Living Mirrors with Dr. James Cooke

Jerry B Brown is an anthropologist, activist and author. He received his doctorate in Anthropology from Cornell University in 1972 and, until 2014, served as founding professor of anthropology at Florida International University in Miami. Here, in 1975, he started offering a pioneering course in "Hallucinogens and Culture". More recently he has performed field work exploring the possibility that psychoactive mushrooms may have played a hidden role in Christianity and their use is depicted in Christian art. This is documented in his book The Psychedelic Gospels which is co-authored with his wife Julie and is what we talk about today. Links: Hallucinogens and Culture course syllabus: Hallucinogens and Culture course sign up: article about the course:

Joseph Goldstein, a meditation teacher and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society, shares his transformative journey into Buddhism and meditation. He discusses key concepts like non-clinging, impermanence, and the illusion of self, revealing how they shape our understanding of the mind. Goldstein delves into Vipassana meditation, connecting personal experiences with the broader teachings on dukkha and the interconnectedness of all things. He also clarifies misconceptions about karma and reincarnation, emphasizing the importance of intention in our actions.

Zac Kamenetz is a rabbi, community leader, and aspiring healer. He holds an MA in Biblical literature and languages from UC Berkeley and the Graduate Theological Union and received rabbinic ordination in 2012. Zac is also the founder and CEO of Shefa, a non-profit dedicated to integrating safe and supported psychedelic use into the Jewish spiritual tradition. Our conversation today focuses on Jewish mysticism and the promise of psychedelics for reviving the importance of direct spiritual experience in modern Judaism.

Charles Eisenstein, an author and activist focused on spirituality and ecology, discusses the roots of human suffering and the societal narrative of separation. He emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature for true happiness and critiques civilization's progress narrative. The conversation delves into how language shapes our reality and promotes spiritual practices for greater understanding. Eisenstein advocates for compassion and community support in healing, redefining our interconnectedness and the role individual actions play in collective transformation.

Rupert Spira is an internationally renowned teacher of a direct method of spiritual self enquiry called Advaita or non-duality which has its roots in ancient Hinduism.  He holds regular meetings and retreats in Europe and the US and is the author of 6 books including The Ashes of Love, The Nature of Consciousness and Being Aware of Being Aware. He is also a notable artist who works in the medium of pottery.  Our conversation focuses on the core insight of non-duality and the nature of reality.

Michelle Baker Jones is an integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor and lead therapist at Imperial College’s psychedelic research team, specializing in psilocybin treatments for depression. She discusses the revolutionary potential of psilocybin compared to traditional antidepressants, emphasizing healing trauma rather than just symptom management. The conversation highlights the significance of integration in therapy, the role of community support, and the therapeutic power of psychedelics in fostering emotional connection and self-awareness.

Brian Muraresku is the author of the new book The Immortality Key: The Secret History of the Religion with No Name. Brian initially trained as a classicist gaining a degree in Latin, Greek and Sanskrit from Brown University and since then, as a member of the New York Bar, he has been practicing law internationally for fifteen years. In 2016, he became the founding executive director of Doctors for Cannabis Regulation, whose work has been featured by CNN, ESPN, VICE and The Washington Post. In arbitration with the NFL, he represented the first professional athlete in the United States to request a therapeutic use exemption for cannabis. Alongside this work he has been engaged in a quest for over a decade to prove that the original Christian sacrament was a psychedelic potion inherited from the ancient Greeks. This is the subject of his new book, The Immortality Key: The Secret History of the Religion with No Name and is what we talk about today, I hope you enjoy the conversation.

B. Alan Wallace, a prominent meditation teacher and director of the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies, shares profound insights on Dzogchen teachings and the science of the mind. He explores the historical evolution of psychology and the interdependence found in ecological systems, linking them to Buddhist philosophy. The conversation critiques Western science’s limitations in understanding consciousness, advocating for a blend of contemplative practices and scientific inquiry. Personal anecdotes on lucid dreaming and the nature of awakening provide a captivating glimpse into the mind's true essence.

Fritjof Capra, a world-renowned physicist and author known for bridging science and spirituality, dives into a fascinating exploration of the systems view of life. He discusses how interconnectedness shapes both physics and biology, emphasizing the importance of holistic understanding. Capra shares insights on consciousness as an emergent property of interactions within living systems, and he reflects on the healing dynamics of self-organization in nature. The conversation also touches on his educational initiatives aimed at fostering systemic thinking for global challenges.

Delve into the intricate relationship between consciousness and the physical world, challenging materialistic views. Discover how consciousness might be an inherent feature of all living systems, linking it to essential life processes. The discussion reexamines historical animistic beliefs, encouraging a broader understanding of consciousness beyond just humans. Explore how consciousness interacts with the brain and environment, advocating for a holistic approach that emphasizes their interconnectedness.