How To Die Happy

In this poignant episode of the How To Die Happy podcast, hosts Martin O'Toole and Julia Malcolmson sit down with Lee Wootton, who shares an extraordinary and deeply personal story about losing a parent to cancer. Lee's mother, diagnosed with terminal cancer, made the conscious choice to prepare her entire family for her impending death. Through open conversations, humour, and careful planning, she transformed her final days into a celebration of life, leaving her family with cherished memories and a profound understanding of acceptance. Lee's story is filled with raw emotions, unexpected moments of laughter, and invaluable lessons on how to approach death with grace and dignity. The episode explores the complexities of dealing with terminal illness, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of making the most out of the time we have with our loved ones. For anyone grappling with the loss of a parent to cancer or facing the difficult task of preparing for such a loss, this conversation offers both comfort and practical advice. Tune in to hear how Lee and his family navigated this challenging period, the impact it had on their relationships, and how his mother's unique approach to dying well left an indelible mark on them all. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to find peace and perspective in the face of life's most difficult moments.

Are you having trouble telling your intuition from your ego? Do you find it difficult to hear your inner voice in the chaos of everyday life? Perhaps you're looking for ways to connect with your true self for a more fulfilling and happy existence. What is intuition, anyway? Welcome to The How To Die Happy Podcast, where we share stories and practical tips for living more mindfully.  In this episode, host Julia Malcolmson chats with yoga teacher Audrey Sarquilla and relationship coach Daniela Heimann about recognising and trusting your intuition. Amongst many other things, they discuss how breathwork and meditation can help you tune into and learn to trust your inner wisdom. Get inspired by real-life experiences of people who have learned to trust their gut and live more joyfully. Listen to the full episode to discover simple daily practices for living authentically. Follow Julia: https://www.instagram.com/yogawithjulialouise Follow Audrey: https://www.instagram.com/audreysarquilla Follow Daniela: https://www.instagram.com/daniela_heimann --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/howtodiehappy/message

Explore the mind-expanding world of psychedelics on this episode of How to Die Happy, where hosts Martin O'Toole and Julia Malcolmson and special guest Manesh Girn PhD peel back the layers of psychedelic science.  From the healing potential of psilocybin and ketamine to the ancient wisdom of shamanic traditions, this conversation bridges the gap between the mystical and the scientific. Manesh, a pioneering researcher in the field, shares his journey from a curious teenager to a leading voice in psychedelic neuroscience.  Get stuck into the controversies, groundbreaking studies, and personal anecdotes that highlight the transformative power of these substances, not just for people battling mental health conditions but for anyone seeking profound insights into the human mind.  Whether you're a psychedelic veteran (AKA "psychonaut") or a curious newcomer, this episode is an enlightening exploration of the substances reshaping our understanding of consciousness, healing, and the potential for a happier life. To follow Manesh, check out @ThePsychedelicScientist on IG and YouTube. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/howtodiehappy/message

Join Rosanna Bille in this How To Die Happy podcast episode as she shares her remarkable journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of finding flow. Hailing from the UK, Bali resident Rosanna is a mother of two and an inspiring ultra athlete who defied the odds to achieve extraordinary feats in long-distance swimming, cycling, and running. Rosanna's story is a testament to the practice of discipline and surrender, crucial components in finding the state of flow. In a heartwarmingly candid conversation (there were tears all around) with hosts Martin O'Toole and Julia Malcolmson, Rosanna discusses her experiences with the For Rangers Ultra 2022 in Kenya and her love for ecstatic dance, revealing how these passions contribute to her remarkable journey. Despite facing adversity through injuries, Rosanna's love for running from a young age fueled her determination to overcome obstacles and rediscover her passion for the sport. Despite being told by a surgeon in her early twenties that she would never again be able to run long distances, she defied the odds and emerged as an ultra athlete. She offers our hosts a detailed account of her recent participation in the women's Ultra 2022 event. Despite sustaining a significant knee injury on day two, Rosanna went on to win the race. Throughout the conversation, Rosanna emphasises the significant roles that vulnerability and surrender have played in her journey. By allowing herself to experience a range of emotions during the Ultra 2022's challenging 230km five-stage run, she tapped into the profound depths of her inner strength, discovering the power to overcome incredible obstacles. This transformative process enabled her to excel in the ultramarathon, showcasing the potential within all individuals to become ultra athletes through practising discipline and surrender. Another crucial aspect of Rosanna's journey is her ability to tap into the state of flow, a state of complete immersion and focus. By applying discipline, surrendering to the present moment, letting go of expectations, and fully connecting with her surroundings, she achieves a state of connection ("flow") where her performance and overall well-being are elevated to new levels. Rosanna sees flow as a constant in all aspects of life, complementing her fiercely competitive passion for success with her love for dance and living fully in the moment. Looking ahead, Rosanna reveals her upcoming endeavour — Desert Ultra 2023, a 250km ultramarathon in Namibia, Africa. Through this new challenge, she aims to raise funds and awareness for children with brain cancer, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to making a positive impact as an ultra athlete and activist. Rosanna's journey serves as an inspiring example for individuals seeking to push their boundaries, discover their flow, and live life to the fullest. Tune in to this episode of the How To Die Happy podcast to hear Rosanna's incredible story of determination, resilience, and the transformative power of surrender and flow as she navigates the world of ultra athletics. Rosanna is looking for sponsors! If you'd like to support her upcoming ultramarathon in Namibia this November, contact her directly at rosannamorani@icloud.com. Check out her Instagram here.  The only thing left is for us to wish Rosanna the best of luck in the Desert Ultra 2023 in Namibia! Rest assured, we'll have her back on the show right after the race is done and dusted. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/howtodiehappy/message

On this enlightening episode of the How To Die Happy podcast, hailing from the spiritual epicentre of Bali, co-hosts Martin O'Toole and Julia Malcolmson welcome Shaun Kay - a renowned shamanic guide, mentor, and ex-school teacher from Western Australia. Using his beautiful gift of storytelling, Shaun shares his purpose: to help men transition from boys to men, heal their internal wounds, step into their masculine power, and lead fulfilling lives. Join us as we explore the transformational journey Shaun has embarked on, from his roots as a school teacher to becoming a highly attuned visionary and shamanic guide. We travel with him, from the serene landscapes of Western Australia to the rugged terrains of Peru. We hear about his life-altering experiences training with the Q'ero shamans of the high Andes, the Sacred Sons of North America, and how these encounters ignited his transformation and quest to awaken human potential. Shaun unveils the cornerstone of his teachings - Connection, Challenge, and Clarity. He outlines the importance of refining one's connection with self, others, and spirit, fostering an environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. He cultivates a sense of unity and brotherhood through shared experiences in men's circles, retreats, and ceremonies. Shaun also discusses the concept of 'Challenge.' He emphasises the importance of meeting our edges and discovering the inherent strength of our souls. Through physical, mental, and emotional rituals, he offers insights into embracing challenges and integrating our primal power, enlightening listeners with his rich experiences from men's retreats and breathwork sessions. Clarity, the third pillar of Shaun's work, is discussed in the context of awareness as the doorway to transformation. Shaun passionately advocates for purpose, passion, and practice as the trio that shapes a better man. As men, taking responsibility for their stories, owning their personal growth, and leading self-inquiry provide them with the tools necessary to be the heroes of their own lives. Shaun's work, deeply embedded in breathwork, men's circles, retreats, and ceremonies, offers a unique and valuable perspective on toxic masculinity — a negative term that Martin, Jules, and Shaun are keen to criticise. Shaun shares his journey from boyhood to manhood and discusses the vital work he does to help other men navigate this transformative path. The conversation is filled with beautiful, raw, and powerful moments that will make you rethink what it means to be a man in today's world. Join us for a profoundly enriching episode where we explore topics like masculinity, mindfulness, love, connection, personal growth, and the power of workshops and retreats. Hear firsthand accounts of Shaun's experiences in Bali, Australia and Peru and his work's impact on the lives of thousands. Tune in for a conversation that promises to enlighten, provoke thought, and inspire. This episode will resonate with all who seek to better understand themselves, redefine their relationship with masculinity, and are committed to personal growth and transformation. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/howtodiehappy/message

What do you think of when you hear the word "physiotherapy"? Is it a sporty-fitness thing or a recovery-after-an-injury thing? In this episode of the How To Die Happy podcast, Martin and Jules talk to Alister Cran, a surf-loving preventative physiotherapist who specialises in what Martin likes to call "Earth Rover maintenance". Al's take on physiotherapy is that, while it certainly plays a vital role in injury treatment, it's often overlooked as a modality to prevent injuries in the first place by using a combination of exercise and strength training. So, whether you're injured, keen to avoid injury, or just interested in maintaining your "Earth Rover", check out this chat. For loads of physio tips and videos, you can follow Al on IG here: https://instagram.com/alistercran_surfrehab. If you're enjoying the How To Die Happy podcast, please do take a moment to give us a review or rating! To keep this podcast running, we really do need your support in the form of reviews and shares. Thanks.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/howtodiehappy/message

In this special episode of the How To Die Happy podcast, the tables are turned as Jules takes the driving seat to interview Martin about the release of his new book, How To Die Happy (cool name!). The book combines curated wisdom, personal stories, and a whole host of practical utilities for the art of living. This is a genuinely intimate discussion between our two hosts. Jules probes Martin's motivations for writing the book while exploring some of its profound contents and messages about attaining happiness. Our hosts also get into some vulnerable discussions about Martin's alcoholism and the death of his alcoholic mother. If you're affected by either, this episode is right up your avenue. Various facets of the human experience come under the spotlight during this chat — from death, what happiness is and is not; Martin's ("Anatomy of Happy") process for finding and maintaining true happiness; self-love, forgiveness, and more. We're also treated to a few short excerpts of the book, read by Jules; if you'd like to hear an additional teaser chapter as read by Martin, you can find it on our YouTube here: https://youtu.be/zqsJUW8vybs To find out more about the book, visit https://howtodiehappybook.com. To find the book on retail sites, search by name or use the following ISBNs: Paperback: 978-1-7393155-0-4 E-book ISBN: 978-1-7393155-1-1 Audiobook ISBN: 978-1-7393155-2-8 The How To Die Happy paperback and ebook are widely available across Amazon. It'll be released on 45+ audiobook platforms in early March. AMAZON https://www.amazon.com/How-Die-Happy-Curated-utilities-ebook/dp/B0BTYB1C1Y. Also, if you give the ISBN to your local bricks and mortar bookstore owner, they can order copies from the wholesaler, Ingram Spark. Regarding Martin's book, Nick Hutchinson from the Book Thinkers podcast recently declared, "This is one of the best books I've ever read". High praise from a reviewer who's interviewed the likes of Ryan Holiday, Steven Pressfield, Lewis Howes, and Doug Evans. We hope you enjoy this podcast. If so, please tell people about it. We're an independent podcast doing this for love. The more you share, the more likely we are to grow. Peace and love. HTDH x --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

Along our life's rambling journey towards finding true happiness, we often forget the subtle (and not-so-subtle) complexities associated with the anatomy of happy. One such component of this much sought-after prize lies in how we treat our bodies — or, as Martin O'Toole calls them — our "Earth Rovers". Hence, this episode explores an aspect of Earth Rover maintenance, courtesy of Bali Training Centre's founder, Jake Illing. This fitness-filled podcast discussion sprinted from post to post, occasionally stopping for burpees or push-ups, as Martin, Jules, and Jake covered everything from general fitness, running and cardio, Muay Thai boxing, and more. The trio also discussed meditation, breathwork, and how a one-pointed focus on exercise has similar benefits to meditation, providing peace, and inner stillness. Meandering as we often do, this chat also highlighted social media's role in our body paranoia, vanity, and more. Lest we forget biohacking, Wim Hoff, saunas, and cold plunges — the list goes on. As with many How To Die Happy podcast episodes, this chat also explored the convergence between contemporary and ancient modalities — in this case, personal training and yogic practices — where breathwork and meditation can amplify the benefits of an intensive workout. This was a fun and insightful conversation with one of Bali's most respected fitness experts. When it comes to Earth Rover maintenance, Jake Illing is passionate, to say the least. If you share such a passion or are interested in the life-changing and even life-saving benefits of movement and exercise, then you'll like this podcast episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

Elizabeth Gilbert's acclaimed Eat, Pray Love became an international bestseller, followed by a hit movie starring Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem. The story follows a journalist's journey of self-discovery, where she eats in Italy, learns to pray in India, and finds love in Bali despite being entirely disinterested in doing so. Westerners on a journey to 'find themselves' have flocked to Bali for many years, but are they looking for internal or external love? Or does one follow the other? In this How To Die Happy Chinwag, Chris Siracuse, a single American man living in Bali, supposes to Martin that Eat, Pray, Love still profoundly influences solo female visitors to the island, finding themselves and apparently love simultaneously. When one is not looking for love, is one more attractive to others? Or do we find self-realisation attractive in others since such awareness demonstrates consciousness? Where love is hard to attain, how often do we open our hearts and minds to the idea that perhaps we have personal work to do? And what of our extreme apathy around conflicts and our mistreatment of loved ones being all too normal? This podcast dives into love, casual sex, and relationships. Martin and Chris discuss conscious relationships, growing together, and mindful management of the dating process. Self-love is a crucial point of the discussion since Martin asks whether inner work should be mandatory before seeking love and risking the possibility of looking to others to make us feel whole. The pair also discuss Chris's dating experiences in Bali. While he suggests that casual interactions suit him, Martin digs deeper into whether this behaviour is more likely a deliberate distraction from inner work. It's a genuine and vulnerable discussion that breaks down boundaries. Can casual sex ever be genuinely healthy? What are the costs, and what of the energetic exchange and sanctity of sexual union? How has the prolific use of technology affected the formation of healthy relationships? Has technology created unhealthy hacks in the relationship process, enabling sexual intimacy too soon? Or is this just the way we learn to love? Einstein once said, "The only mistake in life is the lesson not learned." He also said, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." So perhaps the more fundamental question is, are we learning how to love healthily or merely bouncing unconsciously from one relationship to another? What is love? This chat meanders over this colossal question as best anyone could in a podcast interview, but we'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this show's topic. Feel free to participate in the Spotify Q&A or comment on our IG page: @howtodiehappy_podcast. Credit to bestselling author Ryan Holiday, whose excellent book about Stoicism (The Obstacle is the Way) was mentioned during this discussion. Special shoutout to Haddaway, whose 1993 dance hit, What is Love, inspired the title of this podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

Trigger warning: During this discussion, Martin and Chris touch on the mental illness of Pedophilia, using this sickness as an extreme example of the worst thing a human can do to another. Neither Martin, Chris, nor anyone from this show advocates humans' mistreatment of another in any shape or form. Don't listen to this episode if such discussions easily trigger you. That said, if others' truths trigger you, then perhaps do listen because Martin's point in tackling such a delicate subject proposes that to better understand the "wrongs" in this world, we must attempt to comprehend what leads others to cause suffering in the first place. Sufferance, suffering, why we suffer, and how not to suffer are the subject of this week's Chinwag between Martin and an old friend of the show, Chris Siracuse. You may remember Chris from earlier episodes, including Last Night a Beagle Saved my Life, The German Professor, and The Illuminati Recruitment Process. If you haven't heard these conversations, we recommend you check them out. As the pair attempted to pack the story of human suffering into one podcast episode, their reunion cracked this particular nut of human traits open with their usual balance of earnestness, compassion, and levity. So how does the chat flow? As with most How To Die Happy podcast discussions, it meanders like the Missippi, touching on the reasons we might suffer, and our addiction to suffering while offering practical utilities of how not to suffer. Martin introduces the Buddhist concepts of Dukkha (suffering) and Anicca (impermanence) and talks about how these ancient teachings may well hold key-shaped utilities for unlocking our suffering or the suffering we cause to others. "Do no harm," says Martin, as he strips this down to the bare basics. We hope you enjoy this reunion with Martin and Chris. As always, please do let us know your thoughts on the episode. Feedback is the breakfast of champions! Special thanks to the beautiful souls at the excellent Chela restaurant in Bingin for allowing us to record this episode in the space. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

Amidst her travels some years ago, Soma Temple visited India, where she met the sage and guru, Papaji. From her first meeting with the spiritual leader, she knew there was something extraordinary about this man. She travelled between the US, Bali, and India for some time to visit with him. On one such visit, Papaji asked to meet with Soma, and at that meeting, he tasked her with a profoundly life-changing mission - to share Rudraksha beads with the world. Rudraksha is a fruit, the dried stones of which are used as prayer beads (mala beads) by Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs. The stones are commonly worn for protection and use when chanting mantras. Rudraksha seeds can be found all over the world, but the most powerful (containing the most prana (lifeforce energy)) come from Java, right here in Indonesia. And so, tasked with the dharma outlined by Papaji, Soma returned to her home in Indonesia and created what would later become Aum Rudraksha, a global brand designing and distributing mala beads worldwide. Soma's been in Bali for 38 years now and, as you might expect, has some incredible stories and a unique understanding of Balinese culture. Having attended a Rudraksha bead mala workshop hosted by Aum Rudraksha, Martin and Jules visited Soma at her home in central Bali to learn more about this incredible woman, Rudraksha beads and their importance in spiritual practice. This conversation covers the magic surrounding malas, the spellcasting power of mantras, how to incorporate Rudraksha mala beads into meditation, and Bali's fascinating and richly spiritual Hindu culture. Some people have a special kind of energy, immediately putting you at ease, allowing you to feel centred even if they're a total stranger to you. Soma Temple's one such being - a beautiful soul to whom we are grateful for inviting us into her home and taking the time to sit and talk to us about her passion and dharma - to introduce Rudraksha beads to the world, just as Papaji requested. CONTACT US Love or hate what we're doing? Got a topic you'd like us to cover? A guest you'd like to introduce to the show or a question for an upcoming guest? Whatever's on your mind, feel free to send us a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

