This week we're sharing an episode of a podcast called Hit of Happiness, where Chad spoke to Brian Dubow about artificial intelligence and consciousness, among many other things. This may have been Chad's favorite interview so far, just because he loves talking to Brian and because they explored so many topics in such a coherent fashion. This interview is a great teaser for this three-part series Chad is working on about the myth of artificial intelligence, the nature of consciousness, transhumanism, spiritual machines, and metaphor. As our long-time listeners know, Chad likes to do these deep ..read more

In this episode, I explore a scientific theory of consciousness first put forth by Nobel Laureate Roger Penrose and Dr. Stuart Hameroff in the 1990s called quantum consciousness. This unorthodox, yet-scientific theory proposes that consciousness arises out of highly coordinated quantum processes occurring in the cells of the brain. This theory combines quantum mechanics, relativity, neuroscience, cognitive science, molecular biology, and philosophy. It’s different than prevailing theories of consciousness, which suggest that consciousness is an epiphenomenon of the firing of synapses in the ne ..read more

This week I talk to Hilary Jackendoff, a yoga nidra and meditation teacher and trainer, and Human Design coach. She’s also a powerful, heart-centered woman. To me, Hilary is the ideal teacher: wise yet humble, evolved yet grounded, knowledgeable yet hilarious.  In this episode, we talk about Yoga Nidra, states of consciousness, how Hilary came to the spiritual path, the importance of rest, making spiritual practices accessible, ashram life, and being seen by the Divine.  We barely scratched the surface of what we want to talk about so look for a part 2 coming very soon, perhaps even ..read more

This week I discuss discernment: What it is, why it’s important, how it can prevent ridiculousness, why that matters, and how to increase our discernment. As part of this discussion, I explore the Yog-Vedantic theory of mind and specific practices that can help us be more discerning, including self study, kriya, classical Tantrik practices, having a teacher you can trust, spiritual community, working with sacred plants, meditation, and good old psychotherapy, including psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.  The philosophy, cosmology and consciousness masters program I’m enrolled in at the C ..read more

This week I talked to Kerri Kelly, the founder of CTZNWELL, a movement that is democratizing wellbeing for all. A descendant of generations of firemen and first responders, Kerri has dedicated her life to kicking down doors and fighting for justice. She’s been teaching yoga for over 20 years and is known for making waves in the wellness industry by challenging norms, disrupting systems, and mobilizing people to act. A community organizer, wellness activist and author of the forthcoming book American Detox: The Myth of Wellness and How We Can Truly Heal, Kerri is recognized across communities f ..read more

In this episode I talk about a sex scandal that’s burning through a spiritual community I’m a part of, including what I know so far, and how it has polarized the community.  Then I explore the guru principle and the immense power of disillusionment.  Finally, I suggest that it may be time for a new guru archetype. This episode was extremely challenging to produce and deeply personal for me. I did the best I could to maintain a neutral yet impassioned perspective. I wanted to mention a few new offerings I just rolled out: I recently relaunched my popular, 4-week meditation course ..read more

In this episode I talk to Schuyler Brown, a futurist, facilitator, coach, teacher of embodiment and meditation, and a writer. You can find her at artofemergence.com and her essays/poems are on Medium @ schuylerbrown.  In the course of a broad-ranging discussion, Schuyler and I talk about grace; classical Tantra and the descending path; down-home, Kentucky spirituality; roots and rooting down; nature and the lost wildness of Europe; desire and magic; attachment; prayer; late stage capitalism; the importance of community; and the art of embodiment. It was a sort of collaborative riff on th ..read more

In this episode, we approach plant medicine from a yogic perspective. And we explore how yoga and sacred plant medicine are complementary practices with a long-standing symbiotic tradition; how yoga can be a powerful preparatory and integrative practice when working with plants; and how yoga can also be a powerful alternative to working with plants—not everyone needs to work with plants. It’s Native American Heritage Month so I just want to acknowledge the debt we owe to the native people of this land and all sacred lands, and the importance of respecting all indigenous traditions in joining ..read more

My guest this week is Adam Schomer, a documentary film and television director, writer, and producer, and the president of i2i Productions. Adam is probably most known for the Netflix documentary HEAL and is currently spearheading the global online summit for the film Fantastic Fungi. Adam is also a dear friend and a personal inspiration to me. He’s a great example of how spirituality and the spiritual path can be lighthearted and fun, and authentic. As you can probably guess, we met in India. In this episode we explore the role of fear and forgiveness on the spiritual path, utopian communit ..read more

Inspired by friends, family, and people like Daniel Pinchbeck, who have been so critical of spirituality, I mount a full-throated defense of spirituality, first acknowledging the pitfalls and shortcomings. Spirituality for me is a holistic worldview and set of practices that make us more relevant and impactful in the world, instead of more escapist and checked-out.  Authentic spirituality is becoming a spiritual scientist, making us more discerning, not more out-of-touch. Furthermore, true change cannot come about in the world without first expanding consciousness through spiritual pract ..read more