A State of Mind

We feature provocative, in depth conversations leading thinkers on topics including meditation and mindfulness, non-dual spirituality, psychedelics, psychology, ecology and sustainability and eudomainia or genuine happiness: how to co-create a more loving and thriving world. Guests so far include authors, professors, psycho-therapists, mindfulness meditation and dharma teachers, visionaries, philosophers, community activists and more. I am deeply looking forward to sharing these conversations with you.

A State of Mind is a religion podcast hosted by Julian Royce, with 161 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Julian Royce hosts A State of Mind, a religion show with 161 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  A State of Mind

  Mind Mastery and Awakening with Jonathan Mozenter

  Aug 7, 202646 min

  Is it possible that your thoughts, shadow patterns, and digestive health are deeply interconnected? In this episode of A State of Mind , Julian Royce connects with organizational development consultant and meditation practitioner Jonathan Mozenter . After discovering integral philosopher Ken Wilber and studying under Dr. Daniel P. Brown, Jonathan transformed his approach to mind mastery, shadow work, and human flourishing. Together, they explore Western psychology and Eastern traditions, breaking down metacognition, how parts work (IFS) helps resolve chronic health issues like Crohn's and IBS, and why "waking up, cleaning up, and growing up" are essential for human development. Main Topics Covered Integral Theory & Dzogchen: How Ken Wilber and Dr. Daniel P. Brown introduced Jonathan to Mahamudra and Vajrayana Buddhism. Subjective Science of Consciousness: Using meditative traditions as a precise method for investigating internal reality. Metacognition and Parts Work: Stepping out of reactive mental loops with real time self-awareness and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Mind-Body Connection: How digesting emotional childhood trauma helped resolve physical gut issues like Crohn's and IBS. Reframing ADD/ADHD: Understanding attention challenges as mental strategies to avoid intense emotions. Three Maps of Awakening: Navigating meditation stages, from natural state awareness to daily integration. Key Takeaways Emptiness Means Radical Openness: Realizing your perspective is shaped by conditioning opens your heart to other possibilities. You Are Not Your Thoughts: Developing the inner witness allows you to see thoughts as temporary phenomena. Gratitude is an Energy State: Starting your day from appreciation changes how you relate to every experience. Connect with the Guest Website: mozenter.com Instagram: @jonathanmozenter Connect with Julian Royce YouTube: @AStateofMindPodcast Spotify: A State of Mind Podcast Website: AStateOfMindTherapy.com Patreon: patreon.com/astateofmind Instagram: @julianoceann Music: SoundCloud Special Thanks to Our Sponsors MyFeelium: Get 20% Off MyFeelium (Code: julian20 | Pass: opensesame) KA! Empathogenics: kaempathogenics.com/JULIANROYCE EMR Tek: emr-tek.com/JULIAN90864 Shilajit: astateofmindpodcast.com (Message Julian for 20% off) Please leave a review or 5-star rating on Spotify to support the show!

