Podcasts
Rabbi Brian’s Musings
Bible with rB

Rabbi Brian’s Musings
Saturday Service February 2021_2
Podcast:The Saturday Service February 13, 2021 Podcast Notes The Saturday Service --08:00-0:8:10 Reports from the committee dedicated to watching the mud settle.08:10-08:20 Edutitarg, Backward ways of doing gratitude.08:20-08:30 "No one heals themselves by...
Saturday Service February 2021_1
Podcast:The Saturday Service February 6, 2021 Podcast Notes The Saturday Service --8:09-8:22 shake the mud8:23 review of spital life8:28 wave to face book8:29 so many ads—graitude8:45~5 advantages of being senseYelling + tutoring. Shapeable as a block of...
Saturday Service January 2021_5
Podcast:The Saturday Service January 30, 2021 Podcast Notes Saturday service with rB and Toni Anne! Try a little Tenderness. - Otis Redding Quote: True friends celebrate your successes. 00:00 - 05:49 - Greetings and rB story about magic camp. Introducing Toni Anne...
Saturday Service January 2021_4
Podcast:The Saturday Service January 23, 2021 Podcast Notes 00:00 - 00:40 - Welcome 00:41 - 08:11 - Dogen Quote and interpretation: “If you are unable to find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?” Kind of why this service doesn’t have a...
Saturday Service January 2021_3
Podcast:The Saturday Service January 16, 2021 Podcast Notes 00:00 - 04:24 - Welcome and acknowledgements for helpers. Remember we have Live Transcripts!! 04:25 - 09:13 - fish quote (Hafiz) from a few weeks ago. Continuing with the fish quote and expanding on it....
Saturday Service January 2021_2
Podcast:The Saturday Service January 9, 2021 Podcast Notes 00:00 - 01:59 - welcome and trying out a new concept - broadcasting at a friend’s house instead of home 02:00 - 03:37 - 1/2 Exercise: breathe out via mouth (exhale). Remember to do that often … JFE (Just...
Saturday Service January 2021_1
Podcast:The Saturday Service January 2, 2021 Podcast Notes B! (Mad World, Tears for Fears) - bit of tech problems but hey, we’re together 🙂 00:00 - 01:59 - Welcome 02:00 - 09:06 - :quote: “One must stand with one’s mouth open for a very long time before roast duck...
Christmas Magic
Podcast:Christmas Magic Podcast Notes This Rabbi believes in Christmas magic. Here's why.
Saturday Service December 2020_4
Podcast:The Saturday Service December 26, 2020 Podcast Notes Toni Anne! (Bourée, Jethro Tull) 00:00 - 13:04 - Thanks to contributors and note the Transcriptions for Closed Caption at the bottom of the screen. Happy holidays! Last Saturday service for 2020 in the year...
Saturday Service December 2020_3
Podcast:The Saturday Service December 19, 2020 Podcast Notes Rabbi Brian! (Fanfare for the common man) 00:00 - 01:59 : Welcome and question: What is keeping you from being content? 02:00 - 04:00: Announcements and welcome back, Emily! Remember to use the Closed...
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Below is the BIG ARCHIVE going back to 2006.
Saturday Service February 2021_2
Podcast:The Saturday Service February 13, 2021 Podcast Notes The Saturday Service --08:00-0:8:10 Reports from the committee dedicated to watching the mud settle.08:10-08:20 Edutitarg, Backward ways of doing gratitude.08:20-08:30 "No one heals themselves by...
Saturday Service February 2021_1
Podcast:The Saturday Service February 6, 2021 Podcast Notes The Saturday Service --8:09-8:22 shake the mud8:23 review of spital life8:28 wave to face book8:29 so many ads—graitude8:45~5 advantages of being senseYelling + tutoring. Shapeable as a block of...
Saturday Service January 2021_5
Podcast:The Saturday Service January 30, 2021 Podcast Notes Saturday service with rB and Toni Anne! Try a little Tenderness. - Otis Redding Quote: True friends celebrate your successes. 00:00 - 05:49 - Greetings and rB story about magic camp. Introducing Toni Anne...
Saturday Service January 2021_4
Podcast:The Saturday Service January 23, 2021 Podcast Notes 00:00 - 00:40 - Welcome 00:41 - 08:11 - Dogen Quote and interpretation: “If you are unable to find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?” Kind of why this service doesn’t have a...
Saturday Service January 2021_3
Podcast:The Saturday Service January 16, 2021 Podcast Notes 00:00 - 04:24 - Welcome and acknowledgements for helpers. Remember we have Live Transcripts!! 04:25 - 09:13 - fish quote (Hafiz) from a few weeks ago. Continuing with the fish quote and expanding on it....
Saturday Service January 2021_2
Podcast:The Saturday Service January 9, 2021 Podcast Notes 00:00 - 01:59 - welcome and trying out a new concept - broadcasting at a friend’s house instead of home 02:00 - 03:37 - 1/2 Exercise: breathe out via mouth (exhale). Remember to do that often … JFE (Just...
Saturday Service January 2021_1
Podcast:The Saturday Service January 2, 2021 Podcast Notes B! (Mad World, Tears for Fears) - bit of tech problems but hey, we’re together 🙂 00:00 - 01:59 - Welcome 02:00 - 09:06 - :quote: “One must stand with one’s mouth open for a very long time before roast duck...
Christmas Magic
Podcast:Christmas Magic Podcast Notes This Rabbi believes in Christmas magic. Here's why.
Saturday Service December 2020_4
Podcast:The Saturday Service December 26, 2020 Podcast Notes Toni Anne! (Bourée, Jethro Tull) 00:00 - 13:04 - Thanks to contributors and note the Transcriptions for Closed Caption at the bottom of the screen. Happy holidays! Last Saturday service for 2020 in the year...
Saturday Service December 2020_3
Podcast:The Saturday Service December 19, 2020 Podcast Notes Rabbi Brian! (Fanfare for the common man) 00:00 - 01:59 : Welcome and question: What is keeping you from being content? 02:00 - 04:00: Announcements and welcome back, Emily! Remember to use the Closed...
Saturday Service December 2020_2
Podcast:The Saturday Service December 12, 2020 Podcast Notes 00:00 - 06:19 - Romper Room welcome. Dec 12, 2020. Words of 2020: “Zoom”, “Pandemic”, “social distancing”, “Unprecedented” “Covidiot”, “Fascism”, “Pod”, “Cohort”, “Bubble”. What do you say when someone says...
Saturday Service December 2020_1
Podcast:The Saturday Service December 5, 2020 Podcast Notes We talked about a Victor Frankl quote, When a person does not find meaning, they seek out pleasures. And, other goodness. Hey, if you are reading this note, might you let me know? -rB
Saturday Service November 2020_4
Podcast:The Saturday Service November 28, 2020 Podcast Notes Toni Anne! (Fozzie Bear theme) 00:00 - 05:50 - Toni Anne: Welcome - encourage people to connect in the time of COVID. Healing Prayers to people who are recovering or in hospital for surgery. How is everyone...
Saturday Service November 2020_3
Podcast:The Saturday Service November 21, 2020 Podcast Notes Rabbi Brian! (Looney Tunes intro) 00:00 - 04:04 - Welcome. 2nd to last of the month - comfy pants service day! Zoom bomb to Facebook viewers. 04:05 - 04:50 - Tik Tok video with Kevin Hale 04:51 - 11:30 -...
Saturday Service November 2020_2
Podcast:The Saturday Service November 14, 2020 Podcast Notes Epictetus: “What upsets people is not things themselves but their judgments about the things…So when we are thwarted or upset or distressed, let us never blame someone else, but rather ourselves, that is,...
Saturday Service November 2020_1
Podcast:The Saturday Service November 7, 2020 Podcast Notes 0:00 - 1:35 - 251st day of COVID joke (BOOO) greetings, salutations, etc. 1:35 - 3:04 - announcements - thanks, Toni Anne!, week off, feeling refreshed, Favorite thing she said “Subtle idea of connecting ,...
Saturday Service October 2020_5
Podcast:Podcast Episode Notes 0:00 - 02:00 - deep breaths and welcome statement 02:00 - 03:15 - home work noticing complaining with participant comments 03:15 - 04:30 - quick note form Rabbi Brian to say thanks to Toni Anne 04:30 - 12:35 - Toni Anne: discussing what...
