The Story of Us: From Cosmic Dawn to the Depths of Being

The Story of Us: From Cosmic Dawn to the Depths of Being

by Jeff Ellison
RelationshipsPhilosophy
Season 2
SEASON FINALE: You Were Sold a Smaller God… and You Accepted It Without a Receipt.
What if the feeling you call “God” was never meant to be contained inside a building? In this Season 2 finale of The Story of Us, Jeff reflects on the moments that leave us speechless—the overwhelming awe of standing beneath the vaulted ceilings of Notre-Dame, the impossible beauty of La Sagrada Familia, the silence of a mountain range, the pull of a night sky filled with stars. Part travel reflection… part philosophical exploration… part deeply personal letter… this episode explores the human tendency to build institutions around mystery—and what may be lost when we outsource our search for meaning to them. Drawing inspiration from Mark Twain, Eastern philosophy, the great cathedrals of Europe, and the ordinary moments of everyday life, Jeff asks a difficult but essential question: What do you actually believe? And perhaps more importantly… Have you ever stopped long enough to truly feel it for yourself? 🌍 In This Episode Why ancient cathedrals evoke awe—even for nonbelievers The emotional experience of visiting La Sagrada Familia How religions evolved from stories into institutions The difference between spirituality and organized belief What Eastern traditions understood about mystery and presence Why the sacred may live in ordinary moments—not sacred buildings 🎯 Key Themes Awe and wonder Spirituality vs religion Human connection Presence and attention The search for meaning The beauty of existence 🧠 Memorable Questions Explored What do you actually believe? Has organized religion brought us closer to the divine—or further from it? What if you are not separate from the sacred… but an expression of it? What if wonder itself is the point? ✨ Final Invitation This episode is ultimately an invitation: To slow down. To pay attention. To stop outsourcing the search for meaning. And to rediscover the extraordinary hidden inside ordinary life. 🌐 Explore More Subscribe to our free weekly blog: Letters From The Middle of It All 👉 www.thestoryofusproject.com/start-here 📲 Follow The Story of Us Instagram Facebook BlueSky 🎥 Full episodes, shorts, and spoken word reflections available on YouTube. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. ❤️ Thank You Thank you for being part of Season 2. These conversations exist because people like you continue sharing them, discussing them, and helping us build a growing community centered around curiosity, connection, and what it means to be human. 💬 Final Thought Maybe the sacred was never hiding inside the cathedral. Maybe it was waiting… in the moments you almost overlooked. 🪨 The Story of Us From stardust to stillness. “I was here. My life was meaningful.”
S2 · E19
May 31, 2026
31:36
We Never Completely Forgot Who We Were with Yaffah Batya DaCosta
What happens when an entire people are forced to hide who they are… for generations? In this episode of The Story of Us, Jeff sits down with Yaffah Batya daCosta—educator, speaker, and advocate for the descendants of the “Secret Jews,” families who were forced to convert during the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions while quietly preserving pieces of their identity in secret. But this conversation is about much more than history. It’s about memory. Identity. Belonging. And the human need to understand where we come from. Together, they explore the story of the Anousim (“the forced ones”), how ancient persecution still echoes into modern life, and what happens when someone begins rediscovering truths their family was never allowed to openly speak about. Along the way, the conversation widens into something universal: How fear divides people. How stories shape identity. And how understanding each other more deeply may be one of the few paths toward healing. 🎯 What You’ll Take Away Who the “Secret Jews” were and why their story still matters today How forced conversion and hidden identity shaped generations of families The surprising connections between history and modern global tensions Why human beings are more alike than different beneath culture and belief How compassion and curiosity can lead to deeper understanding 🌍 Key Themes Identity and ancestry Generational memory Religious persecution and survival Human connection Healing through understanding 👤 About the Guest – Yaffah Batya daCosta Yaffah Batya daCosta is an educator, speaker, coach, and advocate working to support descendants of the Anousim—Jewish families forced to conceal their identity during the Inquisition. Drawing from her own ancestral journey, she has spent decades studying Jewish history, early Christianity, interfaith relations, and the roots of antisemitism in order to promote deeper understanding and reconciliation between communities. She is also the CEO of a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping descendants reconnect with their heritage and identity. 🔗 Learn More Website: www.bneianousim.org Facebook: Yaffah Batya daCosta 🌐 Explore More from The Story of Us If this conversation resonated with you, we invite you to explore more episodes, reflections, bite-sized clips, and shorts designed to help us better understand ourselves—and each other. 👉 www.thestoryofusproject.com/start-here 🎥 Full episodes and clips available on YouTube 📲 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky 🎧 Share the Episode If you found value in this conversation, share it with someone who may need to hear it. Because stories like this remind us of something important: History may divide us… but understanding each other can still bring us back together. 💬 Final Thought Identity can be hidden. But somehow… the human spirit remembers.
S2 · E18
May 24, 2026
1:00:43
Raising Good Humans…Not Just "Successful" Ones with Rosemary Olender
What does it really mean to raise a “good” human? Not a high achiever. Not a perfectly behaved child. But someone who is kind, grounded, resilient… and emotionally aware. In this episode of The Story of Us, Jeff sits down with educator, consultant, and author Rosemary Olender—who has spent decades working inside classrooms, schools, and family systems—to explore what actually shapes a child. This conversation goes beyond parenting advice. It’s about the everyday moments… the conversations we have… the behaviors we model… and how those small things quietly shape who our children become. Drawing from over 20 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and director of special education, Rosemary shares what she’s seen change in today’s families—and what still matters most. Together, they explore: Why character matters more than achievement What emotional intelligence really looks like in real life The biggest mistakes parents make (often without realizing it) How families and schools can work together more effectively What it means to raise children who are prepared for life—not just success This episode isn’t just for parents. It’s for anyone who cares about the kind of humans we are raising—and the kind of world we’re creating. 🎯 What You’ll Take Away Why children learn more from what you model than what you say How to build emotional intelligence in everyday interactions What strong families do differently The importance of communication between home and school How to shift from reactive parenting to intentional guidance 🌍 Key Themes Character development Emotional intelligence Parenting with intention Family dynamics Human connection 👤 About the Guest – Rosemary Olender Rosemary Olender, MS, CAS, is an educator, consultant, and non-fiction author with decades of experience supporting families and schools. Her career includes: 17 years as a teacher of profoundly deaf children Roles as a junior high and elementary school principal Director of special education Educational consultant working with school districts across New York State She is the author of: Coffee and Wisdom The School-Home Connection Her work focuses on helping families and educators build stronger relationships, improve communication, and support children in reaching their full potential. 🌐 Explore More If this conversation resonated with you, we’ve created a space for you to go deeper. 👉 www.thestoryofusproject.com/start-here Explore more episodes, reflections, and insights on what it means to be human—and how we shape the next generation. 📲 Follow & Connect Follow The Story of Us: Facebook Instagram BlueSky 🎥 Full episodes, clips, and shorts available on YouTube. 🎧 Share This Episode If you know someone raising kids—or working with them—send this their way. Because the small things we do today… become the foundation for who they are tomorrow. 💬 Final Thought We don’t just raise children. We raise future humans. And that might be the most important work any of us will ever do.
S2 · E17
May 17, 2026
1:12:31
NEXT GEN: Your Life Is An Empty Canvas... Now What? with Max McGuire
What does it actually feel like…to stand at the edge of your life…and try to figure out who you’re going to become? In this special NextGen episode of The Story of Us, Jeff sits down with Max McGuire—recent University of Tennessee graduate, adventurer, artist, and someone stepping into adulthood in real time. This conversation is a little different. Max isn’t just a guest—he’s someone Jeff knows personally (yeah, it's his daughters BOYFRIEND). Which makes this episode feel less like an interview… and more like a real, honest conversation between two people at very different stages of life. And maybe that’s what makes it so powerful. Together, they explore the questions that don’t come with easy answers: What does it mean to find your purpose… before you’ve fully lived your life? How do you balance ambition with meaning? What are you willing to sacrifice—and what are you not? From working as a ranch hand in Aspen… to exploring the Amazon River Basin… to navigating creativity, relationships, and the uncertainty of what comes next—Max opens up about what he’s learning, what he’s still figuring out, and what matters most right now. This isn’t a conversation about having it all figured out. It’s about being honest enough to admit you don’t. 🎯 What You’ll Take Away Why early adulthood is more about questions than answers How real-world experiences shape identity and perspective The importance of curiosity, creativity, and exploration What it means to build a life with intention Why honesty matters more than saying what people expect 🌍 Key Themes Becoming vs arriving Identity and self-discovery Purpose and direction Adventure and growth Living without a script 👤 About the Guest – Max McGuire Max McGuire is a recent graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in supply chain management. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Max brings a unique blend of grit, creativity, and curiosity. From working as a ranch hand in Aspen to traveling into the Amazon, his experiences reflect a willingness to step outside the ordinary and into growth. He is an artist, an outdoorsman, and someone just beginning to shape the life he wants to build. 🌐 Explore More If this conversation resonated with you, we’ve created a space for you to go deeper. 👉 www.thestoryofusproject.com/start-here Explore more full episodes, bite-sized clips, and conversations about what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world. 📲 Follow & Connect Follow The Story of Us: Facebook Instagram BlueSky 🎥 Full episodes, clips, and shorts available on YouTube. 🎧 Share This Episode If you know someone navigating this stage of life… Send this to them. Because sometimes the most important thing you can hear is: You don’t need to have it all figured out. 💬 Final Thought Becoming isn’t something that happens once. It’s something we all keep doing… no matter how old we are.
