Finding Genius Podcast

In this engaging conversation with Dr. Steven Engler, we explore esoteric traditions, mystical experiences, and how spiritual meaning shows up across cultures and belief systems. Dr. Engler is a Professor of Religious Studies in the Department of Humanities at Mount Royal University, whose work bridges scholarship, lived experience, and cross-cultural inquiry.
His research spans fieldwork with Afro-Brazilian and esoteric spirit-incorporation traditions in Brazil, as well as methodological and theoretical approaches to understanding religion, spirituality, and meaning-making. Dr. Engler's work also examines how concepts like tradition, lived religion, and esotericism shape both personal experience and broader cultural narratives.
Beyond his research and teaching, Dr. Engler is a co-editor of leading journals and book series in religious studies and has closely analyzed the academic landscape of religion and spirituality in Latin America.
Click play to uncover:
How people's stories reflect the beliefs of their respective traditions. 

The ways that belief makes a difference in experience. 

Experiences that have impacted Dr. Engler's perspective.

You can find more about Dr. Engler here!
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C 
🛍️ Recommended Books from this Episode
📖 The Book of Magic: From Antiquity to the Enlightenment – A fascinating exploration of the history, traditions, and cultural influence of magic from ancient civilizations through the Enlightenment era. 👉 Get it here
📘 Montesquieu: The Spirit of the Laws (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought) – A foundational political philosophy text examining law, governance, and the principles that shaped modern democratic systems. 👉 Check it out
📕 When God Talks Back: Understanding the American Evangelical Relationship with God (Vintage) – An insightful look into modern faith practices and how believers experience and interpret spiritual communication. 👉 Discover it here
📗 The Varieties of Religious Experience (with Biographical Introduction) – A classic examination of spiritual experiences, belief systems, and the psychology of religion across cultures. 👉 See it here
Note: These are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the podcast. Thank you!

In today's conversation, we connect with Dr. Adi Jaffe, a #1 best-selling author and nationally recognized expert on transformation and communication – especially in times of deep crisis. As the author of groundbreaking works like The Abstinence Myth and Unhooked: Free Yourself from Addiction Forever, Dr. Jaffe's mission is both simple and radical: to help people overcome addiction and life challenges without shame, judgment, or rigid rules…
Dr. Jaffe's work spans mental health, addiction, relationships, and professional identity, supporting individuals navigating personal, career, and emotional crises. He spent nearly a decade as a lecturer in UCLA's Psychology Department and served as Executive Director and Co-Founder of one of the country's most progressive mental health treatment centers before founding IGNTD.
Through IGNTD, Dr. Jaffe is reshaping how we understand and address mental health by helping people move beyond shame, reconnect with purpose and joy, and build lives rooted in fulfillment — for themselves and those around them.
This discussion outlines:
How anxiety and mental health challenges have evolved in recent years.

The psychological impact of technology on modern life.

How to navigate conflict in healthier, more constructive ways, and how substances can interfere with that process.

The importance of reframing the conventional ideals of addiction.

Want to follow along with Dr. Jaffe and his work? Click here now!
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C 
Keep up with Dr. Adi Jaffe socials here:
X: https://x.com/DrAdiJaffe 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dradijaffe/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dradijaffe/ 
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dradijaffe 
🛍️ Recommended Books from this Episode
📖 The Abstinence Myth: A New Approach for Overcoming Addiction Without Shame, Judgment, or Rules – A compassionate, modern perspective on recovery that focuses on healing and progress without rigid rules or guilt. 👉 Get it here
📘 Unhooked: Free Yourself from Addiction Forever – A powerful guide designed to help break addictive patterns, rebuild self-control, and create long-term change. 👉 Check it out
📙 In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction – A deeply human, insightful look at addiction, trauma, and the complex realities behind substance use and recovery. 👉 Explore it here
📕 The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma – A transformative resource on how trauma affects the body and brain — and how healing and resilience are possible. 👉 Discover it here
📗 The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business – A fascinating exploration of how habits are formed, how they shape behavior, and how to change them for better results. 👉 See it here
Note: These are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the podcast. Thank you!

In this episode, we dive into the unique financial challenges law firm owners face with Ben Hockema, CFP®, Founder and Lead Financial Advisor at Illuminate Wealth Management. As an award-winning Certified Financial Planner, Ben's work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and other leading publications.
Ben is on a mission to help law firm owners and other business professionals move past the shame-based marketing that dominates the financial industry and replace money stress with clarity, confidence, and control. Through thoughtful strategy and education, he helps his clients build financial systems that support both their firms and their personal lives.
Hit play to discover:
Why running a law firm according to strong financial principles is harder than it looks.

What the "Profit First" system is and which law firms benefit most from it.

How bookkeeping and accounting for law firms differ from other businesses. 

