Hacking the Self

In my second conversation with Amaranatho, we talk about how to bring mindfulness more meaningfully into our lives and, specifically, our relationships. Westerners already tend towards individualism, and gravitating towards intensive meditation practice can sometimes reinforce the preference of Westerners for individualism, while failing to allow us to develop the valuable skills of mindfulness within... The post #54: Bringing Relationship back into Mindfulness with Amaranatho appeared first on Hacking The Self.

This week I speak with Amaranatho, who was a Buddhist monk for 15 years under the guidance of a very well respected teacher in the Thervada Buddhist tradition, Ajahn Sumedho. Ajahn Sumedho was one of the original Western disciples under Ajahn Chah, one of the great masters of the Thai Forest tradition of the 20th... The post #53: Coming back to Awareness with Amaranatho appeared first on Hacking The Self.

I sat down with the co-founder of Bangkok based Paleo Robbie, a company that provides high quality wild caught fish and pasture raised meats, along with a host of other delicious and nutritious products. For those based in Bangkok they also offer a meal plan service. Erik is a wealth of information beyond just nutrition.... The post #52: The Paleo Way with Paleo Robbie Co-Founder Erik Verspui appeared first on Hacking The Self.

This is the second half of my conversation on Chinese Herbalism with Roger Drummer. Roger is the founder of Herb Works and the man who formulated its various, exceptional products, such as Tian Chi and Inner Peace. A brief description of Roger’s story from the Herb Works website will give you a taste of what you’re... The post #51: Reducing Stress with Chinese Herbalism: a conversation with Roger Drummer Part 2 appeared first on Hacking The Self.

This is the first of a two part conversation on Chinese Herbalism with Roger Drummer. Roger is the founder of Herb Works and the man who formulated its various, exceptional products, such as Tian Chi and Inner Peace. A brief description of Roger’s story from the Herb Works website will give you a taste of... The post #50: Reducing Stress with Chinese Herbalism: a conversation with Roger Drummer Part 1 appeared first on Hacking The Self.

In my fourth and final conversation with acupuncturist Ben Elan we learn about the differences between Classical Chinese Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Ben’s insights are highly relevant to anyone interested in Chinese Medicine, “alternative” approaches to Western Medicine, Medical Qi Gong or Daoism. In particular, this information is highly valuable to anyone interested... The post #49: What’s the difference between Classical Chinese Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)? appeared first on Hacking The Self.

In my third conversation with Ben Elan, Ben gives us a glimpse into two foundational pieces of Daoism and Classical Chinese Medicine: the concepts of Yin Yang & 5 Element Theory. Guest Bio: Benjamin Elan, Dip. Ac has been been studying and practicing Classical Chinese Medicine for 13 years. Trained in the Stems & Branches... The post #48: Crash Course in Yin Yang & The 5 Elements with Ben Elan appeared first on Hacking The Self.

In the second conversation in our series on Ancient Chinese Medicine with acupuncturist Ben Elan, we cover the following topics: fundamental differences in approach between Chinese & Western medicine the pros and cons of each methodology what kinds of problems or symptoms are each of these effective at treating challenges in talking about, or comparing,... The post #47: Chinese vs Western Medicine with Ben Elan appeared first on Hacking The Self.

This conversation is the first in a series on Chinese Medicine. I’m tinkering with a new format for the show in which I do a series of shorter (20-30 minute) conversation with one guest where we unpack one theme or topic over a number of shorter episodes. Here is the overview of topics for the... The post #46: What is Chinese Medicine? with Ben Elan appeared first on Hacking The Self.

In this episode I sit down for another conversation with Dayne Barkley who shares helpful suggestions for biohacking light and sleep. Dayne also discusses his latest venture: developing a multi use and more stylish model for blue light blocking glasses. Dayne educates us on the following topics including: circadian rhythms what types of light you... The post #45: Biohacking Light & Sleep with Dayne Barkley appeared first on Hacking The Self.

