Wednesday · 18 min
TR
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.
- 29 episodes
- Avg 27 min
- English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
- TRNovember 3 · 1 min
A Prompt from Mauricio - November
Once a month we'll be dropping into the feed with a (totally optional) prompt for listener submissions. This month Mauricio is thinking about belonging, ahead of his application for US citizenship. Submit your questions here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- TRS5 · E20November 2 · 28 min
Revisiting: Should I Go Back to 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 4, Mauricio talks with Daniel. Daniel's dad is Methodist minister, so he grew up in the church. But about 10 years ago, after he graduated college, he stopped going. Now, after all this time, he's wondering if it's time to go back. This week on the show Mauricio and Daniel discuss the process of coming out and how to carve out a sense of individual identity within your family. 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.
- TRS5 · E19October 19 · 33 min
How do I find my new normal after the loss of my father?
Larissa's father was a big part of her life, and over the summer he passed away unexpectedly. As she returns to her daily routine, she's finding it difficult to honor her grief while also continuing her life. Is there any way to balance the two? This week on the show, Mauricio and our guest explore grief, expectations, and new rituals. -- 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.
- TRS5 · E18October 12 · 40 min
Revisiting: Should I Give Theater a Second Chance?
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 Katy. When Katy was a kid, she dreamt of being a stage actress. After some early rejections, she pivoted to stand-up and improv and built a career for herself in that field. Now she's working for a college theater department and she finds herself feeling jealous of the kids in her program. She's having trouble making sense of this jealousy. Does it mean she should try to do stage acting again? This week on the show Mauricio and Katy explore how we carry our past rejections with us. 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.
- TRS5 · E17October 5 · 26 min
Revisiting: Should I Quit My Dream of Being a Rockstar?
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 Penni Jo. Five years ago, Penni Jo made a late-in-life decision to pursue a career as a songwriter. Now, with a few years of rejection under her belt, she’s wondering if it’s time to give up on that dream. Should she just get a ‘real job’ with better benefits? If you want to check out Penni Jo's music, you can find her on Spotify and Apple Music. 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.
- TRS5 · E16September 21 · 27 min
How much should I tell people about my religious past?
Once upon a time, Amber was a seminary student, and then - a pastor! It's an important part of her story, but not at all where she ended up. Now that her workplace has moved into a bigger building, and her office has space to put up diplomas, should she display that part of her past openly to her coworkers? This week on the show, Mauricio and our guest explore storytelling, assumptions, and guilt. -- 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.
- TRS5 · E15September 14 · 40 min
Revisiting: Diagnosis
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 and Casper talk to Maya. Maya has been in pain for years. She’s been going to doctors, trying to figure out what's going on with her body, but nobody seems to think anything is wrong with her. And lately she’s started to feel like the whole process of trying to get good healthcare is more painful emotionally and psychologically than the physical pain she’s in. Should she stop trying and protect her mental health? Or is that giving up? With help from Mythbusters and the Liverpool Football Club, Maya, Vanessa and Casper discuss everything that's at stake in trying to get a diagnosis. 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.
- TRSeptember 4 · 1 min
A Prompt from Mauricio - September
Once a month we'll be dropping into the feed with a (totally optional) prompt for listener submissions. This month Mauricio is thinking about rejection, and how we deal with it. Submit your questions here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- TRS5 · E14August 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.
- TRAugust 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.
- TRS5 · E13August 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.
- TRS5 · E12July 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.
- TRS5 · E11July 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.
- TRS5 · E10July 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.
- TRJuly 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.
- TRS5 · E9July 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.
- TRS5 · E8June 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.
- TRS5 · E7June 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.
- TRS5 · E6June 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.