Embracing Change: The Journey Back to Solo Episodes
I’m (Johnny Sage is) excited to be back after a bit of a hiatus. For those of you who have been following along, you might remember the guest episodes we did in a studio format. Well, things are changing up a bit, and for now, we’re returning to the roots with solo episodes. I began with three short solo episodes, and it feels right to circle back to that format.I’ll also share some personal growth and development quotes that have inspired me along the way. These quotes will serve as reminders of the importance of self-improvement and reflection in our lives.
The Challenges of Guest Episodes
Guest episodes are fantastic—they bring fresh perspectives, amazing stories, and valuable information. However, they also come with their own set of challenges. The turnaround time for these episodes can be quite lengthy. From recording to release, it can take two to three months. This delay is due to the extensive work involved: recording, editing, creating thumbnails, writing show notes, and distributing the content across multiple platforms. Even with tools that simplify this process, there’s still no one-size-fits-all solution.
Another challenge was the release of episode clips. Ideally, these clips should be released shortly after the full episode to keep the content fresh and engaging. However, there was a lag of about a year to a year and a half. While this delay sometimes had unexpected benefits—like guests experiencing a moment of déjà vu when seeing their clips much later—it often meant that the episodes lost their immediate relevance.Throughout this journey, I’ve found that some Personal Growth and Development Quotes can provide insight into navigating these challenges, reminding us of the value of perseverance and adaptability.
A Learning Process
Despite the hiccups, this journey has been a tremendous learning experience. As I continue to release the remaining guest episodes and their clips, I’m committed to improving the process. My team and I are growing together, evolving with each episode we produce.Throughout this journey, I’ve drawn inspiration from various Personal Growth and Development Quotes that remind me of the importance of resilience and learning.
The Return to Solo Episodes
One of the main reasons for returning to solo episodes is the flexibility it offers in discussing a broader range of topics, especially those that delve into deeper truths. While guest episodes are great for exploring spirituality and consciousness, they sometimes limit the depth of discussion on esoteric and obscure topics that I’m passionate about. Solo episodes provide the freedom to explore these areas more thoroughly without diluting the valuable insights from our guests.In this context, I often draw inspiration from Personal Growth and Development Quotes that encourage deeper exploration and understanding.
The Importance of Healing
Healing is a recurring theme in this podcast because it’s something we all need. Whether you’ve experienced trauma or are seeking personal growth, healing is crucial. The variety of guests I’ve had on the show reflects this, each offering unique modalities for healing. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, as we all have different experiences and needs. By exposing our listeners to diverse healing methods, I hope to provide valuable resources for everyone’s individual journey.This aligns with many Personal Growth and Development Quotes that emphasize the importance of finding your unique path to healing.
Importance of Evergreen Content
One of the key lessons I’ve learned in my podcasting journey is the value of evergreen content. Evergreen content refers to material that remains relevant and valuable over time, unlike current events that quickly become outdated. This type of content allows listeners to revisit episodes at any time and still find them insightful and applicable.along with Personal Growth and Development Quotes.
The beauty of evergreen content is its timeless nature. It stands the test of time, providing consistent value regardless of when it’s accessed. This is particularly important in the rapidly changing world of podcasts, where the relevance of content can often fade quickly. By focusing on evergreen topics, I aim to create a resource that continually offers wisdom and insight to new audiences.alongside Personal Growth and Development Quotes.
Inspirational Mentors Behind the Walk-and-Talk Format
The walk-and-talk format of this podcast was inspired by several influential mentors who have significantly impacted my journey. Their unique styles and approaches have shaped my content and motivated me to adopt this engaging and personal format.
Max Igan: The Crow house and Surviving the Matrix
Max Igan, known for his work on The Crow House and Surviving the Matrix podcast, was instrumental in my awakening process back in 2017. His deep dives into real history and current events opened my eyes to new perspectives. Despite facing challenges like being deplatformed around 2019 and 2020, Max continued to provide invaluable insights. His earlier episodes, filled with evergreen content, remain relevant and thought-provoking to this day. Max’s ability to articulate complex ideas in an accessible way inspired me to adopt a similar approach in my own content.
