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 special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu'l-Baha, I'm joined by my good friend Shahin Sobhani, who among many other things, was the creator of 239days.com, a site dedicated to the time Abdu'l-Baha spent in North America. Shahin tells us about his childhood and his Baha'i ancestors, and shares stories about Abdu'l-Baha, whom Baha'u'llah called "The Mystery of God". I'm sure you'll enjoy this conversation as much I did!

Find out more about some of the things we covered below:

* Learn more about Abdu'l-Baha and the commemoration of the Centenary of His passing here: https://bit.ly/3meSCjX

* Website created in honor of Abdu'l-Baha's visit to North America: https://239days.com/

* Read this Baha'i Blog interview with Shahin Sobhani about 239Days.com: https://bit.ly/3cKzWWo

* Find out more about:
- The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN
- Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM​
- Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/​
- The Bab: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/​​
- Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/

* Shahin mentions the following:
- Mulla Husayn: https://bit.ly/31Id0kg
- Battle of Fort Tabarsi: https://bit.ly/3wiY8qu
- Nabil-i-Azam: https://bit.ly/3mfIJme
- The Dawn-breakers: https://bit.ly/3cK6q35
- Quddus: https://bahaipedia.org/Qudd%C3%BAs
- Islamic/Iranian Revolution: https://bit.ly/2OhbsdV
- Persecution of the Baha'is in Iran: https://bit.ly/3rIjaLx
- Landegg International University: https://bit.ly/2OglkV7
- Dr. Hossein Danesh: https://bit.ly/31GKLlU
- Suheil Bushrui: https://news.bahai.org/story/1065/
- Townshend International School: https://www.townshend.cz/
- Baha'i Firesides: https://bit.ly/2QVLfCp
- May Maxwell: https://bit.ly/3sKDj4Z
- John Robarts: https://bahaipedia.org/John_Robarts
- Audrey Robarts: https://bahaipedia.org/Audrey_Robarts
- Baha'i Pioneering: https://bit.ly/3cLWrde
- Tablet of Ahmad: https://bit.ly/2QSHZru
- Louis Gregory: https://bahaipedia.org/Louis_Gregory

* Shahin talks about Douglass Martin: https://news.bahai.org/story/1455/

* Douglas Martin 'Historical Consciousness and the Divine Plan' talks: https://bit.ly/2POBEgq

* Shahin mentions Nader Saiedi, who was also a guest on the Baha'i Blogcast: https://bit.ly/3rMYmCN

* Shahin mentions Rhett Diessner, who was also a guest on the Baha'i Blogcast: https://bit.ly/31DdtEi

* Rainn mentions Mona Foundation CEO, Mahnaz Javid, who was also a guest on the Baha'i Blogcast: https://bit.ly/3cMuhz8

* Website about 'One Common Faith': http://onecommonfaith.net/en

* 'One Common Faith' article: https://bit.ly/39xhnD1

* Audio reading of 'One Common Faith': https://bit.ly/3sLgePz

* Here's the animation Shahin helped with: 'What is the Baha'i Faith? An Introduction by Rainn Wilson': https://bit.ly/3wjCKBn

* Book: 'God Passes By' by Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/2OerdSG

* Quote by Baha'u'llah about Abdu'l-Baha: "Blessed, doubly blessed, is the ground which His footsteps have trodden".

* You may also be interested in listening to 'The Journey West' podcast: https://bit.ly/3wfmd1k

* QUOTE: “Freedom is not a matter of place. It is a condition." -Abdu'l-Baha


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

* YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO​​
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL​​ 
* Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4​​
* Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb​​ 

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: http://bahaiblog.net/​

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Episode 62: Shahin Sobhani (In Honor of Abdu'l-Baha)

Episode 62: Shahin Sobhani (In Honor of Abdu'l-Baha)

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 special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu'l-Baha, I'm joined by Anne and Tim Perry, the couple behind the fabulous documentary about Abdu'l-Baha's visit to North America called 'Luminous Journey'. They tell me how they became Baha'is, what inspired them to make the documentary, and share stories about the making of the film, and of Abdu'l-Baha. I know you'll enjoy the conversation as much I did!

Find out more about some of the things we covered below:

* Watch 'Luminous Journey' here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx4Vj0KUNSYBc1lY7_UAVyQ

* Learn more about Abdu'l-Baha and the commemoration of the Centenary of His passing here: https://bahaiworld.bahai.org/special-collections/the-mystery-of-god/

* Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/

* The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN

* Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM

* The Bab​​: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/

* Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/

* The Baha'i World Centre: http://www.bwc.org/

* Greenacre Baha'i School: https://www.greenacre.org/

* Sarah Farmer: https://bahaichronicles.org/sarah-jane-farmer/

* Book by Anne Perry called 'Green Acre on the Piscataqua': https://www.bahaibookstore.com/Green-Acre-on-the-Piscataqua-Originally-16-P6883.aspx

* Seals & Crofts: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seals_and_Crofts

* The Nineteen Day Feast and Why it’s Important: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2012/11/the-nineteen-day-feast-and-why-its-important/

* 1992 Baha'i World Congress: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1%CA%BC%C3%AD_World_Congress

* 239Days.com: https://239days.com/

* Thronton Chase: https://bahaichronicles.org/thornton-chase-disciple-of-abdul-baha/

* Baha'i Firesides: https://bit.ly/2QVLfCp

* Louis Gregory: https://bahaipedia.org/Louis_Gregory

* Agnes Parsons: https://bit.ly/3v4HHx0

* Liz Dwyer: https://bahaiteachings.org/author/liz-dwyer/

* Anne shares quote from Abdu'l-Baha: 
"...for any movement animated by love moveth from the periphery to the centre, from space to the Day-Star of the universe. Perchance thou deemest this to be difficult, but I tell thee that such cannot be the case, for when the motivating and guiding power is the divine force of magnetism it is possible, by its aid, to traverse time and space easily and swiftly."

* Tim shares quote by Abdu’l-Baha relating to the election of the United States president:
"The president must be a man who does not insistently seek the presidency. He should be a person free from all thoughts of name and rank; rather, he should say, ‘I am unworthy and incapable of this position and cannot bear this great burden.’ Such persons deserve the presidency. If the object is to promote the public good, then the president must be a well-wisher of all and not a self-seeking person. If the object, however, is to promote personal interests, then such a position will be injurious to humanity and not beneficial to the public."

* The Importance of Service in the Baha’i Faith: https://bit.ly/3rDjg82

* Juliet Thompson: https://bit.ly/3bWtFG1

* Paris Talks: https://reference.bahai.org/en/t/ab/PT/

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

* YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO​​
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL​​ 
* Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4​​
* Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb​​ 

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: http://bahaiblog.net/​

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Episode 63: Anne & Tim Perry (In Honor of Abdu'l-Baha)

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 special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu'l-Baha, I'm joined by Baha'i author, Angelina Diliberto Allen. Angelina shares how her family became Baha'is, some pioneering experiences, and how being in a chewing-gum commercial helped her and her twin sister go on pilgrimage. We talk about what the House of Justice calls "this infinitely poignant moment", and Angelina tells us some fascinating stories about the six Western Baha'is who were in the Holy Land at the time of Abdu'l-Baha's passing. I'm sure you'll enjoy this conversation as much I did!

