(56) Phil Phails @ Psychedelics with Samuel JunkExplores curiosity, consciousness, and the wild ride of being human. Samuel Junk — Austin local, radio professional, anthropology grad, improv enthusiast, and psychonaut — sits down with Phil to unpack a life shaped by courage, culture, and curiosity.From growing up in the Dan’s Hamburgers family business to a near-death experience that sparked a global search for meaning, Samuel shares how psychedelics, travel, ethnobotany, and personal loss shaped his ongoing transformation. We dive into:🌱 Psychedelics and the cultural history he researched for his published thesis🧠 Neurodivergence + authentic relating + healing through humor and improv🌍 Travel stories from Jamaica to Hawaii⚰️ How losing his father reshaped his purpose💪 Masculinity, discipline, nature, and learning to set boundaries🎙️ His creative career in Austin radio and local community events😂 And yes... Sam fails at improv… gloriously.This episode is play, depth, and vulnerability rolled into one. It’s about learning, changing, failing, falling apart, and coming back more fully alive.About Samuel JunkSamuel Junk is an Austinite whose life has been defined by curiosity, resilience, and transformation. Raised in the Dan’s Hamburgers family, he learned the value of hard work early, but a near-death experience at twenty sparked a global journey of self-discovery. Traveling through Jamaica, Hawaii, and beyond, Samuel immersed himself in new cultures, built chosen family connections, and explored psychedelics, personal growth, and spirituality—experiences that shaped his empathy and worldview.
Back in Austin, he channeled his drive into education, completing a degree in anthropology at Texas State University, mastering long-term goals, and discovering the power of mentorship. Today, Samuel thrives in Austin’s radio and events scene, producing major local events like Blues on the Green and running promotions for heritage stations like KLBJ. A lifelong seeker, he balances professional success with ongoing exploration of psychology, philosophy, and personal transformation, all while staying deeply connected to the city he calls home.Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Samuel.Junk/About Phillip Jones👨👧👧 Single dad | 🧠 Neurodivergent & Proud | 🛤️ Path SeekerAfter a lifetime of personal growth—through self-help, therapy, and endless learning—I'm embracing my unique journey. No more chasing 'normal.' Here to celebrate the quirks, the trials, and the joys of being authentically me. 🌟Leaving the software world behind, I'm forging a new trail with "Phil Phails," a show that revels in the messiness of life and learning. Catch my latest adventures and dad moments on Austin Public and YouTube. Let’s redefine success together. The Fool's journey is a tapestry of learning, woven with threads of naivety and the vibrant colors of experience. Each step is a dance between innocence and wisdom, a transformation that beckons the curious souls to witness the unfolding of a human in bloom. Embrace this odyssey with open arms, for the path of the unknowing is a canvas for growth, and every traveler a masterpiece in progress.👉 Follow me on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phil_phails/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philphails/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philphails Twitter: https://twitter.com/philphails
