A Wilder Life Modern Suffering Meets Ancient Wisdom
What if happiness in the modern world requires remembering ancient truths?
In this episode of A Wilder Life, Eric Edmeades sits down with longtime friend and Shift Network founder Stephen Dinan to explore why so many people feel unfulfilled despite living in the safest, most comfortable era in human history. Together, they examine how evolutionary mismatch, spiritual disconnection, and constant media overload contribute to modern suffering—and what we can do about it. From Burning Man to the Hadza of East Africa, from psilocybin journeys to raising conscious kids, this conversation is a powerful call to rewire our lives for joy, meaning, and community.
Key Takeaways:
→ Modern suffering is rooted in evolutionary mismatch and overstimulation.
→ Consciousness is contagious—spend time with grounded, joyful people.
→ Pattern interrupts like retreats, nature, and psychedelics can reset the nervous system.
→ Real change happens through community, not isolation.
→ Raising conscious kids teaches us just as much as any guru.
Quotes from Stephen Dinan:
● “Consciousness is contagious. When we surround ourselves with wiser people, we rise.”
● “We didn’t evolve to handle daily death counts and political warfare in our pockets.”
● “There’s a path of redemption for every soul—and it begins with wholeness, not shame.”
Stephen Dinan Bio:
Stephen Dinan is the founder and CEO of The Shift Network, a global leader in online transformational education with over 3 million participants worldwide. A leading voice for conscious evolution, he is also the author of Sacred America, Sacred World and a bridge-builder between spiritual traditions, social movements, and personal growth.
Connect with Stephen Dinan:
Website: https://theshiftnetwork.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephendinan/Penelope Smith's Animal Communication Certification Program: https://theshiftnetwork.com/course/06PsychicAbilities01_25
Dr. Arielle Schwartz's Immersion Course - Nervous System Health & Restoration https://theshiftnetwork.com/shift_teacher/49306 (begins 11/11)
Suzanne Giesemann & Jean Else's Mediumship Certification Course https://theshiftnetwork.com/shift_teacher/17324? (begins 12/4)
Connect with Eric:
Facebook:Eric: https://www.facebook.com/ericedmeades/Wild Fit: https://www.facebook.com/GetWILDFIT/Instagram:Eric: https://www.instagram.com/ericedmeades/?hl=enWild Fit: https://www.instagram.com/getwildfit/?hl=enYouTube:Eric: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU2OdJWRZ8YeHfDeBHbZpIQWild Fit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?