#67 Dr. Valerie Eye Health & Circadian Biology

Dr. Valerie Giangrande is an optometrist with over 20 years of private practice experience in New York, specializing in the intersection of vision care, holistic health, and quantum biology. Her journey into integrative wellness began in 2012 through personal experience with functional medicine, eventually leading her to study nutrition, circadian rhythms, and quantum health principles. Certified as both an Integrative Holistic Nutrition Health Coach and an Applied Quantum Biology Practitioner, Dr. Giangrande now focuses on helping individuals enhance their ocular and overall health through innovative, light- and rhythm-based strategies. She combines expertise in optometry, holistic nutrition, and quantum biology to offer a truly unique, integrative approach to wellness.Keywords         Dr. Valerie shares her journey into the world of eye health and the profound impact of light on overall well-being. She discusses the importance of unlearning conventional wisdom about eye care, the role of natural light, and the misconceptions surrounding sunglasses and UV exposure. The discussion also delves into hydration, grounding, and the emerging field of quantum biology, emphasizing the interconnectedness of health and natural light. Dr. Valerie provides practical advice on how to improve eye health through lifestyle changes, including the use of red light therapy and the importance of choosing the right eyewear. Ultimately, the conversation encourages listeners to embrace simplicity in their health journey and to reconnect with nature for optimal well-being.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Eye Health and Light 02:52 Personal Journey into Quantum Health 05:40 The Importance of Light for Health 10:39 Understanding UV Light and Eye Health 13:14 Overcoming Light Sensitivity 18:25 The Misconceptions of Sunglasses 22:49 Indoor Lighting and Eye Care 28:09 Contact Lenses and UV Exposure 34:28 Challenges in the Optometry Field 37:56 Understanding the Centralized Medical Model 39:35 The Importance of Practical Health Conversations 40:24 Exploring LASIK Surgery: Pros and Cons 47:11 Debunking Eye Health Myths 50:07 The Role of Quantum Biology in Health 52:04 The Benefits of Grounding and Connection to Nature 54:31 Hydration and Eye Health 01:01:36 The Importance of Natural Light 01:03:32 Simplicity in Health: Keeping It Real 01:06:31 Podcast exit terence  - 8:9:24, 8.01 PM.mp3   Podcast resource page copy paste   Music for every episode  Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic     Connect with Dr. Valerie  https://www.instagram.com/quantumeyedoc/   Connect with Ryan Anderson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/ awonderjunkie.com Breathe4Flow.com Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0 A bit about Ryan Anderson-  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70     eye health, light therapy, quantum biology, UV light, sunglasses, hydration, grounding, LASIK, eye care myths, red light therapy, Quantum health, Circadian health, circadian biology, decentralized medicine, Quantum healing, Blue BLocker, Circadian rhythm, 

Anil Seth is Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience at the University of Sussex, where he is also Director of the Sussex Centre for Consciousness Science. He is also Co-Director of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) Program on Brain, Mind, and Consciousness. He was the founding Editor-in-Chief of Neuroscience of Consciousness (Oxford University Press), a role he served from 2014-2024. He currently serves on the Editorial Board of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B and on the Advisory Committee for 1907 Research and for Chile’s Congreso Futuro.He was Conference Chair for the 16th Meeting of the Association for the Scientific Study of Consciousness (ASSC16, 2012) and was an ASSC ‘member at large’ from 2014-2022.  He previously co-directed the Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarship Program: From Sensation and Perception to Awareness, and was an Engagement Fellow with the Wellcome Trust (2016-2020).   Anil Seth describes the intricate nature of consciousness, discussing its implications in neuroscience, philosophy, and everyday life. He delves into the journey of consciousness research, the complexities of self, and the relationship between consciousness and the brain. The discussion also touches on the role of psychedelics in understanding consciousness, the philosophical implications of Transhumanism, and the importance of memory. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the need for humility in the face of existential questions and the significance of alleviating suffering in understanding consciousness. Chapters   00:00 Exploring Consciousness: An Introduction 03:29 The Journey into Consciousness Research 06:22 Understanding Consciousness: Certainty and Theories 09:23 The Nature of Consciousness in Non-Human Animals 12:22 The Concept of Controlled Hallucination 15:10 The Self: A Construct of Consciousness 18:28 Biology vs. Computer Metaphors in Consciousness 21:28 Philosophy and Ethics in Consciousness Research 24:33 Transhumanism and the Fear of Death 27:15 The Role of Suffering in Consciousness 30:26 Memory: A Complex Construct 33:07 Psychedelics: Tools for Understanding Consciousness 44:20 Podcast exit terence  - 8:9:24, 8.01 PM.mp3     Podcast resource page copy paste   Music for every episode  Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic   Anil Seth https://www.anilseth.com Ted Talk  Connect with Ryan Anderson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/ awonderjunkie.com Breathe4Flow.com Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0 A bit about Ryan Anderson-  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70 Keywords   consciousness, neuroscience, self, philosophy, psychedelics, transhumanism, memory, suffering, AI, biology, psychedelics, Brain, Mind, Mindfulness, cognition, hallucination, 

Rebecca Lazarou’s research interests include; plant and fungi medicines, herbalism, pharmacognosy, quality control of plants, cannabis, psychedelics, ethnopharmacology, neuroscience, holistic therapies, ethnobotany, entheogens, healing and wellbeing.    Rebecca Lazarou shares her journey from studying biomedicine to becoming a passionate advocate for herbalism and medicinal plants. She discusses the impact of colonialism on traditional herbal practices, the importance of reconnecting with nature, and practical advice for those interested in herbalism. The conversation also explores the rising popularity of mushrooms and their many uses for the planet and for health, and concludes with a reflection on the beauty of life and the importance of savoring it.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Rebecca Lazarou and Her Journey 03:35 The State of Herbal Medicine and Industry Challenges 06:22 Colonialism's Impact on Herbalism 09:34 Understanding Herbalism and Its Cultural Context 12:24 Practical Steps to Reconnect with Nature and Herbalism 15:21 Exploring Herbal Teas and Their Benefits 30:25 The Power of Herbal Medicine 32:19 Finding the Right Herbalist 33:49 Discernment in Health Choices 36:20 Cultural Disconnection and Health 37:12 The Role of Curiosity in Healing 39:35 The Rise of Fungi and Their Impact 51:54 Mushrooms: A Gateway to Nature 52:41 Embracing Beauty in Life 54:05 Podcast exit terence  - 8:9:24, 8.01 PM.mp3   ⁠https://www.rebeccalazarou.com/⁠ https://laztheplantscientist.com/pages/who-am-i ⁠https://www.instagram.com/laztheplantscientist/?hl=en⁠ ⁠https://www.herbalreality.com/⁠ https://mckenna.academy/     Music for every episode  Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic   Connect with Ryan Anderson Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/⁠ ⁠awonderjunkie.com⁠ ⁠Breathe4Flow.com⁠ Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0 Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie⁠ iTunes: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765⁠   A bit about Ryan Anderson-  ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70⁠   Keywords   herbalism, medicinal plants, colonialism, nature, herbal teas, mushrooms, wellness, indigenous knowledge, herbal education, personal journey

