Launch Medicine

In episode 60, Aaron chats with Kathy Altman, the co-founder of Open Floor International, about the restorative and revolutionary nature of dance. Kathy discusses her history with dance as an art form and how she came to discover it as a healing practice through Esalen and her work with Gabrielle Roth. She also speaks to how dance is an unfiltered, universal language that is innate to humanity, and how subtle, internal sensations inform our movement. Aaron and Kathy also talk about the relational levels of dance to ourselves, others, and spirit, how Open Floor has pivoted in the COVID era, and why Western society is resistant toward dancing. Enjoy the show! For show notes, visit www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-blog/ep-60-kathy-altman

In episode 59, Aaron interviews Olivia Bareham, a death midwife, master teacher, and founder of Sacred Crossings, the Institute for Conscious Dying and Alternative Funeral Home, about the beauty and teachings in death. Olivia speaks to her first, impactful experiences with death as a nurse's assistant and with her own mother's passing that inspired her to revere this great transition. She discusses how her relationship with death has changed her and Sacred Crossings' three-day funeral ritual to honor the deceased. Aaron and Olivia also touch on the intimacy of alternative funerals, the Art of Death Midwifery training program, and how to empower people to view death as a gift. For show notes, visit www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-blog/ep-59-olivia-bareham

In episode 58, Aaron chats with Ashley Newton, a family and school educator/consultant as well as a co-host of The Wild and Wise podcast, about how we heal families and the sacred element of water. Ashley speaks to her experience with somatic practices and how self-care is key to compassionate and thoughtful parenting. She details how water can be used as medicine and how to create healthy containers for our emotions and struggles. Aaron and Ashley also discuss positive changes and systematic issues in education, the importance of fostering a love for nature, and traditional and modern parenting dynamics. Enjoy the show! For show notes, visit www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-blog/ep-58-ashley-newton

In episode 57, Aaron chats with Albert Flynn DeSilver, a poet, novelist, memoirist, speaker, and workshop leader about the powerful connection between writing and the spiritual journey. Through healing from addiction and abuse, Albert was empowered to discover his love of writing. He talks about his pivot from photography into the literary world and his path into mindfulness meditation. Aaron and Albert also discuss the relationship between devotion and talent, how to support your creativity financially, and Albert's book, Writing as a Path to Awakening. Enjoy the show! For show notes, visit www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-blog/ep-57-albert-flynn-desilver

In episode 56, Aaron chats with J Brave, an inspirational Hip Hop artist and creator of our theme song, about music as a transformational tool. After a turbulent childhood, J Brave has had a life mission to spread positivity and a connection to divinity. He details his work with at-risk youth and the history of his group Luminaries. Aaron and J Brave also talk about the corporatization of Hip Hop, the invigorating role of teaching, and the power of creating through challenges. For show notes, visit www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-ep-56-j-brave

In episode 55, Aaron converses with Jason Hardi, founder and CEO of Muzik, about his work creating the next generation of headphones. Growing up with an innovative mindset, Jason always wanted to solve the world's problems, and he also knew that working as a team would make his ideas go far. He discusses how diversity and communication are key in effective business, and what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Aaron and Jason also chat about focusing on the positive, the process of product development, and how to impart progressive values in your legacy. For show notes, visit www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-blog/ep-55-jason-hardi

In episode 54, Aaron chats with Mikey Pauker, a tremendously talented musician and artist, about his songwriting and spiritual journey. With a background in the deep study of Judaism and Indigenous traditions, Mikey speaks to his path in finding the magic in all moments, the sacred experience of performing live, and how music connects us all despite our differences. Aaron and Mikey also discuss childhood struggles, the gifts that come through hardship, and Mikey presents his song "We Are Safe" to close the episode. Enjoy the show! For show notes, visit www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-blog/ep-54-mikey-pauker

In episode 53, Aaron converses with Beth Spindler, an internationally recognized yoga therapist and author, about her work treating trauma and fear through the vagus nerve. Beth speaks about her beginnings in yoga during her childhood, her teacher Eknath Easwaran as well as what it was like living in the Ramagiri Ashram, and how to avoid triggers when assisting others in relaxation. She also shares breath and physical practices to activate the vagus nerve, discusses addiction's part in trauma, and sings a healing mantra to close the episode. Enjoy the show! For show notes, visit www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-blog/ep-53-beth-spindler

In episode 52, Aaron speaks with Ram Dass Khalsa, a GRAMMY-nominated producer and touring musician, to discuss the alchemy of sacred music and how it plays a healing role in our lives. Ram Dass delves into his background in orchestral music, what it was like performing at the 61st Grammy Premiere Ceremony and Carnegie Hall. He discusses how music is the language of emotions and how the silence after a song serves as a powerful role in the listening of music. Make sure to catch the end of the episode where Aaron introduces a new segment of the show, the Bowl of Happiness, and Ram Dass performs a moving song. Enjoy the show! For show notes go to: https://www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-blog/ep-52-Ram-Dass-Khalsa

In episode 51, Aaron speaks with Robin Rivera, Founder of Mastery of Ceremonial Facilitation, about strengthening spiritual connection through ceremony and self-discovery. *This episode is not for kids.* Robin explores how childhood trauma led to healing and resilience, her transformative experiences with San Pedro, Ayahuasca, and Bufo medicines, and how honoring the help we receive is vital in the wellness journey. In this touching conversation, Aaron and Robin also discuss holistic collaboration and how to operate a sacred business through modern practices. For show notes, visit www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-blog/ep-51-robin-rivera

