"On Healing" with Brandon Tilt

Brandon Tilt

"On healing" with Brandon Tilt, is my philosophical/academic exploration space where I share my lens as a counsellor, IFS-Coach and offer reflections around spirituality. I am not a teacher, an expert and don't claim expertise in my profession, but I have lived a very full and experience-laden life, beginning my healing journey in 2015, gradually learning from my studies of Psychology, Spirituality, Philosophy and my experiential wisdom from overcoming various addictions. More recently I've been understanding the world of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and applying this lens to healing myself. brandontilt.substack.com

  1. #75 On The Healing Journey with Jared Dunlop

    3 DAYS AGO

    #75 On The Healing Journey with Jared Dunlop

    In this episode I chat with a good friend, Jared, a mixed Indigenous Chinese medicine student, Qi Gong practitioner, and firekeeper in sweat lodge ceremonies. Their path is grounded in healing and transformation, weaving together movement, traditional medicine, and earth-based ways of relating as they continue learning how to live in alignment with body, land, and spirit. Jared and I speak openly about our healing journeys which have intersected in a range of very beautiful ways, meeting at forest clean ups, both working with IFS and last year attending and fire-keeping Sundance. I appreciate Jared as they show up authentically, from a deeply heart centered place embodying a beautiful balance of divine masculine and divine feminine energy. Subtopics that arise: - Acknowledgement of the Indigenous worldview - Youthwork and Healing community - Searching for the space to belong - Wholeness and Community - Reconnecting to the “Spiritual Network” - Traditional Chinese perspective on Peace - Offering our wounded parts space and safety Song in the intro- “Light of the Mountain” by Brandon Tilt Huy ch q’u (thank you) to those who support the indigenous communities and actively decolonize their minds and spirits. Ways to support indigenous communities: * Recommended Readings: ⁠⁠https://ojibwe.net/resources/⁠⁠ - ”Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer - Any books written by an indigenous author about the Indian Act, eg, “First Nations 101” by Lynda Gray * To learn the unceded land you are on: ⁠⁠https://native-land.ca/⁠⁠ * Ask yourself… Who are the hereditary chiefs or elected council members of that nation? What language do they speak? What does this nation represent? Where does their name come from? What does it mean to be an ally? Are these your teachings to share? * I recommend you find Facebook events which are supporting the nation; there are many, especially around Orange Shirt Day, September 30th. * DO NOT purchase traditional medicines from outlet stores, gift shops or any location where it is unclear if these profits are taking away from Indigenous people. Similarly, avoid events that monetize stolen teachings. If they do not have permission, this is cultural appropriation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brandontilt.substack.com

    1hr 10min
  2. #74 On Rest, Chilling Out, and Being Present

    3 DAYS AGO

    #74 On Rest, Chilling Out, and Being Present

    I originally felt like I should be talking about AI, or Poly, or something related to Psychology, and then I got into my hammock and just...relaxed. Sounds crazy, right? Well, here’s the thing... we all just need to chill out sometimes. If you aren’t interested in my spiel, that’s alright, I get it, it’s not a rant. But what this episode does reflect is my real-time realization that there is a lot more to this experience of being human than we are currently experiencing when we are in perpetual “productivity mode”. So don’t just take my experience for fact, get a hammock and set it up next to a lake out in the middle of the forest, or anywhere there is water, for that matter. Watch your mind ping-pong around for a bit and then see what happens when you can allow the mind and body to settle. Topics that arise: - Phone addiction - Philosophizing about technology - Chilling out - Noticing the body (how feeling feels) - Doing nothing Song in the intro- “Light of the Mountain” by Brandon Tilt Huy ch q’u (thank you) to those who support the indigenous communities and actively decolonize their minds and spirits. Ways to support indigenous communities: * Recommended Readings: ⁠⁠https://ojibwe.net/resources/⁠⁠ - ”Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer - Any books written by an indigenous author about the Indian Act, eg, “First Nations 101” by Lynda Gray * To learn the unceded land you are on: ⁠⁠https://native-land.ca/⁠⁠ * Ask yourself… Who are the hereditary chiefs or elected council members of that nation? What language do they speak? What does this nation represent? Where does their name come from? What does it mean to be an ally? Are these your teachings to share? * I recommend you find Facebook events which are supporting the nation; there are many, especially around Orange Shirt Day, September 30th. * DO NOT purchase traditional medicines from outlet stores, gift shops or any location where it is unclear if these profits are taking away from Indigenous people. Similarly, avoid events that monetize stolen teachings. If they do not have permission, this is cultural appropriation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brandontilt.substack.com

