This interview with noted researcher, author, and veteran lucid dreamer Ryan Hurd covers a wide range of fascinating material. We discuss the “archeology of consciousness,” and what Ryan refers to as the Paleolithic Mind. We talk about polyphasic cultures that honor dreams, and the limitations of our monophasic view that colonizes and dismisses states of consciousness it can’t fully experience. The conversation then turns to some of the shadow sides of lucid dreaming, Ryan’s expertise with lucid nightmares, and how to work with fear – seeing it as a good sign. “We have to go to the underworld to enter the upper-world.” We talk about sexuality and dreams, using the “safe sex” of lucid dreams to transform the heat of passion into the warmth of compassion, and how to work with this connecting energy in what Buddhists call “the realm of desire.” Ryan’s intelligence, scholarship, and passion for lucid dreaming is clearly evident in this rich romp.

We then turn to his book on sleep paralysis, and explore the nocebo effect, “ghost rape,” REM Behavioral Sleep Disorder, and how this paralysis is connected to visitations – both nefarious and angelic – as well as alien abduction. We talk about the promising future of lucid dreaming, as well as the concerns. Ryan then shares his view on all the electronic gadgets, apps, and drug supplements (including the results from his recent study on galantamine) that are designed to enhance lucid dreaming. Are there any “magic bullets” on the horizon? We close with a discussion about his go-to methods for inducing lucidity, and how to work with discouragement. Ryan’s rigorous but open-minded approach to lucid dreaming, fueled by deep personal experience, makes him uniquely qualified to address the wide scope of nocturnal practice.