Saturday Service October 2020_4
Podcast:The benefits of complaining? Camus. Simple teachings about love. Simple teachings about anger. A five minute mediation. A serious, but not humorless, spiritual-religious gathering. Topics include how to deal with frustration and the most common caricatures of...
Saturday Service October 2020_3
Podcast:One hour of conversation with Rabbi Brian and friends. Recorded live on Saturday mornings. You are invited: Topics include how to deal with frustration and the most common caricatures of God.
Saturday Service October 2020_2
Podcast:One hour of conversation with Rabbi Brian and friends. Recorded live on Saturday mornings. You are invited: Topics include how to deal with frustration and the most common caricatures of God.
Saturday Service October 2020_1
Podcast:One hour of conversation with Rabbi Brian and friends. Recorded live on Saturday mornings. You are invited: Topics include how to deal with frustration and the most common caricatures of God.
Forgiveness Service
Podcast:Forgiveness and Atonement for the High Holy Says Service. September 25, 2020
Saturday Service September 2020_4
Podcast:One hour of conversation with Rabbi Brian and friends. Recorded live on Saturday mornings. You are invited: Topics include how to deal with frustration and the most common caricatures of God.
Saturday Service September 2020_3
Podcast:One hour of conversation with Rabbi Brian and friends. Recorded live on Saturday mornings. You are invited: Topics include how to deal with frustration and the most common caricatures of God.
Saturday Service September 2020_2
Podcast:One hour of conversation with Rabbi Brian and friends. Recorded live on Saturday mornings. You are invited: Topics include how to deal with frustration and the most common caricatures of God.
Saturday Service September 2020_1
Podcast:One hour of conversation with Rabbi Brian and friends. Recorded live on Saturday mornings. You are invited: Topics include how to deal with frustration and the most common caricatures of God.
Saturday Service August 2020_3
Podcast:One hour of conversation with Rabbi Brian and friends. Recorded live on Saturday mornings. You are invited:
Saturday Service August 2020_4
Podcast:One hour of conversation with Rabbi Brian and friends. Recorded live on Saturday mornings. You are invited:
Saturday Service August 2020_2
Podcast:One hour of conversation with Rabbi Brian and friends. Recorded live on Saturday mornings. You are invited:
Saturday Service August 2020_1
Podcast:One hour of conversation with Rabbi Brian and friends. Recorded live on Saturday mornings. You are invited:
Saturday Service July 2020_3
Podcast:One hour of conversation with Rabbi Brian and friends. Recorded live on Saturday mornings. You are invited:
Saturday Service July 2020_2
Podcast:One hour of conversation with Rabbi Brian and friends. Recorded live on Saturday mornings. You are invited:
Saturday Service July 2020_1
Podcast:One hour of conversation with Rabbi Brian and friends. Recorded live on Saturday mornings. You are invited:
Saturday Service June 2020_4
Podcast:One hour of conversation with Rabbi Brian and friends. Recorded live on Saturday mornings. You are invited:
Saturday Service June 2020_3
Podcast:One hour of conversation with Rabbi Brian and friends. Recorded live on Saturday mornings. You are invited:
Saturday Service June 2020_2
Podcast:One hour of conversation with Rabbi Brian and friends. Recorded live on Saturday mornings. You are invited:
Saturday Service June 2020_1
Podcast:One hour of conversation with Rabbi Brian and friends. Recorded live on Saturday mornings. You are invited:
Talking about talking about race
Podcast:A 90 minute discussion for white folk wanting to be anti-racist
rB Office Hours
Podcast:An hour with Rabbi Brian and friends.
Saturday Service May 23, 2020
Podcast:Rabbi Brian and the quote about not blaming the lettuce when it doesn't grow.
Saturday Service May 9, 2020
Podcast:Rabbi Brian Saturday Service. "We are called to be human. Nothing more. Nothing less."
Meditation is Magic
Podcast:Meditation is Magic: Rabbi Brian does a reading of the book MEDITATION IS MAGIC with his friends Lisa Arch and Robert Alan Beuth.
Saturday Service
Podcast:Rabbi Brian and friends gathered on the internet to have a spiritual-religious-gathering on May 02. The theme was UNCERTAINTY.
Virtual Community Perfect Love
Podcast:Rabbi Brian talks with friends during the time of the COVID-19 crisis.
Virtual Community Kind to Self
Podcast:Rabbi Brian talks with friends during the time of the COVID-19 crisis.
Virtual Community No Complaint Challenge
Podcast:Rabbi Brian talks with friends during the time of the COVID-19 crisis.
Virtual Community Heaven on Earth
Podcast:Rabbi Brian talks with friends during the time of the COVID-19 crisis.
Virtual Community Being Real
Podcast:Rabbi Brian talks with friends during the time of the COVID-19 crisis.
Virtual Community Review Friday
Podcast:Rabbi Brian talks with friends during the time of the COVID-19 crisis.
Virtual Community Non-Violent Communication
Podcast:Rabbi Brian talks with friends during the time of the COVID-19 crisis.
Virtual Community Mistakes
Podcast:Rabbi Brian talks with friends during the time of the COVID-19 crisis.
Virtual Community How to Deal with impossible people
Podcast:Rabbi Brian talks with friends during the time of the COVID-19 crisis.
Virtual Community Hope
Podcast:Rabbi Brian talks with friends during the time of the COVID-19 crisis.
Virtual Community Forgiveness
Podcast:Rabbi Brian talks with friends during the time of the COVID-19 crisis.
Virtual Community Bring A Friend Friday
Podcast:Rabbi Brian talks with friends during the time of the COVID-19 crisis.
Virtual Community Anxiety
Podcast:Rabbi Brian talks with friends during the time of the COVID-19 crisis.
Virtual Community Patience
Podcast:Rabbi Brian talks with friends during the time of the COVID-19 crisis.
CCAR tips and tricks
Podcast:Love lasts past our goodbyes.
Shauna After Death
Podcast:Love lasts past our goodbyes. Video version:
Despite Gallant Efforts
Podcast: I try so hard. And, shit goes wrong! Why?Video version:
Religious, Not Serious
Podcast:Rabbi Brian reminds us that ain't no one who gets out of this life alive... don't get too serious about it.Video version:
P.O. Patience Bell
Podcast:A trip to the Post Office reminds Rabbi Brian of a patience exercise.Video version:
High Holy Day 2019
Podcast:Join Rabbi Brian and 30+ people for a discussion about forgiveness and atonement. The service happened on October 4, 2019. It was lovely despite a technological snafu where Rabbi Brian wasn't hosting his own meeting. Enjoy the 52 minute discussion!Video version:
You Dog
Podcast:Why do people say they will do something but don't? Why don't people do what they say they want to do? How can I get more patient? If patience is a virtue, who's offering classes? Rabbi Brian wrote this copy here. It's just words. Well, the first part was buzz...
ONFR
Podcast:Rabbi Brian of Religion Outside The Box offers an outline of four letters that will help you not be a jerk. And, more words. Because no one has ever commented to me about anything that has been written in the description of my podcasts. And, I've put out 1K+...
Labor Day. Together.
Podcast:The People United Will Never Be Defeated. And, a boycott of Nestlé.Video version:
OFNR, on being a spiritual bad-ass
Podcast:Rabbi Brian teaches how the letters O.F.N.R. can help to slow us down and help us in our day to day interactions.Video version:
A Bigger Cross
Podcast:Rabbi Brian ponders the idea that there will always be a bigger cross – more suffering. But, the bottom line is WE AREN'T MEANT TO SUFFER.Video version:
Talking Rationally To Adults About God
Podcast:Rabbi Brian talks to Congregation Shir Tikvah about how talking about God and about God (whatsoever that word means to them).Running Time: about an hour
Preaching
Podcast:Rabbi Brian spoke with the folk at the United Church of Christ in Vancouver, WA on April 28, 2019 about the 5 qualities of a spiritual life. Video version:
Tippynope, you = inestimable
Podcast:Who are you to believe about what is and what isn't "real"? Video version:
Sue and Brian Brought their own veggies
Podcast:After guests leave, rB and a friend spoke about how cool the guests are. This sparks rB to wonder if most of what we like and dislike about people is in our minds. Video version:
Love The Imperfections
Podcast:We all have our dirty laundry. It's a shame we try to hide it so much. (Note: this is what I am going to say in a house of organized religion.) Video version:
Freedom Festival 2019
Podcast:Rabbi Brian reminds us that the point of Easter and Passover is that we are forgiven, liberated, free. We forget that, cause we know the story too well. Imagine if you didn't. And, imagine what you need freedom from? Video version:
No Complaint Challenge
Podcast:A visit to the dentist reminds Rabbi Brian that complaining about stuff just means he lives in a world with more complaints. Try the 21-day no complaint challenge! Video version:
A Little Bible Conspiracy
Podcast:Jesus isn't crucified for nearly until 1000 years after his death, at least according to any artwork. Why? Join Rabbi Brian to find out how what is presented changes what you know. Video version:
To John, About Jesus
What Jesus's message was, is what Rabbi Brian explains to John, who was taught that Jesus wanted him to suffer.
God is not an ass
Rabbi Brian bucks the notion that God is about the end the world and challenges you to think about the fact that maybe it's not. And, you have to learn to deal with it.
Stop Thinking
Rabbi Brian reflects on a quote from Lao-Tsu, "Stop thinking and end your problems." Is this possible? I wonder. (Get it? Cause that's thinking about it – and that might lead to problems.)
What is Free Will? Things happen for a reason. Or not. I’m not certain.
A chance encounter with an older man named Parker leads Rabbi Brian to ponder what is meant by the phrase, "It was meant to be."
Anxious without belief
Anxious. Yet not believing it.
Dino: Your Tears Are For Yourself
Annie's realization about the "truth" about the tooth-fairy leads Rabbi Brian to ponder how many of us are more comfortable not seeing the true reality before us.
Faith & The Tooth Fairy
Annie's realization about the "truth" about the tooth-fairy leads Rabbi Brian to ponder how many of us are more comfortable not seeing the true reality before us.
Is this who you want to be in the world?
Practice (again) Aspiration
SpiritualToolAcceptance
* Spiritual Fitness * Acceptance @rabbibrian1970
rB’s Garden S01E08
Episode 8 * Spiritual Fitness * Priorities @rabbibrian1970
rB’s Garden S01E07
Episode 6 * God (whatsoever that word means to you) * Mistakes #rabbi_brian_af
rB’s Garden S01E06
Episode 6 * Prayer * Gratitude #rabbi_brian_af
rB’s Garden S01E05
Episode 5 * What video of you might you want played at your funeral? * Some thoughts about anger. #rabbi_brian_af
rB’s Garden S01E04
The fourth episode. *Love > Recognize > Accept > Understand > Respond #rabbi_brian_af
rB’s Garden S01E03
The third episode. Lots of learning. *Spaciousness *Forgiveness *Going over the line *Love *Atonement #rabbi_brian_af
rB’s Garden S01E02
10.16.18 PTSD fallout. Emmett and the Bully. Cleaning up the mess. Transformation is painful. Bad fucking language. Resistance Bible Study. Taking time off. Not fighting back chapter and verse. Spaciousness.
rB’s Garden S01E01
This is the very first post. Enjoy this. #rabbi_brian_af
09/2018 next seven episodes of Rabbi Brian Podcast
The 77% Weekly Newsletter SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT DELIVERED FRESH TO YOUR INBOX 40/52 WEEKS A YEAR. FREE. TOOLS TO CONSIDER: I'm glad you are here. Really. I know this is just a website. But, if I think of it as my home on the web, I want you to feel at home. Let me...
Christian. Not a hater.
Rabbi Brian talks about an interaction with a Christian friend accused of being homophobic.
You are not a Jedi
Rabbi Brian reminds me that you are not a Jedi.
God’s Laughter
Rabbi Brian talks about delight and speculates as to what the sound of God's laughter must be.
And, God laughed.
And, God laughed. Rabbi Brian tells a longer than usual story about his being kicked out of his son's classroom.
Love, please. Please, love.
You must love. Please, love.
More Excitement. Less Anxiety.
Rabbi Brian answers a question of HOW DO I FEEL LESS ANXIOUS AND MORE EXCITED. A spiritual fitness exercise.
I did nothing wrong, yet I did. And, apologized.
Rabbi Brian talks about "The meaning of communication is in the response elicited, regardless of intention." How rB offended a man. And apologized.
Upstairs, thought different
Rabbi Brian talks about how he "scripts" his children... how our perceptions of someone will change how they perform.
Hammock a Mistake
Rabbi Brian talks about the mistake he made in getting a hammock and how OBVIOUS mistakes are in retrospect – and how natural they feel when we are doing them.
Soul. (A few thoughts.)
Rabbi Brian answers a question, "What is the Jewish notion of a soul?"
5-elements of a spiritual life, sermon
Five Elements of a Spiritual Life. A brilliant talk I gave. Give a listen. iTunes and GooglePlay Or, listen below.
She is (kinda) helping.
Rabbi Brian talks about the difference in perception between his view of what helps is and his daughter's actions – in terms of cleaning up the kitchen.
Dump out, Comfort In
Water Bottle Spirituality
Your tension is not my problem.
Rabbi Brian talks about how to not take in other people's tension. Video also available.
How to not fight fate
Rabbi Brian discusses the notion of WU-WEI and not striving with reality. Especially when it calls you to do something.
I guess it’s up to me.
Rabbi Brian discusses the notion that HEAVEN ON EARTH will only happen when we stop thinking that other people are the ones to do it. It is up to us. Every day. In every moment. Religion-Outside-The-Box empowers adults to nourish their spiritual hunger. Rabbi Brian...
Five Basic Emotions
Rabbi Brian discusses the five basic emotions. Anger, Fear, Jealousy, Grief, and Love. rB also talks about their distortions – that is, how we do them wrong. Here's a write-up: https://rotb.org/2013/08/12/five-natural-emotions/
Have To Like This Story
Rabbi tells a story. WIth a moral and an exercise that you will "HAVE TO" like. Well, maybe, you'll "GET TO" like it.
GodWithin
Rabbi Brian talks about his favorite Biblical passage – the one that says that the true teachings aren't in the Bible.
Ok2BScared
Rabbi Brian talks about how we only can get COMFORTED if we admit to being scared.
In Mind
Rabbi Brian talks about the POWER of the mind and how we can use WHAT ANNOYS US IN THE WORLD as a spiritual teacher.
Getting Used To It
Rabbi Brian talks about getting used to the fact that it always looks darker than it is.
Loving those who hate
Rabbi Brian talks about an interaction of love that he had with an angry preacher at a protest march in Salem, Oregon.
Lighter through Practice
Rabbi Brian talks about how joy (and anger) are the effects of habit and familiarity.
Making Mistakes. And, forgiveness.
Rabbi Brian talks about making mistakes. And, forgiveness.
Offense in our heads
Rabbi Brian talks about how most of this stuff is all in our heads. "If you dislike someone the way they hold their spoon will offend you. But, if you like them, they could drop a plate of food on your lap and your wouldn't mind."
Jingle All the way
How To Change Their Minds
How to best change people's minds.
Finding S P A C I O U S S N E S S
How to get 20 extra minutes... without changing a thing.
Euthanasia
Someone asked Rabbi Brian to talk about Euthanasia. So he does.
Born Again, Fabulous.
Rabbi Brian explains how "being fabulous" and "being born-again" are similar and how the notion of expressing the self's highest values.
Talk at West Hills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Spiritual Fortitude for Chaotic TImes. Rabbi Brian at West Hills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. 30-minutes. Enjoy.
Finding (religious) Freedom
Rabbi Brian talks about the tension of opposites and the goal of religion – to free you. Free yourself from yourself so you can be yourself.
Believe in God?
Rabbi Brian tackles the question, "Do you believe in God?"
Welcome
Rabbi Brian welcomes you to his podcast channel and explains a little about ROTB and why this is marked as explicit. Enjoy!
Tooth Fairy
Rabbi Brian talks about the tooth fairy. And, paradigm shifts.
Made a mistake
Rabbi Brian talks about making mistakes and how horrible it is when it we didn't think it was a problem.
The Rabbi (Outside The Box)
Rabbi Brian was interviewed on KBOO Progressive Spirit by John Shuck. It's a delightful 30 minutes.
The value
Rabbi Brian talks about the VALUE of a service he ran and asks you to think about the value of what you do.
babbling
Rabbi Brian talks directly to you. It is conversational. Not much said.
Rabbi Brian on KBOO with John Shuck
Rabbi Brian on KBOO with John Shuck. "The Rabbi (Outside The Box)" John Shuck. Released: 2017. Genre: Podcast
Annie Upset
Rabbi Brian talks about how we sometimes get upset about the wrong things.
Not teach a lesson
Managing Expectations
Rabbi Brian talks about how we ought to be cautious not to overly manage our expectations.
Wag the God
Rabbi Brian talks about how sometimes people ACT holy, but are missing something.
Control the Message
Rabbi Brian talks about the importance of controlling the message
Self Society God
In 2017, I vow to fix the audio problems with these podcasts. This is the last batch to have audio problems.
Scarcity and Abundance
In 2017, I vow to fix the audio problems with these podcasts. This is the last batch to have audio problems.
Make Time and Space
In 2017, I vow to fix the audio problems with these podcasts. This is the last batch to have audio problems.
Suffering
In 2017, I vow to fix the audio problems with these podcasts. This is the last batch to have audio problems.
Limited Wll Power
In 2017, I vow to fix the audio problems with these podcasts. This is the last batch to have audio problems.
Make Time and Space part 2
In 2017, I vow to fix the audio problems with these podcasts. This is the last batch to have audio problems.
Love the problems
In 2017, I vow to fix the audio problems with these podcasts. This is the last batch to have audio problems.
Looking at the lampost for God
In 2017, I vow to fix the audio problems with these podcasts. This is the last batch to have audio problems.
Non-Permanent Self
Rabbi Brian ponders about the sense of self and how it is not quite permanent.
Hacking Advertisements
Rabbi Brian teaches you how to get the best stuff being sold, free!
What were you thinking?
Rabbi Brian talks about mistakes. We all make them. And, THEY make them too!
Discernment and Judgement
Rabbi Brian talks about the difference between NOTICING SOMETHING and making an OPINION ABOUT IT.
Gratitude
Rabbi Brian talks about having gratitude.
Being asked nicely
Rabbi Brian talks about how it is EASIER on authority figures when we do what we are asked to do when they ask NICELY. And, to make no mistake about it, they can MAKE us.
from should to want
Rabbi Brian gives a hack on how to get what you want. Really.
Fill Time with Ants
Rabbi Brian talks about ants. And how busy they are. (Strike a chord?)
Self Society God.output
Rabbi Brian talks about our self, our society, and God.
BuIIsh.t
Rabbi Brian talks about the amount of buIIsh.t we have to (get to) deal with in our lives and how to deal with it better.
Weather is not my agent.output
Rabbi Brian talks about how he knows better than to be controlled by the weather.
Apology Organized Religion.output
Rabbi Brian talks about how he (as a representative of organized religion) needs to ask you to forgive him,
Anger Sublimated.output
Rabbi Brian talks about what happens when we sublimate anger.
As comfortable in a dress as in church.output
Rabbi Brian talks about how he is comfortable with his religious practice.
Suffering
Rabbi Brian talks about the roots of suffering.
Weather is not my agent
Rabbi Brian talks about how EXTERNAL things ought not overly influence INTERNAL things.
Gratitude practices
Two gratitude practices that Rabbi Brian likes...
Justified Anxiety
Rabbi Brian muses that anxiety might be brought upon the self! Wow. ()
What I like about you
Rabbi Brian asks you to tell three people a week what you like about them.
21 Day no Complain Challenge
Rabbi Brian challenges you to go 21 days without complaining.
Decoy Effect and Not Knowing
Rabbi Brian suggests that we know less than we think that we do.
Non Violent Communication and God
Rabbi Brian talks about "IS" -- the verb and it's theologic implications. (More interesting than it sounds.)
Mystical Experience
Rabbi Brian discusses the 7 qualities that make up a mystical experience.
Heaven on Earth
Rabbi Brian talks about standards and how we have lost sight of heaven on earth.
Authorized
Rabbi Brian talks about what it means to be AUTHORIZED. Did someone ask you to help? If they didn't, stop helping.
Emmett about Wisdom and Love
Rabbi Brian's son grabs the mic and talks with rB about wisdom and knowledge.
non-attachment
Rabbi Brian talks about non-attachment.
THE PODCAST
God Talk 11/16 @ WHUUF (2/2)
Rabbi Brian did two presentation on finding and being with (the) God (of your understanding) at the West Hills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Portland, Oregon. This is the second of the two presentations.
God Talk 11/16 @ WHUUF (1/2)
Rabbi Brian did two presentation on finding and being with (the) God (of your understanding) at the West Hills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Portland, Oregon. This is the first of the two presentations.
Measuring Wrong
Rabbi Brian delves into how we might just measure badly, a lot.
Anxious for good reason
Rabbi Brian muses that sensational news might be good to help us feel anxious.
Compartmentalized
Rabbi Brian talks about how his students are often more alive than he is.
Time off, Rabbi
Rabbi Brian admits that he is mainly preaching to himself.
Accentuate the negative
Rabbi Brian wonders why it is that we hold onto the bad better than the good.
Annie on my lap
Rabbi Brian's daughter snuck onto his lap and shared some thoughts about God and love. Rabbi Brian promises that he never taught Annie the theology that she picked up -- like God being a "he," "omniscient, " or "love." Amazing.
Oversteering Reality
Rabbi Brian urges you to stop oversteering reality.
Things we do well
Rabbi Brian asks you to ponder and be proud of the things you do well.
Confirmation Bias
Rabbi Brian explains how "If you dislike someone the way they hold their spoon with offend you, if you like them they could drop a plate of food on your lap and you won't mind" has to do with God.
Embracing the corrections
Rabbi Brian asks you to get comfortable with the corrections that the universe gives you.
From Annoyed to Amused
Rabbi Brian asks "How long does it take for you to go from annoyed to amused?"
As is
Rabbi Brian challenges us to love things "as is" instead of needing them to be perfect.
God as Foreign Exchange Student
Rabbi Brian ponders what if God didn't understand our language.
Happy with what is
Rabbi Brian talks about becoming happy with what is.
Change, change, change
Rabbi Brian talks about how CHANGE is important in spiritual-religious growth.
Live Fully, Love Wastefully
Rabbi Brian encourages you to, in the words of John Shelby Spong, "live fully, love wastefully."
Latitudinarianism
Rabbi Brian encourages you to have a mind so open your brain falls out.
Fighting Against Love
Rabbi Brian explain that sometimes to restore equilibrium after a wonderful event, we go to anxiety... perhaps this is why we have a hard time settling into the notion that (the) God (of our understanding) loves us?
Saving TIme
Rabbi Brian talks about the IRONY of trying to SAVE time... yikes!
Forgive Them
Rabbi Brian using Jewish and Muslim law about suicide as a way of looking compassionately at those who wrong us.
FanningTheFlames
Rabbi Brian exhorts us to NOT tell ourselves stories to justify our emotional state.
Done Enough
Rabbi Brian asks you to contemplate if you have done enough...
ErrorsWeHumansDo
Rabbi Brian talks about forgiveness.
Surrender Enjoy The Ride
Rabbi Brian speaks again about the spiritual-religious notion of SURRENDER and how we might be better off enjoying the ride than trying to control it.
SAYTANS
Rabbi Brian encourages you to embrace the difficult things in your life as they might be there to teach you a lesson.
ShoutInAnger
Rabbi Brian retells a story that explains why it is that people SHOUT when they are angry, but so physically close to each other.
The Rabbi who Swore at God
Rabbi Brian was interviewed on Tapestry with Mary Hynes on Canadian Public Radio. He might have cursed at God. OK, he did. It's pretty awesome.
Buber, Jung, Heschel & God walk into a bar
Rabbi Brian waxes on about God, Buber, Jung, and Heschel. Yum.
Don't measure in time.
Rabbi Brian laments that school (and our lives) are measured on time, not proficiency.
To What End
Rabbi Brian recounts a story of Rabbi Robert Levine's about a boat trip.
MoreLove
Rabbi Brian talks about LOVE and how we need to meet people where they are and love them.
Anger Barometer
Rabbi Brian explains how we can tell that we need to open our hearts more.
Respond with love
The proper response to the inevitable is love. Period.
DoBeDoBeDo
Rabbi Brian explains the spiritual advice from the song singing in the rain... well, from the part before the song.
Lots of Annoyances
Rabbi Brian wishes you lots of annoyances.
BearHuntThroughDifficult
Rabbi Brian tell you how a children's song has spiritual advice.
