Hello 2026, goodbye duality

Born Again | Infinite Onion, Rebirth & Why Growth Feels Like Going Backwards

It’s New Year’s Day — but are we really starting again, or just uncovering another layer?

In Episode 62 of the Temple Barred Podcast, Jim and Philip explore the idea of being “born again” — not as a once-a-year reset, but as something that happens constantly, moment by moment. Through stories of Christmas chaos, repeating patterns, dopamine, ADHD traits and self-reflection, the lads unpack why personal growth can feel frustrating, circular and unfinished — even when real progress is happening.

At the heart of the episode is the idea of the Infinite Onion:

Every time we think we’ve “figured it out,” another layer appears — and that doesn’t mean we’ve failed. It means we’re evolving.

This episode explores:

• Rebirth beyond New Year’s resolutions

• Why self-improvement feels repetitive

• Patterns, self-judgement and awareness

• Dopamine, conflict and unconscious behaviour

• Letting go instead of trying to control

• Duality, perception and the illusion of separation

• Consciousness, identity and choosing love over fear

• How algorithms, media and attention shape reality

• Finding growth in everyday moments

Honest, reflective and often hilarious, this episode is for anyone feeling stuck, tired of “reset culture,” or wondering why growth doesn’t look the way it’s supposed to.

🎧 You haven’t gone backwards.

You’re just peeling the next layer.