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Oneself

Oneself

By: Stephen Maher & Adam Bartleman
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Oneself is a raw and reflective podcast about identity, purpose, and transformation. Hosted by Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman, the show explores how we come to understand who we are—through our experiences, relationships, and the deeper work of self-discovery. In each episode, they share personal stories and honest conversations around topics like mentorship, trauma, masculinity, healing, and growth. Whether you’re navigating your own path or curious about the human experience, Oneself invites you into a space where vulnerability meets wisdom and reflection leads to action.© 2026 Stephen Maher & Adam Bartleman Personal Development Personal Success Spirituality
Episodes
  • Oneself - Episode 36 - Kid's Aren't the Problem: We Are
    Mar 30 2026

    Summary:

    In this episode, Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman explore the dynamics of parenting, societal influences, and personal transformation. They delve into how childhood conditioning, cultural shifts, and collective consciousness shape behavior and future generations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community, self-work, and regenerative systems like food sovereignty in fostering societal evolution.

    Takeaways:

    • The evolving landscape of discipline, respect, and healthy intimidation in parenting
    • Societal reflections in children's behavior and broader cultural trends
    • The significance of community, self-work, and regenerative systems
    • Awareness, spiritual awakening, and collective responsibility in societal evolution
    • Practical actions for individual contribution, such as gardening and nurturing reciprocity
    • The spiritual perspective on sovereignty, interconnectedness, and creating a new paradigm

    Chapters:

    • 00:00 - Introduction to parenting, society, and personal transformation
    • 00:16 - Childhood behaviors and respect: from discipline to societal reflection
    • 01:15 - Overcorrections in parenting and the balance of respect and fear
    • 02:12 - The effects of technology and educational decline on children
    • 03:11 - Observations of misbehavior and trauma in children
    • 05:04 - Generational differences in discipline and fear of authority
    • 06:25 - Society’s macro patterns reflected in children's behavior
    • 07:14 - The polarity of consciousness in youth: spiritual awakening vs rebellion
    • 08:20 - Impact of home environment and social trauma on discipline
    • 09:40 - The importance and challenges of systemic change in education
    • 11:06 - The role of discipline and respect in growth
    • 12:18 - Acknowledging the increase in unruly behavior and classroom challenges
    • 13:12 - The societal and spiritual implications of systemic breakdown
    • 14:45 - The importance of boundaries and discipline in personal development
    • 15:43 - The influence of societal burnout on parenting and discipline
    • 17:09 - The importance of self-work for societal evolution
    • 18:00 - The positive trend of more engaged dads and collective healing
    • 19:09 - The disillusionment of youth and the societal fragmentation
    • 20:45 - The journey of awakening, disillusionment, and creating new systems
    • 22:55 - The spiritual understanding of interconnectedness and collective karma
    • 28:26 - The importance of purposeful rebellion and conscious activism
    • 29:22 - Building resilient communities and off-grid systems
    • 33:41 - Reconnecting with nature through gardening and food sovereignty
    • 36:06 - The significance of planting in parks and supporting local food systems
    • 39:44 - Sharing abundance and living in reciprocity
    • 42:40 - The holistic connection to land, community, and indigenous wisdom
    • 44:19 - The importance of small, consistent actions for collective change
    • 45:04 - Connecting individual actions to planetary evolution
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    46 mins
  • Oneself - Episode 35 - Don't Be Afraid to Love
    Mar 23 2026

    Summary:

    In this episode of Oneself, Stephen and Adam dive into the complexities of masculinity, the importance of vulnerability, and the transformative power of love. They challenge traditional perceptions, emphasizing self-awareness and emotional balance as key to fostering healthier masculinity and society.

    Takeaways:

    • The warped perception of masculinity and its roots in childhood experiences
    • The balance between strength and softness in men
    • The influence of societal programming and the importance of observation
    • The role of fear, love, and vulnerability in personal growth
    • Nature’s lessons on resilience and flexibility
    • Moving beyond conditioning to live authentically
    • The significance of inner work and self-love in healing masculinity
    • The connection between fear, separation, and violence
    • How societal systems perpetuate fear and division
    • Practical steps toward embracing love over fear

