Podcast by Thomas W E Budge

What began as a regular feature on internet radio some years ago, Soul Searching quickly gained popularity, and now has a wide global audience of discerning seekers of contemporary spiritual philosophies across many walks of life. Based on decades of personal coaching and personal introspection, this series is in-depth, thought-provoking and essential listening. Soul Searching podcasts offer a spectrum of alternative ideas, practical solutions and innovative ways of looking at life. The show provides tools and wisdom for you to use as you constantly reshape your thinking. Self-actualisation and clarity of thought help us to better deal with life’s challenges in this fast-paced modern world. Thomas is unafraid of asking awkward questions, he regularly pokes holes in rigid belief systems and frequently challenges the way the world taught us to think. His views may occasionally ruffle feathers but that is healthy as it stimulates fresh ideas and promotes free-thinking. Whether you choose to adopt these philosophies or not is entirely up to you. 

Thom is the show’s producer and presenter, living in Lenk, Switzerland and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Soul Searching Podcasts

Is it conceivable that you could form intimate relationships with a limited number of other people? That’s called polyamory. In conservative worlds, this kind of sexual expression seems limited, debauched or may even hint at a mental disorder but research psychologists are noticing an increasing openness to alternative sexual lifestyles – at least in the more progressive corners of the modern-day Western world, like Australia, Canada and the US. This episode of Soul Searching informs you of the differences between polyamory, polygamy and promiscuity.

Polyamory – Committed Intimate Relationships with a Limited Number of other People

This show is for parents. It’s possibly one of the hardest things for you, as a parent, to hear your child utter these three little words, “I am gay.” It is also one of the most difficult confessions any child might have to make to his or her parents as the risks are enormous in your child’s mind. You could do one of several things when he or she comes out: you could either be loving, understanding and supportive; or, fuelled by the stereotypes of public opinion, righteous indignation and bigotry, you could be shocked, angered and dismayed. Some parents have rejected their children completely, as if the gay or lesbian child had suddenly died. I examine some of the strategies you as a parent can take to positively direct the outcome of your son or daughter’s coming out disclosure.

Parenting Skills needed for the Moment your Gay or Lesbian Child Comes Out

Do you still carry around painful memories from long ago? Unhappy childhoods happen to many people, touching on such issues as trust, denial, self-acceptance, forgiveness, and faith, they account for a lot of the difficulties people experience as adults. Some sufferers feel compelled to hide their childhood adversities while others choose to disclose them to others. A third of the children who experienced sexual abuse by an adult kept it a secret, and four out of five children did not disclose their sexual abuse when it was from a peer. One’s past never goes away but instead of sweeping it under the carpet, there are strategies that you can use to reclaim a lost happy childhood to create a brighter future for yourself. Join me as I examine some of the strategies you can use to reclaim a lost happy childhood.

It’s never too late to have a Happy Childhood

Weight gain is often the physical manifestation of some deeper, unresolved emotional stuff lying in your subconscious mind, and to solve it, you might need to dig deep into your emotional archives and core belief systems. Naturally, you eat to sustain life, giving your body the nutrients it needs to maintain health. However, you also eat, not necessarily to nourish your body, but as a core part of your socialisation with others. Weight management would be far less complicated if these were the only two reasons for eating but sometimes, you could eat to fill emotional voids. This reason for eating is by far the most dangerous of all. This show teaches you about ways to manage your weight and what works and what doesn’t. I’ll share some case studies with you to give context to some of the awful reasons why some people allow themselves to get so out of shape. Join me to learn more.

Fat Bodies, Maladjusted Minds and the Clues to a Slimmer You

Invited by the South African Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities, better known as the CRL Commission, I agreed to participate in a dialogue on 15th March 2017, the aim of which was to understand: the phenomena of prophecy, healing, miracles, magic and deliverance; how it might affect religious followers; whether it is used as a means of capturing people; is it the workings of the Holy Spirit or just states of trance; to understand what trance is and how it is induced; why people are more likely to subject themselves to this phenomenon, either in religious settings or elsewhere; whether it is religious practice or cult; and to determine the extent to which this phenomenon occurs. What conclusions will you reach after having listened to this show?

