Oneself

Stephen Maher & Adam Bartleman
  • 5.0 (7)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Oneself is a raw and reflective podcast about identity, purpose, and transformation. Hosted by Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman, the show explores how we come to understand who we are—through our experiences, relationships, and the deeper work of self-discovery. In each episode, they share personal stories and honest conversations around topics like mentorship, trauma, masculinity, healing, and growth. Whether you’re navigating your own path or curious about the human experience, Oneself invites you into a space where vulnerability meets wisdom and reflection leads to action.

  1. 3D AGO

    Oneself - Episode 29 - Just Different, Still Human

    Summary: In this conversation, Stephen Maher and Adam Bartiman delve into the themes of victimhood, accountability, and the complexities of separating art from the artist. They explore societal conditioning, the importance of gratitude, and the distractions of modern life. The discussion emphasizes the need for personal responsibility and the power of community and service in fostering connection and growth. Ultimately, they advocate for a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, encouraging listeners to embrace multiple truths and find clarity amidst chaos. Takeaways: Victimhood often stems from a lack of accountability.Separating the art from the artist allows for appreciation without endorsement.Cultural differences shape our perceptions of accountability.Gratitude can shift our perspective from lack to abundance.Modern distractions can lead to a disconnection from the present.Community and service are vital for personal fulfillment.Convenience can detract from meaningful experiences.Societal conditioning influences our sense of urgency and purpose.Understanding multiple truths can foster compassion and empathy.Self-awareness is key to breaking the cycle of victimhood.Chapters: 00:00Exploring Victimhood and Accountability 05:14Separating Art from the Artist 10:17Distractions from Real Issues 15:08Finding Meaning in Simplicity 22:49The Illusion of Convenience and Rushing Through Life 29:48Giving from Abundance vs. Lack Mindset 38:15Finding Gratitude in Our Conditions

    44 min

  2. JAN 26

    Oneself - Episode 28 - Owning Your God Nature

    Summary: In this conversation, Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman explore the themes of judgment, self-love, and the teachings of enlightened masters. They discuss how judgment affects personal well-being and the importance of self-love in overcoming judgment towards oneself and others. The conversation delves into the illusion of separation, the nature of reality, and the distortion of religious teachings, emphasizing the simplicity of truth and the path to redemption through love. Takeaways: Judgment often stems from a lack of self-love.Self-judgment can hinder personal growth and well-being.The illusion of separation leads to judgment of others.True teachings of spirituality emphasize love and oneness.Religious rituals can sometimes overshadow their original messages.Forgiveness and compassion are essential for personal redemption.Understanding that we are all interconnected can reduce judgment.The journey of self-discovery involves recognizing our blind spots.Simplicity is key in understanding profound truths.Living in alignment with love leads to a more fulfilling life. Chapters: 00:00Introduction to Judgment 01:17The Impact of Self-Judgment 03:05Understanding Judgment and Love 06:53The Journey of Self-Acceptance 10:19Filling Your Cup: The Importance of Self-Love 13:34The Illusion of Separation 16:40Living Beyond Judgment 21:52The Essence of Confession and Self-Alignment 23:09The Distortion of Spiritual Teachings 26:08Rituals vs. True Spirituality 30:05Hypocrisy in Religious Practices 33:31The Simplicity of Spiritual Truths 37:05The Second Coming: A Shift in Awareness 40:06The Immutable Truth of Love

    44 min

  3. JAN 19

    Oneself - Episode 27 - If We Don't Laugh We'll Cry

    Summary: In this conversation, Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman explore the profound impact of laughter and humor on the human experience. They discuss how laughter serves as a coping mechanism during difficult times, the role of dark humor in processing trauma, and the importance of humor in navigating societal changes and politics. The conversation emphasizes the healing power of laughter, the irony in life, and how humor can help us zoom out and see the bigger picture, ultimately leading to a more enjoyable and connected existence. Takeaways Laughter is a fundamental aspect of the human experience.Humor can serve as a coping mechanism during difficult times.Dark humor often arises from shared trauma and suffering.Recognizing the irony in life can lead to healing and understanding.Humor can break societal tensions and bring people together.The role of humor in politics is crucial for accountability.Time can change the perception of what is humorous or acceptable.Finding humor in personal experiences can aid in processing trauma.Humor can help us zoom out and see the bigger picture of life.Taking life too seriously can prevent us from enjoying its lighter moments. Chapters: 00:00The Healing Power of Laughter 05:13Laughter as a Coping Mechanism 10:05Humor in the Face of Trauma 15:08Navigating Humor in a Changing Society 20:02The Role of Humor in Challenging Times 26:25The Evolution of Humor and Cancel Culture 29:59The Role of Humor in Politics 33:40Finding Humor in Tragedy 39:41The Nature of Humor and Human Experience 49:19Zooming Out: The Bigger Picture of Life 53:11Closing Thoughts on Humor and Life

    55 min

  4. JAN 12

    Oneself - Episode 26 - Bread & Circuses: Are We Being Played?

