Diarmuid O'Murchu, a member of the Sacred Heart Missionary Order, and a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin Ireland, is a social psychologist whose early working life had been in social ministry, predominantly in London, UK. In more recent years he has worked as a workshop leader and group facilitator, conducting programmes on Adult Faith Development across several countries. He is a widely read author, with many of his books listed on this webpage. Now as a retired missionary, he lives in Dublin, Ireland. Books: When the Disciple Comes of Age: Christian Identity in the Twenty-first Century Doing Theology in an Evolutionary Way Divine Radiance in Human Evolution Ecological Spirituality Website: diarmuidomurchu.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Interview recorded May 17, 2025

 Julie Seido Nelson is a transmitted teacher (Sensei) in the Maezumi Roshi Zen lineage. Her home Zen community is the Greater Boston Zen Center, a sangha which has experienced three major upheavals due to teacher arrogance and abuses of power over the last several years. She is also a teacher at the Great Plains Zen Center in Monroe, Wisconsin, and has written for Buddhist audiences in Tricycle magazine and on her blog. Having begun Zen practice in 2004, she has found it to be of immense value. She is deeply saddened when people, either in addition to or instead of realizing the benefits, suffer great harm. When not reflecting writing about Zen, she sometimes writes and give talks based on her pre-retirement academic work as a feminist and ecological economist. She enjoys visiting her two children and two grandchildren and enjoying the New England outdoors. Books: Practicing Safe Zen: Navigating the Pitfalls on the Road to Liberation (Monkfish, 2025) Amazon Indie Pubs Economics for Humans (University of Chicago Press, 2nd ed. 2018) Website: julieanelson.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Interview recorded May 11, 2025

Stephan Martin is an astronomer, educator, and author who has taught astronomy, physics, and consciousness studies at colleges, universities, and learning centers across the US for over thirty years. He is currently Director of the Deeptime Leadership Program at the Deeptime Network, where he helps develop and facilitate transformative and innovative leadership programs that support a flourishing future that works for all. Steve is active in leading workshops, lectures, and experiences that bring insights and wisdom from the cosmos down to Earth and everyday life. His first book Cosmic Conversations is a multidisciplinary approach to exploring the universe through the lenses of science, spirituality and culture, and his second book Living a Cosmic Life helps people navigate crisis and change from a cosmic evolutionary perspective. You can find more about him at: cosmicconversations.org and dtnetwork.org. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded April 25, 2025

Mary Mueller Shutan is a spiritual healer, teacher, and author. She is the author of The Spiritual Awakening Guide: Kundalini, Psychic Abilities, and the Conditioned Layers of Reality Managing Psychic Abilities: A Real World Guide for the Highly Sensitive Person Shadow Work for the Soul: Seeing Beauty in the Dark The Body Deva: Working with the Spiritual Consciousness of the Body Working with Kundalini: An Experiential Guide to the Process of Awakening The Shamanic Workbook series, and The Complete Cord Course: Working with Cords through Energy Work and Shamanic Healing She combines her extensive education with her personal meditative practices and direct revelation of the spirit world. She has been serving her community as a spiritual healer and teacher since 2004. Website: maryshutan.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Full interview, edited for readability Interview recorded April 5, 2025

 Diane Hennacy Powell, M.D. is the chief scientist involved in The Telepathy Tapes, a podcast about non-speaking autistic children who are extraordinarily telepathic. "In a world that often dismisses the extraordinary as mere fantasy, The Telepathy Tapes dares to explore the profound abilities of non-speakers with autism—individuals who have long been misunderstood and underestimated. These silent communicators possess gifts that defy conventional understanding, from telepathy to otherworldly perceptions, challenging the limits of what we believe to be real. For years, their parents and teachers have quietly witnessed these remarkable abilities, knowing that the time to share their truth would eventually come. But now, as the evidence mounts, the time has come to reveal what has been hidden in plain sight. This groundbreaking series challenges everything we think we know about communication and the human mind, inviting viewers to step into a reality where the impossible is not only possible but happening every day. Through emotional stories and undeniable evidence, The Telepathy Tapes offers a fresh perspective on the profound connections that exist beyond words. Traveling with neuroscientist Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell, witnessing mind-boggling telepathy tests and forging deeply intimate relationships with families around the globe, host Ky Dickens invites you to contemplate the world through the eyes of those who speak without words. Prepare to be captivated, challenged, and ultimately transformed as the series shines a light on the untold capabilities of those who have been underestimated for far too long." Dr. Powell is a Johns Hopkins-trained psychiatrist, therapist, neuroscientist, and public speaker. She develops multidisciplinary theories towards understanding psychological anomalies, such as savant skills and verified accounts of spacetime navigation. Her current research focuses on controlled testing of autistic savants and children reported to be telepathic and/or precognitive by their caregivers. Dr. Powell has been on the faculty at Harvard Medical School, a member of a think tank on human consciousness at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California, and Director of Research for the John E. Mack Institute. Her investigation into the neurocorrelates of ESP is discussed in her 2008 book The ESP Enigma: The Scientific Case for Psychic Phenomena, and in Seriously Strange: Thinking Anew about Psychical Experiences. Dr. Powell is also an expert on PTSD and created the psychiatry program for Survivors of Torture, International in San Diego, California. She was the principal author of IONS The 2007 Shift Report: Evidence of a World Transforming and a contributing author to Beyond Forgiveness: Reflections on Atonement, the 2014 Campus Book of the Year at Indiana University. She is also a participant in the #NeverAlone movement for suicide prevention launched by Deepak Chopra. Website: drdianehennacy.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. First BatGap interview with Dr. Powell Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded March 23, 2025 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 Fascinating Anecdote of Precognition    00:03:15 The Rise of the Telepathy Tapes Podcast  00:05:48 Impact of Telepathy Tapes on Community  00:08:39 Telepathy and Consciousness in Pre-Verbal Babies  00:12:29 Psychic Communication in Babies and Autistic Children  00:16:12 Non-Verbal Communication in Animals    00:19:28 Unique Traffic Culture in Iran    00:22:49 Exploring Telepathy among Children    00:25:35 The Phenomenon of Psychic Fields in Lucid Dreaming    00:28:15 Elon Musk's Patent on Telepathy and Its Implications  00:31:36 Paradigm Shifts and Materialism  00:35:31 The Role of Consciousness in Physics and Reality Co-Creation  00:38:40 Remote Viewing and Military Research    00:42:25 Social Benefits of the Hill