Thomas N. Seyfried received his Ph.D. in Genetics and Biochemistry from the University of Illinois, Urbana, in 1976. Dr. Seyfried has over 150 peer-reviewed publications and is the author of the book, Cancer as a Metabolic Disease: On the Origin, Management, and Prevention of Cancer (Wiley, 1st ed., 2012). Thomas Seyfried discusses his groundbreaking research on cancer as a mitochondrial metabolic disease rather than a genetic one. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the metabolic origins of cancer to improve treatment outcomes. Seyfried critiques the current cancer treatment paradigm, which he believes is resistant to change due to entrenched ideologies and financial incentives. He advocates for a holistic approach to health, including dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and patient empowerment, to effectively manage cancer and improve overall health. The discussion also touches on the role of misinformation in the medical community and the need for a paradigm shift in cancer research and treatment.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Cancer Research Paradigms 02:23 The Metabolic Theory of Cancer 06:11 Challenges in the Cancer Treatment Paradigm 12:17 Mitochondrial Health and Cancer 18:24 Diet, Lifestyle, and Cancer Prevention 24:11 The Role of Mitochondria in Health 30:18 Future Directions in Cancer Management 36:47 The Paradigm Shift in Cancer Treatment 40:07 The War on Cancer: A Reality Check 43:53 Lifestyle Changes: Fasting and Diet for Cancer Prevention 50:20 The Importance of Natural Light and Stress Management 52:58 Addressing Cancer Risks in High-Stress Professions 56:50 Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on Cancer Rates 01:00:52 The Future of Cancer Treatment and Patient Empowerment 01:06:02 Podcast exit terence  - 8:9:24, 8.01 PM.mp3       https://tomseyfried.com/   Music for every episode  Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic   Connect with Ryan Anderson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/ awonderjunkie.com Breathe4Flow.com Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0 A bit about Ryan Anderson-  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70   Keywords   cancer, metabolic disease, mitochondria, ketogenic diet, cancer treatment, health, lifestyle, nutrition, patient empowerment, misinformation, Keto, Paleo, Decentralized Medicine, Decentralization, Decentralized Science, Circadian Health, Mitochondrial Disease, Mitochondrial health

Chris Bennett has been researching the historical role of cannabis in the spiritual life of humanity for more than a three decades. He is co-author of Green Gold the Tree of Life: Marijuana in Magic and Religion (1995); Sex, Drugs, Violence and the Bible (2001); and author of Cannabis and the Soma Solution (2010); Liber 420: Cannabis, Magickal herbs and the Occult (2018); and Cannabis: Lost Sacrament of the Ancient World (2023) . He has also contributed chapters on the the historical role of cannabis in spiritual practices in books such as The Pot Book (2010), Entheogens and the Development of Culture (2013), Seeking the Sacred with Psychoactive Substances (2014), One Toke Closer to God (2017), Cannabis and Spirituality (2016) and Psychedelics Reimagined (1999). Bennett’s research has received international attention from the BBC , Guardian, Sunday Times, Washington Post, Vice and other media sources. He currently resides in Nova Scotia, Canada. Summary   Chris Bennett discusses his extensive research on cannabis and its historical, spiritual, and cultural significance. He critiques contemporary narratives surrounding psychedelics, particularly the mainstream acceptance of works like 'The Immortality Key,' while emphasizing the overlooked role of cannabis in ancient religious practices. Bennett shares his personal journey into cannabis research, the impact of monotheism on ancient practices, and the Gnostic perspective on spirituality. He reflects on the nature of consciousness, the influence of belief systems, and the future of cannabis in spiritual contexts. He describes his newest book Cannabis - The Lost Sacrament of the Ancient World.    Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Chris Bennett and His Work 03:30 The Immortality Key and Its Controversies 06:19 Cannabis in Ancient Cultures and Religion 09:15 Personal Journey and Early Experiences with Cannabis 12:18 The Historical Context of Cannabis Use 15:24 The Gnostic Perspective on Spirituality 18:07 The Role of Cannabis in Early Christianity 21:28 The Nag Hammadi Library and Its Significance 34:20 The Sacred Feminine and Cannabis in Ancient Myths 37:12 Cannabis and the Goddess: A Historical Perspective 40:13 The Gnostic Texts and Their Implications 42:29 Collective Consciousness and Spirituality 47:10 The Role of Cannabis in Modern Spirituality 51:31 The Dangers of Righteous Belief Systems 54:51 The Nature of Reality and Consciousness 58:19 The Influence of Religion on Society 01:01:02 Final Thoughts and Legacy 01:04:53 Podcast exit terence  - 8:9:24, 8.01 PM.mp3   Chris Bennett’s New Book- https://a.co/d/i3py0eO   https://www.instagram.com/chris_bennett420/?hl=en   Keywords   Chris Bennett, cannabis, spirituality, ancient religions, Gnosticism, monotheism, consciousness, healing, historical context, belief systems, Marijuana, Ancient civilization, Psychedelics, Psychedelic, Hidden history, Ancient History,     Music for every episode  Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic   Connect with Ryan Anderson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/ awonderjunkie.com Breathe4Flow.com Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0

