Gabbing with Genivive Clinton
Self-described as “Black Woman, Spirit, Gentle Heart, rising comedic voice and sociological enthusiast,” Genivive Clinton shares stories of truck driving, humor, silliness and the everlasting balancing act between comedy and mental health.
One of the hottest up and coming comedians in the country, Genivive has opened for Joe Rogan, Duncan Trussell, Neal Brennan, Tim Dillon, Ron White and many other top headliners. From the East Side of Detroit, she combines her unique perspective with her killer punchlines to make audiences everywhere laugh.
Genivive is a regular at the Vulcan Gas Company in Austin, Texas and has honed her craft while performing at open mics in Minneapolis, Detroit, and Dallas. Genevive has made a name for herself as host of Afro Sundays at the comedy club staple, The Creek and the Cave, featuring the best black comedians around the country. While she loves to make an audience laugh with her silly and not specifically political jokes, she also gets serious about respecting mental health.
Follow her on Instagram @cgenivive to find out about her upcoming shows and snippets of her hilarious style.
Under a Colorado Moon with Colt Wayne Keeney
Listen to the original sound of Colt Wayne Keeney with a sprinkle of Johnny Cash and an edginess of Jim Morrison. My good friend and talented musician has been compared to the greats of outlaw country like Sturgill Simpson or bar drinking originals like Waylon Jennings. Today's episode features two Colt Wayne Keeney original songs. After Colorado Moon, he shares an amazing origin story to this lyrical journey.
This Lone Star native shines as bright as the stars of Texas. Please check out his live performances and stream his music on iTunes or Spotify. @coltkeeney6082 on YouTube for more music and videos
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A Microdosing Mindset with Tiffany Hurd
Microdosing Mentor and Plant Medicine Facilitator Tiffany Hurd talks all things plant medicine. Tiffany discusses concepts like stacking, setting intentions and side effects of ceremonial microdosing.
Tiffany offers coaching and private or group ceremonies. She is dedicated to supporting her client’s personal journeys to find purpose and embrace vitality. Find out more about her by visiting her Instagram or website www.tiffanyhurd.com
Talkin in a TV with Stephanie Hunt of Buffalo Hunt
Austin-based singer-songwriter Stephanie Hunt sits down in studio to talk about her music, acting and songwriting muses. Her solo debut album, Ambitions of Ambiguity, was recorded under the moniker Buffalo Hunt. You can hear excerpts of two tracks, Apple Tree and Talkin in a TV to get a sense of her modern blend of psychedelic pop, Laurel Canyon-style songcraft and midcentury honky-tonk touches. Listen to the entire album at https://ffm.to/buffalohuntaoa including the performance with Texas Gentlemen and Hunt’s husband, the acclaimed singer-songwriter Shakey Graves on Which One of Us is to Blame?
She is an actress and writer, known for Friday Night Lights (2006), Youngstown (2021), Californication (Showtime, 2006-2014), The Get Together (2021), and Your Family or Mine (2015).
Delightful and clever, Stephanie Hunt effuses gratitude, perspective and creativity.
Dopamine addictions, betrayal and the critical role of community in recovery with Andrea Epting
Andrea Epting
From my hometown of Savannah, Georgia, Andrea Epting continues to foster and emphasize the importance of community for successful mental health treatment.
She founded Heads-Up Guidance Services, Inc. (HUGS) in 2009 to serve the Savannah area. HUGS makes mental health and addiction recovery services affordable and available to ALL motivated individuals, utilizing over 30 volunteer clinicians who specialize in the treatment of various populations & diagnosis.
With 19 years of experience in the field of Mental Health, Andrea is a practicing Professional Counselor, Master Addiction Counselor, EMDR Certified Therapist, Certified Sex Therapist, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, and an Approved Clinical Supervisor.
Join me in a dynamic and somewhat confessional conversation as Andrea shares her clincal and professional insights into the relationship of dopamine on addiction and recovery.
Learn more about Andrea and how to prioritize one's mental health for a positive impact at: Direct Impact Media
Exploring Uncomfortable Truths with Singer-Songwriter Ali Holder
Ali Holder sits down on the Neurons to Nirvana podcast.
Find your inner healer through Psychedelic Assisted Therapy with Andrea Hanson
In 1986, drug activist Rick Doblin founded the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, commonly known as MAPS, as a non-profit organization specializing in research and education. MAPS has dedicated the last 36 years to changing the way people think of, talk about, and consume psychedelics through research, education, and advocacy.
