The Integral Stage

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

On The Meta-Podcast (formerly Integral Podcasters), we talk with podcasters, YouTubers, and other media producers who are trying to offer, or who can't help but offer, more integrative perspectives. Who are these people, what do they collectively understand and point towards, and how can they be interlinked, mutually supported, clarified, and amplified? For episode 41, Layman is joined again by Dr. Sally Adnams Jones and Dr. Jen Peer Rich, this time to talk about their experience with successfully running and concluding their Radical Emergence podcast project. What did they accomplish, what did they learn from it that can inform our larger community, and what do they plan to do next? Radical Emergence Podcast https://radicalemergence.org/

In a thought-provoking discussion, philosopher Robert M. Ellis explores his latest work on Middle Way philosophy. He delves into the five essential principles that advocate for nuanced thinking, including skepticism, provisionality, and the rejection of absolutism. Robert emphasizes the importance of balancing intuition with reason in decision-making and the impact of agnosticism on communication. He also examines the intricate relationship between justice and freedom, advocating for mindfulness as a means to achieve better decision-making in complex moral landscapes.

For the forty-second episode of the Integral Stage Authors Series, Layman meets with Richard Flyer, founder of the Symbiotic Culture Lab, to talk about his new book, Birthing the Symbiotic Age. They discuss Richard's early life experiences and influences, and together explore how, as the book argues, "we can emerge from our fragmented and conflicted social networks/silos and create sustainable, interconnected ecosystem networks consisting of local leaders, organizations, businesses, and local government — in parallel to our already established systems." Birthing the Symbiotic Age https://richardflyer.substack.com/s/birthing-the-symbiotic-age-new-book Symbiotic Culture Lab https://symbioticculturelab.super.site/