Always Be True

Episode 9: Conquering Serious Adversity w/ Otter & Meredith Sliter

Sometimes life redirects us in extreme ways. Just a week before their wedding, Otter Sliter was nearly killed by a drunk driver while riding his motorcycle home from work. A man of light and peace, he shares his experience of not only his time in between realms in the hospital, and his journey of recovery, but also his awakening experiences in this life. 
Otter and Meredith both join us to talk about their experience in working through this process, dealing with extreme pain, grief, and loss, but the incredible gifts that have also come with it. Every day is special and sacred.
Support Otter and Meredith on their GofundMe page: https://gofund.me/43daceae
Support Derek's Album on his GofundMe page: https://gofund.me/3e3d9629
 
 

Episode 8: Addiction, Sobriety, and Finding True Joy w/ Elan Hardy

What a pleasure to sit down with a very dear friend.
Elan Hardy, AKA @joy_reignition_specialist ,  truly embodies the energy of having been through serious challenge in life to arrive to victory. Having conquered addiction of multiple substances, she now enjoys having a beautiful family, lifestyle, and community. 
Elan helps people in recovery to find true joy in themselves, allowing them to be happily free from substances. 
Here, we explore the topics of addiction, alcohol, and Elan's riveting journey to sobriety. 
I would like all viewers to know that I used to drink alcohol and did have some enjoyable times with it, and hold no judgement towards those who drink or use, but simply compassion to find what is best for them. Additionally, Elan's father is an incredible friend and grandfather to her children. Our pasts shape us, but do not define us. 
Follow Elan on Instagram!
https://www.instagram.com/joy_reignition_specialist
Watch the Episode on Youtube!
https://youtu.be/JxxT3uSQInA

Episode 7: Growing through Pain and Loss w/ Dominique Linden

Dominique Linden, a newly self-published author of 'Such Pretty Pain: Inviting our Darkest Moments into Light' joins today to invite a conversation of vulnerability. 
Both of us had the opportunity to explore some deep parts of ourselves. With courage, Dominique shares some of her challenging past, living through the loss of her mother and grandmother, and how that led to her being able to become sober and internally-sourced. 
I appreciated the opportunity to be listened to as well, voicing some of my challenges in relationship and finding myself. Thank you, Dominique.
Order a copy of her book here: 'Such Pretty Pain: Inviting our Darkest Moments into Light'
And follow Dominique on Instagram here: Dominique Linden (@dominiqueofthewaters) • Instagram photos and videos
 
Note: This was our first run on Zoom and we will work to improve the quality for the future! Thanks for your understanding :)

Ep 6: Harnessing the Power of Creativity w/ Skylar Bixby

Skylar Bixby is a modern-day poet and story-teller. Over the last decade, Skylar has remained constant in developing his connection to the muse through the medium of the word. His use of the word to weave inner experience and move the listener is truly palpable. I could feel tingles as he read his poetry during this episode. 
Please enjoy this episode where we dive deep into the creative process, the artist in the modern world, and the spiritual nature of creativity with my dear friend, Skylar Bixby.
Follow Skylar on IG:
@sky.db.poetry
@skybix_

Ep 4: Healing Trauma, and The Other Side w/ Valkrie

Valkrie, a local Santa Cruz musician and I met at the local open mic night at the Melomelo Kava Lounge. I was struck by her story as someone who had survived a nearly fatal car accident, dealt with other challenging situations in life, helped multiple people avoid taking their own lives, and had seen a glimpse of the other side. Enjoy our conversation as we talk about life, the beyond, and a unique trauma healing exercise at the end. 

Ep 3: Feminine, Masculine, and God w/ Shekina Shesepankh

What a delight to welcome our first guest to Always Be True, Shekina Shesepankh. Shekina is an Artist, Musician, and Author of her recently published 'To: Yang, Love: Yin' a collection of devotional poems in support of relational harmony of the divine feminine and masculine forces. 
Shekina has struck me as someone with a deep spiritual connection and the ability to bring teachings through the word in a special illuminating way. I had multiple epiphanies during our conversation as we explored the balance of the masculine and feminine, the definition of God, and how to get closer to source. 
Follow Shekina and buy her book:
Shekina Shesepankh (@shekinasounds) • Instagram photos and videos
And buy her Book: To: Yang, Love: Yin 
 
References:The Sophia CodeThe Shack *NOT based on a true story* 
David Hawkins Calibrated reading list
Wayne Dyer - You Are God
Sri Ramana Maharshi - Quotes on "God"
 
 
 
 

Ep 2: Right Place, Right Time & Faith

In this episode I speak about the truth of "You are always in the right place at the right time" a thought frame that has significantly improved the quality of my experience in life. Why think that life should be any way other than the way it is? This only creates resistance and suffering. This connects with the concept of "faith" which is generally applied through the perception of time and ascribed to the future. However, when we collapse the concept of faith down to the present moment and remove all material content, faith becomes simply the thought "it's all ok." Enjoy! I don't know anything, I just like to speak and I love you, unconditionally.
 
References:
Mark Manson - "The Subtle Art of not Giving a F*ck"
David Hawkins - "The Eye of the I" 
Michael Singer - "The Untethered Soul"
Eckhart Tolle - "The Power of Now"
Lawrence of Arabia - "The Trick, William Potter, is not minding that it hurts" 
Quotes from The Bible: Matthew 10:30 "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered"Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own"
 

Episode 1: Truth and Love

Hello Dear Friend,
I hope you enjoy this first episode of the Always Be True podcast. As the purpose of this podcast is to uplift all, I share some of my own experience, thoughts, and examinations of truth. The intention here is for you to feel good, and a sense of increased peace as you listen. Relax and Enjoy!
References:
Author - David Hawkins
Tao Te Ching Read by Wayne Dyer