Oneself

Stephen Maher & Adam Bartleman
  • 5.0 (7)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Oneself is a raw and reflective podcast about identity, purpose, and transformation. 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. 5D AGO

    Oneself - Episode 25 - The Friends Who Stay (and the Ones Who Don’t)

    Summary:  In this episode, Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman explore the complexities of friendship, particularly how it evolves through different life stages. They discuss the importance of quality over quantity in relationships, the role of loyalty and integrity, and how shared experiences can deepen connections. The conversation also touches on the challenges of maintaining friendships across different lifestyles and the significance of being there for friends during tough times. Ultimately, they emphasize the beauty of friendship and the value of genuine connections in a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions. Takeaways:  Friendship evolves with life stages and personal growth.Quality of friendships is more important than quantity.Loyalty and integrity are crucial in relationships.Shared experiences create deeper connections.Friendship can be tested during challenging times.It's important to recognize when to let go of friendships.Inconvenience can strengthen bonds between friends.Friendship can thrive across different lifestyles.Real connections are built on mutual understanding and respect.Everyday moments can create lasting memories. Chapters: 00:00The Evolution of Friendship 03:09Navigating Life Changes and Friendships 06:07Quality vs. Quantity in Relationships 08:40The Impact of Personal Growth on Friendships 11:41Loyalty and Self-Preservation 14:27The Role of Geography in Modern Friendships 17:28Finding Common Ground Despite Differences 20:22The Importance of Self-Love in Relationships 26:51Seeking Roots and Community 31:52The Depth of Human Experience 35:07The Importance of In-Person Connections 40:08Friendship Through Inconvenience 50:50Closing Thoughts on Friendship

    53 min

  2. 12/29/2025

    Oneself - Episode 24 - Messy is Still Meaningful

    Summary:  In this conversation, Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman explore the themes of perfectionism, individual paths, and the importance of authenticity in personal growth. They discuss the challenges of self-reflection, the value of honest conversations, and the dangers of attachment to techniques and cultural patterns. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of embracing change, accepting oneself, and recognizing that each person's journey is unique, while also acknowledging the paradoxes inherent in personal development. Takeaways: The pursuit of perfection can be paralyzing.Falling in love with the process is essential.Introspection helps us understand our motivations.Authentic conversations can lead to personal growth.Techniques may not work for everyone; find what suits you.Cultural patterns can lead to conformity; individuality is key.Healing can stop, but growth is a lifelong journey.Self-acceptance is crucial for personal development.Contradictions in beliefs are part of growth.We are all on unique journeys, yet interconnected. Chapters: 00:00The Journey of Self-Discovery 02:31Embracing Imperfection 07:51The Value of Authentic Conversations 11:36Questioning the Path to Growth 16:16The Individual Nature of Healing 22:38Trusting the Unique Journey 27:46Mastering Emotions for a Better World 30:41Distorted Masculine Energy and Cultural Patterns 33:37The Esoteric vs. Distorted Teachings 36:56The Dangers of Conformity in Spiritual Communities 39:47The Illusion of Continuous Healing 43:38Finding Individual Paths in Spirituality 49:55Embracing Paradox and Personal Growth

    53 min

  3. 12/22/2025

    Oneself - Episode 23 - The Illusion of External Solutions

    Summary: In this conversation, Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman delve into the complexities of contradictions and paradoxes in the healing journey, particularly within the spiritual community. They discuss the role of plant medicine, the importance of integration, and the dangers of ego in healing spaces. The conversation emphasizes the need for daily practices, self-awareness, and discernment in navigating the healing process, while also addressing the predatory behaviors that can occur in these environments. Ultimately, they highlight the significance of looking within for true healing and the hard work that comes with it. Takeaways: Contradictions and paradoxes are prevalent in the healing journey.Plant medicine can be a tool for awakening but requires integration.Integration is essential for lasting change after plant medicine experiences.Ego can lead to predatory behavior in healing spaces.Daily practices are crucial for true healing and self-awareness.Recognizing attachments and addictions is part of the healing process.Trusting oneself is key to navigating the healing journey.The mundane work of healing is often overlooked but vital.Quick fixes are illusions that can hinder true growth.Compassion for oneself and others is essential in the healing process.Chapters: 00:00Exploring Contradictions and Paradoxes 03:18The Role of Plant Medicine in Healing 06:15Integration: The Key to Lasting Change 09:21Navigating the Plant Medicine Landscape 12:18The Illusion of Quick Fixes 14:48The Journey of Self-Discovery 18:04The Importance of Discernment 20:51Returning to Reality: The Mundane Work 23:56Finding Balance in Spiritual Practices 31:23Returning to Our Roots 32:59Confronting Reality and Addiction 34:43The Dangers of Spiritual Bypassing 37:50Navigating the Healing Space Safely 39:40The Importance of Integrity in Healing 41:34Trusting Yourself in the Healing Journey 43:40The Illusion of External Solutions 45:18Exploring Attachments and Addictions 48:51The Power of Sobriety and Discipline 52:11Finding Freedom Through Restriction 57:05The Daily Work of Self-Discovery

