Joining us on the show this week is entrepreneur, meditation teacher, and president of the Jigme Lingpa Center, Mordy Levine. In this conversation we explore the teachings of Karma from the Buddhist tradition. Namely what it is and isn’t, how we can work with it to create more joy in our lives, and its role in the journey of awakening. This episode is connected to the release of Mordy’s new book release that he co-authored with his teacher, Lama Lhanang Rinpoche called ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Karma’ which is now available for purchase wherever you get your books. If you want to study with Mordy and Lama Lhanang Rinpoche further, you can head over to buddhistsandiego.com to connect with their online classes. Show Topics - What is Karma? - Karma and Intentions - Levels of Karma - Is There Good or Bad Karma? - Selflessness and Joy - How Do We Work with Karma? - Creating Better Intentions - The Wheel of Life - Is There Collective Karma? - Creating Wholesome Karma in Unwholesome Situations - Mastery of Mind and Spontaneous Service

This week's episode of 21st Century Vitalism is now live! Joining us on the show is the 500 hr certified yoga teacher and founder of Active Peace Yoga, Reggie Hubbard. One part teacher, one part activist, Reggie has established himself as a guiding voice in the art of combining spiritual practice with political engagement. Having over twenty years of service in this domain, Reggie’s resume includes but isn’t limited to working with the Obama administration, campaigning on behalf of Bernie Sanders, and managing MoveOn. He’s also gone on to teach meditation to Members of Congress, Congressional Staff, and other leading progressive organizations. In this conversation we explore the intersection of spiritual practice and political engagement. Most importantly how our practice should inevitably lead to more awareness of the entrenched systems which allow and perpetuate harm in our society. We also shine light on the spiritual aspects of living in a democracy and the immense power that comes with having the ability to vote. Ultimately this culminates in a collaboration on how we can best maintain a political awareness while simultaneously staying resourced within ourselves to prevent overwhelm. If you want to stay in touch with Reggie, consider heading on over to activepeaceyoga.com or following him on Instagram @oreggieglobal. Show Topics - Practicing Spirituality for Challenging Times - Spirituality as a Preventative for Burnout - Waging Peace - Collective Liberation is the Only Liberation - Spiritual Practice Isn’t About Isolation - The Spiritual Responsibility of Living in a Democracy - The Power of Your Vote - Allowing Diversity of Thought While Mitigating Harm - Lessons Learned from Racism - How We Care For Ourselves Enables Our Care for the World - Finding Time for Political Awareness as a Low Income Earner - Resourcing Ourselves in Times of Political Stress - What Do We Do if Donald Trump Wins?

Joining us on the show today is architect, feng shui practitioner, author, and dharma arts teacher, Anjie Cho. In this conversation we’re laying the foundation for how to begin your own exploration into the world of Feng Shui. We do this by covering the essential topics and themes that you’ll need to start adding more intention and awareness to your spaces. This is a great conversation for both beginners and advanced practitioners alike! For those who want to study with Anjie further, consider checking out her newest book, ‘Mindful Living: A Guide to the Everyday Magic of Feng Shui’ which she co-authored with Laura Morris. In it, you’ll find more detailed descriptions of the themes that we cover in this conversation. Beyond that, you can tune into Anjie’s podcast, ‘Holistic Spaces’ or sign up for her Mindful Design Feng Shui school! Show Topics - What is Feng Shui? - Everyday Magic - Qi and Increasing Our Sensitivity - How Qi Moves Through a Space - Stagnant Qi and “Bad Feng Shui” - Qi and Attention - The Five Elements - Utilizing the Elements in our Spaces - Plants in Feng Shui - Reading and working with the Bagua - Creating a Meditative Space LINKS https://www.anjiecho.com https://www.holisticspaces.com/podcast Mindful Living: A guide to the everyday magic of feng shui

Joining us on the show this week is dharma teacher, author, and environmental activist, Cynthia Jurs. Cynthia is a teacher in Thich Naht Hanh’s Order of Interbeing as well as an honorary lama in the Vajrayana tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. She is largely recognized for her work with the Earth Treasure Vase practice which has brought her all around the world to a diverse array of cultures and ecosystems. She released her first book, ‘Summoned by the Earth: Becoming a Holy Vessel’ earlier this year which is now available wherever you order your books. In this conversation, we explore the treasure vase practice as well as the reclamation of the feminine, householder practice, and collective awakening.  gaiamandala.net Show Topics - What are the Earth Treasure Vases? - The World as Spiritual Teacher - Traveling to the World’s most Dangerous Places - Why are we so Busy Minded? - Reclaiming the Feminine - Feeling Our Vulnerability - Pilgrimage and Ceremony - Intention Setting - How To Practice in a Busy Life - Householder Practice - Needing to Awaken as a Community

Joining us on the show this week is author, LMFT, and professor from Naropa University, Bruce Tift! Having been in private practice since 1979, Bruce has served thousands of clients on the path toward becoming more in touch with their immediate experience in an effort to have better relationships to themselves and others. As a practitioner of Vajrayana Buddhism for over 40 years, Bruce brings a unique perspective that combines Buddhist wisdom and the best that the Western Psychotherapeutic model has to offer. He’s given presentations all around the world on this material and has released a book called ‘Already Free” Buddhism Meets Psychotherapy on the Path to Liberation’. In this conversation we talk about the merger of these two distinct and oftentimes contradictory paths of working with ourselves. Through that lens, we ask the question, what are our neuroses and is there really a problem with who I am today? Show Topics - Contrasting Religion and Spiritual Path - How Can Western Therapy be More Effective? - Non-Self and Therapy - Embodied Emotional Vulnerability - Is There Really a Problem with Us? - Anxiety As a Method to Take Care of Ourselves - The Various Styles of Therapeutic Change - Self Aggression  - Holding Acceptance and The Desire to Improve Simultaneously - Confronting Neurosis - Meditation and Staying Open Links https://www.amazon.com/Already-Free-Buddhism-Psychotherapy-Liberation/dp/1622034112

On this week's episode, I was fortunate enough to sit down with the founder of the Realization Process, Judith Blackstone, PhD. Combining her 35 years of private practice as a psychotherapist and deep spiritual investigations as a meditator and dancer, Judith has refined an incredible process of nondual spiritual awakening which she now shares with other practitioners. She is also an author of several books including ‘Trauma and the Unbound Body: the Healing Power of Fundamental Consciousness’, ‘The Intimate Life’, and ‘The ‘Enlightenment Process’. Her most recent book, ‘The Fullness of the Ground: A Guide to Embodied Spiritual Awakening’ released in the fall of 2023 and is available wherever you get your books. In this conversation, we explore the outline of how the Realization Process works. Namely what Nondual Spiritual Awakening is and how we can incorporate it into a therapeutic model. It’s a conversation that focuses heavily on the theme of embodiment and the nature of constriction with an introduction to the method of releasing those constrictions so we can be more expansive. If you want to check out Judith’s work, head on over to RealizationProcess.org or pick up some of her books from your online retailer of choice! Show Topics - What is Nonduality? - Is Nonduality Inherent or Cultivated? - The Obscurations of Nonduality - How do we Embody Nonduality? - Making Contact with Ourselves - Relating to Challenging Situations - Top Down vs Bottom Up Psychological Approaches - Does Nonduality Mean “I” Disappear? - Nonduality in a Therapeutic Context - Fundamental Consciousness and Core Breath - The Nature of Constrictions - The Experience of Fundamental Consciousness

Joining us on the show today is Buddhist teacher, author, and podcast host, Ethan Nichtern! In this episode we explore some of the topics of his newly released book, 'Confidence: Holding Your Seat Through Life's Eight Worldly Winds'. This is a timely book which aims to help us contact a place within us which allows us to navigate the often tumultuous waves of life with a sense of curiosity, buoyancy, and most importantly, kindness.  Outside of the world of writing, Ethan is also the founder of the Interdependence Project, which is a nonprofit organization for secular Buddhist study as it applies to activism, arts and media projects, and Western psychology. He also offers numerous opportunities to help students deepen their understanding of the Buddha dharma - including the Year Long Buddhist Studies through the Dharma Moon platform. On top of this he is the host of the podcast, 'The Road Home' which is available wherever you tune into your podcasts.  Show Topics - What Is Confidence?  - The Double Sided Coin of Hope and Fear - How Hope Can Take Us From the Present Moment - Confidence as a Response to Hope and Fear - Mindfulness and Familiarity  - The 8 Worldly Winds - Relating to Pleasure and Pain - Mindfulness and Boredom - Confidence as a Practice - The Tibetan Practice of Raising Windhorse LINKS ethannichtern.com 'Confidence' Amazon Link

Joining us on the 21st Century Vitalism podcast this week is cofounder of the Good Grief Network, LaUra Schmidt. In this episode we discuss their work in creating the '10 Steps to Resilience and Empowerment in a Chaotic Climate' program. Acknowledging the dire circumstances of our increasingly dangerous predicament, we explore some somatic practices that we can use to nurture our grief while making the necessary changes to show up for ourselves and others.  LaUra's newest book, 'How to Live In a Chaotic Climate' is out now wherever you order your books. The preferred retailer is in the links section down below!  Show Topics - What is the Good Grief Network? - Alienation of those Grieving the Planet - Learning how to Face our Grief - Why and How we Disconnect - What is a Healthy Container for Healing? - The Ten Step Program for Resiliency in a Chaotic Climate - Reaction vs. Responding - Learning how to Pause and the Frenetic Nature of our Culture - Importance of Acknowledging the Severity of the Situation - The Value of Grief - Addressing The Mortality of All Things - Hero Figures and Appreciating Ordinariness - The Importance of Community LINKS How To Live In a Chaotic Climate Book goodgriefnetwork.org

This weeks episode is with visionary floral sculptor, Anthony Ward! Most known for his elaborate performances on stage combining his extensive history of dance with his love for floral arrangement, Anthony has shared his art with thousands across the globe. Having had opportunities to collaborate with the likes of Michael Franti, Bobby McFerrin, STS9, Tipper, and a slew of spiritual teachers such as the Dalai Lama, Eckhart Tolle, and Ram Dass; Anthony has secured his spot as one of the world's top contemporary floral artists.  In this conversation, we discuss his life of working with flowers and the intersections between arrangement and dance. We then explore the lineages of floral arrangement, how we can begin our own practice, and the lessons he's learned from a lifetime of dedicating himself to this artform.  If this inspires you to begin your own journey into the world of floral art, I'd highly encourage you to check out his book, 'Being With Flowers' (link down below) Show Topics - Anthony’s Story of Connecting with the Flowers - The Intersection of Flower Arrangement and Dancing - Floral Art as Spiritual Practice - Impermanence and Flowers - Ikebana - How to Start Flower Arranging - Forming Relationships with Individual Flowers - Lessons from Flowers for Troubled Times - The Universal Quality of Flowers - Weeds and Gathering Materials - Flowers and Masculinity - The Enlivening Quality of Passion Links Anthony at Envision: https://youtu.be/3efXGXxEoKE?si=jCnQh93KbmmyXibn Anthony Meeting the Dalai Lama: https://youtu.be/GPQs1lyCS1o?si=w9NUPxPRAFj3sbKK Being With Flowers: Being With Flowers Amazon Link

