Author Bio for Steve Ryals

Steve Ryals is author of Drunk with Wonder: Awakening to the God Within. went from homeless and shooting drugs in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district at 17 to graduating from UC Berkeley on the Dean’s List six years later. Steve has now been free of alcohol for over six years, From 1994-2004, Steve was a free-lance music reviewer. He wrote and published over 1,200 reviews, hundreds of which are still available online.

If you would like to sign up for the Drunk with Wonder Email Newsletter go to Steve's Drunk with Wonder Blog.

Music Review of Totemic Flute Chants by Johnny Whitehorse - Category: Arts - Music 11/3/2007 Summary: With Totemic Flute Chants, Johnny Whitehorse (who many of you know as Robert Mirabal from the Taos Pueblo) has crafted a deeply moving tribute to 10 different animals, from the cougar to the wolf, along with the spirits of Earth Mother and Emergence. The ecstatic result is an album of Native American-inspired songs featuring Johnny's signature flute, along with his vocals and exquisite didgeridoo. . . . more
Music Review of Imagination to Inspiration by Richard Mekdeci - Category: Arts - Music 11/3/2007 Summary: Richard Mekdeci's latest compilation CD, Imagination to Inspiration, is a truly wonder-filled chalice of heart-opening songs. Focused on the Global New Thought community, which includes Religious Science, Unity and affiliated churches, Imagination to Inspiration showcases 19 tracks by 18 different musicians. . . . more
With Enough Love - Category: Self Improvement - Inspirational 10/21/2007 Summary: With enough love, anything can be healed. healed. It's easy enough to say, but how does it work in the real world . . . more
Music Review of Spirit Healing Chants by Sophia - Category: Arts - Music 9/7/2007 Summary: Music Review of Spirit Healing Chants by Sophia. Sophia is able to put more heart and soul into her voice than all but a few singers I've ever heard. But more than just having technical chops, Sophia evokes the sublime passion of the Goddess. . . . more
Music Review of Faces of the Sun by Peter Kater - Category: Arts - Music 9/7/2007 Summary: Music Review of Faces of the Sun by Peter Kater. . . . more
The Evolution of Consciousness - Category: Arts - Philosophy 9/7/2007 Summary: The future of Earth that is not in question; it's the future of the human race. If we continue to disrupt the ecosystem, Earth will become increasingly hostile to humans. . . . more
Trust - Category: Arts - Philosophy 9/5/2007 Summary: Are you a trusting person? Is there a more spiritual practice than learning to trust? . . . more
Is God Real? - Category: Arts - Philosophy 8/28/2007 Summary: In Newsweek (4-9-07), avowed atheist and best-selling author Sam Harris squares off with Rick Warren, pastor of the Saddleback Church in Orange County, CA and author of the world-wide best-seller The Purpose-Driven Life, in a piece titled "Religion: Is God Real?" I found it to be interesting reading, as far as it went, but wholly missing a crucial point. While I share Harris's certainty that there is no "Biblical God," I do not share his conclusion that there is no God whatsoever. . . . more
We Are Pure Energy - Category: Arts - Philosophy 8/28/2007 Summary: Feelings are energy. Blocking, or stuffing our feelings creates enormous short-circuits in our bodies. These short-circuits are the root cause of stress. Stress is the root of many of our most common diseases, including depression and addictions. . . . more
What If Peace Broke Out? - Category: Arts - Philosophy 8/28/2007 Summary: I recently realized that I have a story. This particular story says that in order to be "spiritual" I need to stay above the fray of messy human affairs such as politics. The truth is, in spite of my best efforts, I do have strongly held views on any number of issues. I just usually keep them to myself. But something happened the other day that forced me to reconsider my position. . . . more
Creating a "To Be" List - Category: Self Improvement - Inspirational 8/28/2007 Summary: Many people have "to do" list that are often extensive. Should we measure our success on how many tasks we accomplish, or even how good a job we do in completing these tasks? Or is there something else that is more important? . . . more
Music Review of The Color of Morning by Primeaux and Mike - Category: Arts - Music 8/28/2007 Summary: Primeaux and Mike are known for their beautiful peyote songs. . . . more
Music Review of The Moola Mantra by Deva Premal - Category: Arts - Music 8/28/2007 Summary: The Moola Mantra is perhaps their finest album yet, gracefully weaving Deva's transcendently pure voice, sitar, bansuri flute, dotar, tabla, piano, string quartet and ambient electronica into a richly layered tapestry of sacred chants that honor all traditions, religions, creeds and spiritual paths. . . . more
Suffering is Optional - Category: Arts - Philosophy 8/28/2007 Summary: Are pain and suffering the same thing? . . . more
Is Too Much Testosterone a Terminal Illness? - Category: Society - Men 8/28/2007 Summary: Studies show that high levels of testosterone do make it more likely that those men suffering from it will father more children, and seem to have some additional benefits. Yet we are now hearing that these high levels of testosterone are toxic to the individual as well as to the society in which they live. As a society, I believe we most find ways to harness and channel this energy in honoring, respectful ways that do NOT include war. . . . more
A Weeping Man - Category: Society - Men 8/28/2007 Summary: My heart breaks open for all of the people who do not feel as though they can afford to cry. Part of my mission is to teach people that feeling is healing, that any feeling fully felt shifts. . . . more
Music Review of The Eyes of God by Scott Kalechstein & Friends - Category: Arts - Music 8/28/2007 Summary: In this review, however, I want to focus on Scott's beautiful, heartfelt The Eyes of God, a devotional masterpiece of reverential singing from a spiritual perspective. . . . more
Music Review of Achillea - The Nine Worlds - Category: Arts - Music 8/28/2007 Summary: In all the years I've been reviewing music (13 and counting) one of my favorite labels has always been Sequoia Records. David and Steve Gordon have consistently released a plethora of cool music, their own (including the bestselling Sacred Drum series of Native/World music) and that of numerous other artists, with dozens of titles available. . . . more
Music Review of BODHi Devin Setchko's Trans Ukraine - Category: Arts - Music 8/28/2007 Summary: Trans Ukraine is a hypnotic, flute-based world groove romp through mysterious alleyways and spice-scented bazaars. An exquisite choice for dancing the night away, or perhaps lingering eye gazing by the fire with your sweetie, Trans Ukraine is the perfect antidote to SSDD (same stuff, different day) syndrome. . . . more
Don't Go Back to Sleep - Category: Arts - Philosophy 8/28/2007 Summary: Rumi, the legendary Sufi mystic and luminous poet from the 13th century, famously advised, "Don't go back to sleep." He was referring to the idea that most of us, most of the time, are essentially sleep-walking through life. We're "asleep at the wheel" whenever we're allowing our old, unconscious stories and programs to run the show. Many of us, for example, are absolutely convinced that we are victims of one thing or another. It might be a parent, a spouse, the government, a job, it doesn't really matter. The point is that whenever we believe we're at the affect of something outside of ourselves, we appear to be helpless. . . . more
Feeling is Healing - Category: Self Improvement - Inspirational 8/28/2007 Summary: Our emotions don't live in our minds, they live in our bodies. Trauma is locked into cellular memory with adrenaline. No matter how many times we attempt to change our minds or alter our thinking, the trauma lives on in our cells. . . . more
Hugs are Healing - Category: Self Improvement - Stress Management 8/27/2007 Summary: It is clear that safe, caring physical touch is as important to our health as food, air or water. It's been amply demonstrated that newborns deprived of nurturing touch can actually die, even if their other physical needs are met. Sadly, in our culture physical touch, particularly in the form of hugs, is often seen as unsafe. . . . more