 Dr. Neil Schuitevoerder, a clinical and organizational psychologist, has been doing spiritual practices for 50 years. He's no longer interested in his ego's story, so here's the story of his soul's evolution: He had early instruction in how to use a pendulum, which led to the opening of his intuitive knowing, which has continued to expand into higher stages. His intense meditation practices in his 20s led to illness, and he was guided to return to a householder life as husband and father. He continued practices in mystical Judaism, then turned to Vedanta, kundalini, and other Hindu practices. With a kundalini master, and with the Diamond Approach technique of Inquiry, he opened the higher chakras and began to experience states of unity and nonduality, first with a near object, such as a tree, then with a far object, such as the galaxy. Slowly, the dualities of self/other, near/far, past/future, dissolved, and his knowing expanded to include the distant past, his past lives, his rebirth in this lifetime, and his ability to travel in subtle bodies to the subtle planes, including conversing with the deceased. His mind emptied out, then his body became empty, containing the whole galaxy, a nondual body. Then his astral body emptied out, and he no longer "traveled" but was united with the subtle mental and causal planes, all within him. The state of bliss is always accessible. The local identity of Neil remains when he functions in the world, as he lives in dual and nondual levels of awareness simultaneously. Neil's has a podcast with his wife, Connie Zweig, about his ongoing awakening and what it's like to live in the world in advanced levels of consciousness -- Dr. Neil's Spiritual Awakening to Nonduality. It posts on Apple, Spotify, and all platforms. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded March 15, 2025 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 Different Levels of Perception  00:02:35 Soul's Evolution and Spiritual Practices  00:06:23 Journey of Consciousness and Skepticism    00:10:27 Near-Death and Out-of-Body Experiences  00:13:59 Exploring Consciousness and Cosmic Manifestation  00:17:19 Extraordinary Abilities in Blind Individuals    00:21:08 Understanding Freedom and Non-Attachment  00:25:32 The Importance of Moral Development in Spiritual Growth    00:30:46 Exploring Multidimensional Consciousness    00:34:03 Exploring the Buddhic Plane and Astral Projection  00:38:55 Understanding Subtle Body Layers and Incarnation Process  00:42:07 Exploring Reincarnation and Astral Realms    00:46:36 Exploring the Universe and Spiritual Liberation    00:51:36 The Nature of True Governance according to Lao Tzu  00:54:01 The Role of Ego in Daily Life  00:57:52 Understanding the Reduction of Thoughts and Ego    01:02:11 Understanding A.H. Almas's Protocol    01:06:05 Telepathic Abilities and Humanity's Shift    01:11:09 The Coexistence of Creation and Destruction Forces  01:15:21 The Cosmic Perspective: Our Place in the Universe  01:19:38 Energy Healing and Silent Therapy  01:23:35 Do Microbes Have Souls and Their Evolutionary Journey  01:27:50 Chakras and the Evolution of Consciousness  01:31:00 Understanding Chakras and Energy Centers    01:34:55 Exploring Spiritual Evolution and Incarnation  01:38:52 Understanding Shadow Material and Spiritual Bypassing    01:43:09 The Importance of Spiritual Community and Marriage  01:47:18 Embracing Pain Through Meditation  01:51:31 Exploring the Connection Between Consciousness and the Body-Heart  01:55:45 Exploring the Concept of the Vajra Body  01:58:30 Upcoming Interview with Diane Hennessey Powell on Telepathy Tapes