Find out more about some of the things we covered below:

* Centenary of Ascension of Abdu'l-Baha: https://bit.ly/3jkV0WX

* Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/

* The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN

* Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM

* The Bab​​: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/

* Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/

* Website in honor of Abdu'l-Baha's visit to North America: https://239days.com/

* The Journey West podcast: https://bit.ly/3y4dzTo

* Book: John David Bosch: In the Vanguard of Heroes, Martyrs, and Saints by Angelina Diliberto Allen: https://amzn.to/3qz4JdR

* Baha'i Blog interview with Angelina about her book: https://bit.ly/3y1rCcv

* Book: When the Moon Set Over Haifa by Angelina Diliberto Allen: https://bit.ly/35YJxEK

* John Bosch (https://bit.ly/3h20Meu) and Louise Bosch (https://bit.ly/2UOlpT1)

* Baha'i actor Lloyd Haynes: https://bit.ly/3x40wBv

* Book: God Passes By by Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/2UaWgBH

* Florian Krug: https://bit.ly/361HsI2

* Pioneering: https://bit.ly/3jjTmVH

* John Allen: https://bahaipedia.org/John_Allen

* Knights of Baha’u’llah: https://bit.ly/2YE1hBS

* Baha'i Pilgrimage: https://bit.ly/2EDykz8

* Louis Gregory: https://bit.ly/33aTONF

* Shrine of the Bab: https://bit.ly/3w3JC4s

* Shrine of Baha’u’llah: https://bit.ly/2URrE8J

* Independent Investigation of Truth: https://bit.ly/3h2bd1V

* William Sears: https://bit.ly/3jmV1d2

* Hands of the Cause: https://bit.ly/2EATuOD

* Study Circles: https://bit.ly/3qkIJSR

* Ruhi courses: https://bit.ly/3w16G44

* Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program: https://bit.ly/3x52jX0

* Angelina talks about my father, Robert Wilson, whom I discuss on the Baha'i Blogcast with Sean Hinton: https://bit.ly/3hcr5h7

* Will and Testament of Abdu’l-Baha: https://bit.ly/3xUtaoG

* Curtis Kelsey: https://bit.ly/3jkV5dd

* Bahiyyih Khanum: https://bit.ly/3h20rZg

* QUOTE: "The content of the Will of the Master are far too much for the present generation to comprehend, it needs at least a century of actual working before the treasures of wisdom hidden in it can be revealed..." 
-Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi 

* Shrine of Abdu'l-Baha: https://bit.ly/3h9aOJO

* Munireh Khanum: https://bit.ly/3w6g3iK

* US Baha'i Publishing Trust: https://www.bahaibookstore.com/

* Amatu’l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum: https://bit.ly/34DYRHj

* Amelia Collins: https://bit.ly/3doqmZ4

* Book: Priceless Pearl: https://bit.ly/3y4jjfU

* Baha’i Covenant: https://bit.ly/3A8mFk8


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

* YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO​​
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL​​ 
* Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4​​
* Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb​​ 

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: http://bahaiblog.net/​

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Episode 65: Angelina Diliberto Allen (In Honor of Abdu'l-Baha)

Episode 65: Angelina Diliberto Allen (In Honor of Abdu'l-Baha)

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 joined by my dear Baha'i friend, Michael O'Neal, the founder of 'Parent University', a community collaborative that supports families and encourages parent involvement and participation in the education of a community’s children and youth. Michael tells us how he became a Baha'i, what it was like growing up in a poor family, why grassroots initiatives are important, and why perseverance is a must. I'm sure you'll enjoy this conversation as much I did! 

To find out more about some of the things we covered in this episode, check out the following links:

* Find out more about Parent University here: https://www.parentuniversitysav.org/

* The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN

* Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM

* Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/

* The Bab: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/

* Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/

* An Introduction to The Seven Valleys: https://bit.ly/3hHPLiM

* An Introduction to The Four Valleys by Baha’u’llah: https://bit.ly/2VAUVEM

* Book: Theif in the Night by William Sears: https://amzn.to/3xG0gZC

* Seals & Crofts: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seals_and_Crofts

* The Book of Certitude (Kitab-i-Iqan): https://bit.ly/2UIdIxA

* We refer to this quote by Shoghi Effendi found in The Advent of Divine Justice: 

“As to racial prejudice, the corrosion of which, for well-nigh a century, has bitten into the fiber, and attacked the whole social structure of American society, it should be regarded as constituting the most vital and challenging issue confronting the Baha’i community at the present stage of its evolution. The ceaseless exertions which this issue of paramount importance calls for, the sacrifices it must impose, the care and vigilance it demands, the moral courage and fortitude it requires, the tact and sympathy it necessitates, invest this problem … with an urgency and importance that cannot be overestimated.” 

* Why Cluster Reflection Meetings Are So Important: https://bit.ly/2Tb5PAi

* Consultation: A Perspective: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2015/10/introduction-consultation/

* The Baha’i Black Men’s Gathering: https://bit.ly/2Td3O6P

* Baha’i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson – Episode 56: William H. “Smitty” Smith: https://bit.ly/3kqHjqh

* We refer to this quote by Baha'u'llah:  
"Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom."

* Children’s Classes: https://bit.ly/3yYivd1

* Study Circles: https://bit.ly/3qkIJSR

* Ruhi sequence of courses: https://bit.ly/3w16G44

* The Importance of Service in the Baha’i Faith: https://bit.ly/3eDDyKr
* Thornton Chase: https://bit.ly/3B0LlLT

* We refer to this quote from a talk given by Abdu'l-Baha: 
"Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path."

* Learn more about Abdu'l-Baha and the commemoration of the Centenary of His passing here: https://bit.ly/3jkV0WX

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

* YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO​​
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL​​ 
* Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4​​
* Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb​​ 

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: http://bahaiblog.net/​

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Episode 66: Michael O'Neal

Episode 66: Michael O'Neal

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 joined by my dear Baha'i friend and award-winning actor, Penn Badgley, known for his role in many things including the TV series 'Gossip Girl' and 'You'. Penn tells me about his upbringing, his spiritual journey, and becoming a Baha'i. We talk about being a celebrity and issues around the ego and injustices that exist in society. He tells me about his appreciation of rap music and indigenous culture, and how the Baha'i Faith has inspired his work. We discuss social media, participation in the discourses of society, the power and importance of encouragement, and he leaves us with a story about Abdu'l-Baha. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did!

To find out more about some of the things we covered in this episode, check out the following links:

* The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN

* Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM

* Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/

* The Bab: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/

* Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/

* QUOTE: "As to racial prejudice, the corrosion of which, for well-nigh a century, has bitten into the fiber, and attacked the whole social structure of American society, it should be regarded as constituting the most vital and challenging issue confronting the Baha’i community at the present stage of its evolution. The ceaseless exertions which this issue of paramount importance calls for, the sacrifices it must impose, the care and vigilance it demands, the moral courage and fortitude it requires, the tact and sympathy it necessitates, invest this problem with an urgency and importance that cannot be overestimated." -Shoghi Effendi

* QUOTE: "...an enlightened man of wisdom should primarily speak with words as mild as milk..." -Baha'u'llah

* QUOTE: "Know ye the value of this time. Strive ye with all your hearts, raise up your voices and shout, until this dark world be filled with light, and this narrow place of shadows be widened out, and this dust heap of a fleeting moment be changed into a mirror for the eternal gardens of heaven, and this globe of earth receive its portion of celestial grace." -Abdu'l-Baha 

* The Bassoon King by Rainn Wilson: https://amzn.to/2WnPRUC

* Introduction to The Seven Valleys: bit.ly/38yX0SI

* The Seven Valleys by Baha'u'llah: bit.ly/32VC46Z

* The Promise of World Peace: https://www.bahai.org/documents/the-universal-house-of-justice/promise-world-peace

* Baha'i Pioneering: https://bit.ly/3jjTmVH

* Study Circles: https://bit.ly/3qkIJSR

* Ruhi courses: https://bit.ly/3w16G44

* Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program: https://bit.ly/3x52jX0

* Penn's Podcast PODCRUSHED: https://podcrushed.com/

* Baha'i Pilgrimage: https://bit.ly/2EDykz8

* QUOTE: "The world’s equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order. Mankind’s ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System—the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed." -Baha'u'llah 

* The Importance of Service in the Baha’i Faith: https://bit.ly/3eDDyKr

* Centenary of Abdu'l-Baha's passing: https://bit.ly/3jkV0WX

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

* YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO​​
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL​​ 
* Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4​​
* Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb​​ 

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: http://bahaiblog.net/​

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Episode 67: Penn Badgley

Episode 67: Penn Badgley

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 special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu'l-Baha, I'm joined by Kathryn Hogenson, author, and attorney, who joins me in my home in California. She tells me how she became a Baha'i and about Ruhiyyih Khanum and her time at the Baha'i World Centre. She also talks about the first Western Baha’i pilgrims to Holy Land, and she shares unknown stories of Abdu’l-Baha and the Bahai's of that time. I'm sure you'll enjoy this conversation as much I did!

