The Spiritual Forum
Welcome to The Spiritual Forum, a space curated by Rev Carol Saunders for extraordinary conversations that explore the realms of spiritual living. Join us weekly for heart-to-heart dialogues with captivating individuals, delving into themes like love, faith, awakening, forgiveness, healing, spiritual practices, and divine encounters. These transformative narratives aim to inspire, fostering a deep connection to the profound experiences that shape our lives. Rev Carol’s guests include authors, filmmakers, experts, and everyday individuals who authentically share their journeys toward wholeness. These discussions transcend the ordinary, offering insights into navigating the complexities of our current world with authenticity and grace.
Episodes

4 days ago
4 days ago
In this episode, lifelong intuitive and QHHT Level 3 practitioner, Christi Clemons Hoffman, unpacks the angelic realm: what angels are, how they guide us, and why they never violate free will. She shares real-life miracle stories ranging from mysterious strangers or voices who suddenly appear to render aid/instruction to the extraordinary visions of children during the 1986 Cokeville Elementary school bombing. We discuss why many of us have blocks to experiencing this dimension and what we can do to clear them and connect with our own angelic team. The big takeaway is that you are never alone, and life, when seen through a spiritual lens, is full of everyday miracles.
🔗 Buy Christi's book "Real-Life Angel Encounters" at : https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/o-books/our-books/real-life-angel-encounters
🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & rate us to spread the light! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spiritual-forum/id1357984858
📍 Join our upcoming retreat at Unity Village: https://thespiritualforum.org/retreat
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Bio - Christi Clemons Hoffman, MA, BCHt, is the host of Real-Life Angel Encounters and the Radiate Wellness Podcast, bringing authors, thought leaders, and other inspirational guests to an international audience. She is also the author of Real-Life Angel Encounters and co-author of the bestselling book The Gap: Simple Steps to Reclaim Your Health and Reverse Most Chronic Disease. As a Level 3 QHHT practitioner and lifelong intuitive, channel, teacher, coach, and consultant, Christi's passion is assisting others to see who and what they truly are. She loves all things history, languages, art, and culture and is located in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
#RealLifeAngelEncounters #QuantumHealingHypnosis #IntuitiveLiving #Mindfulness #AngelicGuidance #SpiritualAwakening #HolisticHealth #EnergyHealing #MetaphysicalJourney #Synchronicity #PersonalGrowth #DivineIntervention #EmpathyAndCompassion #HiddenGemsInKansasCity #ArtCommunity #VibrantCulture #EverydayMiracles #ConnectWithAngels #HigherSelf #PrayerAndMeditation #ChildhoodIntuition #AscendedMasters #Archangels #stillsmallvoice #angelsamongus #angelsontv

Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
The Omnivore's Deception with John Sanbonmatsu - EP 315
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Guest John Sanbonmatsu, philosophy professor and author of The Omnivore’s Deception, brings a frank discussion on the human-animal interface and the consequences of our reductionist/supremacist worldview. He shares many of the common deceptions that people use to justify exploiting billions of animals annually, including the myths of humane meat. We explore how society, political parties (both sides), and even spirituality reinforce this domination and we discuss the illusion of animal consent and the parallels between animal agriculture and slavery. But there’s hope! Inspired by Martin Buber’s book I and Thou, Professor Sanbonmatsu shares a new possibility and paradigm shift. What if we were to approach animals as living beings and behold their value without a human agenda? Now is the time to redefine what it means to be human and embrace a nonviolent, “homo ahimsa” future. If you care about animals, ethics, people, and/or the future of our planet, this episode will inspire you to see with a fresh perspective.
🔗 Connect with John Sanbonmatsu at : https://www.johnsanbonmatsu.com/
🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & rate us to spread the light! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spiritual-forum/id1357984858
📍 Join our upcoming retreat at Unity Village: https://thespiritualforum.org/retreat
❤️ Support this mission: https://thespiritualforum.org/
Bio - John Sanbonmatsu is Professor of Philosophy at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He is author of the book, "The Omnivore's Deception: What We Get Wrong about Meat, Animals, and the Nature of Moral Life" (NYU Press, 2025), and of "The Postmodern Prince: Critical Theory, Left Strategy, and the Making of a New Political Subject." A critic of cellular or "cultivated" meat technology, he is also creator and curator of the website, www.CleanMeat-Hoax.com. John's opinion writing has appeared in the Christian Science Monitor, New York Times, Detroit Free Press, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and the Huffington Post, among other places.
#AnimalAdvocacy #OmnivoresDeception #Veganism #CompassionateLiving #ConsciousEating #EthicalEating #PlantBasedDiet #SpiritualAwakening #IThouRelationship #MartinBuber #SustainableLiving #EcoConsciousness #NonViolentCommunication #HomoAhimsaRising #AnimalRights #PhilosophyOfAnimals #MindfulLiving #ahimsa #beyondsupremacy #humanemeatmyth #egalitariansociety

Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
From Survivor to Stargate with Bettina Tammaro - EP 314
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Tuesday Jun 10, 2025
Experience the incredible journey of Bettina Tammaro — adventurer, two-time cancer survivor, and spiritual guide—who went from being a wild child in Denmark to competing on Survivor and Wipe Out, all while raising a family and following her mantra: “Don’t chase your pension, chase your passion.” In this episode, Bettina shares how embracing her authentic voice shaped her from an outsider in childhood to a fearless parent creating unforgettable adventures for her kids. She reveals the life-changing lessons from reality TV - the intense social challenges she faced and pressure of the media spotlight - as well as how cancer pushed her to heal from within, transforming her from “machine” to fully alive, soulful human. Be inspired to seek adventure, shine your light and heal yourself.
🔗 Connect with Bettina Tammaro at : https://www.bettinatammaro.com/
🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & rate us to spread the light! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spiritual-forum/id1357984858
📍 Join our upcoming retreat at Unity Village: https://thespiritualforum.org/retreat
❤️ Support this mission: https://thespiritualforum.org/
Bio - Bettina Tammaro is a certified teacher, herbalist, clairvoyant, medium and spiritual communicator whose life bridges the raw and the radiant. A two time cancer survivor, she jumped in the ocean of natural therapies and healed naturally the second time. Bettina competed twice on the reality TV show Survivor, first in 2013, 33 days on an island in Malaysia and again in 2017, 28 days on the island of Caramoan in the Philippines. She was also a contender on "Wipe out" in Argentina. Bettina traveled the globe with her three children, volunteering with wild lions, elephants, dolphins, sleeping in trees in Thailand and in the bush with Masaii cheif in Africa. Today she serves as a healer, blending deep nature wisdoms with multidimensional insight. Her upcoming book STARGATE is a fearless, soulcharged book that shares how to, listen deeply, and remember who you really are.
#SpiritualAwakening #AuthenticLiving #LifeLessons #SelfDiscovery #Consciousness #Mindfulness #EnergyHealing #Clairvoyance #SurvivorStories #AdventureAwaits #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealing #InnerPeace #NatureConnection #MentalWellness #PassionOverPension #TransformativeJourney #InspirationDaily #LaughterIsTheBestMedicine #CosmicConnection #survivorTVshow #overcomingsocialpressure

Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Buddhist Boot Camp Round 2 with Timber Hawkeye - EP 313
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Wednesday Jun 04, 2025
Step into a provocative conversation with Timber Hawkeye, bestselling author of Buddhist Boot Camp and featured speaker at this year’s Whole Planet Spirituality Forum & Retreat at Unity Village, Missouri. Having journeyed from rat race to mindful living, Timber brings alive the wisdom of Buddhist teachings and its monastic vows. He shares his guiding principle to “do less harm” which provokes active questioning of all that we think, say, and do. Learn how the spiritual path is less about rising in consciousness and more about loosening our grip, letting go of judgment/social comparisons, and learning to say, “thank you” for everything that comes our way. This episode is full of practical tips, viral metaphors, and inspiring stories that will shift your mindset and motivate action. You will also hear more about what’s in store at Rev. Carol’s fifth annual retreat this October 16-19 at Unity Village, Missouri. This year's theme is "Homo Ahimsa Rising." Everyone is welcome and we would love to see you there!
🔗 Connect with Timber Hawkeye at : https://www.buddhistbootcamp.com/
🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & rate us to spread the light! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spiritual-forum/id1357984858
📍 Join our upcoming retreat at Unity Village: https://thespiritualforum.org/retreat
❤️ Support this mission: https://thespiritualforum.org/
Bio - Timber Hawkeye was born Jewish, ordained Buddhist, uses a Hindu mantra, and his morning meditation is a Catholic prayer. He is the bestselling author of Buddhist Boot Camp, Faithfully Religionless and The Opposite of Namaste. His books and podcast offer a secular and non-sectarian mindfulness practice to be at peace with the world.
Get his latest books - https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0086AEXKE
#SpiritualAwakening #Mindfulness #Buddhism #InnerPeace #Transformation #BuddhistBootCamp #ConsciousLiving #Compassion #CommunityHealing #PersonalGrowth #HomoAhimsaRising #SelfReflection #DoLessHarm #MeditationMatters #LivingWithPurpose #SpiritualJourney #AwarenessAndAcceptance #EmbraceChange #LoveAndKindness #AuthenticLiving #HealingTogether #FindingYourPath

Tuesday May 27, 2025
Rewire Your Brain for Happiness with Loretta Graziano Breuning - EP 312
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Bestselling author and Inner Mammal Institute founder, Loretta Graziano Breuning, uncovers the science behind dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins—our mammalian “happy chemicals”— and shares how social comparison (even those rooted in altruism and compassion), pursuit of status, and groupthink are deeply wired into our biology. Discover how our brains are designed for both joy and struggle and why happiness is a learned skill, not our natural state. We bust the myth of the popularized “it’s not my fault” culture and reveal why blaming society, government, or others keeps us stuck in misery. Plus, we pull back the curtain on the mental health industry, SSRIs, and how we can restore our ability to produce our own happy brain chemicals and create our own happiness. This episode is packed with practical wisdom, powerful takeaways, and the raw truth about your biological operating system—so you can start owning your life and thrive as the best version of yourself!
🔗 Connect with Loretta Breuning at : https://InnerMammalInstitute.org
🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & rate us to spread the light! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spiritual-forum/id1357984858
📍 Join our upcoming retreat at Unity Village: https://thespiritualforum.org/retreat
❤️ Support this mission: https://thespiritualforum.org/
Bio - Loretta Graziano Breuning, PhD, is the author of 10 books including Habits of a Happy Brain: Retrain Your Brain to Boost Your Serotonin, Dopamine, Oxytocin and Endorphin Levels. She is the Founder of the Inner Mammal Institute and Professor Emerita of Management at California State University, East Bay. Dr. Breuning's many books, videos and podcasts explain the brain chemistry we've inherited from earlier mammals, how our "happy chemicals" evolved for specific jobs (not to flow all the time for no reason), and the natural way to enhance our power over these chemicals. Before teaching, Loretta worked for the United Nations in Africa. Today, she gives zoo tours on animal behavior, after serving as a Docent at the Oakland Zoo. She is a graduate of Cornell University and Tufts. The Inner Mammal Institute offers videos, podcasts, books, blogs, multimedia, a training program, and a free five-day happy-chemical jumpstart. Details are available at InnerMammalInstitute.org
#Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth #BrainChemistry #HabitsOfAHappyBrain #SelfAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #EmotionalWellbeing #AuthenticSelf #Empowerment #PositiveThinking #SpiritualAwakening #Dopamine #Serotonin #Oxytocin #EndorPhins #HappinessIsAChoice #Resilience #SelfCareJourney #VictimToVictor #AwarenessInParenting #CognitiveBehavior #NatureAndNurture #WisconsinSpring #LifeIsBeautiful #HopeAndInspiration #HealthyMindset

