This week’s episode of The Sober Shaman Podcast dives into a big one — possession — and how it connects to the experience of addiction.

We explore how this is not the Hollywood version with demons and exorcisms… but rather the more insidious and self-perpetuated kind. The kind that happens when our own addictive thoughts, beliefs and feelings grab hold of the wheel and take over the driving. Looking back, we wonder exactly when it was we handed over the keys.

In this episode, we'll go into:

• What possession really means in shamanic and recovery terms
• How thought forms — energetic creations born from focused intention and strong emotions — can take on a life of their own
• Why addiction is predictable and cyclical, and what it means when we lose choice
• How to dissolve these patterns and begin feeding the helping & compassionate spirits of healing, gratitude, and recovery

It’s a subject that causes reflexive reactions and that's exactly why I'm diving in. This is a conversation about reclaiming power through awareness and by taking responsibility earlier in the process of manifestation. We go into exactly where these parasites of possession begin their attachment to our thoughts, beliefs, and feelings, and explore how we can disentangle ourselves from them and their destructive outcomes.Links referenced in this episode:

• randallyons.com
• [email protected]

A Call for Mastery and Men's Ability to Court

When we grow into adulthood without a guide that can lead us to mastery of a skill that enhances our community, speaks to our hearts, and promotes the healthiest aspects of our culture...

We feel the Void this leaves behind. Then, how do we respond to the pull of this Void?

In this episode of The Sober Shaman Podcast, we take a look at exactly what happens here, the damage that is caused as a result - and what we can do about it.

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This is a big subject - and one that can be approached from many directions. So today, we enter into it from our current culture's relationship to beauty, courting, and the dance of Yin Yang and male female.

As always, please hit the Like & Subscribe buttons, and send me any comments or questions you have.

With blessings,

Randal

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Takeaways:

• The Sober Shaman Podcast delves into the intersection of spirituality and practical recovery methods for addiction.
• Understanding the societal and cultural roots of addiction can help illuminate personal struggles and pathways to healing.
• Mastery and the ability to create beauty are essential components that can fill the existential void in individuals, particularly men.
• The lack of guidance and mentorship in young men's lives contributes significantly to their feelings of emptiness and subsequent addiction issues.
• A clear transition from adolescence into adulthood, facilitated by mentorship, is crucial for developing skills necessary for mastery and personal fulfillment.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of expressing and appreciating beauty as a fundamental human experience essential for recovery and growth.

Links referenced in this episode:

• randallyons.com

Every victim does not become the perpetrator but…nearly every perpetrator has been the victim.

How does one go from being a victim, from being the recipient of horrendous pain, to then inflicting that same brand of pain upon another?

How does this happen?

In shamanism, it’s starts with Power Loss.

And in this episode of The Sober Shaman Podcast, we'll examine how and why this happens, what are the results, and then, what we can do about it to regain our power back and heal.

Here’s the breakdown:

The 3 kinds of shamanic illness

• Power Loss
• Soul Loss
• Spiritual Intrusion

TAHL: Trauma, Abuse, Heartbreak & Loss

Abuse that can cause Power Loss:

• Sexual
• Physical
• Verbal

How do we get it back?

• There’s a bad way…”The same way it was taken from me!”
• We’ll talk about this and why it doesn't work.

• And a good way…”Re-connection and a place to put my gift.”
• We’ll talk about this.

I love how shamanism can take important, powerful and deeply painful forms of illness, and create clear and simple-languaged ways of explaining the healing path ahead.

With blessings,

Randal

To learn more about this subject, check out Lesson #21 on The Path: https://www.randallyons.com/the-path

As always, please subscribe to the podcast, the newsletter, and send me any questions you may have: https://www.thesobershaman.com/

Thanks for joining me once again for another episode of The Sober Shaman Podcast.

In this one, I address a few areas where we can get stuck. We find ourselves repeating patterns, feeling familiar resistances and experiencing the same ineffectual results.

These are aspects of The Story we tell ourselves, about ourselves, and whether consciously or subconsciously, are participating in for its ongoing perpetuation.

Yup. We all do it.

Here's how I've broken down this episode & the way we phrase it...

In each one of the above examples, we can go down deep caves of exploration and follow them into all kinds of revelatory passageways. 

Give the episode a listen and then let me know...

• Does any one stand out for you?
• Are you stuck there now?
• Have you been stuck in the past and are now on the other side? If so, how'd you do it?

I'd love to know what you experienced!

Links referenced in this episode:

• randallyons.com

Takeaways:

• The Sober Shaman Podcast delves into the intertwining of spirituality and practical recovery from addiction and trauma.
• Hans Wilhelm, a prolific author and mystic, has created numerous resources to explain spiritual laws visually.
• The understanding of reincarnation and karma provides clarity on life's injustices and personal challenges we face.
• Forgiveness is essential for emotional freedom and healing, benefiting the person who forgives more than the one forgiven.

Website: www.LIFEexplained.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifeexplainedvideos

This episode of The Sober Shaman Podcast is a conversation with Rand Timmerman.

Rand is a retired attorney who is a recovered alcoholic that hiked the Appalachian Trail at 72 years old with his younger brother (71) and then wrote a book with 500 pictures, called "A Spiritual Passage" describingl the difficulties and problems they encountered doing such an arduous hike while dealing with issues of grief, overcoming addiction and inspiring, spiritual growth even as we get older.

