Collection of Jhourneys

From Musician to Meditation Virtuoso (David Phelan)

Nov 15, 2023

Guest David Phelan, music producer and songwriter for Zayn, Sia, and Blackpink, shares his journey from identifying as a confident materialist to a regular meditator. He discusses his experience with panic attacks and curing himself through meditation. They explore the role of music in profound altered states and the interdependence of periodic elements. David talks about his personal growth, from millions of followers to a 2-hour morning routine, and his aspiration to achieve the Jhanas through meditation.

01:23:55

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David Phelan

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Quick takeaways

David Phelan transformed from a confident materialist to a devoted meditator after experiencing panic attacks and intentionally observing them in meditation.

David's aversion to altered states of consciousness and fear were connected to personal experiences and his materialistic worldview, but teachings from Ninja Rinpoche helped him cultivate acceptance and overcome these obstacles in his meditation practice.

David found a renewed sense of peace and joy in his meditation practice by embracing methods that allowed thoughts and the breath to coexist, and by viewing people's actions as a misguided pursuit of happiness.

Through meditation, David learned to observe and watch his panic attacks without judgment, developing self-awareness and the ability to navigate difficult emotions with calm and clarity.

Deep dives

Discovering the Power of Meditation Through Music

David Faehlen, a music producer and songwriter, shares his journey from identifying as a confident materialist to becoming a regular meditator. After experiencing panic attacks, he turned to meditation as a way of understanding and overcoming his fears. He began with shorter meditations, focusing on concentration and productivity. However, during a psychedelic journey, he had a terrifying experience that led to panic attacks and an aversion to altered states of consciousness. After taking a break from meditation, he discovered teachings from Ajahn Brahm and Ninja Rinpoche that helped him cultivate a more accepting and open-minded approach to his practice. By incorporating methods that allowed for thoughts and the breath to coexist, he found greater peace and compassion in his meditation.

Introduction

3min

The Role of Music in Spirituality

11min

The Journey from Dropping Out to Pursuing a Career in Music

2min

From Musician to Meditation Virtuoso

4min

Increasing Meditation Practice and Integrating Other Exercises

13min

The Journey of Meditation and Fear

11min

The Interdependence of Periodic Elements and Contemplating Deeper Truths

2min

Personal Transformation and Meditation

11min

Evolution of Meditation Routine and Goal of Achieving the Janas

2min

10.

Overcoming Panic Attacks and Finding Inspiration

4min

11.

Exploring Different Meditation Techniques

21min

In this episode, we talk to David Phelan, music producer and songwriter for Zayn, Sia, and Blackpink, who was on a recent Jhourney retreat. He shares how music, psychedelics, and a challenging time led him from identifying as a confident materialist to a regular meditator. He developed panic attacks, and then cured himself by intentionally inducing and observing them in meditation. For the first two thirds of the interview, I ask him detailed questions about his background, habits, and decisions that led him to where his meditation practice is today. In the final third of the interview, he shares how his recent jhana experience was as personally significant as his wedding day, and how he hopes to use jhanas to make music with less fear.

00:00 - Introduction and Background

06:30 - The Role of Music in Profound Altered States

08:44 - Growing Up in Ireland

11:45 - Transition from Materialist Worldview (Pre-2018)

13:55 - Diving into Music: Collaborations with Zayn, Sia, Nicki Minaj, Blackpink

18:08 - Concert Peak Experience: Turning to Wim Hof, Yoga, and Cold Showers

21:55 - Personal Growth: From 2 Million to 60 Million Followers and a 2-Hour Morning Routine

24:55 - The Bootstrap Problem and Catalyzing Peak Experiences

28:15 - Rational Approach to 'Woo' Content with a Focus on Experience

34:02 - Meditation: Confronting Fear and Creating Fearlessly

39:05 - First-Time Panic Attacks and Aversion to Altered States, Exploring the Phenomenology of Anxiety

46:20 - Overcoming Panic Attacks with Teachings from Mingyur Rinpoche and the Timing of Life Lessons

51:20 - Observing Panic Attacks Over 50 Times in Real-Time

56:00 - Discovering Teachings from Rob Burbea and Ram Dass: Moving Beyond State Chasing

1:00:05 - Using Meditation as an Inner Resource During a Friend's Death

1:03:40 - Experiences with Jhana Meditation

1:10:00 - Paradigm Shift in Intention During Jhourney's Retreat

1:16:50 - Deep Connection to Self and One of the Most Profound Life Experiences

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Collection of Jhourneys

From Musician to Meditation Virtuoso (David Phelan)

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Discovering the Power of Meditation Through Music

Lessons from Panic Attacks and Transformation

Cultivating Acceptance and Basic Goodness

Returning to Meditation with a New Approach

Experience with Panic Attacks and Meditation

Paradigm Shift: Letting Go of Tension

Peak Experience and Beyond

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts