Shows
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationUnlocking Your Inner System: How IFS & Psychedelics Transform Healing with Dr. Nick Bruss (Ep. 122)In this episode, host Jonathan Schecter sits down with Dr. Nick Bruss—licensed psychedelic therapist, clinical researcher, and Level 3-trained Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner—to explore how parts work and psychedelic-assisted therapy can radically transform healing and integration.You’ll learn:What Internal Family Systems (IFS) is and how it helps you connect with wounded, protective, and exiled parts of yourself.How ketamine-assisted psychotherapy works, why it pairs so well with IFS, and the difference between psycholytic and psychedelic dosing.Practical integration tools for working with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and co...2025-08-111h 18
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationYou Can't Stop the Waves: Trauma Healing Explained (Ep 121)In this solo episode, Jonathan Schecter dives deep into a metaphor that’s transformed his understanding of trauma: surfing the waves of life. With a grounding somatic practice to begin, he guides you through what it really means to build resilience not by avoiding pain, but by increasing your capacity to meet it.Whether you're new to healing or have been walking the path for years, this episode offers insight into why the goal isn't to stop the waves of emotion, challenge, or discomfort, but to learn how to ride them skillfully.Join Jonathan as he...2025-07-2817 min
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationBeyond Trauma: Why Somatic Work Is More Than Just Healing with Pierre Bouchard (Ep. 120)In this episode, Jonathan welcomes somatic therapist Pierre Bouchard for a rich, unfiltered conversation on the true depth of somatic work and going beyond trauma healing. Together they explore the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and psychedelics through Pierre’s model of the X, Y, and Z axes: trauma resolution, awakening, and relational responsibility.They discuss the rise (and pitfalls) of somatics in popular culture, the limits of insight-only therapy, and why the body is more than just a trauma container - it’s the gateway to all experience.Whether you’re a seeker, a practitioner, or sim...2025-07-071h 12
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationSpiritual Rebellion, Psychedelics Optional: The Essential Practice with Erin Doumert (Ep 119)In this episode Jonathan welcomes back Erin Doumert: Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, integration coach, and author of The Essential Practice. Together, they dive into the messy, nonlinear path of true healing, exploring how we move from coping to deep transformation.Erin shares the behind-the-scenes story of publishing her book and the pushback she received for challenging mainstream paradigms. They discuss the four steps in her healing framework: seeking to understand, forgiving, showing up as your best, and exploring your truth. This conversation is a real-time integration journey, weaving together themes of inner child healing...2025-06-301h 09
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationHow To Regulate Your Nervous System During Inner Work - SCOPE (Ep 118)Introduces the SCOPE practice from Somatic Experiencing: Slow down, Connect, Orient, Pendulate, EngageOffers a guided somatic experience to support nervous system regulation during psychedelic work, breathwork, or emotional overwhelmEmphasizes the importance of developing inner awareness and safety through body-based techniquesEncourages self-regulation and co-regulation through connection, breath, and sensation trackingUseful both as a standalone regulation tool and within a therapeutic or expanded state container💻 Join the Blue Magic Alchemy Community:www.skool.com/bluemagicalchemyIn this episode, Jon...2025-06-2319 min
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationLearning to Trust Your Inner Wisdom with Holotropic Breathwork - Diana Medina (Ep 117)In this powerful conversation, Diana Medina—senior teacher of Holotropic Breathwork—joins Jonathan to explore what it really means to trust your inner healer. Drawing from decades of experience in breathwork, medicine, and transpersonal psychology, Diana shares how true transformation requires us to die to who we think we are and surrender to the deeper intelligence within.Together, they discuss the spiral nature of healing, how trauma completes through the body, and why integration is not a destination but a daily practice. If you're a space holder, therapist, or seeker navigating expanded states, this episode offers grounded wisd...2025-06-181h 10
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationBeyond Time: Presence, Practice, and Expanded States of Consciousness with David Nichtern (Ep 116)Jonathan Schecter is joined again by senior Buddhist teacher, musician, and author David Nichtern for a wide-ranging, deeply reflective conversation.Together they explore how presence and practice intersect with modern expanded states — from breathwork to psychedelics to the possibilities and limitations of AI as a spiritual teacher.You’ll hear insights on:✅ Why presence can’t be grasped✅ The concept of the “fourth moment” in Buddhist practice✅ How breathwork teaches surrender without substances✅ The risks of spiritual bypassing in psychedelic spaces✅ Whether AI can embody consciousness or wisdom✅ The r...2025-06-051h 18
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationDoing the Work: From Experience to Transformation (Ep 115)What does "doing the work" really mean in psychedelics, breathwork, and personal growth? Join the founder of Blue Magic Alchemy Jonathan Schecter in this conversation to clarify that genuine transformation isn't about chasing intense experiences but intentionally moving toward wholeness by addressing deeper issues and thoughtfully integrating insights.Using a clear physics analogy, Jonathan explains "the work" as the intentional transfer of energy that leads to meaningful changes. He challenges the myth that big experiences automatically result in lasting transformation, highlighting the critical roles of intentional preparation, nervous system regulation, and mindful integration.With personal...2025-06-0346 min
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationThe Art of Slowing Down & Meditation Course BONUS (Ep 114)In this concluding episode of season 10, host Jonathan Schecter reflects on his journey and growth over the season, touching on achievements and outlining plans for what's next. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of self-practice and alignment with the nervous system to avoid burnout. He candidly discusses his balance between various projects and the value of slowing down. The episode transitions into the first day of a 30-day Path of Meditation course, providing guidance on mindfulness and the end goal of meditation. Join the community at www.skool.com/bluemagicalchemy for...2025-04-0839 min
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationIntegrating Psychedelic Experiences with Adrian Lozano (Ep 113)With a Vital Point that "You Are The Medicine", microdosing and integration coach Adrian Lozano joins host Jonathan Schecter to discuss the importance of practicing consistent self-improvement techniques, the essence of proper facilitation, and the wide range of methods available for personal growth. Adrian shares insights into the challenges and profound transformations experienced through the use of sacred mushrooms and emphasizes the necessity of integrating those experiences into everyday life. The conversation also explores the unique healing dynamics of the rave culture, highlighting the balance between recreational and therapeutic uses of psychedelics.Connect with...2025-03-311h 04
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationPsychedelic Buddhism with Lama Mike Crowley (Ep 111)Explore the intersection of psychedelics and Buddhism with host Jonathan Schecter and Buddhist Lama and author Mike Crowley. The conversation dives into Crowley's research covered in his books 'The Secret Drugs of Buddhism' and 'Psychedelic Buddhism.' They discuss traditional psychedelic use in Tibetan rituals, the terma tradition, and how Buddhism can aid psychedelic experiences. Crowley shares personal insights on meditation, the role of intention, and the profound realization of Buddhist teachers. The episode provides a rich, enlightening discussion aimed at inspiring listeners in their journey of healing and growth.2025-03-171h 06
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationSpirituality & Relational Growth with My Mom: Roberta Zohara (Ep 110)Host Jonathan Schecter invites his mother, Roberta Zohara, for an intimate conversation about self-development, spiritual practices, and personal evolution. They explore the significance of practical application in transformation, share personal stories, and discuss the impact of pivotal life events, including experiences with Pleiadian messages and personal ceremonies. Jonathan and Roberta reflect on their journeys, their evolving relationship, and the importance of compassion and balance in navigating life's challenges. This episode offers deep insights into the interplay of spirituality, healing, and relational growth.Join the Blue Magic Alchemy community at www.skool.com/bluemagicalchemy2025-03-101h 47
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationThe Vital Point: Meditation Tips for Personal Transformation (Ep 109)In this solo episode, host Jonathan Schecter shares tips to improve and deepen your meditation practice. He speaks about the importance of consistent practice, the benefits of mindfulness-based meditation, and practical advice for beginners. Jonathan emphasizes the need to manage expectations and integrate micro-moments of mindfulness into daily life. He also discusses the importance of establishing a sacred space, and the role of intention-setting in meditation. Join the free Blue Magic Alchemy Skool community for additional support and guided practices. www.skool.com/bluemagicalchemyconnect with Jonathan at www...2025-03-0325 min
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationSomatic Psychedelic Integration with Cam Leids (Ep 107)This episode is a little different, it's the first time I’m bringing you a conversation that mimics a Somatic Psychedelic Integration coaching session. Normally, this kind of work happens in private, but you get to listen in as I dive deep into self-development and personal evolution with my good friend Cameron Leids.We break down some of the most pivotal moments from his ayahuasca ceremonies in Costa Rica, exploring what came up for him and, more importantly, how to integrate those insights into daily life. We talk about the role of breathwork in deep inner work, th...2025-02-161h 16
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationThe Language of Breath with Jesse Coomer (Ep 104)Jonathan is joined by Jesse Coomer, a leading voice in breathwork and author of 'The Language of Breath.'
