Neurons to Nirvana

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of Madison Margolin, a Jewish psychedelic journalist and co-founder of DoubleBlind Magazine. Madison's new book, Exile & Ecstasy, takes us on a journey through the psychedelic sea that flows between the Ram Dass movement and Chassidism. Join us as we explore Madison's experiences in New York's psychedelic Chassidic underground, and delve into the biggest questions of ancestral trauma, intimacy, and the intersection between Judaism and the psychedelic experience. This conversation will leave you with a new perspective on mindfulness and community, and a deeper understanding of the powerful connection between spirituality and psychedelics. Tune in now to be a part of this enlightening discussion!

In this episode of Neurons to Nirvana, host Tom Hartridge welcomes five members of the dynamic ensemble of Polaroid Collective, featuring a vibrant mix of singer-songwriters. Joining Tom are Johan Wagner, Brett Serrell, Ali Holder, Lori Ellen, and William Wallace.

They share the intriguing genesis of their group, sparked at a songwriters retreat in West Texas, and discuss the collaborative process behind their new album Polaroid Collective Vol. 1 released on August 25th, with 11 songwriters contributing to 10 eclectic songs, the collective captures a cohesive sound despite diverse voices and styles, from country to Americana, folk, and blues. The episode touches on the mystical setting of Chinati Hot Springs, where the retreat, known as Crooked Crow, is hosted by member Johan Wagner every October. The collective also hints at potential future performances, celebrating their varied geographic origins from Austin, Calgary, and Taos and the creative synergy that defines their work.

The episode delves into the making of their album, the diversity of genres, and their aspirations to bring their collaborative spirit to the stage. Also, the episode touches on individual projects and emphasizes the unique blend of their artistry within the collective's unique fabric.

Join us for a deep dive into the art of songwriting with the Polaroid Collective.

Link to album: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5r0VuxqTGLIgezWX4BUufS?si=3jYxb1k5TGmNxcBhszG9kg

Fan favorites from UTOPiAfest, Shane Cooley and Lori Ellen sit down to perform two acoustic songs and share the dynamic and delightful stories of collaboration, songwriting, and recharging after live performances.

Shane Cooley's nuanced lyrics stand at the forefront of his hauntingly alternative folk music. Cooley’s newest album, Forest (released April 2022), continues to receive airplay and acclaim, both in the U.S. and internationally. “(Forest) stands out for its peculiar production and lyrical beauty, which is highly remarkable considering that Cooley himself played all the instruments and produced this work in its entirety,” wrote Javier Rodriquez of Right Chord Music.

Lori Ellen is a folk singer-songwriter who transforms her shadow into light as musical alchemy and shares her song because "art is the way we transform into beauty." She delivers steady, polished vocals backed by raw honesty.

Find out more about each of them at:

https://www.shanecooley.com/music and https://www.loriellenmusic.com/

I'm thrilled to share my conversation with an extraordinary guest, Clementine Moss, the band leader and founder of the all-female tribute band, Zepparella. In addition to her impressive career as a musician, Clementine has recently released her memoir, From Bonham to Buddha and Back: The Slow Enlightenment of the Hard Rock Drummer.

In this powerful and insightful book, Clementine offers a raw and honest look at her journey as a drummer, a woman, and a spiritual seeker from her early days playing in punk bands to her years of touring with Zepparella.

Throughout her memoir, Clementine also delves into her spiritual journey, sharing her experiences with meditation, mindfulness, and other practices that have helped her find her greater peace, clarity, and purpose.

With a powerful blend of humor, insight, and vulnerability. She takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and transformation that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.

Learn more by visiting ClemtheGreat.com

Self-described as a “Black Woman, Spirit, Gentle Heart, rising comedic voice and sociological enthusiast,” Genivive Clinton shares stories of truck driving, humor, silliness, and the everlasting balancing act between comedy and mental health.

One of the hottest up-and-coming comedians in the country, Genivive has opened for Joe Rogan, Duncan Trussell, Neal Brennan, Tim Dillon, Ron White, and many other top headliners. From the East Side of Detroit, she combines her unique perspective with her killer punchlines to make audiences everywhere laugh.

Genivive is a regular at the Vulcan Gas Company in Austin, Texas, and has honed her craft while performing at open mics in Minneapolis, Detroit, and Dallas. Genevive had made a name for herself as host of Afro Sundays at the comedy club staple, The Creek and the Cave, featuring the best black comedians around the country. While she loves to make an audience laugh with her silly and not specifically political jokes, she also gets serious about respecting mental health.

Follow her on Instagram @cgenivive to learn about her upcoming shows and snippets of her hilarious style.

IG: @cgenivive

Listen to the original sound of Colt Wayne Keeney with a sprinkle of Johnny Cash and an edginess of Jim Morrison. My good friend and talented musician has been compared to the greats of outlaw country like Sturgill Simpson or bar drinking originals like Waylon Jennings.

Today's episode features two Colt Wayne Keeney original songs. After Colorado Moon, he shares an amazing origin story to this lyrical journey. This Lone Star native shines as bright as the stars of Texas. Please check out his live performances and stream his music on iTunes or Spotify.

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If you love the content of the Neurons to Nirvana podcast, please help out and donate with buy me a coffee to help grow the community and continue to provide you with amazing content!

Thank you so much in advance for all your support! 🙏🏼

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/N2Npodcast

Microdosing Mentor and Plant Medicine Facilitator Tiffany Hurd talks all things plant medicine. Tiffany discusses concepts like stacking, setting intentions and frequently asked questions she receives to implement ceremonial microdosing.

Tiffany offers coaching and private or group ceremonies. She is dedicated to supporting her client’s personal journeys to find purpose and embrace vitality. Find out more about her by visiting her Instagram or website

www.tiffanyhurd.com

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If you love the content of the Neurons to Nirvana podcast, please help out and donate with buy me a coffee to help grow the community and continue to provide you with amazing content!

Thank you so much in advance for all your support! 🙏🏼

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/N2Npodcast

Austin-based singer-songwriter Stephanie Hunt sits down in studio to talk about her music, acting and songwriting muses. Her solo debut album, Ambitions of Ambiguity, was recorded under the moniker Buffalo Hunt. She's known for her unique blend of psychedelic rock, folk, and soul that speaks to the deeper aspects of the human experience. Her music is both reflective and uplifting. We discuss her creative process, experience as a performer and artist, and thoughts on the intersection of music, art, and personal transformation. We also delve into her mind and creative vision and discover the inspirations and motivations behind her work. 

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If you love the content of the Neurons to Nirvana podcast, please help out and donate with buy me a coffee to help grow the community and continue to provide you with amazing content!

Thank you so much in advance for all your support! 🙏🏼

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/N2Npodcast

From my hometown of Savannah, Georgia, Andrea Epting continues to foster and emphasize the importance of community for successful mental health treatment.

She founded Heads-Up Guidance Services, Inc. (HUGS) in 2009 to serve the Savannah area. HUGS makes mental health and addiction recovery services affordable and available to ALL motivated individuals, utilizing over 30 volunteer clinicians who specialize in the treatment of various populations & diagnosis.

With 19 years of experience in the field of Mental Health, Andrea is a practicing Professional Counselor, Master Addiction Counselor, EMDR Certified Therapist, Certified Sex Therapist, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, and an Approved Clinical Supervisor.

Join me in a dynamic and somewhat confessional conversation as Andrea shares her clinical and professional insights into the relationship of dopamine on addiction and recovery.

Learn more about Andrea and how to prioritize one's mental health for a positive impact at: Direct Impact Media

Check out the book: Plan to Recover: Your Mini Journal for Recovery and Self-Discovery 

As mentioned in this episode, Bo Bisset and the 26 Days 26 Ways Foundation Building Course: 

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If you love the content of the Neurons To Nirvana podcast, please help out and donate with buy me a coffee to help grow the community and continue to provide you with amazing content!

Thank you so much in advance for all your support! 🙏🏼

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/N2Npodcast

Longtime local Austin music scene fixture Ali Holder joins me in studio to discuss depression, song writing, boundaries, and authenticity.

Across her latest record, Uncomfortable Truths, Ali exposes every raw nerve of her life. Ali puts it all on the table as she shares her inspiration and experience in writing many of her songs, including one of my favorites, The Only Thing on her 2013 debut album, In Preparation for Saturn’s Return.

Ali Holder has chosen to speak truth to her life, even when those moments don’t reflect on her decisions as favorably as she may like. I'm excited to share my conversation. We exchange our take on the importance of vulnerability and our love for west Texas. Also we discuss our fears for impact of the exponential growth of Austin, and how that may effect its robust and vibrant music community. Ali has been compared to Patty Griffin and Lucinda Williams. 

Connect with Ali: aliholder.com

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