Podcasts about esalen

What if the answers to your biggest questions about your career, relationships, even your health are already inside you? You just haven't learned how to access them… yet. In this episode, New York Times bestselling author and world-renowned intuitive Laura Day (beloved by Demi Moore, Brad Pitt, Fortune 500 CEOs, and Esalen attendees) reveals how to tap into your intuition and start creating the life you actually want. We unpack The Prism, her powerful system for breaking patterns, rewiring your reactions, and making clearer decisions, fast. Whether you're stuck in a loop, lacking confidence, or craving a breakthrough, Laura shows how small shifts can spark massive transformation. She shares: What intuition really is (and what it's not) How to actually tap into your intuition (and why most people get it wrong) How to know what you actually want and how to go after it The real reason you keep repeating the same patterns What Laura says successful people (Oprah-level successful) all have in common Why trauma can sometimes be a doorway, not a dead end Why understanding is overrated + action is everything How to use your “Prism” to manifest the life you actually want How to tell if your “ego” is keeping you stuck—and how to fix it Laura's wild experience with military-grade scientific testing on her intuition The difference between believing you're magical... and being the magic Follow Laura here.  Grab a copy of The Prism here.

In this episode of Voices of Esalen, host Sam Stern sits down with two members of the Esalen community, Sarah Lavelle (also known as Sawyer) and Abigail Barnes (also known as Bo), for a heartfelt conversation about non-binary identity, self-expression, and the journey of living beyond the binary. Topics include personal stories, pronouns, the evolving language of gender, and the beauty and difficulty of being one's authentic self in a world still learning how to understand. Sawyer is a longtime full-spectrum doula, facilitator, and devoted practitioner of meditation, Buddha-dharma, and Relational Gestalt Practice in the tradition of Dick Price and Dorothy Charles. A seeker of liberation for all beings, they embody presence and compassion in all they do. Abigail is a teacher at Big Sur Park School and a beloved presence in the Esalen lodge. Passionate about solitude, Kaula Tantric yoga, and the study of Gestalt, they will soon continue their journey in Stockholm, Sweden, exploring consciousness and education across cultures. Whether you're deeply familiar with non-binary experiences or just beginning to learn, this conversation offers something for everyone: insight, openness, and the radical courage of being. Additional Resources: https://www.assignedmedia.org/ https://bookshop.org/p/books/who-s-afraid-of-gender-judith-butler/19994814?ean=9781250371911&next=t https://transequality.org/issues/resources/understanding-nonbinary-people-how-to-be-respectful-and-supportive https://transequality.org/resources/supporting-transgender-people-your-life-guide-being-good-ally https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ https://www.hrc.org/resources/get-the-facts-about-transgender-non-binary-athletes

Today on Sense of Soul we have East Forest a multidisciplinary artist, producer, and ceremony guide. He's a pioneer figure in the psychedelic music space, and is now making his mark in the film industry with, Music for Mushrooms. The documentary documents East Forest's personal journey, blending his groundbreaking work in guided psilocybin ceremonies with his deep connection to music. A long-time collaborator of the late Ram Dass, East Forest's work seamlessly integrates shamanistic practices with guided psychedelic experiences. These experiences create safe spaces where participants can confront their pain and fears, rediscover hope, and reconnect with their inner selves. For over 15 years, East Forest (Krishna-Trevor Oswalt) has been a thought leader and a grounded voice in the wellness landscape, guiding listeners through long-form compositions that resonate in diverse settings—from community yoga classes to luxury retreats. As the cultural conversation around psychedelics shifts towards mainstream acceptance, with headlines on decriminalization and groundbreaking studies, East Forest's music has become the go-to soundtrack for this emerging era of exploration and transformation. His multidisciplinary work spans ceremonial concerts, collaborations with Johns Hopkins University's Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research (particularly the neuroaesthetics project), serving as faculty at Esalen, leading meditations, and speaking engagements worldwide. He is also the co-founder of JourneySpace, a platform dedicated to guided psychedelic experiences. As the entertainment industry takes note of the psychedelic renaissance, East Forest's innovative approach to combining music and sound with personal transformation is leading the way. His work offers not only meditations, retreats, and a weekly podcast (Ten Laws w/ East Forest) but also continues to push the boundaries of how art and science can intersect to create profound healing. For more information, please visit www.MusicforMushrooms.com www.eastforest.org Follow his journey on: https://www.instagram.com/eastforest https://www.youtube.com/eastforestmusic Check Out Sense of Soul's NEW 2025 Affiliates on www.senseofsoulpodcast.com look for the Network of Lightworker's!  

If you enjoy this episode, we're sure you will enjoy more content like this on The Occult Rejects.  In fact, we have curated playlists on occult topics like grimoires, esoteric concepts and phenomena, occult history, analyzing true crime and cults with an occult lens, Para politics, and occultism in music. Whether you enjoy consuming your content visually or via audio, we've got you covered - and it will always be provided free of charge.  So, if you enjoy what we do and want to support our work of providing accessible, free content on various platforms, please consider making a donation to the links provided below.  Thank you and enjoy the episode!Links For The Occult Rejects and The Spiritual Gangsters https://linktr.ee/theoccultrejectsOccult Research Institutehttps://www.occultresearchinstitute.org/Cash Apphttps://cash.app/$theoccultrejectsVenmo@TheOccultRejectsBuy Me A Coffeebuymeacoffee.com/TheOccultRejectsPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/TheOccultRejectsVanessa's Tie Dye stuffhttps://www.etsy.com/shop/TruthAndDyesInstagram @truthanddyestruthanddyes@gmail.com

Ari Kuschnir is a filmmaker, creative strategist, and the founder of the production company m ss ng p eces. His work is driven by themes of empathy, consciousness, and transformation. In this episode, Ari joins Sam for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of storytelling, particularly in the arena of AI filmmaking. They explore the ethical and emotional landscape of generative AI, and his new Esalen-inspired short video, a surreal time-traveling narrative conjured through text-to-video tools. Also included: — How AI filmmaking serves as a collective dream engine and wish-fulfillment machine — The origin story Ari's "Transmutation" series and why they work in the medium of AI film — Whether cinema and art can become a tool for cultural repair and personal empowerment — The strange kinship between algorithmic hallucination and spiritual insight This is a rich and intimate conversation with a trailblazing artist that centers around what it means to create meaningful media in a time of profound transformation.

In this episode of the Red Beard Embodiment podcast, host Alex welcomes Simona Irwin and Layah Jane Singer-Wilson for a genuine conversation about Five Rhythms dance as a pathway to befriending fear and healing trauma.The guests share their personal stories – Simona recounting her first Five Rhythms experience that brought unexpected tears after years of emotional blockage during her health struggles, and Layah describing how movement became her medicine during a pivotal health crisis in her twenties. Together, they discuss their collaborative course "BEFRIENDING EMBODIED MOVEMENT: AN INTRODUCTION TO 5RHYTHMS™" created to bring this transformative practice to everyone, including those who might be homebound or facing physical limitations.Through gentle explanations and personal examples, they reveal how the five rhythms – flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical, and stillness – create a container for our emotional lives, allowing fear and other difficult feelings to move through the body naturally. Their approach honors both the cathartic potential of movement and the importance of regulation, creating a trauma-sensitive framework that meets practitioners exactly where they are.Whether you're curious about embodied practices or seeking new ways to process old wounds, this conversation offers compassionate insight into how our bodies naturally know the way through fear when given the chance to move with awareness.Key Highlights: [00:00:] Welcome and introduction to our guests[01:12] Five Rhythms as embodied healing practice[02:39] Simona and Layah's backgrounds and expertise[05:46] Simona's moving first dance experience[10:20] Understanding the five rhythms wave[13:16] How Layah found her calling through movement[17:34] Alex shares his dance journey beginnings[20:19] The origins with Gabrielle Roth at Esalen[27:33] Creating trauma-sensitive movement spaces[31:12] Inside their accessible online course[33:35] Movement and nervous system regulation[37:27] Mindfulness principles in movement practice[41:16] Adaptations for all bodies and abilities[46:31] A personal healing story through dance[51:11] How to join the movement communityLinks & ResourcesLayah JaneWebsite: layahjane.comInstagram: @layahjane.movementSimonaWebsite: turningtowards.meInstagram: @turningtowardsFind us Online: Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about the power of embodiment:https://www.redbeardsomatictherapy.com/Follow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedBeardSomaticTherapyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/redbeardsomatictherapyLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandermgreene

We sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Philipose to trace the roots of modern patriarchy back to the “1492 paradigm” of Euro-colonialism and its enduring assault on femininity, the body, and the earth. Elizabeth unpacks how ideas of weakness, passivity, and scarcity were written into our social, political, and economic institutions, and how those same systems still drive homophobia, environmental destruction, and today's surge of authoritarian fear. Dr. Philipose also lays out the foundations of decolonial wellness, showing how trauma is embedded in our bodies, and offering practices, from guided journeying to radical self-love, that awaken a more expansive sense of self. She explores the “boomerang effect” of imperial violence at home and abroad, the radical potential of mothering and “original love,” and why reclaiming the Divine Feminine is essential to building societies grounded in peace and wholeness. Dr. Philipose at Esalen, May 26-30, 2025 https://www.esalen.org/workshops/embracing-the-divine-feminine-a-mystical-approach-05262025

Send us a textIn memory of Butch Kronlund, this episode is a replay of a live interview recorded as part of the Under the Persimmon Tree series at the Henry Miller Library.In this conversation, Butch reflects on his early life and upbringing, meeting his beloved wife Patte, and his arrival in Big Sur—where he would go on to lay the foundations of the Post Ranch Inn, collaborate with architect Mickey Muennig on several iconic homes, help build the new Big Sur Health Center, and oversee the rebuilding of the baths at Esalen.We also hear about his more recent efforts to raise and distribute critical funds for community members affected by fires and floods—a testament to his enduring care for the coast and its people.Thanks for listening, and for remembering Butch with us.There will be a celebration of Butch's life in June. Announcement will be forthcoming.Thank you for listening!Support the show_________________________________________________This podcast is a production of the Henry Miller Memorial Library with support from The Arts Council for Monterey County! Let us know what you think!SEND US AN EMAIL!

In this episode we explore the magic of writing and the power of telling your story. My guest Nancy Slonim Aronie wants you to know that writing is not an exclusive club, that everyone has a really good story to tell. And usually not just one. In her new book Seven Secrets to the Perfect Personal Essay she writes “Essay writing is personal. Sharing what you think about a certain topic is risky. Especially if what you think is not what everyone else thinks.”Nancy Slonim Aronie is the founder of the Chilmark Writing Workshop on Martha's Vineyard and the author of Memoir as Medicine and Writing from the Heart. A regular commentator for NPR's All Things Considered, Aronie has taught at Harvard University and conducted writing workshops and lectures at Kripalu, Omega, Esalen, Rowe Conference Center, Wainwright House, and the Open Center in New York City.In this episode, Nancy discusses:Creativity is its many formsThe healing power of the personal essayThe mystery and magic of writingHow everyone is a writerBeing vulnerableThe importance of feeling safe when writing and sharing your writingWriting workshopsTo learn more about Nancy and her workshops, please visit https://chilmarkwritingworkshop.com/________BECOME YOUR OWN SHAMAN Introductory Online Course Visit Wendy's website to learn more about the the Harmonic Egg®  “Gifts and Tools to Explore and Celebrate the Unseen Worlds” - The Lucid Path BoutiqueLucid Cafe episodes by topic  Listen to Lucid Cafe on YouTube  ★ Support this podcast ★

Gahl Sasson is a renowned author and teacher of Astrology, Kabbalah, Storytelling, and Mysticism, with over 20 years of global experience. His first book, A Wish Can Change Your Life, was endorsed by the Dalai Lama and translated into eight languages. He's also the author of the essential guide Cosmic Navigator and publishes a bestselling yearly astrology book. Named “Los Angeles' Best Astrologer” by W Magazine, Gahl contributes to platforms like HuffPost, Yoga Journal, and Astrology.com. He's been featured on CNN, ABC, and KTLA, and speaks at venues like Esalen, Omega Institute, USC, and SoHo House worldwide. Based in Los Angeles, Gahl teaches in over 13 countries. Learn more at CosmicNavigator.com, listen to his Cosmic Navigator Astrology Show podcast, or follow him on Instagram @Cosmic_Navigator. Resources: Book https://cosmicnavigator.com/books/the-astrology-of-2025/ Instagram: Cosmic_Navigator Tarot workshop starting April 14 for four weeks: https://www.alternatives.org.uk/event/tarot-graphic-novel-your-soul Advertisers + Sponsors: • Shaman School: shamandurek.com/the-shaman-school • Lit Verified Store: shamandurek.com/lit-verified-shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Suzanne discusses using ritual to dive deeper into our innate power for personal and planetary transformation. With host Bonnie Burkert. Suzanne Sterling is a musician, teacher, ritualist, and activist who has been performing and teaching transformational workshops for over 25 years.   She is founder of Voice of Change Trainings and co-founder of Off The Mat, Into the World.  She has been featured at hundreds of international festivals and conference centers including Wanderlust, Omega, Esalen, Kripalu, Yoga Journal, Envision, Burning Man, Symbiosis, Bhaktifest, Boomfest, Lightning in a Bottle, Balispirit and many more. With her co-founded organization Off The Mat, Into the World, she spent 15 years training leaders in spiritual activism and social justice and was Director of Seva Challenge humanitarian tours, raising over $3.5 million to support local community resilience projects.  For 25 years, she has worked with the international Reclaiming Community creating ritual, training teachers and offering Sacred Leadership trainings. An award winning musician, she has released five solo albums and numerous DVD soundtracks. Her workshops, performances, and classes are a fusion of ecstatic movement, sound & singing, ritual and prayer.www.suzannesterling.comHost Bonnie Burkert melds the worlds of media and higher consciousness, sharing tools for transformation to find our highest truth and live our brightest life. https://www.instagram.com/yogi_bon/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-be-told-paranormal--3589860/support.

 In this episode of Queerly Beloved, I'm joined by the multi-faceted Shelby Clark, a visionary entrepreneur, investor, embodiment facilitator, and founder of The Jungle Gayborhood, an LGBTQ+ focused retreat located center in the beautiful jungles of Costa Rica. You may remember me talking about the Gayborhood in my episode Healing the Father wound where I share about my magical time there attending a conscious kink retreat. Now you get to hear about it from the founder and director himself. In this interview we get to hear the story of how Shelby went from being a tech entrepreneur and founder of the groundbreaking billion-dollar car-sharing company Turo, to founding a queer retreat center in the jungle. And all the twists and turns on the way. Shelby vulnerably shares how, as a queer kid, he struggled to fully accept himself and found refuge in overachievement. Together, we unpack this familiar queer narrative of overcompensating to mask internalized shame, and explore how so many queer people, link their identity to achievement and people-pleasing, often at the cost of their own authentic selves.We then learn about all the influences for the Gayborhood including Esalen, Burning Man and radical fairy sanctuaries and then We explore why dedicated queer spaces like The Jungle Gayborhood offer uniquely medicine and create environments where radical authenticity can flourish free from societal expectations or limitations.Together, we unpack the transformative potential of psychedelics for queer healing, and I share some personal stories about my journey with that then Shelby shares insights from groundbreaking research recently facilitated at the Gayborhood. Enjoy this convo covering hese topics and many more!Check out the Jungle Gayborhood here-https://junglegayborhood.com/Use code: 'awakenedhearts100' for listeners $100 off any retreat.

Ramzi Fawaz is an award-winning queer cultural critic, public speaker, and educator. He is the author of two books, including "The New Mutants: Superheroes and the Radical Imagination of American Comics" (2016), and "Queer Forms." (2022). In 2019-2020, Fawaz was a Stanford Humanities Center fellow. He is currently a Romnes Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Please be warned: this conversation is a firehose of brilliance. We cover a frankly outrageous number of topics, including: The politics and poetics of gender/ The radical imagination of the 1960s and 70s/ What happens when college students of today read manifestos from the 1970s and discover just how fiery, and fearless those voices actually were/ How feminist and gay liberation were deeply intertwined... and yet different/ The dark seduction of wounded identity and the political dead-end of suffering as a personality/ What the Beatles, postwar masculinity, and femme androgyny have to do with trans desire and cultural anxiety/ How trans liberation actually predates gay liberation in the U.S. / Teaching as ego dissolution: what it means to use the classroom like a psychedelic space. / And the idea that pluralism — true, radical pluralism — begins by accepting that you will be changed by contact with people who are radically different from you. Ramzi Fawaz is bold, funny, passionate about teaching, absurdly articulate, and I think you'll find he is deeply attuned to the moment we're living in. https://www.ramzifawaz.com/ Ramzi's Esalen offering: Thinking Like a Multiverse: Embracing a Diverse World June 23–27, 2025 Register now: https://www.esalen.org/workshops/thinking-like-a-multiverse-embracing-a-diverse-world-06232025 A quick note on AI: I use LLMs (often the multi-purposse ChatGPT, sometimes other models) to help me with various tasks associated with podcast production, including help with writing my intros, generating questions for my guests, and episode titles. Occasionally I create episode graphics, too. I almost never take the AI output as-is; I subscribe to Ethan Mollick's notion of co-intelligence, in that I edit what's been given me, add my own creativity, and aim for the best possible output in the end. My hope is that this will create a better Voices of Esalen. - SS

