Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson

Hello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts, I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts and minds and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In our very first episode, we kick things off with the founder of Baha'i Blog Naysan Naraqi and I interviewing each other. We talk about Baha'i Blog, education for young girls in Haiti, world citizenship, being a Baha'i in Hollywood, books we're reading, and some of the things we're working on within our own spiritual development.

You can also listen to the Baha'i Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/41vfEAkvfxn1OqHwDjPJDP

Enjoy!

Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Ep.1: Naysan & Rainn

Episode 1: Naysan & Rainn

Hello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts and minds and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In this episode, I interview multi-award winning Jazz singer and legend, Tierney Sutton. Tierney has won and been nominated for countless awards, including six consecutive Grammy nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Tierney and I talk about how she first got into music, became a Baha'i, why she studied Russian, the power of music and the Holy Word, how Jazz and consultation relate, her favourite Baha'i quote, and what she's working on in her personal life. She even sings a beautiful prayer for us all as well, so I hope you enjoy this one! 

You can find out more about Tierney Sutton and her band, their performance dates, and albums at www.TierneySutton.com.

Also, here's the quote of the prayer by the Bab sung by Tierney in the podcast:

“O Lord! Unto Thee I repair for refuge, and toward all Thy signs I set my heart.
O Lord! Whether traveling or at home, and in my occupation or in my work, I place my whole trust in Thee.
Grant me then Thy sufficing help so as to make me independent of all things, O Thou Who art unsurpassed in Thy mercy!
Bestow upon me my portion, O Lord, as Thou pleasest, and cause me to be satisfied with whatsoever Thou hast ordained for me.
Thine is the absolute authority to command.”

The songs that were featured in this podcast can be purchased from the following links:

'It's Only a Paper Moon', 'Skylark', and 'Long Daddy Green' found on the album 'Desire' available at the following link on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/desire/id304753161

'You Are My Sunshine' found on the album 'On the Other Side' available at the following link on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/on-the-other-side/id209335059

'Court and Spark' found on the album 'After Blue' available at the following link on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/after-blue/id689073893

Be sure to check out and 'subscribe' to the Baha'i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on iTunes, Google Play, or Soundcloud.

You can also stream the Baha'i Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2IMFv6Sv7ydDvHXIcgse5s

Thank you for listening to the Baha'i Blogcast. If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit www.bahai.org, and for more Baha'i fun stuff check out www.bahaiblog.net.

-Rainn Wilson

Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Episode 2: Tierney Sutton

Episode 2: Tierney Sutton

Hello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In this episode, I interview my good friend, Baha'i actor and filmmaker Justin Baldoni. Among many other things, Justin is currently starring in the hit TV show "Jane the Virgin", and in this podcast, we talk about being a new dad, personal hardships and putting your trust in God, making videos about death and creating content to be a source of healing, the Shout! app and social media, redefining masculinity, and celebrating birthdays for the homeless. 

Here's the music video Justin and I spoke about called ‘Armed’ by Devon Gundry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxa70NF_fPs.

You can also watch Justin's series called ‘My Last Days’ here on Soul Pancake: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzvRx_johoA8ITQgxBpeJTaDUhhIB7bfX

You can "Like" Justin on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/justinbaldoni/ and follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/justinbaldoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor. Be sure to check out and 'subscribe' to the Baha'i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on iTunes, Google Play, or Soundcloud.

You can also stream the Baha'i Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ifb5RtFQy91r8dmMIoXfM

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Episode 3: Justin Baldoni

Hello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In this episode I interview Layli Miller-Muro, founder and Executive Director of the Tahirih Justice Centre, a non-profit which provides free legal services to women and girls who are fleeing human rights abuses. The organization which was founded in 1997 and serves nearly 19,000 women aims to promote a world where women and girls enjoy equality and live in safety and dignity. In this interview Layli and I talk about her aspirations for service as a youth, her early experience as a lawyer, how the Tahirih Justice Centre came about, keeping the Faith at the center of what you do, personal detachment and welcoming tests, engaging with the wider community in your own field, plus a lot more.

