Oneself

Summary:

In this episode, Stephen Maher and Adam Bartlemen explore the multifaceted nature of teachers and lessons in life; what makes a good teacher, the value of bad examples, and how we can find wisdom everywhere. They discuss how genuine learning often comes from experience, observation, and even from those who are not ideal teachers, emphasizing the importance of intuition and openness.

Takeaways:
  • The difference between good and bad teachers and the lessons they impart
  • The importance of curiosity and questioning authority in learning
  • Recognizing teachers everywhere: people, situations, and even failures
  • The significance of meeting people where they are and observing their full story
  • How external knowledge is a reflection of inner remembrance and trust in ourselves
  • The fluid nature of truth, morality, and evolving understanding over time
  • The role of humility, openness, and non-attachment in learning and growth
  • The danger of attachment to messengers and messages, and the power of discernment
  • The importance of cultivating inner guidance over external authority
Chapters:

0:00 — Teachers: Good, Bad & What We Learn
1:05 — Learning from Good and Bad Examples
2:02 — Cyclical Trauma and Breaking Patterns
3:01 — Education, Privilege, and Real-World Skills
4:38 — The Problem with Outsourcing Thinking
18:02 — The Message vs. The Messenger
13:10 — Discernment in Teachers and Mentors
26:41 — Trusting Intuition Over External Authority
30:37 — Real Teaching: Igniting Curiosity
34:58 — Innovation, Evolution, and Non-Attachment
38:48 — Learning from Life Experiences
40:05 — Teachers Everywhere: Subtle and Overt Lessons
43:21 — Truth, Remembrance, and Final Reflections


 

Creators and Guests

AB
Host
Adam Bartleman
SM
Host
Stephen Maher

What is Oneself?

Oneself is a raw and reflective podcast about identity, purpose, and transformation. Hosted by Stephen Maher and Adam Bartleman, the show explores how we come to understand who we are—through our experiences, relationships, and the deeper work of self-discovery. In each episode, they share personal stories and honest conversations around topics like mentorship, trauma, masculinity, healing, and growth. Whether you’re navigating your own path or curious about the human experience, Oneself invites you into a space where vulnerability meets wisdom and reflection leads to action.