In this conversation, I'm joined by mathematician, meditator, and machine learning engineer Blake Hull.
We share stories of therapy, meditation, and Ram Dass, opening up after years of staying in the head, we unravel ideas of masculinity, expand on vulnerability, and dissect what it means to become safe in our own skin. We talk about anger as sacred energy, the strange geometry of emotion, and the daily ritual of saying “Good morning, Blakey Boy” - a quiet reminder that to heal isn't to change, it's to remember who you already are. This is a fluid dialogue that drifts through psychedelics, softness, the mathematics of love, friendship, wisdom - it's an episode that invites you to slow down, breathe, and feel something true. Together, The Great and Wonderful Blake Hull and I explore the space between intellect, emotion, and becoming what we are - I hope you'll join us.
Themes: therapy · masculinity · meditation · Ram Dass · psychedelics · inner-child · emotional intelligence · spiritual growth
Notable quotes from the episode:
“When intellect finally kneels to emotion, that’s when growth begins.”
- Blake, describing the moment logic yields to honesty.
“Emotions are information. You’d be stupid to ignore them.”
- Blake quoting a college professor who first reframed feeling as intelligence.
“When Jesus flipped tables, that was dharmic anger — anger in service of love.”
- Jacob, reframing anger as sacred energy rather than chaos.
“I feel most connected with you when you’re feeling.”
- Blake recounting a moment in therapy that changed his understanding of connection and vulnerability.
“Maybe consciousness has always been doing this — reflecting itself through whatever new medium we invent.”
- Jacob, near the close, connecting AI, identity, and awareness.
“Anger isn’t the problem. It’s what happens when we stop letting it teach us.”
- Blake, redefining emotional intelligence through presence.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 – Intro: Setting up, laughter, first exchange, Blake's Bio
00:02:15 – “I feel most connected when you’re feeling” – therapy and awareness
00:05:00 – Logic vs emotion: learning how to feel again
00:07:25 – Emotional intelligence and inner safety
00:10:45 – Anger as sacred energy (“dharmic anger”)
00:12:10 – Modern society, Idiocracy, and humor as medicine
00:15:23 – Aldous Huxley, psychedelics, and self-reflection
00:16:09 – Paul Stamets, microdosing, and consciousness
00:20:00 – Mushrooms, meditation, and integration
00:26:00 – Masculinity and vulnerability
00:31:00 – Meditation: honesty over peace
00:36:03 – “Good morning, Blakey Boy” – the inner-child ritual
00:40:03 – Ego, death, and Ram Dass on becoming somebody
00:45:00 – Comic relief: fart jokes and humility
00:50:00 – Math and metaphysics: when numbers become poetry
00:58:48 – Math as beauty and the language of existence
01:00:26 – Group theory, triangles, and the philosophy of structure
01:02:06 – Did humans discover or invent math?
01:10:00 – Humor, curiosity, and teaching through questions
01:13:34 – The future of math, AI, and physics (the long view)
01:14:13 – Ray Kurzweil and his father’s digital journals
01:15:15 – iPhone, exponential tech, and AI acceleration
01:16:00 – Touchscreens, prediction, and futurism
01:20:00 – Consciousness and machine learning
01:30:00 – Human identity in the age of algorithms
01:37:01 – AI anxiety, UBI, and the ethics of automation
01:43:56 – Consciousness itself: What is it, really?
02:00:00 – Journaling, memory, and the desire to preserve the self
02:14:00 – Humor as grounding: “Even the enlightened still fart.”
02:20:00 – Compassion as technology
02:31:04 – Returning to therapy: “I feel most connected when you’re feeling.”
02:40:00 – Closing reflections, gratitude, and quiet laughter
#JunkyardLovePodcast #BlakeHull #EmotionalIntelligence #Masculinity #Mindfulness #Meditation #InnerChild #TherapyForMen #ModernSpirituality #AIConsciousness #MachineLearning #SelfAwareness #PodcastEpisode #ListenNow
Hit subscribe for new episodes, we'll see ya next time.
Curtis L. Harnagel is a creative polymath - a director, consultant, and producer whose career moves fluidly between live entertainment, multimedia, dance, art, and nonprofit worlds. A true pop-culture savant, Curtis carries decades of music knowledge, behind-the-scenes reasoning, and pedagogical wisdom from his perspective that apply across every industry. I first met Curtis on-site at a stunning fashion show fundraiser. I was hired as the shows Live-DJ while Curtis was the shows Music and Staging Director. After a few days of working with Curtis, I knew this was someone who sees a room from different angles. I asked him to join our collection of outlier teachers here on The Junkyard Love Podcast, we had nothing short of an excellent conversation.
Armed with a degree in Radio, Television, and Film, Curtis’s path has been a mosaic of lighting grand productions like Phantom of the Opera, sculpting award-winning dance performances, staging massive live events, and mentoring creative teams to greatness. He coined GESAMTCURTISWERK (“Total Work of Curtis”) to describe his craft. It's a philosophy that threads art, logistics, and human connection into something greater than the sum of its parts - a way of thinking that refuses to split art from logistics, communication from creation, or teaching from doing; it’s all one interconnected, ever-evolving work: Curtis lives it. To top it off, his tagline? - "Turning Dreams Into Entertainment."
In this episode, Curtis and I pull back the curtain on what it takes to knead, bake, and present large-scale creative projects with a true human touch. We talk about perception, the unspoken layers of communication, and how one thoughtful phrase can redirect an entire production. Curtis shares stories from the unpredictable trenches of live events - moments of tension, flashes of brilliance, and hail-mary's that knealed to the 'The show must go on'.
