Hi, welcome to Spirit Unfolding! My name's Lars, and this podcast is me leaning into my passion to ask deep questions, look for unique insights and illuminate new perspectives. Every week I sit down with a pioneer, teacher or heart-led storyteller on topics as consciousness, personal growth, health, philosophy, creativity, and the natural world. The Spirit Unfolding podcast aims to provide unique insights and actionable tips for living a truly free & love-filled life, help you awaken to your true nature and connect deeper to the world around you.
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Ep 10 - Keren Cogan | A Shaman’s Wisdom Revealed: Learn to Dance with Existence
Episode 10
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 • Duration 01:43:14
Welcome back beautiful souls! This week, Keren Cogan shares how shamanism is not limited to indigenous cultures but is a universal practice that connects us to our inner wisdom. A wisdom that is deeply rooted in the body, women’s wombs, and our ability to discern between other’s energy and our own’s.
We also explore the relationship between technology and consciousness, why surrendering to life might save you, and look at trauma and healing in a new light. Finally, we also delve into the importance of being present in the moment, why the darkness isn’t to be feared, and how surrendering to life's flow and embracing nature's intentions can lead to profound healing and awareness.
01:02:39 - Reconnecting with Playfulness and Magic
01:06:46 - The Power of Presence
01:12:12 - Exploring the Journey of Self-Discovery
01:17:30 - The Role of Darkness in Transformation
01:24:44 - Surrendering to Life's Flow
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Keren Cogan is shaman and multidimensional healer with a background in NLP, Reiki, somatic work, pre- and post-natal therapy, Spinal Attunement and more. Over the past decade, she’s been on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual exploration, now bringing the tools and techniques she’s acquired to her sessions, journeys and ceremonies. Her strong connection to the unseen world, combined with an earthy, grounded approach, makes for a unique combination.
The Spirit Unfolding podcast explores the depth of the human experience, the creative energy that flows through us all & what we can do to create a more beautiful world. Every episode I sit down with a pioneer, teacher or creative to give you unique insights into spiritual growth, taking ownership of your life, and expanding your perspective on life’s possibilities.
Ep 9 - Ton Keunen | How to Communicate and Lead with Clarity, Integrity and Impact
Episode 9
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 • Duration 01:06:06
In this episode, high-performance coach Ton Keunen gives his best insights into personal ownership, vulnerability, and authenticity in (working) relationships. Ton and Lars discuss how self-perception and past experiences shape our identities and roadblocks, emphasizing the importance of self-love and acceptance. The episode highlights the significance of vulnerability in personal leadership and the necessity of honest communication in relationships. Ton also explores the impact of past wounds on present behavior, how we can heal these wounds, and why clear honest communication is both a challenge for many yet absolutely essential if we want to grow into the best version of ourselves.
03:10 - What are the Most Common Roadbloacks to Freedom?
06:10 - The Role of Vulnerability in Personal Leaderships
09:04 - Self-Love and Acceptance
12:01 - Authenticity in Relationships
14:55 - The Importance of Communication
18:07 - Navigating Personal Wounds
Spirit Unfolding podcast trailer
Sunday, January 19, 2025 • Duration 01:25
Welcome to the Spirit Unfolding podcast, where we explore the depth of the human experience, the creative energy that flows through us all & what we can do to create a more beautiful world.
I believe we are here on Earth to rediscover who we truly are by peeling off layers of conditioning, beliefs and disguise. By unfolding, so that we can remember and connect with the spirit within.
Every episode your host Lars Veenstra sits down with a pioneer, teacher or creative to give you unique insights into spiritual growth, taking ownership of your life, and expanding your perspective on life’s possibilities.
Ep 8 - Oscar Alonso Delgado | Survival Skills & Spiritual Growth - The Deep Connection We Ignore
Episode 8
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 • Duration 01:14:48
Hello you beautiful souls. In this week’s episode, Oscar Alonso Delgado shares his unique perspective on mindfulness, nature, and community. From his story of immersing himself into nature with nothing more than clothes and tools from the Stone Age, to the importance of integrating spiritual practices into daily life, and the significance of gratitude and connection to the earth.
He emphasizes the role of community in healing, particularly through initiatives like the Gathering of Men, where individuals can explore themselves and support one another in their journeys. We explored what it means to be truly authentic, know thyself and be open to vulnerability and personal growth. And last but not least, the conversation brought forth beautiful insights into the significance of collective care, lightness and playfulness in life. Enjoy!
