Spirituality for Skeptics
Spirituality for Skeptics is for curious, open-minded seekers exploring the shift from doubt to belief without dogma or commercialization. In each episode, host and curator Nicole Spencer facilitates conversations with people who moved beyond skepticism into the expansive world of non-religious spirituality, offering a compass for those who want to explore meaning, truth, and purpose on their own terms.
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Episodes
3 days ago
3 days ago
Want to learn the secret to eternal connection with your beloved pets—and even loved ones—after they cross over? Brent Atwater, a medical intuitive and renowned animal communicator, shares how you can tap into the unseen energy that links us forever. Discover how understanding the true nature of spirit, love, and timing can transform your grief into healing and deepen your bond with those who have transitioned, or who are about to.
In this heartfelt episode, Brent reveals that death is not the end but a transition into a higher vibrational state—what she calls the Spirit Suit—where love persists eternally. You’ll learn how to recognize signs from spirit, the importance of permission in communication, and simple exercises to connect with your pet’s energy before they pass. Brent’s extraordinary gift of seeing inside bodies and spirits sets her apart, offering specific insights into why pets and people leave at just the right time to serve their higher purpose.
Host: Nicole Spencer
Guest: Brent Atwater
Executive Producers:
Glenn Milley https://www.instagram.com/goforglenn
and
Bessie Fong https://www.instagram.com/bessiefong
New episodes air every Tuesday. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Join us on this spiritual journey by staying connected:
Watch all episodes on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@spirituality.for.skeptics
Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spirituality.for.skeptics
and
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@spirituality.forskeptics
Join Nicole’s Substack https://nicolerspencer.substack.com/
Who should Nicole interview next? Share your thoughts with us at
hello@spiritualityforskeptics.com
ABOUT THE GUEST:
At 5, Brent Atwater’s unique psychic abilities as a Medical intuitive, energy healer and medium were documented by Duke University’s Dr. J.B. Rhine (the founder of parapsychology) in his Extra Sensory Perception pilot study.She graduated from Hollins University with degrees in Art and Creative Writing and attended Wake Forest Law School.
After her fiancé was killed in a car crash, Brent says “my Gifts took over my life.” Brent Atwater has the extraordinary Gift to look at and see inside any pet or person’s body like a “Human MRI,” (which is the nickname given to her by Dr. Larry Burke and Dr. Laurance Johnstone formerly of the National Institute of Health (NIH)) who tested Ms. Atwater’s specialized medical intuitive diagnostic and energy healing skills.
As a pet psychic and animal medium, Ms. Atwater actually sees and talks with your deceased pet’s Spirit. “I talk face to face with Spirit, not through telepathic impressions like an AC who then interprets what your pet is trying to communicate."
You can be located anywhere in the world for her to do a reading! Brent has written 10 books that can be found on Amazon. She has a podcast called Alive Again on Petliferadio.com about animal afterlife.
www.BrentAtwater.com
https://www.instagram.com/brentatwater/
https://www.tiktok.com/@brent.atwater
https://www.youtube.com/@Brentatwater
ABOUT THE HOST:
Nicole Spencer is the host and curator of Spirituality for Skeptics, a show that explores the shift from doubt to belief through raw, transformative conversations. Raised without spirituality or religion, she never expected to find herself on this path. In her mid-30s, mentors and personal experiences opened her to curiosity about the unseen, inspiring her to create a space where others could explore freely without dogma or prescription.
Before launching the show, Nicole built and sold two coaching companies at different stages of her career. Most recently, she scaled a business coaching brand to 8-figures in six years, generating over $13 million in that time. The success was rewarding and she remains grateful for it, but even at the height of achievement she sensed there was something more. Stepping away, she turned her focus to the deeper pursuit of peace, fulfillment, and meaning.
Through unpolished, emotionally honest stories, Spirituality for Skeptics offers a rare space for those who doubt but long to believe.
Tuesday Mar 24, 2026
Tuesday Mar 24, 2026
Most of us view spirituality as outside of ourselves, but Jeffrey Allen’s journey from a software engineer with a top security clearance to a trusted energy healer reveals a profound truth: everything you need is already within you. In this eye-opening conversation, Jeffrey shares how unseen energies, simple practices, and embracing uncertainty can lead to greater fulfillment, health, and clarity—without needing to be perfect or have "special gifts." Whether you're skeptical, busy, or feeling in a strange "in-between" phase of life, this episode will inspire you to trust yourself more, let go of old mental models, and see the extraordinary in the everyday.