How To Love
Rabbi Brian talks 20 seconds longer than usual to explain the proper elements of love. Listen and do this!
Hope with Feathers
Rabbi Brian talks asks about hope. From where do any of us get a sense that tomorrow will be better than today?
AnnieOnMyLap
Rabbi Brian four year old, Annie shares her four year old wisdom, some shouting, and a joke.
Drama of The Gifted
Rabbi Brian discusses the book "Drama of the Gifted Child" and how it might apply to religion.
Repeating
Rabbi Brian explains that many ROTB articles sound like.
MyGod
Rabbi Brian talks about having a personal relationship with God.
SelfPoopCircle
Rabbi Brian talks about our sense of self and the poop that gets in our lives.
Virtuous
Rabbi Brian details what a virtuous life might hold.
BreatheSlower
Rabbi Brian asks you to take a breath of air, a deep breath, before you need it.
Surrender to surrendering
Rabbi Brian gives a primer on how to surrender! Don't try so hard!
Frustration Dam (not Damn)
Rabbi Brian uses the analogy of a dam to understand being frustrated.
5lovelanguages
Rabbi Brian discusses the 5 languages that people mean when they use the word love.
Fun and loss
Rabbi Brian tackles the notion that joy and sadness are opposite sides of the same coin.
B'shert the bad
Rabbi Brian asks why is it that we only comfortable saying things are "meant to be" when they are positive ones?
3 balls, pool, and attachment
Rabbi Brian tires to keep track of three balls in a pool and realizes he is dealing with life.
Running out of excuses
Rabbi Brian muses on a friend's notion that he is "running out of (external) excuses" for not being happy.
God Calling
Rabbi Brian, stereotypes, God, and more.
God loses to Bias
Rabbi Brian explains how two characteristics of the human psyche can keep us from hearing God.
Fall into potty
Rabbi Brian lauds perspective and how it can keep one from getting upset when you fall into the toilet.
Nightmares
Rabbi Brian tells the 3 components to nightmares and how our lives are a lot like them sometimes.
Losing One Glove
Rabbi Brian talks about how all loss is psychological.
Annoyed at a tree
Rabbi Brian implores you not to get annoyed with inanimate (or animate) objects that annoy you.
Don't listen to THEM
Rabbi Brian talks about how THEIR opinions can get US into big trouble. (This is very similar to a previously recorded notion published as issue 20 in 2013.)
Kosher on its head
Rabbi Brian explains an alternative method for when to declare something kosher.
phoneaddicted
Rabbi Brian talks about how addicted he is to the iphone. Not very profound.
All of us get angry
Rabbi Brian talks challenges you if you consider yourself to be one of the "peaceful" people on the planet that it's probably not all true.
No one does wrong willingly
Rabbi Brian talks about how "no one does wrong willingly" and how we are more likely to forgive ourselves for our anger and errors than we do others.
Unprovolked Anger
Rabbi Brian talks about Stephen Pinkster's quote, "Our anger is justified and theirs is unprovoked."
Lessons Taught
Rabbi Brian talks his attempt to "teach" his children a lesson and how his son "learned" something else.
Living Out of The Present
Rabbi Brian talks about when his daughter urinated on his lap and how wonderful and horrible it felt at the same time.
Door to door
Door-to-door religious salesfolk. (A fresh interpretation.)
No Time Off
Why we don't have time to relax, explained.
Be Alive and Stay Alive
My son was on my lap while I was recording podcasts. In between takes, he would lean into the microphone and do his version of "Rabbi Brian." So, I recorded him. "Be Alive and Stay Alive" might just be brilliant advice if you think about it.
Happen for a reason
Rabbi Brian compels you to believe that things happen for a reason.a
UnRemarkable
Rabbi Brian tries to not make any interesting comments to prove a point about conversation.
Why Leaders Are Assholes
Rabbi Brian weighs in on his response to the question, "Why are leaders assholes?" The answer has to do with Martin Luther King, Jr. (How's that for an interesting description?)
Do Not Make Lemonade
Rabbi Brian takes on two spurious spiritual-religious notions, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" and "I'm as happy as I make my mind up to be."
What are the chances?
Rabbi Brian tells one of his favorite jokes... it's about God. (Kinda)
Don't be yourself!
Rabbi Brian give you permission to not be you... the thinking is that we spend so much time and thought trying to be "good" that we forget that we don't need to try so hard.
What news is good for you?
Rabbi Brian asks you to ponder if the news is good for you...
Accidently Kind to Al
Rabbi Brian talks about how he was accidently kind to a student, and how that made him wonder about being that kind all the time.
The Wrong Way to Brush
Rabbi Brian give three different spiritual-religious exercises in this one podcast in which he tells you to brush the wrong way. (Special shout-out and 'woot!' to MK.)
Vermiculite
Rabbi Brian discusses the very light rock, vermiculiute. You'll understand...
Awareness is curative!
Rabbi Brian talks about why knowing the goal – even when it doesn't seem achievable – is important.
Temptation (re-addressed)
Rabbi Brian re-addresses the quote "The lesser the temptation, the greater the sin" which was part of 2011's 77% Weekly 25/40. Winds up, Aristotle had something to say about this.
Lead by Example
Rabbi Brian quotes St. Augustine and the sociological phenomenon of not facing the back of elevators in urging you to not give advice.
But that's not the problem!
Rabbi Brian relates how his 2 and 4-year-olds were upset about beads, how he thought they were upset about other things, but hey, they ought to know, no?
5 Natural Emotions
Rabbi Brian discusses (quickly) the five natural emotions: grief, anger, jealousy, fear, and love. He also briefly touches on the distortions of each.
Habit & Familiarity
Rabbi Brian talks about the quote, "There is nothing that is not made lighter through habit and familiarity." He explores the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual-religious realms.
Underlying concerns
Rabbi Brian asks you to consider underlying concerns that you might have in your life.
Sorry
Rabbi Brian apologizes if you got duplicates of podcasts. I goofed with the format and had to re-post them!
Convenience and Stress
Rabbi Brian discusses STRESS and how we have it still in this world filled with CONVENIENCES!
Budgetting for annoyances
Rabbi Brian talks about shifting perspective, time management, and how we need to expect to be annoyed as a way to not be annoyed.
A prose about modernity
Rabbi Brian waxes about how we constantly seem to want to improve our world... and that this might not be such a good idea.
Attachment, Greed, and Henry Higgins
Rabbi Brian talks about an experience he had in which, in the span of ten minutes, he had a gamut of human emotions dealing with attachment.
At The Right Time
Rabbi Brian talks a little about Channukah, but really about the pre-modern sense of time.
To do list as your friend
Rabbi Brian tells you that your TO-DO LIST is your FRIEND. Really?!? That's crazy... or is it? (I'll tell you, it isn't.)
Pitting Cherries
Rabbi Brian tells about watching his daughter learn to take the pits out of cherries and how we all push ourselves to improve.
The Things You Do Well
Rabbi Brian talks about how we need to forgive others for not being as good as we are in the things we are excellent in.
True Religion (sans God)
Rabbi Brian talks about how real religion has NOTHING to do with God, how we need to get that in our heads, and how to live a true religious life.
Ignorant, Stupid, or Evil
Rabbi Brian discusses Kathryn Schultz's work on mistakes. How we tend to see people who disagree with us as ignorant, stupid, or evil.
Courage to be mediocre
Rabbi Brian encourages you to BE MEDIOCRE; but only if you are courageous enough to try!
Surrender
Rabbi Brian revisits the spiritual-religious topic of surrender.
Not Listening to the opinions of others
Rabbi Brian talks about two incidents in which he held the opinions of people outside of himself in higher regard than his better judgment.
Placebo- pleasing them
Rabbi Brian talks about placebo -- the latin word that means "I WILL PLEASE" and how pleasing others can be a problem.
The Gap In Gap-Analysis or Going Deep In
Rabbi Brian talks deeply about how the next big goal is learning about yourself...
Pleasure versus Happiness
Rabbi Brian discusses the difference between pleasure and happiness. How the former is temporary, based on circumstances and the later is an inside job.
Us versus Them 2012!
Rabbi Brian talks about problem of thinking that the problem is them.
Simple Spiritual-Religious Life
Rabbi Brian talks about how a spiritual-religious life isn't that complicated.
Choices
Rabbi Brian talks about the PARADOX OF CHOICE and how when we have too many choices we wind up blaming ourselves.
