The Metaphysician: Meaning Beyond Medicine

The Metaphysician
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A revolution is coming in healthcare... we are at a crossroads. What are we, what do we stand for? Are we just mechanics, doctors trying to fix broken bodies in a broken system? Or are we more - healing, connecting, coming together to ease the suffering of the human spirit in this material wasteland? Maybe we are the future of medicine, the healers this world needs. Rise up Metaphysicians! Listen... your time has come. Dropping weekly podcasts on topics bordering the no-man's land between Science + Spirituality. A "trigger zone" with explicit language, opinions and musings on the decline of spirituality, psychotherapy and medicine. For best listening we recommend a dark sense of humour. www.themetamd.com

  1. 05/09/2025

    EP16 Excommunicado Part #1

    "I was spiritually canceled—literally canceled in the middle of a profound meditation retreat." In this episode of The Metaphysician: Meaning Beyond Medicine, we return after a month long hiatus with a deeply personal and thought-provoking episode. ​ Joined by co-host Ren, The Metaphysician shares the shocking story of being abruptly ejected from a 20-day vipassana meditation retreat in the tradition of S.N. Goenka. What began as a journey of deep spiritual practice turned into an unexpected confrontation with the assistant teacher, accusations of dishonesty, and ultimately, a dramatic exit—waiting on the side of the road in the rain. ​ This episode dives into: * The strict orthodoxy of the S.N. Goenka vipassana tradition and its challenges. ​ * The host's reflections on the tension between tradition and personal growth. ​ * Insights into the broader history of vipassana meditation and its lineage. ​ * The emotional and spiritual impact of being "spiritually canceled" after 23 years of practice and service. ​ * Lessons learned and silver linings from this jarring experience. ​ Whether you're a seasoned meditator or curious about the complexities of spiritual practice, this episode offers raw honesty, humour, and valuable takeaways for anyone navigating the path of self-discovery. Keywords: Vipassana, S.N. ​Goenka, meditation retreat, spiritual practice, mindfulness, personal growth, Buddhism, ethical dilemmas, spiritual community. Music Credits: * Music by Ryan O’Flaherty Follow Us: * Twitter: @themetamd * Website: themetamd.com Tune in for Part 2 next week, where the story continues and deeper insights unfold. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform. Until next time, take good care! ​ 🚨Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are based on personal experiences and opinions. ​ Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and form their own conclusions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.themetamd.com

    50 min

  2. 04/04/2025

    EP15 Barbie, Ken and The War of The Sexes

    "The boss babe message has left so many women, relationshipless, childless, unhappy, and lonely." In this captivating episode of The Metaphysician: Meaning Beyond Medicine, we embark on a thought-provoking journey through the recent movie "Barbie," using it as a springboard to delve into the complexities of modern feminism, the patriarchy, and gender dynamics. We begin by analyzing the film's critique of societal norms, focusing on the portrayal of the patriarchy and the role of male feminists, particularly Ryan Gosling. ​ Key Discussion Points: * 🎬 Movie Review and Themes: The episode kicks off with an in-depth review of "Barbie," highlighting its critique of societal norms and the patriarchy. ​ The hosts discuss how the film uses humor and stereotypes to address serious issues, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of gender dynamics. * 💭 Ren's Perspective: Ren shares her mixed feelings about the movie, expressing nostalgia for Barbie while critiquing modern feminism as toxic. ​ Her insights provide a personal touch, revealing the emotional impact of the film and its themes. * ⚖️ Gender Dynamics: The conversation then shifts to an examination of Ken's character, portrayed by Ryan Gosling. ​ The hosts discuss how Ken's overly feminized and codependent nature serves as a commentary on modern relationships, highlighting the challenges faced by both men and women in today's society. * ❌ Missed Opportunities: The hosts critique the movie's failure to present a balanced resolution between genders, arguing that it perpetuates the war of the sexes rather than offering a meaningful solution. This discussion underscores the need for media to promote mutual respect and understanding. * 🔍 Ryan Gosling's Background: Delving deeper, the hosts explore Ryan Gosling's personal background, revealing how his strained relationship with his father and experiences of bullying may have influenced his portrayal of masculinity. This insight adds a layer of complexity to the discussion, connecting the actor's real-life experiences to his on-screen roles. Conclusion: The episode wraps up with a call for mutual respect and understanding between genders, highlighting the need for balanced portrayals in media. The hosts leave listeners with a sense of hope and a challenge to embrace both masculine and feminine qualities in their own lives. Music Credits: * Music by Ryan O’Flaherty Follow Us: * Twitter: @themetamd * Website: themetamd.com Thank you for tuning in! ​ Join us next week for another insightful episode. ​If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform. Until next time, take good care! ​ 🚨Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are based on personal experiences and opinions. ​ Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and form their own conclusions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.themetamd.com

    1h 16m

  3. 03/24/2025

    EP14 Beware of The Light: The Anglerfish Effect in Spiritual Practice.

    "Spiritual technology is incredibly powerful and should not be trifled with; it can lead to great transformation or devastating consequences." In this follow-up episode to Episode 11 of The Metaphysician: Meaning Beyond Medicine, we delve deeper into the Yogi Bhajan scandal and the disintegration of the Kundalini Yoga community, focusing on the documentary "Breath of Fire" (2024). This episode explores the impact of Guru Jagat and the RA MA Institute, revealing the dark undercurrents within the spiritual community. Key Discussion Points: * Documentary Insights: The hosts discuss their reactions to the HBO documentary "Breath of Fire," highlighting its high production quality and unsettling content. * Guru Jagat's Journey: Ren shares her empathy for Guru Jagat, acknowledging her entrepreneurial spirit and the challenges she faced, including posthumous criticism. * Yogi Bhajan's Legacy: The episode revisits the disturbing revelations about Yogi Bhajan's abusive practices, particularly affecting second-generation students. * Darkness in Spirituality: The hosts explore the concept of spiritual darkness, drawing parallels to mythological archetypes and cautioning against the seductive power of ego and influence. * Personal Reflections: Ren and The Metaphysician reflect on their own experiences within the Kundalini Yoga community, discussing the transformative yet potentially dangerous nature of spiritual practices. * Cautionary Tales: The episode serves as a warning to spiritual seekers about the risks of blindly following charismatic leaders and the importance of addressing core wounds and psychological issues. Final Thoughts: This episode is an impactful exploration of the complexities within the Kundalini Yoga community, offering valuable lessons for spiritual seekers. It emphasizes the importance of discerning the true intentions behind spiritual teachings and the dangers of unchecked ego and influence. Additional Links: * EP11 The Rise & Fall of a Guru - Part 1 * Breath of Fire - HBO Documentary * RA MA - Institute of Applied Yogic Science & Technology Music Credits: * Music by Ryan O’Flaherty Follow Us: * Twitter: @themetamd * Website: themetamd.com Thank you for tuning in! ​ Join us next week for another insightful episode. ​If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your Preferred Platform. Until next time, take good care! ​ 🚨Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are based on personal experiences and opinions. ​ Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and form their own conclusions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.themetamd.com

    48 min

  4. 03/14/2025

    EP13 The Great Fast

    "Since my mom passed last year, I've gone back to church more regularly and feel really appreciative of her introducing me to these practices." In this captivating episode of The Metaphysician: Meaning Beyond Medicine, we delve into the profound practice of Lent, exploring its rich origins and sharing our deeply personal journeys. ​ Lent, derived from the Old English word "lencten" meaning to lengthen, as in - lengthening days (i.e., Spring), signifies a period of preparation for Easter in the Catholic tradition through self-denial and fasting. Together, the host and Ren embark on a challenging fasting regimen, consuming only broth and liquids, and discuss the spiritual benefits they are reaping, such as repentance, humility, and a sense of cleansing. The host and Ren draw fascinating parallels between Christian and Buddhist practices, highlighting the universal importance of self-denial and spiritual purification. As they reflect on the trials and triumphs of Lent, they eagerly anticipate Easter and the host's upcoming 20-day Vipassana retreat, promising listeners an insightful and transformative journey. Tune in for an episode that blends heartfelt memories, spiritual insights, and the promise of renewal. Additional Links: * Minimalism for Lent with T.K. Coleman and Fr. Ambrose Criste * The Great Fast - Join the program! Music Credits: * Music by Ryan O’Flaherty Follow Us: * Twitter: @themetamd * Website: themetamd.com Thank you for tuning in! ​ Join us next week for another insightful episode. ​If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your Preferred Platform. Until next time, take good care! ​ 🚨Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are based on personal experiences and opinions. ​ Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and form their own conclusions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.themetamd.com

    36 min

  5. 03/07/2025

    EP12 Spiritual Bypassing: John Welwood's Legacy

    “Spiritual Bypassing often adopts a rationale based on using absolute truth to deny or disparage relative truth.” - John Welwood In this episode of The Metaphysician: Meaning Beyond Medicine, we delve into the concept of spiritual bypassing, a term coined by psychotherapist and Buddhist practitioner John Welwood in 1984. ​In it we explore the pervasive nature of spiritual bypassing in various spiritual communities and practices, emphasizing that it is an inevitable phase in any spiritual journey. In addition, we discuss the formal definition, causes, symptoms, and potential benefits of spiritual bypassing, as well as its impact on personal relationships and mental health. ​ This episode also highlights the importance of balancing spiritual practice with psychological self-awareness and development. Through personal anecdotes and examples, we illustrate how spiritual bypassing can lead to maladaptive behaviours, such as avoiding pain, unrealistic relationships, and emotional dissociation. ​We also stress the significance of seeking professional help and integrating psychological insights with spiritual teachings to achieve a holistic and healthy spiritual practice. ​ Listeners are encouraged to recognize the signs of spiritual bypassing in themselves and others, and to approach their spiritual journey with a nuanced understanding that incorporates both absolute and relative truths. This episode is a must-listen for anyone engaged in spiritual practice, offering valuable insights and practical advice for navigating the complexities of spiritual growth. Additional Links: * Toward a Psychology of Awakening by John Welwood * Human Nature Buddha Nature: On Spiritual Bypassing, Relationship and the Dharma. An Interview with John Welwood by Tina Fossella * A Phenomenology of Spiritual Bypass: Causes, Consequences, and Implications - Picciotto, Gabriela & Fox, Jesse & Neto, Félix. (2017). Music Credits: * Music by Ryan O’Flaherty Follow Us: * Twitter: @themetamd * Website: themetamd.com Thank you for tuning in! ​ Join us next week for another insightful episode. ​If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your Preferred Platform. Until next time, take good care! ​ 🚨Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are based on personal experiences and opinions. ​ Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and form their own conclusions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.themetamd.com

    1h 15m

  6. 02/28/2025

    EP11 The Rise and Fall of a Guru

    In this episode of The Metaphysician: Meaning Beyond Medicine, we delve into the controversial legacy of Yogi Bhajan, the founder of Kundalini Yoga in the West. We discuss the sexual abuse allegations against him and the divided reactions within the Kundalini yoga community. The conversation explores the complexities of acknowledging both the light and darkness in spiritual teachings and the impact of charismatic leadership. The episode also touches on the broader implications of spiritual bypassing and wound identification, emphasizing the need for genuine spiritual work and balanced understanding. Highlights: * 🧘‍♂️ Yogi Bhajan's Legacy: * Discussion on the sexual abuse allegations against Yogi Bhajan and the community's reaction. * The divide between those demonizing Yogi Bhajan and those in denial of his actions. * The importance of acknowledging both the light and darkness in spiritual teachings. ​ * 🌐 Community Reactions: * The extremes of demonizing Yogi Bhajan as solely a sexual abuser versus those who deny any wrongdoing. * The impact of these reactions on the Kundalini yoga community and its teachings. * 🛑 Spiritual Bypassing and Wound Identification: * The Metaphysician's rant on the extremes of spiritual bypassing and wound identification. * Emphasis on the importance of doing the real spiritual work and not getting stuck in denial or perpetual outrage. * ⚖️ Complexities of Spiritual Practice: * The challenges of being a spiritual teacher and the dangers of charismatic leadership. ​ * The need for balance and understanding in spiritual communities. Additional Links: * Premka: White Bird in a Golden Cage: My Life with Yogi Bhajan * An Olive Branch Report of Yogi Bhajan Harms * The Rise and Fall of a Guru (Part 2) Music Credits: * Music by Ryan O’Flaherty Follow Us: * Twitter: @themetamd * Website: themetamd.com Thank you for tuning in and don't forget to listen to Part 2! ​ Join us next week for another insightful episode. ​If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your Preferred Platform. Until next time, take good care. Sat Naam! ​ 🚨Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are based on personal experiences and opinions. ​ Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and form their own conclusions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.themetamd.com

