In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of Madison Margolin, a Jewish psychedelic journalist and co-founder of DoubleBlind Magazine. Madison's new book, Exile & Ecstasy, takes us on a journey through the psychedelic sea that flows between the Ram Dass movement and Chassidism. Join us as we explore Madison's experiences in New York's psychedelic Chassidic underground, and delve into the biggest questions of ancestral trauma, intimacy, and the intersection between Judaism and the p...
Dec 15, 2023•46 min•Ep. 67
In this episode of Neurons to Nirvana, host Tom Hartridge welcomes five members of the dynamic ensemble of Polaroid Collective, featuring a vibrant mix of singer-songwriters. Joining Tom are Johan Wagner, Brett Serrell, Ali Holder, Lori Ellen, and William Wallace. They share the intriguing genesis of their group, sparked at a songwriters retreat in West Texas, and discuss the collaborative process behind their new album Polaroid Collective Vol. 1 released on August 25th, with 11 songwriters cont...
Nov 06, 2023•52 min•Ep. 66
Fan favorites from UTOPiAfest, Shane Cooley and Lori Ellen sit down to perform two acoustic songs and share the dynamic and delightful stories of collaboration, songwriting, and recharging after live performances. Shane Cooley's nuanced lyrics stand at the forefront of his hauntingly alternative folk music. Cooley’s newest album, Forest (released April 2022), continues to receive airplay and acclaim, both in the U.S. and internationally. “(Forest) stands out for its peculiar production and lyric...
Jun 01, 2023•34 min•Ep. 65
I'm thrilled to share my conversation with an extraordinary guest, Clementine Moss, the band leader and founder of the all-female tribute band, Zepparella. In addition to her impressive career as a musician, Clementine has recently released her memoir, From Bonham to Buddha and Back: The Slow Enlightenment of the Hard Rock Drummer. In this powerful and insightful book, Clementine offers a raw and honest look at her journey as a drummer, a woman, and a spiritual seeker from her early days playing...
May 04, 2023•37 min•Ep. 64
Self-described as a “Black Woman, Spirit, Gentle Heart, rising comedic voice and sociological enthusiast,” Genivive Clinton shares stories of truck driving, humor, silliness, and the everlasting balancing act between comedy and mental health. One of the hottest up-and-coming comedians in the country, Genivive has opened for Joe Rogan, Duncan Trussell, Neal Brennan, Tim Dillon, Ron White, and many other top headliners. From the East Side of Detroit, she combines her unique perspective with her ki...
Apr 06, 2023•39 min•Ep. 63
Listen to the original sound of Colt Wayne Keeney with a sprinkle of Johnny Cash and an edginess of Jim Morrison. My good friend and talented musician has been compared to the greats of outlaw country like Sturgill Simpson or bar drinking originals like Waylon Jennings. Today's episode features two Colt Wayne Keeney original songs. After Colorado Moon, he shares an amazing origin story to this lyrical journey. This Lone Star native shines as bright as the stars of Texas. Please check out his liv...
Mar 13, 2023•43 min•Ep. 62
Microdosing Mentor and Plant Medicine Facilitator Tiffany Hurd talks all things plant medicine. Tiffany discusses concepts like stacking, setting intentions and frequently asked questions she receives to implement ceremonial microdosing. Tiffany offers coaching and private or group ceremonies. She is dedicated to supporting her client’s personal journeys to find purpose and embrace vitality. Find out more about her by visiting her Instagram or website www.tiffanyhurd.com ------ If you love the c...
Mar 03, 2023•44 min•Ep. 61
Austin-based singer-songwriter Stephanie Hunt sits down in studio to talk about her music, acting and songwriting muses. Her solo debut album, Ambitions of Ambiguity, was recorded under the moniker Buffalo Hunt. She's known for her unique blend of psychedelic rock, folk, and soul that speaks to the deeper aspects of the human experience. Her music is both reflective and uplifting. We discuss her creative process, experience as a performer and artist, and thoughts on the intersection of music, ar...
Feb 23, 2023•41 min•Ep. 60
From my hometown of Savannah, Georgia, Andrea Epting continues to foster and emphasize the importance of community for successful mental health treatment. She founded Heads-Up Guidance Services, Inc. (HUGS) in 2009 to serve the Savannah area. HUGS makes mental health and addiction recovery services affordable and available to ALL motivated individuals, utilizing over 30 volunteer clinicians who specialize in the treatment of various populations & diagnosis. With 19 years of experience in the...
