Elevating Consciousness

Stephen Zerfas, CEO and co-founder of Jhourney who teaches Jhana meditation using data-driven methods. He recounts discovering deep Jhana states through self-experimentation and building a tech pedagogy to reliably teach them. Conversations cover what Jhanas feel like, cross‑tradition links, barriers and predictors of success, and a guided toward‑Jhana practice including breath, body‑scan, and heart‑centered techniques.

Daniel Garner (writes as O.G. Rose), a writer and philosopher exploring belonging, culture, and subjectivity. He discusses creating belonging beyond conformity or isolation. He contrasts local, national, and global scales. He digs into negativity, lack, and the limits of single systems. He explores cheap versus costly perennialism and how real belonging is tested in everyday encounters.

Richard Flyer, community weaver and author who builds local networks merging spirituality and practical action. He recounts mystical experiences that shaped his work. He explores translating transcendence into face-to-face neighborhood organizing. He discusses forming networked coalitions, virtues as actionable cultural DNA, and scaling bottom-up, voluntary regeneration across food, economy, and civic life.

Daljeet Peterson is an astrologer, Human Design analyst, and author exploring how ancient and modern systems of meaning can guide us through times of transformation. His work bridges astrology, Human Design, and the Gene Keys as complementary maps of consciousness—tools for aligning with one’s deeper purpose and participating more consciously in the collective evolution of our species. A former television editor turned cosmic cartographer, Daljeet brings a storyteller’s sensibility to the study of archetypes, weaving together myth, history, and contemporary culture. He’s the author of Collective Souls: Generations, Astrology, and the Future of America, which explores how generational astrology reveals the hidden cycles shaping our nation’s destiny—and the emerging potentials of a new Aquarian era. You can find his writings and upcoming offerings on his Substack called Mutable Fire.In this episode, we explore how astrology was discovered, its foundational principles, common misconceptions, and how to distinguish good astrology from bad astrology. We also touch on Human Design, & the Gene Keys, and how they tie into Astrology. Finally, Daljeet shares some of the main ideas from his new Book Collective Souls, advocating for intergenerational communication and understanding of time that is chronological and astrological.🔗[Links & resources] 🔗Daljeet’s siteSubscribe to Daljeet’s SubstackCollective Souls by Daljeet PetersonDaljeet’s Astrology 101: Blueprint of the Soul seriesCosmos & Psyche by Richard Tarnas🕰️[Time stamps] 🕰️0:00 - Introduction 4:38 - Daljeet’s journey into astrology8:22 - How astrology was discovered 16:27 - Is astrology a religion?21:55 - Common misconceptions of astrology 26:06 - How to distinguish good astrology from bad astrology 28:58 - The foundational principles of astrology39:52 - What is the mechanism behind planetary effects?45:00 - The limits of falsifiability, science, and left-brain ways of knowing 51:22 - Unpacking Human Design & Gene Keys 1:01:56 - Holding modalities with curiosity and humility 1:06:27 - Collective Souls: Generations, Astrology, and the Future of America1:13:00 - The unique gifts & challenges of the four generations (Baby boomers, Gen X, Millennials & Gen Z) 1:20:51 - Calls to action for the four generations*Subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch the video versions of the Elevating Consciousness Podcast *Subscribe to the Insighter Substack to get in-depth articles on the theory and practice of human transformation through a post-conventional lens

Natureza Gabriel is an ancestral neuroscience pioneer, the developer of Autonomics, and the founder of Hearth Science—an organization & community offering tools, trainings, and practices that help people cultivate nervous system fluency and deepen their experience of well-being.At the heart of his work is Autonomics: an animist cartography of living autonomic physiology. This framework has been shaped by over three decades of collaboration with more than one hundred mentors and advisors across 25 healing traditions and 24 cultures, many indigenous. It is considered one of the first accurate maps of the living Autonomic Nervous System in modernity. His Autonomics trainings have been sought out by the United Nations, a division of NATO, global social and ecological movements, and elite firms in executive coaching and leadership development.He is the author of many books, including Restorative Practices of Well-Being, Finding Home in Your Nervous System, Autonomic Triage, and The Neurobiology of Connection.In this episode, we speak about the origins of Gabriel’s autonomic model and how it diverged from Polyvagal Theory, the 13 autonomic states, what entails a healthy nervous system, the limits of HRV and the future of diagnostics, practices to rebalance the nervous system, the limitations of modernity, and pathways towards civilizational wellness.🔗[Links & resources] 🔗Gabriel’s personal site Gabriel’s autonomic trainingsGabriel’s clinicRestorative practices portalThe Neurobiology of Connection by Natureza GabrielGround: How Modernity Disconnected from the Earth, Why it Matters & How to Fix It by NaturezaFinding Home in Your Nervous System by Natureza GabrielAwakening Human Connection by Natureza Gabriel🕰️[Time stamps] 🕰️0:00 - Introduction 3:52 -  The origins of autonomics (bridging neuroscience and autonomic physiology) 7:53 - Stephen Porges, polyvagal theory and moving beyond a two-system autonomics 21:44 - The 13 Autonomic States 31:31 - Neuroception, Neurology & Neurochemistry 34:55 - What is a healthy autonomic nervous system?42:39 - The limits of HRV and the future of autonomic diagnostics 49:17 - The importance of restorative practices 52:00 - How to rebalance a hyper-activated nervous system 1:01:09 - How to rebalance a shut-down nervous system 1:05:47 - The importance of community in healing and processing grief 1:11:45 - The limitations of modernity 1:14:55 - Ground: How modernity disconnected us from the Earth 1:24:10 - The challenges of running a company in a culture of domination 1:33:52 - How do we bridge power & wisdom? (Becoming a mycelium network)1:45:10-  The disconnection that underlies the techno-optimist worldview1:48:33 - Pathways towards civilizational wellness*Subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch the video versions of the Elevating Consciousness Podcast *Subscribe to the Insighter Substack to get in-depth articles on the theory and practice of human transformation through a post-conventional lens