Michael Levin- PhD, Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States, 1996 BS, Computer Science and Biology, Tufts University, Medford, United States, 1992 The capacity to generate a complex, behaving organism from the single cell of a fertilized egg is one of the most amazing aspects of biology. The Levin lab integrates approaches from developmental biology, computer science, and cognitive science to investigate the emergence of form and function. Using biophysical and computational modeling approaches, we seek to understand the collective intelligence of cells, as they navigate physiological, transcriptional, morphognetic, and behavioral spaces. We develop conceptual frameworks for basal cognition and diverse intelligence, including synthetic organisms and AI. Practical applications of our work involve repair of birth defects, regenerative medicine, cancer reprogramming, and synthetic bioengineering.     Summary Michael Levin delves into the fascinating world of bioelectricity and its implications for understanding cognition, collective intelligence in cells, and recent discoveries in cancer research and regeneration. He describes the creation of xenobots and anthrobots, the nature of self and consciousness, and the challenges of interdisciplinary collaboration in science. The conversation also touches on the role of culture, the future of AI, and the ethical considerations surrounding synthetic life forms, ultimately emphasizing the importance of curiosity and kindness in navigating the complexities of existence.   Chapters   03:23 Understanding Cognition and Collective Intelligence 06:18 Bioelectricity and Its Role in Cellular Communication 09:12 Applications in Cancer Research and Birth Defects 12:26 Regeneration and the Concept of Physiological Software 15:28 Interdisciplinary Challenges in Scientific Communication 18:21 The Nature of Self and Consciousness 21:46 Collective Intelligence and Development 22:43 Embryonic Development and Individuality 24:09 Meaning-Making and Human Experience 25:18 Storytelling as a Fundamental Process 26:48 Bioelectricity: The Cognitive Glue 28:58 The Role of Culture in Collective Intelligence 30:52 Understanding Intelligence through Experimentation 32:44 Collective Cognition in Societal Structures 34:37 Ethics and Implications of Bioelectricity Research 41:02 Exploring Mitochondria and Xenobots 43:24 Exploring the Plasticity of Life 46:22 The Capabilities of Xenobots and Anthropobots 50:09 Understanding Morphogenetic Codes 52:30 AI and Human Evolution 57:01 The Future of Augmented Humanity 01:00:41 Embracing Possibilities and Kindness 01:04:24 Podcast exit terence  - 8:9:24, 8.01 PM.mp3 https://thoughtforms.life/ The Levin Lab https://drmichaellevin.org/ https://thoughtforms.life/ https://x.com/drmichaellevin?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Music for every episode    Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic   Connect with Ryan Anderson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/ awonderjunkie.com Breathe4Flow.com Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0 A bit about Ryan Anderson-  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70 Keywords   bioelectricity, cognition, collective intelligence, cancer research, xenobots, anthrobots, consciousness, AI, ethics, human evolution