Tuesday May 20, 2025
How to Raise Your Consciousness in a Turbulent World with Hans Wilhelm - EP 311
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
Mystic, author and illustrator, Hans Wilhelm, joins us once again to explore Universal spiritual laws and how they can help us to navigate through our troubled world. We begin by discussing the underlying causes of the current state of humanity and growing divisions within our society. We then address some remedies – feeling God's presence, listening to your soul, using free will to make constructive choices, listening to God in all things, practicing forgiveness, acknowledging your shadow, and more. You will learn about the aliveness of your thoughts – those that originate in your mind and those that are programmed via media/politics - as well as the incredible aliveness of everything around you. Ultimately it is all good news because we each chose to be here during this time and have power to influence the outcome. Hans's videos and books are inspired by the revelations of Gabriela, the ‘emissary of light for our time.’ His work emphasizes a direct connection with the divine, free from the constraints of organized religion.
🔗 Watch Hans' FREE spiritual videos at LifeExplained.com
🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & rate us to spread the light! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spiritual-forum/id1357984858
📍 Join our upcoming retreat at Unity Village: https://thespiritualforum.org/retreat
❤️ Support this mission: https://thespiritualforum.org/
Bio - Hans Wilhelm is a mystic, author, and illustrator of over 200 books for all ages – including some together with Byron Katie. His books have sold over 40 million copies and are translated into 30 languages. For more than 12 years Hans has created over 170 short YouTube videos in which he visually explains the spiritual laws of the universe. In these videos you can watch him drawing the dynamics of these laws and see how all the dots connect. This unique visual presentation has made his videos so successful that they have been watched by 20 million viewers. They are available for free on www.LIFEexplained.com .
Below are links to the Life Explained videos that Hans mentioned during this conversation:
* Thoughts are Alive : https://youtu.be/IwAcTVlsqrA?si=6X-EoTAZ64AFKf94
* Listen to Your Soul : https://youtu.be/UoSQMyvra1w?si=ML5rDNyXWzwvPEvW
* The Kingdom of God is Within : https://youtu.be/sOoJouxDjwU?si=kssnlvQY-qN2N4uI
* How to Feel God's Presence : https://youtu.be/xm6pECmna_g?si=Lgq5ycrwFAZ4_Git
* How to Listen to Animals, Plants and Minerals : https://youtu.be/9UnaYTf9XYk?si=ddJHh2UFxWgJD7Yq
* Law of Projection : https://youtu.be/oTK_P_waNb4?si=678Tgz4P7d2RrL9h
* Forgiveness Explained : https://youtu.be/CR2luXkezLc?si=sdFxbUj3syUsHnvg
* The Christ Spark : https://youtu.be/w7nBq4f5Sx0?si=13YBufl-O--u1zOF
#SpiritualAwakening #DivineSelf #Mindfulness #ConsciousLiving #VisualLearning #Karma #LawOfAttraction #Forgiveness #InnerPeace #HealingJourney #ChristConsciousness #Reincarnation #SpiritualGrowth #NatureConnection #ListenToNature #EnergyHealing #PersonalTransformation #UnityConsciousness #Empowerment #MeditationPractice #LifeExplained #HigherVibration #EmissaryOfLight

Tuesday May 13, 2025
Dark Night of the Soul & NDE with Steven La Russa - EP 310
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
Guest Steven La Russa shares the profound transformational experiences that shaped his path, including an intense two-year spiritual awakening, a harrowing Dark Night of the Soul, and a shared Near-Death Experience (NDE) where he encountered the very voice of God, engaged in telepathic communication, and witnessed his wife speaking in unknown languages. Through the telling of his remarkable story, Steven shares that spiritual awakening can be confusing, chaotic, and uncomfortable! It involves a complete breakdown of habits, patterns and relationships and a massive release of social conditioning - what we once thought was important. Steven reminds us that as we walk this path, God is always on our side. His message brings us hope because the bottom line is, closed doors lead to open ones, everyone has a calling and a purpose, and it’s not too late for you to live yours!
🔗 Learn more about Steven La Russa: https://spiritualalignmentsl.com/
🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & rate us to spread the light! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spiritual-forum/id1357984858
📍 Join our upcoming retreat at Unity Village: https://thespiritualforum.org/retreat
❤️ Support this mission: https://thespiritualforum.org/
Bio - Steven La Russa is a Master Spiritual Coach whose path has been shaped by profound transformational experiences. The powerful moments of Stephen’s journey awakened within him a deep calling to guide others who are navigating similar challenges — whether they're in the midst of spiritual awakening, feeling lost or confused, or simply searching for deeper meaning and purpose. Steven is deeply passionate about helping individuals transcend the ego-self and connect with their true spiritual nature. His mission is to support others in finding clarity, growth, and spiritual evolution on their unique path to wholeness.
About Steven's Latest Event : Steven will be speaking at the Spiritual Awakenings International Online Conference on June 7th and will be on the Near Death Experience panel. Learn more here: https://spiritualawakeningsinternational.org/
#SpiritualAwakening #NearDeathExperience #SpiritualJourney #DivineFeminine #DivineMasculine #Transformation #LightLanguage #GodsVoice #HealingJourney #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth #EgoDeath #DarkNightOfTheSoul #Empowerment #QuantumConsciousness #Metaphysical #HolisticHealing #Intuition #SpiritualGuidance #FaithAndPurpose #AwakeningToTheLight #HopeAndInspiration #HigherSelf #SelfDiscovery #CommunityOfLight #SpiritualMentorship