    1 hr

  4. 12/15/2025

    Oneself - Episode 22: The Gratitude Frequency

    Summary: In this conversation, Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman explore the themes of perspective, gratitude, and the duality of internal and external experiences. They discuss how changing locations does not resolve internal struggles, the importance of inspiration from one's environment, and the nature of attachment to past experiences. The dialogue emphasizes the uniqueness of individual journeys, the significance of surrendering to the moment, and the role of guidance and intuition in navigating life's challenges. They also touch on the importance of creating conditions for success, finding gratitude in every situation, and connecting with both past and future selves to gain insight. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the paradoxes of life and the necessity of embracing both highs and lows for personal growth. Takeaways: Changing location doesn't fix internal issues.Inspiration is tied to environment and community.Attachment to past experiences can create suffering.The pathless path is unique for everyone.Surrendering to the moment allows for guidance.We are never off our path; it's all perspective.Creating conditions for success requires action.Finding gratitude in every situation is essential.Connecting with past selves can provide insight.Embracing the paradox of life leads to peace.Chapters: 00:00 The Duality of Internal and External Perspectives04:01 Lessons in Attachment and Perspective06:45 The Pathless Path: Embracing Individual Journeys10:59 Surrendering to Guidance and Creative Flow15:28 The Balance of Action and Surrender19:26 Creating Conditions for Momentum in Life23:40 Letting Go of Expectations and Embracing Change27:40 Embracing Gratitude in Daily Life29:20 The Importance of Surrender and Rest31:03 Connecting with Our Past and Future Selves34:31 The Role of Meditation in Self-Discovery38:15 Finding Balance Between Action and Being41:47 Understanding Paradox and Duality in Life47:36 The Journey of Acceptance and Presence

    51 min

  5. 12/08/2025

    Oneself - Episode 21 - A Hug with Death

    Summary: In this conversation, Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman explore the often-taboo subject of death, discussing its cultural implications, personal experiences, and the importance of embracing mortality. They reflect on how different societies view death, the role of emergency services in confronting it, and the profound insights gained from near-death experiences. The discussion emphasizes the need for open conversations about death, the significance of grief, and the value of community support in processing loss. Ultimately, they advocate for a healthier relationship with death as a means to enrich life and foster deeper connections with loved ones. Takeaways Death serves as a reminder to live in the moment.Different cultures have varied perspectives on death.Emergency services professionals often confront death regularly.Near-death experiences often reveal feelings of love and peace.Grief is a natural process that should be shared in community.Our society often treats death as a taboo subject.Talking about death can help alleviate fear and anxiety.Cultural practices around death can provide healthier coping mechanisms.The fear of death can lead to unhealthy obsessions with longevity.Accepting death can lead to a more fulfilling life.Chapters 00:00Embracing the Conversation on Death 03:16Cultural Perspectives on Death 06:11Personal Experiences with Death 09:24Near-Death Experiences and Love 12:18The Fear of Death in Society 15:15Death as a Natural Process 18:06Cultural Differences in Death Practices 21:12The Taboo of Death in Western Society 24:22Finding Peace in the Conversation about Death 29:43Understanding Death and Grief 36:06The Importance of Presence and Connection 38:22Cultural Perspectives on Grief 45:03Reconnecting with Indigenous Wisdom 52:58Empowerment Through Awareness

