The Story of Us: From Cosmic Dawn to the Depths of Being

Jeff Ellison
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Philosophy

Tell Us Your Story - A captivating and thought provoking podcast that intricately weaves together personal stories with timeless ancient wisdom and groundbreaking modern discoveries to unlock the profound mysteries of life. Personal stories, special edition episodes, guest hosts and our Next Gen series, celebrating the young voices that are helping make the world a kinder and less divided place. Our conversations, preserved for future generations will send the same message as the oldest known hand stenciled cave paintings made by our Neanderthal cousins over 64,000 years ago "I was here. My life was meaningful." www.thestoryofusproject.com Make sure to check out our blog and social media feeds to get the most out of your enjoyment of our show,

  1. SEASON FINALE: You Were Sold a Smaller God… and You Accepted It Without a Receipt.

    May 31

    SEASON FINALE: You Were Sold a Smaller God… and You Accepted It Without a Receipt.

    What if the feeling you call “God” was never meant to be contained inside a building? In this Season 2 finale of The Story of Us, Jeff reflects on the moments that leave us speechless—the overwhelming awe of standing beneath the vaulted ceilings of Notre-Dame, the impossible beauty of La Sagrada Familia, the silence of a mountain range, the pull of a night sky filled with stars. Part travel reflection… part philosophical exploration… part deeply personal letter… this episode explores the human tendency to build institutions around mystery—and what may be lost when we outsource our search for meaning to them. Drawing inspiration from Mark Twain, Eastern philosophy, the great cathedrals of Europe, and the ordinary moments of everyday life, Jeff asks a difficult but essential question: What do you actually believe? And perhaps more importantly… Have you ever stopped long enough to truly feel it for yourself? 🌍 In This Episode Why ancient cathedrals evoke awe—even for nonbelieversThe emotional experience of visiting La Sagrada FamiliaHow religions evolved from stories into institutionsThe difference between spirituality and organized beliefWhat Eastern traditions understood about mystery and presenceWhy the sacred may live in ordinary moments—not sacred buildings🎯 Key Themes Awe and wonderSpirituality vs religionHuman connectionPresence and attentionThe search for meaningThe beauty of existence🧠 Memorable Questions Explored What do you actually believe?Has organized religion brought us closer to the divine—or further from it?What if you are not separate from the sacred… but an expression of it?What if wonder itself is the point?✨ Final Invitation This episode is ultimately an invitation: To slow down. To pay attention. To stop outsourcing the search for meaning. And to rediscover the extraordinary hidden inside ordinary life. 🌐 Explore More Subscribe to our free weekly blog: Letters From The Middle of It All 👉 www.thestoryofusproject.com/start-here 📲 Follow The Story of Us InstagramFacebookBlueSky🎥 Full episodes, shorts, and spoken word reflections available on YouTube. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. ❤️ Thank You Thank you for being part of Season 2. These conversations exist because people like you continue sharing them, discussing them, and helping us build a growing community centered around curiosity, connection, and what it means to be human. 💬 Final Thought Maybe the sacred was never hiding inside the cathedral. Maybe it was waiting… in the moments you almost overlooked. 🪨 The Story of Us From stardust to stillness. “I was here. My life was meaningful.”

