Deconstructing Yourself
Michael W. Taft
Dedicated to liberation in all its forms, Deconstructing Yourself is passionate about fearlessly investigating, attempting, and questioning all things to do with awakening, meditation, mindfulness, brain hacking, consciousness, neurofeedback, and more.Your host Michael W. Taft interviews some of the most interesting thinkers, authors, and teachers around, as well as other offerings. In this hard-hitting, radical, and fun podcast we look at secular post-, non-, un- Buddhism, Vajrayana, nondual Hindu Tantra, philosophy, the neuroscience of the sense of self, neurofeedback and the consciousness hacking movement, aspects of artificial intelligence, entheogens, and much more.If you’re looking for fresh directions, free from dogma and conformism, think of the Deconstructing Yourself podcast as the radical cafe where you can hear from the most interesting luminaries either from the outside edges of dharma, or a fresh take from more traditional teachers. If you’re interested in more, check out the Deconstructing Yourself website at https://deconstructingyourself.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
4 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 1h 3min
Aghora, Deities, and Devotion with Dr. Robert Svoboda
Dr. Robert Svoboda, an American author and Ayurvedic doctor, shares his insights on the Aghora method's transformative practices, including how to transcend personal identity and foster positive energy. He explores the dual paths of knowledge and devotion, emphasizing the importance of heartfelt bhakti over intellect. The conversation also touches on the unseen influences of egregores in the digital age and the impact of technology on spiritual energy. Svoboda highlights the interconnectedness of human relationships and the significance of responsibility amid crises.
28 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 45min
Invocation and Shadow with Charlie Awbery
In a captivating discussion, Charlie Awbery, a seasoned Vajrayana teacher and author, explores their spiritual journey and the significance of names in community practice. They share insights on the playful essence of Tantric philosophy and the evolution of teacher-student dynamics, emphasizing mutual engagement. Charlie highlights a unique invocation's transformative role and the importance of embracing shadows for personal growth. With a focus on fluid identities, this conversation invites reflection on adapting ancient teachings for contemporary spirituality.
31 snips
Nov 11, 2024 • 59min
Tantra, Aghora, and Death, with Dr. Robert Svoboda
Dr. Robert Svoboda, an American author and Ayurvedic doctor, dives into the radical Aghora sect's cemetery practices and the transformative teachings of his mentor, Vimalananda. He explores the intertwining paths of bhakti and jnana, emphasizing the significance of death awareness for personal growth. Svoboda discusses karmic connections, urging mindfulness and compassion in relationships while sharing mystical encounters that challenge fears. His insights invite listeners to confront mortality and embrace spirituality for a deeper understanding of life.
36 snips
Oct 7, 2024 • 1h 11min
Meditation and Memory with Anthony Metivier
Michael Taft chats with Anthony Metivier, founder of the Magnetic Memory Method and author of The Victorious Mind. They delve into how memory techniques can boost meditation practices. Anthony explains the ancient Memory Palace method and its ties to vivid imagery for better recall. The conversation covers his journey from atheism to spiritual exploration and the memorization of sacred texts, enhancing both cognitive abilities and emotional health. Listeners gain insights into making memorization personal and integrating it with mindfulness.
50 snips
Jul 24, 2024 • 47min
Practicing the Diamond Sutra with Ken McLeod
Buddhist teacher Ken McLeod discusses the significance of the Diamond Sutra, exploring translation challenges and ancient texts. He emphasizes embodying spiritual practice, daily mindfulness, and engaging with the sutra through oral recitation. The episode also includes announcements of meditation retreats and ways to support the podcast.
24 snips
Jul 9, 2024 • 57min
Original Love with Henry Shukman
Meditation teacher Henry Shukman discusses original love vs. original sin, the purpose of life as experiencing love, and the four zones of love. He shares insights on deep meditation training, the benefits of guided meditation, discipline, and approaches to meditation guidance.
59 snips
Jun 25, 2024 • 54min
Practicing Tummo with Peter McEwen
Meditation coach Peter McEwen and host Michael Taft discuss practicing Tummo, deity yoga, subtle body, challenges of Tummo practice, bliss, and staying with disturbing experiences. Peter shares insights on body energetics, benefits of Tummo practice, and importance of accurate teaching to prevent harm.
34 snips
May 1, 2024 • 42min
Jhanas, Technology, and Tradition with Stephen Zerfas
Entrepreneur and meditator Stephen Zerfas discusses using technology to enhance learning of Jhanas, his background in meditation and jhana practice, and scaling jhanas globally. They delve into his journey, training with jhana teachers, and the fusion of technology and tradition in meditation practice.
Mar 6, 2024 • 52min
Embodying the 21 Taras with Chandra Easton.
The podcast dives into the 21 manifestations of Tara in Tibetan Buddhism, with a focus on 'Demolition Tara.' Host discusses Chandra Easton's new book, her deep connection to Tara, and the significance of embodying empowered qualities in real-life figures like Oprah Winfrey.
109 snips
Feb 6, 2024 • 1h 1min
Can You Learn Meditation from an AI? - with Shinzen Young
American mindfulness teacher and neuroscience research consultant, Shinzen Young, discusses his dream of computer-based meditation instruction and the creation of an AI-based expert system. They explore the intersection of math, science, meditation, and AI and the potential benefits for society. The chapter explores the concept of network science and its consequences. The role of AI in guiding meditation and spiritual growth is discussed, along with the potential benefits of AI as educational assistants and companions in meditation practice.