Joining us on the show is meditation teacher, author, and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society, Sharon Salzberg! With over 50 years of teaching experience, Sharon is largely attributed as one of the first western teachers to bring mindfulness based practice to the West. In this conversation, we explore a process she outlines her recent book, 'Real Life' in which she outlines the path of moving out of a constricted frame of mind and heart to one that is more open and expansive. Interweaving lessons from mindfulness, loving kindness, and a lifetime of guiding people toward recognizing their own innate brilliance; this conversation is sure to leave you feeling more open and inspired to engage with your world more fully.  To start studying with Sharon, head on over to her website, sharonsalzberg.com to see her online offerings or order one of her many books!  Show Topics - What Makes Us Constricted? - Passion, Aggression, and Delusion - Managing Expectations for Meditation - The Three Personality Types of Buddhism - How Mindfulness Points Us Toward Service - Addressing Hopelessness - Preventing Burnout - What is Love in the Buddhist Context? - Is Love Unconditional or Cultivated? - Metta Practice - The Courage to Love - Responding to the Suffering in the World

Returning to the show is movement specialist, author, and Structural Integrationist, Mary Bond! Most known for her contributions to the world of Rolfing Movement practice with her books, 'New Rules of Posture' and 'Body Mandala'; Mary has gone on to establish herself as a pioneer in reimagining the relationship between perception, sensation, and posture. In this conversation we discuss how to become more embodied in the modern age; we explore the role of fascia in creating our perceptions, how to make an unbreakable connection to the body's midline, and how the energies of earth and space help us maintain our authenticity in trying times.  If you wish to plug into Mary's work more thoroughly, check out her online workshops or order her books over at:  healyourposture.com Show Topics - What is Embodiment? - Fascia is a Sensory Organ - What is Disembodiment?  - Cultivating Intereoception - Posture Change is Perceptual and Not Forced - Exploring the Body's Midline - Connecting to the Quality of Earth and Space - Falling out of Sync with the Midline - Sitting Tensegrity Practice - Exploring the Core - Space and Trust

Joining us on the show this week is the singer, composer, producer, dancer, and creative guide, Ayla Nereo. For this conversation, we explore her work with the Living Song project; a creative community aimed at helping people dissolve creative blocks and find their authentic voice. We then use that as a foundation to explore central themes in Ayla's work such as resiliency, vitality, and the role of our intuition in the creative process. Ayla's music can be streamed wherever you find your music and her courses can be found over at thelivingsong.aylanereo.com SHOW TOPICS - What is the Living Song Project? - What does it mean to be a Vessel? - What is Writer's Block and How Can We Overcome it? - Grasping Vs. Trust - The Energetic Throat Center - The Four Elements and Creativity - What is Vitality and Intuition? - Importance of Feeling Good - What is Sovereignty in the Modern Age? - Facing A Troubled World, What Can We Do As Creatives? - Sovereignty and Motherhood

Joining us on today's show is the CEO of Dhama Moon and my personal meditation teacher and friend, David Nichtern! Dharma Moon is an online meditation community which specializes in teaching the next generation of mindfulness meditation instructors. As a senior teacher in the lineage of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, David has gone on to write two books, be an Emmy winning and Grammy nomiated musician, and host of the popular, Creativity, Spirituality, and Making a Buck Podcast.  In this conversation, we talk about some of the most compelling teachings that we've explored together which are commonly referred to as the sacred path of the warrior. They're a perennial set of teachings found in cultures around the world which are uniquely relevant for living a spiritually inclined life in the modern age. They ask us, how can we be fully awake, courageous, and authentic right now in the life that we're currently living?  If you want to study with David he has many online offerings that can be found through the link below. I highly recommend his 'Mindfulness Teacher Training' course starting up in June for one of the most comprehensive deep dives into meditation you can find on the internet.   SHOW TOPICS - What is Warriorship? - The Qualities of a Warrior - The Strength of Being Gentle - Seeing Clearly - How to Properly Face Oneself  - Meditation - How Being Self Conscious Closes Off the World - Discovering our Basic Goodness - Moving out from the Cocoon - The Profundity of Householder Practice - Business and Warriorship LINKS dharmamoon.com

Joining us on the show is the globally renowned electronic music producer, educator, and performer, Mr. Bill. In this conversation we talk about the incredibly important subject of substance abuse and recovery. Having gone through his own stint of addiction, we dive into his story of struggling to stay afloat while being a touring musician and the hard fought battle of getting sober. We also share our mutual appreciation of electronic music, production, and the rave scene which undoubtedly changed both of our lives. All of Bill's work can be found streaming wherever you find your music - with his tutorials solely on mrbillstunes.com. His new album, 'Mechanomorphic' is out on April 12th through Monstercat! The first two singles, 'Bones' and 'Rawthentic w/ Infected Mushroom' are out now on all streaming platforms. SHOW TOPICS - Bill's Story of Finding Electronic Music - Cultivating an Ear for EDM - Differences in Creative Process for Instruments and EDM - Raves and Substance Use - How Scenes Dictate What Substances are Used - Ketamine's Influence on Electronic Music Culture - What is Ketamine?  - Bill's Story of Ketamine Addiction - Touring/ Playing Shows With an Addiction - Getting Sober - Touring as a Sober Musician - Attending Shows Soberly - How To Show Up for Friends Struggling with Addiction

How to Support the Show! - Head on over to patreon.com/21stcenturyvitalism and become a member. - Follow us on Instagram or Facebook - Subscribe on YouTube - Implement any of the topics covered on the show and write me about your experience! Joining us on the show today is the incredible Keely Garfield. A NYC based choreographer/dancer who doubles as an interfaith end of life Chaplain. Not only that, but she's also an esteemed Buddhist meditation teacher, yoga instructor, Urban Integrative Zen Therapist, and reiki master. Regardless of what she's engaged in, Keely seems to be consistent in her desire to be of service to those around her. In this conversation we explore the intersection of her life as a dancer and her work as an end of life chaplain - how do these worlds inform each other and can we all learn something from her exploration of these practices? keelygarfield.nyc SHOW TOPICS - Why is a Service Mindset Important? - Honoring Our Stories While Holding Them Loosely - Why Focus On The Dark? - Cultivating an Engaged Compassion - Navigating the Universal Human Suffering that Groans - End of Life Care and it's Influence on Dance - Qualities of Dance that Inform End of Life Care - Sensitivity and Skillful Means - Connecting to a Sense of Ritual - Being Okay with Not Leaving a Legacy - Ephemerality of Dance - Strength of Compassion

