Designed To Be Awake

About Designed To Be Awake

Designed to be Awake is a soul forward podcast by psychotherapist and writer Mick Kubiak. Mick invites listeners into a deeper, more conscious way of experiencing Life. With poetic insight and unflinching honesty, Mick explores the subject of awakening to who we truly are, the Self that lives eternally and pervasively at the heart of each and every one of our lives, beyond the reach and comprehension of our limited egos. She explores what it looks like, on a practical level, to wake up, surrender to what is, and live with full presence. Each weekly solo episode weaves together psychology, spirituality, and lived experience, offering reflections that bring the seemingly heady experience of enlightenment down to earth. This is a space for anyone who wants more from life than surface-level fixes for temporary problems (spoiler alert: all problems are temporary). If you’re on a path of inner work, healing, or awakening, this show will feel like coming home. New episodes drop every Monday. Learn more and join the list at mickkubiak.com

Publisher

mickkubiakbiz

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Jul 2025

Latest episode

5 Jan 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Jan 2026

   Dr. Starchild Speaks: Part 3

   Welcome Welcome to Part III of the Ways of Being series on Dr. Starchild Speaks. In this final episode, we complete the journey through the Zodiac, continuing to explore astrology not as identity or personality, but as lived ways of being that shape the human experience. Episode Summary This episode moves from the depths of Scorpio into Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces, tracing the soul’s path through transformation, meaning-making, responsibility, vision, surrender, and rest. Each sign is explored as a distinct posture toward life—one that any of us can inhabit at different moments, regardless of our birth chart. From Sagittarius’s hunger for experience, to Capricorn’s focus on building and legacy, Aquarius’s big-picture thinking and concern for humanity, and Pisces’s mystical surrender and integration, the episode completes the Zodiac cycle and reflects on how all twelve signs prepare us to begin again. Key Takeaways Astrology describes phases of being, not fixed identities Every sign offers a necessary contribution to the human journey We all have access to every way of being, regardless of our chart Later-life signs emphasize meaning, responsibility, vision, and surrender Integration and rest are as essential as action and growth This episode closes the Ways of Being series with an invitation to honor every phase of your journey—and to meet each way of being, in yourself and others, with curiosity, respect, and compassion.

2. 

   29 Dec 2025

   Dr. Starchild Speaks: Part 2

   Welcome Welcome back to Dr. Starchild Speaks. In Part II, we continue exploring astrology as lived experience—not as labels, but as distinct ways of being that shape how we move through the world and relate to one another. Episode Summary This episode moves through the next four signs of the Zodiac—Leo, Virgo, Libra, and Scorpio—as stages in the soul’s ongoing journey. Beginning with Leo’s creative radiance and need to be seen, the conversation shifts into Virgo’s grounded discernment and devotion to preservation, Libra’s longing for meaningful partnership and harmony, and Scorpio’s descent into depth, challenge, and profound transformation. Through metaphor, storytelling, and reflection, these signs are presented as energies we all carry and can consciously access, regardless of our birth chart. Key Takeaways Astrology offers archetypal ways of being, not fixed personality traits Each sign builds on the wisdom of the ones before it Understanding these energies helps us care for ourselves and relate to others with more compassion Scorpio’s depth and intensity are not flaws, but gateways to transformation We all have access to every sign’s gifts, when we need them Coming Up in Part III In the final episode of this three-part series, we complete the Zodiac journey with Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces, returning full circle to Aries. Together, these final signs explore meaning, responsibility, innovation, surrender, and transcendence—revealing how the wisdom of the entire wheel becomes available to us as lived, conscious choice.

3. 