One of MAPS training certifications offers the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research Certificate Program for skilled therapists and researchers. Andrea Hanson is one of those MAPS certified therapists able to provide psychedelic assisted therapy. Here is quick clarification. MAPS uses the term “psychedelic” to refer to both the classic psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin, peyote, ayahuasca, etc.) and to those drugs specifically termed “entactogens” and also known as “empathogens” (MDMA, MDA, etc.).
Andrea is a licensed mental health professional, and I loved our conversation. I always want to present alternatives to consider for a holistic approach to wellness and healing and this is a good point to remind the audience that I am not a doctor, healthcare practitioner or therapist. What I share in this episode is some of my personal experiences and opinions around psychedelics.
Andrea and I talk about the MAPS certification process, psychedelic assisted therapy using MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine, the benefits of recreational, the concerns of therapeutic misuse, and the importance of integration.
Andrea has her Master of Educational Psychology in clinical mental health counseling and is a Neurobiological Breakthrough Specialist, Psychedelic Breakthrough, Complex Trauma and Addiction Expert.
Her career and personal commitment has been reshaping the psychiatric and mental health fields. Find out more by visiting her website.
The Vinyl Sessions: A 2022 Music Recap
Welcome to The Vinyl Sessions, a combination of highlights from the 2022 episodes, and some new content centered around the art and influence of music.
This time of year, it can be very difficult for many, myself included. Holidays are stressful in their own category. I still grieve the loss of my parents around this time of year and continue to process grief and loss of my mother, who passed in January 2021. Not a day goes by where I don’t think of each of them and what they would want for me. And of course, I ask them for their guidance from above in my life and for whatever influence they can give to help my Georgia Bulldogs to victory on game day. I can struggle in processing my grief, but I know that I am not alone at this time of year.
When I enter the “darkness”, music has been an uplifting medicine to keep me afloat, re-energize my body, and stimulate my mind. I love discovering new music, sharing new music, and talking about music. John Berendt, author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (simply called “the Book” in my hometown of Savannah), was quoted as saying:
Someone once wrote that musicians are touched on the shoulder by God, and I think it's true. You can make other people happy with music, but you can make yourself happy too. Because of my music, I have never known loneliness and never been depressed.
So today, I want to share how my podcast guests over the past year have referred to music and its influence on their life, careers, and mental health. Enjoy this compilation episode of some of the highlights from the podcast this year.
Using the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to manage emotions and tackle stress with Lauren Fonvielle
How does tapping work? As an expert in the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) also known as tapping, Lauren Fonvielle offers a fresh perspective on what is keeping people feeling stuck both physically (with chronic pain) and emotionally stuck. Lauren is an EFT International Certified Practitioner. The basic technique requires you to focus on the negative emotion at hand: a fear or anxiety, a bad memory, an unresolved problem, or anything that’s bothering you.
Our underlying beliefs and emotions—whether or not we're aware of them—can affect our happiness in life. Learning how to better manage our emotions and release any associated stress can be a complete game changer! She joins me to walk through the tapping technique that helps reduce anxiety and process emotions around trauma.
Lauren offers the listeners a free masterclass: Intro to EFT/ Tapping for Anxiety and Pain. In this class she’ll talk about the science behind why tapping works, and you can be guided through a tapping sequence to experience it for yourself.
In addition to her hands on instruction, Lauren shares the science behind EFT and the remarkable benefits observed for veterans in treating PTSD. Unlike many expensive medications and health treatments, tapping is less expensive and less time consuming. It gives you the power to heal yourself, putting your health back into your own hands.
Turning a sentence into a story with Chancellor Jackson
Chancellor fell into writing after his traumatic experience of being arrested, and detained in Beijing for 14 days. His first book, “14 Days in Beijing” has ranked #1 over fifteen times on Amazon in multiple genres. Chancellor has also released a romance saga about a man’s first step towards gaining emotional intelligence titled 'You Love and You Learn' & 'Real Love Never Dies' now available on Amazon.
Follow the link to access Chancellor’s book 14 Days in Beijing
The Zen of Dogs with Allegra Kaough
Since 2013, Allegra Kaough of The Naked Dog, has helped hundreds of dogs and owners improve their relationship by teaching them to communicate in a language that is effective and intuitive. Her journey with dogs began in 2008 when she lived with a dog trainer and her six dogs in Arizona. Between taking a pack of 7-20 dogs on off leash hikes every day for 8 years, boarding dogs in her home almost constantly during that time and running training sessions for hundreds of clients, Allegra has learned what really works with dogs. She has the answer to how to have a happy life with your dog —just learn how they communicate with each other!