We unravel wisdom passed down from influential teachers, explore the psychology of feedback and leadership, and examine how different minds approach creativity and problem-solving. We talk about the invisible threads that hold collaboration together, and how communication and listening can shape art, teams, and even lives.
“GESAMTCURTISWERK [guh-zahmt-kur-tis-verk]
noun, German.
1. "Total Work of Curtis"
A. Gesamt - adj; total, overall (German)
B. Curtis - noun; English proper name of Anglo-Norman origin derived from the word courteous.
C. Werk - verb; to work (German)
2. Derived from: Gesamtkunstwerk [guh-zahmt-koo nst-verk] noun, German
A. German for "Total Work of Art" or "Synthesis of the Arts “
Resources / Links:
Checkout Curtis's official music playlist for Ep: 0116 Junkyard Love: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/06CsHwodO7jxWav75ieiX6?si=BI8KIR9qR5SbSsxODd3eeg&pi=lUYZBKGITUmCj
Quotes:
If you enjoyed the episode, hit subscribe. We'll see ya for 0117 in a few weeks!
“I grew up with puppetry and voices and weird little characters. I never really let that go — I just found ways to turn it into a life.” - Nate Begle
In this episode, we're joined by Nate - He's a voice actor and puppeteer with over two decades of experience in storytelling across stage, screen, and sound. His career has spanned live theme park shows, national commercials, animation, and narration work for over 30 audiobooks. Nate has collaborated with major creative institutions, including James Patterson, The Jim Henson Company, Walt Disney Entertainment, and Sesame Street. Deeply rooted in performance, character work, and voice, Nate brings a grounded and authentic presence to everything he creates. He allows the characters, not the performer, to take center stage.
Nate and I nestle in for a tender, playful, and witty conversation about a life built around performance. We talk discovering creative purpose early, navigating years of invisible work, and learning how to keep showing up for the craft even when no one is watching.
We talk about his roots in Midwest community theater, how Fraggle Rock cracked open a lifelong fascination with puppetry, and the reality of building a career from bits and odd jobs to full-time creative expression. Along the way, we dive into themes like staying grounded while performing, the therapeutic power of play, self-belief in the face of doubt, and the surprising joy of working just off-camera.
From humor and nostalgia to identity and intention, this conversation brings small insights that build into something honest, warm, and very real.
More notable quotes from the episode:
- “A lot of people think voiceover is just ‘talking,’ but it’s not. It’s acting. It’s truth-telling. It’s intention.”
- “It’s like, if you see something that’s not available where you’re at - then make it.”
- “There’s a moment where you stop trying to get it perfect and start asking if it feels true. That’s when you know you’re doing the work.”
For more on Nate Begle, head over to his IMDB here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4662429/
Checkout Nates website here: https://www.natebegle.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NateBegle
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-begle-785155bb/
Hit subscribe, we'll see ya next episode.
Ravinder Taylor is a UK-certified psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist, trained at the National College of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in microbiology and has spent over 30 years researching human behavior, subconscious programming, and self-empowerment. She has co-authored more than 200 personal development audio programs and two books, and worked extensively alongside New York Times bestselling author Eldon Taylor in research, editing, and program development.
Ravinder Taylor is a longtime explorer of the human mind. She authored the book Mind Training: The Science of Self-Empowerment, and she joins us for a rich and layered conversation about inner transformation, healing, mindset, and the truth behind what actually works when it comes to becoming who you truly are.
In this episode, Ravinder shares her incredible story of healing herself from rheumatoid arthritis—without medications—by combining subconscious programming, hypnosis, spiritual perspective, placebo research, and relentless curiosity. She walks us through the science-backed benefits of optimism, the daily practices that truly shift your mindset, and the real psychology behind affirmations, rituals, and manifesting.
We also touch on:
Notable Quotes from Episode 0114 – Ravinder Taylor
“I wanted to give people the why—not just another list of what to do. When you understand why something works, you stop outsourcing your power.”
“You don’t always have to know which thing healed you. Sometimes it’s the accumulation, the ripening—your belief meets your action, and something finally shifts.”
“Free will isn’t free—you have to take it. Most of our minds are running on autopilot, but we can interrupt the programming and rewire it intentionally.”
“Healing isn’t about becoming perfect. It’s about removing what blocks your authentic self from expressing.”
“Smiling is underrated medicine. It shifts your brain chemistry, helps others feel seen, and reminds you that you’re safe, here, now.”
This is one of those episodes that’s packed with tools, reminders, and encouragement for anyone working on themselves. Ravinder brings grounded wisdom from both scientific and experiential lenses, and delivers it all with heart and clarity. I highly recommend grabbing a physical copy of her book 'Mind Training - Science of Self-Empowerment'
📖 - https://a.co/d/g189zZ7
🌍 Website: https://ravindertaylor.com
📱 Facebook: @RavinderKTaylor
📸 Instagram: @ravindertaylor
🕊️ Twitter/X: @Ravinder_Taylor
🎧 If you're enjoying these conversations, please share, subscribe, and rate the show. We'll see you next episode :)
In this episode of The Junkyard Love Podcast, we meet Wendy Cole, a 67-year-old Transition Mentor who fully transitioned after 65. Wendy shares her inner perspective from her years living as a married man and father while grappling deeply with identity, societal expectations, and secrets that visited her sleep. Wendy shares stories of how she embraced her true self later in life, and we discuss her intensive internal exploration, self-work, her time in therapy, friends along the way, meditation, Joe Dispenza, reshaping limiting beliefs, creating new identities, telling the truth, and more.
