Rick is host of this show. Alex Tsakiris, host of Skeptiko, is a successful entrepreneur turned science podcaster. In 2007 he founded Skeptiko, which has become the #1 podcast covering the science of human consciousness. Alex has appeared on syndicated radio talk shows both in the US and the UK and is well-known within the parapsychology and near-death experience and parapsychology research communities. The Skeptiko Agenda Follow the data… wherever is leads. Explore the possibility that the dominant scientific paradigm (i.e., materialism) might be at a tipping point. Engage the top thinkers in pointed discussions about the questions that matter most. Interview conducted 3/16/2013 Transcript of this interview. Other BatGap interviews of Rick: Rick Archer, Interviewed by Richard Miller Rick Archer, Interviewed by Fax Gilbert Rick Archer, talk at SAND ’15 Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast. YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Buddha at the Gas Pump 00:03:06 - Awakening and Enlightenment 00:05:50 - The Nature of Enlightenment and Consciousness 00:08:41 - Quantum Physics and Enlightenment Techniques 00:12:04 - Materialism and the Brain 00:15:04 - The Illusion of Physical Existence 00:17:27 - The Integration of Enlightenment with Everyday Life 00:20:14 - The Transformative Power of Spiritual Practice 00:22:44 - Verifying Spiritual Practices through Direct Experience 00:25:16 - The Scientific Method Applied Daily 00:28:11 - The Transformation and Fall from TM Movement 00:31:11 - Unfaced aspects of personality 00:33:44 - The Guru Phenomenon 00:36:18 - The Value of Commitment to a Teacher 00:39:41 - The Possibility of a New Age of Enlightenment 00:42:51 - Awakening to Deeper Realities 00:46:18 - Uncovering the Truth Behind Climate Change 00:49:09 - Spiritual Awakening and Political Activism 00:51:51 - The Complexity of Activism and Morality 00:54:30 - Paradoxical Conundrums in Vedic Literature 00:57:03 - The Principle of Trading Carbon Credits 00:59:33 - The Evolution Machine of the Universe 01:02:23 - The Nature of Good and Evil 01:04:29 - Encountering Subtler Realms of Creation 01:06:48 - Experiences of Transformation 01:09:48 - Interviews and Reflections 01:11:59 - The Game of Cosmic Zoom Lens 01:14:23 - Enlightenment: Transforming Society 01:17:00 - Enjoying Heaven on Earth 01:19:02 - Continuing the Work in Search Engine Optimization 01:20:18 - Background Music