, addiction disguised as enlightenment, and the importance of inward reflection. Their conversation encourages listeners to examine their intentions on the spiritual journey and emphasizes that true growth comes from within. Takeaways: The performative nature of modern spiritual communities and their pitfallsHypocrisy and superficiality in spiritual practices and community behaviorThe role of personal hygiene, authenticity, and unseen attachments in spiritual pathsThe dangers of using psychedelics and other tools as crutches or disguises for addictionThe significance of internal integration and returning to personal truthThe universal pursuit of love and the realization that it resides withinChapters:00:00 - Introduction: The dark side of organized religion and new age spirituality02:02 - The universe's vastness and the quest for deeper understanding04:19 - The performative trends and aesthetic in spiritual communities07:03 - Authenticity versus superficial appearances in spiritual expression10:55 - Hygiene issues and the cultural roots of dirtiness in spiritual retreats13:40 - External appearances vs internal authenticity in spiritual journeying17:54 - The importance of hygiene and bodily self-care as part of spiritual health20:53 - Psychedelic use, addiction, and the risks of seeking enlightenment externally23:03 - The necessity of integration after psychedelic experiences26:01 - Internal work vs external rituals and appearances30:50 - The concept of pilgrimage, destination spirituality, and returning home34:01 - The universality of experience and the importance of non-attachment37:26 - Recognizing the journey as a series of choices leading back to love41:57 - Embracing humor and lightness in spiritual growth45:25 - The ultimate realization: love is foundational, internal, and universal

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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Oneself is a podcast about questioning the stories we've inherited, and figuring out who we are underneath them. Hosted by Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman, the show explores how we come to understand who we are, through our experiences, relationships, and the deeper work of self-discovery. In each episode, they share personal stories and honest conversations around topics like mentorship, trauma, masculinity, healing, and growth. Whether you’re navigating your own path or curious about the human experience, Oneself invites you into a space where vulnerability meets wisdom and reflection leads to action.

Information

  • Creator
    Stephen Maher & Adam Bartleman
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Stephen Maher & Adam Bartleman