   22 Dec 2025

   Dr. Starchild Speaks: Part 1

   Podcast Episode DescriptionDr. Starchild Speaks – Part 1 Welcome Welcome, beautiful listeners! In this opening episode of my Dr. Starchild Speaks astrology mini-series, I invite you into a deeply intuitive 4:15-a.m. download—an unexpected inner lecture from a teacher, guide, or inner astrologer who walked me through the zodiac in a way I’d never experienced before. This is the beginning of a three-part journey through all twelve signs, starting with the very first four. Episode Summary In this episode, I share how my love for astrology began—starting with a mysterious Linda Goodman book that appeared in my childhood bedroom—and how that early curiosity transformed into decades of exploration. I then bring you right into the vivid teaching that came through to me in the early morning hours: the soul standing at the center of twelve doorways, each doorway representing a different astrological way of being. This first installment explores Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer. I reflect on what I learned about each archetype, what we often misunderstand about them, and how each sign naturally flows into the next. Rather than seeing astrology as a set of personality boxes, I invite you to experience these signs from the inside out—as energies your soul may choose to inhabit, even temporarily, to learn, grow, and remember who you are. Key Takeaways Astrology as a Soul Journey: I view each sign as a doorway the soul might step into, not a fixed identity or a label we’re stuck with. Aries – I describe Aries as the brave initiator—courageous, resilient, and built for beginnings. Not selfish, but purposeful. Taurus – To me, Taurus is the Garden of Eden—a place of safety, beauty, grounding, and homecoming. I share how Taurus energy can be a gift for souls recovering from past turmoil. Gemini – I see Gemini as the butterfly who brings curiosity, playfulness, and connection. It’s the spark of movement after Taurus’s rooted stillness. Cancer – Cancer feels like the protective shell that carries home wherever it goes—sensitive, nurturing, and designed to preserve life in the wilderness beyond the garden. Compassion Through Archetypes: Understanding the signs helps me love people (and myself) as we are, rather than trying to change the fundamental way someone is built. The Signs as a Story: I walk you through how these first four signs connect: the brave beginning of Aries, the grounding of Taurus, the curiosity of Gemini, and the emotional shelter of Cancer. An Invitation to Reflect: I encourage you to notice when these energies show up in your life—within yourself or in the people you love—and consider how each one wants to be honored. Join me next time for Part 2, where I’ll continue the journey with Leo, Virgo, Libra, and Scorpio. Thanks so much for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow the show on your favorite listening platform and leave a review—it really helps us reach more people. I appreciate you being here, and I look forward to connecting with you again soon.

4. 

   22 Dec 2025

   Dr. Starchild Speaker: Trailer

   This special bonus episode of Design to Be Awake serves as a closing punctuation mark to Season One and an introduction to a three-part astrology series titled Ways of Being. Rather than focusing on astrology as prediction or belief, this series approaches it as a living library of archetypes—patterns and ways of being that describe the human journey from birth to death. Whether or not you’re familiar with astrology, these episodes invite curiosity, reflection, and resonance. They are meant to be felt, explored, and enjoyed as a lens for understanding yourself and others. Thank you for listening, for being part of this season, and for bringing your presence to Design to Be Awake. Happy Holidays.

5. 

   15 Sept 2025

   Chapter 12: Humility

   WelcomeHey everyone, it’s Mick. This episode is called “Humility,” and I’m diving into one of the most powerful ways to tell if you’re having a true awakening or just an ego experience. We’re talking about the difference between genuine humility and the ego’s sneaky tricks, plus what it really feels like in your body when you’re present and connected. Episode SummaryIn this episode, I explore the paradox of awakening—how it’s both empowering and deeply humbling at the same time. I share my own journey with the ego, the push and pull between arrogance and insecurity, and how humility is the signpost that you’re on the right path. I get honest about the messiness of showing up, the temptation to perform enlightenment, and the beauty of surrendering into something greater than myself. Key Takeaways Humility is the true marker of authentic awakening—ego can fake enlightenment, but it can’t fake that feeling in your body Awakening is paradoxical: you feel both your power and your helplessness The ego tries to co-opt every experience, sometimes through arrogance, sometimes through insecurity The only thing worse than arrogance is false humility—real humility has a distinct, grounding feeling When you surrender into humility, you can offer your gifts without fear or performance Thanks so much for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow the show on your favourite listening platform and leave a review—it really helps us reach more people. I appreciate you being here, and I look forward to connecting with you again soon.

6. 