In this episode, Martin speaks to his brutally forthright sister from another mister, Terae De Cou. The last time Martin and Terae got together (Chinwag 10), they discussed whether aliens exist. This week's episode, however, tackles an altogether more human question: why do we lie? And since one of the common deathbed regrets is, "I wish I'd dared to live more truthfully," it's an entirely appropriate question. Lies come in all shapes and sizes—from wee fibs to huge whoppers. We tell a lie to avoid punishment or to conceal a reward or something that benefits us. We lie to protect ourselves or others from harm, prevent embarrassment or maintain privacy. We lie out of politeness or simply because we can—just for the sheer hell of it. According to research, the most common motive for telling lies is to avoid punishment. While that may sound more like a child's motivation, the same goes for adults. In such cases, are we really all that different? Lies hurt, lies protect, and countless lies slide right on by without even a whiff of detection. So is the typical human trait of lying a good thing? If so, why does dishonesty so often lead to grave regrets? Are there, as Martin suggests, "50 shades of lies," and if so, what might we put into practice to get better at expressing the truth to ourselves and others? Find out the answers to these questions (and more) by listening to this latest How To Die Happy podcast episode, surfing the waves of serious stories, practical utilities, and a healthy dose of light-hearted laughter. CONTACT US Love or hate what we're doing? Got a topic you'd like us to cover? A guest you'd like to introduce to the show or a question for an upcoming guest? Whatever's on your mind, feel free to send us a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

The symbiotic relationship between psychedelics and creativity is not a new phenomenon. Since the dawn of time, indigenous shamans, mystics, and prophets have integrated their work with teacher plants like Ayahuasca, Huachuma (San Pedro), Psilocybin, and many more, with the creation of music, writing, and painting. In this mind-rolling podcast episode, Martin and Jules talk to Chilean shaman Andres Espinoza, Ukrainian technologist, sound designer, and producer Roma Nebo, and Chilean artist and musician Tiano Bless. This incredible trio has come together to create a global psychedelic music project called Wise Circle. The nature of the chat? The combined healing power of plant medicine and music. We packed a lot into this podcast, including the secrets of the pyramids, channelling music-making (and more) by collaborating with psychedelics. Frequency, quantum physics, Nassim Haramein (unfortunately mispronounced by Martin as "Hussein" (sorry, Nassim)), and clean (abundant and free) energy. That's not all! The group also ping-ponged around the topics of psychedelic visions and using altered states of perception to self-heal and understand the nature of existence more profoundly. In addition, they explore sound engineering and the effect of frequencies to unlock and activate the body's energy centres and brainwave states. "Music is medicine," says Andres. Hence, it was appropriate that this discussion also covered the ancient and global roots of sound healing since shamans (medicine men) from all tribes and cultures use music as an integral part of their healing ceremonies. Integrating organic sounds of nature with traditional instruments and tech-engineered frequencies, Wise Circle's Out of Matrix album is just the first step towards more mind-blowing psychedelic and technological fusion projects. They left us hanging by hinting at their exciting upcoming NFT art project connected to the music they've been recording around the globe. If you're interested in self-healing, shamanism, psychedelics, sound healing, music, spiritual enlightenment, truth, peace and love, then this podcast episode was recorded and gift-wrapped especially for you. CONTACT US Love or hate what we're doing? Got a topic you'd like us to cover? A guest you'd like to introduce to the show or a question for an upcoming guest? Whatever's on your mind, feel free to send us a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

While the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Steps program has been around since the mid-1930s, other new and developing concepts aim to tackle the increasing and exponential problems associated with addiction and how we view and treat it. Dr Adi Jaffe is a recovered meth addict and drug dealer who, after being arrested and imprisoned, turned his life around by returning to school, retraining as a psychologist, and eventually obtaining a PhD. A Ted-Talker, author, podcaster, and high-profile spokesperson in the field of addiction treatment, Adi Jaffe runs IGNTD, a customised, personalised, virtual recovery program designed to help addicts find lifelong freedom from addiction. While many academics have vilified Dr Jaffe, one thing we cannot ignore is the ongoing pandemic of addiction that is simply not going away. His controversial book The Abstinence Myth proposes that the abstinence model for addiction treatment is outdated and inflexible. Adi asks why would our medical, industrial complex, and society at large refuse to help those who cannot promise to abstain from the very substance to which they are addicted. Moreover, is there an alternative way to treat addiction that does not focus on consumption and sobriety but instead tackles the deep roots of trauma? So is Adi Jaffe onto something? Is there a 12 Steps alternative to addiction treatment? You can find out the answer to this and much more in this incredible interview. For those new to the show, it's worth pointing out that our host and show creator, Martin, is himself a recovered alcoholic and cocaine addict, and his mother before him. Now four and a half years sober, Martin's journey to recovery was also a break from the norm. Having been introduced to the powerful and transformative psychedelic plant medicine, Ayahuasca, his healing path took him to far-off lands to learn ancient and Eastern modalities. And so, like Adi Jaffe, Martin is keen to shine a light on alternative approaches to addiction treatment that exclude the application of pharmaceuticals, instead focussing on ancient mindfulness practices and plant medicine. This podcast episode is a big conversation between two recovered addicts and a yogi (Julia) who's dedicated years to helping people through the practice of yoga and meditation. We dive into the definition of addiction; society's labelling, stigmatisation, and identification of addicts; the power we have to heal ourselves; the 12 Steps and the program's limitations, and much more. It's worth pointing out that neither the show, its hosts, nor its guest, Dr Jaffe, overtly criticises AA and the 12 Steps. The organisation has helped millions and continues to do so to this day. The point of this conversation is to hear alternative truths about addiction treatment. And in a world where traditional rehabs have an average relapse rate of 50%, no one can deny that such conversations deserve to be heard. Whether you're an addict, alcoholic, or in some way affected by these illnesses, this episode is an absolute belter, packed with practical utilities, stories, and the usual balance of lighthearted fun you get with a How To Die Happy conversation. You can learn more about Dr Adi Jaffe by visiting https://www.adijaffe.com or the IGNTD treatment program here at https://www.igntd.com. If you enjoy this episode, then please share it far and wide so that it might help others afflicted by addiction and alcoholism. CONTACT US Love or hate what we're doing? Got a topic you'd like us to cover? A guest you'd like to introduce to the show or a question for an upcoming guest? Whatever's on your mind, feel free to send us a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

We welcome the taboo conversations surrounding life and death on the How To Die Happy Podcast. So when Tatiana Gottschalk reached out to us wanting to discuss how she survived breast cancer and her work with the dying, we were only too happy to make it happen. According to Cancer.org, in 2022, about 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women in the US. That's almost 30% of all new female cancers each year. According to the World Health Organisation, in 2020, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer; there were 685,000 deaths globally. When gripped by this terrible disease in her early 30s, Tatiana had a choice to make: she could play victim to her suffering or see the life-changing event as a gift, which she would use. "I decided I would make this a success story," she says. "This was going to be the best thing that happened to me. And I decided that I wouldn't just survive; I would thrive. I would change my life." This conversation is a genuinely inspiring episode, where we discuss death and the dying and the game-changing energy of gratitude. We also talk about how, when staring mortality in the face, one still has the choice to adapt. We have the free will to take on new modalities for the art of living. Doing so can change our experience and perspectives forever—no matter how much time we might have left on this Earth. CONTACT US Love or hate what we're doing? Got a topic you'd like us to cover? A guest you'd like to introduce to the show or a question for an upcoming guest? Whatever's on your mind, feel free to send us a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

On the How To Die Happy Podcast, we cover a wide range of subjects designed to open hearts & minds to the myriad possibilities available to learn how to master better this crazy world in which we live. Why? Because in a world that's doubling down on a perverse addiction to suffering, we've never had so many incredible opportunities for change as we do today. All we need is the information and stimulus to change the direction of our lives. This week, we talked to Audrey & Chris Sarquilla, an extraordinary couple who work, play, and create together on the Bukit Peninsula of Bali. What do they do? They practice and share the worlds of Bhakti Yoga and the beautiful group singing practice of Kirtan, which involves a call & response interplay between leaders and group, all of whom chant and sign mantras alongside instruments, including the harmonium. And when they're not involved in these mystical practices, they surf. Bhakti yoga (Bhakti marga) is a Hindu spiritual path or practice that focuses specifically on loving devotion. Bhakti is one of the three classical paths in Hinduism that leads to Moksha (the transcendental state attained from being released from the cycle of rebirth). The other paths are Jnana Yoga and Karma Yoga. The Sanskrit word bhakti (भक्ति) comes from the root bhaj, translated as "to adore or worship God." Bhakti Yoga has been called "love for love's sake" and "union through love and devotion." Like any other form of Yoga, Bhakti is a path to self-realisation, towards experiencing oneness with everything. How does that sound on a scale of one to happy?! One does not need to be interested in Yoga to follow this episode, as the conversation's interweaving threads are about love and devotion. I wonder: what inspires us to the levels of devotion these days? Is it work? Our family? Our partners? And in this age where time, attention, and energy are such highly sought-after commodities, how many of us practice devotion toward ourselves? Audrey said of devotion, "Devotion strikes a place deep in my heart. It can start with a thought and then become a feeling. Most of the time, it comes from a sense of awe in my daily life. Devotion is also a practice - of sitting in love and gratitude for all that I have in my life." Jules first introduced me to Kirtan at the Yoga Barn in Bali's central town of Ubud. It's safe to say that I was hooked from the very first session. Since then, we've attended many sessions hosted by Audrey & Chris. The sense of freedom, connection, and joy we experience as a group does take some beating. It's like a high vibrational musical meditation, where families and individuals come together to sing, dance, and just be—free from judgment. After listening to the interview, find out more about Bhakti and Kirtan. We were also blessed to have Audrey & Chris play a couple of songs. You can find some of their music on Spotify. Enjoy. CONTACT US Love or hate what we're doing? Got a topic you'd like us to cover? A guest you'd like to introduce to the show or a question for an upcoming guest? Whatever's on your mind, feel free to send us a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

