Today I'm speaking with Chris Federspiel, CEO and Chief Peanut Butter Lover at blackthorn.io. We discuss mental health, being a conscious leader, and many other topics.

***NOTE, while the company I work for (UC Innovation) and Chris' company work together, this podcast is entirely personal in nature and not related to my work in any way ***

It's been a minute since I've posted a podcast, thanks for bearing with me. Today I'm speaking with Seth Soulstein, assistant professor of theater studies at Ithaca College, Phd Candidate in performing arts at Cornell University, good friend, comedian, actor and activist. We're discussing his thesis work on the concept of wildness in culture. I hope you enjoy listening in.

The podcast is an adult now! For the 18th episode my first guest, Daniel Fuson,  is now my first repeat guest. 

Daniel is a healer, spiritual teacher, a youtuber, and a very dear friend. 

Today we're discussing where he has taken his method of tuning into a chakra system, and how he has been able to help people with it. 

You can find Daniel (and book a session with him) on his website: https://www.wildflowerfire.com/ and on youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@Wildflowerfire

Today I'm Speaking with Professor Ian Robertson, he is the co-director of the Global Brain Health Institute, the author of numerous books including his most recent; "How Confidence Works" and was an inspiring mentor during my studies at the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience. You can find more information about his book and professor Robertson here:

https://ianrobertson.org/product/how-confidence-works-the-new-science-of-self-belief-and-why-some-people-learn-it-and-others-dont

Today I'm speaking with, Malika Bouhdili former attorney and current chaplain who works in an interfaith and interspiritual context,

 she serves at one of the only trauma centers between the San Francisco Bay Area and Portland Oregon, Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. 

Malika is an old friend and colleague and identifies as a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. We discuss how she wove her path, and how she helps others navigate the "love languages" and "poetries" of spirituality when faced with grief and loss. 

Today, I'm speaking with Dr. David Mothersill, assistant professor of psychology at National College of Ireland, old friend and colleague.

David and his colleagues have developed an app for iPad called Computerized Theory of Mind (cTOM) which is freely available and provides an innovative method for testing social cognition. David's research is fascinating in it's content, and in the heart that he puts into applying his work directly toward helping people. 

The app can be found on the app store here:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ctom/id1584428072

Today I'm speaking with Paul Mercurio, old friend, current NYC resident, transportation planner and hearth bear of the North River Kindred. 

We're discussing books, music, and a whole lotta heathens. 

Some of the books Paul mentions during the podcast (Descriptions are his):

For an overview of the Heathen religion, stretching from the Stone Age to the Nazis to 2020:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55123999-our-troth

(Note: Please reference the 3rd Edition, published in 2021. The second edition was published back in 2001 and doesn't stand up to contemporary scrutiny.)

For a sassy and polemic take on the rise on monotheism:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/90866.God_Against_the_Gods

For a fascinating discussion about how Christianity gave rise to the concept of Paganism:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22638154-pagans

For an academic book about the rise of modern Paganism, including the four uses of the word "pagan":

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/543517.The_Triumph_of_the_Moon

During the podcast I reference an album by one of my all time favorite musicians: Bela Fleck, you can find it here on spotify. 

https://open.spotify.com/album/2DgH2EVMMQWeU1FV6jDHCV

Today I'm speaking with Eric Hesse about his alter ego "Captain Sparklepants" we will hear his origin story and a lot about spreading joy. Much hilarity ensues. 

Sparklepants can be found here:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/DancingTreeCreations