Centered: Becoming Whole in a Chaotic World

Jeff Armstrong, Ph.D.

In an age of fragmentation, distraction, and cultural turbulence, this podcast asks a deeper question: What does human flourishing actually require? Drawing on science, theology, philosophy, and lived experience, Centered moves beyond diagnosing our spiritual problem and toward integration. Inspired in part by the vision of convergence articulated by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, each episode explores how we align our bodies, minds, relationships, and souls toward what is ultimate. This is not self-help. It is formation. It is movement toward wholeness. It is the work of becoming centered.

  1. Aug 30

    Coming Full Circle: Why Centered Is Coming Home to The Aging Well Podcast | Ep. 21

    What began as The Aging Well Podcast eventually became ...We Have a Spiritual Problem, and then Centered: Becoming Whole in a Chaotic World. That journey was never really a departure from aging well. It was an exploration of what aging well ultimately requires. In this solo episode, Dr. Jeff Armstrong reflects on that journey and explains why he is bringing Centered back into The Aging Well Podcast—not as an ending, but as a homecoming. Along the way, he explores how the podcast has evolved from a conversation about longevity and healthy aging into something broader: an exploration of human formation, becoming, purpose, flourishing, and aging as ascension rather than decline. The SPIES Framework—Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social—has become the foundation of Well-Centered Fitness. The original Six Pillars of Aging Well have expanded to include a seventh: Purpose. And the question has shifted from simply, “How do we live longer?” to something much more human: Who are we becoming as we live longer? This episode marks the beginning of a new chapter for The Aging Well Podcast—one in which Centered becomes a recurring feature rather than a separate destination, bringing the conversation about orientation, integration, formation, and human flourishing directly into the larger conversation about aging well. Please, support The Aging Well Podcast by hitting the ‘like’ button, subscribing/following the podcast, sharing with a friend, and…. Tip Jar! All donations support this podcast to keep it going. https://paypal.me/theagingwellpodcast BUY the products you need to… age well from our trusted affiliates and support the mission of The Aging Well Podcast. (We receive commission on these purchases. Thank you.) The Aging Well Podcast merchandise | Show how you are aging well | Use the promo code AGING WELL for free shipping on orders over $75 | https://theagingwellpodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/promo/AGINGWELL Auro Wellness | Glutaryl—Antioxidant spray that delivers high doses of glutathione (“Master Antioxidant”) and the new Copper Tripeptide (GHK-Cu) | 10% off Code: AGINGWELL at https://aurowellness.com/agingwellpodcast Nutritional Biochemical Inc. (NBI) | Trusted supplement. NBI stands 100% behind the quality of their formulations and the science on which they’re based. | Click the following link and use the discount code AGINGWELL for 10% off: https://shop.nbihealth.com/agingwell Jigsaw Health | Trusted supplements. “It’s fun to feel good.” | Click the following link and use the discount code AGINGWELL for 10% off: https://bit.ly/4ks3Y0O Berkeley Life | Optimize nitric oxide levels | Purchase your starter kit at a 15% discount | Use the promo code: AGINGWELL15 | https://berkeleylife.pxf.io/c/6475525/3226696/31118 Oxford Healthspan | Primeadine®, a plant-derived spermidine supplement | 10% off code: AGINGWELL | https://www.oxfordhealthspan.com/AGINGWELL KneeMo® | A smart device programmed to reduce your knee pain and keep you moving. | Click the following link and use the discount code AGINGWELL15 for 15% off: https://thekneemo.com/ref/agingwell Prolon | The Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) is a revolutionary five-day nutrition program scientifically formulated to mimic the effects of a prolonged water fast while still allowing nourishment - supporting the benefits of fasting without the challenges and risks that come from water-only fasts. | For the best available discount always use this link: https://prolonlife.com/theagingwellpodcast Fusionary Formulas | Combining Ayurvedic wisdom with Western science for optimal health support. | 15% off Code: AGINGWELL | https://fusionaryformulas.com?sca_ref=9678325.IHg5xYhdOzzke8Zr Dr Lewis Nutrition | Fight neurodegeneration and cognitive decline with Daily Brain Care by Dr Lewis Nutrition—a proven daily formula designed to protect and restore brain function. | 10% off code: AGINGWELL or use the link: https://drlewisnutrition.com/AGINGWELL

  2. Jul 19

    Kabbalah, the Omega Point, and the Wisdom of Transcendence ft. Andrew Grinbaum | Ep. 18

    What if the world's great spiritual traditions are not competing stories, but complementary maps pointing toward the same ultimate reality? In this episode of Centered: Becoming Whole in a Chaotic World, Dr. Jeff Armstrong welcomes back Andrew Grinbaum—Jewish Kabbalahist, transformational business coach, and Executive Director of the Spirituality in Business Institute—for a wide-ranging conversation on the converging wisdom of Kabbalah, Christian mysticism, and the evolutionary vision of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Together, they explore the Omega Point as a symbol of humanity's movement toward greater unity, love, and consciousness, while reflecting on their own spiritual journeys and the ways ancient wisdom continues to shape modern life. The conversation also examines Dr. Armstrong's SPIES framework as a practical model for personal integration and considers how individual transformation contributes to the evolution of communities and, ultimately, humanity itself. Whether you are rooted in a particular faith tradition or simply searching for a deeper understanding of the spiritual life, this episode invites you to consider what it means to become whole—and how our personal transformation may be part of a much larger story. Learn more about: Spirituality in Business Institute at https://spiritualbiz.org/ The Kabbalah Centre at https://www.kabbalah.com/ BUY The Phenomenon of Man on Amazon and support this podcast at https://amzn.to/4y3TegR Please, support Centered: Becoming Whole in a Chaotic World by hitting the ‘like’ button, subscribing/following the podcast, sharing with a friend, and…. Tip Jar! All donations support this podcast to keep it going. https://paypal.me/theagingwellpodcast

  3. May 31

    Laughter is Spiritual: Becoming Centered Through Humor and Human Connection ft. Rabbi Bob Alper | Ep. 14

    What if laughter is more than entertainment? What if it is medicine, connection, spirituality, and even a pathway becoming Centered? In this episode of Centered, Dr. Jeff Armstrong’s guest is Rabbi and stand-up comedian Bob Alper — the world’s only practicing clergyman doing stand-up comedy intentionally. With decades of experience as both a congregational rabbi and internationally touring comedian, Bob brings a rare perspective on joy, suffering, meaning, and the healing power of humor. Together, they explore why laughter matters in our divided and chaotic world, the spiritual dimensions of comedy, and how “clean” humor may reveal something profound about human flourishing. Bob also shares stories from his transition from pulpit to stage, his work bringing people together across religious divides, and the surprising role comedy can play in helping people through grief, illness, and loneliness. Learn more at https://bobalper.com/ Tip Jar! All donations support this podcast to keep it going. https://paypal.me/theagingwellpodcast Watch/Listen to my full interview with Rabbi Alper (airing June 16th) on The Aging Well Podcast where you get your podcasts: https://episodes.fm/1602134189 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAgingWellPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0d1ldCVquGyHzQoqCEgi7n?si=60fc3f7bb0364a6a Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aging-well-podcast/id1602134189

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In an age of fragmentation, distraction, and cultural turbulence, this podcast asks a deeper question: What does human flourishing actually require? Drawing on science, theology, philosophy, and lived experience, Centered moves beyond diagnosing our spiritual problem and toward integration. Inspired in part by the vision of convergence articulated by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, each episode explores how we align our bodies, minds, relationships, and souls toward what is ultimate. This is not self-help. It is formation. It is movement toward wholeness. It is the work of becoming centered.