Kevin Kelly is Senior Maverick at Wired magazine. He co-founded Wired in 1993, and served as its Executive Editor for its first seven years. His newest book is Excellent Advice for Living, a book of 450 modern proverbs for good living. He is co-chair of The Long Now Foundation, a membership organization that champions long-term thinking and acting as a good ancestor to future generations. And he is founder of the popular Cool Tools website, which has been reviewing tools daily for 20 years. From 1984-1990 Kelly was publisher and editor of the Whole Earth Review, a subscriber-supported journal of unorthodox conceptual news. He co-founded the ongoing Hackers’ Conference, and was involved with the launch of the WELL, a pioneering online service started in 1985. Other books by Kelly include 1) The Inevitable, a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, 2) Out of Control, his 1994 classic book on decentralized emergent systems, 3) The Silver Cord, a graphic novel about robots and angels, 4) What Technology Wants, a robust theory of technology, and 5) Vanishing Asia, his 50-year project to photograph the disappearing cultures of Asia.  He is best known for his radical optimism about the future. Summary Kevin Kelly discusses his influences, the concept of 'Thousand True Fans', the importance of time over money, and the role of optimism and imagination in shaping the future. He emphasizes the significance of curiosity, the process of meaning-making, and the implications of technology as an extension of nature. Kelly also explores the future of AI, the concept of the technium, and the need for unlearning in a rapidly changing world. He speaks his newest book which offers practical advice for living. Kevin shares his perspectives about life, technology and much more.  Chapters   06:25 The Thousand True Fans Concept 12:14 The Value of Time and Wealth 18:35 Optimism and Imagination 24:18 Curiosity and Success 30:21 Meaning Making and Technology 31:22 The Lifelong Quest for Meaning 34:45 Technology as a Catalyst for Talent 39:26 The Importance of Unlearning and Learning 42:37 Understanding the Technium 48:02 Incentives and the Future of Technology 51:12 The Evolution of AI and Its Impact 57:59 Envisioning a Desirable Future   Kevin Kelly https://kk.org/ https://www.instagram.com/kevin2kelly/   Christopher Michel Photography for Kevin Kelly’s Photo https://www.christophermichel.com/New-Heroes/Kevin-Kelly   Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic   Connect with Ryan Anderson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/ awonderjunkie.com Breathe4Flow.com Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0 A bit about Ryan Anderson-  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70 Keywords   Kevin Kelly, Thousand True Fans, 1000 true fans, optimism, imagination, technology, AI, meaning making, technium, curiosity, future scenarios, long now foundation, whole earth catalog, Artificial intelligence, computer learning, technological progress, 

Travis Kitchens was a psychedelic research subject in the Johns Hopkins study in 2014. Travis and Ryan explore the history of the current psychedelic movement, focusing on the Johns Hopkins studies, the Council on Spiritual Practices, and the implications of psychedelics in social engineering. Travis critiques the psychedelic movement, highlighting the influence of key figures and the commercialization of psychedelics, while questioning the narrative that psychedelics universally improve individuals and society. Travis and Ryan delve into the complexities surrounding psychedelics, discussing their potential benefits and the authoritarian elements that often accompany their use. They explore the dangers of addiction and escapism, the importance of cultural context, and the need for critical examination of psychedelic literature. The dialogue emphasizes the mystery of existence and the limits of knowledge, advocating for a humble approach to understanding consciousness and the human experience.       Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Psychedelics and Personal Journey 09:58 The Johns Hopkins Study and Its Impact 19:57 The Council on Spiritual Practices and the Psychedelic Renaissance 30:05 Social Engineering and the Role of Psychedelics 32:26 Narrowing Down the Focus 34:01 The Psychedelic Renaissance and Its Critics 36:31 Journalism and the Psychedelic Movement 38:55 Transhumanism and Psychedelics 42:18 Rick Doblin and the MAPS Controversy 49:19 Whistleblowers and Hidden Research 55:35 The Oversimplification of Psychedelic Benefits 01:02:32 Psychedelics and the Military 01:06:47 The Future of Psychedelics in Medicine 01:11:56 Cultural Context and Individual Healing 01:17:34 The Dangers of Escapism and Addiction 01:24:38 Integration and the Mystical Experience 01:35:45 The Mystery Cult of Psychedelics 01:37:36 The Role of Subtlety in Psychedelic Experiences 01:38:06 Exploring Richard Noll's Controversial Work on Jung 01:40:38 Understanding Jung's Influence on the Psychedelic Renaissance 01:42:05 Debunking the Cult of Personality