Find out more about some of the things we covered below:

* Learn more about Abdu'l-Baha and the commemoration of the Centenary of His passing here: https://bit.ly/3jkV0WX

* Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/

* The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN

* Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM

* The Bab​​: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/

* Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/

* Book: 'Lighting the Western Sky' by Kathryn Hogenson: https://amzn.to/3sevjK3

* Horace Holley: https://bit.ly/3iJ0VV6

* Seals and Crofts: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seals_and_Crofts

* Baha'i Firesides: https://bit.ly/2QVLfCp

* Nineteen Day Feast: https://bit.ly/37J7fpe

* Service in the Baha’i Faith: https://bit.ly/3rDjg82

* Baha'i World Centre: https://www.bwc.org/

* Progressive Revelation: https://bit.ly/2Vkay0B

* Terraces of the Shrine of the Bab: https://bit.ly/3g07ssE

* Hands of the Cause: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2014/06/hands-cause/

* Ruhiyyih Khanum: https://bit.ly/2VVO6O8

* Video: Crossing Frontiers: Portrait of a World Citizen - Featuring the life of Amatu’l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp9CDnxmpKI

* Ali-Akbar Furutan: https://news.bahai.org/story/261/

* Ali-Muhammad Varqa: https://news.bahai.org/story/579/

* Baha'i Pilgrimage: https://bit.ly/2EDykz8

* House of Abdu'llah Pasha: https://bit.ly/3m1STbT

* May Maxwell: https://bit.ly/3m7UkG5

* Robert Turner: https://bit.ly/3shNJK7

* Robert Stockman: https://bit.ly/3ma0rt8

* Lua Getsinger: https://bit.ly/3m3fHs6

* International Teaching Centre Building: https://bit.ly/3iKfebU

* Baha'i World Volumes: https://bit.ly/3jOenq6

* Why is the Baha’i World Centre in Israel?: https://bit.ly/3xKHsYx

* Shrine of the Bab: https://bit.ly/3w3JC4s

* Shrine of Baha’u’llah: https://bit.ly/2URrE8J

* An Introduction to the Will and Testament of Abdu’l-Baha: https://bit.ly/2VQHJvR

* Phoebe Hearst: https://bit.ly/2XvQzA1

* Helen & Ella Goodall: https://bit.ly/3g21rvw

* Martha Root: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2012/10/the-life-of-martha-root/

* Prison City of Akka: https://bit.ly/3jXLGan

* Corinne True: https://bit.ly/3yKYres

* Baha'i Houses of Worship/Temples: https://bit.ly/3m6QRaz

* US Baha'i House of Worship/Temple: https://www.bahai.us/bahai-temple/

* Thornton Chase: https://bit.ly/3ssY6uR

* Laura & Hippolyte Dreyfus-Barney: https://bit.ly/2XlWrvj

* George Ronald Publishing: https://www.grbooks.com/ 

* Ian Semple: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2011/12/in-memory-of-mr-ian-semple/

* Edna True: https://bahaipedia.org/Edna_True

* Stanwood Cobb: https://bit.ly/2VVOOuM

* Website in honor of Abdu'l-Baha's visit to North America: https://239days.com/

* You may also be interested in The Journey West podcast: https://bit.ly/3y4dzTo

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

* YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL 
* Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bahaiblogcast
* Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb 

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: http://bahaiblog.net/

Thanks for listening! 

-Rainn Wilson

Baha'i Blogcast With Rainn Wilson Episode 68 - Kathryn Hogenson

Episode 68: Kathryn Hogenson (In Honor of Abdu'l-Baha)

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 special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu'l-Baha, I'm joined by Baha'i author, Rob Weinberg from the UK. Rob talks about the remarkable life of Abdu'l-Baha and why he feels Abdu'l-Baha was an ambassador to humanity. We talk about Abdu'l-Baha's time in Egypt, Baghdad, France, and the example He gave us. Rob tells us about his own Baha'i journey, his time in the Holy Land,  and we discuss the need to focus locally, and look at how we can follow the example of Abdu'l-Baha. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did!

Find out more about some of the things we mentioned and covered below:

* Learn more about Abdu'l-Baha and the commemoration of the Centenary of His passing here: https://bit.ly/3jkV0WX

* Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/

* The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN

* Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM

* The Bab​​: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/

* Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/

* BOOK: Ambassador to Humanity by Robert Weinberg: https://amzn.to/3t66HUu

* Rob’s Bahaʼi Blog Interview 'Ambassador to Humanity': https://bit.ly/3BDEveE

* Edward Granville Browne: The Only European Historian Who Met Baha’u’llah: https://bit.ly/3kVsKcG

* A Dramatized Reading of E. G. Browne's Meeting with Baha'u'llah: https://bit.ly/3n3a8dE

* Dr. William Cormick: https://bit.ly/3gXMBXp

* BOOK: The Primal Point: A selection of testimonials and tributes to the Bab and His followers by Robert Weinberg: https://amzn.to/3yCgen9

* The Primal Point book interview with Rob Weinberg: https://bit.ly/3yDHT7m

* The Baha'i World Centre: https://www.bwc.org/

* Why is the Baha’i World Centre in Israel?: https://bit.ly/3yGYqr1

* Baha’i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson – Ep 68: Kathryn Hogenson: https://bit.ly/3kNKAyi

* Abdu’l-Baha’s Tablets to The Hague: https://bit.ly/38DXGbA

* QUOTE: “Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and center your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements.”  -Baha'u'llah

* Paris Talks by Abdu'l-Baha: https://bit.ly/3kNKpD8

* What is the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program: https://bit.ly/3h1NWN5

* BOOK: The Master in Egypt: https://amzn.to/38PqWwt

* VIDEO: Abdu'l-Baha in Egypt: https://bit.ly/3zFELcq

* QUOTE: “The gift of God to this enlightened age is the knowledge of the oneness of mankind and of the fundamental oneness of religion. War shall cease between nations, and by the will of God the Most Great Peace shall come; the world will be seen as a new world, and all men will live as brothers.” -Abdu’l-Baha

* Siah-Chal (The Black Pit): https://bit.ly/3trpwlj

* Munirih Khanum: https://bit.ly/3n9xmhY

* The Two Gardens of Ridvan: https://bit.ly/3yO4v4Z

* BOOK: A Sudden Music by Roger White: https://amzn.to/3zEScJz

* Juliet Thompson: https://bit.ly/3tis1Gf

* Bahaʼi World Publications: https://bahaiworld.bahai.org/

* A New Cycle of Human Power - Abdu’l-Baha’s encounters with modernist writers and artists by Rob Weinberg: https://bit.ly/3tg8gPu

* Horace Holley: https://bit.ly/3n1ydRT

* BOOK: Ethel Rosenberg: https://bit.ly/3gZR3VI 

* Lady Blomfield: Her Life and Times – An Interview with Robert Weinberg: https://bit.ly/3zQJc4s



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

* YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL 
* Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bahaiblogcast
* Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb 

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: http://bahaiblog.net/

Thanks for listening! 

-Rainn Wilson

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Episode 69: Rob Weinberg (In Honor of Abdu'l-Baha)

Episode 69: Rob Weinberg (In Honor of Abdu'l-Baha)

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 joined by Sovaida Ma'ani Ewing, the founder of 'The Center for Peace and Global Governance' and a person of many talents. She's the author of a number of books, has worked as a lawyer for 20 years, is a 7th generation Baha'i, and she's passionate about the role of women in society, issues around global governance, the environment, peace-building, and leadership. We discuss all of these topics and also look at ideas around Collective Security, the meaning of power, and she even shares some personal stories of her time growing up in the Holy Land. I'm sure you'll enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

Find out more about some of the things we mentioned and covered below:

* Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/

* The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN

* Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM

* The Bab​​: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/

* Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/

* Learn more about Abdu'l-Baha and the commemoration of the Centenary of His passing here: https://bit.ly/3jkV0WX

* Sovaida has published the following books:
- The Alchemy of Peace - 6 Essential Shifts in Mindsets and Habits to Achieve World Peace: https://amzn.to/3ucNZeq
- Collective Security Within Reach: https://amzn.to/3EWIplp
- Building a World Federation: The Key to Resolving Our Global Crises: https://amzn.to/3ucxFdw
- Bridge to Global Governance: Tackling Climate Change, Energy Distribution, and Nuclear Proliferation: https://amzn.to/3zJofYb

* Sovaid's 'Re-Imagining Our World' Vlogcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3EON6xz

* Interview with Sovaida about her book 'The Alchemy of Peace': https://bit.ly/3kIpmmE

* QUOTE: "Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and center your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements." -Baha'u'llah

