Elevating Consciousness

Stephen Jenkinson is an all-around renaissance man. He plays many roles including author, poet, storyteller, cultural activist, and farmer. Stephen received a master's in theology from Harvard and a masters in social work from the University of Toronto. He is the subject of a film called “Griefwalker” which documents his experience as a palliative care worker. He has written a handful of books including the award-winning “Die Wise” which explores our culture’s relationship to dying. In this episode, we speak about what people are really afraid of when it comes to death, what it means to carry the dead, why hope is hopeless & how to be with the dying. 

Guy Sengstock is the founder and creator of the circling method and circling institute. He has been facilitating transformation for individuals, groups, and corporations internationally for over 20 years. He holds a Bachelor in Fine Arts from San Fransico Art institute and is the co-founder of the Arte Center for Excellence and the Bay Area Men’s Circle. He plays many roles including artist, philosopher, bodyworker, poet, and visionary. In this episode, we speak about how the practice of circling emerged, barriers to deeper conversations, what listening truly is, and how to transform conflict and judgment. 

Steve McIntosh is a political philosopher, lawyer, entrepreneur, and leader in the Integral space. He is the author of 5 books including Evolutions Purpose, The Presence of the Infinite, and most recently Developmental Politics - a book that details how America can grow into a better version of itself.  He is the president and the co-founder of The Institute for Cultural evolution, a think tank that focuses on the cultural roots of America’s challenges. In this episode, we speak about the culture war, resolving political conflict with values integration, evolution as a spiritual teaching, and the importance of transcendence.  

Daniel Gortz, a political philosopher and sociologist, leads the Nordic School of Metamodernism and has authored influential works such as 'The Listening Society.' In this conversation, he delves into the evolution from postmodernism to metamodernism, emphasizing developmental thinking and the integration of spirituality. Gortz also explores the complexities of societal change, the interplay of fact and fiction, and the need for authenticity. He advocates for a synthesis of cognitive complexity and spiritual experiences to foster personal and societal growth.

Douglas Tataryn is a clinical psychologist and a long-time meditator. He received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology in 1991 from the University of Arizona. Douglas is the founder of the Bio-Emotive framework - a powerful tool for understanding and processing emotions. He conducts seminars in integral theory, sports psychology, and the integration of psychology and spirituality as well as emotional clearing workshops all throughout North America. In this episode, we speak about cultural alexithymia, the difference between emotions and feelings, emotional repression and the role crying plays in emotional healing. 

Angelo Dilullo, an anesthesiologist and author, discusses awakening, suffering, spiritual materialism, and the paradoxical nature of reality. Topics include the impact of Buddhism, transcending suffering, deidentification, the role of meditation and self-inquiry, circling, psychedelics, indeterminacy, unconditional love, and future plans like retreats.

Susanne Cook-Greuter is an internationally known expert in adult development and self-actualization.  She received her doctorate in human development and psychology from Harvard. Her groundbreaking work with Ego development Theory looks at the relationship between self-story and meaning-making. She currently serves as the strategic advisor and research director of Vertical Development Academy, which facilitates leadership maturity in individuals, teams, and organizations. In this episode, we talk about why growth is overrated, the critical shift in human development, and the importance of honoring all stages.

Chris Niebauer is the author of “No Self No Problem” a book that details how neuropsychology is catching up to Buddhism. He earned his PhD in cognitive neuropsychology at the University of Toledo, specializing in the differences between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. He is currently a professor at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania where he teaches courses on consciousness, mindfulness, left and right brain differences, and artificial intelligence.  In this episode, we talk about how the left brain creates the ego, left and right brain differences, and how to rebalance the brain. 

Dr. Daniel Ingram is the author of  “Mastering The Core Teachings of the Buddha” - a book that strips away all the nonsense from the meditative path. He is a master meditator and unlike many other meditation practitioners and teachers, he is open about his attainments. He refers to himself as an Arhant which in the theravada Buddhist tradition is an enlightened being. In this episode, we dive into awakening, psychedelics, and how spiritual experiences can be integrated into the medical field.