   8 Sept 2025

   Episode 11: This Illusory World

   WelcomeHey everyone, it’s Mick. This week’s episode, “This Illusory World,” is a short but deep dive into the stories we inherit, vulnerability, and the beauty of being fully human—even when the world feels less than perfect. I’m reflecting on the myth of the fallen world, what it means to connect soul-to-soul, and how gratitude for our own struggles can transform everything. Episode SummaryIn this episode, I explore how ancient stories like original sin shape our experience, and why I believe we’re already closer to “the garden” than we think. I share honest moments from my own life—supporting clients, facing heartbreak, and the ongoing dance between vulnerability and resilience. I talk about the struggle of pretending, the surprising gifts of pain, and why I’m so grateful for every part of my journey. There’s a bit of philosophy, a bit of spirituality, and a whole lot of real talk about what it means to be alive and connected. Key Takeaways We’re all influenced by the myth of the “fallen world”—even if we don’t realise it True connection comes from embracing vulnerability, not avoiding it The pain and challenges we face are not separate from our growth—they’re essential It’s okay to value fun and beauty, but I always want to go deeper No matter what, you are loved and supported beyond measure—even if you can’t see it right now Thanks so much for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow the show on your favourite listening platform and leave a review - it really helps us reach more people. I appreciate you being here, and I look forward to connecting with you again soon.

7. 

   1 Sept 2025

   Episode 10: Toxic Positivity

   WelcomeHey listeners! Welcome to episode 10 of Designed to Be Awake. I’m Mick Kubiak, and today we’re diving into a topic that’s been making the rounds lately - toxic positivity. I’m genuinely excited to share this episode with you, because there’s so much nuance missing from the bigger conversation out there. Episode SummaryWe’re talking about what toxic positivity really is, why it’s even considered “toxic,” and exploring the flip side, yep, toxic negativity. I open up about my own journey: how I used to cringe at the “cheer up, put a smile on it” vibe, and how I also fell into negative thought loops. I get honest about boundaries, what it means to show up authentically, and how neither relentless positivity nor wallowing in negativity gets us closer to our true selves. I share some personal stories, including a powerful turning point (spoiler: it involved a divine message in a café) and how I learned that negative thinking is a luxury I can’t afford anymore. We also talk about creativity, externalizing our shadows, and the difference between writing from the wound and writing from the scar. Key Takeaways✨ Toxic positivity and toxic negativity are both about extreme engagement with emotional states, they’re not who we really are✨ Set boundaries when you need to protect your energy, whether from someone else’s forced positivity or heavy negativity✨ The real magic happens when you create space between yourself and your stories, emotions, and old patterns✨ Sometimes, the art we make from our pain helps others feel less alone, but healing comes from perspective, not just the raw wound✨ Sitting with stillness and presence is where you’ll find your true self, not in memes, not in slogans, but in the quiet in-between Resources & Links🎬 If you haven’t seen Groundhog Day, do yourself a favor and watch it!🎵 Shoutout to anyone who remembers my record “Here Comes Spring” - thank you for listening and for sharing your stories with me📖 Check out the Philip Larkin quote I mentioned: “The most negative poem in the world is a very positive thing to have done.” For You to Reflect On Take a moment to sit with these ideas, ask yourself, “What’s true for me?” Notice where you might be running a program, and give yourself permission to just be. If this episode resonated, share it with a friend, leave a review, or reach out to me, I love hearing from you. Until next time, be gentle with yourself and stay awake. 💛

8. 

   25 Aug 2025

   Episode 9: Psychic Cities

   WelcomeHello, hello I’m coming to you from my kitchen table on a Friday evening, winding down after a packed week with clients. Tonight, I want to share a couple of things that came up for me, and for a client, that I think you’ll find really helpful. 🌃 Episode SummaryIn this episode, I dive into the idea of seeing your psyche as a city – complete with neighbourhoods that feel safe, vibrant, or, sometimes, a bit sketchy. I talk about how I started to picture my own mind this way, especially when I’d get stuck in fear or anxiety. Instead of believing “this is just how it is now,” I realised I’d simply wandered into a rough part of town… and that I could always find my way back. 🏙️ I also chat about the “trauma vortex” – that part of us that holds old pain and can pull us in when we least expect it. If you’ve ever felt like you’re suddenly back in an old, dark place, you’re not alone. I share how, even when we end up in those places, there’s a part of us that knows it will pass. Sometimes, all it takes is a deep breath and a reminder that you’ve got safe, resourced neighbourhoods inside you, too. Key Takeaways✨ Your psyche is like a city – there are places you love and places you’d rather avoid, but you’re never stuck forever✨ When you find yourself in a “bad neighbourhood” emotionally, it’s just a few blocks away from safety✨ The trauma vortex can feel inescapable, but it’s only temporary – you can ground yourself and move through it✨ You have areas of resource and light within you, even when things feel tough✨ Staying present is always an area of resource – now is the only place you can make a difference Resources & LinksIf you’re resonating with this, know that you’re not alone. Take a breath, ground yourself, and remember: you’ve got this.Want to share your thoughts or experiences? Drop me a message – I love hearing from you. Keep shining, and I’ll see you next time! 💛

9. 