The official website of the Tahirih Justice Centre is www.tahirih.org, and you can purchase a copy of Layli’s book about Fauziya Kassindja called Do They Hear You When You Cry here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/They-Hear-You-When-Cry/dp/0385319940/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1468769890&sr=8-1&keywords=do+they+hear+you+when+you+cry&linkCode=sl1&tag=baibl0c-20&linkId=470eaca42f39944156e86328adddd9e7

Also, here’s the quote by Baha’u’llah being discussed by Rainn and Layli:

“O CHILDREN OF DUST! Tell the rich of the midnight sighing of the poor, lest heedlessness lead them into the path of destruction, and deprive them of the Tree of Wealth. To give and to be generous are attributes of Mine; well is it with him that adorneth himself with My virtues.”

To watch an interview with Layli where she talks about the importance of work done in the spirit of service to others click here: http://bahaiblog.net/site/2014/07/interview-layli-miller-muro/.

Be sure to check out and 'subscribe' to the Baha'i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on iTunes, Google Play, or Soundcloud.

You can also stream the Baha'i Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5TeyuUxdACwXJgxjhm46TI

Thank you for listening to the Baha'i Blogcast. If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit www.bahai.org, and for more Baha'i fun stuff check out www.bahaiblog.net.

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Episode 4: Layli Miller-Muro

Hello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In this episode I interview Payam Zamani, Iranian-born entrepreneur and philanthropist living in San Francisco. He tells me about his escape from Iran to the United States, his early religious experiences as a Baha'i, including the discrimination he experienced in Iran, his family's pioneering journeys in different countries, his humble beginnings, switching careers, becoming a business owner and his desire to find the spirit of service in his work, plus a lot more. Payam is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of One Planet Ops and the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of www.bahaiteachings.org.

To explore the Baha'i Teachings website click here: http://www.bahaiteachings.org, and to learn more about Payam's company you can visit One Planet Ops website here: http://www.oneplanetops.com. You can also follow Payam on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/PayamZamani?ref_src…erp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor.

Be sure to check out and 'subscribe' to the Baha'i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on iTunes, Google Play, or Soundcloud.

You can also stream the Baha'i Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Okx0xTXk6dbyff5wRfTde

Thank you for listening to the Baha'i Blogcast. If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit www.bahai.org, and for more Baha'i fun stuff check out www.bahaiblog.net.

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Episode 5: Payam Zamani

Hello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In this episode I interview Andy Grammer and his wife Aijia. We talk about how they met and what married life is like, the evolution of their careers, having a baby in the kitchen, trying to 'keep it real' in all that you do, tests and perseverance, songwriting, death and loss, becoming a Baha'i, their favourite Baha'i quotes, plus they even sing Aija's favourite quote for us at the end of the podcast.

Here is the quote by Baha'u'llah from the Hidden Words that Andy refers to:

"O SON OF EARTH! Know, verily, the heart wherein the least remnant of envy yet lingers, shall never attain My everlasting dominion, nor inhale the sweet savors of holiness breathing from My kingdom of sanctity."

And here is the reference to the quote that Aijia refers to which they sing:

"Whatever is done in love is never any trouble, and - there is always time." Abdu'l-Baha was reported to have said this in 1908. This quote is taken from page 42 of "Daily Lessons Received at Akka, January 1908" by Helens S. Goodall and Ella Goodall Cooper.

Here are the music videos to the songs Andy spoke about in the interview: 

Honey I'm Good: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go7gn6dugu0
Keep Your Head Up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmrOB_q3tjo
Holding out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7kJVU1ioWU

You can view more of Andy's work on his website: http://www.andygrammer.com/splash/. You can also follow Andy on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/andygrammer?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor and Aijia here: https://twitter.com/aijiaofficial.

Be sure to check out and 'subscribe' to the Baha'i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on iTunes, Google Play, or Soundcloud.

You can also stream the Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ZITxbsaADoYeuMvtDnBEr

Thank you for listening to the Baha'i Blogcast. If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit http://www.bahai.org, and for more Baha'i fun stuff check out http://www.bahaiblog.net.

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Episode 6: Andy Grammer & Aijia

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In this episode I interview Dr. Steven Phelps, physicist, philosopher and translator who currently lives Oregon, USA. We talk about his experience growing up as a Baha’i, his studies in physics and philosophy, when his deepest beliefs were challenged, his move to the Baha’i World Centre in Haifa and his experience as a Hebrew, Arabic and Persian translator. We also look into some of the deepest philosophical questions and share thoughts about how the world works, the relativity of religious truth, science and religion, consciousness, and the progress of civilization.