This week is a special week for me because I sit down with Vincent Horn, the host and founder of the podcast Buddhist Geeks, which was the first show, along with Waking Up with Sam Harris, that turned me onto podcasting. Buddhist Geeks has a keen interest in several of the topics that we like... The post #44: Buddhist Geeks with Vincent Horn appeared first on Hacking The Self.

This week I speak with Katchie Ananda who teaches Dharma Yoga: an approach to teaching hatha yoga that integrates the insights of Theravada Buddhism. Katchie and I discuss studying with exceptional teachers like Richard Freeman and Jack Kornfield and how these teaches have impacted her. We also discuss the ways in which entheogens, such as... The post #43: The Art of Awakening with Katchie Ananda appeared first on Hacking The Self.

This week I am honored to speak with Zen Buddhist Priest and social activist Roshi Joan Halifax. Roshi Joan shares the wisdom she has learned through working with people who are terminally ill, and how confronting death honestly has taught her how to live live more fully. She also offers insight into how to live... The post #42: Living with Right Intention with Roshi Joan Halifax appeared first on Hacking The Self.

In this conversation I speak at length with Ed Liu, the host of the most popular psychedelic podcast on iTunes: Psychedelic Milk. Ed and I discuss our mutual interests in psychedelics, yoga and meditation, as well as why we both like living in Asia as American expats. Guest Bio:  Ed Liu is a yoga teacher... The post #41: The Yoga of Living Abroad with Ed Liu appeared first on Hacking The Self.

This week I sit down with Carol Horton, PhD to discuss the reactivity and outrage defining our current cultural moment and the unraveling of the American Left in the Age of Trump. Carol specializes in the intersection of yoga, politics and culture. We discuss some of the trends in American politics and culture and consider... The post #40: The Unraveling of the American Left with Carol Horton PhD appeared first on Hacking The Self.

This week I speak with Gernot Hubert, a yoga teacher and fellow expat in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Gernot goes in depth on yoga anatomy & physiology, along with the following other topics: What draws people to practice yoga How yoga can either disrupt or reinforce habitual patterns Managing stress Alignment issues How to practice safely... The post #39: Yoga Mind, Yoga Body with Gernot Huber appeared first on Hacking The Self.

This week I speak with Simon Borg Olivier, co-founder of Yoga Synergy in Sydney, Australia. Simon and I discuss the unique approach style of yoga that he and his business partner, Bianca Machliss, have developed: Yoga Synergy, which they describe as an adaptation of traditional hatha yoga for the modern Western body. As someone who... The post #38: Yoga Synergy with Simon Borg Olivier appeared first on Hacking The Self.

Guest Bio: Judson Brewer MD PhD is a thought leader in the field of habit change and the “science of self-mastery”, combining nearly 20 years of experience with mindfulness training with his scientific research. He is the Director of Research at the Center for Mindfulness and associate professor in Medicine and Psychiatry at UMass Medical... The post #37: The Science of Self Mastery with Dr. Judson Brewer appeared first on Hacking The Self.

This week I sit down with Lama Rod Owens to discuss the intersection of Buddhist Dharma and American culture and politics. Lama Rod articulates his vision for Radical Dharma: a call to make the teachings of Buddhism relevant for tending to the suffering in the United States in this day and age, starting with addressing... The post #36: Radical Dharma with Lama Rod Owens appeared first on Hacking The Self.

This week I speak with Jason Birch, PhD about the history of yoga and yoga philosophy. Jason is a scholar of classical Indian religions and philosophies at the School of Oriental Studies (SOAS), University of London. He is a Sanskritist and a scholar of the yoga tradition. He is also a practitioner who does a... The post #35: Revisiting Yoga Philosophy with Jason Birch appeared first on Hacking The Self.

This week I speak with Sally Kempton, a master of Tantric meditation who shares her decades worth of Tantric meditation experience with us. Sally served as a Swami for over two decades in the Siddhi Yoga organization, after being ordained by her primary teacher, Swami Muktananda. As the mindfulness movement sweeps across the West, Sally... The post #34: A Tantric Approach to Meditation with Sally Kempton appeared first on Hacking The Self.

