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It's All Happening

“It’s All Happening” is a podcast. It’s the brain child of Zach Leary , a reasonably intelligent, strange, wise and funny guy who lives in Los Angeles. Throughout his life, Zach has found himself talking to some of the most amazing people in our culture - so one day he thought.. why not make that into a show? Every week or so he will bring you conversations with the finest residents of the multi-verse. We will hear their take on consciousness, politics, yoga, technology, music, comedy and whatever else seems arrises during the piece creative chaotic beauty that is " It's All Happening."
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Now displaying: 2016
Dec 31, 2016

The final IAH podcast of 2016 brings you the great Andrew Gurevich. Andrew is as good a social, cultural historian/philosopher as they come. Our talk covered the vast landscapes of rising and falling ideologies, why looking at our past is important, social media and how to be a better inhabitant and of course a recap of latter day 2016 and how we got here. I hope to do more podcasts with Andrew as he really is a model for well rounded wise and balanced thinking.

INTRO RANT: 2016 and the rise of confusion

WELCOME: Our new sponsor Eat, Dream, Be. Head on over to eatdreambe.com/itsallhappening to learn more about these amazing neurotransmitters centered delectable food snacks.

Professor Andrew Gurevich lives with his wife and two children in Portland, Oregon. He teaches Writing, Religion, Literature and Mythology. He is a Board member for the Society for the Anthropology of Consciousness and is a regular speaker at their events where he explores the emerging interdisciplinary approaches to understanding symbolic and mythological consciousness. He has written and lectured about the deep psychology of the climate change denial movement; epigenetics, neuropsychology and religious symbolism; Goddess mythology in the United States and in “Old Europe”; and the resurgence of the sacred feminine in the mystical traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. His work has appeared in Popular ArchaeologyAnthropology of ConsciousnessThe Ecologist, The Voice, Reality Sandwich and in the books “Indonesian Tribal Art,” “Jesus, Muhammed and the Goddess,” and “Voices of the Sacred Feminine - Conversations to ReShape Our World.”

He is a regular speaker at academic conferences, community lectures and on radio programs such as Dr. Karen Tate’s “Voices of the Sacred Feminine,” Dr. Christopher Ryan’s “Tangentially Speaking” and his own podcast entitled “On the Block Radio with Andrew Gurevich.” On the Block is a weekly podcast that explores the intersection of creativity and transformation with leading figures in academics, activism and the arts.

www.ontheblockradio.com

Dec 23, 2016

Daniel Pinchbeck has successfully morphed himself into of the most sought after, poignant and razor sharp social critics and consciousness surveyors of our time. His latest book "How Soon is Now" is like a how-to survival guide for the complicated world we are forging our way into. He stopped by the kitchen table to talk about the book, going "down and in", some politics, new economic systems and a whole bunch of other stuff. One hour with Daniel is just scratching the surface. It was a pleasure to spend some time with him and I hope we get to do it again. Also, be sure to pick up a copy of "How Soon Is Now" when it's released in February of 2017.

INTRO RANT: dharma vs. your current role

WELCOME: Our new sponsor Eat, Dream, Be. Head on over to eatdreambe.com/itsallhappening to learn more about these amazing neurotransmitters centered delectable food snacks.

Daniel Pinchbeck is the author of Breaking Open the Head (Broadway Books, 2002), 2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl (Tarcher/Penguin, 2006), and Notes from the Edge Times (Tarcher/Penguin, 2010). His new book, How Soon Is Now, comes out in Februrary, 2017. Featuring a preface from Sting and an introduction from Russell Brand, How Soon Is Now? looks at the ecological crisis as a rite of passage or initiation for humanity and proposes a "blueprint for the future" - how we must redesign our technical and social systems to avert the worst consequences of ecological collapse.

http://www.pinchbeck.io

@DanielPinchbeck

Dec 17, 2016

Every now and then if you keep your eyes, mind and heart open you come across a teacher that will strike a chord of curiosity inside of you. Jai Dev Singh is that. Each time I've seen him in person I clearly get some radiant transmission that's telling me this guy is doing something that's working. Really, go see for yourself. Our podcast went through a brief history of the Kundalini yoga tradition, an examination of the word itself, various meditation transmissions, the fusion of consciousness and practice and so so much more. Jai Dev really is a mystic doing great works in the world around us. Visit his website, watch his videos and most of all - enjoy this episode!

INTRO RANT: complacency vs. action, Martin Luther King

Jai Dev Singh is a yogi and teacher.  His innovative Yoga and Ayurveda courses have been attended and studied by thousands of people throughout the world. His flagship teachings are offered through The Complete Course of Ayurveda, The Radiant Body Home Course and The Life-Force Academy.

Jai Dev is a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist and previously served as the Clinical Director at the California College of Ayurveda, as well as the director of the college’s Pancha Karma Center.

He is a Kundalini Yoga teacher, certified by the Kundalini Research Institute. Jai Dev serves on the board of the Guru Ram Das Center for Medicine and Humanology. He is a partner at Floracopeia, Inc.

www.jaidevsingh.com

DYING TO KNOW CROWD FUND: igg.me/at/dyingtoknow

Dec 9, 2016

Another episode that was recorded live from the "Open in Your Heart in Paradise" retreat in Maui with Ram Dass, Krishna Das, Jack Kornfield and more! Mirabai Bush has consistently one of my favorite teachers at these retreats was kind enough to sit down with me for an episode covering an exploration into the now famous "just like me" practice, mindfulness in the military, the need to dig deeper and uncover all sides of a situation and some of the early days of eastern exploration in the America. I just love being with Mirabai, hearing her talk and hanging out in her field. She's one of the great wisdom keepers on the path today. Follow her work if you're not already.

INTRO RANT: social media vulnerability 

Mirabai Bush teaches contemplative practices and develops programs through the application of contemplative principles and values to organizational life.  Her work with individuals and organizations includes entrepreneurial project management, compassionate staff-board relations, organizational leadership, public relations, communication, networking, and strategic relationship building all through the lens of contemplative practice in action.

www.mirabaibush.com

Dec 5, 2016

Live from the Open Your Heart in Paradise retreat in Maui, I'm joined by Krishna Das for a devotionally potent episode of the show. Not only is KD one of the important transmitters of Neem Karoli Baba's teachings via his music, he's also become one of the wisest, most vulnerable and real teachers on the path of love that we know of. Our time together covered taking a look at who we think we are, projections onto each other, sharing of his own current vulnerabilities and struggles, the practice of kirtan itself and the need to have fierce compassion in the face of trying times. I can't say enough about KD and his importance in my life  - I hope this episode covers some of that.

For Krishna Das, the journey started in the late 60’s. Krishna Das met spiritual seeker Ram Dass; he traveled across the country with Ram Dass as his student, captivated by the stories of his recent trip to India where he had met the legendary guru Neem Karoli Baba, known to most as Maharaj-ji.  Finally, following his heart, in August 1970, Krishna Das left behind his dreams of being a rock star and made his way to meet this remarkable Being. Basking in the love of Maharaj-ji in the three years that followed, KD’s heart was drawn to the practice of Bhakthi Yoga – the yoga of devotion and after two and a half years with Maharaj-ji, he returned to USA – alas, six months after his return, word came that Maharaj-ji had died.

krishnadas.com

Nov 19, 2016

The one and only Larry Brilliant is the guest for this episode for It's All Happening. Larry is one of the great examples of combining purpose and seva with business. His new book 'Sometimes Brilliant' is out now and covers his life story that includes meeting his teacher Neem Karoli Baba to starting the SEVA foundation. On the show we talked about our current situation and how to make peace with it as well as a pin pointed look at the reality of our nations economic and education dilemma and what to do about it. Of course, we also talked about Neem Karoli Baba and what being a seeker was like in the early 70's for a young doctor from Detroit. I can't say enough how much I enjoyed this one - Larry is an endless well of knowledge, wisdom and love. 

INTRO RANT - The nature of change

Larry Brilliant is an American physician, epidemiologist, technologist, author and the former director of Google's philanthropic arm Google.org. Brilliant, a technology patent holder, has been CEO of two public companies and other venture backed start- ups. From 1973 to 1976, he participated in the successful World Health Organization (WHO) smallpox eradication program. In April 2009, he was chosen to oversee the "Skoll Global Threats Fund" established by eBay co-founder Jeff Skoll.

