Mindful Conversations with Shamash & Calvin

Shamash Alidina & Calvin Niles
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Mindful Conversations is a series of conversations hosted by international bestselling author and mindfulness teacher Shamash Alidina and fellow bestselling author and storytelling expert, Calvin Niles. Together with some of their wisest friends and colleagues, they mindfully explore old and contemporary subjects to help their listeners lead richer and more meaningful lives. Series 1 - Mindfulness, ACT and the Hero's Journey Series 2 - Mindfulness, Wisdom, Compassion and AI Series 3 - Emergence with Special Guest Moensch Micha (Brother Freedom)

  1. MAY 21

    S3 E7: Trusting the Heart’s Wisdom – A Former Plum Village Monk’s Rebirth into Everyday Life

    In the final episode of Mindful Conversations Season 3, hosts Shamash and Calvin are once again joined by special guest co-host Moensch Micha — formerly known as Brother Freedom, a Plum Village monk for 14 years. Together, they reflect on a season rich with spontaneous, soulful dialogues exploring themes of mastery, mindfulness, and emergence. Micha shares his powerful transition from monastic life to modern-day mystic, guided by dreams, an inner call, and the passing of his beloved teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh. He opens up about letting go—not just of robes, but of rigid spiritual ideals—in order to meet people more openly, whether in silence or on the dance floor! This conversation touches on: Listening to the quiet wisdom of the heart The shift from “enlightenment” to “enlivenment” Breaking free of ancestral patterns The dance between masculine and feminine energy And the courage it takes to live an authentic life outside of the expected path Calvin and Shamash also reflect on their own recent transformations—each sparked by bold choices, unexpected changes, and deeper trust in life’s unfolding. The episode closes with an open invitation to help co-create the spirit and direction of Season 4. Learn more: https://CalvinNiles.com https://www.MoenschMicha.com https://ShamashAlidina.com Please do email us if you enjoyed this series or have any comments and questions. We'd LOVE to hear from you! Want to help us spread this podcast. Then please leave a comment and review, to help us spread our message, and to encourage us to keep sharing. THANK YOU! :)

    55 min

  2. APR 16

    S3 E6: The Courage to Be and Act with Dima Golyk

    In this episode of Mindful Conversations, Calvin and Micha welcome musician and tech professional Dima Golyk, who shares how he rediscovered his passion for music after an early discouragement. Inspired by a life-changing retreat, Dima committed to writing and performing heartfelt songs, blending spiritual insights from meditation and mindfulness practices. He also reflects on balancing a tech career with his artistic calling, noting that modern society increasingly values authentic expression over mere stability. Dima’s music took on deeper meaning when the war in Ukraine escalated, prompting him to release songs that rallied support and hope. Throughout, he emphasizes that it’s never too late to follow one’s inner voice, reminding listeners to have “the courage to be and act.”

    50 min

  3. APR 2

    S3 E5: Embracing the New Era of Transformation with Simone Overath

    In this enlightening conversation, we’re joined by Simone Overath, a spiritual guide and intuitive writer whose bestselling card decks, Transformation Code, channel symbols for the new era. Simone shares her journey into higher consciousness—beginning with intuitive writing and vivid visual downloads—and how she now receives and interprets powerful symbols that help people shift their personal energy and reconnect with their core frequency. We discuss the role of dreams in revealing deeper truths, the importance of trusting gut feelings, and why learning to relax our overactive minds is key to spiritual growth. Whether through journaling, breathwork, or simply noticing meaningful signs in daily life, Simone illustrates how each of us can engage our innate intuition. Join us for a warm, inspiring exploration of transformation, synchronicity, and the subtle frequencies guiding us toward our authentic selves.

    54 min

  4. MAR 19

    S3 E4: The Healing Power of Your Voice

    In this episode of Mindful Conversations, hosts Calvin, Michael welcome special guest Simone Niles, an expert in voice healing and transformation. The discussion explores the profound impact of the voice on self-expression, healing, and emotional well-being. Simone shares her personal journey of discovering the therapeutic nature of singing, emphasizing how voice work can serve as a powerful tool for transformation. She explains how sound, especially through singing and humming, creates resonance that aligns the body and mind, and discusses the significance of dissonance in clearing stuck energy. The conversation also delves into cultural traditions of sound healing, such as a Namibian practice where a person’s "life song" is sung to remind them of their true self. The hosts reflect on the deep connection between sound and collective harmony, as well as the importance of authentic vocal expression. A thought-provoking discussion emerges around AI-generated voices and whether artificial intelligence can replicate the "soul" of human vocal expression. The guests debate the evolution of AI and its potential role in creativity and communication, with a consensus that while AI can mimic sound, it lacks the emotional depth of human presence. The episode concludes with reflections on how sound shapes our reality, the innate power of the human voice, and the role of conscious evolution in integrating new technology while preserving human connection. The conversation is brought to a close with a collective humming exercise, reinforcing the transformative nature of vocal resonance and its ability to bring people into alignment.