Mark Shveima and I discuss the rich world of Tantra Yoga, specifically through the collections of lineages that has come to be known as Nondual Shaiva Tantra. Through studying Anusara Yoga with founder John Friend, Mark encountered the teachings of Tantra Yoga. It was through the Anusara scene that Mark met the man who came... The post #33: Tantra Yoga with Mark Shveima appeared first on Hacking The Self.

I speak with American Veda author Philip Goldberg to discuss his new book on the life of famed yogi and spiritual teacher, Paramahansa Yogananda, titled The Life of Yogananda: The Story of the Yogi Who Became the First Modern Guru.  Guest Bio: Philip Goldberg is the author or co-author of numerous books; a public speaker... The post #32: The Life of Yogananda with Philip Goldberg appeared first on Hacking The Self.

This week is a special week on the Hacking the Self podcast as I get to speak with one of my favorite podcasters: J Brown, yoga teacher and host of the popular podcast “J Brown’s Yoga Talks.” Guest Bio: J. Brown is a yoga teacher, writer, and podcaster. He is at the forefront of a... The post #31: The Unexplainable Importance of Yoga with J Brown appeared first on Hacking The Self.

In this conversation I speak wth Mary Porter, founder of the Looking Glass Peyote Church of Oregon, about a number of topics: Nature & Spirituality What we can learn from working with plant medicines like peyote, san pedro and mushrooms Why psychedelics are not for everyone Differences between a conventional Western worldview and indigenous perspective... The post #30: Spiritual Evolution from an Indigenous Reality with Mary Porter appeared first on Hacking The Self.

In this episode I speak with mindfulness teacher and addiction and recovery conselor Paul Garrigan on how the practice of mindfulness can support people in recovering from addiction. Guest Bio: Paul Garrigan is the Mindfulness Program Manager at Hope Rehab Center in Thailand. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Paul struggled with addiction to alcohol since he... The post #029: Mindfulness in Recovering from Addiction with Mindfulness Teacher Paul Garrigan appeared first on Hacking The Self.

Scholar of of Indian Buddhism Dr. Douglas Osto talks about the intersection between Buddhism & Psychedelics in his most recent book Altered States: Buddhism and Psychedelic Spirituality in America.  Guest bio: Doug Osto grew up in the woods of Redding, Connecticut. He has studied and practiced Buddhism for over thirty years, and has advanced degrees... The post #028: Buddhism and Psychedelics in America with Dr. Douglas Osto appeared first on Hacking The Self.

In this episode I spoke with philosopher Peter Sjostedt-H about the work of Fredrich Nietzsche. Peter tells us why the great German philosopher Fredrick Nietzsche is still relevant to our own era. Peter and I discuss he following topics including: Why Fredrich Nietzsche is considered one of the precursors to modern psychology Why Nietzsche’s writings... The post #027: What Fredrich Nietzsche Can Teach Us about Today with Peter Sjostedt-H appeared first on Hacking The Self.

For anyone who is interested in the psychology of religion, especially the work of Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell, today’s guest is a wealth of wisdom and insight. Pittman McGehee shares his interpretation of Christian mythology through a Jungian lens. We also discuss: How to approach the study of religion New Atheist critiques of religion... The post #026: Psychology of Religion with Jungian Analyst Pittman McGehee appeared first on Hacking The Self.

In this episode Bernie Taylor shares his insights into the timeless archetypal stories that he has uncovered in pre historic cave art. Bernie’s passion for his subject matter really came across. If you’re interested in mythology and the work of great thinkers in the psychology of religion like Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell you’ll enjoy... The post #025: A Talk about The Mythology of Pre Historic Cave Art with Bernie Taylor appeared first on Hacking The Self.

If you’re interested in Buddhism and Ayahuasca you’re going to love my conversation this week with Spring Washam. Guest Bio: Spring Washam is a well-known meditation teacher, author and visionary leader based in Oakland, California. She is the author of A Fierce Heart: Finding Strength, Courage and Wisdom in Any Moment. Spring is considered a pioneer in bringing... The post #024: Integrating Buddhism & Ayahuasca with Spring Washam appeared first on Hacking The Self.

