The Way Back In

John Peterson and Tracy Uribe-Peterson

The Way Back In — Honest conversations about returning to ourselves. Two siblings, different paths, one shared search for freedom. Each episode is a real, unpolished conversation about unlearning, IFS, parenting, politics, and what freedom actually means.

Episodios

  1. 5 jul

    Ep. 10 - John's Deconstruction Pt. 1

    The Way Back In - Episode 10: From Pulpit to Purpose Long time no talk! In this tenth episode of The Way Back In, and John on the verge of his 39th birthday, we take a deep dive into the challenge of balancing daily responsibilities with long-term creative ambitions. Our conversation gears into a raw, honest exploration of John's past. We unpack his journey from an indoctrinated youth group kid in a fundamentalist bubble to a full-time pastor, and ultimately, to his firing over a controversial sermon that embraced intellectual honesty. It is a story of searching for true spirituality outside the confines of religion, and the courage it takes to deconstruct an entire worldview. Key Topics We Discuss: Reflections on turning 39, achieving physical and mental homeostasis, and the creative power of a 90-day reset without substances. The necessity of staying committed to long-term creative projects—like writing a multi-book series and building mechanical inventions—even when the financial payoff isn't immediate. A deep dive into John's religious deconstruction: from zealous youth camps and Christian rock bands to pastoring, and the theological questions about suffering that broke the illusion. Tracy's powerful closing advice on cultivating a level of self-belief that borders on the ridiculous, and John's three-step mindset for acting on our highest passions. Tune in for Part 1 of this deep dive into faith, family, and finding our way back to ourselves. #TheWayBackIn #Deconstruction #SelfBelief #Spirituality #ExVangelical

  2. 24 may

    Ep. 7 - What's Helping You?

    Welcome back to The Way Back In with John and Tracy! We are doing a deep dive into our personal "system updates". What coping mechanisms, mindsets, and routines worked for us in our 20s, and what do we actually need now as we approach 40? In this episode, Tracy opens up about navigating significant hormonal shifts and the empowering realization that it is okay to seek medical support when willpower alone isn't enough. John reflects on his own long-term journey with managing his mental health, the evolution of his daily wellness toolkit, and his shift toward heavily researched supplement routines to stay balanced. We also explore the paradox of turning your passions into a paycheck. Tracy shares why she stepped back from teaching yoga to protect her personal practice , and John discusses how he is approaching his upcoming book revisions without tying his self-worth or livelihood to the final outcome. Topics We Cover: Navigating major shifts in physical and mental well-being, and why you don't have to push through it alone. Why John reads the Tao Te Ching every single day and how its ancient wisdom grounds his mind. The danger of "transactional hobbies" and learning to detach your ego from the results. How our fitness routines must adapt to our changing cortisol levels—from the high intensity of CrossFit and hot yoga to the grounding effects of barre and calisthenics. The profound value of bodywork, acupuncture, and chiropractic care for releasing stored physical and energetic tension. Building genuine community, embracing self-love through practices like IFS, and finally letting go of what other people think. Join us as we talk through the messy, beautiful process of learning to love ourselves, why you should "date" your therapist until you find the perfect fit, and how to stay grounded in the present moment.

  3. 17 may

    Ep. 6 - Is the Universe With Us?

    Are we utterly alone, or is there a presence walking right beside us? This week on The Way Back In, We tackle one of the biggest questions of the human experience. Diving deep into the nuances between organized religion, atheism, and the vast frontiers of modern science, this conversation explores how we make meaning in a universe that can sometimes feel overwhelmingly silent. John shares his pendulum swing from evangelical Christianity to atheism, and how scientific data—like near-death experiences and the interconnectedness of nature—brought him to a new understanding of consciousness. Meanwhile, Tracy brings her "free-floating" perspective on the invisible string that connects all living beings, the quiet wisdom of "mother trees," and why she pictures the universe's unconditional love as a giant cotton candy pink sky. In this episode, we explore: The Invisible String: How physics, nature, and our own hearts show that pulling on one thread moves everything else. Science vs. Religion: Why finding comfort in data might just be another way of finding the divine. Destiny and Agency: Do things happen for a reason, or is the universe just waiting for us to take the reins? Wild Coincidences: Tracy shares a mind-blowing story from a tiny restaurant in Nepal. The Prodigal Son Reimagined: Looking at the ancient parable not as a story of rules, but as an invitation to follow the desires of your own heart without fear of punishment. Past Life Regressions: Are we experiencing this human journey together across multiple lifetimes? Whether you find your comfort in a benevolent creator, the laws of physics, or simply by looking into the eyes of the person sitting across from you, this episode is a reminder that we are here to experience this wild, beautiful life together. Where do you land? Do you feel a presence with you, or do you take comfort in creating your own meaning? Hit Follow, and drop your thoughts in the comments or Q&A section below! Follow us for more deep dives and weekly highlights: TikTok/Meta/YouTube: @TheWayBackInPod #TheWayBackIn #SpiritualAwakening #Consciousness #Deconstruction #PhilosophyOfLife #HumanExperience Join the Conversation

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The Way Back In — Honest conversations about returning to ourselves. Two siblings, different paths, one shared search for freedom. Each episode is a real, unpolished conversation about unlearning, IFS, parenting, politics, and what freedom actually means.