Ep 7 - Adrian Kuipers | How to Heal the Body and Soul through Collective Breathwork
Episode 7
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 • Duration 01:02:03
On March 22nd, Adrian Kuipers will host his largest Breathing Concert yet, in the stunning Dominicus Church in Amsterdam - this time with cacao. And you can be there! Use the discount code 'spiritunfolding' to get an extra 10% off, or click the link to have the code applied automatically: https://www.adriankuipers.com/discount/spiritunfolding?redirect=/pages/breathing-concerts
Adrian Kuipers takes us along his journey into breathwork, the creation of his unique Breathing Concerts and the sacred geometry and perfect acoustics of churches. He also shares about his personal experiences with breathwork, which together with cold exposure helped him to release lifelong allergies. The episode also dives into the importance of facing one’s fears, the profound impact of music and frequency on emotional and physical well-being, and the importance of listening to the body. Finally, Adrian shares about his experiences with and the benefits of grounding to the earth and taking inspiration from nature.
Ep 6 - Daniel Philips | How Life’s Challenges Reveal Your True Power and Potential
Episode 6
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 • Duration 02:02:42
Daniel Philips is a life coach focusing on helping others build a soul aligned business and life on their own terms. He’s also helped me personally overcome obstacles, make a big shift and live the life I truly want to live (of which this podcast is a big part, by the way). He made me realize in detail just how powerful we all are in creating our own life’s experience and for that reason alone I know you will get so much out of this conversation.
In this episode, Dan shares open-heartedly about his own journey to move to Portugal with his family and what all the challenges and fears taught him about embracing change. We also explored the the significance of self-love, intuition and the connection to something bigger in navigating life's uncertainties. Dan and I dive deep into the themes of personal responsibility, the impact of societal systems and the potential for growth through challenges, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of ourselves, love, and consciousness as a whole.
If you’re looking to find more freedom in your mind and true alignment in your life, this one’s for you. Enjoy!
Ep 5 - Mayke Niestadt | The Transformative Power of Sacred Union: Traditional Values Reimagined
Episode 5
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 • Duration 01:47:37
Mayke Niestadt takes us through the dynamics of masculinity and femininity, the magic that occurs when both energies are fully embodied within a relationship, and the complexities of love, relationships, and healing. She dives deep into the concept of sacred union, conscious relationships, and the importance of surrendering to divine will.
The episode also touches on societal expectations regarding gender roles, the significance of inner work, and the vulnerability that comes with true connection. Ultimately, Mayke highlights the transformative power of union for personal growth and spiritual liberation, contrasting it with the concept of polyamory. Mayke and Lars also touch on the resurgence of traditional values in relationships, the complementary nature of men and women and the dynamics of modern relationships.
12:16 - The Impact of Societal Expectations on Gender Roles
14:56 - Inner Work, Vulnerability and Healing Through Union
21:43 - How Union Makes Your Relationship Growth
34:25 - The Depth of Union vs. Polyamory
Ep 4 - Aydin Shahidi | The Universe Is a Love Story: Using Nature’s Wisdom to Create, Connect & Heal
Episode 4
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 • Duration 02:33:04
Aydin Shahidi is one of the most fascinating people I’ve met in a long time. Already upon our first contact last year we connected instantly and I just couldn’t stop listening to him as he was bridging some of the biggest challenges of our society with the worlds of nature, love, and consciousness.
Aydin and I went deep into the structure of reality, the complexity of nature and how, according to him, we’ve been looking at our societal problems all wrong. We played with questions like What is love? What is the nature of life? What does it mean to be human? and How can we use a different perspective of the workings of the universe to heal, connect and create a more beautiful world? I hope Aydin’s unique perspective and the thought-provoking questions he raises brings you something new and inspiring.
If you liked this episode, please consider subscribing & sharing the episode with your friends, family, and on social media.
Ep 3 - Tom Verstappen | From Crisis to Connection: How Self-Love Can Transform Your Life
Episode 3
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 • Duration 01:29:53
Tom Verstappen is one of the most inspiring examples of transformation that I know. As you’ll hear in this episode, Tom continued to show up for himself during difficult times to eventually turn the tide around, and build something that's not only greater than himself, but is also serving a purpose in community and society. We talk about the power of self-love as Tom shares some deeply personal stories about the toughest time of his life, slowly allowing himself to feel all the emotions and heal from within. Tom also opens up about how cacao and plant ceremonies have changed his outlook on life, what fatherhood taught him, and why he is now focused on bringing people together in sacred spaces & ceremonies through his business & brand Cacaosito. I hope you will enjoy this heart-opening conversation.
