Making the Darkness Conscious

About Making the Darkness Conscious

Making the Darkness Conscious" is a journey into authentic self-discovery and the raw realities of life's most challenging experiences. Host Chris, a widower, single father, workplace leader, and individual in recovery, invites listeners to explore the depths of human existence with unflinching honesty. Inspired by Carl Jung's quote, this podcast delves into the shadow self, grief, mental health, addiction, leadership challenges, and the pursuit of genuine self-expression. Through candid personal stories and reflections, Chris demonstrates how confronting our darkest moments and embracing our whole selves—shadows and all—can lead to profound growth, healing, and authentic living. Join us as we navigate the intersections of our conscious and unconscious selves, exploring loss, love, professional life, and recovery. Together, we'll find light in unexpected places, uncover the transformative power of authenticity, and make our darkness conscious. This isn't about advice but shared experiences, raw truths, and the courage to live authentically. Disclaimer: Chris is not a trained professional, and this podcast is not intended as advice. The content shared is based on personal experiences and thoughts, offering a genuine, unfiltered look at one person's journey of self-discovery.

Publisher

Chris

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

30 Aug 2024

Latest episode

22 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Aug 2026

   Many Things Can Be True

   A spoken journal recorded five days before brain surgery. Unedited, unpolished, and honest about being scared and grateful at the same time. Before you press play. I talk openly in this one about grief, brain surgery, and my own addiction/recovery, including the morning eleven years ago when I woke up with a plan to end my life. Nothing graphic, but it is direct. It also has a lot of swearing. If today is not the day for that, skip this one. No hard feelings. If you are struggling: 988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text, 24/7, in the US. On August 7, 2026 I had a suspected seizure in my sleep and the scans found a 4 cm tumor. Five days before the craniotomy I sat down and recorded this, mostly to hear myself think. It is not a produced episode. I wrote an outline and abandoned it in the first minute. I recorded it lying down, late at night, and left in the fan that clicks on partway through. It is closer to journaling out loud than to a show, and I decided not to clean it up, because cleaning it up would have made it a different and less true thing. What is in it: what actually happened that Friday morning, the parts of that weekend I cannot remember, telling a six-year-old the word tumor on purpose, doing in two weeks the estate paperwork I had not gotten done, eleven years of sobriety and what it has to do with any of this, and the Jung line about loneliness that I have not been able to put down since. Mostly it is about holding several true things at once without making any of them win or compete. Wonders and Worries is the Austin nonprofit that works with kids whose parents are seriously ill. They have walked with our entire family for years and I do not know where we would be without them! If this episode moves you toward doing something, send it there.

2. 

   7 Dec 2025

   Don't Push the River - Sitting with the In-Between

   In this episode, Chris returns after a few months to explore the concept of liminality—that threshold space between where we were and where we're going. Drawing on wisdom from his coach and Gestalt therapist Barry Stevens, Chris reflects on his second Thanksgiving trip with Waverly to London, navigating the complexity of heavy joy—experiencing profound happiness while holding grief. He opens up about the challenges of dating again while grieving, the insecurities that resurface regardless of how much work you've done, and learning to trust his gut as the balance between head and heart. This episode revisits themes from Episode 10 (Certainty is the Enemy of Unity), exploring how the desire for black-and-white answers collides with the reality that life happens in the gray tones. Chris shares vulnerable moments from the trip, discusses the "dinner party voices" in his head, and reflects on what it means to honor the process of not having all the answers. Topics covered: Grief and the holidays, liminality, dating while grieving, insecurities and inner voices, the hopeful romantic vs. reality, heavy joy, one foot/one day/one moment at a time Content note: This episode contains discussions of grief, loss of a spouse, and emotional processing.

3. 

   29 Jun 2025

   My Truth (Today)

   The host shares personal truths about faith, community, and self, exploring the gap between values and actions, and invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences in this episode.

4. 

   21 May 2025

   One Year Later — Redefining Strength

   “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” – Carl Jung After a long pause, I’m back on the mic—coming up on one year since my wife passed away. In this episode, I share what’s been stirring in me during this milestone month: grief that still sits just below the surface, memories that feel as sharp as ever, and the subtle shifts that show up when we’re not trying so hard to fix anything. I talk about what strength means now, especially as a solo parent to my daughter, and how I’m learning to let her see my sadness—not to burden her, but to model honesty without shame. I get into the complexity of emotion, the moments that catch me off guard, and how I’m trying to make space for what’s real instead of what’s polished. And for the first time, I speak about starting to explore dating again. It’s vulnerable, messy, and something I debated even sharing. But this podcast has always been about showing up with what’s true. So I did. This isn’t an episode with clean takeaways. It’s a reflection in real time—on love, loss, strength, and the kind of courage it takes to feel it all without looking away. If you're holding something heavy right now, you’re not alone.

5. 

   20 Jan 2025

   Integration, Presence, Connection: Three Words for 2025

   In this episode of Making the Darkness Conscious, Chris returns after a month-long break to reflect on navigating the holiday season - from Disney trips to Christmas decorations that sparked joy and profound grief. With remarkable candor, he shares the weight of celebrating Blythe's birthday, the complexity of Facebook memories, and finding moments of pure connection with his daughter Waverly. Rather than traditional New Year's resolutions, Chris introduces his three guiding words for 2025: Integration, Presence, and Connection. He explores how these intentions might help navigate the delicate balance between honoring Blythe's memory and remaining open to new experiences and relationships. Through personal stories and vulnerable reflection, Chris reveals how these words shape his approach to grief, parenting, and finding moments of joy amidst loss. This episode offers a raw, honest look at living in the space between past and future, between grief and growth and finding ways to stay present even when emotions feel overwhelming. Chris's story reminds us there's no 'right way' to move forward - only our authentic path, taking one step at a time.

6. 

   2 Dec 2024

   The Space Between: Holding Space While Finding Present Wonder

   Chris Hadfield reflects on his journey through grief and parenting, learning to hold space for emotions and find present wonder with his 4-year-old daughter.

7. 

   4 Nov 2024

   Certainty is the Enemy of Unity: Finding Connection in Divided Times

   In this thought-provoking episode, host Chris explores how he strives to maintain human connection and find unity in increasingly polarized times. Drawing from research on certainty, beliefs, and tribal thinking, Chris examines why conversations around politics and deeply held beliefs can feel so threatening and offers insights into building bridges across divides. Through personal stories and reflections, he discusses how our brains process challenges to our core beliefs, why changing our minds can feel like losing a piece of ourselves, and what it takes to remain genuinely curious about different perspectives. Key topics include: The science behind certainty as a feeling rather than a fact How our brains process challenges to core beliefs The role of social media in amplifying division Practical ways to build connection through authentic conversation Finding balance between conviction and openness to growth This episode provides timely reflection on maintaining humanity and fostering understanding, even when discussing our most profound differences. Disclaimer: Chris is not a trained professional, and this podcast is not intended as advice. The content shared is based on personal experiences and thoughts, offering a genuine, unfiltered look at one person's journey through grief and self-discovery. When discussing political and social topics, the goal is to explore human connection rather than promote any particular views or positions. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses grief, loss, politics (not specific politicians), and mental health topics. Listener discretion is advised.

8. 

   28 Oct 2024

   Leadership Beyond the Office: Finding Balance in Accountability, Growth, and Grace

   In this insightful episode of Making the Darkness Conscious, host Chris explores the critical intersection of leadership principles across both professional and personal life. Drawing from his experiences as a widower, single father, and workplace leader, Chris unpacks how the lessons of accountability, growth, and grace apply in all aspects of life. The episode begins with a raw and honest check-in about navigating grief at the five-month mark, sharing recent challenges in parenting and the importance of setting boundaries while managing complex emotions. Chris delves into how leadership principles show up both at work and home, exploring: The delicate balance between accountability and avoiding blame culture How to authentically apologize while maintaining high standards Managing emotions while leading others Finding grace for yourself and others during challenging times The parallels between parenting and leadership Through personal stories and reflections, Chris examines how these principles help navigate both the work and home routines, offering insights on finding, setting boundaries, and maintaining authenticity in all roles. Disclaimer: This podcast contains discussions about grief, loss, and mental health. Chris is not a trained professional, and the content shared is based on personal experiences and thoughts. This podcast is not intended as advice but rather offers a genuine, unfiltered look at one person's journey through grief, parenting, and leadership. Some content may be emotionally sensitive - listener discretion is advised.

9. 