Today, we're opening the vaults to share a rare and remarkable recording from Esalen's rich historical archive: a 1967 lecture and live demonstration by none other than Dr. Ida Rolf, the pioneering founder of Structural Integration—more commonly known today as Rolfing. But what is Rolfing? Often described as intense (and sometimes even painful), Rolfing is a powerful form of bodywork that focuses on the manipulation and realignment of connective tissue—fascia—to promote structural balance and physical freedom. Ida Rolf believed that by methodically reorganizing the body's structure in gravity, not only could chronic pain and postural issues be resolved, but profound emotional and psychological healing could also occur. This archival gem features Dr. Rolf in her element—lecturing with intellectual precision, delivering her insights with wit and candor, and guiding a live demo with such vivid specificity that, even without visuals, you feel transported into the room beside her. It's a masterclass in both bodywork and presence. A little backstory: Ida Rolf first came to Esalen in the 1960s at the invitation of famed Gestalt therapist Fritz Perls, who would become one of her earliest champions. According to The Upstart Spring, Rolf worked on Perls daily for a week. On the seventh day, during a neck session, he passed out—briefly. When he came to, he recounted a deeply buried trauma: a therapist twisting his neck under anesthesia decades earlier. The memory, and its accompanying tension, had haunted him for years. He credited Rolf's work with helping to release it. After that, Perls became an ardent supporter of Rolfing, and Ida returned to Esalen again and again. Esalen Institute would become the West Coast hub for her method, just as it had for Gestalt therapy. This episode is a rare opportunity to hear Dr. Rolf in her own voice, offering not just a window into the origins of Rolfing, but a taste of the charisma, intellect, and force of will that helped her change the way we think about the body, healing, and human potential.

Air Date - 25 March 2025Self-trust is the foundation of happiness, self-confidence, and success. Have you ever doubted your ability to create your dreams? Tama Kieves, author of Learning to Trust Yourself, will share how when you trust yourself, everything becomes possible.About the Guest:Tama Kieves, an honors graduate of Harvard Law School, left her law practice to write and help others live and breathe their most meaningful self-expression. She is the bestselling author of A Year without Fear: 365 Days of Magnificence and others. Her newest groundbreaking book is Learning to Trust Yourself: Breaking Through the Blocks that Hold You Back.Featured in USA Today, Oprah media, TEDx and more she is a sought-after speaker and visionary career/success coach, who has helped thousands world-wide to discover their callings, and create the life and work of their dreams.She's also taught A Course in Miracles for years and is known for her smart, spitfire spirituality, electric humor, and the big possibilities she brings out in others. She leads programs online and also teaches at premier holistic learning venues such as the Kripalu Center, Omega Institute, Esalen, and more. Be sure to join her on social media and sign up for her free “fortune cookies,” digital doses of inspired mindset training at https://www.tamakieves.com/fortune-cookies/Social Media:Website: https://tamakieves.com/Facebook Fan/Biz: https://www.facebook.com/TamaKievesAuthor/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamakievesPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tamakieves/#TamaKieves #InspiredConversations #LindaJoy #Women #SelfHelp #Mindfulness #Lifestyle #InterviewsVisit the Inspired Conversations Show Page https://omtimes.com/iom/shows/inspired-conversationsConnect with Linda Joy https://linda-joy.com/Subscribe to our Newsletter https://omtimes.com/subscribe-omtimes-magazine/Connect with OMTimes on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Omtimes.Magazine/ and OMTimes Radio https://www.facebook.com/ConsciousRadiowebtv.OMTimes/Twitter: https://twitter.com/OmTimes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omtimes/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2798417/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/omtimes/

Today we're sharing a conversation that took place in October 2022, between members of the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County and the Esalen Institute. Representing the Esselen tribe are Jana Nason and Stephen Vicente Arevalo. Jana Nason is an Esselen and Rumsen descendant, and an enrolled tribal member of the ETMC. She is the nonprofit secretary, and serves on the Tribal Council as Tribal Administrator and Secretary, Publications Chair, and Cultural Resource Committee member. She also manages the Cultural Archeological Monitoring program and serves her Tribe in that capacity. She is dedicated to educations, and protecting and preserving the cultural heritage and ancestral sacred sites. Stephen Arevalo is a Esselen and Rumsen descendant. He is deeply passionate about his ancestry and has started a language re-learning class for tribal members. He is an educational speaker, and an active community member. Representing Esalen Institute is Douglas Drummond. Douglas served as the Director for Healing Arts and Somatics and the Director of Community Alliance at Esalen Institute. He is also Esalen faculty. Douglas is originally from Aotearoa, New Zealand, where he lives with his wife Lucia Horan and daughter Olivia. Learn more about the Esselen Tribe at https://www.esselentribe.org/ For further educational materials, please refer to the ETMC website and these resources. bigsurcalifornia.org: Esselen Indians of Big Sur and Monterey County https://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/esselen.html Monterey County Historical Society: A Brief Overview of the Esselen Indians of Monterey County https://mchsmuseum.com/local-history/native-american-groups-and-cultures/a-brief-overview-of-the-esselen-indians-of-monterey-county/ Legends of America: Esselen Tribe of California http://www.legendsofamerica.com/esselen-tribe-california/

John J. Prendergast, PhD, is a spiritual teacher, author, retired psychotherapist, and retired adjunct professor of psychology who has taught at Esalen and Kripalu and online. He studied for many years with the sage Dr. Jean Klein as well as with the spiritual teacher Adyashanti. He is the author of the books In Touch, The Deep Heart and Your Deepest Ground: A Guide to Embodied Spirituality (SoundsTrue). Topics: 00:00 Introduction 02:25 The Origin of 'Listening from Silence' 04:48 Exploring the Trilogy of Books 08:55 The Deep Heart and Ground of Being 27:48 Opening the Root Chakra: A Journey into Pure Potentiality 28:25 Tapping into the Current of Life: A Universal Connection 29:59 Addressing Suffering: A Creative Response 32:09 Embodied Non-Dual Approach: Engaging with Life 47:15 The Power of Community in Spiritual Practice Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member

Once again, we're diving deep into the Esalen archives to share a fascinating historical recording - this one featuring electronic music pioneer Doug McKechnie. In the late 1960s and early '70s, Doug McKechnie was at the cutting edge of musical innovation, harnessing the revolutionary Moog synthesizer to create mesmerizing sounds. McKechnie was a contemporary of iconic figures like Wendy Carlos, known for the 1968 record "Switched-on Bach," a collection of pieces by Bach that were performed by Carlos on the Moog synthesizer. This album, which won a Grammy for Classical Album of the Year, played a key role in bringing synthesizers to popular music. McKechnie was also tied to the Grateful Dead, contributing to the band's most experimental album, "Aoxomoxoa.” He also played at Altamont, not really a feather in anyone's cap, but it shows the breadth of his growing popularity, and that of the Moog synthesizer. Moogs are characterized by distinctive electronic timbres and pulsating rhythms, as well as hypnotic sequences. They are very much a part of the psychedelia of the late 1960s, fitting right in with the oil light shows, pop art, face paint and neon day glo colors of the time. The Moog's ability to generate evocative psycho-acoustic atmospheres allowed musicians like McKechnie to tap into the exploration of internal landscapes that seemed to naturally occur during psychedelic adventures. The performance you're about to hear was recorded live at Esalen in the late 1960s, preserved for decades on half inch to reel, then dusted off, digitized, and transported to you via the magic of podcasting. So sit back, relax, and let the Moog take you on a trippy auditory journey to a pivotal moment in musical and technological history.