    34 min
  3. #73 On War, Mental Health and IFS

    3 APR

    #73 On War, Mental Health and IFS

    In this episode, I’m atop Eagle Mountain, at the Coquitlam Lake Viewpoint, reflecting on the topic of War. An increasingly relevant topic at this time in our history, but a sensitive topic nonetheless, as we all attempt to cope amongst the arising forces of war, geopolitics, and social media, which have a kind of omnipresence in our lives. I speak candidly and transparently to my own privilege, and attempt to broach this topic with humility and curiosity. Subtopics arise: - Acknowledgement of my lack of perspective - World War 1 and Voluntary Enlistment - Not overwhelming our nervous systems - Healing our intergenerational trauma - What do we take away from Social media? - The inconvenient truths Song in the intro- “Light of the Mountain” by Brandon Tilt Huy ch q’u (thank you) to those who support the indigenous communities and actively decolonize their minds and spirits. Ways to support indigenous communities: * Recommended Readings: ⁠⁠https://ojibwe.net/resources/⁠⁠ - ”Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer - Any books written by an indigenous author about the Indian Act, eg, “First Nations 101” by Lynda Gray * To learn the unceded land you are on: ⁠⁠https://native-land.ca/⁠⁠ * Ask yourself… Who are the hereditary chiefs or elected council members of that nation? What language do they speak? What does this nation represent? Where does their name come from? What does it mean to be an ally? Are these your teachings to share? * I recommend you find Facebook events which are supporting the nation; there are many, especially around Orange Shirt Day, September 30th. * DO NOT purchase traditional medicines from outlet stores, gift shops or any location where it is unclear if these profits are taking away from Indigenous people. Similarly, avoid events that monetize stolen teachings. If they do not have permission, this is cultural appropriation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brandontilt.substack.com

    1hr 7min
  4. #71 On Sitting with Discomfort

    12 MAR

    #71 On Sitting with Discomfort

    In this episode, I’m sitting in the forest, watching the sunset slowly begin to set. I can hear birds around me, and I can smell the burning wood of a nearby fire. I notice the aeroplanes flying by, and my own experience of impatience. Offering an authentic reflection, this brief episode really helped me feel a lot more at ease on my healing journey. So I hope that you, too, can benefit from this little nugget of wisdom. I elaborate on this concept of “wading into discomfort” in my next episode, #72, which I’ll be releasing over the next couple days. Song in the intro- “Light of the Mountain” by Brandon Tilt Huy ch q’u (thank you) to those who support the indigenous communities and actively decolonize their minds and spirits. Ways to support indigenous communities: * Recommended Readings: ⁠⁠https://ojibwe.net/resources/⁠⁠ - ”Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer - Any books written by an indigenous author about the Indian Act, eg, “First Nations 101” by Lynda Gray * To learn the unceded land you are on: ⁠⁠https://native-land.ca/⁠⁠ * Ask yourself… Who are the hereditary chiefs or elected council members of that nation? What language do they speak? What does this nation represent? Where does their name come from? What does it mean to be an ally? Are these your teachings to share? * I recommend you find Facebook events which are supporting the nation; there are many, especially around Orange Shirt Day, September 30th. * DO NOT purchase traditional medicines from outlet stores, gift shops or any location where it is unclear if these profits are taking away from Indigenous people. Similarly, avoid events that monetize stolen teachings. If they do not have permission, this is cultural appropriation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brandontilt.substack.com