In this episode author and religious studies scholar Erik Davis and I consider the arguments of the New Atheists, particularly the work of Sam Harris. We contrast Harris’ approach to religion with that of Jordan Peterson, as well as Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell. Topics we touch on include: Erik’s background and personal religious views... The post #023: Sam Harris, Jordan Peterson & Contrasting Approaches to the Study of Religion with Erik Davis appeared first on Hacking The Self.

Guest bio: Mitch Schultz is the documentary filmaker behind “DMT: The Spirit Molecule” and “Ayahuasca: Drink the Jungle.” Mitch Schultz began his life journey in Memphis, Tennessee and has since called Texas, Minnesota, Colorado, New York, Europe, and Peru home. Guided by his lifelong love of storytelling, Mitch has cultivated a multi-disciplinary expertise in motion... The post #022: Mitch Schultz, Director of DMT The Spirit Molecule appeared first on Hacking The Self.

On this episode Raghu Markus shares his deep knowledge of the Bhakti Yoga tradition. He talks about what he learned from his own teacher, the legendary Neem Karoli Baba, and how we can all learn to live with more wisdom, compassion and trust. Guest Bio: Raghu Markus is the Executive Director of the Love Serve... The post #021: Bhakti Yoga with Raghu Markus appeared first on Hacking The Self.

Show Overview: In this conversation, legendary Ashtanga Yoga teacher Richard Freeman walks us through the various paths of yoga as described in The Bhagavad Gita. Richard is an exceptional teacher of yoga philosophy. Undoubtedly, this conversation will have much to offer for those both new and familiar with this classic text of the yoga tradition.... The post #020: The Paths of Yoga through the Bhagavad Gita with Ashtanga Yoga teacher Richard Freeman appeared first on Hacking The Self.

Guest Bio: Mary Taylor teaches Ashtanga Yoga as taught by her principal teacher, the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. Mary Taylor began studying yoga in 1971, after graduating from Julia Child’s cooking school, L’Ecole des Trois Gourmandes in Pari. Initially, she enjoyed yoga as a means of finding equanimity during the stress... The post #019: Awakening through Ashtanga Yoga with Mary Taylor appeared first on Hacking The Self.

Guest Bio: Guy Harriman is an engineer, Buddhist meditator and inventor of consciousness hacking technologies. Guy worked for many years in Silicon Valley, including for Steve Jobs at NEXT. In 2008 Guy moved to Chiang Mai, Thailand and built lannayoga.com Healing Center. Guy is the inventor of the spiritual tool called the Ajna Light. It is a unique... The post #018: Ajna Light Technology founder Guy Harriman appeared first on Hacking The Self.

On the podcast this week Kevin Johnson, owner of Zero Gravity Institute in Austin, Texas. With over thirty years and thousands of hours in the floatation tank, Kevin is considered a pioneer of float tank technology and offers an unprecedented amount of experience and knowledge about the world of floatation tanks, altered states of consciousness and the exploration... The post #017: Floating with Kevin Johnson appeared first on Hacking The Self.

Guest Bio: This week on the podcast: Mikey Siegel, founder of Consciousness Hacking: a leading organization at the intersection of technology, science and spirituality. Mikey recounts his fascinating journey from MIT to Silicon Valley, and shares his vision for how mindful intention and use of technology can help us to lead more meaningful and connected... The post #016: Consciousness Hacking with Mikey Siegel appeared first on Hacking The Self.

This week I speak with biohacker and life coach Dayne Barkley. Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Dayne is a Certified Bulletproof Human Potential Coach & Primal Health Coach with a primary focus on Quantum Health principles and sleep. His philosophy towards health and wellness encompasses an holistic approach of Body, Mind & Spirit. Links... The post #015: Biohacking Tips for Improved Health with Dayne Barkley appeared first on Hacking The Self.

Guest Bio: The professional and personal interests of Dennis McKenna, Ph.D are centered on the interdisciplinary study of ethnopharmacology and plant hallucinogens. He received his Doctorate in 1984 from the University of British Columbia, where his doctoral research focused on ethnopharmacological investigations of the botany, chemistry, and pharmacology of ayahuasca and oo-koo-he, two orally-active tryptamine-based... The post #014: Talking Psychedelics with Dennis McKenna, PhD appeared first on Hacking The Self.

