
Natural Awakening
Interviews and conversations between scholars, practitioners, and scholar-practitioners at the conjunction of philosophical naturalism and contemplative practice.
Latest episodes

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.

7 snips
Sep 4, 2024 • 1h 3min
Lama Choga: Nonduality, Progressive and Direct, Ultimate Meaning
Lama Choga, a scholar and monk from the Karmakagyu tradition, dives into the progressive and direct paths of nondual recognition. He emphasizes the significance of loving kindness and the clarity needed for spiritual awakening. The conversation explores misconceptions about non-duality and contrasts traditional Zen practices with modern interpretations. Choga also addresses the importance of informed faith in Vajrayana practices and the necessity of creating supportive environments for practitioners, shedding light on the essence of Buddhism as a path beyond suffering.

Aug 30, 2024 • 53min
Vince Horn & Michael Taft: Parenting, Dharma, and Engagement (Audio Only)
Join Vince Horn, who delves into Dharmic views on parenthood, and Michael Taft, a seasoned father sharing personal insights. They explore the balance of parenting with spiritual practice, discussing how their journeys shaped their perspectives. The importance of integrating meditation in daily life is emphasized, alongside the emotional skills essential for child development. They reflect on the joys and challenges of fatherhood, revealing how personal growth and spirituality intertwine. It's a candid conversation on navigating life's complexities while cultivating awareness.

Aug 30, 2024 • 47min
Asher Soryl: Consciousness, Suffering, and Ethics
In which I interview Asher and we jump between subjects of consciousness, human and non-human, suffering, ethics, and related philosophical topics.
Enjoy!
Asher's links:
https://ashersoryl.com/
https://arataki.me/
https://x.com/aaarataki
My links:
https://linktr.ee/WystanTBS
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