Being Human

▶️ Join a free leadership masterclass: https://www.firsthuman.com/masterclass/ ▶️ Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardatherton-firsthuman/   My guest this week is Matt Presti, a multidisciplinary artist, philosopher, and filmmaker. He has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the legacy of Walter Russell, a visionary polymath of the early 20th century. Such was Russell’s genius that Nikola Tesla once told him to lock his cosmology in a sepulcher for a thousand years because mankind was not ready for it. Matt is now bringing Russell’s extraordinary insights on cosmology and the human experience to a modern audience. Through his efforts, Matt seeks to inspire humanity to embrace deeper introspection, creativity, and the transformative potential of a life connected to universal truth. We talk: Russell’s philosophy applied to management at IBM Two-way thinking: inwards and out there Thinking, knowing and action Trauma release and spirituality Owning our own genius Links: Matt’s Website The University of Science and Philosophy -  save 20% off book and booklet purchases using the code MARCH20 Subscribe for more transformative conversations! 

▶️ Join a free leadership masterclass: https://www.firsthuman.com/masterclass/ ▶️ Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardatherton-firsthuman/   My guest this week is Peter Merry, multifaceted thinker and social entrepreneur with a background in languages and theater. Influenced by radical ideas on sanity and society, Peter's journey blends philosophy, social entrepreneurship, and education.  Peter’s extraordinary life path has taken him from avant-garde theatre in Paris, to delivering education in Ghana, to helping an IBM business unit achieve triple-digit business growth. He's now working on cutting-edge technology with the potential to help humankind make its next leap in consciousness. Meet the man on the frontier! We talk: How flatworms don't just grow back their heads The nature of time Working energetically with businesses Can we reintegrate the feminine? The ultimate magic lamp Links: Peter’s Website Subscribe for more transformative conversations! 

▶️ Join a free leadership masterclass: https://www.firsthuman.com/masterclass/ ▶️ Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardatherton-firsthuman/   My guest this week is Kute Blackson, a transformational teacher and author. At 8, he was giving impromptu sermons in his famous father’s megachurch. At 18, he was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps. Instead, he left everything behind in Ghana to pursue his dreams in Los Angeles with just two suitcases and $800. Renouncing an ordained ministry that wasn't his true calling, Kute embraced the realm of personal growth and self-help, studying with mentors like Tony Robbins and Deepak Chopra.  Through extensive global travels, he has hosted numerous transformational retreats and seminars. If you’ve ever struggled with letting go, trusting your path, or feeling aligned with your purpose, this conversation is for you. We talk: The true nature of magic and how we unknowingly block it How to reconnect with intuition and hear life’s subtle guidance The balance between surrender and goal-setting Overcoming fear, ego, and conditioning to live authentically Get Kute’s book: The Magic of Surrender Learn more about Kute & his work: KuteBlackson.com Listen to Kute’s podcast: Soul Talk: http://podcast.kuteblackson.com/ Join his free course: 8 Levels of Gratitude: 8LevelsofGratitude.com   Subscribe for more transformative conversations! 🙌

▶️ Join a free leadership masterclass: https://www.firsthuman.com/masterclass/ ▶️ Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardatherton-firsthuman/   My guest this week is Dr. Mauro Zapaterra,  a Harvard-trained MD and PhD, directing Multidisciplinary Catatonic Research at the Innovation Medical Group. An expert in cerebrospinal fluid, his work explores its role in the human system, combining insights from both science and spirituality. Dr. Zapaterra's research highlights the dynamic nature of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), its importance during brain development, and its complex composition. We discuss: The 'aha' moment when Mauro first discovered CSF Virtuous brainwashing DMT, the pineal gland and cerebrospinal fluid Why you should drink more Why heart rate variability is a good thing Links: Dr. Zapaterra’s Website

▶️ Join a free leadership masterclass: https://www.firsthuman.com/masterclass/ ▶️ Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardatherton-firsthuman/ My guest this week is Joel Schafer, a personal empowerment mentor & shamanic dreaming arts teacher. Joel’s work is rooted in Toltec knowledge - source of renowned book ‘The Four Agreements’.  His approach involves waiting for moments of clarity and receiving visions to guide his actions, rather than traditional planning, focusing on personal growth, stress reduction, and accessing higher states of consciousness through shamanic practices and life experiences. We discuss: Guidance over goals Joining the local shaman at 16 Understanding the meaning of Totality  Just imagination or there really other realms? Movement and energy awareness  Links: Joel’s Website