Guest Bio: Psychologist Rachel Harris, PhD is the author of Listening to Ayahuasca: New Hope for Depression, Addiction, PTSD and Anxiety. She was in private practice for thirty-five years working with people interested in psychospiritual development. During a decade working in research, Rachel received a National Institutes of Health New Investigator’s Award and published more than forty scientific... The post #013: Listening to Ayahuasca with Rachel Harris appeared first on Hacking The Self.

This week I sit down with James Barrat, documentary film maker and author of “Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and The End of the Human Era.” James walks us through the history of AI, outlines the potential dangers, and talks about the need for a thoughtful and honest conversation about how to reap the benefits... The post #012: Artificial Intelligence and The End of the Human Era with James Barrat appeared first on Hacking The Self.

This week on Hacking Consciousness: science writer John Horgan on his book Rational Mysticism. We explore the following topics: what science and reason can help us to understand about the nature of consciousness the limits of scientific knowledge the idea of enlightenment the value and drawbacks of using psychedelics to understand the mind and more… Guest Bio: John... The post #011: Rational Mysticism with John Horgan appeared first on Hacking The Self.

In this episode I speak with Jerry B. Brown, Ph.D., co-author of The Psychedelic Gospels. Jerry is an anthropologist, author, and activist. From 1972 to 2014, he served as founding professor of anthropology at Florida International University in Miami, where he taught a course on “Hallucinogens and Culture.” Guest Bio: In this episode I speak with Jerry B.... The post #010: The Psychedelic Gospels with Dr. Jerry Brown appeared first on Hacking The Self.

Guest Bio for this week: Dr. Stephen Bright Dr. Stephen Bright is a leading voice on psychedelic research and drug policy in Australia. Stephen is a clinically-trained psychologist, though he identifies as an ethnopharmacologist (i.e, a person who studies the human relationship with drugs). He is a leading Australian voice on the role of drug... The post #009: The Promise of Psychedelic Research with Dr. Stephen Bright appeared first on Hacking The Self.

In this episode I speak with Julian Vayne, author of Getting Higher: The Manual of Psychedelic Ceremony. Julian shares with us his insights for crafting the ideal psychedelic experience. Moreover, he talks about the value of techniques for exploring consciousness that span many cultures and are independent of the underlying belief systems, such as the power of... The post #008: Hacking the Ideal Psychedelic Ceremony with Julian Vayne appeared first on Hacking The Self.

In “Thinking Out Loud” sessions I’ll share my own views in podcast format. In this first one my main goal is to provide information about my evolving views toward religion and my intentions for starting this show. The purpose of this podcast is, in part, to excavate the many valuable aspects of wisdom traditions from... The post #007: Thinking Out Loud: Finding the Courage to Talk Candidly about Religion appeared first on Hacking The Self.

My interview on Leonie Joubert’s podcast, “The Psychonauts.” I share my views on the relationship between psychedelics and contemplative practices, and how I became interested in both. Please help to make Hacking the Self a sustainable project by: Making a donation at https://www.patreon.com/hackingtheself You can also help us to get the word out by: Sharing this... The post #006: Meditation & Psychedelics appeared first on Hacking The Self.

In this episode I sit down with Leonie Joubert, a science writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. Leonie became interested in psychedelics through a now high profile court case that has gone all the way to South Africa’s Supreme Court. A favorable ruling for the defendant could lead to the legalization of psilocybin mushrooms.... The post #005: Revolutionizing Mental Health Care with Psychedelics appeared first on Hacking The Self.

Guest Bio: Dax DeFranco is a co-organizer of Altered Conference in Berlin. Having been a bartender, a teacher and a programmer Dax has a strong interest in communication and language which has been furthered through listening to Terrence McKenna and his own psychedelic experiences.  Dax is currently based in Berlin as a web developer and also teaches... The post #004: Building a Psychedelic Community with Dax DeFranco appeared first on Hacking The Self.