In this episode, we welcome musician, storyteller, and entrepreneurMarc Erickson, who shares his journey from acting and business to music and spirituality. After buildingTotal Body Experts into a successful fitness company, Marc felt called back to his creative roots through transformative experiences withayahuasca and personal reinvention.
Marc reflects on hisHollywood struggles, addiction, and spiritual awakenings, detailing how these experiences led him to ahealing path through music. He also shares stories from hispopcorn industry days (where he namedMagic Mushroom popcorn), encounters withNeil Sedaka and RFK Jr., and insights onmanifestation, entrepreneurship, and self-discovery.
(00:04:23) From Business to Music
Marc shares his journey buildingTotal Body Experts and stepping into entrepreneurship.
(00:09:16) Ethical Dilemmas in Business
Lessons from working under unethical leadership and choosing integrity.
(00:13:25) Small-Town Roots & Family Influence
Growing up in Aurora, Nebraska, and the impact of his grandparents.
(00:19:59) Theater & Emotional Breakthroughs
A college performance brings unexpected self-discovery.
(00:23:59) Searching for Purpose
Post-college struggles lead him intopopcorn innovation.
(00:31:00) The Birth of ‘Magic Mushroom’ Popcorn
Marc coins a now-famous popcorn industry product.
(00:41:00) The Leap to Los Angeles
Leaving Nebraska to chase bigger dreams in LA.
(00:51:00) Acting & The Reality of Hollywood
Navigating background acting and industry frustrations.
(01:02:00) A Transformational Costa Rica Experience
An unexpected trip shifts Marc’s life perspective.
(01:07:00) First Ayahuasca Ceremony
A profound experience reshapes his creative path.
(01:17:00) Finding Purpose in Music
Marc begins embracing music as a healing and spiritual practice.
(01:27:00) Aligning with Passion
A turning point where Marc commits fully to music.
(01:30:00) Breaking the Starving Artist Myth
Marc challenges the idea that creativity and financial stability must be separate.
(01:33:00) Frustrations in Acting
A negative background acting experience forces Marc to reevaluate his goals.
(01:36:00) Panic Attacks & A Career Shift
A panic attack in a theater prompts him to quit his job and pivot.
(01:40:00) Returning to the Stage
Marc’s breakthrough performance earns him industry recognition.
(01:44:00) The Shining & Synchronicity
Marc is cast as Jack Torrance inThe Shining, mirroring his own sobriety struggles.
(01:51:00) Success, Sobriety & Self-Sabotage
The ups and downs of creative success and addiction.
(01:58:00) Ayahuasca & Spiritual Awakening
A second ayahuasca ceremony deepens his connection to music.
(02:14:00) Stepping Into Music Fully
Marc begins writing and sharing his music, embracing his role as amedicine musician.
(02:32:00) Meeting Neil Sedaka & Manifestation
A chance encounter with the legendary artist reinforces Marc’s belief in manifestation.
(02:46:00) Final Thoughts & Where to Find Marc’s Music
Marc shares insights on manifestation, simplifying life, and upcoming music releases.
Listen to Marc on Spotify
Marc on Instagram
Marc on TikTok
https://marcerickson.com/
https://www.theweeklytransit.com/