I've never had so many requests for guests to return to the show as I have for Sami and Sharon.  As you may recall, a few days after the events of October 7th, I asked Midburn co-founder and artivist Sharon Avraham, and his Palestinian theme camp co-lead, peace activist Sami Awad, to come on the show and share their immediate experience. Much has happened since then, and many of you have wanted an update from these two friends.  You will be happy to know that they are involved in an ambitious peace project called the Lighthouse, which they share on the show today. We start with the role of the spiritual community amidst conflict and the impact of conflict on personal relationships. We talk about the reality of violence and hope for change in the region and the role of the festival community in peace efforts. Then we get into this ambitious Lighthouse Project, which is really a vision for peace in the Middle East taking place outside of the Middle East. It gets a lot of inspiration from other movements, specifically from Tamera, which was showcased on the last episode, a healing biotope in Portugal. We discuss the three pillars of the Lighthouse. They have a very clear map for what they're trying to do there. And we discuss the challenges of building the Lighthouse and how you, dear listener, can get involved.  Sharon Avraham, co-founder of Midburn and the Fugara art collective, uses photography and installations to explore human connections. A passionate artist-activist, he's collaborated with Palestinian Peace Activists, documenting and bridging diverse realities. His works span from intimate portraiture to broader social narratives. Sami Awad is the Executive Director of the Holy Land Trust and is deeply influenced by his family's history in Palestine and teachings of nonviolent resistance. Educated in the U.S., he holds a Master's Degree in International Relations and promotes global peace. Links The Lighthouse Project Timestamps (07:00) The Role of the Spiritual Community Amidst Conflict (10:30) The Impact of Conflict on Personal Relationships (16:30) The Reality of Violence and the Hope for Change (23:00) The Role of the Festival Community in Peace Efforts (32:00) The Lighthouse Project: A Vision for the Future (38:00) Inspiration from Tamera (43:00) The Three Pillars of the Lighthouse (1:00:00) The Challenges of Building the Lighthouse (01:10:30) The Role of the Burning Man Community

Does open relating always lead to polyagony? Or is there a way to heal the wounds of gender and experience love free from fear?    Today we are revisiting an episode originally released in 2019 with Ian McKenzie and Julia Maryanska about the Love School at Tamera. Their documentary "Village of Lovers," will be available at a global streaming premiere on February 7th. We revisit this discussion about love, relationships, and intentional communities today in a new edit.  In this episode, we dissect the complex dynamics of free love, the challenges and solutions prototyped by Tamara, and the personal journeys of those seeking healing within communal witnessing. Julia shares her contrasting experiences between One Taste and Tamara, offering a unique perspective on sexuality-based communal living. We explore the significance of personal healing for collective benefit, especially in romantic relationships, and tackle the myths surrounding the concept of 'The One.' The conversation also navigates through the nuances of jealousy, brotherhood in romantic contexts, and establishing genuine connections beyond superficial narratives. We touch on sensitive topics like women's safety in polyamorous spaces and the political implications of healing gender relationships.  Ian MacKenzie is a filmmaker, writer, activist and host of the Mythic Masculine podcast. His films include Occupy Love, Amplify Her, and the Village of Lovers. Julia is a filmmaker who has worked on numerous award-winning documentaries. Her work re-imagines how we look at women’s bodies,  relationships and our approach to sensuality through video poetry, her other film UNION and her photographic project “Sensual Surrealism.” Along with their co-director John Wolfstone, Julia and Ian are part of the filmmaker collective Re/Culture Films.  Discover the pioneering role of Tamara in addressing the intricate challenges of love and connection in Village of Lovers, available on February 7th. Links The Village of Lovers - What Will It Take To Regenerate Trust? A Cry From the Future - Free Online Summit Feb 10-14 Tamera Peace Research & Education Center in Portugal Julia Maryanska Julia Maryanska (@juliamaryanska) IAN MACKENZIE | New Paradigm Visionary Artist Ian MacKenzie (@ian.mackenz) Timestamps (09:30) - The Origin and Evolution of Tamara (12:00 )- Contrasting the One Taste and Tamara (17:00) - Personal Healing in Witness and Service of the Collective (27:30) - Free Love and the Myth of the One (34:00) - We Can’t All Live in Tamara (41:00) - Eros and Eco Villages (43:00) - Dealing with Jealousy  (48:00) - Making Contact by Dropping Your Story (58:00) - Woman’s Safety in Polyamorous Spaces (1:06:00) - The Personal is Political: Healing Gender Relationships