What does it mean to be happy? What is unhappiness? Can we learn how to 'switch' our happiness on & off, or is our happiness entirely out of our control? In the end, is it even possible to achieve true happiness? In this How To Die Happy Chinwag, Martin O'Toole has a conversation with Uluwatu's very own cosmic wizard and surf mecca proprietor, Jake Mackenzie, about the meaning of happiness. As the intro suggests, there are many ways to approach the subject of happiness. Perhaps, the most obvious way to start is to discuss what happiness is and its many facets. For example, owning a big house, car, and healthy bank balance is happiness for some. In contrast, others are happy owning nothing, feeling free of energetic ties through this minimalistic and straightforward approach to living. Does happiness thus derive from the concept of ownership and attachment? Considering the discussion from another angle: why do we become unhappy? What makes us so? Perhaps it results from events in our lives that force us to feel unhappiness. After all, it's natural for humans to ask, "Why is this happening to me?!" But how many of these events occur without our involvement versus those that came out of the blue? Moreover, is there another way to view such events—regardless of how tragic or life-changing they may be? Perhaps, as with everything in this realm of duality, we can apply and embrace one or more contrasting truths. So instead of asking, "Why is this happening to me?" some ask, "What is this teaching me?" Which are you? And can you see the connection between these perspectives and happiness? For anyone who's followed the How to Die Happy Podcast from the beginning, you'll know we view the relationship between life & death as paramount to understanding the secrets of finding true happiness. It is in the territory of learning the arts of living that we can also perfect the art of dying. And if we can get to the end of our lives (assuming we're lucky to have a planned or expected death), then being able to say—hand on heart—"I've lived a good life; I have no regrets," then surely we can say that we are happy, can we not? Alan Watts wrote a book called The Meaning of Happiness. His original title for this work was The Anatomy of Acceptance. So it's here, discussing the subject of acceptance, where Martin & Jake kick off this charming & insightful discussion. And so, the two embark on the journey of answering one of life's greatest mysteries in an hour. We hope you enjoy the conversation. Join them now. CONTACT US Love or hate what we're doing? Got a topic you'd like us to cover? A guest you'd like to introduce to the show or a question for an upcoming guest? Whatever's on your mind, feel free to send us a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

What does it mean to be "in service to others"? To many, it's obvious—the act of mindfully and intentionally behaving in a way that positively impacts the lives of our wider collective. Do we all do this every day? Should we all do this every day? I, for one, spent a great deal of my life in service to self, so lost was I in my story of self-sabotage and suffering that I barely had the time nor energy to consider anyone else's feelings. So perhaps it's not quite as obvious as one might think. There are many ways to dedicate our time and energy to help others—being the change we want to see in the world—some of which are less than obvious. John Butler is an 84-year-old retired organic farming pioneer living in Bakewell in the United Kingdom. An author, explorer, and theosophist, John has also found himself (somewhat reluctantly, I might add) in service of others as a most unlikely YouTube sensation. And with 206k followers and millions of views of his Spiritual Unfoldment channel, John shares his ideas on life, meditation, peace, love, and spirituality. The emergence of 'influencers,' those enthused and inspired beings dedicated to sharing their knowledge or opinions with the world, has been a fascinating development in our society. Thanks to the internet and affordable pro-quality technology, we no longer look solely to a handful of speakers and teachers. Anyone can project themselves and their ideas into the world, which is a thing of beauty if you think about it. Naturally, the quality of these people's advice varies, and some are more at home in front of the camera than others. However, never before have I come across one so reluctant to assume (and therefore perfect for) such a role. Because here's the thing: when John Butler speaks, his presence and words are full of love while being entirely devoid of ego. Not only does he share some beautiful perspectives, but the way he shares really does make him incredibly special. In 2016, John was discovered by the online Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) community. For those who do not know, ASMR is the unique tingling feeling we often experience when hearing certain sounds like whispering or softly spoken voices. ASMR is calming, pleasurable, and very relaxing. And it turns out that John Butler's voice is all of those things, creating a profound sense of calm and peace in those who hear him speak. So you can imagine how thrilled we were to have John join How To Die Happy for his first-ever podcast interview. I have to say that recording this interview was an absolute pleasure. Hearing John's smoothly delivered wisdom through a set of headphones for just under an hour and a half left me feeling almost transcendental as if I had been touched by grace. Our discussion cruised from happiness to death, forgiveness, silence, duality, meditation, ego, attachment, and more. Both guest questions in this episode relate to meditation, both of which John answered with charming and practical advice. "How to die happy? Well, dear, you've chosen the wrong man to talk about happiness because I've never considered myself a happy man!" - John Butler This is an episode not to be missed. It is a rare thing indeed to meet a westerner from John's generation who's embraced mindful living, practicing meditation for around 60 years. We hope you enjoy the interview. If that's the case, please do share it. And if you ever find yourself in Bakewell, watch out for John Butler, who's often spotted riding his three-wheeled bicycle around the Derbyshire Dales town. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

This week's guest is Kundalini alchemist and spiritual mentor Chiara De Lucia. Chiara talks in detail about Kundalini yoga and how yoga helped win her battle with cocaine addiction. Who knew that yoga was a viable treatment for addiction? Do we often overlook ancient healing therapies in favour of modern medicine? Addiction's not going away. According to America's National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 11.7% of Americans 12+ use illegal drugs. 53 million (19.4%) people 12+ have used illicit drugs or misused prescription drugs within the last year. The US Federal budget for drug control in 2020 was $35bn. Over in Europe, the UK spends £36 billion each year on drug and alcohol abuse treatment and is, according to the Centre for Social Justice, the "addiction capital of Europe." So, where does Kundalini yoga fit into addiction treatment? Speaking more generally, all forms of yoga have a transformative effect. In fact, American Addiction Centers confirm yoga to be beneficial when used in tandem with other traditional substance abuse treatment methods. Meanwhile, in a study carried out by The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, the results showed that practising yoga creates an increase in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) produced by the brain. This helps manage anxiety and stress response. Regular and prolonged substance abuse results in physical changes to the brain, negatively altering neural pathways associated with emotional regulation, impulse control, pleasure, and decision making. Due to mass over-stimulation, addiction also affects homeostatic balance. In addition to physiological changes, any addict attempting to quit will experience psychological side effects, including fatigue, insomnia, emotional withdrawal, anxiety, stress, and depression. It's here that yoga assists by way of modulating stress response. Find out more about yoga therapy and addiction here. Masters and practitioners all over the planet acknowledge the existence of lifeforce energy which has many names, but the Hindus call it 'Kundalini' - divine feminine energy. As Chiara explains during the interview, Kundalini is one of many forms of yoga dealing with the movement of lifeforce energy around the body. In many of us, this powerful energy lies dormant within our root chakra (the lowest energy centre, located at the base of our spine). A resting snake lies coiled; hence 'Kundalini' literally means 'coiled' (like a snake). We all have this incredible power locked inside us, yet it remains blocked or inert for many. A series of practices are available to help unlock this sacred lifeforce energy. So how do we keep ourselves open? Our chakras are the gates—energy centres throughout our bodies. Each gate has the potential to cultivate or block the flow of our lifeforce energy. Learning how to keep our chakras clear, balanced, and open keeps this from happening. This way, our energy is in a constant flow state, providing a long list of transformational benefits. In 2017, a study investigated Kundalini as a therapy for age-related cognitive decline. After 12 weeks, those who practised Kundalini yoga "showed short & long-term improvements in executive functioning," plus positive improvements were seen in depressed mood and resilience. An additional 8-week study of the benefits of Kundalini yoga for PTSD sufferers showed that participants had significantly improved symptoms, including better sleep, less perceived stress, more positive mood, more resilience, and less anxiety than did the Control group. Find out more about Kundalini yoga by listening now. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

