Primal Movers Podcast

 "...Having the boredom and the space... as long as you don´t sedate yourself with some pacifier is where you gain the most perspective on what you really care about "Max Shank is a well-known figure in a variety of physical practice communities world-wide. Chances are you´ll have come across one of his many videos, blog-posts, social media tutorials or even read one of his training books and been to a course. Having spent his entire adult life training and coaching in many disciplines from gymnastics to weightlifting to yoga, Max has an immense array of experiences to share when it comes to how the body works and what we may do in order to live with freedom and joy. He is a true holistic practitioner and in this episode we discussed not only movement, but what follows on from a deepening of your practice. Why is it important to be curious? to study widely? to embrace love and gratitude? to practice new skills? There´s surely something for everyone in this podcast and Max was a guy DJ & I could vibe with for a lot longer!  For those interested in joining the next Emptiness Project retreat (hopefully later in 2021 and/or 2022 in the US, Peru & Europe) please make sure to follow us and join our mailing list for the latest news. Enjoy the episode and make sure to follow us on IG for updates on new projects. Thanks for your support and if you could leave a review and share the podcast with your friends that would be a huge help. Stay safe and share your experiences.Max´s website  maxshank.comFollow DJ on InstagramIntro music: Akira The DonOutro music: Epidemic SoundListen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformsPrimal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodesSupport the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)

.. "Our ability to be able to research things from other animals points of view... is such a great way to pop out of ourselves a bit and see things a little more objectively and bring out that alien anthropologist point of view. It´s something scientists do well, comedians do well and psychedelics do well..."Shane Mauss is a comedian, podcaster, science and psychedelic enthusiast and modern day explorer of human nature. I´ve followed Shane´s wide-ranging corpus of material for some years now and was so happy to finally get the opportunity to talk on the podcast. Naturally, the discussion was a light-hearted probe into the strangeness and beauty of science and human experience, alongside ways to be serious about not getting too caught up in what we´ve decided reality looks like. Shane is well known known for his vivid and humorous tales of the psychedelic realm - which we talk about in terms of nuance, rather than dogmatism - as well as ideas for handling what we´re presented with in daily life. Comics have a special way of communicating important ideas to wider audiences. Science included. Something mainstream media, politics, academia and much of pop-culture simply cannot do so well at all. If you´re at all fed up with being told how to do things this way or that and simply want to listen to someone who as explored a LOT of territory, you´ll dig this episode. It was one of our favourites so far. Do check out Shane´s Here We Are Podcast as well as his new one with Ramin Nazer Mind Under Matter and his movie Psychonautics.  Following the interview, DJ & I continue on with some thoughts and ideas that came to mind so be sure to stick it out to the end!  For those interested in joining the next Emptiness Project retreat (hopefully later in 2021 and/or 2022 in the US, Peru & Europe) please make sure to follow us and join our mailing list for the latest news.  Enjoy the episode and make sure to follow us on IG for updates on new projects. Thanks for your support and if you could leave a review and share the podcast with your friends that would be a huge help. Stay safe and share your experiences.Follow Shane on InstagramShane´s website for other goodness shanemauss.comWatch Shane´s movie Psychonautics - A Comic´s Exploration of PsychedelicsFollow DJ on InstagramIntro music: Akira The DonOutro music: Epidemic SoundListen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformsPrimal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodesSupport the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)

.. "Curiosity is our natural ground state. That which is in wonder, but seeking no answers "Elish Le is a fascinating guy walking the walk of life. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Elish guides people looking to enhance their well-being by focussing on their direct experience. Using physicality, meditation techniques, sound, silence and plant medicines, Elish utilizes a wide range of tools that have helped illuminate his own journey to offer up new possibilities and perspectives for his clients. DJ & I met Elish in Peru during the 2019 Primal Movers retreat in the Sacred Valley. In this episode we talk about that experience, stories we hold close to us, ones we imagine and ways we can all find solace and authenticity in the nature of experience itself. If you are interested in listening to someone who approaches the challenges of life with equanimity and curiosity, you´ll love this conversation. Why the rush to work everything out? What about experiencing what is right before you? What might happen? Are we willing to take that risk?For those interested in joining the next Emptiness Project retreat (hopefully later in 2021 and/or 2022 in the US, Peru & Europe) we hope to have Elish along as a facilitator sharing his wisdom, humor and calming presence.  Enjoy the episode and make sure to follow us on IG for updates on new projects. Thanks for your support and if you could leave a review and share the podcast with your friends that would be a huge help. Stay safe and share your experiences.Follow Elish on InstagramFollow DJ on InstagramIntro music: Akira The DonOutro music: Epidemic SoundListen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformsPrimal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodesSupport the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)

