Connection is the Medicine

Eaden Shantay
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Self-Improvement

Welcome to the Connection Is The Medicine Podcast! I am your host Eaden Shantay. In this podcast, I interview beautiful souls about connection to self, community, nature and Spirit. We are living at a time when disconnection is leading to great conflict and suffering across the globe. I believe that we can make the greatest positive impact through connection and especially connection to our deeper selves.  This podcast is a part of the Connection is the Medicine Foundation, offering programming at True Nature in Carbondale, CO and Loma Sagrada in Nosara, Costa Rica, dedicated to inspiration, connection and self discovery.  EADEN SHANTAY Eaden grew up in a family with a deep love for arts, live music, architecture, and nature. His father was an award-winning property developer, his mother a modern dancer. Eaden’s upbringing, as well as his path of healing, greatly influenced his life and desire to create sanctuaries (True Nature Healing Arts, Colorado, USA and Loma Sagrada, Nosara, Costa Rica) for restoration and personal growth.  Eaden has been passionately seeking growth, community, and sacred space for over 30 years. He has a knack for bringing together talented people to support the evolution of his vision. He also loves sharing yoga philosophy, meditation, and conscious living classes and workshops. Find Eaden on IG @eadenshantay Thank you for listening, EADEN SHANTAY Co-Founder | Co-President at: CONNECTION IS THE MEDICINE www.connectionisthemedicine.com + Co-Founder of: TRUE NATURE + LOMA SAGRADA www.truenaturehealingarts.com www.lomasagrada.com

  1. Quantum Crystals with Dr. Aaron Breidenback

    10h ago

    Quantum Crystals with Dr. Aaron Breidenback

    Bridging Physics and Consciousness  In this episode of Connection is the Medicine podcast, Eaden chats with Dr. Aaron Breidenbach — Stanford-trained physicist, quantum materials researcher, spiritual explorer and seeker of the truth.  Dr. Breidenbach earned his PhD in condensed matter physics, where he grew and studied exotic crystals (Zinc-Barlowite and Herbertsmithite) that may hold the key to quantum computing. From personal experiences with a brain tumor and seizure, to explorations of meditation, psychedelics, whirling like a Dervish, Aaron weaves together quantum physics, mysticism, and holistic healing. He invites us to reconsider the boundaries between science and spirit, matter and consciousness, and the deep connections that truly heal. This conversation explores: The difference between classic and quantum computing The potential application of specialized crystals in quantum computing, some of which are being grown in Aaron’s lab Healing from depression and suicidal ideation through non-traditional means including: meditation, psychedelics, IFS therapy, and whirling like a Dervish The Atacameno, who are indigenous people of the Atacama Desert that mine copper.  Finding specialized crystals in mine tailings Seeing Internal Family Systems therapy from an indigenous perspective.  This episode is for seekers, scientists, healers, and anyone curious about the edge where physics meets the sacred. Important Links:     •    Listen on Spotify: [Link to episode]     •    Listen on Apple Podcasts: [Link to episode]     •    Watch on YouTube: [Link to episode]     •    Follow Dr. Aaron Breidenbach:     ◦    Instagram: @thebreidenbeast (https://www.instagram.com/thebreidenbeast/)     ◦    Medium: medium.com/@breid.at     ◦    The Quantum Archeologist: thequantumarcheologist.org (https://thequantumarcheologist.org/)     •    Connection is the Medicine Podcast:     ◦    Website: connectionisthemedicine.com (https://connectionisthemedicine.com/)     ◦    Instagram: @connectionisthemedicine (https://www.instagram.com/connectionisthemedicine/) Learn more about Aaron’s journey to the Atacama Desert and his research into the crystals found there: https://medium.com/@breid.at Send us Fan Mail

