Living Mirrors with Dr. James Cooke

On today's episode I share some thoughts on the war in Ukraine and how we can move towards a global culture of peace

Ask questions for the next AMA via patreon: or the YouTube channel membership community: Topics (in order addressed): Ukraine Pivotal mental states Credits: Animations by Janko Pješivac https://vimeo.com/user22957416

Richard Lang, coordinator of the Shollond Trust and author on the Headless Way, shares profound insights into self-discovery and the nondual nature of experience. He explores the intricate evolution of self-identity shaped by social interactions. The conversation highlights the unity of consciousness and the importance of recognizing our interconnectedness. Through personal anecdotes and reflections on life and death, Richard encourages listeners to embrace their true essence, fostering deeper self-awareness and community engagement.

Sam is an ecologist, researcher and science writer, working at the intersection of ecology and psychedelics.  He has conducted ecological field research around the world and also has extensive experience of working in the psychedelic field, at the Beckley Foundation, Synthesis Institute, and the psychedelic music company Wavepaths. He is currently a Project Manager with Norfolk Rivers Ecology and a collaborator with the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, with a research interest in the capacity of psychedelics to influence our connection to nature.  Today we talk about the science of how psychedelics can help us discover that we are part of nature.

On today's episode I share some thoughts on psychological attractors and their significance for the future of human society. Credits: Animations by Janko Pješivac https://vimeo.com/user22957416

Ask questions for the next AMA via patreon or the YouTube channel membership community: Topics (in order addressed): The legitimacy of psychoanalysis Neurological risks from psychedelics   Credits: Animations by Janko Pješivac https://vimeo.com/user22957416

Antonio Damasio, a renowned neurologist and neuroscientist, focuses on how emotions intertwine with consciousness. He challenges the notion that rationality prevails, emphasizing the crucial role of feelings in shaping human experience. The discussion explores the evolutionary link between consciousness and homeostasis, highlighting how our emotional responses aid survival. Damasio also delves into the crafting of consciousness through sensory perception, critiquing oversimplified views and suggesting a biological understanding of consciousness even in simpler organisms.

Chris Letheby is a philosopher of mind and cognitive science who works on issues arising from the use of psychedelic drugs in psychiatry and neuroscience. His doctoral research, conducted at the University of Adelaide, presented the first systematic analysis of the psychedelic experience within the framework of 21st century philosophy of cognitive science. He is currently Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Western Australia and Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Adelaide. He is the author of a wonderful new book entitled Philosophy of Psychedelics. Today we talk about how to reconcile psychedelic experiences with naturalism.

Peter McCoy is the co-founder of Radical Mycology, a grassroots movement that teaches ways to work with mushrooms and other fungi for personal, societal, and ecological health.  Peter teaches mushroom cultivation internationally and online at mycologos.world.  He is the author of Radical Mycology: A Treatise on Seeing and Working With Fungi and the new book Mycocultural Revolution: Changing the World with Mushrooms, Lichens, and Other Fungi.  Today we talk about fungi and their relationship to society. Credits: Animations by Janko Pješivac https://vimeo.com/user22957416

Delve into the origins of collective suffering and how fear shapes societal structures. Discover the balance between order and disorder, emphasizing the importance of healing practices like trauma recovery and psychedelic therapy. Explore the cultural shift towards unaccountability and individualism, and the need for personal responsibility to tackle environmental and social issues. Uncover how psychedelics might play a role in addressing these problems and fostering a more interconnected society.