    32 min
  2. We Never Completely Forgot Who We Were with Yaffah Batya DaCosta

    May 24

    We Never Completely Forgot Who We Were with Yaffah Batya DaCosta

    What happens when an entire people are forced to hide who they are… for generations? In this episode of The Story of Us, Jeff sits down with Yaffah Batya daCosta—educator, speaker, and advocate for the descendants of the “Secret Jews,” families who were forced to convert during the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions while quietly preserving pieces of their identity in secret. But this conversation is about much more than history. It’s about memory. Identity. Belonging. And the human need to understand where we come from. Together, they explore the story of the Anousim (“the forced ones”), how ancient persecution still echoes into modern life, and what happens when someone begins rediscovering truths their family was never allowed to openly speak about. Along the way, the conversation widens into something universal: How fear divides people. How stories shape identity. And how understanding each other more deeply may be one of the few paths toward healing. 🎯 What You’ll Take Away Who the “Secret Jews” were and why their story still matters todayHow forced conversion and hidden identity shaped generations of familiesThe surprising connections between history and modern global tensionsWhy human beings are more alike than different beneath culture and beliefHow compassion and curiosity can lead to deeper understanding🌍 Key Themes Identity and ancestryGenerational memoryReligious persecution and survivalHuman connectionHealing through understanding👤 About the Guest – Yaffah Batya daCosta Yaffah Batya daCosta is an educator, speaker, coach, and advocate working to support descendants of the Anousim—Jewish families forced to conceal their identity during the Inquisition. Drawing from her own ancestral journey, she has spent decades studying Jewish history, early Christianity, interfaith relations, and the roots of antisemitism in order to promote deeper understanding and reconciliation between communities. She is also the CEO of a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping descendants reconnect with their heritage and identity. 🔗 Learn More Website: www.bneianousim.orgFacebook: Yaffah Batya daCosta🌐 Explore More from The Story of Us If this conversation resonated with you, we invite you to explore more episodes, reflections, bite-sized clips, and shorts designed to help us better understand ourselves—and each other. 👉 www.thestoryofusproject.com/start-here 🎥 Full episodes and clips available on YouTube 📲 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky 🎧 Share the Episode If you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who may need to hear it. Because stories like this remind us of something important: History may divide us… but understanding each other can still bring us back together. 💬 Final Thought Identity can be hidden. But somehow… the human spirit remembers.

    1h 1m
  3. Raising Good Humans…Not Just "Successful" Ones with Rosemary Olender

    May 17

    Raising Good Humans…Not Just "Successful" Ones with Rosemary Olender

    What does it really mean to raise a “good” human? Not a high achiever. Not a perfectly behaved child. But someone who is kind, grounded, resilient… and emotionally aware. In this episode of The Story of Us, Jeff sits down with educator, consultant, and author Rosemary Olender—who has spent decades working inside classrooms, schools, and family systems—to explore what actually shapes a child. This conversation goes beyond parenting advice. It’s about the everyday moments… the conversations we have… the behaviors we model… and how those small things quietly shape who our children become. Drawing from over 20 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and director of special education, Rosemary shares what she’s seen change in today’s families—and what still matters most. Together, they explore: Why character matters more than achievementWhat emotional intelligence really looks like in real lifeThe biggest mistakes parents make (often without realizing it)How families and schools can work together more effectivelyWhat it means to raise children who are prepared for life—not just successThis episode isn’t just for parents. It’s for anyone who cares about the kind of humans we are raising—and the kind of world we’re creating. 🎯 What You’ll Take Away Why children learn more from what you model than what you sayHow to build emotional intelligence in everyday interactionsWhat strong families do differentlyThe importance of communication between home and schoolHow to shift from reactive parenting to intentional guidance🌍 Key Themes Character developmentEmotional intelligenceParenting with intentionFamily dynamicsHuman connection👤 About the Guest – Rosemary Olender Rosemary Olender, MS, CAS, is an educator, consultant, and non-fiction author with decades of experience supporting families and schools. Her career includes: 17 years as a teacher of profoundly deaf childrenRoles as a junior high and elementary school principalDirector of special educationEducational consultant working with school districts across New York StateShe is the author of: Coffee and WisdomThe School-Home ConnectionHer work focuses on helping families and educators build stronger relationships, improve communication, and support children in reaching their full potential. 🌐 Explore More If this conversation resonated with you, we’ve created a space for you to go deeper. 👉 www.thestoryofusproject.com/start-here Explore more episodes, reflections, and insights on what it means to be human—and how we shape the next generation. 📲 Follow & Connect Follow The Story of Us: FacebookInstagramBlueSky🎥 Full episodes, clips, and shorts available on YouTube. 🎧 Share This Episode If you know someone raising kids—or working with them—send this their way. Because the small things we do today… become the foundation for who they are tomorrow. 💬 Final Thought We don’t just raise children. We raise future humans. And that might be the most important work any of us will ever do.