@larrybrilliant

Nov 11, 2016

What can we say after what we just witnessed this past week? Few of us have any answers - only outrage. Few of us have any composure - only rage. Few of us have any solutions - only confusion. In the face of such an unexpected landslide where hate and ignorance won knowing what to do next is so hard. Ram Dass beamed into the podcast this week to spread some love, compassion and understanding about what happened. That is followed by Jason Louv who takes us through a history of the alt-right and how we got to this point in time. It's a wonderful history lesson that we should all understand and take part in. Jason is an elegant and brilliant mind who can make sense of some of the most fringe aspects of life.

INTRO RANT - confusion on this Veterans Day and remembering what they fought for.

Jason Louv is: “One of humanity’s best mutant scouts on the frontiers of human experience.” – R. U. Sirius

Jason Louv is the author of Hyperworlds, UnderworldsThe Angelic ReformationMonsanto vs. the World and Queen Valentine, and the editor of Generation HexUltraculture Journal and Thee Psychick Bible.

For the last fifteen years, Jason’s work has explored the outer reaches of human culture and possibility, through both science fiction and journalistic expeditions into some of the world’s strangest belief systems. His work shines with wit, compassion and an immense drive to share his enlightening experiences with his readers.

www.ultraculture.org

Ram Dass is one of the great spiritual teachers of our time. He is the very manifestation of love.

www.ramdass.org

Nov 4, 2016

One of the most important issues facing nearly everyone in the Western world is the onset of technology addiction. It's effecting all of us. It's so bad that we literally gather together in person yet don't engage, we stare at our phones. Nancy Colier came on the podcast this week to talk about her new book 'The Power of Off - The Mindful Way to Stay Sane in A Virtual World." Nancy is a brilliant and thoughtful psychotherapist and spiritualist who has a really well rounded and realistic view of how to tackle this problem and what the core symptoms are. I could have talked to Nancy for hours about what we're seeing around us, what I'm experiencing in my own life and what to do about it. I hope you enjoy the episode and I'm sure most of you can relate with it.

INTRO RANT - 7 things I've recently learned and still don't understand about the electorate and 2 things I've learned about the ironies of technology

Nancy Colier is a psychotherapist in private practice, an ordained interfaith minister, mindfulness teacher, relationship coach, author and blogger. She graduated from the University of Virginia, Columbia University School of Social Work, the Focusing Institute and One Spirit Interfaith Seminary. Mindfulness and Buddhist practices form the ground of her psychotherapy and spiritual counseling practice. A long time student of eastern spirituality and non-duality, Nancy helps to uncover the awareness, joy and presence that is the ground of well-being. Her work serves to connect clients with their authentic truth, remember their body’s wisdom. and know for themselves that they are spiritual beings on a human journey.

Oct 28, 2016

This week the transcendental divinity in the form of Juan Ruiz Naupari stopped by the kitchen table to take the IAH podcast on a new journey. He was joined by his translator Eric Baumgartner who beautifully weaved together the language barrier in what proved to be an amazing journey through practical spirituality, discovering ones own true nature, the roots of conflict and suffering and the role consciousness plays in our daily life. At first I was resistant to the idea of doing a foreign language podcast but thank you to my dear brother David Watts, who brought Juan to me, I was able to let go of that and settle into something new and worthwhile for both myself and the show. Juan is truly a potent being that is clearly on the path of something amazing. Being around him immediately makes you relax, open and tune into his frequency. I hope some of this joy is experienced in the audio you're about to experience.

INTRO RANT - The need to shorten the election season from here on out. This can be done through legislation.

Juan Ruiz Naupari is the creator of Pneuma System, a new Transpersonal perspective based in the comparative study of the ancient spiritual traditions of the planet. This system of self-knowledge, includes Pneuma Breathwork, a powerful, safe and simple practice which opens the way to Amplified States of Consciousness.

For more than thirty years he has studied transpersonal states and their application within both a therapeutic and human developmental context through imparting seminars and supporting the inner process of his students across Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Currently, he dedicates more than 500 hours a year to giving workshops, seminars and conferences internationally. Among the topics he investigates, the following stand out: Alchemy and Sexuality, The Vedas, elements of Egyptian religion, Greek philosophy, the Gnostic manuscripts of Nag Hammadi, and the history and philosophy of the first Christian Masters.

http://www.inkarri.us

Oct 14, 2016

Leah Pearlman joins the IAH podcast to share the story of her life's journey which is truly worth taking note of. It's one of those stories that you perhaps hear a little something about but then forget to follow up on how it turned out. A bright, creative young woman leaves a dream job as an early employee at Facebook to set out on a spiritual journey that was inspired by death, addiction, Burning Man, self love and an overall desire to share the path of the heart with everyone! The manifestation of her journey and intention took form in the wonderfully profound and simple Dharmacomics.com - talking to Leah about this, her journey and all it's twists and turns inspired me and forced me to step back and take a look at my own journey. I hope everyone who listens to this finds something here that will inspire a little time to reflect and admire your own brilliance and to possibly make changes where possible. Leah is a wonderful shining light.

