Weed Wisdom and Wildflower Children: A Lifetime of Herbal Mastery and Radical Authenticity

In this insightful solo episode, host Julian Royce dives deep into the architecture of the human experience. He explores the profound connection between ancient Buddhist elemental wisdom and modern attachment theory, proposing that we can find a sense of "secure attachment" by reconnecting with the Earth as our primary mother. Julian also bridges the gap between neuroscience and spirituality, explaining how our "Default Mode Network" acts as a repository for past traumas and subconscious beliefs. Whether you are navigating your own healing journey or looking for practical tools to master your mind, this episode offers a grounded yet expansive roadmap for transforming limiting patterns into life-force energy.Main Topics CoveredThe Substrate of Experience: Why "A State of Mind" refers to the fluid, conscious field underlying all our crystallized memories and snapshots of life.Earth as the Ultimate Mother: Using the Earth element as a source of stability and strength to heal biological attachment wounds and childhood conditioning.The Five Elements in Practice: A look at the Tantric Buddhist visualization of Space, Wind, Fire, Water, and Earth, and how reversing our normal perceptions helps us "wake up."Beliefs as Neurological Structures: Investigating how subconscious beliefs act as feedback loops that shape our perception of reality and keep us trapped in the past.The Default Mode Network (DMN): How this brain network functions as our relative "ego" and why disrupting it is key to treating anxiety and depression.Trauma and Emotional Charge: Why positive thinking alone isn't enough to change deep-seated patterns and the necessity of creating an emotional "charge" to wire new neural pathways.Intergenerational Healing: Understanding the science of epigenetics and how we carry the unresolved stress of our ancestors in our own systems.Institutional Critique: A candid reflection on the current environment at Naropa University and the "shame and blame" culture affecting its psychology programs.Key TakeawaysAttention is Energy: "Where our attention goes, our energy flows." By consciously directing our focus, we can physically increase blood flow and life-force energy to areas of the body that need healing.Fire and Wire: Following the neuroscience principle that "circuits that fire together, wire together," we can use mindfulness to interrupt autopilot behaviors and build new, healthier habits.Mastery is Heart-Centered: In the Buddhist tradition, "mastering the mind" actually means mastering "heart-consciousness"—reintegrating the mind with the body rather than treating them as separate.Reframing the Shadow: Instead of avoiding negative thoughts like jealousy or resentment, get curious about what they really want. Often, they point to a healthy underlying desire that simply needs a new form of expression.Connect with the HostJulian Royce (A State of Mind): Visit astateofmind.life for somatic psychotherapy, meditation teaching, and transformative facilitation.Instagram: @julianoceannSupport the Show: Support the podcast directly and access exclusive content on our Patreon Page.Special Thanks to Our SponsorsKotan Pathogenics: Discover the heart-opening benefits of traditional Kana. Increases empathy, compassion, and mood. Order here (Consult your provider before use).Mycelium: High-quality functional mushroom blends for energy, focus, and calm. Check out their electrolyte and cacao mixes here.EMR Tech: Fashionable blue light blocking glasses to protect your circadian rhythm and melatonin production. Get yours here.Enjoyed this solo dive? Please Follow, Like, and Share this episode! Your reviews and comments help us reach more people on their path to healing and awareness.

