7 episodes

Do you want a deeper relationship with the Divine? Holy Rebels is the go-to podcast for spiritual seekers and modern mystics who seek the sacred in all things. Each week, we take a fresh look at the Western mystical tradition - from European Shamanism and Celtic Christianity to the Desert Fathers and Black Madonnas. We explore luminaries such as Francis of Assisi and Teresa of Avila, and discover practical spirituality with trailblazers like Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton. We uncover cultural treasures like The Book of Kells and Song of Songs, and visit sacred sites such as Chartres Cathedral and the Isle of Iona. Host Nina Hirlaender OFS is a Franciscan sister, spiritual director and founder of Dancing Spirit Tours. Known for her one-of-a-kind, immersive storytelling, Nina reveals why spirituality isn’t obscure ‘woo-woo’ from an archaic past but a powerful source of wisdom for navigating life today. So if you're ready to become a holy rebel on this adventure into mysticism - let's go!

Holy Rebels Nina Hirlaender OFS

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 5.0 • 16 Ratings

Do you want a deeper relationship with the Divine? Holy Rebels is the go-to podcast for spiritual seekers and modern mystics who seek the sacred in all things. Each week, we take a fresh look at the Western mystical tradition - from European Shamanism and Celtic Christianity to the Desert Fathers and Black Madonnas. We explore luminaries such as Francis of Assisi and Teresa of Avila, and discover practical spirituality with trailblazers like Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton. We uncover cultural treasures like The Book of Kells and Song of Songs, and visit sacred sites such as Chartres Cathedral and the Isle of Iona. Host Nina Hirlaender OFS is a Franciscan sister, spiritual director and founder of Dancing Spirit Tours. Known for her one-of-a-kind, immersive storytelling, Nina reveals why spirituality isn’t obscure ‘woo-woo’ from an archaic past but a powerful source of wisdom for navigating life today. So if you're ready to become a holy rebel on this adventure into mysticism - let's go!

    The Difference Between Fear and Intuition

    The Difference Between Fear and Intuition

    How do you tell the difference between fear and intuition? Can you learn to be more intuitive? In this episode, we'll demystify the energy anatomy of your inner compass so you can make breakthrough choices that free you from second-guessing yourself. We'll look at how spiritual principles, like those proposed by Ignatius of Loyola in ‘The Spiritual Exercises’ are essential for harnessing your most powerful assets—intuition and discernment—in a way that strengthens your inner compass and helps you listen to intuitive guidance. We'll discuss the importance of cultivating an environment that truly nourishes your wellbeing and embraces your vulnerability so that trusting your gut feels effortless. When you master how to truly listen to your inner guidance while also making mindful choices that align with your values, then it’s possible to take bold risks in life without feeling overwhelmed by fear or uncertainty. Listen now to deepen your trust in yourself and the divine appointments that come along as you close the gap between who you are now, and who you want to become.
    #holyrebels #holyrebelspodcast #wisdomofthemystics #dancingspirittours #ninahirlaender #podcast #inspiration #spiritualpodcast #spiritual #spirituality #sacred #mysticism #mystic #god #consciousness #calm #personaldevelopment #metaphysics #camino #spaincamino #spain #stignatius #intuition #discernment #travelspain #spiritualtravel #intuitive #lifecoach #awakening #faith
    “I love Nina and Holy Rebels Podcast.” ❤️ -- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — grow in their spirituality and create a meaningful, joyful life.
    👉 Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
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    Wisdom of The Mystics: www.wisdomofthemystics.com
    Show Notes: www.holyrebelspodcast.com

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    • 46 min
    How The Holy Spirit Works

    How The Holy Spirit Works

    How do the Divine Mind and our own human intellect intertwine? What is the Holy Spirit? Join us as we decipher the metaphysics of the Trinity, gain insight into mystical prayer, and uncover the power of forging a direct connection with God. All this and more awaits you in this podcast episode decoding the spiritual nature of reality. We discuss how metaphysics is not only a philosophical concept, but an experiential one as well. By attuning to the rhythms and patterns of creation, you'll be awe-struck by the sheer grandeur and beauty of our universe. Additionally, we delve into how mystics view metaphysics through prayer—Mystical Prayer—as a way to connect with the Holy Spirit and create an unyielding foundation of inner fortitude. We also discover the temple of our souls and what it means to listen with the ears of your heart. Through meditation and silence, we come to understand that there is a power within us, beckoning us inwardly. As we tap into this insight, we uncover the truth of our Indwelling Spirit—an unconditional love that constantly guides and supports us, no matter what. 


    #holyrebels #holyrebelspodcast #wisdomofthemystics #dancingspirittours #ninahirlaender #podcast #inspiration #spiritualpodcast #spiritual #spirituality #sacred #mysticism #mystic #god #pray #soul #mindfulness #selflove #universe #lifecoach #happiness #enlightenment #faith #wisdom #awareness #peace #joy #consciousness #calm #personaldevelopment #holyspirit #trinity #metaphysics 



    “I love Nina and Holy Rebels Podcast.” ❤️ -- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — grow in their spirituality and create a meaningful, joyful life.
    👉 Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
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    Wisdom of The Mystics: www.wisdomofthemystics.com
    Show Notes: www.holyrebelspodcast.com

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    • 35 min
    Why Do Some Prayers Go Unanswered?

    Why Do Some Prayers Go Unanswered?

    You know what’s terrible? When God says “no". Maybe you’ve prayed, “God, heal my child’s brain injury”—and it doesn't happen…

    In this episode, we’re exploring the tricky and sometimes uncomfortable questions that come up when we pray for help. From cancer to heartbreak, divorce, rejection, or any kind of suffering, sometimes we're in situations where prayer feels like our only recourse. But when faced with such questions as “what does it say about God if he doesn’t answer my prayers?” or “is it selfish to pray for healing?” we need to pause and reflect on the nature of prayer and what it means to ask for help from a divine being.