Feb 02, 2023•41 min•Ep. 59
Longtime local Austin music scene fixture Ali Holder joins me in studio to discuss depression, song writing, boundaries, and authenticity. Across her latest record, Uncomfortable Truths, Ali exposes every raw nerve of her life. Ali puts it all on the table as she shares her inspiration and experience in writing many of her songs, including one of my favorites, The Only Thing on her 2013 debut album, In Preparation for Saturn’s Return. Ali Holder has chosen to speak truth to her life, even when t...
Jan 12, 2023•53 min•Ep. 58
In 1986, drug activist Rick Doblin founded the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, commonly known as MAPS, as a non-profit organization specializing in research and education. MAPS has dedicated the last 36 years to changing the way people think of, talk about, and consume psychedelics through research, education, and advocacy. One of MAPS training certifications offers the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research Certificate Program for skilled therapists and researchers. ...
Jan 05, 2023•56 min•Ep. 57
Welcome to The Vinyl Sessions, a combination of highlights from the 2022 episodes, and some new content centered around the art and influence of music. This time of year, it can be very difficult for many, myself included. Holidays are stressful in their own category. I still grieve the loss of my parents around this time of year and continue to process grief and loss of my mother, who passed in January 2021. Not a day goes by where I don’t think of each of them and what they would want for me. ...
Dec 27, 2022•46 min•Ep. 56
You may have heard or even personally experienced therapists and medical practitioners including tapping in their treatment of anxiety, depression, insomnia and PTSD. Today, we answer: How does tapping work? As an expert in the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) also known as Tapping, my guest today, Lauren Fonvielle offers a fresh perspective on what is keeping people feeling stuck both physically (with chronic pain) and emotionally stuck. The basic technique requires you to focus on the negativ...
Dec 15, 2022•39 min•Ep. 55
For many people, writing a book is a lifelong dream. What’s the secret formula that Amazon best seller Chancellor K. Jackson applied to unlock his creativity and get published? Today, Chancellor ("Chance") tells his story of how he fell into writing after his traumatic experience of being arrested and detained in Beijing for 14 days. His first book, “14 Days in Beijing” has ranked #1 over fifteen times on Amazon in multiple genres. Every author’s journey is unique, and Chance is a great example ...
Dec 08, 2022•40 min•Ep. 54
What can dogs teach us about ourselves? Since 2013, Allegra Kaough of The Naked Dog has helped hundreds of dogs and owners improve their relationship by teaching them to communicate in a language that is effective and intuitive. Her journey with dogs began in 2008 when she lived with a dog trainer and her six dogs in Arizona. Between taking a pack of 7-20 dogs on off leash hikes every day for 8 years, boarding dogs in her home almost constantly during that time and running training sessions for ...
Dec 01, 2022•53 min•Ep. 53
The 29th Annual Austin Film Festival brought an eight-day uninhibited and authentic exploration of story. It was a conference for like-minded creators and an opportunity to view independent films. I love discovering new films and putting myself into a director or screenwriter’s shoes to dive into how a film is made and what aesthetic and casting decisions were determined. After watching the dark comedy and unconventional spy story, Checkout, starring Josh Pais, Dar Zuzuvosky, and Norman Issa, I ...
Nov 22, 2022•54 min•Ep. 52
Andi Astra is an illustrator and artist known by fans as Spooky Girl. Their work celebrates creative expression while questioning the status quo. They encourage people to connect with their highest selves and inspire their inner child through art and color. Beginning with science fiction and alien-centric art, Andi has used these themes to explore their identity and relationship with femininity through Spooky Girl. Now connecting internationally with hundreds of thousands of followers on their v...
Nov 10, 2022•45 min•Ep. 51
Welcome to the 50th episode of the Neurons to Nirvana podcast. It has been one year since embarking on this journey, and for new listeners as well as those priceless loyal friends and listeners, you know this year has been a year of transformation for me. The podcast has introduced me to creative and non-conventional thinkers and artists from all walks of life. And while taking the opportunity to share these stories with you, I’ve been able to discover new music, make new friends, and find new a...
Nov 03, 2022•38 min•Ep. 50
In my last episode, Michaell Magrutsche and I began to discover and challenge the definition of the value of art. This week, we continue our exploration of how it vital to have human relevance. Michaell represents that humans that we need something very different right now because we are in a consciousness crisis and there is nothing more to do but to become conscious. We often suffer when define our success and failure based on system relevance. This is a very animated discussion where each of ...
Oct 27, 2022•33 min•Ep. 49
In an effort to expose the true value of art, Michaell Magrutsche joins me in a two-part discovery of humanity and the confines of systems. Michaell is an outside the box thinker, and he understands that without creativity there are no man-made systems and there would be no world as we know it. Michaell presents a perspective on art outside of systems. This episode is a chance to contemplate the importance of art & creativity for the human potential. For more information on Michaell, his art...
