...We Have a Spiritual Problem
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© Jeff Armstrong, Ph.D.
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How do we cultivate a well-centered life in a world that often feels unbalanced? What role does spirituality play in solving today’s personal and collective problems? Drawing from concepts of "well-centered fitness"—Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social wellness—we bring you engaging conversations with experts, thinkers, and everyday people who challenge us to rethink our approaches to health, happiness, and harmony and to deepen your spiritual understanding with open minds.
45 Episodes
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In this conversation, Jeff Armstrong and Lauryn Axelrod explore the themes of free will, choices, and accountability in the context of personal and spiritual growth. They discuss the importance of reflection and transformation, the nature of forgiveness, and the complexities of decision-making in a world filled with false binaries. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of making conscious choices and the impact those choices have on our lives and the world around us.Takeaways:• We often focus on the choices others make rather than our own.• Accountability is crucial for personal growth and societal change.• Forgiveness is about changing the future, not the past.• Every choice we make has the potential to change our lives.• We must navigate the complexities of choices with discernment.• Spiritual growth requires reflection on our decisions.• The cycles of nature reflect the cycles in our lives.• Questioning our beliefs is essential for spiritual evolution.• Empathy and judgment must coexist for healthy relationships.• Our opinions can become attachments that cloud our judgment.
In this episode, we explore the fascinating and sometimes controversial world of psilocybin—yes, the active compound in what many call “magic mushrooms”—and its potential for Spiritual growth, healing, and transformation. Dr. Armstrong shares his recent experience in Colorado, where I was joined by his two guests, Sandi Griffin and Sam Stroman for his first psilocybin journey. Together, they discuss not only the science and Spirituality of psilocybin but also the deeply personal side of encountering the unknown within themselves.To learn more about where you can legally access therapeutic mushrooms:Grow Your Own Thoughts219 E Vermijo Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903https://www.growyourownthoughts.org/
Schools in the United States are at a crossroads—protected, pressured, and often emptied of purpose. In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong examines how cultural trends, psychology, and spiritual imagination collide in modern education. Drawing on Lukianoff & Haidt, Eric Goff, Brian Cranley, Malcolm Gladwell, and Teilhard de Chardin, we consider practical ways to teach resilience, rekindle wonder, and orient learning toward Spiritual evolution.
Anxiety, addiction, and apathy are often seen only as medical or psychological struggles. But what if they are also symptoms of something deeper—a collective spiritual starvation? In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong explores how our modern malaise reveals not just broken psyches, but a fractured relationship with meaning, connection, and transcendence. Drawing on Carl Jung, Gabor Maté, Parker Palmer, Dr. Robb Kelly, Lauryn Axelrod, and the dangers of spiritual bypassing, this conversation reframes mental health crises as spiritual signals, pointing us toward wholeness, integration, and the possibility of a more deeply human life.
We are told that loneliness is an epidemic. But what if loneliness isn’t the real problem? What if it is only a symptom of something deeper? In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong explores why our ache for connection is spiritual at its core. Drawing on Teilhard de Chardin’s vision of the Omega Point, the mystery of quantum entanglement, and practical frameworks like the SPIES model, Jeff unpacks how we can move beyond surface-level connection into relationships that truly form us. From the “magic wand question” to the six degrees of separation, this episode invites listeners to rediscover what it means to belong, to be known, and to take part in a greater story of Spiritual evolution.
Science and faith are too often framed as rivals—one claiming reason, the other clinging to belief. But what if they’re both part of the same search for truth, grounded in wonder? In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong is joined by Brian Cranley, biomedical engineer, theologian, and author of The Call of Wonder. Together they explore how discoveries like the Big Bang and evolution can deepen, not diminish, our sense of the sacred. From the Genesis creation narratives to the insights of Greek philosophy, and from the shared traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam to today’s scientific frontiers, Cranley shows how faith and science can be partners in spiritual depth. If you’ve ever wrestled with how to reconcile your curiosity about the universe with your belief in God, this conversation is for you.BUY The Call of Wonder on Amazon and support this podcast: https://amzn.to/45q9Rap.
In a world where artificial minds are emerging alongside human ones, the question of our future is no longer just technological—it’s deeply spiritual. This episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem explores the ethical and existential challenges posed by AI, biotechnology, and transhumanist visions of the future. Drawing on Teilhard de Chardin’s vision of the noosphere, we’ll examine how our collective consciousness is being shaped, for better or worse, by digital interconnectedness. We’ll consider the cost of constant digitaldistraction, the cultivation of contemplative attention, and what it means to remain truly human in an age of artificial intelligence. This is not a conversation about whether technology is good or bad—it’s a call to discern the spiritual path forward.