    59 min

  7. 02/21/2025

    EP10 Psychedelic Therapy's Trojan Horse

    Buckle up for a 🤯 mind-blowing episode of The Metaphysician: Meaning Beyond Medicine, where we pull back the curtain on the hidden agendas lurking within psychedelic-assisted therapy training programs! ​ Join The Metaphysician and his fearless co-host as they dive deep into the murky waters of ideological indoctrination that’s hijacking the world of psychedelic therapy. Highlights: * 😱 From Excitement to Alarm: Hear the jaw-dropping story of how The Metaphysician’s dream of becoming a psychedelic therapist turned into a nightmare of ideological contracts and hidden agendas. * 🧠 Ideological Infiltration: Discover the shocking extent to which critical race theory, anti-racism, gender ideology, and DEI have infiltrated these training programs, turning them into activist boot camps rather than therapeutic sanctuaries. * ⚠️ Therapeutic Integrity at Risk: Uncover the disturbing truth about how these ideologies are compromising the neutrality of therapists, potentially turning your healing journey into a political battleground. * 🔍 MAPS Under the Microscope: Get the inside scoop on why the primary mission behind the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) isn’t “envisioning a world of psychedelic healing” but instead the promotion and dissemination of radical left ideologies to help reshape society using psychedelic-assisted therapies as the Trojan Horse. * 🧐 MAPS says it takes an incremental approach to radical change: Like promoting and selling the controversial book "Black Psychedelic Revolution" by Dr. Nicholas Powers, which reveals a radical agenda that could shake the foundations of the psychedelic community. * 🚨 A Call to Action: The Metaphysician sounds the alarm, urging listeners to wake up to the ideological capture of psychedelic-assisted therapy. We must demand more transparency and accountability from Rick Doblin and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) in order to create a psychedelic renaissance, not a psychedelic revolution. So, prepare to have your mind expanded and your perceptions shattered as we expose the sinister side of psychedelic therapy training. ​ This is an episode you can’t afford to miss! ​ Additional Links: * MAPS Founder Rick Doblin has long drawn on Saul Alinsky’s “Rules for Radicals” for inspiration in creating The 7 Principles of MAPS * "Black Psychedelic Revolution" by Dr. Nicholas Powers * “Seeing Poor White People Makes Me Happy” also by Dr. Nicholas Powers * Can MDMA Change Sociopolitical Values? Insights From a Research Participant. Biol Psychiatry. 2021;89(11):e61-e62. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.01.016 Music Credits: * Music by Ryan O’Flaherty Follow Us: * Twitter: @themetamd * Website: themetamd.com Thank you for tuning in! ​ Join us next week for another insightful episode. ​Until then, be well and take good care. ​If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your Preferred Platform. 🚨Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are based on personal experiences and opinions. ​ Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and form their own conclusions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.themetamd.com