[ Part 1 ] Faith Healing, Workings of Holy Spirit or Hypnosis?

This is the second and concluding half of this topic. I accepted an invitation by the South African Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities, better known as the CRL Commission, and agreed to participate in their very interesting dialogue on 15th March. They needed to understand: the phenomena of prophecy, healing, miracles, magic and deliverance; how it might affect religious followers; whether it is used as a means of capturing people; is it the workings of the Holy Spirit or just states of trance. They also wanted to understand what trance is and how it is induced; why people are more likely to subject themselves to this phenomenon, either in religious settings or elsewhere; whether it is religious practice or cult; and to determine the extent to which this phenomenon occurs. In the first half of the show (Episode 34) we listened to a fragment of Benny Hinn’s purported channeling of the Holy Spirit to cast out a ‘homosexual demon’ from a young man, Steven. In this show, I offer facts about hypnosis that may be useful in determining whether this phenomenon of Faith Healing is indeed the workings of the Holy Spirit or whether it is a magnificently executed hypnosis act. Listen to this show so that you can decide which it is.

[ Part 2 ] Faith Healing, Workings of Holy Spirit or Hypnosis?

Water. It’s a scarce commodity in many parts of the world. Growing populations, pollution and drought put pressure on this precious resource and some experts fear that the next World War will be fought over water rights. Water has some quirky scientific properties too, making it a unique and intriguing substance. Join me as I peek into some of water’s scientific craziness and examine its spiritual significance and importance for so many people in different and diverse parts of the world. Have you ever wondered how Holy Water is made? I’ll tell you how the church does it and I’ll share my personal secret water ritual in the show.

Water, Science Magic and Sacred Substance

Rabbits pop up frequently in children's stories and comic strips, and genderless Easter Bunnies have had the pleasant task of bringing us baskets of decorated easter eggs for many centuries. But what are the origins of Easter folklore and how did Jesus get to take centre-stage with the Easter Bunny. This show explores old Biblical history, astronomy and pagan traditions to find an explanation.

Are Jesus and the Easter Bunny Best Pals?

Sin is a myth, an illusory, erroneous judgement that you made about yourself. If there was such a thing as sin, then this would have been the biggest sin you made, to judge yourself as anything less than perfect. The most devastation meme that reached my brain was that I was born in sin. This meme implied that I was substandard, a failed human before I even began and perhaps an even crazier implication, that the intercourse that brought me to my human life, was of itself sinful. However, we are told that we are made in the Image and Likeness of God, that we are all Gods and Goddesses. Life without sin is a life of freedom and joy. But if there is no such thing as sin, then what are we to make of codes of conduct and morals? If all human experiences are acceptable experiences in God’s eyes, if God is ambivalent to what we do, then is it okay to cheat on your partner, to embezzle money or to murder someone? This episode explores all of these ideas.

Let me Remember that there is no Sin

The Genesis account in the Bible offers some compelling evidence to support a flat-earth model. Here, in Part 1 we investigate this evidence that supports Earth being flat, not round, as we were taught. If Earth is indeed flat, you will learn what the Earth’s flat structure is like and how it works. Much of this evidence is very plausible and convincing. However, what is fact and what is fiction and does it really matter whether Earth is flat or spherical?

[ Part 1 ] Biblical Proof that Earth is Flat, Fact or Fiction?

Astronomical evidence debunks the Genesis account that is believed to support a flat-earth model. Here, in Part 2, by investigating this scientific and mathematical evidence, we inadvertently end up challenging scripture and belief. What are the implications of overturning the way God said He created Earth? This episode probes these and other intriguing possibilities.

[ Part 2 ] Biblical Proof that Earth is Flat, Fact or Fiction?

Have you ever wondered why you’re not really finding traction with your spirituality? Why it seems so difficult and elusive? You may have read many scriptures and spiritual teachings and, while you have a good mental grasp of these philosophies, you simply don’t seem to walk the spiritual talk. What’s going on and how can you change this? For you to get a better understanding of what it is to be spiritual, it’s important to know a little about the basic functions of your brain to realise the relevance of how you can use it advantageously to cultivate true spiritual presence.

