Shows
Practical SpiritualityThe Problem With PositivityIn this episode of the Practical Spirituality Podcast, Gareth and Kim explore the hidden harm behind the constant push for positivity in the spiritual and self-help worlds. They discuss how forced positivity can become a defense mechanism, blocking authentic connection and emotional healing.Our hosts assess how covering up uncomfortable emotions with positive thinking doesn't make them go away; it simply buries them, where they resurface later in unexpected and often harmful ways. Through personal stories they highlight how toxic positivity shows up in everyday moments, and how this reveals a deeper cultural discomfort with emotional honesty...2025-05-0542 minPractical SpiritualityRunning from OurselvesIn this episode of the Practical Spirituality Podcast, Gareth and Kim explore the human tendency to avoid and run away from emotional discomfort, offering an honest and compassionate look at how avoidance shapes personal growth. Kim openly shares her experience of being a "professional runner," setting the tone for a conversation that encourages understanding of the ways people try to escape from difficult emotions.The hosts explain how avoidance patterns evolve over time, often taking the form of behaviours like substance use or overworking, and later becoming more subtle, sometimes even masked as spiritual practices or self-improvement...2025-04-2843 minPractical SpiritualityCan We Care Too Much?In this episode of the Practical Spirituality Podcast, Gareth and Kim explore the emotional struggle many people face—the pendulum swing between caring too much and shutting down completely. They reflect on how this imbalance can lead to emotional exhaustion, isolation, and burnout.Kim shares her personal experience with over-caring and the frustration of trying to stop herself from feeling so deeply. Gareth offers insight into how even well-meaning care can sometimes act as a distraction from facing one’s own healing. Together, they explore how cultural expectations often place unrealistic pressure on people to care endlessly, lead...2025-04-2136 minPractical SpiritualityLiving With RegretIn this episode of the Practical Spirituality Podcast, Gareth and Kim explore the heavy weight of regret and how it can stay with us for years, replaying thoughts of what might have been. They offer a new perspective—what if regret isn’t punishment, but a form of redirection.Through thoughtful reflection and personal stories, they unpack why regret lingers long after events have passed. That feeling of “if only” or “what if” often points to unresolved lessons or personal growth still waiting to happen. Rather than seeing regret as something to avoid, Gareth and Kim suggest it can be a...2025-04-1436 minPractical SpiritualityReparenting SelfIn this episode of the Practical Spirituality Podcast, Gareth and Kim introduce the concept of “reparenting ourselves,” an approach that may feel unfamiliar yet serves as a cornerstone of emotional healing and spiritual growth. They explain how unresolved childhood wounds can remain “frozen”, influencing our adult behavior, relationships, and emotional patterns until our inner children are recognized and healed.The hosts discuss the signs that show when our inner child needs attention, such as persistent self-criticism, fear of abandonment, emotional outbursts, and excessive people-pleasing—behaviors often rooted in coping strategies learned early in life. These patterns frequently lead to ex...2025-04-0741 minPractical SpiritualityCaring What People ThinkIn this episode of the Practical Spirituality Podcast, Gareth and Kim examine why we care so much about other people’s opinions. They delve into the psychological roots of this tendency, explaining how humans are wired from infancy to seek external validation for survival, creating neural pathways that can persist throughout adulthood. They assess how these patterns have intensified in the digital age, and the impact of social media.Our hosts share personal stories of grappling with comparison, perfectionism, and the pressure to maintain seemingly “perfect” facades. They highlight how relying too heavily on others’ judgments can result i...2025-03-3144 minPractical SpiritualityWhen Love Isn't EnoughIn this episode of the Practical Spirituality Podcast, Gareth and Kim challenge the popular belief that love can solve all relationship problems. They discuss how, despite genuine affection, relationships can still reach a breaking point when underlying issues—like toxicity, poor communication, or conflicting values—go unaddressed.Drawing on personal experiences, Gareth and Kim highlight how societal expectations often persuade people to endure unhealthy situations. The conversation takes a revealing turn when they examine how fear sometimes disguises itself as love, causing individuals to remain in damaging relationships out of concern for finances, loneliness, or the difficulty of s...2025-03-2438 minPractical SpiritualityBreaking Down CommunicationIn this episode of the Practical Spirituality, Gareth and Kim explore why communication often breaks down, even when people believe they are speaking clearly. They explain how everyone operates from their own unique “map of the world,” shaped by personal experiences, backgrounds, and cultural influences. As a result, two people raised in the same household can still develop entirely different communication styles.They discuss how most people were never taught the art of true communication. They highlight the importance of self-awareness in conversation, noting that unresolved internal issues can surface when individuals use dialogue to avoid self-reflection. The...2025-03-1733 minPractical SpiritualityFeeling Invisible?In this episode of the Practical Spirituality, Gareth and Kim examine the universal experience of feeling invisible, exploring why people often feel unheard or unseen by others. They discuss various scenarios—from the middle child overshadowed by siblings to the partner in a long-term relationship who no longer feels appreciated—revealing how these situations can deeply