The Soulspace Podcast

Welcome to the Season One Finale of the Soulspace Podcast! On this episode, we talk to Shinzen Young about mindfulness within the context of the modern meaning crisis. Shinzen is a renowned meditation teacher and neuroscience research consultant. We met with him in Toronto after he had just finished leading a meditation retreat. Shinzen first became fascinated with Asian culture as a Jewish teenager growing up in Los Angeles in the 1950s. As he likes to describe himself: “I’m a Jewish-American Buddhist teacher who got turned on to comparative mysticism by an Irish-Catholic priest and who has developed a Burmese-Japanese fusion practice inspired by the spirit of quantified science.” We discuss happiness, enlightenment and his current new project which involves using brain stimulating technology that may dramatically accelerate meditation gains. He is the author of The Science of Enlightenment: How Meditation Works.   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/07/21/episode26 (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/?p=1935)   'You Are Simply', Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/5Ph3oJ125sc   Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

Alexandre Tannous has been active as a musician, educator, composer, and an ethnomusicologist. For the past 13 years he has been researching the therapeutic and esoteric properties of sound. He has developed a protocol he calls “Sound Meditation” which uses specific sounds to help people tap into the self-healing capacities that we all possess. We discuss Gnosticism, the physics of sound, and how music is weaponized and used to hijack consciousness for religious and capitalistic agendas. Alexandre holds a Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition, a Master of Arts degree in Music Education as well as a Master of Arts and a Master of Philosophy degrees in Ethnomusicology from Columbia University. His works are frequently performed in the United States, Europe, and in Asia. He currently works as a sound therapist, researcher and educator.   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/07/14/episode25 (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/?p=1919)   Destroy Yourself, Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/fqhRJ-ys9_0 (https://youtu.be/fqhRJ-ys9_0)   Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

Susan and Rebecca founded One Integration to raise awareness around the mindful and safe use of psychedelics for personal growth and healing. They offer individual as well as group integration in NYC. Dr. Scharf is a Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician and has also received advanced trained in Functional Medicine and Mind-Body Medicine. She has completed the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) therapist training and is the study physician for the phase 3 clinical trials for MDMA therapy for PTSD in New York. She has also trained with the Psychedelic Education and Continuing Care Program and the Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy Program from the Center for Optimal Living. Rebecca Hendrix is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She completed her Master of Spiritual Psychology and her Master of Counseling Psychology from the University of Santa Monica She has a coaching degree from The Coaches Training Institute (CTI). She is a certified Imago Therapist and has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). She is trained in Energy Psychology by Henry Grayson. She has completed the Center for Optimal Living’s Psychedelic Education Program’s 101/102 workshops and is in a clinician group for harm reduction and psychedelic integration.   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/07/07/episode24 (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/?p=1887)   'Forgotten', Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/5fjc_SUlh8s (https://youtu.be/5fjc_SUlh8s)   Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

L.A. Paul is a professor of philosophy and cognitive science at Yale University. Her main research interests are in metaphysics, cognitive science, and the philosophy of mind. In this conversation, we look at how certain types of life decisions that involve transformative experiences, like having a baby or becoming a vampire, cannot be made based on evidence and rational thought. We discuss the value of exploring these philosophical questions and the wisdom that can come from embracing uncertainty. Laurie is the author of Transformative Experience, Causation: a user’s guide, and Causation and Counterfactuals.   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/06/30/episode23/ (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/?p=1868)   'Seven Layers', Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/34HMriXnYHE   Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

On this episode, we explore the intersection of technology and wellness with tech entrepreneur Andrew Dunn (@aandrewdunn (https://twitter.com/aandrewdunn?lang=en)). Andrew is part of a growing community of tech leaders who are on a mission to reverse human downgrading by redesigning technology to support our wellbeing. Andrew is the CEO of Siempo, the first healthy smartphone interface. In 2018, he accidentally started three conscious communities: Digital Wellness Warriors for professionals in the burgeoning industry, Conscious Angels to connect visionary investors with transformative people and projects, and Wharton Wisdom to bring together alumni interested in personal growth and integrating that with their work in the world.   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/06/23/episode22 (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/?p=1802)   Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/DtV48bmqU6g (https://youtu.be/DtV48bmqU6g)   Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