    55 min

  6. 12/01/2025

    Oneself - Episode 20 - Between Two Earths

    Summary: In this conversation, Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman explore the concept of 'Two Earths' in human consciousness, discussing the split between those focused on external advancements and those seeking inner healing. They delve into the implications of technology, personal health experiences, and the awakening process, emphasizing the importance of community and self-awareness. The discussion also touches on the illusion of separation consciousness and concludes with reflections on safety and the nature of existence. Takeaways: There are two distinct paths in human consciousness: one focused on external advancements and the other on inner healing.Living in harmony with the earth is essential for true well-being.Technology and AI can either enhance or detract from our human experience.Personal health experiences can lead to significant awakenings and questioning of societal norms.Awakening often occurs when individuals confront personal challenges or traumas.Separation consciousness is an illusion; we are all interconnected.Our safety and well-being come from within, not from external sources.The journey of awakening is unique for each individual and can be catalyzed by various experiences.Understanding the nature of existence can alleviate the fear of death.We have the power to shape our reality through our beliefs and choices. Chapters 00:00Introduction to the Two Earths Concept 06:12The Role of Technology and Modern Society 12:14Awakening to the Illusion 18:05The Journey of Self-Discovery 24:14The Role of AI and Technology in Modern Life 30:17Reality and Truth: Navigating the Digital Landscape 36:27Technology and Plant Medicines: Tools for Awakening 42:18Creating Our Reality: The Power of Belief 49:15Separation Consciousness: Understanding Our Illusion of Self 56:24Closing Thoughts: Safety and Support in Our Journey

    59 min

  7. 11/24/2025

    Oneself - Episode 19 - Find the Others: Alex Nelson

    Summary: In this conversation, Stephen Maher, Adam Bartleman, and Alex Nelson delve into the themes of masculinity, community, and healing. Alex shares insights from his book 'Restoring the Divine Masculine,' discussing the importance of accountability, the impact of narcissism, and the necessity of establishing boundaries. The dialogue emphasizes the need for emotional awareness and the connection between spirituality and psychology, advocating for a compassionate approach to healing generational trauma and fostering a supportive community. Alex Nelson is the first guest of our Find the Others series, where we find cool people around the world doing good work for the betterment of humanity. Alex is a New Earth leader dedicated to healing the world one person at a time and creating environmentally sustainable off-grid villages. Alex is the founder of ascend pathway.org - an online spiritual community that encourages personal growth and healing. Alex has seen the decline of vibrational status amongst the collective masculine negatively affecting the collective feminine and is taking action to reverse the damage done and once again restore our humankind to balance. Other Links: Skool.com/ascendpathwayAlex's Book on amazon: https://a.co/d/5fQdL3l Takeaways: The Divine Masculine is about healing and accountability.Community is essential for personal and collective growth.Narcissism is a learned behavior, often stemming from trauma.Establishing boundaries is crucial for self-respect.Emotional awareness is key to healing and understanding oneself.Spirituality and psychology are interconnected in our healing journey.Generational trauma can affect our emotional health and relationships.Compassion towards others, including narcissists, is important.We can create a new Earth by supporting each other.Healing requires introspection and a willingness to change. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Restoring the Divine Masculine03:06 The Importance of Community and Accountability05:21 Understanding the Mask of Masculinity08:17 The Rising Fall of Man09:19 Narcissism and Its Impact on Society13:56 Compassion Towards Narcissism20:24 Establishing Healthy Boundaries27:26 The Importance of Ongoing Consent29:09 Understanding Nervous Systems in Relationships30:08 Defining Healthy Masculinity34:09 The Impact of Toxic Masculinity37:00 The Role of Women in Masculine Identity39:02 Ego and Narcissism44:08 Integrating Psychology and Spirituality47:11 The Dangers of Pharmaceutical Solutions50:09 Generational Trauma and Emotional Responsibility

    55 min

  8. 11/17/2025

    Oneself - Episode 18 - Letting Go of Fear, Moving Into Love

    Summary: In this conversation, Stephen Maher and Adam Bartiman delve into the concept of fear, exploring its roots in childhood experiences and societal conditioning. They discuss how fear manifests in various aspects of life, including performance anxiety and the fear of death. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of love as an antidote to fear and the necessity of self-discovery and authenticity in overcoming these fears. They also touch on the role of regret and the societal mechanisms that perpetuate fear, ultimately advocating for a journey of personal growth and awareness. Takeaways: Fear often stems from childhood experiences and societal conditioning.Living authentically can reduce fear and anxiety.Love is the antidote to fear.Regret can drive us to live more fully in the present.Fear is often an illusion created by separation consciousness.Acknowledging and processing fear is essential for growth.Death can serve as a motivator to live fully.Societal norms often perpetuate fear and control.Self-discovery is a journey that requires facing fears.We are all interconnected, and fear is a shared human experience.Chapters: 00:00Exploring the Roots of Fear 06:03Understanding Fear and Acceptance 12:06The Illusion of Separation and Fear 18:22Dissolving Fear Through Self-Awareness 24:09Embracing Life Beyond Fear 31:04The Illusion of Control: Society's Fear of Death 36:15Regret and the Fear of Not Living Fully 44:15Acknowledging and Processing Fear 49:10Rediscovering the Child Within: Love Over Fear

    53 min
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Oneself is a raw and reflective podcast about identity, purpose, and transformation. 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
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Stephen Maher & Adam Bartleman