Leafbox Podcast LEAFBOX

I had the pleasure of speaking with Ashutosh Joshi, an Indian photographer and writer whose recent memoir “Journey to the East”, chronicles his 1800-kilometer walk through the heart of India, from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal. 
Initially a project document the issues plaguing rural India, the project unfolded to become an unforgettable voyage of self-discovery. In this interview, Ashutosh reflects on human kindness, philosophical insights, religious perspectives, and societal issues he encountered during his travels. He talks about his background, the influence of Western philosophy, and his academic experiences in England and Scotland. Key themes include environmental degradation, farming crises, caste dynamics, and the impact of digitization on human connectivity. The dialogue also touches on the challenges faced by India under nationalistic pressures and the role of art, journalism and freedom of speech in highlighting these issues, his thoughts on spirituality and society. A story of universal human optimism and connection forged step by step, person to person.
Ashutosh's dialogue reveals both optimism for humanity's intrinsic kindness and concerns about societal trends driven by technology and politics. His upcoming projects and thoughts on cross-cultural learning cap a conversation that is both a personal narrative and a broader cultural critique.
00:00 Introduction to Philosophical Insights
02:33 Life in India: Family and Background
05:51 Journey to the West: Education and Experiences
10:02 Cultural Observations and Reflections
15:42 Philosophical and Religious Explorations
16:03 The Concept of Kali Yuga
21:31 Western Philosophers and Psychedelic Influence
26:19 The Walking Journey Across India
34:08 Living Arrangements and Language Barriers
34:47 Caste and Social Dynamics in Rural India
37:08 Safety Concerns and Gender Differences
38:35 Media and Press Relations 
40:12 Philosophical Reflections and Book Summary
41:47 Optimism and Human Kindness
45:15 Religious Polarization and India’s Diminishing Press Freedom
49:28 The Fallacy of Western Freedom and COVID-19 Reflections
54:11 Photography and Social Documentation
59:00 Migration and Cultural Diversity
01:02:14 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts
The Book of Ptah
Journey to the East
www.ashutoshjoshi.in
Interview Transcript, More @
Leafbox.com






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Kit Ebersbach, a multifaceted musician and arranger, shares his extensive journey through Hawaii's vibrant music scene in this personal interview. Recorded in his Honolulu studio, Kit reflects on his 30-plus years at Pacific Music Productions.
I hope most of you will enjoy the interview. This is a free flowing conversation. Just let it wash over you like you are hanging out with Kit in the studio. Kit’s passion for Hawaii, music and creative curiosity is shared.
Kit began his musical journey in the jazz clubs and R&B groups of 1960s and 1970s Hawaii. His earliest recordings were with legends like Gordon Broad, Lemuria, and Babadu. In the following decade, Kit co-founded Hawaii’s first new wave band, The Squids, whose ethos of “best quality under the circumstances” resonated deeply with the youth of the time. They were passionate, tongue-in-cheek, and constantly searching for something different.
The 1980s saw Kit and his left-field collaborators Robert ÆOLUS Myers, Nelson Hiu, and Frank Orrall pushing the boundaries of music and performance art with the highly experimental group Gain Dangerous Visions. They experimented with performance art, technology, and improvisation to create truly mind-bending experiences.
In the 1990s, Kit teamed up with advertising executive Lloyd Kandell to recreate the sound of exotica with Don Tiki. This group was one of the first to reignite the world's fascination with the pseudo-Polynesian lounge music of the 1950s.
These days, Kit lends his talent to some of Hawaii’s greatest singers, including Starr Kalahiki and Teresa Bright. His approach as an arranger and accompanist is playfully calculated and carefully exacting, bringing out the best in every performance.
Kit discusses the evolution of Hawaii's music scene from pre-tourism days, its role as a Vietnam War R&R destination, and the diverse musical opportunities it provided. He reflects on the cultural humility required to thrive in Hawaii and the profound influence of Hawaiian culture and its resistance to external pressures, such as the proposed Mauna Kea telescope project.
Kit's dedication to both commercial and non-commercial music is evident in his field recordings and his experimental projects. He emphasizes authenticity and the joy of creating music for personal fulfillment rather than commercial success. His work with the Aloha Got Soul record label and ongoing exploration of sound highlight his continued passion and innovation in music.
Kit walks us through some recent songs and closes with some notes and personal reflections on the power of Hawaii, place and finding his creative inspiration in it.
Some highlights that I enjoyed:
On Finding Everything Interesting / On Being Authentic / On Finding Value
On the essence of mana / On the spirit of Hawaii
I hope most of you will enjoy the interview. This is a free flowing conversation. Just let it wash over you like you are hanging out with Kit in the studio.
Time Stamps
* (00:00:00) Introduction - Opening Clip from Gene Artery
* (00:04:00) Kit’s background: Growing up in New Jersey, moving to Hawaii
* (00:06:00) Music scene in 1960s Hawaii and avoidance of the draft
* (00:08:00) First experiences with psychedelics
* (00:09:00) Balancing commercial and experimental music, formation of The Squids
* (00:10:00) Involvement in the Renaissance of Hawaiian culture
* (00:11:00) Realization of the need for humility in Hawaii
* (00:12:00) Collaboration with Starr Kalahiki and cultural connection
* (00:18:00) Early field recording experiences
* (00:24:00) Collaboration with Hawaiian Airlines for in-flight music
* (00:28:00) Thoughts on AI in music
* (00:29:00) Advice for other musicians
* (00:30:00) Reflection on other musicians’ talent
* (00:31:00) Being humbled by music and life experiences
* (00:33:00) Participatory nature of music performance
* (00:35:00) Views on direct-to-fan relationships
* (00:38:00) The enduring presence of Hawaiian culture
* (00:44:00) Sharing recent comp