From cash flow management to long-term planning, Ben explains how to identify where to spend, where to save, and how to design a financial roadmap aligned with your goals, values, and vision for the future.
To learn more about Ben and his work, visit Illuminate Wealth Management now!
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C 
🛍️ Recommended Books from this Episode
📖 Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine (Entrepreneurship Simplified) – A practical system for managing business finances that helps you prioritize profit, improve cash flow, and build a healthier company. 👉 Get it here
📘 Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs: What You Really Need to Know About the Numbers – A clear guide to understanding financial statements, cash flow, and the key numbers every entrepreneur must know. 👉 Check it out
📙 Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!: 4 Keys to Unlock Your Business Potential – A no-fluff breakdown of the financial fundamentals that help business owners increase profit and make smarter decisions. 👉 Explore it here
📕 The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It – A classic business book that teaches entrepreneurs how to build systems, work on the business (not just in it), and grow sustainably. 👉 Discover it here
Note: These are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the podcast. Thank you!

In today's episode, we explore the mechanics of storytelling with Brandon Violette, an experienced screenwriter. Brandon has served as Head Writer for RoboGobo and Pupstruction at Disney Television Animation, and as Co-Creator and Head Writer of CoComelon Lane, one of Netflix's top-performing preschool series. His writing credits also include hit shows such as Dew Drop Diaries, Pupstruction, T.O.T.S., Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go!, and Stretch Armstrong & The Flex Fighters.
Alongside his screenwriting work, Brandon is the host of The Story Series Podcast, where he interviews writers, showrunners, filmmakers, authors, and creators to break down story structure, character development, pitching, and the creative process.
Join in to discover:
How Brandon began his career as a screenwriter.

The benefits of direct engagement for kids when watching television.

The power of simplicity in storytelling.

You can connect with Brandon by visiting his website and listening to his podcast!
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C 
Keep up with Brandon Violette socials here:
X: https://x.com/BrandonViolette 
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bviolette 
🛍️ Recommended Books & Accessories from this Episode
📖 Writing for Animation, Comics, and Games – A practical guide to writing engaging stories and scripts across animation, comics, and interactive games. 👉 Get it here
📘 The Animation Bible: A Practical Guide to the Art of Animating from Flipbooks to Flash – A must-read for aspiring animators, packed with techniques, tools, and real-world animation fundamentals. 👉 Check it out
📙 How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2–7 (The How To Talk Series) – A life-saving parenting resource filled with practical communication strategies that actually work with young kids. 👉 Explore it here
👜 JOYIN 6Pcs Kids Hand Puppet Set with Working Mouth, Toddler Plush Toy – A fun, interactive puppet set perfect for imaginative play, storytelling, and helping kids express emotions through roleplay. 👉 Discover it here
🎁 100 Creative Storytelling Cards for Kids, Families & Classrooms – A powerful storytelling tool with illustrated prompts and blank cards—perfect for language learning, ESL, speech therapy, and creative play. 👉 See it here
Note: These are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the podcast. Thank you!

In this episode, we sit down with Gary Bolles, a globally recognized thought leader on the future of work, learning, and organizational transformation. As Chair for the Future of Work at Singularity University, partner at Charrette LLC, and co-founder of eParachute.com, Gary has spent decades helping individuals, organizations, and communities navigate disruptive change in an era defined by exponential technologies.
Gary shares insights from his acclaimed book, The Next Rules of Work, and discusses the mindset, skillset, and methods leaders need to thrive in a rapidly evolving work landscape. From strategies for lifelong learning to fostering inclusive capitalism, we explore how to leverage technology, innovation, and collaboration to create meaningful impact…
This conversation outlines:
The ways that "exponential technologies" can impact organizations, industries, and personal lives – and strategies to use them in positive ways. 

How leaders can prepare for post-pandemic work and digital transformation

The critical skills and mindsets shaping the workforce of the future.

The ways in which in-person learning differs from digital learning. 

Ready to expose yourself to actionable frameworks and inspiration to thrive in an age of exponential change? Click play now!
You can learn more about Gary and his work here.
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C 
Keep up with Gary Bolles socials here:
X: https://x.com/gbolles 
Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/gabolles 
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📖 The Next Rules of Work: The Mindset, Skillset and Toolset to Lead Your Organization through Uncertainty – A forward-thinking guide for leaders navigating change, uncertainty, and modern workplace transformation. 👉 Get it here
📘 What Color Is Your Parachute?: Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Success – A timeless career classic packed with tools to find meaningful work, clarify strengths, and build long-term career success. 👉 Check it out
📙 How to Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results – A powerful book on leadership through parenting, teaching how to develop confidence, capability, and success from childhood onward. 👉 Explore it here
📕 The Future of Work: Attract New Talent, Build Better Leaders, and Create a Competitive Organization – A practical roadmap for building stronger teams, attracting top talent, and creating a high-performing organization in the modern era. 👉 Discover it here







Note: These are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the podcast. Thank you!