The Alchemist Lounge

Alex Atwood
  • 5.0 (34)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Leaders are vulnerable to falling into the trap of doing what works today, instead of achieving true alchemy and transforming their personal and professional practices to meet the challenges of tomorrow. That's why Alex Atwood, serial entrepreneur, executive coach to high performers, and well-being expert, launched The Alchemist Lounge Podcast, a forum for leaders to hear cutting-edge perspectives, learn how to evolve themselves, and build thriving and sustainable leadership habits and businesses that stand the test of time. Through 1:1 interviews with top-performing leaders, listeners will hack best practices and receive actionable advice to position themselves and their organizations for long-term personal and professional success.

  1. 17H AGO

    How to Architect Your Life After Trauma

    In this episode of The Alchemist Lounge, Alex sits down with Paul Cooper—co-founder of Castle Grace—for one of the most raw and powerful conversations we've had on the show. Paul shares the origin story of Castle Grace, a consciously designed communal home in Boulder, Colorado, built on a written constitution, shared governance, pooled finances, and radical transparency. But beneath the castle walls lies an even deeper story—of childhood in Rwanda, unimaginable trauma, faith, genocide, psychedelics, and the healing power of storytelling. From missionary life in East Africa to losing his father in a tragic accident at age eight… from navigating the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide to rebuilding his emotional world through mushrooms and children's films—Paul's journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring. This is a conversation about grief, sovereignty, community design, emotional regulation, and what it means to consciously architect your life. In this episode, you will hear: (0:00) Castle Grace: building a real-life "mythical" castle with governance, shared ownership, and no chore charts. (5:04) Designing a constitution for community: peer ratings, pooled finances, and decentralized power. (19:24) Growing up on a missionary campus in Rwanda and witnessing community built from nothing. (28:55) The tragic car accident that took Paul's father and changed his life forever. (34:15) Moving to Michigan, rebuilding family life, and the role of faith after trauma. (43:10) Story as medicine: why telling your story can be life-saving—and how identity evolves over time. (49:45) Returning to Rwanda as an adult and confronting the legacy of genocide. (58:30) Discovering psychedelics: mushrooms, emotional regulation, and reclaiming childhood presence. (1:05:20) Using animated films as "emotional physical therapy" to safely process trauma. (1:10:00+) Why psychedelics must be voluntary—and the dangers of turning medicine into dogma. This episode is a masterclass in resilience and intentional living. If you've ever wondered how to turn trauma into transformation, how to build community without hierarchy, or how to reclaim presence after loss, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.

    1h 32m

  2. JAN 7

    079: The #1 Relationship Killer with Vicki Kennedy

    In this heart-opening episode of The Alchemist Lounge, Alex Atwood sits down with author, therapist, and relationship expert Vicki Kennedy to explore how couples can transform conflict into connection—and why "It's Never Personal" might be the mantra that saves your relationship and your sanity. Drawing from her own story of heartbreak and healing, Vicki shares the tools behind the Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) model, how "demon dialogues" sabotage intimacy, and what it means to drop into primary emotion, co-regulate, and become true allies with your partner. Whether you're single, coupled, or in the trenches of relational breakdown, this conversation will reshape how you relate—to others and to yourself. In this episode, you will hear: (0:00) The "Oh Moment" & Emotional Hijacks: when your nervous system says "I don't matter"—and how to course-correct. (2:35) Arguments vs. Fights: how to distinguish hurt from harm and why healthy friction is essential. (6:05) The Hold Me Tight Workshop: why couples of every stage—from dating to divorced—can benefit. (10:44) Demon Dialogues Decoded: what happens when your partner "never listens" and why it's rarely about the dishes. (24:13) Vicki's Story: divorce, five therapists, and the training that finally clicked. (27:46) Why EFT Works: the neuroscience behind connection, and how secure attachment makes you a better human. (36:53) Shadow Work & Self-Compassion: why the parts you hide are the keys to healing. (46:06) The Five-Step "Never Personal" Process: from pain to presence, and holding what hurts to release it. (57:35) Ego, Forgiveness & Freedom: the summit beyond the summit—and the realization that "there's nothing to forgive." If you're ready to evolve how you love—and how you live—this one's not to be missed. Drop your biggest insight in the comments, and let us know: what demon dialogue are you rewriting?

