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The Defiant Spirit is Dr. Rabbi Baruch HaLevi’s podcast about discovering deeper meaning, cultivating greater resilience and realizing our true purpose in life - inspired by the work of Dr.Viktor Frankl, author of ”Man‘s Search For Meaning,” and founder of Logotherapy, (meaning-centered psychotherapy, together with Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical tradition and the Enneagram, an ancient, psycho-spiritual roadmap.
Episodes
21 hours ago
21 hours ago
In this conversation, Baruch HaLevi discusses the importance of asking questions and being open to learning and growth. He emphasizes that communication is about listening and understanding, rather than inserting our own opinions and judgments. Baruch shares how the Passover Seder, a Jewish ritual meal, is centered around asking questions and engaging in meaningful dialogue. He also highlights the need to approach conversations with curiosity and a willingness to challenge our assumptions. Baruch encourages listeners to empty themselves of preconceived notions and be open to receiving new perspectives. Ultimately, he suggests that the journey from slavery to freedom involves moving from closed-mindedness to open-heartedness through the power of questioning.
2 days ago
2 days ago
The conversation explores the themes of complicity, communication, and reclaiming identity in the context of Passover and the Exodus. It discusses the rise of anti-Jewish sentiment on college campuses and the moral obligation to speak out against it. The loss of identity and communication during slavery is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of meaningful conversations. The role of speaking in the Passover tradition is examined, encouraging the use of words to liberate oneself and others. The conversation concludes with a call to action to reclaim our identity and commit to acts of love, justice, and truth
3 days ago
3 days ago
This conversation discusses the rise of anti-Semitism and Jew hatred on college campuses, particularly focusing on Columbia University. The host emphasizes the importance of having open and honest conversations about this issue, regardless of one's religious or cultural background. He draws parallels between the concentration camps of the Holocaust and the inner concentration camps created by hatred and closed-mindedness. The conversation also touches on the need for dialogue and the dangers of monologues and anger. The host encourages self-reflection and liberation from inner concentration camps. The conversation concludes with a call to choose our responses and engage in constructive dialogue with kindness and compassion.
4 days ago
4 days ago
In this conversation, Baruch discusses the significance of Passover and addresses the protests against Israel on college campuses. He emphasizes the message of Passover, which is about the Jewish people's ability to survive and thrive despite attempts to exterminate them. Baruch highlights the achievements of the Jewish people, including the establishment of the state of Israel and their contributions in various fields. He encourages individuals to rise above victimhood and embrace resilience and purpose. Baruch also expresses gratitude to allies of the Jewish people and calls for continued support.
Learn more at www.Defiantspirit.org
4 days ago
4 days ago
The conversation explores the themes of complicity, communication, and reclaiming identity in the context of Passover and the Exodus. It discusses the rise of anti-Jewish sentiment on college campuses and the moral obligation to speak out against it. The loss of identity and communication during slavery is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of meaningful conversations. The role of speaking in the Passover tradition is examined, encouraging the use of words to liberate oneself and others. The conversation concludes with a call to action to reclaim our identity and commit to acts of love, justice, and truth.
5 days ago
5 days ago
Holding Space: The Secret Sauce of Logotherapy
In this conversation, Dr Baruch HaLevi and Dr. Daniel Franz discuss the importance of human connection in finding meaning in life. They emphasize that therapy is not about tools and techniques, but about making a genuine human connection. They share anecdotes and insights from Dr. Victor Frankl's teachings, highlighting the power of holding space for others and the healing that comes from sharing our deepest secrets. They also discuss the role of therapy in addressing issues like infidelity and addiction, and the importance of repairing the damage caused by these secrets. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for human connection and the transformative power of holding space for others.
Takeaways
- Therapy is not about tools and techniques, but about making a genuine human connection.
- Holding space for others and allowing them to share their deepest secrets can be healing and transformative.
- Secrets keep us sick, and sharing them with a trusted person can free us from their burden.
- Repairing the damage caused by secrets is an important step in finding wholeness and healing.
- Human connection is essential for finding meaning, purpose, and resilience in life.
