One World in a New World - Apocalyptic Chats

Zen Benefiel, MA, MBA, DDiv - Host/Producer & Founder, Planetary Citizens
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🌍One World in a New World – Apocalyptic Chats One World in a New World explores consciousness, systems thinking, AI-human partnership, global transformation, spirituality, leadership, coherence, sustainability, and the future of humanity through conversations with visionary leaders, scientists, authors, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Discover insights on planetary consciousness, personal growth, social innovation, peace, wellness, awakening, and emerging technologies shaping a new world rooted in wisdom, collaboration, creativity, and collective evolution.

  1. 5d ago

    Nkechi Egunu | Emotions Are Data: Redesigning the Human Experience

    Ep 257 One World in a New World with Nkechi Egonu What if the emotions we’ve been taught to suppress, manage or dismiss are actually data—signals revealing how our human systems really work? In this provocative and deeply personal episode of One World in a New World, Zen Benefiel welcomes Nkechi Egonu, human experience architect and African systems researcher, for an exploration of intuition, emotional intelligence, inherited patterns, self-trust and the possibility of designing systems that work with human nature rather than against it. Nkechi's journey began long before she had language for it. Growing up in Nigeria within a Christian environment, she experienced an active inner dialogue, intuition, lucid dreams and insights that didn't always fit comfortably within the structures around her. Rather than rejecting those experiences, she eventually began documenting them. Something remarkable emerged. She discovered patterns. That inquiry evolved into her work with human-centered systems architecture and a foundational insight: emotions aren't interference in a system. They're information about the system. What happens when anxiety, discomfort, resistance, competition, scarcity or even shame are treated not simply as personal problems, but as signals revealing something about the environments we've designed? Nkechi shares how this perspective exposed unintended patterns inside a women's development program she was creating. Although designed to encourage collaboration, deeper analysis revealed familiar structures of competition, exclusion and even humiliation hiding inside the model. So she redesigned it. Competition became competition with yesterday's self. Relationships became collaborative. Participants moved from being led toward leading themselves. And growth became less about imposing another program on people and more about creating conditions in which people could develop sustainable new patterns. Zen and Nkechi venture even deeper—into Ubuntu, African indigenous systems, self-love, ancestral patterns, intuition, archetypes, shadow work, questioning inherited beliefs, learning to receive, and the courage required to face what the mirror reveals. Perhaps one of Nkechi's simplest observations is also among the most powerful: If computers and phones continually update, why should human beings remain static? We can observe. We can question. We can recalibrate. We can update. And sometimes transformation begins with something incredibly small: saying what you're going to do—and then doing it. That tiny agreement begins rebuilding trust with yourself. Join us for an unusually candid exploration of what becomes possible when inner awareness meets systems thinking—and when we stop designing humans to fit our systems and begin designing systems that honor the complexity of being human. What signals might your emotions be revealing about the systems you're living within? Connect with Nkechi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessy-egonu/ Websites: https://hernest.africa and https://Hernestsystems.org. __________ Coherence Engine - https://AIUniversalEngine.com A different view of reality: https://youtu.be/uhhWJhwEtX8 🎁 Support: https://PlanetaryCitizens.net/donate 🎁 Connect with Zen: / zenbenefiel Zen's books: https://amazon.com/author/zendor Zen's Coaching: https://BeTheDream.com Zen's CV et al: https://zenbenefiel.com The Octopus Movement (non-linear thinkers): https://theoctopusmovement.org