    1h 2m
  2. Land Whisperer featuring Brook LeVan

    May 15

    Land Whisperer featuring Brook LeVan

    Brook LeVan – Confessions of a Reluctant Land Whisperer A poignant and inspirational conversation that invites listeners to reconsider their relationship to land, food, spirit, and the unseen realms that sustain life. In this episode of Connection is the Medicine Podcast, host Eaden Shantay welcomes Brook LeVan—artist, rancher, alchemist, biodynamic specialist, and co-founder of Sustainable Settings, a 240-acre biodynamic ranch at the base of Carbondale, Colorado’s majestic Mt. Sopris (known to the Ute people as Wemagooah). Highly recommended for anyone interested in biodynamics, land stewardship, indigenous wisdom, permaculture, or the spiritual dimensions of regenerative agriculture. Brook speaks about relationship—with self, land, spirit, and the living intelligence of the Earth. The conversation weaves personal stories, spiritual inquiry, and practical regenerative wisdom. Core Themes •⁠  ⁠Evocation and Right Relationship: The power of acknowledging, asking, and thanking the land—foundational practices for building a mutually beneficial dialogue rather than extraction. •⁠  ⁠Biodynamics: Rooted in Rudolf Steiner and Enzo Nastati’s works. Working with subtle forces, alchemical preparations that truly feeds human evolution. •⁠  ⁠Dowsing, Divination & Intention: Tools and practices for listening to the unseen forces of nature. •⁠  ⁠The Ute Curse: The violent removal of the Ute people in the late 1800s and the lingering energetic imprint on the region. •⁠  ⁠Decolonizing the Mind: Brook offers a critique of cultural conditioning and encourages direct, embodied exploration of the world. •⁠  ⁠Western Material Realism: separating into parts versus dynamic wholeness. Memorable Ideas: •⁠  ⁠Life as a co-created dynamic living systems. •⁠  ⁠The disconnection in modern industrial culture is “by design”—the remedy lies in non-linear ways of knowing and agrarian intimacy. •⁠  ⁠The evolution of Biodynamic agriculture: exploring the work of Enzo Nastati. Brook’s most recent offering: Where the Old Woman Cooks and Biodynamic Preparation Making) Writing: Confessions of a Reluctant Land Whisperer – Poetic Wanderings into Other Realms through the Unknown Arts Guest Links: •⁠  ⁠Sustainable Settings: www.SustainableSettings.org •⁠  ⁠Biodynamic Source: www.BiodynamicSource.org •⁠  ⁠Biodynamic Botanicals: www.BiodynamicBotanicals.com •⁠  ⁠Build Soil or Die: www.BuildSoilOrDie.com •⁠  ⁠Only Sprayed Once: www.OnlySprayedOnce.com Additional Links: Rudolf Steiner Archive (rsarchive.org) https://rsarchive.org/ Enzo Nastati (biodynamics 2.0): https://arcadellavita.it/ & https://enzonastati.it Enzo Nastati  on YouTube searxh “ARCA DELLA VITA” Goethe-Institut (English sections) www.goethe.de/en (search for Goethe) Georges Braque (Cubism):  https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/georges-braque-803 Send us Fan Mail

    2h 4m
  3. The Safe Space Within featuring Kali Basman

    Feb 9

    The Safe Space Within featuring Kali Basman

    Merging Yoga, Buddhism and Internal Family Systems. Exploring the somatic, spiritual and psychological. Dharma teacher Kali Basman beautifully combines Buddhist Psychology, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Yin Yoga to guide deep healing and embodied presence. Her work integrates the outer frameworks of anatomy and Traditional Chinese Medicine with inner practices of mind training and trauma resolution, inviting a compassionate and somatic approach to inner inquiry and transformation.  Kali is a certified Internal Family Systems coach, holds a master’s in Environmental Public Health, and brings over a decade of experience as a Global Health consultant with the United Nations Association Global Health Initiative on the Africa Affairs Committee. She also serves as a Conscious Dying Coach and Sacred Passage Doula, gently supporting individuals through life’s most profound transitions. Learn more about Kali’s work at https://www.kalidurgayoga.com/ Kali will be offering a Spring Yintensive: A Retreat of Stillness & Seasonal Renewal at True Nature Healing Arts in Carbondale, Colorado, from April 23–26, 2026. This four-day immersion invites participants to slow down, soften inward, and attune to the wisdom of the season through Yin Yoga, Zen meditation, somatic ritual, and contemplative dialogue, a field for deep restoration and remembrance in nature’s unfolding.  For more information and to register, visit: https://www.truenaturehealingarts.com/spring-yintensive Enjoy the show! Send us Fan Mail