In this vibrant and soul-nourishing episode, host Julian Royce welcomes back a true community elder, Brigitte Mars. An herbalist with over 50 years of experience, a professor at Naropa University for four decades, and the author of nearly 20 books, Brigitte is a living bridge between ancient earth wisdom and modern healing. From her days living in a teepee in the Ozarks to her early encounters with psychedelic pioneers like the Learys, Brigitte shares how we can reclaim our health and "life force" by simply looking out our front doors. Whether you are interested in holistic gynecology, the "hippie" roots of modern wellness, or how to turn your backyard weeds into a gourmet salad, this conversation is a masterclass in resilient living.Main Topics CoveredEat the Weeds: Why dandelions and nettles are the ultimate survival plants and how to embody "weed wisdom" to overcome personal adversity.The Hippies Were Right: A look at how once-radical ideas like organic food, meditation, and renewable energy have moved from the commune to the mainstream.Integration over Appropriation: Moving past "looking outside" to other cultures for the sacred and claiming a healthy, integrated American culture in the 21st century.Safe "Set and Setting": Brigitte’s early lessons in psychedelic safety while living with Rosemary Leary and the importance of respect for powerful medicines.Herbalism vs. Big Pharma: The history of "quackery," the Flexner Report of 1917, and why you can't patent a dandelion.Holistic Gynecology and Libido: Insights from Brigitte’s book The Sexual Herbal on tonifying the body for healthy sexuality and navigating transitions like fertility and menopause.The 19th Book: A sneak peek into Brigitte’s upcoming memoir, Wildflower Child: A Tale of Sex, Psychedelics, and Natural Foods.Healing the Masculine and Feminine: Addressing deep-seated societal traumas—from circumcision to the "spoils of war"—to foster trust and connection.Key TakeawaysAdaptability is Health: Wild plants survive without being watered or mulched because they are adaptable; humans can learn resiliency by integrating wild foods into their diets.The "Information Diet": Just as we avoid junk food for the body, we must avoid "junk food for the mind"—horror, violence, and digital drama—especially before spiritual or psychedelic work.Vote with Your Dollars: Every time you buy an organic apple or an herbal remedy, you are voting for a field of lavender and the pollinators that sustain the earth."If You Think It, Ink It": A simple but powerful rule for personal responsibility and maintaining integrity in relationships and work.Connect with Brigitte MarsWebsite: https://www.brigittemars.com/ (Find articles, recipes, and natural remedies)Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brigittemars01Books: Look for Dandelion Medicine, The Sexual Herbal, and her upcoming memoir Wildflower Child at your local independent bookstore or online.Connect with Julian RoyceWebsite: https://astateofmindtherapy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianoceann/Therapy & Meditation: Inquire about Julian's somatic psychotherapy and meditation classes.Support the Show: Join our Patreon page to help us continue these vital conversations.Inspired to start your own herb walk? Please Follow, Like, and Share this episode to help spread the wisdom of the earth!

In this deeply moving and expansive conversation, host Julian Royce sits down with Mark Cunningham, a therapist, military veteran, and dedicated advocate for psychedelic healing. Mark shares his unique journey from serving as a military police officer in Afghanistan to undergoing a radical paradigm shift through anthropology and psychedelic medicine.The episode explores the "soul wounds" common to the veteran experience and beyond, specifically focusing on Moral Injury—the damage done to one's conscience when witnessing or participating in acts that violate core moral values. From the jungles of Peru to the neuroscience of "freeze" energy, Mark and Julian discuss how we can move from a culture of isolation and shame toward one of "village vibes," radical accountability, and heart-centered connection.Main Topics CoveredFrom MP to Healer: Mark’s transition from enforcing the "War on Drugs" in the Army to advocating for the liberation of psychedelic medicines for veterans.The Anthropology of Belonging: How our nomadic hunter-gatherer roots explain the modern epidemic of loneliness and why the military often provides a fleeting sense of "tribe."Healing the Soul Wound: A deep dive into Moral Injury and how it differs from PTSD, requiring spiritual and ethical reckoning rather than just symptom management.The "Freeze" Breakthrough: Mark's powerful story of an all-veteran psilocybin group where he finally released decades of pent-up trauma through a primal, non-verbal somatic experience.The Doctor as Shaman: Navigating the tension between the "sterile" medical model of psychedelics and the need for community-led, nature-based decriminalization.Sexual Shadow & Accountability: A mature response to disturbing online "rape academies" and how avoiding the "sexual shadow" leads to the damaging "leaks" of energy into violence.Chimps vs. Bonobos: Using primatology to explore human propensities for patriarchy and war versus matriarchy and erotic connection as conflict resolution.The Balanced Warrior: Reflections on the "New Warrior" initiation (Mankind Project) and the necessity of integrating the archetypes of King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover.Key TakeawaysHealthy vs. Unhealthy Shame: Healthy shame (guilt) motivates behavioral change and repair after a wrong, whereas unhealthy shame is an identification with being "bad" that paralyzes growth.The "Ski Slope" of the Mind: Mark explains the neuroscience of habit—how thoughts carve deep grooves in our neural "snow" and how psychedelics provide a fresh snowfall to choose new paths.Community is Essential to Trauma Recovery: PTSD is often exacerbated by a lack of a supportive community to witness and "take on" the wounds of war alongside the individual.The True Warrior's Grief: A healthy warrior views violence only as a tragic last resort and maintains the capacity to feel grief for the harm caused, rather than hardening the heart.Connect with the Guest Mark CunninghamWebsite: https://www.adaptivetherapyllc.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrcunninghamInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/adaptivetherapyllc/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdaptiveTherapyLLC/Connect with Julian RoyceWebsite: https://astateofmindtherapy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianoceann/Therapy & Meditation: Inquire about Julian's somatic psychotherapy and meditation classes.Support the Show: Join our Patreon page to help us continue these vital conversations.Follow, Like, and ShareIf Mark’s journey and these insights on healing the "soul wound" resonated with you, please Follow, Like, and Share this episode. Your engagement helps us reach those who might be suffering in silence and need to hear that healing is possible.