Host: Nicole Spencer
Guest: Jeffrey Allen
Executive Producers:
Glenn Milley https://www.instagram.com/goforglenn
and
Bessie Fong https://www.instagram.com/bessiefong
New episodes air every Tuesday. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Join us on this spiritual journey by staying connected:
Watch all episodes on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@spirituality.for.skeptics
Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spirituality.for.skeptics
and
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@spirituality.forskeptics
Join Nicole’s Substack https://nicolerspencer.substack.com/
Who should Nicole interview next? Share your thoughts with us at
hello@spiritualityforskeptics.com
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Jeffrey Allen's popular ‘Duality’ energy training and masterclass with Mindvalley has introduced more than 1 million people worldwide to the exciting world of personal energy healing.
Before his success in online energy training, Jeffrey spent a decade traveling the world, teaching hundreds of live workshops on intuition, energy healing, and mediumship, and working with thousands of private clients in their personal growth and healing.
It was during these travels that Jeffrey met Hisami in Japan, not as her teacher but as her soon to be husband, apprentice and co-founder of Spirit Mind Living, Inc.
'Awakening Your Spirit Mind' is Jeffrey and Hisami’s signature training for reconnecting with your true essence, remembering how your consciousness truly works, and opening yourself to a whole new way of living.
Jeffrey and Hisami currently live in Tokyo, supporting their growing Spirit Mind community and helping shift global consciousness from scarcity and fear into fullness and love.
Learn about Jeffrey at www.IAMJeffreyAllen.com Meet Jeffrey & Hisami at www.SpiritMind.com
ABOUT THE HOST:
Nicole Spencer is the host and curator of Spirituality for Skeptics, a show that explores the shift from doubt to belief through raw, transformative conversations. Raised without spirituality or religion, she never expected to find herself on this path. In her mid-30s, mentors and personal experiences opened her to curiosity about the unseen, inspiring her to create a space where others could explore freely without dogma or prescription.
Before launching the show, Nicole built and sold two coaching companies at different stages of her career. Most recently, she scaled a business coaching brand to 8-figures in six years, generating over $13 million in that time. The success was rewarding and she remains grateful for it, but even at the height of achievement she sensed there was something more. Stepping away, she turned her focus to the deeper pursuit of peace, fulfillment, and meaning.
Through unpolished, emotionally honest stories, Spirituality for Skeptics offers a rare space for those who doubt but long to believe.
Tuesday Mar 17, 2026
Tuesday Mar 17, 2026
Nicole is joined by Dr. Eben Alexander, a neurosurgeon turned spiritual pioneer, who unveils how his near-death experience shattered scientific dogmas and transformed our understanding of reality. This episode delves into his extraordinary journey from a life-threatening illness to a spiritual voyage that defies materialist science, revealing a universe rooted in love and interconnectedness. Discover groundbreaking evidence supporting an afterlife, the role of quantum physics in consciousness, and profound lessons about unconditional love and shared purpose. Perfect for skeptics and believers alike, this conversation invites you to expand your perspective and embrace a higher purpose, blending scientific validation with spiritual awakening.
Host: Nicole Spencer
Guest: Dr. Eben Alexander
Executive Producers:
Glenn Milley https://www.instagram.com/goforglenn
and
Bessie Fong https://www.instagram.com/bessiefong
New episodes air every Tuesday. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Join us on this spiritual journey by staying connected:
Watch all episodes on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@spirituality.for.skeptics
Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spirituality.for.skeptics
and
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@spirituality.forskeptics
Join Nicole’s Substack https://nicolerspencer.substack.com/
Who should Nicole interview next? Share your thoughts with us at
hello@spiritualityforskeptics.com
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Dr. Eben Alexander III was an academic neurosurgeon for over 25 years, including 15 years at the Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School in Boston. He was once staunchly committed to the materialist world view -- the belief that the physical world is all that exists. His scientific belief system was altered by his 2008 transcendental near-death experience (NDE), an odyssey into another realm during a week-long coma. Despite a bleak medical prognosis, Dr. Alexander awoke to make an inexplicable return to full health. His medical case and recovery were validated in the peer-reviewed Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease. Since his NDE, Dr. Alexander has been reconciling his rich spiritual experience with quantum physics, cosmology and the philosophy of mind. Dr. Alexander speaks around the world to educate about the role that consciousness plays in wellness, healing and recovery.