    1h 8m

  3. 12/05/2025

    The Second Exit: Healing Through Heartbreak with Peter

    What happens when a high-performing entrepreneur walks away from it all? Peter Corbett, former CEO who sold his boutique agency to a global firm, opens up in this deep and personal conversation with Alex Atwood. In this candid and soulful episode, Peter shares the lessons he's learned through spiritual practice, emotional unraveling, and the second major exit of his life—his marriage. 00:00 – Intro: From Marketing CEO to Spiritual Explorer 02:08 – Bringing Art Through the Roof: "I Thought I Made It" 05:00 – Opulence & Awakening: When Success Sparks a Spiritual Journey 09:30 – Letting Go of Fame & Gain: Zen, Hospice Work & Finding Presence 13:00 – Relationship Struggles While Letting Go of Identity 16:43 – Building Businesses for Love: Uncovering Deep Childhood Patterns 20:59 – The Moment His Marriage Collapsed 22:20 – "This Was Done For Me": Peter's Enlightened Divorce Mindset 27:36 – From Trauma to Transformation: The Role of the "Soul Contract" 30:07 – Grieving Through the Body: Ice Baths, Yoga, No Alcohol 36:34 – Rebuilding Self-Worth Without Productivity 38:52 – Dating After 12 Years: "I Don't Know What Love Is" 41:04 – Advice on Grief & Loss: Bringing Pain Close Without Numbing 47:36 – Atlas: Peter's New Venture on Holistic Well-Being 48:06 – Final Words: "Are You Murdering Yourself For Someone Else?"

    50 min

  4. 11/14/2025

    077: Stillness & Calm Through Meditation with Bob Roth: Why TM Works in Real Life

    In this episode of The Alchemist Lounge, we sit down with Bob Roth, CEO of the David Lynch Foundation and one of the world's leading teachers of Transcendental Meditation (TM), to explore the science, practice, and social impact of meditation. Bob breaks down the three core categories of meditation, shares how TM delivers deep physiological rest, and explains why his team is working to integrate TM into hospitals, the VA, and workplaces through Meditate America. We also dig into research on the "group effect" of meditation and real-world results from programs like DC Central Kitchen.

    54 min

  5. 09/09/2025

    076: From "Illegal" Immigrant to Educator: Crossing Borders, Building Futures with Chef Felix

    In this episode of The Alchemist Lounge, we sit down with Chef Felix Cortez—an immigrant, educator, and community pillar—to trace his journey from working since age 8 in rural Mexico to crossing into the U.S. at 17, grinding through farm and dishwashing jobs, rising to line cook and chef, and ultimately answering a faith-driven call to teach at Orange Technical College in Orlando. It's a grounded look at immigration beyond headlines—one day at a time, hard work, and service to others. In this episode, you will hear: (0:00) Why this story matters now: moving past immigration headlines to a human story; meet Chef Felix. (2:00) Growing up in Mexico: dad leaves to provide; Felix works from age 8 to support the family. (10:18) First spark for food: helping make underground barbacoa at 12—early culinary skills before he knew it. (23:06) First U.S. grind: peppers, oranges, heavy labor; driving tractors; moving for love and opportunity. (25:42) Kitchen door opens: dishwasher → breakfast line; culinary school (2003); stints with Marriott & Eden Roc. (28:29) Living in the gray: fear, expired license years, and choosing to keep moving—one day at a time. (29:49) Orlando chapter: food service → teaching; eight years mentoring students into real careers. (37:46) A calling confirmed: a 2006 prophecy to "teach what you have" fulfilled in 2016 at Orange Technical College. (41:38) Practical mentorship: start small, learn English, pay taxes, stack skills; a student's $23/hr Disney offer at under 20. (51:03) Starting over (again): it's not about money—it's about service, family, and becoming a pillar where you live. If you're into resilience, food, and faith—told through the lens of a teacher lifting the next generation—this one's for you. Drop your favorite takeaway and share it with someone who needs a path forward.

    56 min

  6. 09/03/2025

    075: Playbook for Sales, Networking & Growth with Adam Sosnick

    In this episode of The Alchemist Lounge, we sit down with Adam Sosnick—Valuetainment exec and co-host on the PBD Podcast—to trace his gritty climb from Miami kid and stand-up comic to top producer in finance and on-air personality. Adam breaks down his "three R's" (relationships → reputation → revenue), the cold-calling years that forged his edge, and the long game that led from a chance gym chat with Patrick Bet-David to building one of the most talked-about shows in business and politics. We also dive into hip-hop's cultural arc, masculinity, stoicism, and why being an elite "#2" on the right team can beat chasing solo glory. In this episode, you will hear: (0:00) The Three R's & a Cold-Open Flex: relationships → reputation → revenue, and the "pick your title" moment that set a new trajectory. (2:00) Diddy, Hip-Hop & Masculinity: how 90s culture shaped ambition—and where stoicism fits today. (6:05) From Beastie Boys to East/West Beef: the mid-90s shift that turned rap into a cultural battleground. (25:31) Growing Up in Miami: a father with cerebral palsy, work ethic, empathy—and a household that taught grit. (30:12) Tough Love → Fuel: family conflict, "idolize–villainize–humanize," and choosing to rise. (36:53) Comedy Roots at FSU: class clown to first gigs, and learning EQ that later powered sales. (40:30) Denver & Comedy Works: a CNN friend's ultimatum, stage time, and living lean on unemployment. (44:52) Boca Pivot to Finance: cold-calling life settlements, "your network is your net worth," and a $5K first year. (47:53) Recession Lessons & 401(k): sticking it out, "pick your title," and the floodgates opening. (50:29) Meeting Patrick Bet-David: a gym conversation at NAILBA (2012) turns into a 2019 partnership—relationship capital paying off. (1:00:49) Finding a Voice Online: "save that money," skipping the 'cool-guy contest,' and pivoting to substance. (1:16:16) Building the PBD Podcast: launching in 2020's chaos and why teamwork beats hero ball.