    48 min
  4. The Gift of Mentorship with Ron Speaker

    Jan 27

    The Gift of Mentorship with Ron Speaker

    Ron Speaker is a seasoned investment specialist, financial mentor, and dedicated husband and father. He began his career in the mid-1980s as a summer intern in the mail room at Janus Capital Group in Denver, Colorado. There, he came under the mentorship of finance legends Tom Bailey and Michael McGoldrick, who would become lifelong influences.  Speaker rose through the ranks over 21 years at Janus, starting as a securities analyst—traveling internationally to research investments, eventually becoming a senior portfolio manager overseeing multi-billion-dollar mutual funds. In 2007, Speaker left Janus to found Equus Private Wealth Management in Carbondale, Colorado. He ran Equus for 15 years serving high-net-worth clients, until concluding operations in 2022. When mentee Michael McGoldrick passed away in 2021, Speaker was appointed CEO (and Founder) of the Michael E. McGoldrick Charitable Foundation, a private family foundation based in Colorado. The foundation supports nonprofits in arts and culture, education, environmental conservation, human rights, peace, justice, and the rule of law. Today, Speaker dedicates himself to financial education and mentorship. He founded The Finance Camp for teens, an intensive program teaching investing principles through real-world experience, community service, and market simulations. He also supports initiatives like the Youth Entrepreneurial Zone and programs empowering women and young investors. With over 38 years in the financial markets, Ron Speaker embodies a career of disciplined bond investing, entrepreneurial success, and a commitment to passing on financial wisdom—rooted in Colorado and inspired by his early mentors. Ron’s two mentors are:  Tom Bailey who founded Janus Funds, and Michael McGoldricK from the https://memcf.org Ron has created a financial youth camp: https://thefinancecamp.com Empowering Women: www.aspenwomenswealth.com  Ron also received coaching from Jeff Patterson: @officaljeffpatterson Heroic Program w/ Brian Johnson: IG: @heroicbrian Thank you for joining us on Connection Is The Medicine podcast. Support the show by liking, sharing, subscribing, commenting and rating. Every action helps. Enjoy the show! Send us Fan Mail

    1h 21m
  5. Exploring Trauma with Tyler Stableford

    Jan 9

    Exploring Trauma with Tyler Stableford

    In this episode, Eaden Shantay sits down with Tyler Stableford, a licensed psychotherapist based in Carbondale, Colorado, where he maintains a private practice at Stableford Counseling (stablefordcounseling.com) while also working in community mental health settings.  Specializing in trauma resolution and treatment-resistant conditions such as depression, anxiety, and addiction, he integrates cutting-edge modalities including: •⁠  ⁠Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) •⁠  ⁠EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) •⁠  ⁠Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy •⁠  ⁠Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) •⁠  ⁠Coherence therapy His approach emphasizes healing, transformation, and accessibility, welcoming clients of all backgrounds through in-person sessions in Carbondale and tele-health options. Stableford’s educational path reflects both his creative roots and commitment to mental health. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Environmental Studies from Dartmouth College, where he served as president of the Dartmouth Mountaineering Club. After a distinguished first career, he returned to academia and graduated summa cum laude with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Midwestern State University at Texas Tech, complemented by advanced certifications in psychedelic medicine and trauma-focused therapies. Before transitioning to psychotherapy in 2023, Stableford built an acclaimed career as an Emmy Award-winning director, cinematographer, and adventure photographer. Owner of Tyler Stableford Productions, he created immersive campaigns for brands like Canon (as a longtime Explorer of Light), Patagonia, The North Face, Adidas, and Wrangler. His wide-angle style captured extreme sports, western lifestyles, and human resilience in award-winning short films and still series, earning recognition from Men’s Journal as one of the “World’s Seven Greatest Adventure Photographers” and screenings at festivals including Sundance and Banff. Deeply committed to social justice and service, Stableford has volunteered extensively, including four years as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children in Colorado’s 9th Judicial District and pro bono filmmaking for nonprofits supporting paralympic athletes, foster care, and immigrant integration. This ethos of advocacy and empathy now informs his therapeutic work, where he draws on life experience to help clients access care regardless of barriers. Today, Tyler Stableford lives in Carbondale with his wife and two children, balancing his counseling practice with family adventures in climbing and the outdoors that originally drew him to Colorado in 1996. His dual legacy—as a visual storyteller of boldness and a healer of inner landscapes—continues to inspire at the intersection of creativity, science, and human connection. Thank you for joining us on Connection Is The Medicine podcast. Support the show by liking, sharing, subscribing, commenting and rating. Every action helps. Send us Fan Mail

