The Integral Stage

Nava Israel, a researcher and author with a PhD in epidemiology, dives into her 'Cone' model, revealing how well-meaning solutions can transform into oppressive systems. She discusses the dangers of nostalgic idealization used by powerful groups and emphasizes the need for critical thinking in education. The conversation explores breaking free from rigid governance and the societal impacts of manufactured needs, especially post-COVID. Through community support and self-awareness, Israel advocates for personal liberation from prevailing dogmas.

Marc Gafni and Zak Stein, co-authors of "First Principles and First Values," delve into profound themes of alienation and value. They discuss rekindling emotional engagement in education and the healing power of imagination, particularly through storytelling. The conversation highlights the notion of a global intimacy disorder and its impacts on existential risks. They also explore the dynamics of authentic connections amidst a complex world, advocating for genuine interactions that honor human worth and promote deeper understanding in relationships.

For episode 10, Layman sits down again with Ēlen Awalom, this time to talk about unhealthy and healthy gender models, and the roles of attachment, trauma, and development in contemporary gender relations. Ēlen Awalom is an Eritrean-American Somatic Experiencing practitioner, writer, entrepreneur and cultural commentator. She lives and works in DC where she is the founder of The Almaz Institute, an organization that provides trauma-sensitive leadership and communication trainings steeped in the most cutting edge insights from developmental and somatic psychology. In a previous life she was an exhibiting Afrofuturist visual artist, women’s dating coach focused on developing securely attached relationships, political activist and serial tech entrepreneur who successfully raised millions of dollars from Google Ventures. Ēlen's Professional website https://www.elenawalom.com/

In this discussion, Jill Nephew, founder of Inqwire, dives into the complex interplay of identity and perception in the digital age. She examines how technology impacts our understanding of self amid misinformation and polarization. Jill sheds light on the importance of personal experiences over authority, critiques traditional media limitations, and explores how AI may influence human cognition. Additionally, she urges a reconnection with nature for personal growth and advocates for innovative tools like blockchain to foster trust in knowledge.

Evelyn Paul, a shaman and spiritual teacher, unravels the fascinating link between shamanism and AI. She shares her transformative experiences, including a surreal journey with a robot-like entity, prompting reflections on consciousness and human identity. The discussion highlights the need for integrating ancient wisdom into the evolving tech landscape while exploring the interplay of perception, trust, and AI-generated content. Paul emphasizes the importance of documenting personal experiences to preserve wisdom and critiques current power structures in AI to advocate for unity and integrity.

In a heartfelt conversation, Alexander Love, an acupuncturist and life coach known for integrating Eastern and Western healing perspectives, shares his journey of identity and the transformative power of love. He explores the emotional complexities of loss, particularly the impact of his father's near-death experience, emphasizing the themes of forgiveness and connection. Additionally, he discusses the healing role of art, his upcoming book on 'evolutionary gestures,' and philosophical insights from the Tao Te Ching, advocating for a deep inner connection with one's true self.

For the forty-sixth episode of the Integral Stage Author Series, Layman sits down to talk with John H. Buchanan about his new autobiographical and philosophical meditation on process thought, death, psychedelics, and the journey from addiction to sobriety and meaningful living. John H. Buchanan received his master’s degree in humanistic/transpersonal psychology from West Georgia College and his doctorate from the Graduate Institute of the Liberal Arts at Emory University. He has been trained and certified as a Holotropic Breathwork practitioner by Stan and Christina Grof. His book, "Processing Reality: Finding Meaning in Death, Psychedelics, and Sobriety", based upon his continuing interests in process philosophy and transpersonal psychology, was published in the fall of 2022. Buchanan has contributed a number of journal articles and book chapters on similar topics, and in 2020 was co-editor for "Rethinking Consciousness: Extraordinary Challenges for Contemporary Science". https://www.amazon.com/Processing-Reality-Finding-Psychedelics-Sobriety-ebook/dp/B0BM6KYDNH/

Layman meets with Alyssa Allegretti, to talk about her Substack-published book in progress, The Only Constant: How to Stay (Somewhat) Stable & Organized During Times of Transition & Grief. Dubbing her the Meta-Marie Kondo, Layman invites Alyssa to share her insights into the art of internal housekeeping, and the transformational significance of everyday tasks. http://www.whatisemerging.com/opinions/the-post-tragic-art-of-liminal-housekeeping https://adaptivedaydream.substack.com/p/the-only-constant-883

Marc Gafni, author of "Tears" and a leading voice in Cosmo-Erotic Humanism, dives into the necessity of ritual and religion in modern life. He discusses the evolution from spirituality to organized religion and the impact of contemporary crises. Gafni emphasizes the importance of Rosh Hashanah rituals, critiquing superficial modern celebrations. The conversation highlights the transformative power of tears as expressions of human experience, fostering deeper connections to ourselves and our communities. Ultimately, Gafni calls for a renewed embrace of both ancient and contemporary rituals.

Layman huddles in a Finnish grove with Robin Hummel (Bassareus) to talk about his new book, Alchemy of the Psyche. Robin discusses his journey leading up to the book, and together they explore the nature of archetypes, the difference between direct and indirect approaches to interacting with the archetypes, the importance of ritual, shadow work, and much more. https://www.lulu.com/shop/bassareus/alchemy-of-the-psyche/hardcover/product-v88dkze.html?page=1&pageSize=4