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

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

Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Evolving Beyond Success & Beauty with Natalie Glebova - EP 308
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Former Miss Universe (2005), bestselling author, and self-love mentor Natalie Glebova, shares her spiritual journey from the glittering lights of global pageants to the quiet wisdom of the soul. Having spent many years in the judgmental and materialistic entertainment industry and winning the ultimate crown of beauty and success, Natalie found herself on a quest for truth and meaning. In this episode, she shares her reflections on God, the creative power of our minds, the power of faith/surrender, the challenges of fame, the importance of emotional resilience, and what it means to build the "Temple of Love" within. She and host Rev. Carol also have a lively exchange about their experiences with plant medicine. This episode is filled with empowering wisdom, spiritual storytelling, and uplifting guidance for the soul.
Bio - Natalie Glebova is a best-selling author, self-love mentor, and a former Miss Universe. Through her own transformational spiritual journey to attain self-love and deeper self-awareness, she started a coaching practice that focuses on energetic aspects of personal development to help her clients become winners in both life and love. As a single working mother, Natalie is no stranger to challenging life transitions. Her mission is to help people create exceptional relationships in all areas of life by building one's own solid "Temple of Love" within first. Her book, Temple of Love: A Pilgrimage to the Heart is a non-fiction parable, filled with relatable stories, struggles, and practical tools for healing yourself, one chakra at a time,
Website: https://www.natalieglebova.com/
About Natalie's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Temple-Love-Pilgrimage-Natalie-Glebova/dp/1803417846
#SpiritualJourney #SelfLove #TempleOfLove #PersonalDevelopment #MissUniverse #NatalieGlebova #Mindfulness #PlantMedicine #Ayahuasca #HealingJourney #InnerPeace #ConsciousLiving #Empowerment #Meditation #SpiritualAwakening #LifeLessons #UnconditionalLove #Authenticity #EmotionalHealing #Gratitude #MentalWellness #TransformationalJourney #Pachamama #EnergyHealing #SelfAwareness #PersonalGrowth #HolisticHealth #SacredSpace #DivineConnection #ChakraHealing

Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Awaken Your Spiritual Intelligence with Dr. Dawson Church - EP 307
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Bestselling author (Mind to Matter, Bliss Brain, and Spiritual Intelligence), visionary scientist, and spiritual thought leader Dawson Church, PhD shares groundbreaking insights on how to activate the four key brain circuits that unlock spiritual intelligence and lead to lasting joy, deep compassion, and true transformation. From escaping a devastating wildfire to reaching states of incandescent bliss, Dawson’s story is inspiring. Learn how to rewire your brain in just 30 days using his neuroscience evidence-based eco meditation method, and discover why emotional regulation, focused attention, self-awareness, and empathy are keys to awakening. Dawson also reveals why the future of humanity is not just hopeful, it’s scientifically predictable -- we are evolving toward compassion, peace, and unity. Don’t miss this opportunity to awaken your inner light, tap into universal consciousness, and become part of the 3.5% who are reshaping the planet.
🔗 Explore Dawson's work and resources at spiritualintelligence.com🎧 Try the free 30-day eco meditation challenge at ecomeditation.com📍 Join our upcoming retreat at Unity Village: thespiritualforum.org/retreat❤️ Support this mission: thespiritualforum.org Bio - Dawson Church is a best-selling author and researcher known for his groundbreaking books like The Genie in Your Genes, Mind to Matter, and Bliss Brain, which explore the link between emotions, brain function, and reality creation. He has conducted and collaborated on over 100 peer-reviewed studies and developed the popular EcoMeditation method. Church founded EFT Universe and the National Institute for Integrative Healthcare, offering evidence-based stress reduction and PTSD support to over 22,000 veterans. A pioneer in energy medicine, he earned his doctorate in Integrative Healthcare and has testified before Congress on holistic healing. Though retired from business management, he continues to write, teach, and inspire through science and spirituality.
About Dawson's Book : Awaken Your Spiritual Intelligence - https://spiritualintelligencebook.com/
#SpiritualIntelligence #Meditation #EFTtapping #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealing #Awakening #ConsciousLiving #Compassion #HolisticHealth #SelfTranscendence #DawsonChurch #EcoMediTation #TransformativeHealing #HopeAndInspiration #PositiveChange #MindToMatter #BlissBrain #SpiritualAwakening #Resilience #HolisticTherapies #EmpathyInAction #LoveAndCompassion #ConsciousEvolution #spiritualintelligence #hopeforhumanity #rewireyourbrain

Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Becoming a Sourcerer with Justin L Shaw - EP 306
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
What happens when you mix a mystical comedian, a spiritual revolution, and a healthy obsession with pop culture? You get this electric, no-holds-barred conversation with Justin Shaw — author of Sourcery 101. From healing childhood trauma and turning pain into power, to bliss attacks, shadow work, and channeling your unapologetic, GOAT (greatest-of-all-time) - mode self — this episode is an unfiltered journey through awakening, humor, and deep soul work. Justin drops truth bombs on the matrix-like reality we live in, intuition vs. instinct, emotional alchemy, and why living life like a 5-year-old in a Superman cape might be the ultimate spiritual hack. If you're ready to unplug from the old programming and source your own revolution, this one's for you. Tap in, wake up — and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and give us a rating if this message hits home. Bio - Justin L Shaw is an author, survivor, mystical comedian and Sorcerer who is passionate about empowering people to heal, thrive, and manifest their highest potential. A little bit Deepak and a little bit Tupac with a sharp comedic edge, he challenges the status quo and empowers people to wake up, unplug, and live their truth
About Justin's Book : Sourcery 101: 13 Rungs to a Higher Elevation of Consciousness available on Amazon - https://amzn.in/d/aXilR0p
#SpiritualAwakening #MysticalComedy #PersonalEmpowerment #Sourcery101 #EmotionalAlchemy #MeditationJourney #ShadowWork #HealingFromWithin #IntuitionOverInstinct #SelfReliance #AuthenticLiving #SpiritualRevolution #ConsciousnessElevated #HumorAndWisdom #TransformationJourney #OvercomingTrauma #StandUpSpirituality #WakeUpAndUnplug #GrowthThroughDiscomfort #spiritualmovies #goatsvssheep #simulation

Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Growing up as an Arab Jew with Elio Zarmati - EP 305
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Prepare to be inspired as we explore the remarkable life of Elio Zarmati, whose childhood in Egypt was shaped by revolution and war. A Jewish boy coming of age in Cairo — riding camels by the pyramids and navigating a vibrant mix of languages and cultures — Elio experienced the dramatic political shift caused by the Suez Crisis that turned friends into foes and ultimately sent his family into exile. His journey is one of resilience, seeking identity, finding love in chaos, and always having hope. Elio shares the profound influence of a Jesuit priest and his literary father, and his unshakable belief that peace between Jews, Christians, and Muslims is possible—rooted in a past where harmony once thrived.
Bio - Born in Egypt and educated in Great Britain and France, Elio Zarmati was a reporter at NBC, a writer-director of films and TV shows in France and in the United States, the CEO of Gelula & Co., a Hollywood-based international film subtitling and dubbing company, and the publisher of YWD magazine and the editor-in-chief of Recovery Living magazine. He lives in Tarzana, California.
Website: https://zarmati.com/
About Elio's Book : “Goodbye, Tahrir Square: Coming of Age as a Jew of the Nile” is a first-person memoir written from the standpoint of a Jewish boy growing up in Egypt during the watershed years that shaped the Middle East into the powder keg it is today. Link : https://www.amazon.in/Goodbye-Tahrir-Square-Coming-Nile/dp/B0DL2D4S7V
#InspiringStories #HopeAndResilience #GoodbyeTahirSquare #CulturalDiversity #JewishIdentity #MiddleEastNarratives #PersonalJourney #FaithAndPeace #OvercomingAdversity #MemoirInsights #LoveAndConnection #LifeInArabLand #NavigatingChallenges #PeacefulCoexistence #CulturalUnderstanding #LessonsFromThePast #InspirationForChange #WarAndPeace #HumanConnection #peaceispossible #arabjew #jewishhistory

Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Finding Yourself in Healing Stories with Lory Widmer Hess - EP 304
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Join Lory Widmer Hess, the insightful author of "When Fragments Make a Whole," as she takes us on a journey through the transformative healing stories found in the Bible. Inspired by anthroposophy and Rudolf Steiner's teachings, Lory shares how these ancient narratives offer powerful insights into our own healing journeys. As we explore the deeper meaning behind the healing stories and uncover the imagined inner world of those who were healed, we see how their experiences mirror our personal struggles and paths to wholeness. Lory also shares how her own transformative healing was largely inspired by her work with developmentally challenged adults, who showed her what an honest life looks like.
Bio - Lory Widmer Hess grew up near Seattle and now lives in Switzerland, where she currently works with adults with developmental challenges and practices spiritual direction. Since childhood, she has been on a quest for both personal healing and for integrative spiritual wisdom, which led her to pursue esoteric studies along with practical life experiences. Her writing has been published widely in journals and magazines including Parabola, Interweave Knits, Handwoven, Pensive, Vita Poetica, Anglican Theological Review, and Motherwell. Her first book, When Fragments Make a Whole: A Personal Journey Through Healing Stories in the Bible, was published in 2024 by Floris Books.
Website: Entering the Enchanted Castle, https://enterenchanted.com
About Lory's Book : When Fragments Make a Whole: A Personal Journey Through Healing Stories in the Bible Book page with links to order: enterenchanted.com/books
#HealingJourneys #BibleStories #TransformativeHealing #WhenFragmentsMakeAWhole #FaithAndSelfDiscovery #RudolfSteiner #Anthroposophy #MiraclesInTheGospels #SpiritualUnderstanding #InnerHealing #JourneyToWholeness #BiblicalInsights #EmotionalHealing #PersonalGrowth #ChristConsciousness #MindBodySpirit #StoriesOfFaith #HealingThroughFaith #SpiritualExploration #lectiodivina #allegory #jesusheals

Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Living with a Wide-Open Heart with Scott Stabile - EP 303
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
When Scott Stabile was just 14 years old, his parents were brutally murdered in their family-run store. The youngest of seven children, Scott blamed himself and went through years of inner struggle and intense grief, as well shame for being a gay man. Today he lives with a wide-open heart and complete self-acceptance. He believes there is no force more powerful than love to create real connection and healing in our troubled world. In this episode Scott offers profound insights on forgiveness, self-love, navigating through criticism and embarrassing failures, and daring to experience joy in the face of suffering. We also explore the brokenness of social media and the courage it takes to remain kind in a divisive world. Scott’s raw honesty and wisdom will surely inspire you to open your heart, fully embrace your messy, beautiful self, and cultivate more love in your life.
Bio - Scott Stabile is the author of Big Love: The Undeniable Joy of Following Your Heart and Enough as You Are. Scott guides transformational breathwork journeys and leads personal empowerment workshops internationally. His inspirational posts have attracted a huge and devoted social media following, including more than 350,000 Facebook fans. For more info visit him online at ScottStabile.com and/or check out his newsletter at http://www.scottstabile.substack.com .
About Scott's Book : BIG LOVE: The Undeniable Joy of Following Your Heart is now available at paperback. AMAZON LINK: https://a.co/d/6N6bMje
#LoveAndHealing #PersonalTransformation #SelfLoveJourney #TraumaHealing #AuthenticityMatters #Forgiveness #InnerPeace #HeartOpening #EmbraceYourTruth #CultivateLove #NavigatingCriticism #SocialMediaImpact #KindnessInTheWorld #BigLove #EnoughAsYouAre #JourneyToSelfAcceptance #howtoforgive #chooselove

Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Breaking Through Medical Paradigms with Dr. Tom Cowan - EP 302
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
What if you were to learn that something you are so sure about is not true? Throughout history new discoveries have threatened the status quo and those who found them were ostracized or even jailed! The ego defends beliefs fiercely. In this eye-opening episode, alternative medicine doctor Thomas Cowan shares some facts about viruses and contagion that might blow your mind. A questioner of conventionality and master of analogies, Tom makes scientific practices easy to understand and he dispels some long and deeply held ideas. He shares how medical science excludes the spiritual dimension, limiting what we truly know about our biology. We learn how they found the polio virus and delve into the question, “Do sick people make well people sick?” We also discuss the uncomfortable space of ‘not knowing’ as being the magical place where the Divine can inform and guide us to new understanding. Near the end Tom shares about his latest book, Commonsense Child Rearing. This episode will surely challenge you, but if you hang in there and loosen your grip on what you are sure is true, you might awaken to a new reality.
Bio : Dr. Thomas Cowan is a well-known alternative medicine doctor, author and speaker, with a common-sense, holistic approach to health and wellness. He has given countless lectures and workshops throughout the U.S. on a variety of subjects in health and medicine and is the author of six books. Recent publications include "The Contagion Myth” co-authored by Sally Fallon Morell, “Cancer and the New Biology of Water” and "Human Heart, Cosmic Heart." Until his recent retirement from active practice, Dr. Cowan had a general-medical practice for 17 years in San Francisco, preceded by 17 years in Peterborough, NH and several years in upstate New York. He was a founding board member of the Weston A. Price Foundation and currently serves as its vice president. Dr. Cowan lives with his wife, Lynda, on rural farmland in Upstate New York. He has three children, one stepson and seven thriving grandchildren.
Dr. Cowan's website: DrTomCowan.com
About Dr. Tom's new book : Commonsense Childrearing: Unconventional Wisdom for a Nourished Childhood Can we raise healthy children in a toxic world? Yes, we can! Modern life, with its conveniences and technologies, has had mixed results. With great gains come also losses. For better or for worse, as certain types of knowledge have increased, others, which were not perhaps knowledge in the modern sense, but rather types of wisdom, which were once innate, have grown faint. A living, contemporary, and conscious approach to raising children, born of both commonsense and love, is both achievable and necessary. As a physician, parent, grandparent, and friend, Dr. Cowan offers hope and guidance for the parents of today’s youngest generation, that they may raise up a cohort of free, healthy, happy, caring human beings.
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Commonsense-Childrearing-Unconventional-Nourished-Childhood/dp/1938685571
#AlternativeMedicine #VirusTheory #ContagionMyths #MedicalScience #SpiritualHealth #ChildRearing #PolioVirus #ChallengingBeliefs #AwakeningConsciousness #ScientificDiscovery #QuestionTheStatusQuo #HealthAndWellness #MindBlowingFacts #NotKnowingJourney #EgoAndBeliefs #HolisticHealth #NewUnderstanding #CommonsenseParenting #DivineGuidance

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