In Part Two of our Taoist sexuality series, focusing on woman’s body’s and yin principles, I speak with the Senior Woman’s Instructor at Tao Garden, Gillian Reid. Gillian shares her insights on yin and yang energy, self-love, and intimacy. Beginning each day with gratitude and stretching, she highlights the importance of focusing on the heart and finding balance in one's daily activities. She also discusses how to harness one's energy using principles of Taoism, including the microcosmic orbit and the jade egg practice. Reid shares the ways in which Taoism views the use of psychedelics and sexual fantasy, emphasizing the principle of cultivating and conserving one's own energy. Reid imparts valuable wisdom on embracing and working with contrasting energies in relationships and personal experiences. She also announces her upcoming online workshop aimed at women who want to learn more about these practices. Gillian Reid is trained in Tai Chi under Master Franco Mescola, with significant contributions to the Tai Chi Research Centre and Metodo Biospirali. Her journey in internal arts like Qigong, Taijiquan, and various martial forms has been transformative, guiding her to help others achieve health and spiritual growth. Trained by Grandmaster Mantak Chia, she has become a Senior Instructor and Holistic Operator of the Universal Healing Tao System. Gillian also serves as the Italian Coordinator and Organizer for the Tao Garden community. Links:  Gillian Reid’s Website - Biotaolife Gillian Reid instructor profile - Tao Garden Tao Garden Timestamps: (06:58) Understanding the Taoist Approach to Energy (08:28) Exploring Personal Energy and Work-Life Balance (10:28) Journey into Tai Chi and Spiritual Growth (14:28) Influence of Master Franco Mascala and Biospirals (25:42) Understanding Yin and Yang in Modern Context (39:14) Understanding the Microcosmic Orbit (40:02) The Benefits of Jade Egg Practice (42:20) The Impact of Kersai Massage (45:02) Yin and Yang in Relationships (49:27) The Role of Daily Practice and the Taoist Perspective on Psychedelics (55:16) Exploring Sexual Fantasy and BDSM in Taoism (58:39) The Importance of Cultivating Energy and the Future of Taoist Practices

Guys, have you ever wished that instead of ejaculating and falling asleep, you could shoot orgasmic energy up the back of your spine to revitalize your mind and experience rolling orgasms? Well, it turns out there's an ancient Taoist practice that teaches just that, and all it takes is a bit of training. After an erotic detox last year, I embarked on a pilgrimage to the renowned Tao Garden, located just outside of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, to learn from Master Mantak Chia. Master Chia, a celebrated Taoist teacher, is best known for his book "The Multi-Orgasmic Man" and his expertise in the alchemy of erotic energy.  In our conversation, we start with the basics of Qi and Five Elements Theory, delve into Mantak’s journey from Christianity to Taoism, and discuss how to cycle erotic energy using the microcosmic orbit. We also examine the release of stagnation through the controversial kersai treatment and conclude with the Three Gates technique, a Taoist method for pleasing a woman. The discussion wraps up with a Taoist perspective on psychedelics, sex addiction, and spiritual growth. Mantak Chia is not only a Taoist master but also a globally recognized spiritual teacher. He has authored over sixty books, including the bestseller "The Multi-Orgasmic Man.” He is the founder of both Tao Garden in Thailand and the Universal Healing Taoist System and has shared his knowledge with hundreds of thousands of students worldwide for over fifty years. This episode is the first of a two-part series on Sexual Kung Fu, focusing on yang - the male perspectives and experiences. The subsequent episode will offer a balance with yin, delving into the feminine experience. Remember, this exploration transcends gender binaries and invites all to learn from both perspectives. Links:  Master Mantak Chia Mantak Chia & Universal Healing Tao Tao Garden Grandmaster Mantak Chia (@mantak_chia) The Multi-Orgasmic Man Timestamps: (12:30) - Qi Gong and Five Elements Theory (17:00) - How Mantak Chia’s Christianity influenced his Taoist teaching (23:00) - Yin/Yang, Masculine/Feminine, and genderfluidity (28:30) - The Microcosmic Orbit  (33:30) - Kersai treatment (36:30) - Taoist perspective on sexual addiction (40:00) - The Three Gates for pleasing a woman (44:00) - Do psychedelics have a place in Taoism?

