In the third episode of the Abstract Notions podcast, Utne Reader editor Christian Williams discusses the role of women in the psychedelic renaissance with Zoe Helene, an environmental activist and wildlife advocate who has started a women's advocacy group in the psychedelic community called Cosmic Sister. Recorded June 5, 2015. Music clip: "Ikaro de Proteccion" by Don Evangelino Murayay from the album 'El Canto del Tiempo/Ayahuasca Ikaros' (Above Love Records, 2007). Utne Reader editor Christian Williams explores the nature of consciousness through art, culture, and spirituality in the Abstract Notions blog and podcast. Read more at www.utne.com/christian

In the fourth episode of the Abstract Notions podcast, Utne Reader editor Christian Williams discusses the history and benefits of sensory deprivation tanks with Alan Goltl, proprietor of TankHouse Float & Massage in Wichita, Kansas. Additionally, they discuss Alan's other explorations into altered states of consciousness, which include ayahuasca, lucid dreaming, and a two-week darkness retreat in Thailand. Released October 30, 2015. Music clip: "9:01" by Floating Spirits from the album Earth Tones (Free Music Archive, licensed under Creative Commons). Utne Reader editor Christian Williams explores the nature of consciousness through art, culture, and spirituality in the Abstract Notions blog and podcast. Read more at www.utne.com/christian