affect self-confidence and self-worth.Our hosts explain that repeated experiences of this feeling can lead individuals to withdraw and stop sharing their perspectives, unintentionally reinforcing their own sense of being unseen. They highlight the paradox of seeking external validation: the more desp...2025-03-1031 minPractical SpiritualityNavigating NarrativesIn this episode of the Practical Spirituality Podcast, Gareth and Kim examine the stories we tell ourselves and how these narratives influence our lives. They discuss how childhood experiences and ingrained beliefs can shape decisions and relationships further on in our lives. By exploring the origins of these beliefs, they illustrate how questioning these narratives can lead to profound personal growth.The hosts guide listeners through common struggles involving negative self-talk and offer practical tools to dissolve limiting beliefs. They explain how to identify persistent negative narratives and reframe them for a healthier mindset. Whether l...2025-03-0336 minPractical SpiritualityDo We Need Hope?In this episode of the Practical Spirituality Podcast, Gareth and Kim explore the delicate balance between despair and hope. Through candid conversations, they look at what happens when a person hits low points, and examine how these moments can trigger spiritual awakenings and personal growth. Sharing personal stories and reflections, the discussion assesses how hope changes with time and according to each individual. From youthful optimism to the tempered resilience of adulthood, the hosts consider how life’s ups and downs reshape one’s understanding of hope. They also address societal conditioning and personal expectations, emphasizing that each...2025-02-2440 minPractical SpiritualityReincarnationIn this episode of the Practical Spirituality Podcast, hosts Gareth and Kim explore the concept of past lives and its influence on present-day experiences. They share personal stories, including how beliefs in reincarnation have guided their spiritual paths. Although concrete proof is elusive, they argue that intuitive faith in reincarnation can offer valuable insights into personal growth and everyday struggles.Gareth and Kim also delve into past life regression, discussing how it can potentially reshape one’s understanding of current life issues. They emphasize the importance of finding balance: using insights from reincarnation for healing without neglecting pr...2025-02-1737 minPractical SpiritualityWhat We Fear About FearIn this episode of the Practical Spirituality Podcast, hosts Gareth and Kim explore the ways in which we experience fear and the role it plays in our personal journeys. They look at how fear can either paralyze people or push them toward personal growth. They encourage listeners to recognise fear as more than just a negative emotion to be avoided and show how confronting our fears can pave the way for resilience and empowerment.Gareth and Kim delve into fear’s primal origins, highlighting the ancient survival mechanisms that still influence modern life. They address the universal ex...2025-02-1040 minPractical SpiritualityBalancing MotivationIn this episode of the Practical Spirituality Podcast, Gareth and Kim delve into the complexities of motivation. They discuss how fear, trauma, and societal pressures can influence feelings of drive or stagnation, guiding listeners toward finding balance between intense motivation and the contentment that comes from inner peace.Reflecting on their own experiences, Gareth and Kim confront the exhaustion caused by trying to meet unrealistic societal expectations. They encourage listeners to rethink the “playbook of life,” redefine success on their own terms, and discover fulfillment by stepping outside traditional norms.Our hosts explore the discomfort that...2025-02-0345 minPractical SpiritualityLearning to LoveIn this episode of the Practical Spirituality Podcast, Gareth and Kim question long-held beliefs about love, challenging the misconceptions that often color people’s understanding. They explore the line between genuine love and idealized illusions, examining how culture, family, and society shape perceptions. Their discussion sheds light on how codependence or manipulation can often be disguised as love, encouraging listeners to reassess what love truly means in both relationships and self-acceptance.Gareth and Kim share personal experiences that reveal the transformative impact of recognizing love’s true nature. They emphasize the importance of self-love, the influence of earl...2025-01-2732 minPractical SpiritualityTrusting SelfIn this episode of the Practical Spirituality, Gareth and Kim explore how developing self-trust can unlock hidden potential. They discuss how early conditioning often teaches people to doubt their instincts and rely on external validation. Through personal anecdotes, they challenge the idea of a “normal” path, and emphasize that each person’s journey toward self-trust is unique.The hosts assess the shift from seeking external approval to building an inner compass that is guided by intuition. They introduce the concept of “dating oneself,” suggesting simple steps like journaling to deepen self-awareness and increase focus on self. They emphasize...2025-01-2037 minPractical SpiritualityLiving in the Present MomentIn this episode of the Practical Spirituality Podcast, Gareth and Kim dive into the often misunderstood concept of living in the present. They challenge the idea that being present requires detaching from, or ignoring, all thought of the past and future. Instead, they redefine being present as an active practice of connecting with the mind, body, emotions, and soul, rather than simply avoiding distraction.The hosts explore how unresolved emotional wounds can disrupt peace in the present, shaping coping mechanisms that lead to daily unease. By reframing the mind as an ally, they encourage listeners to build...2025-01-1343 minPractical SpiritualityDealing With BurnoutIn this episode of the Practical Spirituality Podcast, Gareth and Kim shed light on the often-unnoticed emotional roots of burnout. They