... "If you're living a story, it may as well be the best story... it´s a good framework for navigating your life. And it works across space and time allowing you to collaborate with other adventurers in the epic story"Akira the Don returns for the 1 year anniversary podcast! Back in April last year, during the start of what has turned out to be an eventful year globally, we sat down to kick off the podcast with the great DJ, producer and creator of the Meaningwave to talk life stories. How have things been? What have we learnt? What might we do differently? Are we living in a techodelic simulation that only requires us to pay attention and take responsibility for our reality? How are we doing as a species anyway and why does it matter?Akira is one of the most creative and interesting figures in the music world today. You may have heard of him through his podcast appearances with Jordan B Peterson or via his Meaningwave albums that back lyrics from inspirational figures of the past and present day with low-fi beats and glitchy graphics. His work cuts through time and musical tradition by infusing multiple genres and techniques into sounds that not only inspire action and responsibility, but infuse the listener with a philosophically calm optimism for this world we all live in. DJ & I are glad to have Akira as the official Emptiness Project DJ and can only imagine how a live outdoor set in the desert would play out during future EP events in the US. We will make this collaboration happen, but in the meantime, check out Akira on your favorite social media channel and see what happens when you let the beats go through you. Enjoy the episode and make sure to follow us on IG for updates on new projects. Thanks for your support and if you could leave a review and share the podcast with your friends that would be a huge help. Stay safe and share your experiences.Follow Akira on InstagramSupport Akira´s Meaningwave Follow DJ on InstagramIntro/Outro music: Akira The DonListen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformsPrimal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodesSupport the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)

"... If it´s useless, I probably know how to do it!"Dylan Eddy is an artist, surfer, climber and adventurer. He is one of our guides at the Emptiness Project, leading groups through the vast open spaces and enclosed rock formations at Joshua Tree National Park. In this conversation, DJ & I ask Dylan about his childhood growing up in a van on the beaches of southern California with his father. How did these formative years provide meaning through experiences of nature and freedom to take things more slowly than the typical kid growing up in the city or suburbs? How did his relationship with his father imprint certain programs that have been both blessings and impediments as an adult? What is the meaning behind experiences out in nature - both alone and shared? Dylan offers a candid insight into how and why we may navigate struggles and uncertainties alongside the awe and wonder of simply being present with our activities - however trivial they may seem.These are the kinds of conversations that DJ & I like to have. In many regards, society is based upon such everyday insights of the mundane.  These shouldn't be overlooked or dismissed as lacking meaning. We needn't always rush for the next great thing, thinking we´re missing out. Maybe if we simply reflected upon what gives us a sense of purpose and meaning instead of wondering how things may turn out, life could somehow be a little more interesting to experience?Enjoy the episode and make sure to follow us on IG for updates on new projects. Thanks for your support and if you could leave a review and share the podcast with your friends that would be a huge help.Follow Dylan on Instagram Follow DJ on InstagramIntro music: Akira The DonOutro music: Epidemic SoundListen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformsPrimal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodesSupport the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)

"... We´re getting to the point where we have to start to vet all the information we´re looking at. We have to make decisions as adults while still respecting that other people are allowed to believe or not believe some of this shit too"Tyler Stone is a storyteller. He´s a former gym owner, a strongman athlete, a longtime podcaster and a hilarious guy. Some of you may be familiar with the StrongFit Podcast where Tyler and Julien Pineau discuss all things training, nutrition, philosophy and life. Tyler also started the Massenomics Podcast - one of the most successful strongman shows.  DJ & I like to tell stories and share experiences and often find people with backgrounds in strength training have a lot of funny tales and takes on life. Tyler has a new podcast called Conspiracy Randy and were keen to get the nitty gritty on why people believe the things they believe! Just back in the US after a stint living in Europe during the lockdown, Tyler shares some ideas (conspiracies!?) guaranteed to make you think and laugh out loud! Enjoy the episode and make sure to follow us on IG for updates on new projects. Thanks for your support and if you could leave a review and share the podcast with your friends that would be a huge help.Follow Tyler on InstagramTyler´s Podcast - Conspiracy Randy - on YouTube  Follow DJ on InstagramIntro music: Akira The DonOutro music: Epidemic SoundListen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformsPrimal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodesSupport the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)

"... The mycelial archetype appears to be embedded into our species. Over time, network based structures continually appear whether due to embedded wisdom or blind luck. These Mycelial inspired network technologies, once discovered, seem to persist due to their antifragile nature"Brandon Quittem is an entrepreneur, writer, speaker and passionate Bitcoiner. His articles have been read by more than 2 million people online including a fascinating exploration of the parallels between Bitcoin and mycelium and the Forth Turning generational theory as it applies to the emergence of Bitcoin. Links to all his writings can be found on his website.I´ve been deep in the crypto rabbit hole recently - as so many others have been it seems - and wanted to learn more about the emerging narrative behind Bitcoin and how it´s growth appears to resemble key aspects of psychedelic consciousness and meaning. There are a number of fascinating thinkers out there who are asking new questions, drawing upon archetypes of the past and painting a picture of a future revolving around a sovereign place on the blockchain. The world is changing before our eyes. The Primal Movers podcast and the Emptiness Lab is a place to explore our nature and share our experiences as we go. It´s a wildly interesting mystery we live in - truly a golden era of history that only asks us all to stand up and take on the task of being fully human. Brandon really helped DJ & I think through these new ideas relating to money, wealth & personal sovereignty. I´m sure you´ll enjoy this conversation. We had a couple of of connection issues that I edited out (perhaps the overlords we listening in?!), but otherwise it was all good.DJ & I are still working on a members-only community where we can be together virtually for some pretty cool events we plan.  Follow us on IG for details. Thanks for your support!Follow Brandon on TwitterBrandon´s website: https://www.brandonquittem.com/Want some Bitcoin?:  https://www.swanbitcoin.com/quittem/ ($10 free BTC after signing up)Follow DJ on InstagramIntro music: https://www.akirathedon.com/Outro music: https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/search/?term=luwaksListen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodesSupport the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)