Oct 20, 2022•33 min•Ep. 48
As an independent artist, Asher Laub has found ways to monetize his music career by both pushing conventional boundaries in composition and implementing creative strategies that inspire fans to keep consuming his unique music. He is an electronic violinist, bollywood violinist, producer, composer, and performer. Asher is known for breakdancing across stages with his LED electric violin, and after you hear his how he lost his music career to adrenal insufficiency and subsequently recovered, I bel...
Oct 13, 2022•44 min•Ep. 47
My Guest on this week's episode is the lead guitarist and vocalist of Perpetual Groove, Brock Butler. I recently sat down with Brock before the band performed at one of my favorite Austin music venues, Mohawk. Perpetual Groove or also known to their loyal fan base as P Groove, is now back FULL throttle after the pandemic for their Fall tour. This current tour also introduces a new band member with the addition of drummer Darren Stanley. Perpetual Groove, over the years, has toured extensively to...
Oct 06, 2022•25 min•Ep. 46
Len May, CEO of Endocanna Health says with DNA testing, you can now find out what kind of cannabis is your best fit — and what to avoid. Len's expertise is human genetics and cannabis. He runs a DNA company and also has a background in the music industry. His passion in precision medicine and how we can personalize everything is evident as a guest on Neurons to Nirvana and also through his own podcast, Everything is Personal. A pioneer in the medical cannabis industry, May has been instrumental ...
Sep 29, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 45
Today's guest will take us on a deep journey into how music heals. Music has been my medicine over the years and that's the thing that drew me to Daniel Moody, a Coach, Songwriter, and a Family Man. He helps people to write their own songs, be themselves, and find freedom from their inner critic. He uses music and songwriting to help heal, those who are seeking to fill a void that's been lacking in their lives. This episode is a powerful one and I hope you enjoy. Want to write your own healing m...
Sep 22, 2022•57 min•Ep. 44
Austin resident and master of psychedelic funk, Kalu James, sits down with Tom to reminiscence about their fateful first introduction in the rugged mountains of Utah. Along the way, hear a journey of musical enlightenment, peek into Kalu's storytelling, and sit down with two friends who found their way together during a period of isolation. Kalu and the Electric Joint are considered one of the best bands on the Austin music scene right now. With their distinct sound, they have a vibrant live sho...
Sep 15, 2022•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 43
Regardless of what language you speak, music transcends geographies and Bombino’s epic guitar shredding is a language I think all of us can appreciate. This week’s podcast is the first ever bilingual episode with The Sultan of Shred. Bombino (born Goumour Almoctar, also known as Oumara Moctar) came of age during a time of significant political upheaval and fled with his family to Algeria after living in the nomadic Tuareg encampment Tidene, just outside Agadez, Niger. Bombino taught himself guit...
Sep 08, 2022•17 min•Ep. 42
Niki J Crawford and her band bring the heat with a high-energy soul get down. There is undeniable energy hitting the airwaves on this week’s podcast. You can feel her Soul, Funk, and R&B sound. Niki and the band members have shared the stage and have played with Carlos Santana, Snoop Dogg, Al Green, Macy Gray, The Roots, and Keb Mo just to name a few of the performers who have sought out her talent. She has performed on various late-night TV shows such as Jay Leno, David Letterman, Conan O’B...
Sep 01, 2022•18 min•Ep. 41
Welcome back to our third episode featuring artists who performed at the California Worldfest. During this episode, it is pleasure to introduce you to the music and spirit of The Gold Souls. The Gold Souls burst on the Sacramento music scene in early 2017 and are one of the most promising new talents in the area. Not only do they bring driving grooves of funk and rich textures of soul, they also deliver captivating lyrics and fresh arrangements with a vintage sound. One such track that captures ...
Aug 25, 2022•20 min•Ep. 40
In this episode, we interview two very dynamic bands in this second episode of the Worldfest series, the first featuring the pioneering band from Brooklyn New York --Red Baraat. Red Baraat fuses Hip-hop, Indian Bhangra, and funk. They unite the crowd in joy and high energy and are an act not to be missed. And returning to the podcast for their second time is the extraordinary Cha Wa! From the NOLA streets to the stage to the studio, two-time Grammy nominated band Cha Wa delivers an organic sound...
Aug 19, 2022•38 min•Ep. 39
This episode kicks off a series with musicians who recently performed at the California Worldfest . During this episode and the next six episodes, you will hear background noise from the festival, and in some cases, you can join along in the experience with video on YouTube . Today’s guests were a treasure to meet, and it is a delight to introduce you to two duos, Brightside Blue and Honey of the Heart. These duos began collaborating and performing together, and their integration in life and on ...
Aug 11, 2022•24 min•Ep. 38
