Gin And Tantra (Daniel and Eric)

In this episode, we chat with Mary Kay Ryan, anthropologist, Acupuncturist and Shamanic Teacher who's bio is further listed on the show.  We define medicine from a historic, native and contemporary perspective where the various aspects of the individual and the community are viewed differently.  How can we learn from these ideas and practices for well-being?  Check out the episode and find out!

In this unique episode we talk about the adventures of Gnostic Jesus, Mary Magdaline, Sophia and Wisdom being a female entity.  We highlight feminity, Dakinis, the Prajna Paramita and Meta-Fictional Stories.

One of the members of our GNT community has had a personal loss so just in recognition of that, and as moral support, we wanted to do a special episode on dealing with loss.  We had done some things on this before, but it is a deep subject and is always worth taking a revisit and in this particular conversation we look at grief specifically from the perspective of a Chinese Medical practitioner.  Its is definitely an interesting conversation whether you are familiar with subject matter or not... We try and keep a wide angle on our lens in regards to our audience's familiarity with these more specialized topics.  

In this episode we have on friend of the show Remy Delaune. Remy is one of the co-founders of Kumankaya, a retreat center in Mexico just about an hour outside of Tulum. Amongst the wide range of things we discussed we highlighted living an authentic life and what that means for us. We talked each one of us being the synthesis of our life's influences, being theo-centered and not ego-centered, new age spiritual limitations, separation between the mind and the heart and experiencing meaninglessness as boredom. kumankaya.com

In this episode we discuss some of the positive experiences that Nurse Burke has had working with mental health patients and some important takeaways.  We discuss the difficulties of being a woman from the Tantric texts and the importance of listening.  We highlight the dichotomy of 'managing stress' as if it were an asset to be managed and the various ways we find our paths.

In the 3rd installment of our YOLO! series, Justin Kee opens up a bit about his thoughts on reincarnation and if it has a role in academia.  We discuss the merits of case studies presented by people from the US throughout modern times on their experiences with things that are beyond rationalization and we ask if there is a place to further research this with more rigor.  We go over some of the hostility between science and religion and how they can meet once and for all for a nice dinner at a Vegan restaurant. email us @   ginandtantra@gmail.com The link to the video we referenced.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RGizqsLumo

This is the last of our series discussing spirituality in comics and this one is particularly deep!  We discuss the Marvel story titled, Deadpool kills the Marvel universe... regardless of how you may feel about comics this story is one that transcends the genre and makes bold points about life and death.  The story highlights breaking the cycle of samsara, suffering and the attachments we all have.   In addition to this story we discuss expressing  oneself and not letting in doubt.

In this episode we discuss Carl Jung's Transcendent function, emanations of wisdom, Christian ethics, insolvable polarities, the culture creating its divinity, the Gospel of John, expressing wrath, the Thunder Prophet Mind and the work of wisdom.

In this second episode of our series with Professor Guy Newland, we offer a G&T Crash Course on one of the most Quintessential Parts of Tantric Buddhism: Emptiness. Guy first shares the insight that getting how things don’t have the fixed nature our mind imposes on them is one of the keys to really helping others with Kindness and Compassion. Then he outlines all the important points of Tantric Buddhist Philosophy: Impermanence, Dependent Origination, Designation, Superimposition, Illusion Like-Appearance and the Whole Gang. Along the way, we talk about Conventional and Ultimate Radio, Breaking Tables, The English Letter A and the Sanskrit Letter Hum, The Matrix, and The Farmer and Philosopher Parts of Our Minds—Everything You Have Always Wanted to Know About Tantric Buddhist Philosophy, But Were Afraid To Ask? . . . Now You Know!

This is our first of three episodes with Esteemed Professor and Translator of Tibetan Buddhism, Guy Newland.  In it, we talked about his background and how he found his own path, including his childhood desire to understand the origin of the Universe—who hasn’t been there, right? We specifically got his thoughts on the fears, desires and the pressures one feels in society when one is trying to find one’s own unique way. Most importantly, he makes a point that we all have something of our own to share with the world and the importance of patiently working your finding your way towards doing that. We also talked about religious experience as the actual core of religion and spirituality . . . with a Twist. I suppose I had to drop the tagline in there . . . Unexpected Works mentioned including T. S. Eliot’s 4 Quartets and St. john of the cross. Hmmm . . . Enjoy the episode.

In this episode we continue our discussion on the obstacles to development via the lens of the Daoist tradition by highlighting one of the obstacles... the pressure from our families. We also discuss facing responsibility with an authentic response and developing passion as a tool for self-esteem.

In this episode we begin the deep dive into our much teased, longly awaited series about love, our lives, the various forms and influences that it has upon us and what that means for those who may or may not be aware of it all. We begin with looking at the psychological aspects of love and today we have Sigmund Freud on deck. We discuss the globus hystericus, being afraid of lonliness, building our own prisons and repression.

In this episode we give a big thank you to our most recent guest, Dean Radin, PhD and to all of our guests and audience for their contributions.  We discuss traditional and modern cultures having resistance to new ideas as well as contemporary scientific resistance, in addition to some evidence from the Old Testament...  We ask what is prayer and talk about how some things are just better for some than others.  Also we dive into empiricism, scienticism, identificationism and changing your mind.

In part of an ever growing conversation and inquisition on enlightenment and developing the self we take a deep look at some of what the various traditions say about Enlightenment.  We then look more deeply into how the Tibetan Buddhist tradition views this and how they describe the various aspects or dimensions of Enlightenment and the abilities that it has to manifest itself through various beings and in various forms.  This is a really fascinating discussion if you have never heard about these theories before.   The three terms we discuss towards the end of the episode are the Nirmanakaya, Sambhogakaya and the Dharmakaya.