 Jim Grove is a lifelong practitioner of yogic meditation who grew up in a small logging town on the West Coast of Canada. At age thirteen, he was introduced to a teacher who was one of the few ministers directly ordained by Paramahansa Yogananda during his lifetime, Mother Yogacharya M. Hamilton of Seattle. A series of early transcendental experiences convinced him to commit himself to continued yogic practice under her tutelage. His recent memoir, A Curious Spiritual Journey, recounts some of the prominent experiences that have arisen from his practice over four decades, starting from early adolescence, in the interests of providing some insight into the often unpredictable process of spiritual unfoldment. He likes to speak plainly about spiritual experience and practice, avoiding the vague, abstract, and sometimes inflated language used in much spiritual and new age writing. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Website: jimgrove.ca Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded February 15, 2025 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 Jim Grove's Journey in Yogic Meditation    00:03:42 Editing a Manuscript: From 80,000 to 55,000 Words  00:07:23 Discovering a Life-Changing Teacher    00:11:24 A Humorous Encounter at Denny's    00:16:23 Spiritual Awakening and Motivation Changes  00:21:30 The Ripple Effect of Everyday Actions  00:25:47 Mariana Kaplan's Global Soccer Mission    00:30:15 The Importance of Spiritual Integrity and Ethical Conduct  00:34:29 The Importance of Integrity in Organizations and Community  00:38:25 Cultural Ethics vs. Universal Values  00:42:13 The Importance of Humility and Kindness in Life  00:47:09 Leadership Dynamics and Corporate Culture    00:51:16 The Purpose of Suffering and Spiritual Growth  00:55:51 Embracing Mortality in Tibetan Buddhism  00:59:10 Exploring Shamanic Practices and Cross-Cultural Spirituality    01:03:24 Exploring the Life and Teachings of Joel Goldsmith  01:06:55 Joel Goldsmith and Spiritual Anecdotes    01:10:33 Exploring Multiverse and Other Dimensions  01:14:40 The Role of Specialists in Reincarnation Research    01:18:30 Exploring Past Life Regressions and Reincarnation    01:23:25 Vision of Furry Boots with Curly Toes    01:27:52 Healing Through Past Life Regression  01:31:46 Balancing Depth and Breadth in Personal Growth  01:36:04 Exploring Kundalini Activation and Spiritual Growth    01:40:49 The Metaphor of the Ring: Ego and Humility Lessons from Tolkien  01:45:52 The Concept of Humility in Spiritual Teachings    01:49:50 The Spiritual Lessons of the Prodigal Son and Christ's Doubt  01:54:11 Career Shift: From Private Sector to Provincial Government  01:59:06 Embracing Change and Trusting the Universe  02:03:47 Instilling Inner Guidance in Children  02:07:44 Future of Humanity: Transitions and Endgames

 Although Lisa worked as a chemical engineer, spirituality always was the priority in her life. In 2009, at a silent retreat, her thought-based identity dropped away, and she saw only the single flow of benevolence in all that is. When some of those thoughts returned a few weeks later (less convincing than before), there also came a deep curiosity to inquire into those thoughts. She developed many tools to return to a lived experience of the deeper knowing. Both of her books share these tools. All that is is a vibrant expression erupting from a single full emptiness. Website: experiencingthetrueself.com Books: An Unprincipled Life: Living from the Unknown Living Awake: 20 Techniques to End "I Got It; I Lost It" Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded January 26, 2025 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump Series    00:04:27 Early Childhood Spiritual Insights    00:08:09 Exploring the Astral Body and Embodiment    00:11:15 Understanding the Koshas: Layers of Existence    00:15:16 Discovering Inner Strength Through Adversity    00:19:44 The Journey of Pure Intelligence and Self-Rediscovery  00:23:47 Understanding the Mind: A Sense Organ analogy    00:27:56 Discovering the Root of Aliveness in Spiritual Practice  00:31:05 Embracing Life's Uncertainties and Letting Go of Control  00:34:18 Understanding Impermanence in Awakening  00:38:12 Embracing Flexibility in Life's Demands    00:42:34 Understanding Life's Impetus    00:47:11 Parenting Lessons from Calvin and Hobbes    00:51:44 Spiritual Principles in Dire Situations    00:55:33 The Power of Positivity and Human Kindness  00:58:56 Choosing Challenging Lifetimes for Wisdom    01:02:29 Exploring Past Life Memories    01:06:48 Concept of Past Lives and Dimensions  01:11:42 Finding Positivity in Adversity: Lessons from Prisoners  01:17:00 The Illusion of Shoulds and Self-Realization    01:20:57 The Balance of Opposing Forces and Human Nature    01:25:15 Experiencing Wisdom in a Different Realm    01:29:49 Understanding Malignant Narcissism in Leadership    01:33:25 Embracing Life's Harmony and Challenges    01:36:44 The Role of Creativity and Connection in Environmental Action  01:40:16 Climate Change and Thwaites Glacier Threat    01:42:32 Embracing Inner Wisdom vs. Scientific Method  01:46:06 Integrating Science with Inner Wisdom    01:50:29 Embracing Personal Growth and Self-Reflection    01:55:24 Political Perspectives and Third Party Hopes  01:59:09 Embracing Open Dialogue and Challenging Ideas

Born and raised in San Diego, CA, and currently residing in Carlsbad, CA, Eli Recht is a licensed psychotherapist (LMFT), EMDR clinician, spiritual counselor, editor, and teacher of Self-realization. In 2020, Eli experienced a falling away of ego identity and an awakening to the true nature of Reality. As a result, Eli has dedicated his life to service – to help alleviate suffering, cultivate connection, guide people through the often-confusing journey of Life, and invite others to recognize our shared unconditioned essence. Eli’s specialty is blending contemporary psychological knowledge with timeless spiritual wisdom and advocating for the integration of these two disciplines. Website: elirecht.com Books (Editor and Foreword): Grace Happens: An Awakening of Consciousness Reflections of Consciousness: Essays on the Journey of Awakening and the Nature of Reality Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded January 11, 2025 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump Series    00:03:56 Discovering Spiritual Insights through "Buddha at the Gas Pump"  00:09:14 Discovering Eastern Thought at Deer Park Monastery    00:15:21 Exploring Higher States of Consciousness Through Music    00:19:32 The Challenges of Kriya Yoga Practice  00:24:04 Struggles with Kriya Yoga and Finding Purpose  00:28:25 Journey to Emotional and Psychological Healing    00:33:16 Understanding Kundalini Activation and Its Effects  00:38:00 Discovering My Higher Self    00:41:31 Differentiating Awakening from Psychosis    00:45:44 The Path of Perseverance and Enlightenment    00:49:48 Realization of Oneness and Unity  00:54:33 The Importance of Service Post-Awakening    01:00:47 Understanding the Transition from Ego-Identification to Ego-Transcendence    01:04:41 The Influence of Meher Baba and the Journey to Self-Realization  01:09:36 Embracing a Different Memory Post-Awakening  01:13:03 Navigating Non-Doership and Embodiment    01:18:00 Understanding the Ego and Brahman    01:21:01 Rocket Ship as a Metaphor for Awakening    01:25:44 Understanding Psychosis and Spiritual Awakening    01:30:48 Illuminating the Ego: Pre and Post Awakening    01:35:40 Challenges of Kundalini Awakening    01:39:29 The Relationship Between Ego and Self-Realization  01:44:19 Navigating the Role of a Spiritual Teacher  01:49:30 The Role of Spirituality in Addressing Mental Illness  01:53:13 Humanity's Journey Through Suffering to Awakening  01:58:20 The Role of Donations in Spiritual Endeavors    02:02:07 Vision for a Peaceful Humanity    02:06:18 Exploring Life's Big Questions: Meaning, Reality, and Participation  02:10:52 Embracing the Present Moment: The Power of What over Why    02:16:25 Upcoming Interview with Lisa Carrillo