    1h 25m
  6. Sacred Water with Nevin Eckert

    12/20/2025

    Sacred Water with Nevin Eckert

    Today we welcome Nevin Eckert to the show. He is the founder of TrueSpring Water Quality Solutions LLC, a company specializing in advanced water purification and transformation systems. He has dedicated nearly 30 years to researching and understanding water’s role in health, viewing it as the “blood of the earth” and emphasizing its physical and energetic qualities for nourishing life.  Born with a deep connection to nature, Eckert grew up near the Sequoia National Forest. His early experiences included gathering redwood tree cones at age 11 and caretaking 1,500 acres of private forest as a teenager, where he protected wildlife and salvaged ancient tree remains. He later traveled the U.S. planting trees and building hiking trails in national parks.  In 1988, he learned organic farming principles while working on farms in California, Hawaii, Washington, and New Mexico. During the early 1990s, he engaged in environmental and animal rights activism in the western U.S.  A pivotal influence came in 1994 from the works of Viktor Schauberger, the Austrian “Water Wizard” (1885-1958), whose natural science insights shaped Eckert’s approach to water and environmental reconnection. Through TrueSpring, Eckert provides custom drinking water systems that purify tap water to medicinal spring quality, often bottled alternatives.  These systems mimic the natural hydrological cycle, using technologies like reverse osmosis, deionization, natural ionization, alkalization, and mineralization to create “living water” with therapeutic properties for deep cellular hydration.  He also offers solutions for showers, whole-house systems, wastewater management, and large-scale environmental projects.  Eckert’s philosophy centers on combating sub-clinical dehydration as a root cause of health issues like headaches, weakened immunity, and premature aging. He advocates for holistic, natural water quality to enhance vitality, stating that human health mirrors environmental health, with water as the primary element. Takeaways Nevin Eckert shares his deep connection to nature from childhood.His experiences with giant sequoias shaped his environmental views.Poaching of bears in his community sparked his activism.Nevin's journey includes working with Earth First to protect forests.He faced personal risks and threats due to his activism.The importance of spirituality and energetics in understanding water.Nevin's experiences with dimensional beings influenced his perspective.He emphasizes the need for a harmonious relationship with nature.Permaculture practices are vital for restoring ecosystems.Nevin's story illustrates the interconnectedness of all living beings. Eaden overcame his fear of heights through activism.His activism included tree sits and climbing logging equipment.He experienced despondency after years of activism.A significant relationship helped him find new purpose.Eaden learned about permaculture while living in Hawaii.He prayed for guidance on how to serve the world better.Victor Schauberger's teachings influenced his understanding of water.Eaden's business focuses on creating living water systems.He emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature.Eaden's journey reflects a deep spiritual connection to the earth.Nevin's Influences and Interest links: Viktor SchaubergerOlof AlexanderssonCallum CoatsChristian SteinbachJohan Grander  Send us Fan Mail

    2h 38m
  7. Lead with Love featuring Gina Murdock

    11/26/2025

    Lead with Love featuring Gina Murdock

    Today we welcome Gina Murdock, founder of the non-profit Lead with Love, which came into being in Aspen, Colorado. Gina believes we are all one and that LOVE is the ultimate intelligence. Her most recent initiative, called Care for Caregivers, serves children through serving caregivers. In this episode, we explore Gina’s desire for community and her challenge with having kids which ultimately led to advocating for children through the organization CASA, which stands for court-appointed special advocate. Episode touchstones include: Mindfulness, Sacred Activism, Bringing Being Into Doing, CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocate), Fantastic Fungi, Iboga and the Bwiti People of Gabon, West Africa, Loving What Is by Byron Katie and IFS (Internal Family Systems) Therapy.  Thank you to my good friend James Bernard for creating the intro and the outro for this podcast. The intro depicts True Nature in Carbondale, CO, while the outro shares footage from Loma Sagrada, in Nosara, Costa Rica. Both of these spaces offer Connection Is The Medicine programming. Learn more about our initiatives at ConnectionIsTheMedicine.com & TrueNatureHealingArts.com Please consider a donation to our non-profit foundation.   Visit Youtube, Spotify and Apple Podcast to see our other episodes. Please like, comment and share this episode to support our efforts.  Thank you for joining us on the Connection Is The Medicine podcast. Grounded in being, connected to all that is 🙏🏼 ——— Video Credit: thank you to Jack Elder for the video used in the intro: https://www.jackalopecinema.com/ Music Credit: Thank you to Sokolov Timofey for the opening and closing Tibetan Healing soundtrack. Please contact me for removal request, additional credit and or compensation. Send us Fan Mail