* Sovaida's NGO: Center for Peace and Global Governance (CPGG): https://www.cpgg.org/

* Sovaida's life coaching business: https://unleashyoucoaching.com/

* Siyyid Yahya-i-Darabi, given the title Vahid: https://bit.ly/2Y1qsBq

* Nayriz: https://www.awakeningnayriz.org/template.php

* Independent Investigation of Truth: https://bit.ly/3h2bd1V

* Baha'i principle of Progressive Revelation: https://bit.ly/2Vkay0B

* The Baha'i World Centre: https://www.bwc.org/

* Why is the Baha’i World Centre in Israel?: https://bit.ly/3yGYqr1
 
* Hands of the Cause: https://bit.ly/2EATuOD

* Abu’l-Qasim Faizi: https://bit.ly/3AJGkqg

* Ruhiyyih Khanum: https://bit.ly/3ugcvLz

* Ali-Akbar Furutan: https://news.bahai.org/story/261/

* Paul Haney: https://bahaipedia.org/Paul_Haney

* Baha’i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson – Ep.52: Dara Feldman: https://bit.ly/3AM5STR

* The Promise of World Peace - Universal House of Justice letter 1985: https://bit.ly/3m56Jsm

* Baha’i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson – Ep.35: Michael Karlberg: https://bit.ly/3ibDMdd


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

* YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL 
* Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bahaiblogcast
* Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb 

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: http://bahaiblog.net/

Thanks for listening! 

-Rainn Wilson

Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Episode 70: Sovaida Ma'ani Ewing

Episode 70: Sovaida Ma'ani Ewing

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 joined by my dear friend Todd Steinberg, who helped out in the early days of SoulPancake and runs a teddy bear company - yep that's right - teddy bears! Todd shares his journey to finding the Baha'i Faith and how grateful he is for finding it. We talk about how systems are as important as the people within them; the importance of being in tune with our hearts and the importance of service. He tells us a little about his work with prisoners, and shares a couple of stories about Abdu'l-Baha. I hope you enjoy the conversation!

Find out more about some of the things we mentioned and covered below:

* Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/

* The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN

* Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM

* The Bab​​: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/

* Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/

* Todd's family business "Plush in a Rush": https://www.plushinarush.com/


* SoulPancake: https://participant.com/soulpancake

* Baha’i Pioneering: https://www.bahaiblog.net/bahai-pioneer-travel-teacher/

* The Baha’i “Pupil of the Eye” Metaphor—What Does it Mean?: https://bahaiteachings.org/bahai-pupil-eye-metaphor/

* Bahaʼi Prayers: https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/life-spirit/devotion/prayer

* 6 Questions About the Independent Investigation of Truth: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2021/05/6-questions-about-the-independent-investigation-of-truth/

* An Introduction to the Kitab-i-Iqan – The Book of Certitude: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2021/02/an-introduction-to-the-kitab-i-iqan-the-book-of-certitude/

* The Bahaʼi Fast: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2012/03/the-bahai-fast/

* Book: The Bassoon King by Rainn Wilson: https://amzn.to/3Ccb6Ja

* Todd’s article about teaching prisoners: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2016/12/experiences-teaching-bahai-faith-prisoners/

* The Training Institute & Ruhi sequence of courses: https://bit.ly/3qkIJSR

* Learn more about Abdu'l-Baha and the commemoration of the Centenary of His passing here: https://bit.ly/3jkV0WX

* The Shrine of the Bab and its Significance: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2013/07/the-shrine-of-the-bab-and-its-significance/

* A Tribute to Anis Zunuzi: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2016/07/tribute-anis-zunuzi/

* Devotional Meetings: https://www.bahai.org/action/devotional-life/devotional-meetings/

* Website created in honor of Abdu'l-Baha's visit to North America: 239Days.com: https://239days.com/

* Becoming a Baha’i: https://bahai.org.au/index.php/the-bahai-faith/becoming-a-bahai/


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

* YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL 
* Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bahaiblogcast
* Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb 

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: http://bahaiblog.net/

Thanks for listening! 

-Rainn Wilson

Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Episode 71: Todd Steinberg

Episode 71: Todd Steinberg

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 special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu’l-Baha, I’m joined by Professor Hoda Mahmoudi who holds the Baha’i Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland, USA. She tells me about moving to the US as a child and what the Baha'i Chair for World Peace is all about. We talk Abdu'l-Baha and His wonderful insights on what peace is really about, and how all of us can play a role in helping achieve it. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did!

Find out more about some of the things we mentioned and covered below:

* Learn more about Abdu'l-Baha and the commemoration of the Centenary of His passing here: https://bit.ly/3jkV0WX

* Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/

* The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN

* Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM

* The Bab​​: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/

* Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/

* Website in honor of Abdu'l-Baha's visit to North America: https://239days.com/

* Find out more about The Baha'i Chair for World Peace and Hoda Mahmoudi here: http://www.bahaichair.umd.edu/people/mahmoudi

* BOOK: A World Without War by Janet Khan & Hoda Mahmoudi: https://amzn.to/3rtWIHn

* Association for Baha'i Studies, North America: https://www.bahaistudies.ca/

* The Baha'i World Centre: https://www.bwc.org/

* Why is the Baha’i World Centre in Israel: https://bit.ly/3DjRx1k

* Tablets of the Divine Plan: https://bit.ly/3rw39Mp

* What Are the Tablets of the Divine Plan: https://bit.ly/3rxKr79

* We mention Dr. Nader Saiedi who has also been a guest on the Baha'i Blogcast:
- Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Ep. 20: Nader Saiedi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pSyY-vhxuw
- Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Ep.48: A Declaration of the Bab Conversation with Nader Saiedi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jPN99xQLOs

* Tablets to The Hague by Abdu'l-Baha: https://bit.ly/3G7hTFy

* Abdu’l-Baha’s Tablets to The Hague: An Introduction: https://bit.ly/3oh9Gsn 

* VIDEO: A World Without War: Abdu’l-Baha & the Discourse for Global Peace - Janet Khan & Hoda Mahmoudi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRlAXd8tr7Q

* The Promise of World Peace by the Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/31jtjrc

* Children's Classes: https://bit.ly/31tnbMI

* Why & How Do Baha’is Pray: https://bit.ly/3GbYHXa

* Study Circles: https://bit.ly/3qkIJSR

* Ruhi courses: https://bit.ly/3w16G44

* What is the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program: https://bit.ly/3x52jX0

* Who Were the Hands of the Cause: https://bit.ly/2EATuOD

* Taking the Politics Out of Politics: https://bit.ly/3DmnnKG

* Importance of Service in the Baha’i Faith: https://bit.ly/3rDjg82

* BOOK: God Passes By by Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/2UaWgBH

* VIDEO: Abdu'l-Baha in Egypt - Baha'i Blog Interviews Payam Rowhani: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvPh6NSaEnA

* BOOK: Paris Talks by Abdu'l-Baha: https://bit.ly/3DfhNK5

* VIDEO: Abdu'l-Baha - Servant of Glory: https://youtu.be/tMJoyyEXjr4


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

* YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO​​
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL​​ 
* Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4​​
* Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb​​ 

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: http://bahaiblog.net/​

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Episode 72: Hoda Mahmoudi (In Honor of Abdu’l-Baha)

Episode 72: Hoda Mahmoudi (In Honor of Abdu’l-Baha)

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. Elena Mustakova, an educator, social scientist and integral psychologist who believes that psychological and spiritual health are inseparable. We talk about why individuals betray themselves, and the relationship between the individual and their environment. We discuss fear, the potential pitfalls of ideology, the interdependent world we live in, sacred activism, and the difference between spirituality, religion and collective consciousness. I'm sure you'll enjoy this conversation as much as I did! 

