In this episode, I chat with Nina Rabinowitz.

Nina is a scientist who studies public health, specialising in epidemiology, living in the holy city of Jerusalem, Israel. She also researches the use of psychedelics and medical decision making and is a self-confessed “spiritual seeker”, having practiced and taught yoga for nearly a decade.

Now, on top of all of that, Nina has a particularly interesting story, unlike anything I’ve ever heard before - which is exactly why I wanted to chat to her.

Back in 2017, Nina had to undergo emergency brain surgery, after a CT scan revealed that she had a cerebellar tumour.

When Nina awoke, she found that her experience of the world had completely altered. So much so, she felt like a different person.

Nina’s entire adult life had been lived almost totally unable to feel emotions with any sort of vibrancy and significance — they were “blunted” as she puts it.

But after her surgery, things were different. Her mental health had dramatically improved. She was able to see the world through a new lens.

We also chat:

Psychedelics, counselling, medication, philosophy, science, the importance of surrender, yoga, holotropic breathing, the relationship between exercise and mental health, materialism, cultural difference between Israel and the US and trauma.