Lately I've noticed a curious trend: many of my female friends, particularly those from the Burning Man community, are exploring a path of sexual healing by becoming Professional Dommes. To shed light on this phenomenon, I spoke to Colette Pervette, a professional dominatrix and the mentor behind MistressClass, an immersive program designed to guide women into the realm of becoming a dominatrix. In this episode, we explore the origins and motivations behind kink and Colette and I role play a man seeking the services of a dominatrix. Our discussion ranges from the potential for burnout, to contrasting male and female doms, and the intricate dynamics of power in BDSM. Colette shares the intersection of kink and Buddhism, the experience of participating in one of her Mistress Classes, and the empowering role of a coven in teaching BDSM. As our conversation progresses, we become aware of a power dynamic unfolding between us, offering valuable insights for us both. Colette, a professional Dominatrix with over 18 years of experience, combines deep practice and theoretical understanding of BDSM into an alchemical, spiritual approach to kink. With a Ph.D. in Education from UC Berkeley, she focuses on dispelling misconceptions about kink and alternative sexuality through her teaching and writing. As an Educatrix, she instructs women and couples in the art of FemDom and BDSM, guiding them to discover and wield their personal power. Her online course, MistressClass, offers an immersive journey into becoming a Dominatrix, helping hundreds of women and femmes step into their full power and authority. Links Colette Pervette Colette Pervette, PhD (@colettepervette) Timestamps (10:30) - Why are all my friends becoming Professional Dommes? (12:00) - The childhood seeds of Colette Pervette (17:45) - Does kink come from the Collective Unconscious (26:45) - What type of person visits a Dominatrix? (32:00 - Do you get burnt out as a Pro Dommes? (36:00) - The difference between a male Pro Dommes and a Dominatrix (41:30) - What is a power dynamic? (46:00) - Kink and Buddhism (51:00) - The Dom is subconscious and the sub is self-conscious (55:30) - The power of a coven for teaching BDSM (1:00:30) - How can men support

Today we're immersing into immersive experience design through one of the world's most iconic theatrical experiences, Sleep No More. Joining the production right out of college, my guest Ilana Gilovich-Wave is now Sleep No More’s Chief Storyteller. In today’s episode, I chat with Ilana about Sleep No More, immersive experience design, and carving out a path as a young artist. We also delve into how Ilana’s career path can inspire those just starting out. We cover advice for young creatives in experience design and explore Punchdrunk's unique approach, which includes utilizing derelict buildings and the anonymity afforded by their signature masks. We discuss the production’s blend of Shakespeare and Hitchcock, and why effective experience design is inherently transformational. We conclude with a deep dive into ephemerality and the impact of impermanent experiences. This episode traverses a range from the erotic to the concept of death, mirroring a Shakespearean journey in its own right.  Sleep No More is a production by the British theater company Punchdrunk, the brainchild of directors Felix Barrett, Maxine Doyle, and the entire Punchdrunk team. It's currently running in New York City until February 25th, 2024. Links Ilana Gilovich-Wave Ilana Gilovich~Wave (@lanzyponz) Sleep No More Timestamps (10:00) - Don’t say Macbeth (13:30) - Advice to young creatives who want to get into experience design (21:15) - Dynamic ingredients from derelict buildings to attendee masks  (30:30) - The marriage of Shakespeare and Hitchcock through movement (40:15) - Why good experience design is transformational  (50:15) - Death and the potency and ephemerality 

Apparently, ancient Ireland was like the Amazon, with impenetrable forests navigable only by rivers, deep mysticism, and its very own indigenous medicine, the psychedelic Liberty Cap mushrooms. Today on the show, recorded in Southern Ireland, I’m speaking with Darragh Stewart. Darragh is not only a molecular biologist and a passionate advocate of Celtic mysticism and Irish culture, but he's also the co-founder and scientific lead facilitator at Inward Bound, one of the world's first psychedelic retreats in the Netherlands. Our conversation is particularly special as it comes after an unforgettable adventure in Ireland. Being of Irish ancestry myself and visiting Ireland for the first time, I was fortunate to have Darragh guide me through sacred sites in the southern part of the country. Join us as we share insights from our travels and how we incorporate the essence of festivals into our lives. During the show, Darragh and I delve into the ancestral pain of the Irish and compare ancient Ireland to the Amazon. We explore the use of Liberty Cap psychedelic mushrooms as indigenous medicine in Ireland, discuss the Irish School of Shamanic Studies, and recount our journey through sacred sites. Lastly, we talk about Darragh’s work with Inward Bound psychedelic retreats. Dr. Darragh Stewart, a Ph.D. molecular biologist, is a passionate advocate of Celtic mysticism and Irish culture. He is the Co-founder and Scientific Lead Facilitator at Inward Bound, one of the world's first legal pioneering psychedelic retreats in the Netherlands, and is deeply involved in men’s work. Links Inwardbound: Irish, Celtic Psychedelic Psilocybin Retreats Dr. Darragh Stewart Phd Timestamps (08:00) - The ancestral pain of the Irish  (15:30) - Ancient Ireland was like the Amazon (19:00) - Liberty Cap Mushrooms are the Indigenous Medicine of Ireland (28:00) - Dunderry, the Irish School of Shamanic Studies (32:00) - Darragh’s, the PhD biologist’s, first Irish mushroom  (44:00) - Our journey through Irish sacred sites (52:00) - Darragh’s Inward Bound psilocybin retreats in the Netherlands