Practical Steps to Fully Awaken your Spirituality

This show tackles the thorny issue of whether you should be religious, spiritual or neither and it will help you to understand what it means to pursue your own divinity. To be spiritual (or religious for that matter) often makes one feel bashful and insecure when sharing your journey with others, particularly in a modern world that is driven by consumerism, science and technology. It’s easy to feel awkward and out on the fringe when you indulge in your spiritual awakening. We’ll also define what is meant by being spiritual and I shall leave you with a handful of essential steps you’ll need to take to embark on this journey of self-discovery.

Essential Tips when Choosing between Religion and Spirituality

My spiritual journey started in a Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall and it came full-circle in one thirty-five years later. This is not a story discouraging you from joining them but it is one of encouragement so that you can embark upon your spiritual journey with eyes wide open and with a good measure of scepticism because there are some whacky beliefs out there and you’ll need to carefully avoid them. This show is about your intrinsic, spiritual magnificence, God (Jehovah if you are brave enough to call him that) who through you and all creation, witnesses His almightiness.

I Am Jehovah, Witnessing!

If the word body refers to your physical being and all of its material acquisitions, how do you define the words mind and spirit? Are there differences between spirit and soul? Most of us have a vague, three-way distinction between mind, body and spirit but it is insightful to know what various philosophies say about them. Having this proper distinction is key to your personal, spiritual growth. Join me as we explore these differences.

Clarifying the Meaning of Mind, Body and Spirit

Most of us have piles of personal poo to deal with in life. Life isn’t always easy and we don’t always make the right choices when trying to solve our problems. In fact, we’re often quite blind to the mistakes we make or we find ourselves hell-bent on pursuing a course of action that leads nowhere. Your close friends and family may notice how crazy you are but many of them won’t stick their necks out and tell you, with brutal honesty, what they think you’re doing wrong. In my experience, close friends and family tend to shut their mouths and look away, leaving me floundering, trying to get my act together. If it was a huge issue I was dealing with, they’d brave up a bit and challenge me. So, why do we all shy away from being brutally honest with one another? We tend to mind our own business to keep the peace. None of us like being criticised or told that we’re wrong. It bruises the ego and we’ll often become defensive and launch a counterattack on the person criticising us. This inflammatory kind of dialogue goes nowhere. Instead, it is likely to tear relationships apart. Very few people are humble and secure enough to accept brutal honesty without demolishing their self-esteem and self-respect.

Brutally Honest Truths You Need to Hear If You Want to Get Your Stuff Together

For many, being with a dying person is a nightmarish experience. We live in a disposable world and modern western trends encourages us to outsource dying to others, like nurses, hospice staff and doctors. Most of us don’t know what to say. We are afraid to be honest. We think that we need to bring hope and future possibility to the dying person. All while we’re grappling with our own emotions of impending loss and bereavement. But being with a dying person can also be a profound spiritual moment. Let me show you how.

More Than Nine Things You Can Learn from Being with a Dying Person

What have wormholes through space, filled with drifting coloured balloons and a hovering naked man got to do with spirituality and time? Well, they fit together as perfect symbols that explain our layered consciousness, how we attract experiences and how we perpetually live in this present moment of time, which we call ‘now.’

Learn how Wormholes, a Naked Man and Balloons Define Spiritual Meaning

Are you stuck in a world of guilt, remorse and shame? Forgiveness might be the tool to use to set yourself free. It is not the kind of forgiveness most people think of. There is a truth behind the truth, the one powerful trick you can use to dramatically change your future for the good. Join me in this show to learn what that forgiveness trick is. You won’t regret it.

One Powerful Trick That Makes It Easy to Forgive Others and To Set Yourself Free

This is a story of how scientific advances removed God from the equation governing all physical matter and replaced Him with science’s powerful sense of control over the clockwork mechanics that it had discovered. Science also changed our views about life and God’s role in it when Darwin published his theories of evolution. The church fought an arduous battle to keep God at the centre of things but the scales had tipped and science emerged victoriously. Yet, this is a story much greater than science’s victory over God, it is a story of new discoveries which dilutes the power biotech has over gene expression and DNA engineering, giving primary control back to you. Learn how you, through mindfulness, meditation and positive visualisation can rewire the very DNA inside your cell’s genes. This is not science fiction, it is science fact with profound consequences.