Jeff Berwick: The Dollar Vigilante and Crypto Vigilante
Jeff Berwick, the mind behind The Dollar Vigilante and Crypto Vigilante, is another key influence. Initially focused on finance, Jeff experienced a spiritual awakening around 2020, which broadened his focus to include healing and spirituality. His unique blend of financial advice and spiritual insights makes his content highly relatable and practical, especially for those of us who tend to dwell in the “woo-woo” spiritual realms. Jeff’s approach teaches us how to integrate spiritual growth with practical financial knowledge, a balance that resonates deeply with my own journey.Their unique styles and approaches have shaped my content and motivated me to adopt this engaging and personal format, enriched by Personal Growth and Development Quotes.
Curtis Stone: Homesteader and Off-Grid Living
Curtis Stone, known for his YouTube channel “Off Grid with Curtis Stone,” offers a wealth of knowledge on homesteading and living off the grid. Based in British Columbia, Curtis not only shares practical tips on gardening and self-sufficiency but also incorporates a truth-seeking perspective into his content. His ability to combine practical advice with critical insights into societal issues makes his channel a valuable resource for anyone interested in sustainable living. Curtis’s dedication to truth and self-sufficiency has greatly influenced my own content creation.
A Nod to My Mentors
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to these mentors who have inspired and guided me. Max Igan, in particular, went above and beyond by providing me with recommendations on equipment and techniques. His willingness to share his knowledge and time, despite his busy schedule, is something I deeply appreciate.
A Reflection on the Response of Healers During the Pandemic
The Reality Check
As the pandemic unfolded, I found myself filming guest episodes about a year and a half into it. Many of my guests were healers—people I had learned from and trusted on my journey. However, I was disheartened to see how some of them reacted. Despite the statistics showing a near 100% survival rate, many of these healers retreated in fear, choosing to isolate themselves rather than step up.
A Time to Rise
I believed that this challenging time was a call for healers to rise and support the community. It was an opportunity to demonstrate the strength and resilience that we often preach about. Personal growth and development quotes often emphasize the importance of courage in the face of adversity. However, the reality was quite different, especially in places like LA, where many healers were hiding away. These were individuals I looked up to, and seeing them respond in fear was a tough pill to swallow.
The Silver Lining
While it was disappointing to see this response, it was also a necessary revelation. The pandemic, despite its dark and challenging nature, acted as a mirror, reflecting our true selves. It showed us who people really were, stripping away facades and exposing genuine character. This clarity is crucial as we navigate the new age we are entering, often referred to as the Age of Aquarius. In this era, transparency is paramount, and the true nature of people will come to light. In this context, personal growth and development quotes can serve as reminders of the strength we all possess.
A New Path
This revelation has highlighted a significant divide in the spiritual and truth communities. We are witnessing a split into two distinct paths: those who act out of fear and retreat, and those who rise to the occasion, embracing their role as healers and leaders. This split isn’t necessarily negative; it helps us see who is truly committed to their path and who may still have personal fears to overcome.
The Split between Old Systems and Embracing Change
Holding Onto the Old System
As we move through these transformative times, it’s become clear that many people are struggling to let go of the old ways. They desire a return to what was familiar and comfortable. This reluctance to change is understandable—change is inherently challenging and often scary. However, it’s essential to recognize that going back to the way things were is not only impossible but also undesirable.Personal growth and development quotes remind us that true progress often requires embracing discomfort and uncertainty.
Adapting to Change
Conversely, there are those who see the current state of the world as an opportunity for growth and transformation. These individuals are not just accepting change but actively seeking to evolve. They understand that while the old systems are crumbling, there’s a chance to build something better, more equitable, and more harmonious with our environment.
Steering Away from Dystopia
The powers that be might want to steer our society towards a dystopian future. This grim outlook can be disheartening, but it’s also a call to action for people like us. We must refuse to revert to the old ways or succumb to a nightmare future. Instead, we have the power to steer our world towards a utopia or at least a better version of society.
Utopia or Paradise?