Tuesday May 06, 2025
Bringing Heaven to Earth with Tams Nicholson - EP 309
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
This week on the Spiritual Forum host Rev. Carol and guest Tams Nicholson (Executive Director of All-Creatures, Biblical Theology & Care of Creation expert) explore the powerful concept of transcending our current culture of death to embrace an evolutionary new paradigm of compassion and mercy for all – bringing Heaven to Earth. Discover insights into liberation theology, the Golden Rule of all faiths, Judeo-Christian ethics, scripture interpretation, the vital care of creation, and a rising consciousness towards universal compassion – the "Homo Ahimsa." Tams also shares her journey from atheism to a practicing Third Order Franciscan and how her organization, All-Creatures, is a spiritual and educational resource for everyone. Tap in for hope, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on living an authentic life.
🔗 Explore Tams' work and resources at https://www.all-creatures.org/
🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & rate us to spread the light! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spiritual-forum/id1357984858
📍 Join our upcoming retreat at Unity Village: https://thespiritualforum.org/retreat
❤️ Support this mission: https://thespiritualforum.org/
Bio - Tams Nicholson is the Executive Director of All-Creatures.org of the Mary T. and Frank L. Hoffman Family Foundation. She currently resides in Michigan and is a compassionate animal rights leader with a proven record of success in both the profit and non-profit sectors. Ms. Nicholson holds a B.S. in Psychology and is a former SURP scholar at the University of Georgia. She completed Master’s level courses in biblical theology with a focus on liberation theology, and ministry courses with a focus on care of creation. She is a professed 3rd order Franciscan and a most recently a 2022 graduate of Father Richard Rohr’s Living School at the Center for Action and Contemplation in New Mexico. She holds certifications in the fields of leadership, somatic attachment therapy, disability, instructional technology, prevention, advocacy and disaster services. Ms. Nicholson adopted an ethical vegan lifestyle in 2008.
About Tams' new project : I am currently working on a project to be released in June to teach other Christians how to dialogue about ethical veganism and have confidence doing so based on scripture. We have several new programs at All-Creatures.org and are adding more and more with our new staff.
#EasterWeek #PalmSunday #JourneyOfFaith #LiberationTheology #CompassionateLiving #AnimalRights #EthicalVeganism #ThirdOrderFranciscan #MindfulLiving #CreationCare #HopeAndInspiration #NonViolentCommunication #LoveAndCompassion #FaithBasedVeganism #SpiritualAwakening #HeavenOnEarth #CommunityOfCompassion #NatureAndSpirit #allcreatures #bethechange #goldenrule #christspiracy

Rev Carol Saunders
Experienced Minister, Spiritual Leader, Speaker, Blogger and Podcast Host, with a demonstrated history working in spiritual organizations. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Public Speaking, Dialogue Facilitation, Spiritual Coaching, Writing, Pastoral Counseling, Premarital/Marriage coaching, Sacred Ceremonies and Conflict Resolution. Strong media and communication professional in the spiritual awakening business. For more information, Visit the about Rev Carol Saunders in the menu above