Afleveringen

  • Mike and Doug reflect on a milestone weekend that was both deeply creative and profoundly emotional. They dive into the experience of recording their first official song in a studioā€”a song that Doug wrote for his motherā€”and explore the healing power of artistic expression. From confronting vulnerability to embracing full creative freedom, they share their personal journeys of transformation through music, connection, and community.

    What You'll Hear in This Episode:

    šŸ”¹ Recording Their First Studio Song ā€“ Dougā€™s emotional journey writing a song for his mother, and Mikeā€™s harmonies bringing it to life
    šŸ”¹ The Creative Process & Overcoming Perfectionism ā€“ Letting go of expectations and embracing the flow of artistic expression
    šŸ”¹ Music as Healing ā€“ How creativity shifts from healing trauma to full self-expression
    šŸ”¹ Tribe & Authenticity ā€“ Finding a community where weirdness, ritual, and artistic exploration are fully embraced
    šŸ”¹ Panther Mode & Ecstatic Dance ā€“ Mikeā€™s realization about freedom and responsibility, and how it all leads to full panther mode on stage
    šŸ”¹ The Power of Ritual ā€“ Transforming a Mormon Airbnb into a sacred creative space
    šŸ”¹ A Dream of Vulnerability ā€“ Dougā€™s post-weekend nightmare and how it led to a cathartic solo dance session

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  • Mike and Doug dive into the Ten Commandments, Mosesā€™ wild ride through the desert, and how biblical stories can be read symbolically rather than literally. They explore the connections between Christianity and pagan traditions, the gods of their ancestors, and why it might be time to start a cultā€”one that actually empowers people instead of controlling them.

    Topics Discussed:

    The story of Moses, the golden calf, and God's temper tantrumsThe Ten Commandmentsā€”whatā€™s actually in them vs. how theyā€™re used todayThe Book of Job as an archetypal journey of individuationHow Christianity absorbed older pagan traditions (Easter? More like Ostara!)Reconnecting with ancestral spirituality and the old godsThe idea of a modern, non-dogmatic spiritual "cult" rooted in autonomy and ritualThe Mormons on Mushrooms underground newsletter and how to get involved

    Send your email to join the MoM Underground: Co-create with a community of artists and stay informed of online and local events, including gatherings, concerts, live podcast recordings, meditations, etc.

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  • In this special episode, Kelli and Seth take over Mormons on Mushrooms to explore the power of imagination, somatic practices, and the creative process. If you've ever felt stuck creatively or disconnected from your bodyā€™s wisdom, this episode is for you.

    šŸ”¹ Key Topics Discussed:

    The Mormons on Mushrooms vision as a creative collectiveThe power of imagination and the imaginal realmSomatic practices to enhance creativity and embodimentThe symbolism of the sleeping dragon and what it protectsHow to navigate emotions without bypassing themThe connection between creativity and ferocity in protecting one's energyThe role of play, wonder, and acceptance in personal transformationThe importance of self-approval and embracing complexity

    šŸ”¹ Guided Practice:
    Seth leads Kelli through a body scan meditation and active imagination exercise, helping listeners tap into their own embodied wisdom.

    šŸ”¹ Special Offerings & Resources:
    āœØ Kelli Christine Case

    Kelli offers an ongoing in-person SLC-based group support group for people navigating life after the death of a loved one as well as personal grief tending and relationship coaching and a nonviolent communication training in SLC at the end of February.


    Visit her website for more details: kellichristinecase.com

    āœØ Seth

    Share Circles: Seth hosts guided active imagination meditations as part of his share circles, offering a safe space for people to connect with their inner worlds and share authentically. For more details, email [email protected] or reach out to Seth on Instagram at @sethlloyds.Creativity Coaching: Seth is a creativity guide who helps people develop spiritual and creative practices through somatic methods and active imagination, leading to a more satisfying and embodied life.Email [email protected] for inquiries.

    Send your email to join the MoM Underground: Co-create with a community of artists and stay informed of online and local events, including gatherings, concerts, live podcast recordings, meditations, etc.

    Support Mormons on Mushrooms:
    Become a Patreon
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  • šŸŽ‰ 200 EPISODES! šŸŽ‰ Can you believe it? We've been doing this for almost five years, and in this milestone episode, Mike and Doug take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reflecting on the journey of Mormons on Mushroomsā€”the highlights, the cringeworthy moments, the unexpected transformations, and whatā€™s next.

    In This Episode:

    The Beginning: How a casual conversation turned into a four-and-a-half-year podcasting adventure.Memorable Moments: From our first guest episodes to the wildest interviews and unexpected community connections.Lessons Learned: How podcasting has been an unfolding processā€”both messy and profound.Personal Growth: Mike and Doug reflect on how theyā€™ve changed since the podcast began, including their evolving relationship with spirituality, self-expression, and even... masturbation? (Yup, it's in there.)The Vulnerability Hangover: What itā€™s like to put yourself out there, be truly seen, and deal with the unexpected repercussions.Music & Creativity: How the podcast paved the way for deeper artistic exploration and new creative projects.Future of the Podcast: New formats, potential new hosts, and a vision for Mormons on Mushrooms as a collective platform.

    Send your email to join the MoM Underground: Co-create with a community of artists and stay informed of online and local events, including gatherings, concerts, live podcast recordings, meditations, etc.

    Support Mormons on Mushrooms:
    Become a Patreon
    Send a Contribution

  • Episode Summary: Seth returns and is joined by Mike for a deep dive into imagination, creativity, and the transformative power of channeling. Together, they explore active imagination, engaging with the imaginal realm, and Seth's journey toward connecting with dragons as primal, ancestral forces. The episode is a celebration of creativity, personal growth, and embracing the mysterious depths within.

    Topics Discussed:

    Active Imagination and Shadow Work: Mike and Seth share their experiences with active imagination, discussing its challenges and the breakthroughs it offers. They reflect on entering the imaginal realm, confronting fear, and engaging with the unconscious without judgment.Channeling Dragons: Seth recounts his journey of connecting with dragons as symbols of ferocity and transformation. He describes the physical and emotional sensations that led him to this practice and how it has shifted his perspective on creativity and power.The Power of Somatic Therapy: Seth explains how Hakomi somatic psychotherapy combines mindfulness and body awareness with imagination to foster healing and self-discovery.Creativity and the Middle World: Drawing on James Hillmanā€™s concept of the "middle world," the duo discusses how creativity bridges the abstract and material realms, allowing us to co-create with consciousness.Imagination as a Tool for Healing and Growth: From inviting magical beings to help with mundane tasks to dreaming bigger, the conversation underscores the importance of imagination in expanding oneā€™s sense of self and engaging with life fully.Soul-Making and Self-Acceptance: The hosts reflect on how engaging with the imaginal world fosters self-acceptance and offers new perspectives on challenges and emotions.

    Links

    Seth's Share Circles: Seth hosts guided active imagination meditations as part of his share circles, offering a safe space for people to connect with their inner worlds and share authentically. For more details, email [email protected] or reach out to Seth on Instagram at @sethlloyds.Creativity Coaching with Seth: Seth offers coaching sessions to help individuals connect with their subconscious, engage with creativity, and establish life-affirming spiritual practices. Email [email protected] for inquiries.200th Episode Live Recording: Join Mike and Doug for a special live recording of their 200th episode on February 2nd at 5 PM MT. To participate, email [email protected].

    Join the Conversation:

    Sign up for the Mormons on Mushrooms Underground Newsletter to stay connected and hear about future events and updates.Share your thoughts, stories, or questions by emailing [email protected].

