Next Level Soul Podcast with Alex Ferrari
Episode 670: "Finding God In The Ordinary" with Noah benShea
Released: March 3, 2026
Episode Overview
In this rich, contemplative episode, Alex Ferrari sits down with poet-philosopher and bestselling author Noah benShea, creator of the Jacob the Baker series and featured in the new film inspired by his work. Their conversation traverses the landscape of spiritual awakening, the value of humility and honesty, finding meaning in the mundane, and how to cultivate a compassionate life amidst the noise and suffering of the modern world. Noah's signature poetic wisdom shines throughout, offering both practical guidance and soulful reflection for listeners seeking connection, comfort, and clarity on their spiritual path.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. What We Get Wrong About Life
- The Illness of Control
- "The number one illness in the world is depression. The number one reason for depression is stress. The number one stress are people trying to be in control of what is not in their control."
— Noah benShea, 04:17 - Focus is placed on the magic moment between stimulus and response, highlighting the importance of mindful reaction versus automatic reaction.
- “Treasure the moments, because that's where the treasure is buried.”
— Noah benShea, 05:39
- "The number one illness in the world is depression. The number one reason for depression is stress. The number one stress are people trying to be in control of what is not in their control."
2. Lostness as a Portal to Growth
- The Necessity of Feeling Lost
- “No one has ever found their way who has not felt lost.”
— Noah benShea, 08:45 - Both host and guest share personal stories about periods of solitude and transformation.
- Discussion of transformative understanding:
- “First, I saw the mountains as mountains and rivers as rivers. And then I saw that mountains were not mountains and rivers were not rivers. And then I saw that mountains were mountains and rivers were rivers.”
— Noah benShea, 09:46
- “First, I saw the mountains as mountains and rivers as rivers. And then I saw that mountains were not mountains and rivers were not rivers. And then I saw that mountains were mountains and rivers were rivers.”
- “Ride the horse in the direction it's going.”
— Noah benShea, 10:59
- “No one has ever found their way who has not felt lost.”
3. The Power of Humility and Patience
- On Writing and Inspiration
- Noah shares how writing requires ego suspension: “When I sit down to write, I have to check my ego at the door because I'm looking to write something wiser than I am.”
— Noah benShea, 16:38 - The "wind of the wise": We are carried by the wisdom of others across time — and can allow that wisdom to move through us (19:02).
- “Oftentimes the wind in your face may be God blowing your kisses.”
— Noah benShea, 20:28
- Noah shares how writing requires ego suspension: “When I sit down to write, I have to check my ego at the door because I'm looking to write something wiser than I am.”
4. Jacob the Baker — A Symbol of Ordinary Grace
- Jacob is introduced as "a poor but pious baker… who writes little notes to himself… trying to make sense of life.”
- Stories from Jacob blend humility, honesty, and simple truths that resonate globally.
- “If honesty is the portal to all wisdom, humility is the portal to all honesty.”
— Noah benShea, 15:24 - The books, and now the film, invite people to access quiet strength, kindness, and wisdom in daily existence.
- “If honesty is the portal to all wisdom, humility is the portal to all honesty.”
5. Spiritual Practice and Compassion
- Noah’s spiritual path is rooted in cross-cultural wisdom:
- “People of all faiths are of one faith if their religion is kindness.”
— Noah benShea, 31:02 - “If you’re kind, I’m on the bus. If you’re not, I’ll wait.”
— Noah benShea, 30:49
- “People of all faiths are of one faith if their religion is kindness.”
- The necessity to become comfortable with one’s own company and to “guard each other's solitude” in relationships (32:53).
6. Sacred Relationship with the Soul
- “Your soul is not blind. Your soul is observant to all of you… When will you enter into the sacred relationship and be honest with me?”
— Noah benShea, 36:00 - “Only a quiet pond paints an honest picture.”
— Noah benShea, 79:50 - Encourages self-compassion as the root of compassion for others (33:23).
7. Small Truths and Everyday Greatness
- Noah references the practicality (and humor) of his blue-collar upbringing:
- “Things don’t have to be good for you to be great.”
— Noah benShea quoting his father, 41:38 - Greatness is a quality within, not ahead of you (42:00).
- “When you die, you won’t be asked why you weren’t more like Abraham Lincoln or Gandhi or Mother Teresa… they’ll ask, why weren’t you more like you?”
— Noah benShea, 43:40
- “Things don’t have to be good for you to be great.”
8. Wisdom: Learned or Remembered?
- “Is wisdom something we learn or remember?”
- “Yes.”
— Noah benShea, 44:50
- “Yes.”
- Emotional growth and humility are as vital as intellectual achievement; those who always need to be right are often wrong (47:08).
