In this conversation, Ryan Anderson interviews Steven Viola who retired after 30 years as a command master chief of the Navy SEALs. They discuss topics such as curiosity, mindset, leadership, and the importance of breathwork. They also touch on the challenges of transitioning from military life to civilian life, the need for decompression and mental health support, and how to integrate. The conversation explores the themes of personal discovery, the impact of war, and the use of plant medicines for healing. It delves into the importance of set and setting in psychedelic experiences as well as some of the issues and dangers of the commercialization of these substances and misuses of power. The conversation emphasizes the importance of integration and the recognition of the shadow side.The conversation explores the importance of addressing the root causes of problems rather than just treating the symptoms. The conversation also highlights the significance of protecting oneself, one's community, and the human experience. The power of breathwork and its ability to regulate the nervous system. The importance of playfulness, humor, and having fun in life is emphasized.  Steve is a psychedelic transformational integration coach with Being True To You and emphasizes his compassion for helping veterans and others who are struggling with mental health. Steve has a huge heart and is always learning and evolving. 

https://beingtruetoyou.com/get-a-coach/

https://www.jsomonline.org/Interviews/20172151Pennardt.pdf

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mission-within_were-thrilled-to-announce-that-steve-viola-activity-7132877917641981952-arhj/

Keywords

Navy SEALs, adversity, curiosity, consciousness, leadership, reinvention, military, decompression, mental health, corruption, personal discovery, impact of war, propaganda, plant medicine, set and setting, commercialization, responsible use, integration, shadow side, cultural sickness, questioning authority, addressing root causes, curiosity, enlightenment, military veterans, protecting oneself, protecting community, human experience, breathwork, compassion, navigating uncomfortable experiences, playfulness, humor, having fun

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Connection

01:19 Curiosity and Reinvention

04:26 Evolution of Leadership Styles

08:05 Challenges of Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

13:21 Decompression and Mental Health Support

20:31 The Power of the Breath

29:20 Creating a Supportive and Healthy Culture

33:12 Personal Discovery and Shifting Perspectives

38:47 The Role of Plant Medicine in Healing

41:27 The Importance of Set and Setting

53:47 The Dangers of Commercialization and Misuse

56:19 Integration and Shadow Work

01:05:21 Questioning Authority and Cultural Sickness