How to Support the Show! - Head on over to patreon.com/21stcenturyvitalism and become a member. - Follow us on Instagram or Facebook - Subscribe on YouTube - Implement any of the topics covered on the show and write me about your experience! Joining us on the show today is performance artist and founder of the Idiot's Hour Comedy Show, Matthew Silver! Well beloved for his eccentric street performances in New York, with viral videos soaring in the millions of views; Matthew offers a unique love centered form of clowning around that has interested and inspired dozens of new performers. In this conversation we explore his life of performance - with it's highs and lows, the troubling state of the world, and the pitfalls of having a strong identity.  If you want to stay in touch with Matthew, you can find him on all of the social media platforms! SHOW TOPICS - Matthew's Draw Towards Performance - The Role of the Performer - The Ways Our Brain Blocks Creativity - Problems of Identity - Time Being an Illusion - Navigating Discomfort as a Performer - Love Is Not Supported by the Government - The Difficulty of Worthwhile Goals - The Idiots Hour Comedy Show

How to Support the Show! - Head on over to patreon.com/21stcenturyvitalism and become a member. - Follow us on Instagram or Facebook - Subscribe on YouTube - Implement any of the topics covered on the show and write me about your experience! Joining us on the show this week is UK based shiatsu practitioner, author, and clean language facilitator, Nick Pole. In this conversation, we explore the practice and theory of 'Clean Language', which is the topic of Nick's book, 'Words That Touch'. Clean Language is a methodology of facilitating mind/body communication to help participants investigate their immediate somatic experience and begin a rich inquiry into their emotions and patterns.  SHOW TOPICS - What is Clean Language? - Losing Touch With Our Immediate Experience - Mirror/ Heart Dynamic in Therapy - The Role of Awareness in Unwinding the Mind/Body - How Does Language Remove Us From Our Perceptions? - The Essence of Words - Importance of Silence - Trauma and Creativity - What is a Metaphor and How Can We Unpack Them? - Safety and Coregulation - Clean Touch www.nickpole.com

How to Support the Show! - Head on over to patreon.com/21stcenturyvitalism and become a member. - Follow us on Instagram or Facebook - Subscribe on YouTube - Implement any of the topics covered on the show and write me about your experience! This weeks conversation is with Buddhist scholar, author, and photographer, Andy Karr. As a former student of the legendary meditation master, Chogyam Trungpa; Andy has gone on to share the teachings of the Buddha all across the world. From cofounding the first Shambhala center in Paris to teaching at the Gampo Abbey Monastery College, Andy is most known for his well articulated teachings on Contemplative practice and dharma art. His newest book, 'Into The Mirror' released in the Spring of 2023 and serves as a foundation to the themes covered in this show.  andykarrauthor.com SHOW TOPICS - What is a Contemplative Practice? - Different Methods of Contemplation - The Issue with Getting Caught In Concepts - Spiritual Materialism - Limitations of Materialism - What is Samsara? - The Three Vehicles to Liberation - The Outer and Inner Journeys - Different Approaches to Contemplating Emptiness - Letting Go of Self Cherishing - Stages of Compassion - The Paramitas

This weeks guest is the one and only, Android Jones! One of the world's most prominent psychedelic visionary artists working today. Based out of his hometown in Colorado, Android's work has been featured across the world in a wide array of different mediums. From having an extensive clothing line, to projecting his art onto the Empire State Building, Android has gone on to establish himself as one of the forerunners of technologically infused art. In this conversation, we explore a recent tragedy that Android underwent at the start of 2023 and it's implications on the nature of surrender and groundlessness. SHOW TOPICS - Android's Brush with Tragedy in 2023 - How Does a Space Affect our Creative Process? - How Android Prepares to Create Art - Dealing with the Groundlessness of the Bardo - Becoming Vulnerable and Receiving Support - Receiving Love from Strangers - Does Fixating on Fear Help Us? - Navigating Narrative Collapse - How Do We Help Others Moving through Narrative Collapse? - Emphasis on Physical Practices for Healing - Suffering and Grace LINKS androidjones.com

Joining us on the show this week is the visionary Susan Harper! Continuum teacher, heart-soul-counselor, creative instigator, and inspired teacher of perceptual and movement inquiry; Susan has an incredibly rich and thorough series of offerings that she's brought to thousands of people across the globe since 1975. In this episode we explore Continuum, a unique movement practice that invites us to connect with our fluid body to connect with our deeper oceanic creativity. From there we survey the anatomy of shame, the reciprocal nature of perception, and the importance of connecting to awe.  Susan offers online workshops which can be found over at continuummontage.com Show Topics: - What is Continuum - What is the Fluid Body and How Can we Connect to it? - Developing Continuum - The Problems With Overidentifying with our Thinking Mind - The Anatomy of Shame and Embarrassment - The Role of Sensuousness and Feeling - Haptic Perception - How Can We Stay Balanced With the Pain of the World? - Connecting to Awe - Trusting the Deep Heart

How to Support the Show! - Head on over to patreon.com/21stcenturyvitalism and become a member. - Follow us on Instagram or Facebook - Subscribe on YouTube - Implement any of the topics covered on the show and write me about your experience! This weeks episode is with yoga teacher, author, and founder of Empowered Life Circle, Tracee Stanley. On the cusp of releasing the forthcoming book, 'The Luminous Self: Sacred Yogic Practices and Rituals to Remember Who You Are' she joins the show to discuss internal yoga practice, self-inquiry, and Yoga Nidra. To stay in touch with Tracee's offerings, head over to traceestanley.com to check her extensive catalog of teachings, courses, podcasts, and online community, Empower Life Circle. You can order 'The Luminous Self' wherever you purchase your books. If you happen to be seeing this before it's release on October 10th you can head over to Shambhala.com and preorder a copy using the code LUM30 to receive 30% off! SHOW TOPICS: - Discovering Who You Really Are - Distinguishing Between Internal and External Yoga - Reflection and Contemplation - Recognizing Extractive Spirituality - Touching into Pain Without Overwhelm - Community and Support on the Spiritual Path - There Are No Safe Spaces, Only Sacred Spaces - The Role of Discomfort and Fiery Emotions - Yoga Nidra - Yoga Nidra and Relationships