    1h 24m

  8. 02/14/2025

    EP9 Red-Pilled and Reborn: My Shift from Left to Independent

    🎙️ Welcome to The Metaphysician: Meaning Beyond Medicine! ​ In today's episode, I share my journey from being a far-left progressive to adopting a more independent stance. ​ Buckle up for a wild ride of self-discovery, ideological shifts, and a sprinkle of humour! ​ 🌟 🛤️ The Shift Begins ​ * I used to be a hardcore left-leaning individual, but over the years, I've found myself at odds with some leftist policies and ideologies. ​ 🤔 * The catalyst? Trump's executive order on "Keeping Men out of Women's Sports." ​ Controversial, but it got me thinking. ​ 🏅 🏡 My Leftist Roots ​ * Grew up in a socialist household. ​Parents met in Cuba post-revolution, full of idealism. ​ 🇨🇺 * Over time, their utopian dream crumbled, and so did my unwavering belief in leftist ideologies. ​ 🏚️ 👩‍👧‍👦 Feminism and Family Dynamics * Raised by strong women, I was taught to be a feminist. ​But modern feminism sometimes feels like man-hating. ​ 😕 * My mum fought for equality, not superiority. ​Today's feminism often feels different. ​ 💪 👨🏽 The Nice Guy Syndrome ​ * I was the quintessential "nice guy," always deferential and thoughtful. ​But guess what? It didn't attract the women I was interested in. ​ 😅 * Realized that being overly nice wasn't the answer. ​Attraction is more complex. ​ 💔 📚 Red-Pilled by The Game ​ * Post-breakup, I stumbled upon "The Game" by Neil Strauss. ​Learned about attraction theory and evolutionary psychology. ​ 🧠 * Found a middle ground between being a pushover and a jerk. ​Balance is key! ​ ⚖️ 👨‍👩‍👧 Becoming a Father ​ * Having a daughter changed everything. ​Became more protective and realized the importance of boundaries. ​ 🛡️ * Ideology took a backseat to common sense and family safety. ​ 👨‍👧 🏋️ Masculinity and Independence * Embraced my masculine side, which led to a more independent mindset. ​ 💪 * Stopped blindly following leftist ideologies and started thinking for myself. ​ 🧠 🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ Support and Boundaries ​ * Supported LGBTQ+ rights but drew the line at biological males in women's sports and locker rooms. ​ 🏅 * Worked in transgender specialty care, so I'm not against transgender rights. ​Just believe in certain boundaries. ​ 🚧 🗳️ From Progressive Left to Independent ​ * No longer a hardcore leftist. ​Now, I consider myself an independent thinker. ​ 🧠 * Prioritize being a man and a father over rigid ideologies. ​ 👨‍👧 🌍 Tolerance and Understanding ​ * Learned to appreciate different perspectives. ​Tolerance and listening are crucial. ​ 👂 * The left's cancel culture and divisiveness often create the very problems they aim to solve. ​ 🤷‍♂️ 🔄 Evolving Views ​ * Life changes you. ​Ideologies evolve. ​Embrace the journey and keep asking questions. ​ 🌱 🎧 Wrap-Up * Thanks for joining me on this journey. Keep evolving, one day at a time. ​Until next week, take care! ​ 🌟 The Metaphysician, signing off! ​ 🎙️ Hope you enjoyed this episode! If you did, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. Let's keep the conversation going! ​ 💬 Additional Links of Interest * Watch OG trans women debate Trump’s executive order here * Listen to a former teammate of Lia Thomas talk about her experience of sharing the women’s locker room here Music Credits: * Music by Ryan O’Flaherty Follow Us: * Twitter: @themetamd * Website: themetamd.com 🚨Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or decision. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.themetamd.com

    50 min
See All (17)

About

A revolution is coming in healthcare... we are at a crossroads. What are we, what do we stand for? Are we just mechanics, doctors trying to fix broken bodies in a broken system? Or are we more - healing, connecting, coming together to ease the suffering of the human spirit in this material wasteland? Maybe we are the future of medicine, the healers this world needs. Rise up Metaphysicians! Listen... your time has come. Dropping weekly podcasts on topics bordering the no-man's land between Science + Spirituality. A "trigger zone" with explicit language, opinions and musings on the decline of spirituality, psychotherapy and medicine. For best listening we recommend a dark sense of humour. www.themetamd.com

Information