In this episode we take a deep dive into the decision making process, or  sometimes lack thereof.  Highlighting the frequent tendency to put ideas, issues, people and more into a decision based around two choices.  Good or bad?  Caff or decaf?  In or out? We attempt to shine a light on this massively reductionist view of the 'world'.

In the second part of our interview with Professor Robert Thurman we ask him about enlightenment... What is it?  How can it be described?  His response covers a wide range of ideas and philosophies but he describes enlightenment as an evolutionary goal, the highest potential for the human platform, a culmination of all of the cultures who believe in it.  Ultimately, amongst other things its liberation with happiness as a freedom from suffering.  He then goes into a discussion on the 3 bodies of a Buddha (reality, enjoyment and emanation) and what that means theoretically and practically from his perspective.  Although this view is shared by many in the tradition, Professor Thurman states that its a theory.  A means to express the inexpressible and that the only sure thing, is freedom.  Professor Thurman concludes by saying that miracles are always possible and reality is totally comprehensible.   Bob Thurman,  known in the academic circles as Professor Robert A.F. Thurman, is a  talented popularizer of the Buddha’s teachings and the first Westerner  Tibetan Buddhist monk ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A charismatic speaker and author of many books on Tibet, Buddhism,  art, politics and culture, Bob was named by The New York Times the  leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism, and was awarded the  prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2020, for his help in recovering India’s  ancient Buddhist heritage. Time Magazine chose him as one of the 25  most influential Americans in 1997, describing him as a “larger than  life scholar-activist destined to convey the Dharma, the precious  teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, from Asia to America.”Bob served as the Jey Tsong  Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of  Religion at Columbia University for 30 years, until 2020. A very popular  professor, students always felt his classes were “life-changing”.   Bob is the founder and active president of Tibet House US, a non-profit  organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan  culture, and of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, a non-profit  affiliated with the Center for Buddhist Studies at Columbia University  and dedicated to the publication of translations of important artistic  and scientific Tibetan treatises.  His own search for enlightenment began  while he was a university student at Harvard. After an accident in which  he lost the use of an eye, Bob left school on a spiritual quest  throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He found his way to India,  where he first saw His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1962.   After learning Tibetan and studying Buddhism, Bob became a Tibetan  Buddhist monk and the first Westerner to be ordained by the Dalai Lama.  Some years later, however, he offered up his robes when he realized he  could be more effective in the American equivalent of a monastery: the  university, returning to Harvard to finish his PhD.  As part of his long-term commitment to the Tibetan cause, at the  request of H.H. the Dalai Lama, Bob co-founded Tibet House US in 1987  with Tenzin Tethong, Richard Gere, and Philip Glass, a non profit  organization based in New York City and dedicated to the preservation  and renaissance of Tibetan culture.  Inspired by his longtime good friend  the Dalai Lama, Bob takes us along with him into an expanded vision of  the world through the prisma of Tibetan Buddhism. He shares with us the  sense of refuge in the Dharma, which unfailingly helps us clear away the  shrouds of fear and confusion, sustains us with the cheerfulness of an  enriched present, and opens a door to a path of realistic hope for a  peaceful, kind, and wise future.

In this episode we discuss living your life as an analytic meditation, Carl Jung's active imagination and transcendental functions, having concern for the expression of our ideas, integrating with your own mind connecting with our objective psyche, free association as an acknowledgement of our continual flow of thoughts, the obstacles and potential solutions to meditation and journeying while working with our own tendencies psyche and mindscapes.

In this episode we begin the deep dive in the work of one Wilhelm Reich, Austrian doctor of Medicine and psychoanalyst who was a student of Freud. What Reich wanted to understand was the body, why you might escape or subdue it and why it remains an untapped source of joy and power. We discuss his ideas on the psyche and soma, repression and its effects on our personalities, the physical manifestations of emotions, TMJ, suppression and rumination, tension juxtaposed to pleasure and getting cut off from one's source of joy.

In this episode we begin the dive on one of our favorite uncles... Uncle Carl, Carl Jung! We begin with a look at some of his critics and their criticisms. We bring light to his thoughts on his own Spirit guides, experiences with journeying, inner divinity and we begin to question taboo.

In this second part of our series with entrepreneur and philanthropist Peter Kadens, we discuss his views on seeing life as a culmination of themes and understanding that the more one gives, the more one receives in return.   He also discusses helping minority communities through marijuana legalization and how there are structures built into society to keep the power in the hands of the powerful.  Pete highlights how "misfortune plays no favorites" and that we must turn empathy into action.

Pete Kadens currently serves as the chairman of the Kadens Family  Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to closing the pervasive  wealth and education gaps in the U.S. He retired in August 2018 as CEO  of Green Thumb Industries, one of the largest publicly-traded, legal  cannabis operators in the U.S. with a current market capitalization of  over $3 billion. Prior to Green Thumb Industries, in 2008 Kadens started  one of the largest commercial solar companies in the U.S., SoCore  Energy. Under his leadership, SoCore expanded operations into 17 states  and was named one of Chicago’s most innovative businesses by Chicago  Innovation Awards. In 2013, he sold SoCore Energy to Edison  International, a Fortune 500 energy holding company. Kadens is one of 25  cannabis industry executives serving on the board of directors of the  Cannabis Trade Federation, the nation’s leading organization focused  solely on federal marijuana policy reform. He was also named one of the  20 People to Watch in the Cannabis Industry in 2018 by Marijuana  Business Daily.

Kadens believes deeply in, and actively leads,  organizations that seek to transform lives and strengthen communities,  serving as chairman of StreetWise (2009–2018), one of the largest  homeless aid organizations in Chicago. He currently serves as chairman  emeritus at StreetWise and sits on several other boards in the nonprofit  and for-profit space. Kadens was awarded the Trailblazer Chicago Award  by The Cara Program in 2019, The Catalyst Man of the Year by Streetwise  in 2015, the Distinguished Alumnus for Citizenship in 2010 by his  college alma mater, Bucknell University, where he earned his bachelor’s  of arts in political science, and a Distinguished Alumnus by his high  school, Ottawa Hills High School in Toledo, Ohio in 2019. He was also  named one of the 40 Under 40 by Crain’s Chicago Business in 2012. Kadens  is a 2019 Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute.