Wendy invited me to think differently, and I had a great time exploring the heart and mind of this unorthodox teacher. Her story offers us deep insight into the human being's profound ability for change - at any age.
Some quotes from Wendy:
Guest Bio - Wendy Cole:
Wendy Cole is a Transition Mentor dedicated to supporting individuals navigating significant life changes. Having personally transitioned around age 67, Wendy uses her transformative journey and deep empathy to guide clients toward embracing their authentic selves. Her mentoring approach combines mindfulness, visioning, and intentional energy shifts, helping others confront fears and discover joy in their true identities. Wendy believes deeply in the power of inner work, emphasizing that the mental and emotional aspects of transition are just as vital as the physical ones. Through coaching, speaking engagements, and sharing her powerful story, Wendy inspires individuals to embrace their journeys boldly and authentically.
Connect with Wendy:
Demystifying The Transgender Journey
Website: https://thetransgenderjourney.com
On YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thetransgenderjourney
On Podbean: https://demystifyingthetransgenderjourney.podbean.com/
If you enjoyed this episode of The Junkyard Love Podcast, drop me a subscribe!
Maybe you'll enjoy some of my upcoming episodes. See ya soon with the next guest!
In this heartfelt episode of The Junkyard Love Podcast, I reconnect with one of the most influential mentors of my life—my high school drama teacher, David Crayk. We dive deep into creativity, teaching, personal growth, and the power of human connection. David shares his journey from being a young dreamer to a teacher, the impact of mentorship, and the role of kindness in shaping students' lives. We also explore the intersection of spirituality, fitness, and the evolving world of technology in education. This conversation is full of wisdom, laughs, and deep insights. If you've ever had a teacher who changed your life, this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts!
"David Crayk is a teacher, poet, writer, bodybuilder, disc golfer, kid whisperer, spiritual advisor, and traveler - inspiring all those that cross his path to “dare to be different” in pursuit of their dreams."
Nate is a husband, father, stunt-bike rider, motivational speaker, videographer, inspired leader, and an honest man.
He joins us to engage in a deep, introspective conversation about personal growth, spirituality, and masculinity. We explore themes of overcoming adversity, finding purpose, and the importance of fatherhood and personal accountability. The discussion centers on Nate's transformative journey from a risk-taking lifestyle to a more purposeful existence, emphasizing the significance of faith, commitment, and continuous self-improvement. Throughout the conversation, we challenge societal norms and encourage listeners to focus on internal development, rather than external validation.
Some notable quotes from the episode:
"The weight that you feel that makes you want to end the game is purpose and responsibility." - Nate Tanzman
"If you want what you say you want, expect it to be difficult." - Nate Tanzman
"Most of the stuff that we're supposed to do, we will never receive credit for. But that's what you're supposed to do." - Nate Tanzman
"If you are not raising warriors in your homes, sons and daughters that have discernment, your lineage is doomed." - Nate Tanzman
"I feel like everything is trying to tell us in some way. Stop thinking about yourself and serve other people." - Nate Tanzman
"Serving the image of you is not the same thing as serving you." - Jacob Rhines
"Every action you take is a vote for the person you want to be." - Referenced by Nate Tanzman
For more on Nate, find him on socials here:
https://www.instagram.com/nastynate_jr/
https://www.instagram.com/thegoodfightclubco/
https://www.instagram.com/oneshotmedianw/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0BMh7ytNDc
https://open.spotify.com/show/5L3tpbX0mCWORS9P28ES7n?si=45930642b77e445b
Please react with the podcast and follow if you've enjoyed the show.
For more Junkyard Love and more on the host, Jacob, head over to - https://www.instagram.com/jacobfromtheinternet/
See ya next episode! lots of great guests booked, can't wait to share!! Hit subscribe!!
Rebecca and I sit down for a raw and enlightening conversation about overcoming life’s most challenging moments. From personal trauma to profound self-discovery, we discuss the pivotal moments that shaped our paths toward healing and growth. With heartfelt anecdotes, practical advice, and a sprinkle of humor, this dialogue is a beacon of hope and a guide for anyone navigating their own journey of self-discovery. We place an extra emphasis on actionable advice for those listeners suffering from depression and suicidal ideation.
Guest Highlight - Rebecca Wild: A Multifaceted Wellness Visionary
Rebecca Wild is a beacon of transformation and healing in the modern wellness landscape, bringing a unique blend of expertise, empathy, and insight to her practice. With an impressive array of qualifications spanning holistic health, mindfulness, psychology, and coaching, Rebecca has dedicated her life to guiding others on their journeys of self-discovery and personal growth.
Her formal training includes a Holistic Health Coach Diploma, multiple certifications in Yoga and Meditation, and advanced studies in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and Jungian Therapy in Coaching. These credentials are complemented by her expertise in Trauma-Informed Care, Suicide Prevention, and specialized areas such as Peri-Natal Support, Self-Harm Awareness, and Drug and Alcohol Misuse.
Rebecca’s creative spirit shines through her work in Tarot, Astrology, and Past Life Regression Hypnosis, allowing her to connect deeply with clients seeking clarity and empowerment.
