The Unveil Podcast

We are BACK - with an impressive line up of guests, which begins with Jeanne Denney. Jeanne is the founder of the ⁠School of Unusual Life Learning⁠ (SoULL), an institute for somatic education. She is also a practicing somatic psychotherapist, a death educator, and the author of ⁠The Effects of Compassionate Presence on the Dying⁠. Jeanne has worked in many venues to help people fearlessly embrace a life which includes aging, dying and nature. She has spent decades at bedsides with the elderly and with the growing bodies of children, in study and research, and has contributed pioneering ideas to somatic psychology, death and grief work. She has also helped create and facilitate the ⁠Art of Dying⁠ projects in New York City. Her unique insights on energy and the body through aging, illness, and dying have been derived from this wide lens of human experience and a deep understanding of our mortal journey. During today's episode, Jeanne chats to Victoria Fenton about: Death and dying - and how fundamental it is that we contemplate it in the process of contemplating life Nature and the connection to it which facilitates more awareness of the cycles of life (and death) Why we are disconnected from this, and how culture creates separation Terror Management Theory Reichian philosophies and the movement of energy downward, vs. an uplift of energy which connects us more to self Aging, biohacking and the desire to live to 180 And so much more! You can connect with Jeanne at SoULL at the following links: ⁠https://www.soullcommunity.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.soullcommunity.com/events⁠ ⁠https://www.soullcommunity.com/nature-of-being-human⁠ ⁠https://www.soullcommunity.com/year-1⁠ Mentioned today were: Daniel Stern's "⁠Forms of Vitality: Exploring Dynamic Experience in Psychology, the Arts, Psychotherapy and Development ⁠" ⁠Stephen Jenkinson - Griefwalker⁠ ⁠Terror Management Theory

Jenny Wade is a multi-disciplinary professional whose career has spanned diverse areas with an emphasis on higher values that produce real-world results, especially the realization of human potential individually and collectively. Dr. Wade is a professor at the California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, a researcher, organization and leadership development consultant, and developmental psychologist specializing the structuring of consciousness in normal and non-ordinary states and related transformative processes.  The Millennium Middle School in San Francisco based their curriculum on her developmental theory, and she designed an advanced leadership program for His Serene Highness Prince Alfred of Leichtenstein and the International Peace Foundation. She is the author of numerous popular, trade, and academic articles, and the books Transcendent Sex: When Lovemaking Opens the Veil and Changes of Mind: A Holonomic Theory of the Evolution of Consciousness. Wade is an international speaker and workshop presenter to businesses, universities, and popular audiences on leadership effectiveness, higher levels of human capacity, and transformational development. During this episode, Jenny talks with Victoria Fenton about: what is consciousness - the 4 things that define consciousness the six different states of normal, adult consciousness altered consciousness higher consciousness preconception and fetal sentience near-death-experience consciousness accessing higher consciousness through sex the Battle Consciousness and its potential for harnessing astronomy and Norse / pagan / euro mythology (yes: really!!) You can find Jenny's work at: transcendentsex.org Her book is available here: https://www.amazon.com/Changes-Mind-Consciousness-Philosophy-Psychology/dp/0791428494?ref_=ast_sto_dp  Recent open-access articles are listed below: 2021.  Wade, J.  The varieties of spiritual experiences triggered by sex:  A systematic review of the empirical literature.  International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 40(1), 58-83. https://digitalcommons.ciis.edu/ijts-transpersonalstudies/vol40/iss1/8/ Wade, J.  (2022).  Life before birth:  A thematic analysis of memories of coming into life, part 1:  Recollections of another realm.  International Journal of Transpersonal Studies. https://digitalcommons.ciis.edu/advance-archive/53/ Wade, J.  (2022).  Life before birth:  A thematic analysis of memories of coming into life, part 2:  Recollections of fetal life and birth.  International Journal of Transpersonal Studies. https://digitalcommons.ciis.edu/advance-archive/54/ 2021.  Wade, J.  Going berserk, running amok, and the extraordinary capabilities and invulnerability of battle trance.  International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 40(2), 1-30. https://digitalcommons.ciis.edu/ijts-transpersonalstudies/vol40/iss2/3/