Tanis Helliwell has seen higher realms and spoken with Masters, angels and elementals since childhood. Walking in many worlds, she led tours to sacred sites for two decades, was a management consultant working for over 30 years, and founded the International Institute for Transformation specializing in spiritual transformation in 2000. A true mystic who has worked with Masters in higher realms since childhood, her gift is assisting others to develop a soul-infused personal life in harmony with spiritual laws. Her knowledge and understanding of other worlds and spiritual realms can be found in some of her most popular books: Summer with the Leprechauns, The Leprechaun’s Story, HYBRIDS: So you think you are human, The High Beings of Hawaii, The Dragon's Tale, and Good Morning Henry: An In-Depth Journey With the Body Intelligence. Website: tanishelliwell.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded December 16. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction to Tanis Helliwell and Her Mystical Experiences    00:05:06 Yogananda's Astral Universe Exploration    00:09:55 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality  00:13:25 Navigating Spiritual Breakthroughs in Modern Life  00:17:29 Ken Wilber's Lines of Development Explained    00:21:34 Evolution of Souls: From Microbes to Humans  00:26:07 Canadian Identity and Its Global Influence  00:30:21 Interacting with Human Frequencies    00:35:14 Exploring Universal Reality and Intuition  00:38:38 Overcoming Past Life Traumas and Societal Norms Shifts  00:42:18 The Impact of Collective Consciousness    00:46:40 Exploring Human-Elemental Hybrids    00:49:47 Introduction to Elementals and Their Longevity    00:54:15 The Mythical Origins of Dragons and Mermaids    00:58:01 Near-Death Experience and Spiritual Awakening     01:01:29 Notable Figures as Elves in Mythology  01:04:54 Understanding Star Beings and Their Qualities  01:09:08 The Role of Elementals in Universal Orchestration    01:13:16 The Rise in Earth's Frequency and Cosmic Energies  01:16:56 Aligning with Higher Consciousness and Personal Responsibility  01:20:53 Seeds of Change and Global Consciousness    01:25:15 The Power of Frequency and Personal Transformation    01:28:42 Understanding the Role of Dragons in Higher Consciousness    01:33:29 Encounter with a Dragon in the Forest    01:37:48 Understanding Brahman and Totality in Vedic Literature  01:41:47 The Story of the Old Chinese Farmer    01:45:17 The Legacy of Rudolf Steiner    01:49:45 The Importance of Ethics in Spirituality    01:53:25 The Importance of Critical Thinking and Discernment  01:57:50 Understanding Hybrids and Unique Identities  01:59:52 Raising Your Frequency through Magical Worlds

Efrat Shokef, Ph.D., is a mother to three spiritually aware teens. A daughter, wife, sister, writer, teacher, cosmic journeyer, a shamanic energy healing practitioner working primarily with children, teens, parents, and families, and the Author of The Promise We Made: Three Universal Soul Promises We Made to Our Children – Near Death Experience and the Parenting Teachings It Invites. Efrat was severely injured in a car crash and experienced a profound near-death experience (NDE) when her three daughters were all still younger than four. Her journey of physical recovery, the integration of her NDE, and, at the same time, her inability to participate in the caretaking of her daughters sent her on a quest to the essence of motherhood. What makes us our child(ren)’s parent beyond the doing? A quest and insights she shared in her book, and on her website. Efrat believes that when parents know/remember that they are more than their physical bodies or their confused, wounded emotions, they can recognize the luminosity of their child(ren). When we all accept that we are on a journey of growth, we can mirror the possibility of this Earthly journey to the children in our lives. When we walk our essence and connect to who we are at our core, we can see that same luminosity in everyone, beyond gender, race, ethnicity, or age. Respecting all others, including our children— dependent humans, yet also powerful, experienced souls—becomes a way of life. Explore articles and resources for Spiritually Aware Families and Contact Efrat through her website: https://efratshokef.com/ Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded December 8, 2024.

 Riyaz passed away in May, 2025. Here's a video he recorded a month before his death with his friends Adyashanti, Jonathan Gustin, and John Prendergast. Born in Kenya, and of Indian ancestry, Riyaz came to North America when he was ten years old (growing up in Canada, and then moving to the United States as an adult). Each of these lands, peoples, and cultures has informed and shaped his expression and sensibilities. He is a product of both East and West. Most of his adult life has been devoted to the study and practice of both psychotherapy and spirituality. And both of these disciplines have been integral to a path of healing and awakening. Professionally, his life’s work has been to bring together Eastern wisdom with Western science and psychology in a synergistic alliance. After 26 years of mainly practicing as a psychotherapist, and many years of teaching and supervising students and interns in a transpersonally oriented graduate school (CIIS in San Francisco), he has shifted his work in a more explicitly spiritual direction. He now leads individuals and groups in spiritual work through groups, and day-long and multi-day retreats. In April 2023, he received dharma transmission and the blessing of his teacher, Adyashanti. Website: riyazmotan.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded November 26, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 Embracing Vulnerability in Teaching    00:03:24 Transition to Spiritual Teaching    00:06:25 The Unexpected Lung Cancer Diagnosis  00:10:10 Embracing Life’s Challenges as Spiritual Lessons  00:13:24 Philosophy of Evolution and Suffering    00:17:23 Embracing Mortality and Living Fully  00:20:23 Wisdom from Sri Ramakrishna: Always Be Learning  00:23:25 Navigating Cancer Treatment Challenges  00:26:34 Embracing Alternative Healing Methods    00:29:41 Embracing Non-Western Healing Approaches    00:33:01 The Profound Experience of Near-Death and Out-of-Body Events     00:36:32 Personal Transformations Through Marriage    00:40:30 Embracing Earthly Spirituality  00:45:53 The Impact of Spirituality as an Escape Mechanism  00:49:46 Cultivating Presence for Emotional Healing  00:53:54 The Power of Group Consciousness  00:57:45 The Toll of Being a Spiritual Teacher    01:01:07 Embracing Vulnerability in Teaching  01:05:08 The Evolution of Spiritual Teaching Methodologies  01:08:57 Evolution of Teacher-Student Dynamics in Education    01:12:51 Importance of Preparatory Spiritual Practices    01:16:26 Lack of Spiritual Development and Global Issues  01:19:34 Humanity’s Crisis and Opportunity for Change    01:22:26 Awakening of a New Consciousness  01:26:27 Exploring Neurodivergence and Enhanced Perception  01:30:28 Transformative Power of Psychedelics and Nature    01:33:46 Ayahuasca Experience: A Catalyst for Awakening    01:36:57 Spiritual Awakening through Nature and Retreats    01:40:52 Exploring the Hero Dose: Insights from Adyashanti    01:43:41 Transition from One-to-One Work to Spiritual Mentoring  01:47:33 Upcoming Guests and Spiritual Experiences

 Thomas Legrand is a wisdom’s seeker, a social scientist and sustainability practitioner. He is the author of the internationally acclaimed book “Politics of Being. Wisdom and Science for a New Development Paradigm” (2022), an invitation to radically rethink our model of development, which received the Grand Prize of the Nautilus Book Award in 2024. His spiritual journey began at the age of 23 with an encounter with native spirituality in Mexico, before embracing the wisdom of a wide range of traditions and practices, including meditation, energetic healing and Tai-chi-chuan. He lives with his wife and their two young daughters near Plum Village, the monastery of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh in the South West of France, his country. He is currently the Lead Technical Advisor for the UNDP-convened Conscious Food Systems Alliance. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview. Interview recorded November 9, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction to Thomas Legrand and His Work  00:03:27 Integrating Politics and Spirituality    00:07:32 Radical Restructuring for Humanity’s Survival    00:10:43 Prophecies of Transformation and Enlightenment    00:15:14 Exploring Spiritual Solutions for Society  00:19:22 The Necessity of Consciously Attending to Ethics in Spiritual Practice  00:23:51 Spirituality and Science Collaboration    00:27:12 The Influence of Sri Aurobindo’s Spiritual Work on Global Events    00:31:11 Spiritual Practices and Deep Forces    00:34:53 The Need for Spiritual Transformation    00:39:07 Theory X and Theory Y: Workplace Dynamics    00:43:34 Prisons as Factories of Stress and Recidivism    00:48:32 The Importance of Relationships in Happiness    00:52:40 The Impact of Collective Consciousness    00:56:18 Emerging Sciences for Happiness and Peace    01:00:30 Integrating Wisdom and Science for Unity    01:04:21 Healing Patterns on a Societal Level    01:09:00 Transformation Through Breakdown and Regrowth    01:12:06 Introducing the Concept of a Politics of Being    01:15:30 The Shift Back to Human Dimensions  01:20:37 Implementing Spiritual Solutions in Everyday Life    01:25:51 Economic Inequality as the Root of Social Issues    01:30:39 The Necessity of Change in Society    01:36:22 The Baha’i Vision and Progressive Revelation    01:39:03 Understanding the Soul of a Nation in a Globalized World  01:43:25 The Destiny of Unity and Diversity    01:48:08 Conversations on Conflict and Harmony in Israel    01:50:45 Healing Trauma as a Gateway  01:53:37 Presidential Apology and Indigenous Healing  01:56:00 Navigating Economic Growth and Conscious Transformation    02:00:23 Exploring Our Website Offerings

