Close to the Bone
Carl T. Vreeland
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This is a podcast about uncovering the uncomfortable truth as a means to experience more joy, peace, and happiness. I was a depressed, cynical, angry, and unforgiving person. Through the guidance of others, I overcame a miserable existence. It is my hope to help others find a path out of the darkness and into the light.
Available episodes
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Oldest first
Dec 30, 2022
Should We Be Saying Good Riddance to 2022?
In this episode, we look at the ritual of saying goodbye and good riddance to the old year to bring in the new one. Does this type of send-off serve us well?
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Nov 29, 2022
Dealing With the Dark Side
In this episode, we explore the dark side of humanity; a side of us that is often repressed. But why look at our shadow? Why let it surface? We try to answer these questions and more.
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Nov 12, 2022
Why We Need Reminders
In this episode, we explore the reasons why we need reminders to be happy and positive, but not to be sad and negative. And we look at ways we can change.
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Oct 2, 2022
Things Will Never Be The Same
Things change. Yet, we long for them to stay the same. Why? And is this longing useful or harmful? In this episode, we explore these questions and more.
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Aug 28, 2022
We're All Going to Die, and That's OK
In this episode, we speak frankly about death. Why do we fear it? Can we find peace with it? And can we become friends with fear and death itself? We attempt to answer these questions and more.
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Jul 17, 2022
No Problem
In this episode, we look at how courtesy and communication has changed in both the service industry and in everyday interactions. Has it changed for better or for worse?
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Jun 27, 2022
You Are Worthy
Are Self-Help and New Age affirmations really helpful? And do they serve us well? In this episode, I try to answer these questions and more.
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Jun 14, 2022
Love and Loss
In this episode, we explore romantic love, loss, loyalty, grieving, and mourning. We view them through the lens of Western societal norms, institutions, and religion.
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May 25, 2022
Resentment
In this episode we look at today's activists, justice, victim mentality, fear, anger, aggression, and revenge. Does seeking retaliation serve us and society well? We explore this question and more.
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Apr 26, 2022
Alcohol, Drugs, and Transcendence
Is there a relationship between getting stoned and spirituality? In this episode, we explore this and the reasons why we imbibe and get high.
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Apr 10, 2022
On the Outside Looking in
In this episode, I talk about anxiety, depression, addiction, and alienation.
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Mar 20, 2022
The Empath
In this episode, we explore the distinctions between empaths and empathy. Are empaths really as exceptional as we are led to believe?
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Mar 6, 2022
The Gifts of COVID-19
What have we learned from the pandemic and lockdowns? Has it changed us? In this episode, we attempt to answer these questions by exploring the many opportunities COVID-19 has given us.
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Dec 23, 2021
The Story of Scrooge
Note: {I originally published this podcast episode on December, 27, 2020 as Episode 18, I am publishing it again with the hope that it might lift your spirits during this holiday season}.
What does Yoga, the Divine, and the fictional character, Ebenezer Scrooge have in common? The answer to this question and more is explored in this episode.
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Dec 18, 2021
Keep Your Mouth Shut
Note: {I originally published this podcast episode on November 29, 2020 as Episode 16, I am publishing it again with the hope that it might be helpful during this holiday season}.
Why do we fall back on our old ways so easily, especially when we're with family or old friends? In this episode, we look at self-control, self-restraint, and spiritual growth, and try to answer this question and more.
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Oct 24, 2021
Is God a Crutch?
In this episode, we view science, religion, spirituality, and God, in relation to the human condition.
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Sep 26, 2021
Everything's Not Going to Be All Right
In this episode, we look at our greatest fears. Can we change our view of these fears? Can we overcome them? We explore these questions and more.
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Sep 22, 2021
Addicted to Anger
In this episode we look at some of the causes of anger. Many of us have difficulty appropriately curbing or suppressing our anger. Insights and tools are offered to help understand and overcome our unseemly and destructive behaviors.
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Aug 1, 2021
You Are Loved
In this episode, we look more closely at the New Age phrase, "You are loved." What does it mean exactly? And how helpful is it?
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Jul 11, 2021
Satire, Sarcasm, and All That Jazz
In this episode, we define satire, sarcasm, comedy, wit, and teasing. From ancient Greece to TV and Twitter, we look at their uses and misuses.
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Jun 26, 2021
You're Only as Sick as Your Secrets
In this episode, we look at how secrets can burden us with shame and guilt, and prevent us from experiencing good relations, inner peace, joy, and happiness.
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Jun 18, 2021
A Boy Named Sue
In this episode, we dissect the popular 60's song. Is its message still relevant? And if so, what can we learn from it?
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May 31, 2021
Depression
In this episode, we view depression from two different standpoints. We also look at alcoholism, drug addiction, trauma, mental illness, and suicide.
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May 16, 2021
First Things First
In this episode, we look at priorities, parenting, playing God, and love.
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Apr 30, 2021
A Meditation
In this episode, we meditate.
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Apr 16, 2021
Nostalgia and Sentimentality
Are you nostalgic and sentimental? And does it matter? In this episode, we take a closer look at our proclivity to plunge into the past and reminisce about our bygone days.
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Mar 31, 2021
Authority Figures
In this episode, we look at authority and power. Are our views and feelings about authority serving us well? And can we change them?
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Mar 15, 2021
I Don't Give a F*ck
In this episode, we look at the seemingly empowering attitude of not giving a f*ck. Is this suggestion of "not caring" liberating or misguiding? Is it serving us well?