Dr. Roger Jahnke, OMD, is one of the most respected luminaries in the fields of evidence-based mind-body practice, wellness, integrative medicine, and Chinese medicine for self-transformation. He has dedicated his professional life to sharing the ancient holistic empowerment and healing traditions of China, distilled for contemporary times. As the director and chief instructor of the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi (IIQTC) in Santa Barbara, California, Dr. Jahnke and his IIQTC colleagues have trained over 3000 Tai Chi and Qigong Teachers and Practice Leaders internationally. With 35 years of clinical practice as a physician of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and 10 research tours to China’s temples and sacred mountain sites, Dr. Jahnke has emerged as a key spokesperson for and master teacher of Tai Chi, Qigong, and mind-body practice. During this conversation, we discuss: Roger's background within Chinese and Eastern Medicine Homeopathy and how it can be applied, at varying skill levels The transition from clinical practice to training and teaching Implementing Chinese Medicine principles into healing arts, life and more Roger's first book, The Healer Within: Using Traditional Chinese Techniques to Release Your Body’s Own Medicine, delivered a revolutionary guide to self-care with simple medical Qigong practices, adaptable for every lifestyle. His second book, the groundbreaking The Healing Promise of Qi: Creating Extraordinary Wellness Through Qigong and Tai Chi, distills the best practices drawn from 25 traditional and modern forms of Tai Chi and Qigong, and offers guidelines to tailor a personal wellness and empowerment regimen to each individual's unique needs.

Dr. Amber Elizabeth Gray is a licensed human rights psychotherapist, innovative movement artist, board certified dance/movement therapist, master trainer and educator, Continuum teacher, and public health professional. In her father’s words, Amber was born “dancing, fighting, and has never stopped”. Her life-long commitment to social justice and planetary, animal, and human rights; her passion for the natural world and everything wild; and her commitment to service have all inspired and shaped her work. An innovator in the use of somatic psychology and movement–based therapies (Dance/Movement Therapy, Yoga, Continuum) with survivors of trauma, torture, war, and human rights abuses, Amber has spent the last 20 years in service of her belief that, “Every human being has the right to inhabit their body in the way they choose”. Amber’s expertise is represented in many published articles and chapters, keynote addresses, professional collaborations, and presentations around the world. Amber has provided clinical training on the integration of refugee mental health and torture treatment with the creative arts, mindfulness, and body-based therapies. Her work has traveled to more than 30 programs for survivors worldwide since the late 1990s. Her professional path traverses education, social change, international relations, public health, deep tissue bodywork, cranial-sacral therapy, aromatherapy, and energy medicine. Clinical influences include somatic psychology, dance/movement therapy, eco-psychology, contemplative psychotherapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, somatic experiencing, and narrative exposure therapy. Today's episode covers the topics of inhabiting your body, somatic practices for healing and re-centering, the journey to re-wilding and so much more. This is the final in our trio of Polyvagal Institute Members - don't hesitate to go back to listen to Paul North (Ep 64) and Michael Allison (Ep 65) to complete the set! Find more about Amber at ambergray.com

Michael Allison has partnered with The Polyvagal Institute and Stephen W. Porges Ph.D. in providing education and coaching of Polyvagal Theory in a variety of industries (fitness, wellness, business, etc.), and is currently leading the development of a Polyvagal-informed Certificate for Health, Wellness & Performance Coaches accredited by The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaches. His unique application of Polyvagal Theory to performance - The Play Zone - provides a paradigm shifting methodology to optimize control of our performance through skillful and conscious control of our physiology, and is endorsed by Polyvagal Institute and Dr. Porges. He was a featured speaker at the Polyvagal Institute’s Annual Summit in October 2022 and will be presenting at the Innovative Education Summit at The Elms in Colwall, Uk on the 11th & 12th of March 2023 & The Master Series at Oxford University, UK on the 1st, 2nd & 3rd of September 2023. Michael is currently launching the premiere on-the-ground Polyvagal Wellness & Performance Center in Santa Barbara, California to host live and live-streamed retreats, workshops and conferences integrating a variety of Polyvagal-informed industry experts to provide experiential training, lifestyle and certificate programs for coaches, therapists, leaders, educators, organizations and the general public. Today’s conversation discusses Michael’s work with his clients. We talk about: Why a Polyvagal informed approach and how Michael discovered it How Michael came to work with high performers and noticed that nervous system dysregulation was affecting their ability to do what they loved Tangible examples of trauma and adverse circumstances leading to predictable, though unwelcome, nervous system responses How to work with your nervous system, and train yourself to support your output even under duress The never-ending nature of being a human participating in the world with a nervous system attuned to potential threat The future for Michael and what he’s building to support Polyvagal theory’s renown and offer more healing and performance optimization for all Enjoy this second in a series (of 3) where The Unveil Podcast welcomes Polyvagal Institute members and pioneers in the realm of utilizing a Polyvagal informed approach to their work supporting the healing of fellow humans.