 For over 30 years, Georgette Star, MA, D.Min, has dedicated her life to empowering adults and youth to live soul-embodied, joyful, and purposeful lives. An intuitive Soul Stream Life Coach & Mentor, and Method trainer, her own deep quest for Self-Realization informs all aspects of her work. Finding joy in sharing this journey with others and a calling to contribute to the greater good inspired her to found the Life Blessing Institute (LBI). This transformational learning community is designed to guide individuals on the journey of human potential, spiritual awakening, and actualization of their soul’s agenda. Through LBI, Georgette developed a variety of programs, including Maiden Spirit & Peace Warriors Youth Programs, Individual and Community Rites of Passage Celebrations and the Soul Stream Method Practitioner Training. Currently Georgette is also working on a documentary film titled The Woman’s Rite. The film examines the challenges of ageism faced by women (and all genders) and explores how these limitations can be transformed through creative expression, conscious rites-of-passage and spiritual awakening. It highlights the opportunity for women to step into empowered, vibrant, and respected elderhood, offering their wisdom, creativity, light, and love to a world that deeply needs their contributions. Georgette holds a Master’s degree from the Naropa Institute and a Doctorate of Ministry from the University of Creation Spirituality. Using her life experience, education and an array of natural abilities, Georgette actively pursues contributing to humankind however she can. In addition to her professional work, she cherishes being a mom, grandmother, artist, forest dweller and daughter of Mother Earth. She also finds joy in creating collaboratively with others and sharing the spiritual journey of awakening with her friends and colleagues. Website links: The Life Blessing Institute (LBI) The Woman’s Rite documentary project Click here to contact Georgette if you are interested in her Soul Stream Life Map Readings and include the word “BatGap” in the message field. Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded October 27, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump  00:03:51 Georgette Star: Wisdom and Creativity for a Needy World  00:07:28 Spiritual Awakening for Ordinary People  00:11:17 Embracing Categories in Spiritual Journeys  00:15:00 Embracing Uncertainty and the Free Fall of Life  00:17:59 Embracing Paradox and Spiritual Maturity  00:22:17 Can Society Transition Without Collapse?  00:26:08 Discovering Meaning in Spiritual Practice  00:30:43 Women’s Rights Documentary Project  00:34:32 The Visionary Origins of the Project  00:38:51 The Journey from Idea to Film  00:43:27 Reflecting on Life’s Journey and Self-Discovery  00:47:42 Childhood Mystical Experiences  00:51:34 Early Meditation Experiences and Visionary Insights  00:55:11 Meditation vs. Drug Use: Finding Natural Bliss  00:59:18 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs about Aging and Activity  01:03:54 Benefits of Pickleball and Meditation for Seniors  01:07:49 Creating Maiden Spirit: Empowering Young Girls  01:11:31 The Dark Side of Technology and Its Impact on Young Girls  01:15:44 Overcoming the Fear of Death with Spirituality  01:19:51 Transition from Scientist to Mystic  01:23:20 A Traumatic Car Accident and Its Impact  01:26:55 Timelessness in Self-Identity  01:30:06 Discovering the Concept of Original Blessing with Matthew Fox  01:34:47 Introduction to Soulstream Life Maps  01:38:40 Understanding Karmic Learning Pathways  01:42:00 The Role of Vedic Astrology in Naming  01:45:54 The Ripple Effect of Personal Growth  01:50:16 The Importance of Consciousness in Global Change

Dr. Edi Bilimoria was born in India and educated at the universities of London, Sussex, and Oxford. He presents an unusual blend of experience in the fields of science, arts, and philosophy. Professionally, Edi is an award-winning engineer and consultant to the petrochemical, oil and gas, transport, and construction industries. He has been Project Manager and Head of Design for major innovative projects such as the Channel Tunnel, London Underground systems, petrochemical plants and offshore installations. He also worked in safety and environmental engineering for several Royal Navy projects, including the Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier and the fleet of Offshore Patrol Vessels. A student of the perennial philosophy for over half a century, Edi has given courses and lectured extensively in the UK, and internationally. He has organized and chaired conferences with the object of encouraging discourse on the different, but overlapping, roles of science, religion, and practical philosophy. Edi has published extensively in the fields of science, engineering, and the esoteric philosophy.  "Unfolding Consciousness" has received recognition with the 2022 Grand Prize Award from the Scientific and Medical Network. Edi's earlier work, "The Snake and the Rope" is also an award winner. Website: edibilimoria.com Summary and transcript of this interview Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Interview recorded October 12, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters:  00:00:00 Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump    00:02:50 The Intersection of Science, Spirituality, and Philosophy    00:06:22 The Evolution of Scientific Thought    00:10:10 Understanding the Levels of Science and Consciousness    00:14:20 The Limits of Intellect and Wisdom of Great Thinkers    00:18:45 Meditation, Psychedelics, and Brain Perception    00:23:13 The Brain as a Transmitter-Receiver    00:26:51 Misunderstanding Isaac Newton’s Philosophy    00:30:49 Is the Sun Alive? Examining Unconventional Definitions of Life  00:34:13 The Incredible Complexity of Human Cells    00:37:39 Debunking the Infinite Monkey Theorem    00:41:40 Materialism and Its Role in Science    00:44:42 The Potential of Science and Spirituality Working Together    00:49:12 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality    00:53:04 The Science of the Human Eye: Discoveries and Design  00:56:44 The Debate on Intelligent Design and Evolution    01:00:09 The Interplay of Spirit and Matter in Evolution    01:04:36 Evolution as a Spiritual Journey    01:08:30 The Monad and the Journey to Divinity    01:12:12 The Absurdity of Freezing Bodies and Understanding Reincarnation    01:15:01 Exploring the Distinction Between Ethics and Morality    01:17:56 The Spiritual Essence of Matter  01:21:17 Understanding Karma: The Puzzle Piece of the Universe  01:24:08 Understanding Karma and Spiritual Evolution    01:27:56 Personal Spiritual Journey: Overcoming Life Challenges    01:31:14 Understanding Karma and Rising to Bodhisattva    01:34:42 Themes of the Book: Mystery Teachings    01:37:06 The Myth of Bacchus and Human Duality    01:40:45 Understanding the Supreme Consciousness and the Kabbalah    01:44:56 David Bohm and the Unity Elephant in Science  01:48:13 Building a Body of Wisdom Through Interlocking Insights

