Salish Wolf

A native of Hong Kong, Stephanie Wang spent her formative years in a traditional culture steeped in mysticism, herbal medicine, and consciousness, and, on a personal level, one rife with challenges such as family unrest and emotional suppression. Eventually settling in New York City and later leaving behind a successful career in corporate finance, Stephanie found true alignment through plant medicine. She served as the president of The Alchemist’s Kitchen, which is dedicated to plant-based wellness and personal transformation, and Director of Evolver Holdings Corp, a leading conscious lifestyle company serving the post-new age transformational market. This conversation is strongly rooted in plant-spirit medicine, and specifically Stephanie’s healing journeys with ayahuasca, and psychedelic healing in general. We also explore the new herbal line of confectionaries that Stephanie is creating, which is a nod back to traditional plant-based “candies” such as marshmallow, licorice, and ginger that promoted health rather than today’s toxic and addictive sugar-laden, synthetic versions. Explorations in consciousness, which for Stephanie have included work with mediumship and channeling in addition to plant medicines, have always reinforced for her concepts of connection, unity, and love to all beings, not just humans. She shares these explorations in her podcast, How Things Connect, where she promotes authentic empowerment and conscious transformation with incredible guests. Stephanie is travelling a powerful path of healing and is dedicated to broadly sharing her insights for the benefit of all. I think you will enjoy the “sweetness” of life that she has to offer. Please enjoy this episode of Salish Wolf with Stephanie Wang. Episode Links: StephanieWang.com How Things Connect Podcast Instagram @stephaniewang5d Anchor Point Links: Men’s Retreats at Anchor Point Expeditions

I don’t know by what criteria National Geographic Society selects its six “Explorers for the Millennium”, but I imagine standards are fairly stringent. My guest in this episode, Ian Baker, earned a spot on that list for his extraordinary explorations in Asia, in particular through the Tsangpo gorges of Tibet. He also earned the trust and friendship of the Dalai Lama, from whom he has gained much wisdom and clarity. Always the adventurer, Ian takes us on a profound journey that covers topics such as Tantric Buddhism, the Tibetan art of healing, psychoactive plant medicine, and his team’s discovery of a Himalayan waterfall that had been the source of myth for more than a century, the daring details of which he recounts in his incredible book The Heart of the World. Ian also discusses his forthcoming book that will detail his journeys with the alchemist wizards of Burma and their intimate relationship with mercury. In what I found to be extremely fascinating, Ian also takes us inside numerous Himalayan caves where he has collectively spent many months in isolated meditation, including one three-month stint doing an esoteric practice prescribed by the Dalai Lama himself. In a world where most people turn outward for distraction every few seconds, Ian turns inward for months at a time for deep introspection and growth. Ian is the author of seven critically acclaimed books on Himalayan and Tibetan cultural history, environment, art, and medicine, including his most recent release, Tibetan Yoga: Secrets from the Source. Ian also leads private expeditions in India, Tibet, and Bhutan. This episode is deeply profound and enriching and has left me wanting more exposure to the teachings and wisdom of this remarkable man. Please enjoy this episode of Salish Wolf with Ian Baker. Episode Links: Ianbaker.com ian@ianbaker.com Books by Ian Baker Daniel Reid Anchor Point Links: Men’s Retreats at Anchor Point Expeditions

Dan Reid returns to Salish Wolf with another incredible interview during which we traverse the intense highs and occasional lows that have comprised the landscape of his life. Following narrative trails that he maps out in his 2-volume memoir, Shots from the Hip, we explore some of his most impactful experiences. Dan is best known as a leading author of all things related to Chinese culture, including Taoism, tea, herbal medicine, and qi gong. As I indicated in episode 25, The Tao of Health, Sex, and Longevity, Dan’s most popular book, greatly influenced my life and garnered legions of fans. Readers will find his memoir as expertly crafted as his other books, but likely far more entertaining, as Dan pulls no punches in telling the mind-blowing history of his life. We begin this episode with a look at the influence of drugs, namely plant medicines such as Ayahuasca and opium, on Dan finding his Tao. We explore philosophies and spiritual practices that have helped shape him such as Dzogchen, mediumship, and channelling. And we discuss how he has used much of his experiential knowledge, alongside his wife, to create a detox program that they have offered in many countries with incredible success. The valleys in his life have been quite deep, and Dan does not shy away from sharing some of the more harrowing periods, including three near-death experiences that rattled and rocked him to nearly the brink of no return, and the power of sound healing that helped to bring him back. Dan is a living testament to the magical and mighty journeys life can lead us on when we open to the spontaneity of the heart. His journey has been wild and exotic, with not even a trace of the mundane. Please enjoy this episode of Salish Wolf with my friend Daniel Reid. Episode Links: https://www.danreid.org/ Books by Daniel Reid Oolong-tea.org Anchor Point Links: Men’s Retreats at Anchor Point Expeditions