    Nkechi Egunu | Emotions Are Data: Redesigning the Human Experience

  2. Sep 6

    Elinor Stutz | From Near-Death Experience to a Life of Purpose

    Ep 256 One World in a New World with Elinor Stutz What if the experiences that nearly break us are actually invitations to discover who we came here to become? In this inspiring episode of One World in a New World, Zen Benefiel welcomes international bestselling author, speaker, sales innovator, and Nice Girls DO Get the Sale author Elinor Stutz for a remarkable conversation about intuition, resilience, relationships, storytelling, self-belief—and turning life's unexpected challenges into service. Elinor's story changed dramatically at age 55. Following two serious traffic accidents and hospitalization, she experienced what she describes as a near-death experience surrounded by brilliant golden light. Two extraordinary visions emerged: one of herself speaking before audiences and another resembling a "life report card." One side reflected what she had accomplished. The other—community service—was blank. In that moment, Elinor made a commitment that would redirect her life: if she walked out of the hospital, she would find ways to give back and empower others. She did. But perhaps even more remarkable is what followed. Elinor shares how speaking directly and confidently to her surgeon became part of what medical staff later called her miraculous recovery. She recounts an extraordinary encounter with a mysterious physician after the accident, the intuition that compelled her to leave the Ambassador Hotel shortly before Robert F. Kennedy's assassination, and the breadcrumbs that continued appearing throughout her life. Yet this conversation isn't simply about extraordinary experiences. It's about what we do with them. Elinor and Zen explore how curiosity, careful observation, listening, intuition and genuine interest in another person can transform everything from sales and leadership to friendship and everyday human connection. Her sales philosophy is remarkably simple: Stop trying to sell people and start getting to know them. Ask better questions. Listen carefully. Observe. Share stories. Discover what actually matters to the person in front of you. Elinor demonstrates that philosophy through wonderfully entertaining stories—from selling Girl Scout cookies at age ten and interviewing her way through a male-dominated corporate sales culture to turning a hostile security guard into an unexpected ally with one tiny Halloween candy bar. Behind the humor is a profound lesson: People remember how we make them feel. Perhaps relationship-building isn't a sales technique at all. Perhaps it's simply what happens when we become genuinely curious about another human being. And perhaps resilience begins the same way—by becoming curious about ourselves. Elinor's closing invitation beautifully summarizes a lifetime of experience: Believe. Become. Empower. Believe in yourself. Become the person you know you can be. Then empower others to discover the same possibility within themselves. Join us for a warm, funny, surprising and deeply human exploration of resilience, intuition, storytelling, sales, service and what becomes possible when we finally decide to live life our own way. What might change if you stopped trying to convince people—and became genuinely curious about them instead? Connect with Elinor: Elinor's Books: https://amzn.to/4ymX2t8 Elinor's website: https://smoothsale.net/ Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZl_29zHxehqeL89KSCWFA/join __________ Coherence Engine - https://AIUniversalEngine.com A different view of reality: https://youtu.be/uhhWJhwEtX8 🎁 Support: https://PlanetaryCitizens.net/donate 🎁 Connect with Zen: / zenbenefiel Zen's books: https://amazon.com/author/zendor Zen's Coaching: https://BeTheDream.com Zen's CV et al: https://zenbenefiel.com The Octopus Movement (non-linear thinkers): https://theoctopusmovement.org

    Elinor Stutz | From Near-Death Experience to a Life of Purpose

  3. Aug 30

    Dr. Rollin McCraty | HeartMath, Heart-Brain Coherence & the Science of Connection