"... I developed my Freedom Teachings Systems to support the new wave of conscious men and women in accessing, healing and integrating their higher dimensional aspects of self"Ryan Mintz is not your typical new-age spiritual guide. Describing himself as a "multidimensional catalyst and mentor", Mintz aims at helping people deprogramming subconscious beliefs and "soul alignment" through an array of practical methods, strategies and techniques. Don´t worry, we get deep into some of these during this conversation and Ryan includes a set of awareness tasks that everyone can try out from the comfort of their home. As always, we all encourage you to experiment for yourselves, rather than take our word for it. The tools are in your hand.DJ & I invited Ryan to the last Emptiness Project retreat in Joshua Tree as a guest teacher and facilitator. From offering colorpuncture treatments, body alignment tasks and support during entheogenic experiences, it was clear that this guy was deeply invested in multidimensional work. So grab a pen and notebook, a comfy perch and buckle up for a whirlwind chat about everything from how/why we believe, what possibilities rest with conscious choice, how to live with purpose, why we get stuck in loops, why we must use creativity and imagination, how we can direct the kinds of energy we so desire and so much more. Oh, DJ & I are soon launching a members-only community (likely on Patreon ) for the Emptiness Project where in exchange for a small monthly fee, you´ll get access to behind-the-scenes content, offers to join events, group support and protocols/materials that we ourselves use in our daily practices. Follow us on IG for details.Follow Ryan on InstagramRyan´s website/programs: MintzFlowFollow DJ on InstagramIntro/Outro music: https://www.akirathedon.com/Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodesSupport the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)

"...But what if you find something new that you can add to the collective and then we could have a little jump in growth, a little evolution?"DJ Murakami is the kind of guy I´d first call if I happened to wake up on the floor of a blood-stained motel room somewhere along a desolate Nevada highway with a Russian hitman holding a 45 to my head. I know he´d drop what he´s doing to try and find a way to help, or at least put me at ease with a subtle joke in the moments before I´m plastered to the wall joining the queue to the Pearly gates. We chat on a regular basis but rarely do we think of recording our calls. Perhaps we´ve felt a need to only put out more structured and thematic material? More researched and thought-through discussions that people would rather spend an hour listening to? This episode is hopefully the start of a series of conversations about what´s going on in our respective worlds - without the filter. Stories and thoughts that we enjoy the most.If you find this, or any of the previous podcasts interesting then let me know your thoughts. I plan on focussing more on the podcast in 2021. I like the medium as a way to share and connect. I feel it brings me closer to those who I see myself being friends with face-to-face. Those who would come to an event and explore life together - that´s what motivates me most. Not to spread the word as widely as possible, but to find those of you wherever you are in the world, who want to join the crew of primal movers.My very best thoughts and wishes to you all for the new year ahead!Follow DJ on InstagramDJs website: Human StrongIntro music: https://www.akirathedon.com/Outro music: Roof: So So - Epidemic SoundListen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodesSupport the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)

Between 2009 - 2011 I was lucky enough to spend an extended period of time in the remote Western Pacific archipelago of the Solomon Islands. I was there as a PhD student conducting ethnographic fieldwork, but mostly, I was there living and learning the local way of life. This is the first in what will for sure become a series of talks about my experiences there. The islands very much shaped the way I look at not only physical practice, but human nature itself - our interactions with our environment, each other and ways in which we experience meaning.This first episode is from a talk I recently gave at the Embodiment Conference where the topic was (loosely) "The Phenomenology of Movement". I share a few anecdotes from the playing field, including my time with the young Bilikiki beach soccer team at the world cup in Dubai. The slides I was talking to can be viewed here. There´s also a short film I made about my times there. Movement has bodily, emotional and social contexts through which we can experience our place as individuals and as part of a wider collective. When perceptual patterns meet embedded motor programs, we get to explore and experience consciousness in amazing ways. We get to imagine and expose ourselves uniquely - to defy rules and to become closely intertwined in the sentient world in and around us. Thanks for listening and please share this and other episodes with your friends. Feel free to get in touch via email if you´d like to share your thoughts and experiences too!Note! - The sound recording is via another external source, so the levels are slightly lower for the talk itself. I couldn't suss it out, but the audio is at least clean, just turn volume up a bit.Follow my daily musings here: https://www.instagram.com/primalmovers/?hl=enIntro music: https://www.akirathedon.com/Outro music: Roof: So So - Epidemic SoundListen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodesSupport the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)

"We need to find a way to hold on to the beauty and magic and wonder of these substances but we have to find a language and a mechanism to make them accessible because it´s the current situation that´s exclusive and inaccessible. It´s what I´m doing. Medicalizing is increasing accessibility and inclusivity, not reducing it."Dr Ben Sessa (MBBS BSc MRCPsych) is a consultant psychiatrist based in the UK and one of the world´s leading psychedelic drug researchers. Sessa specialises in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry with a special interest in the developmental aspects of trauma in children and how this contributes to adult mental disorder and especially substance dependence. Using this experience of child psychopathology, he carries out assessments for the family law courts and provides psychiatric care to teenagers and adults with post-trauma symptoms.Dr Sessa is currently a senior research fellow at Bristol, Cardiff and Imperial College London Universities, where he is conducting the UK’s first clinical studies with MDMA-assisted therapy for the treatment of PTSD and alcohol dependence syndrome. In the last ten years he has worked on several UK-based human pharmacology trials as study doctor or as a healthy subject administering and receiving test doses of LSD, psilocybin, MDMA and ketamine. He is the author of several dozen peer-reviewed articles in the mainstream medical press and has written two books exploring psychedelic medicine; The Psychedelic Renaissance (2012) and To Fathom Hell or Soar Angelic (2015). Dr Sessa is an outspoken lobbyist for drug reform in the UK, advocating for a more progressive policy of regulation that would reduce the harms of recreational drug use and provide increased opportunities for clinical psychedelic research. He is also co-founder and director of the Breaking Convention conference.This was an eye-opening conversation that got me thinking about the notion of inclusivity/exclusivity of psychedelic medicines and the way we can use language to assess the risk/reward factors of drug use, research and therapeutic interventions in modern society. Ben is a tremendously impassioned voice in this renaissance and a true pioneer in the way those struggling most may find assistance with psychedelic therapy.Thanks for listening and please share this and other episodes with your friends. Feel free to get in touch via email if you´d like to share your thoughts and experiences too!Follow Dr Sessa: https://twitter.com/bensessa?lang=enBen´s website: http://www.drsessa.com/Current research, clinics & training: AWAKN Life Sciences IncIntro music: https://www.akirathedon.com/Outro music: Roof: So So - Epidemic SoundListen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodeshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6U50aWNy1GikYV0NLm6nBA

"You do have a big responsibility (as a trainer) because you're a container - and you have to wash your own container first"Brandon Chien is a coach looking to find meaning and build resilience in life through an open, fluid and inquisitive set of physical, mental and spiritual practices. In this wide-ranging conversation, we speak about some of his experiences as a trainer, athlete, mentor and explorer of consciousness. Strength and endurance are often concepts that become easily compartmentalized in the health and fitness world, but guys like Brandon seek to bridge the gaps between internalized practices and the experiences we all have as humans interacting with the world. When these experiences are freely shared, we may all benefit.Whether you´re a coach, athlete or just someone interested in personal exploration and wellbeing, I reckon you'll enjoy this chat and have a chance to reflect upon the identities we bring to our practices and how malleable they actually are. We can be strong in so many ways and physicality is such a great lens through which we can enter the gates of deeper self-awareness, maturity, humility and compassion. Thanks for listening and please share this and other episodes with your friends. Feel free to get in touch via email if you´d like to share your experiences too!Follow Brandon: https://www.instagram.com/brandon_chien/?hl=enIntro music: https://www.akirathedon.com/Outro music: Roof: So So - Epidemic SoundListen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodeshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6U50aWNy1GikYV0NLm6nBASupport this podcast with some PayPal energy:https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy

"Once you have time and space for yourself, you can offer that out to someone else"Daniel Lucchini is a curious guy. Recently, he ran for 24hrs (for this charity - donate here!) to see how his body and mind would respond. He looks to experience for lessons, and follows the sensations that emerge. In this conversation, Dan talks about his run, his eating, his meditation and his outlook on life as a chance to learn and spread joy. As a successful strength & conditioning coach based in Sydney, Australia, Dan is the epitome of a guy who walks the walk (or runs, more appropriately!) and offers guidance in a range of mindful-based practices that naturally emerge from physical training. Experience, as Dan reminds us, breeds more room for experience.DJ & I met Dan at Joshua Tree during the 2019 Emptiness Project. We were impressed with his willingness to explore the deeper nature of an awareness practice that ultimately, is what brings people like us together. To follow his practice this past year has been intriguing and I encourage you to give him a follow on IG for his unique insights into human experience.Thanks for listening and please share this and other episodes with your friends! Follow Dan: https://www.instagram.com/meraki_performance/?hl=enIntro music: https://www.akirathedon.com/Outro music: Luwaks: Below Horizon - Epidemic SoundDJs Podcast: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/...Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodeshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6U50aWNy1GikYV0NLm6nBASupport this podcast with some PayPal energy:https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy

Psychologist Rachel Harris, PhD is the author of Listening to Ayahuasca: New Hope for Depression, Addiction, PTSD and Anxiety. She was in private practice for thirty-five years working with people interested in psychospiritual development. During a decade working in research, Rachel received a National Institutes of Health New Investigator’s Award and published more than forty scientific studies in peer-reviewed journals. She has also consulted to Fortune 500 companies and the United Nations.Rachel was in the 1968 Esalen Residential Program, Big Sur, CA. This intensive six-month program focused on meditation and body work. In the early seventies, Rachel studied with Dorothy Nolte in the movement system, Structural Awareness, based on Dr. Ida Rolf’s Structural Integration (Rolfing). Rachel also co-edited the Journal of the American Dance Therapy Association for three years. Awareness of how people live and move in their bodies has always been an aspect of Rachel’s approach to psychotherapy.During the mid-eighties into the early aughts, Rachel led workshops at Omega Institute, NY and Esalen Institute, CA. She wrote Twenty Minute Retreats: Revive Your Spirit in Just Minutes a Day with Simple, Self-Led Practices (NY: Holt, 2000). This book describes many of the psychological, meditative and body awareness exercises she taught in her workshops.In 2005 Rachel traveled to a retreat center in Costa Rica and serendipitously found herself with the opportunity to drink ayahuasca with Ecuadorian shamans. The morning after her first ceremony, Rachel began asking questions about the therapeutic potential of this medicine. She conducted a three-year research project with Lee Gurel, PhD that resulted in “A Study of Ayahuasca Use in North America,” published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs (Summer, 2012).In this podcast, Rachel shares some of her earliest stories from Esalen, her approach to somatic practice and psychotherapy, and of course, her research and experience with Ayahuasca. What a lovely lady and how much DJ & I enjoyed this conversation! Publications: Listening to Ayahuasca: New Hope for Depression, Addiction, PTSD and AnxietyIntro music: https://www.akirathedon.com/Outro music: Luwaks: Below Horizon - Epidemic SoundDJs Podcast: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/...Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodeshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6U50aWNy1GikYV0NLm6nBASupport this podcast with some PayPal energy:https://www.paypal.me/TomMount

Dr David Luke is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the Department of Psychology and Counselling, University of Greenwich, London. Luke is currently module leader of the Psychology of Exceptional Human Experience, which has been running since 2009, and also teaches on the Introduction to Psychology, and Criminology and Forensic Psychology modules. He is currently Honorary Senior Lecturer, Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, and is a lecturer on the MSc Consciousness, Spirituality and Transpersonal Psychology course where he leads and teaches a module on Psychedelics and Entheogens.David's particular interest is in transpersonal experiences, anomalous phenomena and altered states of consciousness, having published over 100 academic papers, including ten books, in this field, making him one of the world´s leading researchers in this specialist area. Luke is also director of Breaking Convention, one of the world´s largest multidisciplinary conferences on psychedelic consciousness.In this episode we spoke about the phenomenology of transpersonal non-ordinary experience, shamanism, the DMT state, psychedelic archetypes, pre-cognition experiments, dreams and more... such a fascinating chat that flew by... certainly keen on having a follow-up chat with David and hear some more of his unique insights into altered states of consciousness.Luke´s most recent books Otherworlds: Psychedelics and Exceptional Human Experience and DMT Dialogues: Encounters with the Spirit Molecule weave personal experience and scientific research into fascinating explorations of chemically mediated extra ordinary human experiences.Publications: https://www.gre.ac.uk/people/rep/faculty-of-education-and-health/dr-david-lukeMusic: https://www.akirathedon.com/DJs Podcast: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/...Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodeshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6U50aWNy1GikYV0NLm6nBASupport this podcast with some PayPal energy:https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy

Dr. Kate Pate is a neurophysiologist and combat trauma medical researcher based in Colorado. Her research career began over 13 years ago, borne out of a fascination with the brain, but specifically the brain-body-breath connection. In addition to the neural control of breathing, Kate has conducted research in the fields of neurotrauma, arthritis, cancer and radiation biology, human performance, mental health, and military (combat trauma) medicine. Work aside, Kate comes from a military family and has always been passionate about finding ways to help military service members and veterans. This passion, coupled with her interest in plant-based medicines and her journey to find ways to heal from her own traumas, led her to the Heroic Hearts Project. She immediately knew she wanted to be involved in the organization and help further the mission in any way she could. Kate joined HHP as the Director of Research in early 2019 and has been working closely with the team to secure research funding and design rigorous scientific studies focused on investigating the ways in which Ayahuasca can benefit veterans suffering from PTSD. Kate is also a yoga teacher and mountain sport lover with a fascination for the human body and the multitude of ways in which we may learn more about our human nature via the body/mind connection.DJ & I are focussed on using a wide-range of tools to experiment with, and experience human consciousness, physical potential and psychosocial expression. We speak with a wide-range of scientists, practitioners, explorers, therapists and interesting people with authentic stories to tell. Our aim is to keep conversations real, relaxed, probing and imaginative. We all have experiences to share and if our discussions help you to ask better questions and reflect upon life´s great mysteries, we´d love to hear from you!Hope you take time to enjoy this conversation with Kate! Remember to take some slow and deep breaths throughout and if you want to watch the video, head over to my YouTube channel to watch the conversation and others from the series.Website: https://www.heroicheartsproject.org/teamInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/doc.pate/?hl=nbHere´s a few of books/authors highly recommended for further research into trauma and our bodies:Peter Levine - Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IYE5XO/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0Bessel van der Kolk - The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind & Body in the Healing of Trauma https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748Gabor Mate - When the Body Says No: Understanding the Stress-Disease Connection https://www.amazon.com/When-Body-Says-Understanding-Stress-Disease/dp/0470923350/ref=sr_1_3?crid=8Z9M2EHLHQI9&dchild=1&keywords=gabor+mate&qid=1600800296&sprefix=gabor%2Caps%2C259&sr=8-3Music: https://www.akirathedon.com/DJs Podcast: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/...

Mike Jay is an English author and cultural historian whose subjects include science, medicine, drugs, madness, literature and radical politics. The author of Artificial Paradises, Emperors of Dreams, The Atmosphere of Heaven, This Way Madness Lies and Mescaline: A Global History of the First Psychedelic, his critical writing on drugs has appeared in many publications, including The Guardian, The Telegraph, and The International Journal of Drug Policy. He sits on the editorial board of the addiction journal Drugs and Alcohol Today and on the board of the Transform Drug Policy Foundation. We spoke to Mike about an array of topics relating to his unique interest in subject areas not often covered in such an in-depth manner. He speaks about the diversity of the roles that mind-altering drugs have played throughout history and across all cultures and the interrelated dialogues of science and religion, pleasure and madness, individualism, conspiracy, art and social control. The hour flew by and we hadn't even scratched the surface of the questions we had in mind! We will certainly be inviting Mike back on to listen to more of his stories and very nuanced research approach to issues that are often presented in a narrow and judgemental manner.DJ & I are focussed on using a wide-range of tools to experiment with, and experience human consciousness, physical potential and psychosocial expression. We speak with a wide-range of scientists, practitioners, explorers, therapists and interesting people with authentic stories to tell. Our aim is to keep conversations real, relaxed, probing and imaginative. We all have experiences to share and if our discussions help you to ask better questions and reflect upon life´s great mysteries, we´d love to hear from you!Hope you take time to enjoy this conversation with Mike and if you want to watch the video, head over to my YouTube channel to watch the conversation and others from the series. Oh, and please take the time to leave a review on whichever platform you listen and share the podcast so it can be heard by others. I´ll give a shout-out on an upcoming episode!Website: https://mikejay.net/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikejaynetMusic: https://www.akirathedon.com/DJs Podcast: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/...Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodeshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6U50aWNy1GikYV0NLm6nBASupport this podcast with some PayPal energy:https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy

Andrew Serrano is a strength trainer and competitive powerlifter based in Long Beach, California. With a deep fascination for many aspects of human performance, his career has seen him work for supplement companies, athletic training facilities, private studios, big-box gyms, physical therapy clinics and of course, personal clients. All the while, Andrew is experimenting with ways to optimize his own personal health and performance, without getting confined to particular methodologies and theories. When DJ and I heard of his deep explorations with the psilocybin mushroom, we had to have him on to share his experiences. His stories were certainly eye-opening to say the least! Andrew was frank and open about his very personal practice and some of the potentials he sees in these substances for helping certain people overcome trauma as well as delving into hidden elements of the psyche.DJ & I are focussed on using a wide-range of tools to experiment with, and experience human consciousness, physical potential and psychosocial expression. We speak with a wide-range of scientists, practitioners, explorers, therapists and interesting people with authentic stories to tell. Our aim is to keep conversations real, relaxed, probing and imaginative. We all have experiences to share and if our discussions help you to ask better questions and reflect upon life´s great mysteries, we´d love to hear from you!Hope you take time to enjoy this conversation! Remember to take some slow and deep breaths throughout and if you want to watch the video, head over to my YouTube channel to watch the conversation and others from the series.Website: https://masterathletic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serrano.fitness/Music: https://www.akirathedon.com/DJs Podcast: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/...Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodeshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6U50aWNy1GikYV0NLm6nBASupport this podcast with some PayPal energy:https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy

Bjarte Hiley is a specialist at facilitating the transformation of people´s relationships to themselves and life through movement. He is the founder of Daomove, a method he developed to invite people into a deeper contact with their embodied experience, and let themselves be moved into bold action from that place.What Is The Daomove Practice? It is a space where you can explore yourself and the completely unique expression that lives inside you. A space for exploring what happens in you as you connect with another person in the moment, not knowing where it will take you, or what will be created between you. A place where you have the possibility to open up parts of yourself that you may not have known existed.DJ & I are focussed on using a wide-range of tools to experiment with, and experience human consciousness, physical potential and psychosocial expression. We speak with a wide-range of scientists, practitioners, explorers, therapists and interesting people with authentic stories to tell. Our aim is to keep conversations real, relaxed, probing and imaginative. Bjarte is certainly a unique guy. At a young age, he moved to China where he studied under Daoist kung fu master Zhong in the mountains of Wudang. Whilst this conversation doesn't go into detail of that experience, it does allow space for bodily experience to be presented through questions, reflections and stillness. Hope you take time to enjoy this conversation! Remember to take some slow and deep breaths throughout and maybe head over to my YouTube channel to watch the conversation to gain a closer perspective on the presence in motion of someone who has certainly experienced internal practice on a deep level.Website: https://daomove.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daomove/?hl=enMusic: https://www.akirathedon.com/DJs Podcast: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/...Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodeshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6U50aWNy1GikYV0NLm6nBASupport this podcast with some PayPal energy:https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy

If you´re into snowboarding and know some Volcom team riders, chances are the epic photographs you see on the magazines and posters are taken by Vernon Deck. Born in New Zealand and actually growing up pretty close to where I spent every summer, Vernon is a freelance outdoor action photographer who travels the world chasing the snow, and more recently, the waves, living aboard his 37ft yacht. I got to know of Vernon´s story via his fantastic Youtube channel "Sailing Learning By Doing". What drew me to his work was the authenticity he shares by living a life of adventure on his own terms and learning as he goes. A typical Kiwi "give it a go eh bro!" ethic. Between the scenes of epic underwater, still and drone videography, Vernon travels to remote areas of Melanesia and South East Asia on his boat documenting the everyday life of local populations few have witnessed on film before.I was super keen to hear more about Vernon´s story, due in some way to the many parallels he shares with my own. We´re the same age, from the same place and left New Zealand at a similar time in the 90s in search of adventure. Apart from the fascinating tales, there´s so many great lessons from the conversation about allowing curiosity, experimentation, humility and an easy-go-lucky nature be the pathway to a life of freedom and joy. Of course we all have our own take on the great mystery called life, but I certainly resonate with people like Vernon who simply don´t wish to follow the standard rules and wait for the ideal circumstances to turn up before setting out on adventure and living your dreams. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Vernon who was actually aboard his yacht somewhere in a remote part of western Indonesia. And be sure to check out his awesome Youtube channel for some beautiful films and a very unique way to share his talents on this medium. Please share this with those you reckon might find it interesting and as always, I´m happy to hear from you with any comments, ideas, experiences, questions etc.Vernon´s website: https://www.vernondeck.com/YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgF3P33zmbewXrksprcvFJAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vernondeck/?hl=enIntro/Outro music: https://www.akirathedon.com/Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodeshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6U50aWNy1GikYV0NLm6nBASupport this podcast with some PayPal energy:https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy

DJ & I first became intrigued by David Weck a few years ago due mainly perhaps to his irreverence and deeply passionate approach towards human movement. We took a drive down to the WeckMethod Lab in San Diego to meet him and find out more. Well, to say David gave us a solid introduction to his method is an understatement! We´ve long talked about recording a conversation that goes beneath the surface of his often extravagant social media profile. Who is this guy really? What makes him tick? How have his experiences formed his persona? Where do these inventions come from? There´s a lot going on and these stories intrigue DJ & I as well as Weck´s following. Human stories of the rise and fall, then the redemption and reorientation to the path of service, but never devoid of an honest truth through self-expression and experimentation.Have a listen to this conversation with an open mind. It´s a good practice at the best of times, but especially when listening to someone with such an eclectic and deeply experiential and evocative take on the nature of reality. See what strikes you most about David´s thoughts and ideas. What provokes, what inspires. Grab yourself a rope and start moving in spirals. See what happens. That´s what DJ & I have been doing (along with increasing numbers of movement explorers) and then share your results!This will certainly not be the only discussion with Weck. If you have any questions you´d like us to include in future conversations, please let us know. Enjoy!Website: https://www.weckmethod.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedavidweck/?hl=enMusic: https://www.akirathedon.com/DJs Podcast: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/...Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodeshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6U50aWNy1GikYV0NLm6nBASupport this podcast with some PayPal energy:https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy

We all possess an endless array of behavioural inclinations. As humans, the choices we make and the actions we take are interwoven into the tapestry of the stories we share - with ourselves and others. During times of fear and uncertainty, we look for guidance through stories that emerge as a collective psyche of awakening to who and what we are. We absorb what is near and dwell upon what emerges at a distance. Then we make a choice to respond or react. Either way - through our contrasts of action or contemplation - we get to make a choice. This choice, as a human collective, we must ensure is sovereign to all who inhabit this plant. The choice of how we experience this precious life.DJ & I encourage you to use all the tools available to experience and express your participation in the drama of life as it unfolds. The Emptiness Project (an immersive event of experience, expansion & communion taking place each fall in Joshua Tree, CA) is about the freedom of embodying your experiences in a safe, inclusive and loving space. To share what it means to be human - as a collective species - is a fundamental part of the new story emerging of consciousness rising. Together, we unite, in strength, courage, vulnerability, humility, wisdom and love.Please subscribe to our channels and share these podcasts with those you reckon might gain some ideas and insights into the human journey! Enjoy.Music: https://www.akirathedon.com/DJs Podcast: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/...For audio version - Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/Primal Movers IG Channel (best way to connect with me)https://www.instagram.com/primalmover...Support this podcast with some PayPal energy:https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy

Ian "Uncle Creepy" McCall is a retired American mixed martial artist who competed in the Flyweight and Bantamweight divisions of several prominent MMA promotions, including Ultimate Fighting Championship, Rizin Fighting Federation and World Extreme Cage fighting. He is also a former TPF Flyweight Champion.Currently, Ian is a psychedelic integration coach and enjoys stand-up comedy and podcasting. His mission is to give back to his sport by raising awareness around various psychological and neurological health issues some athletes face and struggle to find treatment and support for. He has used his only path top recovery to move from being "the predator to the protector". I hope you enjoy this chat as much as we did. Let me know what you guys think! Decriminalize California: https://decrimca.org/?v=f24485ae434aTwitter: https://twitter.com/Unclecreepymma?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5EauthorIG: https://www.instagram.com/unclecreepymma/?hl=enMusic: https://www.akirathedon.com/DJs Podcast: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/...Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/ Video podcasts available on my YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/user/primalmovers/videosPlease share and support this podcast with some PayPal energy:https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy

Dr. Matthew Johnson is Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences at Johns Hopkins and also Associate Director of the Johns Hopkins Center on Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, where he conducts both basic research and therapeutic studies with psilocybin and other psychedelic compounds. He is one of the world’s most published scientists on the human effects of psychedelics, and has conducted seminal research in the behavioural economics of drug use, addiction, and risk behaviour. Dr. Johnson was 2019 President of the Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse Division of the American Psychological Association, and is current President of the International Society for Research on Psychedelics.DJ & I are focussed on using a wide-range of tools to experiment with, and experience human consciousness, physical potential and psychological expression. Science is one such tool - we went straight to the top with this one and invited one of the world´s leading scientists looking at psychedelics. Matt was a super cool guy and some of his research is well worth reading. There´s a lot, but like any scientific research, try to stay open-minded and ask yourself questions as you read. The field of psychedelics is gaining great ground these days - people like Matt are pioneers! Enjoy!Website: https://hopkinspsychedelic.org/Twitter: https://twitter.com/drug_researcher?lang=enResearch papers: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Johnson+MW&cauthor_id=25561484Music: https://www.akirathedon.com/DJs Podcast: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/...Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platformshttps://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodeshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6U50aWNy1GikYV0NLm6nBASupport this podcast with some PayPal energy:https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy

Dr. Andrew Gallimore is a computational neurobiologist, chemist and pharmacologist with a deep interest in the relationship between psychedelic drugs, the brain, consciousness and structures of reality. Currently working in Japan at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Gallimore joins DJ Murakami and myself for a wide-ranging and mind-bending conversation about DMT, the nature of perception and possible intelligence-realms beyond our current comprehension. Such an epic chat this one!For more information on Gallimore´s research, talks, recently published book, "Alien Information Theory" and upcoming online "Psychedelic Neuroscience Master Course", check out Alien Insect on the various social medias.Website: http://www.buildingalienworlds.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/alieninsect?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5EauthorIG: https://www.instagram.com/alieninsect/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQE9Gt02Fyb74BLMysegybwMusic: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsoiSpBvkr4Y-78Pj3recUwSupport this podcast with some PayPal energy:https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy

Author & journalist Michelle Janikian joins myself & DJ Murakami for a fascinating discussion on psychedelic culture, past and present. Michelle has written for various publications including Playboy Magazine and Merry Jane focusing on drug policy, trends, education and aspects of psychedelic culture. She also released her first book, Your Psilocybin Mushroom Companion: An Informative, Easy-to-Use Guide to Understanding Magic Mushrooms in 2019. With the current resurgence in psychedelic culture taking place throughout the world, so many voices are popping up - some that highlight certain agendas above others - but what´s important is not to fall back into petty debates about what one perceives as the "right way forward". Psychedelics have a long, colourful, yet mysterious history and for those of us fascinated by the questions they raise, cheerful conversations are vitally important. DJ & I only scratched the surface here, but thoroughly enjoyed this chat and look forward to what Michelle has coming out in her next articles.We hope you enjoy listening to this conversation and we look forward to having Michelle back again to continue the discussion.Be sure to check out Michelle´s new book and articles on all the social and streaming platforms.Website: https://www.michellejanikian.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.janikian/Twitter: https://twitter.com/m00shianBook: https://ulyssespress.com/books/your-psilocybin-mushroom-companion/Playboy: https://www.playboy.com/profile/michelle-janikianMusic: https://www.akirathedon.com/Support this podcast with some Paypal energy: https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy

The Wavelord Akira the Don joins myself & DJ Murakami for a wide-ranging discussion on the nature of meaning, truth, creativity, psychedelic thinking and music production.Be sure to check out Akira on all the social and streaming platformshttps://www.akirathedon.com/