Takeaways:

• The Sober Shaman Podcast delves into the intersection of spirituality and practical recovery methods, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of nature.
• Rand Timmerman shares his profound experiences hiking the Appalachian Trail as a form of spiritual passage, marking his journey of recovery from alcoholism.
• The episode explores themes of grief, resilience, and the transformative power of physical challenges in the context of personal healing and recovery.
• Rand discusses the importance of faith and higher powers in overcoming addiction, as well as the personal challenges he faced throughout his journey.
• Listeners learn about the intricate relationship between nature and spirituality, as Rand reflects on how the beauty of the Appalachian Trail inspired profound spiritual revelations.
• The conversation highlights the significance of community and support in recovery, illustrating how shared experiences can lead to mutual healing and inspiration.

Links referenced in this episode:

• randtimmerman.com
• randallyons.com

This episode of the Sober Shaman Podcast presents a profound dialogue with Jennifer Pilates, an esteemed intuitive medium and spiritual thought leader.

Central to our discussion is the transformative journey that emerges from the intersection of spirituality and physical wellness, particularly through the lens of Pilates as a healing modality. With over 25 years of experience, Jennifer articulates how her personal encounter with a life-altering car accident catalyzed her awakening and subsequent dedication to helping others align their body, mind, and spirit.

Together, we delve into the nuanced relationship between physical ailments and energetic blockages, emphasizing the importance of holistic healing approaches that integrate emotional and spiritual dimensions. This enlightening conversation not only underscores the significance of empowerment in the recovery process but also invites listeners to reflect on their own paths toward healing and self-discovery.

Takeaways:

• The Sober Shaman Podcast delves into the intersection of spirituality and practical recovery methods for addiction and trauma.
• Jennifer Pilates, a highly esteemed intuitive medium, shares her transformative journey through hardships and healing practices.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of aligning body, mind, and spirit through practices such as Pilates and Reiki healing.
• Listeners are encouraged to embrace their fears and trust their inner guidance as they navigate personal transformations and spiritual growth.

Links referenced in this episode:

• jenniferpilates.com
• randallyons.com

Even with all of the advances we've made in today's world of addiction treatment, there are some subjects that still hold the power of taboo. One of these is the doctor who is also the addict,

Which is why I am excited to share my latest talk with Dr. Brett Cordes. He is a recently retired ear, nose, and throat physician, who tells his remarkable journey of recovery from addiction and then how he found his current work in coaching fellow physicians struggling with burnout and substance abuse.

Dr. Brett emphasizes the widespread issues surrounding burnout in the medical profession, and particularly the stigma and secrecy that often accompany physicians seeking help. We explore the nuances of his transition from clinical practice to coaching, shedding light on the vital need for support within the medical community.

Ultimately, this episode is an important reminder of the intersection between personal well-being and professional fulfillment for all of us who serve (or have loved ones that do!) in the demanding landscape of healthcare.

Takeaways:

• Dr. Brett Cordes shares his journey from having a thriving medical practice, the fall into addiction, then onto long-term successful recovery.
• Dr. Cordes discusses his transition from practicing medicine to coaching other physicians experiencing burnout.
• Dr. Cordes highlights how his personal experiences with addiction have informed his coaching approach.
• We take a deep-dive into the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction in the medical profession.
• A key takeaway is that burnout is prevalent among physicians, often stemming from systemic issues in healthcare.

Links referenced in this episode:

• theburnoutdoc.com
• randallyons.com

With Blessings,

Randal Lyons

Hello All! I am excited to share this episode of the Sober Shaman Podcast, in which I have a conversation with Soraya James. She is a "guide through life’s deepest thresholds — grief, betrayal, identity loss, menopause, heartbreak, trauma and awakening." (From her website: https://soreya-james.mvt.so/meet-soreya )

In our talk, we explore the idea of alchemizing trauma, and here's an overview of our conversational path: 

• We delve into the integration of spiritual practices with recovery methodologies, particularly focusing on addiction and trauma healing.
• Soreya emphasizes the importance of embodiment and physical awareness in the process of alchemizing trauma.
• We explore the multifaceted nature of grief, suggesting that many individuals fear grief more than death itself due to its complex layers and emotional toll.
• Soreya encourages listeners to recognize that transformation is a natural process, akin to metamorphosis, which occurs through various stages of personal and spiritual development.
• The podcast stresses the significance of listening to one's body and emotions as vital components in the healing journey, advocating for a deeper connection with nature and self.
• A unique aspect of the Metamorphosis series is its integration of a companion app that provides therapeutic resources, allowing viewers to engage with their healing process actively.
• You can click here to listen from the website, or the pic above to watch on YouTube, or go to your favorite podcast platform to give it a listen there - and please hit the Like or Subscribe if you're so inclined!.

In today’s podcast, we’re going to hear Scotty Schneider tell a little of his personal story. It is one rich in experience, and focuses on dealing with PTSD with the healing potential of psychedelic medicines. Scotty, who has spent a decade in Colombia, recounts his training with indigenous traditions and the establishment of a self-sustaining community that honors both the past and the present.

In our conversation, Scotty details the Eagle and Condor prophecy, which embodies the hope for unity and shared knowledge between different tribes, different continents and different cultures. As we navigate the intricacies of community dynamics, Scotty illustrates the challenges and triumphs of fostering a collective spirit while being mindful of the delicate balance between tradition and evolution.

I personally loved this episode, as Scottie's vision for those seeking to reconnect with their humanity in an increasingly disconnected world provides practical insights into the transformative power of following one's spiritual calling.

Takeaways:

• We emphasize the integration of spirituality into practical recovery methods for addiction and trauma.
• How Scotty Schneider, a West Point graduate and former military officer, has now dedicated his life to holistic healing practices.
• We discuss the importance of indigenous wisdom and plant medicines in modern therapeutic contexts.
• The podcast offers veterans a way to explore alternative therapies, including psychedelics, for mental health challenges.

Links referenced in this episode:

• ocoyai.com
• randallyons.com