*Note* there are occasional audio flaws due to internet connectivity issues.

Hannah explores the contexts and intentions she has with microdosing entheogenic plants/fungi such as psilocybin mushrooms and how this connects to addressing numerous kinds of anxiety. We explicitly connect this topic to the role of self-healing and psycho-spiritual practices such as meditation. We expand on the idea of "boundary/barrier dissolving" - dissolving one's own mental barriers that create distance or deflection *within* oneself, as well as those emotional boundaries that keep us walled from others in our external environment.

We both discuss those personal aspects of our experience that lead to anxiety, regret, depression. . .What other societal barriers affect openness, empathy, connectivity? Is a feeling of numbness a new default mode? Related to these struggles, to what degree can working with entheogens be psycho-spiritually therapeutic and purifying?

Continuing the dialogue with Hannah, I mention how I've observed the hyper-individualism of American culture can lead one to feeling stuck in a kind of self-contained cocoon. We further discuss the immediate effects of the 'default' mode of alienation and a sense of separation so prevalent throughout modern American culture. How does one break through such illusory walls? This transitions into a discussion of other forms of self-healing and exploration, such as working with entheogens.

Hannah Bryson and I discuss the struggles that come with attempting yoga and meditation practice. This begins a longer discussion on mental health/mental equilibrium and how our brains' constant stream of consciousness can be an underlying source of persistent stress.

Sydney Sherman is a behavior analysis major at UW Eau Claire. She describes her educational journey and what initially drew her to the full-time pursuit of science.

We then discuss the tensions and rich interplay found at the intersection of religion and scientific inquiry. I refer to Mystery - what are the limitations of reasoning itself when approaching cosmic Mysteries?

This discussion leads to multiple related topics, including human suffering and the existence of evil - how do we make sense of this? Other subjects are explored, including astrophysics, the famous Prima Causa "first/original cause" debate in cosmology, and cosmogonies/creation stories detailing the origins of the universe! stay tuned!

Dialogue With a Scientist Continued..

what of joy? What is our experience of happiness and well-being> How do we develop contentment amid the struggles of living as a human being?

Dialogue With a Scientist!

Returning to themes of well-being, mental health and balance. Finding meaning and newfound understandings through the experience of human suffering, which is seemingly more pervasive recently. Exploring the textures of what can feel like an endless abyss of loneliness. What is it that we resist, and how can we surrender?

The role of prayer and spiritual practices to build resilience is discussed. Sydney is also training as a behavior therapist intern, so we address the humbling and insightful breakthroughs that can accompany teaching.

What is the goal of this philosophy podcast?

Abby Ewens, a student of psychology and religious studies, describes her spiritual journey with organized religion through skepticism, existential doubts and conflicts. She describes her newfound relationship with spirituality