Pete's Ted Talk: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86136672760?pwd=NDdVMHJYREdSbng1QlZUTFpyaFRmUT09

In this episode we have on friend of the show, Priscilla Peach-Lang once again.  We begin the episode by discussing the book, The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo.  We discuss a particular passage in which the author makes reference to looking out onto the horizon during turbulence to help aid in one's perspective during difficult life moments... However this was merely the runway to the HEART of the episode as Priscilla details the story of her daughter's journey as a young child needing a heart transplant and the numerous Spiritually and emotionally trying moments as a mother witnessing it all.  Priscilla bravely details how her shifts in perspective were key in her acceptance of the outcome of her and her daughter's tale.  Fascinating and heart-warming, literally.

This is the second part of our conversation with Professor Robert Thurman and we get into a lot!  We start out by highlighting how it can be easy to feel overmatched by life and the oft difficulties in finding happiness, Einstein's spooky action at a distance, the human potential and the challenge of conquering oneself, rebelling against your surroundings and challenging conventional education.  We examine secularism and make the point that one cannot see what is dark... nor what is transparent.  We are very grateful to have Professor Thurman on again with us, enjoy the episode.

In this episode we continue our discussion of the Buddhist view of the deeper aspects of ourselves and the enlightened states.  We give a brief story of a historical TIbetan Buddhist figure, Padmasambhava.  We discuss pure and total consciousness as the source of all.  Ironically we spar a bit over the Hardware/Software debate of the human condition...Are we more than just our bodies? And either way how do we know?

The Book we discuss is the Kunjed Gyalpo or The Supreme Source.

In this episode we talk about psychological defense mechanisms, intellectualization and the tolerance of cognitive dissonance, Emotional insulation, rationalization, denial and repression, fantasy and types of projection, regression, identification and the negative internal voice.

In the 4th installment of our Multiverse series, we discuss Infinite Universes and a Steam Room?  We talk about the three main theories of how a multiverse can exist as they are known today... The universe as Infinitely Large, The Universe as a series of Expanding Forces and the Many Worlds Theory.  We also discuss dependent origination, Schrodingers Cat, the quantum field theory, emptiness, Sean Carroll and his Preposterous Universe as well as entanglement.  This episode will expand your mind!

This is the second part of our interview with Dean Radin PhD.  We ask him about his research in telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition and psychokinesis and how science is proving the existence of these phenomenon and much more.  He also goes over the double slit experiment, observations on the force of will, scientific resistance and the profound effects of subjectivity.  We discuss materialism and how it is NOT the only worldview as well as the religiosity of science.

https://www.deanradin.com/real-magic

We would like to humbly welcome on the show, a great influence in the lives and minds of many, Professor Robert AF Thurman!  We are very happy to have him on and discuss his origin story in this episode.  He shares his influences and life circumstances around much of his time during his pilgrimage to India and after becoming a monk...then deciding to return to the US and live amongst the people.  He shares a story about his brief encounter with Fidel Castro's army and the economic strangulation of education a it stands today.  Professor Thurman also highlights giving at a high intensity and how he has learned through his own teaching.  Enjoy the episode!

Bob Thurman,  known in the academic circles as Professor Robert A.F. Thurman, is a  talented popularizer of the Buddha’s teachings and the first Westerner  Tibetan Buddhist monk ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama,

A charismatic speaker and author of many books on Tibet, Buddhism,  art, politics and culture, Bob was named by The New York Times the  leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism, and was awarded the  prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2020, for his help in recovering India’s  ancient Buddhist heritage. Time Magazine chose him as one of the 25  most influential Americans in 1997, describing him as a “larger than  life scholar-activist destined to convey the Dharma, the precious  teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, from Asia to America.”

Bob served as the Jey Tsong  Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of  Religion at Columbia University for 30 years, until 2020. A very popular  professor, students always felt his classes were “life-changing”.   Bob is the founder and active president of Tibet House US, a non-profit  organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan  culture, and of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies, a non-profit  affiliated with the Center for Buddhist Studies at Columbia University  and dedicated to the publication of translations of important artistic  and scientific Tibetan treatises.

His own search for enlightenment began  while he was a university student at Harvard. After an accident in which  he lost the use of an eye, Bob left school on a spiritual quest  throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He found his way to India,  where he first saw His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1962.   After learning Tibetan and studying Buddhism, Bob became a Tibetan  Buddhist monk and the first Westerner to be ordained by the Dalai Lama.  Some years later, however, he offered up his robes when he realized he  could be more effective in the American equivalent of a monastery: the  university, returning to Harvard to finish his PhD.

As part of his long-term commitment to the Tibetan cause, at the  request of H.H. the Dalai Lama, Bob co-founded Tibet House US in 1987  with Tenzin Tethong, Richard Gere, and Philip Glass, a non profit  organization based in New York City and dedicated to the preservation  and renaissance of Tibetan culture.

Inspired by his longtime good friend  the Dalai Lama, Bob takes us along with him into an expanded vision of  the world through the prisma of Tibetan Buddhism. He shares with us the  sense of refuge in the Dharma, which unfailingly helps us clear away the  shrouds of fear and confusion, sustains us with the cheerfulness of an  enriched present, and opens a door to a path of realistic hope for a  peaceful, kind, and wise future.

In this episode we highlight the almost comical nature of the polarization of our society from politics, social media to ... food choices?  We ask the question, how does this effect people?  We talk about the willingness to question our own reality and how to begin that process.