Now, I know that the idea of a utopia can be contentious—what’s ideal for one person might not be for another. However, without human interference, Earth is undeniably a paradise. This planet provides everything we need, with stunning natural wonders and abundant resources. Yet, humans have been destroying it, often prioritizing appearances and material gains over genuine well-being and sustainability.
The Illusion of Appearance
A significant problem in our society is the obsession with appearances. Whether it’s in the realms of healing, spirituality, or consciousness, there’s a lot of superficiality. The real, hard work of healing is tough—it requires facing our darkest parts, processing shame, guilt, and regret, and emerging on the other side with self-love and forgiveness. This arduous process is something most people avoid, opting instead for superficial distractions.
The Importance of Doing the Real Inner Work and Shadow Work
Avoiding Real Work
People will do almost anything to avoid facing themselves. They indulge in consumerism, mindless entertainment, gossip, and other low-vibrational activities. This avoidance behavior stems from an unwillingness to acknowledge their flaws and shortcomings. Yet, recognizing these aspects is crucial because it’s the first step towards transformation. Real work involves transforming our negative traits into positive ones, and it’s a journey that demands courage and persistence.As many personal growth and development quotes suggest, true transformation begins within.
The New Age Trap
This avoidance is also why new age spirituality has become so popular. The “love and light” crowd offers a form of spirituality that looks great on social media and is easy to sell. However, it often lacks depth and can be narcissistic, avoiding the harder aspects of personal growth. This superficial spirituality can gaslight individuals into thinking they’re doing the work when they’re merely scratching the surface.Personal growth and development quotes often emphasize the need to delve deeper into our true selves rather than settling for surface-level engagement.
The Challenge of Real Inner Work
Choosing to engage in real inner work is challenging because it doesn’t come with much outside validation. In a society obsessed with appearances and quick fixes, the hard work of inner healing is often overlooked. To embark on this journey, you must reach a point where external validation no longer matters. The primary goal becomes becoming a better person, regardless of whether anyone else acknowledges it.Personal growth and development quotes can inspire us to stay committed to this often solitary path.
Hitting Rock Bottom or Spiritual Awakening
For some, the motivation to start this journey comes from hitting rock bottom. When you’ve exhausted all other options and are left with no choice but to face yourself, real change can begin. Others experience a spontaneous spiritual awakening, receiving an intuitive nudge that they need to do the work. Whatever the reason, this initial spark is crucial in distinguishing between genuine transformation and superficial changes.
The Difference between Real Work and Fluff
There’s a significant difference between real inner work and what I call “fluff.” Self-care days and lighter activities have their place and are beneficial, but they are not the entirety of the spiritual path. If your journey is solely about these surface-level practices, you’re missing the deeper, more transformative aspects of spiritual growth. Real work involves facing your darkest parts, processing emotions like shame, guilt, and regret, and ultimately learning to love and forgive yourself.
The Illusion of Mainstream Activism
Even mainstream activism has fallen into the trap of superficiality. Many so-called activists are more concerned with their image than the actual impact of their work. They seek validation through social media, showcasing their deeds without necessarily creating meaningful change. The unfortunate reality is that many of these efforts don’t significantly improve the lives of those they’re supposed to help. The focus shifts from genuine activism to a narcissistic display of “look at me, look what I’m doing.”
The Narcissism Trap
Narcissism is rampant, not just in activism but in many areas of life. The fake public persona many narcissists project allows them to participate in charities and causes without genuine commitment. Often, these organizations serve more as tax write-offs or platforms for executives to earn exorbitant salaries rather than effecting real change. True virtue and principle are rare, and those who possess them don’t simply follow the crowd. They are open to changing their minds, but only when presented with better philosophies or ideologies, and they provide clear reasons for their shifts in perspective.
Embracing Real Work
The journey of real inner work and shadow work is arduous but profoundly rewarding. It requires you to face your deepest fears and insecurities, confront painful emotions, and emerge stronger and more self-aware. This process is about more than just personal growth; it’s about evolving into a person who can contribute meaningfully to the world.