    Episode Highlights:

    ā€œThe face we show the unconscious is the face that it shows back.ā€ ā€œWe are part of creation, and all we can do is fully be a part of it.ā€ ā€œAn emotion is a sensation with a story.ā€ ā€œImagination is not about escaping reality; itā€™s about enriching it.ā€

    Thank You for Listening! If this episode inspired or resonated with you, donā€™t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to Mormons on Mushrooms on your favorite podcast platform.

  • Send your email to join the MoM Underground: Co-create with a community of artists and stay informed of online and local events, including gatherings, concerts, live podcast recordings, meditations, etc.

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    In this episode, Mike and Doug dive deep into the themes of community, connection, and finding meaning amidst chaos. Mike shares his recent experience with the devastating Los Angeles fires, reflecting on how disasters highlight the fractures in our modern, isolated lifestyles. The conversation weaves through topics like the cultural importance of tribal connections, the challenges of corporate America, and the lost wisdom of our pagan ancestors.

    The duo also explores animism, the spiritual significance of nature, and how movies like The Witch and The Northman bring ancient traditions to life. They discuss the Salem Witch Trials, the roots of hysteria, and the importance of reclaiming communal rituals that connect us to our shared humanity. Along the way, thereā€™s plenty of humor, nostalgia, and even a shout-out to some heartfelt song lyrics.

    Key Topics Discussed:

    The Los Angeles fires and the fragility of modern life.How corporate structures create isolation and stifle creativity.The significance of community and tribal connections in raising children.Animism and reconnecting with nature as a spiritual practice.Reflections on the Salem Witch Trials and the evolution of "witch" as a concept.Pagan roots and the myths of Scandinavian and Celtic cultures.The transformative power of rituals, both ancient and modern.Musings on the importance of connection through art, music, and storytelling.
  • Send your email to join the MoM Underground: Co-create with a community of artists and stay informed of online and local events, including gatherings, concerts, live podcast recordings, meditations, etc.

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    In this episode, Mike and Doug dive into a riveting conversation sparked by Mike's eerie solo trip to see the terrifying new Nosferatu movieā€”while high, no less! This opens the door to a deep discussion about fear, creativity, and how our media choices reflect and shape our inner lives.

    Key Topics Discussed:

    Mike's Nosferatu ExperienceWhat itā€™s like to immerse yourself in a terrifying film while grappling with existential questions.The surprising symbolic themes in Nosferatu and how they mirror our pursuits and sacrifices in life.Exploring the Heroā€™s JourneyReflections on the archetype of the hero, from Frodo to Neo, and how it resonates with our longing to matter.The paradox of seeking external validation versus finding fulfillment through self-discovery.Soul-Making Through Art and ExpressionDoug and Mike discuss James Hillmanā€™s concept of soul-making: engaging deeply with lifeā€™s ecstasies and heartbreaks.The difference between creating for external approval and the fullness that comes from authentic, communal experiencesā€”whether on stage, around a fire, or during a chill Friday night gathering.TikTok and the Validation TrapNavigating the highs and lows of sharing content online.Why likes, comments, and views can never fully satisfy the soul.New Year Intentions: Living AuthenticallyMike shares a new ritual inspired by Doug: defining ā€œI amā€ statements to align with personal truths and aspirations.How these intentions tie back to music, community, and creating moments of true connection.
  • Send your email to join the MoM Underground: Co-create with a community of artists and stay informed of online and local events, including gatherings, concerts, live podcast recordings, meditations, etc.

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    Doug and Mike reflect on the past year, sharing their top cultural moments and the personal stories behind them. From the films and TV shows that left a mark to the music that became a soundtrack to their lives, itā€™s a nostalgic and thoughtful journey through the art that shaped their 2024.

    A mix of humor and insight as they count down their favorite moments in culture, including standout shows like Shogun and Welcome to Wrexham and emotional films like The Outrun.Reflections on the music that shaped their year, from the harmonies of The Lone Bellowā€™s ā€œHoneyā€ to the powerhouse vocals of artists like Dua Lipa and Olivia Rodrigo.Stories of live performances that were transformative, from intimate concerts to the collective joy of sports victories like the Dodgersā€™ championship.A laid-back conversation that invites you to think about your own highlights of the year, sprinkled with the kind of humor and tangents that feel like catching up with old friends.