A pioneering scientist and modern thought leader, Dr. Alexander has been featured in more than
400 media interviews including for ABC-TV’s Good Morning America and 20/20, The Dr. Oz
Show, Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday, Larry King Now, Fox and Friends, Discovery Channel,
Biography Channel and numerous international radio, digital and podcasts.
His books are available in more than 40 countries: Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife, The Map of Heaven: How Science, Religion, and Ordinary People Are Proving the Afterlife, and Living in a Mindful Universe: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Heart of Consciousness, co-authored with Sacred Acoustics co-founder Karen Newell.
http://EbenAlexander.com
https://www.instagram.com/ebenalex3md
ABOUT THE HOST:
Nicole Spencer is the host and curator of Spirituality for Skeptics, a show that explores the shift from doubt to belief through raw, transformative conversations. Raised without spirituality or religion, she never expected to find herself on this path. In her mid-30s, mentors and personal experiences opened her to curiosity about the unseen, inspiring her to create a space where others could explore freely without dogma or prescription.
Before launching the show, Nicole built and sold two coaching companies at different stages of her career. Most recently, she scaled a business coaching brand to 8-figures in six years, generating over $13 million in that time. The success was rewarding and she remains grateful for it, but even at the height of achievement she sensed there was something more. Stepping away, she turned her focus to the deeper pursuit of peace, fulfillment, and meaning.
Through unpolished, emotionally honest stories, Spirituality for Skeptics offers a rare space for those who doubt but long to believe.
Tuesday Mar 10, 2026
Tuesday Mar 10, 2026
In this deeply moving episode, Nicole Spencer sits down with Cesar Cardona, a meditation guide and public speaker, to explore his extraordinary journey from a tumultuous childhood to finding peace through Buddhism. Cesar shares how his early life was marked by violence and isolation, leading him into a world of gangs and crime. Yet, through a series of transformative experiences, including a near-death encounter and a profound spiritual awakening, Cesar discovered the power of mindfulness and compassion. Join us as we delve into Cesar's story of resilience, redemption, and the pursuit of inner peace, offering listeners a powerful reminder of the potential for change and growth within us all.
Host: Nicole Spencer
Guest: Cesar Cardona
Executive Producers:
Glenn Milley https://www.instagram.com/goforglenn
and
Bessie Fong https://www.instagram.com/bessiefong
New episodes air every Tuesday. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Join us on this spiritual journey by staying connected:
Watch all episodes on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@spirituality.for.skeptics
Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spirituality.for.skeptics
and
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@spirituality.forskeptics
Join Nicole’s Substack https://nicolerspencer.substack.com/
Who should Nicole interview next? Share your thoughts with us at
hello@spiritualityforskeptics.com
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Cesar Cardona is a public speaker and mindfulness educator whose work centers on resilience, inclusion, and social unification. He grew up in a household marked by violence and abandonment, the child of a Spanish Republican father from New York and a Black Democrat mother from the South. Two worlds that rarely spoke the same language, yet shaped his understanding of difference, survival, and the power of perspective.
Now certified in mindfulness through Rice University and trained by Sri Lankan and Tibetan Buddhist monks, Cesar teaches a framework he developed called Growth Mindfulness: a blend of inner stillness and outer action that helps individuals and communities navigate change without losing their center.
His talks and workshops are built for people doing hard things, people who care deeply, carry a lot, and are looking for tools that are simple, usable, and grounded in lived experience.
As a Buddhist, a former musician, and a bonus parent to a non-binary child , Cesar’s approach is as compassionate as it is practical. He works with nonprofits, educators, civic leaders, and creatives across the country to bring people together in spaces where difference is honored and collective wellbeing is the goal.
Check out Cesar’s podcast Beauty in the Break: https://linktr.ee/beautyinthebreak
http://www.cesarcardona.com/
https://www.instagram.com/_cesarcardona
www.youtube.com/@CesarCardonaSpeaker
ABOUT THE HOST:
Nicole Spencer is the host and curator of Spirituality for Skeptics, a show that explores the shift from doubt to belief through raw, transformative conversations. Raised without spirituality or religion, she never expected to find herself on this path. In her mid-30s, mentors and personal experiences opened her to curiosity about the unseen, inspiring her to create a space where others could explore freely without dogma or prescription.