How to Support the Show! - Head on over to patreon.com/21stcenturyvitalism and become a member. - Subscribe, Like, and Comment this Video! - Follow us on Instagram or Facebook - Implement any of the topics covered on the show and write me about your experience! This weeks episode is with the executive director of the Love, Serve, Remember Foundation, host of the Mindrolling podcast, and co-founder of the Be Here Now Podcast Network, Raghu Markus! In this conversation, we explore everything there is to know about connecting with a legitimate guru - in other words, a spiritually awakened teacher. If you want to stay connected with Raghu's work, head on over to Ramdass.org to stay up to date on upcoming courses and teachings. You can also check out his podcast, Mindrolling with Raghu Markus wherever you tune into podcasts. Show Topics - Raghu's Story of Meeting Ram Dass and Neem Karoli Baba - The Importance of Surrender and Grace - The Internal Guru - Cultivating the Karmic Propensity to Meet a Guru - The Role of Service and Compassion - Navigating Self Judgement - Moving Beyond Religiosity into Direct Experience - Psychedelics - Neem Karoli Baba's Core Lesson

How to Support the Show! - Head on over to patreon.com/21stcenturyvitalism and become a member.  - Subscribe over on YouTube - Follow us on Instagram or Facebook - Implement any of the topics covered on the show and write me about your experience! Joining us on the show this week is internationally respected yoga therapist and author, Robin Rothenberg. In this episode, she takes us on a journey through the ancient Yogic practice of Pranayama and the most up to date scientific research on respiratory physiology - all while drawing some powerful and important parallels between the two. With this knowledge, she then teaches us how we can utilize the breath to cultivate greater energy, clarity, and spiritual insights.  SHOW TOPICS - Pranayama is Synonymous with Breath Retention - Why Deep Breathing is a Problem - Breath's Impact on Internal Chemistry - Breathing Less, Breathing Lighter - How to Retrain Breathing Patterns - Elements of Functional Breathing - The Importance of Nasal Breathing - Breath As A Support For Meditation - Diaphragmatic Breathing - Core Breathing Guided Practice - The Bandhas and the Breath - The Energetic Bank Account and Digestion If this episode inspires you, consider checking out Robin's landmark book, 'Restoring Prana' or even sign up for her upcoming certification course starting October 29th at  www.essentialyogatherapy.com

How to Support the Show! - Head on over to patreon.com/21stcenturyvitalism and become a member.  - Subscribe over on YouTube - Follow us on Instagram or Facebook - Implement any of the topics covered on the show and write me about your experience! This weeks episode is with Brandon Gilbert, founder of the online medicinal herb and mushroom storefront, Hyperion Herbs! In this episode we explore the ancient world of herbalism and how to integrate plants into your spiritual and wellness journeys.  SHOW TOPICS - Founding a Wildly Successful Herbal Business - How to Form a Relationship with Herbs - Integrating Herbs into your Life - The Willingness to Forge your Own Path - Navigating the Herbal Supplement Marketplace - What Makes Herbs Effective? - Sensitivity and Stimulation - Embracing Boredom - Medicinal Mushrooms - Neurofeedback Techniques LINKS hyperionherbs.com

How to Support the Show! - Head on over to patreon.com/21stcenturyvitalism and become a member.  - Subscribe over on YouTube - Follow us on Instagram or Facebook - Implement any of the topics covered on the show and write me about your experience! Joining us on the show this week is one of the co-founding members of the widely popular electronic jam band, Lotus! Michael Rempel is a musician and mindfulness meditation coach. In this conversation, we riff on his 20+ years of touring the United States and his recently found commitment to the Unified Mindfulness system started by Shinzen Young.  Michael was also the one to create the new theme music and is available for commission work! If you have a project that you could use some expertly crafted music on, don't hesitate to reach out to him via his website (link down below). SHOW TOPICS - Exploring Spirituality while being a Nationally Touring Artist - The Potentials and Pitfalls of the American Music Festival Scene - Making the Most Out of our Time at Festivals - What Is Mindfulness as per the Unified Mindfulness System? - Concentration, Clarity, and Equanimity - Reactivity and Responsiveness - Fundamental Wellness and Suffering - Cultivating a Kind Heart - See, Hear, Feel Guided Practice - Creating Discipline LINKS michaelrempel.com

Support the show on Patreon! Patreon.com/21stcenturyvitalism Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/21stcenturyvitalism Joining us on the show this week is scholar, author, and Zen teacher, David Loy. In this important conversation, we talk about the path of Ecodharma, a modern approach to Buddhism which utilizes the interlocking environmental crises we're facing as an avenue to deepen our spiritual practice through service and engagement.  SHOW TOPICS - It's More Than Just Climate Change - How Dualistic Perception Fuels Environmental Crisis  - Evolution of The Illusion of Separation - Learning How To Hold Our Grief - What is a Bodhisattva? - Being Service Oriented - The Institutionalization of Greed, Aversion, and Ignorance - Is It Enough to Just Work on Ourselves? - The Importance of Community - Is There Any Hope? - How Do We Cultivate Bodhicitta? LINKS davidloy.org