    Itā€™s a celebration of art, connection, and the little things that make a year memorableā€”perfect for anyone looking to reflect or rediscover the joy of shared experiences.

  • Send your email to join the MoM Underground: Co-create with a community of artists and stay informed of online and local events, including gatherings, concerts, live podcast recordings, meditations, etc.

    Listen to the Christmas Songs on Soundcloud:
    Ho Ho Ho Hosanna
    Pour Ourselves Some Cheer


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    The conversation delves into the captivating saga surrounding the murder of a healthcare CEO, exploring the complexities of the suspect's manifesto, media portrayal, and societal implications. The hosts discuss the nature of violence, personal boundaries, and the influence of women in society, while also critiquing the current state of woke culture and the importance of intention in representation. The dialogue reflects on personal experiences and the evolving landscape of societal norms and expectations.

    The saga of the adjuster is multifaceted and captivating.Luigi Mangione's manifesto reveals deep-seated thoughts on the healthcare system.Media portrayal can significantly influence public perception of individuals.The complexity of violence is intertwined with human nature and survival instincts.Boundaries are essential for personal identity and self-protection.Pacifism and aggression coexist within individuals, creating internal conflict.The influence of women in society is powerful and necessary for change.Secrets can shape personal relationships and self-perception.Political dynamics often reflect deeper societal issues and personal experiences.Intention in art and representation is crucial for authenticity.

    Chapters

    00:00
    The Captivating Saga of the Adjuster

    03:35
    Unpacking the Manifesto and Its Implications

    06:46
    The Arrest and Its Aftermath

    09:48
    Media Narratives and Public Perception

    12:34
    The Nature of Violence and Human Instincts

    15:36
    The Role of Secrets and Boundaries

    18:45
    Kinks, Nature, and the Human Condition

    21:49
    The Evolution of Wolves and Humans

    24:46
    The Political Landscape and Division

    27:44
    The Power of Public Opinion

    30:42
    Rationality vs. Animal Instincts in Voting

    32:38
    The Flaws of Perfectionism in Women

    36:45
    Challenging the Patriarchy

    41:47
    The Complexity of Masculinity

    45:35
    The Dilemma of Corporate Ethics

    50:41
    Woke Culture and Authenticity

    01:00:34
    Resting in Intentions

    01:01:57

  • Send your email to join the MoM Underground: Co-create with a community of artists and stay informed of online and local events, including gatherings, concerts, live podcast recordings, meditations, etc.

    Listen to the Christmas Songs on Soundcloud:
    Ho Ho Ho Hosanna
    Pour Ourselves Some Cheer


    Support Mormons on Mushrooms:
    Become a Patreon
    Send a Contribution


    Episode Summary
    In this conversation, Doug and Mike delve into topics ranging from microdosing LSD and the importance of rituals to the cultural impact of the musical Wicked. They share candid reflections on their relationships with various substancesā€”caffeine, alcohol, ketamine, and psychedelicsā€”emphasizing the significance of mindfulness, set and setting, and surrendering to personal growth. This dialogue is a thoughtful exploration of creativity, intentional living, and the lessons learned from both practices and accidents.

    Key Takeaways

    Microdosing requires careful measurement and a mindful approach.Rituals hold significance in grounding practices and experiences.Wicked has made a lasting cultural impact, though Defying Gravity is often considered overrated.Set and setting are critical factors when using substances for personal growth.Reflection and intentionality can deepen understanding and enhance creativity.Letting go is less about achievement and more about surrender and relaxation.Ketamine can help access suppressed emotions and unlock creative potential.Daily mindfulness can help manage stress and encourage balance in life.Creativity is often sparked by inspiration but can also emerge from accidents.Being a vessel for creativity involves allowing flow and staying present.