    1h 13m
  4. NEXT GEN: Your Life Is An Empty Canvas... Now What? with Max McGuire

    May 10

    NEXT GEN: Your Life Is An Empty Canvas... Now What? with Max McGuire

    What does it actually feel like…to stand at the edge of your life…and try to figure out who you’re going to become? In this special NextGen episode of The Story of Us, Jeff sits down with Max McGuire—recent University of Tennessee graduate, adventurer, artist, and someone stepping into adulthood in real time. This conversation is a little different. Max isn’t just a guest—he’s someone Jeff knows personally (yeah, it's his daughters BOYFRIEND). Which makes this episode feel less like an interview… and more like a real, honest conversation between two people at very different stages of life. And maybe that’s what makes it so powerful. Together, they explore the questions that don’t come with easy answers: What does it mean to find your purpose… before you’ve fully lived your life?How do you balance ambition with meaning?What are you willing to sacrifice—and what are you not?From working as a ranch hand in Aspen… to exploring the Amazon River Basin… to navigating creativity, relationships, and the uncertainty of what comes next—Max opens up about what he’s learning, what he’s still figuring out, and what matters most right now. This isn’t a conversation about having it all figured out. It’s about being honest enough to admit you don’t. 🎯 What You’ll Take Away Why early adulthood is more about questions than answersHow real-world experiences shape identity and perspectiveThe importance of curiosity, creativity, and explorationWhat it means to build a life with intentionWhy honesty matters more than saying what people expect🌍 Key Themes Becoming vs arrivingIdentity and self-discoveryPurpose and directionAdventure and growthLiving without a script👤 About the Guest – Max McGuire Max McGuire is a recent graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in supply chain management. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Max brings a unique blend of grit, creativity, and curiosity. From working as a ranch hand in Aspen to traveling into the Amazon, his experiences reflect a willingness to step outside the ordinary and into growth. He is an artist, an outdoorsman, and someone just beginning to shape the life he wants to build. 🌐 Explore More If this conversation resonated with you, we’ve created a space for you to go deeper. 👉 www.thestoryofusproject.com/start-here Explore more full episodes, bite-sized clips, and conversations about what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world. 📲 Follow & Connect Follow The Story of Us: FacebookInstagramBlueSky🎥 Full episodes, clips, and shorts available on YouTube. 🎧 Share This Episode If you know someone navigating this stage of life… Send this to them. Because sometimes the most important thing you can hear is: You don’t need to have it all figured out. 💬 Final Thought Becoming isn’t something that happens once. It’s something we all keep doing… no matter how old we are.

    1h 12m
  5. The Life Most People Only Dream About- Sailing The World with Alison Gieschen

    May 3

    The Life Most People Only Dream About- Sailing The World with Alison Gieschen

    Episode Title She Sold Everything to Sail the World… Here’s What She Found | Alison Gieschen Episode Description What happens when you walk away from everything you’ve built… and choose a life most people only dream about? In this episode of The Story of Us, Jeff sits down with Alison Gieschen—author, storyteller, and global sailor—who made a bold decision alongside her husband to sell everything they owned and circumnavigate the world by sailboat. Since then, they’ve traveled across five continents, visited over 50 countries, and lived a life shaped not by schedules… but by wind, water, and the unknown. But this conversation isn’t just about travel. It’s about what happens when you strip life down to its essentials. About the people you meet along the way. The perspectives that change you. And what truly matters when comfort, routine, and certainty are no longer part of the equation. From navigating storms at sea to navigating different cultures and ways of living, Alison shares what years on the ocean have taught her about humanity, connection, and the shared experience of being alive. What You’ll Take Away Why transformational travel is about people—not placesWhat Alison learned from communities living with far lessHow stepping outside your normal life reshapes your perspectiveThe difference between chasing experiences and finding meaningWhat really matters when everything else is stripped awayKey Themes Human connection across culturesSimplicity vs modern lifeAdventure and uncertaintyPerspective and gratitudeWhat it means to truly liveAbout the Guest – Alison Gieschen Alison Gieschen is a former teacher, equestrian vaulting coach, and horse farm owner who chose a radically different path—selling everything to sail around the world with her husband aboard their 43-foot vessel, EQUUS. She is an author, travel blogger, and storyteller known as The Nautical Novelist, sharing her journey through books and her sailing blog. Her works include: Riding the Waves of RealityRiding the Waves of Reality IITHE SEVEN: An Odyssey of Seven Horses and Seven SoulsJulia’s Vaulting DreamConnect with Alison Website: www.alisongieschen.comSailing Blog: www.sailmates.orgExplore More If this conversation resonated with you, we’ve created a space for you to go deeper. 👉 www.thestoryofusproject.com Explore more conversations, reflections, and stories about what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world. Listen. Reflect. Share. If this episode made you think, feel, or see the world a little differently… Share it with someone who needs to hear it. Final Thought Sometimes the most powerful journeys… aren’t about where you go. They’re about how you begin to see.