With a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, Rebecca blends her extensive knowledge with a compassionate approach to help others navigate life’s challenges. Whether leading restorative yoga sessions, coaching clients through trauma recovery, or offering insightful guidance through Tarot and Astrology, she embodies a holistic philosophy that transforms lives.
Rebecca’s journey is a testament to resilience and the power of self-discovery. Her life experiences, combined with her unparalleled qualifications, make her an inspiring figure for those seeking healing, empowerment, and a deeper connection to their true selves.
I sit down with Marty Strong, former Navy SEAL, and we explore his unique approach to life and work, characterized by his openness to opportunity and his ability to adapt and thrive in unexpected situations. Marty shares lots of great stories, perspectives, and some key highlights from his latest book. We talked about embracing opportunities, cultivating an open mind, taking risks, adapting to change, practicing discipline, finding pull motivation, and a whole lot more. For more on Marty, head here - https://martystrongbenimble.com/
BIO:
"His passion is influencing change. Change in people, change in organizations. Most of his themes are based on the power of creative thinking and acknowledging the number one rule in the universe - everything is changing! Retired Navy SEAL officer, former UBS portfolio manager, and currently CEO of a middle market healthcare company. Currently serves on the board of BEST Robotics, Inc., Metal Raptor, LLC, and is the president of BEST MindLab. Marty has a BBA, an MBA, and is a certified Master Blackbelt in Lean Six Sigma. He is the author of nine published novels and three published business books. Marty's articles on leadership and creativity have been published on CNBC online, Fast Company, CEO World magazine, and Chief Executive Magazine."
Video versions on Spotify and Youtube, head to Instagram.com@jacobfromtheinternet for the latest video clips and jyl news.
see ya next episode!
Anne Riley, armed with an MBA, scientific wit, experience in multiple industries, and the mind of a curious philosopher - has been on a lifelong quest to understand how humans logically fit into life's panorama. Spending much of her time studying the works of Charles Darwin, Stephen Jay Gould, and Michael Rothschild (among many others), and immersing herself in the basic knowledge of physics, chemistry, biology, economics, and government - all gave her the foundation for a new way of thinking about humans - and has arrived with her new book to encapsulate these concepts - "The Human Idea - Earths Newest Ecosystem"
Anne's book flips humanity's attention upon itself and builds to uncover the essence of what it means to be human. This podcast episode explores the profound inquiries of why we are here and how our capacity for thought distinguishes us from other species. Riley invites us on a journey through the tapestry of life, blending scientific acumen with philosophical depth to illuminate how the survival tactics refined over eons can inform our modern challenges. Discover in Anne's book "The Human Idea":
The Ecosystem of Life: Insights into the vast web of life that connects us all, tracing our evolutionary path to understand our place within it.
The Power of Ideas: Exploring the uniquely human trait of ideation, fostering both our greatest triumphs and our most pressing dilemmas.
The Ideasphere: Riley's innovative concept of the ideasphere, a lens through which we can view human society and leverage this understanding for sustainable progress.
Anne Riley's narrative is more than a contemplation on our origins; it's a clarion call for our future. Facing existential crises like climate change and social divides, "The Human Idea" provides a blueprint for harnessing nature's lessons to forge a path toward a more harmonious existence. Join us for this enlightening conversation, about the human ecosystem. Episode 108 with Anne Riley - Always Evolution Occurs.
If you enjoyed the conversation, please hit follow, subscribe, and like! We'll see ya next episode.
For all things Junkyard Love Podcast, head on over to my creator page where you'll find art, music, poetry, philosophy, podcast chats, and inquiries on meditation - https://www.instagram.com/jacobfromtheinternet/
For more on Anne, checkout her pages here:
https://www.thehumanidea.com/
https://www.instagram.com/anne_riley_ideasphere/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-riley-656b0125a/
Meredith and Craig Bennett are relationship coaches. Awhile back, at the exact same time, they both left their corporate jobs to pursue being entrepreneurs - they jumped right into real estate, and bombed quickly. And it turned out to be exactly what they needed to head them down a road right back to themselves. They stop by The Junkyard Love Podcast to chat about their pillars for building a dream marriage, how to approach difficult conversations, tactical use of expression, examples of questions all marriages can ask, loss of intimacy, feeling disconnected, feeling like roommates, being intentional in our marriage, the art of working as a team, not getting lost in hyperbole, having a 200% marriage mindset, and more.
Here's a blip from their page:
"Through it all, we’ve developed a growth mindset, and grew exponentially as individuals, we built businesses, most of which sucked, got in the best shape of our lives in our forties, and did all of it while strengthening our marriage and making it bulletproof.
Our marriage is the foundation for everything else we build in our lives. It is a cheat code for life, and we believe that having that dialed in helps every other facet of life and that has become our passion.
Now we focus on helping other entrepreneurs live their dream life and that starts with having that rock-solid relationship where you don’t need to spend valuable time and energy repairing a relationship.
When you have that dialed in it only requires maintenance which leaves so much time and energy to focus on building the life and business of your dreams."
To checkout more from Meredith and Craig, start with their pages here:
https://roadoflifecoaching.com/
https://www.instagram.com/meredithandcraig
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyfCfgI3sbdpEMMZUDR93aA
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075941024162
Cameron is a fun, loving, optimist - who will try anything once - and thrives on gathering good people together. He has a contagious and ridiculous laugh that 'most' people seem to love. He is a proponent of medicinal psychedelic usage, meditation, breathwork, flexibility, daily intentional movement, spontaneous dancing, karate kicking to fun music, and taking time to express love when it’s most difficult.