   21 Oct 2024

   Navigating the Depths of Grief: Part 2 (Checkin)

   "Making the Darkness Conscious" is an intimate, raw exploration of grief, personal growth, and authentic living. Host Chris shares his journey through loss, recovery, and the complexities of single parenthood. In this episode, "Navigating the Depths of Grief: Part Two," Chris revisits his experience of losing his wife to brain cancer, offering a candid look at the challenges he faces months later. Chris delves into the unpredictable nature of grief, discussing: -The loneliness and longing that persists despite support -Parenting struggles and concerns about raising his daughter alone -The challenge of creating new traditions while honoring memories -Balancing self-care with pushing oneself socially -Anticipatory anxiety about approaching holidays -Finding moments of growth and resilience amidst ongoing grief With vulnerability and honesty, Chris reflects on the dualities of grief - feeling both sadness and joy, wanting connection yet needing solitude. He hopes to integrate past memories with new experiences, especially for his young daughter. This podcast offers listeners a compassionate, unfiltered look at navigating life's darkest moments, reminding us of our shared humanity in the face of loss and change.

10. 

    13 Oct 2024

    My Story: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - PART 3

    In this heartfelt conclusion to his three-part personal narrative, host Chris shares the most transformative chapters of his life story. From his move to California and early sobriety to finding love, marriage, and fatherhood, Chris opens up about the beautiful and challenging moments that shaped his journey. Highlights include: The awkward and endearing beginnings of his relationship with his late wife, Blythe Navigating unexpected pregnancy, loss, and health challenges as a couple The joy of becoming parents and the struggle of facing a devastating diagnosis Reflections on authentic living, vulnerability, and the power of connection Chris concludes with poignant thoughts on legacy, continuing to honor Blythe's memory and finding meaning in life's unpredictable path. This episode is a testament to resilience, love, and the ongoing nature of our personal stories. Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, pregnancy loss, death, and terminal illness. Disclaimer: Chris is not a trained professional, and this podcast is not intended as advice. The content shared is based on personal experiences and thoughts, offering a genuine, unfiltered look at one person's journey through grief and self-discovery.

11. 

    5 Oct 2024

    My Story: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - PART 2

    In this profoundly personal continuation of his story, Chris shares: •His experiences in rehab, including challenges with the concept of a God/higher power •The process of writing his fourth-step inventory and breakthroughs in therapy •Transition from rehab to sober living and early jobs in recovery •Losing a friend to addiction and the reality check it provided •The move to California for a new job and the hurdles faced due to his past •The importance of honesty and authenticity in recovery and new beginnings and life This episode offers raw insights into early recovery, the power of community, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery. Stay tuned for Part 3, where Chris will discuss his move to California and how he met his wife. Disclaimer: Chris is not a trained professional, and this podcast is not intended as advice. The content shared is based on personal experiences and thoughts, offering a genuine, unfiltered look at one person's journey through addiction, recovery, and grief.

12. 

    29 Sept 2024

    My Story: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - PART 1

    In this raw and deeply personal episode, host Chris bares his soul, sharing the unfiltered chapters of his life journey. From a sheltered upbringing to the depths of addiction and the transformative power of recovery, Chris offers an intimate look at the experiences that shaped him. Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of alcoholism, suicidal thoughts, and a description of a suicide plan. Listener discretion is strongly advised. Chris explores: The impact of his religious upbringing on his worldview His struggles with alcohol addiction and the cycle of denial The rock bottom moment that became a turning point How facing his darkest moments led to profound personal growth...more to come in the next episode This episode serves as a powerful testament to the possibility of change and the unexpected ways our most challenging experiences can prepare us for life's greatest gifts. Stay tuned for part two, where Chris will dive into his recovery journey and the beautiful life that unfolded as a result. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help. In the US, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

13. 

    22 Sept 2024

    Navigating Dualities

    In this episode of Making the Darkness Conscious, host Chris explores the complex terrain of navigating dualities, particularly in grief, parenting, and professional life. Drawing from his experiences as a widower and single father, Chris delves into the challenges and insights that come from simultaneously holding seemingly contradictory emotions and experiences. Key topics covered in this episode include: Weekly Reflection: Chris introduces a new segment, sharing recent experiences and realizations about grief, parenting, and personal growth. Parenting through grief: Balancing the joys of fatherhood with the pain of loss. Professional life: Dealing with imposter syndrome while embracing leadership challenges. Social connections: The tension between desiring connection and needing solitude. Finding balance: Strategies for embracing complex emotions without judgment. Chris offers raw, unfiltered insights into his journey, from small daily struggles to small yet big moments of realization. He emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, authenticity, and allowing oneself to feel the full spectrum of emotions that come with life's complexities. This episode powerfully reminds us that it's possible—and often necessary—to hold space for both joy and sorrow, strength and vulnerability, as we navigate life's most challenging experiences. Remember, in all things, be good to yourself. Your experiences are valid, and you deserve compassion – especially from yourself. ---- Disclaimer: Chris is not a trained professional, and this podcast is not intended as advice. The content shared is based on personal experiences and thoughts, offering a genuine, unfiltered look at one person's journey through grief and self-discovery.