Watch the video of the interview here: https://bit.ly/3I19DrF

Find out more about some of the things we mentioned and covered below:

* Check out the podcast series called "Ambassador to Humanity":  https://bit.ly/33phpwG

* The Bab​​: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/
* Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/
* Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/
* Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM
* The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3mgH0wN

Find out more about Elena Mustakova here: 
- Website: https://www.elenamustakova.net/
- Website: https://globalsocialhealth.org/en/home/
- Youtube: https://bit.ly/3K8FwR7
 
* BOOK: Global Unitive Healing: Integral Skills for Personal and Collective Transformation: https://amzn.to/3COXOBO

* QUOTE:
"We cannot segregate the human heart from the environment outside us and say that once one of these is reformed everything will be improved. Man is organic with the world. His inner life moulds the environment and is itself also deeply affected by it. The one acts upon the other and every abiding change in the life of man is the result of these mutual reactions."
(Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, To an individual believer, 17 February 1933)

* QUOTE:
"All matter originates and exists only by virtue of a force which brings the particle of an atom to vibration and holds this most minute solar system of the atom together. We must assume behind this force the existence of a conscious and intelligent Mind. This Mind is the matrix of all matter."
-Max Planck

* QUOTE:
"A mighty force, a consummate power lieth concealed in the world of being. Fix your gaze upon it and upon its unifying influence, and not upon the differences which appear from it."
-Baha'u'llah

* Meaningful and Distinctive Conversations: https://bit.ly/31VLH9Q

* Study Circles & Ruhi books: https://www.ruhi.org/materials/list.php

* Elena shares this prayer by Baha'u'llah:
"Create in me a pure heart, O my God, and renew a tranquil conscience within me, O my Hope!  Through the spirit of power confirm Thou me in Thy Cause, O my Best-Beloved, and by the light of Thy glory reveal unto me Thy path, O Thou the Goal of my desire!  Through the power of Thy transcendent might lift me up unto the heaven of Thy holiness, O Source of my being, and by the breezes of Thine eternity gladden me, O Thou Who art my God!  Let Thine everlasting melodies breathe tranquillity on me, O my Companion, and let the riches of Thine ancient countenance deliver me from all except Thee, O my Master, and let the tidings of the revelation of Thine incorruptible Essence bring me joy, O Thou Who art the most manifest of the manifest and the most hidden of the hidden!"


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

* YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO​​
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL​​ 
* Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4​​
* Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb​​ 

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: http://bahaiblog.net/​

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Episode 73: Elena Mustakova

Episode 73: Elena Mustakova

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 we come full circle to where the Baha'i Blogcast all began, with me and Baha'i Blog's co-founder and Blogcast producer, Naysan Naraqi. We're getting back together to wrap up our final episode, marking the end of this iteration of the Baha'i Blogcast as we know it. We're not sure where things will go from here, but it's been an amazing journey with so many fascinating guests and conversations over the last six years! 

In this episode, we talk about the Baha'i Blogcast, my new book called Soul Boom, and we share a Baha'i quote we've been reflecting on. Join me and Naysan one last time, on this final episode of the Baha'i Blogcast!

You can watch a video of this conversation on Baha'i Blog's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omAvTG4gujU

Find out more about some of the things we mentioned and covered below:

- Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution can be purchased from book retailers including Amazon: https://amzn.to/45dhE9v
- find the whole playlist of Blogcast episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLePDtgwcyKAQmifUJTw0Kk-hBGL2ZGMJi
- we mention a couple of episodes specifically such as the one where Michael Penn says  "human beings are the most powerful receptors". Listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fSOl_oU9Jw
- Michael Karlberg and his book Beyond the Culture of Contest are referenced. Michael was featured on this episode of the Blogcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqkvhEcGrfM
- Mental health is discussed. Baha'i Blog has been working on creating content related to mental health, health, healing and overcoming difficulties:  https://www.bahaiblog.net/collection/themes/health-healing-overcoming-difficulties/
- "hope has become a depleted resource" is from a letter dated 25 November 2020 to the Baha'is of the World. You can read the letter here: https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20201125_001/1#300076430
- The Geography of Bliss show: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20042368/
- Rainn quotes Abdu'l-Baha: "Your souls are as waves on the sea of the spirit; although each individual is a distinct wave, the ocean is one, all are united in God." This quotation is from Paris Talks.
- Naysan also quotes Abdu'l-Baha's Paris Talks: "...all effort and exertion put forth by man from the fullness of his heart is worship, if it is prompted by the highest motives and the will to do service to humanity. This is worship: to serve mankind and to minister to the needs of the people."

Find all episodes of the Baha'i Blogcast here: 

*YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL 
*Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bahaiblogcast
*Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb 

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: http://bahaiblog.net/

Thanks for listening! 

-Rainn Wilson

Episode 74: Naysan & Rainn

Episode 74: Naysan & Rainn (Full Circle)

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 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 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 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

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 visit the Honorable Judge Dorothy Nelson in her home in California. Judge Dorothy W. Nelson is a Senior United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and is an active member of the Baha'i Faith who served on the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of United States for many years. She tells me about the fireside she's been running in her home since 1961, and about her late husband Jim and how they both became Baha'is. She shares tips on having a happy marriage and integrating everyday life with your faith. We talk about the importance of 'active' listening, mediation and arbitration, and rehabilitation as an alternative to the justice system. She shares where she sees the Baha'i community going and reminds us that we're a 'learning community', and she tells us the key to happiness. I hope you enjoy the conversation with this remarkable woman!

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

* Learn more about Judge Dorothy W. Nelson here on Wikipedia: https://bit.ly/2HF8fPG

* Judge Nelson mentions the following books: 

- 'Dynamic Consultation' by Trip Barthel: https://amzn.to/2WcrdBh 

- 'The Advent of Divine Justice' by Shoghi Effendi:
https://bit.ly/2Cp0Kce

* Judge Nelson shares the following Writings of Baha'u'llah: 

"...The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee. By its aid thou shalt see with thine own eyes and not through the eyes of others, and shalt know of thine own knowledge and not through the knowledge of thy neighbor. Ponder this in thy heart; how it behooveth thee to be. Verily justice is My gift to thee and the sign of My loving-kindness. Set it then before thine eyes."

"Be generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversity. Be worthy of the trust of thy neighbor, and look upon him with a bright and friendly face. Be a treasure to the poor, an admonisher to the rich, an answerer of the cry of the needy, a preserver of the sanctity of thy pledge. Be fair in thy judgment, and guarded in thy speech. Be unjust to no man, and show all meekness to all men. Be as a lamp unto them that walk in darkness, a joy to the sorrowful, a sea for the thirsty, a haven for the distressed, an upholder and defender of the victim of oppression. Let integrity and uprightness distinguish all thine acts. Be a home for the stranger, a balm to the suffering, a tower of strength for the fugitive. Be eyes to the blind, and a guiding light unto the feet of the erring. Be an ornament to the countenance of truth, a crown to the brow of fidelity, a pillar of the temple of righteousness, a breath of life to the body of mankind, an ensign of the hosts of justice, a luminary above the horizon of virtue, a dew to the soil of the human heart, an ark on the ocean of knowledge, a sun in the heaven of bounty, a gem on the diadem of wisdom, a shining light in the firmament of thy generation, a fruit upon the tree of humility."

"...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." 

Be sure to subscribe to the Baha’i Blogcast for more episodes on: 
*YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO 
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL 
*Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/2Hs5gdM
*Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb 

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: http://bahaiblog.net/

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Episode 34: Judge Dorothy Nelson

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 sitting in a cabin in the woods with Michael Karlberg, as we take part in a Baha'i-inspired retreat for youth in White Salmon, Washington called Windstock. Michael is a professor of Communication Studies at Western Washington University, and he's the author of 'Beyond a Culture of Contest', a book I often reference in my podcast. He tells me how he used to make acoustic guitars and how he became a Baha'i, and we talk about the power of media and how we need to rethink some of the fundamental assumptions we have about the world and how it's moving forward. We discuss nonviolent social change through constructive and peaceful resilience, and the challenges of taking collective action. Michael shares how the Baha'i Faith is a radical movement which addresses change on both the individual and social level, and he explains the ways in which the Baha'is are working towards this. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did!

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

* Learn more about Michael Karlberg and his works here: https://wp.wwu.edu/karlberg/

* Watch Michael Karlberg's TEDxInnsbruck talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0ZCAbYrQ7Q&feature=youtu.be

* 'Beyond a Culture of Contest' by Michael Karlberg can be purchased here: https://amzn.to/2WHWvne

* Michael's children's book is called 'Rooth Sees a Trooth': https://www.bahaibooks.org.uk/PBSCProduct.asp?ItmID=14201439

* Michael mentions that his first Baha’i book was 'The Book of Certitude (Kitab-i-Iqan)':  
https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-iqan/

* Read the 'The Promise of World Peace' by the Universal House of Justice here: https://www.bahai.org/documents/the-universal-house-of-justice/promise-world-peace

* Use these links to find out more about the Baha'i World Centre (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1%27%C3%AD_World_Centre) and the Universal House of Justice (https://universalhouseofjustice.bahai.org/).