Allegra offered her beautiful home to sit outside and share her canine and life insights and to provide five tips to tap into the zen of dogs.
She shares this knowledge to help dog owners transform their relationship with their dog and she offers some key takeaways on humanity and compassion along the way. If you are interested in learning more about Allegra’s online training or board and train guides, visit her website TheNakedDogTraining.com and please check out her various social media sites for short tricks and tips on everything from healthy dog play to safe leash walking.
Checkout Artistic Director Jonathan Dekel
After watching the dark comedy and unconventional spy story, Checkout, starring Josh Pais, Dar Zuzuvosky, and Norman Issa, Tom sits down with Artistic Director Jonathan Dekel for a great conversation on his filmmaking process, how-to cross-cultural barriers within a single film, and how Checkout was inspired by true Mossad stories.
Psychedelic Artist Spooky Girl Andi Astra
Andi Astra is an illustrator and artist known by fans as Spooky Girl. Their work celebrates creative expression while questioning the status quo. They encourage people to connect with their highest selves and inspire their inner child through art and color.
Beginning with science fiction and alien-centric art, Andi has used these themes to explore their identity and relationship with femininity through Spooky Girl. Now connecting internationally with hundreds of thousands of followers on their various social media platforms, you have an opportunity to learn more about Andi as a person and connect with their creative visioning.
Connect with Spooky Girl:
Using Breathwork to heal and love yourself with Bo Bissett
As an advocate for mental health, the Neurons to Nirvana podcast tries to provide options and alternatives to big pharma, and help people explore the possibilities of plant medicine, personal retreats, psychedelic-assisted therapy, holistic health, and with today’s guest, Bo Bissett, through the muscle testing and pranayama breathing to process trauma foundational to his personalized program, Amo Ni.
Bo’s personal story is one of addiction, destruction and low-self worth until he himself found healing in breathwork and energy channeling. He tells his story as well as provides details of the Amo Ni program.
Tom is currently in the Amo Ni program. For those of you who know personally how he has struggled to overcome grief and anger, including holding profound resentment to childhood events, you can appreciate that his profound progress when friends and family members already say that he is calmer and more grounded.
The Conversation of Art and The Consciousness Crisis with Michaell Magrutsche
Everything we experience is created, and almost all artists only call themselves artists after systems define them as such. In an effort to expose the true value of art, Michaell Magrutsche joins Tom in a two-part discovery and exploration of humanity and the confines of systems. Tom and Michaell challenge what is really of value.
Michaell is an outside the box thinker, resolving the paradox: Why are 95% of worldwide artists existing around the poverty level. Without creativity there are no man-made systems and there would be no world as we know it. Michaell challenges how individuals are diminishing their human worth as we conform to political, religious, monetary and many other systems.
Michaell presents a perspective on art outside of systems, arguing that solutions create more problems because we are still too unaware of our human potential and our habitat, nature. This episode is a chance to contemplate the importance of art & creativity for the human potential.
For more information on Michaell, his art, book publications, and podcast, visit michaellm.com and listen to the second part of the conversation in the next episode.
Electronic Violinist Asher Laub
Electronic Violinist Asher Laub
As an independent artist, Asher Laub has found ways to monetize his music career by pushing conventional boundaries in composition and implementing creative strategies that inspire fans to keep consuming his unique music. He is an electric violinist, producer, composer, and performer.
Asher tells his story of how he was able to overcome nearly losing his career in music to adrenal insufficiency and now is well known for his acrobatic choreography across stages with his LED electric violin during his live performances.
You can find Asher's content on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook with over 100,000 engaged fans and he has amassed over a million views on his YouTube channel. In this episode, you will hear excerpts of two of his original singles. The first is Neon Dreams, which is high-energy progressive house music merged with contemporary classical music. The second is high octane and his latest single called Atlantis. Find more of his music and social vignettes through his website https://www.asherlaub.com/
Out Here with Brock Butler of Perpetual Groove
Out Here with Brock Butler of Perpetual Groove
Lead guitarist and vocalist of Perpetual Groove, Brock Butler sits down with Tom before the band performed at the Austin music venue, Mohawk.
Perpetual Groove or also known to their loyal fan base as P Groove, has kicked off their Fall tour. Perpetual Groove‘s sound is both genre-bending and unique that touches upon jazz, neo-psychedelia, trance electronica, and last but not least, Rock.