Music Review of Totemic Flute Chants by Johnny Whitehorse - Category: Arts - Music 11/3/2007
Summary: With Totemic Flute Chants, Johnny Whitehorse (who many of you know as Robert Mirabal from the Taos Pueblo) has crafted a deeply moving tribute to 10 different animals, from the cougar to the wolf, along with the spirits of Earth Mother and Emergence. The ecstatic result is an album of Native American-inspired songs featuring Johnny's signature flute, along with his vocals and exquisite didgeridoo. . . . more

Music Review of Imagination to Inspiration by Richard Mekdeci - Category: Arts - Music 11/3/2007
Summary: Richard Mekdeci's latest compilation CD, Imagination to Inspiration, is a truly wonder-filled chalice of heart-opening songs. Focused on the Global New Thought community, which includes Religious Science, Unity and affiliated churches, Imagination to Inspiration showcases 19 tracks by 18 different musicians. . . . more

With Enough Love - Category: Self Improvement - Inspirational 10/21/2007
Summary: With enough love, anything can be healed. healed. It's easy enough to say, but how does it work in the real world . . . more

Music Review of Spirit Healing Chants by Sophia - Category: Arts - Music 9/7/2007
Summary: Music Review of Spirit Healing Chants by Sophia. Sophia is able to put more heart and soul into her voice than all but a few singers I've ever heard. But more than just having technical chops, Sophia evokes the sublime passion of the Goddess. . . . more

Music Review of Faces of the Sun by Peter Kater - Category: Arts - Music 9/7/2007
Summary: Music Review of Faces of the Sun by Peter Kater. . . . more

The Evolution of Consciousness - Category: Arts - Philosophy 9/7/2007
Summary: The future of Earth that is not in question; it's the future of the human race. If we continue to disrupt the ecosystem, Earth will become increasingly hostile to humans. . . . more

Trust - Category: Arts - Philosophy 9/5/2007
Summary: Are you a trusting person? Is there a more spiritual practice than learning to trust? . . . more