Here is the quote by Abdu’l-Baha from Paris Talks which Steven Phelps refers to:

“I say unto you: weigh carefully in the balance of reason and science everything that is presented to you as religion. If it passes this test, then accept it, for it is truth! If, however, it does not so conform, then reject it, for it is ignorance!”

You can listen to a talk by Steven Phelps called "Science, Religion & the Coming Spiritual Revolution" here: https://soundcloud.com/bahai-blog/steven-phelps-science-religion-and-the-coming-spiritual-revolution

Be sure to check out and 'subscribe' to the Baha'i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on iTunes, Google Play, or Soundcloud.

You can also stream the Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Ie0nUJVv5lwbZ3xg728bF

Thank you for listening to the Baha'i Blogcast. If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit www.bahai.org, and for more Baha'i fun stuff check out www.bahaiblog.net.

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Episode 7: Steven Phelps

Hello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In this episode, I interview my friends Leyla and Ryan Haidarian who live in Johannesburg, South Africa with their son. We talk about the unexpected way in which they moved to South Africa from Los Angeles, their media company which produces, distributes and develops financing for movies, television shows and creative projects. We talk about the special story of how they met on pilgrimage, about their professional path, their experience in the film industry, and their passion for doing work that has an impact and affects lives. We also look at topics like surrendering to the will of God, the struggle of fame and status, the concept of self, tests and accepting them with radiant acquiescence, and their experience with marriage as a fortress of wellbeing. 

You can learn more about Leyla and Ryan's media company here: www.forefrontmedia.co.za/fmg/home.html

Be sure to check out and 'subscribe' to the Baha'i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on iTunes, Google Play, or Soundcloud.

You can also stream the Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/25nXoDz2S745yDunCmhye6

Thank you for listening to the Baha'i Blogcast. If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit www.bahai.org, and for more Baha'i fun stuff check out www.bahaiblog.net.

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Episode 8: Leyla & Ryan Haidarian

Hello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In this episode I interview Tom Price, a Baha’i music composer, director and well-known public speaker currently living in Adelaide, Australia. We talk about his background, his travels, his experience doing music projects for global Baha'i events, and the fascinating story of how he became a Baha'i. We look at topics like the harmony between science and religion, walking and its meditative benefits, spiritual principles and how they apply to the physical world. We also talk about his experience as a public speaker whose talks have become widely shared and listened to around the world, his creative process with music, his daughter's band Lake Street Dive (http://www.lakestreetdive.com/), upcoming projects, some of the research he's doing, and some of his current spiritual goals.

You can stay up to date with the talks that Tom Price is giving here on https://www.facebook.com/talksbytomprice/, and Baha'i Blog has also made some of Tom Price's talks available online which you can listen to using the links below:

1) Recreating Ourselves in the Image of the Master: http://bahaiblog.net/site/2012/10/new-talks-by-tom-price-recreating-ourselves-in-the-image-of-the-master/

2) Following the Example of Abdu’l-Baha: http://bahaiblog.net/site/2015/01/following-footsteps-abdul-baha/

3) The Role of Religion in Today's Society: http://bahaiblog.net/site/2015/02/role-religion-todays-society-tom-price-2/

4) The Five Year Plan: http://bahaiblog.net/site/2015/01/5-year-plan-tom-price/

Be sure to check out and 'subscribe' to the Baha'i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on iTunes, Google Play, or Soundcloud.

You can also stream the Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5OnYetVRxR39Z9FcoRHDv5

Thank you for listening to the Baha'i Blogcast. If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit www.bahai.org, and for more Baha'i fun stuff check out www.bahaiblog.net.

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Episode 9: Tom Price

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In this episode I interview Dr. Joy DeGruy, an internationally renowned researcher, educator, author and presenter living in the United States. We talk about how she became a Baha’i and her research and work creating and developing the concept of Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome. We also talk about how we can affect change in society, especially when it comes to dismantling racism, and we end our discussion speaking about Joy’s love of fishing.

Here are links to some of the things mentioned in our conversation:

Joy speaks of her admiration for Hooper Dunbar and mentions his book, Forces of Our Time: The Dynamics of Light and Darkness, which can be purchased here on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2mcSOmB

This is a link to the video I summarized where Joy recounts being discriminated against at the grocery store: http://bit.ly/1LRgONL

Here is the quotation Joy recited, a quotation that moves her deeply, from Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah:

Night hath succeeded day, and day hath succeeded night, and the hours and moments of your lives have come and gone, and yet none of you hath, for one instant, consented to detach himself from that which perisheth. Bestir yourselves, that the brief moments that are still yours may not be dissipated and lost. Even as the swiftness of lightning your days shall pass, and your bodies shall be laid to rest beneath a canopy of dust. What can ye then achieve? How can ye atone for your past failure?