He’s never been afraid to start, or quit a job. Nor is he afraid to simply make his own business. He’s been a motorcycle salesman, avboat captain, food-tour guide, bicycle-tour guide, real-estate salesman, endurance event professional, janitor, property manager, Christmas light hanger, general business leader/manager and plenty more where that came from.
I've always seen him in leadership and connection roles myself. Pretty much whenever Cam and I get together we quickly fall into talk about the universe, meaning, spirituality, purpose, self-development, fun stories about our past, and everything related. In this chat, we uncover some fun stories from Cameron's past, some introspective nuggets of life wisdom, and vast views from adulthood.
We talk about performers, artists, and self-expression. Mitch Hedberg, musicians, egos, dreams, Cam shares his journey with self-help and self-love, learning about himself, and growing up with older parents. We talk about things we've learned being millennials, places we've healed since being kids, The future for communities and the thriving culture of Austin Texas. It's always a great time hanging with Cam, thanks for listening!
Hit follow and rate a quick 5 stars if you enjoyed the show. Interact to see more. See ya next episode!
Matt McGee is an educational expert, tutor, and college admissions specialist. He is the founder of MRM Education - An elite tutoring and college admissions consultancy that aims to fosters academic curiosity, mental health, and confidence in students' - with the ultimate goal of admission into a top university. Matt is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling and has over a decade of experience as a tutor. His intensive mentorship method helps students raise their grades and gain admission to Ivy Plus schools.
Matt and I talk about neurodiverse students, how technology impacts college admissions, some students he's helped get into great colleges, how he became a tutor, best practices for standing out to admissions, choosing the right college, building a business, how he got where he is today, and a lot more. For more on Matt, checkout his site mrmeducation.com, or on Instagram @mattmcgee_edconsulting and @mrmeducation.
Episode 0105 - College Admissions Anxiety, Neurodivergent Paths, And Using Your Voice
Hit subscribe and follow for more conversations with fascinating people and unorthodox teachers. See ya next episode!
- Jacob
In 1989, Julie had a radical awakening. Her conscious experience changed indefinitely via shaktipat (energetic exchange of spiritual knowledge) in a lucid dream experience. She was gracious enough to join me on the podcast to share her fascinating experiences, heartfelt wisdom, and warm expertise.
She's a spiritual coach, author, teacher, and she also supports people going through kundalini awakenings. She has a podcast and youtube show called “Talking True” - and she works with those trying to manage and initiate change or direction in life.
Julie shares a wonderful series of stories that lay out her spiritual experiences as a seeker. We also talk about meditation, Julies book-writing process, synchronicity, the self, manifestation, dreamworlds, awakening, psychic phenomena, avatar encounters, profound teachings, awakening, kundalini, shaktipat, yogis, changes after awakening experiences, spiritual maturity, the future of spiritual teachings, Julies Podcast 'Talking True', and much more.
“I was always looking for someone who I knew could speak to the truth of who I was beyond the story.”
“We walked in the back of the hall, and as soon as I entered into this space - I saw a Yogi, sitting cross-legged on a low wooden tucket at the front of the hall he had his eyes closed, he was wearing a white loincloth, he had a massive belly. And I recognized him immediately as being the one I had been searching for my entire life.”
If you dig the episode, hit like and subscribe - and checkout julies work here -
Julies books on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Julie-Hoyle/author/B08LQPSVZ7?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
'Enlightenment Myth Busting - Seeing Through The Lies That Bind'
'An Awakened Life - A Journey Of Transformation'
'Meeting the Shadow Finding Your Self - A Handbook On How To Transform The Dark Side Of Your Personality'
'Living An Awakened Life'
'The Shadow Work Diaries - How The Darkness You Fear Holds The Treasure You Seek'
'Wake Up And Say Yes! - A Practical Guide To Lucid Living & Lucid Dreaming'
& 'The Sacred Wisdom Journal Series' (guided writing journals)
Connect with Julie here:
🪷 TALKING TRUE:
https://www.youtube.com/@TalkingTruewithJulieHoyle
🐍UNDERSTANDING KUNDALINI SESSIONS:
https://juliehoyle.org/private-sessions
📚BOOKS TO SUPPORT YOUR AWAKENING & SELF-RECOGNITION:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Julie-H...
Julie
https://linktr.ee/juliehoyleofficial
see ya next episode!
Landon Smith is an artist mostly known for his alias “Dirtyzen”. A creative visionary & spiritual teacher, he hangs his hat in the world of music by interlacing a sub-genre of dubstep called ‘chillstep’ with philosophical spiritual talks from well-known masters. Landon takes the listener on a journey that seeks to liberate and amplify one’s experiential understanding of Eastern spiritual practices. He uses his inner calling of karma yoga to propagate insights for others on his various social media and art-hosting platforms. He has a quite eloquent eye for film, a trained ear for sound, and an exquisite way with words. Landon has devoted his life to the expression of spiritual passion through his art. He joins us on the podcast to discuss various spiritual topics, teachers, personal experiences, and the beautiful adventures of awakening into one’s true Self.
Teachers, subjects, and topics mentioned in this episode:
Ram Dass, Hinduism, Buddhism, Eastern Philosophy, Dzogchen, Advaita-Vedanta, Alan Watts, Terence McKenna, Mooji, Vishuddha Das, Gemstone Tarot, astrology, tarot-cards, psychedelics, discernment, the algorithm, non-dualism, the illusive self, the no-self paradox, spiritual bypassing, lots more Ram Dass (we both really, really love Ram Dass), toxic positivity, integration, intellectual vs. intuitive knowing, the path of the guru, the evolving path for all, placing God outside of one’s-self, scars, tattoos, and much more.
