What happens when you decide the best way to market community is by deploying pseudo science and questionable morals? You go to jail eventually and we, well, we make fun of you.
Then, we make a cocktail (or two), and well, keep making fun of you.
But we are also incredibly passionate about whatever is conversation-worthy in the biohacker, life-extension, acupuncture, wearable technologies, psychedelics, supplements, health charlatans, overnight weight loss fads, which diets were better for neolithic ancestors we never personally met, public health policies, esoteric philosophical arguments about digital consciousness, and well they told me I had to stop typing. You get the idea.
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What happens when you decide the best way to market community is by deploying pseudo science and questionable morals? You go to jail eventually and we, well, we make fun of you.
Then, we make a cocktail (or two), and well, keep making fun of you.
But we are also incredibly passionate about whatever is conversation-worthy in the biohacker, life-extension, acupuncture, wearable technologies, psychedelics, supplements, health charlatans, overnight weight loss fads, which diets were better for neolithic ancestors we never personally met, public health policies, esoteric philosophical arguments about digital consciousness, and well they told me I had to stop typing. You get the idea.
Summary
In this lively and deeply personal conversation, Joel Schafer shares his remarkable life story and spiritual journey with hosts Matt Hampton and Tom Ingegno. The dialogue explores controversial figures like Carlos Castaneda, the role of shamanism, and the dangers of cult-like structures. Joel recounts his early experiences with psychedelics, his entanglement with cult leaders, and his eventual path toward healing through authentic shamanic practice.
The conversation moves into themes of shadow work, trauma, and the reclamation of creativity and youthful energy. The hosts and guest reflect on the mind-body connection, altered states of consciousness, and the challenges of navigating distraction and societal programming in the digital age. They also discuss martial arts, state management, the importance of mentors, and the pursuit of authenticity and resilience.
Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the need to integrate ancient wisdom, embodied practices, and altered states into modern life, offering pathways to personal power, healing, and deeper human connection.
Takeaways
* Carlos Castaneda’s legacy: groundbreaking teachings mixed with controversy and cult-like tendencies.
* Shadow work reveals unresolved trauma and reduces emotional triggers.
* Early psychedelic use shaped Joel’s worldview and exposed him to both danger and insight.
* Cults and charisma: powerful leaders can both inspire and exploit—discernment is essential.
* Healing through authentic guidance: Joel found genuine teachers who helped him reclaim clarity.
* The mind-body connection: movement practices, martial arts, and shamanic “magical passes” support perception shifts.
* Distraction culture: modern society suppresses creativity through programming, comfort, and digital addiction.
* Children’s creativity: nearly all are born geniuses, but systemic pressures squash this potential.
* State and energy management: resilience requires mastering stress and maintaining awareness.
* Martial arts parallel: energy, timing, and presence matter more than brute force.
* Integration: altered states and peak experiences require grounding practices afterward.
* Death as ultimate altered state: shamanic practices prepare for conscious dying.
* Community and teaching: Joel supports individuals through one-on-one sessions, online courses, and workshops.
* Authenticity and sovereignty: reclaiming one’s perception from societal programming fosters freedom.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction & Carlos Castaneda’s teachings
01:40 – Sorcery, perception, and dangers of cult dynamics
05:40 – Joel’s teenage experiences with psychedelics and mentors
07:10 – Early cult involvement, chaos, and trauma
10:26 – Finding authentic shamanic healing and recovery
12:25 – Why Joel dedicated his life to this path
13:44 – AI, human purpose, and reconnecting with forgotten capacities
15:25 – Manipulation of perception and minority awakening
17:04 – The “dumbest timeline,” fear, and evolution through intensity
19:34 – Life measured by intensity, not years
21:42 – Identity, work, and reclaiming natural thoughts
24:11 – Creativity in children and societal suppression
26:06 – Parenting challenges and breaking free from the hive mind
28:14 – Joel’s teaching methods and movement practices
32:20 – Distractions, TikTok, and microdosing as a tool
35:05 – Long-term vs. short-term engagement with spiritual work
37:46 – Shadow work, emotional triggers, and resilience
40:01 – State management and martial arts parallels
42:10 – Movement, breathwork, and cross-cultural wisdom
43:26 – Mentors, energy, and the importance of powerful teachers
45:32 – Integration and preparing for death as an altered state
47:08 – Continuous practice vs.
Irreverent Health
What happens when you decide the best way to market community is by deploying pseudo science and questionable morals? You go to jail eventually and we, well, we make fun of you.
Then, we make a cocktail (or two), and well, keep making fun of you.
But we are also incredibly passionate about whatever is conversation-worthy in the biohacker, life-extension, acupuncture, wearable technologies, psychedelics, supplements, health charlatans, overnight weight loss fads, which diets were better for neolithic ancestors we never personally met, public health policies, esoteric philosophical arguments about digital consciousness, and well they told me I had to stop typing. You get the idea.