I first published this episode on Pacific Rim College Radio, but this conversation is too fascinating not to share with the Salish Wolf audience. My guest is Lonny Jarrett, one of the world’s most recognized practitioners, authors, and teachers in the field of Chinese Medicine. Lonny has a gift for making the esoteric seem simple, and you do not need to be an expert in Chinese Medicine, or even have any knowledge of the field, to follow along and glean wisdom from Lonny’s experiences. We also discuss many things other than Chinese Medicine, including martial arts, transpersonal psychology, Taoism, and the art of writing. Lonny holds master’s degrees in both acupuncture and neurobiology and has been published in leading scientific journals. He is an expert in pulse diagnosis, having studied intensively with Dr. Leon Hammer. Additionally, Lonny has achieved the rank of fourth degree black belt in the Korean martial art Tae Kwon Do. Lonny is the author of three distinguished texts in Chinese Medicine: Nourishing Destiny, The Clinical Practice of Chinese Medicine, and his newest release, Deepening Perspectives on Chinese Medicine. Nourishing Destiny is one of my favourite books, on any topic, ever, and I cannot wait to get lost in the pages of his newest book when it is released. Lonny maintains his full-time practice of acupuncture and herbal medicine in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. He moderates nourishingdestiny.com, an online community of 3000 practitioners dedicated to evolutionary, ecological, and integral perspectives on Chinese Medicine. This episode was pure joy for me to record, and I hope it brings many insights to you. Please enjoy this episode of Salish Wolf with Lonny Jarrett. Episode Links: Lonny@nourishindestiny.com chinesemedicine.courses nourishingdestiny.com Spirit Path Press Anchor Point Links: Men’s Retreats at Anchor Point Expeditions

Finding meaning after losing a loved one – especially someone with so much life still to live – must be one of the most challenging journeys in the human experience. For Richard Stuttle, this journey was thrust upon him when his kid sister was murdered at only 19 years of age while travelling in Australia. How we react in the face of trauma indicates the gravity of the impact; what we do next indicates the resiliency of our character. What Richard did in the wake of his sister’s death, and continues to do today 19 years later, is a powerful testament to his love for her and his desire to help others avoid painful losses. In this episode we explore the charity that Richard founded in his sister’s memory to promote safe travelling, the book that he wrote about her life and death, the demons that he has grappled with since her passing, and the unconditional love he found for others when she moved on to another realm. It is that ‘realm’ that we then explore with an intriguing discussion about spiritual communication and mediumship. Richard has been immersed in mediumship for decades and has mentored under some of the world’s best mediums. He has developed his own working methods using art, colour, and creativity to unlock potential. Our discussions of evidence of an afterlife will align and conflict with many paradigms, and to some will hopefully bring comfort and peace of mind. Richard’s dedication to bettering the lives of others is commendable, and his devotion to his sister’s legacy is heartwarming. From the depths of great tragedy he has mined the most beautiful gems of love, purpose, and gratitude. Please enjoy this episode of Salish Wolf with Richard Stuttle. Episode Links: RichardStuttle.com and Instagram TheOpenPerspective.com Caroline’s Rainbow Foundation and Facebook Chasing Rainbows: The Stolen Future of Caroline Ann Stuttle by Richard Stuttle SafeTravel.org and Instagram Anchor Point Links: Men’s Retreats at Anchor Point Expeditions Grief Recovery Program at breasegger.com

Pouya Farmand found a deeper connection to nature, including people as part of nature, during his first psylocibin experience. Since then, he has become a self-described psychonaut and is currently CEO of Levitee Labs, an emerging multidisciplinary integrative wellness and psychedelics company that is promoting evidence-based psychedelic therapy. Growing up in war-ravaged Iran, Pouya received an unenviable education in pervasive grief and fear. Concurrently, he also received from his grandmother profound exposure to plants and food as medicine, including for helping to heal emotional trauma. After personally being diagnosed with depression and ADHD as a young adult, Pouya chose to turn inward for healing instead of suppressing symptoms through pharmacotherapy. Plants and mushrooms became his portal to inner wellness and ultimately a better way to rise from depression. In this episode, Pouya takes us on a trip through his own journey with psychedelics, colourful history and legend of psychedelics, paradigm-shifting psychedelic clinical research and applications, and the genesis of his company Levitee Labs, their ethos around therapeutic freedom, and their positioning to be an industry pioneer through their mission to enhance the wellbeing of society. Pouya is on a stratospheric trajectory into the corporate world, and he remains grounded, heart-centred, and humble during the process. He understands that to deliver the most positive impact to humanity, his company needs to not just be successful based on the currencies of commerce and media, but, more importantly, on the virtues of integrity and human connection. Please enjoy this episode of Salish Wolf with Pouya Farmand. Episode Links: Levitee Labs Anchor Point Links: Men’s Retreats at Anchor Point Expeditions