* Use these links to find out more about The Training Institute (https://www.bahai.org/action/response-call-bahaullah/training-institute) and the Ruhi sequence of courses (https://www.ruhi.org/materials/list.php).

* Rainn and Michael talk about the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program [JYSEP], which you can learn more about here: https://www.bahaiblog.net/junior-youth/

* Michael talks about the Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity [ISGP]: https://www.globalprosperity.org/

* Learn more about Rainn's non-profit organization called LIDÈ and how you can support its programs here: https://www.lidehaiti.org/

* Michael shares one of his favorite quotes from the Writings of Baha'u'llah: "He Who is your Lord, the All-Merciful, cherisheth in His heart the desire of beholding the entire human race as one soul and one body."

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

*YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO 
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL 
*Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bahaiblogcast 
*Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb 

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: http://bahaiblog.net/

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Episode 35: Michael Karlberg

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.

This is a special episode called "Physics and Mysticism", which we filmed on July 7, 2019 in front of a live audience at Foundation Hall at the Baha'i House of Worship in Chicago. It's a conversation with physicist, data scientist, philosopher and translator, Dr. Steven Phelps, who's also been on the Baha'i Blogcast before. We covered a wide range of topics and there were also some great questions from the audience at the end, which I've also included. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did!

Watch the video of this event here: https://bit.ly/2Y3hOkK

Find out more about some of the things we covered in this episode using the following links:

* Listen to this talk by Steven called Science, Religion & the Coming Spiritual Revolution: https://bit.ly/2JVyhyT

* Check out my previous Baha'i Blogcast episode with Dr. Steven Phelps here: https://bit.ly/32OmMAF

* Read about Baha'i Houses of Worship here: https://bit.ly/2Gy3gP8

* We mention the Baha'i World Centre: https://bit.ly/2OjFZa8

* We mention Yuval Noah Harari's book 'Sapiens'': https://amzn.to/2YmFHzb

* We mention writer Reza Aslan: http://rezaaslan.com/

* 'The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys'are mentioned: https://bit.ly/2YoZ36p

* We mention 'Flatland' by Edwin A. Abbott: https://amzn.to/2JTR25D

* Steven mentions Baha'u'llah has "recast the whole conception of religion as the principal force impelling the development of consciousness." This statement is from 'One Common Faith' written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice called : https://bit.ly/2LIJPr7aith/

* The following quote by Abdu'l-Baha is referred to: 

"Know thou of a certainty that Love is the secret of God’s holy Dispensation, the manifestation of the All-Merciful, the fountain of spiritual outpourings. Love is heaven’s kindly light, the Holy Spirit’s eternal breath that vivifieth the human soul. Love is the cause of God’s revelation unto man, the vital bond inherent, in accordance with the divine creation, in the realities of things. Love is the one means that ensureth true felicity both in this world and the next. Love is the light that guideth in darkness, the living link that uniteth God with man, that assureth the progress of every illumined soul. Love is the most great law that ruleth this mighty and heavenly cycle, the unique power that bindeth together the divers elements of this material world, the supreme magnetic force that directeth the movements of the spheres in the celestial realms. Love revealeth with unfailing and limitless power the mysteries latent in the universe. Love is the spirit of life unto the adorned body of mankind, the establisher of true civilization in this mortal world, and the shedder of imperishable glory upon every high-aiming race and nation."

* Frank Wilczek's book 'A Beautiful Question' is mentioned: https://amzn.to/2YhZPSP

* We talk about 'Progressive Revelation': https://bit.ly/2OldlWg

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

* YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO 
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL 
* Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bahaiblogcast 
* Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb 

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: http://bahaiblog.net/

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Episode 37: Physics and Mysticism with 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 our 40th episode of the Baha'i Blogcast, we thought we'd do something a little different by sharing an audio version of an animation called 'An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith'. I worked on this animation with Baha'i Blog and our friends at BahaiTeachings.org and SwissVBS, and we published it about a month ago – just in time for the 200th anniversary of the Birth of the Bab celebrations happening around the world. It's been really well received with over a million views so far, and seeing as so many of us are consuming content in audio format nowadays, we thought it would be useful to create an audio version for the Baha'i Blogcast with a little personal commentary from yours truly, at the beginning and at the end. I hope you find this episode both interesting and useful!

Watch the animation, and check out other related links below:

*Here's the animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLSaDVG4yBE

* Here's a link to the article I wrote explaining the project and the thought process behind the script: https://bit.ly/2LYFvmm

* And here's Naysan Naraqi's article about some of the behind-the-scenes as well: https://bit.ly/35pVqSf

*Find out more about SwissVBS here: https://swissvbs.com/

* Find out more about the Bab and the bicentenary celebrations of His Birth happening around the world here: https://bicentenary.bahai.org/the-bab/

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

* YouTube: bit.ly/2JTNmBO
* iTunes: apple.co/2leHPHL
* Soundcloud: @bahaiblogcast
* Spotify: spoti.fi/2IXRAnb

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: bahaiblog.net/

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Episode 40: An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith

Episode 40: An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith

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 joined by our very first mother and daughter duo, Barbara and Radiance Talley, living in Maryland, USA. Both Barbara and Radiance are poets, educators, writers, and passionate about tackling the issue of racism in the US. They tell me about the 'Arise: Pupil of the Eye' conference and the impact it's had. We talk about activism and what we all can do to work towards racial harmony. And by sharing some of their poems with me, we get a raw and heartfelt glimpse into their lives and concerns as African Americans in the US. I hope you find this wonderful conversation as engaging and inspiring as I did.

To find out more about some of the things we covered in this episode, check out the following:

* Barbara Talley's website: http://www.barbaratalley.me and interviews: https://bit.ly/3hJqW3Z

* More about Radiance Talley here: https://bit.ly/2BhyASC

* "pupil of the eye" metaphore comes from Abdu'l-Baha: “Thou art like unto the pupil of the eye which is dark in color, yet it is the fount of light and the revealer of the contingent world”. Read more about it here: https://bit.ly/3dgVBT5

* Arise: Pupil of the Conference: https://bit.ly/37Odbwv

* Shoghi Effendi quote in 'The Advent of Divine Justice' (https://bit.ly/2YNfFr0): “As to racial prejudice, the corrosion of which, for well-nigh a century, has bitten into the fiber, and attacked the whole social structure of American society, it should be regarded as constituting the most vital and challenging issue confronting the Baha’i community at the present stage of its evolution. The ceaseless exertions which this issue of paramount importance calls for, the sacrifices it must impose, the care and vigilance it demands, the moral courage and fortitude it requires, the tact and sympathy it necessitates, invest this problem … with an urgency and importance that cannot be overestimated.”

* Sadie Oglesby: https://bit.ly/312oWhH

* Book 'Lights of the Spirit': https://amzn.to/3hBu6ag

* Derek Smith's essay 'Centering the “Pupil of the Eye”: Blackness, Modernity, and the Revelation of Baha’u’llah': https://bit.ly/2NcPTXO

* Derik Smith on Baha'i Blogcast: https://bit.ly/2UXEuzj

* worldembracing.net: https://worldembracing.net/

* Radiance quotes Quran: “And We desire to show favor to those who were brought low in the land, and to make them spiritual leaders among men, and to make of them Our heirs.”

* Barbara mentions:
- Ruhiyyih Khanum: https://bit.ly/3eik4Zp
- Louis Gregory: https://bit.ly/2YfedhP
- Van Gilmer: https://www.bahaichoir.org/director

* Barbara shares Shoghi Effendi quote: "The need of the cause in America is the call of the heart and it can never be given save by those who have suffered and who have been trained in the way of sacrifice and humility."

* Radiance shares this quote from the Bab in The Dawn Breakers (https://bit.ly/2AP0cP6): "Treasures lie hidden beneath the throne of God; the key to those treasures is the tongue of poets." 