Tom & Cacaosito also have a special offer for listeners of the Spirit Unfolding podcast: Use code “SPIRIT10” for 10% off your bag of organic ceremonial cacao from Cacaosito: https://cacaosito.nl/ You can order any size & shipping is available throughout Europe. By buying from Cacaosito you help preserve Uganda’s Semuliki rainforest through agroforestry and contribute to local communities.
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Ep 2 - Arun Thompson | How to Lead From the Heart and Build Deeper Relationships
Episode 2
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 • Duration 01:19:03
Arun Thompson is a men’s coach, therapist and facilitator that I've had the pleasure of sharing a space with a couple of times, and every time I’m touched by his passion, wisdom and talent for touching people’s hearts with his words. In this episode we dive into the stigma men experience around feeling feelings, what they can do to live and lead from the heart, and how being present in your body is a game changer.
Arun also shares practical tips and best practices on coming back to yourself and living a life of truth that he's cultivated through years of doing the work himself and leading many men to a more authentic life. We touch on the need for radical honesty and the healing that comes from embracing one's true self. And last but not least, we went deep into the topic of relationships and intimacy with Arun sharing some beautiful stories of bravery and connection that still give me goosebumps.
21:01 - Leadership and Its Impact on Organizations
24:07 - Manipulation and Responsibility in Relationships
35:30 - The Power of Communication in Relationships
38:10 - Taking Responsibility for Your Life
41:38 - The Importance of Intention in Communication
45:50 - Understanding Fear and Its Impact on Relationships
52:58 - Finding Fulfillment in Helping Others
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Ton Keunen is the founder of Brout, a Netherlands-based internationally operating training and coaching company focusing on transformational behavior in people and organizations. In over 15 years of successfully guiding thousands of people and teams to the best version of themselves, Ton has developed a huge body of knowledge and experience on trust, high performance, vulnerability and the reduction of ineffective egos in business. He doesn’t avoid confrontation, is honest and full of humor.
The Spirit Unfolding podcast explores the depth of the human experience, the creative energy that flows through us all & what we can do to create a more beautiful world. Every episode I sit down with a pioneer, teacher or creative to give you unique insights into spiritual growth, taking ownership of your life, and expanding your perspective on life’s possibilities.
Oscar Alonso Delgado is a men’s work facilitator, inner guide, speaker, and advocate for human connection through nature and adventure. As the founder of the Amsterdam-based lifestyle community The Gathering of Men, and his adventure experience A Neverending Journey, he’s guided over 1000 people through their personal growth.
The Spirit Unfolding podcast explores the depth of the human experience, the creative energy that flows through us all & what we can do to create a more beautiful world. We’re here to help you to connect deeper to yourself, your loved ones & the universe, and live a more meaningful, free & loving life.
10:12 - Adrian’s Journey into Breathwork and Healing
17:20 - Facing Fears and Transformation
20:16 - Frequencies in Music and Healing
36:05 - Embracing Duality and Darkness
40:52 - Creating Safe Spaces in Breathwork
46:02 - Listening to the Body: The Power of Intuition
50:53 - Grounding: Connecting with Nature
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Adrian Kuipers is a musician, filmmaker, photographer and the creator of Breathing Concerts. During filming for the documentary series The Primordial Code Adrian discovered something magical: the power of churches, with their sacred geometry and perfect acoustics. He also realized the ancient wisdom of gathering together—something humans have done since the beginning of time for their spiritual and physical well-being. A safe space where everyone feels supported. Adrian felt this sense of gathering was missing in our Western digital world, and so the Breathing Concerts were born.
The Spirit Unfolding podcast explores the depth of the human experience, the creative energy that flows through us all & what we can do to create a more beautiful world. Every episode I sit down with a pioneer, teacher or creative to give you unique insights into spiritual growth, taking ownership of your life, and expanding your perspective on life’s possibilities.
The Spirit Unfolding podcast explores the depth of the human experience, the creative energy that flows through us all & what we can do to create a more beautiful world. Every episode I sit down with a pioneer, teacher or creative to give you unique insights into spiritual growth, taking ownership of your life, and expanding your perspective on life’s possibilities.