In episode 50, Aaron chats with Willee Roberts, founder of Hampui Hats, to examine the sacred medicine that hats hold and what it means to maintain a sustainable business. Willee details his history coming into the practice of hatting, his continued path of humility through transformation, and his deep respect for indigenous cultures. Aaron and Willee also explore miracles through business creation and operation, how to receive criticism with grace, and how love plays a vital role in our professional lives. Enjoy the show! For show notes, visit www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-blog/willee-roberts

In episode 49, Aaron talks with Charles Clay, a Men's Empowerment Coach, to discuss his incredible work helping others come into the greatest versions of themselves through self-healing tools and breath practices. Charles also opens up about his path into Neurokinetic therapy through a spiritual awakening sparked by a severe back injury, and shares how learning from our pain and listening to our bodies creates profound change. Throughout this powerful conversation, Aaron and Charles touch on discussions about self-empowerment, overcoming addiction, and how healing ourselves will change the world. Enjoy the show! For show notes, visit www.launchmedicine.com/podcast-blog

In episode 48, Aaron talks with Vanessa Johansson, CEO of Rainshadow Labs, about her entrepreneurial and healing journey. She shares her early experiences in medicine ceremonies while traveling with her family in Mexico and how plant medicine inspired her to start her business in the personal care industry. Vanessa also talks about her commitment to a sacred business culture- the importance of quality products and her care for employees. Aaron and Vanessa also go deep into Vanessa's healing journey with sarcoma cancer over the past six years and her dedication to doing "what makes sense" to her, to trusting her intuition, and the power of visualization. Vanessa also shares how prayer plays a role in her journey and how important it has been to ask for help- in prayer, but also in her community. This is such an inspiring conversation whether you are an entrepreneur, are on your own healing journey, or you just want to hear an encouraging story of a miracle! Enjoy the show.

In Episode 47, Aaron chats with Natalie Rose Silva, founder of Godseye Oils about her journey as a business owner and how prayer plays a major role. Natalie does it all herself, from making perfume, mist, and body butter to packaging and selling. She shares how she figures it out, one step at a time, by following her interests and seeing where they take her. Aaron and Natalie talk about her many passions and responsibilities (from music to mothering) and how she tries her best to integrate them all into her life. They also touch on boundaries and sobriety and the importance of listening to our discomfort- it has something to say to us. For show notes visit https://www.museandthecatalyst.com/podcast/episode47

In episode 46, Aaron chats with Spring Washam, a meditation teacher, author, healer, and visionary leader who is bridging the worlds of Buddhism and Ayahuasca through teachings and retreats. Aaron and Spring talk about the connection between various religious traditions and plant medicine. Spring shares her story of how she came to Ayahuasca after years as a Buddhist practitioner and how she believes they are complimentary practices (even though this can be quite controversial in the Buddhist community!). Aaron and Spring also discuss the connection between Buddhism, social justice and activism. Spring shares her thoughts on how we can be activists for causes that we care about with love as the motivating force. If you are interested in meditation, Buddhism, plant medicine, or healing, this is a truly inspirational discussion. Spring is a pure delight and seems to radiate joy in everything she says. For show notes visit: https://www.museandthecatalyst.com/podcast/episode46

In episode 45, Aaron talks with storyteller, Michael Meade, about how we can heal ourselves and the planet by tapping into and unearthing our inner genius. They discuss authenticity, our individual genius and gifts, the power of storytelling, mythology and nature, and how we can courageously weave a new future from the "threads of chaos". For show notes visit https://www.museandthecatalyst.com/podcast/episode45

What do you get when you mix a therapist, Abraham Hicks, and indigenous plant medicine? You get a great conversation between Aaron and Jeff Wright! In episode 44, Aaron chats with Jeff about the connection between prayer and Law of Attraction and how he weaves it into his work as a marriage and family therapist. They talk about how to see clearly what life is offering us, rather than dwelling on our misguided thoughts about our life. This helps us to move forward and create the life we want. They also discuss healing, anger, money, asking for help, and so much more. This episode is one of our best, full of wisdom, inspiration, and deep laughs. Enjoy the show!

In episode 43, Aaron shares his thoughts on prayer and spirituality. Fresh from an Ayahuasca ceremony, Aaron talks about his experience with plant medicine and how it's helped him to connect to source, aka God, though that word is very loaded for so many people. This is a shorter episode, a little more introspective than usual, and something that Aaron felt compelled to share. If the topic sounds strange to you, you may want to just skip over this one! But if it's at all intriguing, give it a listen- we hope it will be helpful in some way.

In Episode 42, Aaron chats with Georgia Bertelstein, a personal trainer and wellness coach. They talk about the different elements of wellness that we can focus on to make positive changes in our lives. These include nutrition and fitness as well as emotional health and spiritual elevation. Georgia shares insights about listening to our bodies, understanding our resistance, and being kind to ourselves through the process.

In episode 41, Aaron chats with Erika Wright, CEO and founder of Supah Stah dark chocolate superfood bars. We learn about how Erika got into the chocolate business after years of being a body work practitioner and her experience running a company while also staying at home with her toddler. Aaron and Erika talk about feeling guided towards something better, and then taking responsibility for following that guidance. What might seem to others as irresponsibility, can actually be the opposite. Following our inner guidance is being responsible to ourselves and to something bigger. Erika also shares how she aims to make Supah Stah a company that is supportive and geared towards women so that she can make a difference. Supah Stah is about happiness and offering the world something better. For show notes visit https://www.museandthecatalyst.com/podcast/episode41