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

*YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO 
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL 
*Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bahaiblogcast 
*Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb 

To find out more about the Baha'i Faith visit BAHAI.ORG, and for more great Baha'i-inspired content check out BAHAIBLOG.NET: http://bahaiblog.net/

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Episode 51: Barbara & Radiance Talley

Episode 51: Barbara & Radiance Talley

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 catch up with Sean Hinton again (here's part 1 of our conversation in case you missed it: https://bit.ly/2YMdi8x), and sadly, this second conversation takes place after the passing of my father, Robert Wilson. Sean asks about my dad, and we talk about loss, Baha'i funerals, and about our fathers and our upbringing. We also discuss the importance of community building, teaching the Baha'i Faith, careers, and how 'what' we do is not as important as 'how' we do it. I hope you find part 2 of our conversation as interesting and insightful as I did.

To find out more about some of the things we covered in this episode, check out the following:

* Here's part 1 of my conversation with Sean Hinton: https://bit.ly/2YMdi8x

* Find out more about my father, Robert Wilson, and his art from his website: https://www.robertwilsonart.com/

* Prayer for the Dead by Baha'u'llah: https://bit.ly/3b1QGWB

* Sean works at the Open Society Foundation: https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/

* Adib Taherzadeh (https://bit.ly/31xNMFP). Listen to a series of his talks here: https://bit.ly/3hNbkvW

* The Kitab-i-Iqan (The Book of Certitude): https://bit.ly/2G4XCGV

* The Dawn-Breakers: https://bit.ly/2QBUynP

* I share this prayer:
"He is God! O peerless Lord! Praised be Thou for having kindled that light in the glass of the Concourse on high, for having guided that bird of faithfulness to the nest of the Abhá Kingdom. Thou hast joined that precious river to the mighty sea, Thou hast returned that spreading ray of light to the Sun of Truth. Thou hast welcomed that captive of remoteness into the garden of reunion, and led him who longed to look upon Thee to Thy presence in Thy bright place of lights.
Thou art the Lord of tender love, Thou art the last goal of the yearning heart, Thou art the dearest wish of the martyr’s soul."
—Abdu’l‑Baha

* Obligatory Prayer: https://bit.ly/2G8qIW1

* The Tablet of Ahmad: https://bit.ly/2EBipkW

* Baha'i pilgrimage: https://bit.ly/3jpEUbv

* Ali Nakhjavani: https://bit.ly/3gxL9bq

* The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/2YIGT2N

* Sean shares the following quote by Abdu'l-Baha: "Work done in the spirit of service is the highest form of worship..."

* Study Circles (https://bit.ly/31AS4fM) and the Ruhi sequence of courses: https://bit.ly/31AUcUM

* Sean talks about our twofold moral purpose: https://bit.ly/3biyIiR

*Sean shares this quotation by Baha'u'llah: 
"That seeker must, at all times, put his trust in God, must renounce the peoples of the earth, must detach himself from the world of dust, and cleave unto Him Who is the Lord of Lords. He must never seek to exalt himself above anyone, must wash away from the tablet of his heart every trace of pride and vainglory, must cling unto patience and resignation, observe silence and refrain from idle talk. For the tongue is a smoldering fire, and excess of speech a deadly poison. Material fire consumeth the body, whereas the fire of the tongue devoureth both heart and soul. The force of the former lasteth but for a time, whilst the effects of the latter endureth a century."

* Baha'i Chair for World Peace: http://www.bahaichair.umd.edu/

* Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi: https://bit.ly/2G8ZOxe

* The Promise of World Peace: https://bit.ly/34FrkN9


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

* YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL 
* Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bahaiblogcast
* Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb 

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

Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Episode 54: Sean Hinton (part 2): Fathers, Loss, and Life's Lessons

Episode 54: Sean Hinton (pt 2): Fathers, Loss, and Life's Lessons

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 joined virtually by Novin and Juliet who are based in the UK and are the founders of Oneworld Publications, an awesome boutique publisher that punches way above their weight with tons of awards to their name! We talk about working in the circus, becoming a Baha'i, living in Cyprus, starting Oneworld, and the power of books in creating social change and also showing us what's possible for the future. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did!

To find out more about some of the things we covered in this episode, check out the following links:

* Oneworld Publications website: https://oneworld-publications.com/

* Check out this Baha'i Blog article interviewing Novin and Juliet about Oneworld Publications: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2011/12/an-interview-with-oneworld-publications/

* Listen to The Oneworld Podcast: https://soundcloud.com/oneworldpodcast

* Novin mentions the philosopher John Hick: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hick

* We mention The Universal House of Justice: https://universalhouseofjustice.bahai.org/

* We mention Shoghi Effendi: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2013/11/shoghi-effendi-a-bridge-to-the-world/

* We mention Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/

* We mention The Bab: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/

* We mention Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/

* Novin mentions Edward Granville Browne: The Only European Historian Who Met Baha’u’llah: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2017/07/tribute-edward-granville-browne/

* Novin mentions The 200th Anniversary of the Birth of the Bab: https://bicentenary.bahai.org/the-bab/

* The Book of Certitude (The Kitab-i-Iqan) by Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-iqan/

* Juliet mentions Juliet Thompson: https://bahaichronicles.org/juliet-thompson-need-dates/

We talk about the following books:

* A Brief History of 7 Killings by Marlon James: https://amzn.to/3kiu87C

* The Book of Night Women by Marlon James: https://amzn.to/3dG1g6Z

* The Bassoon King by Rainn Wilson: https://amzn.to/3jggm4i

* Memories of Mohammed: Why the Prophet Matters by Omid Safi: https://amzn.to/2HfZygO

* Oneworld's book series called 'Makers of the Muslim World': https://amzn.to/34cX3UZ

* The Baha'i Faith in Words and Images by John Danesh, Seena Fazel, Paul Slaughter: https://amzn.to/35f0M3Z

* The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine by Ilan Pappe: https://amzn.to/2H7BSeB

* The Sellout by Paul Beatty: https://amzn.to/37BfuoP

* An American Marriage by Tayari Jones: https://amzn.to/37pA3UL

* How We Disappeared: A Novel by Jing-Jing Lee: https://amzn.to/2H8S27z

* From Copper to Gold: The Life of Dorothy Baker by Dorothy Freeman Gilstrap: https://amzn.to/2IN2vWC

* The Bab and the Babi Community of Iran by Fereydun Vahman: https://amzn.to/2H7EwB3

* Juliet talks about the principle of bringing yourself to account each day, as found in the Writings 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."


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

* YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL 
* Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4
* Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb 

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: http://bahaiblog.net/

Thanks for listening! 

-Rainn Wilson

Baha'i BlogBaha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Episode 57: Novin & Juliet

Episode 57: Juliet & Novin

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 joined virtually by Dr. Louis Venters, an author and history professor who specializes in African American studies and the Baha'i Faith in South Carolina. Louis tells us how he became a Baha'i, and also explains how the Baha'i Faith became the second largest religion in South Carolina, sharing some of the history and the nuances that come with that, especially as a result of the Jim Crow era. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did!

To find out more about some of the things we covered in this episode, check out the following links:

* Louis Venters' website: https://www.louisventers.com/

* Louis Venters is a professor at Francis Marion University: https://www.fmarion.edu/ 

* Baha'i Communities in South Carolina: https://find.bahai.us/community/south-carolina

* Louis Gregory: https://bahaipedia.org/Louis_Gregory

* Who Were the Hands of the Cause?: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2014/06/hands-cause/

* Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute: https://www.lgbi.org/

* Louis Venters' book 'No Jum Crow Church': https://amzn.to/2UjTOWp

* Louis Venters' book 'A History of the Baha’i Faith in South Carolina': https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/Products/9781467117494

* Bahai Blog interview with Louis Venters about 'No Jim Crow Church': https://bit.ly/3eKJpMs
 
* Video news report by Mandy Noell about the Baha'i Faith in South Carolina: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6t0F7HyFf1Y&feature=emb_logo

* Baha'i House of Worship for North America (also known as a temple) in Wilmette, USA: https://www.bahai.us/bahai-temple/

* Baha’i Temples: A Brief Introduction: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2018/07/bahai-temples-a-brief-introduction/

* Louis talks about not knowing what to do when he became a Baha'i, so we thought this article may be interesting: 'So you’ve become a Baha’i. Now what?': https://www.bahaiblog.net/2014/08/youve-become-bahai-now/

* Baha'i Year of Service: https://bahaipedia.org/Year_of_service

* Baha'i community in Togo: https://www.bahai.org/national-communities/togo

* The Nineteen Day Feast and Why it’s Important: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2012/11/the-nineteen-day-feast-and-why-its-important/

* The Universal House of Justice: https://universalhouseofjustice.bahai.org/

* Shoghi Effendi: https://www.bahaiblog.net/2013/11/shoghi-effendi-a-bridge-to-the-world/

* Abdu'l-Baha: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/

* The Bab: https://www.bahai.org/the-bab/

* Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/bahaullah/

* Abdu'l-Baha in the United States: https://centenary.bahai.us/abdul-baha-in-america

* 'Century of Light' document commissioned by the Universal House of Justice: https://www.bahai.org/library/other-literature/official-statements-commentaries/century-light/

* The Training Institute: https://www.bahai.org/action/response-call-bahaullah/training-institute

* Ruhi sequence of courses: https://www.ruhi.org/materials/list.php


* Children's Classes: https://www.bahai.org/action/family-life-children/childrens-classes

* What is the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program?: https://www.bahaiblog.net/junior-youth/

* What is the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program? [VIDEO]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrfGBM0kGfc&feature=emb_logo


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

* YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL 
* Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4
* Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb 

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: http://bahaiblog.net/

Thanks for listening! 