    Summary: In this conversation, Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman explore the multifaceted nature of sports, discussing both its beauty and the darker aspects such as addiction and societal distraction. They reflect on personal experiences with sports, the impact of fan culture, and the importance of community engagement. The discussion also touches on the economics of sports, the relationship between fans and teams, and the broader implications of consciousness and personal growth. Ultimately, they emphasize the need to reclaim energy from sports and direct it towards personal and community development. Takeaways: Sports can bring out both the best and worst in people.The competitive nature of sports can lead to addiction and abuse.Parents often live vicariously through their children's sports.The concept of 'bread and circuses' applies to modern sports.Fan culture can lead to negative behaviors and violence.Engaging in sports can foster community and personal connections.The economics of sports often exploit fans financially.Consciousness and personal growth are essential in understanding sports.Multiple truths can coexist in the realm of sports.The Savannah Bananas exemplify a positive approach to sports. Chapters: 00:00The Complexity of Sports and Human Nature 03:33The Duality of Sports: Beauty and Toxicity 08:38The Nuances of Competition and Attachment 13:58Addiction and the Sedentary Lifestyle 22:42Redirecting Passion: From Sports to Community Engagement 26:20The Cycle of Work and Escape 28:43The Economics of Sports and Fan Loyalty 31:16Sports as a Modern Religion 33:42The Illusion of Separation and Collective Consciousness 36:59Positive Examples in Sports 40:17The Relationship Between Fans and Organizations 41:39Greed and the Human Condition 44:31The Intersection of Science and Spirituality 49:49Embracing Oneness and Personal Journey

    56 min

  5. JAN 5

    Oneself - Episode 25 - The Friends Who Stay (and the Ones Who Don’t)

    Summary:  In this episode, Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman explore the complexities of friendship, particularly how it evolves through different life stages. They discuss the importance of quality over quantity in relationships, the role of loyalty and integrity, and how shared experiences can deepen connections. The conversation also touches on the challenges of maintaining friendships across different lifestyles and the significance of being there for friends during tough times. Ultimately, they emphasize the beauty of friendship and the value of genuine connections in a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions. Takeaways:  Friendship evolves with life stages and personal growth.Quality of friendships is more important than quantity.Loyalty and integrity are crucial in relationships.Shared experiences create deeper connections.Friendship can be tested during challenging times.It's important to recognize when to let go of friendships.Inconvenience can strengthen bonds between friends.Friendship can thrive across different lifestyles.Real connections are built on mutual understanding and respect.Everyday moments can create lasting memories. Chapters: 00:00The Evolution of Friendship 03:09Navigating Life Changes and Friendships 06:07Quality vs. Quantity in Relationships 08:40The Impact of Personal Growth on Friendships 11:41Loyalty and Self-Preservation 14:27The Role of Geography in Modern Friendships 17:28Finding Common Ground Despite Differences 20:22The Importance of Self-Love in Relationships 26:51Seeking Roots and Community 31:52The Depth of Human Experience 35:07The Importance of In-Person Connections 40:08Friendship Through Inconvenience 50:50Closing Thoughts on Friendship

    53 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    Oneself - Episode 24 - Messy is Still Meaningful

    Summary:  In this conversation, Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman explore the themes of perfectionism, individual paths, and the importance of authenticity in personal growth. They discuss the challenges of self-reflection, the value of honest conversations, and the dangers of attachment to techniques and cultural patterns. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of embracing change, accepting oneself, and recognizing that each person's journey is unique, while also acknowledging the paradoxes inherent in personal development. Takeaways: The pursuit of perfection can be paralyzing.Falling in love with the process is essential.Introspection helps us understand our motivations.Authentic conversations can lead to personal growth.Techniques may not work for everyone; find what suits you.Cultural patterns can lead to conformity; individuality is key.Healing can stop, but growth is a lifelong journey.Self-acceptance is crucial for personal development.Contradictions in beliefs are part of growth.We are all on unique journeys, yet interconnected. Chapters: 00:00The Journey of Self-Discovery 02:31Embracing Imperfection 07:51The Value of Authentic Conversations 11:36Questioning the Path to Growth 16:16The Individual Nature of Healing 22:38Trusting the Unique Journey 27:46Mastering Emotions for a Better World 30:41Distorted Masculine Energy and Cultural Patterns 33:37The Esoteric vs. Distorted Teachings 36:56The Dangers of Conformity in Spiritual Communities 39:47The Illusion of Continuous Healing 43:38Finding Individual Paths in Spirituality 49:55Embracing Paradox and Personal Growth

