Unginspired

Unginspired
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Unginspired is a show about truth, suffering, and what it means to be human.

Episodes

  1. #006 - Herschel Aberson - Rabbi

    11/25/2025

    #006 - Herschel Aberson - Rabbi

    Rabbi Herschel Aberson is a rabbi with encyclopedic knowledge of Judaism, history, and theology, and an ability to break down complex ideas into digestible nuggets of wisdom. However, I worry that he's too smart for his own good, a phrase he's heard countless times before.He received his ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and holds an MA in Middle Eastern Studies from Ben Gurion University of the Negev, a Certificate in Education from the American Jewish University, and a BA in Anthropology from Muhlenberg College. He began his rabbinic career in 2019 at Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley in Phoenix, Arizona. Rabbi Brodie has also been teaching at the Miller Intro to Judaism Program since 2022 and is currently based in Van Nuys, California. In addition to his rabbinic work, Rabbi Brodie studies vocal performance at LA Pierce College in Woodland Hills, CA, combining his passion for Jewish education with his love of music and performance.In this interview, we talked about what it takes to become a rabbi, what it's like to be a spiritual leader and lead a congregation, Jewish theology, how the Holocaust impacts Jewish identity today, his take on the Israel-Palestine conflict, and much more. Timestamps [Recorded on 8/11/2024] 0:00:00 - Introduction & Singing in Services 0:01:21 - How Long Have You Been a Rabbi? 0:02:43 - Educational Background & Master's Degrees 0:07:00 - Missing Pieces in History Education 0:10:52 - Master's in Rabbinic Studies 0:13:37 - What Does It Take to Become a Rabbi? 0:18:51 - The Cost of Rabbinical School 0:19:55 - Struggles During Rabbinical School 0:23:00 - Life as a Working Rabbi 0:24:56 - Daily Duties of a Rabbi 0:29:01 - What is Shabbat? 0:30:28 - The Importance of Rest 0:33:11 - The Rabbinical Job Interview Process 0:37:22 - Being a Public Figure 0:41:00 - Surprised by His Own Competence 0:43:32 - Youth, Wisdom & Life Experience 0:46:18 - Challenges from the Community 0:50:16 - What Would You Change About Being a Rabbi? 0:55:04 - What Does It Mean to Be Jewish? 0:58:07 - Jewish Religious Texts 1:01:55 - Things You Disagree With in Jewish Law 1:04:28 - Judaism is Always Changing 1:07:38 - Jesus in Judaism 1:14:25 - History of Jewish Persecution 1:21:27 - The Holocaust's Impact on Jewish Life 1:24:46 - How Judaism Reconciles Suffering with God 1:31:33 - Israel and Palestine 1:45:51 - What's Next & Caring for Parents 1:51:44 - Jewish Communities in Africa 1:52:08 - Plans for the Future & Music 2:03:14 - Working Toward Peace & Final Thoughts

    2h 5m
  2. #005 - Jaden Pan - Transgender

    08/05/2025

    #005 - Jaden Pan - Transgender

    Jaden Pan is a transgender documentary and reality TV producer based in Los Angeles.For years, we were roommates, and yet, I had no idea about the depth of Jaden’s gender story. He carries the rare privilege of being able to choose how, when, and to whom he shares that part of his life. In this conversation, I finally got to ask the questions: What was his journey like? How did his understanding of gender evolve over time? And what helped him make it through?Jaden opens up about his path, one marked by courage, curiosity, and transformation. Today, he's not just thriving professionally, but also focused on his health, financial freedom, and personal growth. His story is a reminder that we’re all evolving, and we all have the potential to rewrite our narratives.Timestamps[Recorded on 8/4/2024]00:00 - Intro00:26 - Coming Out to Roommates07:42 - Jaden’s Background – My Chinese Mom09:52 - I Knew Young I Was Attracted to Women11:24 - My First Girlfriend Changed My Life13:58 - Sexual Orientation17:18 - Love Felt Natural, But I Was Told It Was Wrong19:11 - Revisiting Age 16 and Falling in Love21:04 - Thoughts on Love24:47 - Love Addiction: I Was 80% Suicidal31:20 - My School Counselor Saved Me36:02 - Parents vs. Elders: Who Should Raise Children?38:41 - Joining GSA and Starting My Transition43:58 - My Family’s Reaction to My Transition50:19 - Medical Side of My Transition54:21 - Talking About Genitals56:39 - Did My Transition Define Me?59:37 - I Can’t Multitask Anymore1:01:03 - Feeling Lucky – There Must Be a God1:01:59 - My “I Don’t Know” Mantra1:05:13 - We Commodify People Before We Humanize Them1:07:58 - Building Rapport: Finding Similarities First1:09:30 - Visiting Monowi, Nebraska – City of One1:14:18 - Producing TV with Marginalized Communities1:16:50 - Getting a Break in the Industry1:22:28 - Coffee, Doritos, and Life-Changing Moments1:24:16 - It’s About Trust and Relationships1:26:18 - Talking About Joe Rogan1:29:23 - Proudest Career Moments – Believing in Miracles1:31:51 - Addiction and Shame1:32:31 - Amateur Interventions1:34:10 - Addiction vs. Suicide1:36:40 - Could Death Bring Relief?1:38:10 - Hoping My Mom Can Change1:39:26 - Focusing on Physical and Emotional Health1:46:26 - Jaden’s Relationship with Food1:50:54 - Vision Quest: The Desert Calls You Out1:56:46 - Getting to the South Pole2:06:52 - Living and Working in Antarctica2:12:54 - What Do They Actually Do in Antarctica?2:18:58 - Coming Back “Home”2:20:03 - Big Questions About Life

    2h 22m
  3. #004 - Glenn Gershan - Cerebral Palsy

    07/22/2025

    #004 - Glenn Gershan - Cerebral Palsy

    Glenn Gershan has lived with cerebral palsy since birth. He cannot speak, and instead communicates by typing messages on his phone or through his computer. But that hasn't stopped him from working, studying, and making a life of his own in Los Angeles. In this interview, Glenn chats about what his disability means to him, his relationship with his mother, losing his father, dating, what makes him happy, his day-to-day routine, and much more. I was surprised how funny Glenn is, and by the unexpected stories he has. If you know someone who might connect with this, share the video. Drop a comment if you have thoughts, and don’t forget to subscribe here or on the Patreon page for more.Timestamps:[Recorded on 5/19/2024]0:00:00 - Intro0:01:20 - Cerebral Palsy and how Glenn feels about it0:04:57 - Glenn's Daily Routine - Work, School, and Goals0:08:03 - My Brother is a Television Director0:09:11 - My Dad Died0:12:14 - "My Mom's a Bitch! She Broke Up My Girlfriend and I"0:21:35 - "I Wish it was My Mom Who Died"0:24:06 - The Breakup0:25:35 - Going to School and Working at Pasadena City College0:28:12 - How does Glenn Make a Living?0:29:18 - More about PCC0:33:50 - Baramay's Story - from Music, to Covid, to PCC, To Pierce College0:41:30 - More about Pierce College0:45:50 - Glenn's Previous Job in Porn0:49:35 - Baramay's story of going to a porn industry party0:54:54 - How do people treat you? What was growing up like? What are your struggles?1:02:52 - There are different degrees of Cerebral Palsy1:03:35 - Glenn worked for the United Cerebral Palsy Telethon1:08:02 - Getting Water for Glenn1:09:38 - Baramay goes off about plants 1:10:36 - "Vegas Makes me Happy"1:14:34 - Baramay's Gambling Story in Vegas1:16:11 - Glenn lost all his money in Vegas once1:17:25 - "It's a new Vegas Now"1:20:03 - "Thanks to my Dad, I met the Wizard of Westwood" - John Wooden1:23:00 - "My Dad went to Law School at UCLA"1:27:41 - What's important to you?1:28:29 - Do you have any core values?1:31:31 - What is one skill you'd like to learn or improve?1:32:23 - What is the most adventurous thing you've ever done?1:33:33 - Do you have a favorite book, movie, or song?1:34:25 - Do you have any desire to travel anywhere?1:38:08 - Outro