Before launching the show, Nicole built and sold two coaching companies at different stages of her career. Most recently, she scaled a business coaching brand to 8-figures in six years, generating over $13 million in that time. The success was rewarding and she remains grateful for it, but even at the height of achievement she sensed there was something more. Stepping away, she turned her focus to the deeper pursuit of peace, fulfillment, and meaning.
Through unpolished, emotionally honest stories, Spirituality for Skeptics offers a rare space for those who doubt but long to believe.
Tuesday Mar 03, 2026
Tuesday Mar 03, 2026
We’ve got a secret. Can you keep it? Join us for an enlightening conversation with award-winning actress Lesley Fera, best known for her role as Veronica Hastings on "Pretty Little Liars." In this episode, Lesley opens up about her journey from a religious upbringing to embracing a more metaphysical perspective on spirituality. Discover how her experiences have shaped her artistic work and personal life, and explore the themes of trust, surrender, and the interconnectedness of all beings. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this episode offers profound insights into the spiritual dimensions of art and life.
Host: Nicole Spencer
Guest: Lesley Fera
Executive Producers:
Glenn Milley https://www.instagram.com/goforglenn
and
Bessie Fong https://www.instagram.com/bessiefong
New episodes air every Tuesday. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Join us on this spiritual journey by staying connected:
Watch all episodes on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@spirituality.for.skeptics
Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spirituality.for.skeptics
and
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@spirituality.forskeptics
Join Nicole’s Substack https://nicolerspencer.substack.com/
Who should Nicole interview next? Share your thoughts with us at
hello@spiritualityforskeptics.com
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Lesley Fera is a Native Californian whose creative work spans several mediums,
including theatre, television, and film. Her passion for screenwriting blossomed
during her three-decade acting career, where she appeared in some of television’s
biggest hits—including PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, 24, and SOUTHLAND. A “Black List
Recommended” writer, Fera’s work centers on flawed, unimportant souls with huge,
wounded hearts at the edge of things. Her writing has been recognized by Script
Pipeline, Final Draft’s Big Break, Roadmap Writers, TrackingB, ScreenCraft, PAGE, and
Stowe Story Labs. Fera has advanced in two network fellowships: the NBC/Universal
Launch TV Writers Program (Semifinalist) and the Warner Bros. TV Workshop (Finalist).
She has had development meetings with notable companies, including Thunder
Road Pictures, Eat the Cat, Weed Road Pictures, Echo Lake Entertainment, MarVista,
and FOX Entertainment. A proud member of SAG/AFTRA and ACTORS’ EQUITY
ASSOCIATION, she has a BA from CSU, Fullerton, and an MFA from Florida State
University Asolo Conservatory. Fera is repped by Jeff Portnoy at Bellevue.
Learn more about Lesley’s upcoming film GRACE here:
https://www.cinematographyforactors.com/fiscally-sponsored-projects/grace
https://www.instagram.com/mslesleyfera
ABOUT THE HOST:
Nicole Spencer is the host and curator of Spirituality for Skeptics, a show that explores the shift from doubt to belief through raw, transformative conversations. Raised without spirituality or religion, she never expected to find herself on this path. In her mid-30s, mentors and personal experiences opened her to curiosity about the unseen, inspiring her to create a space where others could explore freely without dogma or prescription.
Before launching the show, Nicole built and sold two coaching companies at different stages of her career. Most recently, she scaled a business coaching brand to 8-figures in six years, generating over $13 million in that time. The success was rewarding and she remains grateful for it, but even at the height of achievement she sensed there was something more. Stepping away, she turned her focus to the deeper pursuit of peace, fulfillment, and meaning.
Through unpolished, emotionally honest stories, Spirituality for Skeptics offers a rare space for those who doubt but long to believe.
Tuesday Feb 24, 2026
Tuesday Feb 24, 2026
Join us for an inspiring journey with Dani Reardon, a former world-class bodybuilder turned spiritual guide. In this episode, Dani shares her transformative path from the competitive world of bodybuilding to embracing spirituality through plant medicine and sound healing. Discover how her experiences in Peru and her connection with the land have shaped her understanding of prayer and personal growth. Dani's story is a testament to the power of trust, surrender, and the pursuit of authenticity. Tune in to explore the convergence of science and spirituality, and learn how Dani's unique journey can inspire your own path to self-discovery.