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Introduction and the relevance of masculinity and vulnerability
    02:12 - The importance of embracing softness and strength simultaneously
    03:37 - How societal programming influences masculine identity
    04:33 - The role of observation and questioning societal norms
    05:36 - The impact of suffering and positive role models in masculinity
    07:30 - Lessons learned through physical challenges and service work
    09:53 - The balance of toughness and gentleness in nurturing mentors
    11:26 - The myth of masculinity as always rigid and unbending
    13:08 - The inner resilience required to navigate fear and societal expectations
    15:28 - The pendulum swing of emotional expression and the middle way
    16:33 - The importance of love, self-love, and self-awareness
    18:51 - Healing through inner work and teaching children healthy self-talk
    19:19 - The root of violence: fear and the illusion of separation
    21:04 - Expanding capacity for love as a solution to societal issues
    22:21 - Fear as the opposite of love and its manifestations in society
    23:36 - The comparison of martial arts training and inner peace
    25:54 - The destructive cycle of fear, violence, and power dynamics
    27:15 - Moving beyond competition and ego-driven violence
    29:08 - Recognizing that true strength is rooted in vulnerability and authenticity
    30:01 - The dangerous rise of fear-based behaviors and systems
    31:00 - The importance of acknowledging fear for genuine growth
    33:22 - The false narratives around shame, divine love, and societal conditioning
    36:19 - The role of fear and the illusion of separation in perpetuating conflict
    37:14 - How understanding interconnectedness dissolves fear and hatred
    38:26 - The significance of inner courage and vulnerability in overcoming fear
    39:27 - The shift from living in fear to embracing love and acceptance
    42:37 - The societal programming of fear embedded in religion and media
    44:49 - Recognizing the true nature of love and the importance of personal truth
    46:04 - Moving beyond control mechanisms through inner awareness
    48:21 - Final reflections on the journey toward love and authenticity


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    46 mins
  • Oneself - Episode 34 - Feel It to Heal It
    Mar 16 2026

    Summary:

    In this episode, Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman explore the complexities of mental health, therapy, and the societal structures that influence our well-being. They discuss the challenges of changing hearts and minds, the economic barriers to accessing mental health care, and the importance of finding purpose beyond mere survival. Through personal anecdotes and critical reflections, they emphasize the need for deeper self-awareness and community support in the pursuit of emotional healing. In this conversation, Stephen Maher and Adam explore the themes of workaholism, community, vulnerability, cultural perspectives on happiness, and the importance of self-observation. They discuss how survival mode leads to distraction through work and technology, the inconvenience of community, and the power of vulnerability in relationships. They also touch on the differences in cultural attitudes towards work and happiness, emphasizing the need for internal solutions to personal challenges rather than relying on external distractions. The conversation encourages listeners to observe their behaviors and seek deeper understanding and connection in their lives.


    Takeaways:

    • Changing hearts and minds requires asking questions, not telling people what to think.
    • Being a good example can inspire others to change.
    • Therapy can be expensive and may not always provide the expected benefits.
    • The transactional nature of therapy can feel hollow.
    • Building supportive relationships can be more beneficial than traditional therapy.
    • Economic barriers prevent many from accessing mental health care.
    • Therapists should aim to empower clients to not need them anymore.
    • Quick fixes often mask deeper issues rather than resolve them.
    • Self-awareness and accountability are crucial for true healing.
    • Finding purpose in life goes beyond mere survival. Workaholism is prevalent in North America as a means of distraction.
    • Community is often viewed as inconvenient, yet it is essential for well-being.
    • Vulnerability can be a powerful tool for connection and growth.
    • Cultural differences influence how we perceive work and happiness.
    • Self-observation is crucial for personal growth and understanding.
    • Addiction can be seen as a way to pacify our nervous system.
    • Creating meaning in life is a personal responsibility.
    • The importance of reciprocal relationships in community.
    • Internal solutions are more effective than external distractions.
    • Living by example can inspire others to seek change.


    Chapters:

    00:00
    Introduction to Changing Hearts and Minds

    02:34
    Personal Experiences with Therapy

    05:19
    The Economic Barriers to Mental Health

    10:49
    Navigating the Therapy Landscape

    15:23
    The Illusion of Quick Fixes

    19:57
    Addressing the Root Causes of Mental Health

    27:03
    Finding Purpose Beyond Survival

    28:39
    Survival Mode and Workaholism

    31:47
    Community and Connection

    34:39
    Vulnerability as a Superpower

    36:26
    Cultural Perspectives on Work and Happiness

    40:07
    Observing Our Behaviors

    43:02
    Internal vs. External Solutions

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    45 mins
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