Chillstep is a sub-genre of dubstep music that is relatively slow and relaxed, which Landon pairs brilliantly with lectures from spiritual teachers. I find his mixes perfect for snowboarding, long drives, walks in headphones, morning listening, and hikes.
I had an extremely great time hanging with Landon and discussing all this juicy spiritual stuff. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed having the conversation. Hit like and subscribe for future content, and we’ll see ya next episode.
For more on Dirtyzen, checkout his channels
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Dirtyzen?si=UIZZqIR6G-lsDQg8
Instagram: @Dirtyzen
SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/WUqKdc5jYU5JaQ2x8 (Landon’s favorite mix)
For more on Jacob, checkout Instagram & Tiktok: @Jacobfromtheinternet
Ram Ram!
To skip solo intro: @11:03
In this episode, we get to meet Megan Hawkins, one of the Co-Founders of BetterU Psychedelic Therapy. She joins us from her home in Los Angeles, where she and her partner Derek Du Chesne have been recently working on opening the first brick-and-mortar location for BetterU.
Once an international model, Megan's life took a dramatic turn when she was shot at 19 yrs old. She entered the mental health system, was prescribed a mountain of medications, and like many, was overdiagnosed and overmedicated. Seeking solace from significant trauma, she left modeling for a career in mortgages and real estate, finding success but not fulfillment. Her battle with depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and PTSD persisted until 2021, when she discovered the life-changing potential of ketamine therapy. Now, she's a support and integration coach at Better U Psychedelic Therapy, using her journey to connect with and guide others on their path to recovery.
The team at BetterU works with those suffering from PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression to strategically treat these disorders with a whole treatment plan that surrounds this substance known as ketamine. Ketamine is a psychedelic non-psychedelic that, when paired with the right set, setting, intention, and work - provides a very large percentage of its patients with positive results in their overall mental health.
Perhaps you've never heard of this 'ketamine', or psychedelic therapy even, and you've never taken psilocybin - and you're wondering 'Magic mushrooms to heal my depression?' 'A horse tranquilizer for healing trauma?' 'LSD to relax?' 'Molly for my grandpa's night terrors?' 'Dude, what?' - Well, strap in because this one is for both the newcomers and the seasoned psychonauts. We're here to talk about making a diary entry, taking dissociative drugs, putting on a full blindfold, and laying on your back while headphones dance beautiful music through you - and just how the heck that could possibly heal depression.
I gave Ketamine Therapy a try myself a few months back. I found this company called "BetterU" and went through the whole process of 8 at-home sessions. I loved the way this company set everything up so well that I sent an email to interview one of them. Luckily Megan was available, and she joins us here to share her wisdom and perspective.
When Megan, at 19, found herself in a nightclub unknowingly sitting behind a well-known gangster, when there was an assassination attempt on that gangster from a shooter on the balcony above. Megan was struck by a stray bullet, and her life began to unfold quite differently from that night. She shares some of her personal journey and lays out how she's landed herself in the orbit of ketamine therapy and psychedelic healing many years later.
Ketamine isn't just about the dose or the drug, 'Set' and 'Setting' are as important as the substance. BetterU gives you the playbook and structure for the most fruitful set and setting. The setup that's done prior to the trip changes the entire thing.
I tried to shape this episode as informative to newcomers as a way of introducing Ketamine Therapy to those who haven't experienced ketamine, and emphasizing the difference between the use of Ketamine as a street drug/horse tranquilizer vs. in a therapeutic environment.
We start this episode with info about BetterU and Ketamine. Megan talks about what led to BetterU and we talk about the importance of taking Ketamine and psychedelics seriously, and the value of care and quality. She lays out the process of taking ketamine therapeutically, how long we take the drug, how many sessions per week, she lays out some fantastic analogies and examples that are easy to grasp and I try to add my personal experience as it relates to what Megan is explaining about Ketamine. We covered if you can go to work after a ketamine therapy session, if you can drive, if it hurts your stomach, it's safety, she talks about the process of setting up a trip, taking it with stimulants and medications, and if SSRI's and ketamine can go together. We talk about fasting, diet and preparation, about having a trip monitor, the importance of journaling for healing and how it seems to work, we talk about the music that drives the session, things to expect and experience during the trip, using the breath as an anchor, 'going crazy' and the fear of bad trips, those who shouldn't do psychedelics, some of the screening process, fear of the loss of control, Megan shares her traumatic experience that altered the course of her life, her journey of healing and suffering after the initial trauma and how it's changed her, shifting and adjusting to new identities and versions of ourselves, and much much more. For more on BetterU checkout their social media pages @betterucare and https://www.betterucare.com/
Their Youtube channel: https://youtube.com/@ketaminetherapy?si=GRKXYfnJVSYPaZ7k
Some notable quotes from the episode:
"We tend to focus on the big things that we're coming to this treatment for. 'I'm severely depressed, I have crippling anxiety, how do I get rid of these huge things?'. We want that magic pill to fix us and heal us. We want it to go away. But the way that this really works, is it starts off slow. It's the little things that start trickling in, they start compounding into the bigger things. Psychedelics, they tend to give us what we need, not necessarily what we want. A lot of the times we have to go through the things that we need in order to get to the things we want."