    The phrase “there are no atheists in foxholes” is often used to describe the primal instinct that comes out when people are pushed beyond their limits; the instinct to cry out for help. But what happens when God does not answer those cries? Nina tells her personal story of suffering that led her to ask complex and difficult questions about faith, our own mortality, and the true nature of God.
    Mentioned in the show
    St Augustine of Hippo on mystical prayer
    St Ignatius of Loyola, Suscipe Prayer
    “I love Nina and Holy Rebels Podcast.” ❤️ -- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — grow in their spirituality and create a meaningful, joyful life.
    👉 Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
    Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll out. Follow now ❤️
    Wisdom of The Mystics: www.wisdomofthemystics.com
    Show Notes: www.holyrebelspodcast.com

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    • 34 min
    The Metaphysics of Prayer

    The Metaphysics of Prayer

    What actually happens during prayer? Prayer is not about trying to manipulate the Divine for personal gain. It's a sacred practice that can offer insight into our deepest desires and needs. Let us take an unprecedented approach—when we lift up our hearts in prayer, it will open doors of awareness that allow us to accept life with grace and courage. Prayer does not change God; rather, it changes US! 

    In this episode, we explore the essential attitude you need to cultivate a meaningful relationship with God. If you’re curious about mysticism, or you’re a mystic-in-the-making, this episode will give you a foundational understanding of the metaphysics of prayer. Listen closely now as we explain how prayer can enrich your soul.


    Mentioned in the show:
    John of Damascus on prayer
    St Teresa of Avila on prayer
    “I love Nina and Holy Rebels Podcast.” ❤️ -- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — grow in their spirituality and create a meaningful, joyful life.
    👉 Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
    Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll out. Follow now ❤️
    Wisdom of The Mystics: www.wisdomofthemystics.com
    Show Notes: www.holyrebelspodcast.com

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    • 23 min
    What is a Mystical Experience?

    What is a Mystical Experience?

    Mystical experiences are utterly mysterious and difficult to articulate, but it’s common enough that we have reports of mystical experiences across time and cultures. It’s a state of consciousness, a phenomenon that simply happens to us and we don't know why. It’s impossible to achieve through your own efforts alone, because it’s given to you—by grace. 

    When this happens to you, there’s no doubt because it's not a rationalization. A mystical experience is not a theory that someone has convinced you of to make life seem more tolerable. This state is real and deep and undeniable.

    In this episode of Holy Rebels, we explore the 3 telltale signs of mystical consciousness. Have you ever had a mystical experience? Not sure? Listen now to find out! 

    Mentioned in the show:
    Teresa of Avila on The Prayer of Quiet:
    St Hildegard of Bingen, Selected writings
    “I love Nina and Holy Rebels Podcast.” ❤️ -- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — grow in their spirituality and create a meaningful, joyful life.
    👉 Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
    Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll out. Follow now ❤️
    Wisdom of The Mystics: www.wisdomofthemystics.com
    Show Notes: www.holyrebelspodcast.com

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    • 19 min
    Are You a Mystic?

    Are You a Mystic?

    What makes a mystic?  —How did Rumi or Thich Nhat Hanh or Jesus feel when they sat down to pray? How can we nurture that same deep intimacy with the Universe?

    This is why the Holy Rebels Podcast exists—because mysticism is not a frequently discussed topic. It’s often described in an esoteric way that makes it seem like mystical intimacy is reserved for the spiritual elite. 

    The Number One Reason WHY mysticism is vague and hard to understand is because it happens in the deepest part of your soul, a part of yourself that is hidden from your own awareness. 

    In this episode we discuss what it takes to form a mystical bond with God. With practice and the right set of skills, you can have what Teresa of Avila describes as, “a state in which the soul experiences an extraordinary peace and rest, accompanied by delight or pleasure in contemplating God as present.”
    Mentions:
    John of the Cross, The Spiritual Canticle of The Soul
    Cosmic Eye to Universe: youtube video
    Thomas Merton, Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander
    “I love Nina and Holy Rebels Podcast.” ❤️ -- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — grow in their spirituality and create a meaningful, joyful life.
    👉 Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
    Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. If you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll out. Follow now ❤️
    Wisdom of The Mystics: www.wisdomofthemystics.com
    Show Notes: www.holyrebelspodcast.com

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    • 19 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
16 Ratings

16 Ratings

hcbasket ,

Incredibly refreshing!

What a wonderful podcast, Nina! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and Love with us all. While listening to your podcast I feel as if I am having a conversation with you in person. Your sincere love shines through! ❤️

Amadeus Huff ,

The podcast for all that is spiritual!

I recently listened to Nina's spiritual mysticism podcast and I must say that it was an incredible experience. The podcast is filled with inspiring ideas and lessons about life, exploring how to find the true meaning and purpose of our lives. It has opened up my eyes to the power of spirituality and mysticism in our lives. Each episode focuses on a different topic related to spirituality, giving listeners a deeper understanding of the subject. Nina’s soothing voice and engaging style make it easy for listeners to absorb the information she provides. Whether you are looking for guidance or just want something calming to listen to in your free time, this podcast is definitely worth checking out!

Shobha1970 ,

Balm for the soul

Love this podcast - it’s such a fresh, nuanced and allows you to see life see the world and see humanity with whole new eyes And you leave feeling so much more zest for life and a sense that your problem of the moment is actually a gateway to a deeper connection with the Divine Thank you Nina

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