examine how childhood experiences, especially emotional neglect, can lay the groundwork for the feelings of isolation and exhaustion many adults eventually face.Their discussion reveals the real cost of pursuing achievements without emotional regulation skills, and how this can lead to emotional exhaustion. Through thoughtful conversation, the hosts highlight the value of learning how to say no, in order to create more reciprocal relationships.Throughout the episode, listeners are guided through practical insights on...2024-12-2334 minPractical SpiritualityHealthy ConfrontationThis episode of the Practical Spirituality Podcast re-examines confrontation as a tool for personal growth rather than something to fear. The hosts show how early experiences shape responses to conflict and demonstrate that facing issues head-on can lead to positive transformation.They discuss both the illuminating and painful aspects of conflict, and explore how avoiding conflict can often create underlying tension. By understanding emotional triggers and common reactions like fight, flight, or freeze, listeners can learn to move beyond avoidance and build more authentic connections.The episode also provides practical strategies for handling confrontational conversations...2024-12-1647 minPractical SpiritualityStruggling To Be Consistent?In this episode of the Practical Spirituality Podcast, Gareth and Kim examine why maintaining consistency in everyday life often feels challenging. Their conversation considers how fear, expectations, and the pressures of adult responsibilities—work, parenting, and finances—affect the pursuit of stability, drawing on personal stories to highlight the emotional factors involved.Gareth and Kim then discuss the difficulties of building consistent habits in a fast-paced world, noting the pull of instant gratification and the burden of unrealistic self-expectations. They address how upbringing, education, and unresolved traumas contribute to burnout and overwhelm. By encouraging responsibility and awareness of s...2024-12-0944 minPractical SpiritualityOvercoming FailureWhat if failure is not an enemy but a powerful ally in the journey of personal growth? In this episode of the Practical Spirituality Podcast, Gareth and Kim tackle this question head-on, challenging societal norms that view failure negatively. They redefine failure not as a mark of inadequacy but as the "first attempt in learning," a crucial step toward success.Many people chase after external validation, only to feel unfulfilled upon achieving it. The hosts shine a spotlight on this common pitfall, emphasizing the importance of defining success on one's own terms. They delve into the relationship...2024-12-0243 minPractical SpiritualityPatterns and TriggersCan you recognize the patterns and triggers that shape your life? On this week's episode, Gareth and Kim explore how the brain responds to these stimuli and show how awareness can lead to personal growth and understanding. They discuss the human tendency to focus on negative experiences, offering a path from self-blame to self-awareness, and highlight the importance of curiosity in self-discovery.Throughout this episode, experience a journey through personal stories and insights that reveal the intricate patterns within relationships and life experiences. By exploring recurring themes from the past, you'll learn how deep-seated beliefs can influence...2024-11-2545 minPractical SpiritualityLetting Go of the UnchangeableDo you ever mentally replay events that you can't change? In this episode of the Practical Spirituality Podcast, hosts Gareth and Kim explore how fixating on events we can't change can hijack our mental and emotional well-being. Through personal stories and client experiences, they illustrate how and why our minds imagine scenarios that never come to pass.Gareth and Kim emphasize that personal transformation is a marathon, not a sprint. They discuss why our minds naturally resist change due to fear of the unknown and comfort in the familiar. Despite wanting change, letting go can be challenging...2024-11-1845 minPractical SpiritualityThe Meaning of LifeIn the first episode of season three of the Practical Spirituality Podcast, hosts Gareth and Kim explore life's meaning as a series of evolving questions. Through personal stories and insights, they examine how the mind, body, and emotions shape our understanding of purpose and life's meaning.They discuss how upbringing and culture influence our sense of purpose, viewing meaning as a journey rather than a destination. Topics include spiritual guides, faith, kindness, and the hope involved in finding meaning. Listeners are invited to question societal norms and embark on a path of self-discovery, balancing self-awareness with engaging...2024-11-1149 minPractical SpiritualityShifting GearsIn this week's episode, Gareth and Kim candidly bring listeners behind the scenes to look at the highs and lows of the creation of the Practical Spirituality Podcast. They discuss the unexpected challenges that have come along with the podcast's production, from scheduling hiccups to Kim's recent spider bite incident!They also share their excitement for an upcoming third season and talk about the crucial support from their Patreon community. Plans for the future, including live shows and guest interviews, are also discussed. The episode serves as a heart-to-heart about the real-world experience of podcasting. W...2023-09-1808 minPractical SpiritualityLearning to SurrenderIn their latest episode, Gareth and Kim delve into the concept of surrender, exploring why it's often difficult yet liberating to relinquish control and expectations, and open up to accepting our life path, wherever that may lead. They ask how much control we actually have over the key moments in our lives, and why we try to maintain control, and are reluctant to surrender.They discuss the self-exploration that comes along with surrendering, including the challenging conversations it may prompt and the life skills it reveals. They also look at the difference between surrendering and giving up...2023-09-1140 min