    EP 255 One World in a New World with Rollin McCratyWhat if one of the most sophisticated technologies you'll ever encounter is already beating inside your chest?In this extraordinary episode of One World in a New World, Zen Benefiel welcomes Rollin McCraty, Ph.D., psychophysiologist, researcher, author, and Research Director at the HeartMath Institute, for a fascinating exploration of heart coherence, heart-brain communication, intuition, consciousness, the biofield, emotional self-regulation, and global coherence.And this conversation gets personal.Rollin shares an extraordinary early childhood experience—one he rarely discusses—that left him with a profound sense that reality was far greater than the religious explanations surrounding him. That early awareness eventually became part of a lifelong journey bridging direct human experience with scientific investigation.That journey helped lead him to HeartMath.Rollin explains how early HeartMath research began investigating something science had largely neglected at the time: What actually happens physiologically when we genuinely experience appreciation, kindness and compassion?What researchers observed helped lead to what HeartMath calls a coherent state—measurable coordination among physiological systems, particularly in heart-brain communication. Rollin discusses how these states relate to clearer thinking, emotional stability, performance and self-regulation.But this isn't merely theory.During the conversation, Rollin walks us through a simple Shift and Lift practice beginning with heart-focused breathing: bringing attention to the heart area, breathing somewhat more deeply and slowly, and activating a genuine feeling such as appreciation, kindness or compassion.The conversation then ventures much further.What is the relationship between the physical heart and what Rollin calls the energetic heart?Can our physiological systems respond to information before we're consciously aware of it?What does HeartMath's research suggest about intuition?How do our emotional states affect our interactions with other people?And what happens when we move from personal coherence to global coherence?One particularly powerful theme emerges when Rollin contrasts humanity's obsession with external technology—including AI—with what he calls our largely unexplored inner technology.We have extraordinary devices in our pockets, yet how well have we learned to regulate ourselves?Perhaps the next frontier isn't simply building smarter machines.Perhaps it's learning to become more coherent humans.Rollin ultimately leaves us with a wonderfully simple reminder:Everybody has a heart.And every one of us has an opportunity to become more conscious of what we're bringing into our relationships, communities and world.Join us for a rare, deep and practical conversation exploring the science—and possibility—of living from a more coherent heart.Questions This Episode ExploresWhat actually happens in the body when the heart and brain become more coherent?Could learning to regulate our inner state change not only our lives, but the way humanity relates?HeartMath Institute: https://www.heartmath.org/Rollin's Books: https://amzn.to/4gmqMA4YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HeartMathInstitute#RollinMcCraty, #HeartMath, #HeartMathInstitute, #HeartCoherence, #HeartBrainCoherence, #HRV, #Consciousness, #HeartIntelligence, #GlobalCoherence, #HumanPotential, #OneWorldinaNewWorld__________Coherence Engine - https://AIUniversalEngine.comA different view of reality: https://youtu.be/uhhWJhwEtX8🎁 Support: https://PlanetaryCitizens.net/donate 🎁Connect with Zen: / zenbenefiel Zen's books: https://amazon.com/author/zendorZen's Coaching: https://BeTheDream.com Zen's CV et al: https://zenbenefiel.comThe Octopus Movement (non-linear thinkers): https://theoctopusmovement.org

    Dr. Rollin McCraty | HeartMath, Heart-Brain Coherence & the Science of Connection

  4. Aug 23

    Steve Pasin | Are We Wired to Win, Control, Dominate & Be Right?

    Ep 254 One World in a New World with Steve PasinWhat if some of our deepest beliefs about love, truth, choice, spirituality—and even human goodness—are stories we've never seriously tested?In this provocative episode of One World in a New World, Zen Benefiel welcomes Steve Pasin for a conversation that quickly becomes a spirited exploration of epigenetics, human nature, consciousness, quantum physics, truth, free will, relationships, cooperation, and the beliefs that shape our lives.Steve traces his inquiry back to a painful childhood experience. At five years old, after being struck by the father he regarded as his hero, he remembers making a defining internal decision: "I don't want to be like you." Decades later, he came to interpret that experience through the lens of epigenetics and began investigating how thought, stress, decision-making, and biology might interact.The conversation becomes especially compelling when Steve presents his challenging thesis: human beings are fundamentally driven to win, control, dominate, and be right.Zen pushes back.What about love? Service? Cooperation? Conscious evolution? Can humanity transcend patterns of dominance—or are cooperation and altruism simply more sophisticated expressions of our survival instinct?Rather than avoiding their disagreement, Steve and Zen explore it.They wrestle with the difference between truth and opinion, scientific proof and direct experience, the observer effect, visualization, relationships, free will, entropy, spirituality, the nature of self, and whether humanity can build systems based on cooperation rather than aggression. The transcript also includes speculative interpretations of quantum physics and consciousness; these are presented as part of their dialogue and inquiry, not as established scientific conclusions.Perhaps the most important lesson isn't which man is right.It's what happens when two people can strongly challenge one another, remain curious, and keep listening.In a culture increasingly divided by certainty, can disagreement become a pathway to discovery rather than conflict?Join us and decide for yourself.Questions the Episode ExploresAre humans fundamentally wired to win, control, dominate, and be right?How do we distinguish truth from belief, opinion, and personal experience?Can an early childhood decision influence the trajectory of an entire life?What can epigenetics legitimately tell us about experience and biological expression?Can cooperation coexist with our drive for survival?Does love ultimately involve getting something we need from another person?Is free will real, constrained, or illusory?Can direct experience constitute evidence?What happens when science encounters experiences it cannot yet measure?Can humanity move from dominance toward genuine collaboration?Most importantly: Can two people disagree deeply without becoming enemies?Steve's Website: https://tamingthefetaltyrant.com/Steve's book, Taming the Fetal Tyrant: https://amzn.to/4wEK20A#StevePasin, #HumanNature, #Epigenetics, #Consciousness, #CriticalThinking, #HumanBehavior, #Truth, #OneWorldinaNewWorldJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZl_29zHxehqeL89KSCWFA/join__________Coherence Engine - https://AIUniversalEngine.comA different view of reality: https://youtu.be/uhhWJhwEtX8🎁 Support: https://PlanetaryCitizens.net/donate 🎁Connect with Zen: / zenbenefiel Zen's books: https://amazon.com/author/zendorZen's Coaching: https://BeTheDream.com Zen's CV et al: https://zenbenefiel.comThe Octopus Movement (non-linear thinkers): https://theoctopusmovement.org