Radish-ical Amazment
Rabbi Brian shares home-grown observations after growing radishes.
BGUTI
Rabbi Brian talks about our sociality's issue of "B'GUTI" -- better get used to it.
What's Wrong with this picture?
Rabbi Brian reflects back on the terrible lesson he took from the "what's wrong with this picture" activity in Highlights Magazine.
Serenity
Rabbi Brian takes you through a serenity prayer...
Plato Was Wrong
Rabbi Brian takes on Plato! He was wrong. Really! (Alright, it's just about one small thing, but still.)
Hand Wash to Less Doubt!
Rabbi Brian tells you the hygienic and NOW SPIRITUAL idea of washing your hands. Sounds crazy, but it's scientific.
Gossip
Rabbi Brian talks about "Gossip" -- the history of the word and then the basic premise: to shame. Don't do it.
Small Problems
Rabbi Brian tells you to EMBRACE (?!) your problems as a way for you to grow your spiritual-religious life.
DIY Podcast
Rabbi Brian guides you through the process of creating your own spiritual-religious podcast.
Real Religious Moments
Rabbi Brian asks you to think about what the word "religious" means to you and to contemplate when you have had "real religious" experiences.
It would have been enough
Rabbi Brian talks about the phrase in the Passover service, "It would have been enough." He muses on it and then asks you to muse upon it as well. It would have been enough. Amen.
Major Annoyance
Rabbi Brian gives the spiritual-religious exercise of keeping track of your major annoyances so that you have a better sense of how many annoyances per day you encounter. (The hope is that the better you KNOW how many times a week/day/hour you are annoyed, the better...
Jealousy
Rabbi Brian discussed the philosophical notion of JEALOUSY and some spiritual-religious notions tied to it. Good topic. Worth the listen.
Be A Mentor
Rabbi Brian challenges you to become a mentor. You'll listen and understand.
Temptation
Rabbi Brian discussed the curious notion that "The greater the temptation, the lesser the sin."
Let God or Be Dragged.
Rabbi Brian discusses the spiritual-religious notion of surrender... and how if you don't let go, you just might get dragged. Shout outs this week to N.A. and D.S.M.
Family and Relatives
Rabbi Brian talks about the difference between family and relatives... it's a bit of etymology -- simple, but poignant if I have to say so myself...
Tea With God, an imaginative exercise
Rabbi Brian asks you to image that you are having Tea with God and then, at the end of a lovely time, God does something unforgivable. He asks you to ... ah, shucks, just listen to the podcast and you'll find out. Hey, does anyone read these description
timeoff
Rabbi Brian tells himself that he needs to take some time off. This podcast is really a podcast for him to listen to. If you listen to it, that's ok. But, it's really for him.
Non-Desire?
Rabbi Brian posits that you might be better off if you could figure out how to not desire so much... but how?
Love your suffering
Rabbi Brian brings up the possibly crazy notion that we make friends with our suffering! Crazy, right? Perhaps. But, maybe, just maybe, it's not crazy. Maybe it's a way to ease some of our discontent...
The Task Is Great
Rabbi Brian discussed the notion that we all have so much to do and how it seems that we'll never get it done, and how he takes some comfort in that. Special shout out to my dad who is undergoing a lot. A lot, a lot. He could use your prayers.
Magic Pills (redo)
Rabbi Brian asks, "If you had magic pills, what would they do?"
Mourning to follow
Rabbi Brian talks about some sage advice he received about he got word of his father's grave illness.
Suffering!
Rabbi Brian talks about the spiritual-religious truth of suffering and how our attempting to avoid it might not be the best way of dealing with it. (Shout out this week to my dad who is having optic-surgery.)
Rounding the square
Rabbi Brian talks about his son trying to put a straight piece of train track where a round piece fit. And, how that applies to our lives. (Special shout out to my dad whose pituitary gland seems to be the cause of a lot of problems and will need surgery.)
Spiritual Barometer
Rabbi Brian discusses the notion of a spiritual barometer — what it is and how knowing about yours can help you and your loved ones. (Yes, again.)
Great Gift of Greed
Rabbi Brian tells a story about a "special, special gift" that he heard from Fr. Tony De Mello. You'll like the story. It's a good one. (Shout out to VK and everyone suffering from uncertainty.)
Childhood baggage
Rabbi Brian talks about the "baggage" we have from our childhoods. And, muses about how we might lessen our burden. (Special shout-outs this week to PS, L, and VK who are all in need of some extra prayers.)
Do the right thing
Rabbi Brian talks about what it takes (little) to get us to just do the right thing. (This weeks shout-out to everyone who the chasing things to fill them that never fill.)
Rollercoaster
Rabbi Brian talks about life being a rollercoaster. Let's face it, every rabbi has a good analogy that "life is like..." This is my take on that. (A shout out this week to CP whose beloved wife died tragically.)
More Fast Easy Fun
Rabbi Brian talks about these four little, all pervasive words -- more, fast, easy, and fun -- that run counter to our spiritual-religious health. (A shout out this week to my daughter, Johanna who was just born and to PR who just lost her better half.)
Take It Easy
Rabbi Brian talks about how his son doesn't draw well and its implications for your spiritual-religious life. (It has them, really.)
PlusAnAssKicking
Rabbi Brian talks about the idea of adding an ass kicking on top of our problems. Not a good idea. Special love to LK who, unfortunately, inspired this.
Roast Duck
Rabbi Brian talks about the Chinese aphorism, "You have to stand on a hillside with your mouth open for a long time before a roast duck will fly in." That's about it. It's that good?
Mind at Ease
Rabbi Brian talks about a quote from the Tao Te Ching... unawareness of right and wrong are the sign of a mind at ease. Lots of love today for lots of people. We all need it.
No one path
Rabbi Brian talks about how there is NO ONE path to God and he tells a little about "THOSE" people who think there is. With love to all this week. All of them. Even the *ssh*oles deserve love.
Side of the road.
Rabbi Brian talks about an universal experience he had called "a side of the road" experience — where it's only after we feel safe that we feel ok falling apart.
Children & Religion
Rabbi Brian talks about "how to talk with your children about religion." He acknowledges that he is not the authority on the subject but that you (or their parent) is. Nonetheless, he shares some ideas. Shout out this week to Ernie whose mother died.
Rabbi Brian On Tapestry
THIS ISN'T A PODCAST. This is an interview of Rabbi Brian on Mary Hynes's program(me) Tapestry broadcast on 11/2/08. http://cbc.ca/podcasting
Spiritual Barometer
Rabbi Brian talks about the notion of a "spiritual barometer," what it is, how it can help, and more... hey, does anyone read these notes anyway? Shout out this week to all of those who try so hard and don't feel like their efforts are met with success.
Conditioning
Rabbi Brian explains conditioning... why we do those things that we do... somewhat...
Vygotsky
Rabbi Brian talks a bit about the educator and psychologist Vygotsky and his notion of the Zone of Proximal Development. (Alright, in simple words, it will explain why when you are stressed out you tend to talk to yourself more.)
Certainty.
Rabbi Brian talks about the idea that "certainty means that you are certain, not that you are right or wrong." (gulp!) (And, I'm talking to you... not to anyone else. On this topic we often think this is something someone else needs to learn, but not us.)
Mowing but why?
Rabbi Brian retells a conversation he had with a high school student and ponders if we all don't have a bit of "wanting to mow" but not really knowing why. (A shout out this week to my Grandma who died last week, Lois, Don, and Jesse.)
Podcast from 36,000ft
Rabbi Brian recorded this podcast from seat 22J on an American Airline flight from JFK to LAX... oh, yeah, I was sitting next to man who promotes GOGO -- a wifi in the sky. NO THEME no BACKGROUND MUSIC THIS WEEK Oh, I was also doing this podcast as a way to avoid my...
As good as last performace
Rabbi Brian talks about this notion that we are only as good as our last performance... YIKES! This idea came about as he didn't know what to talk about today... (Shout out today to SM.)
Bat-Man! Bad-Idea!
Rabbi Brian talks about the "HYPE" around the latest bat man movie — The Dark Night — and why Americans are going gaga over this troubling movie. (A shout out this week to H&P and D&C for making history.)
Compassion
Rabbi Brian asks you to pick between "Compassion, Wisdom, Cleverness, Kindness, and Being Smart." Which one do you think typifies you? Which do you wish did? And, how can you foster more of it in the world? (A shout out this week to JB whose growing a lot.)
