In this episode Dave and Eric welcome Shannon, a plant medicine advocate and community builder. She is the founder of Tethered, a nature-based church dedicated to connection and healing. The conversation explores plant medicine, the role of psychedelics in ceremony, and the meaning of “holding space.” Insights into the history of psychedelics, the war on drugs, and how these substances can be both profound teachers and challenging experiences are shared, along with guidance on preparation, integration, and the science behind the “critical window” for brain plasticity and rewiring. The episode closes with reflections on the importance of community in today’s digital world.

Dave and Eric explore the idea that reality is real but not necessarily true. They discuss how limited our senses are. The conversation touches on how the brain searches for patterns, how personal experience and emotion shape perception, and how we are meaning making machines. They look at how meditation can shift our experience of reality and how our focus influences our sense of time. The episode ends with a dive into creative intelligence and a one liner that brings the show to a hilarious stop.

Now it’s Dave’s turn to interview Eric, who he describes as “a ball of energy on legs”. Eric talks about being the most “intelligent dipshit”you’ll ever meet and his ongoing struggle with reacting to life. He shares why he chooses to participate in so many creative and personal projects, and the tension he feels when he spreads himself too thin. The conversation moves into his work in men’s circles, the importance of taking off the mask in the presence of honorable men, and learning to vet those spaces. Eric also reflects on his path to becoming a drummer, his early encounters with darkness starting in college, and how that darkness has been both a burden and a gift. He opens up about the illusion of control anger has given him and what he calls the “spiritual contract” he signed before becoming human.

In this episode Eric turns the spotlight on Dave in a candid and playful interview. Dave opens up about how the school system shaped and limited him, the tension between feeling confined and never being bored, and how he kept the writer in him hidden until publishing his first book. He reads some of his work, shares stories from his years following the Grateful Dead, and talks about what inspires him today. Full of heart, humor, and honesty, this episode offers a deeper look at the man behind the mic.

In this final installment, Eric and Dave explore what happens after recovery and what it means when someone never finds it. They discuss the Jellinek Curve, the nature of rock bottom, and how addiction can be both a solution and a problem to the addict. They discuss recovery paths outside of the twelve steps, the difference between CBT and DBT, and the three A’s to change. The episode closes with a message for loved ones and a look at the five stages of change when approaching someone in addiction.

In this episode Dave and Eric are joined by their dear friend Peggy for a rich, heartfelt conversation full of laughter, depth, and old friendship. They reflect on spiritual connections, daily practices, and how recovery is a path for everyone. Peggy shares about her powerful morning journey work in a space she calls “Archive”, and discusses how her law practice mirrors her own healing process. The trio explores the art of prayer and meditation, the nature of channeling as a creative tool, as well as the beauty and limits of language in expressing the sacred.

The second part of our addiction series dives into family culture, social pressures, and some brain science behind high-risk behaviors. We unpack the impact of phone attachment, cultural influences, loss of control, and how addiction rewires the brain.

We welcome our first guest, Nathan Griffiths. Nate is a very talented young musician on his way to music school. During our conversation we explore the creative process, the magic of live versus studio performance, and what it means to enter “the zone” where ego and time disappear. The conversation expands into themes of true self-expression, the challenges of screen addiction and social media, and the potential risks of artificial intelligence.

Eric and Dave kick off a three-part series on addiction by exploring how and why we get addicted, how tolerance develops, and the influence of family, culture, and personal expectations. They look at addiction beyond substances, including social media, and examine the defense mechanisms that keep us from facing the truth about our behaviors.

Dave and Eric explore agnosticism vs. atheism, scientific skepticism, and the intersections of belief, religion, and science. The discussion gets heated as they challenge perspectives on God, higher power, and the nature of faith.