    Chapters
    00:00 Exploring Microdosing and Its Challenges
    06:04 The Cultural Impact of Wicked
    11:53 The Length of Modern Musicals
    17:55 Reflections on Personal Relationships with Substances
    25:02 Rethinking Caffeine and Its Role in Our Lives
    31:18 The Spectrum of Substances: From Ketamine to Mushrooms
    48:50 The Bufo Experience: Letting Go and Surrendering
    01:00:02 Mindfulness in Substance Use and Daily Life

  • Send your email to join the MoM Underground: Co-create with a community of artists and stay informed of online and local events, including gatherings, concerts, live podcast recordings, meditations, etc.

    Listen to the Christmas Songs on Soundcloud:
    Ho Ho Ho Hosanna
    Pour Ourselves Some Cheer


    Support Mormons on Mushrooms:
    Become a Patreon
    Send a Contribution



    Enjoy these show notes courtesy of our overlords at ChatGPT:

    Join Mike and Doug as they dive into the magic of the holiday season, faith crises, and the beauty of creative expression. From writing Christmas songs to discussing the themes of the movie Heretic, this episode takes listeners on a journey through existential questions, love, and the power of finding meaning. Plus, they introduce the first snippets of their quirky and heartfelt Christmas music project.

    Show Notes:

    Holiday Magic & Music:Mike shares his prolific streak, writing 25 minutes of Christmas songs with themes ranging from cozy nostalgia to solstice-inspired rebirth.Doug introduces the playful anthem "Ho Ho Ho Hosanna," setting the tone for their holiday album.Themes from Heretic:Exploring the psychology of faith crises and existential dread.The metaphors of descent, transformation, and rebirth in the film.The symbolic role of love and survival as guiding principles.Creative Flow vs. Performance:Struggles with authenticity when sharing music on platforms like TikTok.Balancing the joy of creation with the pressures of performance and visibility.Connection to Archetypes:Tying holiday traditions back to their ancient, archetypal roots.The solstice as a time of hope and renewal amid the darkest days.Listener Engagement:Updates on the "Mormons on Mushrooms Underground" newsletter.Teasing a live episode and ways to stay connected.Special Endings:Stay tuned for clips of their original Christmas songs!

    Enjoy this festive and thought-provoking episode filled with laughter, reflection, and a sprinkle of holiday cheer.

  • Mike and Doug dive into a candid conversation exploring themes of chaos, music, and the rising feminine energy in todayā€™s world as well as the wild dance of the human experience, holding space for both the serious and the playful.

    Highlights:

    Divine Feminine Rising: Mike shares a oncert experience that led to a deep connection with feminine energy, including an encounter with the goddess Hecate.Reconnecting with Prayer: Mike talks about rediscovering prayer, not as a religious ritual but as a way to ground himself and send love to the people in his life.Embracing Community: Weā€™re excited to keep Mormons on Mushrooms underground, and weā€™re building a close-knit, lo-fi network to keep our listeners connected without all the noise of mainstream platforms.Reflecting on the Election: We reflect on some hard truths we have learned about ourselves this past week.
  • In this raw and unfiltered episode, Mike and Doug dive deep into the emotional whirlwind of the recent election results, expressing their frustrations, disappointments, and hopes for the future. They navigate complex topics like voter turnout, the power of social media echo chambers, and how political figures shapeā€”and sometimes divideā€”our perceptions.