    1h 3m

  5. MAR 4

    S3 E3: Mindful Contagion and the Power of Zero

    In this lively conversation, Calvin, Shamash, and Micha explore how one calm, mindful person can profoundly influence others—like Thich Nhat Hanh’s peaceful presence or the way dolphins recognize mindful trainers. They discuss how mindfulness is contagious, how we all share vibrations that entrain one another, and why stepping into true presence can instantly dissolve questions and concerns. Touching on everything from pungent smells at the beach to political tensions, they show that being fully present means accepting reality as it is—including its discomforts—without losing balance. They reflect on “black sheep” figures (in politics, families, or communities) who often force us to see our biases and expand our perspectives. Ultimately, they underscore that we all carry every possible archetype within us. By embracing our own inner “black sheep,” we rediscover our shared humanity, stay at “zero,” and find deeper harmony with ourselves—and each other.

    53 min

  6. FEB 18

    S3 E2: Going Deeper into Emergence

    Podcast Summary: Episode 2 - Going Deeper into Emergence In this episode, the hosts explore the concept of "emergence," discussing its meaning, philosophical roots, and manifestations in life and nature. They begin with a lighthearted introduction, welcoming guest co-host Brother Freedom, who shares his surprise at being invited for an entire season. Key themes include: Definition and Etymology: Emergence, derived from the Latin emergere, means "to bring to light" or "to rise out." It is linked to the idea of order arising from chaos, exemplified by flocks of birds and neurons in the brain. Chaos and Insight: The hosts reflect on how insights often arise unexpectedly from chaotic or unstructured interactions, akin to natural patterns forming without central control. Light and Darkness: A discussion of the interconnectedness of light and darkness, framed by philosophical and spiritual perspectives like yin-yang and Buddhist teachings. They consider light emerging from darkness and how both coexist. Creativity and Awareness: Creativity is likened to wind filling sails—conditions must be right for insights to manifest. This parallels Buddhist ideas of consciousness and awareness, where latent seeds of thought emerge when nurtured. Purpose and Meaninglessness: They address feelings of purposelessness, proposing that rather than striving for goals, one should trust the flow of life and embrace presence. Purpose, they suggest, can emerge naturally when one lets go of pressure. The episode concludes with reflections on interconnectedness, the beauty of being present, and the joy of unscripted, emergent conversations. ⁠CalvinNiles.com⁠ ShamashAlidina.com

    56 min

  7. FEB 4

    S3 E1: Let's Explore Emergence in this Series

    In this podcast episode, Shamash and Calvin introduce a new season of Mindful Conversations, recorded during a walk around Bedfont Lakes. The series will focus on the theme of "emergence," exploring how to mindfully navigate the constant changes in the world. They reflect on how the word “emergence” is linked to “emergency,” and discuss the idea of managing personal stories and belief systems. Calvin introduces three levels of how people relate to their stories. Unconscious beliefs: Living life based on inherited or unexamined beliefs. Conscious questioning: Starting to challenge and construct new, more constructive stories. Story-less acceptance: Letting go of the need for stories altogether, achieving a state of full acceptance and freedom. They emphasize the dynamic nature of moving between these levels and discuss the value of mindfulness in accessing moments of surrender and presence. The episode concludes with plans for future discussions and introducing a guest, Brother Freedom, in their next episode. ShamashAlidina.com CalvinNiles.com

    20 min

  8. 11/09/2023

    S2 E10 - Will We Become Homo Silicon Chipus?! Cautious Optimism about the Future - Shamash and Calvin

    In this episode, we explore the bigger picture of what we've learnt about AI, humanity, philosophy and spirituality in this season. Calvin is sharing with us from sunny Barbados, and reflects on the concept of 'creative destruction' in nature and its parallels with technology and AI. We ponder the potential evolutionary shift in humanity with the advent of AI, coining playful terms like 'Homo ChatGPTus' and 'Homo silicon chip-us,' suggesting a merging of human and artificial intelligence. There's a discussion on the integration of AI in enhancing human capabilities and the possibility that humans may evolve beyond Homo Sapiens through technology. We consider how AI and mindfulness can be aligned, discussing technology's role in promoting compassion and creativity. We reflect on the evolution of our thoughts over the season, moving from caution to a more optimistic and accepting stance on the inevitability of technological advancement. The episode concludes with both hosts sharing their takeaways from the season, emphasising the importance of enjoying the journey and remaining open and curious about the unfolding relationship between AI and humanity. Please send us a message via our website if you enjoyed the season! We'd love to hear from you. If you found our free gift of this podcast entertaining or interesting for you, please share your gratitude with a little review - thank you so much! ⁠CalvinNiles.com

    44 min
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About

Mindful Conversations is a series of conversations hosted by international bestselling author and mindfulness teacher Shamash Alidina and fellow bestselling author and storytelling expert, Calvin Niles. Together with some of their wisest friends and colleagues, they mindfully explore old and contemporary subjects to help their listeners lead richer and more meaningful lives. Series 1 - Mindfulness, ACT and the Hero's Journey Series 2 - Mindfulness, Wisdom, Compassion and AI Series 3 - Emergence with Special Guest Moensch Micha (Brother Freedom)

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