Ironically, I am
Rabbi Brian tells about an insight (an ironic one to be telling you about) he had while meditating. (Shout out this week to FTJC, who might need a bigger plate.)
The Golden Rule
THIS IS NOT A PODCAST. In late 2007, Rabbi Brian was the guest of the reverend Richie Assad's radio show, THE GOLDEN RULE. It's long, but interesting...
Struggle with God.
THIS IS NOT A PODCAST. This is the audio of a sermon that Rabbi Brian gave to a church in 2000. (I don't know what church.) The audio quality isn't the best. But, the topic, "STRUGGLING WITH GOD" is a timeless one.
Met God.
THIS IS NOT A PODCAST. This is the audio of the first sermon Rabbi Brian gave in a church in 2000. The man introducing him is Larry Keene the minister of Church of the Valley. The sermon was entitled, "Met God." It's one the of the best.
Religion Outside The Box
Rabbi Brian talks about what religion-outside-the-box is, what it means... it's a heartfelt, not perfect 3 minutes. (Shout out this week to BB and TS.)
Non-Existence
Rabbi Brian muses a little about a Paul Tillich quote: "There is nothing more frightening to a human being than the notion of their own non-existence." Wow. (Shout out to Tony S. & Jon W. — but for very different reasons.)
Rabbi Brian Interview on Inside Personal Growth
THIS ISN'T A PODCAST. (26 minutes) This is an interview of Rabbi Brian on Inside Personal Growth by Greg Voisen on Feb 1, 2008. (It just got published to the web late June 2008.)
Theodicy
Rabbi Brian talks some about "defense of God's goodness in the face of evil." The big word for this is THEODICY. (I don't have an answer as to why bad things happen to good people, but I have some things to say about it.) Shout out this week to NM who has plenty of...
Plato's Caves
Rabbi Brian discusses Plato's allegory of the caves. It's one of the best allegories, EVER. Really. (A shout-out this week to ME for seeing the sun as the sun and not insisting that the shadows on the walls of the caves are or were ever real.)
Mistakes
Rabbi Brian talks about mistakes... we all make them... but how willing are we to acknowledge them? (This week's shout out to NM... My heart and Jane's are broken.)
Spiritual-Religious Self-Violence
Rabbi Brian talks about how we commit spiritual-religious self-violence when we try to not be where we are... like when we are angry or sad and try to not be angry or sad... Shout out this week to NB <"keep on keeping on"> and Richard A <"thanks for the new...
Rabbi Brian on KPFK's Aware Show with Lisa Garr
THIS ISN'T A PODCAST. This is an interview of Rabbi Brian on KPFK (Pacifica Radio) by Lisa Garr on May 22, 2008. It's about 30 minutes long. (That about 10 three minute podcasts!) At the 15 minute mark there's a series of simple, spiritual-religious exercises. I'm...
Spiritual Barometer
Rabbi Brian talks about "Spiritual Barometers" and how to use them to figure out how you are doing... (Special shout out this week to MK whose still slogging through hell.)
Judgement
Rabbi Brian talks about how our ideas of how things ought to be are "helpful suggestions" and other people's "helpful suggestions" are "judgments." (This week's shout-out to ECR&DR.)
Teasing
Rabbi Brian discusses "teasing" and how "the meaning of communication is in the response illicited, regardless of intention." (This week's shout out to R.A.'s mom who is struggling with her disease.)
Artistic Process
Rabbi Brian talks about the artistic process... how the Muses are going to just show up to do your work for you, but how the process needs to unfold on it's own timetable... (A shout-out this week to my Magic Camp buddies.)
Re-humanize Yourself.
Rabbi Brian gives a simple spiritual exercise that will help you to get towards Godliness -- BEING HUMAN! (A special shout out to me this week. Why? Because I felt like being kind to me.)
Believe in Believing.
Have you ever noticed that we as human being want so badly to believe that things are a certain way that we don't both to analyze whether or not they are? Listen in... (A shout out this week to Russ and Emma who have losses to mourn.) --IF YOU WANT A SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT...
The Story of Passover (a narrative)
Rabbi Brian presents the story of Passover from his point of view... his chronicle of he journey from being a slave in Egypt to following Moses to freedom... (A shout out to Terry whose quiet curiosity inspires me.)
Easter-Passover
Rabbi Brian tries in just over three minutes to explain that Passover and Easter are really the same holiday, just celebrated differently and that it is the POINT of them that is important, not the details. (A shout out to John Shelby Spong whose books have taught me...
A Pained Heart
Rabbi Brian talks candidly about how he often self-medicated with thought, hope, faith, and love to keep from feeling the pain in his heart. A shout out this week to the 2 families, the couple, and the man who are all having a real hard time.
Back To Basics
Rabbi Brian returns to the notion of what RELIGION OUTSIDE THE BOX is. (This week's shout outs goes to Mike L, who I hope forgives me for forgetting to e-mail him in a timely manner.)
Milestones & Touchstones
Rabbi Brian on this, the 101st podcast, talks about milestones and touchstones... and explains a little about what they are. A shout out this week to the S & J families.
Eternal Youth
Rabbi Brian talks from his heart about how he likes to be with his head in the clouds, thinking esoteric thoughts, flying... not being grounded in reality...
Not Striving
Rabbi Brian talks about Wu-wei — the notion of NOT-STRIVING. How often we get in the way — striving — when we would be better served not doing so. (This week's shout out goes to me. I've been having a hard time.)
Pass-Fail
Rabbi Brian talks about the fact that life is pass-fail, not graded and that perhaps we all need to take is a little easier on ourselves... A shout out to my dear neighbors who are having a rough time...
Floorwax & Bookcases
Rabbi Brian talks about how sometimes we make things more complicated than they need to be to make our lives more challenging... obviously, this is a bad idea. A shout out this week to Evan who is having yet more health issues.
The Rule Of Three
Rabbi Brian discussed "the rule of three" — how after telling someone to do something three times, we need to stop telling them. A shout out to the wise women I quoted in this episode. May God continue to bless you with clarity, wisdom, and peace.
Not Cleverness
Rabbi Brian talks about a Rumi quote, "Sell your cleverness and purchase bewilderment." And, hey, I'm one of the most clever people I know. A shout out this week to me, I turned 38! 🙂
Psalm 23
Rabbi Brian re-creates a prayer about the 23rd Psalm. (The Lord is my shepherd.) A special shout out this week to Ellen whose beloved died last week, another to Dave whose son is facing some trouble in Africa, and one to Rebecca and family who have faced medical...
Merry Christmas!
Rabbi Brian talks about what Christmas might really be about -- allowing more of God into the world! With shout outs to Rabbi AR for his inspiring story and Pastor Dan for his Street Prophets article.
Channukah
Rabbi Brian talks about Channukah, the festival of lights... and what he doesn't like about it. (And, a shout out to SJTL, who knows why.)
Stress, chicken, & egg
Rabbi Brian talks about the fact that he's a little stressed and ponders the fact that it might not be the circumstances in his life that are stressing him out.
Gifting
Rabbi Brian talks about gift-giving... what are the factors that go into a well received gift.
Un-gratitude
Rabbi Brian talks about an almost MAGIC way of looking at things that we aren't grateful for that can really take the bite out of them. (With thanks to John Stellar.)
Shadow Dinner
Rabbi Brian talks about what he learned pretending to not be him at the "shadow dinner" he attended.
Shadow
Rabbi Brian talks about "the shadow" side we all have in our lives... the parts of our selves that we just don't like... and suggests that we get comfortable with those things.
Knit vs. Crochet.
Rabbi Brian talks about this crazy thing that he and all of us do... we think that the things we can't or didn't do are impressive while the things that we can or did do aren't. (A special shout-out this week to my nieces who are adorable.)
Comfortable Discomfort
Rabbi Brian discusses comfort, what it is, what it isn't and why we all need to learn to get a little more comfortable with discomfort. (A little shout-out to Ali and Shannon who are each having a bit of a hard time these days.)
Holy Days
Rabbi Brian talks about what the Days of Awe Holy Days are all about... How the word "AWE" isn't as in AWESOME, but in AWE-STRUCK and AWEFUL.
Prosperity, shmosperity.
