Designed To Be Awake

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Designed to be Awake is a soul forward podcast by psychotherapist and writer Mick Kubiak. Mick invites listeners into a deeper, more conscious way of experiencing Life. With poetic insight and unflinching honesty, Mick explores the subject of awakening to who we truly are, the Self that lives eternally and pervasively at the heart of each and every one of our lives, beyond the reach and comprehension of our limited egos. She explores what it looks like, on a practical level, to wake up, surrender to what is, and live with full presence. Each weekly solo episode weaves together psychology, spirituality, and lived experience, offering reflections that bring the seemingly heady experience of enlightenment down to earth. This is a space for anyone who wants more from life than surface-level fixes for temporary problems (spoiler alert: all problems are temporary). If you’re on a path of inner work, healing, or awakening, this show will feel like coming home. New episodes drop every Monday. Learn more and join the list at mickkubiak.com

  1. JAN 5

    Dr. Starchild Speaks: Part 3

    Welcome Welcome to Part III of the Ways of Being series on Dr. Starchild Speaks. In this final episode, we complete the journey through the Zodiac, continuing to explore astrology not as identity or personality, but as lived ways of being that shape the human experience. Episode Summary This episode moves from the depths of Scorpio into Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces, tracing the soul’s path through transformation, meaning-making, responsibility, vision, surrender, and rest. Each sign is explored as a distinct posture toward life—one that any of us can inhabit at different moments, regardless of our birth chart. From Sagittarius’s hunger for experience, to Capricorn’s focus on building and legacy, Aquarius’s big-picture thinking and concern for humanity, and Pisces’s mystical surrender and integration, the episode completes the Zodiac cycle and reflects on how all twelve signs prepare us to begin again. Key Takeaways Astrology describes phases of being, not fixed identities Every sign offers a necessary contribution to the human journey We all have access to every way of being, regardless of our chart Later-life signs emphasize meaning, responsibility, vision, and surrender Integration and rest are as essential as action and growth This episode closes the Ways of Being series with an invitation to honor every phase of your journey—and to meet each way of being, in yourself and others, with curiosity, respect, and compassion.

    25 min
  2. 12/29/2025

    Dr. Starchild Speaks: Part 2

    Welcome Welcome back to Dr. Starchild Speaks. In Part II, we continue exploring astrology as lived experience—not as labels, but as distinct ways of being that shape how we move through the world and relate to one another. Episode Summary This episode moves through the next four signs of the Zodiac—Leo, Virgo, Libra, and Scorpio—as stages in the soul’s ongoing journey. Beginning with Leo’s creative radiance and need to be seen, the conversation shifts into Virgo’s grounded discernment and devotion to preservation, Libra’s longing for meaningful partnership and harmony, and Scorpio’s descent into depth, challenge, and profound transformation. Through metaphor, storytelling, and reflection, these signs are presented as energies we all carry and can consciously access, regardless of our birth chart. Key Takeaways Astrology offers archetypal ways of being, not fixed personality traits Each sign builds on the wisdom of the ones before it Understanding these energies helps us care for ourselves and relate to others with more compassion Scorpio’s depth and intensity are not flaws, but gateways to transformation We all have access to every sign’s gifts, when we need them Coming Up in Part III In the final episode of this three-part series, we complete the Zodiac journey with Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces, returning full circle to Aries. Together, these final signs explore meaning, responsibility, innovation, surrender, and transcendence—revealing how the wisdom of the entire wheel becomes available to us as lived, conscious choice.

