The Curious Collective - Veterans & First Responders

This episode features an exceptionally insightful guest, Matthew Bruce. A man of profound experiences and practices, Matthew has traversed the landscapes of holotropic breathwork, Kundalini yoga, and the profound world of psychedelics.

After an ayahuasca-induced vision led him from the Amazon to America, Matthew dedicated his life to aiding veterans through the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, crafting a haven in Topanga for transformative integration. With a focus on education and safe exploration, Matthew discusses how trauma lodges in the body and the astonishing capacity of psychedelics and plant medicines to foster healing at the DNA level.

We dive deep into the interconnectedness of body systems, with Matthew sharing how mushrooms and attention to the small intestine can vastly improve our decision-making and relationships. Together, we contemplate how traditional Chinese medicine and modern practices align, uncovering layers of self-wisdom.

Matthew also recounts his personal path through the rigors of military life, candidly expressing the emotional and physical demands that led him to a breakdown and ultimately, to profound self-discovery. Now, he runs a somatic microdosing school, guiding facilitators in marrying the realms of somatics and psychedelics for those carrying the weight of trauma.

Listen in as we engage in conversation on the healing powers of self-reflection, psychedelics, and the wisdom of our own bodies!

Connect With Matthew - mention you listened to this podcast:

lnk.bio/matthewbruce

05:54 Understanding trauma archetypes, behaviors, and somatic representation.

07:35 Archetypal work enables detached reflection and understanding.

10:13 Thriving plant-based iron business impresses ayahuasca.

14:01 Neuroplasticity, emotions, and trauma impact human well-being.

17:58 Understanding my organs and mushrooms for balance.

22:30 Psilocybin expands window of tolerance for healing.

25:40 Command training, stressful, deployments, financial loss, intelligence.

29:59 Overcoming trauma through breath work and exercise.

32:38 Nervous system overwhelmed, found peace through meditation.

36:19 Consider readiness for psychedelic facilitator training carefully.

37:47 Reflect on feelings when making big decisions.

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https://reset.curiouscollective.au/home

Welcome to the first episode of The Curious Collective for 2024!

In this episode, Kate recaps the amazing guests from last season and delves into her theme of "trust" for the year. She shares insights on the theme "I AM" and guides listeners through introspective questions, connecting it with the energy centers in the body. Kate emphasises the importance of continuous self-discovery and highlights the upcoming topics and events for the season. Stay tuned for more incredible guests and transformative discussions.

If you're curious and seeking personal growth, this PODCAST is a must-listen! Book an Energy Reset with Kate -

04:01 Understanding and exploring Energy in your body.

06:54 Self-love, forgiveness, empathy, giving, receiving, intuition, truth.

10:42 Understanding breath work and energy for self-care.

14:38 Discussing resilience, neuroscience, shamanic wisdom, listener feedback.

Mike Blanchard has an inherently reflective nature, a person who finds profound joy in unraveling the layers of human emotions. With a keen interest in understanding the origins of feelings, Mike dedicates himself to the exploration of the human psyche. He thrives on deep conversations that delve into the undercurrents of people's lives, engaging them to uncover the deeper reasons behind their emotions.

When encountering a person's anger, Mike doesn't just see the surface; he embarks on an introspective journey with them to discover its root, often finding links to childhood experiences or the hidden self, also known as the shadow. He is less of an instigator and more of a gentle guide, fostering an environment where individuals feel comfortable to open up their hearts and share their inner thoughts.

What truly energises Mike is the trust people place in him, allowing him to be a confidant and listener. He's not interested in giving direct advice but prefers nudging with thoughtful questions, facilitating self-discovery and acknowledgment of deep-seated truths. Mike's approach is not just a method but a testament to his love for the intricate dance of human emotions and the stories that unravel when we dare to follow the thread back to its origin.

00:00 Love following threads in life and conversations.

04:22 Understanding others through active listening and empathy.

09:16 Seeking guidance from animals, plants, and minerals.

11:49 Middle realm includes past, present, and future. Ancestral lineage in upper realm.

15:49 Shamanism explores consciousness, inner child, shadows.

20:07 Reflecting on moon ceremony from 6 years ago.

23:54 New to the gold coast, exploring meditation.

25:23 Online journal connecting with people's experiences.

