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 "...Having the boredom and the space... as long as you don´t sedate yourself with some pacifier is where you gain the most perspective on what you really care about " Max Shank is a well-known figure in a variety of physical practice communities world-wide. Chances are you´ll have come across one of his many videos, blog-posts, social media tutorials or even read one of his training books and been to a course. Having spent his entire adult life training and coaching in many disciplines from gymnastics to weightlifting to yoga, Max has an immense array of experiences to share when it comes to how the body works and what we may do in order to live with freedom and joy. He is a true holistic practitioner and in this episode we discussed not only movement, but what follows on from a deepening of your practice. Why is it important to be curious? to study widely? to embrace love and gratitude? to practice new skills? There´s surely something for everyone in this podcast and Max was a guy DJ & I could vibe with for a lot longer!  For those interested in joining the next Emptiness Project retreat (hopefully later in 2021 and/or 2022 in the US, Peru & Europe) please make sure to follow us and join our mailing list for the latest news. Enjoy the episode and make sure to follow us on IG for updates on new projects. Thanks for your support and if you could leave a review and share the podcast with your friends that would be a huge help. Stay safe and share your experiences. Max´s website  maxshank.com Follow DJ on Instagram Intro music: Akira The Don Outro music: Epidemic Sound Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platforms Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodes Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)

.. "Our ability to be able to research things from other animals points of view... is such a great way to pop out of ourselves a bit and see things a little more objectively and bring out that alien anthropologist point of view. It´s something scientists do well, comedians do well and psychedelics do well..." Shane Mauss is a comedian, podcaster, science and psychedelic enthusiast and modern day explorer of human nature. I´ve followed Shane´s wide-ranging corpus of material for some years now and was so happy to finally get the opportunity to talk on the podcast. Naturally, the discussion was a light-hearted probe into the strangeness and beauty of science and human experience, alongside ways to be serious about not getting too caught up in what we´ve decided reality looks like. Shane is well known known for his vivid and humorous tales of the psychedelic realm - which we talk about in terms of nuance, rather than dogmatism - as well as ideas for handling what we´re presented with in daily life. Comics have a special way of communicating important ideas to wider audiences. Science included. Something mainstream media, politics, academia and much of pop-culture simply cannot do so well at all. If you´re at all fed up with being told how to do things this way or that and simply want to listen to someone who as explored a LOT of territory, you´ll dig this episode. It was one of our favourites so far. Do check out Shane´s Here We Are Podcast as well as his new one with Ramin Nazer Mind Under Matter and his movie Psychonautics.  Following the interview, DJ & I continue on with some thoughts and ideas that came to mind so be sure to stick it out to the end!  For those interested in joining the next Emptiness Project retreat (hopefully later in 2021 and/or 2022 in the US, Peru & Europe) please make sure to follow us and join our mailing list for the latest news.  Enjoy the episode and make sure to follow us on IG for updates on new projects. Thanks for your support and if you could leave a review and share the podcast with your friends that would be a huge help. Stay safe and share your experiences. Follow Shane on Instagram Shane´s website for other goodness shanemauss.com Watch Shane´s movie Psychonautics - A Comic´s Exploration of Psychedelics Follow DJ on Instagram Intro music: Akira The Don Outro music: Epidemic Sound Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platforms Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodes Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)

.. "Curiosity is our natural ground state. That which is in wonder, but seeking no answers " Elish Le is a fascinating guy walking the walk of life. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Elish guides people looking to enhance their well-being by focussing on their direct experience. Using physicality, meditation techniques, sound, silence and plant medicines, Elish utilizes a wide range of tools that have helped illuminate his own journey to offer up new possibilities and perspectives for his clients. DJ & I met Elish in Peru during the 2019 Primal Movers retreat in the Sacred Valley. In this episode we talk about that experience, stories we hold close to us, ones we imagine and ways we can all find solace and authenticity in the nature of experience itself. If you are interested in listening to someone who approaches the challenges of life with equanimity and curiosity, you´ll love this conversation. Why the rush to work everything out? What about experiencing what is right before you? What might happen? Are we willing to take that risk? For those interested in joining the next Emptiness Project retreat (hopefully later in 2021 and/or 2022 in the US, Peru & Europe) we hope to have Elish along as a facilitator sharing his wisdom, humor and calming presence.  Enjoy the episode and make sure to follow us on IG for updates on new projects. Thanks for your support and if you could leave a review and share the podcast with your friends that would be a huge help. Stay safe and share your experiences. Follow Elish on Instagram Follow DJ on Instagram Intro music: Akira The Don Outro music: Epidemic Sound Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platforms Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodes Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy) Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)