According to the Life Project, a leading British law firm logged a 122% increase in divorce enquiries between July and October 2020. Diving into the detail surrounding marital failure, it would appear that divorce rates are very much on the rise, with relationships failing around the world. Some stats: 50% of marriages in the US end in divorce. 42% in the UK. 87% in Luxembourg. 65% in Spain. 18% in Malaysia. So the burning question we had in this week's How To Die Happy podcast is Why so many divorces? Why so many failed relationships? And what causes relationships to fail? This week's guest is Kartika Alexandra, integrative hypnotherapist and founder of Bali's Maja Healing. Kartika appeared on episode 05 of our mental health and well-being podcast, during which she and Martin deep dove into the world of hypnotherapy. They also discussed Martin's transformative hypnotherapy session with Kartika, which had somewhat surprising results. As a precis to understanding what we can do to remedy how we relate to one another, we must first understand why relationships fail. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, the top five reasons relationships break down are as follows: Withdrawing during arguments. Not on the same page with life decisions. Holding one's partner to unrealistic standards. Afraid of being alone - staying despite relationship issues. Relying on body language to convey feelings. The long list also includes issues like lack of compromise, comparison, lack of balance, holding on to the past, taking out anger on one another, etc. During this week's interview, Martin, Jules and Kartika cracked open these issues, offering anecdotes and, indeed, professional observations and utilities as to how we might attempt to avoid these relationship pitfalls going forward. Anyone who listens to How To Die Happy regularly will know that the podcast was inspired by the top ten common death bed regrets as follows: I wish I had taken better care of my body. I wish I'd dared to live more truthfully. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings. I should've said "I love you" more. I wish I'd let go of grudges. I wish I'd left work at work and made more time for family. I wish I had stayed in touch with friends. I wish I'd been the better person in conflicts. I wish I'd realised that happiness was a choice much sooner. I wish I'd pursued my dreams. Many death bed regrets relate directly to relationships. Sadly, these woeful regrets of the dying illustrate that many of us reach our last moments filled with regret for the way we handled our relationships with lovers, family, and friends. It's a depressing fact that so many can get to the end of their lives without the ability to address their shortcomings in emotional maturity. However, it really comes as no surprise, since where are we to discover these skills? From whom should we learn how to self-regulate, love, forgive, be present, courageous and truthful? The sad reality is that relationship skills are not innate knowledge—far from it. And it stands to reason that if parents carry unhealed trauma throughout their lives, their children will develop and recycle the same traits. And so on. Thus, the question this episode also raises is what practical utilities can we adopt to better relate to one another and to ourselves? How can we break the cycle? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

As we tumble through our life stories, doing our best to survive, love, be loved, and achieve our versions of success, we inevitably make a mess here and there. You can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs, right? But what happens when some of us make a mess time and time again, hurting those close to us? What if we're apparently oblivious to the trail of destruction in our wake? A relatively new term, 'Gaslighting', is as old as relationship dysfunction. Named after a 1944 movie where the male protagonist convinced his wife she was losing her mind, it is a genuine relationship issue. Perhaps more so, with the advent of paranoia, mistrust, and low-esteem ever-present in our younger generations. Narcissistic gaslighting, communications, toxic masculinity, vulnerability and authenticity were just a few of the topics served up, aired and thrashed in this week's episode, with conscious dating coach Josh Campbell. Josh works with a whole host of women keen to understand better how to navigate the wild chicanery of relationships and dating in the modern world. With digital interactions and personas playing such a vital part in today's dating scene, it's no wonder that folks like Josh are in high demand. It is especially so when they (or at least, he) make a point of openly expressing their ability to "lean into the feminine," placing consciousness and awareness front & centre of their advice. Since 'swiping' has become the new romantic communication tool, what effect does this less-than-delicate selection process have on its participants? And with smartphones now the main interface in the dating process, is it possible that daters are less diligent when researching, meeting, and indeed developing relationships? Furthermore, as new generations cling to image consciousness, honing skills in creating highly optimised digital personas, are we moving further away from our true selves? Rather than listening to intuition, are we now searching for what the internet tells us women, men (and anyone in-between) want? For sure, we are at a crossroads where Narcissism, gaslighting, and toxic masculinity are all commonly discussed areas of concern in relationships. Furthermore, understanding gaslighting and the various tactics used by gaslighters appear to be significant areas of online search. In fact, May 2021 saw an all-time high in online search volumes for the query "how to expose a gaslighter." But it's not only romantic relationships affected by narcissism and gaslighting. Family members and so-called friends can cause just as much (if not more) long-lasting harm to the unwitting and open-hearted victims in their wake. All that said, as Martin points out during this discussion, all 'persecutors' have more than likely also been 'victims.' Narcissistic personality disorder, for example, is a mental disorder born of neglect and or trauma. Abusive behaviour and emotional underdevelopment are usually the product of previous trauma, taking many shapes and sizes (not necessarily abusive). With this in mind, while it's natural for us to suffer due to someone's actions, we might help ourselves by understanding the root cause of others' behaviour. Not to accept it, but as a reminder that we are not losing our minds despite perhaps being regularly told as much. This week's How To Die Happy podcast is a whistle-stop tour of some of these issues. Since Josh is a podcaster, he also turned the tables on Martin, throwing a few poignant questions his way, resulting in some incredibly vulnerable shares about Martin's past as an addict and narcissistic gaslighter. As always, there weren't enough hours in the day to do this subject justice. So if you haven't already, please hit the 'follow' or 'subscribe' button. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

One of the many crises plaguing our planet is that which is caused by waste—and in particular, plastic. The Indonesian island of Bali is famous for its beautiful beaches and 50 shades of lush green tropical countryside. However, the island is also in the throes of a monumental plastic emergency created by a perfect storm of factors. Poor education, inconsiderate tourists, mass sales of single-use plastic, and a gravely lacking waste management infrastructure have all led to this rising problem. Experts say that beaches like Kuta, Seminyak, and Legian are plagued by up to 60 tonnes of plastic rubbish each day. The trash is a combination of foreign waste brought to the island by the Indian Ocean's Java Sea waves and plastic from the island itself, brought to the sea by the many rivers and tributaries. Another rather depressing example of the plastic waste problem is a dead sperm whale that washed up at an Indonesian nature reserve. An autopsy of this sentient creature's stomach contents discovered 6kg of plastic waste, including 115 single-use Danone Aqua plastic cups. And then came the pandemic. With 80% of its GDP deriving from tourism revenue, Bali has experienced a crushing economic crisis, leaving tens of thousands of Balinese families desperate and starving. In early 2020, Made Janur Yasa recognised the unique opportunity presented by these two issues and knew something had to be done. So he created Bali Plastic Exchange—a sustainability movement that empowers communities to change their waste behaviour through dignity-based exchange systems. Plastic Exchange invites Balinese communities to collect all types of plastic rubbish from their local area and trade it for rice. The idea is profound and simple in equal measure since Janur believes that giving people rice does not benefit the community, as it is rescuing rather than enabling. This model, however, empowers the people of Bali to help themselves and clean up their island as a united collective. Janur's uncomplicated concept has taken flight. Just two years later, Plastic Exchange has connected with over 200 villages, collected over 700,000kg of plastic, and distributed over 170,000kg of rice to families in dire need of this staple food to survive. Since its inception, Plastic Exchange has fed over 30,000 families, and while naturally in need of ongoing awareness and support, the NGO continues to grow as the word is spread. "Within every crisis lies an opportunity" — Made Janur Yasa When we interview people, we never know what will come of the discussion; that's the beauty of having a podcast with guests. We were welcomed into Janur's home and were delighted to speak to this warmhearted, spiritual and pragmatic thinker who has dedicated his energy to the service of others. Janur received a CNN Hero Award in 2021 as recognition for his work. Such an accolade might well inflate an ego, but not this man. He speaks with humility, of community, and always of "we" (never "I"). Above all, Janur speaks of "action," as he believes "edu-action" trumps charity or straightforward education every day of the week. Having heard the man speak of this with such passion, we are inclined to agree. The How To Die Happy podcast exists to share stories and practical utilities for living and dying well. There is a solid argument that serving others through generosity and compassionate help is the epitome of what it means to live well. Whether you agree is your truth, of course. Perhaps listen to this interview, and hear for yourself. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