    Steve Pasin | Are We Wired to Win, Control, Dominate & Be Right?

  5. Aug 16

    What If AI Isn't the Real Threat? with Paolo Sironi

    Ep 253 One World in a New World with Paolo Sironi - Author of "Quantum Sapiens"What if the greatest danger of artificial intelligence isn't that machines become human—but that humans begin mistaking what can be measured for everything that matters?In this extraordinary episode of One World in a New World, Zen Benefiel welcomes Paolo Sironi—fintech and banking thought leader, global research leader for banking and financial markets at IBM's Institute for Business Value, and author of Quantum Sapiens—for a journey that begins with financial uncertainty and ventures into some of humanity's oldest and most provocative questions.Paolo's journey toward consciousness began in an unexpected place: quantitative finance. He discovered that sophisticated models could measure risk while never fully representing reality. Markets contain emotion, intention, uncertainty, and human behavior that cannot simply be compressed into equations. That realization eventually opened a much larger question: What else are we mistaking the model for the reality itself?From there, Zen and Paolo explore consciousness, irreversible time, fundamental uncertainty, quantum gravity, language, meaning, artificial intelligence, free will, love, and what Paolo calls the eternal present.Their conversation challenges one of the defining assumptions of our technological age: that because something can be represented by data, it has been understood.A map is not the landscape.A photograph of a sunset is not the experience of standing beside someone you love as the sun disappears beneath the horizon.And an AI capable of extraordinary language may still be fundamentally different from the consciousness that gives language meaning.Paolo introduces a compelling distinction between wisdom and consciousness. Wisdom draws upon what experience has already taught us; consciousness remains open to what we do not yet know. That radical openness becomes essential when confronting AI, scientific uncertainty, planetary challenges, and our own assumptions about reality.The conversation ultimately arrives somewhere both ancient and startlingly contemporary: love, difference, and human connection. If reality is fundamentally entangled, perhaps our differences are not obstacles to unity but expressions of it.This isn't simply a conversation about quantum physics or artificial intelligence. It's an invitation to reconsider the lens through which we understand ourselves.What if the most important innovation ahead isn't another technology?What if it is changing the way we see?Join us for a remarkable exploration of Quantum Sapiens and the possibilities waiting beyond the measurable.Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZl_29zHxehqeL89KSCWFA/joinSubscribe for weekly discussions on philosophy and human behavior, and let us know in the comments what topic you would like us to cover next.Paolo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepsironi/Paolo's Books: https://amzn.to/4x3iX8rPaolo's Website: https://www.thepsironi.com/#QuantumSapiens #PaoloSironi #AI #Consciousness #QuantumPhysics #Humanity #FutureOfAI #QuantumConsciousness #oneworldobservatory __________Coherence Engine - https://AIUniversalEngine.comA different view of reality: https://youtu.be/uhhWJhwEtX8🎁 Support: https://PlanetaryCitizens.net/donate 🎁Connect with Zen: / zenbenefiel Zen's books: https://amazon.com/author/zendorZen's Coaching: https://BeTheDream.com Zen's CV et al: https://zenbenefiel.comThe Octopus Movement (non-linear thinkers): https://theoctopusmovement.org