The discussion covers the essential role of practice in self-development, the significance of understanding and communicating with both the conscious and unconscious self, and how breathwork facilitates this process.
The episode includes a live breathwork session and practical advice for integrating these principles into your life.
Jesse shares insights into the philosophy behind breathwork, practical exercises, and personal anecdotes to illustrate these concepts, making it accessible and engaging.
In addition to addressing...2025-01-281h 20
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationIntegrating The Phoenix Archetype (Ep 103)Season 10 returns after a hiatus, with a deeply personal reflection on burnout, self-worth, and the evolution of the podcast.
Jonathan discusses the metaphor of the Phoenix as a symbol of transformation, recounting his journey through a challenging period in 2024.
He reveals insights into the necessity of rest, the importance of creating art for oneself, and the invaluable lessons learned through his entrepreneurial experience with Blue Magic Alchemy.
Jonathan previews the exciting changes and experimental episodes planned for Season 10, inviting listeners to join the Blue Magic Alchemy Collective for ongoing integration support and community...2025-01-2834 min
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationGrowing in 2024 - My Personal Integration Journal (Ep 101)Join host Jonathan Schecter in a special 'retro' episode of The Vital Point Podcast, where he revisits the first integration journal recording from early 2024. This episode introduced a new format aimed at genuine, raw sharing of his personal journey - and was previously only posted to the Blue Magic Alchemy youtube channel.
This episode reflects on the progress and changes in Jonathan’s goals and shares insights into the continuous process of self-improvement. Jonathan also discusses his transition from focusing solely on psychedelics to broader aspects of personal development, inviting listeners to join him on their own transformative journey.
Subscribe for...2024-08-3034 minThe Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationNavigating Personal Evolution: A Year in Tibet & Integration Insights (Ep 100)In this milestone 100th episode of the Vital Point Podcast, host Jonathan Schecter shares his transformative journey living for a year in Tibet. He reflects on Buddhism and several transpersonal experiences during this period influenced his personal evolution and integration practices. Jonathan delves into the importance of faith and fearlessness, recounts intimate stories of his time in remote Tibetan monasteries, and discusses the impact of his experiences on his life trajectory. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersections of spirituality, personal growth, and the significance of continuous practice.
Jonathan Schecter is a breathwork facilitator and...2024-08-1450 min
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationExpanding Life Into High Definition with Conni Biesalski (Ep 99)Take a deep dive into transformational breathwork and somatic healing as I welcome back breathwork expert and nervous system coach Connie Biesalski.
Join us as we explore the balance between cathartic practices and nervous system regulation, share insights on the benefits of combining modalities for personal growth and trauma recovery, and share our experiences learning to become Somatic Experiencing Practitioners.
Connect with Conni at https://www.breathworkalchemy.co/
And on IG @breathwork.alchemy
00:00 Introduction to the Vital Point Podcast
01:09 The Journey of Breathwork and Personal Development
02:06 Connie's I...2024-07-241h 21
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationHealing Trauma with Psychedelics: Coming Full Circle with Shannon Duncan (Ep 98)Shannon Duncan is the author of 'Coming Full Circle: Healing Trauma with Psychedelics.' Explore Shannon's transformative journey with psychedelics and their impact on conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Understand the differences between trip sitters and qualified psychedelic guides, and the importance of set, setting, intention, and somatic practices. Learn about the renaissance of transformational medicines, and potential risks from unqualified sources.
Connect with Shannon http://shannonduncan.com
Coming Full Circle: Healing Trauma with Psychedelics is available on amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/1959254049
Connect with Jonathan:
Jonathan Schecter i...2024-07-061h 17
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration97. Transforming Lives with Microdosing with Adam BramlageDive into the world of microdosing with Adam Bramlage, founder and CEO of Flow State Micro.
Learn about the transformative potential of microdosing, dosage levels, integration protocols, and the rich history of microdosing in human evolution.
Discover how microdosing can aid mental health, creativity, and performance, and hear about the upcoming Microdosing Facilitator Training Program, featuring experts like James Fadiman, Laura Dawn, and more.
Plus, get practical tips on building a mindfulness practice and integrating these practices into your daily life.
To sign up for the Microdosing Facilitator Training Program go...2024-06-101h 15
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration96. How I Stopped DrinkingJoin integration coach and Breathwork facilitator Jonathan Schecter, in this solo episode where he shares his personal journey of overcoming alcohol addiction.
Jonathan delves into the importance of integration and self-development, highlighting the role of mindfulness, journaling, therapy, and intentional psychedelics in his transformation. He recounts the challenges he faced, including the influence of his social environment and unprocessed emotions, and offers practical insights and methods to help others on their journey towards change.
Tune in to explore actionable steps, from journaling prompts to mindfulness practices, aimed at helping you evolve and bring your dreams...2024-06-0346 min
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration95. The Path of the Spiritual Warrior with David NichternJoin me in a profound discussion with renowned Buddhist teacher, David Nichtern. We explore the fundamentals of self-development through practice and self-evolution, emphasizing the significance of basic goodness and warrior attributes.
The conversation delves into integrating mindfulness, meditation, and ancient Buddhist wisdom with modern challenges. David discusses responsibility, accountability, and the balance between cultural traditions and contemporary practices in spiritual teachings.
We also touch upon the implications of psychedelics and the importance of understanding karma, spiritual discipline, and cultivating curiosity.
David has an upcoming free zoom to talk about the upcoming Dharma Moon Mindfulness Meditation...2024-05-251h 27
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration94. Touching the Heart of Meditation with Amanda GilbertExploring the transformative power of meditation and mindfulness with meditation teacher Amanda Gilbert.
A meditation practice is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. It can also feel overwhelming figuring out where to begin.
Amanda and I discuss common misconceptions, and the value of a consistent practice. We also discuss the benefits and importance of mindfulness in daily life, in the workplace, and the journey of self-discovery through observation and returning to the present moment with awareness, patience, and self-compassion.