Support the show on Patreon! www.Patreon.com/21stcenturyvitalism Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/21stcenturyvitalism Structural Integrationist, Author, and Movement Enthusiast, Mary Bond, joins the show to help us explore her newest book and embodiment program, The Body Mandala. TBM is a comprehensive set of practices which help the practitioner develop stronger relationships between how they hold their body, where they place their attention, and the quality of their presence. SHOW TOPICS - Origin of the Body Mandala - What is a Mandala? - The Four Gates of the Mandala - Connecting to Ground - Connecting to Space - Chronic Pain - Intereoception and Intuition - Guided Practice - Tensegrity - Sagittal Plane Living - Panoramic Awareness - Peripersonal Space LINKS healyourposture.com

This weeks conversation is with physical turned manual therapist, Walt Fritz. Having been in practice since 1985, Walt has gone on to create an effective and novel approach to manual therapy which seeks to incorporate clients into a process of shared decision making for their treatment plan. In this dialogue, we explore the healing properties of a therapeutic relationship and the effect our stories have on our experience of pain.  Show Topics - Following Evidence Based Practice - The Power of Placebo and Nocebo - How the Therapeutic Relationship Creates Change - Shared Decision Making in a Therapeutic Setting - Is Pain Neurological or Structural? - Touch and Emotions - Why Being an 'Expert' Might Not Be Ideal - The Benefits of Not Knowing in a Therapeutic Setting waltfritz.com

We're back from our brief hiatus! Kicking off this next chapter of 21CV is the Venerable Robina Courtin. Having been an ordained Buddhist nun for the past 45+ years, Robina has gone on to spread the teachings to thousands of students across the globe. Most renowned for her work in bringing spiritual practice to inmates serving life sentences through her foundation, The Prison Liberation Project; Robina has worked tirelessly to be of service to those who are willing to receive it. In this conversation, we talk about her perennial message of learning how to become your own therapist and genuinely being able to change your mind through Buddhist practice.  SHOW TOPICS - Our Role in Creating Suffering - Navigating Anger - The Buddhist View of Trauma - The Role of Meditation in Changing your Mind - The Three Poisons - Desire and Attachment - Emptiness and Compassion - Karma LINKS/SUPPORT If you resonate with this conversation, consider following her on social media or checking out the amazing documentary on her life, 'Chasing Buddha' which is free on YouTube.  robinacourtin.com If you want to support this show, consider leaving a donation on YouTube, subscribing on Patreon or simply liking/subscribing to the relevant channels and pages to keep up to date on new episodes! patreon.com/21stcenturyvitalism ***Big thanks to Michael Rempel for creating the wonderful new intro music. If you want to commission a piece for your project, I highly recommend it. Check his website out for more awesome music and his contact link! http://michaelrempel.com/ ***

To support this show: subscribe over on YouTube, follow us on Instagram, and like us on facebook. If you want to go further, you can leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and consider signing up for our patreon @ patreon.com/21stcenturyvitalism Today's episode is all about using yoga as a vehicle to age more gracefully. Joining us to explore this topic is the internationally recognized yoga teacher, Desiree Rumbaugh. Creator of the Wisdom Warriors yoga program for students over the age of fifty; Desiree has been practicing for over thirty years in the Iyengar and Anasara traditions. In this conversation, we explore the different factors that contribute to aging well - from physical to the mental and spiritual.  You can virtually train with Desiree over at desireerumbaugh.com SHOW TOPICS - A New Way to Age - Strength Training and Aging - Mind Muscle Connection - Dealing with Injury, Tightness, and the Aging Body - Finding New Roles for Older Generations - Importance of Staying Inspired as you Age - Learning New Skills  - Function of Wisdom as we Age - Compassion for the Older Generations - How does Wisdom Operate? - Retirement Pros and Cons - The Dangers of Growing Old Alone

To support the show: 1. Subscribe on YouTube and hit that bell for notifications 2. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/21stcenturyvitalism/ 3. Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/21stcenturyvitalism 4. Sign up for the Patreon patreon.com/21stcenturyvitalism This weeks conversation is with University of Massachusetts Amherst professor and author, Allison Butler Ph.D. In it, we talk about her work with critical media literacy and how learning it can improve our ability to navigate the deceptive media landscape of the 21st century. SHOW TOPICS - What is Critical Media Literacy? - How does power affect information dissemination - The effects of the profit motive in our media - The difference between pundits and reporters - What is a digital footprint? - Getting trapped in the algorithm - Finding quality independent journalism - Focusing on local news - Creating healthy boundaries for our media intake If you want to continue learning about critical media literacy, check out Allison's new book, 'The Media and Me: A Guide to Critical Media Literacy for Young People' and listen to some of her other podcast episodes!

University of Toronto professor, Dr. John Vervaeke joins the show to talk about his work in exploring one of the most profound crisis facing us in the modern age, the meaning crisis. We discuss what meaning is, how we can cultivate it through body based practices, and what awaits us on the other side. If you wish to explore Dr. Vervaeke's work further, I highly encourage checking out his 50 part lecture series, 'Awakening From the Meaning Crisis' over on YouTube. You can also find his new series, 'After Socrates' airing weekly on that same channel.  If you wish to support this show, subscribe over on YouTube, Follow us on Instagram, and Like us on Facebook. Also consider becoming a patron over at patreon.com/21stcenturyvitalism.  Thank you and enjoy! SHOW TOPICS - What is Meaning? - Addressing Self-Deception - Cultivating Virtue - Committing to Truth - Working with Neuroses - Does Pure Evil Exist? - The Role of Embodiment in Connecting to Meaning - The Different Kinds of Knowing - Where Have the Shamans Gone? - Love and Compassion

Founder of Lotus Nei Gong International school for Internal Arts, Damo Mitchell joins the show! In this conversation we set the stage for what it means to engage with the practice of Nei Gong, which is a system of cultivation and self-realization through the lens of Taoist wisdom. Show Topics - Importance of Working with a Teacher - The Stages of the Path - What is Nei Gong? - Cultivating the Dan Tian - Working with Qi - A Sense of Humor - Ethical Conduct - The Taoist View of Being If you wish to support this show - Follow us on Instagram for show updates and additional content. - Subscribe on patreon.com/21stcenturyvitalism to help keep the lights on. - Leave a review wherever you listen - Donate via Venmo @ brett-kane-1 If you wish to follow Damo Mitchell - lotusneigong.com