    1h 4m
  8. Making Alliances with Dr. Will Evans

    09/17/2025

    Making Alliances with Dr. Will Evans

    What a blessing to sit down with Will Evans, former emergency medicine doctor, author, environmentalist, radio show host and wise elder.  In this episode, Will shares about the practical application and power of the circle. How the circle supports relationship, reciprocity, connection, and the building of alliances.  Well into his life as an ER doctor, Will expanded his understanding of health and wellness through the study of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and Tai Chi. He began to view medicine not as a process of conquering disease but creating a more balanced and holistic relationship with ourselves, each other and the natural world.  A big part of his practice and life is the important connection between the mind, heart, center (Hara) and source. He speaks about about aligning with the heart’s natural rhythms and how this supports wellness.  Together, we explored the present state of fear and overwhelm so many are experiencing and how connecting with the heart and nature can support a return to balance and wholeness.  Woven throughout the episode, Will shares the importance of creating alliances with ourselves, each other and the natural world.  What a special meeting to sit with this wise elder, with so much meaningful life experience to share.  This show was recorded at True Nature in Carbondale, CO, a campus for inspiration, connection, and self discovery and is brought to you by the Connection Is The Medicine Foundation with satellite locations at True Nature, Carbondale, Colorado and Loma Sagrada, Nosara, Costa Rica.  Thank you for joining us on Connection Is The Medicine podcast. Please support the show by liking, sharing, subscribing, commenting and rating. It truly helps. Key Concepts Shared:  How to build alliances with self, other and the natural world. The circle as a fundamental blueprint in life, it’s practical applications and inherent power. The limitation of western medicine and how its strengths can be expanded within a more holistic framework.The importance of connecting the mind with the heart, center (hara) and source. The role of awareness, balance and connection in health. The healing power of nature. Transitioning from doing to being, and living from this place of doing less, needing less and being more. How Indigenous wisdom offers valuable insights into cooperation and alliance building. Will Evan’s Radio Show on KDNK Book: Circulating Source Water True Nature, Carbondale, CO Connection Is The Medicine  Send us Fan Mail

    47 min
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Connection Is The Medicine Podcast! I am your host Eaden Shantay. In this podcast, I interview beautiful souls about connection to self, community, nature and Spirit. We are living at a time when disconnection is leading to great conflict and suffering across the globe. I believe that we can make the greatest positive impact through connection and especially connection to our deeper selves.  This podcast is a part of the Connection is the Medicine Foundation, offering programming at True Nature in Carbondale, CO and Loma Sagrada in Nosara, Costa Rica, dedicated to inspiration, connection and self discovery.  EADEN SHANTAY Eaden grew up in a family with a deep love for arts, live music, architecture, and nature. His father was an award-winning property developer, his mother a modern dancer. Eaden’s upbringing, as well as his path of healing, greatly influenced his life and desire to create sanctuaries (True Nature Healing Arts, Colorado, USA and Loma Sagrada, Nosara, Costa Rica) for restoration and personal growth.  Eaden has been passionately seeking growth, community, and sacred space for over 30 years. He has a knack for bringing together talented people to support the evolution of his vision. He also loves sharing yoga philosophy, meditation, and conscious living classes and workshops. Find Eaden on IG @eadenshantay Thank you for listening, EADEN SHANTAY Co-Founder | Co-President at: CONNECTION IS THE MEDICINE www.connectionisthemedicine.com + Co-Founder of: TRUE NATURE + LOMA SAGRADA www.truenaturehealingarts.com www.lomasagrada.com

Information

  • Creator
    Eaden Shantay
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Connection is the Medicine
  • Show Website
    Connection is the Medicine

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