    Key Topics:

    Election Reflections:The impact of voter turnout and explores why many eligible voters stayed home this election.Doug vents his frustrations about the current political climate, particularly about how the media and social media algorithms feed polarized views.Kamala Harrisā€™s campaign and the barriers faced by women and people of color in politics.Echo Chambers and Social Media:Mike opens up about getting swept into TikTok's echo chambers and reflects on how quickly it feeds confirmation bias.The importance of staying aware of these digital bubbles, how they influence emotions, and their role in elections.Tripping with Men:The importance of spaces for men to connect, find camaraderie, and be wild.Sometimes, all we need is a safe space to let it all out, to howl at the moon, and reconnect with ourselves and each other
  • Mike and Doug catch up after a break, covering everything from luggage durability tests to the strange world of TikTok rabbit holes. They dive into echo chambers, politics leading up to the election, and the odd realities of air travel.

    Highlights:

    Dougā€™s quest for the toughest carry-on luggage.Mikeā€™s deep dive into TikTok, from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives to political spirals.The value of stepping out of echo chambers, and how air travel forces us to interact with different people.A chat on Trump, Kamala, the election landscape and feeling like elitists.Mikeā€™s reflections on freedom after losing their Mormons on Mushrooms Instagram account.
  • Mike is joined by Ann Amberg, M.C.S., M.A., depth psychology & ecopsychological scholar, and visionary guide, to explore how reconnecting with the Earth and its archetypal forces can transform our relationship with ourselves and the world around us. They dive into the erotic nature of the Earth, the power of longing, and the archetypal patterns that shape both personal and collective experiences.

    Ann invites us to embrace the archetypal forces of Eros and Allurement, revealing how our culture's disconnection from nature has left us emotionally unfulfilled and spiritually disconnected. The conversation touches on everything from mythical understandings of Eros to practical ways of reconnecting with nature and the cosmos.

    In This Episode, We Explore:

    The erotic nature of the Earth and the concept of Eros as gravity and attractionArchetypal patterns and their influence on both personal and collective experiencesHow to connect with nature through praise, deep imagery, and somatic practicesAnnā€™s upcoming year-long immersion program, Powers of the Universe, exploring archetypal forces in a ritualistic and interactive formatReflections on longing, belonging, and the cultural disconnection from nature

    Mentioned in This Episode:

    Powers of the Universe by Dr. Brian SwimmeThe role of ritual in eco-psychology and how archetypal awareness can heal our disconnection from the EarthJungian concepts of the self, longing, and the collective unconscious as they relate to our connection with nature


    Connect with Ann Amberg: Annā€™s work centers on providing transformative depth learning experiences and eco-psychological guidance. To learn more about her upcoming program or work with her one-on-one, visit:

    AnnAmberg.com

    Instagram: @annlevallyamberg

  • This episode is also available on YouTube

    Mike is joined by Stephanie Brinkerhoff and Kelli Christine for a heartfelt and insightful discussion about their personal journeys out of Mormonism, the healing power of psychedelics, and navigating the complex emotions that come with deconstructing religious belief systems.

    They explore topics like spiritual bypassing, the importance of embracing grief and anger, and how these raw emotions can lead to deeper self-understanding and growth. The conversation sheds light on the tension between wanting to leave the past behind and the continual process of healing from religious trauma.

    Key Topics Discussed:

    Stephanie's and Kelliā€™s individual journeys of leaving Mormonism and how psychedelics helped them through their transitions.The concept of spiritual bypassing and why avoiding difficult emotions can block true healing.The role of anger and grief in personal growth, and how to honor these emotions rather than suppress them.How Mormonismā€™s focus on "happiness" as a measure of success can perpetuate emotional suppression.The importance of internal family systems (IFS) and parts work in healing from religious trauma.Breaking free from external validation and finding an authentic sense of self.

    Notable Quotes:

    "I realized I've been giving myself love this whole timeā€”I just thought it was Mormon God." ā€“ Stephanie"We have to be in that gestation period, in the cocoon, and trust that process before we can emerge on the other side." ā€“ Mike"Our souls want full participation in the human experience, and that includes both pleasure and pain." ā€“ Kelli

    Recommended Resources:

    The Soulā€™s Code by James HillmanPerfect Love, Imperfect Relationships by John Wellwood (coined the term "spiritual bypassing")Francis Wellerā€™s teachings on grief and the full spectrum of human experience.