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  A State of Mind

  Reclaiming Solitude in the Dark with Adam Baraz

  Jul 31, 20261h 2m

  What actually happens when you sit alone in pitch-black darkness for 49 days? In this episode of A State of Mind , host Julian Royce sits down with somatic psychologist, counselor, and meditation guide Adam Baraz . Growing up as the son of Spirit Rock co-founder James Baraz, Adam has spent a decade exploring human transformation, trauma, and expanded states of consciousness. Together, they dive deep into the world of darkness retreats, from 24-hour unplugs to 49-day solitary journeys. Adam shares the neurochemical shifts of light deprivation (from Melatonin to Pinoline and DMT), navigating extreme dopamine detoxes, working with internal sub-personalities (IFS/Hakomi), and reclaiming the lost art of true solitude in an overstimulated world. If you have ever been curious about extreme meditation practices, mind-body healing, or breaking free from digital addiction, this conversation offers profound insights into meeting yourself in the dark. Main Topics Covered Growing Up in the Dharma: What it was like growing up with spirit leaders and how Adam carved his own path in somatic psychology. The Extreme Sport of Meditation: The mechanics, mindset, and experience of undergoing 49-day darkness retreats. The Chemistry of Darkness: Exploring the neurochemical shifts from Melatonin to Pinoline and 5-MeO-DMT during prolonged light deprivation. The Ultimate Dopamine Reset: How complete solitude acts as a powerful detox for phone addiction, comfort, and social validation. Parts Work in the Dark: Using Hakomi and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to dialogue with sub-personalities and shadow archetypes while alone. Reclaiming Chronos vs. Kairos Time: Unplugging from clock time and returning to the natural, organic rhythms of nature and the body. Key Takeaways Solitude is a Modern Medicine: Stepping away from constant noise and distraction allows your nervous system to reset and bring dormant self-knowledge to the surface. Healing Requires Equanimity: Darkness retreats act as an "equanimity gym", amplifying physical and emotional discomfort so you can learn to meet yourself with compassion. Integration is Key: The real challenge is not just entering the dark, but bringing the insights and ego dissolution back into everyday social life. Connect with the Guest Website: samadhibodywork.com Portfolio: adam-baraz.squarespace.com Instagram: @adam_baraz Connect with Julian Royce YouTube: @AStateofMindPodcast Spotify: A State of Mind Podcast Website: AStateOfMindTherapy.com Patreon: patreon.com/astateofmind Venmo: @Julian-Royce Instagram: @julianoceann Music: SoundCloud Special Thanks to Our Sponsors MyFeelium (Curated Nootropic & Mushroom Blends): MyFeelium combines ancient medicine with science backed nootropics and adaptogens. Discover their expertly tailored mushroom and herbal products: Get 20% Off MyFeelium Website Password: opensesame Discount Code for 20% off: julian20 KA! Empathogenics (Kanna Blends): kaempathogenics.com/JULIANROYCE EMR Tek (Blue Light Blocking): emr-tek.com/JULIAN90864 Premium Ural Mountain Shilajit: astateofmindpodcast.com (Message Julian on the site for 20% off) Please leave a thumbs up, comment, or subscribe on YouTube, and leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Sharing this episode with friends keeps our alternative mental health platform free!

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  A State of Mind

  Reclaiming Your Body's Intelligence with Jason Demchok

  Jul 24, 20261h 6m

  Ever wonder why so many of us feel stuck in our heads, disconnected from our bodies, or trapped in constant overthinking? In this episode of A State of Mind , host Julian Royce sits down with Jason Demchok to explore how Eastern philosophy, Western psychology, and somatic awareness intersect. Together, they dive into the Four Natural Intelligences (Somatic, Emotional, Creative, and Strategic), how to release trapped trauma without over-analyzing it, and why true healing comes from trusting your body's innate wisdom. If you have ever struggled with anxiety, gut issues like IBS, or felt spiritually exhausted by rigid meditation practices, this conversation offers a refreshing, experiential path back to wholeness. Main Topics Covered The Four Natural Intelligences: Breaking down Somatic, Emotional, Creative, and Strategic intelligence, and how they work like tuned guitar strings in your daily life. Overcoming Physical & Mental Disconnection: How somatic awareness and posture work can help heal chronic issues like IBS and anxiety. Dzogchen & Tantra in Practice: Why higher Buddhist teachings are about relationship, embodiment, and letting your natural wisdom emerge rather than isolating yourself as a monk. Unlocking Creative Intelligence: Conquering the fear of public speaking, singing, and dancing by stepping into vulnerability and trusting the flow. The Future of Human Connection: Why AI and technology make real human experiences, community, and somatic presence more vital than ever. Key Takeaways Your Body Has Innate Intelligence: Healing is not about fighting your body or forcing a solution; it is about listening to the wisdom already trying to emerge. Spiritual Growth Happens in Relationships: True practice is not just sitting alone on a meditation cushion; it is tested and embodied in how you connect with the world. Embracing Discomfort Leads to Expansion: Growth happens when you step out of your head and allow yourself to be vulnerable through movement, dance, and authentic expression. Connect with the Guest Website: jasondemchok.com Instagram: @jason.demchok LinkedIn: Jason Demchok Connect with Julian Royce YouTube: @AStateofMindPodcast Spotify: A State of Mind Podcast Website: AStateOfMindTherapy.com Patreon: patreon.com/astateofmind Venmo: @Julian-Royce Instagram: @julianoceann Music: SoundCloud Special Thanks to Our Sponsors MyFeelium (Curated Nootropic & Mushroom Blends): MyFeelium combines ancient medicine with science backed nootropics and adaptogens. Discover their expertly tailored mushroom and herbal products: Get 20% Off MyFeelium Website Password: opensesame Discount Code for 20% off: julian20 KA! Empathogenics (Kanna Blends): kaempathogenics.com/JULIANROYCE EMR Tek (Blue Light Blocking): emr-tek.com/JULIAN90864 Premium Ural Mountain Shilajit: astateofmindpodcast.com (Message Julian on the site for 20% off) Please leave a thumbs up, comment, or subscribe on YouTube, and leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Sharing this episode with friends keeps our alternative mental health platform free!