We’re more “connected” than ever—and yet so many of us feel disconnected from what really matters.In this two-part episode, Dr. Jeff Armstrong sits down with Steven Puri—a Hollywood executive turned tech CEO turned spiritual community builder—to explore what really makes remote work succeed and why most leaders are asking the wrong questions. Drawing on lessons from DreamWorks, 20th Century Fox, Silicon Valley, and his growing community of over 34,000 productivity seekers at The Sukha, Steven unpacks the surprising spiritual truths hidden inside our work habits, team dynamics, and definitions of success.This isn’t another conversation about apps and hacks. It’s about meaning, purpose, human connection—and the deeper question: What are we actually working for?Learn more about Steven Puri and The Sukha Company at https://www.thesukha.co/
We’re more “connected” than ever—and yet so many of us feel disconnected from what really matters.In this two-part episode, Dr. Jeff Armstrong sits down with Steven Puri—a Hollywood executive turned tech CEO turned spiritual community builder—to explore what really makes remote work succeed and why most leaders are asking the wrong questions. Drawing on lessons from DreamWorks, 20th Century Fox, Silicon Valley, and his growing community of over 34,000 productivity seekers at The Sukha, Steven unpacks the surprising spiritual truths hidden inside our work habits, team dynamics, and definitions of success.This isn’t another conversation about apps and hacks. It’s about meaning, purpose, human connection—and the deeper question: What are we actually working for?Learn more about Steven Puri and The Sukha Company at https://www.thesukha.co/
In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong hosts Daniel A. Miller, author of The Way of the Wave: Nature’s Model for Navigating Life’s Currents in an interview that aired previously on The Aging Well Podcast. Daniel shares his journey from a controlling attorney to a reflective author and tennis player at 81. He discusses the importance of feeling good as we age, the inspiration behind The Way of the Wave, and how letting go of control can enhance our lives. Daniel emphasizes the role of nature in teaching acceptance and resilience, and he explores the significance of self-compassion in navigating life's transitions. He also addresses common control patterns and how creativity can provide a sense of purpose in later years. In this conversation, Daniel Miller discusses the importance of balance, moderation, and self-care. He shares insights from his book, emphasizing the need to embrace uncertainty and the value of daily habits that contribute to overall wellbeing. The discussion also touches on the joy of creativity and the significance of allowing oneself to flow with life's challenges rather than trying to control everything.Learn more about Daniel at https://danielamiller.com/about-the-author/BUY The Way of the Wave on Amazon and support this podcast: https://amzn.to/4kXyeka
Protein over Prozac. Skinny as sanctified. Health as holiness. A recent NYT piece traces the rebranding of Christian diet culture—but we’re asking a deeper question: Why do we keep turning the body into a battleground? In this solo episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong unpacks the theological, political, and spiritual layers beneath our obsession with fitness, thinness, and “clean” living. From SPIES to the Cosmic Christ, from Turning Point rallies to Teilhard’s Omega Point, this is a call to stop shrinking, start integrating, and reclaim your body as a sacred commons—because the real crisis isn't about health. It's about meaning.
What if the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—aren’t just Christian ideals, but spiritual truths that transcend any one religion?In this episode of “…We Have a Spiritual Problem,” Dr. Jeff Armstrong explores how these nine virtues, traditionally rooted in Christian scripture, point to universal dimensions of human wholeness and spiritual maturity. Whether you’re religious, spiritual-but-not-religious, or somewhere in between, these are qualities we all need to cultivate—not gifts we wait around to receive.Drawing from psychological insights, ancient traditions, and modern life, this episode unpacks how the fruit of the Spirit offers a roadmap for inner transformation and a challenge to the performance-driven, hyper-individualized culture we live in.
Is living longer really the same as living well? In this thought-provoking episode—featured on both The Aging Well Podcast and …We Have a Spiritual Problem—Dr. Jeff Armstrong challenges the assumptions behind biohacking and modern longevity culture.From Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint to the often-overlooked teachings of Jesuit priest and evolutionary philosopher Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Jeff explores what’s missing in the pursuit of “eternal life”: meaning, connection, and spiritual depth. He critiques the biomechanical and techno-optimistic lens of aging and introduces a more holistic framework—SPIES (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social wellness).If you're tired of quick fixes and quantified health, and you're ready to explore a vision of aging that’s integrated, embodied, and spiritually grounded, this episode offers a powerful alternative. Learn why aging well isn’t just about living longer—but living deeper.
