E179 - Reggie Watts: The Absurdity of Being a Human Being

In this conversation, David Ghiyam shares the spiritual framework that has guided his life for over 25 years—one rooted in the idea that reality operates according to universal spiritual laws, just as it does physical ones. Drawing from Kabbalistic wisdom and lived experience, David explains how the soul’s purpose is not comfort, but transformation, and how life’s challenges are designed to reconnect us with a deeper source of fulfillment.We explore the concept of the “light of the Creator,” the idea of spiritual baggage carried across lifetimes, and why pain, relationships, and adversity act as mirrors for inner growth. David reflects on periods of profound darkness in his own life—financial collapse, loss, doubt—and how a shift from victimhood to responsibility opened the door to unexpected clarity, healing, and abundance.MUDWTR - Up to 43% off sitewide (and a free frother!)https://www.mudwtr.com/knowthyself[Code: KNOWTHYSELF]André's Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________00:00 Intro - David Ghiyam04:57 The light of the Creator08:25 External teaching vs internal understanding12:36 Kabbalah in the life of David18:39 What is the source of consciousness?26:50 The trap of “needing” energy31:00 Ad: Mudwtr32:21 Does everything happen for a reason?39:43 The magnetic quality of being whole52:51 The role of business in our spiritual paths59:55 Protecting the seed1:09:08 How to practice trust in your intuition1:18:18 One spiritual law people violate daily1:29:26 Closing thoughts___________Episode Resources: https://www.instagram.com/davidghiyamhttps://www.davidghiyam.com/https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

In this conversation, Reggie Watts explores creativity not as a skill reserved for a few, but as the fundamental way human beings relate to reality itself. From comedy and music to improvisation, paradox, and play, Reggie reflects on how we’re constantly creating our experience of life—often without realizing it.We talk about absurdity as a doorway to truth, humor as a form of instantaneous awakening, and why laughter momentarily dissolves identity, ideology, and certainty. Reggie shares how improvisation shapes his philosophy of living, why structure exists to be transcended, and how playfulness restores a sense of freedom in a world that often feels rigid and over-defined.BON CHARGE - 15% off red light therapy products I personally usehttps://www.boncharge.com/knowthyself[Code: KNOWTHYSELF]André's Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________00:00 Intro - Reggie Watts04:54 The absurdity of being human07:21 The insight gained through self-reflection11:34 The philosophy of improv19:06 Realizing the artist in you24:27 Ad: BON CHARGE25:44 Reggie’s form of death meditation38:14 Altered states as a reference point46:09 Not all transpersonal experiences are equal52:43 Reframing anxiety after altered states1:03:25 It’s all an illusion1:12:44 Service to self vs service to others1:19:28 Building community1:23:15 Closing thoughts___________Episode Resources:https://www.reggie-watts.com/https://www.instagram.com/reggiewattshttps://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

In this conversation, Jesse Michels joins me to explore a question that’s becoming harder to dismiss: what if the phenomenon we call UFOs points to something real—and we don’t yet know what it is? Rather than arguing for belief or disbelief, this episode is an invitation to curiosity, careful inquiry, and intellectual honesty about the limits of our current understanding.We examine historical UFO encounters near nuclear sites, government secrecy, and the growing body of anomalies that don’t sit comfortably within a purely materialist worldview. This is a conversation about staying grounded while remaining open. About asking better questions. And about whether phenomena like UFOs, non-human intelligence, or something we haven’t yet named might be nudging us to expand how we think about reality, consciousness, and our place in the universe.Momentous: Best Creatine in the gamehttps://livemomentous.com[Use code KNOWTHYSELF for up to 35% off]BONCHARGE - 15% off red light therapy products I personally usehttps://www.boncharge.com/knowthyself[Code: KNOWTHYSELF]André's Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________00:00 Intro06:36 Questioning the Nature of Reality09:18 A Timeline of Non-Human Intelligence Evidence23:37 Why Nuclear Sites Attract Attention31:55 Extraordinary Claims, Extraordinary Evidence40:29 Ad: Momentous41:51 Letting Go of Human-Centric Thinking47:49 Studying Claims Without Dismissing People58:58 Non-Human Biologics and Physical Evidence1:06:10 Ad: Boncharge1:07:25 What May Have Been Quietly Explored1:18:55 The Hidden Branch of Physics1:26:38 Reframing Aliens Through Consciousness1:33:33 Grays, Nordics, and Reptilians Explained1:40:10 Why We Don’t See Reality Directly1:53:58 Glimpses Outside Linear Time1:58:44 Why Aliens Look Strangely Human2:07:32 Shared Phenomena in Altered States2:15:32 Jesse’s Personal UFO Experiences2:23:35 The Monolith as a Metaphor2:29:07 The Problem With Visual Proof2:35:24 What Is Actually Happening?2:46:47 Voices Worth Listening To2:51:22 What Would You Ask an Alien?2:53:19 Closing Thoughts___________Episode Resources: https://www.youtube.com/Jessemichelshttps://www.instagram.com/jessemichelsofficial/https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