Paul North is an Author and Principal Psychologist at his practice, PartnershipsPlus, based in Canberra, Australia. Paul was the inaugural Chair of the Restrictive Practice Panel for the Senior Practitioner, ACT. Paul has over 35 years of experience in the disability sector. Having also worked with children in Out of Home Care and past and serving Veterans, Paul is passionate about reducing suffering and mental illness by enhancing health and well-being. Paul is an early adopter and constantly reviews the literature on trauma treatments and the leading evidence-based techniques for helping people recover and thrive in the world at large. Paul is also trained in the Safe and Sound Protocol developed by Prof. Stephen Porges ( who created Polyvagal Theory) and welcomes opportunities to teach people about this brilliant therapeutic application. He has co-authored a polyvagal-informed children's book with Dr Lydia So entitled Safe and Sound, A story of a little girl who overcomes fear. The book has been endorsed by Dr Stephen Porges, Distinguished University Scientist and creator of The Polyvagal Theory. Paul is now working on a companion book to the Children's book that will be entitled “Safe and Sound - The Science of Parenting and Teaching." Today’s conversation covers all of these areas and more. We discuss: Paul’s journey through his career and the settings in which he's worked, and applied Polyvagal Theory Polyvagal theory and how Paul uses this is in work, and life How Paul discusses Polyvagal Theory with his patients to make it simple and to reduce guilt and shame The Safe and Sound Protocol Paul’s book and the desire to create resources that support parents and teachers to help their children regulate their nervous systems What’s next for Paul and the future resources he wishes to create to further support the health and well-being of more people This is a great discussion - and the first of three from Polyvagal Theory experts and members of the Polyvagal Institute, all of whom have worked with Dr Stephen Porges himself. We start this mini-series with Paul - and with the perfect primer, and some very practical take-homes, on Polyvagal Theory and nervous system regulation for furthering wellbeing.

Tricia Brouk helps high-performing professionals transform into industry thought leaders through the power of authentic storytelling. Her methodology centers around transforming her client’s authentic stories into an industry-leading voice and commanding media presence to gain wider recognition to become the go-to experts in their fields. With her experience as a seasoned and award-winning director, producer, and mentor to countless speakers, Tricia has put thousands of speakers onto big stages around the globe. She has spoken at Forbes, Pride Global, The New York Public Library, Barnes and Noble, Ellevate, The Jumbo African Support Hub, The National Organization for Rare Disorders and Changemakers in Toronto sharing the stage with Jim Kwik and Danielle Laporte. Tricia founded The Big Talk Academy where she certifies speakers in the art of public speaking. She was the executive producer of Speakers Who Dare and TEDxLincolnSquare and is the producer and host of The Big Talk, an award-winning podcast and YouTube Channel. She curates and hosts the Speaker Salon in NYC and is being featured in a new documentary called Big Stages. Tricia’s book, The Influential Voice: Saying What You Mean for Lasting Legacy, was a #1 New Release on Amazon in December 2020. Tricia was awarded Top Director of 2019 by the International Association of Top Professionals and Top Ten Speaker Coaches in Yahoo Finance in 2021 and the Empowered Women Award in 2021 and Top Director of The Decade by the IOATP and was recently featured on the cover of Brainz Magazine. Her documentaries have received critical acclaim—winning numerous awards including Best Documentary Short at The Olympus Film Festival and Los Angeles Movie Awards. During this episode, we discuss: Tricia’s journey and the stages she’s been on in her career Tricia’s passion for helping everyone find their story the work of influence and finding your influential voice the Big Talk Academy and how to work with Tricia to find your voice and tell your story the nature of influence and how we must bear in mind that we’re all influencing people all the time the core values with which Tricia runs her business and her life Find Tricia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tricia_brouk/ All of the information you need about The Big Talk can be found at https://www.theartofthebigtalk.com/