Richard Horan first arrived at Esalen in the mid 1960s, traveling from Los Angeles to Big Sur at the height of a cultural renaissance. He was an early member of the Esalen massage crew and played a pivotal role in founding the Esalen Garden, a space that continues to nourish the land and community today. He was also deeply involved in the psychedelic inquiry of the time. Over the years, his connections to Esalen deepened: with Gabrielle Roth he had a son, Jonathan Horan. Later, he married Peggy Horan, and together they raised two daughters, Lucia and Jasmine. Horan's purpose as an artist was revealed to him during his time at Esalen when he founded the Art Barn as a collective with other artists.  Horan remains legendary in Big Sur for his mastery of jade carving. His work includes rings, earrings, pendants, belt buckles, and sculptures, many of which are inspired by ancient esoteric symbols and indigenous traditions. His signature earrings are renowned for their thin-cut jade, which allows light to pass through. As a multi media artist, he has worked in depth with clay, redwood and jade, making musical instruments, art objects and jewelry. Today, we'll hear from Richard as he reflects on his journey—his artistic process, his connection to Esalen, and the life he has built in harmony with the wild nature of Big Sur. See Richard's work at http://www.richardhoranbigsurjadejewelry.com

A few months ago we brought you a real Esalen check-in (episode one). This practice, rooted in the Gestalt therapy that evolved at Esalen over the years is an authentic cornerstone of the Esalen experience. It's often described as a catalyst for self-awareness, connection, and personal growth. Today's episode is a continuation - Episode 2. Our check-in features Alex Shepherd, Peggy Horan, Jess Siller, Faith Blakeney, Shira Levine, and Sam Stern. What you'll hear is real. It is authentic and unscripted. While our participants were aware of being recorded, they spoke from the heart. We've made every effort to preserve the intimacy and rawness of the experience with only minimal editing. This is the secret sauce - the open, honest sharing that forms the foundation for personal transformation.

187 We're bringing back this encore episode to celebrate Faith and Nadine's March 11 masterclass: Applying to Residencies and Fellowships. Replay will be sent if you can't make it live. Episode originally aired in June 2023.Want to know how to fulfill your writing and traveling dreams (& receive full or partial funding)? Grab a notebook because this episode with travel memoirist Faith Adiele is FULL of helpful info and resources. In addition to chatting about Faith's memoir, her travel column, her 20+ residencies, and her fascinating experiences as Thailand's first Black Buddhist nun, we discuss:-How to find writing residency opportunities-The amazing places you can visit while on residency-How to make your application stand out-Why you don't need publication credentials in order to be chosen-How to ask for the funding and opportunities you want About Faith:FAITH ADIELE is author of the memoirs Meeting Faith, an account of flunking out of Harvard and ordaining as Thailand's first Black Buddhist nun that won the PEN Open Book Award, and the humorous The Nigerian Nordic Girl's Guide to Lady Problems. She has attended 20+ artists' residencies around the globe and writes a syndicated travel column that appears in Detour: Best Stories in Black Travel and the Miami Herald. Named one of Marie Claire magazine's “Five Women to Learn From,” Faith speaks and teaches workshops in memoir and travel writing at Esalen, Open Center NYC, InsightLA, VONA/Voices and elsewhere.WebsiteFacebookInstagram @meetingfaithTwitter @meetingfaithLinkedInAbout Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is a holistic writing coach who helps women develop and publish their stories. She is the proud founder of WriteWELL, an online community that helps women reclaim their writing time, put pen to page, and get published. The authors in her community have published countless books and hundreds of essays in places like The New York Times, Vogue, The Sun, The Boston Globe, Longreads, and more. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal that helps readers tap into their inner wisdom and fall back in love with themselves. Her articles and interviews have appeared in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Good Grit, HERE, Urban Wellness, Natural Awakenings, Chicago Magazine, and more. Pulling from her vast experience as a writing, meditation, and yoga nidra instructor, Nadine leads women's writing and wellness workshops and retreats online and around

American culture is everywhere, shaping everything from entertainment to fast food—but could its most profound influence be something far more unsettling? Across the globe, from Hong Kong to Japan, Western mental health concepts are spreading, often replacing traditional ways of understanding distress. Depression, PTSD, and eating disorders are appearing in regions where they were once rare, raising the question: is this organic, or is something more deliberate at play? In this episode, we dive into the unsettling case from Japan, where pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline saw an untapped market for antidepressants and set out to change the nation's perception of sadness itself. Through marketing, media manipulation, and cultural rebranding, they turned “feeling down” into a medical condition overnight—selling billions in pills along the way. Could this be an example of a memetic virus, an idea so powerful that it rewires an entire society's approach to mental illness? Then, for our Plus+ members, we uncover reports of bizarre shape-shifting UFOs, eerie green mist that seems to transport people between dimensions, and chilling encounters with dark entities that should have never been summoned. Links Crazy Like Us: The Globalization of the American Psyche Mental illnesses can be acquired via memetic viruses Chris Lakin Blog Anorexia In Hong Kong Dentsu chief to resign over employee's suicide from overwork Plus+ Extension The extension of the show is EXCLUSIVE to Plus+ Members. To join, click HERE. The Case of the Morphing Flying Saucer David Grusch seen at Esalen at Skywatcher UFO summoning event When UFOs Attack - Documented Cases of Hostile Alien Encounters I Experienced Terrifying Visits From A Succubus Yale News Mabel White Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging Q&A session, Jack and Trudy explore romance, impermanence, attachment, diffusing anger, manifesting your dreams using mindfulness, and more!Learn How to Thrive in Love: Buddhist Secrets to Transform Your Relationships with Jack Kornfield and Trudy Goodman – join now!“If you actually become mindful, then it's possible to choose a direction, to envision, to imagine your life in a healthy way.” – Jack KornfieldIn Part 2 of this episode, Jack and Trudy dive into Q&A on:Finding appreciation and wisdom in things “falling apart”Accepting change, aging, impermanenceEntering the naked unknown of the wilderness, natureThe wisdom of swimming with dolphins in the oceanSending metta (loving kindness) to the world and those in positions of powerHow to tend our romantic relationships and partnerships with mindfulness and careDiffusing anger and learning how to communicate lovinglyConnecting from a place of vulnerability and presenceMoving past warfare, racism, violence, and blameLearning how to communicate across differencesNoting the difference between your intention and it's impact on othersManifesting your dreams using mindfulness“Attachment” in Buddhism vs Western PsychologyWorking through trauma in a safe and mindful way“It's important to love what we love; it's only a problem when we need to let go.” – Trudy Goodman“When you step back and quiet, deeper intuitions come, along with the ability to follow your dreams more clearly, and in a way that's mindful of your own well-being.” – Jack KornfieldThis talk originally aired on the Voices of Esalen Podcast:The Voices of Esalen Podcast showcases in-depth interviews with the dynamic teachers and thinkers who are part of Esalen Institute. Hosted by Sam Stern, a former Esalen student and current staff member, the podcasts have featured engaging conversations with authors Cheryl Strayed and Michael Pollan, innovators Stan Grof and Dr. Mark Hyman, teachers Byron Katie, Mark Coleman and Jean Houston, Esalen co-founder Michael Murphy, and many more. Learn more at Esalen.org/story/podcastsAbout Trudy Goodman:Trudy is a Vipassana teacher in the Theravada lineage and the Founding Teacher of InsightLA. For 25 years, in Cambridge, MA, Trudy practiced mindfulness-based psychotherapy with children, teenagers, couples and individuals. Trudy conducts retreats, engages in activism work, and teaches workshops worldwide and online. She is also the voice of Trudy the Love Barbarian in the Netflix series, The Midnight Gospel. You can learn more about about Trudy's flourishing array of wonderful offerings at TrudyGoodman.comAbout Jack Kornfield:Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India, and Burma, studying as a monk under the Buddhist master Ven. Ajahn Chah, as well as the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw. He has taught meditation internationally since 1974 and is one of the key teachers to introduce Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West. Jack co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, with fellow meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein and the Spirit Rock Center in Woodacre, California. His books have been translated into 20 languages and sold more than a million copies.Jack is currently offering a wonderful array of transformational online courses diving into crucial topics like Mindfulness Meditation Fundamentals, Walking the Eightfold Path, Opening the Heart of Forgiveness, Living Beautifully, Transforming Your Life Through Powerful Stories, and so much more. Sign up for an All Access Pass to explore Jack's entire course library. If you would like a years worth of online meetups with Jack and fellow community, join The Year of Awakening: A Monthly Journey with Jack KornfieldStay up to date with Jack and his stream of fresh dharma offerings by visiting JackKornfield.com and signing up for his email teachings.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