    19 min
  5. #72 "Some Parts of us Hold on by a Thread"; IFS and Healing

    12 MAR

    #72 "Some Parts of us Hold on by a Thread"; IFS and Healing

    In this episode, I take a seat at “the bench” an iconic spot atop Burke Mountain and after an intense work out, take off my shirt, swig some water and enjoy a beautiful sunset. This episode feels deeply aligned with the core essence of this podcast, authentic reflections from the heart, sharing openly and vulernably and speaking to my healing journey, mining for gold. And it’s not all gold, maybe, but I really enjoyed this reflection space, I go deep. Some suptopics that arose: - Sobriety and my Parts - It’s about wading into the “muck” - What’s your mountain? What are you trying to conquer? - “The snap-back” experience and the “sinkhole” - Not needing to analyze or figure it out - Parts that want to express anger - The shame cycles that repeat - Approaching therapy with intention Song in the intro- “Light of the Mountain” by Brandon Tilt Huy ch q’u (thank you) to those who support the indigenous communities and actively decolonize their minds and spirits. Ways to support indigenous communities: * Recommended Readings: ⁠⁠https://ojibwe.net/resources/⁠⁠ - ”Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer - Any books written by an indigenous author about the Indian Act, eg, “First Nations 101” by Lynda Gray * To learn the unceded land you are on: ⁠⁠https://native-land.ca/⁠⁠ * Ask yourself… Who are the hereditary chiefs or elected council members of that nation? What language do they speak? What does this nation represent? Where does their name come from? What does it mean to be an ally? Are these your teachings to share? * I recommend you find Facebook events which are supporting the nation; there are many, especially around Orange Shirt Day, September 30th. * DO NOT purchase traditional medicines from outlet stores, gift shops or any location where it is unclear if these profits are taking away from Indigenous people. Similarly, avoid events that monetize stolen teachings. If they do not have permission, this is cultural appropriation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brandontilt.substack.com

    29 min
  6. #70 IFS and Healing Family Trauma

    02/12/2025

    #70 IFS and Healing Family Trauma

    Good day to you :). In this episode, I’m spending some time wandering around Burke Mountain and monologing about Internal Family Systems (IFS) and some recent shifts in my family wounding. I’ve been working with IFS for about 3 years, receiving some training last year that really refined my lens and I love to talk about my Parts and their inner journey. Additionally, these past 4-5 months, I’ve been integrating major familial shifts and have been noticing how much certain parts have played a major role in how I show up for difficult family conversations. Subtopics that arose: - How consistency is key - Some education on Parts - Group dynamics and family wounding - IFS and Non-violent communication (NVC) - Unburdening Parts and Integration - Closing remarks on IFS Song in the intro- “Light of the Mountain” by Brandon Tilt Huy ch q’u (thank you) to those who support the indigenous communities and actively decolonize their minds and spirits. Ways to support indigenous communities: * Recommended Readings: ⁠⁠https://ojibwe.net/resources/⁠⁠ - ”Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer - Any books written by an indigenous author about the Indian Act, eg, “First Nations 101” by Lynda Gray * To learn the unceded land you are on: ⁠⁠https://native-land.ca/⁠⁠ * Ask yourself… Who are the hereditary chiefs or elected council members of that nation? What language do they speak? What does this nation represent? Where does their name come from? What does it mean to be an ally? Are these your teachings to share? * I recommend you find Facebook events which are supporting the nation; there are many, especially around Orange Shirt Day, September 30th. * DO NOT purchase traditional medicines from outlet stores, gift shops or any location where it is unclear if these profits are taking away from Indigenous people. Similarly, avoid events that monetize stolen teachings. If they do not have permission, this is cultural appropriation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brandontilt.substack.com

    44 min
  7. 09/11/2025

    #69 On Needs and Non-Violent Communication (NVC)