In this episode we ask the difficult question... How do we identify and prioritize the various parts of our identities and minds?  Essentially, what is important and how can we pursue that in a meaningful way?  We then break down various aspects of Zen and what is known as Renunciation and how we all are doing that at some level.  We also discuss the Unity of Zen, Sword and Brush as well as ideas for living as an artist and integrating your passions through the many avenues of your life.  We conclude with some quotes from George Saunders and Henry Miller.

We have with us once again friend of the show Dr. Christian Villacres. Christian is a healer, a teacher and a guide. His fields of practice are holistic health, natural medicine, health coaching and personal development. He maintains a clinical practice, leads immersive retreats and facilitates 1 on 1 and group transformation workshops.

https://www.buddhahandhealth.com/

In this episode we discuss various forms of traditional therapy , looking at ourselves as both empty and full , becoming the conscious author of our own life's story, seeing the world as you see yourself, living as the current rendition of our personal lineage and the book "It Didn't Start with You".

https://www.amazon.com/Didnt-Start-You-Inherited-Family/dp/1101980389/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.H9WdeKttUEV_WBzv2eKqMa-_K1Cs3Kc1_lrPWIMW4YlAcitjc9NI8SnmlnpKg1mxWpzJTiV0KvMylJNK27lNojnBXfi_wY3w40S-K-A5F2FYzGQjE0tzDAzc5AoWScRp8F0mc1oW6J_rIYMehTTCZHJeRh0j0x3KzrylgWRo9kzDcDpnDLk5k3TOtcXQvFf6y-Ts33ku9ZnfkhzYq8ywC-riRtHsZ0NMHmNWrSHmgys.sIbEoaF3bcGdQQ_qwhCYxEuSEiK1mr_OgxuAx6dQILE&dib_tag=se&hvqmt=b

In this episode we discuss objective and subjective truths from our own perspectives.  We get into editing life and the battle between controlling the narrative versus allowing for the flow of life to occur.  How can we accept imperfection and embrace the therapeutic misconception. Aaron's offerings can be found @ biographbook.com

In this first portion of our conversation with nurse, sufi and mother we talk to Nadia Barhoumeh about her background and specifically growing up in Palestine and moving to the US.  What was life like living as a refugee... the language, culture and pressures from society and her family to conform.  She gives her recollection of advice from her parents, living a secret life of spirituality against the will of her family and the adoption of her mantra, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going..." Nadia holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)  Rush University, College of Nursing  Chicago, IL. Is a Certified Yoga Teacher and Therapy Since 2005 and a Licensed Registered Nurse in State of California, Since 1990.

This episode is the conclusion to our Mindfulness discussion and we discuss physics and reality, if society harms or helps the passing along of traditions for philosophy/religion/etc.  We discuss the monetization of authenticity and blending it all together in the world we live.

" A human being is part of the whole world, called by us “Universe,” a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest — a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. The striving to free oneself from this delusion is the one issue of true religion. Not to nourish the delusion but to try to overcome it is the way to reach the attainable measure of peace of mind."

Albert Einstein

In this episode we talk about stories of attachment (in additions to the various effect that attachment has on all of our lives), the definition and role of a trickster (in the comic books too) and give some stories of the pain of love.  We talk about the art of loss, honoring the continuity of life and Tara from the Buddhist tradition.

We would love to hear from you! email us @   ginandtantra@gmail.com

In this episode we detail an upcoming meditation retreat we are leading in March of 2025. What is a retreat anyway? Why would someone want to try or continue on this path and why are we so passionate about bringing some of these teachings to life? We discuss this and more as we get into some of the details of our upcoming venture! For more information... https://events.humanitix.com/diamond-path-meditation-immersion

This is the first part of a mini series on Spirituality in odd places, Comics!  We take a dive into the work of Professor Jeff Kripal and his book Mutants and Mystics which gives insight in the archetypes behind many of the characters we love and the authors who create and curate them.  We also discuss briefly the movie Unbreakable, we highlight the forces in the world that work to suppress our deep and exponential abilities.  We also discuss Niche's Uber Mensch and the research of Dean Radin.

In this first part of a three-part series, we host friend of the show Joni Osborn. Joni is an acupuncturist, hypnotherapist and Reiki practitioner. Joni discusses fitting in and finding her own freedom, choosing one’s karmic path and some tips on sharing and receiving traumatic experiences. She gives definitions for sexual assault, abuse and more…. She highlights her reason for sharing her story with the world and what inspired her to do so. We are grateful to have her share her story with us.

Joni Osborn has been involved in the wellness community since 1988. After five years on Wall Street and an award-winning sales career in the world of residential real estate, she changed course in order to professionally pursue her passion for wellness. She studied Nutrition Science with a Dietetics specialty at Montclair State University in New Jersey, then followed that up with various certifications in personal training and worked as a personal trainer and health coach. In 2010, Joni began to feel the call to combine her passions and to delve more deeply into the world of holistic wellness.

After experiencing firsthand the healing and life changing effects of East Asian medicine, Joni decided to further pursue the healing arts.

After earning her Masters of Science in Traditional East Asian Medicine from Pacific College of Health and Science, Chicago campus, she has gone on to become a hypnotherapist, Reiki practitioner and motivational coach. More recently, she began her Doctoral Studies at Pacific College’s San Diego campus. In 2019, Joni began traveling to Bali, Costa Rica, and Vancouver, BC as an acupuncturist and speaker..

Joni brings her unique insight into many of the issues that are of concern in today’s population. Marrying ancient wisdom with an understanding of modern stressors, she has a great appreciation for the collaboration between East and West.  See her at her website desertroselife.com

In this episode we discuss not being ashamed about whom you love and what that says about your life, karmic soulmates, merging with the intention of the universe, having a discussion with your inner divinity, George Harrison and Eric Clapton and being supportive when it is not easy.

