<![CDATA[Breaking Consciousness]]>Breaking Consciousness is a podcast that dives deep into the layers of spirituality from many perspectives.

We’re not experts — just fellow travelers who began with traditional religious roots, who felt that there was something more. As a result, we embarked upon our individual paths toward the understanding that we all originate from one universal source. We believe that it's this source energy that flows through everyone and everything, irrespective of race, religion, gender, or circumstance.

Here, we hold space for thought-provoking conversation — exploring our experiences, asking questions, and supporting one another through the journey of souls having a human experience. There’s no judgment, only a shared desire to spread love, peace, and understanding, despite our differences, as we, with guidance from spirit, learn to break consciousness.

Spiritually speaking, “breaking consciousness” means:

  • Awakening to Reality: Seeing beyond the physical world into deeper truths.
  • Dissolving the Ego: Letting go of self-centered identity to connect with universal consciousness.
  • Transformation: Embracing personal growth and spiritual evolution.
  • Shifting Perception: Freeing the mind from societal limits and illusions.
  • Integration: Weaving together subconscious insights for self-awareness and healing.
  • Connection to the Higher Self: Strengthening intuition, wisdom, and alignment with spiritual guides.

This is what we’re here to do — together.

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Mon, 02 Nov 2026 14:13:43 GMTSun, 15 Mar 2026 04:25:47 GMT60Tara McHugh<p>Breaking Consciousness is a podcast that dives deep into the layers of spirituality from many perspectives.</p><p>We’re not experts — just fellow travelers who began with traditional religious roots, who felt that there was something more. As a result, we embarked upon our individual paths toward the understanding that we all originate from one universal source. We believe that it's this source energy that flows through everyone and everything, irrespective of race, religion, gender, or circumstance.</p><p>Here, we hold space for thought-provoking conversation — exploring our experiences, asking questions, and supporting one another through the journey of souls having a human experience. There’s no judgment, only a shared desire to spread love, peace, and understanding, despite our differences, as we, with guidance from spirit, learn to <i>break consciousness.</i></p><p>Spiritually speaking, “breaking consciousness” means:</p><ul><li>Awakening to Reality: Seeing beyond the physical world into deeper truths.</li><li>Dissolving the Ego: Letting go of self-centered identity to connect with universal consciousness.</li><li>Transformation: Embracing personal growth and spiritual evolution.</li><li>Shifting Perception: Freeing the mind from societal limits and illusions.</li><li>Integration: Weaving together subconscious insights for self-awareness and healing.</li><li>Connection to the Higher Self: Strengthening intuition, wisdom, and alignment with spiritual guides.</li></ul><p>This is what we’re here to do — together.</p>episodicTara McHughbreaking.consciousness@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Returning to Yourself: A Spiritual Exploration]]>Ever feel like you’re not losing yourself — just performing too long? Drop a like and share if this hits, and save this for the days you need to come back to yourself.

Returning to yourself isn’t always one big breakthrough. Sometimes it looks like:

  • noticing you’re grumpy, tired, or oddly impatient
  • realizing you’ve been living in “role mode” instead of real life
  • remembering you are not your job, your mood, or your mask

The truth is, we drift. That’s just being human. But the return starts the moment you pause and ask: What is this trying to teach me? Maybe the goal isn’t to be perfect. Maybe it’s to keep finding your way back.

May I begin the journey back to my truth!

In this episode, Tara and Valerie talk about what it means to “return to yourself” spiritually, how everyday stress and role-based living can pull you off center, and the small practices that help bring you back. They also explore the difference between living authentically and performing for the world, with reflections on intuition, emotional fatigue, and why growth often begins with discomfort.

Timestamps

(0:00) Opening the episode and the idea of “the callback to yourself”
(1:08) Valerie’s view: you never fully leave yourself, you remember yourself
(2:05) Shadow moments, road rage, and mercy for human imperfection
(3:42) Tara on feeling separate from herself in work and daily life
(6:40) “We’re in this world but not of it” and the weight of survival
(8:55) How different jobs shape how easily we can be ourselves
(10:44) Signs of disconnection: grumpiness, fatigue, and wanting to be alone
(13:10) Tara’s signal: feeling abandoned by spirit and missing the signs
(14:43) The void, letting go, and the feeling of being held by source
(16:47) Returning through rest, connection, and being refilled by people and place
(19:08) Talking to God, emotionality as a strength, and the danger of becoming too analytical
(21:09) Old soul energy, a low tolerance for nonsense, and protecting your peace
(23:07) Tara on staying objective in her work and not taking on everyone’s emotions
(26:05) Feeling detached in personal life and waiting for the next call forward
(27:53) Life nudging them back into alignment through plans, disruptions, and responsibility
(30:51) Tara on painting as meditation and a way to reconnect through creativity
(33:31) Grounding exercises, body awareness, and humming to reduce anxiety
(35:40) The difference between living and performing
(37:28) Play, gaming, and how Tara disconnects through Skyrim
(40:22) Living as presence versus performing a professional or social role
(42:26) Wearing different masks with family, work, and social groups
(44:06) Why spiritual awakening often begins with discomfort
(47:36) Why growth requires being pushed, challenged, and changed
(50:34) Reframing hardship as something happening for you, not to you
(52:48) Showing up for yourself and not doing the work for other people
(54:24) Life is not meant to be easy, but it does not have to be harder than necessary
(55:44) Closing reflections, episode takeaway, and intention setting