Amanda Gilbert is a meditation teacher, speaker, and the a...2024-05-201h 28
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration93. Making Friends With Who You Are, As You Are with Michael KammersConnect to this captivating conversation with musician and meditation teacher Michael Kammers as we discuss the importance of self-acceptance, mindfulness, and creativity.
Discover how you can cultivate kindness, navigate the nuances of attention, and use music as a shared language to embrace life's challenges.
Key Discussion Points:
Embracing Your True Self: Explore how mindfulness helps you accept who you are, recognizing and nurturing benevolent energy within.
Mindfulness as a Foundation: Learn why mindfulness is fundamental for cultivating attention and how it unlocks other practices like loving-kindness (metta) and visualization.
Music as Shared Language: Michael...2024-05-102h 05
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration92. Presence in Practice: Somatic Breathwork with Steven JaggersDrop into a deep exploration of the profound impacts of breathwork on personal development and authentic living. Host Jonathan Schecter and Steven Jaggers, the founder of Somatic Breathwork, engage in a deep dive discussion of integrating breathwork for our physical and mental health.
Steven explains the concept of "somatics," emphasizing the connection between body awareness and emotional health. They discuss the physiological and psychological benefits of somatics and breathwork, such as improved nervous system regulation, trauma release, and enhanced presence and mindfulness.
The episode closes with a guided breathwork practice led by Steven for you.2024-05-031h 20
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationThe Vital Point Podcast with Jonathan Schecter TrailerA quick trailer for The Vital Point Podcast. Subscribe and drop in...
Learn More - bluemagicalchemy.com2024-04-1001 min
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration91. Music, Mushrooms, & Magic with East ForestDive into the transformative effects of music with renowned musician East Forest.
Since 2008, East Forest has been crafting music that facilitates introspective journeys, combining genres like ambient, neoclassical, and indie pop, often inspired by guided mushroom ceremonies.
The discussion covers East Forest's use of music as a tool for emotional and spiritual exploration, especially in combination with psychedelics like mushrooms and ketamine, as well as in breathwork sessions.
East Forest also shares insights on several of my favorite songs, maintaining creativity, the integration of transformative experiences, and the beneficial role of meditations and...2024-03-311h 21
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration90. Integrating Unity & Samadhi with Henry WinslowCelebrating the release of my first course with Tricycle Day, my chat with the creator of Tricycle Day, Henry Winslow.
We delve into the integration of transcendental psychedelic experiences within spiritual and philosophical frameworks to deepen understanding of death and enhance life's fulfillment.
We explore the use of breathwork for accessing mystical states and integrating psychedelic insights, as part of the new course "High on Your Own Supply." The discussion covers the practicalities and philosophies of using psychedelics and breathwork for personal growth, touching on themes of death, the ego, and the pursuit of a more meaningful...2024-02-161h 13
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration89. Tripping On Self-Trust & Intuition with Kat WalshDrop in to this conversation with the host of the Trip on This Podcast, Kat Walsh.
Kat Walsh is a podcast host, entrepreneur, seeker, friend, ‘trip’ companion, and boost of encouragement for those on their awakening path. Kat is the Creator & Host of the psychedelic podcast TRIP ON THIS, and her second show LIFE WITH KAT WALSH, a solo personal journal style podcast around the awakening journey.
Kat shares her journey of self-discovery, highlighting the importance of intuition and the profound impact of psychedelics on personal growth.
2024-02-121h 19
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration88. Cannabis IS a Psychedelic: Healing & Holding Space with Daniel McQueenThis week's podcast episode covers some fascinating territory in the emerging realm of psychedelic-assisted therapy with Daniel McQueen, MA. Daniel is a Psychedelic Specialist, Psychedelic Therapy Educator, Activis and the co-founder and Executive Director of the Center for Medicinal Mindfulness, one of the first legal psychedelic plant medicine centers in the United States.
Daniel joins me to discuss working with cannabis as a psychedelic in a therapeutic setting, a major topic in his book Psychedelic Cannabis.
Daniel specializes in using Cannabis-Assisted Psychedelic Therapy and we learn that with the r...2024-01-131h 15
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration87. Somatic Experiencing & Psychedelic Integration with Erin DoumertDrop in with me and my guest, Somatic Experiencing coach, Psychedelic Integration Specialist, and Religious Trauma Recovery Guide Erin Doumert as we delve into the intricacies of somatic experiencing and its integration with psychedelics and plant medicines.
The episode covers the importance of being open to all experiences of nervous system activation and opens with a guided somatic meditation so that you can drop in with us.
Our conversation highlights the benefits of somatic awareness in psychedelic-assisted therapy and the role of embodied experiences in co-creating your reality.
2023-12-231h 06
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration86. Meditation & Myth as Embodied Archetypes with Otto MaierOtto Maier is a Psychedelic Integration Guide, IFS therapist, Jungian Coach, and Ritual facilitator for retreat centers around the world.
The main focus of his work is in helping people in the western word embody transcendent experiences through the vehicle of decolonizing the psyche, and learning how to listen to the ancient language of our Souls.
Join us for a profound conversation that delves into the transformative realms of Meditation, Myth, and Embodied Archetypes. This episode explores the intricate interplay between psychedelics, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Jungian psychology, offering insightful perspectives on personal growth a...2023-12-081h 32
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration85. Exploring the Serenity PrayerJoin renowned breathwork facilitator and transformation coach Jonathan Schecter as he delves into the profound practices of using the Serenity Prayer as a meditation and practice of transformation.
This episode is more than just a discussion; it's an invitation to explore the depths of your inner self. Jonathan dives into how the Serenity Prayer has helped to change his life and how it can be used to contemplate and enact meaningful changes in yours as well.
This episode also offers an exclusive opportunity to embark on a transformative journey with Jonathan's "Breathwork for Integration" coaching...2023-11-2620 min
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration84. Integral Journeys: Connecting to Psilocybin Mushrooms with Jahan KhamsehzadehExplore the transformative world of psychedelic mushrooms with author, therapist and guide Jahan Khamsehzadeh.
Jahan's book The Psilocybin Connection: Psychedelics, the Transformation of Consciousness, and Evolution of the Planet—An Integral Approach is an in-depth journey into the impact of psilocybin on our planet and ourselves, and I can't recommend it enough.
Jahan and I chat about his comprehensive background, the transformative power of psilocybin, the healing potential of mystical experiences and how to approach integration, as well as the role of mushrooms in human evolution, how to develop a personal relationship wi...2023-11-191h 28
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration81. Rave Rituals: Community, Healing, and the Ecstasy of Dance with Taylor BratchesDive into the rhythmic world of raves as containers for exploration with Taylor Bratches, a multifaceted DJ, writer, energy healer, and psychedelic guide from Boulder, CO.
When I attended the MAPS Psychedelic Science Convention earlier this year, I attended Taylor’s talk on Rave as Ritual and it truly sparked my interest in exploring the subject deeper since raving has been such a big part of my own healing journey.
We discuss the transformative power of raves, painting them as modern-day rituals that foster community, healing, and profound self-discovery.
Dissecting the often-misunderstood realm of...2023-10-191h 50
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration80. The Heart of Science & Spirituality with Joe TafurEnjoy this amazing conversation with Dr. Joe Tafur exploring the profound intersection of modern science and ancient spiritual wisdom. ]Dr. Joe Tafur is a western-trained doctor deeply rooted in Shipibo medicine lineages and the author of "The Fellowship of the River: A Medical Doctor's Exploration into Traditional Amazonian Plant Medicine".