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  A State of Mind

  How You Were Programmed Before Age 2 with Bu Nan Brown

  Jul 17, 20261h 17m

  Ever wonder why you suddenly shut down or push people away when things get close? In this episode of A State of Mind , host Julian Royce sits down with Reverend Bu Nan Brown : a Rinzai Zen priest, somatic attachment coach, and contemplative tea teacher. Together, they dive deep into how our earliest bonds form the subconscious "architecture of the mind," acting as a blueprint for how we handle love, fear, conflict, and safety. If you have ever found yourself abruptly shutting down during a disagreement, or panicking at the slightest hint of distance from a partner, this episode is a must-listen. Bu Nan breaks down the mechanics of somatic attachment repair, explains why our screens are driving a massive loneliness epidemic, and highlights the powerful intersection between Western attachment theory and Buddhist teachings. Main Topics Covered The Architecture of the Mind: How your attachment strategies are downloaded directly into your nervous system before you are two years old. The Daydreaming and Digital Trap: Why checking our phones 220 times a day feeds the left-brain ego while starving our right-brain capacity for true presence. Anxious vs. Avoidant Triggers: What actually happens to your biology during a fight, and why it takes a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes for your kidneys to clear stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Western Attachment vs. Buddhist Non-Attachment: How secure attachment in the West and non-clinging in the East are actually two sides of the same coin: being fully open and resilient to reality. The Power of Co-Regulation: Why humans are biologically designed to soothe each other's nervous systems, and why the "lone cowboy" archetype is a recipe for chronic dysregulation. Adult Attachment Repair: Practical steps for repatterning early childhood conditioning using somatics, inner parts work, and compassion-based practices. Key Takeaways It is Not Your Fault: No one blames a two-year-old for their survival strategies. Recognizing that your relational defenses are automatic, multi-generational downloads is the first step to silencing your inner critic. Healing Changes the Whole System: You do not need your partner or entire family to change first. When just one person in a relational system starts doing attachment repair work, the entire family dynamic naturally begins to shift. True Security is Internal: Secure attachment is not just about finding the perfect partner; it is about cultivating a loving, open-hearted connection with yourself and life itself. Connect with the Guest Website: bunanbrown.com The Tea House: BoulderTeaHut.org Instagram: @bunan_brown Connect with Julian Royce YouTube: @AStateofMindPodcast Spotify: A State of Mind Podcast Website: AStateOfMindTherapy.com Patreon: patreon.com/astateofmind Venmo: @Julian-Royce Instagram: @julianoceann Music: SoundCloud Special Thanks to Our Sponsors MyFeelium (Curated Nootropic & Mushroom Blends): MyFeelium combines ancient medicine with science backed nootropics and adaptogens. Discover their expertly tailored mushroom and herbal products: Get 20% Off MyFeelium Website Password: opensesame Discount Code for 20% off: julian20 KA! Empathogenics (Kanna Blends): kaempathogenics.com/JULIANROYCE EMR Tek (Blue Light Blocking): emr-tek.com/JULIAN90864 Premium Ural Mountain Shilajit: astateofmindpodcast.com (Message Julian on the site for 20% off) Please leave a thumbs up, comment, or subscribe on YouTube, and leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Sharing this episode with friends keeps our alternative mental health platform free!

