Spiritual Sexual Shamanic Podcast

In this episode, Simon Marvell speaks with ISTA Facilitator Aaron Mandelbaum about the importance of integration after transformational experiences. Going to a retreat for spiritual growth or personal development can be like shaking a snow globe. It can send flurries of emotions, thoughts, and experiences wildly into the air. At some point you need to let the snow settle into its new place. Only then can sustainable shifts in how you live your life begin to establish themselves.Aaron reveals the different ways that ISTA teachers suggest people integrate and explains why each of them are so supportive. He and Simon also discuss Aaron's unique approach to facilitation, his transition from the business world to spiritual work, and the significance of community and connection in personal growth. They address the challenges that may arise after intense experiences, especially when shamanic practices are involved, and the power of navigating these emotions alongside other people.They also discuss: How Aaron is like a cross between George Carlin and Mr RogersHow patience, presence, and process infuses all he doesThe perils of being a “shamasochist”What your loved ones might be experiencing when you’re awayThe ISTA Integration portal for graduatesThe global online groups accessible to graduatesTo connect with Aaron, visit his website: https://aaronmandelbaum.com/ISTA offerings many trainings each month, all around the world. To learn more, visit our website: https://ista.life/Or follow us on social media: @ista.community

In this episode, Usha Rose sits down with her longtime friend and colleague Kay’aleya Hunnybee, a clinical herbalist and integrative health coach, to explore the true power of herbs as aphrodisiacs, not just for boosting libido, but for supporting whole-body vitality, nourishing the nervous system, and enhancing pleasure from the inside out.Rather than offering a generic list of aphrodisiac herbs, Kay’aleya guides us through a holistic, nuanced approach to understanding our sensuality and sexual well-being. Together, we dive into how herbs work, why not all aphrodisiacs are the same, and how to choose the right plants for your unique body, lifestyle, and needs.Kay’aleya shares 5 core areas for enhancing pleasure from an herbal perspective, along with practical insights and examples of herbs that support each one. You’ll also learn how to develop an intimate relationship with herbs and plants as allies for long-term sexual vitality, not just quick fixes.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why aphrodisiac is an oversimplified term and what actually mattersThe importance of understanding your individual needs5 key areas for using herbs to enhance pleasure and arousalExamples of herbs in each of those categoriesCreative, unexpected ways to work with herbs for sexual well-beingIf you’ve ever wondered which herbs might actually help you feel more alive, nourished, and sensually vibrant, this episode will give you a rich foundation to start your own herbal pleasure journey.About Kay’aleya Hunnybee Kay’aleya is a clinical herbalist, bodyworker, and integrative health coach specializing in menstrual, hormonal, and sexual health. Her work supports everything from menstrual cycle care and breast health to postpartum healing and navigating menopause. She teaches an online Natural Contraception program, offers pelvic and abdominal bodywork & herbal care in midcoast Maine, and hosts the Herbal Womb Wisdom podcast. Her greatest wish is for others to experience the healing potential of their bodies and cultivate deep kinship with the earth and its plants.Learn more at: https://www.herbalwomb.com/To learn more about ISTA, visit our website: https://ista.life/

In this episode, Jeff DeLone shares his journey from a conventional, yet emotionally suppressed, upbringing in the United States to discovering the power of feeling and releasing emotions.Growing up in a large Catholic family, Jeff was surrounded by people but often felt alone. Looking back, he recognizes signs of inherited depression and the impact of unexpressed emotions. After excelling in school and sports, he entered the corporate world, only to find it unfulfilling. His turning point came when he began attending transformational workshops, where he encountered tools that helped him navigate life’s challenges without relying on old patterns like drinking.This exploration eventually led him to become a teacher of the Release Technique, a method that helps people fully feel and then let go of difficult emotions instead of repressing them. As Jeff emphasizes, the technique is less about intellectual understanding and more about direct experience. In the episode, he guides listeners through simple yet powerful exercises for noticing and releasing stuck feelings.One of his key insights is about working with fear: rather than resisting it, we can meet fear with love and allow it to move through us. He also explains how the ego resists letting go, preferring to stay in the mind. In contrast, this practice opens the door to truly living, not just thinking or doing.Jeff also touches on:The history of the Release TechniqueWhat lies beneath our most difficult feelingsHow to release the grip of the mindRelating to emotions like musical notesTransforming fear into courageHeart-centered meditation practicesIt’s a rich and inspiring conversation with a down-to-earth teacher exploring some pretty “out there” ideas.Links from the episode:Release TechniqueHealing the Heart of AmericaIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate it and share it with friends!Learn more about ISTA at ista.life