In this episode we discuss Mindfulness!  What it is, where it came from. Is it Religious, Secular?  Pro's and con's.  Too commercialized, not enough?  We also discuss MC Hammer and banana peels!   

In this episode we continue and conclude our discussion on our authentic psychology and again return to the work of Carl Rogers and his concepts of Self-Actualization and the conditions of self worth.  We discuss being a good mirror - acceptance, understanding and honesty- in addition to highlighting how to develop natural immunity to one's self-concept.

In this series of episodes we are calling YOLO! friend of the show Justin Kee provides his thoughts as we discuss transcending the body, the idea of Heaven as reward (or possible punishment?) and the binary notion of Heaven and Hell.   Line of the episode, "...infinite copies of a Christian Heaven."  We are fortunate to be able to discuss such topics.  There was a large time throughout the history of humankind that this was not possible. email us @   ginandtantra@gmail.com

In this episode we dive headfitst in nuance as we discuss perfectionism as a philosophical movement, a moral standard and a psychological impediment.  We discuss a journey to perfection experienced by Mary Kay and how she feels that a lot of therapy is about finding out who is at fault for why you are the way you are.  Mary Kay also discusses using Shamanic techniques for healing and asking oneself, what is the point of my life?

In this episode we have on friend of the show Joe Barhoumeh.  Joe is the owner and operator at D2 Fitness. D2 Fitness offers training and nutrition coaching online and in person in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.  His passion for this work started with a  self-transformation process that began over twelve years ago.  With each step he grew to be more confident and soon started  to fall in love with the process. He soon realized his true happiness  was found in teaching others the many things he had learned. That is  when D2 Fitness came to life. D2 fitness prides itself on treating its  clients like family and building lasting relationships.

Given the New Year is upon us, we take the opportunity to discuss something that the culture talks about basically once a year... Change!  Yes, the one time a year that some self reflection is discussed on a broad level we thought it would be apropos to discuss some of the difficulties and obstacles surrounding the best laid plans for our betterment that always seem to be just out of reach.

We discuss Gabor Mate's new book The Myth of Normal and some Daoist ideas on winter.  We highlight the differences between choice and habit as well as emphasizing the aspects of personal happiness as laid out in the aforementioned book,  'The Myth of Normal'.

We wish you the best of luck on your journey at any time of the year!

In this episode we discuss choosing a partner for practice, for love, perhaps for life, sharing bonds and passions, the necessity for a freedom from pettiness and varying levels of connection in this life.

In this episode we continue with the discussion on meditative techniques to deal with a mischievous mind, visualization. We break down the concept of a Yiddam, tantric meditation, overcoming mundane appearances and conceptions and what to do when you are getting your ass kicked.

In this episode we discuss the theory of a Multiverse from an Eastern perspective. We talk about the Between State... between days and even between lives and the momentum of living that influences them.  We discuss our addictive behaviors and trying to remodel our lives towards positivity.  We outline the idea of the Multiverse as a hologram repeating itself from macro to micro and the possibilities that may actually be because of it!  

In this episode we take a deep dive into Shamanic practice. We ask what is Shamanism?  What are some of the aspects that make up this timeless practice as it spans the globe since humankind began to roam the Earth?  How can it help us today?  We talk about the important aspects of leadership and we also discuss the effects we have on others through various practices... possible for a contact high?  

In this episode we dive into the Why of existence and ask the question, Are we trapped?  We debate and clarify our thoughts and positions in relation to this idea of being Spirits in Material.

In this episode we discuss a real life example of creativity and integration in the form of communal art... the enigmatic drum circle!  Daniel shares his role in the group of musicians and artists known as the Dog Beach Drummers and Dancers!  This community brings together people from all walks of life to share in self-expression and cohesion.  Bringing together one's desire to integrate the artistic parts of oneself and share that with a community at the same time.  We discuss reaching ecstatic states, improvisation and transcending the mundane.  On a more serious note, Daniel shares his hopes for the future of the Dog Beach Drummers and Dancers as they seek to help underserved communities on the South and West sides of Chicago through a gofundme.  Check it out and share if you feel called to do so.

  https://gofund.me/098134a1 

So this is the first conversation that Eric and Daniel have, completely off script, off the cuff and off the chain.  There was no preparation for this what so ever.  The conversation was had after recording a podcast and it was recorded and only then was it decided that it was worth sharing.  The views and opinions shared here are born of observation and experience from two Western dwelling men from different generations that have interacted with technology and social media very differently.  The discussion centers around the impacts of the current iteration of social media, the desire for attention, anxiety, shaping one's world to fit their addictions and having the desire to be a force of internal motivation through means of external motivating forces.  

In this episode we circle back a bit and praise some of the very traditions that we so often critique in hopes of highlighting the deep nature of much of the information that has survived for such a long time.  We openly ask the question, Is it ok to be critical of faith and still remain engaged with it?  We also ask who 'owns' these various traditions?  Are they the right of a certain people, or are they for all people to find benefit from?  Listen and find out!

In this episode we are discussing the relationship therapist and New York Times best selling author Esther Perel. We discuss her thoughts on using love as an antidote to death, identification of Relational roles, monogamy being the new frontier, the Romantic Model and the things hiding in annals of our subconscious.

This is the second part of our series on meditation,  we hope to have a sort of meditation encyclopedia but would be remiss if we did not highlight some reasons as to which one would even travel down the windy cobblestone pathway to infinity that is meditation.  We discuss using meditation as a means of connection to the deeper aspects of oneself and an external source.  We break down the analogy of what is referred to as the 'monkey mind' and look at some wrestling moves for your ego.  We also cover some visualizations and the inclusion of movement into one's practice.