Host: Nicole Spencer
Guest: Dani Reardon
Executive Producers:
Glenn Milley https://www.instagram.com/goforglenn
and
Bessie Fong https://www.instagram.com/bessiefong
New episodes air every Tuesday. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Join us on this spiritual journey by staying connected:
Watch all episodes on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@spirituality.for.skeptics
Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spirituality.for.skeptics
and
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@spirituality.forskeptics
Join Nicole’s Substack https://nicolerspencer.substack.com/
Who should Nicole interview next? Share your thoughts with us at
hello@spiritualityforskeptics.com
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Dani Reardon is a sound practitioner, yoga teacher, and ceremony facilitator from Cape Cod. What she loves is holding space, and creating meaningful engaging experiences for people to unfold and learn more about themselves in. What she loves even more, is getting to connect with so many amazing people as she gets to do what she loves. Dani has been studying these modalities consistently for over 6 years, and frequently travels to Peru and Arizona to work with her teachers, the medicines, sound, and people she gets to take on retreat. Dani is also part of an organization called the Huachuma Foundation, where they are dedicated to educating, preserving, and cultivating the sacred Huachuma cactus. They have an annual retreat to the Sacred Valley and Huachuma sanctuary, a Plant More Worry Less Podcast, Huachuma Foundation swag, and a growing community of supportive cactus families to share this vision and special ceremony moments with.
Dani is also very passionate about the work she gets to do with sound. Being able to serve the medicine of sound while hosting various kinds of events and ceremonies to many different populations, but especially for the elderly, really lights her up so much these days. Above all else, and first, you can view Dani as a sister, a friend.
https://www.instagram.com/dani.reardon
https://www.instagram.com/huachumafoundation
www.huachumafoundation.org
ABOUT THE HOST:
Nicole Spencer is the host and curator of Spirituality for Skeptics, a show that explores the shift from doubt to belief through raw, transformative conversations. Raised without spirituality or religion, she never expected to find herself on this path. In her mid-30s, mentors and personal experiences opened her to curiosity about the unseen, inspiring her to create a space where others could explore freely without dogma or prescription.
Before launching the show, Nicole built and sold two coaching companies at different stages of her career. Most recently, she scaled a business coaching brand to 8-figures in six years, generating over $13 million in that time. The success was rewarding and she remains grateful for it, but even at the height of achievement she sensed there was something more. Stepping away, she turned her focus to the deeper pursuit of peace, fulfillment, and meaning.
Through unpolished, emotionally honest stories, Spirituality for Skeptics offers a rare space for those who doubt but long to believe.
Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
Discover the secret to true health with Dr. Christian Gonzalez as he reveals how reconnecting with your body and soul can transform your wellbeing. In this episode, explore the profound link between embodiment and spiritual purpose, and learn how societal pressures and childhood patterns disconnect us from our true selves. Dr. Gonzalez shares practical tools for reclaiming resilience through somatic awareness and daily practices like nature walks and creative expression. Perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, this episode guides you to break free from mental chaos and live authentically. Join us to unlock your body's innate healing power and embrace a more grounded, joyful existence.
Host: Nicole Spencer
Guest: Dr. Christian Gonzalez
Executive Producers:
Glenn Milley https://www.instagram.com/goforglenn
and
Bessie Fong https://www.instagram.com/bessiefong
New episodes air every Tuesday. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Join us on this spiritual journey by staying connected:
Watch all episodes on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@spirituality.for.skeptics
Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spirituality.for.skeptics
and
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@spirituality.forskeptics
Join Nicole’s Substack https://nicolerspencer.substack.com/
Who should Nicole interview next? Share your thoughts with us at
hello@spiritualityforskeptics.com
ABOUT THE GUEST:
“Dr. G” blends naturopathic medicine with holistic education, helping others uncover the root causes of illness while teaching practical steps for sustainable health. His approach emphasizes lifestyle medicine, natural therapies, and empowering individuals to take charge of their wellness.
https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gonzalez
ABOUT THE HOST:
Nicole Spencer is the host and curator of Spirituality for Skeptics, a show that explores the shift from doubt to belief through raw, transformative conversations. Raised without spirituality or religion, she never expected to find herself on this path. In her mid-30s, mentors and personal experiences opened her to curiosity about the unseen, inspiring her to create a space where others could explore freely without dogma or prescription.
Before launching the show, Nicole built and sold two coaching companies at different stages of her career. Most recently, she scaled a business coaching brand to 8-figures in six years, generating over $13 million in that time. The success was rewarding and she remains grateful for it, but even at the height of achievement she sensed there was something more. Stepping away, she turned her focus to the deeper pursuit of peace, fulfillment, and meaning.