30:40 Embrace great advice, follow the threads, clean up social media.

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Introducing Kieran Toohey to the podcast. Kieran's story is genuinely inspiring: an inquisitive child who joined the military, becoming a veteran now in the process of transition to civilian life. He's been using his interest in neuroscience, spirituality, philosophy, and the brain's mechanisms to understand better our reactions to traumatic events. This interest emerged from a course he found while in the military, leading him down a path of discovery and self-knowledge, including adopting the practice of mindfulness.

In this episode, we dive deep into the power of conscious living and self-observation, being present in the world around us, strategies to dissolve patterns of behaviour, and the positive impact of mindfulness on the brain. As someone who served in the military, Kieran brings unique insights about the effects of suppressing emotions and the harsh realities of transitioning back to civilian life.

Prepare for a thought-provoking conversation that explores the fine line between existence and non-existence, the balance represented by the Yin and Yang symbol, and the interpretation of ancient scriptures in the context of modern life. Sit back and prepare to have your curiosity piqued, as Kieran shares his take on the path of least resistance, and how saving energy for JOY can truly transform one's outlook on life.

05:56 Knowing how trauma reactions work helps veterans.

08:15 Meeting poster led to discovery of wisdom.

10:56 We're too comfy; need to work!

14:38 Young digger fights stereotypes, seeks self-validation.

17:54 Uni & PhD are easy compared to this.

22:57 Observing identity led to improved mental health.

26:23 "Scholars find metaphor in scriptures, importance of balance."

29:31 Find your own flavor, respect, listen, meditation.

31:48 Practice is key to success and presence.

"Dangers of Constant Comfort: We all know without being doctors that if you just sit there, your body's going to fall. So we need to get up and make a stressful effort to keep it in some sort of shape that lets us enjoy life. The same principle is true for our individual self inside that if we don't work on ourselves or we find that comfortable lane and avoid every uncomfortable experience, there's a graph that shows atrophy occurring the more comfortable you get."

— Kieran Toohey [00:11:22 → 00:11:58]

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Craig Ball is a dedicated facilitator, focused on mentoring not just men, but also their partners through live workshops, seminars, and monthly challenges. His approach is rooted in the belief that learning and growth are enhanced when shared with significant others, hence his preference for couples to attend his events together. Beyond this, Craig is known for his free seven-day challenges designed to impact participants within a short period, and provide them with a feel for what his program entails. These challenges are more than just a learning experience - they are an opportunity for potential participants to understand Craig's approach to teaching and interacting, and to experience first-hand the personal growth his workshops could bring.

Trigger Warning - during the course of our conversation sensitive information such a suicide is mentioned.

Rachael Lee is a former emergency nurse and paramedic turned health hacker with an unshakable belief in possibility.

Get Healy through Kate -

00:03:32 Yoga led to healing, teaching, and relaxation.

00:08:07 Got diagnosed with mental health issues, contemplated suicide.

00:12:14 Misuse of language perpetuates victimhood, inhibits growth.

00:15:07 Psychiatrists now use safer magnetic brain treatment.

00:16:27 Expanded mind, happiness, and relief from depression.

00:22:09 Children have innocence, perfect habits; adults don't.

00:24:27 Shane is planting wisdom, attend live events.

00:03:04 Military background helps start successful business.

00:08:08 Military foundation leads to Wisdom Keeper role. Ancient programs for stress relief and mental health. Natural remedies available for depression and anxiety.

00:11:40 Physical health affects spiritual and emotional well-being. Understanding the various parts of ourselves can lead to personal growth and improved relationships. Attitude is crucial.

00:16:09 Work is needed to address anxiety, caused by low CO2 due to environmental stressors affecting the body's balance.

00:17:33 Physical balance improves mental health and well-being.

00:21:07 Fasting and rhythmic breathing have healing effects.

00:27:04 Focus on the pause, let breath come naturally.

00:28:48 Breathing is crucial for body's pH balance.

00:34:37 Getting people to be compliant is tough.

00:38:07 Achieving altered state of consciousness in animals.

00:42:09 Rewarding to guide and help others heal.

00:43:28 Helping others is a powerful cure.

00:48:12 The military taught science, but not everything.

00:50:04 Books on psychology help uncover personal truth.

00:53:41 Paradoxes in spiritual work, life and trust.