The Aesclepion | Podcast on RSS.com

The Aesclepion

by Kevin McKeag

Self-Improvement Spirituality

Buddhism & Psychotherapy with Frank Berliner

Frank Berliner joins the Aesclepion for a wide-ranging conversation on Buddhism, psychotherapy, meditation, and the existential realities of being human. We explore the self, suffering, death, compassion, spiritual bypassing, and the meeting of Buddhist wisdom with Western psychology. Frank Berliner is a psychotherapist, meditation teacher, and longtime student of Buddhist and western existential psychology. He began studying with Chögyam Trungpa in 1974 and went on to serve as National Administrative Director of Shambhala Training and Executive Director of the Berkeley Shambhala Center. He later taught contemplative psychology at Naropa University for two decades, integrating Buddhist teachings, Western psychology, meditation, and existential inquiry. He is the author of Falling in Love with a Buddha, his memoir of his years as a student of Trungpa and Bravery, the Living Buddha Within You. Learn more about his teachings, as well as links to upcoming trainings and his psychotherapy practice at https://frankberliner.com

The Hidden Architecture of Relationships

What if your biggest relationship problems aren’t really about communication… …but about attachment? In this episode of The Aesclepion, I sit down with therapist Braxton Dudley to unpack why we pursue, withdraw, sabotage intimacy, and repeat the same relational patterns—often without realizing it. Whether you’re dating, married, healing from heartbreak, or simply trying to understand yourself better, this conversation offers practical insights grounded in psychology and lived experience. Tune in for this honest, information-packed exploration of how to start building secure relationships today! *Bonus* What’s more important: meditation or therapy? As always please like, subscribe and share with your friends!

Enter The Arena with Guy Guri

In this episode, life coach Guy Guri shares his transformative journey from living on the sidelines to entering the arena of life. He discusses the importance of challenge, support, inner work, love, personal growth and so much more. Email Guy at TheCoachingGuyG@gmail.com for a copy of his latest book Enter The Arena. 00:00Entering the Arena: The Call to Action 04:15The Momentum Loop: Building Sustainable Growth 07:15Optimal Challenges: Finding Your Sweet Spot 10:10The Red Pill: Choosing a Path of Transformation 13:10Pain Points: The Catalyst for Change 15:52Foundational vs. Direct Challenges: Building a Strong Base 19:04The Hero's Journey: Transformation Through Challenges 21:50Internal Family Systems: Understanding the Self 25:26Personal Integration: The Journey of Self-Discovery 30:59Overcoming Public Speaking Fear 34:01The Power of Self-Love and Acceptance 37:14Challenge and Support in Coaching 41:19Defining Thriving and Avoiding Mediocrity 44:43Setting Achievable Goals for Transformation 49:39Transforming Distress into Eustress 51:56Coaching and Accountability for Growth

Exploring the Enneagram Personality Types

The Enneagram is a system of nine distinct personality types, each with their own specific traits, strengths and weaknesses. In this episode, Luke and Kevin explore ways to use the Enneagram to shed light on your path to self-discovery, as well as improve your relationships by better understanding personality traits in yourself and in others. The Enneagram Institute offers a comprehensive test here: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/get-started-with-enneagram-tests/. We are not affiliated with the institute, but they offer great courses, blog posts and other information about the Enneagram!

The New School of Spirituality, Christopher Curren Pt 2

This episode finds Luke and Kevin again interviewing veteran meditation instructor Chris Curren. Our conversation explores a profound societal shift: the breakdown of old, manipulative narratives (in media, medicine, education, and politics) and the emerging thirst for truth, reality, and spiritual reconnection. Will this important moment in history open up an opportunity for authentic human flourishing, virtue, and new mythologies that reconnect people to deeper truth and shared heritage? Tune in to hear our thoughts. And, as always, thanks for listening. Follow the Aesclepion! Substack: https://substack.com/@theaesclepion Please consider supporting our work :) buymeacoffee.com/AesclepionPodcast

From The Front Lines: Coaching The Warrior-Poet Michael Swingen

This is a recorded coaching call between myself, Kevin McKeag and my friend and client Michael Swingen. We talk about the journey of self-discovery, themes of personal growth, relationships, the balance between introspection and self-obsession, the importance of benevolent leadership, creating community, and confronting feelings of isolation. We also reflect on the integration of light and darkness in personal development, emphasizing the need for emotional health and connection with others. If you're interested in coaching with me, please visit KevinMcKeag.com to book your complimentary hour-long exploratory session. Live Your Highest Vision. ***Bonus*** It's just Michael and I speaking so you don't have to suffer through any of Luke's rants. 00:00Setting the Stage for Coaching 06:00Exploring Romantic Relationships 09:00Introspection vs. Self-Obsession 10:53The Desire for Benevolence 14:54Navigating Leadership and Service 18:04Creating Community and Connection 18:53The Challenge of Isolation 22:03Balancing Purpose and Melancholy 25:05Confronting Inner Conflicts 30:48Integrating Light and Darkness 33:07The Power of Unburdening 34:31Outro

No-Nonsense Spirituality with Christopher Curren

Chris Curren has been practicing and teaching transcendental meditation for over 45 years. He has studied under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the Beatles’ meditation guru, and has coached such high-profile students as Norman Mailer. He sums up his views as “no-nonsense spirituality,” which embraces the transformative principles of eastern philosophy, while eschewing any form of sugarcoating or feel-good platitudes. In this episode we discuss spiritual mentorship, the philosophy of personal growth, cults, and whether meditation can save the world. Follow the Aesclepion! Substack: https://substack.com/@theaesclepion X: https://x.com/THE_AESCLEPION Please consider supporting our work :) buymeacoffee.com/AesclepionPodcast

A Tale of Two Friends

In this episode Luke and Kevin tackle the topic of friendship. Especially, how do we make friends as adults, and how can we move out of the "acquaintance zone"? Plus, hear the adorable story of how Kevin and Luke met. Also, check out our new Substack!! https://substack.com/@theaesclepion

Adeline Forrey and Hollis Jones: Voyagers of the Dream World

Adeline Forrey and Hollis Jones are highly experienced dreamers and dream interpreters. In this episode we explore their journeys within the dream world and how they learned to study their own dreams as a means to self discovery and creative inspiration. PLUS, they may or may not undertake a live interpretation of one of Kevin's wildest dreams...

Architecting Your Future, Pt 2

Ok, but, how do I make myself feel like a millionaire? Can I experience the joy that comes with success before I even have it? Well, guess what? That's what this episode is ALL ABOUT.

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