On October 7th, Natalie Sanandaji, a Persian Jew from New York, attended a psytrance festival, to dance and feel the acceptance she only finds among her fellow peace-loving trancers. The events of that day and what has followed are deeply etched in our global consciousness. Today on Life is a Festival, Natalie tells her story. Our conversation today isn’t about sensational details or moral positions. Instead, Natalie and I have deliberately chosen to focus exclusively on the experience of a young person caught in an unbelievable situation. For those seeking an Israeli and Palestinian dialogue, I recommend my previous episode with Midburn co-founder Sharon Avraham and Palestinian peace activist Sami Awad who handle the topic with love and grace. The point of today’s talk is to illustrate how one young woman is transforming terror into service and to recognize the extraordinary courage and care of the good souls of the Tribe of Nova. On the show, Natalie shares the unique magic of psytrance in fostering acceptance and peace and we pay tribute to the souls lost at the Nova festival. Natalie recounts the harrowing experience of making choiceless choices in the face of terror, how she's psychologically processing the attack, and her emergence as a leader and spokesperson, including her involvement in a New York fundraiser for victims where we first met. Natalie, an Iranian Jew born and raised in New York, is a survivor of the Nova Festival Hamas terror attack. She hosts the Person Girl Podcast where she and her cohost Millie Efraim discuss topics deemed taboo in the Persian Community and interview a wide range of guests who offer a new perspective.  Links ńätööšh 🫶🏽 נטלי (@nataliesanandaji) Persian Girl Podcast Persian Girl Podcast (@persiangirlpodcast) Sharon Avraham & Sami Awad: The Prayers of an Israeli and a Palestinian Burner Timestamps (06:30): Natalie’s Persian Girl Podcast (11:00): The special magic of a psytrance festival (17:30): The good souls of the Tribe of Nova (27:30): Natalie’s out of body experience and making choiceless choices  (37:00): What it’s like to run from terror  (44:30): Rescued by a hero in a white pickup truck (51:00): The rise of anti-semitism after the attack (57:30): How’s Natalie doing… really

In light of the recent tragic events in Israel, particularly the horrific attack at Nova festival, I wanted to offer the global festival community a conversation centered on hope. Today's Life is a Festival episode features Sharon Avraham, co-founder of Midburn, and his theme camp co-producer, Palestinian activist Sami Awad, as they extend a call for healing. On the show we discuss Midburn, Israel's Burning Man regional event, and Sami’s dedication to nonviolence. The two talk about their joint camp for Israelis and Palestinians at Midburn, reflect on Supernova's heartbreaking events, and share their hopes for the global community's response. Ultimately, we examine how festivals can present an alternative vision for connection and peace. Midburn, the largest Burning Man regional event in the Middle East, blends the Hebrew term for "desert" with the English "burn.” This year’s event which was set to take place in early November has been cancelled. Sharon Avraham, co-founder of Midburn and Fugara art collective, uses photography and installations to explore human connections. A passionate artist-activist, he's collaborated with Palestinian Peace Activists, documenting and bridging diverse realities. His works span from intimate portraiture to broader social narratives. Sami Awad is the Executive Director of Holy Land Trust and is deeply influenced by his family's history in Palestine and teachings of nonviolent resistance. Educated in the U.S., he holds a Master's Degree in International Relations and promotes global peace.  Links Midburn || מידברן: Home Sharon Avraham Holy Land Trust Timestamps (12:00) - Sharon co-creates Midburn (15:30) - Sami’s nonviolent activism (19:30) - Creating a camp for Israelis and Palestinians at Midburn (23:30) - The horror of attacking a festival  (31:30) - How would Sharon and Sami like the global community respond? (38:00) - Why festivals and burns are the alternative

Tyler Hanson, the brain behind Kulturehaus, discusses the role of humor in immersive experience design. They explore the history of shenanigans from circus to Burning Man, and dissect an extraordinary shenanigan, the Chapel of the Golden Promise.