]]>b7390b90-07e4-46fe-b27c-b05a0df46c1cMon, 07 Sep 2026 01:05:59 GMT<p>Ever feel like you’re not losing yourself — just performing too long? Drop a like and share if this hits, and save this for the days you need to come back to yourself.</p><p>Returning to yourself isn’t always one big breakthrough. Sometimes it looks like:</p><ul><li>noticing you’re grumpy, tired, or oddly impatient</li><li>realizing you’ve been living in “role mode” instead of real life</li><li>remembering you are not your job, your mood, or your mask</li></ul><p></p><p>The truth is, we drift. That’s just being human. But the return starts the moment you pause and ask: What is this trying to teach me? Maybe the goal isn’t to be perfect. Maybe it’s to keep finding your way back.</p><p>May I begin the journey back to my truth!</p><p></p><p>In this episode, Tara and Valerie talk about what it means to “return to yourself” spiritually, how everyday stress and role-based living can pull you off center, and the small practices that help bring you back. They also explore the difference between living authentically and performing for the world, with reflections on intuition, emotional fatigue, and why growth often begins with discomfort.</p><p></p><p></p><p><b>Timestamps</b></p><p>(0:00) Opening the episode and the idea of “the callback to yourself”<br />(1:08) Valerie’s view: you never fully leave yourself, you remember yourself<br />(2:05) Shadow moments, road rage, and mercy for human imperfection<br />(3:42) Tara on feeling separate from herself in work and daily life<br />(6:40) “We’re in this world but not of it” and the weight of survival<br />(8:55) How different jobs shape how easily we can be ourselves<br />(10:44) Signs of disconnection: grumpiness, fatigue, and wanting to be alone<br />(13:10) Tara’s signal: feeling abandoned by spirit and missing the signs<br />(14:43) The void, letting go, and the feeling of being held by source<br />(16:47) Returning through rest, connection, and being refilled by people and place<br />(19:08) Talking to God, emotionality as a strength, and the danger of becoming too analytical<br />(21:09) Old soul energy, a low tolerance for nonsense, and protecting your peace<br />(23:07) Tara on staying objective in her work and not taking on everyone’s emotions<br />(26:05) Feeling detached in personal life and waiting for the next call forward<br />(27:53) Life nudging them back into alignment through plans, disruptions, and responsibility<br />(30:51) Tara on painting as meditation and a way to reconnect through creativity<br />(33:31) Grounding exercises, body awareness, and humming to reduce anxiety<br />(35:40) The difference between living and performing<br />(37:28) Play, gaming, and how Tara disconnects through Skyrim<br />(40:22) Living as presence versus performing a professional or social role<br />(42:26) Wearing different masks with family, work, and social groups<br />(44:06) Why spiritual awakening often begins with discomfort<br />(47:36) Why growth requires being pushed, challenged, and changed<br />(50:34) Reframing hardship as something happening for you, not to you<br />(52:48) Showing up for yourself and not doing the work for other people<br />(54:24) Life is not meant to be easy, but it does not have to be harder than necessary<br />(55:44) Closing reflections, episode takeaway, and intention setting</p><p></p><p></p>no00:55:2514Returning to Yourself: A Spiritual Explorationfull<![CDATA[The Hidden Purpose Behind Our Life Experiences and Choices]]>The conversation explores the concept of predestined life paths, the role of free will, and the interconnectedness of souls. It delves into the impact of current events, the purpose of challenging experiences, and the importance of self-awareness and compassion. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including life purpose, near-death experiences, and the nature of consciousness. It delves into the idea of reincarnation, the significance of life experiences, and the impact of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals.

Takeaways

  • Predestined life paths
  • Interconnectedness of souls Life purpose is about being present and showing up for others without judgment.
  • The significance of experiences and the role of consciousness in learning and growth.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Predestined Life Paths
  • 03:00 The Impact of Current Events
  • 06:44 Self-Awareness and Compassion
  • 15:21 Interconnectedness of Souls
  • 23:24 Exit Ramps and Life Choices
  • 26:11 Life Purpose and Mission
  • 27:10 Reincarnation and Soul's Journey
  • 30:35 Consciousness and Self-Discovery
  • 37:17 Near-Death Experiences and Spiritual Realms
  • 44:31 The Significance of Life Experiences
]]>ffbcb555-8143-4264-b4e5-663e881becb5Mon, 20 Jul 2026 01:11:25 GMT<p>The conversation explores the concept of predestined life paths, the role of free will, and the interconnectedness of souls. It delves into the impact of current events, the purpose of challenging experiences, and the importance of self-awareness and compassion. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including life purpose, near-death experiences, and the nature of consciousness. It delves into the idea of reincarnation, the significance of life experiences, and the impact of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Predestined life paths</li><li>Interconnectedness of souls Life purpose is about being present and showing up for others without judgment.</li><li>The significance of experiences and the role of consciousness in learning and growth.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Predestined Life Paths</li><li>03:00 The Impact of Current Events</li><li>06:44 Self-Awareness and Compassion</li><li>15:21 Interconnectedness of Souls</li><li>23:24 Exit Ramps and Life Choices</li><li>26:11 Life Purpose and Mission</li><li>27:10 Reincarnation and Soul's Journey</li><li>30:35 Consciousness and Self-Discovery</li><li>37:17 Near-Death Experiences and Spiritual Realms</li><li>44:31 The Significance of Life Experiences</li></ul>no00:46:1713The Hidden Purpose Behind Our Life Experiences and Choicesfull<![CDATA[Religion to Spirituality]]>Exploring spirituality beyond traditional religious practice