in Psychedelia 01:44:32 The Importance of Questioning Authority 01:47:30 Psychedelics as a Tool for Humility 01:49:49 The Need for Critical Examination in Psychedelic Literature 01:52:43 The Dangers of Suggestibility in the Psychedelic Movement 01:55:40 The Artistic Value of Controversial Figures 02:01:36 Final Thoughts on Mystery and Skepticism     Travis Kitchens Substack-  https://substack.com/@targetpractice   https://reason.com/2025/02/09/the-most-controversial-paper-in-the-history-of-psychedelic-research-may-never-see-the-light-of-day/   Music for every episode  Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic   Connect with Ryan Anderson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/ awonderjunkie.com Breathe4Flow.com Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0 A bit about Ryan Anderson-  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70 Keywords   psychedelics, Johns Hopkins, Council on Spiritual Practices, social engineering, transhumanism, psychedelic movement, MDMA, spiritual experiences, drug research, consciousness, psychedelics, mental health, authoritarianism, addiction, cultural context, integration, critical examination, consciousness, mystery, self-discovery      Nira Lights: https://niralighting.com/ Tell them I sent you!  This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without expressed written permission from AWonderJunkie LLC. The purpose of this conversation is to convey information. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition; nor is it to be considered medical or legal advice, opinion or recommendation. This information is for entertainment purposes only. 

Robert is the author of multiple books. Huston Smith called his first book Entheogens and the Future of Religion, “the best single inquiry into the religious significance of chemically occasioned mystical experience that has yet appeared.” Forte was introduced to psychedelics in 1980 by Frank Barron, who initiated Timothy Leary and started the Harvard Psilocybin Project with him. From the University of California Forte was invited to Esalen to study with Stanislav Grof, before going to the University of Chicago to study the history and psychology of religion under Mircea Eliade. Over the years Forte has worked closely with many of the most prominent leaders of the psychedelic movement, including R. G. Wasson, Albert Hofmann, Timothy Leary, Ralph Metzner, Alexander Shulgin, Claudio Naranjo, and many others. His second book different perspective of Timothy Leary, Outside Looking In. Robert shares his journey into the world of psychedelics, and the profound insights he has gained over the years. He discusses the beauty of nature, the power of psychedelics, and the importance of understanding their potential both positively and negatively. Robert reflects on his time spent with key figures in the psychedelic movements, including Timothy Leary, Albert Hoffman and Gordon Wasson.  He describes how his perspectives shifted over the years and how he came to discover some of the shadow side of the psychedelic movement.  The conversation is a rich exploration of personal growth, spirituality, and the complexities of consciousness. Robert delves into the complex interplay between psychedelics and social / cultural engineering. He discusses the weaponization of the term 'conspiracy theorist,' the hidden histories of psychedelics, and the cultural propaganda surrounding their use. Robert emphasizes the importance of questioning authority and understanding the suggestibility inherent in psychedelic experiences, while also addressing the broader societal implications of these themes. Robert is excited for the future and encourages critical thinking and understanding history.  Chapters   00:00 Living in Nature's Embrace 09:45 The Journey into Psychedelics 21:42 The Call to Consciousness 33:40 Exploring the Psychedelic Experience 45:52 The Intersection of Psychedelics and Society 48:45 Authoritarianism and Psychedelics 50:08 Questioning the Official Story of LSD 52:02 Conversations with Timothy Leary 53:51 The Role of Gordon Wasson 58:45 The Evolution of Psychedelic Research 01:01:08 The Mystery School Model of Psychedelics 01:03:51 Political Psychology and the Kennedy Assassination 01:05:49 Gordon Wasson and the CIA Connection 01:10:04 The MKUltra Subproject and Psychedelic Culture 01:15:51 The Brave New World  01:23:13 Rebranding Psychedelics in Modern Society 01:25:21 Exploring Psychedelics and