Leah Pearlman drew her first comic in 2010 when her dad’s cancer went into remission. She drew a comic announcing the good news and posted it on Facebook.

A week later, after encouraging a friend to “follow his heart,” an image of someone literally following his heart popped into her mind. She laughed, and then put it on paper.

And so it goes. About once a week, ever since, she’s been moved by something or someone in her life. She illustrates the moment to celebrate it and the person who inspired her and posts the image online for anyone else it may touch. People often reflect that Dharma Comics have a deeply personal feel; that is because each one is deeply personal. They all have a story.

“Dharma” is a Sanskrit word, often used in Buddhism to refer to the teachings that offer us guidance in life. Dharma can also refer to one’s own purpose or path. Your “Dharma” is what you are meant to do.  Leah often says the name is twofold: Dharma Comics are comics about Dharma, but they have also proven to be her dharma, what she is meant to do.

www.dharmacomics.com

Oct 7, 2016

Trevor stopped by the kitchen table for this truly inspiring episode of IAH. Trevor's gift to the world is his song but what transpires through his music, being and soul is so much more. Like so many of the great artists who came before him, Trevor is thoughtful, smart, intuitive, aware and you get the feeling when talking to him that he's seeing the world in the way that others are not. Our conversation ranged from his early days and upbringing, spirituality in life and music, why love really does heal all wounds and the quest to constantly explore and be a seeker. I'm somewhat of a late convert to Trevor's music and am so grateful that I get to discover this well of brilliance at this point in life.

INTRO RANT - When did anti-intellcualism and the celebration of ignorance become the norm?

From trevorhallmusic.com:

As an eleven year old, playing harmonica beside his father in South Carolina, music quickly became Trevor’s most intimate companion, guide and creative outlet. In his elementary years, he began to write his own songs and perform them locally. At sixteen he recorded his first record, and the following year he left South Carolina to study classical guitar at Idyllwild Arts Academy, an international boarding school east of Los Angeles. There, Trevor was introduced to yoga and certain spiritual practices found in India, which greatly influenced his music and his life journey. During his senior year, Trevor signed a record deal with Geffen Records and his career as a musician formally began.

Trevor quickly broke through the music scene, with such early accomplishments in his career as having a song recorded on the Shrek the Third soundtrack, as well as joining a series of sold-out tours with artists such as Steel Pulse, The Wailers, Jimmy Cliff, Matisyahu, Michael Franti, SOJA, Brett Dennen and Colbie Callait. Trevor’s quick rise on the scene, however, was ripe with challenges that conflicted with his spiritual life and devotional practice. In order to parallel his life’s path with the messages in his music, Trevor moved into a traditional Hindu ashram in Southern California in 2008. When not on tour, he lived as a monk and devoted his days to spiritual practice and service. His involvement with the temple affected his music and his music quickly became his practice.

www.trevorhallmusic.com

Sep 30, 2016

Episode 61 features the wise, funny, bitchy, enigmatic, thoughtful and subtle genius that is Conner Habbib. I stopped by Conner's mid-city lair to do this podcast in the middle of a hot and sweaty Los Angeles afternoon. Conner occupies a very unique place in the world in that he is a Renaissance Man for modern times. Part porn star, part post modern philosophy intellectual, part writing coach and part activist. Our conversation ranges from me trying to understand his focus in the world to philosophical applications to living in the world around us. Conner is living on an edge that dreams of new living conditions and dimensions - one that I'd sure like to keep in touch with.

From Connerhabbib.com:

I’m an author, a lecturer, a porn performer, and a sex workers’ rights advocate.  I serve as Vice President of the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee and am a member of PEN America.

My essays have appeared in dozens of print and online publications, including The StrangerVice, SalonSlate, and more.  I give lectures around the country about sexuality, spirituality, pornography, science, and art.  I teach writing one-on-one and in groups. For seven years, I was an award-winning gay adult performer, and continue, occasionally, to perform in adult film.  I’m the only person who has ever won awards for writing, teaching AND porn.

