In this episode of The Balancing Act, I sit down with Aaron Landman to explore Toltec philosophy, the illusion of struggle, and how our internal narratives shape our reality. Discover how to quiet the "parasite" (or redeem the parasite as an ally), return to your center, and truly become the artist of your own life.0:00 Welcome to the Toltec Journey7:02 Fear, Doubt & the Search for Truth15:10 The Mountain Dream20:11 Mindset & the Stories We Tell27:22 Meeting Don Miguel34:31 Sharing Love & Connection46:17 Accountability & Self-Judgment1:04:26 Soul Mates, Polyamory, the Sacred, Truth & Closing ReflectionsBook a Coaching Session with Garnett: https://canna-clarity.com/Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@thebalancingact47/shortsToltec Wisdom Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGfcNGpX6PRPUEKC2lWIFGw_Tdfe0X-wOutro Music:https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rielxriel/1399816701https://open.spotify.com/artist/2s0D36E6cXawPaQYm6A3dMhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgTAVoJ3i1LZs00tuU7L4Lwhttps://listen.tidal.com/artist/9980797Recorded 8.6.26

James Fadiman calls Robert Forte, “a major but not well known hero of the psychedelic movement.” A scholar, editor, publisher, professor, researcher of the subject for over 3 decades, Forte has come to some disturbing realizations about the psychedelic renaissance that he helped to start. Huston Smith called his first book, Entheogens and the Future of Religion, “the best single inquiry into the religious significance of chemically occasioned mystical experience that has yet appeared.” Forte was introduced to psychedelics in 1980 by Frank Barron, who initiated Timothy Leary and started the Harvard Psilocybin Project with him. From the University of California Forte was invited to Esalen to study with Stanislav Grof, before going to the University of Chicago to study the history and psychology of religion under Mircea Eliade. Over the years Forte has worked closely with many of the most prominent leaders of the psychedelic movement, including R. G. Wasson, Albert Hofmann, Timothy Leary, Ralph Metzner, Alexander Shulgin, Claudio Naranjo, and many others. His early MDMA research in 1981-85 turned on 100s of people to this new medicine. Though this project led to the creation of MAPS, Forte is a vocal critic of MAPS government collusion and deceptive policies. His second book is a rounded view of Timothy Leary, Outside Looking In: Appreciations, Castigations, Reminiscences. He first experienced ayahuasca in 1988, and conducted ayahuasca research with cancer patients in Peru, yet he is now suspicious of the globalizing of ayahuasca as an form of “spiritual colonialism.” He is a enthusiastic supporter of conscious, independent psychedelic healing and recreation, and an equally fierce opponent of psychedelics for mind control, profiteering, and social engineering by political and economic elites.0:02 Welcome & Robert Forte Introduction1:32 Robert's Journey: From Columbia to Psychedelic History8:37 Host's Background & Cannabis as a Truth Serum10:47 LSD, MDMA & Intentional Use14:00 The First MDMA Experience (Esalen, 1981)20:45 The Underground MDMA Network & Alexander Shulgin23:20 Rick Doblin, MAPS & the MDMA Controversy24:28 MDMA Criminalized & Deep State Drug Policy40:28 Eleusinian Mysteries & Psychedelic Religion1:03:47 Wasson, the CIA & the Psychedelic Rollout1:32:09 Is Monogamy Natural?Robert's Website: https://www.alteredstatesofamerica.net/Referenced in the Episode: Robert Forte: Psychedelics History and War On Drugs | Ben Stewart Podcast #15 (Podcast): https://www.youtube.com/live/6QdbNx97nGQ?si=VDHm7Z5rRLzaFDn3Entheogens and the Future of Religion (Book): https://a.co/d/03qgQg1BJohn Potash (website): https://www.johnpotash.com/Before War (Book by Elisha Daeva): https://a.co/d/0eGYHfh1Book a Complementary Call with Garnett: https://canna-clarity.com/Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@thebalancingact47/shortsToltec Wisdom Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGfcNGpX6PRPUEKC2lWIFGw_Tdfe0X-w

Outro Music:https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rielxriel/1399816701https://open.spotify.com/artist/2s0D36E6cXawPaQYm6A3dMhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgTAVoJ3i1LZs00tuU7L4Lwhttps://listen.tidal.com/artist/9980797Recorded 6.8.26