    What If AI Isn't the Real Threat? with Paolo Sironi

  6. Aug 9

    The One Skill That Can Change Your Life (Hint: It's Not What You Think) with Colin Smith

    Ep 252 One World in a New World with Colin SmithWhat if listening could change the world?In this thoughtful episode of One World in a New World, Zen Benefiel welcomes Colin Smith, founder of Dexterity Solutions and widely known as "The Listener." Together they explore why genuine listening is far more than hearing words—it's an act of presence that creates trust, belonging, clarity, and transformation.Drawing from decades of experience in leadership, coaching, customer service, and volunteer work with the Samaritans, Colin explains how simply creating a safe space for another person often allows them to solve their own challenges. Rather than fixing problems, true listening invites deeper thinking, emotional safety, and authentic human connection.The conversation expands into consciousness, intuition, curiosity, silence, AI, personal sovereignty, the Friendship Bench community, and humanity's collective awakening. Together, Zen and Colin explore how slowing down, asking better questions, and becoming fully present may be among the most powerful leadership skills of our time.Whether you're a leader, coach, entrepreneur, educator, counselor, or simply someone seeking richer relationships, this conversation offers timeless wisdom for living—and listening—with greater intention.Questions This Episode ExploresWhy do so few people truly listen?What happens when someone finally feels heard?Can listening become a spiritual practice?How does silence deepen connection?Why do people solve their own problems when given space?What role does curiosity play in leadership?How do we create psychological safety?Why is presence more powerful than advice?What changed about human connection after COVID?How can AI support—not replace—human wisdom?Connect with Colin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colindsmith1/Colin's Website: https://dexteritysolutions.co.uk/#ColinSmith #ActiveListening #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #Communication #ConsciousLeadership #OneWorldinaNewWorldJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZl_29zHxehqeL89KSCWFA/join__________Coherence Engine - https://AIUniversalEngine.comA different view of reality: https://youtu.be/uhhWJhwEtX8🎁 Support: https://PlanetaryCitizens.net/donate 🎁Connect with Zen: / zenbenefiel Zen's books: https://amazon.com/author/zendorZen's Coaching: https://BeTheDream.com Zen's CV et al: https://zenbenefiel.comThe Octopus Movement (non-linear thinkers): https://theoctopusmovement.org

    The One Skill That Can Change Your Life (Hint: It's Not What You Think) with Colin Smith

  7. Aug 2

    Max Gail on Living Authentically: What Television Never Showed

    One World in a New World with Maxwell Gail Jr. Most people know Max Gail as the beloved Detective Stan "Wojo" Wojciehowicz from Barney Miller. Few know the remarkable inner journey that has shaped his life. In this heartfelt episode of One World in a New World, longtime friends Zen Benefiel and Max Gail reconnect after years apart to explore the experiences that shaped Max far beyond television. Together they discuss childhood mystical experiences, out-of-body awareness, Native American teachings, acting, creativity, politics, spirituality, consciousness, Carl Jung, community, and the search for deeper meaning. Max reflects on his journey from science student to actor, from Hollywood success to humanitarian work with Indigenous communities, sharing stories filled with humility, wisdom, humor, and compassion. Along the way, he offers beautiful original poetry—including two deeply moving pieces that capture the essence of living authentically and preparing for life's final chapter with peace rather than fear. Topics include: • Barney Miller behind the scenes • Childhood spiritual experiences • Consciousness and intuition • Carl Jung and inner knowing • Native American wisdom • Community Technology Centers • Politics beyond polarization • Living in relationship • Aging with purpose • Poetry and the human spirit Whether you know Max from television or are meeting him for the first time, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into the heart of a man who has quietly dedicated his life to connection, service, and truth. Max's website: https://maxgail.com Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZl_29zHxehqeL89KSCWFA/join __________ Coherence Engine - https://AIUniversalEngine.com A different view of reality: https://youtu.be/uhhWJhwEtX8 🎁 Support: https://PlanetaryCitizens.net/donate 🎁 Connect with Zen: / zenbenefiel Zen's books: https://amazon.com/author/zendor Zen's Coaching: https://BeTheDream.com Zen's CV et al: https://zenbenefiel.com The Octopus Movement (non-linear thinkers): https://theoctopusmovement.org Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZl_29zHxehqeL89KSCWFA/join