To find out more about Joy and her work, check out her website: joydegruy.com

Be sure to ‘subscribe’ to the Baha’i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on iTunes, Google Play, or Soundcloud.

You can also stream the Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ewoMT8vvoW8NaJG0rcO9n

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Episode 10: Joy DeGruy

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In this episode I interview the wonderful Luke Slott, a Baha'i singer and songwriter from Dublin, Ireland who has an equally wonderful head of hair. We talk about his musical background and how he became a Baha'i; how he first started composing music based on the Baha'i Writings and the new album he's just released during the month of the Baha'i Fast called 'Year of the Nightingale', which is dedicated to the bicentenary of the Birth of Baha’u’llah taking place this year. He tells us all about the fascinating book he's currently reading; what personal struggle he's currently trying to overcome, and what advice he would give to other artists and musicians. He also sings one of the songs from his new album live for us, and shares another one of them at the end of our beautiful conversation. 

You can listen to songs from 'Year of the Nightingale' as they are released on Luke Slott's YouTube channel, and find out more about Luke Slott and his work on his website (lukeslott.wordpress.com) and on his Facebook page.

Also the book Luke mentions he's reading is called 'With Thine Own Eyes' and it can purchased here: http://amzn.to/2nkxolW

Be sure to ‘subscribe’ to the Baha’i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on iTunes, Google Play, or Soundcloud.

You can also stream the Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Z8vQJ4Cdg9YwR04czeVNm

Thank you for listening to the Baha'i Blogcast. If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit www.bahai.org, and for more Baha'i fun stuff check out www.bahaiblog.net.

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Episode 11: Luke Slott

Episode 11: Luke Slott

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In this episode I interview my Baha'i friend Michael Penn, a Clinical Psychologist and Professor of Psychology at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in the US. We talk about how he became a Baha'i and the cool story of how he and his wife met; we discuss beauty and being our authentic self; hope and hopelessness; racism and how each one of us can overcome it; how the human being is the most sensitive signal detection system in the known universe - yep that's right! and we talk about the book he's working on, and how philosophy is the bridge between science and spirituality.

Subscribe to Baha'i Blog's email list to find out when Michael Penn's new book comes out, and here's one of his already published books I mention in the podcast called "Overcoming Violence against Women and Girls: The International Campaign to Eradicate a Worldwide Problem". You can purchase the book from this link: http://amzn.to/2nCvtM3

There's also going to be an online seminar with Michael Penn coming up on 11 June, 2017 at the Wilmette Institute which you may want to attend. It's called "Mind & Development: Some Baha’i inspired Reflections on Mind and the Harvests of Human Thought". Use this link to find out more and register: http://bit.ly/2n7Plmz

Be sure to ‘subscribe’ to the Baha’i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on iTunes, Google Play, or Soundcloud.

You can also stream the Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ttXiwIaPyGgEn34oEyuny

If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit www.bahai.org, and for more Baha'i fun stuff check out www.bahaiblog.net.

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Episode 12: Michael Penn

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In this episode I interview Canadian multidisciplinary artist, performer and creator, Erika Batdorf. Erika's work has received numerous awards and been featured around the world. She was in California attending an SBCAST retreat, so I sat with her and had an amazing conversation about how science and art intersect; her show 'Burnish' and how like all of her work it's inspired by the Baha'i Writings. We discuss how our physical body and the ability to “feel” our body - like the beating of our heart, or even the power of walking - has an effect on our soul. She shares the fascinating story of how she was first introduced to the Baha’i Faith at the age of nine, and how as a teen, she would hitchhike dressed as a clown to get herself to Green Acre. She shares one of her personal struggles, her favorite Baha'i quote, and she also offers some wonderful advice to young Baha'i artists.

You can find out more about Erika Batdorf and her fascinating work from her website: BATDORF.ORG

Be sure to ‘subscribe’ to the Baha’i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on iTunes, Google Play, or Soundcloud.

You can also stream the Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5SlPwhOR6nb4MRHT4Ck3mH

If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more Baha'i fun stuff check out BAHAIBLOG.NET.

