

Natural Awakening
WYSTAN T BRYANT-SCOTT
Interviews and conversations between scholars, practitioners, and scholar-practitioners at the conjunction of philosophical naturalism and contemplative practice.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 13min
Spiritual Narcissism, Politics, and Responsibility
Vince Horn, a scholar-practitioner at the intersection of philosophical naturalism and contemplative practice, dives into profound discussions around spiritual narcissism and politics. He explores how personal trauma shapes political beliefs, particularly through the lens of neofascism and family narratives. Vince critiques modern spirituality's detachment from social justice, emphasizing moral responsibility. He addresses the courage needed to navigate moral complexities in both personal identity and digital engagement, urging a balance between compassion and accountability.

10 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 50min
Peter McEwen: Vajrayana Past, Present, and Future
Peter McEwen, a practitioner exploring Vajrayana Buddhism's intersection with Western culture, dives into the adaptation of these teachings in America. He emphasizes personal ethics over conformity and discusses how methods like deity yoga help reshape identity. Peter also shares his journey from depression to liberation, showcasing the transformative power of Buddhist practices. Additionally, he addresses sectarian conflicts within Buddhist communities and the need for contemporary representations of deities, linking them to modern archetypes like superheroes.

Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 24min
Dor Konforty: The Heart Illuminated, Innovation, and Tradition
Dor Konforty, a meditation teacher and cognitive neuroscientist, discusses the intersection of neuroscience, meditation, and technology. He explores how traditional and modern spiritual practices can coexist, emphasizing a unified methodology for personal growth. The conversation dives into transformative practices like Dark Retreats, the philosophy of death, and the significance of relational dynamics in spiritual journeys. Konforty highlights the balance between accessibility and tradition in teachings, making for an enlightening experience that challenges assumptions and enhances self-awareness.

Dec 26, 2024 • 1h 8min
Vivid Void (Gabe): Maturation, Existential Ontogenesis, and Standing Your Ground
Wherein Gabe and I discuss his upbringing, life-path, therapy and counselling, maturation, religion and innovation, fighting wise, cultural currents and commentary, and more.
Vivid Void:
https://x.com/VividVoid_
Moi:https://linktr.ee/WystanTBS

Nov 27, 2024 • 49min
Tasshin: Fun, Pilgrimage, and Eros
Explore a transformative journey from anxiety to clarity, where service takes the spotlight. Delve into the profound purpose of pilgrimage, contrasting digital nomadism with intentional travel. Discover the fusion of joyful service and playful spirituality, illustrated through community engagement and collaboration. Experience the unique blend of love, dance, and meditation, fostering connection among participants. Finally, uncover the intricate relationship between love, sexuality, and spirituality, highlighting the transformative power of embracing desires within spiritual practice.

Nov 27, 2024 • 53min
Corey Hess: Opening, Energy, and Embodiment
Corey Hess, a Zen practitioner trained under Shoto Harada Roshi in Japan, shares his insights into energetic opening and embodiment. He reflects on his transformative journey during Zen training and the shifts he witnesses in students through online meditation classes. They dive into the complexities of merging traditional spiritual practices with modern life. Corey emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and authenticity, discussing the connections between breath, energy, and daily presence, and encourages seeking mentors to navigate personal doubts.

Nov 19, 2024 • 1h 3min
Bruce Bryant-Scott: God, Jesus, and Ascesis
Wherein I interview my dad about his life, career, some church history, mystical, ascetic Christianity, and broader theology, incorporating audience questions as well.
His website:
https://theislandparson.com/
My links:
https://linktr.ee/WystanTBS

Nov 6, 2024 • 1h 22min
Christopher Wardlaw: Flotation Tanks, Stroboscopic Stimulation, and Gonzo Practice
Wherein Chris and I chat the wild range of flotation tank phenomenology, stroboscopic stimulation, lucid dreaming, OBEs, the powers, and more, mingling classical Buddhist meditation and these contemporary mechanical psychotechnologies.
The locus classicus for the powers:
https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/SN/SN51_20.html
Chris' links:
https://www.stroboscopic413.com/https://www.gwtfloat.com/
My links:
https://linktr.ee/WystanTBS

5 snips
Nov 2, 2024 • 1h 43min
Vinay Gupta: Liberation, Culture, Conflict and Catastrophe
Vinay Gupta, a cryptographer and disaster relief coordinator, shares his unique insights on pressing global issues. He discusses the intersection of climate change and national security, offering an optimistic view on human resilience amid challenges. Vinyl further explores the influence of sci-fi on public perception and policy, using narratives like 'Star Trek' to highlight moral dilemmas. He also delves into the complex dynamics of spirituality, lineage, and authority, navigating the intricate relationships between modern practices, historical legacies, and geopolitical concerns.

Oct 16, 2024 • 31min
North Burn: Boundless Refuge and the Jewel of the Heart
North Bern, a facilitator of the transformative Boundless Refuge retreat, shares his compelling journey of spiritual awakening. He discusses the unique experience of long meditation retreats and the profound impacts on self-awareness. North explores the importance of embracing authenticity in spiritual practice and the transformative power of solitude. He also reveals how communal experiences during silent retreats can lead to deep emotional shifts and insights, encouraging listeners to honor their true selves on their spiritual paths.