... "If you're living a story, it may as well be the best story... it´s a good framework for navigating your life. And it works across space and time allowing you to collaborate with other adventurers in the epic story" Akira the Don returns for the 1 year anniversary podcast! Back in April last year, during the start of what has turned out to be an eventful year globally, we sat down to kick off the podcast with the great DJ, producer and creator of the Meaningwave to talk life stories. How have things been? What have we learnt? What might we do differently? Are we living in a techodelic simulation that only requires us to pay attention and take responsibility for our reality? How are we doing as a species anyway and why does it matter? Akira is one of the most creative and interesting figures in the music world today. You may have heard of him through his podcast appearances with Jordan B Peterson or via his Meaningwave albums that back lyrics from inspirational figures of the past and present day with low-fi beats and glitchy graphics. His work cuts through time and musical tradition by infusing multiple genres and techniques into sounds that not only inspire action and responsibility, but infuse the listener with a philosophically calm optimism for this world we all live in. DJ & I are glad to have Akira as the official Emptiness Project DJ and can only imagine how a live outdoor set in the desert would play out during future EP events in the US. We will make this collaboration happen, but in the meantime, check out Akira on your favorite social media channel and see what happens when you let the beats go through you.  Enjoy the episode and make sure to follow us on IG for updates on new projects. Thanks for your support and if you could leave a review and share the podcast with your friends that would be a huge help. Stay safe and share your experiences. Follow Akira on Instagram Support Akira´s Meaningwave Follow DJ on Instagram Intro/Outro music: Akira The Don Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platforms Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodes Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy) Support the show

"... If it´s useless, I probably know how to do it!" Dylan Eddy is an artist, surfer, climber and adventurer. He is one of our guides at the Emptiness Project, leading groups through the vast open spaces and enclosed rock formations at Joshua Tree National Park. In this conversation, DJ & I ask Dylan about his childhood growing up in a van on the beaches of southern California with his father. How did these formative years provide meaning through experiences of nature and freedom to take things more slowly than the typical kid growing up in the city or suburbs? How did his relationship with his father imprint certain programs that have been both blessings and impediments as an adult? What is the meaning behind experiences out in nature - both alone and shared? Dylan offers a candid insight into how and why we may navigate struggles and uncertainties alongside the awe and wonder of simply being present with our activities - however trivial they may seem. These are the kinds of conversations that DJ & I like to have. In many regards, society is based upon such everyday insights of the mundane.  These shouldn't be overlooked or dismissed as lacking meaning. We needn't always rush for the next great thing, thinking we´re missing out. Maybe if we simply reflected upon what gives us a sense of purpose and meaning instead of wondering how things may turn out, life could somehow be a little more interesting to experience? Enjoy the episode and make sure to follow us on IG for updates on new projects. Thanks for your support and if you could leave a review and share the podcast with your friends that would be a huge help. Follow Dylan on Instagram Follow DJ on Instagram Intro music: Akira The Don Outro music: Epidemic Sound Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platforms Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodes Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy) Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)

"... We´re getting to the point where we have to start to vet all the information we´re looking at. We have to make decisions as adults while still respecting that other people are allowed to believe or not believe some of this shit too" Tyler Stone is a storyteller. He´s a former gym owner, a strongman athlete, a longtime podcaster and a hilarious guy. Some of you may be familiar with the StrongFit Podcast where Tyler and Julien Pineau discuss all things training, nutrition, philosophy and life. Tyler also started the Massenomics Podcast - one of the most successful strongman shows.  DJ & I like to tell stories and share experiences and often find people with backgrounds in strength training have a lot of funny tales and takes on life. Tyler has a new podcast called Conspiracy Randy and were keen to get the nitty gritty on why people believe the things they believe! Just back in the US after a stint living in Europe during the lockdown, Tyler shares some ideas (conspiracies!?) guaranteed to make you think and laugh out loud!  Enjoy the episode and make sure to follow us on IG for updates on new projects. Thanks for your support and if you could leave a review and share the podcast with your friends that would be a huge help. Follow Tyler on Instagram Tyler´s Podcast - Conspiracy Randy - on YouTube  Follow DJ on Instagram Intro music: Akira The Don Outro music: Epidemic Sound Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platforms Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodes Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)