We delve into the transformative power of energy healing, the undeniable impact of psychedelic therapy, and the importance of integration practices- both traditional and modern.
Dr. Tafur emphasizes the heart's role as a bridge uniting these diverse ideologies. Highlighting the clinical relevance of spirituality and...2023-10-121h 17The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration78. Losing the Hubris, Gaining the View with Scott TusaEmbark on a profound journey into the heart of Buddhism and meditation with Scott Tusa, a seasoned meditation teacher and practitioner. In this enlightening episode, Tusa delves deep into the essence of cultivating a view for genuine happiness and the ever-evolving relevance of Buddhism in today's Western culture.
Key Highlights:
Adapting Buddhism: Tusa underscores Buddhism's adaptability, emphasizing its significance in modern contexts.
Balancing Act: The delicate equilibrium between structure and openness in spiritual endeavors, and the pivotal role of humility in embracing Buddhist teachings.
Service & Self: The importance of...2023-09-201h 46The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration77. The Beauty & Power of Breathwork with Hans WhygoldJourney into the transformative world of Neurodynamic Breathwork with Hans Whygold, a certified facilitator, integration coach, and a true explorer of consciousness. Hans's story is one of resilience and rebirth. Having battled and overcome a decade-long struggle with opiate addiction, depression, and anxiety, he found solace and healing in the realms of plant medicine and breathwork. Now, with a heart full of gratitude and wisdom, Hans is on a mission to guide others through their own paths of recovery and self-discovery.
In this episode, Hans and I, both proud graduates of the Neurodynamic facilitator...2023-09-171h 13The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration76. The Ground of Compassion & Wisdom with Noel CoakleyDive deep into the harmonious dance of compassion and wisdom in this enlightening conversation with renowned psychotherapist and meditation maestro, Noel Coakley.
As the esteemed Director at the Boston Center for Contemplative Practice, Assistant Director for Dharma Moon, and psychotherapist, Noel brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive background in both mental health and meditation.
Our paths crossed during a transformative Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training session at Dharma Moon, and the insights shared in this episode are truly profound.
Key Takeaways:
- Unveiling the essence of our...2023-09-111h 48The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration74. Standing in Empathy & Wholeness with Leo LobbestaelIn this deeply insightful episode, I sit down with therapist and breathwork facilitator Leo Lobbestael to explore a vital paradox in personal development.
While various methods and medicines can guide us to recognize our inherent wholeness, it’s the raw, real work in these disciplines that helps remove the barriers preventing us from embracing this truth.
🌟 What You'll Learn: Discover the paradoxical journey to self-discovery and wholeness with methods that enlighten and experiences that challenge. Learn how to embrace all parts of yourself, even the uncomfortable ones, to pave the way for genuine empathy and inter...2023-09-031h 22The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration73. Making Sense of Internal Family Systems with Christine DixonYou make sense. All the parts of you make sense. This is one of the central ideas in Internal Family Systems and one that I dive into with IFS coach Christine Dixon.
This episode drops into starting where you are, with gentleness and care for yourself. We talk about meditation, and non-violent communication as well as continuing our exploration into parts work a.k.a IFS.
Another key topic is around curiosity replacing judgement in our relation to ourselves and others, and allowing that curiosity to lead us to more and more authentic fascination with...2023-08-301h 38The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration72. How I Use Breathwork for Psychedelic IntegrationDiscover the unparalleled power of breathwork for nervous system regulation and psychedelic integration. Host Jonathan Schecter shares his experience learning to use breathwork to be more present in his body, grounded and feel safer going deeper into psychedelic exploration.
Uncover how breath acts as the control center for the nervous system, intricately weaving body, mind, and spirit.
This episode is not just a discussion, you'll also learn the transformative technique of heart coherence breathing, which not only assists in psychedelic integration but offers countless benefits like reduced stress, improved cognitive performance, and bolstered emotional regulation. 2023-08-2329 minThe Vital Point: Pathways To Integration71. Exploring Holotropic States & Archetypal Astrology with Jonathan WallerNavigating the fascinating intersections of archetypal astrology, psychedelic therapy, and personal transformation with coach and archetypal astrologer Jonathan Waller.
Episode Topics:
Archetypal Astrology: Unpacking its unique focus on the primary celestial bodies.
Synchronistic Universe: How astrology connects us to a deeper dance with the cosmos.
Celestial Influences: Insights on the different planets..
Astrology in Psychedelic Therapy: Using the archetypes as a reflection in therapeutic journeys.
Integrating Archetypal Experiences: The transformative power of surrender and reverence.
Consciousness Expansion: Delving into breathwork and cold water practices for d...2023-08-171h 58The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration70. Satire, Skepticism, & Surfing the Psychedelic Wave with Dennis WalkerJoin host Jonathan Schecter for a captivating conversation with Dennis Walker, a multimedia luminary with a flair for satire and founder of Mycopreneur.
Together, they delve into the nuanced world of satire, skepticism, personal evolution, and the dynamic future of the psychedelic renaissance. Dive in and discover how humor can be both a relief and a revelation, especially in a field as transformative as psychedelics.
This episode is sponsored by Cultivating Wisdom. Go to cultivatingwisdom.net and use code TVP20 at checkout for 20% off your purchase.
Episode Highlights:
- Discovering Comedy...2023-08-121h 26The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration69. The Power of Gentleness with Steph MagentaSteph Magenta is the founder of Seven Directions Breathwork training and the co-founder of Integrative Breath School of Breathwork. She’s a breathwork teacher and facilitator, shamanic practitioner and licensed bodywork therapist. A Modern Day Medicine Woman, her heart and wisdom are infused in everything she does.
The podcast delves deep into the realms of nuanced thinking, self-awareness, and the human desire for safety. The conversation underscores the tendency for individuals to perceive situations in stark black and white, especially when influenced by past wounds. However, with introspection and time , one can discern the intricate layers and co...2023-08-091h 04The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration68. When Psychedelics Are TraumaticIn this episode I delve into the sensitive topic of trauma that has occurred in expanded states of consciousness. By sharing a personal experience, my intention is to dispel the popular misconception in the plant medicine community that “there is no such thing as a bad trip” as this is neither correct or trauma-informed.
While many risks can be reduced through best practices for safety, set and setting, that doesn’t change the fact that trauma can occur. The situation I describe has been a defining moment in my life, and I hope that others who have experienced something simila...2023-08-0541 min
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration67. Rethinking the "Heroic" Mushroom Dose with Dave HodgesDave Hodges is the founder of The Church of Ambrosia and Zidedoor in Oakland - which is a nondenominational, interfaith religious organization that supports the use and safe access of all Entheogenic Plants, with a focus on Cannabis and Sacred Mushrooms.
A lot of Dave’s work centers around high-dose work with the mushrooms, which is one reason why the information he shares in this episode is so crucial.
Dave shares the results of recent research with Oakland Hyphae around creating a standardized way of measuring psilocybin for safer and more accurate dosing and explains why...2023-08-021h 15
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration66. Harmonizing Science & Spirit: Integrating the MAPS Psychedelic Science ConferenceI'm closing out Season 6 by exploring the emotionally transformative experience of attending the MAPS Psychedelic Science Conference - which was surprisingly similar to an actual extended psychedelic ceremony! I reflect on the emotions, and the expansive and optimistic experiences, that deserve careful integration just like a psychedelic journey. In a way, this podcast is part of my integration process!