In this enlightening episode, Julian Royce sits down with Ramzey Abueita, a community super-connector and self-described "psychedelic freedom fighter." Ramzey was a pivotal figure in the movement to pass Proposition 122 in Colorado, a landmark bill that liberated natural medicines for the people. This conversation explores the profound intersection between cognitive liberty, the neuroscience of the "entropic brain," and the urgent need to reclaim "village vibes" in an age of digital isolation. Whether you are curious about the mechanics of the Default Mode Network or the complex politics behind drug policy reform, this episode offers a deep dive into how psychedelics act as a catalyst for both individual and societal transformation.Main Topics CoveredVillage Vibes vs. Suburbia: How modern infrastructure and the "automobile culture" have contributed to an epidemic of loneliness by destroying "third spaces."The Democratization of Information: The pros and cons of losing a shared monoculture in music and news to hyper-individualized, algorithm-driven silos.Harvesting Attention: A critical look at how digital intelligences are engineered to keep us in "digital entrainment" and how to break the rut.The Neuroscience of Transformation: Exploring Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris's "Entropic Brain Hypothesis" and the role of the Default Mode Network in ego-referential thought.The "Ski Slope" Metaphor: Understanding how mental habits carve deep grooves in our snow and how psychedelics provide a fresh "blanket of snow" for new choices.Entropy vs. Rigidity: Why conditions like depression, OCD, and PTSD are marked by hyper-ordered mental rigidity and how "disorder" can be a doorway to healing.The Shaman and the Doctor: Navigating the cultural shift where the medical industrial complex has claimed exclusive authority over altered states.Decriminalization vs. Legalization: A breakdown of Colorado’s Prop 122 and the strategic importance of protecting the "grow, gather, gift" model from corporate monopolies.Key TakeawaysPsychedelics as Non-Specific Amplifiers: They don't bring a "fix" from the outside; they turn up the volume on unresolved mental tensions, making the right "set and setting" crucial.Hidden Order in Chaos: By surrendering top-down filtering, the brain becomes sensitive to the innate fractal patterns and natural rhythms of the universe.The Default Mode Network (DMN): This is the neurological home of the ego. When it becomes overactive through rumination, it creates a self-feeding loop of negative self-image.Decrim First: To avoid a hyper-sterilized and cost-prohibitive medical model, activists argue that personal use must be decriminalized before or alongside commercial regulation.Connect with Ramzey AbueitaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramzy/Connect with Julian RoyceWebsite: https://astateofmindtherapy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianoceann/Therapy & Meditation: Inquire about Julian's somatic psychotherapy and meditation classes.Support the Show: Join our Patreon page to help us continue these vital conversations.Inspired by the movement for cognitive liberty? Please Follow, Like, and Share this episode to help us reach more listeners!

