This is a REAL argument, we completely forgot we were recording and didn't plan on publishing it.

In this candid and almost blooper-worthy episode of So Much Uncensored, Maz and Samim dive into a heated discussion about the fine line between confidence and arrogance. What starts as a philosophical exploration quickly spirals into a personal and, at times, unproductive debate about whether Maz embodies confidence, arrogance, or something in between.

Initially hesitant to release this episode, the duo decided to share it for the sake of authenticity—because even they have off days. It’s messy, it’s raw, and it’s full of moments where they argue, reflect, and ultimately call it quits after 45 minutes.

In the second half, the conversation takes a thoughtful turn as Maz and Samim explore what healthy risk tolerance looks like. How much should we gamble with the extremities of life? They share insights, disagreements, and thought-provoking ideas on striking the balance between bold decisions and reckless choices. Whether you resonate with their clash or find humor in their chaos, this episode offers an honest glimpse into navigating complex topics and interpersonal dynamics.

Timestamps:

00:00 - It's all one big sh*t storm

In this transformative episode of So Much Uncensored, Maz and Samim reunite in the heart of Tuscany to reflect on Maz’s life-changing 1,000-kilometer journey along El Camino de Santiago. Together, they dive deep into the personal and universal challenges of resilience, self-trust, and the stories we tell ourselves about pain and suffering.

Maz shares raw, unfiltered moments from the Camino—grappling with physical exhaustion and mental battles—while Samim offers insights into how belief systems shape our realities. The duo explores the profound power of mindset, the significance of self-trust, and how small, consistent actions can spark transformation.

This episode isn’t just about walking a long distance; it’s about confronting life’s challenges head-on and discovering strength on the other side of struggle. With relatable insights, thought-provoking discussions, and actionable takeaways, Maz and Samim inspire listeners to live with courage, authenticity, and resilience.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Tuscany reunions and fresh beginnings
• 01:15 – The Camino experience: 1,000 kilometres of reflection
• 06:15 – Pain vs. suffering: The stories we tell ourselves
• 17:15 – Choice and autonomy: Reclaiming your story
• 24:15 – Shaping your reality: The power of belief
• 31:15 – Building self-trust: Small steps, big changes
• 42:15 – Surrounding yourself with positivity: Lessons from the Camino
• 50:15 – The confidence of doing hard things

New episodes of "So Much Uncensored" will be released every Monday morning on a fortnightly basis.

In the Season 3 premiere of "So Much Uncensored," hosts Samim and Maz revisit the origins of their podcast, delving into the pivotal experiences that inspired its creation. Samim opens up about his personal battle with depression, sharing candid insights into the societal stigmas he faced and the profound realizations he uncovered during his journey. The duo engages in a thought-provoking discussion on whether a silver lining exists within the depths of depression, exploring unconventional perspectives on mental health and resilience.

As they navigate this deeply personal narrative, Samim and Maz challenge conventional wisdom by posing provocative questions: Is there a secret cure for depression? What profound understandings about the universe can emerge through the lens of apathy and despair? Their unfiltered conversation aims to shed light on the complexities of mental health, offering listeners a blend of personal experience and philosophical inquiry. Join them for this compelling episode as they embark on a journey to uncover hidden truths and challenge societal norms surrounding depression.

Timestamps

• 00:00:00 – Introduction and throwback to vulnerability and authenticity
• 00:06:35 – Theme of today's podcast: Samim's experiences with depression
• 00:11:30 – How beliefs can shape your reality
• 00:22:30 – Challenging Maz's frameworks
• 00:26:30 – Samim's personal challenges revealed
• 00:34:30 – Combatting apathy and finding motivation
• 00:43:00 – The magic solution to dealing with depression
• 00:56:30 – Everything good is hard to get
• 01:15:00 – How problem-solving can sometimes make things worse

New episodes of "So Much Uncensored" will be released every Monday morning on a fortnightly basis.

If you or someone you know is struggling, free and confidential mental health support is available in Australia. Reach out to Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636 or chat online. You can also contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 for 24/7 support.

Get ready for our mind-bending season finale! Maz embarks on an unprecedented journey into darkness, spending an entire week in absolute sensory deprivation in Bali. Has he lost his mind, or has he discovered something extraordinary? Join us with our esteemed guest, Dr. Matt Crossley, as we delve deep into Maz's surreal experience.

In this marathon episode, we explore the depths of Maz's psychological journey, from the initial perceptual shifts to the strange and vivid dreams that haunted his nights. As he navigates through panic, doubt, and moments of profound self-reflection, Maz grapples with the very essence of inspiration and self-trust.

With each storytelling segment, Maz unveils layers of his psyche, from confronting fear and surrendering to the unknown to crossing into the enigmatic realm of metaphysical experiences. But as Maz shares his most profound moments, Matt offers insightful perspectives and challenges the boundaries of perception and reality.

This isn't just our longest episode yet; it's a psychological rollercoaster that will leave you questioning the limits of the human mind. Strap in and get comfortable for a riveting journey into darkness and enlightenment.

Timestamps:

00:20:00 - Hallucinations begin

00:29:00 - Learning to Question Our Thoughts

00:33:30 - Getting Lost in a Purple Room

00:46:45 - Is it a dream, a hallucination or reality?!

00:55:00 - Panic Mode: Broken Glass, Heat, Vertigo

1:05:30 - Considering Leaving: Balancing Inspiration and Doubt

1:45:00 - Rediscovering Inspiration and Building Trust

2:10:00 - Surrendering to the Journey

2:45:00 - Maz's Most Profound Experience Yet - "I am Buddha"

3:00:00 - Challenging Metaphysical Experiences: Samim's Perspective

We will be back for Season 3 in JULY

In the meantime we will be launching a new podcast alongside this - STAY TUNED

This is our FINAL part with Professor Greg Downey!

Make sure to check out parts 1 and 2 below before listening to this one:

Part 1: From St. Louis to the Streets of Salvador

From dreams of becoming a Jesuit priest to immersion in Afro-Brazilian martial arts, Greg's narrative unfolds through religion, love, politics, and inherent risks that shaped his extraordinary existence.

Part 2: The Brazilian Odyssey Unfolds

Experience the vibrant streets of Brazil in the 90s through Greg's vivid storytelling, exploring cultural immersion, spiritual encounters, and transformative insights gained from this captivating period.

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Part 3: Unravelling Masculinity: Navigating Relationships and Self-Discovery

In the third part of our series, Greg shares personal anecdotes and insights into masculinity, relationships, and self-discovery. From confronting abusive relationships and delving into the roots of co-dependency to critically examining societal narratives surrounding masculinity, Greg provides a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges and opportunities for growth in navigating modern masculinity.

Through engaging in a rebuttal of prevalent ideologies and advocating for redefining masculinity, Greg invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and perceptions, offering valuable insights for fostering authentic connections and self-discovery in an ever-evolving societal landscape.

Join us as we navigate the complexities of modern masculinity alongside Greg, exploring the journey towards authenticity and growth.

Timestamps:

00:00:30 - Unexpected Entrance: Maz Crashes the Party

00:03:00 - Greg's Life Continues: A Deeper Dive

00:14:00 - Breaking the Silence: Personal Anecdotes of Confronting Abuse

00:23:30 - Unveiling Shame: Understanding the Root of Co-dependency

00:29:30 - Myth of Sacrifice: Romanticizing Love

00:44:30 - Unpacking Wokeism: Navigating Societal Narratives

00:56:30 - Wrestling with Emotions: Guilt vs Shame

01:02:30 - Pitfalls of Masculinity: Confronting Fear and Defensiveness

01:10:30 - Building Authentic Connections - Modern Solutions

*This is the FINAL part with Greg.

**Over the next month we will be releasing episodes with special guest Matt Crossley discussing Maz's time in the darkness retreat!

Join us for the continuation of Greg's extraordinary journey in Part 2 of our series. Greg's vivid articulation takes us deep into the heart of Salvador, Brazil, painting a picturesque landscape of the country in the 90s. From bustling streets to cultural immersion, his storytelling offers rich visualizations of his experiences and profound insights gained from this transformative period.

If you haven't listened yet, be sure to catch Part 1 for the full story.

Part 1 Summary: In Part 1, we explored Greg's early life aspirations and his journey from St. Louis to Salvador. From dreams of becoming a Jesuit priest to immersion in capoeira, Greg's narrative unfolds through religion, love, politics, and inherent risks that shaped his extraordinary existence.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Continuing the Journey: Greg's PhD Pursuit in Chicago (Capoeira)

9:45 - Embracing Brazil: Immersion into a New Culture

22:30 - Cultural Shift: Spectator Culture versus Participatory Culture

28:30 - Spiritual Encounters: Exploring Evangelism in Brazil's Candomblé Houses

38:30 - Reflections on Privilege: Navigating Life's Demobilization in the West

*Stay tuned for the part 3, where we move on from Greg's life story and start a whole new segment on "Men's Mental Health".

Embark on an extraordinary journey with Samim as he unveils the captivating life story of Professor Greg Downey in this special series, "The stories that shape us" This unique podcast is not just an interview; it's a deep dive into the chapters of Greg's life, a captivating narrative that unfolds in layers. In this opening episode, join them in Greg's office at Macquarie University, Sydney, as they explore the highs and lows of a life that began in the highly-segregated St. Louis.

Beginning with dreams of becoming a Jesuit priest, and ending up in the vibrant streets of Salvador, Brazil. Greg eventually immersed himself in the rhythmic world of Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art. His tale weaves through religion, love, politics, and the value in the risks that he's had to take along the way.