"... The mycelial archetype appears to be embedded into our species. Over time, network based structures continually appear whether due to embedded wisdom or blind luck. These Mycelial inspired network technologies, once discovered, seem to persist due to their antifragile nature" Brandon Quittem is an entrepreneur, writer, speaker and passionate Bitcoiner. His articles have been read by more than 2 million people online including a fascinating exploration of the parallels between Bitcoin and mycelium and the Forth Turning generational theory as it applies to the emergence of Bitcoin. Links to all his writings can be found on his website. I´ve been deep in the crypto rabbit hole recently - as so many others have been it seems - and wanted to learn more about the emerging narrative behind Bitcoin and how it´s growth appears to resemble key aspects of psychedelic consciousness and meaning. There are a number of fascinating thinkers out there who are asking new questions, drawing upon archetypes of the past and painting a picture of a future revolving around a sovereign place on the blockchain. The world is changing before our eyes.  The Primal Movers podcast and the Emptiness Lab is a place to explore our nature and share our experiences as we go. It´s a wildly interesting mystery we live in - truly a golden era of history that only asks us all to stand up and take on the task of being fully human. Brandon really helped DJ & I think through these new ideas relating to money, wealth & personal sovereignty. I´m sure you´ll enjoy this conversation. We had a couple of of connection issues that I edited out (perhaps the overlords we listening in?!), but otherwise it was all good. DJ & I are still working on a members-only community where we can be together virtually for some pretty cool events we plan.  Follow us on IG for details. Thanks for your support! Follow Brandon on Twitter Brandon´s website: https://www.brandonquittem.com/ Want some Bitcoin?:  https://www.swanbitcoin.com/quittem/ ($10 free BTC after signing up) Follow DJ on Instagram Intro music: https://www.akirathedon.com/ Outro music: https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/search/?term=luwaks Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platforms https://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/ Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodes Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)

"... I developed my Freedom Teachings Systems to support the new wave of conscious men and women in accessing, healing and integrating their higher dimensional aspects of self" Ryan Mintz is not your typical new-age spiritual guide. Describing himself as a "multidimensional catalyst and mentor", Mintz aims at helping people deprogramming subconscious beliefs and "soul alignment" through an array of practical methods, strategies and techniques. Don´t worry, we get deep into some of these during this conversation and Ryan includes a set of awareness tasks that everyone can try out from the comfort of their home. As always, we all encourage you to experiment for yourselves, rather than take our word for it. The tools are in your hand. DJ & I invited Ryan to the last Emptiness Project retreat in Joshua Tree as a guest teacher and facilitator. From offering colorpuncture treatments, body alignment tasks and support during entheogenic experiences, it was clear that this guy was deeply invested in multidimensional work. So grab a pen and notebook, a comfy perch and buckle up for a whirlwind chat about everything from how/why we believe, what possibilities rest with conscious choice, how to live with purpose, why we get stuck in loops, why we must use creativity and imagination, how we can direct the kinds of energy we so desire and so much more. Oh, DJ & I are soon launching a members-only community (likely on Patreon ) for the Emptiness Project where in exchange for a small monthly fee, you´ll get access to behind-the-scenes content, offers to join events, group support and protocols/materials that we ourselves use in our daily practices. Follow us on IG for details. Follow Ryan on Instagram Ryan´s website/programs: MintzFlow Follow DJ on Instagram Intro/Outro music: https://www.akirathedon.com/ Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platforms https://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/ Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodes Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy) Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)

"...But what if you find something new that you can add to the collective and then we could have a little jump in growth, a little evolution?" DJ Murakami is the kind of guy I´d first call if I happened to wake up on the floor of a blood-stained motel room somewhere along a desolate Nevada highway with a Russian hitman holding a 45 to my head. I know he´d drop what he´s doing to try and find a way to help, or at least put me at ease with a subtle joke in the moments before I´m plastered to the wall joining the queue to the Pearly gates.  We chat on a regular basis but rarely do we think of recording our calls. Perhaps we´ve felt a need to only put out more structured and thematic material? More researched and thought-through discussions that people would rather spend an hour listening to? This episode is hopefully the start of a series of conversations about what´s going on in our respective worlds - without the filter. Stories and thoughts that we enjoy the most. If you find this, or any of the previous podcasts interesting then let me know your thoughts. I plan on focussing more on the podcast in 2021. I like the medium as a way to share and connect. I feel it brings me closer to those who I see myself being friends with face-to-face. Those who would come to an event and explore life together - that´s what motivates me most. Not to spread the word as widely as possible, but to find those of you wherever you are in the world, who want to join the crew of primal movers. My very best thoughts and wishes to you all for the new year ahead! Follow DJ on Instagram DJs website: Human Strong Intro music: https://www.akirathedon.com/ Outro music: Roof: So So - Epidemic Sound Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platforms https://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/ Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodes Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy) Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)