    In this episode I revisit the topic of Non-Violent Communication (NVC) a communication framework developed by Marshall Rosenberg that helps people connect their needs and express them to others. This method of expressing one’s feelings, needs and making requests has been pivotal to my own healing journey as well as a valuable tool for millions of others who desire connection and understand with their loved ones. I’m also drinking some cacao, so bear with my occasional sips and swallows. Subtopics that arose: - Introducing Marshall Rosenberg and NVC - Needs and learning about our needs - The intention behind expressing our unmet needs - The desperation in meeting our needs - Reflecting on attachment and language Audiobook for NVC: https://www.audible.ca/pd/Nonviolent-Communication-Audiobook/B072LG72D3?eac_link=T1vwkcQqwZQJ&ref=web_search_eac_asin_1&eac_selected_type=asin&eac_selected=B072LG72D3&qid=Jw2WAcbI2x&eac_id=131-1357949-0759106_Jw2WAcbI2x&sr=1-2 YouTube Video by Marshall Rosenberg: List of words that express Needs and Feelings: https://www.changethegameacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/Toolkits/Feelings%20and%20Needs%20inventory%20-%20CNVC.pdf Song in the intro- “Light of the Mountain” by Brandon Tilt Huy ch q’u (thank you) to those who support the indigenous communities and actively decolonize their minds and spirits. Ways to support indigenous communities: * Recommended Readings: ⁠⁠https://ojibwe.net/resources/⁠⁠ - ”Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer - Any books written by an indigenous author about the Indian Act, eg, “First Nations 101” by Lynda Gray * To learn the unceded land you are on: ⁠⁠https://native-land.ca/⁠⁠ * Ask yourself… Who are the hereditary chiefs or elected council members of that nation? What language do they speak? What does this nation represent? Where does their name come from? Are these your teachings to share? * I recommend you find Facebook events which are supporting the nation; there are many, especially around Orange Shirt Day, September 30th. * DO NOT purchase traditional medicines from outlet stores, gift shops or any location where it is unclear if these profits are taking away from Indigenous people. Similarly, avoid events that monetize stolen teachings. If they do not have permission, this is cultural appropriation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brandontilt.substack.com

    33 min
  8. #68 On the Nature of Good and Evil

    05/11/2025

    #68 On the Nature of Good and Evil

    - Questioning what it means to be a good/bad person - We all possess the capacity for evil - Are “good people” truly good? - Altruism and humanity - The Stanford Prison Experiment - Contextualizing evil on a continuum - Can we acknowledge personal “evil-doing”? Song in the intro- “Light of the Mountain” by Brandon Tilt Huy ch q’u (thank you) to those who support the indigenous communities and actively decolonize their minds and spirits. Ways to support indigenous communities: * Recommended Readings: ⁠⁠https://ojibwe.net/resources/⁠⁠ - ”Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer - Any books written by an indigenous author about the Indian Act, eg, “First Nations 101” by Lynda Gray * To learn the unceded land you are on: ⁠⁠https://native-land.ca/⁠⁠ * Ask yourself… Who are the hereditary chiefs or elected council members of that nation? What language do they speak? What does this nation represent? Where does their name come from? Are these your teachings to share? * I recommend you find Facebook events which are supporting the nation; there are many, especially around Orange Shirt Day, September 30th. * DO NOT purchase traditional medicines from outlet stores, gift shops or any location where it is unclear if these profits are taking away from Indigenous people. Similarly, avoid events that monetize stolen teachings. If they do not have permission, this is cultural appropriation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brandontilt.substack.com

    45 min

About

"On healing" with Brandon Tilt, is my philosophical/academic exploration space where I share my lens as a counsellor, IFS-Coach and offer reflections around spirituality. I am not a teacher, an expert and don't claim expertise in my profession, but I have lived a very full and experience-laden life, beginning my healing journey in 2015, gradually learning from my studies of Psychology, Spirituality, Philosophy and my experiential wisdom from overcoming various addictions. More recently I've been understanding the world of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and applying this lens to healing myself. brandontilt.substack.com