Through unpolished, emotionally honest stories, Spirituality for Skeptics offers a rare space for those who doubt but long to believe.
Tuesday Feb 10, 2026
Tuesday Feb 10, 2026
Unlock a new perspective on reality with Dana Kippel as we explore the mysterious science and spirituality of plasma. Discover how plasma, more than just a fourth state of matter, acts as a living, multi-dimensional ether that shapes consciousness and reality. Dana shares her journey from meditative downloads to theories about plasma as an intelligent field that collaborates with consciousness, reflecting our subconscious and influencing our spiritual evolution. This episode is perfect for anyone questioning reality, seeking deeper connections with the unseen, or eager to explore where science and spirituality merge. Don't miss this chance to shift your worldview and unlock your human potential…it may be just the thing you have been looking for.
Host: Nicole Spencer
Guest: Dana Kippel
Executive Producers:
Glenn Milley https://www.instagram.com/goforglenn
and
Bessie Fong https://www.instagram.com/bessiefong
New episodes air every Tuesday. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Join us on this spiritual journey by staying connected:
Watch all episodes on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@spirituality.for.skeptics
Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spirituality.for.skeptics
and
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@spirituality.forskeptics
Join Nicole’s Substack https://nicolerspencer.substack.com/
Who should Nicole interview next? Share your thoughts with us at
hello@spiritualityforskeptics.com
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Dana Kippel is an author, speaker, filmmaker, and futurist pioneering the study of plasma intelligence and consciousness. Her best selling book is A New Force: Plasma, Consciousness, and the New Human Potential.
Her work bridges science, spirituality, and mental health, inspiring millions through her writing, speaking, and social media presence. Her mission is to empower people, to remind them they are never alone, and to re-spark their curiosity in the magic of life.
She is the founder Metaphysical Mysterium, a series of live workshops & groups fusing the science of higher consciousness, human magic, and mental health.
Check out Dana's Podcast HEART SNACKS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-snacks-candy-for-your-soul/id1844927834
http://danakippel.com
https://www.instagram.com/dana.thealien
https://www.tiktok.com/@danakippel
https://www.youtube.com/@plasmaintelligence
Tuesday Feb 03, 2026
Tuesday Feb 03, 2026
This is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Join Nicole as she delves into a profound conversation with Christa Ovenell, who refers to herself as Death's Apprentice. In this episode, Christa shares her unique journey from a career in education to becoming a licensed funeral director and end-of-life doula. Discover the importance of embracing conversations about death, the misconceptions surrounding embalming, and the emotional depth of working in death care. Christa's insights challenge societal norms and encourage listeners to reflect on their own end-of-life plans. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that promises to change the way you view life's final chapter and consider what preparations you can start discussions with your loved ones about, no matter one’s age.
Host: Nicole Spencer
Guest: Christa Ovenell
Executive Producers:
Glenn Milley https://www.instagram.com/goforglenn
and
Bessie Fong https://www.instagram.com/bessiefong
New episodes air every Tuesday. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Join us on this spiritual journey by staying connected:
Watch all episodes on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@spirituality.for.skeptics
Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spirituality.for.skeptics
and
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@spirituality.forskeptics
Join Nicole’s Substack https://nicolerspencer.substack.com/
Who should Nicole interview next? Share your thoughts with us at
hello@spiritualityforskeptics.com
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Christa Ovenell is a community educator, licensed funeral director, and end-of-life doula, and the founder of Death’s Apprentice Education & Planning. A simple message underpins all her work: death is part of life, and it's time we started treating it that way.
Christa is known for her grounded, approachable way of talking about death and dying: never sensationalizing the subject, just using these conversations as an essential tool for living well. She supports individuals, families, workplaces, and communities to think ahead, talk openly, and prepare thoughtfully for illness, aging, and death. Her approach is neither clinical nor abstract; it is rooted in real-world experience, deep listening, and a belief that informed choice and human connection can dramatically reduce fear and distress.
With a background that spans adult education, funeral service, and hospitality, Christa brings professional expertise and lived understanding to her work. She is particularly interested in “living loss,” dementia, home death, grief-aware workplaces, and values-based end-of-life planning. She also mentors emerging death doulas and educators, offering an honest counterpoint to overly romanticized narratives about death work, and emphasizing sustainable, community-centered models of care.
