Society & CultureRelationshipsEducationSelf-Improvement

The Real Question

Not Sorry

The Real Question is a show that holds space for life’s tough questions. Each episode, a guest brings a personal question they’re grappling with, and Chaplain Mauricio Bruce helps them find an answer. This season, our focus is on future-oriented questions – those that start with ‘Should I…’

Mauricio sits down with guests who are contemplating big and small changes in their lives — whether it’s habits, careers, or relationships. In every episode, he asks the pivotal question: “Who do you want to be and what’s the best path to get there?”

The Real Question is produced by Not Sorry Productions, a feminist organization that produces podcasts, educational content, live shows, and immersive experiences with the explicit goal of addressing the spiritual needs of its participants. Through community, rigor, and ritual, we treat traditionally secular things as if they were sacred. To learn more about what we do, visit https://notsorryworks.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Play

Open in

20 episodes
weekly
Avg 28 min
English

Episodes 20

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

S5 · E14
August 17 · 34 min
How do I keep my kids safe within my religious tradition?
As an adult, Eva has formed a spiritual community and developed a practice that are very important to her. Her spiritual elder is someone she respects a lot, but has historically had a complicated relationship with. She worries about having her children around this person - how can she ensure they have the full religious experience while also ensuring their emotional safety? This week on the show Mauricio and our guest explore imposter syndrome, mentorship, and collective joy. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in! Submit your questions here The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 10 · 2 min
A Prompt from Mauricio - August
Once a month we'll be dropping into the feed with a (totally optional) prompt for listener submissions. This month Mauricio is thinking about grief and what we owe eachother. Submit your questions here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E13
August 3 · 36 min
Revisiting: Should I Have a Life Partner?
In the weeks between new episodes, we'll be revisiting some favorite old ones with some new commentary from Mauricio. In this episode from Season 4, Mauricio talks to Anna. Anna knows she wants to be a parent and she doesn't want to do it alone, but she's never particularly wanted a life partner. Should she reconsider that position for the sake of raising a child? On tthis episode, Anna and Mauricio explore Anna's relationship to partnership and uncover some of the deeper anxieties at play for her. Stick around until the end of the episode for some new thoughts from Mauricio! We hope you enjoy revisiting these episodes with us. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in! Submit your questions here The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E12
July 28 · 26 min
Revisiting: Should I Quit My Comfortable Relationship?
In the weeks between new episodes, we'll be revisiting some favorite old ones with some new commentary from Mauricio. In this episode from Season 3, Miranda brings a question about her long term relationship. Over the last year, she's taken some steps back from the relationship. They used to live together and now they live separately. She used to imagine marrying him, now it doesn’t seem in the cards. Is it time to just give up this man entirely? Or can she be happy with the comfort and pleasure of what she has in front of her? In this episode of Should I Quit? Miranda and Vanessa explore how to know when unhappiness in a relationship is normal and when it means you need to break up. Stick around until the end of the episode for Mauricio's thoughts! We hope you enjoy revisiting these episodes with us. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in! Submit your questions here The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E11
July 20 · 42 min
What do I owe my family?
Em was very close to their grandparents growing up. But as an adult and a queer person, it has become clear that their views are not validating and supportive of who Em is. Em hasn't formally come out to them, but has received mixed feedback from other family members and has been dreading spending time with the family overall. What do they owe these people, who were once a very big and important part of their life? This week on the show Mauricio and our guest explore family patterns, obligation, and closure. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in! Submit your questions here The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E10
July 13 · 47 min
Revisiting: Trusting Your Gut
In the weeks between new episodes, we'll be revisiting some favorite old ones with some new commentary from Mauricio. In this episode from Season 2, Vanessa brings a question about instincts and intuition. She's always felt that she has good instincts about people, but recently she's started to wonder: where does that gut instinct come from inside of her? And how can she make sure her 'gut' is reflecting her wisdom, instead of her prejudices? With help from Into the Woods and Gilmore Girls, Vanessa and Casper explore how to give people the benefit of the doubt while still being able to trust your instincts. Stick around until the end of the episode for Mauricio's thoughts! We hope you enjoy revisiting these episodes with us. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in! Submit your questions here The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 9 · 1 min
A Prompt from Mauricio - July
Once a month we'll be dropping into the feed with a (totally optional) prompt for listener submissions. This month Mauricio is thinking about religion and ritual in secular life. Submit your questions here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E9
July 6 · 26 min
Revisiting: Should I Quit My Church?
In the weeks between new episodes, we'll be revisiting some favorite old ones with some new commentary from Mauricio. In this episode from Season 3, Vanessa talks to Cari, who has been dreading going to church. In theory, she likes so much about the community. But lately, she’s been resenting her obligations there. Is this just a rut? Or is it time to move on? Stick around until the end of the episode for Mauricio's thoughts! We hope you enjoy revisiting these episodes with us. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in! Submit your questions here The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E8
June 29 · 35 min
Revisiting: Should I Have A Child?