S2 · E16
May 10, 2026
1:12:15
The Life Most People Only Dream About- Sailing The World with Alison Gieschen
Episode Title She Sold Everything to Sail the World… Here’s What She Found | Alison Gieschen Episode Description What happens when you walk away from everything you’ve built… and choose a life most people only dream about? In this episode of The Story of Us, Jeff sits down with Alison Gieschen—author, storyteller, and global sailor—who made a bold decision alongside her husband to sell everything they owned and circumnavigate the world by sailboat. Since then, they’ve traveled across five continents, visited over 50 countries, and lived a life shaped not by schedules… but by wind, water, and the unknown. But this conversation isn’t just about travel. It’s about what happens when you strip life down to its essentials. About the people you meet along the way. The perspectives that change you. And what truly matters when comfort, routine, and certainty are no longer part of the equation. From navigating storms at sea to navigating different cultures and ways of living, Alison shares what years on the ocean have taught her about humanity, connection, and the shared experience of being alive. What You’ll Take Away Why transformational travel is about people—not places What Alison learned from communities living with far less How stepping outside your normal life reshapes your perspective The difference between chasing experiences and finding meaning What really matters when everything else is stripped away Key Themes Human connection across cultures Simplicity vs modern life Adventure and uncertainty Perspective and gratitude What it means to truly live About the Guest – Alison Gieschen Alison Gieschen is a former teacher, equestrian vaulting coach, and horse farm owner who chose a radically different path—selling everything to sail around the world with her husband aboard their 43-foot vessel, EQUUS. She is an author, travel blogger, and storyteller known as The Nautical Novelist, sharing her journey through books and her sailing blog. Her works include: Riding the Waves of Reality Riding the Waves of Reality II THE SEVEN: An Odyssey of Seven Horses and Seven Souls Julia’s Vaulting Dream Connect with Alison Website: www.alisongieschen.com Sailing Blog: www.sailmates.org Explore More If this conversation resonated with you, we’ve created a space for you to go deeper. 👉 www.thestoryofusproject.com Explore more conversations, reflections, and stories about what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world. Listen. Reflect. Share. If this episode made you think, feel, or see the world a little differently… Share it with someone who needs to hear it. Final Thought Sometimes the most powerful journeys… aren’t about where you go. They’re about how you begin to see.
S2 · E15
May 3, 2026
53:52
May The Schwartz Be With You - Chasing the Inexplicable Something with Calvin Schwartz
Some lives don't follow a script. They follow a feeling — an inexplicable something that whispers just loud enough to be heard over the noise of the ordinary. Calvin Schwartz has been listening to that whisper his whole life, and what it's led him to is nothing short of extraordinary. Calvin joins us today as the host of We the Species, a podcast over 700 conversations deep that explores the big, beautiful, unanswerable questions about humanity, connection, and what it means to be alive. If you haven't found it yet, consider this your sign. In this episode, Calvin takes us on a journey that winds through pharmacy school he never wanted, a 25-year career selling eyeglasses for one of the world's wealthiest men, a novel that arrived fully formed during a rainy morning rewatch of Casablanca, and a spiritual awakening that changed the entire trajectory of his life. Along the way we touch on bullying, reinvention, the paranormal, a mysterious healing in Nazareth, a five-roll car crash he walked away from without a scratch, and — not once, but twice — turning down Steven Spielberg. Almost, he'll tell you. Almost. Calvin is also the award-winning author of There's a Tortoise in My Hair: A Journey to Spirit, a novel that has drawn comparisons to Kurt Vonnegut, Philip Roth, and John Irving, and has collected over ten national awards. It is a book about meaning, mortality, and the unseen forces that seem to guide us — whether we believe in them or not. At 80-something and showing no signs of slowing down, Calvin is a living, breathing argument for staying curious, staying open, and never letting age write the final word on who you're still becoming. In this episode we explore: Leaving behind a career — and a whole identity — to follow something you can't quite name The spiritual thread that runs quietly through an entire life How writing one novel unlocked an entire new world of possibility The paranormal experiences that changed how Calvin sees existence What 700+ conversations about the human species has taught him about all of us The gift of the antenna — and why Calvin believes we all have one Connect with Calvin: 🎙️ We the Species Podcast — available on all major streaming platforms 📖 There's a Tortoise in My Hair — available at CalvinSchwartz.com 💼 LinkedIn: Calvin Schwartz 📘 Facebook: Cal Schwartz Enjoyed this episode? If something Calvin said today stayed with you, please take a moment to leave us a review on your streaming platform of choice — it helps more curious minds find their way to these conversations. And if you know someone who needs a reminder that it is never too late to begin again, share this episode with them. That small act might mean more than you know. Until next time — peace be with you.