This final episode of the year is a special compilation reflecting on the lessons, reminders, and moments that shaped 2025. It’s a curated journey through insights from across the year—designed to help you slow down, take stock, and step into 2026 with greater clarity, presence, and intention.This episode is less about doing more and more about listening—reflecting on the growth, challenges, relationships, and inner shifts that defined the past year. It’s an invitation to notice what wants to be released, what wants to be integrated, and what seeds you’re ready to water moving forward. Sometimes all it takes is a one-degree change in direction to alter the entire path ahead.Momentous: Best Creatine in the gamehttps://livemomentous.com[Use code KNOWTHYSELF for up to 35% off]2025/2026 Reflections and Intentions: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/yearinreviewAndrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________00:00:00 Intro00:01:37 Review 2025 Instead of Planning 2026 (E166 – Tim Ferriss) 00:05:27 The Most Important Practice of 2026 (E152 – Mark Manson) 00:10:11 There Is No Wealth Without Health (E128 – Mindy Pelz) 00:12:26 The Importance of a Bedtime Routine (E143 – Michael Beckwith) 00:17:59 How To Grasp The Opportunity of Life (E119 – Marianne Williamson) 00:25:16 The Power of Entrainment (E145 – Dr. Theresa Bullard) 00:31:01 Be Careful With What You Desire (E160 – Aaron Abke) 00:35:18 Explore Your Relationship With Money (E140 – Lewis Howes) 00:41:59 Ad – Momentous 00:43:14 Happiness is an Inside Job (E149 – Dr. Thema Bryant) 00:48:16 The Unique Opportunity of Our Times (E154 – Sadhguru) 00:53:25 How To Discover Your Dharma (E155 – Dr. K) 01:01:11 Living The Moment You're Meant To Live (E164 – Dr. John Demartini) 01:07:53 The Problem With Manifestation (E118 – Aaron Doughty) 01:13:29 Finding Stability in Surrender (E135 – Yung Pueblo) 01:16:23 Relaxing Into Instability (E146 – Cory Muscara) 01:20:42 Looking Back To Plan Ahead (E158 – Tom Campbell) 01:24:35 A Different Perspective of the Future (E165 – Dr. Iain McGilchrist) 01:29:04 The Unlimited Potential of Being Human (E134 – Peter Crone)___________Watch the Full EpisodesTim Ferriss: https://youtu.be/NxmUCGuapNwMark Manson: https://youtu.be/to-APJvffFQMindy Pelz: https://youtu.be/pgWnbRg5-cgMichael Beckwith: https://youtu.be/r3wrUmE1L3wMarianne Williamson: https://youtu.be/AQzKagUJGvIDr. Theresa Bullard: https://youtu.be/mrKiH4J0_5UAaron Abke: https://youtu.be/zXMKj8fNnYQLewis Howes: https://youtu.be/PTPjCtF9es4Dr. Thema Bryant: https://youtu.be/ItRCT_L2kpASadhguru: https://youtu.be/FMoXXb-wKE8Dr. K: https://youtu.be/zj40FT631P4Dr. John DeMartini: https://youtu.be/dVR01alAe8oAaron Doughty: https://youtu.be/79INohJ7KTwYung Pueblo: https://youtu.be/bwom9Y6ybcgCory Muscara: https://youtu.be/IrxFMkYUBFgTom Campbell: https://youtu.be/IoGSWLuH2JsDr. Iain McGilchrist: https://youtu.be/LZ5C11mlTH4Peter Crone: https://youtu.be/VCi93m9lloMEpisode Resources: https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