This interview with mental health champion Chad Guenter begins with a light-hearted discussion of standup paddle boarding on rivers and rapids and includes his takeaways from many years as a whitewater guide. And then, as if entering class V rapids, the intensity changes. Being most at home on the water, Chad is not afraid to go deep, and in this episode, we descend into the abyss of mental illness. Paddling has been an integral part of Chad’s life and personal healing, and to help support loved ones struggling with mental health, he started using his paddle board as a springboard to raise awareness. But Chad is not just standing up for those close to him; he incessantly fights for the well-being of anyone facing mental health challenges. Through his initiatives known as Keep Calm/Paddle On and Project All In, and in his role as a firefighter, Chad has dedicated his life to helping others both in the physical and mental/emotional realms. He is literally saving and improving the lives of people throughout Canada, and the impact of Project All in has cascaded around the globe. I know and have interviewed many amazing and driven individuals, and Chad has quickly risen to the upper ranks of that list. His dedication to his selfless path of service to others is awe-inspiring, and his unabashed vulnerability touched me in a way that very few interactions have. Even with his enormous physical stature, I have found that it is his heart that is the ultimate titan. With Chad standing up against the stigmatization of mental illness, dismantled barriers are being left in his wake. Be prepared to fall in love with this guy and feel the embrace of his compassion. Please enjoy this episode of Salish Wolf with Chad Guenter. Episode Links: Keep Calm/Paddle On Project All In River Camp at NormHann.com Episode 1: Norm Hann on Paddleboarding, Wild British Columbia, and Activism Whitewater Intensive Leadership Development School Anchor Point Links: Men’s Retreats at Anchor Point Expeditions

This interview with Duff Gibson is a unique listener opportunity to go inside the head and heart of a former world class athlete and coach who is passionate about sport, competition, and fun. In 2006 Duff did the nearly impossible in the last race of his career by winning gold in the Torino Olympics in the sport of skeleton, a high velocity, headfirst, adrenaline rush down an ice track on top of a tiny sled. And yet, this was not the most impactful sport-related moment of his life. Duff takes us inside his mind to understand his race day and training philosophies, guides us through technical aspects of skeleton, including the physics of steering, and vividly demonstrates the virtue of body awareness. Today Duff is the author of the soon-to-be-released book, The Tao of Sports, in which he expertly illustrates many sports philosophies such as nurture vs. nature, a positive mindset, passion of pursuit, and the value of fun in youth sport. The book inspired me to seek closure by writing a letter to my first coach whose death many years ago only became known to me relatively recently. Sport is not the only ground we on which we tread in this episode. We also discuss lessons from fatherhood, and in particular the road to and since adoption. And that road winds us back into sport, more specifically into the realm of youth sport and Dark Horse Athletic, the organization Duff founded to promote fun, physical literacy, and a growth mindset in kids through sport. Duff is a powerful man with a heart that matches his Olympic medal. His real heroism stems not from his competitive feats but instead from his humbleness, generosity, and passion. Settle in for an epic ride with this true champion. Please enjoy this episode of Salish Wolf with Duff Gibson. Episode Links: Dark Horse Athletic Social Media @duffgibson Anchor Point Links: Men’s Retreats at Anchor Point Expeditions

Kenneth Cohen, a legendary Qigong Grandmaster and author of "The Way of Qigong," shares insights from over 50 years of practice. He reminisces about his transformative journey through Taiji Quan and Chinese philosophy sparked by Alan Watts. Kenneth reveals the profound teachings of Taoism, reciting passages from the Tao Te Ching in Mandarin. He humorously discusses breathing techniques and the cultural significance of names in Chinese tradition. To top it off, he takes listeners on a sensory adventure with Alishan Oolong tea, blending nature and tradition.

Welcome to part 2 of my unforgettable interview with Taoist (Daoist) Abbot Lao Zhi Chang. If you have not yet listened to part 1, episode 26, I suggest starting there and then coming back to this episode. But you will still benefit from both regardless of the order you listen to them. Lao lost both of his parents to cancer at only the age of 6. He then ran feral for 2 years before meeting the Buddhist monk that would raise him and bestow upon him many extraordinary gifts for internal reflection and spiritual development. We covered a lot of ground in part 1 and continue at a sobering pace in this episode. Lao lays some foundations of understanding human behaviour, from Jungian psychology and the concept of ego to the 6 human needs and the 5 emotions of Chinese Medicine. We discuss how practicing our reactions can help us control our reactions, as nobody else controls them. We alone are responsible for our emotions. Lao takes us on an exploration of the lessons that can be learned from the mythology of Ganesha, fathering with consciousness, and his harrowing experience being kidnapped near the Caspian Sea. He also demonstrates the value of making peace with pain, using suffering as a vehicle for growth, and forging connections as service to others. There is simply so much merit in this interview that you won’t want to miss a minute of either part, and you will probably want to listen again and again, as I already have. Lao’s life wisdom is nothing short of staggering, and his ability to deliver a message is incomparable. Please enjoy this episode of Salish Wolf with Lao Zhi Chang. Episode Links: Episode 26 with Lao Zhi Chang Episode 9with Luke Gifford Episode 10 with Luke Gifford Episode 12 with Christa Black Gifford Cloe Madanes Anchor Point Links: Men’s Retreats at Anchor Point Expeditions