Founder of Soul Lift Cacao, Nick Meador, joins the show! This conversation is all about the subtle yet potent plant medicine that is cacao.  Show Topics: - What is Cacao? - History of Chocolate - Participating in a Cacao Ceremony - Healing with Cacao - Effects of Colonialization in Central America - Importance of Preserving the Culture of Cacao - Ethical Relationships in the Cacao Industry - Industrial Chocolate and Appropriation - Is Intention Enough? More about Nick:  Nick Meador spent years traveling throughout Central America connecting with cacao farms, collectives, and experts. In 2018 he founded Soul Lift Cacao to create a positive impact in the world by helping Mayan collectives share their artisanal cacao in the U.S. and beyond. Nick opened a brick-and-mortar cacao shop in Portland, Oregon, in summer of 2021. Now he also leads group cacao tours in Guatemala so that people can meet the farmers and collectives who make the cacao that they love. On top of that, Nick trains people on how to lead modern transformational experiences and workshops with cacao. Nick created the Soul Lift Cacao Method to show people how to create consent-based, trauma-informed spaces for participants to connect with ceremonial cacao. soulliftcacao.com

Mike Chang of flow60 returns to share with us his tried and true methodology of getting out of a rut. A timely conversation as we enter into the new year on how these difficult moments in our life can be turned into an opportunity for growth and exploration. Show Topics - What is a rut? - How to activate energy to take action - How to actually eat right - Releasing emotions - Unconditionally feeling our emotions - Navigating anger - Confidence - The energizing quality of service Mike has a new training program starting January 25th that you can sign up for at flow60.com If you want to support this show, consider signing up to the patreon at patreon.com/21stcenturyvitalism or offering a one time donation via venmo @brett-kane-1

Jeremy Wolf is an esteemed yoga teacher based out of Colorado. With more than 25 years of experience practicing yoga, he's here to help us understand how we can expand the practice into our daily lives. You can check out his virtual yoga nidra courses and more over at jeremywolfyoga.com Show Topics - How does yoga unfold? - Is yoga a religion or science? - Yoga off the mat - How the 8 limbs expand our practice - The potentials within stillness - The destabilizing nature of overstimulation - Breathe to ease mental agitation - Cultivating a neutral viewpoint - Converting pain into understanding - Recontextualizing freedom Jeremy's Bio "Jeremy's interest in mind and body began with martial arts, and later meditation became his doorway into yoga. He received his initial yoga certification in India in Classical Yoga and has completed his 500hr certification through Rod Stryker's school of ParaYoga. He is an E-RYT 500, YACEP, reiki master, meditation and yoga nidra instructor, with certifications and formal training in the Bihar, Himalayan, iRest and Amrit methods, and a music producer/label DJ for France's Ultimae Records. His weekly classes and trainings seek to embody the richness and holistic practice of yoga's deeply spiritual origin."

University of Delaware professor and New York Times bestselling author, Douglas Tallamy joins the show to talk about backyard nature conservation. Dubbed the 'Homegrown National Park' project which he based his book, 'Nature's Best Hope' off from, we explore the practical and effective ways you can transform your own yard into a refuge for the local ecosystem.  SHOW TOPICS The Issue of Biodiversity Loss Four Things Landscapes Need Changing Culture Invasive Plants Shrinking the Lawn Importance of Insects Saving the Monarchs Health Benefits of Nature Urban Conservation Overpopulation You can check out Doug's non-profit for more information at  homegrownnationalpark.org Or order a copy of his phenomenal book  Nature's Best Hope

Susan Piver rejoins us on the show to talk about her newest book, 'The Buddhist Enneagram: Nine Paths to Warriorship' which is out now! Combining the timeless wisdom of the East with the mysterious and powerful personality types of the Enneagram, Susan has created an immensely helpful map of how we can better understand ourselves and others. It is available wherever you find your books! SHOW TOPICS - The History of the Enneagram - Using the Enneagram to bridge self and other - The Jewels of Spiritual Practice - Discovering your type - Arcs of Transformation - Embracing our Discomfort - Cultivating Compassion - The Nine Types of Warriorship - Enneagram and Emptiness Buy the Book Here Her Online Meditation Community: Open Heart Project

Anna Lembke, MD is the medical director of Stanford Addiction Medicine, program director for the Stanford Addiction Medicine Fellowship, and the chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic. As a clinician scholar, she has published more than a hundred peer-reviewed papers, book chapters, and commentaries that have been featured in prestigious outlets such as The New England Journal of Medicine. She joins the show to talk to us about her newest book, 'Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence' which is about the dopamine system and addiction.  Show Topics - What is Dopamine? - Technology and Addiction - The Spectrum of Addiction - Moderate Symptoms to Severe - The Pleasure-Pain Balance - Overcoming Addiction - Boredom - Life Beyond Addiction annalembke.com Dopamine Nation You can find 'Dopamine Nation' wherever books are sold. 