Dr. Mindy Pelz returns to explore the deeper meaning of aging, menopause, and the profound psychological and neurological transformations women undergo as they grow older. Drawing from neuroscience, anthropology, mythology, and personal experience, Mindy reframes menopause not as a decline—but as an initiation into wisdom, sovereignty, and inner authority.We discuss the concept of the “second innocence,” the pruning and rewiring of the female brain across hormonal transitions, the grandmother hypothesis, and why modern culture fears aging women. Mindy shares how trauma, grief, solitude, and uncertainty can become gateways to resilience, neuroplasticity, and self-discovery—especially when women stop outsourcing their worth and begin listening inward.Boost your hydration with Pique Life Tea (20% off here):https://www.piquelife.com/knowthyselfAndrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________00:00 Intro - Dr. Mindy Pelz03:39 The return to the second innocence08:18 What’s the purpose of menopause?16:09 Where the shift begins23:04 Supporting others without abandoning yourself31:57 Being considerate vs owning others’ emotions34:14 Ad: Pique Life35:55 The power of solitude43:26 Letting go52:48 From power over to power within56:48 The brain architecture of wisdom1:02:24 Transformation: From a caterpillar to a butterfly1:19:58 Fasting during menopause1:26:35 Knowing when and how to detox1:32:31 Healing through breathwork, EMDR, psilocybin1:45:12 Lacking a support system1:49:07 Closing thoughts___________Episode Resources: Her new book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/age-like-a-girl-why-the-brain-changes-that-happen-after-40-set-you-up-for-your-best-life-yet-dr-mindy-pelz/1d7c0fe95ab52c4f?ean=9781401975562&next=thttps://www.instagram.com/dr.mindypelzhttps://www.drmindypelz.com/https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

In this episode, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz walks us through unseen forces shaping our health, energy, and emotional lives. From the chemicals in our food system to the hidden drivers of inflammation and burnout, we dive into why so many people today feel exhausted, misaligned, and disconnected from their true well-being.We examine how modern culture normalizes habits and environments that work against our biology, and why healing requires more than symptom management — it demands addressing the root causes, rebuilding alignment, and taking ownership of what we allow into our bodies and minds.20% off Pique Life Tea (FREE glass beaker and frother!):https://www.piquelife.com/knowthyselfAndrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________00:00 Intro: Will Bulsiewicz02:34 How much of our mood is controlled by our gut?09:40 Two diseases: individualism and materialism23:30 The intelligence that lives in our gut35:31 Ad: Pique Life36:46 What is immune intelligence?48:01 Detoxing from environmental toxins54:54 Why are chemical companies allowed to poison us?57:39 A short horror story1:02:45 Looking out for what to avoid1:05:27 The effects of factory farming on our bodies1:17:36 Humans are the microbes of the Earth1:26:23 Conclusion: Changing the world___________Episode Resources: https://www.amazon.com/Plant-Powered-Plus-Activate-Inflammation/dp/0593418794https://www.instagram.com/theguthealthmd/https://theguthealthmd.com/https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

Lucy Hale joins me for a deeply honest conversation about sobriety, identity, childhood wounds, fame, intuition, and learning to finally feel at home within yourself. Known globally as a singer and actress, Lucy opens up about the parts of her journey most people never see: the fear beneath early success, the alcoholism that followed her from childhood, the spiritual intervention that changed her life, and the inner work she’s committed to since.BONCHARGE Holiday Sale - 25% off the best red light therapy productshttps://www.boncharge.com/knowthyself[Code: KNOWTHYSELF]MUDWTR Black Friday Sale - Up to 50% off sitewidehttps://www.mudwtr.com/knowthyself[Code: KNOWTHYSELF]Andrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________00:00 Intro: Lucy Hale03:27 What do you attribute your ambition to?04:49 Alcoholism14:23 Hitting rock bottom19:33 Finding meaning in yourself27:59 Old Lucy vs New Lucy33:30 Ad: Boncharge35:28 How has your connection with yourself revealed new insights?44:40 How do you navigate being in the public eye and staying true to yourself?47:26 What are you getting intuitively about the next chapter of your life?50:49 Ad: Mudwtr51:57 How do you handle rejection as an actor?54:34 From your young age, what called you to being in this line of work?57:12 Is there a moment that stood out to you that said "I made it"?59:51 Pretty Little Liars1:05:54 What would you say to past Lucy?1:08:01 Was taking responsibility of your life what shifted it all for you?1:12:37 How do you view your sense of spirituality?1:19:48 What is your relationship to boredom?1:23:00 How has the definition of beauty evolved for you?1:28:56 What does prayer look like to you?1:29:51 Being 36 and the biological clock1:34:46 Closing thoughts - Lucy's masculine vs feminine side___________Episode Resources: https://www.instagram.com/lucyhale/https://www.instagram.com/thelightdwellers/https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