In this episode of the How To Die Happy podcast, we spoke to 77-year-old psychotherapist Keith Hagenbach about his recent introduction to Ayahuasca plant medicine and how it's completely reshaped his perspective on psychotherapy and the bright future of substance-assisted therapy. While we're still in the early stages, Ketamine, psilocybin, MDMA, DMT are all being trialled in various parts of the world for clinical use in substance-assisted therapy. The US is making progressive moves in this area, with 13 cities now decriminalising psychedelics. The hope is that, as the research continues, psychedelics will eventually create a tsunami of change in the world of psychotherapy. Keith is a huge advocate of substance-assisted therapy, but it remains illegal to include plant medicine in his UK practice. However, in October 2021, Boris Johnson promised to examine all the evidence pointing towards the positive healing benefits of plant medicines. The likely eventual mass-production and adoption of psychedelics carry promise and danger in the shape of a subsequent synthetic psychedelic black market. The concern lies explicitly with the idea of people using synthetic psychedelics in the wrong setting and without trained and experienced guides. Due to a technical issue, we lost a section where Keith refers to the Ayahuasca as "The Mother." Indigenous people and those working with the medicine often refer to it as "Mother" or "Grandmother" due to the repeated experience of being visited by a feminine entity who guides people through their medicine journey. This is a whopping episode, but it's 100% authentic, informative, and vulnerable. It's not just a discussion about Ayahausca; it's a deep dive with an experienced psychotherapist who's lived and long and fascinating journey. Now, aged 77, he has had a new lease of life and received a great gift, namely the ability to let go of his fear. He credits Ayahuasca for this gift. An apology Martin mentioned the documentary DMT: The Spirit Molecule and incorrectly credited Rick Strauss instead of Dr. Rick Strassman, the author of the original book and co-creator of the documentary. Keith has kindly shared a list of books and documentaries that he hopes you might find of interest should you choose to explore the world of Ayahuasca, psychedelics, and substance-assist psychotherapy. Recommended Books How To Change Your Mind - Michael Pollan Deservedly a best-seller. Well written and informative. Entangled Life - Merlin Sheldrake How fungi make our worlds, change our minds, and shape our futures. This is Your Mind on Plants - Michael Pollan (follow up to the above). Sacred Knowledge - William A Richards Particularly good for anyone interested in the spiritual aspects of psychedelic experiences. It includes a list of music used during research into such experiences at Johns Hopkins University in the USA. When The Impossible Happens - Stan Grof An informative and entertaining account of his explorations into the world of psychedelic research over five decades. Drug Use for Grownups - Dr. Carl C Hart TED Talks They abound. Strongly recommend trying those by: Michael Pollan, Robin Carhart-Harris Graham Hancock David Nutt Rick Doblin Movies/Documentaries The Psychedelic Drug Trial (BBC doc on UK trial for depression) Magic Medicine - Netflix (another perspective on same UK trial) The Last Shaman (drama doc - young American seeks ayahuasca healing in Peru) Fantastic Fungi (good intro to mushrooms) The Way of the Psychonaut Have A Good Trip --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

This week's a rather special episode, as we recorded our first studio podcast with a small audience and live music. Our guest? The Indonesian LGBTQ+ activist and singer-songwriter Kai Mata. The Indonesian Psychiatrist Association classes homosexuals and bisexuals as people with "psychiatric problems," furthermore declaring that transgender people have 'mental disorders.' Of course, Indonesia isn't the only country demonstrating a lack of tolerance toward the LGBTQIA+ community. Same-sex marriage is now legal in 29 countries (with Chile and Switzerland joining the ranks in 2022). However, as a global community, we have a long way to go when accepting people who do not fit the so-called societal norm of being straight and cisgender. For example, 72 countries currently criminalise all things LGBTQIA+. And in some of these countries, being queer won't just gain a disappointing frown, or some common garden variety hate speech. Of these, 11 jurisdictions reserve the right to impose the death penalty for anyone engaging in consensual same-sex, with regular executions in Iran, Northern Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and Yemen. We live in a world where even now, we hate each other to the point of wanting to seriously injure or kill based on personal consensual sexual and gender preferences. Some call it "disgusting," "an abomination," "a sin," and so on. And many believe that LGBTQIA+ folks need to be locked up, receive electro-shock therapy, and even participate in what is known as 'corrective rape' - a heart-breaking and abhorrent criminal practice that has no place in this world. "Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned." — Buddha Kai Mata lives in a country where homosexuality and bisexuality are shameful taboo. The Indonesian government recently tried to pass The "Family Resilience Bill," which would force lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people to undergo conversion therapy treatment to "cure" their sexual orientation or gender ambiguity. It was this proposal that inspired Kai's accidental entry into the world of LGBTQIA+ activism when she infamously posted a video on social media, with the following message: "My name is Kai Mata; I'm Indonesian, and I am also flaming gay. No laws will change that, no conversion therapy will change that, and neither will the hate and threats". — Kai Mata The video went viral, turning Kai's life upside down, as she was thrust into the spotlight for sharing what was apparently an incredibly controversial truth. Amidst the tsunami of death threats and hatred was a giant wave of love from supporters all over the world, grateful for her courage. Fast-forward to December 2021, whereby her indie-released single Where Love Goes streamed over 2m times (and counting) on Spotify. This podcast interview was a deep discussion navigating the tricky territory of cultural bigotry and governments' treatment of people in the LGBTQ+ (now LGBTQIA+) community. Interwoven through the chat, Kai performs some live songs as she speaks with notable calm and compassion about the pressures of being an accidental queer activist and how she balances this while growing as a young woman and artist. The How To Die Happy Podcast is all about the possibility of making life changes now to avoid a long list of death bed regrets. Kai Mata has had the courage to express her truth—not doing so is a common death regret. For that reason and many more, she's a welcome guest and friend to the show. Whether you're straight, bi, gay, cis, or trans, this podcast is worth a listen. In this informative and entertaining show, Kai Mata, Martin, and Jules dive into the worlds of intolerance, love, music, and more. Plus, the girl can sing. Oh boy, that girl can sing. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

For many of us, the idea of kids' yoga might seem entirely foreign territory. After all, only 10% of American adults practice yoga (a 50% increase in the last four years), less than 1% of Brits, and an estimated 300 million worldwide (72% being female). All-in-all, that's not a huge percentage of the world's population. So when it comes to yoga for kids, perhaps we're a way off considering this beautiful art as a means to help our children grow in mind, body, and spirit? Jeanne Welsh teaches yoga and mindfulness to kids and their respective adults; she also trains yoga teachers how to teach kids specifically. And as we discovered in this episode of the How To Die Happy podcast, teaching yoga and mindfulness to kids is an entirely specialist field. Come to think of it, though, what else in the world wields the kind of power possessed by a smartphone or tablet when it comes to pacifying a child? Well, that's just it. According to Jeanne and Jules (also a qualified kids' yoga teacher), yoga can profoundly impact a child's well-being. It allows them to process emotions and energy in a completely new way. According to Jeanne, kids' yoga isn't just about giving kids a structured outlet for their pent-up energy. Teaching yoga and mindfulness to kids from a young age can be truly transformative in many areas of a child's life. Mindfulness practice for kids eases anxiety, doubt, and confusion, improves concentration and attention span, and increases a child's focus and memory capacity. And there isn't a screen in sight. Speaking of screens, according to Psychology Today, children now spend half as much time outdoors as they did before 1992. Kids between 8 & 18 spend 7 hours and 38 minutes using entertainment media in a typical day. That's a whole workday for many adults. That doesn't include computer time for schoolwork either—that's on top. Right now, only 6% of kids play outside on their own. While we're at it with the stats, here are a few more we ought to find concerning: In 2018 in the USA, 1.9 million kids aged 3 – 17 were diagnosed with depression (Centers for Disease Control "Data and Statistics on Children's Mental Health," 2018). Worldwide, children's depression and anxiety have doubled since 2019. In 2021, according to statistics for teen depression, approximately 2.2 million teenagers already suffer from severe major depression. This ominous figure is 121,000 more cases than the previous year. Childhood depression statistics indicate the severe levels of depression in children and young teens today. Sadly, therefore, Suicide is now the third leading cause of death for 12-18 year-olds and the fourth leading cause of death among 15-19 year-olds. Studies also reveal that almost a quarter of teenage girls display depressive symptoms. Over two-thirds of teenagers taking antidepressants are girls. "We are experiencing a global public health crisis in youth mental health that began long before the pandemic," writes Tami D. Benton, MD. As Jeanne explains, we're at a pivotal moment where our children inherit trauma from parents who've not healed themselves. Meanwhile, their medical system is hell-bent on prescribing pharmaceuticals over natural, holistic techniques to improve kids' well-being. "I want to empower young minds with the skills to be in touch with their inner being and become the best they can be," says Jeanne. If you have kids or know of kids who might well benefit from learning yoga and mindfulness, or you're interested in what yoga and mindfulness practice for kids is like, then you'll love this episode. Delivered with the usual balance of serious and light-hearted fun, there are stories and practical utilities aplenty packed into this podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

In May 2021, the Pentagon verified declassified UFO footage as legitimate evidence that UFOs had been tracked by US military pilots. While this incredible disclosure delighted UFOlogists around the globe, it apparently had little to no impact on wider society, despite the ramifications of this information coming to light. After all, governments have kept quiet despite decades of countless sightings and encounters, hence the question has always remained: do aliens exist? So the US government is now saying these crafts are real; not human-designed; and that the human body can't cope with the kind of G-force created by the way these crafts move. Surely then, the question is no longer do aliens exist? Who's in the UFOs? Where are they from? And why are they not making contact? Also, despite this recent disclosure, are our governments still concealing information from us? UFO sightings are not new phenomena—they date back to cave paintings. In 1952, UFOs were famously sighted over the White House in Washington DC. So why, with all this evidence, and with the US government's admission last year, do so many of us still choose not to believe that there might be intelligent extraterrestrial entities entering our air space? Why do we have little to no interest in incredible phenomena that bring into question everything we think we know about physics, the universe, and our place in it all? Do aliens exist? Have they visited Earth? If so, how much impact have they had on our society, technology, and the way we live today? Martin and Terae De Cou discuss in this fun and informal How to Die Happy Chinwag. Operation Highjump was a significant Antarctic mission between 1946 & 1947, involving 4,700 men, 13 ships, and 33 aircraft. According to the US Navy's operation report (via Wikipedia), its purpose for sending almost 5,000 soldiers to Antarctica right after World War II was to research ice bases and test equipment in frigid conditions. During the podcast, Martin discussed the contrasting theory of what happened in Antarctica. He referenced The Science Show with Robyn Williams & Craig Cormick, who asserts that the Nazis built secret bases to develop superweapons. It's no secret that the Nazis wanted to build an electromagnetic 'flying saucer,' and the theory (shared by many) is that they succeeded in developing incredible interstellar technology. The final military operation mentioned was Operation Paperclip: a US program that took more than 1,600 German scientists from former Nazi Germany between 1945 and 1959. Forgiving past indiscretions, the US government employed them all after the war. One of these scientists became the first head of NASA. His name was Wernher von Braun. Martin argues that aliens aren't just interstellar. As the pair discuss the link between DMT and interdimensional travel, he mentions the documentary DMT: The Spirit Molecule. Here, Graham Hancock highlights the typical report of people having contact with entities while working with plant medicine. Big Chinwags need equally big show notes! Thanks for reading, and thanks for listening. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