  8. Jul 26

    Dr. Jude Currivan | The Living Universe, Consciousness & the Science of Unity

    Ep 250 One World in a New World with Jude Currivan What if everything belongs together? In this profound episode of One World in a New World, Zen Benefiel welcomes cosmologist, author, futurist, and consciousness researcher Dr. Jude Currivan to explore the extraordinary convergence of science, spirituality, quantum physics, AI, indigenous wisdom, and the evolution of humanity. Drawing from decades of research and lived experience, Jude shares the childhood encounter that opened a lifelong dialogue with a multidimensional, living universe. Together, Zen and Jude explore how modern science is increasingly confirming what ancient wisdom traditions have always taught—that consciousness is fundamental, love is an evolutionary force, and coherence is the natural state of reality. Topics include: • Universal consciousness • The Cosmic Hologram • WholeWorld-View • Quantum physics and cosmology • Indigenous wisdom • AI and coherent intelligence • Evolution through cooperation • Listening beyond the mind • The science of unity • Why love is more than an emotion Whether discussing coherence, collective awakening, planetary civilization, or the role of artificial intelligence in humanity's future, this conversation continually returns to one timeless invitation: Choose love. If you're seeking a deeper understanding of reality—and your place within it—this conversation offers inspiration, evidence, and hope for the future we are already creating together. Questions This Episode Explores When did Jude first experience universal consciousness? Can science explain spiritual awakening? Is the universe actually alive? What is the science of unity? Why is coherence replacing reductionism? How does AI fit into humanity's evolution? What does it mean to listen with your being? Is love an evolutionary principle? Why are ancient wisdom and modern science converging? How do we consciously evolve together? Jude's website: https://www.judecurrivan.com/ Jude's books: https://amzn.to/44NfcHF #JudeCurrivan #Consciousness #Cosmology #ScienceAndSpirituality #Coherence #QuantumPhysics #OneWorldinaNewWorld Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZl_29zHxehqeL89KSCWFA/join __________ A different view of reality: https://youtu.be/uhhWJhwEtX8 🎁 Support: https://PlanetaryCitizens.net/donate 🎁 Connect with Zen: / zenbenefiel Zen's books: https://amazon.com/author/zendor Zen's Coaching: https://BeTheDream.com Zen's CV et al: https://zenbenefiel.com The Octopus Movement (non-linear thinkers): https://theoctopusmovement.org Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZl_29zHxehqeL89KSCWFA/join

    Dr. Jude Currivan | The Living Universe, Consciousness & the Science of Unity
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🌍One World in a New World – Apocalyptic Chats One World in a New World explores consciousness, systems thinking, AI-human partnership, global transformation, spirituality, leadership, coherence, sustainability, and the future of humanity through conversations with visionary leaders, scientists, authors, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Discover insights on planetary consciousness, personal growth, social innovation, peace, wellness, awakening, and emerging technologies shaping a new world rooted in wisdom, collaboration, creativity, and collective evolution.

Information

  • Creator
    Zen Benefiel, MA, MBA, DDiv - Host/Producer & Founder, Planetary Citizens
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    258
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Zen Benefiel, MA, MBA, DDiv - Host/Producer & Founder, Planetary Citizens
  • Show Website
    One World in a New World - Apocalyptic Chats