Centered: Becoming Whole in a Chaotic World

Jeff Armstrong, Ph.D.
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Spirituality
  • Updated Daily

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. Jun 7

    The Point is Love | The SPIES Framework

    Discover how love, consciousness, and self-transcendence shape your journey and unlock your highest potential. If you’re seeking meaning beyond physical wellness, this episode reveals a transformative model that rewires how you see growth—and it might just change your life. We revisit the SPIES model—a dynamic framework inspired by profound Spiritual insights and evolutionary science—that can guide you toward true wholeness. Jeff Armstrong explores how love, as a driving force, unites mind, body, and spirit, propelling you toward--how it is-- the elusive Omega Point of self-transcendence. You’ll learn how ideas from Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and modern spirituality intersect to help you evolve into your transcendent self. Please, support Centered 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

    13 min

  2. 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

    34 min

  3. May 24

    Reclaiming Desire: The Nervous System and Women’s Wellness | Julie Merriman, PhD, LPC-S | Ep. 13

    In this episode of Centered, Julie Merriman, Ph.D., LPC-S, author of In Pursuit of Soul Joy: A 12-Week Guide for Overcoming Burnout and Compassion and Are We Gonna Have Sex or What?, joins Dr. Armstrong to explore the importance of nervous system regulation, embodiment, and self-awareness for women over 50. She shares practical practices, discusses cultural influences on women's wellness, and introduces her upcoming book on desire and intimacy. Learn more at https://www.juliemerrimanphd.com/merriman-home

    53 min

  4. May 17

    The Future of AI and Society | ft. Steven Puri | Ep. 12

    In this episode of Centered, Jeff Armstrong and former Hollywood executive and founder of The Sukha, a global community of over 34,000 people exploring the intersection of productivity and well-being, Steven Puri explore the future of AI, the impact of social media, personal growth, and the meaning of a well-ordered life. This engaging conversation delves into how technology shapes society, the importance of empathy, and the pursuit of a purposeful existence. Learn more and join the Sukha community at https://www.thesukha.co/

    1h 3m

  5. May 3

    Becoming Whole Over Time: Turning, Aging, and the Work of a Centered Life | Ep. 11

    What does it mean not just to live longer — but to live more fully? In this episode, Dr. Jeff Armstrong sits down with Becky Blue, author of Turning The Magic and Mystery of More Days, to explore the deeper work of becoming whole over time. Drawing from her personal journey and reflections on transformation, Rebecca shares how pivotal life transitions can become invitations — not just to change direction, but to reorient the center of our lives. Together, they explore the connection between aging and flourishing, the role of identity and purpose, and what it means to move from fragmentation toward integration across the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, and social dimensions of life. Learn more at https://www.beckybluewrites.com/

    53 min

  6. Apr 26

    Beyond Self-Esteem| Redeeming Identity to Become Centered w Dr Eric Moyer | Ep. 10

    We live in an age obsessed with self-improvement. Boost your confidence. Reinvent yourself. Curate a new identity. But what if our modern approach to identity is actually fueling anxiety, burnout, and fragmentation? In this episode of Centered, Dr. Jeff Armstrong sits down with Dr. Eric Moyer, Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and author of Redeeming Identity, to explore why self-esteem without rooted identity may be doing more harm than good. Dr. Moyer argues that we’ve treated identity like open-source software—assuming we can revise and upgrade ourselves at will. The result? A psychological “system crash.” Together, they explore how Principles, Perspectives, Purposes, and Priorities form the architecture of mental health—and why the cure for burnout isn’t another motivational boost, but a return to our original design. This is a deep, practical, and clarifying conversation for anyone seeking not just confidence—but coherence.

    32 min

  7. Apr 19

    Uncomfortable Being Comfortable | ft. George Jerjian | Ep. 9

    George Jerjian is a Retirement Mindset Mentor, creator of the DARE Method, and an Emmy-winning storyteller who has studied the emotional and psychological side of retirement through a 20,000-retiree survey. In this episode* of Centered, Dr. Jeff Armstrong talks with George about why so many people feel lost after leaving work, even when they are financially prepared. They explore how longer lifespans have outgrown outdated retirement narratives, why identity often collapses when careers end, and how “unretirement” can become a courageous step toward renewed purpose. Drawing from the DARE Method, George shares practical, non-financial strategies for aging with meaning, vitality, and direction. *an excerpt of an episode that previously aired on The Aging Well Podcast

    39 min

  8. Apr 12

    The Path to Becoming Whole | Healing, Boundaries & Living a Centered Life | Centered ft. Sandi Griffin | Ep.8

    What does it really mean to become centered in a chaotic world? In this episode of Centered: Becoming Whole in a Chaotic World, Dr. Jeff Armstrong sits down with Sandi Griffin to explore the deeply personal journey of healing, boundaries, and rediscovering who we truly are. Sandi shares a powerful story about confronting childhood trauma, navigating a complicated relationship with a narcissistic parent, and the moment she realized that forgiveness does not require reconciliation. That realization became a turning point that helped her reclaim her voice, establish healthy boundaries, and begin living a more centered life. Together, Jeff and Sandi explore the deeper dimensions of human flourishing — including spirituality, physical health, intellectual growth, emotional regulation, and meaningful relationships. In this conversation, you’ll discover: • Why so many people feel fragmented and disoriented today • The difference between forgiveness and reconciliation • How childhood experiences shape adult emotional responses • Why boundaries are essential for healing and self-respect • The role of spirituality, exercise, and nutrition in becoming whole • How meaningful relationships help us stay grounded • Why listening — not reacting — transforms relationships • Simple practices that can help you feel more centered starting today This episode is ultimately about moving from fragmentation to integration — learning to live with clarity, purpose, and deeper connection to ourselves and others. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, scattered, or disconnected from your deeper purpose, this conversation offers insight, wisdom, and practical ways to begin the journey back to wholeness. Learn more at https://sandigriffin.com/

    53 min
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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.

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