"I think that in life it's about 10 percent of what happens to you and 90 percent how you react or respond to things. Things are just going to happen. You could not have prepared for it, there's absolutely nothing you could've done to avoid it or change it. That's the way of the world. The world, it's got a mind of it's own, it's going to keep on spinning, so why get out and push?"
"You worked so hard to have this armor, to put on this mask, that protects you from any external threat. Not knowing that sometimes the biggest threat is inside our armor, it's inside our minds."
"It's not only just the physical set and setting that you're in, it's the MIND-set you're in going into it. If you're going into this feeling closed off, just like with any experience in life, the expectations or pre-conceived notions you go into any kind of experience with is more likely than not going to be the outcome." - "Yeah, you'll find ways to make that true."
"I lost my professional purpose, then romantic, then my last sense of freedom since when I had initially moved away from home. So at that point, that's where I hit my real rock bottom."
"Over the past 9 years I've been learning every step of the way. I'm never gonna not be learning, mental health is a journey not a destination. A lot of us don't tend to remember as often, we're like "I just wanna get here, then I'll be good!" but, it's like no, no, no - we're fluid creatures, we're constantly changing and evolving, always trying to be a better version of who we were yesterday. It's reminding people that it's so easy to be so hard on ourselves. "Why can't I just GET it together?" "Why can't I just be this?" "Why am I always doing this to myself?" - it's important to remember that the only way out, is through. You have to be patient with yourself, you have to give yourself grace. It is okay to not be okay."
"I'm working with patients, I'm talking with them, when they are that rock bottom place in themself when they're first coming to this treatment for whatever the reason is, whatever they've gone through, whatever pain or trauma...
Keenan is a member of the city council in Kelso, Washington. He's a commercial insurance agent, he's held jobs in the non-profit sector, has been a pseudo-law enforcement officer, has been a parole and probation officer, he has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Law and Justice, holds an advanced certificate of municipal leadership, is Vice President of Kelso Rotary, is active in the Kelso/Longview Chamber Of Commerce, and is on the Cowlitz Economic Development Council Board. Keenan is kind, fun, intelligent and compassionate.
In this thought-provoking and fun episode, Keenan and I talk about a lot of things, including changing times, technological glow-ups, growing up, hard work, valuable lessons, love for the city, homelessness, finding a reasonable middle with different types of people, future plans, music, not making judgments from the fringe actors, intrusive thoughts, impulsivity, mindfulness for people down on their luck, strange law-structures, addictions, alienation, the importance of community, self-policing, skatepark environments, spray painting dicks, pride in our city, beautification, personal stories, silly jokes, the fucking weather for some reason, music festivals at The Gorge, flowers in Castle Rock, response to a few questions submitted online from Facebook, some perspectives from Keenan about his job and vision as a leader, future plans, fat camp surgery, feeling better, foot races, friendships, being imperfect, and much more.
If you enjoyed the chat, hit subscribe to hear new episodes. Follow like and share your thoughts.
Full video version is up on youtube typically one day after the audio only drops. Thanks for listenin.
"This is how a human being can change: There's a worm addicted to eating grape leaves. Suddenly. He wakes up, call it Grace, whatever, something wakes him, and he's no longer a worm. He's the entire vineyard, and orchard too, the fruit, the trunks, a growing wisdom and joy that doesn't need to devour." Rumi
0:00 - 22:00 - solocast intro
The interview starts at 22:36
I was recently a guest on "The Spiritual Awakening Show" and the last 100 minutes of this episode is that conversation, where the first 22 is a solocast of me blabbering on about my spiritual puberty and hitting 100 episodes. I share my experience having what I've grown to know as "A Kundalini Awakening" and some of my journey along the way. A Spiritual Awakening is very personal and not for everyone to have to know or understand deeply, it is work done by the individual experiencing the change in consciousness. I find myself in a peculiar spot to share some of the journey through my online voice and reach, and that's what I am doing here. Thanks for listening!
More on Brent's show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx__XZx3hwg
“So, you have to ask yourself: do you think human creativity matters?
Well, hmm.
Most people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about poetry, right?
They have a life to live and they’re not really that concerned with Allen Ginsberg’s poems or anybody’s poems.
Until; their father dies, they go to a funeral, you lose a child, somebody breaks your heart, they don’t love you anymore, and all the sudden, you’re desperate for making sense out of this life, and
‘Has anybody ever felt this bad before? How did they come out of this cloud?’
- Or the inverse; something great. You meet somebody and your heart explodes, you love them so much you can’t even see straight, you know, you’re dizzy.
‘Did anybody feel like this before? What is happening to me?’
And that’s when art’s not a luxury, it’s actually sustenance. We need it.
OK. Well, what is it?
Human Creativity is Nature manifest in us.
I believe that we are here on this star and space to try to help one another.
And first, we have to survive, and then we have to thrive.
And to thrive, to express ourselves, alright, well, here’s the rub: we have to know ourselves.
What do you love?
And if you get close to what you love, who you are is revealed to you, and it expands.
Whenever you talk about creativity, it can have this kind of feel that it’s just nice, or it’s warm or it’s something pleasant.
It’s not.
It’s vital.
It’s the way we heal each other.