This is my second interview with the writer Charles Hugh Smith.
For a deep dive into Charle’s past, bio, writing etc I recommend you take a listen to the October 2023 interview with Charles Hugh Smith.
For those familiar with his writing on self reliance, agency, ownership, authenticity and autonomy I hope you find this interview fruitful.
We explore Charles's recent perspectives on various topics: from the contrasting merits of cultivating 30 friendships versus building 30 bunkers, his advice on _going grey_. We delve into his astute analysis of the potential doom loops facing cities and perhaps the broader Western world, navigating censorship within a narrative-controlled environment, the dynamics of small, close-knit vs large open societies, his motivation for also writing fiction, and his ultimate message of uncovering authenticity in life.
Thanks for being here.
Time Stamps
01:15: On a 30 person network vs a 30 room bunker15:14: On The Doom Loop of Cities22:15 On Global Capital / Mobility / Civic Engagement28:48 On Migration / “Voting with your feet”31:50 Self Sufficiency vs Self Reliance36:52 On Going Grey40:25 On Being Anonymous / Surveillance Economy49:09 On Being Shadow Banned55:53 Post Truth65:12 Tight and Loose Cultures Spectrum73:53 On Writing Fiction80:52 Finding Authenticity in Life
Weblinks:
Twitter/X: @chsm1th
Web: OfTwoMinds.com
Substack:
Music Intro Sample: Accurst by Acediast



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Dr Elmar Jung
Dr. Elmar Jung, a distinguished figure in the realm of holistic and biological dentistry. Dr. Jung, who is not only the founder of Dr. Elmar Jung Dental Clinic but also a naturopath, author, podcaster, and an international speaker, has dedicated nearly 35 years to advocating for an integrative holistic approach in dental practice since graduating from dental school.
We delve into the critical role of oral health as an integral component of overall wellness. Dr. Jung shares his cal unique perspective on holistic dentistry, including his critiques of traditional practices like amalgam fillings, root canals, orthodontics and more. The interview also goes into a discussion on views on fluoride use, the significance of dental and patient education, and the evolving dynamic between patients and healthcare providers.
Furthermore, Dr. Jung emphasizes the importance of diet, lifestyle, emotions, and breathing in maintaining not just oral health, but also its influence on our general health.
The interview concludes with a discussion on the future of holistic dentistry, particularly how patient education and self-awareness are pivotal in empowering individuals to take charge of their health.
Time Stamps
00:54 Growing Up in Germany, Dental Training04:31 Dental Education in West and East Germany and Lessons for Today06:39 Questioning Professors/Authority10:11 Holistic Dentistry vs. Traditional Dentistry13:05 On Oral Health Being Separated from Overall Health17:04 The Meridian Tooth Chart19:55 Discussion on Root Canals29:48 Discussion on Amalgam, Composite, and Other Fillings, Removal Issues39:35 His Relationship with Traditional Dentists42:35 Discussion on Patient-Doctor Relationships47:48 Discussion on Fluoride53:40 Discussion on Regulatory Capture/Industry Interests55:11 Conventional Orthodontists vs. Holistic Orthodontist Practices57:24 Breastfeeding and Oral Development01:04:50 Salivary Diagnostics/Oral Biome01:09:10 Oral Health Post-Covid/Pandemic Effects01:13:45 Remineralizing Teeth/Importance of Diet01:14:19 Breathing and Oral Health01:17:00 Diet/Lifestyle Recommendations01:19:17 Future of Holistic Dentistry01:27:51 The Role of Emotions in Oral Health01:32:00 How to Download Dr Jung’s Book / Closing Statements
More information: @ Dr-Elmar-Jung.com
Twitter: @elmarjung
Music Sample from 'Symmetry' | Denovali Records by Ricardo Donoso