Some highlights:
-The psychedelic conference experience
-Impactful Workshops and Panels I attended
-The diversity of attendees and the state of psychedelics
-Hope for the Future
Thanks for journeying w...2023-07-0355 min
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration65. Surrender is Trusting Spirit with Jonathan 'Quest' BrownDive into the transformative journey of Jonathan 'Quest' Brown, a certified yoga teacher, reiki master, and psychedelic integration coach.
Quest opens up about his path of self-discovery and profound healing, triggered by the unexpected loss of his mother. He sheds light on the pivotal role of yoga, reiki, and psychedelics in his healing journey, emphasizing how these practices have not only aided his recovery but also instilled a deeper sense of purpose in his life.
A key takeaway from our conversation is the profound importance of surrendering to vulnerability and placing trust in the Spirit. Quest also explores the...2023-06-271h 02
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration64. The Theory of an Advanced World & Fractal Psychology with Saemi NakamuraImagine waking up from a dream, seeing that your unconscious mind is creating everything in your reality and that you have the power to change it.
Saemi Nakamura is a Holotropic and Neurodynamic breathwork facilitator and a practitioner of “Theory of an Advanced World” (TAW) and Fractal Psychology - which teaches you how to change your reality and completely transform your life and limiting beliefs. According to TAW the world is a projection of your thoughts and using the practices and brain exercises of Fractal Psychology you can change your past, present and future.
I practiced TAW with Saemi duri...2023-06-121h 50
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration63. Waking up Into Now with David NichternMy guest on this episode is my current meditation teacher David Nichtern, founder of Dharma Moon.
David is a senior teacher in the lineage of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. This tradition combines a contemporary, secular approach to meditation with the ancient practices and philosophies of Tibetan Buddhism. David is also a four-time Emmy winner and two-time Grammy nominee, and a successful entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience integrating spiritual practice and everyday living. He is the author of Awakening From The Daydream; Re-imaging The Buddha’s Wheel of Life and Creativity Spirituality and Making A Buck and hos...2023-05-291h 19
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration62. Cultivating Wisdom with Cesar MarinOn the latest episode of The Vital Point Podcast , my guest is Cesar Marin, founder of Cultivating Wisdom.
The conversation centers around microdosing and the responsible use of psychedelics for personal growth and healing.
We talked about:
-Cesar's personal journey with microdosing and its benefits
-The importance of intention and integration in the microdosing process
-Responsible use of psychedelics for personal growth and healing
-Educating oneself about psychedelics and approaching them with respect and caution
-Cultivating Wisdom's mission
-The role of education in...2023-05-121h 02
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration61. Dropping Into Full Spectrum Breathwork with Jamie ClementsIn this enlightening conversation, host Jonathan Schecter chats with Jamie Clements, a leading breathwork teacher based in London. Jamie a breathwork specialist and founder of The Breath Space and has worked alongside top entrepreneurs, politicians, athletes and many more, to share the life changing potential of breathwork and altered states of consciousness. After discovering out first-hand just how impactful breathwork can be, Jamie strongly believes that breathwork is the most universal and powerful tool that we all have access to change our minds and live healthier, happier lives. Jamie shares his journey into breathwork, his practice, and the philosophical...2023-04-291h 31
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration60. Transforming Your Life with Orientation: A Simple Practice w Profound Impact | with Jonathan SchecterIn this enlightening episode host Jonathan Schecter, a renowned psychedelic integration and transformation coach, unravels the potent world of Somatic Experiencing™ (SE).
Taking you along his personal journey through the second training module of his SE practitioner certification, he explores the intricacies of this body-based trauma therapy method devised by Dr. Peter Levine.
The episode illuminates how SE aids in controlling the nervous system and confronting trauma, emphasizing the body's self-protective responses, the significance of gradual progress (titration), and the importance of resources for trauma management.
Schecter shares his experience with "Orientation," a powerful SE...2023-04-2938 min
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration59. Psychedelic Integration is Life Integration with Dr. Ryan WestrumDr. Ryan Westrum is the author of The Psychedelics Integration Handbook, founder of Healing Souls and host of The Psychedelic Psychologist podcast. With over 20 years working in mental health, he combines traditional therapeutic methods with holistic, intuitive therapies that empower you to take charge of your life and mental health.
Ryan and I explore the intersection of psychedelics and mental health and the experience of integrating the cosmic perspective and insights that can come from psychedelics with the grounded embodied experience of human life and how that has shaped his work in the mental health field.
2023-03-3152 min
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration58. Leaning Towards the Presence of Death with Maitreya WolfMaitreya Wolf is a modern mystic, wisdom teacher, soul mentor, writer, musician, dancer, yogini, and lover of the wild earth.
In this episode, Maitreya and Jonathan Schecter discuss
transformative experiences, initiatory consciousness, and the importance of cultivating the soul and sovereign self as well as the grieving process within trauma and the importance of having stewards and caretakers to help individuals move out of helplessness into adulthood.
An important portion of the episode revolves around the lessons we can learn from confronting death, and the episode closes with a meditation on...2023-03-221h 34
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration57. Why You Can't ChangeHave you ever tried to make a major change in your life and wondered why the $@%& is it so hard? It all comes down to your nervous system and whether you feel safe or not in your body.
In this solocast, host Jonathan Schecter dives into the journey of changing careers and the challenges that have come up during the process. These include a vulnerable look at his blocks and where he was stuck, as well as the methods he used to make the change happen and how that's impacted his coaching practice and the way he...2023-03-1730 min
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration56. Integrating Meditation On & Off Your Cushion with Hector MarcelHector Marcel is the President of The Three Jewels Enlightenment Studio in New York, which is dedicated to help people reach their highest potential through meditation, yoga, public talks, and community outreach. In addition to being a master teacher of meditation and Eastern philosophy, he also serves on the board of the Asian Classics Institute.
In this episode, Hector and Jonathan Schecter discuss …
the benefits of cultivating a meditation practice
Treating your mind as a lab to experiment and play with the way you experience reality
Treating your mind as a gym where you can train an...2023-02-261h 00
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration55. Supporting the Alignment of Your Soul with Beth WeinsteinAs a spiritual business coach, Beth helps current and aspiring coaches, healers, Psychedelic Pioneers, and spiritual leaders align with your soul's path and grow your business so you can help more people, share your Unique Medicine, and have a thriving transformational business you love.
Using her experience growing multiple businesses (including three of her own), along with neuroscience-backed methodologies, spiritual teachings, and practical business action plans, Beth offers a multi-dimensional approach to help you move past limiting beliefs, overcome obstacles and grow your business in a successful, impactful way.
She guides you in a step-by-step proc...2023-02-151h 30
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration54. Coherence Breathing & the Benefits of Breathwork with Jonathan SchecterTune in to this week’s solo episode with Jonathan Schecter to learn a powerful breathwork method to strengthen your nervous system, increase relaxation and lower your heart rate.