   18 Aug 2025

   Episode 8: Wandering

   WelcomeHello. Welcome to another episode. Today, I want to talk about wandering. Wandering is a practice. I know it just sounds like something you randomly do, just wandering around, not sure what to do, maybe even a little aimless. But that’s actually the beautiful part of it. When I choose to practice wandering, I’m consciously letting go of imagining that I’m headed somewhere specific, and instead, I’m just moving. I step out my front door and wait for an impulse, left, right, straight ahead, and just follow it. There’s something really freeing about not having a plan, not needing to know, and just experiencing what comes up. Episode SummaryWandering is more than just moving without direction, it’s about letting go of control and seeing what happens. I talk about how wandering for even 15 minutes, or better yet, an hour, challenges all those habits we have around needing to have a plan or destination. We’re so used to knowing, to being purposeful and intentional, but sometimes it’s good to try not knowing. It’s a chance to move through the world differently. I share how, when you wander, you might run into someone and instead of slipping into your usual social groove, you just look at them, connect, and breathe. It’s about dropping the stories and programming we all carry, those ways of doing, talking, and interacting that can limit our experience of life. My mom never really got the idea of just being or meditation—she was always on the go, always doing. But wandering, like meditation, is a way to break out of that programming and experience a little self-liberation. Key Takeaways 🗺️ Wandering is about letting go of plans and control. 🌀 Not knowing where you’re going can open up new experiences. 👀 Dropping your stories about people lets you see them in a new way. 🛑 Our routines and programming limit us - wandering is a way to break free. 🌱 Even a short wander can help you practice presence and openness. Resources & LinksFind some time today or this week to wander, no plan, no destination. Just see where you end up and who you meet. Notice the stories you tell about people and moments, and see if you can let them go. Thank you for listening. That’s it for this episode. Have a wonderful wander.

10. 

    11 Aug 2025

    Episode 7: We Are Eternal

    WelcomeHello and welcome to another episode. I just got home from happy hour and dinner with a dear friend in a neighborhood I’ve known for years. I took an Uber so I could have a cocktail, and ended up at a restaurant I’ve been going to, off and on, for about a decade. Back when my daughter and I lived nearby, it was our spot - somewhere I could get a glass of wine, help her with her homework, and feel like part of a little, temporary family. Those were beautiful times. Episode SummarySpending time in that familiar place got me reflecting on how everything in life changes, people come and go, places change, chapters end, sometimes without us even noticing. But there’s something in us that’s always there, something eternal. I talk about how we’re eternal beings having a temporary experience, and how recognizing the impermanence of life makes every moment more precious. I share how, over the years, I’ve noticed chapters in my life ending quietly, and how at times, it felt like nothing would ever change, until it did. The more I accept that everything is always shifting, the more beauty I find in the present moment. I dive into the idea of prioritizing being over doing, and how anchoring myself in what’s always here, like the stillness at the bottom of the ocean, brings a sense of stability, even when life on the surface is chaotic. I talk about the difference between happiness (which comes and goes) and the deeper joy that’s always available to us, even if we don’t always feel it. I share stories about synchronicity, like the time a fork magically appeared in my purse at the exact moment my friend Joan said the word “fork,” and how little moments like that remind me of the magic in everyday life. Key Takeaways✨ Life is always changing - chapters end, people move on, places transform, but there’s a part of us that’s eternal.🌊 Anchoring ourselves in what’s always present (our being) brings stability, no matter what’s happening around us.🦉 Joy is our birthright -it’s deeper than the ups and downs of everyday life.🔮 Synchronicity and little moments of magic are reminders of how connected everything is.🌸 Accepting impermanence helps us appreciate each moment, person, and object while we have them. Resources & Links Book mentioned: Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki Thank you for listening. If this episode helps you notice the beauty in the present or reminds you of your own eternal nature, then it’s done its job. Keep coming back - I’ll be here until I’m not anymore.