    Connect with Us: Follow Mormons on Mushrooms for more insights and episodes on spirituality, psychedelics, and life after leaving Mormonism:

    Instagram: @MormonsOnMushroomsWebsite: MormonsOnMushrooms.comYouTube: @MormonsOnMushrooms

    Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with others who may benefit from these conversations!

  • Mike and Doug dive deep into the daily struggle of self-perceptionā€”are you a badass Samurai Warrior or... a Horny Santa Claus? Mike shares how his recent beach trip involved a self-baptism (because, why not?) and Doug introduces the golden rule: ā€œYou canā€™t force the night.ā€ It's all about embracing your vibe, whether you're rocking the Samurai or channeling your inner Santa.

    Key Topics:

    Samurai Warrior vs. Horny Santa ClausMikeā€™s coconut oil hair secrets Why you canā€™t force the nightā€”let it unfold naturallyBoundary-setting and just rolling with the vibeA spontaneous ocean baptism
  • Mike and Doug delve into deep reflections about self-love, body positivity, and the shame associated with personal pleasures rooted in their religious upbringing. The duo humorously tackles their experiences with masturbation, cultural guilt, and the journey of reclaiming self-compassion.

    Key Topics:

    Dougā€™s experience with self-love and the epiphany of slowing down in intimate moments.Overcoming religious shame tied to sexuality and body image.The interplay between physiological comedowns and spiritual guilt.Reflections on how the church influences feelings of worthiness, even after leaving it.Comparing how individuals inside and outside the church face the same emotions of shame, guilt, and worthiness.Realizing personal success and happiness outside of the church's teachings.Mikeā€™s nostalgia for simpler times and how the longing for innocence intersects with spiritual freedom.Reflections on personal growth, aging, and the realization that life is full of endless possibilities.Creative exploration through songwriting and the importance of expressing oneself artistically.
  • In this episode, Doug and Mike explore the dangers of taking things literally and how that impacts both religion and science. They also dive into the mysteries of the universe, share their thoughts on the recent presidential debate, and reflect on the cultural phenomena of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

    Key topics include:

    The Problem with Literalism: How taking things too literally, whether in religion or science, limits our ability to engage with deeper truths and mysteries.The Nature of the Universe: Mike reflects on the concept of an ensouled universe and the ways we engage with itā€”whether through science or personal experience.Presidential Debate Commentary: A humorous and critical look at the recent debate, touching on the absurdity of some of the comments made and the public's reaction.The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: An analysis of the show through the lens of Mormon culture, the Madonna-whore complex, and how the pressure of perfection plays out in the lives of its participants.Scarcity vs. Abundance: How Mormonism and capitalism create competition and scarcity mindsets, and why sharing and community might be the antidote.

    Join Doug and Mike for an insightful and entertaining discussion that zigzags through thought-provoking ideas and cultural critiques.

  • We are joined by Karlee Ana, host of The Big Seen Podcast! We delve into the intricacies of spiritual awakening, the challenges of navigating personal intuition, and the tension between ego and higher self, including:

    Key Takeaways:

    Spiritual Awakening: Karlee shares her intense spiritual experiences that began with a seemingly random event and evolved into a life-altering journey, highlighting the power of trusting the unknown.Intuition vs. Ego: The hosts discuss how to differentiate between the voice of the higher self and the ego, exploring the idea that true guidance often feels undeniable and comes from a place of deep inner knowing.Impact of Religious Conditioning: Mike and Doug reflect on how their Mormon upbringing continues to influence their ability to connect with their true selves, despite years of separation from the religion.Karlee's European Adventure: A spontaneous trip to Europe becomes a metaphorical and literal journey for Karlee, leading her to a place she envisioned in meditation and ultimately deciding to move there.

    This episode offers a deep dive into the complexities of personal transformation and the courage it takes to follow one's true path.