In this episode, Jonathan takes questions from the audience about:
▶ different types of breathwork and how they work together
▶ using your breath the regulate the nervous system
▶ the appeal of using breathwork to enter expanded states of consciousness, and why that’s not the best place to start
▶ the differences between cold showers and ice baths
▶ using cold exposure to handle ps...2023-02-0835 min
The Vital Point: Pathways To IntegrationSurrender, Cold Plunges, and the Path of Service with Adam Heaps (Ep 53.)Adam Heaps holds space for transformation through community, nature, and devotion to the path of surrender. He leads Satsang with The Energy Stack, supports local men's circles, and facilitates weekly cold plunges and drum circles in the Utah mountains—offering an open invitation to connect with the higher self, with each other, and with the natural world.In this episode, Adam and Jonathan explore what it means to live from the heart. They talk about:the wisdom of surrender how service can become a path to healing finding love in every moment, even the hard ones in...2023-01-181h 12
Medicine for These Times with Beth WeinsteinBreathwork for Psychedelic Integration with Jonathan SchecterJonathan Schecter is an integration coach, podcast host and certified breathwork facilitator. He works with men to help them find clarity & unlock lasting change in their work with mushrooms and plant medicine.The methods he uses in coaching are the same ones he’s used to transform his own life.Coming out of an abusive marriage left him feeling lost, stuck and unhappy; within this dark night of the soul, and during a deep exploration of self working with plant medicine, he discovered breathwork, and started prioritizing the integration process as much as the time he was sp...2023-01-171h 03
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration52. Realer Than Real, Exploring Transpersonal Experiences with Katrina MichelleKatrina Michelle PhD, LCSW is the founder and director of The Curious Spirit, a New York-based psychotherapy and coaching practice offering personal transformational work and retreats.
As co-creator and producer of When Lightning Strikes Film she is seeking to demystify, the sometimes unsexy, process of spiritual emergence.
Katrina is also a member of the Emergent Phenomenology Research Consortium (EPRC), currently conducting research seeking to better understand adverse psychedelic experiences.
In this episode, Katrina and Jonathan Schecter discuss transpersonal experiences - specifically taking an informal case study on some of Jonathan’s experiences. This in...2023-01-111h 27
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration51. Breath is the Remote Control for your Nervous System with Conni BiesalskiConni Biesalski is a Breathwork Facilitator, Meditation Teacher and Somatic Coach. She helps people heal and regulate their nervous system, improve their breathing pattern and come home to their bodies.
In this episode, Conni and Jonathan Schecter discuss …
▶ Breathwork beyond expanded states
▶ Breathwork as the remote for the nervous system
▶ How holotropic/transformational style breathwork is the doorway into a wider world of breathing
▶ Conni’s journey into breathwork facilitation
▶ Developing somatic awareness
▶ The power of somatic awareness and interoception
▶ Conni’s breathwork practice for you to...2022-12-231h 12
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration50. Authentic Presence and Expanded Consciousness with Acacea LewisAnother multidimensional conversation with mycologist and anthropologist Acacea Lewis on working with sacred mushrooms and other entheogens, Buddhism, cultivating presence in all aspects of life and so much more.
In this episode, Acacea and Jonathan Schecter discuss …
▶ Working with mushroom elders in Oaxaca
▶ The wisdom potential of working with the mushroom
▶ The history of mushroom wisdom in different cultures
▶ The relativity of dosages
▶ Finding similarities in different viewpoints and traditions
▶ Integrating Buddhist and entheogenic experiences
▶ Direct experience of non-duality through working with the mushroom
...2022-12-131h 29
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration49. Embodiment & Service on the Medicine Path with Laura DawnLaura Dawn, M.Sc, is the host of The Psychedelic Leadership Podcast and Founder & Director of Grow Medicine. She has a Masters in Science specializing in Creativity Studies & Change Leadership and is at the forefront of exploring the intersection between psychedelics and creative cognition for leadership development.
Laura Dawn has developed a new framework called “Psychedelic-Oriented Leadership Development,” offering a new model and curriculum for psychedelic preparation and integration for ceremonially-informed leadership development.
Through her retreats and signature programs, she helps leaders, teams, entrepreneurs, and peak performers cultivate the mindsets and skillsets to unlock innovative solu...2022-12-011h 09
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration48. Connecting to Self, Soul, & Purpose with Matt GottesmanMatt Gottesman is a 2x founder, podcaster and writer. He's also an agile digital marketer and strategist by trade, with a background in helping some of the world’s most iconic brands such as Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy.
Nearly a decade ago he decided to reconstruct his own narrative by taking to the Internet to create, build and publish to the world through his own brands, as well as communicate to the masses at the intersection of culture, creativity, spirituality and entrepreneurship.
He's spent the last 20+ years on the Internet...
4 of them dedi...2022-11-191h 22
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration47. Creating an Integrated and Embodied Life with Tristan VictorTristan Victor is a first generation Mexica entrepreneur, artist and ICF certified life coach focused on integration and men’s alchemy. He’s the founder of STAYRIZEN a psychedelic integration focused community offering a network of education, resources and guides exploring the intersection between psychedelics and personal development.
In episode 47 of The Vital Point podcast Tristan Victor and Jonathan Schecter discuss
▶ The benefits of microdosing sacred mushrooms
▶ Intentional usage of mushrooms and other psychedelics
▶ the benefits and differences of micro vs macro dosing
▶ the value of Menswork
▶ healing old patterns...2022-11-1042 min
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration46. Integration in Partnership with Mystical Heart Collective (Sinclair Fleetwood & John Steiner)Sinclair Fleetwood and John Steiner are psychedelic transformation guides on a mission to help you align with your purpose and elevate your vibration with sacred medicines so that you can start living a life that feels good.
Through their work with plant medicines, they have built their relationship on trust, honesty, and a commitment to growth, and they share this light and love through their psychedelic coaching practice, and as co-hosts of The Psychedelic Integration Podcast.
In episode 46, Sinclair and John and Jonathan Schecter discuss …
▶ How Sinclair & John met
▶ One of the core v...2022-11-031h 09
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration45. The Importance of Community in the Psychedelic Space with Dr. Sa'ed Al-OlimatDr. Sa’ed Al-Olimat, PharmD is the CEO and Founder of Psilohealth, which provides education, supports legislation, and facilitates integration of psilocybin-supported care.
A Taiwanese-Jordanian first generation American immigrant, he is a licensed pharmacist and educator of psychedelic medicine. He has worked with pharmaceutical companies, prescriber clinics, hospice and palliative care organizations, insurance groups, and other settings to enhance patient care. Dr. Sa’ed is a community-pharmacy manager and mental health advocate. His passion in advancing mental health outcomes led him to investigating psilocybin and other classical psychedelic compounds as tools for mental, spiritual, and emotional support.
2022-10-0558 min
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration44. Mindfulness Meditation: Creating your own ClarityIn this solo episode, Jonathan Schecter discusses
▶ What mindfulness is good for
▶ How he got started practicing mindfulness
▶ How the mind works
▶ The impact of meditation
▶ Why meditation is so good for people doing work with psychedelics and personal development
▶ Jonathan takes you through a brief introduction to mindfulness that you can do at home
To learn more about mindfulness meditation please sign up for the free workshop Jonathan is hosting October 1. RSVP at https://lu.ma/5ri0hlum
▶ Website:
https...2022-09-1630 min
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration43. EMDR for psychedelic preparation & integration w/ Ayahuasca KaurAyahuasca Kaur (Birthname Sarai Darbandi) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker & a Trauma Informed Ayahuasca Preparation & Integration Coach.
She has taken her years of being a Trauma therapist and began to intentionally apply her knowledge to the Ayahuasca path beginning in 2016 when she herself experience the power of Ayahuasca. She struggled to deeply integrate the lessons of Ayahuasca in the beginning and began to pay attention to what really worked.
Over the years she has come up with a blend of EMDR, mindfulness, breathwork, inner child and re-parenting work to assist her clients and students with making long-lasting change on...2022-08-251h 05The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration42. Audience Q&A and big news for the future of the podcast!I share some big, exciting and yet scary news about the podcast! Thank you for supporting the podcast through the first 4 seasons, and I can't wait to bring you the next season!