the CIA 01:28:43 The Role of Psychedelics in Religious Contexts 01:32:46 The Weaponization of Language in Discourse 01:36:53 Cultural Implications of Psychedelic Use 01:40:32 Historical Context of Psychedelics and Power 01:45:42 The Future of Psychedelic Research and Ethics     Music for every episode  Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic     Robert Forte’s work https://www.alteredstatesofamerica.net/    Connect with Ryan Anderson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/ awonderjunkie.com Breathe4Flow.com Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0 A bit about Ryan Anderson-  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70    Nira Lights: https://niralighting.com/ Tell them I sent you!   Keywords   Greece, psychedelics, consciousness, Robert, journey, spirituality, political psychology, authority, personal growth, nature, psychedelics, conspiracy theories, MKUltra, JFK assassination, cultural programming, Timothy Leary, Brave New World, suggestibility, authority, hidden histories

Matt Sydal shares his transformative journey through professional wrestling and personal growth, highlighting the importance of connections, cultural experiences, and the evolution of entertainment. He discusses his experiences Huachuma, the collaborative nature of wrestling, and the risks involved in performance. The conversation emphasizes the significance of travel as a means of expanding one's perspective and understanding of different cultures. Matt reflects on the importance of exploring beyond one's hometown, the journey of healing and recovery from injuries, the significance of setting boundaries in relationships, and the organic model of life that emphasizes natural growth and healing. He shares personal anecdotes and insights on how letting go and embracing freedom can lead to a more fulfilling life. Matt discusses the evolving landscape of wrestling, emphasizing the need for innovation, community, and collaboration. He reflects on the challenges faced by wrestlers, the importance of creating opportunities, and the significance of trust within the wrestling culture. Matt also shares insights on harnessing anger for positive change and the joy found in life's simple moments.     Chapters   00:00 The Journey Begins: Connections and Intentions 02:51 Transformative Experiences: Ayahuasca and Huachuma 05:46 Reinventing Wrestling: Breaking Old Norms 09:05 The Art of Collaboration: Wrestling and Community 12:01 Cultural Exchange: Lessons from Japan 14:52 The Evolution of Entertainment: Wrestling and Showmanship 17:45 The Risks of Performance: Behind the Scenes of Wrestling 21:08 Travel as a Mind Expander: The Importance of Experience 31:12 Exploring Beyond the Hometown 36:49 The Journey of Healing and Recovery 41:51 Understanding Boundaries in Relationships 49:21 The Organic Model of Life and Healing 56:25 The Art of Letting Go and Embracing Freedom 01:03:06 The Future of Wrestling Production 01:06:54 Creating Opportunities in Wrestling 01:09:29 The Importance of Community in Wrestling 01:12:50 Navigating the Wrestling Culture 01:16:43 Innovating Wrestling for Safety and Performance 01:20:06 Harnessing Anger for Positive Change 01:24:47 Finding Joy in the Journey 01:32:42 Savoring Life's Moments   Music for every episode  Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic       Connect with Matt Sydal https://www.instagram.com/mattsydal/?hl=en   Connect with Ryan Anderson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/ awonderjunkie.com Breathe4Flow.com Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0 A bit about Ryan Anderson-  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70    Nira Lights: https://niralighting.com/ Tell them I sent you!  This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without expressed written permission from AWonderJunkie LLC. The purpose of this conversation is to convey information. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition; nor is it to be considered medical or legal advice, opinion or recommendation. This information is for entertainment purposes only.      Keywords   Ayahuasca, Huachuma, wrestling, transformation, cultural exchange, entertainment, collaboration, risks, travel, personal growth, hometown, exploration, healing, recovery, boundaries, relationships, organic model, life lessons, letting go, freedom, wrestling, production, community, culture, innovation, safety, anger, joy, performance, opportunities