Find their music here:
https://www.pgroove.net/
High Maintenance - Meet the Cannabis Matchmaker Len May of Endocanna Health
Len’s areas of expertise include the workings of the Endocannabinoid system and how DNA and genetic expression play a role in personalized health and wellness leveraging the revolutionary platform of EndoDNA.
*LISTENER PROMO*
If you are interested in understanding your personal endo cannabinoid system, remember to use discount code NIRVANA20 on endodna.com for 20% off the order of your endoDNA kit.
Songwriting for the Soul with Daniel Moody
Daniel Moody takes us on a deep journey into how music heals. Music has been my medicine over the years and that's the thing that drew me to Daniel Moody, a Coach, Songwriter, and a Family Man. He helps people to write their own songs, be themselves, and find freedom from their inner critic. He uses music and songwriting to help heal, those who are seeking to fill a void that's been lacking in their lives.
This episode is a powerful one and I hope you enjoy.
Want to write your own healing music with Daniel? Consider checking his coaching program out: https://www.danielhuntermoody.com/song
Stripped down with Kalu James of Kalu and the Electric Joint
Photo credit: Imashoot
Kalu and the Electric Joint are considered one of the best bands on the Austin music scene right now. With their distinct sound, they have a vibrant live show that enhances their dynamic and uplifting songwriting. Kalu James sits down with Tom and shows his off stage persona as the two share stories of when they met, how their pandemic experience shaped them, and how their experience of moving to Austin has aligned (or misaligned) with their expectations.
Texas Monthly has said Kalu and the Electric Joint “pulls Austin’s sounds into the global diaspora: this is psych rock with more than a dash of Jamaican dub, Southern soul, and Nigerian funk.”
Kalu James grew up the son of a village chief in Nigeria and moved to Austin to enmesh himself in the live music scene. He’s been on the scene as a songwriter for years, and when he began a month-long residency at the Continental Club Gallery with another Austin mainstay, guitarist JT Holt, they both knew there was chemistry afoot. Their weekly shows would last nearly three years and along the way, drummer John Speice joined the party, officially forming Kalu And The Electric Joint.
The Joint was originally an only-in-Austin conception. Now, they have released their debut album, to introduce the world to the blues-rock, American soul and African polyrhythms. Time Undone, recorded over the period of a year out in Driftwood, Texas, and produced by Brett Orrison (Black Angels, Widespread Panic) include guest stars from members of Widespread Panic, War On Drugs, The Sword and Grupo Fantasma, who all contribute to a soulful world groove.
Enjoy Kalu and the Electric Joint’s single Garden of Eden at the end of the podcast.
Southern charm and soulful swag of Niki J Crawford
It’s an undeniable energy hitting the airwaves on this week’s podcast. You can feel Niki J Crawford’s soul, funk and R&B sound. Making her way from the small country town of Springhill, Louisiana to Los Angeles, Niki is a triple threat: powerful vocalist, imaginative screen and songwriter, and stunning actress.
Niki and the band members have shared the stage and have played with Carlos Santana, Snoop Dogg, Al Green, Macy Gray, The Roots, and Keb Mo just to name a few of the performers who have sought out her talent. She has performed on various late-night TV shows such as Jay Leno, David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, and Saturday Night Live.
Niki sat down with me after the California Worldfest to bring her signature southern charm.
Visit https://linktr.ee/NikiJCrawford to discover her many artistic talents.
The vibrant and lyrical sound of The Gold Souls
Photo credit: Kevin Gomez
The Gold Souls burst on the Sacramento music scene in early 2017 and are one of the most promising new talents in the area. Not only do they bring driving grooves of funk and rich textures of soul, they also deliver captivating lyrics and fresh arrangements with a vintage sound. One such track that captures this dynamic sound is their recent release, ‘94 Chevy. It is featured in the interview.
At Worldfest, I sat down with the dynamic and lovely lead singer Juniper Waller and also with their kind and clever drummer, Billy D. Thompson. Unfortunately, we don’t get to meet every member, but as you listen to their music, know that each member has a hand in writing and song composition, making The Gold Souls a truly collaborative effort.
The band has toured all up and down the West coast, as well as through New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and New Orleans. Visit their website thegoldsouls.com for tour and release information. They perform an exciting live show that you’ll want to catch.
Introducing Blue Honey: the intertwined harmonies and rhythms of BrightSide Blue and Honey of the Heart
Episode excerpts with Brightside Blue’s song Mama playing in the background
Today’s guests were a treasure to meet, and it is a delight to introduce you to two duos, BrightSide Blue and Honey of the Heart. These duos began collaborating and performing together, and their integration in life and on stage emits a peaceful energy.