    53 min

  7. 12/22/2025

    Oneself - Episode 23 - The Illusion of External Solutions

    Summary: In this conversation, Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman delve into the complexities of contradictions and paradoxes in the healing journey, particularly within the spiritual community. They discuss the role of plant medicine, the importance of integration, and the dangers of ego in healing spaces. The conversation emphasizes the need for daily practices, self-awareness, and discernment in navigating the healing process, while also addressing the predatory behaviors that can occur in these environments. Ultimately, they highlight the significance of looking within for true healing and the hard work that comes with it. Takeaways: Contradictions and paradoxes are prevalent in the healing journey.Plant medicine can be a tool for awakening but requires integration.Integration is essential for lasting change after plant medicine experiences.Ego can lead to predatory behavior in healing spaces.Daily practices are crucial for true healing and self-awareness.Recognizing attachments and addictions is part of the healing process.Trusting oneself is key to navigating the healing journey.The mundane work of healing is often overlooked but vital.Quick fixes are illusions that can hinder true growth.Compassion for oneself and others is essential in the healing process.Chapters: 00:00Exploring Contradictions and Paradoxes 03:18The Role of Plant Medicine in Healing 06:15Integration: The Key to Lasting Change 09:21Navigating the Plant Medicine Landscape 12:18The Illusion of Quick Fixes 14:48The Journey of Self-Discovery 18:04The Importance of Discernment 20:51Returning to Reality: The Mundane Work 23:56Finding Balance in Spiritual Practices 31:23Returning to Our Roots 32:59Confronting Reality and Addiction 34:43The Dangers of Spiritual Bypassing 37:50Navigating the Healing Space Safely 39:40The Importance of Integrity in Healing 41:34Trusting Yourself in the Healing Journey 43:40The Illusion of External Solutions 45:18Exploring Attachments and Addictions 48:51The Power of Sobriety and Discipline 52:11Finding Freedom Through Restriction 57:05The Daily Work of Self-Discovery

    1 hr

  8. 12/15/2025

    Oneself - Episode 22: The Gratitude Frequency

    Summary: In this conversation, Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman explore the themes of perspective, gratitude, and the duality of internal and external experiences. They discuss how changing locations does not resolve internal struggles, the importance of inspiration from one's environment, and the nature of attachment to past experiences. The dialogue emphasizes the uniqueness of individual journeys, the significance of surrendering to the moment, and the role of guidance and intuition in navigating life's challenges. They also touch on the importance of creating conditions for success, finding gratitude in every situation, and connecting with both past and future selves to gain insight. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the paradoxes of life and the necessity of embracing both highs and lows for personal growth. Takeaways: Changing location doesn't fix internal issues.Inspiration is tied to environment and community.Attachment to past experiences can create suffering.The pathless path is unique for everyone.Surrendering to the moment allows for guidance.We are never off our path; it's all perspective.Creating conditions for success requires action.Finding gratitude in every situation is essential.Connecting with past selves can provide insight.Embracing the paradox of life leads to peace.Chapters: 00:00 The Duality of Internal and External Perspectives04:01 Lessons in Attachment and Perspective06:45 The Pathless Path: Embracing Individual Journeys10:59 Surrendering to Guidance and Creative Flow15:28 The Balance of Action and Surrender19:26 Creating Conditions for Momentum in Life23:40 Letting Go of Expectations and Embracing Change27:40 Embracing Gratitude in Daily Life29:20 The Importance of Surrender and Rest31:03 Connecting with Our Past and Future Selves34:31 The Role of Meditation in Self-Discovery38:15 Finding Balance Between Action and Being41:47 Understanding Paradox and Duality in Life47:36 The Journey of Acceptance and Presence

    51 min
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Oneself is a raw and reflective podcast about identity, purpose, and transformation. Hosted by Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman, the show explores how we come to understand who we are—through our experiences, relationships, and the deeper work of self-discovery. In each episode, they share personal stories and honest conversations around topics like mentorship, trauma, masculinity, healing, and growth. Whether you’re navigating your own path or curious about the human experience, Oneself invites you into a space where vulnerability meets wisdom and reflection leads to action.

Information

  • Creator
    Stephen Maher & Adam Bartleman
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Stephen Maher & Adam Bartleman