-Rainn Wilson

Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson - Episode 58: Louis Venters

Episode 58: Louis Venters

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 wanted to talk about climate change and issues relating to the environment, so I'm joined via Zoom by Arthur Dahl, Christine Muller, and Afsaneh Angelina Rafii. These three Baha'is have been passionately involved in environmentalism in some way, shape, or form, and we discuss a range of issues relating to the environment including both practical, and spiritual themes that need to be addressed. I hope you enjoy this important conversation as much as I did!

Watch the video here: https://bit.ly/37v1JGd

My guests in this episode are:

ARTHUR DAHL
Arthur is President of the International Environment Forum, and a retired Deputy Assistant Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP], with over 50 years of international experience in environment and sustainability. He teaches in various university programs, lectures widely, and has published many scientific papers and books.

* His website: http://yabaha.net/dahl/
* Books: 
- In Pursuit Of Hope: https://amzn.to/39AzE33
- The Eco Principle: https://amzn.to/33zykth
- Unless and Until: https://amzn.to/2Jkx3zJ
- Mark Tobey, Art and Belief: https://bit.ly/2Jm7NJr
- Global Governance and the Emergence of Global Institutions for the 21st Century: https://amzn.to/2I9m6QU


CHRISTINE MULLER
Christine is a Board Member of the International Environment Forum (IEF) and a Wilmette Institute Adjunct Lecturer, and is passionate about environmental issues and has been systemically studying climate change and sustainable development. She has given numerous talks on the environment and has a keen interest in the role spirituality can play in providing solutions.

* International Environment Forum: https://bit.ly/36yhu03
* Wilmette Institute: https://wilmetteinstitute.org/


AFSANEH ANGELINA RAFII
Afsaneh is the creator of the Icarus Complex magazine, a printed biannual magazine and also a website, aimed at taking an in-depth look at the issues surrounding climate change and environmentalism from economic, political, legal and grassroots perspectives.  

* Her website: https://www.angelinarafii.com/

* Icarus Complex magazine: https://icaruscomplexmagazine.com/


More links to some of the things mentioned in the conversation:

* Collection of extracts from Baha’i Writings compiled in 1989: 'Conservation of the Earth’s Resources': https://bit.ly/3qh85Sp

* Science and Religion: Best Friends Forever: https://bit.ly/2Vueuvh

* Arctic Basecamp: https://arcticbasecamp.org/

* Soul Pancake series 'An Idiot's Guide to Climate Change': https://bit.ly/39B06tf

* Baha’i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson – Episode 41: Halldor Thorgeirsson: https://bit.ly/36vDqZG

* Story of Tanna, Vanuatu:
- Resilience: https://bit.ly/3qitLxz
- Baha’is of Vanuatu Begin to Rebuild After Devastating Cyclone: https://bit.ly/37xXDNA

* FUNDAEC: https://www.fundaec.org/en/

* Christine shares quote: 
"Each one of the ordinances We have revealed is a mighty stronghold for the preservation of the world of being." -Baha'u'llah

* Independent Investigation of Truth: https://bit.ly/39CZp2z

* What is the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program?: https://bit.ly/39Cyxje

* Children's Classes: https://bit.ly/33DmpL6

* Importance of Service in the Baha’i Faith: https://bit.ly/3g1kEwk

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

* YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL 
* Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4
* Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb 

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: http://bahaiblog.net/

Thanks for listening!

-Rainn Wilson

The Spirituality of Climate Change

Episode 59: The Spirituality of Climate Change

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 joined by multi-award-winning writer, Paul Hanley, who has written thousands of articles and several books mainly about the environment, sustainable development, and agriculture. Paul tells us how he became a Baha'i, and about the extraordinary life of Richard St. Barbe Baker, the first global conservationist. We also discuss population growth, urban farming, how everything is interconnected, and the need for an ethical revolution in the world. I hope you enjoy this fascinating conversation!

Some of Paul Hanley's books are:

- Eleven: https://amzn.to/2PUDQ5Z
- Man of the Trees: Richard St. Barbe Baker, the First Global Conservationist: https://amzn.to/3vbF8cM
- Richard St. Barbe Baker: Child of the Trees: https://amzn.to/2OFVDNq
- The Spirit of Agriculture: https://amzn.to/3qBxo08

* Baha'i Blog interview about 'Eleven': https://bit.ly/2OHTSiO

* Baha'i Blog interview about 'Man of the Trees': https://bit.ly/3t5yTFK

* Paul and his group received the Food System Vision 2050 prize: https://bit.ly/3eu6R2K

* Find out more about 'Men of the Trees' here: https://bit.ly/3esZhFi

* Find out more about:
- The Universal House of Justice: https://bit.ly/3erOPhB
- Shoghi Effendi: https://bit.ly/3rCOeNM
- Abdu'l-Baha: https://bit.ly/2Ok3tN8
- The Bab: https://bit.ly/3tc1nNV​
- Baha'u'llah: https://bit.ly/38roigm
- The Shrine of the Bab: https://bit.ly/3vdUqOj
- Baha'i Pioneering: https://bit.ly/2N944kc
- The Three Protagonists: https://bit.ly/3veFmjl
- Baha'i Firesides: https://bit.ly/3epOMmb
- Importance of Service in the Baha’i Faith: https://bit.ly/3rDjg82
- Baha'i World Centre: http://www.bwc.org/

* Paul shares this quote from a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi:

"We cannot segregate the human heart from the environment outside us and say that once one of these is reformed everything will be improved. Man is organic with the world. His inner life moulds the environment and is itself also deeply affected by it. The one acts upon the other and every abiding change in the life of man is the result of these mutual reactions."

* Film: Frontiers of Learning: https://bit.ly/3by4fyU

* Film: Light to the World: https://bit.ly/3bAm8x5

* Film: The Man Who Stopped the Desert: https://amzn.to/2OFib0N

* Paul mentions Rattan Lal: https://bit.ly/3etcxKo

* Rainn mentions Mahnaz Javid: https://bit.ly/3l66igL

* Paul mentions Richard St. Barbe Baker's book called Sahara Challenge: https://amzn.to/2MUlfWs

* Rainn shares this quote from a letter from The Universal House of Justice:

"Every choice a Baha’i makes—as employee or employer, producer or consumer, borrower or lender, benefactor or beneficiary—leaves a trace, and the moral duty to lead a coherent life demands that one’s economic decisions be in accordance with lofty ideals, that the purity of one’s aims be matched by the purity of one’s actions to fulfil those aims. Naturally, the friends habitually look to the teachings to set the standard to which to aspire. But the community’s deepening engagement with society means that the economic dimension of social existence must receive ever more concentrated attention."

- Read the full letter here: https://bit.ly/3t7xcHJ
- Listen to an audio reading of this letter here: https://bit.ly/3cjPrmv


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

* YouTube: http://bit.ly/2JTNmBO​
* iTunes: http://apple.co/2leHPHL​ 
* Soundcloud: https://bit.ly/30dX0G4​
* Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2IXRAnb​ 

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: http://bahaiblog.net/​

Thanks for listening! 

-Rainn Wilson

Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn Wilson

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