In singing our song, in telling our story, in inviting you to say ‘Hey, listen to me, and I’ll listen to you,” - we’re starting a dialogue, and when you do that, this healing happens, and we come out of our corners, and we start to witness each other’s common humanity, we start to assert it. And when we do that, really good things happen. So, if you want to help your community, if you want to help your family, if you want to help your friends, you have to express yourself. And to express yourself, you have to know yourself.
It’s actually super easy.
You just have to follow your love.
There is no path.
There’s no path till you walk it,
and you have to be willing to play the fool.”
- Ethan Hawke
Brent Spirit went through an unintentional spiritual process that is often called “Kundalini Awakening”. Since, he has begun playing the role of spiritual teacher and helps many going through the same or similar process, primarily through his youtube channel and podcast “The Spiritual Awakening Show”. He joins us on the show to eloquently lay out the awakening process in a way that is reachable and direct for many, he teaches about the various forms of the spiritual path from a place of gentle and clear understanding that is welcoming to all persons across all versions of the awakening path.
In this episode, Brent details with us his absolutely fascinating and turbulent experience amidst his transformation in consciousness over the last 15 years. He tells personal stories of mental health, depression, confusion, hopelessness, disassociation, dpdr, derealization, psychedelics, pitfalls with teachers, Zen sickness, having ‘no-self’, meditation abnormalities, heartbreak, living in a dreamlike state, self-love, energy shooting through his spine, transformation, eastern philosophy, catholicism, and much more. We also talk about healing, Joe Dispenza, the differences in various kundalini experiences, gurus, Shakti, Brent meeting "The Hugging Saint" named Ama, as well as offer lots of personal anecdotes and resources to aid those on the path.
Check out Brent's show “The Spiritual Awakening Show” here: https://open.spotify.com/show/72DRFO9phISD5s7djoAC2E?si=3d1a82a42b6d458a (About: Spiritual teacher and intuitive, Brent Spirit, shares his insights and various topics surrounding the journey of Self-Realization, Enlightenment, Kundalini Awakening, Meditation, Ascension, Lightwork, Non-Duality, Yoga, The Law Of Attraction, and more.)
and follow @BrentSpirit on Youtube and Instagram. BrentSpirit.com
Books and resources mentioned for those undergoing an awakening experience:
The End Of Your World (Uncensored Straight Talk On The Nature Of Enlightenment) - Adyashanti
Touched By The Light - Dr. Yvonne Kason
The Spiritual Awakening Guide - Mary Mueller Shutan
Kundalini Vidya The Science of Spiritual Transformation (A comprehensive system for understanding and guiding spiritual development) - Joan Shivarpita Harrigan
The Cosmic Serpent (DNA and the Origins of Knowledge) - Jeremy Narby
Ram Dass - Be Here Now
The Power Of Now - Eckhart Tolle
A Path With Heart (A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life) - Jack Kornfield
Matt Kahn - various works on self-love
Aaron Abke - various works found on youtube
The Buddha At The Gas Pump show - Kundalini category on BATGAP.com
Hit Follow/like if you enjoyed the episode! - Swami Nityananda is the spiritual teacher of the Awake Yoga Meditation community. Consecrated by Swami Shankarananda, her teachings helps listeners and readers connect with the reality of love, wisdom, liberation, joy, harmony, and kindness. People who meditate with her find Swami Nityananda practices a selfless way of living in the world that asks, "How may I be of service?" and models through open-hearted, generous, and effervescent guidance, a path for us all to recognize our own inherent divine qualities, and to see the same in everyone.
As Juniper Ellis, she is Professor of English at Loyola University, where she teaches American Literature and World Literature Written in English. She earned her PhD at Vanderbilt University. Her talks are filled with wisdom, good humor, and authenticity. She teaches nondual awareness and the yogic tradition in ways accessible to contemporary audiences who love real-life stories and examples of humans living beyond limits. She is the author of the book Tattooing the World: Pacific Designs in Print and Skin. Her scholarly articles have appeared in respected journals in many English-speaking countries and she has spoken to audiences in ten countries and been a featured speaker on NPR and Radio Ireland among many other platforms and podcasts.
In this chat, Swami Nityananda and Jacob discuss yoga and some of the philosophies of yogis, identity, the voice of the heart, death, non-dualism, awareness, oneness experiences, the flow state, various meditation teachings, how to be more of yourself, gettings boosts of spiritual energy, obtaining focus and clarity of pure creative energy, residing in the flow of joy and harmony, and much more. Swami brings a peaceful and welcoming presence, with a nice dose of joyful laughter.
Checkout more from her world here:
https://awakeyogameditation.org/
https://www.amazon.com/Awake-Awareness-Swami-Nityananda-Giri/dp/B0BNTXST81
A couple of notable quotes from the episode:
"We become increasingly aware of wherever our pain points are, or our reactivity is, we become aware of those, and able to NOT react, and not enter into the lower frequencies of anger, fear, frustration, doubt, limitation - wherever we have humanly felt blocked before - that increasingly dissolves and melts away. We are bringing healing, compassion, wisdom, and awareness in." - Swami Nityananda
"Of course, if you are a human facing loss, there's an adjustment and it's really honest spiritually to say 'This is a big adjustment that I'm going through, and humanly I'm experiencing grief right now.' And it becomes much easier to move through it gracefully, to not push down the feelings, not deny them, but also to connect with that wholeness, if we're able to connect with that connectedness which goes so far beyond the physical." - Swami Nityananda
"Stay here. Every moment that you have to stay here in the body, stay here. Be fully here, and, when the time comes, do not fear. Absolutely do not fear." - Swami Nityananda