Inside the Spirit Fest People Fly Across the Country For

Inside the Spirit Fest People Fly Across the Country For

Author: Will Rodriguez & Karen Endsley | Consciousness & Enlightenment Guides September 15, 2026 Duration: 12:30
Live from the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Will and Karen bring a special on-site edition of the show, broadcasting straight from the floor of Spirit Fest, sitting down with the woman who built the whole thing: festival founder Mary Ellen Popyk.

What starts as a quick "thanks for having us" turns into a real look at why this particular mind, body, spirit festival has become a destination event, not just a local pop-up. Mary Ellen explains what separates Spirit Fest from other shows on the circuit: a genuine sense of community that keeps attendees parked in their seats all weekend, vendors flying in from Florida and Washington State, and a vetting process for readers and mediums strict enough that first-timers can walk in without fear of getting scammed.

Along the way, Will and Karen swap stories on past-life research, run into Will's cousin (a fighter pilot) in the crowd, and get a few teasers on what's next for Spirit Fest, including a rebuilt vendor-focused website, a possible West Coast expansion, and big-name additions to the lineup.

In this episode:
  • What makes Spirit Fest different from other mind, body, spirit conventions
  • Why vendors travel across the country, twice a year, just to be part of it
  • How Spirit Fest vets its readers and mediums to protect attendees from scams
  • A detour into past-life parallels between old relationships and this lifetime
  • What's coming next: a new interactive website, expansion out West, and bigger-name guests
Guest: Mary Ellen Popyk, Founder of Spirit Fest
Recorded live at: Virginia Beach Convention Center

The Skeptic Metaphysicians is a spiritual awakening podcast for open-minded thinkers who refuse to check their critical thinking at the door. Each episode explores consciousness expansion, enlightenment, soul purpose, and soul growth through honest, grounded conversation with leading voices in metaphysics, psychic phenomena, quantum healing, and beyond. 

We dive deep into spiritual awakening, ascension, alignment, and the awakening process without the dogma. From mediumship and spirit guides to Arcturian contact, astrology, and the subconscious mind, we explore it all with curiosity, humor, and zero guru worship.

Whether you're in the middle of your own awakening, questioning reality, or just spiritually curious, this is the podcast for seekers and skeptics alike.

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Ever find yourself curious about the big, mysterious questions of existence but wary of overly simplistic answers or New Age jargon? That’s exactly the space where The Skeptic Metaphysicians lives. Hosts Will and Karen approach topics like spiritual awakening, expanded consciousness, and metaphysical mysteries with a blend of genuine curiosity and grounded pragmatism. They understand that the path to enlightenment is often messy and personal, so they bring both humor and humanity to these profound discussions. This podcast emerged from their own real experiences with existential questioning, making their conversations feel relatable rather than abstract. Each episode feels like a thoughtful, often funny, conversation with friends who aren’t afraid to explore the unknown while keeping one foot firmly on the ground. You’ll hear them delve into ascension, metaphysical concepts, and practical spirituality, always aiming to provide reassurance rather than rigid dogma. For anyone who’s felt both a pull toward spiritual growth and a healthy dose of skepticism, this show offers a welcoming and intelligent companion for the journey. Tune in to The Skeptic Metaphysicians for a guide that honors the mystery while valuing a sensible, down-to-earth perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Skeptic Metaphysicians: Spiritual Awakening & Quantum Spirituality
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