    54 min
  6. May The Schwartz Be With You - Chasing the Inexplicable Something with Calvin Schwartz

    Apr 26

    May The Schwartz Be With You - Chasing the Inexplicable Something with Calvin Schwartz

    Some lives don't follow a script. They follow a feeling — an inexplicable something that whispers just loud enough to be heard over the noise of the ordinary. Calvin Schwartz has been listening to that whisper his whole life, and what it's led him to is nothing short of extraordinary. Calvin joins us today as the host of We the Species, a podcast over 700 conversations deep that explores the big, beautiful, unanswerable questions about humanity, connection, and what it means to be alive. If you haven't found it yet, consider this your sign. In this episode, Calvin takes us on a journey that winds through pharmacy school he never wanted, a 25-year career selling eyeglasses for one of the world's wealthiest men, a novel that arrived fully formed during a rainy morning rewatch of Casablanca, and a spiritual awakening that changed the entire trajectory of his life. Along the way we touch on bullying, reinvention, the paranormal, a mysterious healing in Nazareth, a five-roll car crash he walked away from without a scratch, and — not once, but twice — turning down Steven Spielberg. Almost, he'll tell you. Almost. Calvin is also the award-winning author of There's a Tortoise in My Hair: A Journey to Spirit, a novel that has drawn comparisons to Kurt Vonnegut, Philip Roth, and John Irving, and has collected over ten national awards. It is a book about meaning, mortality, and the unseen forces that seem to guide us — whether we believe in them or not. At 80-something and showing no signs of slowing down, Calvin is a living, breathing argument for staying curious, staying open, and never letting age write the final word on who you're still becoming. In this episode we explore: Leaving behind a career — and a whole identity — to follow something you can't quite name The spiritual thread that runs quietly through an entire life How writing one novel unlocked an entire new world of possibility The paranormal experiences that changed how Calvin sees existence What 700+ conversations about the human species has taught him about all of us The gift of the antenna — and why Calvin believes we all have one Connect with Calvin: 🎙️ We the Species Podcast — available on all major streaming platforms 📖 There's a Tortoise in My Hair — available at CalvinSchwartz.com 💼 LinkedIn: Calvin Schwartz 📘 Facebook: Cal Schwartz Enjoyed this episode? If something Calvin said today stayed with you, please take a moment to leave us a review on your streaming platform of choice — it helps more curious minds find their way to these conversations. And if you know someone who needs a reminder that it is never too late to begin again, share this episode with them. That small act might mean more than you know. Until next time — peace be with you.

