In this episode, Stephen Long shares his journey from Satanism to a broader understanding of spirituality, exploring the history of Satanism, its cultural perceptions, and personal practices that foster transcendence and community. Discover how religious identities evolve and the importance of pluralism in modern spiritual life.

Links:

• Stephen Bradford Long's Website: https://stephenbradfordlong.com/
• Stephen's Sacred Tension Substack: https://sacredtension.substack.com/
• Sacred Tension Podcast: https://sacredtension.substack.com/podcast
• Sacred Tension Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KR4hS0sBuYSrkzWgO5Cq8

Topic Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Stephen Long's Journey and Background

02:01 The Crumbling of Christian Faith and Search for Non-Theistic Religion

03:52 The Appeal of Satanism and Its Cultural Expressions

07:14 Literary and Cultural Influences on Satanic Identity

10:07 The Different Traditions of Satanism and Their Inspirations

14:54 The Evolution of Satanic Symbols and Rituals

20:01 The Relationship Between Satanism and Social Justice

24:59 The Impact of the Satanic Panic and Cultural Myths

29:55 Personal Transition Away from Satanism and Search for Transcendence

39:52 The Power of Rituals in Healing Religious Trauma

50:01 The Role of Pluralism and Religious Freedom Today

59:59 Practices and Beliefs in Modern Spirituality and Personal Rituals

01:09:49 The Practice of the Headless Way and Non-Duality

This episode explores the controversy surrounding the Texas State Board of Education's new K-12 reading list, which heavily features Protestant Christian texts and biblical stories. Blake Ziegler, Field Organizer for Texas and National Campaigns at the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, discusses the implications for religious freedom, diversity, and education in public schools.

Resources:

• https://rac.org/blog/texas-public-schools-will-require-bible-readings-students-take-action-now
• https://www.texastribune.org/2026/06/25/texas-education-board-judeo-christian-required-reading-list/

Topic Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Texas reading list controversy

04:03 Public transparency and community response

07:55 Religious representation and translation issues

12:11 Concerns about teaching religion in public schools

16:00 The role of Judeo-Christian rhetoric and its implications

20:11 Balancing religious diversity and constitutional principles

24:01 The significance of the George Washington letter

27:48 The impact of translation choices on religious understanding

31:56 The future of religious education in Texas

35:48 Critiques of specific texts and interpretations

40:03 The misuse of Judeo-Christian rhetoric and its effects

42:06 The erasure of other faiths and the importance of inclusivity

44:02 The role of religious studies and respectful education

45:58 The importance of diverse perspectives in religious education

47:50 Partnerships with faith communities and advocacy groups

49:47 Teaching about religion versus teaching religion

51:50 The significance of multiple translations and interpretations

53:57 Creating a respectful and inclusive learning environment

56:09 Personal spiritual practices and community connection

57:49 Final thoughts and future outlook

Therapist Danielle Kaplan shares insights on dialectical thinking, the importance of flexibility in life, and how ancient philosophies influence modern therapy. She discusses practices that resonate with Jewish tradition like dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, and contingency planning to help create a meaningful life.

Resources:

Danielle’s Practice: http://www.keepaustincentered.com

The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli: https://www.amazon.com/Order-Time-Carlo-Rovelli/dp/0735216118

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): https://behavioraltech.org/what-is-dbt/

Topic Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:19 Exploring Identity and Cultural Judaism

05:02 Dialectical Thinking and Its Applications

07:32 Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

10:03 Acceptance and Change in Therapy

12:47 Mindfulness and Eastern Philosophical Influences

15:31 The Nature of Truth and Non-Judgment

18:10 Contradictory Ideas in Judaism

20:11 The Role of Rituals and Structure in Grief

22:41 Contingency Planning and Flexibility in Life

24:54 Conclusion and Reflections on Therapy and Life

35:52 The Power of Grieving and Celebrating Mindfully

36:51 Coping Ahead: Preparing for the Worst

38:01 The Nature of Fear and Anticipation

38:48 Finding Freedom from Anxiety

40:45 The Role of Rituals in Life

42:22 Belief vs. Practice in Spirituality

44:26 Creating Meaning through Actions

45:51 The Importance of Doing

47:32 Hope as a Verb

49:10 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

55:21 Building a Life Worth Living

01:00:46 The Significance of Rituals and Fire

Christian Sundberg shares his insights into consciousness, spiritual awakening, and the nature of reality, exploring how life on Earth serves as a powerful spiritual growth opportunity. This conversation delves into pre-birth experiences, the limitations of religious frameworks, and practical ways to transcend trauma and fear.

Christian Sundberg is the author of "A Walk in the Physical," a concise spiritual framework for understanding human life, consciousness, and ultimately...love. He is a prolific public speaker who has presented at MANY events on consciousness,

pre-birth memory, out-of-body experience, and spiritual identity. He brings with all this a grounded background in professional project management, making his work an unusual bridge between technical discipline and spiritual inquiry.

Resources:

Christian’s Website: https://awalkinthephysical.com/welcome/

Christian’s Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Physical-Understanding-Experience-Spiritual-ebook/dp/B097CHLN7C

Topic Timestamps:

00:00 Exploring Personal Backgrounds in Religion

01:14 The Limitations of Language and Theology

04:13 Understanding the Human Experience

07:21 The Nature of Consciousness and Spirit

10:13 The Unique Journey of the Soul

13:27 Life Before Life: Pre-Birth Experiences

16:09 Out-of-Body Experiences and Their Significance

19:07 The Value of Earthly Existence

30:03 The Weight of Spiritual Growth

32:54 Understanding Pain and Suffering

35:26 The Nature of Trauma

40:36 Grief, Loss, and Connection

47:07 Vibration and Spirituality

53:48 Deconstruction and Awakening

59:36 Collective Consciousness and Healing

01:04:37 Surrender and Trust