Is God Real? - Category: Arts - Philosophy 8/28/2007
Summary: In Newsweek (4-9-07), avowed atheist and best-selling author Sam Harris squares off with Rick Warren, pastor of the Saddleback Church in Orange County, CA and author of the world-wide best-seller The Purpose-Driven Life, in a piece titled "Religion: Is God Real?" I found it to be interesting reading, as far as it went, but wholly missing a crucial point. While I share Harris's certainty that there is no "Biblical God," I do not share his conclusion that there is no God whatsoever. . . . more

We Are Pure Energy - Category: Arts - Philosophy 8/28/2007
Summary: Feelings are energy. Blocking, or stuffing our feelings creates enormous short-circuits in our bodies. These short-circuits are the root cause of stress. Stress is the root of many of our most common diseases, including depression and addictions. . . . more

What If Peace Broke Out? - Category: Arts - Philosophy 8/28/2007
Summary: I recently realized that I have a story. This particular story says that in order to be "spiritual" I need to stay above the fray of messy human affairs such as politics. The truth is, in spite of my best efforts, I do have strongly held views on any number of issues. I just usually keep them to myself. But something happened the other day that forced me to reconsider my position. . . . more

Creating a "To Be" List - Category: Self Improvement - Inspirational 8/28/2007
Summary: Many people have "to do" list that are often extensive. Should we measure our success on how many tasks we accomplish, or even how good a job we do in completing these tasks? Or is there something else that is more important? . . . more

Music Review of The Color of Morning by Primeaux and Mike - Category: Arts - Music 8/28/2007
Summary: Primeaux and Mike are known for their beautiful peyote songs. . . . more

Music Review of The Moola Mantra by Deva Premal - Category: Arts - Music 8/28/2007
Summary: The Moola Mantra is perhaps their finest album yet, gracefully weaving Deva's transcendently pure voice, sitar, bansuri flute, dotar, tabla, piano, string quartet and ambient electronica into a richly layered tapestry of sacred chants that honor all traditions, religions, creeds and spiritual paths. . . . more

Suffering is Optional - Category: Arts - Philosophy 8/28/2007
Summary: Are pain and suffering the same thing? . . . more

Is Too Much Testosterone a Terminal Illness? - Category: Society - Men 8/28/2007
Summary: Studies show that high levels of testosterone do make it more likely that those men suffering from it will father more children, and seem to have some additional benefits. Yet we are now hearing that these high levels of testosterone are toxic to the individual as well as to the society in which they live. As a society, I believe we most find ways to harness and channel this energy in honoring, respectful ways that do NOT include war. . . . more

A Weeping Man - Category: Society - Men 8/28/2007
Summary: My heart breaks open for all of the people who do not feel as though they can afford to cry. Part of my mission is to teach people that feeling is healing, that any feeling fully felt shifts. . . . more

Music Review of The Eyes of God by Scott Kalechstein & Friends - Category: Arts - Music 8/28/2007
Summary: In this review, however, I want to focus on Scott's beautiful, heartfelt The Eyes of God, a devotional masterpiece of reverential singing from a spiritual perspective. . . . more

Music Review of Achillea - The Nine Worlds - Category: Arts - Music 8/28/2007
Summary: In all the years I've been reviewing music (13 and counting) one of my favorite labels has always been Sequoia Records. David and Steve Gordon have consistently released a plethora of cool music, their own (including the bestselling Sacred Drum series of Native/World music) and that of numerous other artists, with dozens of titles available. . . . more

Music Review of BODHi Devin Setchko's Trans Ukraine - Category: Arts - Music 8/28/2007
Summary: Trans Ukraine is a hypnotic, flute-based world groove romp through mysterious alleyways and spice-scented bazaars. An exquisite choice for dancing the night away, or perhaps lingering eye gazing by the fire with your sweetie, Trans Ukraine is the perfect antidote to SSDD (same stuff, different day) syndrome. . . . more

Don't Go Back to Sleep - Category: Arts - Philosophy 8/28/2007
Summary: Rumi, the legendary Sufi mystic and luminous poet from the 13th century, famously advised, "Don't go back to sleep." He was referring to the idea that most of us, most of the time, are essentially sleep-walking through life. We're "asleep at the wheel" whenever we're allowing our old, unconscious stories and programs to run the show. Many of us, for example, are absolutely convinced that we are victims of one thing or another. It might be a parent, a spouse, the government, a job, it doesn't really matter. The point is that whenever we believe we're at the affect of something outside of ourselves, we appear to be helpless. . . . more

Feeling is Healing - Category: Self Improvement - Inspirational 8/28/2007
Summary: Our emotions don't live in our minds, they live in our bodies. Trauma is locked into cellular memory with adrenaline. No matter how many times we attempt to change our minds or alter our thinking, the trauma lives on in our cells. . . . more

Hugs are Healing - Category: Self Improvement - Stress Management 8/27/2007
Summary: It is clear that safe, caring physical touch is as important to our health as food, air or water. It's been amply demonstrated that newborns deprived of nurturing touch can actually die, even if their other physical needs are met. Sadly, in our culture physical touch, particularly in the form of hugs, is often seen as unsafe. . . . more