14. 

    15 Sept 2024

    Behind the Curtain: Addiction, Mental Health, and Life After Getting Sober

    Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about addiction, mental health struggles, and mentions of suicidal thoughts and ideation. Listener discretion is advised. --- In this compelling episode of Making the Darkness Conscious, host Chris is joined by his friend Nate to pull back the curtain on addiction, mental health, and the realities of life after sobriety. Having met in rehab in 2015, Chris and Nate share their experiences navigating the ups and downs of recovery together. Their honest dialogue delves into: Personal struggles with addiction and the path to sobriety Unexpected challenges that arise after getting sober The intersection of addiction and mental health How recovery shapes identity and relationships Strategies for maintaining sobriety and emotional well-being The importance of community and accountability in recovery Learning to accept life on life's terms and find gratitude, purpose, and meaning in the journey This episode offers listeners a raw, unfiltered look at the ongoing recovery journey, filled with moments of vulnerability, humor, and hope. Chris and Nate discuss how embracing life's challenges and cultivating gratitude has been crucial to their recovery process, providing insights that resonate beyond addiction. Whether you're in recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about addiction and mental health, this conversation provides valuable perspectives and a reminder that you're not alone in your struggles. Join Chris and Nate as they continue to explore the intricate threads of human experience and resilience, showing that by making our darkness conscious and accepting life as it comes, we open ourselves to profound healing and connection. Disclaimer: This episode shares personal experiences and insights and is not intended to replace professional advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, please seek help from a qualified professional. Here are some resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988 SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – a free, confidential, 24/7 service for individuals facing mental health or substance abuse challenges Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis support in the U.S.

15. 

    8 Sept 2024

    Leading with Empathy: Emotional Intelligence

    In this insightful episode of Making the Darkness Conscious, host Chris explores the critical role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in both leadership and personal life. Drawing from his experiences as a widower, single father, and workplace leader, Chris unpacks how EI can help navigate grief, authenticity, and the professional challenges of leadership. The episode begins with a breakdown of EI’s five core components—self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills—and why these are essential in today’s world. Chris shares deeply personal anecdotes that highlight how developing his own EI has helped him manage the intense emotions of loss while fulfilling his responsibilities as a leader and a father. Listeners will learn about: How Emotional Intelligence supports effective leadership and personal growth The challenges of balancing vulnerability and oversharing Strategies to enhance and develop EI over time The integration of the Jungian concept of the Shadow with emotional growth Tips for recognizing and managing difficult emotions Chris also touches on the influence of EI in relationships, discussing how his own emotional growth has impacted his role as a father, friend, and leader. He offers valuable insight into how grief and trauma can deepen one’s emotional awareness. This episode blends personal narrative, psychological insight, and actionable advice, reminding listeners that the journey toward emotional intelligence is ongoing, especially through life’s most difficult moments. Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide. Listener discretion is advised. Disclaimer: Chris is not a trained professional, and this podcast is not intended as advice. The content shared is based on personal experiences and thoughts, offering a genuine, unfiltered look at one person's journey through grief and self-discovery.

16. 

    30 Aug 2024

    Navigating the Depths of Grief

    Episode 1: Navigating the Depths of Grief In this powerful debut, host Chris shares his raw journey through grief after losing his wife to brain cancer. As a newly widowed single father, Chris explores how walking through our darkest moments can lead to unexpected growth and self-discovery. Drawing from Carl Jung's concept of "making the darkness conscious," this episode delves into: The realities of losing a spouse and co-parent How grief reshapes our identity Balancing personal grief while supporting grieving children Practical coping strategies for overwhelming emotions Finding light and acceptance in the midst of darkness Whether you're facing loss, supporting someone who is, or seeking to understand grief's transformative power, this episode offers insights, comfort, and a reminder of our shared humanity. Join Chris as he begins this podcast journey, showing that we open ourselves to profound healing and connection by making our darkness conscious. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes where Chris will explore complex PTSD, addiction recovery, and the challenges of single parenthood, continuing to unravel the intricate threads of human experience and resilience. Disclaimer: Chris is not a trained professional, and this podcast is not intended as advice. The content shared is based on personal experiences and thoughts, offering a genuine, unfiltered look at one person's journey through grief and self-discovery.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

53

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Making the Darkness Conscious

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.