William A. Richards (Bill), author of Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences, is Director of Therapy at Sunstone Therapies, currently focused on psilocybin-assisted therapy in palliative care. He also is a psychologist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, where he and his colleagues have been pursuing research with psilocybin since 1999, and teaches at the California Institute of Integral Studies. His graduate degrees encompass the psychology of religion, theology, comparative religion and clinical psychology. His involvement with psychedelic research originated at the University of Göttingen in 1963. From 1967 to 1977, he pursued research with LSD, DPT, MDA and psilocybin at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center. In today's episode we talk all about Bill's work and experience in the field of psychedelics. We discuss: where Bill's interest in psychedelics began and how he got started in the research field the dual passions which drove Bill's work in this area what Bill has witness in the field in the decades of his involvement how Bill dealt with the banning of all research into psychedelics Bill's current role at Sunstone Therapies and the remarkable results possible utilizing psilocybin in palliative care settings what Bill sees as the future for psychedelic therapy, research and healing work Buy Bill's book, Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences. Find Sunstone Therapies at sunstonetherapies.com 

This week, Mark Divine joins The Unveil Podcast to discuss his philosophy of how powerful the mind is to drive personal evolution, and the evolution of consciousness. Mark Divine is an entrepreneur, New York Times best-selling author, philanthropist, and one of the world’s top leadership and coaching experts. After a successful 20 year career as a Navy SEAL and SEAL Commander, Mark was hired by the Navy to create a nationwide coaching and leadership program for the SEALs. The bold goal of this program was to give the SEALs the best leadership and mental-management tools in the world – to help them forge unbeatable SEAL teams that achieve mission success in the most stressful, challenging environments on earth. Divine’s leadership and coaching program for the SEALs was so effective that it’s now being used outside of the Navy by top CEOs, Fortune 100 companies, USA Olympics, elite universities, major league sports franchises, celebrities, and successful individuals from all over the world. Mark Divine is the author of 5 best-selling books, including his latest book Staring Down The Wolf: 7 Leadership Commitments That Forge Elite Teams. He hosts a #1-ranked podcast on iTunes (Mark Divine’s Unbeatable Mind) and he is the founder of 5 successful companies: Unbeatable Mind, SEALFIT, NavySEALs.com, USCrossFit, and the award winning Coronado Brewing Company in California. Divine believes that any individual, team, or company can unlock 20X performance with the right tools and training. His company, Unbeatable Mind, helps millions of people achieve their full potential in life and business through their free training resources and advanced training programs for leaders, corporate teams, coaching professionals, and high-achieving individuals. As a philanthropist, Mark Divine founded the Courage Foundation to help our wounded Veterans who are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS). Recently Divine and his Courage Foundation team set a world record by completing over 22 million burpees to raise awareness, support, and funding for our Veteran heroes. Today’s episode shares the pinnacle of Mark’s philosophy - that the mind is the most powerful tool we have to support our embodied self-awareness, which can lead us to a deeper awareness, and accessing the truth of who we are as individuals, as a collective, and as a consciousness. Mark also discusses his vision of the future - where we’re heading with the breakdown of institutions, and the incarnation and evolution of those here to support the bigger mission and movement of humanity. This is an exceptional and wide-ranging, philosophical discussion with a thought leader, and a compassionate warrior sage. Enjoy!

Today, The Unveil Podcast welcomes another Victoria - Victoria Rose - certified pre- and perinatal educator, birth visionary, traditional birth witness and consultant, reiki master for fertility, pregnancy, birth and postpartum, ayahuasca preparation and integration specialist, and founder of Luminous Birth. Victoria guides adults back to heal and deeply re-imprint their own birth, pre-birth, conception and pre-conception experiences as an effective way resolving fertility blockages, consciously conceiving, and coming back into right-relationship with nature, pregnancy, birth and life. Victoria has been deeply steeped in ancient amazonian healing traditions for nearly a decade. She’s completed many “Master Plant Dieta’s” and has spent extensive periods of time learning and working alongside her teachers, indigenous master healers. Her experience in the jungle has included working as a retreat facilitator at Riosbo Healing and Research Center, where the first-ever government funded epigenetic studies are being hosted - looking at the impacts of Ayahuasca on mental health and DNA expression, specifically related to early childhood trauma. Victoria passionately and authentically weaves the wisdom of plant consciousness, pre- and perinatal psychology and health, and sacred birthing in a way that welcomes a new and sophisticated language of healing and evokes true inspiration for our capacity to create a new world. This is what the Victorias discuss on today’s episode - in-depth observations on the nature of birth, transitions, integration and the wisdom of earth medicine to inform the human experience. Victoria Rose shares how wisdom gained from the experiences of plant-led initiations are similar to the human birthing (and dying) stories. And she shares her growing work around shepherding the integration and evolution of individuals and families through the reclaiming of their own brith stories to nurture themselves, and the humans they are bringing to the world. Find out more about Victoria at luminousbirth.earth