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Dr. Janet Hoskins is a professor of Anthropology and Religion at the University of Southern California. She has conducted extensive field research in Indonesia, Vietnam, and California. Dr. Hoskins holds an MA and PhD in anthropology from Harvard University, and a BA in anthropology from Pomona College.
Her current research interests include the emerging field of Transpacific Studies, post-colonial studies, transnational religions, visual anthropology and ethnography, material culture, theories of time and history, gender, exchange, and ritual.
We discuss her long career in anthropology, her fieldwork, her thoughts on anthropological pessimism vs. optimism, globalization vs. hybridization, the role of photography in visual anthropology, the anthropology of tourism, and ultimately what people can take away from the study of anthropology and more.
Time Stamps:
3:00 - Anthropological Optimism vs. Pessimism 7:32 - Biography8:38 - Field Work in Sumba / Romantic Ideals in Anthropology10:32 - Field Work like Returning to Childhood16:32 - What we can learn from Anthropology19:47 - Time Keeping Across Cultures23:23 - On Cultural Relativism 29:34 - On Ethnography / Visual Anthropology40:55 - On Hybridization vs Globalization 43:47 - How cultural anthropology affected her parenting50:04 - On the indigenous and the non-indigenous52:55 - On Cao Daoism - Discovering this new religion in Southern California1:01:00 - On Phoenix Boxes / Spirit Writing in Cao Dao / Religious Plurality 1:12:23 - On Being an American 1:14:45 - Connecting with Dr Janet Hoskins1:16:09 - PhD Students of Note 1:17:09 - Take Away Lessons
More information
Dr. Janet Hoskins @ USC
Headshot Credit: Janet Chauvet caveOther photos: Dr Janet Hoskins
Music Sample:MARAPU - WELCOME TO SUMBA Author: Feryanto Pekabanda (Yanto Marapu) & Arnaud MarianiComposition: Marapu Band
Headshot Credit: Janet Chauvet caveOther photos: Dr Janet Hoskins
Dr Hoskins in Sumba, Indonesia (1980)
Sumba Meat Distribution (1980)
Janet Syl Mis Tay Ninh (2005)



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is an imaginative writer from Oakland, California known for his intriguing work of speculative philosophy published on Substack as The Spouter.
Viewed through a Marxist lens, The Spouter presents an unconventional narrative on petroleum's role in shaping contemporary history.
Our discussion spans a range of captivating topics. We examine the historical significance of petroleum and Jed's efforts to ignite a revolutionary approach to climate discourse.
We navigate through the complex interplay between humanity and fossil fuels—oil, coal, and gas—analyzing them from various viewpoints: religious, materialistic, Marxist, speculative, and literary. This multifaceted exploration aims to challenge and transform the conventional narrative surrounding climate change.
We also wander into the realms of hyperstition and cybernetics, reflecting on the impact of analog technology, typewriters, and the role of speculative philosophy. We touch upon literary masterpieces like Thomas Pynchon's "Gravity's Rainbow" and Reza Negarestani's "Cyclonopedia," among other intriguing subjects.
Jed encourages a spirit of open-minded inquiry. He argues that while you may not align with all his ideas, they serve as a catalyst for sparking new questions and fostering a more nuanced, complex perspective on history and current affairs.
Get “Noided” as The Spouter argues…
Intro Music Sample from Acediast / “Malformed Canticle of Despondent Langour”, Tristidigezh Records 2022.
Time Stamps
1:57 - Typewriters and analog technology 4:33 - Finding Inspiration in Cyclonopedia for the project The Spouter6:19 - Schizophrenia Reading and Cybernetics Role of Speculative Philosophy 11:41 - The Concept of Sentient Oil 15:30 - Capitalism and Other Hyperobjects 19:30 - Hyperstition 20:07 - The Global Warming Discourse23:47- Cybernetics, environmentalism and control/fragmentation of reality 34:04 - Communism as hyperobject40:24 - Sentient oil seen thru religious analysis - discussion on the Jinn50:24 - Discussion on return to religion in society 55:10 - How to regain humanism60:21 - Paranoid sensibility / Parapolitical sensibility - Getting “noided”61:55 - Gravity’s Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon 65:35 - On possession by the hyperobject68:14- Jed's book and where to find his writing 70:05 - Material Analysis in Understanding History
Further Reading / Notes from (The Spouter)
Cited and Recommended
Cyclonopedia: Complicity with Anonymous Materials. Reza Negarestani, Re:Press 2008.
Knot of the Soul: Madness, Psychosis, Islam. Stefania Pandolfo, University of Chicago Press, 2018.
- Re: Jinn
Thirst for Annihilation: George Bataille and Virulent Nihilism. Nick Land, Routledge, 1992.
- Nick Land did coin the term “Hyperstition”, though probably not in this book. This one is probably the most relevant to our conversation.
Anti-Oedipus: Capitalism and Schizophrenia Volume 1. Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari. Try to get the translation from University of Minnesota Press, 1983. (I haven’t read the Penguin translation.)
A Thousand Plateaus: Capitalism and Schizophrenia Volume 2. Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari. Minnesota, 1983
Hyperobjects: Philosophy and Ecology after the End of the World. Timothy Morton, University of Minnesota Press, 2013.
The Ecological Thought. Timothy Morton, Harvard University Press, 2012.
- This was what I was reading when the phrase/slogan “Modernity is the process of oil getting into everything” arose – the text might not say exactly that, but this is where it is from, and I consider it foundational to my work.
Ecology and Socialism: Solutions to Capitalist Ecological Crisis. Chris Williams, Haymarket Books, 2010
- Recommended. Much easier to parse than John Bellamy Foster’s ecological socialism.
The Closing Circle: Nature, Man & Technology. Barry Commoner, Random House 1971.
- An example of good/less compromised ecological writing of the type suppressed by the suspect texts listed below.
Cited and Argued With
The Progre