In this solo Q&A episode, I’m answering the questions so many of you have asked me over the past few days—about ego, identity, relationships, breakups, shadow work, discipline, grounding, and what the spiritual path actually looks like in real life.I share honestly about the subtle ego patterns I still face, how I navigate heartbreak with grace, what it means to “perform” spirituality versus actually live it, and the practices that keep me connected when I fall off center. I also speak about dating, celibacy, intimacy, and how I think about love at this stage of my life.Get 15% off Magnesium Breakthrough from BiOptimizershttps://www.bioptimizers.com/knowthyself Use code KNOWTHYSELF for 15% off!Andrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________00:25 How do you feel about people using spirituality as an identity?04:34 What is a subtle form of ego that you still catch yourself falling into?06:22 Relationships ending08:30 I would like to hear about your struggles10:19 How do you stay & grow in a relationship when your partner doesn’t meet you in that growth?13:50 What are your top spiritual books?14:39 What’s the simplistic way you ground yourself when you feel an imbalance?15:50 Who is André underneath all the labels?17:35 Do you ever fall off your practices with meditation or music?19:26 Are you single?22:23 - Ad - BiOptimizers23:47 What do you use to know yourself deeply?25:27 What makes you most optimistic about the future of humanity?27:38 Which meditations do you practice?28:37 How did you believe so much in yourself to create something at this scale?30:31 What’s your vision for KT for the coming year?32:57 When did you start playing piano?33:40 What practices keep spiritual insight grounded and accountable?34:36 What illusion do you see most are still caught in without realizing it?37:55 What was your earliest experience that awakened you to God within?40:35 How do you know it’s your calling when it comes?44:25 Do you think the more one knows themselves, the harder it is to fall in love?48:03 Do you believe in free will?51:26 How are you approaching dating and relationships?52:54 What is the most overlooked doorway in consciousness?53:54 What’s the deepest question you can ever imagine asking yourself?55:21 What you feel is most important for calling in sacred union, your person?57:06 What are some of the biggest patterns you’ve unraveled in yourself?59:22 How were you raised spiritually/religiously?1:00:55 What kind of diet do you follow & why?1:02:04 What was the book that launched you into seeking?1:03:20 What’s the deepest truth you’ve met this year?1:03:58 Do you as André think that God is consciousness?1:05:49 Do you still go through episodes of depression?___________Episode Resources: https://www.substack.com/@andreduqumhttps://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

Dr. Alan Goldhammer, co-founder of TrueNorth Health Center, joins us to reveal the science and psychology of water fasting, detoxification, and healing the body through nature’s intelligence. Drawing from 40 years of clinical experience with over 20,000 supervised fasts, he explains why many chronic illnesses—hypertension, autoimmune conditions, metabolic disease, and even depression—respond when the body is given a chance to reset.BONCHARGE Holiday Sale - Up to 25% off the best red light therapy productshttps://www.boncharge.com/knowthyself[Code: KNOWTHYSELF]MUDWTR Black Friday Sale - Up to 50% off sitewidehttps://www.mudwtr.com/knowthyself[Code: KNOWTHYSELF]Andrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________00:00 Intro04:25 The Body’s Innate Ability to Heal08:45 TrueNorth: How Water Fasting Is Done Safely13:10 Dopamine, Pleasure, and Modern Addiction17:40 The Food Environment That Makes Us Sick22:00 The Problem With Hyper-Processed Eating25:47 Ad: Boncharge26:20 What Happens to the Body During a Fast30:55 Detoxification and the Healing Crisis35:10 Who Should and Shouldn’t Fast36:16 Ad: Mudwtr39:30 Refeeding: The Most Important Phase44:00 Case Studies: Reversing Chronic Disease48:25 Weight Loss vs. Health Restoration52:40 Why Most Diet Advice Fails56:55 The Discipline of “Nothing”1:01:15 The Psychology of Cravings1:05:40 How Environment Shapes Behavior1:10:05 Living in Alignment With Natural Law1:14:20 How Much Is “Enough” for a Healthy Life?1:18:40 The Simplicity of Whole Plant Foods1:22:00 Conclusion___________Episode Resources: https://www.healthpromoting.com/https://www.instagram.com/truenorthhealthfoundation/https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