In this discussion, Pema Dragpa, an ordained Tibetan Buddhist Lama and author, dives into the intersection of traditional wisdom and modern life. He shares insights on balancing spirituality with financial responsibilities and critiques approaches like Ken Wilber's integral theory. Dragpa emphasizes Vajrayana Buddhism as a method for navigating turbulent times and discusses the importance of integrating Western psychology with Tibetan practices. He advocates for a community-focused approach to spiritual engagement in politics while preserving unique traditions.

Peter McEwen, an ordained Nyingma yogi and meditation coach, shares his rich background and insights into Tantra, Tummo, and deity yoga. He reflects on his transformative awakening experiences and the balance between personal, relational, and spiritual growth. Peter describes how Tantra thrives in everyday life, urging practitioners to engage with complexity while utilizing psychological tools for integration. He also emphasizes customizing meditation practices to individual development, and advises householders on blending awakening with daily challenges, making spirituality accessible.

David Rug, a metaphysician and civilizational theorist, shares his journey of turning childhood wounds from social fragmentation into solutions. He discusses Project Liminality, which reshapes communication to foster unity. David explores the interplay of ancient wisdom and modern technology, emphasizing the importance of authentic storytelling. He introduces the innovative 'InterBrain' system, which aims to bridge knowledge and collaboration, advocating for a collective shift towards transparency and communal healing.

Dr. John Churchill is a psychologist and dharma teacher, known for founding Planetary Dharma, which merges contemplative traditions with psychodynamic healing. He discusses the concept of the Fourth Turning, emphasizing a cultural synthesis in spirituality. John shares insights on balancing tradition with progressive approaches, critiques of past teachings, and the importance of self-image and imaginal practices. He also touches on the role of psychedelics in spiritual development and plans for creating a new contemplative culture through an academy.

Ali Tataryn is a counselor, somatic educator, and coach who guides clients through somatic-emotional release and helps them map their internal emotional landscapes for healing and self-development. She is the founder of Relational Dojo, a welcoming space where kind humans come together to co-create curious and courageous conversations. Ali is also the co-founder of Sacred Somatic Events, a sober somatic dance experience that warmly invites participants into full-spectrum self-expression.Her primary training is in Counseling, Expressive Arts, and Somatic Education. Ali has completed over 260 hours of Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training and is a trained as T3 Circling Facilitator through the Integral Center. She is also a meditation teacher certified under Upasaka Culadasa and Junpo Roshi, with extensive personal practice in the Namgyal-Kagyu tradition under teachers such as Lama Lodro, Lama Sidney, Lama Rodney Devinish, and her mother, Dr. Darlene Tataryn. Ali proudly collaborates with her father, clinical psychologist Dr. Douglas J. Tataryn, facilitating and coaching through his Bio-Emotive Framework.In this episode, we explore Ali’s journey growing up with parents deeply immersed in emotional and spiritual work, her path as an actress and how acting became a form of spiritual practice, navigating identity as an artist, the Bio-Emotive framework and the art of emotional processing, how relational, emotional, and spiritual work come together and so much more. 🔗[Links & resources] 🔗Ali’s personal siteThe Bio-Emotive FrameworkFollow Ali on SubstackFollow Douglas Tataryn on SubstackHow to Process Emotions with Douglas Tataryn on the Elevating Consciousness PodcastDiane Musho HamiltonLeonard CohenWhat is Circling by Artem Zen🕰️[Time stamps] 🕰️0:00 - Introduction 4:00 - Growing up with cycle breakers 7:06 - Good enough parenting and an imperfect life10:08 - Navigating the self vs other polarity 16:18 - How does a bodhisattva deal with a narcissist?22:00 - Reconnecting to the good, true, and the beautiful 24:50 - Acting as a spiritual practice vs acting as a career 37:45 - Becoming aware of suffering 40:27 - The thin line between awakening & Psychosis44:25 - Navigating identity as an Artist 57:02 - The Bio-Emotive Framework & the art of emotional processing 1:08:07 - Emotions are not logical but they are lawful 1:10:57 - Balancing intellectual with emotional and relational development 1:15:49 - Circling (relational work) vs emotional processing vs deconstruction 1:31:43 - What is between me and love/truth?*Subscribe to the Insighter Substack to get in-depth articles on the theory and practice of human transformation through a post-conventional lens*Add me on Facebook