Launch Medicine

In episode 60, Aaron chats with Kathy Altman, the co-founder of Open Floor International, about the restorative and revolutionary nature of dance.

Kathy discusses her history with dance as an art form and how she came to discover it as a healing practice through Esalen and her work with Gabrielle Roth. She also speaks to how dance is an unfiltered, universal language that is innate to humanity, and how subtle, internal sensations inform our movement.

Aaron and Kathy also talk about the relational levels of dance to ourselves, others, and spirit, how Open Floor has pivoted in the COVID era, and why Western society is resistant toward dancing.

Enjoy the show!

For show notes, visit www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-blog/ep-60-kathy-altman

In episode 59, Aaron interviews Olivia Bareham, a death midwife, master teacher, and founder of Sacred Crossings, the Institute for Conscious Dying and Alternative Funeral Home, about the beauty and teachings in death.

Olivia speaks to her first, impactful experiences with death as a nurse’s assistant and with her own mother’s passing that inspired her to revere this great transition. She discusses how her relationship with death has changed her and Sacred Crossings’ three-day funeral ritual to honor the deceased.

Aaron and Olivia also touch on the intimacy of alternative funerals, the Art of Death Midwifery training program, and how to empower people to view death as a gift.

For show notes, visit www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-blog/ep-59-olivia-bareham

In episode 58, Aaron chats with Ashley Newton, a family and school educator/consultant as well as a co-host of The Wild and Wise podcast, about how we heal families and the sacred element of water.

Ashley speaks to her experience with somatic practices and how self-care is key to compassionate and thoughtful parenting. She details how water can be used as medicine and how to create healthy containers for our emotions and struggles.

Aaron and Ashley also discuss positive changes and systematic issues in education, the importance of fostering a love for nature, and traditional and modern parenting dynamics.

Enjoy the show!

For show notes, visit www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-blog/ep-58-ashley-newton

In episode 57, Aaron chats with Albert Flynn DeSilver, a poet, novelist, memoirist, speaker, and workshop leader about the powerful connection between writing and the spiritual journey.

Through healing from addiction and abuse, Albert was empowered to discover his love of writing. He talks about his pivot from photography into the literary world and his path into mindfulness meditation.

Aaron and Albert also discuss the relationship between devotion and talent, how to support your creativity financially, and Albert’s book, Writing as a Path to Awakening.

Enjoy the show!

For show notes, visit www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-blog/ep-57-albert-flynn-desilver

In episode 56, Aaron chats with J Brave, an inspirational Hip Hop artist and creator of our theme song, about music as a transformational tool.

After a turbulent childhood, J Brave has had a life mission to spread positivity and a connection to divinity. He details his work with at-risk youth and the history of his group Luminaries.

Aaron and J Brave also talk about the corporatization of Hip Hop, the invigorating role of teaching, and the power of creating through challenges.

For show notes, visit www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-ep-56-j-brave

In episode 55, Aaron converses with Jason Hardi, founder and CEO of Muzik, about his work creating the next generation of headphones.

Growing up with an innovative mindset, Jason always wanted to solve the world’s problems, and he also knew that working as a team would make his ideas go far. He discusses how diversity and communication are key in effective business, and what it takes to be an entrepreneur.

Aaron and Jason also chat about focusing on the positive, the process of product development, and how to impart progressive values in your legacy.

For show notes, visit www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-blog/ep-55-jason-hardi

In episode 54, Aaron chats with Mikey Pauker, a tremendously talented musician and artist, about his songwriting and spiritual journey. With a background in the deep study of Judaism and Indigenous traditions, Mikey speaks to his path in finding the magic in all moments, the sacred experience of performing live, and how music connects us all despite our differences. Aaron and Mikey also discuss childhood struggles, the gifts that come through hardship, and Mikey presents his song “We Are Safe” to close the episode. Enjoy the show!

For show notes, visit www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-blog/ep-54-mikey-pauker

In episode 53, Aaron converses with Beth Spindler, an internationally recognized yoga therapist and author, about her work treating trauma and fear through the vagus nerve. Beth speaks about her beginnings in yoga during her childhood, her teacher Eknath Easwaran as well as what it was like living in the Ramagiri Ashram, and how to avoid triggers when assisting others in relaxation. She also shares breath and physical practices to activate the vagus nerve, discusses addiction’s part in trauma, and sings a healing mantra to close the episode. Enjoy the show!

For show notes, visit www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-blog/ep-53-beth-spindler

In episode 52, Aaron speaks with Ram Dass Khalsa, a GRAMMY-nominated producer and touring musician, to discuss the alchemy of sacred music and how it plays a healing role in our lives. Ram Dass delves into his background in orchestral music, what it was like performing at the 61st Grammy Premiere Ceremony and Carnegie Hall. He discusses how music is the language of emotions and how the silence after a song serves as a powerful role in the listening of music.

Make sure to catch the end of the episode where Aaron introduces a new segment of the show, the Bowl of Happiness, and Ram Dass performs a moving song. 

Enjoy the show!

For show notes go to: https://www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-blog/ep-52-Ram-Dass-Khalsa

In episode 51, Aaron speaks with Robin Rivera, Founder of Mastery of Ceremonial Facilitation, about strengthening spiritual connection through ceremony and self-discovery. *This episode is not for kids.*

Robin explores how childhood trauma led to healing and resilience, her transformative experiences with San Pedro, Ayahuasca, and Bufo medicines, and how honoring the help we receive is vital in the wellness journey.

In this touching conversation, Aaron and Robin also discuss holistic collaboration and how to operate a sacred business through modern practices.

For show notes, visit www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-blog/ep-51-robin-rivera