The Lens

Denis attended The Horizons Conference: Perspectives on Psychedelics. There he met with other enthusiastic attendees, most notably Kalindi Iyi, Hamilton Morris, and Roberta Russell. He also got to hear accomplished speakers share their research findings on the therapeutic applications of MDMA to treat PTSD, DMT for treatment-resistant depression, and psilocybin to treat cocaine addiction. Michael Pollan was a highlight. Pollan’s in depth, solemn, and almost ‘mainstream’ treatment of psychedelics in his book, How to Change Your Mind, was the inspiration Denis needed to attend this conference and seek out other therapists who are bringing entheogenic substances to the folks who need them.

Myron is a renaissance man. A devoted full time engineer, and part time music writer, producer, and charismatic leader of the band, Those Idiots. If you find yourself in Buffalo the day after Easter, prepare to encounter a parallel universe in which everyone is Polish, armed with pussy willows and squirt guns, and willing to FIGHT… for your RIGHT… to POOOOOOOOOLKA! Denis and Myron talk about immigrants, millennials, creating the digital future of Ukraine as the Soviet Union crumbled, and how to be popular with help from harmonicas.

Myron also talks about the tragic night music saved his life.

Just because something doesn’t last doesn’t mean it sucks.

Denis goes on a road trip to Kentucky with a couple of his former church brothers. They talk creationism vs. evolution, christianity vs. agnosticism; all the while surfing waves of cognitive dissonance. 

In this episode of the Sunday Shit Show, Denis gets his Hospital Bill. It was absolutely shocking. He also talks about the Rust Belt Adventure Cottage that will rise from the ashes of what his wife claims is a buffet of human flesh for rat-mites and other assorted vermin.

Hovel of wretched parasites? Or the happiest place on earth? We'll let airbnb decide.

Max is an arborist and black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu living in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada. He and Denis talk about the ‘street-readiness’ mindset of Jiu Jitsu, and how training and experience has brought him on a voyage from warrior to protector.

Show Notes

You can train with Prof. Max at Gracie Barra Vancouver. Denis mentioned a book by Jordan Peterson, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, in which it is revealed that the lives of lobsters are a fascinating study in our own struggle to establish a solid place in a hierarchy that determines our success and happiness in life, and it all starts with fighting.

Earlier in the show, Denis talks about a workshop he went to in NYC where Barry Michels helped him cross a new threshold with The Shadow. It was yet another forward-moving experience fueled by The Tools. Denis goes into some detail regarding Rudolf Steiner’s take on the shadow, wherein the shadow becomes a guide to new thresholds. Inspired by what he experienced there, Denis wrote the following Prayer of Repentance to My Shadow.

The workshop was at a completely unique fitness, wellness, and medical facility, Shift where folks there treated Denis (and his fucking irresponsible shadow) with kindness and compassion. Denis also made reference to previous podcast episodes, including The Trip to Vancouver, an interview with filmmaker Chris Benker, and that time Denis’ shadow waged an all out take-over, a cautionary tale told in A Predator Like Me.

Reading Adrian's novel, Down Sterling Road was an emotional experience for Denis. They talk about Adrian's writing, and growing up in a small town in 1970s Canada. Adrian also shares the tools (from the book, The Tools) that help him move forward and strengthen his commitment to writing.

Adrian’s next book, a collection of linked stories, comes out this October and is titled, The Ambassador of What. You can learn more about Adrian, his writing, teaching, and coaching at his website, https://adrianmichaelkelly.com/

Denis goes to Boston to see Radiohead with his son, Matvey, and their generous friend, Dave. Denis mentioned how Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now provided some perspective as even a perfect trip like this is not without its problems.

In this episode of the Sunday Shit Show, Denis talks about his anniversary with Marjorie and how his legs stopped working and how he thought he was having a stroke and how he then performed a daring and romantic feat of telepathy.

It was a good day.

Why not win? All it takes is micro-transactions in The Field, combat on the mats, and regular cleansing from demoralization with help from The Mother.