In the weeks between new episodes, we'll be revisiting some favorite old ones with some new commentary from Mauricio. In this episode from Season 4, Mauricio speaks to a guest who has always wanted to have a kid. He’s also aware that having a kid will totally transform his life! Is he willing to give up parts of his life to make room for a baby? Stick around until the end of the episode for Mauricio's thoughts! We hope you enjoy revisiting these episodes with us. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in! Submit your questions here The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E7
June 22 · 55 min
Revisiting: In-Laws
In the weeks between new episodes, we'll be revisiting some favorite old ones with some new commentary from Mauricio. In this episode from Season 2, Casper and Vanessa talk to Lily. Lily has a boyfriend who she loves. But you know who she doesn’t love? Her boyfriend’s brother. He makes Lily feel small and hurt and honestly angry every time they see each other. But Lily wants to have a good relationship with her boyfriend’s family. So how does she deal with him? With help from Sara Bareilles and a scene from Fleabag, Lily, Vanessa, and Casper explore our relationships with in-laws and how to best deal with a bully. Stick around until the end of the episode for Mauricio's thoughts! We hope you enjoy revisiting these episodes with us. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in! Submit your questions here The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E6
June 15 · 41 min
Special Edition: Storytelling with Micaela Blei!
This week we're joined by the lovely and very talented Micaela Blei for a special conversation all about storytelling! Micaela and Mauricio talk about the different ways storytelling helps us think about and shape our own identities, and how it's been a helpful tool on this season of The Real Question. To learn more about What Matters with Micaela, Mauricio and carvel wallace go to our website here. You can also find Micaela's audible original here and her Tik Tok stories here. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in! Submit your questions here The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E5
May 18 · 34 min
How do I stay informed while managing chronic pain?
Kate has always been pretty well informed on current events. They work with kids who care deeply about what's happening in the world, and they believe in the power of collective attention. Unfortunately, over the last several years they've been dealing with back pain which often requires their full attention. Is there a way for them to ease back into paying attention to the news, while also managing their pain? This week on the show Mauricio and our guest explore personal responsibility, interconnectedness, and chronic pain. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in! Submit your questions here The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E4
April 20 · 41 min
Do I have to keep living in a place I hate?
Over the years, Katie's whole family slowly moved to the same midwestern city. Katie was raised with extended family close by and really values this for her future children. Two years ago, she and her husband has made the move as well, but so far they've hated their experience in this city. Does she need to move somewhere new, or is this the best option for her future children? This week on the show Mauricio and our guest explore real and chosen family, and how to know if your environment is the issue. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in! Submit your questions here The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 9 · 1 min
A Prompt from Mauricio - April
Once a month we'll be dropping into the feed with a (totally optional) prompt for listener submissions. This month Mauricio is thinking about community ahead of his brother's wedding. Submit your questions here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E3
March 16 · 40 min
Is the way I'm spending my time aligned with my values?
Emily is a new mother finally finding the balance between time for her daughter and time just for herself. She's a reliable and consistent friend, a supportive figure within her family, and involved with her community yoga studio. But as she watches the news and the way other people are responding on her social media feeds she wonders, is she doing enough to meet the current moment? This week on the show Mauricio and our guest explore shame, calling, and how to know if our values are matching our actions. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in! Submit your questions here The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 9 · 2 min
A Prompt from Mauricio - March
Once a month we'll be dropping into the feed with a (totally optional) prompt for listener submissions. This month Mauricio is thinking about navigating the return of his cluster headaches. Submit your questions here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E2
February 16 · 32 min
Will I feel guilty if I choose not to freeze my eggs?
Through Bunny's husband's job, she has access to one free round of IVF. They've recently started talking to fertility clinics, but she's not quite ready to be a mom yet - and isn't sure if she ever will be. After a bad experience with one of the clinics, she's wondering if she should abandon the process entirely - will she feel guilty and regret it if she does? This week on the show Mauricio and our guest explore guilt, prophecy, and how to know when to take the next step. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in! Submit your questions here The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 11 · 1 min
A Prompt from Mauricio - February
Once a month we'll be dropping into the feed with a (totally optional) prompt for listener submissions. This month Mauricio is thinking about power in the wake of elections in Costa Rica. Submit your questions here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S5 · E1
January 19 · 36 min
How do I trust myself?
Lucy has lived in many different cities, but grew up in New York and has recently moved back. She's starting to feel at home, and would love to stay rooted in a local community. Her partner isn't loving New York - she yearns for the beach, and wishes they could live abroad. How can they find a version of home that works for both of them? This week on the show Mauricio and our guest explore how to trust yourself and your preferences after a lifetime of people pleasing. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in! Submit your questions here The Real Question is a Not Sorry Production Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E57
Dec 22, 2025 · 23 min
Looking Forward, Looking Back: A 2025 Reflection (with Mauricio and Vanessa)
Mauricio Bruce has been the host of The Real Question for a full year! This week he's joined by Vanessa Zoltan to talk about hosting the show and what's coming next. -- This show is completely funded by Patreon, and we are so grateful to our supporters who make it possible. If you can, please considering chipping in! Want to join us on the show in 2026? We'd love to receive your questions through our submission form. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes