Spiritual Sexual Shamanic Podcast

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.Learn more about Aténougha and the Bwiti Missoko tradition, www.bwitiinitiations.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

It’s one thing to summon the courage and create the safety to dive into an altered state of consciousness. It’s another thing entirely to know how best to care for ourselves, and be cared for, after the experience is over. But as our guest in this episode, psychedelic integration coach, Amánda Argot, explains, this post-experience phase is vital to being able to bring the gems we uncover in altered states into our non-altered reality. In this rich conversation, Simon and Amánda explore the therapeutic potential of altered-state experiences like breathwork, psychedelics, and other methods. Amánda emphasises the importance of intention-setting and preparation in shaping the quality and outcome of these experiences.This integration phase extends beyond immediate care to include practices like rest, journaling, and somatic exercises. Amánda explains the unique 'Recíprico' method she has co-developed as a structured approach to guide individuals and facilitators through this process effectively.They then dive really deep into their ethical and cultural ramifications, including how different cultural and spiritual traditions approach and interpret these experiences. They contrast the perspectives of shamans, traditional healers, and clinical psychologists, and underscore the ethical responsibilities and liabilities associated with guiding individuals through these potentially challenging and intense journeys. The need for informed and culturally sensitive support systems is strong, they find. They also cover sexuality as an altered state, drawing parallels with psychedelic experiences. As you may have experienced for yourself, sexual experiences can facilitate deep introspection and connection, both within oneself and with others. Overall, It illuminated the transformative potential of these experiences when approached with intention, respect, and informed guidance.Learn more about Amánda's work here: https://www.amandaefthimiou.com/Join her mailing list here: https://integra-guide.ck.page/fd0fd46815To learn more about ISTA, visit our website: https://ista.life/Or follow us on social media: @ista.community

What would it be like for us to use the tools that we learn in workshops to create a life, and a partnership, that is not just ordinary but extraordinary? This is the big question driving the work of this episode’s guest, relationship coach, Michael Gibson. For example, he says, fighting between partners is “ordinary.” This is not to judge the realities of relating between two humans. Difficulty is totally normal! But Michael is most interested in what we can do to digest that ordinary reality and create the possibility of a wonderful alternative. He has been on this journey with his own partner, ISTA Lead Facilitator Laurie Handlers. Years ago, they began guiding people with the tools they discovered to be effective in their own lives. They give people homework on how to be juicy, and how to be in love again…The main thing they teach people is how to return to love. “It’s when you know that you can say something hard to your person,” Michael says, “and they can say it back to you, and you can return to love even if it was painful. That’s really what we practice.”It’s about letting the walls we often place between us melt. One of the key reasons to be able to return to love is so that you can speak your truth. It’s not just about being mean to one another and then being able to be loved after that. But rather, to speak our truth. When we can speak our truths, we are not holding onto little resentments and pain that can hold our relationships back. And your sex life is going to benefit as well! In this candid conversation, Ria and Michael also talk about: The famous “Bubble” technique for creating sacred spaceHitting the pause button on judging our partnersWhat happens when we fall into resentment, resistance, and revengeThe choice between being right or being in a relationship!How couples seem to be an endangered speciesHow our values are what underpin our boundariesIf you loved this episode, please share it with your friends!To learn more about ISTA, follow us on social media: @ista.communityAnd visit our website: https://ista.life/

Temple nights. They are popping up like wildfires! Some say there should be more of them. One of those people is Celeste Gonzalez, who runs some of the best in Berlin. For her, it is super important that they are deeply attuned events for sensual and soul connection. Not events even. Art pieces! In this episode, Celeste talks with Simon about what a Temple Night is and how you can best prepare for one. It’s all about care and intention. She  shares what some of the key ingredients of a great experience are, things like authenticity and good f’cking lighting. So participants and facilitators, take note. She also helps us feel into just what makes Temple nights such special spaces for self-exploration beyond the hold of the personal. They might be erotic or solitary, spicy or subtle, a big celebration or a time for grieving. Whether you’ve been to 1000 Temples, or are a total newbie, this conversation is bound to reveal something from between the layers of live experience… To learn more about  Celeste's wide-ranging work, visit her website: https://www.devoteeoftheheart.com/Or follow Celeste on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devoteeoftheheart/To learn more about ISTA, visit our website: https://ista.life/Or follow us on social media: @ista.community

Asis Aviv is one of a kind, and the newest faculty member of the International School of Temple Arts. A self-described “rich witch, radical faerie, love priestexx, and shy-ning diva,” they are here for falling back in love with being humxn. In this conversation with Simon Marvell, Asis–a name which means “JUICE!” in Hebrew–shares their reflections on a vast array of topics, all anchored in the idea that we are so much more than our identity, whether influenced by parents, society or anything else.Gender and identity fluidity has nothing to do with some ‘woke agenda,’ but rather is about letting ourselves experience all that we are and all that we can be. Exploring all our inner parts/ selves/ voices, especially when they challenge the norms we grew up with is a wonderful way to free ourselves of our limiting beliefs and prejudices that keep us from living in love and acceptance. Asis shares how they work to embrace their shyness, how grief can be a transforming factor in dealing with issues of self-worth, and how they navigate the complexities of queer existence in a world that often demands performance and perfection. Through the lens of  Somatic Shamanic Voice Dialogue (SSVD), Asis invites us to explore the concept of "binge-watching"  our inner selves  and our identifcation with them, encouraging a deeper understanding of the ever-evolving nature of identity and personality. Asis shares insights on collapsing conventional binaries of masculine and feminine (and more), examining the walls we erect around ourselves, and a way to find peace through surrender and self-exploration. They offer a powerful message of empowerment and liberation, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique expression and celebrate the colourful tapestry of humxn existence.To learn more about Asis, follow them on Instagram: @goddexxfactorTo learn more about ISTA, follow us on social media: @ista.communityOr visit our website: https://ista.life/

It has become common to talk about creating safer spaces for healing work. And this is a good thing. Everyone in the field of conscious sensuality, embodiment, and healing work should be looking to improve their practice and rise to higher standards of care, support, awareness, and sensitivity.At the same time, it has also become common to resist this advancement in favour of the idea that self-development spaces should reflect the level of safety in the outside world. And sometimes, for some people, the world can feel really dangerous. People who take this view might say that this is how we learn resilience, or how we can turn difficulty into growth. But for our guest in this episode, somatic psychotherapist Shelby Leigh, if we are interested in the resolution of the trauma that affects so many of our lives, the spaces we enter for healing simply must be environments grounded in values of connection, responsibility, and trust. For Leigh, trauma is anything that overwhelms us, and it can stay with us if we never have a chance to naturally complete our body’s survival response to that overwhelming thing. The feeling of overwhelm can stay with us, separating us from our sense of belonging in the world, and inhibiting our capacity for healthy relationships. In her conversation with ISTA facilitator, Usha Rose, Leigh speaks about just how important it is to learn skills of self-regulation, stillness, and boundaries in a safe environment. It is then that we are in a great position to step into the revolutionary practice of taking those skills into the dynamic, playful, and perhaps riskier outside world. Some of the topics covered in this episode are: Relating with others as the medicine we need.Understanding your ‘attachment style.’Growing up with narcissistic parents. When complex trauma gets misdiagnosed as ADHD or anxiety. Protocols for people working in healing spaces.Not pushing past your ‘no.’ Stepping slowly into healing spaces. Nervous system regulation as meditation. You can learn more about Shelby at her website: https://www.shelby-leigh.com/And to learn more about ISTA, visit our website: https://ista.life/Or follow us on social media: @ista.community