    1h 41m

  4. 06/03/2025

    #003 - Saifennasr "Versátil" Ismail - Capoeira Mestre

    Saifennasr "Versátil" Ismail is a Capoeira Mestre, mental health counselor, polyglot, and IT professional. A true teacher, he finds lessons in every moment and movement. In this conversation, we explored his upbringing in a polygamist family in Detroit and North Africa, the effects of childhood sexual trauma, and how these experiences led him to mental health work and a lifelong dedication to Capoeira, which he’s now taught worldwide for over 30 years. We discussed religion, spirituality, sexual repression in the Middle East, and how wartime behaviors shape peacetime culture and politics. It was a fascinating interview—and an honor to say that I’m one of his students. Timestamps:[Recorded on 7/14/2024] 0:00 Intro1:30 Family3:25 Childhood Beatings6:48 Polygamist family dynamic (Detroit & North Africa)18:30 Communal living in Tunisia20:28 Reverse culture shock returning to the U.S.26:05 Trauma of family separation in the Middle East28:25 Baramay’s ancestral trauma30:02 Life in Michigan after the Middle East34:24 Wanting to be understood36:45 Struggling to connect with others39:00 Uncovering childhood sexual abuse43:08 Polygamy vs. polyamory44:04 Trust issues in relationships45:18 Eastern vs. Western confrontation styles46:57 Dissociative Fugue48:48 Mind, Body, Spirit integration53:25 Root Cause Analysis, Empiricism, Maya58:55 Religions as different templates for the same truth1:04:08 Sexual repression in the Middle East1:09:04 Feminist origins of Islam1:11:14 Media branding of cultures & religions1:12:40 Warrior traditions, art, and introspection1:15:28 The spiritual void that drives greed1:18:53 Meeting Capoeira in 19911:20:40 Male Survivor retreat—deep healing1:22:06 Why Capoeira is healing1:24:45 Studying Somatic Experiencing at Pacifica1:28:13 Origins of Baramay’s depression1:31:31 What a Somatic Experiencing session is like1:35:54 Parallels between Somatic Experiencing & Buddhism1:39:35 Healing work brings resistance1:40:16 Challenges within Capoeira culture1:42:18 Making conflict constructive in Capoeira1:43:58 Internal and social issues in Capoeira today1:49:48 Speaking ~15 languages1:51:55 Language learning approach1:54:50 Learning Cantonese on a flight1:57:57 Multilingual Q&A (Arabic, French, Japanese, Thai, Korean, Portuguese)2:13:00 Plans to host impactful events2:14:06 Safe Schools initiatives for Capoeira2:16:20 Capoeira Baiana—fun & open2:17:23 Capoeira Miudinho—expressive & nonviolent2:18:56 Beach Miudinho—bendy, inverted escapes2:20:20 Muzenza Fight—Capoeira tournaments2:23:28 Rough Roda2:23:55 Capoeira Angola—slow & low2:25:53 Capoeira today: not just a sport, but a job2:27:20 Accessible entry points for all levels2:28:12 Israeli CDO Capoeira—aerial & escapist2:30:45 Movimento Novo—no ranks, no single style2:33:22 Capoeira as one piece of life’s puzzle2:35:20 Striving to live to our fullest potential #Capoeira #SomaticHealing #MentalHealthMatters #SpiritualAwakening #TraumaHealing #PolyglotLife #MaleSurvivor #HealingJourney #PodcastInterview #CulturalIdentity