In this special compilation episode, we explore the deeper dimensions of human consciousness. Featuring insights from Deepak Chopra, Tim Ferriss, Sadghuru, Dr. Lisa Miller, and others, this episode is a journey inward — from sensing what cannot be seen, to feeling what we’ve long avoided, to awakening to what we truly are beyond all stories. Through wisdom, science, and lived experience, we discover that the next evolution of humanity isn’t about becoming more — it’s about remembering the awareness that’s already here.20% off Pique Life Tea:https://www.piquelife.com/knowthyselfGet 15% off Magnesium Breakthrough from BiOptimizershttps://www.bioptimizers.com/knowthyself Use code KNOWTHYSELF for 15% off!Andrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________00:00 Intro01:12 Dr. Tara Swart - Beyond the 5 Senses: 34 Hidden Abilities09:36 Dr. K - Reality of Intuition and Cultivating It13:12 Deepak Chopra - Awakening to Your True Nature15:13 Dr. Iain McGilchrist - Paying Attention To Access The Realm Beyond21:25 Ad - Pique Life23:05 Dr. Sue Morter - Transcending and Integrating the 5 Senses26:13 Zach Bush - Remembering Our Innate Intelligence30:08 Dr. Lisa Miller - Becoming a Spiritual Parent39:29 Michael Beckwith - Divine Intelligence + The Power of Being Alone41:55 Ad - BiOptimizers43:17 Dr. Sue Morter - Healing the Emotional Body (And Feeling it Fully)48:10 Tim Ferriss - Shutting Down Sensitivity Because of Trauma56:03 Rainn Wilson - Purpose of Pain and Suffering on Our Path1:02:04 Dr. K - The Difference Between Safety and Comfort1:04:37 John Vervaeke - Self-Deception, Cultivating Wisdom and Find Meaning1:17:05 Pete Holmes - Balancing Being Spiritual and Being Human1:19:24 Dr. John Demartini - Setbacks Are Not in the Way… They’re ON the Way1:24:24 Yung Pueblo - Learning to Love Better: From Arguments to Allowing1:29:10 Joe Hudson - Best Way to Gain Emotional Awareness1:32:00 Peter Crone - Freedom is Available Here and Now1:38:44 Sadhguru - Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously___________Watch the Full EpisodesDr. Tara Swart: https://youtu.be/exAAKSeHP9EDr. K: https://youtu.be/zj40FT631P4Deepak Chopra: https://youtu.be/ZhIQ5bzv-0wDr. Iain McGilchrist: https://youtu.be/LZ5C11mlTH4Dr. Sue Morter: https://youtu.be/p0TWCSEPl3AZach Bush: https://youtu.be/3q0He3UOwVIDr. Lisa Miller: https://youtu.be/HTppdV4Mnt4Michael Beckwith: https://youtu.be/r3wrUmE1L3wTim Ferriss: https://youtu.be/NxmUCGuapNwRainn Wilson: https://youtu.be/t_LvB6W4NmEJohn Vervaeke: https://youtu.be/NOwnb6CkFlQPete Holmes: https://youtu.be/PSPMP7DPEqMDr. John Demartini: https://youtu.be/dVR01alAe8oYung Pueblo: https://youtu.be/bwom9Y6ybcgJoe Hudson: https://youtu.be/dhlupWyTNYMPeter Crone: https://youtu.be/VCi93m9lloMSadhguru: https://youtu.be/FMoXXb-wKE8Episode Resources: https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com