The journey of healing through psychotherapy entails an unearthing of our authentic feelings that we have learned to shut down due to various reasons, including trauma and societal constructs. More and more, we recognize the importance of connection and relationships in our mental health. The space between two people, whether they are client and therapist, two friends, or lovers, may be an essential factor in healing. On this episode, we have a conversation with professional counselor and educator Phyllis Alongi. Based in New Jersey, Phyllis brings a holistic approach to psychotherapy and healing. We explore toxic relationships, the therapeutic container, Sandplay Therapy with children, and we also tackle some sensitive mental health topics like trauma, borderline personality disorder and suicidality. Phyllis is a Reiki and Healing Arts practitioner and she is currently completing her doctoral degree in Integral and Transpersonal Psychology.   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/06/16/episode21 (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/?p=1823)   Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/jRmHO7zlgMM (https://youtu.be/jRmHO7zlgMM) Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

Jorge Ferrer is considered one of the main architects of second-wave transpersonal psychology and is best known for his participatory approach to spiritual knowing and religious pluralism. He is an international lecturer and professor at California Institute of Integral Studies. He teaches courses on transpersonal and integral studies, comparative mysticism, participatory theory, embodied spiritual inquiry, and spiritual perspectives on sexuality and intimate relationships.  We explore non-ordinary states of consciousness, embodied spirituality or “body fulness”, plant medicines, and the need for more cross-pollination between spiritual traditions.   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/06/02/episode19 (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/?p=1770)   Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/5IPKauYFdmg (https://youtu.be/5IPKauYFdmg)   Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

From an early age, Laura Lockhart has been struggling with mental health problems that included trauma, depression, panic attacks and multiple suicide attempts. Laura was diagnosed with so many disorders that many psychiatrists refused to take her on as a patient. Just when she thought she had exhausted all of her options, Laura met Dr. Gabor Maté, a world renowned author and trauma specialist. Dr. Maté believes that the mind and body cannot be separated and that disease is often an expression of deeper unresolved emotional stress. In 2014, Laura attended an Ayahuasca retreat with Dr. Maté and for the first time in her life, she was able to begin working with the deeper issues beneath her suffering. We hope you enjoy her story! Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/05/26/episode18 (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/?p=1670) Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/mNLgOAZmf2I Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

Kirk Schneider is a psychologist and leader within the field of Existential-Humanistic Psychology. Kirk began exploring the fundamental questions of human existence at an early age following the death of his brother. Kirk believes that one of the keys to human flourishing is through the cultivation of awe and presence - especially as we approach the AI and robotic revolution. Kirk offers his critique of mainstream cognitive behavioural therapy as he advocates for an integrative model of psychotherapy that celebrates the messiness of life. Kirk was the editor of the Journal of Humanistic Psychology and he is an adjust faculty at Saybrook University, Teachers College at Columbia University and the California Institute of Integral Studies. In 2004, he was presented the Rollo May Award from the American Psychological Association for his work in advancing humanistic psychology. Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/vm-55FlqtN0 (https://youtu.be/vm-55FlqtN0) Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/05/19/episode17 (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/?p=1534) Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

Relying on our human will can only take us so far. There comes a time in our life when we have to surrender the mind and allow the soul's path to unfold naturally. On this episode, we explore the unseen powers of nature with Isa Gucciardi. Isa has spent over 30 years studying spiritual, therapeutic, and meditative techniques from around the world. She has worked with master teachers of Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism and Sufism, as well as expert Shamanic practitioners from the indigenous traditions of Hawaii, North and South America, Siberia, and Nepal. Isa is the creator of Depth Hypnosis, a therapeutic modality that integrates elements of Shamanic journeying and Buddhist meditation. She guides us through a live Depth Hypnosis journey during the interview *please don’t follow this part while driving, for obvious reasons*. She is the co-founder of the Foundation of the Sacred Stream, a school for consciousness studies in California. They offer courses like Depth Hypnosis, Applied Shamanism, Buddhist Psychology and Integrated Energy Medicine. Isa is the author of two books, Return to the Great Mother and Coming to Peace.   Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/8OZTUjuvIKM (https://youtu.be/8OZTUjuvIKM)   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/05/12/episode16 (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/?p=1645)   Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