    1h 4m
  7. SPECIAL EDITION: You Can Be a “Man’s Man” Without Being an A*****e

    Apr 21

    SPECIAL EDITION: You Can Be a “Man’s Man” Without Being an A*****e

    What does it actually mean to be a “tough guy”? Lately, that definition feels… off. Somewhere along the way, toughness has been confused with anger. Strength with cruelty. Confidence with tearing other people down. In this solo episode of The Story of Us, Jeff steps back and challenges that idea. This one is personal. Through the lens of his son Brady—a welder, diesel mechanic, and what most would call a “man’s man”—Jeff explores the difference between being disciplined, resilient, and capable… versus being closed off, hateful, or divisive. Because those aren’t the same thing. And they never were. This episode is a spoken-word reflection based on Jeff’s blog post: “You Can Be a Man’s Man Without Being an A*****e” It’s about redefining strength. Reclaiming character. And remembering that toughness and kindness were never meant to be opposites. 🎯 What You’ll Take Away Why toughness and cruelty have been incorrectly linkedThe difference between strength and insecurityHow modern culture is distorting masculinityWhat real character looks like in everyday lifeWhy kindness is not weakness—and never has been👤 A Personal Note This episode is inspired by Jeff’s son, Brady—whose life reflects a powerful truth: You can be rough, tough, hardworking… and still be a good man to the people around you. 🌐 Read the Full Blog Want to read the full written version? 👉 https://thestoryofusproject.com/2026/04/16/you-can-be-a-mans-man-without-being-an-a*****e/ 🔗 Explore More If this episode resonated with you, we’ve created a space for you to go deeper. 👉 https://thestoryofusproject.com/START-HERE/ More conversations. More reflections. More of what it means to be human in a world that’s changing fast. 🎧 Share This Episode If you know someone who’s been wrestling with what it means to be a man today… Send this to them. Because the conversation matters. 💬 Final Thought You don’t have to change who you are to become a better man. You just have to remember: Tough doesn’t mean cruel.

    19 min
  8. Is the World Falling Apart…or Waking Up? with Scott Paradis

    Apr 19

    Is the World Falling Apart…or Waking Up? with Scott Paradis

    Something feels… off. The world we thought we understood doesn’t quite make sense anymore. Institutions feel shaky. The rules seem unclear. And underneath it all, there’s this quiet, persistent question: Is everything falling apart… or are we being pushed into something new? In this episode of The Story of Us, Jeff sits down with Scott Paradis—retired U.S. Army Colonel, Congressional Fellow, and National Security Fellow at Harvard—to explore one of the most important questions of our time. Drawing from decades inside systems of power, Scott offers a bold perspective: 👉 What we’re experiencing may not be collapse… 👉 It may be revelation. Together, they unpack: Why so many people feel anxious, disconnected, and unsettledThe hidden “games” shaping our economy and societyHow our relationship with money distorts how we liveWhy this moment in history may be an evolutionary turning pointWhat it actually means to take ownership of your role in what comes nextThis conversation isn’t about politics or ideology. It’s about stepping back far enough to see the system… and then asking a deeper question: What kind of game do you want to play? 🎯 Key Takeaways We are not just participants in the system—we are its creatorsThere are two forces at play: the making game (creating value) and the taking game (extracting value)“Apocalypse” doesn’t mean destruction—it means revealing what was hiddenToday’s anxiety may be the signal of a deeper transformationThe future is not predetermined—it’s shaped by individual choices👤 About the Guest – Scott Paradis Scott F. Paradis is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, former Congressional Fellow in the U.S. Senate, and National Security Fellow at Harvard University. After a 30-year career inside military and government systems, Scott shifted his focus to understanding the deeper forces shaping human behavior, society, and personal development. He is the author of 11 books and creator of multiple educational programs exploring leadership, money, and human potential. His latest work, What’s Really Going On: Apocalypse or Evolution, challenges the idea that humanity is in decline—and instead suggests we are at a critical moment of transformation. 🔗 Connect with Scott LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-f-paradis/YouTube Series: What’s Really Going On: Apocalypse or EvolutionBooks & Programs: Available via Amazon, Udemy, and Listenable🌐 Explore More If this conversation resonated with you, we’ve created a space for you to go deeper. Visit our landing page to explore more conversations, insights, and resources designed to help you navigate this moment with clarity and intention. 👉 www.thestoryofusproject.com/start-here 🎧 Listen. Reflect. Share. If you found value in this episode, share it with someone who’s been asking the same questions. Because maybe the real shift happening right now… isn’t just in the world. It’s within us.

    57 min
See All (36)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Tell Us Your Story - A captivating and thought provoking podcast that intricately weaves together personal stories with timeless ancient wisdom and groundbreaking modern discoveries to unlock the profound mysteries of life. Personal stories, special edition episodes, guest hosts and our Next Gen series, celebrating the young voices that are helping make the world a kinder and less divided place. Our conversations, preserved for future generations will send the same message as the oldest known hand stenciled cave paintings made by our Neanderthal cousins over 64,000 years ago "I was here. My life was meaningful." www.thestoryofusproject.com Make sure to check out our blog and social media feeds to get the most out of your enjoyment of our show,

Information

You Might Also Like