Kim Sheridan is an award-winning author, naturopath, entrepreneur, and more. Her focus includes animals, the afterlife, health, the environment, veganism, and all topics related to compassion for humans and animals alike. She is a highly respected expert on life after death for animals, and much of her time is devoted to rescuing animals, caring for them, and providing hospice care for elderly animals making their transition to spirit. Kim is the author of Animals and the Afterlife and the founder of Compassion Circle, a non-profit organization with a mission to expand the circle of compassion to all beings. Compassion Circle is comprised of animal rescue, animal sanctuary, and a line of nutritional products for animals, all proceeds of which help fund the rescue and sanctuary. Kim has been listed in 2,000 Notable American Women, Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals, and Great Minds of the 21st Century. Her goal is to help make the world a better place, to provide comfort to those grieving the loss of a beloved animal, and to be a voice for the voiceless, teaching compassion and respect for all living beings. Website: animalsandtheafterlife.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded September 30, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump   00:04:15 Life's Mission and Early Connection to Animals   00:07:32 Mystical Experiences and Auras   00:11:32 Finding Peace with Loss 00:15:20 The Value of Immortality Discussed   00:18:26 The Gift of Animal Communicators 00:22:07 Debating the Afterlife with an Atheist   00:25:29 The Case for Intelligent Design 00:28:43 The Spiritual Connection with Animals   00:32:21 Ethical Considerations of Consuming Different Life Forms 00:36:27 Animal and Human Visitations After Passing 00:38:27 Understanding Animal Communication and Grief 00:42:17 The Role of Compassion in Spiritual Teachings   00:45:52 The Possibility of Animals Returning in Another Form   00:49:08 The Debate on Souls and Animals in Religion 00:52:41 The Soul's Higher Self and Astral Realms   00:56:18 The Concept of Group Souls in Nature 00:59:19 The Continuation of Love Beyond Loss 01:02:17 Tribute to June: The Rat That Inspired a Journey 01:05:01 Ghostly Encounters with Deceased Pets 01:08:45 Embracing Mystical Experiences   01:12:14 The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Science 01:15:25 Scientists and Believers: Bridging the Gap 01:19:37 Messages from Animals through Professional Mediums   01:21:59 Communicating with Animals and Nature   01:24:48 Experiencing Pet Communication   01:27:51 Profound Contact Dreams 01:31:16 Investigating Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP)   01:34:25 Werner Von Braun on Spiritual Continuity 01:37:41 Full Circle: The Author's Journey and Ending Reflections   01:41:10 Safe Driving Tips and Personal Experiences

Four years ago, I experienced an awakening that opened up different worlds and granted me access to the Akasha through telepathy, leading to a higher state of consciousness. Since then, I have dedicated my time to integrating this experience and helping others identify past influences that hinder the realization of their soul's full presence. I also assist animals through telepathy. I conduct workshops on esoteric teachings gathered since my awakening, providing keys to help people find their way home. Website: lucasbergendahl.com ´The Soul and the Cosmos´ Podcast: A contemplative podcast by Lucas Bergendahl exploring awakening, inner transformation, and the many faces of the soul’s wisdom. Each episode is a doorway into inner truth—spoken not to teach, but to remember. Summary and transcript of this interview Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Interview recorded September 7, 2024 Youtube Video Chapters:  00:00:00 – Awakening to a Higher State of Consciousness  00:03:50 – Past Lives and Spiritual Awakening  00:08:29 – The Soul’s Incarnation and Past Lives  00:12:32 – Telepathic Ability Overwhelm  00:16:24 – Unveiling Illusions and Past Lives  00:19:47 – Healing Karmic Patterns in Past Lives  00:22:46 – Distinguishing Between Fantasy and Reality  00:26:36 – Embracing Working Hypotheses and Evidence-Based Beliefs  00:31:06 – Perceptions and Beginner’s Mind  00:35:20 – The Three Timelines of Atlantis  00:38:59 – Connecting with Past Lives and Subtle Energy Systems  00:43:12 – Telepathy and Intuition  00:46:52 – Identifying with Cosmic Flow and the Unrealistic Separation of Waves  00:50:48 – Telepathic Connection with Psychic Dogs  00:51:00 – Communication with Animals and Telepathy  00:54:06 – Telepathy in Communication  00:57:47 – Healing from Past Trauma Through Consciousness  01:00:37 – The Importance of Incarnation  01:04:40 – The Importance of Opening Up to Cosmos  01:07:51 – Understanding Negative Feelings and Consciousness  01:10:53 – Rising Above Dark Destinies  01:13:41 – Deep Dive for Enlightenment  01:17:00 – The Cycle of Enlightenment and Oppression  01:20:27 – Soul Group Incarnation Theory  01:25:07 – Exploring Past Lives and Karmic Patterns  01:28:01 – The Pain of Compassion and Conscious Eating  01:31:32 – Cultural Perspectives on Meat Consumption  01:35:52 – The Responsibility to Help Others  01:40:26 – Creating a Healing Community  01:44:33 – Emotional Investment in Students  01:49:10 – Resisting the Temptation of Fame and Following a Higher Calling  01:53:30 – Bonds of Affinity with New Friends

A lifelong student of philosophy and comparative religion, a practitioner of Shaiva Tantra in the Shaiva Siddhanta lineage, and recent entrant into the Ramakrishna lineage by his guru, Swami Sarvadevananda Puri, Nishanth Selvalingam shares an authentic, firsthand approach to the Sanskrit texts of the Tantrik scriptural tradition to expose audiences to the profoundly positive and transformative philosophies and practices that this tradition offers. Nishanth Selvalingam graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Philosophy in 2024 and now lives in Westwood, Los Angeles where he hosts satsanghs with his wife, coaches middle school debate and lectures incessantly on all things Tantra and Non-Duality. Website: nishyoga.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded August 18, 2024