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  A State of Mind

  From Silicon Valley Executive to Hardcore Meditator | Erric Solomon

  Jul 10, 20261h 50m

  This timeless episode was originally published on September 2nd, 2019. We are re-releasing this audio gem today because its profound insights on anxiety and mindfulness are more relevant now than ever before. In this classic episode of A State of Mind, host Julian Royce sits down with Erric Solomon : a former Silicon Valley executive and MIT Artificial Intelligence scholar turned hardcore meditator. Erric is the co-author of Radical Happiness, alongside renowned Buddhist teacher Phakchok Rinpoche. Together, they dive into the stark contrasts between material progress and the limitless power of genuine, internal human consciousness. From corporate tech models to ancient Tibetan Dzogchen metaphors, Erric maps out how modern society trains us to look outside ourselves for fulfillment. He breaks down why our habits of constant self-comparison leave us exhausted, why stuck commuters are often happier than beach daydreamers, and how we can systematically train our awareness to look at the "stone-thrower" rather than chasing every passing chaotic thought. Main Topics Covered MIT AI Lab Spark: How a conversation with Marvin Minsky about the non-existence of a findable self fueled Erric's 40-year spiritual journey. The Daydreaming Paradox: A study showing why being present in a traffic jam brings more satisfaction than fantasizing about a Thai beach. Hedonic Pleasure vs. Eudaimonia: Aristotle’s classic distinction between fleeting short-term hits and profound, meaningful well-being. Workplace Care: Erric’s boom experience proving that manager empathy, not salary alone, drives retention. The Guru Matrix: Navigating skepticism around spiritual leadership and understanding his late teacher, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. The Lion and Dog Metaphor: An ancient teaching on why we must stop chasing individual thought "stones" and focus on the stonethrower. The Infallible Knower: Exploring the space of awareness that remains clear and quiet no matter what emotional storms arise. Key Takeaways Relax Comparison: Contentment is stolen by our compulsive habit of measuring reality against an idealized fantasy version. The User Interface: Our daily concepts are merely a functional mask over a deeper, interconnected field of consciousness. Insight vs. Judgment: True intuitive insight remains light and pivots instantly; neurotic judgment tightens and doubles down. Connect with the Guest Video: What is Radical Happiness? Shambhala Profile: Erric Solomon Website: radicallyhappy.org Samye Institute: samyeinstitute.org Instagram: @erric_solomon Connect with Julian Royce Spotify: A State of Mind Podcast Website: AStateOfMindTherapy.com Patreon: patreon.com/astateofmind Venmo: @Julian-Royce Instagram: @julianoceann Music: SoundCloud Special Thanks to Our Sponsors MyFeelium (Curated Nootropic & Mushroom Blends): MyFeelium combines ancient medicine with science backed nootropics and adaptogens. Discover their expertly tailored mushroom and herbal products: Get 20% Off MyFeelium Website Password: opensesame Discount Code for 20% off: julian20 KA! Empathogenics (Kanna Blends): kaempathogenics.com/JULIANROYCE EMR Tek (Blue Light Blocking): emr-tek.com/JULIAN90864 Premium Ural Mountain Shilajit: astateofmindpodcast.com (Message Julian on the site for 20% off) Please leave a thumbs up, comment, or subscribe on YouTube, and leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Sharing this episode with friends keeps our alternative mental health platform free!

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