Rabbi Brian talks about Joel Osteen and others who seem to tell folk that you can tell how blessed people are by how well they are doing. [A shout out this week goes to my friend Gregg who invited me to hear Joel Osteen.]
Doing Therapy with God (2/2)
Rabbi Brian takes you on a journey... into a couple's therapy session with you, Rabbi Brian, and God. (Again, it doesn't matter what you believe, this exercise will help you to figure out what you do and don't believe.) This week's shout-out is to Jason Crigler whose...
Doing Therapy with God (1/2)
Rabbi Brian takes you on a journey... into a couple's therapy session with you, Rabbi Brian, and God. (Again, it doesn't matter what you believe, this exercise will help you to figure out what you do and don't believe.) Part 1/2
Why it doesn't matter what or if you believe.
Rabbi Brian talks about what it really, truly just doesn't matter what you believe with regard to God. (It's pretty liberating to find this out.) This week's shout out goes to my son who is 9 MONTHS OLD. Yeah, Emmett. I love you.
Belief in God.
Rabbi Brian talks for just over 3 minutes about what it might mean to believe in God. (He's not trying to convince you of anything... just trying to help you to define the terms "belief" and "God.") This week's shout-out is to Dave "Id" Cohen — the man with the most...
Floor Wax & Bookcases
Rabbi Brian discusses how really simple things are less fulfilling than those things that challenge us... and he challenges you to think that perhaps the complications in your life are self-imposed to make things more exciting... This week I want to make a special...
Unlearning (3/3)
Rabbi Brian talks about the problems we all face when we know too much and needing to unlearn. This is part 2 of a 3 part series. Also... I want to make a special shout out this week to Richard Adams for the AWESOME introduction music that he sent me. If anyone out...
Unlearning (2/3)
Rabbi Brian talks about the problems we all face when we know too much and needing to unlearn. This is part 2 of a 3 part series. (It might have been posted early as I will be at Magic Camp the week of the 18th — and, hello to Deanna.)
Unlearning (1/3).
Rabbi Brian talks about the problems we all face when we know too much and needing to unlearn. This is part 1 of a 3 part series. (Also, I wanted to say congratulations to Wyatt & Jo as well as Eli & Tina who just got married.)
No force as powerful as an idea whose time has come.
Rabbi Brian questions is there no force as powerful as an idea whose time has come.
Spiritual lessons from the soul of money.
Rabbi Brian tells lessons he learned from Lynn Twist's book THE SOUL OF MONEY.
Sun Glasses and Stuff.
Rabbi Brian tells about the problem of having 3 pair of sunglasses.
Non Existence
Rabbi Brian discusses a Paul Tillich quote about non existence.
Faith (again)
Rabbi Brian talks AGAIN about faith... (It's a big topic.)
No Self ?
Rabbi Brian talks about the SELF and what makes it up.
I'm having a crappy day.
Rabbi Brian talks about the crappy day he is having... (It's a big topic.)
Discernment
Discernment vs. Judgment.
Belief in God: what does that mean? (2/2)
Rabbi Brian concludes his discussion of the Bible.
Belief in God: what does that mean? (1/2)
Rabbi Brian concludes his discussion of the Bible.
3 Types of Prayers
Rabbi Brian talks about the three types of prayer: petition, praise, and presence.
Jonah
Jonah was swallowed by a whale... what a wonderful metaphor.
Bible: Conclusion.
Rabbi Brian concludes his discussion of the Bible.
Bible: This is true!.
Rabbi Brian tells what part of the Bible he knows to be true, definitely true.
Bible: Believers.
Rabbi Brian explores what it means to believe the Bible is the word of God.
The Bible: Non Believers (REDO).
Rabbi Brian (re)explores what it means to not believe the Bible is the word of God. (The first time the podcast was posted had two tracks of me at the same time.)
The Bible: Non Believers.
Rabbi Brian explores what it means to not believe the Bible is the word of God.
Believers and Non-Believers.
Rabbi Brian explains that there are two camps when it comes to the Bible: believers and non-believers.
God, Bible, and Laws.
Rabbi Brian explains the relationship between God, the Bible, and the laws in the Bible.
The Bible and Masturbation.
Rabbi Brian explores the Biblical notion of spilling seed... and tells you that according to the Bible it's ok to masturbate.
Introduction to the Bible.
Rabbi Brian begins talking about the Bible. What the heck is it, anyway?
Three Minutes.
Rabbi Brian talks spontaneously about the exercise of doing three minute podcasts.
Devil.
Rabbi Brian talks about the origins of the devil . . . .
Paradoxicality.
Rabbi Brian give a brief primer on the topic of paradoxicality.
Short Spiritual Exercises.
Rabbi Brian give a number of short little spirtual exercises that you can do.
Upstream Downstream: a parable.
Rabbi Brian talks about the mythical towns of Upstream and Downstream.
Faith (yes, again).
Rabbi Brian talks about faith (yes, again, but this time it's different).
Placebos.
Rabbi Brian talks about placebos.
What? I got lost!
Rabbi Brian realizes that he has no idea what he's talking about in this one.
Religion Charge.
Rabbi Brian encourages you to take your religious life into your own hands.
Job Description.
Rabbi Brian gives some thought to the notion of "What is my job here on earth?"
Meant to be
Rabbi Brian weighs in that some things are just "fated" or "b'shert".
Spiritual not religious.
Rabbi Brian tells a truth -- the two words spiritual and religious are SYNONYMS!.
Some Notions of God. (5 mins 24 sec)
Rabbi Brian give a lengthy number of answers to the question: "how would you describe God?"
What God Wants. (3/3)
Rabbi Brian gives some longer answers as to what it might be that God wants from him.
What God Wants. (Part 2/3)
Rabbi Brian gives some quick answers as to what it might be that God wants from him.
What God Wants. (1/3)
God wants something from us? How do you know?
Things to do.
Rabbi Brian talks about what how all the things you have to do might be a good thing.
I'm not God.
A little more on surrender.
Creativity in four steps.
Four easy steps towards creativity.
Faith.
Faith is having confidence in . . . well, whatever we choose.
Relax and Enjoy.
A story about a little girl interuprting my prayer leads to a confession about God.
Spiritual Escapism.
Some folks try to avoid life through "spiritual escapism." I think that's a pretty crappy plan for living.
Limits.
"The absense of limitations is the enemy of art." -- Orson Wells said that . . . let's discuss.
Non-Existence.
"The most frightening thought we have is the thought of our own non-existence." -- Paul Tillich said that . . . let's discuss.
Safety.
Safety is the lack of apparent fears. Not that there aren't things to be scared of, but that you don't care. Yikes!
Timing . . .
Some things just happen when they are supposed to. Right?
Love the Questions?!
The answer received depends on the question asked. . . Isn't that true?
Character Defects?
I'm not what I think, what I do, or what I have, yet I define myself by all of those. What if I was more spirit than that?
Breathe!
I can't beleive I have a podcast reminding people of something as apparently obvious as BREATHING!
Vacation!
Rabbi Brian discusses vacation -- freeing ourselves from ourselves.
God this!
Rabbi Brian discusses the notion of predicate theology -- that God is a verb, something we must do.
I'm not driving
What if, while you thought you were driving, you really weren't? It's not a comfortable idea to get behind.
Sabbath
Rabbi Brian talks about the importance of taking some time off. Resting. Recharging. Not-doing.
Breathing
It's something we all do all of the time . . . Sure, it might seem silly to listen to someone talk about breathing for 3 minutes, but hey, you're probably going to agree with it all anyway.
Attachment
We are defined by those things we are unwilling to let go of. That's true. And deep. Let's dive in and explore this. . .
Being Seen
There is a very human desire, and surprisingly repulsion, to being seen. Being seen fully. Allowing ourselves to fully see others. And how about God?
Forgiveness
This is one of Rabbi Brian's favorite podcasts.
What if . . . ?
Rabbi Brian asks quite a number of questions which will leave you wondering and possibly a bit calmer.
Surrender
If you are only going to listen to two of these podcasts, this is the second one you should listen to.
God Is Love: Leonard
Rabbi Brian Talks about Leonard M. Knight of Salvation Mountain, CA who flew in a hot air balloon from New England to the middle of the desert spreading the one truth that he knew in his heart: God is love.
God Loves You
Could it be true? What would it change? Does God really love you? Possibly. . .
Religion
(This is Rabbi Brian's first podcast, and still one of the best.)