Tree works as a Spiritual Mentor, Kundalini Support, Certified Global TRE® Instructor, Transformational Bodyworker and a Healer from the Shamanic tradition. Tree believes healing trauma can precipitate spiritual awakening and it is from this precept she works. She works with the body releasing contraction and with the nervous system establishing balance - with the understanding that a disregulated nervous system can hold the beingness hostage. She believes enlightenment is achieved not by bypassing the body, but by going into the body. By addressing and releasing trauma bound in the flesh and stored in the nervous system. This is true freedom and the result is presence - embodied. Tree has been a devotee of Meher Baba since she was 21. She and her husband are establishing a Retreat Centre on the Far South Coast of New South Wales, Australia called Meher Farm Healing and Awakening Centre. Tree is the author of Hot Flush Dark Cave describing her healing and awakening journey through the portal of menopause. She is a devoted mother, grandmother and healer - her favourite past time is swimming in the river and the ocean and chanting to God. Website: awakeningthroughthebody.com.au Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded August 3, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:53 - The Correlation Between Consciousness and Neurophysiology 00:07:53 - The Loop of an Agitated Nervous System 00:11:35 - The Nervous System and the Flow State 00:15:38 - The Impact of Early Trauma in Human Beings 00:19:39 - The Importance of Healing the Nervous System 00:23:22 - Trauma and its manifestations 00:27:11 -  “Koyaanisqatsi: Life Out of Balance” 00:31:06 - Body Work and Spiritual Awakening 00:35:21 - Kundalini Awakening and Working with the Body 00:39:05 - Working through Impressions 00:43:00 - The Beginning of the Involution 00:47:13 - Understanding vs Realization 00:51:05 - Avatars and Spiritual Teachers 00:54:55 - Astral Exorcism and Healing Dance 00:58:44 - The Kundalini Awakening Process 01:02:31 - Kundalini Awakening and Spontaneous Movements 01:06:19 - Purging Negativity 01:09:54 - The Annihilation of the Apparent World 01:13:37 - The Final Destination and Different Planes of Existence 01:17:35 - The Journey of Awakening 01:21:44 - The Existence of Ego in Different States 01:25:51 - Kundalini Awakening and the Sacred Fluids 01:29:42 - The Value of a Life 01:33:33 - Different Types of Meditation 01:37:30 - Releasing Emotions 01:41:18 - The Presence of Benign and Caring Intelligences 01:45:17 - Healing Ceremonies and Nature Retreats 01:49:19 - Following Intuition and Divine Orchestration at 61 01:53:24 - Following the Synchronicities 01:56:55 - In Touch for the Next 15 Years

 Melinda Edwards, MD is a mother, writer and physician in Charleston, South Carolina, providing psychiatric care for underserved adults. She attended the Medical University of South Carolina and completed her residency in psychiatry at Stanford Medical Center. She has studied complementary and alternative medicine with Andrew Weil, MD, researched the effects of MDMA on PTSD with Michael Mithoefer, MD, and is a columnist for Autism Parenting Magazine. Dr. Edwards is the author of PSYCHE & SPIRIT: How a Psychiatrist Found Divinity Through Her Lifelong Search for Truth and Her Daughter’s Autism. As a child of medical missionaries, Melinda grew up in a Mayan Indian village in Guatemala, Central America. Early in life she experienced an inner pull to a deeper truth. Her journey has taken her through various spiritual practices including meditation retreats, guidance from spiritual teachers, travel to India, and living in spiritual communities. Her quest led to the ongoing discovery of the sacred in all. Inspired by her journey with her daughter Saachi, Dr. Edwards founded the 501c3 nonprofit organization Living Darshan to foster a deeper understanding of autism in the world. Website: melindaedwardsmd.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded July 20, 2024 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:26 - An Evolutionary Journey 00:07:57 - The Fear of Going to Hell 00:11:58 - Tiptoeing Through Sleeping Elephants 00:16:32 - Levels of Spiritual Evolution 00:20:56 - The Spiral into Anorexia 00:25:46 - The Importance of Compassion and Being Heard 00:30:10 - Love as a Virus and the Hazards of Idealizing Spiritual Teachers 00:34:39 - Red Flags in Spiritual Teachers and Communities 00:39:21 - The Dangers of a Spiritualized Ego 00:43:34 - The Danger of Unqualified Advice in the Spiritual Community 00:47:37 - Exploiting Students' Finances 00:51:29 - The Role of Students in Spiritual Teaching 00:55:29 - Correlation between Teaching in Medicine and Spirituality 00:59:39 - Spiritual Teachers and Holistic Development 01:03:34 - The Realization of Nothingness 01:07:09 - The Nature of Realization and Integration 01:10:15 - The Dissolution of the Project of "Me" 01:13:53 - Micro adjustments and thriving 01:18:13 - Medications and Spiritual Awakening 01:21:51 - Support and Caution in Meditation Retreats 01:25:50 - The Impact of Spiritual Practices on Brain Chemistry 01:29:41 - Taking Medication for ADD and Kundalini Awakening 01:33:16 - Online Sessions and the Law 01:38:05 - The Porousness of Energy and Information 01:42:40 - The Increase of Neurodiverse Beings in the Population 01:47:44 - Different Realms and Dimensions 01:51:22 - Supporting Autistic Children in Their Purpose 01:55:29 - Navigating Kundalini Energy 01:59:32 - The Power of a Mother's Love 02:02:41 - Stay tuned for upcoming content