    2h 38m

  5. 06/02/2025

    #002 - Mark Ehlert - Suicide Survivor

    I asked Mark Ehlert about his suicide attempt of a gunshot to the head on September 12, 2004. We talked about the circumstances and his mindset surrounding it, and we went through the physical, mental, and spiritual recovery afterward. It's fascinating to me how one builds their life back together after such an incident. Mark shows an impressive level of self-awareness and tells incredible stories of the body, mind, and spirit's reactions to his actions. Mark is now a community activist, a mental health advocate, and a motivational speaker about suicide prevention. Here is a link to his YouTube channel @markehlert979 https://youtube.com/@markehlert979?si=WFVKVq1eLgImVfyk National Suicide Prevention 1-800-273-TALKor text 741741 [Recorded on 11/27/2023] 0:00 Intro1:41 What led to the suicide attempt?5:55 My biological mom sexually abused me11:03 The day of the suicide attempt14:00 "I stopped and put the gun to my head, and I pulled the trigger."17:40 I was grateful I wasn't successful. It wasn't what I was trying to do.19:10 I was being sexually abused while being in a coma in the hospital21:33 The hospital: It took 3 months to recover and be discharged24:47 The aftermath26:39 My relationship with God29:15 What was your childhood like?32:46 It's good to embrace your emotions34:00 More family background39:43 I remember all the shady stuff we used to do to get high in high school40:54 The mental recovery and the challenges I faced47:10 I was being exploited and used, and my therapist supported it 52:30 It was empowering to drop my therapist and find a new one54:20 Cognitive Distortion56:33 Anxiety Attacks59:37 My anxiety took a new form of dissociation1:03:02 If I can learn to love myself, anyone can1:03:33 It took me about 2-3 years to find happiness since I started therapy1:04:42 My relationship with music1:06:10 I've become a better musician since becoming blind1:07:40 What was the first step in figuring out how to navigate the world with blindness?1:08:53 Advantages and disadvantages to being blind1:12:00 Do you have visions in your dreams?1:12:55 Has attractiveness changed since you've become blind?1:15:33 I'm now able to adapt to new environment very well1:17:23 Once I learned how to love myself, I found I can achieve and do anything1:18:36 What are some pet peeves you have?1:21:02 Sometimes people intend on helping, but it can be more hurtful1:22:26 Reconstructive surgery pain1:25:47 My relationship with God has gotten much stronger1:27:25 Sufferring is what allows us to grow1:28:00 I quit my job to go to school to become a life coach1:32:00 how are you supporting yourself?1:32:44 There really isn't anything missing in my life right now1:33:40 I stopped my Mitch Hedberg impersonation, and started writing my own comedy1:34:28 Backlash1:36:47 Lake County Center for Independant Living1:37:51 National Suicide Prevention 1-800-273-TALK1:38:30 Core Values1:38:50 What are you most proud of?1:39:20 What's one skill you want to improve?1:41:17 I got my first tattoo in Paris when I was 171:43:35 My favorite movie is the Boondock Saints1:44:22 If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?1:44:45 I'd like to learn Spanish or Italian1:45:15 What are you grateful for? What makes you happy? #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #dissociativedisorder #spiritualguidance #cognitivedistortions #god #multiplepersonalitydisorder #reconstructivesurgery #centerforindependantliving

    1h 47m
  6. #001 - Danny Cocke - Cancer Warrior

    04/10/2025

    #001 - Danny Cocke - Cancer Warrior

    I asked Danny about his current battle with stage 4 colon cancer, surviving testicular cancer 20 years ago, near-death experiences, ayahuasca, spirituality, his music career, and the healthcare industry, among many other things. This is a great conversation for anyone dealing with death or with a terminal disease. Here are some links to keep up with Danny's progress. Be sure to lookout for the launch of his Cancer education and resources on his Instagram @healthycellwarrior Timestamps: [Recorded on 9/10/2023] 0:00 Introduction 1:22 How are you feeling? 2:07 When were you diagnosed with cancer? 3:36 Is this colon cancer related to your previous testicular cancer? 4:26 What are some difficulties you're facing now in your current stage? 5:34 When did you learn that it spread to your lungs? 5:57 Targeted therapy and my BRAF mutation 8:30 This whole thing is pushing my spirit! 9:42 Is your treatment working? What's your status? 14:00 How is your treatment different now than before? 16:40 I am the CEO of my body 17:50 Are current cancer treatments outdated? 21:35 Navigating the healthcare industry 22:15 How do you make the decision on what treatment path to take? 24:35 How many doctors do you have? 25:06 What does full-on chemo feel like? 26:23 One-ball perks 27:07 You can make it an awesome and epic tale, or you can let it crush you 30:30 Cancer survivability rates, miracles do exist 33:00 There are tons of treatments you can do 34:20 We were the first band on Linkin Park's label 36:30 Did you have any near-death experiences? 39:05 How do you feel about death? 43:16 Danny's 1st ayahuasca retreat - "I'm definitely forever changed" 47:05 Letting go of that which has nothing to do with me 51:31 Is it OK to do Ayahuasca while in the middle of treatments? 52:28 Why did you wait till now to do Ayahuasca? 54:09 The day-to-day of the Aya experience 55:51 What was that music like? 57:00 "I didn't throw up. I liked the taste of it" 58:30 What was the 2nd ceremony like? 1:00:34 "How did I allow this cancer to grow?" 1:06:01 Barmey's first Ayahuasca experience 1:09:20 Living life to the fullest 1:11:11 The 3rd ceremony - animalistic and wild 1:18:05 Have your friends changed? 1:19:26 How are you making it work financially? 1:25:35 My Health Cell Journey Cancer website 1:30:30 You have to be your own doctor 1:32:22 Danny's music career? "oh yeah, I forgot about that whole thing" 1:37:00 Do you think you'll go back to your music career? 1:39:25 What piece of music are you the most proud of? 1:44:29 What's next?

    1h 49m
  • 6 Episodes

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Unginspired is a show about truth, suffering, and what it means to be human.

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  • Creator
    Unginspired
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Unginspired
  • Show Website
    Unginspired