Jasmeen Hana, Egyptian spirituality facilitator (and previous ISTA facilitator), speaks with Caitlyn Cook about her journey of self-discovery, spirituality, and community living. From a multicultural background, she has moved through crises of identity, spiritual revelation, and many years of global travelling, to finally settle in her community in rural Egypt. Drawing deeply from her expertise in ancient Egyptian mythology and culture, Jasmeen explains the importance of bringing offerings to the land (not just taking) and of commitment. When we can let go of our striving and driving to achieve, she says, we can become like nature, allowing life to emerge from within. Jasmeen emphasizes the importance of *taking action* to bring the mystical world, to which many of us are connected, into reality. As we aim to do this more, it seems, shadow work is essential, but so too is drawing on what is in our light. In fact, there are several things that could be in the way of us slowing down and committing to our chosen path... Jasmeen and Caitlyn also explore: How mythology helped Jasmeen find her place in the world.Respecting and listening to the land as we would a lover. Stability as a marker of power in ancient Egypt.Doubt as a block to right action in the worldHow our dreams matter and contribute to the collective vision for a better world.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jasmeen Hana and Her Journey04:58 The Role of Land and Community in Spirituality09:56 The Importance of Giving Back to the Land14:52 Commitment as a Path to Freedom19:47 Finding Balance Between Movement and Stability26:58 The Nature of Commitment29:31 Shadow and Light Work31:57 Embracing Self-Worth34:53 Life Beyond Materialism36:35 Bridging Spirituality and Daily Life39:58 The Power of Action43:37 Community and Shared Vision47:22 The Beauty of ImperfectionAbout Jasmeen HanaJasmeen is a Kemetic spiritual and shamanic facilitator, community builder, and founder of Bliss School, a digital platform offering holistic education, leadership development, and shamanic awareness programs supported by the ancient Egyptian wisdom teachings. She is currently based in southern Egypt, where she has co-founded the development of an Ancient-future regenerative village project focused on community well-being and sustainable living, as well as temple life. Jasmeen’s website: https://www.bliss.school/SPECIAL OFFER for ISTA podcast listeners: to receive a discount on online courses in Jasmeen’s Bliss School (link above), use the discount code “LOTUSGIFT” at check-out. Jasmeen on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Blissschool-JasmeenHanaJasmeen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasmeen_hana_/And to learn more about ISTA, visit https://ista.life/Or follow us on social media: @ista.community

In this episode, ISTA facilitator Usha Rose speaks with systemic therapist and transformational guide Lars Borgmann about how to engage in conflict with others in a better way.  As Lars explains, conflict can occur in any area of our lives, but our experiences of it are often so unpleasant that we aim to avoid it at any cost. Without being dealt with, it can fester underneath the surface of our relationships, causing even more problems.  What we should do is stop seeing conflict as an indication that someone has done something wrong. Instead, we should take a systemic approach and see that everyone has their own internal conflicts, and their own complex desires, that are influencing the tense interaction. If we see conflict as an opportunity for us to grow in our relationships with others, then we can begin collaborating with those we’re clashing with and create new solutions to the problems we’re facing.  Lars speaks about how we can make this happen. He also addresses: ·      Bringing love to conflict·      Letting go of our need to control the truth·      How conflicts are actually made-up of many smaller conflicts·      The influence of past experience on present interactions·      How 99% of our issues with others have already occurred within ourselves If you loved this episode, why not rate it and share it with your friends! To learn more about ISTA, visit our website: ista.lifeOr follow us on social media: @ista.community

It's not just the stuff of science fiction. As ISTA Lead faculty member Michal Maayan Don explains, bending time is possible when we drop deeply into what we love to do. That may be easier said than done. But if we aim to be more authentic, and practice healthy boundaries, we might be surprised by how quickly that sense of timelessness can come about. In this spontaneous and bubbly conversation, Michal and Simon Marvell also explore themes of vibrations, connection, and uncaging eros. They delve into the importance of touch in fostering aliveness and the collective intelligence that emerges in group settings. Overall, the emphasis is on our need to reconnect with the spirit in matter and the significance of love and land in our lives. TAKEAWAYSVibrations signify a higher level of aliveness in our bodies.Touch is essential for genuine connection and communication.Sexual energy can be uncaged and expressed in unconventional forms.Timelessness can be experienced in deep connections with others.Love and connection to the land enhance our experiences.Collective intelligence emerges when groups vibrate together.Spirit is present in matter and can be felt through our bodies.Reconnecting with our instincts is crucial for healthy boundaries.Vulnerability in groups fosters deeper connections and love.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to Vibrations and Aliveness03:10 The Power of Touch and Connection06:31 Uncaging Eros: Redefining Sexuality12:44 The Intelligence of the Body and Instincts19:57 The Role of Boundaries and Emotional Energy25:30 Experiencing Timelessness in Connection31:31 Love and Connection with the Land39:30 Acknowledging Indigenous Connections to Land43:01 The Spirit in Matter and Animal Instincts51:44 The Vibrational Intelligence of Groups