Part 1 sets the stage, leaving you eager to unravel the rest of the story. Tune in to discover the depths of "Greg Downey" as the narrative unfolds, inviting you to experience a life less ordinary.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Samim sets the stage for a unique journey into Professor Greg Downey's life.

05:45 - Faith and Foundations: Encounters with evangelical Christianity and Jesuit priests.

09:30 - The Priesthood Aspiration: The reasons behind his desire to become a priest.

19:45 - The Turning Point: The significant shock that shattered Greg's religious convictions.

29:00 - Unpacking Wokeism: Navigating the landscape of wokeism during Greg's formative years.

36:30 - College Chronicles: Greg's experiences during his college years.

43:00 - Embracing Risk: Understanding the transformative power of taking risks.

52:00 - Teaser to Brazil: A sneak peek into Part 2, where Greg's adventures in Brazil will be revealed.

Join Samim in this intimate exploration of a life well-lived, filled with twists, turns, and invaluable lessons.

Tune in to "The stories that shape us" and embark on a journey, one page at a time.

*Stay tuned for the next instalment, where we continue to unravel the layers of Greg Downey's extraordinary life.

In our riveting latest episode, Samim takes us on a journey to Morocco, recounting an unexpected scenario where he received praise for sharing the same nationality as Imam Khomeini, the controversial Persian figure—an infamous dictator and a character Samim strongly despises.

This intriguing encounter becomes a launching point for a profound exploration of defensiveness, authenticity, and the art of navigating outlandish perspectives. Join us for an insightful conversation that delves into the nuances of judgment, where Maz shares a poignant anecdote underscoring the profound consequences judgments may carry.

As the dialogue unfolds, we confront the complexities of assumptions, question the legitimacy of righteous rage in the face of injustice, and probe into the transformative potential of conversation. Can excommunication and hate ever find justification?

Tune in for a captivating exploration challenging perspectives and igniting thoughtful reflection.

Timestamps:

00:00 - The story of being identified as an Iranian in Morocco

07:30 - Genuine vs. inauthentic conflict

13:30 - Defensiveness in the face of other opinions

18:30 - The crux of the Morocco dilemma

23:30 - How to respond to someone who deserves to be judged

26:30 - The necessity of assumptions

29:30 - Righteous rage - anger in the face of injustice

38:30 - The power of conversation

44:30 - Is excommunication ever justified?

53:00 - "It's easy to hate from a distance"

56:30 - Wrap up

*Stay tuned for new episodes fortnightly on Friday mornings

In our latest episode, Samim recounts his transformative 10-day silent meditation retreat, a journey that took an unexpected turn, sparking moments of resentment between our co-hosts. The duo delves into the complexities of trauma, exploring mind traps, resilience, and the delicate balance of navigating one's window of tolerance.

The narrative takes a flashback to Maz's three-week off-the-grid experience at the Rainbow Gathering, a Hippy Community Gathering. The conversation unfolds into reflections on the fast-paced modern lifestyle, its values, and the dichotomy of living life in the fast lane.

Join us for an introspective exploration of trauma, resilience, and the exciting worlds of silent meditation and vibrant hippie communities. The episode concludes with Maz's intriguing story time, providing unique insights into personal growth and the intricacies of taking things personally.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Samim's Silent Retreat Experience

09:00 - Bouncing Back from Trauma

28:00 - Window of Tolerance - "How much growing pain is too much?"

42:00 - Rainbow Gathering - Resisting "TIME"

50:00 - Fast Life and Values

59:30 - Resentment/Taking Personally

*Stay tuned for a new episode every fortnight on Fridays.

In our latest episode, Samim expresses concern about Maz's deep dive into what he labels as "extremist hippie activities." The conversation kicks off with a humorous attempt to define what makes someone a true hippie. As the discussion unfolds, Samim explores how this lifestyle choice may lead to a narrowing of perspectives and a disconnection from mainstream society.

Maz, on the other hand, shares the inner conflict he's currently wrestling with – the choice between committing to a singular career path or continuing his eclectic journey filled with various odd jobs. The duo delves into the challenges and benefits of these contrasting approaches.

The episode explores the broader theme of connection and what truly enables individuals to relate to one another. Join us as we navigate the complexities of personal identity, career choices, and the ever-evolving definition of the "hippie" lifestyle.

Timestamps:

01:50 - The Rainbow Gathering...

07:00 - Defining what it means to "be a Hippie"

13:00 - Contentment vs. Basic Human Needs - "The path to fulfilment"

24:00 - Maz living on the fringes of Hippie Extremity (Samim's criticism)

35:00 - "You don't have to agree with someone to connect with them" (Maz's rebuttal)

41:00 - Delving into the simplicity and universality of basic human experiences

49:30 - Benefits of stability and capitalism

54:30 - Wrap Up

*Stay tuned for a new episode once a fortnight on Fridays.