The Wide Aware Podcast

New conversations exploring mindfulness, meditation and awakening.

Welcome to The Wide Aware Podcast, where Mindfulness Teacher, TEDx Speaker, and Author Mike Kewley hosts inspiring conversations on spiritual awakening, meditation, and nonduality. Each month, Mike speaks with a new guest—teachers, practitioners, and thought leaders—about the joys and challenges of the spiritual path.

Whether you’re new to mindfulness and meditation or deeply exploring awakening and liberation, Wide Aware offers practical wisdom, personal stories, and fresh perspectives to support your journey. Tune in to discover how to live with greater clarity, presence, and profound freedom in everyday life.

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Watch the Latest Episodes

6. Naikan: True Gratitude and Self-Reflection

A Conversation with Gregg Krech

In this episode I speak with Gregg Krech, Director of the ToDo Institute and author of Naikan: Gratitude, Grace, and the Japanese Art of Self-Reflection.

While many in the West are familiar with Zen Buddhism, few have encountered Naikan, a powerful Japanese method of self-reflection that reveals the hidden web of support that shapes our lives.

In this conversation we explore:

• The differences between Western and Eastern psychology
• The practice of Naikan self-reflection
• Learning to truly notice the support we receive from others
• How gratitude can transform our relationships and perspective on life

5. Why Your Life Really Matters

A Conversation with Tim Freke

In this episode I speak with philosopher and bestselling author Tim Freke about his new “podbook” Why Your Life Really Matters.

Our conversation explores the evolving nature of spirituality and what it means to live a meaningful human life in a rapidly changing world.

Topics include:

• The limits of the Perennial Philosophy
• The evolutionary nature of consciousness
• The role of individuality in spiritual growth
• Death, AI, and the future of humanity
• The experience Tim describes as “Big Love.”

Tim is the author of over 35 books, translated into 15 languages.

4. Always Only This

A Conversation with Joan Tollifson

In this episode I speak with spiritual teacher and author Joan Tollifson about the nature of awakening, death, and the mystery of simply being.

Joan draws from influences including Buddhism, Advaita, and radical non-duality, while identifying with no single tradition.

In our conversation we explore:

• The profound implications of death and impermanence
• Joan’s spiritual journey and teachers
• Why even those who recognise non-duality might still attend silent retreats
• Awakening beyond the story of the self

Joan is the author of several books including Bare-Bones Meditation and Nothing to Grasp.

3. Wonderfully Ordinary – A Conversation with Mike Kewley

In this special episode, the tables are turned as I am interviewed by Tom Thompson from the Awakened Heart Centre. We explore my journey from growing up on the Isle of Man, my early drive for Enlightenment, encounters with teachers and the sometimes terrifying glimpses of no-self, leading up to my awakening in a university library at age 29.

We also discuss reflections on spiritual practice, the lessons learned along the way, and the insights that inspired my book, The Treasure House – Discovering Enlightenment Exactly Where You Are (New Sarum Press).

Whether you are beginning your path or are well along it, this conversation offers practical wisdom and inspiration for living awakened in everyday life.

Learn more about The Treasure House

2. Crisis, Ascension and High Strangeness

A Conversation with Ishtar Howell

In this episode I speak with meditation teacher and writer Ishtar Howell about awakening, mystical experience, and the strange edges of consciousness.

We discuss:

• Ishtar’s near-death experience as a child
• The mysterious phenomena that followed
• The spiritual archetype of the Dark Mother
• How meditation can transform the restless “monkey mind.”

Ishtar teaches Ascension Meditation, a set of effortless practices based on praise, gratitude, and love.

1. Kundalini, Awakening and Great Doubt

A Conversation with Tom Thompson

In the first episode of this new series of conversations with spiritual teachers, I speak with Tom Thompson about awakening, spiritual conditioning, and the freedom of not knowing.

Our discussion explores:

• Kundalini awakening and its challenges
• Cult dynamics and spiritual conditioning
• Neurodiversity and spiritual practice
• Why doubt can be a doorway to deeper insight

Tom has over 50 years of experience in meditation and spiritual training, and is co-founder of the Awakened Heart Center for Conscious Living in North Carolina.

Deepen Your Practice

Want to take your mindfulness practice further? Check out Mike’s courses, workshops, and one-to-one programmes: