In this Between Guests reflection, our host pauses in the space between conversations to explore something many of us are quietly carrying: fear — and what lives beneath it.

When the world feels loud, uncertain, and demanding, fear often shows up as urgency, control, and the pressure to fix ourselves or get it right. This piece isn't here to offer solutions. It's here to offer a pause.

Through gentle reflection on listening, trust, wholeness, and presence, this episode invites you to rest for a few minutes in what doesn't need to be solved or improved.

No advice.
No fixing.
Just a quiet place to breathe and listen.

Between guest conversations, Listen To Nothing offers space for reflection.

In this short solo episode, Shukin Mark Moderski shares Not Here To Be Optimized—a reflection on being human in a world that prioritizes productivity, efficiency, and constant self-improvement.

This episode explores:

• Why burnout isn't a character flaw

• How anxiety may be information, not pathology

• The difference between fixing yourself and understanding yourself

• Slowing down enough to hear what's actually happening

• Living from the inside out

This is not a system, a method, or a set of steps.

It's a reminder.

You are not a malfunctioning machine.
Your worth is not measured by output.
And clarity begins when we stop performing and start listening.

This is not self-help.
This is self-remembering.

In Episode 9 of Listen to Nothing, I'm joined by Alan Cohen, https://www.alancohen.com , beloved author of 33 books including A Course in Miracles Made Easy. Alan describes himself as "a spiritual being going through a material experience" and shares the timeless message at the heart of his work: life flows best when we relax, trust, and choose love over fear.

In this conversation we explore:

• Recognizing the different voices of love and fear — and choosing love

• The difference between judgment and discernment

• Why being fully present and truly listening is a rare and healing gift

• How spiritual practice is less about chasing enlightenment moments and more about openness and purification

Alan's wisdom is a reminder that we are spiritual beings first, and that every moment offers us the chance to choose again.

✨ Listen to Nothing is a podcast about honest, vulnerable conversations with extraordinary people, exploring spirituality, mindfulness, and what really matters in today's world

✨ Learn more about Alan and his work at https://www.alancohen.com

In Episode 8 of the Listen to Nothing podcast, Shukin Mark welcomes Miwa Mack, founder of the Boulder Psychic Institute https://boulderpsychicinstitute.org, for a captivating conversation about what it truly means to be psychic. Together, they explore the world of intuition and energy, diving into the "Clairs"—clairvoyance, clairsentience, clairaudience, and claircognizance—and how these abilities play a role in our everyday lives.

Miwa explains her belief that everyone has the potential to develop psychic abilities, starting from infancy when we naturally read energy. She highlights the importance of self-work, clearing out personal "sludge," and cultivating authenticity to unlock our full intuitive potential.

Throughout the episode, Miwa shares her inspiring journey, answers thought-provoking questions, and provides insights that will resonate with skeptics and believers alike. Whether you're curious about psychic abilities or seeking to deepen your self-awareness, this episode offers a fresh and accessible perspective on unlocking your intuitive power.

In this episode of Listen To Nothing, I sit down with Ally Schillinger, an extraordinary waterwoman with a deep passion for the ocean. Ally shares her journey from competitive swimming to exploring the world of surfing and long-distance paddling. We dive into her love for the water, the challenges she's faced, and the unique perspective she brings to life through her connection with the ocean. Whether you're an ocean enthusiast or simply curious about the world of competitive water sports, this conversation is sure to inspire.

n this enlightening episode of "Listen To Nothing," we sit down with my neighbor Bo, Greg Bowman, an esteemed educator and author, to explore the profound impact of joy in the classroom. Bo shares his journey into teaching, his unique philosophy of 'staying green,' and the inspiration behind his beloved books, "Leilani Blessed and Grateful" and "Teaching Joy: Creating a Joyful Middle School Classroom." Join us as we delve into the transformative power of joy, the importance of continual growth and learning, and the extraordinary wisdom of an ordinary man who has dedicated his life to making a difference in education.

In this episode of "Listen To Nothing," we dive deep into the life and practice of Shinko Andreas Hagn, founder and teacher of Daijihi, a Soto Zen sangha in Vienna, Austria. Shinko shares his transformative journey to Zen, detailing his beginnings in 2009, his ordination as a Zen priest in 2019, and his profound work as a prison chaplain and with the homeless community.

Our conversation uncovers the demons Shinko has faced and how he uses them as "compost" for his spiritual growth. We explore our shared lineage in the Dharma and reflect on my personal experiences training in Japan as a Zen monk. Join us for an inspiring discussion on the power of great compassion, mindfulness, and the interconnectedness of all beings.

In this episode of "Listen to Nothing," we sit down with the extraordinary Jeremy Morgan, a renowned artist and educator with over three decades of teaching experience at the San Francisco Art Institute. Join us as we delve into Jeremy's profound insights on the intersection of art, art history, and spirituality. We share personal anecdotes that highlight the transformative power of art in our lives. Discover how art can be a practice, a way of life, and a path to spiritual enlightenment. This conversation is a deep dive into the essence of creativity and its impact on our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Don't miss this enlightening discussion with an artist who sees beyond the canvas.