Blue Honey –a name they have been trying out to represent their collaboration, are as much a representative of the eclectic and peace seeking characters who call Nevada County home as they are a hidden gem in the music industry.
You’ll hear Honey of the Heart’s song Corazon and Brightside Blue’s song Mama, both of which are available for streaming, purchase, or download on bandcamp or Spotify.
Comedy, creativity and cannabis with Brooke Burgstahler
Photo credit: Emily Eizen
Brooke Burgstahler is a writer, producer, host, and actress in television, online media, and film. A specialist in high quality educational and entertaining content she calls “edutainment,” Brooke is the star of World of Weed which she develops, produces, and hosts daily. An in-demand creator in cannabis, Brooke scours for stories and conceptualizes unique topics to explore, covering everything from pop culture to politics, history, hot new brands, celebrity interviews, and progress in social justice reform.
Brooke is also a 500-hour certified yoga instructor and holds a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism and Bachelor of Arts in Theater from The University of Miami. Brooke’s cannabis and wellness startup Budding Mind is designed to expand the mind and heart through the exploration of plant medicine, alternative healing, science, and spirituality. The multi-channel online platform features podcasts, video, long form education content and e-commerce for Brooke’s favorite products and brands.
To learn more about Brooke Burgstahler and Budding Mind, visit online at:
https://www.brookeburgstahler.com
https://www.instagram.com/brookestellar
https://www.instagram.com/buddingmind
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/budding-mind/id1561561631
Integrity in psychedelic journeys and journalism with DoubleBlind editor Shelby Hartman
Photo credit: Georgia Love
For many, DoubleBlind is the definitive resource for psychedelic education and community building and on today's episode, I interview Co-Founder and CEO of Double Blind, Shelby Hartman. DoubleBlind is a biannual print magazine and media company covering timely, untold stories about the expansion of psychedelics around the globe.
Shelby shares her personal experience with psychedelics, her thoughts on Micro vs. Macro dosing, and how DoubleBlind offers courses for people who are just beginning to explore psychedelics and those looking to go deeper in their healing journeys. We also discuss that psychedelics are not a cure-all and are not necessarily the right solution for everyone. Shelby further stresses the importance of using DoubleBlind as the premier resource to determine what might be the best approach.
Learn more:
https://www.doubleblindmag.com
Shelby also references the Psychedelic Peer Support Line |The Fireside Project | Call or Text 62-FIRESIDE (623-473-7433)
Fetishes and taboos with certified sex therapist Heather Shannon
Heather Shannon is a sex coach who helps sex and gender-diverse clients transform how they feel about their sexuality and achieve deeper intimacy. We explore topics such as gender identity, embracing sexuality, and sex addiction.
Watch a short video explaining Heather's new client consult process, then click the button to schedule a discounted session by mentioning the Neurons to Nirvana podcast: https://HeatherShannon.co/video-page
If you are ambitious, it would mean so much to me if you would complete a very short survey on how to shape future episodes of the podcast. Please consider filling out this short questionnaire by clicking here.
Changing the face of trauma with Ann Hince
Have you heard the phrase “the body keeps the score”? Ann Hince is a walking example of how a body changes from trauma. Ann’s body absorbed a variety of traumatic events beginning at her birth and continuing until an altercation in a parenting group when raising her two sons caused her to actively seek ways to release her pain and move forward in life. Her diligence to confront her fears and intensity in applying the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) brought substantial emotional and physical changes and brought an inner peace.
Now, she spends time sharing the powerful freeing technique with others, through speaking engagements and her book: A Pathway to Insight. Ann speaks about our subconscious stories and emotions we hold in our head, how it manifests itself physically, and how to release traumas and bring awareness to provide inner peace.
Authentic conversations with Dr. Fred Moss
What is the biggest threat to the world today? Psychiatrist and “undoctor” Dr. Fred Moss sends an urgent battle cry to stand up and speak our true voice because all of the viruses, war, and upheaval that threaten humanity cannot be addressed if we are unwilling or unable to have authentic conversations.
Dr. Fred is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 40 years in mental health. Hear how he confronted the paradox of pressure to prescribe and diagnose as a doctor when he entered psychiatry to form human connections. Dr. Fred can be controversial, but he is also living his own example on how to be heard and hold authentic conversations.
Dr. Fred now hosts two podcasts “Welcome to Humanity” and “True Voice with Dr. Fred” For more information about his philosophies and podcast, visit his webiste, Welcome to Humanity.