▶️ Join a free leadership masterclass: https://www.firsthuman.com/masterclass/ ▶️ Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardatherton-firsthuman/ Executive coach, ju-jitsu champion, and author Josefine Campbell joins us for a second appearance. She shares insights from her new book ‘12 Tools for Managing a Selfish Leader’ outlining practical strategies for dealing with leaders who exhibit dark personality traits in the workplace.  We discuss: The prevalence of sociopathy in organisations Finding resilience to stand-up to bad bosses Tools for handling selfish leaders when you're an introvert Is there a role for sociopaths in organisations? What hope exists for those with dark traits? Links: Josefine’s Website

▶️ Join a free leadership masterclass: https://www.firsthuman.com/masterclass/ ▶️ Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardatherton-firsthuman/ My guest this week is Lisa Strbac, a person with an incredible life story. Lisa's life took an unexpected turn when conventional medicine failed to help her daughter's autoimmune condition. Skeptical but desperate, she explored homeopathy on a nutritionist's recommendation. The immediate, profound reaction her daughter had to a homeopathic remedy left Lisa astounded. This experience ignited a burning curiosity that led her to abandon her 12-year corporate career as an accountant at Deloitte (where I was also once a consultant). Embracing a radical life change, Lisa dedicated four years to studying homeopathy. Now a practicing homeopath, she passionately advocates for this alternative healing approach. Lisa's journey from skeptic to believer fuels her mission to spread awareness about homeopathy's potential, drawing on her unique perspective of having crossed over from the conventional world. We discuss: How doctors were all once homeopaths The principle of like curing like How it works when ‘there’s nothing there’ The bigger context of a societal shift Towards a pill-free remedy Links: Lisa’s Website Lisa’s Instagram Page

> Sign Up For Our Newsletter: http://www.firsthuman.com/being-human-newsletter/   My guest this week is Harry M. Jansen Kraemer, Jr, Professor of Leadership at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, author of multiple books on leadership and former CEO of Baxter International Inc., a $12 billion global healthcare company. Harry's professional trajectory was marked by rapid ascension and notable achievements in corporate leadership. Rising to the position of CEO earlier than anticipated, Kraemer distinguished himself through a leadership philosophy centered on influence rather than mere authority. His approach emphasizes self-awareness, genuine humility, and the ability to foster productive relationships across all organisational levels. His academic curriculum stresses the importance of self-reflection, work-life balance, and authentic leadership. His career exemplifies a blend of corporate acumen and social responsibility, positioning him as a respected figure in both business and academic circles. Included in the episode: A most unusual initiation to his future wife’s family Self-reflection as rocket fuel for professional progression Befriending everyone you meet Harry’s daily self-reflection ritual How to encourage even the most resistant to self reflect Links: Harry’s Books One Acre Fund Daily and Annual Self-Reflection Questions

> Sign Up For Our Newsletter: http://www.firsthuman.com/being-human-newsletter/ Once a driven tech entrepreneur, Matt Zemon's life took an unexpected turn after a profound psychedelic experience.  Selling his successful businesses, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery, pursuing advanced studies in psychology and neuroscience. His quest led him around the world, learning from shamans and exploring various psychedelics.  Now, Matt dedicates himself to bridging the gap between science and spirituality in the realm of psychedelic medicine. Through his books and social media presence, he shares his insights, aiming to help others find healing and personal growth. From boardrooms to ayahuasca ceremonies, his transformation embodies the potential for radical change and a deeper understanding of the human experience. We discuss: A radical transformation from his first trip Responsible consumption: source, mindset and setting Increasing acceptance, study and legality Why they're still banned in most places A potential resource for leaders? Links: Matt’s Website The Veteran's Guide to Psychedelics: A Preparation and Integration Workbook

> Sign Up For Our Newsletter: http://www.firsthuman.com/being-human-newsletter/ My guest this week is Josh Bloomfield, a man whose journey began with an unexpected opportunity to develop grant management software straight out of high school, skipping traditional post-secondary education. His career evolved through various tech projects, including work with under-resourced entrepreneurs and nonprofits. In 2017, inspired by his wife, he recognized the potential to support an entire underserved market of world-changers tackling global challenges.  This led to the creation of Givecloud, a platform designed to empower nonprofits with technology. Throughout his life, Bloomfield has balanced his tech career with a deep commitment to his faith community.  He's also openly discussed his family's history of addiction, which has shaped his perspective and approach to life and work. We discuss: Discovering his Dad's secret addiction His faith's reaction to him seeking therapy Recognising everyone is one bad choice away from addiction The power of talking to yourself Prayer as a state of being Links: Givecloud - Josh’s Company