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Feb 28, 2021
Business is Business
In this episode, we look at the world of big business, big money, big egos, dishonesty and deceit. We explore honesty and it's relationship to sobriety, sanity, and serenity.
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Feb 19, 2021
On Truth
In this episode, we look at the concept of truth. What is it? What's so important about it? And why do we seek it? We explore this idea and how it relates to religion, God, and our personal lives.
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Jan 31, 2021
Hate is Hate is Hate
Hate breeds hate, whether our hate for someone or something is justified or not, hate is hate is hate. And where there is hate, there is fear and anger. In this episode, we look at hate from an objective, honest, spiritual perspective.
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Jan 13, 2021
Us and Them
In this episode, we look at our tribal instincts and how they relate to fundamentalism and fanaticism in religion and politics. Is the excess baggage of our evolution responsible for much of the conflict we are witnessing in today's chaotic world?
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Dec 27, 2020
The Story of Scrooge
What does Yoga, the Divine, and the fictional character, Ebenezer Scrooge have in common? The answer to this question and more is explored in this episode.
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Dec 12, 2020
Being with the Breath
How important is our relationship with the breath? What affect does it have on our state of being? In this episode, we explore these questions and more.
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Nov 29, 2020
Keep Your Mouth Shut
Why do we fall back on our old ways so easily, especially when we're with family or old friends? In this episode, we look at self-control, self-restraint, and spiritual growth, and try to answer this question and more.
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Nov 14, 2020
Why Me?
In this episode, we look at the unpredictability of life. How important is our perspective of random events? And do we have a choice in how we respond to them?
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Oct 25, 2020
Where Am I?
In this episode, we go to the Buddha for guidance. Why does the mind wander so often? How can we live more in the moment? And why is it important that we do so? These are questions and more that are explored.
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Oct 11, 2020
Let's Talk More About Drinking
In this episode, we talk about alcoholism and the alcoholic mind. What are the symptoms? What are the underlying causes? What are the consequences? These are some of the questions we explore.
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Sep 26, 2020
Stop Analyzing
In this episode, we look at psychotherapy and self-analysis. Can talk-therapy turn counter-productive? Can self-analysis prevent us from enjoying life? We explore this and more.
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Sep 11, 2020
Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes
Why is it so difficult to change? In this episode, we explore this phenomenon. Change is a slow process that takes great effort and discipline. There are techniques and tools that can help us tap into a power and wisdom within, which is necessary to create change.
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Aug 23, 2020
Let's Talk About Drinking
In this episode, I talk about my drinking days. Alcohol was my medicine, my spirituality, my best friend; until it wasn't any longer. Overtime, I couldn't control my drinking nor stop it. I was unable to resist its magical properties. That is, until I asked for help.
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Jul 15, 2020
The "Good Vibes Only" Mantra
In this episode, we look at the "good vibes only" stance. Is it really all about "love and light?" Social media, algorithms, uncomfortable conversations, emotional triggers, escapism, tribalism, and violence are some of the topics covered.
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Jul 3, 2020
Taking Sides
In this episode, we look at the two major political parties in America through a spiritual lens. Tribalism, anger, aggression, and violence are among the topics covered. During this time of civil unrest; compassion, understanding, and tolerance are suggested as a way to find unity and healing as a nation.
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Jun 19, 2020
I Am Right and You Are Wrong
In this episode, we get honest about whether our so-called "conversations" are truly dialogues or not. Are we really listening? We look at our strong desires to righteously speak out and the intentions behind them. We also examine what role the media plays in how we experience fear and anger and how we view the COVID-19 crisis and civil unrest happening in America.
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Jun 4, 2020
A Time to Meditate
The Covid-19 crisis and the current civil unrest in America are not going away anytime soon. Many questions are being raised, opinions being expressed, and solutions being offered. In this episode, we go to meditation for calm, strength, insight, and guidance.
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May 20, 2020
When Times Get Tough, Stay in the Middle
In this episode we look at ways to keep fear, anxiety, and anger at bay. There are simple strategies to help us handle stressful and difficult situations better. All it takes is practice. In closing, a brief meditation is offered.
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May 6, 2020
What Can We Learn from an Atheist?
In this episode, we look at an atheist's perspective on illness and death. Could this point of view benefit the believer? Could it change our experience of fear, anger, and blame, and help us cope with the coronavirus crisis better? We explore these questions and what role both responsibility and accountability play in it all.
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Apr 24, 2020
Are Coping Tools Enough?
In this episode, we look at the many coping tools being offered to us during this current pandemic. The coronavirus has altered life as we know it, are coping skills enough to aid us and comfort us? Could reshaping our view of life and the world help us find ease?
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Apr 11, 2020
Coping with the COVID-19 Crisis
In this episode, we look at the coronavirus and the fear and anxiety surrounding it. We explore alternative viewpoints and mindful techniques that can help us understand this virus and ourselves better, and ease our worry during these uncertain times.
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Mar 3, 2020
Close to the Bone (Trailer)
This is the trailer to a podcast about Yoga, Buddhism, Taoism, secularism, and the neurosciences, with the intention of discovering ways to suffer-less and experience more joy, peace, and happiness. I was a depressed, cynical, angry, and resentful man. Through the guidance of others I overcame a miserable existence. It is my hope to help others find a path out of the darkness and into the light.
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