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Episode 13: Erika Batdorf

Episode 13: Erika Batdorf

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In this episode I sit down with my wife Holiday Reinhorn and dear friend Kathryn Adams to talk about LIDÈ, a not-for-profit educational initiative the three of us started. LIDÈ, which means both “Leader” and “Idea” in Haitian Kreyol, uses the arts and literacy to build resilience and empower at-risk adolescent girls in rural Haiti, helping them to transition into academic or vocational education. 

The three of us share our experiences and talk about how the devastating effects of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti not only decimated the nation, but also uncovered the need for educating and empowering adolescent girls. We discuss the need and importance of hope; the importance of not only education, but why specifically the education of women is paramount. We also talk about the idea of adopting a "grassroots-up" approach to development work rather than a "top-down" approach, and we touch on 'accompaniment' and how each one of us has a gem within us which needs to be mined. We discuss the importance of trust and having faith; what a “tap-tap” is, and how LIDÈ's program for kids with disabilities came to life.

I hope you enjoy this conversation, and if you'd like to find out more about LIDÈ and how you can support its programs, go to lidehaiti.org.

Please also check out some of the wonderful organizations we mention in the podcast, like The Mona Foundation (www.monafoundation.org), Sean Penn's charity JPHRO (jphro.org), and also the Smallholder Farmers Alliance (www.smallholderfarmersalliance.org).

Don't forget to ‘subscribe’ to the Baha’i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on iTunes, Google Play, or here on Soundcloud.

You can also stream the Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3pSm04WKcx5wfkfG0zyj1a

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Episode  14: Holiday & Kathryn

Episode 14: Holiday & Kathryn

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In this episode I interview professional life coach Susan Gammage from Canada. We talk about how she became a Baha'i, why she became a life coach, and how she uses the Baha'i Writings in her work and everything she does. We delve deep into the idea of "sin" and "shame" and she explains why she believes "it's the stories that separate us and the reactions that unite us". We talk about her very popular blog SusanGammage.com, and all of the books she's written and working on. We discuss the spiritualization of money; workaholism and other addictions; what she's currently reading, and how forgiveness is the key to solving so many things within us.

To find out more about Susan Gammage, read her articles, discover her books and all that she does, go to her website: SusanGammage.com

Here are a few links to some of the things we mentioned in our conversation, and some of the quotes from the Baha'i Writings we mentioned as well:

* Susan mentions the book 'The Promulgation of Universal Peace' which is a compilation of talks delivered by Abdu'l‑Baha in New York, Montclair, and Jersey City: http://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/#f=f8-547

* Susan talks about the book 'A More Excellent Way' by Henry W. Wright: http://amzn.to/2opfhfz        

* I mention 'Brilliant Star' magazine: brilliantstarmagazine.org

* Susan mentions 'Ocean', a free library of the world's religious literature: bahai-education.org

* We discuss the recent March 1st, 2017 letter from the Universal House of Justice regarding economic life: http://universalhouseofjustice.bahai.org/activities-bahai-community/20170301_001

* We talk about the Ruhi sequence of books, which you can find out more about here: www.ruhi.org/materials/list.php

* I ask Susan about her book 'Fear Into Faith - Overcoming Anxiety': http://susangammage.com/are-you-ready-to-turn-fear-into-faith

* We talk about the Baha'i Funds, which you can read more about in this Baha'i Blog article called 'The Baha'i Fund: An Introduction': http://bahaiblog.net/site/2015/06/the-bahai-fund-an-introduction/

* Susan quotes this portion of a prayer by Baha'u'llah:

"Glorified art Thou, O Lord my God! Every time I venture to make mention of Thee, I am held back by my mighty sins and grievous trespasses against Thee, and find myself wholly deprived of Thy grace, and utterly powerless to celebrate Thy praise. My great confidence in Thy bounty, however, reviveth my hope in Thee, and my certitude that Thou wilt bountifully deal with me emboldeneth me to extol Thee, and to ask of Thee the things Thou dost possess."

* Susan quotes this prayer by Abdu'l-Baha:

"O God! Refresh and gladden my spirit. Purify my heart. Illumine my powers. I lay all my affairs in Thy hand. Thou art my Guide and my Refuge. I will no longer be sorrowful and grieved; I will be a happy and joyful being. O God! I will no longer be full of anxiety, nor will I let trouble harass me. I will not dwell on the unpleasant things of life. O God! Thou art more friend to me than I am to myself. I dedicate myself to Thee, O Lord."

Be sure to ‘subscribe’ to the Baha’i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on iTunes, Google Play, or Soundcloud.

You can also stream the Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4SR6lNJPMSBFTYY8rfpDP0

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Episode 15: Susan Gammage

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In this episode I interview Maziar Bahari, an Iranian Canadian journalist, filmmaker and human rights activist who was imprisoned and tortured by the Iranian government for five months in 2009. After he was released, he wrote his memoir called "Then They Came for Me", which became a New York Times bestseller and is the basis for Jon Stewart's 2014 film "Rosewater". In the conversation I ask him why, even though he is not a Baha'i, he has been actively campaigning for the rights of the Baha'is in Iran. We talk about his religious background; his thoughts on tyranny; why the situation for Baha'is in Iran is so important for the Iranian people as a whole, and how he went from being a journalist to being an activist. He shares what he learned from his experience in prison, and he also offers some personal advice to the Baha'i community, and a message to the people of Iran and the world.

To find out more about Maziar Bahari, what he's involved in, and some of the things we covered in the podcast, check out the following links: 

* The Baha'is are the largest religious minority in Iran, and they have been killed and persecuted by the Iranian government ever since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. You can find out more about the situation of the Baha'is in Iran from this page on the Baha'i International Community's website: https://www.bic.org/focus-areas/situation-iranian-bahais/current-situation

 * Find out more about the "Education Is Not A Crime" campaign and initiative, plus how you can get involved here: www.notacrime.me

* Watch the trailer to the new documentary "Changing the World, One Wall at a Time" about the wall art campaign here: https://vimeo.com/214890238

* Purchase physical or audio versions of Maziar's book "Then They Came for Me" (now called 'Rosewater') here: http://amzn.to/2qcB2De

* Watch the trailer to the movie "Rosewater" based on the book here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGOYHIqmmiM

* Watch the trailer to Maziar's documentary about the underground Baha'i universities in Iran "To Light A Candle" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7aE27GyMMo

Be sure to ‘subscribe’ to the Baha’i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on:

*iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/bahai-blogcast-rainn-wilson/id1127132519

*Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-545312385

You can also stream the Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ALg4rMvcNaQfGJUqD3pLK

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Episode 16: Maziar Bahari

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In this episode I'm in Toronto, Canada interviewing husband and wife Mary Darling and Clark Donnelly. Besides having more kids than I can ever keep track of, they have their own media company called WestWind Pictures, which aims to promote themes of beauty and unity. Among many other things, they are known for their popular TV comedy series called 'Little Mosque on the Prairie', and I ask them how the series started and what sort of impact the show has had. They share the challenges of working on a comedy that deals with things that are sacred, and how they bring Baha'i principles into the creative process. We discuss the importance of consultation, what it's like working as a husband and wife team, the role of a producer, and how they each became Baha'is. They also share what books they're reading, what they personally strive to be better at, and their favorite Baha'i Writings. 

To find out more about Mary and Clark and some of the things we covered in the podcast, check out the following links:

* Find out more about 'Little Mosque on the Prairie' and Mary and Clark's production company here on their website: http://www.westwindpictures.com/

* Check out 'The Baha'is' documentary and their interview about it on Baha'i Blog: http://bahaiblog.net/site/2017/05/bahais-documentary-mary-darling-clark-donnelly/

* Here's the CNN article Mary mentions about 'Little Mosque on the Prarie' called 'Want to end prejudice? Watch a sitcom': http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/02/health/sitcoms-prejudice-study/

* Mary mentions the book 'Haroun and the Sea of Stories' by Salman Rushdie: http://amzn.to/2qFEZiP

* Clark mentions the book 'Abraham: One God, Three Wives, Five Religions' Paperback by Frances Worthington: http://amzn.to/2rGoTnt

* Clark talks about the long Obligatory prayer which you can learn more about from this Baha'i Blog article, 'A Prayer to Power Up Your Day: The Long Obligatory Prayer': http://bahaiblog.net/site/2015/02/prayer-power-day-long-obligatory-prayer/

* Mary mentions her favourite prayer which we've added below:

"O my God! O my God! Thou seest me in my lowliness and weakness, occupied with the greatest undertaking, determined to raise Thy word among the masses and to spread Thy teachings among Thy peoples. How can I succeed unless Thou assist me with the breath of the Holy Spirit, help me to triumph by the hosts of Thy glorious kingdom, and shower upon me Thy confirmations, which alone can change a gnat into an eagle, a drop of water into rivers and seas, and an atom into lights and suns? O my Lord! Assist me with Thy triumphant and effective might, so that my tongue may utter Thy praises and attributes among all people and my soul overflow with the wine of Thy love and knowledge.
Thou art the Omnipotent and the Doer of whatsoever Thou willest."
 -Abdu'l-Baha

Be sure to ‘subscribe’ to the Baha’i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on:

*iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/bahai-blogcast-rainn-wilson/id1127132519

*Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-545312385

You can also stream the Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7CKRNCqEyyl8lWYW6jvYWI

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Episode 17: Mary & Clark

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In this episode I speak with Hong Kong based Chinese soul-pop superstar Khalil Fong, otherwise known in Chinese as 方大同, which is "Fang Da Tong". Khalil has been very instrumental in bringing an eclectic mix of international styles of music to Chinese audiences, but especially Soul music and R'n'B. Besides creating hit songs, Khalil has been recognized as a positive role model for his upright character. In this interview we talk about his musical influences and what inspired him to pursue a career in music. He tells me what his songs are about and how his faith inspires his music and everything he does. We discuss spirituality in China, being a vegetarian, having his own record label, what really draws him to the Faith, the exciting new project for children that he's working on with his mother, and the advice he would give to other aspiring artists.

To find out more about Khalil Fong and some of the things we covered in the interview, check out the following links:

* Khalil Fong's official website: khalilfong.com/en

* Khalil Fong's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/soulboykhalilfong

* Khalil Fong's YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/KhalilFongofficial

* Fu Music is Khalil Fong's record label: www.fringebacker.com/en/t/fu-backer/

* Khalil refers to a song about suicide called 'Goodbye Melody Rose' which can be found on the album 'This Love': https://itunes.apple.com/my/album/%E6%84%9B%E6%84%9B%E6%84%9B/id220365864?i=220365871

* Excerpts from the following songs were used in the interview (with permission):
i. "Listen" found on the album JTW: https://itunes.apple.com/my/album/jtw-%E8%A5%BF%E9%81%8A%E8%A8%98-deluxe/id1195003851
(You can also watch the music video for 'Listen' here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwLa3A2kfWg)
ii. "Goodbye Melody Rose" found on the album 'This Love': https://itunes.apple.com/my/album/%E6%84%9B%E6%84%9B%E6%84%9B/id220365864?i=220365871
iii. "夢蝴蝶" found on the album JTW: https://itunes.apple.com/my/album/jtw-%E8%A5%BF%E9%81%8A%E8%A8%98-deluxe/id1195003851

* Khalil mentions the Baha'i Blogcast interview with Andy Grammer: http://bahaiblog.net/site/2016/07/bahai-blogcast-rainn-wilson-episode-6-andy-grammer-aijia/

* Khalil refers to the following Baha'i quote from the Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah: 
"O SON OF BEING! Bring thyself to account each day ere thou art summoned to a reckoning; for death, unheralded, shall come upon thee and thou shalt be called to give account for thy deeds." -Baha'u'llah

Be sure to ‘subscribe’ to the Baha’i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on:

*iTunes: itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/bahai…son/id1127132519

*Soundcloud: @user-545312385

You can also stream the Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4mSeu2veRnU1XPBAa0hf9i

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson
Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Episode 18: Khalil Fong 方大同

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In this episode I interview Kevin Locke, which in Lakota is "Tokaheya Inajin" meaning “First to Rise”. Both Lakota and Anishnabe, Kevin is a Native American Baha'i who is a world famous visionary Hoop Dancer, preeminent player of the Indigenous Northern Plains flute, traditional storyteller, cultural ambassador, recording artist and educator with nearly 40 years of performing to over hundreds of thousands of people in over 90 countries. Living in Standing Rock, USA, Kevin talks to me about Lakota culture, some of their traditional prophecies and the power of women in their society. He tells me how he became a Baha'i, explains the power of engaging in the arts and connecting to the creator, and how the revelation of Baha'u'llah touches all the peoples of the earth, no matter what cultural background they come from, and how important it is for us learn from each other and about our collective heritage and so many other fascinating things. At the end of the conversation, Kevin shares a beautiful song on the flute called 'The Eagle's Flight'.