Modern wellness culture promises transformation—if we just track the right metrics, perfect the right routines, and optimize ourselves into enlightenment. But in the rush to biohack our way to better lives, we often miss the deeper truth: wholeness isn’t a performance. It’s a practice.In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, we explore the limits of wellness culture, the commodification of health, and the cost of confusing productivity with presence. From spiritual bypassing to toxic self-help mantras, we unpack why real transformation requires formation, not just performance—and why rituals matter more than routines.This is a conversation for anyone who’s ever felt exhausted by the pressure to improve, and hungry for something more meaningful than metrics.Watch/Listen to this episode and others in their entirety where you get your podcasts:Please, support ‘…We Have a Spiritual Problem’ by hitting the ‘like’ button, subscribing/following the podcast, and sharing with a friend.
What if the ache of loneliness isn’t just emotional—but spiritual? In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, Dr. Jeff Armstrong explores the deep connection between community and the soul. From ancient traditions to modern neuroscience, from monastic rhythms to the digital age’s illusions of connection, we consider how disconnection is more than a mental health crisis—it’s a sacred crisis.Dr. Armstrong reflects on how community isn’t just a convenience—it’s a spiritual necessity. With insights from early Christian models, indigenous practices, and the neuroscience of belonging, this episode offers both context and invitations for those seeking more than surface-level connection.Because we were never meant to do this alone.Please, support …We Have a Spiritual Problem by hitting the ‘like’ button, subscribing/following the podcast, and sharing with a friend.
In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, we explore evolution—not just as a biological process, but as a Spiritual journey of awakening. From ancient mystics to modern philosophers like Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and Philip Goff, we examine the idea that consciousness is not an accident of the brain, but the foundation of reality itself.You’ll learn about:--The spiritual insights of ancient civilizations--Teilhard de Chardin’s theory of evolutionary consciousness and the Omega Point--Philip Goff’s modern defense of panpsychism--Why the “hard problem of consciousness” matters--How the noosphere and technology intersect with Spiritual awakening--What it means to be a Spiritual being—regardless of religious beliefThis episode invites listeners to rethink evolution not just as survival of the fittest, but as the unfolding of Spirit through us. Is the future of humanity not just technological—but transcendent?
In this episode of …We Have a Spiritual Problem, host Jeff Armstrong shares a personal reflection on navigating doubts and discouragement in his journey as a podcaster and in life. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's Purpose, even when it feels unseen, and the impact that can be made on others. Through the philosophy of 'I Am Third', he discusses selflessness and the significance of ‘grattitude’ in Spiritual growth. Dr. Armstrong also explores the nature of faith as a journey of uncertainty and the Cosmic perspective on Purpose, urging listeners to embrace imperfection and be present for others.
In this episode of ...We Have a Spiritual Problem, host Jeff Armstrong explores the profound relationship between Spirituality and the human experience, emphasizing that we are not merely Physical beings but Spiritual entities navigating a complex world. He discusses the intersection of Science and Spirituality, advocating for a holistic approach to wellness that integrates Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social (SPIES) dimensions. The host highlights the importance of recognizing a greater Cosmic Purpose and the need for collective Spiritual evolution in the face of societal challenges. He encourages listeners to embrace their Spiritual nature and to engage actively in their personal and collective growth.Please, support …We Have a Spiritual Problem by hitting the ‘like’ button, subscribing/following the podcast, and sharing with a friend:https://www.youtube.com/@WeHaveASpiritualProblem?sub_confirmation=1https://open.spotify.com/show/4mCCAcY6zGt2JoytSMOmLD?si=45968d95070e4f8ehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-have-a-spiritual-problem/id1788065136
In this episode of ‘…We Have a Spiritual Problem, host Jeff Armstrong shares his Spiritual journey, exploring various faiths and the evolution of his beliefs. He discusses the challenges of reconciling science and faith, the importance of community in Spiritual growth, and the influences that have shaped his understanding of God and Spirituality. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the need for a collective approach to spiritual evolution and love.
In this episode of the ‘…We Have a Spiritual Problem’ podcast, Jeff Armstrong is joined by long-time friend John McGuire in a deep conversation about Spirituality, the nature of God, and the role of suffering in our lives. They explore their personal journeys through a common faith/Church, the impact of relationships, and the importance of compassion and selflessness. The discussion also touches on philosophical perspectives on life, the significance of everyday interactions, and the commonalities that unite us despite differing beliefs. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for unity and the positive impact we can have on others.
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