Between 2009 - 2011 I was lucky enough to spend an extended period of time in the remote Western Pacific archipelago of the Solomon Islands. I was there as a PhD student conducting ethnographic fieldwork, but mostly, I was there living and learning the local way of life. This is the first in what will for sure become a series of talks about my experiences there. The islands very much shaped the way I look at not only physical practice, but human nature itself - our interactions with our environment, each other and ways in which we experience meaning. This first episode is from a talk I recently gave at the Embodiment Conference where the topic was (loosely) "The Phenomenology of Movement". I share a few anecdotes from the playing field, including my time with the young Bilikiki beach soccer team at the world cup in Dubai. The slides I was talking to can be viewed here. There´s also a short film I made about my times there. Movement has bodily, emotional and social contexts through which we can experience our place as individuals and as part of a wider collective. When perceptual patterns meet embedded motor programs, we get to explore and experience consciousness in amazing ways. We get to imagine and expose ourselves uniquely - to defy rules and to become closely intertwined in the sentient world in and around us. Thanks for listening and please share this and other episodes with your friends. Feel free to get in touch via email if you´d like to share your thoughts and experiences too! Note! - The sound recording is via another external source, so the levels are slightly lower for the talk itself. I couldn't suss it out, but the audio is at least clean, just turn volume up a bit. Follow my daily musings here: https://www.instagram.com/primalmovers/?hl=en Intro music: https://www.akirathedon.com/ Outro music: Roof: So So - Epidemic Sound Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platforms https://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/ Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodes Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy) Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)

"We need to find a way to hold on to the beauty and magic and wonder of these substances but we have to find a language and a mechanism to make them accessible because it´s the current situation that´s exclusive and inaccessible. It´s what I´m doing. Medicalizing is increasing accessibility and inclusivity, not reducing it." Dr Ben Sessa (MBBS BSc MRCPsych) is a consultant psychiatrist based in the UK and one of the world´s leading psychedelic drug researchers. Sessa specialises in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry with a special interest in the developmental aspects of trauma in children and how this contributes to adult mental disorder and especially substance dependence. Using this experience of  child psychopathology, he carries out assessments for the family law courts and provides psychiatric care to teenagers and adults with post-trauma symptoms. Dr Sessa is currently a senior research fellow at Bristol, Cardiff and Imperial College London Universities, where he is conducting the UK’s first clinical studies with MDMA-assisted therapy for the treatment of PTSD and alcohol dependence syndrome. In the last ten years he has worked on several UK-based human pharmacology trials as study doctor or as a healthy subject administering and receiving test doses of LSD, psilocybin, MDMA and ketamine. He is the author of several dozen peer-reviewed articles in the mainstream medical press and has written two books exploring psychedelic medicine; The Psychedelic Renaissance (2012) and To Fathom Hell or Soar Angelic (2015). Dr Sessa is an outspoken lobbyist for drug reform in the UK, advocating for a more progressive policy of regulation that would reduce the harms of recreational drug use and provide increased opportunities for clinical psychedelic research. He is also co-founder and director of the Breaking Convention conference. This was an eye-opening conversation that got me thinking about the notion of inclusivity/exclusivity of psychedelic medicines and the way we can use language to assess the risk/reward factors of drug use, research and therapeutic interventions in modern society. Ben is a tremendously impassioned voice in this renaissance and a true pioneer in the way those struggling most may find assistance with psychedelic therapy. Thanks for listening and please share this and other episodes with your friends. Feel free to get in touch via email if you´d like to share your thoughts and experiences too! Follow Dr Sessa: https://twitter.com/bensessa?lang=en Ben´s website: http://www.drsessa.com/ Current research, clinics & training: AWAKN Life Sciences Inc Intro music: https://www.akirathedon.com/ Outro music: Roof: So So - Epidemic Sound Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platforms https://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/ Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodes Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)

"You do have a big responsibility (as a trainer) because you're a container - and you have to wash your own container first" Brandon Chien is a coach looking to find meaning and build resilience in life through an open, fluid and inquisitive set of physical, mental and spiritual practices. In this wide-ranging conversation, we speak about some of his experiences as a trainer, athlete, mentor and explorer of consciousness. Strength and endurance are often concepts that become easily compartmentalized in the health and fitness world, but guys like Brandon seek to bridge the gaps between internalized practices and the experiences we all have as humans interacting with the world. When these experiences are freely shared, we may all benefit. Whether you´re a coach, athlete or just someone interested in personal exploration and wellbeing, I reckon you'll enjoy this chat and have a chance to reflect upon the identities we bring to our practices and how malleable they actually are. We can be strong in so many ways and physicality is such a great lens through which we can enter the gates of deeper self-awareness, maturity, humility and compassion.  Thanks for listening and please share this and other episodes with your friends. Feel free to get in touch via email if you´d like to share your experiences too! Follow Brandon: https://www.instagram.com/brandon_chien/?hl=en Intro music: https://www.akirathedon.com/ Outro music: Roof: So So - Epidemic Sound Listen and support the Primal Movers Podcast on the usual platforms https://www.buzzsprout.com/276060/ Primal Movers YouTube channel - Video episodes https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6U50aWNy1GikYV0NLm6nBA Support this podcast with some PayPal energy: https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/TomMountjoy)