In 2017, the FDA granted "Breakthrough Therapy" Designation to MDMA for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is currently in phase 3 clinical trials. Popularly known as a recreational drug, and as the main ingredient in ecstasy, MDMA is paving the way for the possible near-term legalization of psychedelic therapy. On this episode, we talk to Anne Wagner, a clinical psychologist and one of the lead investigators involved in the clinical trials of MDMA + cognitive-based psychotherapy for PTSD. Anne tells us how she ended up working in the cutting edge of psychedelic science and what these studies offer for the future of mental health. In her clinical practice, Anne applies a cognitive-behavioural and mindfulness-based approach to therapy and she also offers preparation and integration of psychedelic and non-ordinary state experiences. We got to connect with Anne at her new clinic, Remedy in Toronto.   Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/HzN6E8BJUQw   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/05/05/episode15/ (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/05/05/episode15/)   Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

On this episode, we are joined by El-Farouk Khaki, a refugee and immigration lawyer, public speaker and human rights activist. We explore the toxicity of dogma and how religion can be used as a form of spiritual violence. El-Farouk shares with us his vision for a more inclusive and tolerant Islam. In 1991, El-Farouk founded Salaam: Queer Muslim Community and in 2009, he co-founded the El-Tawhid Juma Circle, Toronto Unity Mosque. El-Farouk speaks publicly on issues including Islam, LGBTIQ and human rights, refugees, race, politics and HIV. He has served in diverse capacities in groups and boards including Africans in Partnership against AIDS, The 519, & the Canadian Ethnocultural Council. He has received numerous awards for his work in spiritual activism and social justice. He is currently working on his first book exploring issues of sexuality, social justice and spirituality.   Inner Work, Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/wz-5U2-cJho (https://youtu.be/wz-5U2-cJho)   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/04/28/episode14/ (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/04/28/episode14/)   Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

On this episode, we explore symbolism and stories with Jonathan Pageau. Jonathan is a professional icon carver, writer, public speaker and the host of the popular YouTube channel, The Symbolic World. We talk about the role of art and how understanding symbolic language in religious stories, legends as well as blockbuster movies can help us navigate the modern meaning crisis. We dive into Zombies, The Matrix, feminine symbolism and more. Jonathan is the editor and a contributor for the Orthodox Arts Journal. He also teaches weeklong carving classes at the Hexaemeron School of Liturgical Arts.   'Symbols' Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/A5iRqieDq14   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/04/21/episode13   Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

On this episode, we have a conversation with Avi Zer-Aviv, a Toronto-based Psychotherapist and educator. Avi is a member of the Canadian Humanistic and Transpersonal Association and a LGBTQI positive Practitioner. Avi's holistic approach to psychotherapy is informed by decades of deep inner work and spiritual exploration. In this conversation, we discuss the role of psychotherapy in modern society and learn the tricky dance of working with activated "inner teens". Avi shows us how our deepest wounds can end up becoming our biggest doorways to personal transformation.   'Unbeknownst to Me' Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/2_CxjKFLBeg   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/04/14/episode12 Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

On this episode, we have a conversation with Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D., a psychiatrist, Jungian analyst and an internationally known author and speaker. We talk to Jean about how to find purpose in the second half of life, discovering our inner archetypes, and how children can carry the un-lived parts of their parents. Jean is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a former clinical professor of psychiatry at Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute at the University of California Medical Center. She is the author of thirteen books including the classics, Goddesses in Everywomen and Gods in Everyman.   Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/IdXK2ZsCN4s   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/04/14/episode12/ (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/04/14/episode12/)   Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

The mystical, the mythical, and the mysterium, the realm of cosmic forces remains enigmatic. We may project our human perception onto the unknown or completely reject it. What we don't know scares us. Fear of the 'other.' It may be easy to dismiss mysticism as a way of the ancient ones. Yet, our mythical and mystical musings remain alive today through literature, poetry, music and yes, through video games and shows like the Game of Thrones and Harry Potter! There is no separation. The lines between interviewer and interviewee become blurred as we shed our skin with a modern-day mystic: Andrew Harvey. We recorded this conversation a day after a poetry reading by Andrew, here in Toronto to celebrate the release of his latest book, Turn Me To Gold: 108 Poems of Kabir. Andrew brings in his energy and ecstatic presence as he shares his vision of sacred activism - in response to our meaning crisis or what he sees as a massive transformation of consciousness. Andrew was born in South India in 1952. He was educated in England and studied at Oxford University. By 1977, he became so disillusioned with life at Oxford, he returned to India where a series of mystical experiences initiated his spiritual journey. Andrew has studied under many sages and saints from different traditions. He is the author of over 40 books and lectures internationally.   Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/Dof4PhiKMO8 (https://youtu.be/Dof4PhiKMO8)   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/03/10/episode10/ (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/03/10/episode10/)   Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