187 Nadine is taking a semi-sabbatical this year to study, try new things, and travel, and she's sharing her adventures with you in a podcast series that will air multiple times throughout the year. In this kick-off episode, she shares the highlights, challenges, and takeaways from her recent two-week trip to California to study conscious dance at Esalen and meditation at a 5-day, device-free, silent retreat.Covered in this episode:What conscious dance is and why Nadine wanted to study itThe surprising lesson she learned about self compassion via danceWhy dance has become so important for processing emotionsWhat it was like renounce devices and live in silence for 5 daysWhich rules Nadine broke and whyHow her time away impacted her life-outlook and her creativityWhat she's trying to incorporate into her everyday life*This is the first episode in a series she'll be doing throughout the year for paid subscribers. Access for the full episode is available when you become a paid subscriber on Substack.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is a holistic writing coach who helps women develop and publish their stories. She is the proud founder of WriteWELL, an online community that helps women reclaim their writing time, put pen to page, and get published. The authors in her community have published countless books and hundreds of essays in places like The New York Times, Vogue, The Sun, The Boston Globe, Longreads, and more. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal that helps readers tap into their inner wisdom and fall back in love with themselves. Her articles and interviews have appeared in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Good Grit, HERE, Urban Wellness, Natural Awakenings, Chicago Magazine, and more. Pulling from her vast experience as a writing, meditation, and yoga nidra instructor, Nadine leads women's writing and wellness workshops and retreats online and around the U.S.Find out more at nadinekenneyjohnstone.comTo receive her regular essays, subscribe to her Substack

Jack Kornfield and Trudy Goodman join forces in an exploration of Buddha's eternal wisdom: ‘hatred never ceases by hatred, but by love alone is healed.'This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/heartwisdom and get on your way to being your best self.“We start to sense that who we are is not just limited by the events of the world, but that we're connected to something vast, mysterious, and greater.” – Jack KornfieldIn Part 1 of this episode, Jack and Trudy mindfully explore:Loving Awareness and mindful responseSeeing the world with the eyes of a BuddhaOpening to that world with the heart of a BuddhaHow the art of meditation is actually the art of loveThe story of Maha Ghosananda, the Gandhi of CambodiaBuddha's eternal wisdom: Hatred never ceases by hatred, but by love alone is healedFacing climate change, racism, warfare, refugees, injustice, and traumaDealing with our cultural anxiety, and saving ourselves from despairBecoming the calm person on the boat who can show the way for allBecoming a Bodhisattva, setting the compass of your heart for compassionStanding up for what matters, and tending the world with beautyShifting our practice from unconsciousness to loving awarenessSuffusing mindfulness practice with tenderness and compassionHow we are all the same size when facing the vulnerability of our mortalityThe Heart Sutra mantra: Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi SvahaFinding wisdom and comfort in “falling apart”“Spiritually, we are all the same size, because we all are facing the vulnerability of our mortality.” – Trudy Goodman“In community, in family, in our lives, in joy and sorrow, in birth and death—we're, given the responsibility to hold ourselves in a web of love.” – Jack KornfieldLearn How to Thrive in Love: Buddhist Secrets to Transform Your Relationships with Jack Kornfield and Trudy Goodman beginning Feb 17 – join anytime!About Trudy Goodman:Trudy is a Vipassana teacher in the Theravada lineage and the Founding Teacher of InsightLA. For 25 years, in Cambridge, MA, Trudy practiced mindfulness-based psychotherapy with children, teenagers, couples and individuals. Trudy conducts retreats, engages in activism work, and teaches workshops worldwide and online. She is also the voice of Trudy the Love Barbarian in the Netflix series, The Midnight Gospel. You can learn more about about Trudy's flourishing array of wonderful offerings at TrudyGoodman.comThis talk originally aired on the Voices of Esalen Podcast:The Voices of Esalen Podcast showcases in-depth interviews with the dynamic teachers and thinkers who are part of Esalen Institute. Hosted by Sam Stern, a former Esalen student and current staff member, the podcasts have featured engaging conversations with authors Cheryl Strayed and Michael Pollan, innovators Stan Grof and Dr. Mark Hyman, teachers Byron Katie, Mark Coleman and Jean Houston, Esalen co-founder Michael Murphy, and many more. Learn more at Esalen.org/story/podcastsAbout Jack Kornfield:Jack Kornfield trained as a Buddhist monk in the monasteries of Thailand, India, and Burma, studying as. a monk under the Buddhist master Ven. Ajahn Chah, as well as the Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw. He has taught meditation internationally since 1974 and is one of the key teachers to introduce Buddhist mindfulness practice to the West. Jack co-founded the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, with fellow meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein and the Spirit Rock Center in Woodacre, California. His books have been translated into 20 languages and sold more than a million copies.Jack is currently offering a wonderful array of transformational online courses and programs diving into crucial topics like Mindfulness Meditation, Relationships, Walking the Eightfold Path, Opening the Heart of Forgiveness, Living Beautifully, Transforming Your Life Through Powerful Stories, and so much more. Learn about these and Jack's flowing stream of Dharma offerings at JackKornfield.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we're opening up the vault to share an extraordinary archival recording from one of the most influential figures in Esalen's history, Frederic Spiegelberg — and while that name might not be as immediately recognizable as some of the luminaries who graced Esalen's grounds, like Joseph Campbell, Alan Watts, or Gabrielle Roth, understanding Frederic Spiegelberg and his place in Esalen mythology might be key to understanding Esalen itself . . . because in truth, without Frederic Spiegelberg, there might well never have been an Esalen at all. In 1950, Esalen co-founder Michael Murphy was just another Stanford student when he, by complete accident, attended one of Friedric Spiegelberg's philosophy courses. As recounted in Jeffrey Kripal's fantastic book, “Esalen: America and the Religion of No Religions,” that single class would become an initiatory event that transformed Murphy's life forever, providing a pivotal bridge into the metaphysical, the mystical, and the psychical realms, dimensions that would go on to define the course of his life. The recording you're about to hear takes place in 1968, nearly two decades after Michael Murphy's satori. Frederic Spiegelberg, as you'll hear, is still a force to be reckoned with. He speaks of the convergence between Eastern and Western thought, the transformative power of spiritual experience, and the boundless capacity for human growth. And as you listen to this beautiful recording, originally made on half-inch reel to reel tape that we've recently uncovered in the Esalen vault, dusted off, digitized, and are in the process of joyfully rediscovering, maybe consider this: that you're not just hearing a lecture from the past. Instead, you're taking part in a transmission. A thread that connects the early days of Esalen to the present moment. You're stepping into the very space where minds were opened and spirits awakened and the seeds of some sort of transformation were sown.

Astrology is more than just predictions. Join Kino and Gahl for a conversation about spirituality, past lives, and how astrology can help guide us along our journey Gahl Sasson makes Kabbalah, astrology and psychology engaging, illuminating, and fun. His book, A Wish Can Change Your Life, (published by Simon & Schuster and co-written with Steve Weinstein), blends wisdom and metaphors from cultures across history and the entire world into an innovative blueprint for personal transformation and material enrichment. His second work, Cosmic Navigator, is the essential reference guide to understanding your astrological makeup. He recently published a book on the astrology of 2018, 2019, and 2020. Thousands have enthusiastically embraced his fresh and stimulating approach to spirituality in lectures and workshops in the United States, UK, Argentina, France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Singapore, Hong Kong, Moscow, Mexico, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Israel. He is a contributor to the Huffington Post, and Astrology.com, and has been named “Los Angeles' Best Astrologer” by W Magazine. He is a guest lecturer at USC, Tel Aviv University, and teaches at Esalen, Omega Institute, University of Judaism, and the Open Center in NYC. He has appeared on CNN, ABC News, KTLA-TV Los Angeles to name a few. In 2017 his academic article, Symbolic Meaning of Names in the Bible was published by the Journal of Storytelling, Self, & Society. He currently resides in Los Angeles.   Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day free trial at omstars.com. Limited time Offer: Sign up for an Omstars+ membership and Get my FREE course: Ashtanga Mechanics. Sign up Here! Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com    

Hi, All - I'm Sam Stern. For the past several years, I've been lucky enough to work closely with the famed disorganized Esalen archives, diving deep into the history of this extraordinary place. I've fashioned several multimedia talks out of the material that I've uncovered, one on the history of altered states at Esalen, another on the 1970s and 80s. And recently, I had one of those rare, thrilling moments that every archive enthusiast—every crate digger, like me—dreams of. A while back, I made a trip out to a storage facility near the Monterey Airport, with the producer of this podcast, Shira Levine, and we found boxes upon boxes of historical materials—photographs, slides, notes, VHS tapes, catalogs. As I sifted through them, I stumbled upon something incredible: a box filled with 5” reel-to-reel tapes, very likely recorded in the 1960s and '70s by a man named Paul Herbert. This was the kind of find that makes you stop in your tracks. Material that had been thought lost—or at the very least, forgotten—suddenly resurfaced in my hands. As I carefully unraveled the reels, I realized I was holding audio time capsules, voices and ideas from Esalen's past waiting to be rediscovered. Today, I'm sharing one of those recordings. This reel was titled Music from the Big Sur Mountains, and to be completely honest, even after having listened to it, I'm not sure exactly what year it comes from. Based on what I know, I'd place it somewhere between the mid-1960s and mid-1970s. And it is exactly what it sounds like: music from the mountains of Big Sur. You'll hear musicians local to the area playing hand drums, outside, in the mystic air. But it's more than just drumming. This recording is alive with the sounds of Esalen itself—the rhythm of hands on drums, the voices of vocalists, the barks of dogs, the laughter and shouts of children, who are more than likely in their 50s and 60s now. It's a time capsule, a window into a world that no longer exists in quite the same way. - podcast description by Sam Stern and ChatGPT Sam's recent talk at the Berkeley Alembic on The History of Esalen in the 1970s and 80s: https://www.youtube.com/live/4AhzcvwsVT8

In this episode, Matt speaks with Richard Tarnas about his book Cosmos and Psyche: Intimations of a New Worldview. Richard Theodore Tarnas is a cultural historian and astrologer known for his books The Passion of the Western Mind: Understanding the Ideas That Have Shaped Our World View and Cosmos and Psyche: Intimations of a New World View. Tarnas is professor of philosophy and psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies, and is the founding director of its graduate program in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness. In 1968 Tarnas entered Harvard, graduating with an A.B. cum laude in 1972. He received his Ph.D. from Saybrook Institute in 1976 with a thesis on psychedelic therapy. In 1974 Tarnas went to Esalen in California to study psychotherapy with Stanislav Grof. From 1974 to 1984 he lived and worked at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, teaching and studying with Grof, Joseph Campbell, Gregory Bateson, Huston Smith, Elizabeth Kübler-Ross, and James Hillman. He also served as Esalen's director of programs and education. Get the book: https://a.co/d/4gJFNxS warmachinepodcast.org Music for this episode: Lamentium, Monasterium Imperi Nomad's Theme, Matt Baker

Support Lorenzo on Patreon.com Guest speaker: Terence McKenna PROGRAM NOTES: Photo by Jon Hanna Terence McKenna's final appearance at Esalen was a poignant and deeply moving event, etched into the memories of those who witnessed it. Though visibly frail from his recent brain surgery, McKenna's presence was undiminished. His voice, though softer, carried the same rhythm of curiosity and wonder that had long captivated his audiences. He spoke with a serenity that underlied his acceptance of his journey. As he sat in the intimate circle of friends and admirers, McKenna shared reflections that blended personal vulnerability with cosmic insight.Despite his condition, he retained his signature humor, offering witty observations about humanity's place in the grand scheme of things. He spoke less of theories and more of being; his words carrying a weight that seemed to come from someone who had glimpsed the infinite.

Shannon Algeo is a psychotherapist, author, and teacher. He is also a Soul Coach, Yoga Nidra teacher, and the founder of Soulumination Meditation. Shannon works with clients to heal patterns of trauma so they can show up in the world with presence, purpose, and peace. His work has been featured in Rolling Stone, ABC news, and Yoga Journal. Shannon came to Esalen in December of 2024 to lead a workshop on smartphone addiction. Together we spoke about attachment theory and how it figures into technology addiction, what it feels like to be in Big Sur, detached from your phone, and the digital personas we create and how we attempt to live up to them. https://www.shannonalgeo.com/

In this enlightening episode, we welcome Shamini Jain, author of Healing Ourselves, to explore the groundbreaking science of the biofield and the future of holistic health. Shamini's work bridges cutting-edge research with ancient healing traditions to help us understand how consciousness, energy, and intention impact our well-being.Episode Highlights:Introduction to the Biofield: Discover what the biofield is and how it influences every aspect of our health—from emotional resilience to physical vitality.Mind-Body Connection: Explore the powerful link between our thoughts, emotions, and biology, and learn how this awareness can pave the way for deeper self-healing.Practical Tools & Techniques: Get actionable tips on how to harness the biofield—through meditation, breathwork, and energy healing—to jumpstart your own journey toward optimal wellness.Future of Healing: Shamini offers a peek into the promising future of biofield science and how it could revolutionize healthcare, moving us beyond symptom management to true healing at the source.Why You Should Listen:Learn how to activate your body's innate healing potential using evidence-backed methods.Understand how integrating biofield science into your daily life can bring transformative benefits—mentally, emotionally, and physically.Resources & Links:Guest Website: ShaminiJain.com·         Free Gift   https://www.shaminijain.com/freegift·        Get a free Grounding with Sound meditation with Dr. Jain, aswell as a video dialogue with dear friend and luminary teacher Dr. BruceLipton, on the science and practice of conscious creation.Tune In and Share! Spread the word if you find this episode insightful. Don't forget to leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share your biggest takeaways on social media.Thank you to our amazing sponsors, without them our podcast would not be possible.  · n1o1 Nitric Oxide by Dr.Nathan Bryan· Danger CoffeePlease learnmore about our sponsors here.https://renegadehealthboss.com/sponsors/From nutrition and stress management to restorative practices, this ebook is your essential companion for a balanced and vibrant life. Perfect for anyone looking to make lasting changes to their health and well-being.Start your healing journey today FREE mini eBook [Foundations of Health]https://rhbcourses.com/products/free-mini-ebook Get the Foundation of Health Course here. Lose the brain fog, have more energy, and get your gut working right. https://rhbcourses.com/discount/ACTION  this link saves you $100 on the course at check out. You deserve to be healthy. Start here today!!  Guest Bio:Dr. Jain is a clinical psychologist and an award-winning researcher and author in psychoneuroimmunology, integrative health and biofield science.  Dr. Jain is an international keynote speaker and self-healing teacher, integrating  her background in clinical psychology, psychoneuroimmunology, Eastern spiritual wisdom, and vocal empowerment to teach others how they can best heal themselves and live joyful, fulfilling lives. She teaches regularly at major conferences,  corporations, and leading retreat centers, including Esalen, Sivananda Ashram and Omega Institute.  Her online courses in the science and practice of self-healing and personal transformation can be found at CHI, Shift Network and Humanity's Team.   Send us a textGet Transcripts here https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rIazw0fXYfj5_bkR_W8EuywI5sVJ3VYg?usp=drive_link

Dr. Kamilah Majied, MSW, PhD, is a contemplative inclusivity and equity consultant, mental health therapist, clinical educator, researcher, and internationally engaged consultant on building inclusivity and equity using meditative practices. She is Professor of Social Work at California State University, Monterey Bay, where she teaches clinical practice to graduate students employing psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, and artistic approaches to well-being.She also teaches research methods, social and organizational policy analysis, and community organizing through a social justice lens. Before CSUMB, she taught for 15 years at Howard University. She serves as the Diversity and Inclusivity Consultant for the Contemplative Coping During COVID-19 Research Project at the University of California Davis Center for Mind and Brain. Kamilah gave opening remarks at the first White House Conference of Buddhist Leaders on Climate Change and Racial Justice, where she facilitated a dialogue on ending racism amongst the internationally represented Buddhist leadership.She is the author of Joyfully Just: Black Wisdom and Buddhist Insights for Liberated Living (Sounds True, 2024), and has authored many articles and chapters, including in the second edition of Advances in Contemplative Psychotherapy: “Contemplative Practices for Assessing and Eliminating Racism in Psychotherapy.”Website: https://www.kamilahmajied.comSocial media:https://www.instagram.com/dr.kamilahmajied/  https://www.facebook.com/kamilah.majiedUpcoming Retreat: "Embodying Joy: Black Wisdom Traditions of Liberation and Healing" at Esalen, Big Sur, CA, Feb. 3-7, 2025: https://www.esalen.org/workshops/black-wisdom-traditions-of-liberation-and-healing-020325Book:  https://www.soundstrue.com/products/joyfully-just-1

Dr. Kamilah Majied, MSW, PhD, is a contemplative inclusivity and equity consultant, mental health therapist, clinical educator, researcher, and internationally engaged consultant on building inclusivity and equity using meditative practices. She is Professor of Social Work at California State University, Monterey Bay, where she teaches clinical practice to graduate students employing psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, and artistic approaches to well-being. She also teaches research methods, social and organizational policy analysis, and community organizing through a social justice lens. Before CSUMB, she taught for 15 years at Howard University. She serves as the Diversity and Inclusivity Consultant for the Contemplative Coping During COVID-19 Research Project at the University of California Davis Center for Mind and Brain. Kamilah gave opening remarks at the first White House Conference of Buddhist Leaders on Climate Change and Racial Justice, where she facilitated a dialogue on ending racism amongst the internationally represented Buddhist leadership. She is the author of Joyfully Just: Black Wisdom and Buddhist Insights for Liberated Living (Sounds True, 2024), and has authored many articles and chapters, including in the second edition of Advances in Contemplative Psychotherapy: “Contemplative Practices for Assessing and Eliminating Racism in Psychotherapy.”Website: https://www.kamilahmajied.comSocial media: https://www.instagram.com/dr.kamilahmajied/  https://www.facebook.com/kamilah.majiedUpcoming Retreat: "Embodying Joy: Black Wisdom Traditions of Liberation and Healing" at Esalen, Big Sur, CA, Feb. 3-7, 2025: https://www.esalen.org/workshops/black-wisdom-traditions-of-liberation-and-healing-020325Book:  https://www.soundstrue.com/products/joyfully-just-1

Dr. Victor Santiago Pineda is a globally recognized scholar, disability rights advocate, social impact entrepreneur, and international consultant on accessibility and inclusion. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Dr. Pineda was diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy as a child, a challenge that inspired his lifelong commitment to advancing the rights and dignity of people with disabilities. He became the youngest delegate involved in drafting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a groundbreaking treaty that has impacted millions around the world. Dr. Pineda holds degrees in political economy, business administration, city and regional planning, and a PhD in urban planning from UCLA, where his research on disability rights and urban development garnered international acclaim. As the founder of the Pineda Foundation and World Enabled, he has spearheaded initiatives that have brought global attention to the inclusion of disabled youth in education, employment, and policy-making. His innovative projects, such as "It's Our Story," an oral history project documenting the lived experiences of people with disabilities, and "It's About Ability," an educational program for children, have been translated into multiple languages and received international awards. Beyond his scholarly and advocacy work, Dr. Pineda is also a filmmaker, author, and thought leader whose work spans the fields of urban planning, human rights, and social innovation. He has advised organizations like UNICEF, UNESCO, the World Bank, and national governments on creating inclusive policies and practices. Dr. Pineda's visionary leadership continues to redefine how societies view accessibility, equality, and the potential of all individuals, regardless of their abilities. On this episode of Voices of Esalen, we delve into his remarkable journey, groundbreaking initiatives, and powerful vision for a more inclusive world. See Dr. Pineda's documentary trailer: https://vimeo.com/683584121/d3a028d293

"Burden of Joy" author Lexi Kent-Monning joins host Joshua Turek to discuss her novel that Joshua loved. She talks about coming from a long line of book readers and writers and her Esalen hot springs adventures growing up in Central California. Lexi shares a wide ranging selection of books from the Divorce novel "Liars" to a YA novel that she hopes will make Josh fall in love with Los Angeles again. She also baked delicious coconut chocolate chip cookies.For all things Lexi Kent-Monning visit https://www.lexikentmonning.com/ and her ig https://www.instagram.com/lexicola/?hl=enFor Joshua Turek's tour dates and poetry book check out joshuaturek.com but also for more of his writing its free on his new Substack https://joshuaturek.substack.com/Books Talked About Include:Liars by Sarah MangusoAll Fours by Miranda JulyBruha wendy c ortizThe Burden of JoyThe Passion According to GH by Clarice LespecterA Fortune for Your Disaster by Hanif AbdurraqibRichard BrautiganHis daughters book about himDan Fante's memoirDangerous Angels by Francesca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Superhumanities with Jeffrey Kripal Jeffrey J. Kripal is the J. Newton Rayzor Professor of Philosophy and Religious Thought and former chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Rice University in Houston, Texas. His books include Kali's Child, Esalen, Authors of the Impossible, The Serpent's Gift, Mutants and Mystics, The Supernatural (with Whitley Strieber), … Continue reading "The Superhumanities with Jeffrey Kripal"

Thinking Impossibly with Jeffrey Kripal Jeffrey J. Kripal is the J. Newton Rayzor Professor of Philosophy and Religious Thought and former chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Rice University in Houston, Texas. His books include Kali's Child, Esalen, Authors of the Impossible, The Serpent's Gift, Mutants and Mystics, The Supernatural (with Whitley Strieber), … Continue reading "Thinking Impossibly with Jeffrey Kripal"

Josef London has been a cornerstone of the Esalen community for more than 30 years. In our conversation Josef shares about the leap of faith that brought him to Esalen from Rio de Janeiro in search of healing, transformation, and a place to call home. Today, guests know him from the Gate; he is one of the first people they meet upon arriving at Esalen. He has a delightful smile, but what they may not know is that Josef is steeped in the philosophy of Gestalt, and that he is decidedly not conflict averse - rather, he believes that conflict is where the truth comes out. Yet that at the same time, Josef believes fun is mandatory. He is a lover, with a huge heart, and in this conversation he speaks lovingly and at length about the love he lost, his wife Montgomery. You'll be touched by this conversation with one of Esalen's memorable characters. "Thank you so much." Photo by Kate Kondratieva

Hunter and I had a enjoyable chat with author and connector of dots Chris Knowles about his latest book "The Secret Sun Synchromystic Handbook", Esalen, 2/3/74, where Philip K. Dick and Liz Fraser overlap, the deep end of synchronicity, different types of syncs, the pukwudgie, punk rock sellouts, Samantha Morton, Jeff Buckley as Smiley Face victim, Song to the Siren, and, of course, Cocteau Twins. Chris' excellent blog: https://secretsun.blogspot.com/ To get access to exclusive episodes, our backlog of extended episodes, and to our MELT Meet-ups consider supporting us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/themeltpodcast or Locals at https://themeltpodcast.locals.com where you can subscribe for a mere $5 per month.    Find The Melt on… Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-2365404 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMeltPodcast Check out our merch at: https://the-melt.creator-spring.com/   Music by The Godawful Joy: https://thegodawfuljoy.bandcamp.com/releases and Matt Presti: https://www.mattpresti.com/music.html

Welcome to the 9th of 12 episodes where I unshame the houses of the chart with a different guest astrologer for each episode. My guest is the great Heidi Rose Robbins! Heidi is one of the most celebrated astrologers of our time. It has been an honor to know, learn from, and feel supported by Heidi since early in my career.  To the ancients, the 9th House was called God. No biggie!    Here we're discussing how shame can show up in the department of life we call the 9th House, which includes:  - Religion and spirituality  - Higher knowledge, wisdom, philosophy  - Long journeys, distant places, unfamiliar territory, pilgrimages   - Foreign travel, multicultural interests - Visions, dreams, oracles, prophets, astrologers, dream interpreters  - Law - Higher education, academia  - Abstract mind  (List from Demetra George, Ancient Astrology II)   I'm so grateful to Heidi for going there with me. This conversation felt so nourishing to me.  Enjoy!  Heidi Rose Robbins has been a professional astrologer for 25 years, helping thousands of clients all over the globe live with more authenticity and clarity. She hosts two podcasts, THE RADIANCE PROJECT, featuring poetry, astrology, and good company, and CHART YOUR CAREER, with co-host Ellen Fondiler. Twice a year, she leads Radiant Life Retreats, for people wishing to take a deeper dive into her work. She is also a guest faculty member at Esalen in Big Sur, CA. Heidi has written two books of poetry, This Beckoning Ceaseless Beauty and Wild Compassion, and has been a featured poet at two TedX events. Her 12-book series, The Zodiac Love Letters, was published by One Idea Press, and last year her new book, Everyday Radiance--based on her daily Instagram offerings--was published by Chronicle.   Follow Heidi on Instagram.   +++ Do you want to experience mentorship with me? Do you crave mystical support for your work in the world? This is not your usual money mindset container.  Click here to check out the course page and learn more about the U2D experience  We begin Tuesday, November 19.  Doors close once all seats are filled. It filled last time on the first go, so I have no reason to believe it won't fill again.  +++ E M E R G E N C E  A S T R O L O G Y ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.brittenlarue.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@brittenlarue⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Living Astrology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ +++ Podcast art: Angela George. Podcast music: Jonathan Koe.

Chandra Easton is a senior Dharma teacher, author, and translator of Tibetan Buddhist texts. She is well renowned for her efforts to elevate the empowered feminine in Buddhism. Chandra has a deep lineage of study under the guidance of prominent Tibetan and Western Buddhist teachers, beginning her journey in Buddhist practice at the age of four. She's spent decades bridging traditional Tibetan teachings with a modern approach, making profound wisdom practices accessible and relevant for today's world. We spoke together live at Esalen this fall where we explored her latest book, "Embodying Tara: Twenty-One Manifestations to Awaken Your Innate Wisdom", diving deep into themes of ego, suffering, and the transformative practice known as 'Feed Your Demons.'