Christopher August is a transformational author, speaker, and coach, and the co-founder of Beats and Breath—a leading breathwork app and wellness platform. With over 20 years of leadership and coaching experience, he specializes in helping high-performers, executives, and entrepreneurs break free from burnout, stress, and self-sabotaging patterns so they can thrive in life and business.Through a unique blend of executive leadership, somatic healing, and breathwork facilitation, Christopher equips leaders with practical tools to regulate their nervous system and reset their internal state, unlocking greater levels of clarity, peace, focus and resilience. His approach is both grounded and innovative, integrating science-based strategies with cutting-edge practices for emotional intelligence, conscious leadership, and peak capacity.Whether through his best-selling book Master Your Breath, Transform Your Life, his coaching programs, or the Beats and Breath platform, Christopher’s mission is simple: to help leaders expand their capacity, perform at their best without burning out, and create lives of meaning, impact and fulfillment.Website: https://www.christopheraugust.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopheraugust/IG: https://www.instagram.com/christopher_august/Book a Coaching Session with Garnett: https://canna-clarity.com/Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@thebalancingact47/shortsToltec Wisdom Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGfcNGpX6PRPUEKC2lWIFGw_Tdfe0X-wOutro Music:https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rielxriel/1399816701https://open.spotify.com/artist/2s0D36E6cXawPaQYm6A3dMhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgTAVoJ3i1LZs00tuU7L4Lwhttps://listen.tidal.com/artist/9980797Recorded 5.25.26

Adam Schell developed Brain Supreme, a transformative microdose supplement blending together the magic of mushrooms, nootropics, adaptogens, and ergogenics to support neurological wellness. Mushrooms have been utilized since the beginning of time to cure many ailments and support one’s mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. REFERENCEDTOLTEC15 for a 15% discount: http://BRAINSUPREME.coCONNECT WITH ADAMMicrodose Coaching with Adam: http://MICRODOSECOACH.coBrainSupreme IG: https://www.instagram.com/brainsuprem...BrainSupreme TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brain.supreme...Telegram: https://t.me/brainsupremenootropicsBook a Coaching Session with Garnett: https://canna-clarity.com/Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@thebalancingact47/shortsToltec Wisdom Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGfcNGpX6PRPUEKC2lWIFGw_Tdfe0X-wOutro Music:https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rielxriel/1399816701https://open.spotify.com/artist/2s0D36E6cXawPaQYm6A3dMhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgTAVoJ3i1LZs00tuU7L4Lwhttps://listen.tidal.com/artist/9980797Recorded 5.19.26

0:00 Origin Story5:28 Dispensaries & Plant Genetics6:01 Endocannabinoid System Explained9:44 Dispensary Work & Personalization Discovery13:22 Common Ailments & Treating Root Causes18:27 CBD Deep Dive21:04 How CBD Works with THC36:22 Cannabis & Autism37:27 Autism Case Study40:13 Philosophy: Humanity & the Plant42:19 Epigenetics & Lifestyle Choices49:12 Closing & Where to Find Len50:34 Outro MusicBook a Session with Garnett: https://canna-clarity.com/Contact Len: endodna.com@lenmaydna on InstagramShorts: https://www.youtube.com/@thebalancingact47/shortsToltec Wisdom Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGfcNGpX6PRPUEKC2lWIFGw_Tdfe0X-wOutro Music:https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rielxriel/1399816701https://open.spotify.com/artist/2s0D36E6cXawPaQYm6A3dMhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgTAVoJ3i1LZs00tuU7L4Lwhttps://listen.tidal.com/artist/9980797Recorded 5.6.26