In this episode we discuss the Taoist idea of nine obstacles to our development... YOLI? Insecurity, shame and belief as an antidote to facing your fears.

We continue our look at Carl Jung and his theories around the collective unconscious and the conscious reality. We also discuss a Buddhist philosophical theory as a means of guiding one's mind to their own conclusion, unconscious impulses, reality as a danger to the deepest parts of oneself and archetypal definitions.

In this episode we discuss our motivations behind holding off on the love/sexuality topics until now... We also discuss love, soulmates, karmic connections, the effects of our relationships on our lives and some of the theories as to why we 'need' a soulmate in the first place.  We also take a brief dive into the newer idea of 'Twin flames'.

In this second episode of our series aptly named YOLO!, Justin Kee gives his thoughts as we dive into the philosophy of biological materialism.  We discuss its meanings and relevance (or lack of) on our lives and minds.  We also get into artificial intelligence, GTP3 and the laws of space as they present themselves in various places. email us @   ginandtantra@gmail.com

In this episode we talk about the week of protests over the public murder of George Floyd and the highlighting of further racial injustice.  Also we discuss political ideology and religious responsibility, or lack thereof and when is the 'right time' to act/speak out?

In this episode we ask the question, if the myth of a culture doesn't hold, will it break? We Also discuss religion and rationality, filling the belief vacuum, finding a unified theory of everything and building a life that is meaningful.

We have with us once again friend of the show Dr. Christian Villacres. Christian is a healer, a teacher and a guide. His fields of practice are holistic health, natural medicine, health coaching and personal development. He maintains a clinical practice, leads immersive retreats and facilitates 1 on 1 and group transformation workshops.

https://www.buddhahandhealth.com/

In this episode we discuss breaking the cathartic loop in therapy, serotonin and dopamine driving our behaviors, cultivating resiliency and experiencing the body as a vehicle to experience pleasure.

In this episode we discuss, overcoming mundane conceptions, coming to terms with yourself, the ground, path and result, the three treasures and the 5 Aggregates from the Buddhist traditions.

In this episode we continue our debate and discussion on the notion of human existence being viewed as a combination of hardware and software.  The body as the hardware and the Psycho-Spiritual aspects as the software.  This came up in our last episode as a sort of reference but it drove the conversation in a meaningful way and thus we wanted to do it justice and give it a little more air time as we continue our deep dive into the Supreme Source, or Kunjed Gyalpo as a continuation on the 3 aspects of Enlightenment.

In this episode, we do a deep dive on the experiences and differences in pleasure, ecstasy and bliss, sat-chit-ananda, using pleasure to develop yourself and re-wiring your software.

In this episode, we chat with Lama Glenn about different types of “Spiritual Lifestyles:" Whether one is a "Spiritual Beggar," as Monastics are called in the East, or a “Spiritual Seeker,” living life as a Layperson, as they also do in the East and most of us will do in the West. We also talk about Fun in Spiritual Practice, and how many times a day a Good Buddhist can have Sex—The Answer May Surprise You . . . Enjoy The Episode.

In this last episode of our series on mindfulness, we give our personal and experiential insights into the practices that transcend the mindfulness paradigm.  We highlight some other technologies that human beings have been developing for millennia, , ie mantra, visualization and tactile sensation.  We go over the benefits that each may bring the practitioner and how we may overlook these in attempts to quell the racing mind.

In this episode we continue our discussion on Empowerment.  We discuss the potential for the development of oneself to best help others.  We highlight how this path is designed for passionate people, for curious people and for those who have great desire to know...  Additionally, we get into some of the afflictions of our human experience such as anger, attachment and desire.

In this episode we discuss not following God’s rules, the battle of your internal instincts against your will power, natural versus moral evil, religious structures and Spiritual practice, free will and the energy of activation.

In this second part of a three part series, we continue our talk with friend of the show Joni Osborn. She courageously shares some very personal and traumatic stories from her life. Some of which include her being raised in a born-again Christian household, how she built resilience through traumatic experience, the shame and guilt placed upon victims of trauma and the fallacy of the view of fight or flight.

Joni Osborn has been involved in the wellness community since 1988. After five years on Wall Street and an award-winning sales career in the world of residential real estate, she changed course in order to professionally pursue her passion for wellness. She studied Nutrition Science with a Dietetics specialty at Montclair State University in New Jersey, then followed that up with various certifications in personal training and worked as a personal trainer and health coach. In 2010, Joni began to feel the call to combine her passions and to delve more deeply into the world of holistic wellness.

After experiencing firsthand the healing and life changing effects of East Asian medicine, Joni decided to further pursue the healing arts.

After earning her Masters of Science in Traditional East Asian Medicine from Pacific College of Health and Science, Chicago campus, she has gone on to become a hypnotherapist, Reiki practitioner and motivational coach. More recently, she began her Doctoral Studies at Pacific College’s San Diego campus. In 2019, Joni began traveling to Bali, Costa Rica, and Vancouver, BC as an acupuncturist and speaker..

Joni brings her unique insight into many of the issues that are of concern in today’s population. Marrying ancient wisdom with an understanding of modern stressors, she has a great appreciation for the collaboration between East and West.  See her full bio @ desertroselife.com

In this episode we discuss the idea of perennial philosophy, or as I playfully label it, Spiritual promiscuity, and its presence in our work, our lives and in our pursuit for understanding.  We highlight the idea of Spirit being immersed in matter, the transcendent nature of the Self and as the question; Is there a pure source of Being?  The answer might just lie in something that is beyond the obvious...

In this episode we ask Dean Radin about his upbringing, influences and risk tolerance in addition to the obstacles that he had to overcome in order to take the path that he ultimately chose.  He wittingly replies, "life is short, take risks".  He discusses the McDonaldization of nearly everything and he gives his definition of Magic - The Force of Will, Divination and Theurgy.  He relates meditation to a form of medicine and defines noeticism.  We ask him about clairvoyance and telepathy and he shares his first telematic experience... during infancy! We ponder the probability of a Universal Memory Cloud?  Enjoy the episode.