11. 

    4 Aug 2025

    Big Feelings

    WelcomeYou are listening to Designed to Be Awake with Mick Kubiak. This episode is called “BIG Feelings” and it’s all about what happens when we (and our kids) experience intense emotions, especially anger and sadness. I’m sharing what I’ve learned from years of working with both parents and adults, and why it’s so important to let feelings move through instead of shutting them down or shaming them. Episode SummaryToday I’m talking about the pressure many of us feel to suppress emotions, our own or our children’s, and why that approach just doesn’t work. I share stories from my own experience as a parent, therapist, and coach, including what it was like working with families, and why “big feelings” are a normal, healthy part of being human. I cover the difference between reacting and actually feeling, how to support kids (and ourselves) through emotional storms, and why it’s okay to let the process unfold. There’s also a bit about anger, the clarity that comes from letting it move through, and yes, the infamous “pear tart incident.” Key Takeaways✨ Emotions are natural and meant to be felt all the way through - without shame or panic✨ Trying to suppress or control feelings only makes things harder, for adults and kids✨ Supporting someone through big feelings is about presence, not fixing✨ Emotional storms always pass - there’s a beginning, middle, and end✨ Anger, sadness, and even joy all have a purpose and a message✨ We can break the cycle of shaming emotions for the next generation Resources & Links Learning Through the Emotions by Carla McLaren More episodes and resources at mickkubiak.com Thank you for listening. This episode and every episode would be impossible without my amazing team: Chase Coughlin, who edits and composed the music, and Maia Young. If you enjoyed this, please leave a review, and if you want more Designed to Be Awake, subscribe at mickkubiak.com. See you next time.

12. 

    28 Jul 2025

    Episode 5: Don't Shoot the Messenger

    Our feelings about things that happen are always a message that we ourselves are meant to receive and understand. When the feelings are painful, it's so tempting to take it out on the messenger! The power of the pause is your best friend at these times.

13. 

    21 Jul 2025

    Episode 4: Fully Surrendered to the Situation

14. 

    14 Jul 2025

    Episode 3: Kingdom of Heaven

    What if the Kingdom of Heaven wasn’t a place you had to earn—but a presence you could return to? In this episode of Designed to Be Awake, I share what it means to surrender the ego’s need for control and drop into the deeper wisdom of your body and spirit. Inspired by Eckhart Tolle, I explore the difference between planning from fear versus allowing from presence—and how the “right” answers often arise only when we stop trying so hard to find them. I talk about what it means to feel the body’s “yes,” how the nervous system plays a central role in spiritual clarity, and why discomfort is often a sign of growth. Through personal reflection and client stories, I invite you to consider that what you seek is already here—and the journey is about remembering, not achieving. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or like you’re still trying to “figure it all out,” this episode offers a simple but radical shift: come back to your body, your breath, your now. You were never meant to control everything. You were designed to be awake. In This Episode: The deeper meaning of “Kingdom of Heaven is within you” Nervous system regulation as a spiritual practice Why your body is the best barometer for truth Letting go of over-efforting and trusting the flow Healing doesn’t always feel good—but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong How to build a life that arises from presence, not panic Resources Mentioned: Loving What Is by Byron Katie The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels Eckhart Tolle Michael Brown Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj Chögyam Trungpa 💫 Subscribe & Connect: If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Subscribe and leave a review, or submit a question or reflection for a future episode at https://mickkubiak.com/ 🎧 Produced by Chase Coughlin 🎵 Music by Chase Coughlin 🌟 With support from Regina Evangelista & Maia Young

15. 

    9 Jul 2025

    Episode 2: A Healed Mind

    In this episode of Designed to Be Awake, I explore the life-changing idea from A Course in Miracles: “A healed mind does not plan.” This doesn’t mean we don’t take action or show up fully—it means we stop trying to control outcomes from a place of fear, and instead live from trust, presence, and inner alignment.

16. 

    9 Jul 2025

    Pilot: Designed To Be Awake

    Welcome to the debut episode of Designed to Be Awake! I’m your host, Mick Kubiak—and in this first solo episode, I share the foundation of what this podcast is all about: the belief that human beings are inherently wired for awakening.

17. 

    9 Jul 2025

    Trailer: Designed To Be Awake

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Apple Podcasts (US)

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11 ratings

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