0:00 Introduction & Derek's Origin Story3:30 Discovering the Four Agreements7:56 Language, Symbols & Shared Meaning15:41 Exploring the Toltec Book Collection42:39 Daily Practice & Tools45:27 Observe, Don't Absorb48:56 Favorite Agreements & Why55:02 Parting Wisdom56:25 Plant Medicine & Balance1:04:50 The Science Delusion https://youtu.be/hO4p3xeTtUA?si=MYHSZxmjhgU_XL_8In a world driven by algorithms of rage and a "chaos of lies," how do we reclaim our inner peace? In this episode, Derek and I sit down to discuss the Toltec Masteries as a practical framework for navigating the modern dream.From the "storm in the mind" to the profound clarity of the Fifth Agreement, we explore the shift from reactive domestication to pure, authentic awareness. We dive into the practical application of the Ruiz family teachings and how to stay centered when the world around you is trying to push your buttons.In this conversation, we explore:The Power of Perspective: Why "being right" is the enemy of being happy.Observe, Don't Absorb: Derek’s practical tools for energetic protection.The Fourth Agreement: Why doing your best is the ultimate defense against self-judgment.The Balance of Truth: Navigating reason, intuition, and the role of plant medicine.Morphic Resonance: Exploring the collective habits of the human dream.Stop reacting. Start seeing.Book a Coaching Session with Garnett: https://canna-clarity.com/Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@thebalancingact47/shortsToltec Wisdom Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGfcNGpX6PRPUEKC2lWIFGw_Tdfe0X-wOutro Music:https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rielxriel/1399816701https://open.spotify.com/artist/2s0D36E6cXawPaQYm6A3dMhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgTAVoJ3i1LZs00tuU7L4Lwhttps://listen.tidal.com/artist/9980797Recorded 4.4.26

0:09 - Erica's Origin Story & Christ Church8:58 - Growing Up in Church & Faith Foundations16:28 - Career Dreams, College & Life Plans52:07 - Dreaming of Country Living & Self-Sufficiency1:09:22 - Evolving Views on God & Spirituality1:10:30 - Raising Kids in Faith & Parenthood2:00:08 - Forgiveness, Friendship & Letting Go2:13:22 - How Erica Met Aaron2:15:23 - Marriage, Commitment & Family Legacy2:24:11 - Raising TJ & Parenting with Autism2:25:54 - Vaccines, Health & Big Pharma2:35:17 - COVID, 5G & Questioning the Narrative2:42:55 - Wrap-UpBook a Coaching Session with Garnett: https://canna-clarity.com/Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@thebalancingact47/shortsToltec Wisdom Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGfcNGpX6PRPUEKC2lWIFGw_Tdfe0X-wOutro Music:https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rielxriel/1399816701https://open.spotify.com/artist/2s0D36E6cXawPaQYm6A3dMhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgTAVoJ3i1LZs00tuU7L4Lwhttps://listen.tidal.com/artist/9980797Recorded 3.22.26

"It’s Possible": Firewalking & Graceful Transformation with the Wandering TexanWhat if the "impossible" was simply an obstacle waiting for you to raise your energy?In this episode of The Balancing Act, Garnett sits down with Elaine Michelle (The Wandering Texan), a Toltec apprentice, mentor, and certified firewalk instructor. Elaine shares her radical journey from the "cliché" suburban life and a high-stress HR career to a life of nomadic alignment, floral design, and spiritual mastery.We dive deep into the mechanics of transformation—not just as a concept, but as a lived experience. From navigating a "graceful divorce" using the Four Agreements to the physical and energetic reality of walking across hot coals, this conversation is a roadmap for anyone feeling burned out and looking to reclaim their spark.Inside the Episode:The Origin Story: From San Antonio to the corporate grind—and the "cliché" life that almost extinguished her fire.The Firewalk vs. The Glass Walk: Understanding the difference between raising your energy to overcome obstacles and going within to find intimacy with your "inner weather."Graceful Dissolution: How Elaine used Toltec wisdom to navigate the end of a marriage and a career with peace and impeccability.The "Mental Closet": Why we must be willing to open the door and face our old agreements before we can truly clean them out.Skepticism as Love: A discussion on why challenging your own beliefs is the ultimate act of self-love and truth-seeking.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction0:53 Elaine's Origin Story2:35 Growing Up & Early Life4:28 Discovering the Toltec6:01 First Fire Walk & Life Acceleration7:00 Leaving Corporate Life & COVID8:47 Deep Apprenticeship & Transformation17:29 Graceful Divorce & the Toltec Way20:07 Fire Walking Explained24:20 Fire Walk Experiences & Healing29:22 Glass Walking & Advanced Practices32:07 Favorite Toltec Books34:47 Voice of Knowledge & the Fifth Agreement1:01:37 Amplifying the Message & Living the Work1:02:40 Sharing Authentically & Closing Wisdom1:17:12 Final ReflectionsBook a Coaching Session with Garnett: https://canna-clarity.com/Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@thebalancingact47/shortsToltec Wisdom Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGfcNGpX6PRPUEKC2lWIFGw_Tdfe0X-wOutro Music:https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rielxriel/1399816701https://open.spotify.com/artist/2s0D36E6cXawPaQYm6A3dMhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgTAVoJ3i1LZs00tuU7L4Lwhttps://listen.tidal.com/artist/9980797Recorded 3.25.26

Brandon Thomas is the visionary mind behind Expanding Reality and a dynamic new voice on Mysterious Universe.

As creator and host of Expanding Reality (2019–2025), Brandon built a dedicated following with nearly 350 episodes that fearlessly explored the frontiers of consciousness. Listeners praised his thoughtful questioning, philosophical depth, and ability to navigate complex topics—from spirituality and psychedelics to UFOs, manifestation, and alternate perceptions—with openness and balance.

A true renaissance seeker, Brandon is also a musician, rancher, author (of the book Expanding Reality), and founder of Ridiginal Publishing. His personal journey—from a religious upbringing in Texas to embracing New Age thought and beyond—fuels his genuine passion for remarkable observations, possibilities, and potentialities.

Today, Brandon co-hosts the long-running Mysterious Universe podcast with Joe Hodgdon. Together they deliver weekly dives into the strange and fascinating: reality-bending science, futurology, cryptozoology, alternative history, UFOs, and the wild side of consciousness—with plenty of humor along the way.

00:00:00 - Introduction and shared interests00:03:00 - Toby’s origin story: Trauma as fuel and the miracle of life00:05:40 - Radial Publishing and the Eternal Avatar00:08:45 - From a lone musician in China to North Texas00:11:30 - Southern Baptist roots and breaking the cocoon of programming00:15:30 - Temporary Truths: Detaching from the ego’s need for certainty00:19:00 - Beliefs vs. Ideas: Lessons from the movie "Dogma"00:23:45 - Questing for truth vs. the quest to be right00:26:00 - Houston intersections: Choosing to be happy over being right00:30:15 - Why metrics and social media are a "black goo" distraction00:34:00 - Being a warrior in a garden vs. a gardener in a war00:37:30 - Epiphanies: The sudden recognition of the obvious00:41:45 - A personal trainer for your mental health00:44:30 - The 12 Tissue Salts: Building blocks for the physical vessel00:49:00 - Connecting mineral deficiencies to mental disposition00:54:30 - Psychonaut adventures: 20 years of exploring the phone line00:58:15 - California Sober and the evolving relationship with Cannabis01:03:00 - DMT Blast-off: The Council of Grandmothers and Tune Town01:09:45 - Mescaline, Peyote, and the Masculine Psychedelic Experience01:14:00 - Harmony vs. Balance: Music as a metaphor for life01:18:00 - Finding your unique take on light and the Toltec "Artist of Life"01:21:00 - One decision away from an entirely new lifeBook a Coaching Session with Garnett: https://canna-clarity.com/Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@thebalancingact47/shortsToltec Wisdom Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGfcNGpX6PRPUEKC2lWIFGw_Tdfe0X-wOutro Music:https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rielxriel/1399816701https://open.spotify.com/artist/2s0D36E6cXawPaQYm6A3dMhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgTAVoJ3i1LZs00tuU7L4Lwhttps://listen.tidal.com/artist/9980797Recorded 3.22.26

Don Miguel Ruiz Jr. is a Nagual, a Toltec Master of Transformation, and the son of renowned spiritual teacher Don Miguel Ruiz, author of the New York Times bestseller The Four Agreements. Born into a family with deep roots in ancient Toltec traditions, he began his apprenticeship at the age of 14 with his father and grandmother, Madre Sarita, a powerful curandera (healer). He served as a translator of her prayers, lectures, and workshops from Spanish to English, absorbing the teachings through repetition and firsthand observation of spiritual healing. Toltec Wisdom Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuGfcNGpX6PRPUEKC2lWIFGw_Tdfe0X-wBook a Coaching Session with Garnett: https://canna-clarity.com/Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@thebalancingact47/shortsRecorded 3.19.26