The first episode of Breaking Consciousness delves into the personal faith journeys and experiences of the hosts, Tara and Valerie. They discuss their early encounters with religion and spirituality, childhood experiences and fears, and their decision to shy away from religion as they grew older. The conversation highlights the impact of these experiences on their spiritual beliefs and personal growth. The conversation delves into childhood baptism experiences, fear of water, and religious rituals, leading to a discussion on questioning religious practices and exploring spirituality beyond religion. It then explores personal empowerment, metaphysical experiences, and challenges in expressing metaphysical beliefs. The conversation further touches on spiritual discernment, respect for metaphysical practices, and the fear of judgment and rejection. It also discusses religious interpretation, personal understanding of spirituality, and challenges in self-expression, leading to a discussion on empowerment, self-discovery, and struggles with identity and acceptance. The conversation concludes with a focus on resilience, healing, setting boundaries, and self-preservation.

Takeaways

  • Personal faith journeys are shaped by early encounters with religion and spirituality.
  • Childhood experiences and fears can significantly impact one's relationship with religion and spirituality. Exploring spirituality beyond traditional religious practices
  • Challenges in expressing personal beliefs and experiences

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Breaking Consciousness
  • 05:56 Childhood Experiences and Fear
  • 11:26 Baptism and Fear of Water
  • 16:34 Spiritual Discernment and Intuition
  • 22:22 Struggles with Identity and Acceptance
]]>343405b2-37bb-41a6-b78f-50d0bf788595Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:26:01 GMT<p><b>Exploring spirituality beyond traditional religious practice</b></p><p></p><p>The first episode of Breaking Consciousness delves into the personal faith journeys and experiences of the hosts, Tara and Valerie. They discuss their early encounters with religion and spirituality, childhood experiences and fears, and their decision to shy away from religion as they grew older. The conversation highlights the impact of these experiences on their spiritual beliefs and personal growth. The conversation delves into childhood baptism experiences, fear of water, and religious rituals, leading to a discussion on questioning religious practices and exploring spirituality beyond religion. It then explores personal empowerment, metaphysical experiences, and challenges in expressing metaphysical beliefs. The conversation further touches on spiritual discernment, respect for metaphysical practices, and the fear of judgment and rejection. It also discusses religious interpretation, personal understanding of spirituality, and challenges in self-expression, leading to a discussion on empowerment, self-discovery, and struggles with identity and acceptance. The conversation concludes with a focus on resilience, healing, setting boundaries, and self-preservation.</p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Personal faith journeys are shaped by early encounters with religion and spirituality.</li><li>Childhood experiences and fears can significantly impact one's relationship with religion and spirituality. Exploring spirituality beyond traditional religious practices</li><li>Challenges in expressing personal beliefs and experiences</li></ul><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Breaking Consciousness</li><li>05:56 Childhood Experiences and Fear</li><li>11:26 Baptism and Fear of Water</li><li>16:34 Spiritual Discernment and Intuition</li><li>22:22 Struggles with Identity and Acceptance</li></ul>no00:25:5012Religion to Spiritualityfull<![CDATA[Breaking Out]]>The conversation covers the journey of starting a podcast, the purpose of 'Breaking Consciousness,' exploration of spirituality and community, imposter syndrome and authenticity, embracing intuition and spiritual gifts, the journey of self-discovery and religion, and overcoming challenges while embracing authenticity.

Takeaways

  • Podcasting as a new endeavor
  • Spiritual exploration and community building
  • Imposter syndrome and authenticity

Chapters

  • 00:00 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Authenticity
]]>c56092fd-c3f2-4126-ab5b-1f0263ae558eWed, 01 Apr 2026 03:29:17 GMT<p>The conversation covers the journey of starting a podcast, the purpose of 'Breaking Consciousness,' exploration of spirituality and community, imposter syndrome and authenticity, embracing intuition and spiritual gifts, the journey of self-discovery and religion, and overcoming challenges while embracing authenticity.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Podcasting as a new endeavor</li><li>Spiritual exploration and community building</li><li>Imposter syndrome and authenticity</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Authenticity</li></ul>no00:17:1111Breaking Outfull