According to the 2019 documentary, The Need to Grow, industrial agriculture is now the most destructive human activity taking place on the planet. The United Nations estimates that at current depletion rates, we have fewer than 60 years of soil left on Earth due to these activities. This week's How To Die Happy podcast guest is American chef Evan Rilling, who's on a mission to change people's relationship with food and the land from which it comes. Former chef to Will Smith and his family, Evan is a prolific proponent for permaculture farming. He invites us to consider what we are consuming, its provenance, and what farming and manufacturing methods are used to grow and create the food we eat. Permaculture farming is a contrasting sustainable model to mono-crop agriculture. Bill Mollison is renowned as the Godfather of permaculture, a system that integrates land, people and the environment through natural synergies – recreating the zero-waste, closed-loop systems found in nature. Permaculture is a multidisciplinary practice that includes construction, agriculture, energy, forestry, water, waste management, animal management and much more. The entire process is guided by principles that all permaculture designers need to follow. The 12 principles of permaculture are: Observe and interact Catch and store energy Obtain a yield Apply self-regulation and feedback Use and value renewables Produce no waste Design from patterns to details Integrate don't segregate Use small, slow solutions Use and value diversity Use edges and value the marginal Creatively use and respond to change Evan and his friend Maggie co-founded Ulu Food Forest. The project is a community permaculture garden in Bali, which aims to create a new system that restores degenerated land, regenerates the natural ecosystems, and grows forest-based sustainable businesses that honour the Earth and local people. The project invites volunteers to give their time to the garden in exchange for learning valuable lessons about permaculture design. Aside from some surprising yet welcome spontaneous rapping, Martin, Jules, and Evan also discussed travelling, surfing, our fundamental relationship with food and the planet, and Evan's stunning new cookbook, RetrEAT. Perhaps you're interested in permaculture farming, or maybe you're keen to grow your own food or at least grow your own veg? In which case, you'll likely enjoy our interview with the wonderfully happy, incredibly tall surfing, rapping chef, Evan Rilling. As usual, this interview seamlessly rolls between seriousness and fun while sharing stories and practical utilities for the arts of living & dying well. After all, what we consume profoundly affects our mind, body, and soul. Postscript note: During the interview, Martin mentions a man in South Central, LA, but can not recall his name. The Gangsta Gardener's name is Ron Finlay, and you can find out more about his wonderful man and his project here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

In episode 13 and the season one finale of the How To Die Happy podcast, Chris Plow, Bitcoin and cryptocurrency coach, joins us once again. This Christmas episode is an absolute roller-coaster. Book-ended with festive cheer, the discussion covers the current state of the crypto market, the nature and detail surrounding Central Bank Digital Currencies and the immutable power of Bitcoin. Along the way, there's a twisting and a rather profound turn toward predictions of a dystopian future that's not all that far away. Ho-ho-ho! Are you prepared for the inevitable death of fiat currency? Heavy stuff—but fear not, as it's not all doom & gloom! Martin's dad recorded a special Christmas treat for you all too. We hope you enjoy this Christ-opian discussion and wish you a very merry Christmas, wherever you are in the world. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

In this Chinwag, Martin & Jules share their favourite highlights of season one of the How To Die Happy podcast. In addition to hearing clips from past shows, the pair discuss their personal highlights from what could only be described as a curious year for humankind. Join us in this penultimate episode of 2021, and perhaps, while the world around you sinks deeper into an ever-increasingly turgid quagmire, get in touch to tell us what you're celebrating. ;) But seriously... This episode is all about thanks, and it's loaded with thanks to you, our listeners. We've got all the love for you. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

In episode 12 of the How To Die Happy podcast, Martin & Jules visit Bali's famous sound healing centre, the Pyramids of Chi. When Peter and Lynn McIntosh, a retired Australian couple, declared they were building a couple of pyramids in the rice paddies outside Ubud in central Bali, there were a few raised eyebrows. Now, this amazing sound healing centre is a highlight for all Bali visitors and residents wanting to immerse themselves in the practice of sound healing. Martin & Jules speak to Peter about the mysteries of the pyramids, healing frequencies, and more. The session concludes with an interview and live sound healing demonstration with Jordan Humphreys. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

Several of the common deathbed regrets are associated with neglecting our body, mind, and heart. But how do we begin the healing process after years of conditioning, abuse, and self-abuse? Is it even possible for us to heal ourselves, or are we destined to be who we have become—the sum of that which has happened to us? In episode 11 of the How To Die Happy podcast, we spoke to the incredible ball of healing energy, otherwise known as Alexander Mendeluk. Formerly an actor and executive coach, Alexander found his true calling as a healer. Together with his wife Shayoon, he founded the Bali-based LightForce Healing Center, which offers unique and transformative self-healing techniques through a series of powerful programs. Martin, Jules, and Alexander cover a whole host of issues in this fun and passion-packed discussion about the power of transformational healing. Extra special shoutout to this week's Be My Guest listeners for the beautiful and vulnerable questions they submitted. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

In episode 10 of the How To Die Happy podcast, Martin and Jules speak to the Uluwatu waterman and cosmic wizard, Jake Mackenzie. Jake and the beacon of light he created (AKA Drifter Surf Shop & Cafe) are beloved by surfers and adventurers worldwide. A recovered addict of 26 years, Jake has some incredible stories, some of which he shared at a cliff-side villa, with the sound of the waves to carry his tales of transformation, peace, and love. This was a truly soulful and open-hearted discussion that included cycling adventures to wizard hats, Rainbow Gatherings, ashrams in India, and advice for an addict's mother. Moreover, this episode offers bucketloads of hope to anyone affected by addiction—addicts, family, or friends. There is life after addiction. Jake Mackenzie is living proof that it's possible to live a happy and healthy life in recovery. Actually, that's an understatement. Jake Mackenzie is living proof that it's possible to thrive in recovery. Life events are lessons in drag, after all. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

In this Chinwag, Martin speaks to his buddy Terry Spokes, an Oxford-graduated psychologist specialising in addiction. If you're interested to hear the perspectives of a recovered addict and an addiction specialist all in one show, then this episode is for you. In our eighth Chinwag, the pair discuss the psychology of addiction, meditation, Gabor Mate, trauma and the road to recovery. They also discuss the notion that whether we choose to admit it or not, many of us might well be addicts. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

In episode 09 of the How To Die Happy podcast, we were blessed to have Lee Holden as our guest. World-renowned Qi Gong master Lee hosts the docuseries Searching for Superhumans. For years, this charming TV personality, author and teacher was hugely instrumental in bringing Qi Gong and other ancient Taoist teachings to western culture. We talk about regrets, cultivating life-force energy, the transformative power of breath, and more during our discussion. Lee also peppered this episode with handy utilities for people time-poor yet in need of some mindfulness practice. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

Speaking of forgiveness, the Buddha once said, "Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned." For so many of us, forgiveness is a foreign concept; something we'd rather die than do. This fact is evident since one of the common deathbed regrets is, "I wish I'd let go of grudges." Funny... The clue is right there, yet such a faraway possibility for us to grasp. We want the people who've hurt us to also feel pain. Yet, do they even care or bear any regret whatsoever? How often is the grudge that we bear hurting us and us alone? In this Chinwag, Martin O'Toole talks to his good friend, Ryan Loftus, about how a grievous assault (temporarily) rendered Martin blind in one eye and resulted in years of hospital visits and surgeries. The pair discuss forgiveness, letting go, and what Tupac might have had for dinner. Maybe you're holding onto a grudge, or feel as though you can never forgive. Or perhaps you are seeking forgiveness? Then you might well enjoy this podcast episode, in which we navigate the rocky road to learning how to forgive what might even be unforgivable. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

In episode 08 of the How To Die Happy podcast, we talk to London-based chef Lauren Lovatt. Founder of Feed Your Mind Candy and the Plant Academy, Lauren mindfully reconnects readers to the adage ‘we are what we eat,' in her new-wave cookbook, Mind Food, an invitation to eat whole foods, with a mind-nourishing twist. We discuss plant-based recipes for positive mental health, suicide, finding love for vegetables, the wonderful world of plant-based desserts, and more. For anyone remotely interested in healthy eating with plenty of flavour, this episode is a must-listen. And check out Lauren's website if you'd like to learn more. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

