The Soulspace Podcast

Welcome to the Season One Finale of the Soulspace Podcast! On this episode, we talk to Shinzen Young about mindfulness within the context of the modern meaning crisis. Shinzen is a renowned meditation teacher and neuroscience research consultant. We met with him in Toronto after he had just finished leading a meditation retreat. Shinzen first became fascinated with Asian culture as a Jewish teenager growing up in Los Angeles in the 1950s. As he likes to describe himself: “I’m a Jewish-American Buddhist teacher who got turned on to comparative mysticism by an Irish-Catholic priest and who has developed a Burmese-Japanese fusion practice inspired by the spirit of quantified science.” We discuss happiness, enlightenment and his current new project which involves using brain stimulating technology that may dramatically accelerate meditation gains. He is the author of The Science of Enlightenment: How Meditation Works.   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/07/21/episode26 (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/?p=1935)   'You Are Simply', Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/5Ph3oJ125sc   Connect [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

Alexandre Tannous has been active as a musician, educator, composer, and an ethnomusicologist. For the past 13 years he has been researching the therapeutic and esoteric properties of sound. He has developed a protocol he calls “Sound Meditation” which uses specific sounds to help people tap into the self-healing capacities that we all possess. We discuss Gnosticism, the physics of sound, and how music is weaponized and used to hijack consciousness for religious and capitalistic agendas. Alexandre holds a Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition, a Master of Arts degree in Music Education as well as a Master of Arts and a Master of Philosophy degrees in Ethnomusicology from Columbia University. His works are frequently performed in the United States, Europe, and in Asia. He currently works as a sound therapist, researcher and educator.   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/07/14/episode25 (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/?p=1919)   Destroy Yourself, Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/fqhRJ-ys9_0 (https://youtu.be/fqhRJ-ys9_0)   Connect [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

Susan and Rebecca founded One Integration to raise awareness around the mindful and safe use of psychedelics for personal growth and healing. They offer individual as well as group integration in NYC. Dr. Scharf is a Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician and has also received advanced trained in Functional Medicine and Mind-Body Medicine. She has completed the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) therapist training and is the study physician for the phase 3 clinical trials for MDMA therapy for PTSD in New York. She has also trained with the Psychedelic Education and Continuing Care Program and the Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy Program from the Center for Optimal Living. Rebecca Hendrix is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She completed her Master of Spiritual Psychology and her Master of Counseling Psychology from the University of Santa Monica She has a coaching degree from The Coaches Training Institute (CTI). She is a certified Imago Therapist and has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). She is trained in Energy Psychology by Henry Grayson. She has completed the Center for Optimal Living’s Psychedelic Education Program’s 101/102 workshops and is in a clinician group for harm reduction and psychedelic integration.   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/07/07/episode24 (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/?p=1887)   'Forgotten', Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/5fjc_SUlh8s (https://youtu.be/5fjc_SUlh8s)   Connect [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

L.A. Paul is a professor of philosophy and cognitive science at Yale University. Her main research interests are in metaphysics, cognitive science, and the philosophy of mind. In this conversation, we look at how certain types of life decisions that involve transformative experiences, like having a baby or becoming a vampire, cannot be made based on evidence and rational thought. We discuss the value of exploring these philosophical questions and the wisdom that can come from embracing uncertainty. Laurie is the author of Transformative Experience, Causation: a user’s guide, and Causation and Counterfactuals.   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/06/30/episode23/ (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/?p=1868)   'Seven Layers', Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/34HMriXnYHE   Connect [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

On this episode, we explore the intersection of technology and wellness with tech entrepreneur Andrew Dunn (@aandrewdunn (https://twitter.com/aandrewdunn?lang=en)). Andrew is part of a growing community of tech leaders who are on a mission to reverse human downgrading by redesigning technology to support our wellbeing. Andrew is the CEO of Siempo, the first healthy smartphone interface. In 2018, he accidentally started three conscious communities: Digital Wellness Warriors for professionals in the burgeoning industry, Conscious Angels to connect visionary investors with transformative people and projects, and Wharton Wisdom to bring together alumni interested in personal growth and integrating that with their work in the world.   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/06/23/episode22 (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/?p=1802)   Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/DtV48bmqU6g (https://youtu.be/DtV48bmqU6g)   Connect [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