    27 min
  3. 12/22/2025

    Dr. Starchild Speaks: Part 1

    Podcast Episode Description Dr. Starchild Speaks – Part 1 Welcome Welcome, beautiful listeners! In this opening episode of my Dr. Starchild Speaks astrology mini-series, I invite you into a deeply intuitive 4:15-a.m. download—an unexpected inner lecture from a teacher, guide, or inner astrologer who walked me through the zodiac in a way I’d never experienced before. This is the beginning of a three-part journey through all twelve signs, starting with the very first four. Episode Summary In this episode, I share how my love for astrology began—starting with a mysterious Linda Goodman book that appeared in my childhood bedroom—and how that early curiosity transformed into decades of exploration. I then bring you right into the vivid teaching that came through to me in the early morning hours: the soul standing at the center of twelve doorways, each doorway representing a different astrological way of being. This first installment explores Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer. I reflect on what I learned about each archetype, what we often misunderstand about them, and how each sign naturally flows into the next. Rather than seeing astrology as a set of personality boxes, I invite you to experience these signs from the inside out—as energies your soul may choose to inhabit, even temporarily, to learn, grow, and remember who you are. Key Takeaways Astrology as a Soul Journey: I view each sign as a doorway the soul might step into, not a fixed identity or a label we’re stuck with. Aries – I describe Aries as the brave initiator—courageous, resilient, and built for beginnings. Not selfish, but purposeful. Taurus – To me, Taurus is the Garden of Eden—a place of safety, beauty, grounding, and homecoming. I share how Taurus energy can be a gift for souls recovering from past turmoil. Gemini – I see Gemini as the butterfly who brings curiosity, playfulness, and connection. It’s the spark of movement after Taurus’s rooted stillness. Cancer – Cancer feels like the protective shell that carries home wherever it goes—sensitive, nurturing, and designed to preserve life in the wilderness beyond the garden. Compassion Through Archetypes: Understanding the signs helps me love people (and myself) as we are, rather than trying to change the fundamental way someone is built. The Signs as a Story: I walk you through how these first four signs connect: the brave beginning of Aries, the grounding of Taurus, the curiosity of Gemini, and the emotional shelter of Cancer. An Invitation to Reflect: I encourage you to notice when these energies show up in your life—within yourself or in the people you love—and consider how each one wants to be honored. Join me next time for Part 2, where I’ll continue the journey with Leo, Virgo, Libra, and Scorpio. Thanks so much for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow the show on your favorite listening platform and leave a review—it really helps us reach more people. I appreciate you being here, and I look forward to connecting with you again soon.

    25 min
  4. 09/15/2025

    Episode 12: Humility

    Welcome Hey everyone, it’s Mick. This episode is called “Humility,” and I’m diving into one of the most powerful ways to tell if you’re having a true awakening or just an ego experience. We’re talking about the difference between genuine humility and the ego’s sneaky tricks, plus what it really feels like in your body when you’re present and connected.   Episode Summary In this episode, I explore the paradox of awakening—how it’s both empowering and deeply humbling at the same time. I share my own journey with the ego, the push and pull between arrogance and insecurity, and how humility is the signpost that you’re on the right path. I get honest about the messiness of showing up, the temptation to perform enlightenment, and the beauty of surrendering into something greater than myself.   Key Takeaways Humility is the true marker of authentic awakening—ego can fake enlightenment, but it can’t fake that feeling in your body Awakening is paradoxical: you feel both your power and your helplessness The ego tries to co-opt every experience, sometimes through arrogance, sometimes through insecurity The only thing worse than arrogance is false humility—real humility has a distinct, grounding feeling When you surrender into humility, you can offer your gifts without fear or performance Thanks so much for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow the show on your favourite listening platform and leave a review—it really helps us reach more people. I appreciate you being here, and I look forward to connecting with you again soon.