Aténougha is an Nganga (teacher) and bridge to the Bwiti Missoko tradition of Central Africa, where he helps people find transformation through this ancient spiritual science.In this conversation, Caitlyn Cook asks him, in a world that seems more and more chaotic, warring and disconnected, how do we relate to it as spiritual people? How does a spiritually mature person act or perceive this without being overwhelmed, disheartened or paralysed?Recorded in Libreville, Gabon, Aténougha explores the link between inner and outer conflict—and how everything begins from within...Rather than being overwhelmed, a spiritual person learns to understand their “position”, embracing both light and dark and choosing grounded ways to create change.The conversation includes..Spiritual views on war & crisis: Why war is not only political but energetic—and how to relate to it without fear or paralysis.The importance of position: How recognising — and possibly shifting — your internal stance can change your outer experience.From overwhelm to action: Why change starts small (in your home, relationships, and community) and grows from there.Recognizing symptoms early: War doesn't just happen 'out there', it starts inside of you. Notice signs of conflict or misalignment and the role of daily practice in becoming more attuned...Balancing and accepting light and dark: How to meet life’s polarities with wisdom, understanding that everything is part of the whole.To find out more about the Bwiti tradition and initiations, contact: bwiti.calling@gmail.comLearn more about ISTA: https://ista.lifeFollow us on Instagram: @ista.community

Kamela Love is an integrative mediator, transformational relationship coach, and former lawyer who blends diverse teachings—from mystical Sufism to neuroscience and Tantra—to explore personal and organizational growth. She is the founder of Transform Into Love and co-founder of Queer Tantric Arts. With over 15 years of experience identifying as queer and poly, Kamela is passionate about awakening humanity to societal justice and divine love.In recent years, she has worked with ISTA faculty and organizers as a mediator, helping to improve their conflict resolution skills and capacity to take accountability. In this conversation with Usha Rose, Kamela speaks in depth about the importance of taking accountability. She emphasizes that good leadership is actually founded on the ability to acknowledge where harm has been caused, entering into a process of repair, and seeing if there is a way for all to consensually move forward. It’s a rich exploration, relevant to leaders everywhere, indeed to anyone participating in a relationship where power dynamics are at play. It might be between a manager and employee, teacher and student, coach and client, or facilitator and group. It could even be within personal relationships like parent and child, or between romantic partners.Topics Covered Include:Responsibility vs. Accountability and Why It Matters: The distinction between fulfilling duties and taking ownership of the outcomes of those actions, especially when things go sideways.The Importance of Accountability in Leadership: Why some leaders might shy away from accountability and how those who embrace it see it as a path for deeper growth and collective empowerment, fostering trust and integrity within their leadership and communities.Practical Tips for Leaders: Key practices for preventing harm, addressing it effectively when it happens, and steps to minimize the need for future accountability processes—such as trauma-informed approaches, proactive feedback systems, and cultivating emotional intelligence.Understanding Power Dynamics: A look into the responsibilities and vulnerabilities inherent in both “up power” and “down power” roles, highlighting how understanding and navigating these dynamics is crucial for fostering healthier relationships and communities.Learn more about Kamela Love here: https://www.transformintolove.com/To learn more about ISTA visit our website: https://ista.life/Or follow us on social media: @ista.community

In this first episode of the 6th season, Simon Marvell talks to blockchain pioneer and ISTA ally Jamie Zigelbaum about how the evolution of digital governance models can help us create smarter organizations and communities. Jamie's insights come from his career as a researcher, artist, and from contributions to billion-dollar Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) projects. Most of his work has been carried out under an online pseudonym, so the name might be unfamiliar!His message is that while the sophisticated blockchain technology that has been developed in recent years might not have many real-world applications yet, it promises to provide solutions, in the future, to some of the most complex problems we face.  And these problems and solutions are not only technical ones. Jamie says that how we communicate with each other, how we trust one another, how we arrange ourselves into groups, and how well we work together in those groups can be enhanced as a result of these innovations.  Tune in for this thoughtful and clarifying conversation, especially if you’ve previously been turned off by the subject of digital technology! To get in touch with Jamie, please email us and we will link you up: media@ista.lifeIf you love this episode, please rate it and share it with your friends! And to learn more about ISTA, visit our website: https://ista.life/  Or follow us on social media: @ista.community

It’s a situation straight out of the movies, or a teen magazine: jealousy causing a rift between two lovers. It could be as simple as your partner mentioning getting close to one of their co-workers, or as complex as negotiating the ups and downs of an open relationship. No matter how big or small the circumstance, or how experienced the people involved, jealousy can come on strong!In this episode, researcher and self-described relationship counsellor “for people who color outside the lines,” Joli Hamilton, talks with Usha Rose about how jealousy can be an incredible force for growth, pleasure, and increased connection in your romantic relationships. They focus on how to create non-monogamous partnerships without shrinking away from the difficult feelings they can bring up. These are feelings Hamilton knows well. She had been in only monogamous relationships until having a sudden awakening into the possibility of relating with more than one person at once. And in her research, Hamilton has found that the people who have the most successful experience with non-monogamy know how to notice the sensations of jealousy and then name it. This, she says, is one of the first things we can do to embrace non-monogamy in a supportive way. They also discuss: Five steps for processing jealous feelingsHow jealousy relates to shame and fearThe archetypal nature of jealousyPaying attention to the way jealousy arises in the bodyCreating relationship agreements to care for each other through jealousyThe unique pleasure of jealousyWe hope you enjoy the episode!To learn more about Jolie, follow her on social media: @drjoliehamiltonTo learn more about ISTA, visit our website: https://ista.life/Or follow us on social media: @ista.community