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In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Ana N. Cervantes, a dual-board-certified forensic psychiatrist whose career serves as a vital bridge between the worlds of medicine and the legal system. Born in Mexico and natively bilingual, Dr. Cervantes brings a uniquely nuanced perspective to her role as the Program Director for the Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at the University at Buffalo. Her professional pedigree is world-class, spanning from her medical degree at Case Western Reserve to a residency at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital and a specialized fellowship at the University of Maryland. As an Adjunct Professor at the UB School of Law, she doesn't just treat patients; she shapes how future lawyers and judges understand the human mind, teaching them to navigate the complex interface of psychiatric expertise and courtroom testimony.

Our conversation pulls back the curtain on the gritty, "on-the-ground" reality of her day-to-day life, which stands in stark contrast to the structured "Ivory Tower" of academia. Dr. Cervantes shares the personal story of what first drew her to psychiatry and the evolution of her 20-year career. We dive deep into the sobering environment of the Erie County Correctional Facility, where she identifies the "common threads" of trauma and untreated illness that link many inmates. She provides a raw look at the most vulnerable populations for suicide within the jail system and the specific, often overlooked challenges surrounding men’s mental health in the criminal justice realm.

Beyond the clinical and legal, we explore the modern human condition. We reflect on our state of hyper-connectivity—laughing about how we are now tethered to the internet even while flying on planes—and discuss the long-term psychological effects of never truly being "offline." Finally, Dr. Cervantes offers profound insight into the "human" side of being a forensic expert; she reveals how she manages to keep her "cup" full and maintain her compassion after two decades of navigating high-profile criminal cases, civil commitments, and the heavy ethical dilemmas that define her field. This is a fascinating look at the person behind the professional, exploring how she maintains her integrity and spirit while working at the intersection of tragedy, law, and healing.

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Fourteen years ago, Brian Lottman walked away from his former life to become a wandering monk, dedicated to sharing the mystical path of Self-Realization. In this episode, we explore Brian’s unique and inspiring lifestyle as a modern-day renunciant, tracing his transformative travels through the spiritual landscapes of India and the high-vibration energy of Mount Shasta. Brian shares the profound impact of Swami Purnima on his path and explains how his "Satsang" gatherings—filled with kirtan, ancient tales of saints, and deep meditation—help individuals dissolve inner barriers to find true healing. We discuss the "Stir the Heart" mission and learn specific practices to purify negativity, awakening the body’s natural healing power to bring a sense of sacred presence into our everyday lives.

https://www.stirtheheart.com/

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In this episode, we are joined by a distinguished expert from the University at Buffalo, a PhD and trained cognitive psychologist whose work bridges the gap between the mind’s mechanics and the human experience. With a background in teaching both historic and modern psychological science, our guest brings a wealth of knowledge in cognitive science, offering listeners a deeper look into how we perceive and process the world around us.

Beyond the classroom, their research delves into the fascinating world of auditory perception and cognition. We explore how the sounds we hear—from the complexity of music to the nuances of language—intertwine with our emotions, spark mental imagery, and trigger powerful physiological responses. This conversation offers a unique perspective on the intersection of science and the senses, revealing the intricate ways our brains interpret the soundtrack of our lives.

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Adam Bauer is a world-traveling sacred chant artist, healer, and ontological coach dedicated to integrating life’s joys and challenges through "kindness, humor, and grace." With a background rooted in both rigorous academia—holding an honors degree in Organizational Development and Social Change—and deep spiritual practice, Adam’s work spans from the ancient wisdom of the I Ching to modern somatic healing. His musical lineage is equally rich; after co-founding the reggae-rock band The Equalites, he spent years touring as a bassist for kirtan pioneers Krishna Das and Shyamdas, experiences that fueled his transition into a solo career with three critically acclaimed albums.

In this episode, we dive deep into Adam’s latest musical project and his lifelong journey as a seeker, beginning with his formative experiences traveling at an early age. We explore his profound adventures in India and his philosophical approach to life’s final chapter, discussing what constitutes a "good" end-of-life experience. Throughout the conversation, Adam shares his wisdom on the art of surrender—explaining how he trusts the "flow" of the river and the divine to guide him exactly where he needs to be.

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In this soulful episode, we are joined by Michelle Gigante, a true luminary in the conscious community and the founder of Shakti Yoga. With over three decades of experience, Michelle isn’t just a yoga instructor; she is a "teacher’s teacher" whose life’s work is dedicated to helping others find their way back to their own hearts.

Michelle shares how she weaves her "intuitive gifts" with her background in theatre and dance to create a practice that feels like a moving prayer. We dive deep into her journey through the Bhakti tradition and explore how her expertise as a Reiki III Master allows her to see the energetic architecture of a room, guiding every student toward their own unique spiritual awakening.

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In this episode, we sit down with Jacquie Chavers, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Inner Strength Sanctuary in Lockport, New York. Our conversation centers on the profound and often hidden impact of trauma, specifically exploring how childhood experiences act as a blueprint for our adult reactions. Jacquie sheds light on a phenomenon many face as they grow older: the way long-suppressed trauma can silently resurface, demanding attention just as we feel we should be reaching a stage of stability.

We dive into the clinical reality of the healing journey, particularly the difficult internal tug-of-war patients face when trying to dismantle the very walls they built for their own protection. Jacquie explains that while these emotional barriers once served a purpose, true recovery requires the courage to break them down. To help listeners manage the physiological side of this process, she shares the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method—a practical sensory tool designed to regulate the mind and body by identifying things we can see, feel, touch, taste, and smell in moments of distress.

To close the episode, we shift our focus to the specific societal pressures placed on men. Jacquie shares her observations on the tendency for men to suppress and silence their deeper emotional needs, often at a high personal cost. This discussion serves as a powerful reminder that vulnerability is a necessary component of strength and that healing is a lifelong process of rediscovering and regulating the self.

https://jacqueline-chavers.clientsecure.me/

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Phramaha Piya Jundadal, who has dedicated most of his life to the monkhood, often shares his observations from his travels to India. He reflects on how even the most poverty-stricken areas can foster profound joy and hope through the strength of community. Looking ahead to 2026, he aims to expand this mission through his temple and global livestreams. This past summer, the monks focused on the temple grounds, planting trees and cultivating a serene garden complete with a flowing stream. Beyond the temple walls, they remain committed to outreach, visiting those in need of blessings and providing support whenever tragedy strikes the world.

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In the second installment of our series, Phramaha Piya Jundadal and I dive into the mental landscape of the modern world. Drawing from his travels and years of meditation, Piya observes that 99.9% of people—regardless of their background—are in a constant struggle with their own thoughts. We discuss the "monkey mind" and how our modern habits of high consumption have fractured our attention spans, making a well-trained mind more essential than ever for happiness. Piya explains why "cutting off" from society in intentional doses is a vital act of mental hygiene and offers a blunt look at how laziness can become a primary obstacle to a meaningful life. This is a deep dive into making inner peace a daily priority, moving beyond theory into the practical discipline required to master one’s own consciousness.

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