9. Enduring Adversity and Suffering
- On the presence of suffering:
- “Suffering at the macro level is data. Suffering at the micro level is emotional.”
— Noah benShea, 58:28 - Offers the ritual of holding one’s own hand as a prayer for those suffering alone (60:40).
- “Suffering at the macro level is data. Suffering at the micro level is emotional.”
- Compassion is described as prayer and as “Western Union to God.”
10. Awakening in Modern Times
- Complexity of the current era: multiple "stages" unfold at once, just as in 1492 there was both brutality and discovery (66:34).
- “Guilt won’t change the past and anxiety won’t improve the future.”
— Noah benShea, 68:18
- “Guilt won’t change the past and anxiety won’t improve the future.”
- Encouragement to "walk each other home" and make a difference wherever possible (68:27, invoking Ram Dass).
11. A Compass for a Meaningful Life
- Noah’s “Journey to Greatness” compass:
- North: Humility
- East: Honesty
- South: Passion/compassion
- West: Faith
— Noah benShea, 73:18
- “A lot of people have a crowded life but don’t have a complete life.”— Noah benShea, 78:53
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the value of embracing "lostness":
“No one has ever found their way who has not felt lost.”
— Noah benShea, 08:45 -
On humility and writing:
“When I sit down to write, I have to check my ego at the door because I'm looking to write something wiser than I am.”
— Noah benShea, 16:38 -
On shared humanity:
“If you’re kind, I’m on the bus. If you’re not, I’ll wait for the next bus.”
— Noah benShea, 30:49 -
On living authentically:
“When you die, you won’t be asked why you weren’t more like Abraham Lincoln or Gandhi or Mother Teresa… they’ll ask, why weren’t you more like you?”
— Noah benShea, 43:40 -
On adversity:
“Nobody has ever found their balance who hasn’t lost their balance.”
— Noah benShea, 82:39 -
On busy vs. meaningful:
“A lot of people have a crowded life but don’t have a complete life.”
— Noah benShea, 78:53 -
On prayer:
“Prayer gets you high.”
— Noah benShea, 70:18 -
On everyday difference-making:
“Of all the things you can make in life, why not make a difference?”
— Noah benShea, 95:07
Timestamps for Important Segments
- The illusion of control, responding not reacting – 04:17
- Feeling lost as part of awakening – 08:30
- Humility: The Entryway to Wisdom – 15:09 / 15:24
- Writing with the 'wind of the wise' – 18:17 – 20:33
- Who is Jacob the Baker? – 22:12
- Kindness as universal faith – 30:20 – 33:23
- Being at ease with your solitude – 32:53
- Sacred relationship with your soul – 36:00 – 41:00
- Small truths & family wisdom – 41:38 – 43:40
- Wisdom: learning vs remembering – 44:50
- Surviving suffering, compassion ritual – 58:28 – 61:31
- Periods of awakening, living in many epochs at once – 66:34 – 68:27
- The Journey to Greatness: A Compass for Life – 73:18
- Quiet vs busy life, the ‘quiet pond’ analogy – 78:52 – 80:00
- On polarization and honest dialogue – 82:39 – 87:42
- Why bad things happen to good people – 91:34
- Closing invocation: "Be strong and be a source of strength to others, and you will be strengthened." – 99:01
Episode Highlights & Special Segments
-
Noah’s Personal Ritual for Global Compassion:
Wrapping one hand around the other in the darkness as a prayer for anyone in need of comfort — a gesture he invites all listeners to practice as a way to hold the suffering of the world with compassion.
(60:40) -
The Jacob the Baker AI Project:
Noah has developed an AI based on "Jacob the Baker," providing 24/7 compassionate dialogue in any language.
(53:35) -
Musical Connection:
The original song "Better Times," with lyrics by Noah and sung by an 11-year-old composer’s daughter, was a finalist for best song in a motion picture.
(72:05) -
Quiet Humor and Groundedness:
On being a poet: "Poet philosophers are people who throw rose petals into the Grand Canyon and wait for the echo."
(53:22)
Resources
- Jacob the Baker books: Available on Amazon.
- Jacob the Baker movie: Streaming on Next Level Soul TV, Amazon Prime, Yahoo.
- Connect with Noah benShea: www.noahbenshia.com | www.jacobthebaker.com
Closing Reflection
Noah benShea invites listeners into a space where “things don’t have to be good for you to be great,” insisting that in responding with humility, honesty, compassion, and faith, we rediscover the divine in the ordinary. His message is a gentle yet urgent call to spiritual companionship — both within oneself and with the world — suggesting that our shared journey home is, ultimately, a walk woven with kindness.
"Be strong and be a source of strength to others, and you will be strengthened."
— Noah benShea, 99:01