On this episode of Transforming Trauma, CTTC Director and NARM® Senior Trainer Brad Kammer welcomes Jessica Britt, Training Director of The Diamond Approach, to share wisdom from her decades-long journey of personal healing and professional development. Jessica says that creating more depth in the field requires therapists to do the hard internal work of self-healing. She invites us to feel our way through layers of pain and recognize the alchemic potential of being with our deepest emotions. Only then can we hold that same space for our clients.  About Jessica Britt: Jessica Britt has been a student of Hamid Ali since 1977 and a teacher since 1985. As training director for the Diamond Approach, she leads ongoing groups in Europe, Canada, and the US. In the 1980s, Jessica was on the Gestalt staff of Esalen Institute, creating an integration of Reichian and Gestalt work. While at Esalen, she was a student within the Native American traditions leading wilderness journeys. Additionally, she studied continuum movement with Emily Conrad. A nurse in the seventies, Jessica specialized in the field of childhood sexual and physical abuse. She continues to practice from a view that includes the whole of the miracle of conscious life.  Learn More: The Diamond Approach Email To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal.  The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter YouTube Instagram @complextraumatrainingcenter  

John Marks is the founder of Search for Common Ground, an international NGO whose purpose is to end violent conflict around the world. In 2018, Search was nominated for a Nobel Peace prize. Over the years some of their notable work has included helping to avert genocide in Burundi, supporting free elections in Liberia and Sierra Leone, and creating training in the Democratic Republic of Congo to curb sexual assault. Marks is the author of the new book From Vision to Action, Remaking the world through Social Entrepreneurship. Together, we spoke about how Esalen helped to launch his work and what he's learned in over 40 years of track 2, or citizen diplomacy. BIO: John Marks had an unconventional path to peacemaking, starting as a critic of the CIA and becoming a renowned social entrepreneur. Marks resigned from the State Department in 1970 to protest the United States' invasion of Cambodia. He co-authored a bestselling book, The CIA and the Cult of Intelligence, which exposed abuses committed by the CIA. His second book, which won a major award for investigative reporting, also focused on CIA abuses. In 1982, Marks founded Search for Common Ground (Search), an organization dedicated to conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Marks's journey showcases a remarkable shift from a career focused on exposing wrongdoing to a life dedicated to building common ground and fostering peace. Marks and his colleagues at Search were known as "Searchers," highlighting their dedication to seeking solutions and common ground in conflict situations.

Keith Thompson is an author, independent journalist, talk radio host, and former U.S. Senate staff member. Keith's work has appeared in the New York Times, Esquire and the San Francisco Chronicle. He's the author of the new book, The UFO Paradox: The Celestial and Symbolic World of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, in which he reveals how the UFO phenomenon ultimately represents a call from the cosmos for humanity to open to greater dimensions of reality and recognize that our understanding of the universe is still far from complete. Together we talked about how he discovered Esalen in 1975 from a New Yorker article, his friendship with Esalen co-founder Michael Murphy, how he became involved in the earliest incarnations of Esalen's Center for Theory and Research, the genius of Esalen's "no one captures the flag" approach, the "Tuesday morning phenomenon," and the links between the paranormal and the aims of the human potential movement.

Today we have a special episode. We're bringing you something unique and powerful: a real Esalen check-in. This practice, rooted in the Gestalt therapy that evolved at Esalen over the years, has become a cornerstone of the Esalen experience, often described as a catalyst for self-awareness, connection, and personal growth. Our check-in features an incredible group of people: full-time staff members Nani Almanza, Jess Siller, Alex Shepherd, Sam Stern, and Shira Levine, as well as Faith Blakeney, a participant in the LEEP and REEP residential programs. What you'll hear is real. It is authentic and unscripted. While our participants were aware of being recorded, they spoke from the heart. We've made every effort to preserve the intimacy and rawness of the experience with only minimal editing. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the heart of what makes Esalen truly special. This is the secret sauce - the open, honest sharing that forms the foundation for personal transformation. I invite you to listen with an open heart and mind, as we explore this fundamental Esalen practice together.

Erik Davis stands tall at the intersection between mysticism, technology, and counterculture. He's one of my favorite writers, the author of many stupendous books, among them "TechGnosis: Myth, Magic, and Mysticism in the Age of Information," "Nomad Codes," as well as "High Weirdness" a highly entertaining book that explores 1970s counterculture and its relationship with altered states of consciousness. Erik is also an Esalen faculty member, having recently taught a course on Embodied Writing and Spiritual Practice. In this conversation, we went into his new book, "Blotter," an extended meditation on LSD blotter art and the culture that surrounds it. We also found time to veer off into a host of topics, including Terence McKenna, John C. Lilly, Dick Price, madness, Stan Grof, the spiritual emergency network, prep-school deadheads, the Village Voice, the Internet and Erik's theory that it kills subcultures, the phenomenon of what Erik calls "cannabis thinking," how he was never much of a "cannabis writer," tape machines and their place in the counterculture, the Merry Pranksters, Phillip K. Dick, Bay Area Poster art, the DEA and its own little zine - and much more. Erik is one of the cofounders of the Berkeley Alembic - a nonprofit bodymind center committed to experiments in transformation. https://berkeleyalembic.org/ You can also find his collected works at Techgnosis: https://techgnosis.com/

Known to the masses as simply "JJ," JJ Jeffries is a recognizable figure on the Esalen campus, meeting and greeting arrivals with a kind and pleasant vibe, as well as a memorably dry sense of humor. Mentor, Gestalt and Embodied Awareness practitioner, musician, and memory-keeper, JJ teaches a host of classes at Esalen, including "How to Drop Into Esalen" and his suite of "Pathways to Joy" offerings. JJ describes his pre-Esalen self as a “clueless yokel from Indiana” — the middle child of six boys, “born poor, perpetually confused, raised on corn and really bad TV.” Until he hit his stride at 22, when “I joined the privileged ranks of bartenders and ne'er do wells and never looked back.”  Says JJ, "Eventually, at Esalen, I was asked to lead meditation, which I crafted to include music, sensory awareness, and the chakras. Then, when asked to do a dance, I chose to delve into my studies of early childhood development, attachment theory and many other somatic arenas as vehicles to transform dance into a format that put these theories into practice. The intention was "how do we connect without words and how do we discover our deepest desires by taking risks and being vulnerable together" - letting the body and experiences be our pathways to joy.

It was so much fun to meet the famous Brigitte Mars, who has been an herbalist for over fifty years. I've admired her work for such a long time, and found in this interview that she is also quite the character! Brigitte has such a strong thread of creativity that just bursts out of her, and our conversation went in many unexpected directions – way beyond simply talking about our mutual love for dandelions!It's truly bizarre to me that some people reach for poisons to eradicate certain plants in their lawn - especially when so many of those plants can be so beneficial to our health! Dandelion is such a cheerful, wonderful plant with so many gifts, and I think that the more people who learn to work with it in their food and medicine, the fewer people will be using toxic chemicals on their lawn. Speaking of making food from this sunny little plant, Brigitte has shared her delicious recipe for dandelion “mushrooms” with us, which you can find here.By the end of this episode, you'll know:► Four ways to work with dandelions in food and drink (including an interesting way to use the flower stems!)► The three herbs Brigitte would bring with her if she was traveling to another planet► Why Brigitte is so passionate about wild foods► Why dandelion is such a great herbal ally for mental and emotional health► and so much more…For those of you who don't know her, Brigitte Mars is an herbalist and nutritional consultant of natural health with over fifty years of experience. She teaches herbal medicine at Naropa University. Brigitte has also taught at the Omega Institute, Esalen, many festivals including Burning Man, and even the Mayo Clinic. She is a founding and professional member of the American Herbalist Guild.Brigitte is the author of many books and DVDs, including The Natural First Aid Handbook, Natural Remedies for Mental and Emotional Health, The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine, and a newly republished book on dandelion. Her latest project is a phone app called IPlant, and she has several online courses which you can find in the show notes.If you'd like to hear more from Brigitte, which I highly recommend, then head to the show notes where you can get easy links for her website and social media channels. You can also find the transcript for this episode in the show notes and you can access your recipe card at: https://bit.ly/3zvcpGO.I'm excited to share our conversation with you today!----Get full show notes and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.comFor more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram!The secret to using herbs successfully begins with knowing who YOU are. Get started by taking my free Herbal Jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter.If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it!On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health.Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at