After news, I answer YOUR questions:
- Am I ever afraid before a breathwork session?
- What are entities and have I encountered them in the medicine space?
- Is there such a thing as showing up with too much love?
- How to use the work to deal with trauma?
Learn...2022-07-3057 minThe Vital Point: Pathways To Integration41. Curiosity About Internal Family Systems with Justin MartinInternal Family Systems (IFS, sometimes called Parts Work) is a powerful therapeutic method for change, especially with deep parts of our shadow and areas of our personality that are challenging to integrate.
Justin and I chat on this episode about:
what IFS is and how it works
how IFS can help with challenging parts, and what the roles these parts play within us
how IFS can help men and the courage that it takes to open up and be vulnerable
the power of bringing curiosity into the process of t...2022-07-2348 minThe Vital Point: Pathways To Integration40. Understanding Resistance and Preparing for Deep Work with Greg LawrenceGreg Lawrence is a psychedelic integration and transformational coach, speaker, educator, and integration coach for The Transpersonal Center in Los Angeles and for retreat centers around the globe.
Greg shares his story of his own transformation- how psychedelics helped to pull his life out of a downward spiral of addiction, and then we get into resistance - how the mind holds us back from achieving the things that we want, why that happens, and how to overcome it.
We also talk about preparation for psychedelics and how surrender can help us get the most from ou...2022-07-2356 min
The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration38. Kambo & Full Spectrum Health with Apah WellnessSamantha & Geoff are @apahwellness, focusing on Kambo and Primal Health coaching, and I loved learning more about their story, of what drew them to Primal Health and then to Kambo, and then really diving deeper into :
🐸What kambo is
🐸Where it comes from
🐸What it's used for
🐸What the benefits of sitting with it are
🐸and some of the benefits they see in their clients after the kambo sessions
We also talked about their "vital point" which is not taking yourself too seriously in personal development, and keeping a sense of childlike curio...2022-06-2952 minThe Vital Point: Pathways To Integration37. Breath Awareness is Self Awareness with Campbell Will“Breath awareness is self awareness”. That’s a theme that runs through this wonderful conversation with breathworker and physiotherapist Campbell WIll aka @breathbodytherapy.
We discuss how the breath informs and supports all the other systems in the body,
how we can use the breath to change those systems (especially our autonomic nervous system)
how our modern world is changing our nervous system response and how the breath helps us balance out these changes
Being the driver of our experience rather than the passenger by using our breath to observe and change our st...2022-06-261h 09The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration36. Empathic Integration with Douglas FinkelsteinDoug Finkelstein is the founder and Chief Empathy Officer for Empathic.Health, which is a psychedelic integration community for people to learn, share, and help others. We talk about the importance of community to the integration process as well as what Doug's thoughts on what integration means in general, his story of coming to psychedelics and what Empathic.Health is all about. I recently joined the community and it's great to connect to people who are interested in supporting and sharing with one another, so if you're into integration like I am (and let's face it, if you listen...2022-06-181h 02The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration35. Exploring Meditation with Jimmy WightmanThis episode is all about one of my favorite transformational practices - meditation and is a great start if you're new to meditation and have ever been curious about it but maybe have felt overwhelmed about where to begin or felt like you can't do it.
My guest is that_meditation_guy on IG, Jimmy Wightman.
Jimmy is a meditation teacher and genuinely wonderful person, and I really enjoyed getting to know him a bit and learning more about his story and practice.
We talked about the similarities in our journeys in how we found meditation - both of us h...2022-06-121h 12The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration34. Connecting to your Somatic experience through Dance with Karen NitscheOn this episode we get into a different dimension of somatic work than we have discussed before with my friend Karen.
Karen is a breathwork facilitator and yoga instructor and also trained in a very interesting dance modality called Contact Beyond Contact that fuses dance, authentic movement, somatic connection, qi gong and more.
I wanted to learn more about this modality because connecting to our bodies aka “embodiment” is a direct method of transformation. It's also something that a lot of us are not very comfortable with...and we talk about that as well.
...2022-06-1249 minThe Vital Point: Pathways To Integration33. Tuning into your intuition, Spirit and Mother Aya with Jessica PosillicoMy guest on this episode is my friend Jessica Posillico. She is a coach and consultant specializing in helping people transition into a more soul-aligned career path. She is also in the process of launching a healing practice providing Reiki, tarot reading and more. She is a friend and beautiful soul and shared her experience sitting with Mother Ayahuasca @rythmia_ in Costa Rica.
We also talked about choosing a more fulfilling career and the energetic impacts of the Great Resignation and what’s been happening in the world during the last couple years.
Going inward an...2022-05-251h 13
Safe Space with JessPos: A flowin' & growin' vibe for the Soul TribeMushrooms, Breathwork, & Integration | Jonathan Schecter🍄Jonathan Schecter🍄 is an Integration Coach with extensive experience in 🌱plant medicine, 🌬breathwork, & 🧘🏻mindfulness. Listen in for Jonathan's healing journey with psilocybin. He's now offering a Breathwork & Integration coaching container for men looking for guidance on their somatic healing journey.
✨
For more on Jonathan:
🪬IG: @bluemagicalchemy
🌬Work with Jonathan: https://linktr.ee/Bluemagicalchemy
✨
Work with me!⬇️
✨🦄Life & Career Coaching | Reiki Offerings: JessicaPosillico.com
✨🦋IG @jessica_posillico2022-05-231h 06The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration32. Using journaling to integrate with Jenny DionJournaling is one of the most powerful ways to integrate our work with psychedelics, and really any changes you are trying to make in your life. I recently found this out on a retreat - during a journaling activity some strong energy from a journey I had over a year ago came up and has been calling me to write more so that I can unpack it and really figure out what to do with it. My guest on this episode is no stranger to this practice - in fact she was moved to create a company that makes...2022-05-1954 minThe Vital Point: Pathways To Integration31. Exploring High Dose Mushroom work with Dave HodgesFor about as long as I have been working with plant medicines, I have been fascinated with people who are exploring the upper limits of psilocybin. I consider them to be true psychonauts - explorers on a final frontier beyond what you may think of as reality. This type of exploration is not for everyone, I am certainly not endorsing it, nor is the guest on this episode, Dave Hodges. Dave is the founder of The Church of Ambrosia and Zidedoor in Oakland - which is a nondenominational, interfaith religious organization that supports the use and safe access of...2022-05-191h 02The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration30. Questions from the AudienceOn this solocast episode to close out Season 3, I take some questions from the audience:
How did I start working with breathwork and what called me to do this work?
What makes someone who is avidly opposed to drugs take the leap to try psychedelics?
How to work with a strong psychic shift?
Do I think it's important to remember trauma, or is a bodywork approach enough to overcome it?
How to give space to negative emotions while maintaining a positive outcome in daily life?
2022-05-051h 11The Vital Point: Pathways To Integration29. Sacred Mushrooms & the Journey of the Deified Heart with Acacea LewisOn this episode my guest is Acacea Lewis, and what an incredible episode it was.
Acacea shared about her school Divine Master Alchemy and her beautiful mission.
We talked about the Aztec and Mazotec history of sacred mushrooms, how their use and the place within their culture, philosophy and spirituality has been covered up by the Spanish colonizers.