At the heart of Christa’s work is a simple but radical idea: that death literacy is a form of collective care. By normalizing conversations about mortality, legacy, and care, she helps people reclaim agency, reduce unnecessary suffering, and show up for one another with more confidence and compassion.
Whether she’s facilitating a workshop, speaking to a room full of leaders, supporting a family through incapacity/end-of-life planning, or advocating for greener end-of-life options, Christa creates spaces that are thoughtful, spacious, and deeply human. She is known for balancing seriousness with light humour and profound warmth, and for always making room for both darkness and light.
Christa lives and works in Vancouver, British Columbia, and offers her programs throughout North America.
www.deathsapprentice.ca
https://www.instagram.com/deathsapprentice.ca/
ABOUT THE HOST:
Nicole Spencer is the host and curator of Spirituality for Skeptics, a show that explores the shift from doubt to belief through raw, transformative conversations. Raised without spirituality or religion, she never expected to find herself on this path. In her mid-30s, mentors and personal experiences opened her to curiosity about the unseen, inspiring her to create a space where others could explore freely without dogma or prescription.
Before launching the show, Nicole built and sold two coaching companies at different stages of her career. Most recently, she scaled a business coaching brand to 8-figures in six years, generating over $13 million in that time. The success was rewarding and she remains grateful for it, but even at the height of achievement she sensed there was something more. Stepping away, she turned her focus to the deeper pursuit of peace, fulfillment, and meaning.
Through unpolished, emotionally honest stories, Spirituality for Skeptics offers a rare space for those who doubt but long to believe.
Tuesday Jan 27, 2026
Tuesday Jan 27, 2026
Tired of not getting what you want? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Paula Swope, author of "Thought Snob," as she shares her transformative journey from a life constrained by societal norms to one of empowerment and spiritual awakening. Discover how Paula's experiences with emotional intelligence, mindful awareness, and living in faith have shaped her unique perspective on life. From her upbringing in rural Kentucky to her profound realizations about spirituality and personal growth, Paula's story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and resilience. Tune in to explore the concepts of algorithmic spirituality, primordial sound meditation, and universal uprootings, and learn how these ideas can inspire your own path to a better life.
Host: Nicole Spencer
Guest: Paula Swope
Executive Producers:
Glenn Milley https://www.instagram.com/goforglenn
and
Bessie Fong https://www.instagram.com/bessiefong
New episodes air every Tuesday. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
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ABOUT THE GUEST:
Paula Swope is what happens when a sharp mind meets a spiritual mission—think scholar in Gucci shades and 4” Jimmy Choos. She’s the author of Thought SNOB: The Modern Spiritual Playbook For A Better Life, host of The Thought Snob Podcast, Founder & CEO of Spiritual Power & Alchemy (SPA) Retreats, and the unapologetically relatable voice behind a movement that teaches people to stop living in lies and start thinking for themselves. Her followers (over 300K) call her the most relatable self-help author—and they mean it.
Before building a business that helps people heal, manifest, and rise, Paula raised $60 million for underserved communities. Now, she raises consciousness. In addition to her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, she’s a Chopra-certified coach, a disruptor of disempowering narratives, and a soul-first entrepreneur who believes healing should be raw, funny, and backed by science. Her mission is to inform and educate soul seekers about nontraditional pathways to healing and success. Whether teaching at a retreat or visiting Graceland (you never know where you’ll see her), Paula is living proof that self-empowerment can be equal parts depth and edge.
http://PaulaSwope.com
https://www.instagram.com/thepaulaswope
https://www.tiktok.com/@pbswope111
ABOUT THE HOST:
Nicole Spencer is the host and curator of Spirituality for Skeptics, a show that explores the shift from doubt to belief through raw, transformative conversations. Raised without spirituality or religion, she never expected to find herself on this path. In her mid-30s, mentors and personal experiences opened her to curiosity about the unseen, inspiring her to create a space where others could explore freely without dogma or prescription.
Before launching the show, Nicole built and sold two coaching companies at different stages of her career. Most recently, she scaled a business coaching brand to 8-figures in six years, generating over $13 million in that time. The success was rewarding and she remains grateful for it, but even at the height of achievement she sensed there was something more. Stepping away, she turned her focus to the deeper pursuit of peace, fulfillment, and meaning.
Through unpolished, emotionally honest stories, Spirituality for Skeptics offers a rare space for those who doubt but long to believe.