The Lack of Virtue and Principle in Society and the Rise of “NPCs”
The Absence of Core Virtues
One of the most troubling aspects of our current society is the absence of core virtues and principles. Many people seem to lack their own ideas and simply follow the crowd to fit in. Changing your mind to align with the majority, without critically examining the reasons behind such shifts, indicates a lack of personal integrity and independent thinking. True virtue involves having a set of core values that guide your actions, regardless of external pressures.
The Concept of “NPCs”
This lack of independent thought has led to the popularization of the term “NPC,” which stands for non-player characters. In video games, NPCs are characters controlled by the game’s programming rather than by human players. The term has been adopted to describe individuals who appear to lack independent thought, merely going through the motions of life, seeking the next pleasure or distraction without deeper reflection. It’s a provocative way to express frustration with those who seem to be living unexamined lives.
The Illusion of Humanity
While it might sound extreme to question the humanity of these individuals, it’s a reflection of how disconnected and automated some people’s behaviors seem. Despite having human bodies, their lack of personal ideals and their mechanical way of living can make them appear more like automatons than conscious beings. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in how people engage with societal norms and trends without critical thought.
Appearance over Substance
Our society’s obsession with appearance over substance is pervasive. This is evident in many areas, from healing and spirituality to activism. Mainstream activism, for instance, often feels performative rather than transformative. Many activists seem more concerned with the optics of their actions than with creating real, lasting change. If society were truly just, we wouldn’t need activism in the first place. The fact that activism often serves as a stage for personal aggrandizement rather than genuine social progress is disheartening.
The Real Work of Inner Transformation
Contrary to the shallow engagements we often see, true personal and societal transformation requires deep inner work. This involves facing our darkest parts, processing difficult emotions, and striving to become better, more principled individuals. It’s about developing and adhering to a set of core virtues that guide us, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient.
Moving Beyond the NPC Mentality
To move beyond the NPC mentality, we need to cultivate self-awareness and critical thinking. This means questioning societal norms, seeking truth, and aligning our actions with our values. It’s not enough to simply follow the crowd; we must be willing to stand apart and advocate for what we truly believe in. As echoed in various personal growth and development quotes, the journey is as important as the destination.
The Need for Real Activism that Creates a Just and Fair Society
The True Focus of Activism
Real activism should aim at transforming society into a just and fair environment for everyone. If activism exists, it means there are people who are oppressed, and our goal should be to eliminate that oppression, not just provide temporary relief. Helping people survive a bit longer in an unjust world is a band-aid solution. Instead, we should be working towards a society where everyone can flourish permanently. As many personal growth and development quotes remind us, true change requires deep commitment and sustained effort.
Transforming the World
To transform the world, we need to address the root causes of inequality and injustice. This involves systemic change rather than superficial fixes. Activism should focus on:
- Policy Changes: Advocating for laws and policies that ensure equal opportunities and rights for all.
- Economic Reform: Pushing for an economic system that distributes resources fairly and eliminates poverty.
- Education: Promoting education that empowers individuals and fosters critical thinking.
- Community Building: Strengthening communities to support each other and work collectively towards common goals.
Mental Health and Self-Work
As we navigate these tumultuous times, it’s crucial to work on ourselves to maintain mental health. The pressure of holding onto the old system or resisting change can lead to mental breakdowns or psychotic episodes. Therefore, personal growth and mental resilience are vital. Personal growth and development quotes often highlight that inner work is essential for creating lasting change in both ourselves and our communities.
- Inner Work: Engage in deep inner work to understand and process your emotions and experiences.
- Shadow Work: Face your darkest parts, process shame, guilt, and regret, and emerge stronger and more self-aware.
- Adaptability: Learn to adapt to changes and be okay with uncertainty.
The Unprecedented Times
We are indeed living in unprecedented times, economically and socially. The current economic indicators and market behaviors are unlike anything we’ve seen before. The introduction of crypto currencies and digital currencies adds complexity to the financial landscape. The old market rules no longer apply, making it challenging to predict or control economic outcomes.
Embracing Change
Understanding that we have limited control over external events is essential. This realization is difficult but crucial for mental and emotional well-being. By focusing on what we can control—our reactions, our growth, and our actions—we can navigate these times more effectively.