Acacea shared about the mushrooms role in The Journey of the Deified Heart - a representation of our spiritual journey as shown thru Quetzalcoatl. This is a topic that wasn't completely new to me, but...2022-04-0946 minThe Vital Point: Pathways To Integration28. Humor & Intuition in the Integration Process with Daniel ShankinOn this episode my guest is Daniel Shankin, founder of Mt. Tam Integration
Daniel shares a lot of humor and wisdom, which is something I appreciate about him.
We also talk about intuitive integration,
finding a meditation practice that works for you and the importance of meditation in the integration process
why it’s important to have an integration practice and how it is both a short and long term journey
how memes can convey wisdom and humor
how we get caught in our own perceptions and st...2022-03-3033 minThe Vital Point: Pathways To Integration27. Part of Integration is Preparation with Erin DoumertIn this episode I chat with psychedelic integration coach Erin Doumert. One of the powerful things about this talk was discussing the importance of preparation to the psychedelic integration process and Erin brought up something that I also work with - that preparation is not only your set and setting, but also the skillset that you bring to the experience. What are the tools and resources you have to support yourself? Erin describes it as having a backpack, and I hope this episode inspires you to think about what's in your backpack and maybe go out and put some...2022-03-2542 minThe Vital Point: Pathways To Integration26. The Path of the Wounded Healer with Joe WaltersJoe Walters is a psychedelic integration coach and facilitator. Our conversation gets into his story - going into the military and other areas rife with "toxic masculinity" and his journey of coming home to himself and a more embodied state of being, thanks to his inner work with the help of psychedelics.
We also talked about integration and the importance of balancing masculine and feminine energies.
And ended by talking about the importance of men doing this work, not only for themselves, but for their surrounding environment, friends, family and partners.
Enjoy!
2022-03-2545 minThe Vital Point: Pathways To Integration25. Healing Anxiety with Russell Kennedy MDOn this powerful episode my guest is @theanxietymd Russell Kennedy MD.
Russell shared his story of living with anxiety for 30 years and some of the techniques and practices that have helped free him, including somatic work and Internal Family Systems.
We also talked about:
how trauma and anxiety get stuck in the body
Why this happens
How the body perceived trauma and anxiety as danger
How the ego tries to protect us from experiencing this “danger”
How to start to connect to our body and turn...2022-03-2047 minThe Vital Point: Pathways To Integration23. Intro to Internal Family Systems aka Parts Work with Christine DixonMy guest on this episode is Christine Dixon @the_ordinary_sacred on IG. Christine is an Internal Family Systems (IFS) coach and does a wonderful job explaining this powerful practice.
IFS is a type of therapy that considers an individual to be made up of different parts- each with different roles. Christine goes into this explanation much more in depth.
We also talk about the importance of curiosity when working with our parts,
The True Self that is at the core of our consciousness,
And how to begin IFS and parts w...2022-03-0243 minThe Vital Point: Pathways To Integration21. Fabian Rodriguez: Embodiment, working with the Plants & MensworkWhat a beautiful conversation with @realization_nation Fabian Rodriguez.
Fabian shared his story of being called to work with plant medicine, and how much it has enriched his life - now he’s on his 9th year of leading people into the Amazon to work with the plants and his Maestros.
He also shared about the importance of Menswork and becoming a lighthouse for others.
There was a theme of embodiment and relaxing into a state of being throughout the conversation and I could feel this authenticity from Fabian in his message and his e...2022-02-2649 minThe Vital Point: Pathways To Integration22. The Healing Power of Cold Exposure with Adrienne JezickMy guest on this episode is co-founder of the Morozko Forge ice bath Adrienne Jezick. Adrienne's story is inspirational: She shares how cold exposure helped her overcome 3 seperate autoimmune conditions that doctors told her were incurable! She goes into some of the incredible mindset benefits of cold exposure, How she developed her own "Morozko Method" for bringing mindful presence and sensory awareness into the ice bath process (I'm a big fan of the method and plan on attending a future certification course) and has some good feedback for my own ice bath practice.
Learn more about the Guest...2022-02-2654 minThe Vital Point: Pathways To Integration20: The connection between Buddhism & Somatics w/ Scott TusaThanks for checking out this episode with Buddhist meditation teacher, Scott Tusa. We get into a bunch of juicy topics including
What Scott feels the Vital Point of Buddhism entails
His story of finding spirituality & buddhist practice
Buddhist mind training (Lo-Jong) and Tonglen (Giving & Taking)
The Buddhist view on somatic (body-based) practices
and a practice that Scott leads to help you drop into your body and sit with feelings and sensations.
Learn more about the Guest:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/scotttusa
Website: https://scotttusa.com/2022-02-1546 minThe Vital Point: Pathways To Integration19. Working with GriefHey everyone, I wanted to try something different with this episode and talk about something that's been coming up a lot in my own life recently - grief. Grief is something that we all process differently, and some of us don't really sit with it at all.
In terms of the realm of transformational practice, grief is one of the things that can come up if we are carrying around the energy of emotions that we've suppressed or haven't yet processed.
So far on this podcast, I've talked with practitioners (and a couple times solo...2022-02-1552 minThe Vital Point: Pathways To Integration18. What is Emotional Intelligence with Genny Rumancik @theeqschoolOn this episode Emotional Intelligence facilitator and educator Genny Rumancik chat about what emotional intelligence is, and why it's so important as we engage in personal transformation work. One of my favorite parts of this conversation is around the stories we tell ourselves and how these narratives can consume our lives and limit us, while also holding the potential to become a source of strength and purpose if we are able to reframe the story we are telling ourselves.
Learn more about the Guest:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/theeqschool
Website...2022-01-2736 minThe Vital Point: Pathways To Integration17. Connecting to Presence w/ Steph Magenta @integrativebreathOn this episode my guest is breathwork facilitator and shamanic practitioner @integrativebreath Steph Magenta.
This was a fun episode, Steph and I go in on:
🔥 the Presence Process and being authentic for more of our lives
🔥 Steph’s personal journey from addiction to aligned and thriving breathwork facilitator
🔥 how profound and transformational breathwork can be
🔥 how to integrate our breathwork experiences, staying in presence and not going outside of our window of tolerance
🔥 incorporating shamanic practices into breathwork
I love Steph's message about holding space and providing a container for people to pro...2022-01-1949 minThe Vital Point: Pathways To Integration16. What is Somatic practice?This is a great episode with my guest Karden Rabin who is a somatic therapist and body worker. We get into some really interesting content… I actually got really vulnerable on this episode about some aspects of my own healing journey, and how somatic practices have helped me be more resourced to handle it better.
We also get into what somatic practice means, how to start feeling more joy, how to balance nervous system dysregulation and so much more.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GUEST: Karden Rabin
Instagram: https://instagram.com/kardenrabin
Website: www.kardenrabin.com
5 Senses Meditation: https://www.kardenrabin.co...2022-01-1749 minThe Vital Point: Pathways To Integration15. What if your journey doesn’t end up anywhere near your intentions?On this episode I welcome my partner Ayahuasca Kuar back for a 2nd time and we have a great discussion about integration and what happens when we set strong intentions, but the medicine wants to take us in another direction. What do we do with that? How do we integrate it? And how do we keep an open mindset of a student, someone that's curious and coming to the experience for guidance for transformation, and for change and healing.
Learn more about the Guest: Ayahuasca Kuar
Instagram: https://instagram.com/themultidimensionaljourney
Learn more about the Host: Jonathan Schecter
Instagram: https...2022-01-1724 min