To find out more about Kevin Locke and some of the things we covered in the podcast, check out the following links:

* You can find out more about Kevin Locke from his website: KevinLocke.com

* In the interview, Kevin recommends the book 'Black Elk Speaks' by John G. Neihardt, which you can get here: http://amzn.to/2hAEoMU

* Kevin mentions the 1992 'Tribute by the Universal House of Justice to Baha'u'llah on the Centenary of His Passing', which you find here: http://www.bahai.org/documents/the-universal-house-of-justice/tribute-universal-house-justice

You can find out more about this episode here: 

Be sure to ‘subscribe’ to the Baha’i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on:

*iTunes: itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/bahai…son/id1127132519
*Soundcloud: @user-545312385

You can also stream the Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/79COyQTbVGXHcT3Y5VL52n

If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content check out BAHAIBLOG.NET.

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Episode 19: Kevin Locke

Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.

In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.

In this episode I speak with Nader Saiedi, Taslimi Foundation Professor of Baha’i Studies in the department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at University of California. Born in Tehran, Iran, and having lived in the US since 1978, professor Saiedi tells me about his personal journey from being a staunch Marxist to becoming a Baha'i, and how he was humbled by the sacred Baha'i Writings and moved by the steadfastness of the Baha'is being persecuted in Iran. Among other things, we talk about slavery, historical consciousness, and the thousands of untranslated and unpublished tablets by the Bab and Baha'u'llah he's been studying recently. Hope you enjoy the conversation!

To find out more about Nader Saiedi and some of the things we covered in this podcast, check out the following links:

* You can find out more about Dr. Nader Saiedi here: https://bahaikipedia.org/Nader_Saiedi

* Dr. Saiedi is the author of 'Logos and Civilization' and 'Gate of the Heart'.

* You may be interested in this talk by Dr. Nader Saiedi titled 'From World War to World Peace': http://bahaiblog.net/site/2017/06/world-war-world-peace-talk-dr-nader-saiedi/

* You may also enjoy a series of 11 talks by Dr. Saiedi called 'Text and Context in the Baha’i Heroic Age': https://soundcloud.com/bahai-blog/sets/nader-saiedi-text-and-context

* In the interview, Nader makes reference to 'The Book of Certitude' by Baha’u’llah and 'The Secret of Divine Civilization' by Abdu’l-Baha which you can find here: http://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-iqan/ and http://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/secret-divine-civilization/

* In the interview I mention the following excerpt from the Writings of Baha'u'llah: "O SON OF DUST! Verily I say unto thee: Of all men the most negligent is he that disputeth idly and seeketh to advance himself over his brother. Say, O brethren! Let deeds, not words, be your adorning."

* Nader mentions an excerpt from the following quote taken from the book 'Epistle to the Son of the Wolf' by Baha’u’llah: “Verily, We shall render Thee victorious by Thyself and by Thy Pen. Grieve Thou not for that which hath befallen Thee, neither be Thou afraid, for Thou art in safety. Erelong will God raise up the treasures of the earth—men who will aid Thee through Thyself and through Thy Name, wherewith God hath revived the hearts of such as have recognized Him.” You can find the book here: http://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/epistle-son-wolf/

* I make reference to my Baha’i Blogcast interview with Native American Baha’i Kevin Locke which you can listen to here: http://bahaiblog.net/site/2017/08/bahai-blogcast-rainn-wilson-episode-19-kevin-locke/

Be sure to ‘subscribe’ to the Baha’i Blogcast for more weekly episodes on:

*iTunes: itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/bahai…son/id1127132519
*Soundcloud: @user-545312385

You can also stream the Blogcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7u380ZQPWuEViqO7mGtiGl

If you would like to find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content check out http://BAHAIBLOG.NET.

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Episode 20: Nader Saiedi

Welcome to Baha’i Blog’s SoundCloud channel!

We are an independent initiative for Australian Baha’is and likeminded friends to connect with personal stories, inspiration, arts and media about the Baha’i Faith, its ideals and transformational impact. 

Here on SoundCloud we feature Baha’i-inspired music, resources, talks, and perspectives on the Baha’i Faith. Be sure to subscribe to support the channel and stay up to date. 

The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of the Baha’i Faith. The official website of the Baha’i Faith in Australia is: Bahai.org.au, and the global website for the Baha’i Faith is Bahai.org