The world renowned Tribal Fusion dancer, Zoe Jakes, joins us for an in depth conversation on all things dance! Founding member of the musical outfit, Beats Antique, Zoe has travelled the world headlining some of the biggest music festivals with her unique sound and performance. On top of her wildly successful music career, she's a dance teacher and mother, which we talk about at length.  SHOW TOPICS - Zoe's Journey into Dance - Founding of Beats Antique - The Spiritual Implications behind her Art - Intuition and Movement - Emotions and Performance - Motherhood and Maintaining Identity - Teaching Dance - Increasing Bodily Awareness through Dance - Avoiding Burnout - Importance of Confidence in being Successful LINKS https://www.eventbrite.com/o/zoe-jakes-23416065044 zoejakes.com https://www.beatsantique.com/

New York Times bestselling author, meditation teacher, and founder of Open Heart Project, Susan Piver joins the show! In this conversation, we talk about the intersection of Buddhism and romance, following the lifecycle of a modern relationship of choosing who to be with, how to ride the waves of instability together, and what to do when your heart gets broken. SHOW TOPICS Navigating Passion and Attachment Role of Commitment and Creating a Container Unconditional Love Love doesn't Stabilize Navigating Friction in a Relationship The Wakeful Quality of Heartbreak Moving Beyond Heartbreak LINKS openheartproject.com susanpiver.com https://www.amazon.com/Four-Noble-Truths-Love-Relationships/dp/1732277605 https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Broken-Heart-Breakup-Healing/dp/1416593160/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=wisdom+of+a+broken+heart+by+susan+piver&qid=1653932327&sprefix=wisdom+of+a+brok%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1

Taoist meditation master, teacher, and author, Bruce Frantzis joins 21CV! Bruce is considered the foremost experienced lineage master of Taoist arts in the Western world. Having spent sixteen years learning from a grandmaster in China, he has gone on to teach more than 20,000 students the amazing practices of qigong, bagua, tai chi, hsing-i and Taoist meditation. He has also written eight books and started a comprehensive online learning community over at energyarts.com. In this conversation, we dive deep into Taoism as a whole and how it's practiced in this current day and age.  SHOW TOPICS What is Taoism? The Goal of Taoism Suffering and Nonduality Aging and Retrospect What about Taoism is Uniquely Effective? Following your Natural Proclivities The Subtle Energy Body Standing Meditation

Ritualist, Artist, Teacher, and Author of 'Hello Goodbye, 75 Rituals for Times of Loss, Celebration, and Change' and 'Morning Altars', Day Schildkret joins the show! In this meaty conversation we discuss everything you need to know in order to start utilizing ritual in your life to help process change and create more easeful transitions.  If you want to plug into Day's platform, I highly encourage following his Instagram for daily art and inspiration. If you want to work more deeply with his offerings, he is about to start up a new round of teacher trainees for his Morning Altars program, all the links are down below!  To Support 21CV: Consider the Patreon over at www.patreon.com/21stcenturyvitalism Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts Like, Follow, and Subscribe over on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube SHOW TOPICS - The Function of Ritual - The Anatomy of a Ritual - Symptoms of a Ritual Void Culture - Effects of Displacement - Ritual Vs. Routine - Intention Vs. Attention - Remembering to Remember - The Tender Heart of Remembrance  - Stepping into your Symbolic Power Day's Links dayschildkret.com www.morningaltars.com/teachertraining

Performance coach, movement specialist, and author, Rob Reider joins us on the show to talk about cultivating an intentional presence that you can then use for your stage performances and social anxiety. With forty plus years of performing and coaching under his belt, Rob has a powerful command of attention and heightened desire to help his students succeed in their respective field.  SHOW TOPICS What is Presence? The Movement from Thinking to Doing Why Less is More Importance of Connecting to your Audience Overcoming the Need for Approval The Responsibility of having Someone's Attention The Role of Nutrition in Performance The Effect of Trauma on our Self Image If you want to support the show, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, subscribe over on YouTube, follow us on Instagram, and like us on Facebook. We also have a Patreon you can donate a small monthly amount to which will help me invest more time and energy into building an even better education platform! www.patreon.com/21stcenturyvitalism To book a consulting session with Rob for enhancing your performance or speaking abilities, head on over to coachpresence.com 

This weeks guest is teacher, therapist, lecturer, and writer, Molly Lannon Kenny! Founder of Integrated Movement Therapy and Bedside Yoga, she is joining us to talk about her work in bringing Yoga to those who are in the process of dying. Having spent 30 years in the field of helping people navigate radical change, she helps guide us into the rich and insightful world of death doulaship. Show Topics The Difficulty of Talking about Death Being in the Presence of Death How can we Best be with Grief? The Tender Heart of Compassion How Death brings us Closer to Life Bringing Yoga to the Dying Navigating the Ego while Working with the Dying The Many Faces of Dying LINKS mollylannonkenny.org

The incredibly talented visionary artist and founder of the Positive Creations art brand, Chris Dyer joins the show to talk about his unique relationship to art, life, and self love. I highly encourage checking out his work on any of the links below while you listen to this episode! Show Topics The Role of Art in Uncertain Times Seeing Life as a Video Game Inside the Head of an Artist Self- Love How you view yourself vs how others view you Relationships as an artist Recent Relocation to the United States Links: https://linktr.ee/Positivecreations www.PositiveCreations.ca www.PositiveCreations.net www.GalakticGang.com 

President of the Three Jewels Enlightenment Studio in New York City, Hector Marcel joins us on 21CV to explore the Lojong Slogans of Tibetan Buddhism. He is a social entrepreneur, public speaker and seasoned organizational change management professional specializing in performance, culture, and service. As a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism for 25 years, Hector believes that meditation opens the door to every personal achievement. To support the show, head on over to Apple Podcasts and leave a review; alternatively you can subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. We also have a patreon over at patreon.com/21stcenturyvitalism SHOW TOPICS Practicing Buddhism What are Lojong Slogans and why are they relevant to you? Importance of Teacher-Student Transmission The Dreamlike Quality of Existence What is Emptiness in the Buddhist system? The Emptiness of Emptiness How Karma Works Emptiness and Compassion Taking Radical Responsibility for our Emotions Developing an Awakened Heartmind LINKS threejewels.org @wakeupist

This weeks book dive is into the wise Pema Chodron's extremely helpful meditation manual, 'How to Meditate' If you are interested in beginning this practice and wish to work with a teacher, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] Also keep an eye open for the weekly meditation group coming in a couple of weeks, more details on that will be announced soon!