In this episode we discuss building a life that reflects your own point of view, love as an alchemical process, the exclusivity principle and the red thread of passion.

In this episode we continue our conversation on the Gnostic idea of different levels of being but we take a more relational approach and highlight the potential changes to one's relationships as they begin to experience shifts in their viewpoints and outlook on the world. 

In this episode we continue our discussion on the finite nature of our human existence as we bring a little focus on some formal contemplation on dying from the Buddhist tradition.  We highlight the vulnerability of our bodies,  the impermanence of our things, loved ones, ourselves and more.  If everything seems to be of a such a transitory state, what stands the test of time?  Tune in and find out!

We continue our discussion on the historical and psychological changes that took place in our society's history that essentially ended the worship of the feminine divine.  We question the intention in some of the ancient texts and discuss various female lead cultures.  We also highlight some myths and legends such as Medusa and the story of Lott.  We also discuss some of the cultural remnants of an antiquated ideology including sexual repression. 

This is the first of two episodes where we are once again joined  by Joni Osborn to discuss Femine Divinity.  We begin by asking, what is divinity mean to us in the first place?  Is it something inside ourselves, outside ourselves or even both?  We discuss the idea of archetypes and how that can be useful and limiting simultaneously.  We give a view of the development of society from a historical perspective and try to point out the influences that have seemingly changed the way we look at women and the feminine in general.  We also discuss the idea of horizontal and vertical structures of power in society, business and society.

In this episode we have on Marvin Mendez, Divorce & Family Law Attorney.

Marvin Mendez is a principal at Stern Perkoski Mendez and practices divorce and family law. Recognized as a results-oriented counselor, Marvin has the ability to consume and dissect complex financial documents that can strike at the core of some of the most tenuous parts of a separation.

Marvin is passionate about creating safe spaces in which his clients can express discreet and personal ideas. A parent himself, Marvin’s ultimate goal when children are involved is to maximize the welfare and civility for the family unit.

We discuss involving yourself in self-less partnerships, exhausting oneself in a relationship, learning to be mad at the moment, emotions as decision makers, a letter to the forgotten ones and the Social Learning Theory.

In this episode we the continue the breakdown of Zen and how to practice an authentic Zen meditation.  We discuss the how to's on the body, breath and mind as well as overcoming mental obstacles.

In this episode we have on Sureya Leonara. Sureya is a Holistic Sex & Relationship Coach. Most of the work Sureya does today is the result of buried passions, which she has discovered through my her own healing process. This journey inspired her and gave her the tools, compassion and experience to help others along similar journeys.

In this episode we discuss psychedelics as an introduction to Tantra religious trauma and being rejected by God, healing with plant medicine and Lyme disease, Chinese medicine changing one's perspective, learning the somatic language and learning to be able to trust herself. We also discuss experiencing sex without an agenda.

Sureya can be found at https://www.sureyaleonara.com/

This is the third and final part of our three part series with friend of the show Joni Osborn.  Joni graciously shares some further stories from her life in addition to highlighting her own intriguing path towards becoming a healer. She discusses trying to find one’s own way without real guidance and how she currently works with patients to empower them through focusing on their own needs. We also have a deep dive into dealing with anger.

Joni Osborn has been involved in the wellness community since 1988. After five years on Wall Street and an award-winning sales career in the world of residential real estate, she changed course in order to professionally pursue her passion for wellness. She studied Nutrition Science with a Dietetics specialty at Montclair State University in New Jersey, then followed that up with various certifications in personal training and worked as a personal trainer and health coach. In 2010, Joni began to feel the call to combine her passions and to delve more deeply into the world of holistic wellness.

After experiencing firsthand the healing and life changing effects of East Asian medicine, Joni decided to further pursue the healing arts.

After earning her Masters of Science in Traditional East Asian Medicine from Pacific College of Health and Science, Chicago campus, she has gone on to become a hypnotherapist, Reiki practitioner and motivational coach. More recently, she began her Doctoral Studies at Pacific College’s San Diego campus. In 2019, Joni began traveling to Bali, Costa Rica, and Vancouver, BC as an acupuncturist and speaker..

Joni brings her unique insight into many of the issues that are of concern in today’s population. Marrying ancient wisdom with an understanding of modern stressors, she has a great appreciation for the collaboration between East and West.  See her full bio @desertroselife.clm

"You have to keep breaking your heart until it opens" - Rumi

In this episode we continue our discussion on the soulmate experience.  We discuss an article about relationships from viewpoints that span the globe (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/07/opinion/what-romantic-regime-are-you-in.html).  We talk about a course at Northwestern called Marriage 101 and we discuss the Yin and Yang of relationships.  Along the way we critique the Western Culture, of course.  

Book Reference, The Place of the Hidden Moon - Edward C. Dimock

We would love to hear from you! email us @   ginandtantra@gmail.com

In this episode we share our thoughts and illuminate some of the aspects of the Robert Thurman episode, Rebel WITH a Cause.  We  go into  further detail about the 8 fold Path and Professor Thurman's book, Wisdom is Bliss and also dive deep into what is referred to as emptiness or as PRofessor Thurman calls it, freedom.

In this, the 4th installment in our series called 'The Psychology and Spirituality of Conspiracy' we discuss one of our favorite thinkers, Carl Yung.  We highlight his ideas on the Archetypes, The Trickster and The Shadow.  We get into shared ideas on being heroic and freeing the power of emotions.  We also highlight the nature of Avatars and the infamous Q as well as views on Christianity and its role in being a conspiracy primer.

In this episode we talk about fatigue and lack of motivation, distraction and avoidance, what goes with you on to the next life and asking the question... Why do we procrastinate?

This is the conclusion of our current series on love and specifically the application of love as an antidote for the feelings of separatenes and anxiety.  But is all love healthy?  We dissect some of the pathological presentations of love and relationships including being needy, marketing oneself, self-sacrifice and virtuous deprivation. 

This is a recording for a talk I was asked to give for a group who was looking to better navigate the tumultuous political, financial and emotionally charged time we are living in.  It is an honor to be able to speak to what I believe can help.  There is no right answer for what ultimately will bring someone from a state of seeming despair to place of assumed prosperity but I hope to provide a bit of an outside opinion and maybe echo some things we have all heard before, be grateful... take a deep breath.  How to find balance and perspective in these tumultuous times?

Breathing practice from the episode:  Inhale:exhale 1:2 (example given is inhale 4 seconds, exhale 8 seconds).  The duration of the inhale can change but keep the exhale twice as long as the inhale for this technique.  

In this episode we again have on friend of the show, Priscilla Peach Lang to discuss the details of what we believe to be a pair of deep facets of our mental and emotional lives... the feeling of boundary and vulnerability.  I would be remiss of I did not also take the opportunity to discuss the inter-connectedness of everything at the outset of our conversation.  However we move from deeper philosophical discussion to a more practical and personal approach to these ideas and give working definitions and insight into both.  The episode concludes with a brief inquiry on what is known as 'holding space'.  

This is the first part of a new series of episodes where we dive deeper into the historical aspects of the suppression of the Feminine Divine but we wanted reflect for a moment on our conversation with Joni Osborn from our last episodes and express our hopes for the transformation of the culture on a macro and a micro level.  We also ask our international audience for some feedback so we can open our understanding to how the rest of the world treats these issues as well.  Email us at ginandtantra@gmail.com

In this episode we continue our discussion on the ideas of Wilheim Reich, who is credited with the genesis of the 'sexual revolution'.. IE society's shifting views on pre-marital sex, divorce and other related relationship issues. We also discuss the 7 year itch, serial monogamy, the emotional plague and the disconnect between one's fire and water.

In this episode we continue our deep dive into reality through the lens of modern physics and we ask, "Why question Reality?"  We discuss reality and mundane appearances, time moving at different rates and the expansion of the universe!  Watch out for that dark energy...

In this episode we begin our dive into Dukkha, or what can be referred to as stress, suffering, unhappiness and the like.  We try and re-frame suffering and discuss the three types of suffering that is taught in Buddhism.  We take a quick peek at Jordan Peterson in the process and talk about Warrior Martyrdom.

In this episode we tackle what we see as a problem with Jesus, metaphysical beliefs and abilities, Indigo Children, emanations of enlightenment and a practical Tantra.

In this episode we bring in friend of the show, Todd Love Ball Jr.  Todd is known as so much to so many... husband of 20 years, father of two, professional fitness trainer and coach, author, bodybuilder and a pillar of international relations.  Todd openly details his life's path from the streets of Englewood California to running a charity with his wife aiding villages in Kenya and everything in between.  Todd currently resides just outside of Chicago with his family and in addition to running his own business he writes books in his free time and conducts wedding ceremonies for interested parties as a dedication to Todd's love of love.

You can reach Todd and his wife from their Facebook page listed below.

https://www.facebook.com/ball4training

In this first of four episodes, we chat with the jovial, profound and enlightening Glenn H. Mullin, or simply Lama Glenn to his students.  We ask him about his roots in Canada prior to his traveling to India to meet the Dalai Lama, and what influenced him to pursue this Path.  Lama Glenn tells stories of Canada, England, India and Tibet, Lives and Lives between Lives, and the challenges and dangers of being a Mystic in the West.  Through it all, he teaches the Tantric Concept of Outer, Inner, and Secret . . . Enjoy The Episode. 

In this episode we take a deep dive into the Mind Only School of Asian Philosophy and Spirituality.  We discuss experiencing your mind and external reality, the 6 consciousnesses, overcoming your own obstacles and accumulated energetic imprints.

In this episode we reflect on the last 4 years and the variety of effects that time period has had on our lives today and moving forward. We are happy to have conversations that are not being had anywhere else.

In this episode we discuss Ashley’s beginnings and some driving forces in her life as well as understanding one’s experience’s and caring about people. Ashley also give the story around how she discovered ‘The Five Questions’…

A link to Ashley's book!

https://www.amazon.com/BETWEEN-ZEN-NOW-Journey-Shamanic-ebook/dp/B09DK8N1RY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=7S0BGN5EKJCB&dchild=1&keywords=between+zen+and+now+ashley+tomasino&qid=1632069160&sprefix=between+zen%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-1

In this episode we continue to discuss Carl Jung, the loves' of his life, connecting the inner and outer realities, accepting our inner judge, a brief history of MK Ultra, having contrast with the ethics of our current culture and how our partners stimulate deep aspects of ourselves.

We begin a new series on sexuality and spirituality based on the Karmamudra teachings put forth in Dr. Nida's book, Karmamudra; The Yoga of Bliss. In this first episode we discuss the reasons to practice Karma Mudra, starting from ground zero, connecting with bliss and the primordial philosophy.

In the first part of this two part episode, we begin our discussion of psychedelics, spirituality, their role in addiction as well as in meditation.  We address some of the arguments against and for their use and some of our own personal experiences.  Mindset and setting,  guidance and other factors for a successful experience when using these plant medicines is highlighted.   Around minute 24 we pivot to discuss some of the reasons for meditation.

In this episode we start out discussing one of the obstacles that can derail your life... only then to be rerouted by the spontaneity of the moment. We get into talking about the characters in our collective story, questioning the meaning of love and connection, Confucianism vs Daoism, the psychological applications of Carl Rogers, holding space and form for the expression of energy!