53:38 - Self-Healing and Taking Full Responsibility
01:11:17 - The Return to Traditional Values in Society
01:16:35 - Men Wants to Provide
01:20:21 - The Importance of Women’s Connection to Nature for Humanity
01:25:36 - The Balance of Traditional and Modern Roles
01:33:42 - Women’s Attunement to the Earth
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Mayke Niestadt is a coach and guide for (wo)men who want to lead from their hearts and manifest *all the things* as a natural result from their deep connection with self and with God. Mayke works with coaches, healers, product-based businesses, influencers, creatives and people in management positions who are choosing to break out of the corporate world. What they have in common is a vision in their hearts for a world where love, unity and harmony are the rule rather than the exception. Love and relationships have always been a big part of her life and taught her to journey from finding the one, to becoming the one. It is her mission to raise the collective consciousness by helping leaders and lightworkers awaken, heal, thrive in business, and access the codes of unconditional love for self and others.
Mayke’s Mastermind program ‘Devoted to Love’: https://innerbeautyretreat.plugandpay.nl/devoted-to-love-mastermind
The Spirit Unfolding podcast explores the depth of the human experience, the creative energy that flows through us all & what we can do to create a more beautiful world. Every episode I sit down with a pioneer, teacher or creative to give you unique insights into spiritual growth, taking ownership of your life, and expanding your perspective on life’s possibilities.
05:48 - Navigating Creation, Complexity and Emergence
18:14 - The Journey of Self-Discovery
24:00 - Taking Action, Moving from Mind to Heart to Hands
30:01 - Creating Beauty in Everyday Life
36:26 - The Relationship with Constraints and Love
42:26 - Attention and Intention
54:50 - Humanity’s Need for Connection
01:02:50 - Finding Meaning and Service in Life
01:14:43 - What Lars’ Life Threatening Accident Taught Him about Life
01:22:58 - Balancing Science, Reason, Intuition and Imagination
01:39:08 - Reconnecting with the Magic of Life
01:47:40 - Scaling Personal Purpose into Business & A Meaning Economy
01:53:44 - Finding Peace in a Chaotic World
02:08:15 - Men’s Mental Health and Masculinity
02:19:19 - Authentic Relating
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Originating from the United States and now residing in Portugal, Aydin studied sustainability economics at UC Davis and has worked in finance, research, and international sales. He’s passionate about behavioral economics, design thinking, interdisciplinary research, and endlessly thinking about the evolution of human consciousness.
The Spirit Unfolding podcast explores the depth of the human experience, the creative energy that flows through us all & what we can do to create a more beautiful world. Every episode I sit down with a pioneer, teacher or creative to give you unique insights into spiritual growth, taking ownership of your life, and expanding your perspective on life’s possibilities.
03:20 - Tom’s Discovery of Self-Love by Facing the Shadows of his Past
14:08 - Healing Process, Plant Medicine and Inner Child Work
26:50 - Tom’s Ayahuasca Experience
33:20 - Lars’s Ayahuasca Experience
39:04 - Women, Inner Feminine, Taking Responsibility of Your Life
43:43 - Tom’s Journey to Work with Cacao & Find Self-Love
46:38 - A Journey to Uganda visiting Gorillas
51:18 - Surviving Malaria and a Spiritual Encounter
54:00 - Bringing Cacao to the Netherlands and Starting Cacaosito
01:09:05 - Parenting and Emotional Intelligence
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Tom Verstappen is the founder of Cacaosito, which shares heart-opening Cacao with the world and organizes concerts and ceremonies in Amsterdam to spread peace and love.
The Spirit Unfolding podcast explores the depth of the human experience, the creative energy that flows through us all & what we can do to create a more beautiful world. Every episode I sit down with a pioneer, teacher or creative to give you unique insights into spiritual growth, taking ownership of your life, and expanding your perspective on life’s possibilities.
39:59 - Navigating Attraction and Relationship Dynamics
44:39 - The Power of Honesty and Vulnerability
49:38 - Embracing Masculine and Feminine Energies
54:26 - Finding Grounding in a Busy World
01:00:11 - The Importance of Emotional Intelligence
01:05:07 - Radical Responsibility in Relationships
___________
Arun Thompson is a coach and therapist for men. For over 7 years he’s worked with people 1:1 and facilitated courses, workshops and retreats to help them to feel joyful, confident and deeply connected to the calling of their life. He also hosts a movement class called Holy HIIT and has experience in IFS, ACT and emotional release.
The Spirit Unfolding podcast explores the depth of the human experience, the creative energy that flows through us all & what we can do to create a more beautiful world. Every episode I sit down with a pioneer, teacher or creative to give you unique insights into spiritual growth, taking ownership of your life, and expanding your perspective on life’s possibilities.
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