In this profound reunion, host Julian Royce sits down with Pierre Bouchard, a somatic psychotherapist and seasoned psychedelic facilitator. Building on their shared history in the Dharma Ocean meditation community, Pierre explores how embodiment and somatic awareness are the essential missing links in both modern therapy and the "psychedelic renaissance." From the dangers of spiritual bypassing to the transformative power of a "right-sized ego," this conversation moves past the hype of big breakthrough experiences to focus on the long-term path of unburdening the self. Whether you are a curious seeker or a fellow practitioner, Pierre offers a masterclass in the nuance, ethics, and maturity required to navigate altered states of consciousness.Main Topics CoveredThe Somatic Turn: Why traditional "neck-up" therapy often fails and how adding the channel of bodily sensation makes the healing process more vivid and rich.Reggie Ray & Dharma Ocean: Reflections on the powerful (and controversial) legacy of somatic meditation and the importance of attunement over mere grounding.Psychedelics as Non-Specific Amplifiers: Understanding the term coined by Stan Grof and how medicines highlight the "order of operations" already present in your nervous system.The Pre-Trans Fallacy: A deep dive into Ken Wilber’s framework—distinguishing between pre-personal impulsivity (like a baby) and transpersonal spontaneity (like a Zen master).Psycholytic vs. Psychedelic Dosing: The strategic difference between softening the ego to do therapeutic work and dissolving the ego for mystical experiences.Spiritual Bypassing & Grandiosity: How unhealed personal wounds can lead to a "spiritualized ego" that uses mystical experiences to circumvent vulnerability.The Evolution of Worship: Discussing why modern individuals make "idols" of their own healing journeys and the need to move from an "adolescent culture" into collective maturity.The Four Stages of Growth: Referencing Michael Beckwith’s arc: Life happening to me, for me, through me, and as me.Key Takeaways- Trust over Surrender: Pierre suggests that "surrender" can imply passivity, whereas "trust" is an active, tactile engagement with the flow of experience.- The Vessel Metaphor: A healthy ego structure (the vessel) needs both structural integrity and permeability. If it’s too open, the self fragments; if it’s too rigid (like a cinched barrel), it becomes fragile and brittle.- Therapy is the Hard Part: Giving someone a substance and playing music is a basic skill; the real mastery lies in the therapeutic frame and the ability to hold a safe, ethical container.- Facilitators must clock the difference between "dense" ego structures that need more medicine and "permeable" systems that may fragment on high doses.- Psychedelics are allies on a lifelong journey of liberation, not a "fix" that saves you from the work of being human.Understanding the Levels of ConsciousnessTo better grasp Pierre's discussion of the Pre-Trans Fallacy, it helps to visualize the development of the human psyche from an undifferentiated state to a highly integrated spiritual state.Additionally, understanding the "three brains"—the head, heart, and gut—provides a roadmap for the somatic work discussed.Connect with Pierre BouchardWebsite: http://pierrebouchardcounseling.com/Instagram: @pierre.bouchard.lpcSubstack: https://open.substack.com/pub/psychedelicartistryFacilitation: Learn more about Pierre’s work training facilitators and holding therapeutic containers.Connect with Julian RoyceWebsite: https://astateofmindtherapy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianoceann/Services: Inquire about Julian’s work as a therapist, meditation teacher, and facilitator.Support the Show: Visit our Patreon page to help us continue these deep-dive conversations.Enjoyed this deep dive? Please Follow, Like, and Share this episode! Your support helps us grow and continue bringing world-class insights to your ears.

In this riveting second installment, Julian Royce continues his conversation with Duncan Blake (formerly Duncan Horst), an experience designer and ritual theater creator with one of the most eclectic life stories ever shared on the show. Duncan opens up about the "meta-crisis" of trust and story, tracing his path from a bullied "genius" child in New Jersey to a 10-hour mushroom-induced "death trip" in Amsterdam, and ultimately, to a high-stakes career as a Wall Street analyst managing half a billion dollars for MIT’s endowment.The episode bridges the gap between Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the corporate world, demonstrating how a "decentralized self" isn't a pathology, but a superpower. Duncan explains how he used Kabuki theater techniques to interface with CEOs while maintaining a rigorous spiritual practice to ground his nervous system against a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. This is a masterclass in alchemy—turning trauma into art and neurodivergence into a competitive edge in the "attention economy."Main Topics CoveredThe Meta-Crisis of Story: Why trust is the number one currency of our age and how ritual theater helps people coordinate on a shared reality.The 13-Page Guide to Assimilation: Duncan’s childhood coping mechanism of "horcruxing" his personality to survive intense bullying by modeling his traits after popular peers.Medical Trauma and the Psych Ward: A raw account of being hospitalized at 21 after a massive mushroom trip and the "psychic pathogens" present in institutional environments.The "Burdle Box" and Multiple Selves: How Duncan used creative writing and chess to have empathy for his different sub-personalities, predating the current popularity of IFS.Wall Street as Theater: The transition from a "pretty boy cater waiter" to a financial analyst, and why financial math is actually "advanced seventh-grade math" hidden behind gatekeepers.Intuition as a Grounded Skill: How deep meditation and yoga allowed Duncan to outwork competitors by accessing long-term intuition rather than chasing short-term dopamine hits.The Corporation as a Fractal Body: Applying the parts of the self to corporate structures (e.g., the CMO as the creative self, the CTO as the autistic/order-seeking self).The Spiritual Incursion: Navigating a Kundalini awakening while working within the veins of the financial establishment.Key TakeawaysDon't Struggle for "Normal": Duncan argues that trying to get back to the self you were before a rupture is a trap; healing requires reconstituting a new, more integrated version of yourself.The Ringmaster Self: In the "Muppet Show" of the mind, we need a "Capital S Self" that can lead all the internal performers with compassion and clarity.Madness vs. Breakthrough: Many psychic breaks are actually "breakthroughs terminated for the convenience of others." Proper grounding can transform these crises into profound gifts.Money as Energy: When viewed through a spiritual lens, finance is simply the movement of energy; accessing deep intuition is more valuable than any algorithm.MyFeelium combines the healing benefits of ancient medicine with science backed nootropics and adaptogens.Discover their expertly tailored mushroom and herbal products:https://myfeelium.co//discount/julian20?aff=58Connect with Duncan BlakeInstagram: Follow Duncan for clips of his ritual theater and freestyle raps.Experience Design: Reach out to Duncan to learn about his improv musicals and "Wizard of Odd" performances.Follow, Like, and ShareIf Duncan’s journey from the psych ward to Wall Street inspired you, please follow the podcast, like this episode, and share it. Helping us grow allows Julian to keep hosting these messy, human, and life-changing conversations.Connect with Julian RoyceTherapy & Meditation: Visit astateofmind.life for sessions in Boulder or online.Support the Show: Join our Patreon page.Sponsors: Check out Mycelium for mushroom blends and EMR Tech for blue light blocking glasses.

In this illuminating episode, host Julian Royce sits down with Saint, a somatic reclamation guide and former event producer for the Envision Festival. Fresh from the jungles of Costa Rica, they explore the intersection of community, trauma recovery, and the "pendulum of sensation." Saint shares her personal journey of healing from childhood sexual trauma, moving past the limitations of traditional talk therapy and into the world of somatic sexology. This conversation is for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of modern relationships and move from emotional numbing toward a life of full spectrum intimacy and presence.Main Topics CoveredProducing the Village: Insights into the 12 year history of Envision Festival and the logistical work of building a community in the Costa Rican jungle.Reframing Triggers: Reclaiming triggers not as something to avoid, but as body signals and doorways to deeper self understanding and transmutation.The Pendulum of Sensation: How numbing negative emotions inadvertently numbs the capacity for joy, and the importance of playing with the full range of human feeling.Attachment Theory in Action: A breakdown of secure, anxious, and avoidant attachment styles, and how "earned secure attachment" is built through conscious inner work.Monogamy vs. Polyamory: Why secure attachment—not relationship structure—is the ultimate predictor of happiness and well-being.Somatic Sexology: Defining the "soma" (the soul/body connection) and how rewiring neural pathways can move us out of survival responses like "fawn" and "freeze."The Maverick Archetype: How our cultural obsession with individualism (the lone cowboy) conflicts with our biological hardwiring for team connection.Conscious Self-Pleasure: The importance of connecting with one's own body without an agenda or end goal to cultivate true life force energy.Key TakeawaysIntimacy as the Goal: Success in relationships should not be measured by longevity alone, but by the depth of emotional responsiveness and authentic communication.Biology is Connection: Humans are social animals hardwired for connection; we thrive when we move from individualism toward healthy teamwork.Rewiring Survival Patterns: You can consciously rewire automatic survival instincts (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) into chosen responses that allow for greater pleasure and safety.Relationships as Mirrors: The partners we attract often reflect our own attachment styles, offering a map of the internal work we have yet to do.Connect with SaintWebsite: https://www.fifthelementsomatics.com/paradoxritualConnect with Julian RoyceWebsite: A State of MindTherapy & Meditation: Explore Julian's work as a therapist and facilitator.Support the Show: Join our Patreon page to support the podcast directly.Enjoyed this episode? Please Follow, Like, and Share to help us spread these life changing conversations!

In this captivating return to the podcast, Julian Royce reunites with longtime friend Duncan Blake (formerly Duncan Horst) for a deep dive into the fluid nature of identity. Following an intense ritual theater production in a French castle and a residency at the Envision Festival in Costa Rica, Duncan discusses how he "shattered" his old name to embrace a new path inspired by the mystic poet William Blake. The conversation bridges the gap between ancient Buddhist philosophy, western hermeticism, and the emerging "deity" of artificial intelligence.Duncan opens up about his personal history with mental health, including a harrowing mushroom-induced "death trip" in Amsterdam that dismantled a decade-old narcissistic mask and led him toward the healing power of meditation and tantra. This episode is a roadmap for navigating the "unveiling" of our modern world without losing our ground.Main Topics CoveredThe Rebirth of Duncan Blake: How an intense ritual theater experience at Chateau de Valerie in France led Duncan to shed his birth name and adopt a new one inspired by William Blake.AI as a Modern Tulpa: A discussion on how artificial intelligence is becoming a modern collective metaphor for divinity and the potential dangers of projecting judgmental "all-knowing" qualities onto it.The "No-Self" and Multiple Personalities: Exploring the Buddhist "no-self" philosophy versus the psychological reality of having multiple sub-personalities and how to normalize this experience.Tantra: The A-Side and B-Side of Reality: Comparing the "void" of traditional Buddhism with the "aliveness" and love found in Tantric traditions like Kashmir Shaivism.Egregores and Archetypes: How collective thought forms—from Napoleon to Hitler—can merge with the individual sense of self, sometimes leading to ego inflation or psychosis.The Attention Economy as Sacrifice: An esoteric look at how social media platforms and "attention gods" feed on human prana (life force) through addictive feeds.From Mask to Madness: Duncan’s raw account of his 10-hour "death trip" in Amsterdam, subsequent suicidal depression, and how he eventually horcruxed his personality.The Cult of Kundalini: The dangers of raising spiritual energy without proper grounding, and Duncan's experience with a spiritual group that practiced "vampirism."Key TakeawaysIdentity is an Algorithm: Duncan explains that our "self" is more like a collection of conditioned parts (like fingers on a hand) rather than a single, unchanging headquarters.Apocalypse as Unveiling: Reframing the "apocalypse" not as the end of the world, but as the unveiling of a new way of knowing and perceiving reality.The Power of No-Mind: In the depths of depression, discovering that there is "no centralized self" allowed Duncan to find a path out of the void and begin healing.Grounding the Divine: Spiritual evolution requires a balance between "raising the Kundalini" (transcendence) and grounding that energy in the physical body and moral integrity.Connect with the GuestExperience Design: Reach out to Duncan to learn more about his improv musicals and experience design work at major festivals.The Wizard of Odd: Look for Duncan (as the Wizard of Odd) performing street magic and "reframing spells" on Pearl Street in Boulder, CO.Follow, Like, and ShareIf you found this conversation on the alchemy of the mind insightful, please follow the podcast, like this episode, and share it with someone navigating their own path of self-discovery.Connect with the HostTherapy & Meditation: Visit Julian's website to learn about his work as a therapist and meditation teacher.Support the Show: Support the podcast directly via Julian’s Patreon page.Sponsors: Explore the mood-uplifting benefits of Kana or high-quality Shilajit resin.