S2 · E14
Apr 26, 2026
1:03:33
SPECIAL EDITION: You Can Be a “Man’s Man” Without Being an Asshole
What does it actually mean to be a “tough guy”? Lately, that definition feels… off. Somewhere along the way, toughness has been confused with anger. Strength with cruelty. Confidence with tearing other people down. In this solo episode of The Story of Us, Jeff steps back and challenges that idea. This one is personal. Through the lens of his son Brady—a welder, diesel mechanic, and what most would call a “man’s man”—Jeff explores the difference between being disciplined, resilient, and capable… versus being closed off, hateful, or divisive. Because those aren’t the same thing. And they never were. This episode is a spoken-word reflection based on Jeff’s blog post: “You Can Be a Man’s Man Without Being an Asshole” It’s about redefining strength. Reclaiming character. And remembering that toughness and kindness were never meant to be opposites. 🎯 What You’ll Take Away Why toughness and cruelty have been incorrectly linked The difference between strength and insecurity How modern culture is distorting masculinity What real character looks like in everyday life Why kindness is not weakness—and never has been 👤 A Personal Note This episode is inspired by Jeff’s son, Brady—whose life reflects a powerful truth: You can be rough, tough, hardworking… and still be a good man to the people around you. 🌐 Read the Full Blog Want to read the full written version? 👉 https://thestoryofusproject.com/2026/04/16/you-can-be-a-mans-man-without-being-an-asshole/ 🔗 Explore More If this episode resonated with you, we’ve created a space for you to go deeper. 👉 https://thestoryofusproject.com/START-HERE/ More conversations. More reflections. More of what it means to be human in a world that’s changing fast. 🎧 Share This Episode If you know someone who’s been wrestling with what it means to be a man today… Send this to them. Because the conversation matters. 💬 Final Thought You don’t have to change who you are to become a better man. You just have to remember: Tough doesn’t mean cruel.
S2 · E13
Apr 21, 2026
19:10
Is the World Falling Apart…or Waking Up? with Scott Paradis
Something feels… off. The world we thought we understood doesn’t quite make sense anymore. Institutions feel shaky. The rules seem unclear. And underneath it all, there’s this quiet, persistent question: Is everything falling apart… or are we being pushed into something new? In this episode of The Story of Us, Jeff sits down with Scott Paradis—retired U.S. Army Colonel, Congressional Fellow, and National Security Fellow at Harvard—to explore one of the most important questions of our time. Drawing from decades inside systems of power, Scott offers a bold perspective: 👉 What we’re experiencing may not be collapse… 👉 It may be revelation. Together, they unpack: Why so many people feel anxious, disconnected, and unsettled The hidden “games” shaping our economy and society How our relationship with money distorts how we live Why this moment in history may be an evolutionary turning point What it actually means to take ownership of your role in what comes next This conversation isn’t about politics or ideology. It’s about stepping back far enough to see the system… and then asking a deeper question: What kind of game do you want to play? 🎯 Key Takeaways We are not just participants in the system—we are its creators There are two forces at play: the making game (creating value) and the taking game (extracting value) “Apocalypse” doesn’t mean destruction—it means revealing what was hidden Today’s anxiety may be the signal of a deeper transformation The future is not predetermined—it’s shaped by individual choices 👤 About the Guest – Scott Paradis Scott F. Paradis is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, former Congressional Fellow in the U.S. Senate, and National Security Fellow at Harvard University. After a 30-year career inside military and government systems, Scott shifted his focus to understanding the deeper forces shaping human behavior, society, and personal development. He is the author of 11 books and creator of multiple educational programs exploring leadership, money, and human potential. His latest work, What’s Really Going On: Apocalypse or Evolution, challenges the idea that humanity is in decline—and instead suggests we are at a critical moment of transformation. 🔗 Connect with Scott LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-f-paradis/ YouTube Series: What’s Really Going On: Apocalypse or Evolution Books & Programs: Available via Amazon, Udemy, and Listenable 🌐 Explore More If this conversation resonated with you, we’ve created a space for you to go deeper. Visit our landing page to explore more conversations, insights, and resources designed to help you navigate this moment with clarity and intention. 👉 www.thestoryofusproject.com/start-here 🎧 Listen. Reflect. Share. If you found value in this episode, share it with someone who’s been asking the same questions. Because maybe the real shift happening right now… isn’t just in the world. It’s within us.