    12 min
  5. 09/08/2025

    Episode 11: This Illusory World

    Welcome Hey everyone, it’s Mick. This week’s episode, “This Illusory World,” is a short but deep dive into the stories we inherit, vulnerability, and the beauty of being fully human—even when the world feels less than perfect. I’m reflecting on the myth of the fallen world, what it means to connect soul-to-soul, and how gratitude for our own struggles can transform everything.   Episode Summary In this episode, I explore how ancient stories like original sin shape our experience, and why I believe we’re already closer to “the garden” than we think. I share honest moments from my own life—supporting clients, facing heartbreak, and the ongoing dance between vulnerability and resilience. I talk about the struggle of pretending, the surprising gifts of pain, and why I’m so grateful for every part of my journey. There’s a bit of philosophy, a bit of spirituality, and a whole lot of real talk about what it means to be alive and connected.   Key Takeaways We’re all influenced by the myth of the “fallen world”—even if we don’t realise it True connection comes from embracing vulnerability, not avoiding it The pain and challenges we face are not separate from our growth—they’re essential It’s okay to value fun and beauty, but I always want to go deeper No matter what, you are loved and supported beyond measure—even if you can’t see it right now Thanks so much for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow the show on your favourite listening platform and leave a review - it really helps us reach more people. I appreciate you being here, and I look forward to connecting with you again soon.

    10 min
  6. 09/01/2025

    Episode 10: Toxic Positivity

    Welcome Hey listeners! Welcome to episode 10 of Designed to Be Awake. I’m Mick Kubiak, and today we’re diving into a topic that’s been making the rounds lately - toxic positivity. I’m genuinely excited to share this episode with you, because there’s so much nuance missing from the bigger conversation out there.   Episode Summary We’re talking about what toxic positivity really is, why it’s even considered “toxic,” and exploring the flip side, yep, toxic negativity. I open up about my own journey: how I used to cringe at the “cheer up, put a smile on it” vibe, and how I also fell into negative thought loops.   I get honest about boundaries, what it means to show up authentically, and how neither relentless positivity nor wallowing in negativity gets us closer to our true selves. I share some personal stories, including a powerful turning point (spoiler: it involved a divine message in a café) and how I learned that negative thinking is a luxury I can’t afford anymore. We also talk about creativity, externalizing our shadows, and the difference between writing from the wound and writing from the scar.   Key Takeaways ✨ Toxic positivity and toxic negativity are both about extreme engagement with emotional states, they’re not who we really are ✨ Set boundaries when you need to protect your energy, whether from someone else’s forced positivity or heavy negativity ✨ The real magic happens when you create space between yourself and your stories, emotions, and old patterns ✨ Sometimes, the art we make from our pain helps others feel less alone, but healing comes from perspective, not just the raw wound ✨ Sitting with stillness and presence is where you’ll find your true self, not in memes, not in slogans, but in the quiet in-between   Resources & Links 🎬 If you haven’t seen Groundhog Day, do yourself a favor and watch it! 🎵 Shoutout to anyone who remembers my record “Here Comes Spring” - thank you for listening and for sharing your stories with me 📖 Check out the Philip Larkin quote I mentioned: “The most negative poem in the world is a very positive thing to have done.”   For You to Reflect On Take a moment to sit with these ideas, ask yourself, “What’s true for me?” Notice where you might be running a program, and give yourself permission to just be. If this episode resonated, share it with a friend, leave a review, or reach out to me, I love hearing from you.   Until next time, be gentle with yourself and stay awake. 💛

    16 min
5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Designed to be Awake is a soul forward podcast by psychotherapist and writer Mick Kubiak. Mick invites listeners into a deeper, more conscious way of experiencing Life. With poetic insight and unflinching honesty, Mick explores the subject of awakening to who we truly are, the Self that lives eternally and pervasively at the heart of each and every one of our lives, beyond the reach and comprehension of our limited egos. She explores what it looks like, on a practical level, to wake up, surrender to what is, and live with full presence. Each weekly solo episode weaves together psychology, spirituality, and lived experience, offering reflections that bring the seemingly heady experience of enlightenment down to earth. This is a space for anyone who wants more from life than surface-level fixes for temporary problems (spoiler alert: all problems are temporary). If you’re on a path of inner work, healing, or awakening, this show will feel like coming home. New episodes drop every Monday. Learn more and join the list at mickkubiak.com