In this thought-provoking episode, host Julian Royce sits down with Waylon Lewis, the founder of Elephant Journal, for a candid exploration of what it means to live an ethical life in a "convenience-obsessed" world. From the toxic reality of plastic-coated books to the complicated legacy of the Shambala Buddhist community, they dive deep into how we can reclaim our personal power from corporate monopolies and addictive algorithms. Whether you're struggling with "junk dopamine" or looking for a way to stay mindful in a polarized political landscape, this conversation offers a grounded, often witty roadmap for moving from "hot boredom" to genuine connection.Main Topics CoveredThe Environmental Cost of Media: Why Waylon moved Elephant Journal online and his obsessive journey to publish the world's only plastic-free books.The "Attention Economy" & Mental Health: Breaking the cycle of "junk dopamine" and the importance of keeping phones out of the bedroom.Consumer Power vs. Systemic Change: A debate on whether individual choices—like boycotting Amazon or skipping to-go cups—actually move the needle.The Shambala Scandal & "Dharma Brats": Waylon’s personal reflections on growing up in the Boulder Buddhist community and the fall of the Sakyong.The End of the Guru: Why the future of spirituality may require dropping the "worship" model in favor of spiritual mentorship and personal dignity.Corporate Monopolies: The shift from boycotting Walmart in the 90s to the ubiquitous (and dangerous) dominance of Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk.Politics & Discernment: A nuanced look at the Biden administration’s antitrust efforts and why Trump isn't actually "anti-establishment."Community as Therapy: Why the Boulder Farmers Market is Waylon’s "free therapy" and how real-world visibility cures isolation.Key TakeawaysBoredom is a Superpower: Waylon describes "hot boredom" (the initial discomfort of no stimulation) and how, if we sit with it, it cools into genuine relaxation and creativity.Plastic is a Climate Issue: Plastic is essentially "solidified big oil." Reducing plastic use isn't just about waste; it's a direct stand against the fossil fuel industry.Principles over Personalities: Using the example of yoga teacher Richard Freeman, Waylon argues that true "masters" are bored by worship. We must move toward a model of "nontheism" where we respect the teachings, not the pedestal.Individual Action is Collective: While systemic change is needed, reclaiming your power through small daily habits prevents "burnout" and "capitulation to the man."Connect with Waylon LewisWebsite: Elephant JournalInstagram: @waylonlewisBooks: Check out his plastic-free titles, Things I Would Like to Do with You and It’s Never Too Late to Fall in Love with Your Life.Connect with Julian RoyceWebsite: A State of MindSupport the Show: Patreon PageFollow Julian: InstagramEnjoyed this deep dive? Please Follow, Like, and Share this episode to help us grow our community of mindful listeners!

This week on A State of Mind, host Julian Royce sits down with Scott Nice—a visionary music producer, visual artist, and educator—to explore the intersection of creativity, mindfulness, and human connection.From overcoming personal challenges to blending ancient wellness practices with modern music production, Scott shares his journey of growth and inspiration. This episode is for artists, creators, and anyone looking to expand their creative potential while staying grounded in health and purpose. Tune in to discover practical insights on holistic living, music innovation, and meaningful engagement with your community.Main Topics Covered: Scott’s early experiences in skateboarding, music, and design Overcoming health challenges through Ayurveda and holistic wellness The evolution of music production and remix culture Storytelling through music videos and visuals The role of mentorship and the impact of AI on art Fostering deeper human connection in a digital worldKey Takeaways: Holistic Creativity: Practices like Ayurveda can profoundly influence your creative energy. Process Over Product: The intentionality behind the creation is as valuable as the final track. Community: Mentorship and authentic audience connection are critical in the age of AI.Episode Chapters: 0:04 - Podcast Intro & Health Supplements 3:20 - Meeting Scott Nice & Early DJ Beginnings 5:07 - Learning the Craft: Turntablism & Practice 8:12 - Technical Side: Sound, Visuals & Immersive Design 12:16 - DJing vs. Producing & Genre Diversity 22:00 - The Pitfalls of Mono-Genre Music 28:43 - Psychedelics, Sensitivity & Sobriety 34:25 - Safety & Risks in Medicine Ceremonies 37:39 - Mindful Music & Interactive Live Shows 47:00 - Advice for Aspiring Artists & Closing ThoughtsSupport the Show:Somatic Therapy & Meditation with Julian: astateofmindtherapy.comPatreon: patreon.com/astateofmindVenmo: @Julian-RoyceInstagram: @julianoceannPlease Visit Our Sponsors:KA! Empathogenics - High-quality Kanna products to boost mood and empathy.Use this link for a discount: kaempathogenics.com/JULIANROYCEEMR-TEK - Science-backed Blue Light blocking glasses and healing light products.Discount Link: emr-tek.com/JULIAN90864Premium Shilajit - Sourced from the sacred Ural Mountains.Message Julian for 20% off your order: astateofmindpodcast.com