    1h 31m

  7. 08/07/2024

    074: Behind the Laughs: Vinnie Oshana on Comedy, Culture, Politics and the PBD Podcast

    Join host Alex Atwood in an engaging conversation with comedian Vincent Oshana. This episode dives deep into Vincent's journey from his military days to becoming a comedy prodigy, and the challenges he faced along the way. Vincent shares heartfelt stories, hilarious anecdotes, and valuable life lessons, making this episode a perfect blend of humor and inspiration.   IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:   0:00 - From Vitamin Store to Comedy Club Turning a vitamin store into a comedy club and live studio. 2:15 - Military to Comedy Vincent's journey from the military to becoming a comedian. 6:34 - Hollywood Auditions The challenges and triumphs of auditioning in Hollywood. 11:06 - Identity and Humor Using personal stories and humor to connect with the audience. 15:11 - The Art of Stand-Up How comedy brings joy and spiritual connection. 21:37 - Flow State in Comedy Experiencing peak performance and selling out shows. 27:17 - Overcoming Alcoholism Vincent's journey to sobriety and avoiding life's poisons. 32:56 - Comedy and Politics Mixing political views with stand-up comedy. 39:18 - Diverse Conversations The importance of having diverse and meaningful conversations. 43:48 - Humanity's Dark Side Discussing the darker aspects of humanity and the need for spirituality. 48:30 - Society and Unity The importance of unity and collective action in society. 54:20 - Media Manipulation How the media manipulates narratives and the importance of awareness. 1:00:35 - Generational Responsibility The role of different generations in shaping culture and politics.   SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW   Have you subscribed to our podcast? We'd love for you to subscribe if you haven't yet.  We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.   CONNECT WITH VINCENT OSHANA   YouTube: The Vincent Oshana Show Facebook: Vincent Oshana Instagram: Vincent Oshana (@vincentoshana) Twitter: Vincent Oshana (@VincentOshana) / X   CONNECT WITH US   Website: https://alexatwood.co/  Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-alchemist-lounge/id1552229674  Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexatwood/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexatwood_coaching/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/alexatwood.coaching   P.S. Like content like this? Join my newsletter! https://fierce-author-7032.ck.page/a7a68aca9f

    1h 7m

  8. 06/17/2024

    073: Stretching Beyond Limits with Brian Cook

    In this episode of The Alchemist Lounge, we sit down with Brian Cook, Founder and CEO of Stretch Med, to delve into the intersection of health, wealth, and personal growth. Brian shares his journey from fitness enthusiast to health entrepreneur and his vision for transforming the hospitality and wellness industries through innovative practices and educational models.   IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:   (0:00) Discover the Stretch Revolution with Brian Cook Dive into the transformative benefits and innovative concepts of stretching. (4:30) Stretching for a Pain-Free and Longer Life Explore how strategic stretching can alleviate chronic pain and promote longevity. (8:15) Stretching Towards Balance and Growth Learn how stretching supports work-life balance and fosters personal growth. (15:06) Innovating Wealth Creation in Education with Brian Cook Brian discusses his approach to building a new educational model focused on wealth creation. (21:54) Entrepreneurial Ventures in Education and Wealth Insights into integrating entrepreneurship into educational frameworks to foster wealth creation. (26:03) Designing Profitable Solutions to Social Challenges How Brian's business models are crafted to solve societal issues profitably. (30:59) Weaving Wealth and Wellness Through Yoga Discussion on the intersection of yoga, mindfulness, and wealth creation. (36:54) Empathy and Growth: Keys to Entrepreneurial Success Brian shares how empathy, personal growth, and entrepreneurial spirit drive success.   SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW   Have you subscribed to our podcast? We'd love for you to subscribe if you haven't yet.  We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.   CONNECT WITH BRIAN COOK   Website: https://stretchmedstudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianrcook1/ YouTube: StretchMed Studios - YouTube Facebook: StretchMed Studios   CONNECT WITH US   Website: https://alexatwood.co/  Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-alchemist-lounge/id1552229674  Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexatwood/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexatwood_coaching/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/alexatwood.coaching   P.S. Like content like this? Join my newsletter! https://fierce-author-7032.ck.page/a7a68aca9f

    44 min
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About

Leaders are vulnerable to falling into the trap of doing what works today, instead of achieving true alchemy and transforming their personal and professional practices to meet the challenges of tomorrow. That's why Alex Atwood, serial entrepreneur, executive coach to high performers, and well-being expert, launched The Alchemist Lounge Podcast, a forum for leaders to hear cutting-edge perspectives, learn how to evolve themselves, and build thriving and sustainable leadership habits and businesses that stand the test of time. Through 1:1 interviews with top-performing leaders, listeners will hack best practices and receive actionable advice to position themselves and their organizations for long-term personal and professional success.

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Atwood
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    The Alchemist Lounge