Slowing down and sitting with silence seems to be the antithesis of our modern life. However, the reality of our lives or what we have deemed as reality is often incongruent with our nature. With this week's episode, we dive into the importance of cultivating silence. Our guest, Aryne Sheppard, has been practicing Vipassana meditation since 1999. Following, a major mental health crisis in her twenties, Aryne shares with us how she discovered the power of inner exploration. Currently, Aryne continues to juggle her modern life as an educator and counselor while attending regular silent meditation retreats every six months. She holds an MA in Philosophy and an MA in Adult Education specializing in Transformative Learning. Aryne has been working in the areas of personal growth and wellness, leadership development, and counseling for over 12 years. We hope this week's episode inspires to find your own pockets of silence!   Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/kC5lLr8RyfQ (https://youtu.be/kC5lLr8RyfQ)   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/03/03/episode9/ (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/03/03/episode9/)   Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

On this episode, we interview John Vervaeke. Speaking to the meaning crisis, John's work is centered around bridging the gap between science and spirituality. He talks to us about psycho-technologies such as meditation and psychedelics as tools to help us overcome self-deception and move towards wisdom. We also navigate the world of altered-states and transformative experiences. John has been with the University of Toronto since 1994 as an Assistant Professor in the Psychology department, Cognitive science program, and the intersections between Buddhism and Mental Health. He has won numerous teaching awards. John is the first author of the book "Zombie in Western Culture: A 21st Century Crisis". You can find his most recent series on YouTube titled "Awakening from the Meaning Crisis."   'Summonded', Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/uYRJgPQhwXs (https://youtu.be/uYRJgPQhwXs)     Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/02/24/episode8/ (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/02/24/episode8/)     Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

On this episode, Adrian does a solo interview with Drew Cleary. Drew worked as a Strength and Conditioning Coach in the NBA for 18 years. In his career, he has worked with over nine Hall of Famers and personally trained athletes like Scottie Pippen and Monica Seles. They discuss the mental dimension to high performance sports, how coaching style is linked to the flow state, and the changing attitude towards mental health in pro sports. Enjoy!   'Wreckage of Winter', Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/OvE7wYAaR5c (https://youtu.be/OvE7wYAaR5c)   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/02/17/episode7/ (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/02/17/episode7/)   Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

Meditation, being one of the oldest contemplative practices, helps us turn inwards. Turning inwards helps us understand the nature of our minds better, deepens our self-awareness, brings us closer to some form of internal freedom, and, hopefully, equips us with the tools to overcome daily humanely challenges a bit better. Using the metaphor of an armada of vehicles, our guest today playfully describes the different forms of contemplative practices, he writes, "We have the Yogic fire-breathing Namaste monster truck...the spooky Zen hover craft...a Sufi flying carpet...a Catholic chain of bubble campers...and the boring Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction delivery vans." In this episode, we navigate the fraught territory of consciousness and meditation with Jeff Warren. Jeff is the Author of Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics along with Mr 10% Happier Dan Harris. He also wrote The Head Trip, a guidebook to waking, sleeping and dreaming. We decided to take a stab at some "deep end" questions that relate to practice. Jeff tells us what it has been like for him since coming out publicly about his personal struggles with ADD and bi-polar. He also shares his personal vision for the future of mental health. At the very end, he leaves us with a beautiful 10 minute guided mediation.   'Where Do You Feel It' Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/XNgE0-69YFA (https://youtu.be/XNgE0-69YFA)   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/02/10/episode6/ (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/02/10/episode6/)   Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

"What if your problem isn't what you think it is?" More often than not we find ourselves stuck in our heads, and so we try to navigate through stressful situations using our mind. Sometimes all it takes from us is to loosen our grip a little and open up our heart. Sometimes we need to feel our way through a problem. In this episode, we interview Toronto based executive coach Jonathan Varkul. He helps people in leadership positions address problems from the inside out. For over 20 years, Jonathan navigated the corporate world as a chartered accountant and a seasoned operations executive. Jonathan talks to us about his journey with anxiety, which sparked a profound transformation in his approach to life and work.   'Have You Ever Been Loved Like That' Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking https://youtu.be/Xxex699n30s (https://youtu.be/Xxex699n30s)   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/02/03/episode5/ (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/02/03/episode5/)   Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