S2 · E12
Apr 19, 2026
57:22
From The Big Bang to Space Colonies: 13.8 Billion Years (in 60ish minutes) with Richard Anderson
From Big Bang to Space Colonies (13.8 Billion Years in Under 90 Minutes) | with Richard Anderson What if the story of your life didn't begin when you were born — but 13.8 billion years ago in a single flash of energy that contained, quite literally, everything? In this episode of The Story of Us: From Cosmic Dawn to the Depths of Being, we sit down with Richard Anderson — molecular biologist, clinical scientist, and author of The Evolution of Life, Big Bang to Space Colonies — for a conversation that begins at the beginning and somehow still manages to feel personal by the end. Richard spent decades in laboratories doing the patient, rigorous work of understanding how life actually functions. Then he retired, traveled the world, came home to a pandemic, and wrote a book that traces the full arc of existence from the first cosmic moment to the far future of human civilization. In this conversation, we explore: Why carbon and water are the only possible building blocks for life — anywhere in the universe Why intelligent life elsewhere is far less likely than the movies want you to believe How predator and prey shaped the very way you think — and why your brain is wired for right now, not the long term The role of mythology, religion, and science in the story of human civilization Why colonizing Mars may not be the answer — and what Richard thinks actually is Artificial intelligence, sentient beings, and what happens when the robots never die The hummingbird story — trust us, stay for the hummingbird story Richard also answers the two questions we ask every guest: what would you whisper to your younger self, and what do you want to say to the future version of you listening back one day? His answer to the first one involves Tesla stock. His answer to the second is quieter, and worth the wait. "Watch the movies. But read the books." — Richard Anderson 📖 Richard's Book: The Evolution of Life, Big Bang to Space Colonies — available on Amazon 🌐 Find Richard: richardandersonauthor.com | Facebook: Richard Anderson | Blog at his website The Story of Us is a podcast exploring the big questions — who we are, where we came from, and what it means to be alive at this particular and unrepeatable moment. New episodes wherever you listen. Want to learn more? START HERE -- www.thestoryofusproject.com/start-here
S2 · E11
Apr 12, 2026
1:12:21
The Fiercest Kind of Love with Shannon Carmicle Crawford
This episode carries a different weight—one built not on tragedy alone, but on quiet, relentless strength. Jeff sits down with Shannon Carmichael Crawford, a Louisville native, former record-breaking swimmer, teacher, mother, and now fierce advocate. Her story moves from a joyful childhood and deep-rooted friendships to a life reshaped by profound challenges—and purpose. Shannon and her late husband Scott built a life centered on family, raising their daughter Caitlin and son Chase. When Chase was diagnosed with profound autism, everything changed. What followed was a relentless journey through therapies, medical systems, and uncertainty—navigated without a roadmap, powered only by instinct, love, and grit. Then came another unimaginable blow: Scott’s diagnosis with stage IV colon cancer. Ten months later, at just 45, he passed away. Left to carry the weight of grief, motherhood, and caregiving, Shannon didn’t stop. She adapted. She fought. And she kept moving forward. Today, her advocacy is focused on a critical gap: families in Kentucky lack the resources needed to support individuals with profound autism. With no in-state facilities equipped for 24/7 care, Shannon made the heartbreaking decision to place Chase in a specialized center 700 miles away. Her mission now is clear—bring these children home. Key Themes: The unseen strength of caregivers and mothers Navigating autism, especially profound autism (24/7 care needs) Grief, resilience, and rebuilding after loss Systemic gaps in healthcare and disability services Advocacy and creating change at the state level Important Insights: 1 in 31 children are diagnosed with autism; a significant portion are profoundly affected Kentucky spends over $14 million annually sending families out of state for care Early intervention is critical—but long-term support is where systems fail Caregiver mental health is often overlooked but essential For Families & Listeners: You are not alone—connection is critical Seek community, ask for help, and share your story Advocacy starts with awareness Shannon’s story is ultimately about love—the kind that doesn’t quit, doesn’t ask for recognition, and doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. If this conversation moved you, share it. Stories like this don’t create change unless they travel.
S2 · E10
Apr 5, 2026
1:12:43
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