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Human Connection
05:34 The Importance of Making Eye Contact
11:21 The Power of Validation and Listening
15:29 Row Your Own Boat
26:02 The Power of Confession
31:18 Repairing the Damage of Secrets
Thursday Apr 18, 2024
Thursday Apr 18, 2024
The Kevorka (Animal Magnetism) Does a Man Have It Or Does It Have You?
In this podcast, you'll explore Kevorka, the primal animal desire or magnetism in a person, and how harnessing it and using it in a positive way rather than getting rid of it or being controlled by it, is how you rise up, especially as a man, in the second half of life. B also uses the movie American Beauty to explain how Kevorka works. Watch The Kevorka: https://youtu.be/o3ctwuaXa-A?si=AzgY_9InivNozbBP
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Don't Get Out of The Box. Shatter It! - A Meaning Academy Conversation
Monday Apr 15, 2024
Monday Apr 15, 2024
The conversation explores the concept of reductionism and how it limits our understanding of ourselves and others. It emphasizes the importance of not reducing ourselves to a single label or diagnosis, but rather embracing our multifaceted identities. The hosts discuss the need to break free from societal boxes and seek personal growth and education in various forms. They encourage saying yes to new experiences, challenging oneself, and finding meaning outside of traditional institutions. The conversation concludes with the reminder to live life with purpose and resilience.
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Who Am I? Are You More Than The Flesh Suit?
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
In this conversation, Baruch HaLevi and Dr. Daniel A. France discuss the topic of 'What Am I?' They explore the concept of identity and the existential questions of who we are and why we are here. They emphasize the importance of going beyond societal labels and finding meaning in self-transcendence and service to others. They also discuss the alignment of mind, body, and spirit and the role they play in understanding our true selves. The conversation concludes with the suggestion of finding a 'North Star' or a bigger why to guide us in navigating life's challenges.
Takeaways
- Identity goes beyond societal labels and is found in self-transcendence and service to others.
- Mind, body, and spirit alignment is important in understanding our true selves.
- Finding a 'North Star' or a bigger why can guide us in navigating life's challenges.
Monday Apr 01, 2024
Parenting Teens: Perhaps It's A Meaning Problem
Monday Apr 01, 2024
Monday Apr 01, 2024
In this conversation, Dr. D and Dr. B discuss the challenges and shortcomings of the current education system and treatment practices for young people. They explore the need to honor adolescents' unique needs and wild nature, and the importance of helping children find their own meaning and purpose. The conversation highlights the role of parents in shaping their children's paths and the importance of self-reflection in parenting. They also touch on the debate between coaching and psychotherapy. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for systemic changes to make education and life more meaningful for young people.
Takeaways
- The education system is not set up for energetic young men and needs to be more aligned with their needs.
- Parents should focus on helping their children find their own meaning and path, rather than imposing their own expectations.
- Anxiety can serve a purpose and should be harnessed and used in a productive and healthy way.
- Fearful and guilty parenting can limit a child's opportunities and growth.
- Preventing limitations in children involves honoring their individuality and supporting their unique paths.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:06 Personal Updates
03:02 Outdated Treatment Methods
04:01 Impact of Netflix Show
04:29 Conversations with Former Patients
05:37 Negative Effects of Past Treatment
06:06 Challenges of Working with Adolescents
06:31 Youth Treatment Centers in Utah
07:28 Issues with Treatment Centers in Utah
08:53 Victor Frankl's Work with Young People
09:23 The Challenges of Education
10:22 The Game vs. the Player
11:17 The Spiritual Problem
12:27 Honoring the Wild Nature of Boys
13:53 The Education System and Burnout
15:19 The Crisis of Meaning in Education and Addiction
18:10 Parenting with Fear and Guilt
19:30 Helping Children Find Meaning
20:30 Different Approaches to Anxiety
21:52 Reframing Anxiety
23:18 Honoring Individuality in Parenting
24:47 Preventing Limitations in Children
26:14 The Ego of Sunk Costs
27:40 Fearful and Guilty Parenting
29:05 The Root Cause: Meaning
30:01 Preventing Limitations in Children
31:24 Parenting with Fear and Guilt
32:22 The Importance of Individual Attention
33:18 Conclusion