The journey of healing through psychotherapy entails an unearthing of our authentic feelings that we have learned to shut down due to various reasons, including trauma and societal constructs. More and more, we recognize the importance of connection and relationships in our mental health. The space between two people, whether they are client and therapist, two friends, or lovers, may be an essential factor in healing. On this episode, we have a conversation with professional counselor and educator Phyllis Alongi. Based in New Jersey, Phyllis brings a holistic approach to psychotherapy and healing. We explore toxic relationships, the therapeutic container, Sandplay Therapy with children, and we also tackle some sensitive mental health topics like trauma, borderline personality disorder and suicidality. Phyllis is a Reiki and Healing Arts practitioner and she is currently completing her doctoral degree in Integral and Transpersonal Psychology.   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/06/16/episode21 (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/?p=1823)   Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/jRmHO7zlgMM (https://youtu.be/jRmHO7zlgMM) Connect [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

The purpose of Taoist teachings is to help us develop balance and harmony with the source, pattern, and substance of everything that exists. Our sexual energy is a powerful expression of that life force. And yes it can be trained consciously in a way that brings about healing and vitality. Yanshuf Kadesh is an accredited instructor of Neidan, the closely guarded ’Inner Alchemy’ practices of Chi Gong, which were first brought to the West by Dr. Mantak Chia. Yanshuf had a former career as a Clinical Psychologist with an interest in transpersonal psychology. He also has extensive Kabbalistic training in Israel. We discuss how cultivating sexual life energy through Tantric and Taoist practices can lead to deeper healing, higher consciousness, and evolutionary change. As we move towards possible dystopian futures with artificial intelligence, Yanshuf believes that we desperately need to reground ourselves in our basic sexual nature and to reconnect with our wholeness. Shownotes: http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/06/09/episode20 (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/?p=1778)   Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/pnnLxiVwDdY Connect [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

Jorge Ferrer is considered one of the main architects of second-wave transpersonal psychology and is best known for his participatory approach to spiritual knowing and religious pluralism. He is an international lecturer and professor at California Institute of Integral Studies. He teaches courses on transpersonal and integral studies, comparative mysticism, participatory theory, embodied spiritual inquiry, and spiritual perspectives on sexuality and intimate relationships.  We explore non-ordinary states of consciousness, embodied spirituality or “body fulness”, plant medicines, and the need for more cross-pollination between spiritual traditions.   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/06/02/episode19 (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/?p=1770)   Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/5IPKauYFdmg (https://youtu.be/5IPKauYFdmg)   Connect [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

From an early age, Laura Lockhart has been struggling with mental health problems that included trauma, depression, panic attacks and multiple suicide attempts. Laura was diagnosed with so many disorders that many psychiatrists refused to take her on as a patient. Just when she thought she had exhausted all of her options, Laura met Dr. Gabor Maté, a world renowned author and trauma specialist. Dr. Maté believes that the mind and body cannot be separated and that disease is often an expression of deeper unresolved emotional stress. In 2014, Laura attended an Ayahuasca retreat with Dr. Maté and for the first time in her life, she was able to begin working with the deeper issues beneath her suffering. We hope you enjoy her story! Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/05/26/episode18 (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/?p=1670) Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/mNLgOAZmf2I Connect [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

Kirk Schneider is a psychologist and leader within the field of Existential-Humanistic Psychology. Kirk began exploring the fundamental questions of human existence at an early age following the death of his brother. Kirk believes that one of the keys to human flourishing is through the cultivation of awe and presence - especially as we approach the AI and robotic revolution. Kirk offers his critique of mainstream cognitive behavioural therapy as he advocates for an integrative model of psychotherapy that celebrates the messiness of life. Kirk was the editor of the Journal of Humanistic Psychology and he is an adjust faculty at Saybrook University, Teachers College at Columbia University and the California Institute of Integral Studies. In 2004, he was presented the Rollo May Award from the American Psychological Association for his work in advancing humanistic psychology. Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/vm-55FlqtN0 (https://youtu.be/vm-55FlqtN0) Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/05/19/episode17 (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/?p=1534) Connect [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.