In this Chinwag, Martin talks to his friend Richie about the first Ayahuasca experience they shared. The pair discuss the nature of DMT, the ceremonial use of Ayahuasca and psychedelics, and how DMT can create a transformative level of healing for mental health issues. Martin also talks about his experiences in Peru and the Brazilian Amazon, where he worked with Ayahuasca plant medicine with the Noke Kuin (Katukina) tribe. Ayahuasca is a Quechua term meaning "vine of the souls". In Brazil, the Quechua word translates into Portuguese as "hoasca", while our Noke Kuin friends call the medicine "Uni". The brew combines two plants: the bark of the Banisteriopsis Caapi vine and the leaves of a shrub called Chacruna (Psychotria Viridis). The common theme in any variation of this mixture is the potent existence of DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) — a powerful psychedelic compound. While first discovered by an English botanist (Richard Spruce) in 1851, physical evidence of the brew's use dates back as far as 1,000AD. The Noke Kuin say that Ayahuasca and countless other psychedelic healing plants have been used in the Amazon Basin since the dawn of time. From the beginning, the indigenous people knew of the medicine's powerful healing properties and function, allowing second sight and access to the spirit realm. Now, plenty of scientific research is emerging to support these plants' profound healing benefits. The leading addiction psychologist Gabor Maté regularly works with psychedelics and has produced a great deal of credible material on the subject. Meanwhile, in December 2021, Port Townsend became the 13th American city to decriminalise psychedelics, and the celebrity Will Smith recently admitted to working intensely with the medicine. Western medicine now accepts that these ancient therapies will have an essential role in mental health and wellbeing, specifically in neuropharmacology, neurophysiology, and psychiatry. We're on the brink of a global evolution in treating mental illness, and the amusing thing about it all? These medicines, which have been criminalised and vilified for decades, are and always have been the key to unlocking human potential on a level that will forever change the psychiatric, pharmaceutical, and mental health arenas. As Martin regularly says, "If the global population did an Ayahuasca ceremony simultaneously, I have every confidence there would be world peace." While a bold statement, he is not alone in his belief. If you're interested in the widespread use of ancient alternative medicines for mental health, then you're going to love this. Special thanks to Andres, Pajé Peno, Mõcha, Tamá, and the Noke Kuin, for their contributions to this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

When Mia (aged 9) got to Bali, she was struck by the vast amount of sick and homeless street dogs (and other animals) on the island. Mia decided she had to do something to help. What started as a homeschooling project, quickly became an active GoFundMe campaign, resulting in Mia raising enough money to rent land, plan and then build Mia's Healing Sanctuary for animals. In episode 07 of the How To Die Happy podcast, Martin and Jules speak with this phenomenal young person about her passion for all things furry & feathered, the importance of finding a purpose in life, happiness, and how to live with death. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

In episode 06 of the How To Die Happy podcast, we speak to Waylon Lewis, founder of Elephant Journal and author of the new book It's Never Too Late to fall in Love with your Life, containing everyday Buddhist tips for a mindful life's path. We talk mindfulness, Buddhism, dog bites, the weirdness of Boulder (Colorado), and more. We also happily welcome our new co-host Julia Malcolmson. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

In this episode, Martin talks to Bianca about the surprisingly common childhood behavioural problem of scatolia (or fecal smearing), otherwise known as "Poo art." What may come across as a rather foolishly funny episode, as usual, there's a serious thread to it. In this instance, Martin talks about his childhood and this rather curious neurosis, with former teacher and education expert, Bianca Raby. Also in this Chinwag, we touch on self-harming, grounding, and more. So if your kids are into poo art, or you have rectal digging recollections of your own, then you may well just enjoy this episode. As it goes, regardless you'll likely enjoy it, because it's fun and serious all wrapped into one. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

In episode 05 of the How To Die Happy podcast, we spoke to Kartika Alexandra, a Bali-based integrated hypnotherapist. The interview is a fun and energised exploration into the healing power of the subconscious, happiness, mindfulness, bridging the gap between science and spirituality, death, dying, and more. If you've ever wondered how hypnotherapy can literally transform the way we think, feel, and behave, then look into our eyes, put on your headphones, and wrap your ears around this. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

With Halloween just around the corner, in this Chinwag, our hosts trade ghost stories and talk about the afterlife. From living in a haunted house as a child to communing with an ex-girlfriend's dead aunt, Martin, as it transpires, has had his fair share of ghostly experiences. Have you ever seen, heard, or felt a ghost? Do you know someone who has? Do you believe in ghosts, or believe they're a total figment of the imagination? Either way, you'll find this podcast entertaining. Oh, and you might not want to listen to this in the dark. Just saying. Available to listen to on all major podcast platforms. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

In episode 04 of the How To Die Happy podcast, we talk to Chris Plow, Bitcoin, and crypto analyst and coach. In this must-listen show, we take a deep dive into the history of money, the illusion of fiat currency, and the house of cards that is our current financial system. The star of the show? Bitcoin — "the greatest asymmetric bet of all time," according to our passionate and articulate expert guest. If you're new to crypto, don't really understand the nature of our monetary policies and systems, keen to learn more about Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, then you'll likely find this conversation incredibly interesting. Former banker Chris Plow is a Bitcoiner through and through, and he has a lot to share about the future of the global economy. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

Have you ever been on the receiving end of a forceful or violent sexual advance? In this Chinwag, Martin talks about the time an amorous German gent felt the need to express his true feelings and went too far, with some surprising and unforgettable results. Note: while the story in this episode is delivered with humour, forgiveness, and love, it is not our intention to make light of sexual assault, sexual violence, or predatory sexual behaviour of any kind—homosexual, heterosexual, or otherwise. The man discussed during this conversation behaved abhorrently, and while his actions have been forgiven, they were in no way perceived as acceptable. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

In episode 03 of the How To Die Happy podcast, we talk to Rebecca Jax. Three and a half years ago, Rebecca discovered the body of her brother Jack, who died by suicide. Faced with two simple choices of (understandably) crumbling or healing from this shocking event, Rebecca commenced an incredible journey that would forever reframe the way she viewed death and dying. Her intense and transformative process of alternative healing eventually led Rebecca to change her life plans altogether. Now, she is the healer, helping the grieving to overcome their loss. This episode goes deep. We talk about grief, loss, and the emotional roller-coaster presented when a loved one takes their life. There's some frank discussion about death, suicide, and the shocking facts about global suicide and suicide awareness. In the event you are triggered by such topics, perhaps don't listen to this episode. On the other hand, if you want to be inspired, then do. All that said, if you are triggered by conversations about death, what are you doing listening to the How To Die Happy Podcast in the first place?! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

In our second How To Die Happy Chinwag, Martin tells a story about Macy the Beagle, who stopped Martin from killing himself. By his side through some of the most challenging years, this "furry guardian angel" travelled with Martin to Bali for more adventures. Then one day, Macy never came home. This episode covers the sensitive topics of suicide and depression. Though, as usual, it's delivered with love and consideration, as our 'man on the mend' host shares another vulnerable story from his less-than-dull journey to self-discovery. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

In episode 02 of the How To Die Happy podcast, Martin O'Toole hears about Carl Honoré's life mission to grow the global ‘Slowness movement.' International bestselling author Carl published his first book, In Praise of Slow in 2004 and the rest is history. Since then, he's written The Slow Fix, Under Pressure, and most recently, Bolder. As Carl efficiently explains, “This is a society obsessed with speed. Infected in every corner by the virus of hurry.” In this charming and lighthearted episode, our hosts hear from the witty, Ted-Talking, author, about how and why we should all take the time to slow down. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

Between our main episodes, we're sprinkling the odd 'chinwag,' where the How To Die Happy host Martin O'Toole and a buddy from the How To Die Happy Collective will have a random chat about stuff that may or may not relate to an upcoming show. In this, our first 'chinwag,' Martin tells Chris Siracuse all about how the Illuminati tried to recruit him via Instagram. Needless to say, this makes for an interesting tale. And so, should you be interested in joining the Illuminati, then this is right up your alley. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

In the first-ever (ever, ever) episode of the How To Die Happy podcast, we dive right into the exciting world of psychedelic therapy with our UK-based guest, Liam Farquhar. Through Brighter Pathways, Liam provides psychedelic preparation and integration. He's a therapeutic and men's group work coach, adopting a trauma-informed, holistic, and relational view using his ‘Seven Lens' approach to therapy. In this episode, Martin O'Toole, alongside Liam, explores the legislation surrounding the therapeutic application of psilocybin, different types of trauma, the importance of working with qualified and experienced psychedelic guides, shamans, and much more. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message

Welcome to the How To Die Happy podcast, sharing stories and practical utilities for the arts of living and dying well. In How To Die Happy, co-hosts Martin O'Toole, Julia Malcolmson, Chris Siracuse, and the HTDH Collective explore humankind's pursuit of happiness, our irrational fear of death, and everything in between. This weekly podcast welcomes guests from all walks of life to share stories and practical utilities to inspire and help you along life's rambling journey. So when your number's up, you'll have few to no regrets. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/howtodiehappy/message