In this episode, we hang out with Hannes Bend (@hannesbend) and learn how to alter our body chemistry using powerful breathing techniques. He shares with us how yoga, meditation, and breathwork have helped him heal from decades of depression linked to his birth trauma. Hannes teaches breathing, mindfulness, and yoga and has trained personally with "The Iceman" Wim Hof and Tibetan meditation healer Drukmo Gyal. He has also contributed to neuroscientific research on meditation and breathing with Michael Posner (University of Oregon) and Ray Lee (Princeton University). His latest creative project, breathing.ai, is a patented software that adapts the colours and fonts on a screen to match the user's calmest physiological state. We begin the episode with 15-minute guided deep breathing exercise led by Hannes. Enjoy and breathe deeply!   'Unity Awaits' Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/DzFwOjFvOPo (https://youtu.be/DzFwOjFvOPo)   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/01/27/episode4/ (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/01/27/episode4/)   Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

Some of us wake up one day to realize that we have been living someone else's life. We leave parts of ourselves in the realm of the shadow, which may sneak in on us through unconscious behaviours, tensions in our relationships, various addictions, and neuroses. On our third episode, Zurich-trained Jungian analyst and registered psychotherapist, Christina Becker (@JungianPath (https://twitter.com/jungianpath?lang=en)) talks to us about our unconscious. She even guides us through a live dream interpretation. Christina shares her journey into becoming an analyst, a calling that came to her when she was in India in search of meaning in her life. Besides psychotherapy, Christina has a background in music and is currently a consultant for the nonprofit sector. She is the author of the book The Heart of the Matter: Individuation as an Ethical Process. After all, authenticity is about the heart - the meeting place of the individual and the divine.   'A Kernel of Truth' Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/WWNWPmssfMc (https://youtu.be/WWNWPmssfMc)   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/01/20/episode3/ (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/01/20/episode3/)   Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

In this episode, we explore the intersection of sexuality and spirituality with Somatic Sex Educator Monica Kovacs (@integrativesexcoach). Monica's work is heavily influenced by Eastern wisdom traditions including Tantra, yoga, Taoism and various shamanic roots. From the Western side, she draws from the teachings of depth psychology, eco-spirituality, and the pioneering works of bodywork teachers such as Peter Levine, Bessel Van der Kolk, Joseph Kramer, and Caffyn Jesse. We also delve a little bit into Monica’s personal journey. She believes that bodywork is linked to spirituality and that we can access profound healing power through our bodies. Her work is trauma based and client-centred. Her mission is to hold space for clients and offer them tools that cultivate the foundation for a more vibrant life, one that embraces joy and authenticity - a soulful living.   'The War Within' Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung https://youtu.be/P2dW4txFTYA (https://youtu.be/P2dW4txFTYA)     Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/01/13/episode-2/ (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/01/13/episode-2/)     Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.

Ever wonder what it would be like to quit everything to find more meaning and purpose? Our first guest, Jay Vidyarthi (@jayvidyarthi), did just that when he and his wife abandoned their city life and moved into a monastery. They came back with some life altering surprises. Jay is an award-winning UX or "User Experience" designer and researcher. Named by Forbes as one of the "top 10 world-renowned meditation tech experts", Jay specializes in using a human-centred approach to creating useful products, services, and systems. He led the design behind Muse, a brain-sensing headband that introduces mindfulness through real-time neurofeedback. Jay helped launch A Mindful Society - an annual conference in Toronto where leaders discuss how to integrate mindfulness and compassion into society.   'Clear Space' Poem by Thal Mohammed Music by Hoiking Fung   Shownotes http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/01/06/episode1/ (http://www.soulspacepodcast.com/2019/01/06/episode1/)   Connect info@soulspacepodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/ (https://www.instagram.com/soulspacepod/) https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod (https://www.facebook.com/soulspacepod) https://twitter.com/soulspacepod (https://twitter.com/soulspacepod)   About Adrian Choo & Thal Mohammed explore modern spirituality and life's profound questions with fellow seekers. Through stories, lessons and practices, this show helps listeners deepen their inner work and move towards a more meaningful life. Music produced by Hoiking Fung.