On October 30th be sure to check out Conners "Banishing The World: Postmodern Philosophy and The Occult" online workshop. Find details here. 

@ConnerHabib

Sep 23, 2016

When Philip Goldberg's now seminal book "American Veda" came out sometime in 2013 I was immediately drawn to it in a way that I'm not drawn to most books. Finally there was something out there that put this entire scene I find myself a part of into a historical context. Phil stopped by the kitchen table to talk about this, the history of yoga in America, Emerson and Thoreau, taking a look cultural appropriation, the evolution of yogic methodologies and so much more. If you practice yoga in America I highly recommend that you listen to this podcast. Phil's wisdom, humor and straight ahead thoughtfulness will enlighten your worldview on not just your own practice but also to the practice as a whole.

Be sure to visit Phils site for a bunch of upcoming events including The Beatles Musical Journey to India and many other talks and programs.

Philip Goldberg is the author or co-author of numerous books; a public speaker and workshop leader; a spiritual counselor, meditation teacher and ordained Interfaith Minister.  He lives in Los Angeles and blogs regularly on Huffington Post and Elephant Journal.

Sep 16, 2016

The insanely and beautifully wise and talented David Nichtern comes to the podcast to discuss his new book "Awakening from The Daydream: Reimagining The Buddhas Wheel of Life." Our conversation took place at Bhakti Fest out on a little patio surrounded by trees where the sound of mantras being sung is heard in the back ground. We spent about an hour talking about the wheel of life, why none of it is permanent, bhakti and buddhism and their relationship and so much more. David is truly a wise soul who has spent over 40 years traversing the landscapes of buddhism, meditation and rock and roll. Yes, he played with Jerry Garcia back in the 70's too!

David Nichtern is a senior teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist lineage of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. This tradition combines a contemporary, secular approach to meditation with the ancient practices and philosophies of Tibetan Buddhism. David was one of the initial American students of renowned meditation master Trungpa Rinpoche and studied closely with him soon after his arrival in the United States in 1970.

Sep 9, 2016

Karen returns to the IAH podcast and continues to expand, challenge and educate my world view around national security, terrorism, the roots of the Middle East conflict and what to do about it. Our conversation was vast and wide ranging and brought out must of what I wanted to dig into after reading her new book "Rogue Justice: The Making of the Security State." Karen is truly one of the nations leading experts on these issues and having her back a second time is truly an honor. 

Karen J. Greenberg, a noted expert on national security, terrorism, and civil liberties, is Director of the Center on National Security. She is the author of The Least Worst Place: Guantanamo’s First 100 Days (Oxford University Press, 2009), which was selected as one of the best books of 2009 by The Washington Post and Slate.com.

Her newest book, Rogue Justice:The Making of the Security State (Crown, 2016), explores the War on Terror's impact on justice and law in America. She is co-editor with Joshua L. Dratel of The Enemy Combatant Papers: American Justice, the Courts, and the War on Terror (Cambridge University Press, 2008) and The Torture Papers: The Road to Abu Ghraib (Cambridge University Press, 2005); editor of the books The Torture Debate in America (Cambridge University Press, 2006) and Al Qaeda Now (Cambridge University Press, 2005); and editor of the Terrorist Trial Report Card, 2001–2011.

Sep 2, 2016

The mysterious, wondrous, fastidious and prolific David Jay Brown stops by the IAH podcast to discuss his new book "Dreaming Wide Awake" which deals with the very real phenomena of lucid dreaming. In the true spirit of Davids long standing role as one of the great psychedelic gnostic wunderkinds we cover much more than that. I've known David for the better part of 30 years and our conversation took on many twists and turns starting with a sort of nostalgic but necessary recap of the modern expansion of consciousness movement and all it's players since the 60's. We talked about all the great notables that we had the honor of knowing and why looking deeper is just as important in 2016 as ever before. Also, David's new book helped shine much needed light on a lot of the floatation tank work that I've been doing as of late. This was truly a pleasure and I hope there will be more in the future.

INTRO RANT - (long) a trip down memory lane in LA and a look at the new anti-intellectualism movement that is unfortunately gaining steam

David Jay Brown (born 1961) is an American writer, interviewer and consciousness researcher. Brown has studied parapsychology, and the effects of psychoactive drugs. With parapsychologist Rupert Sheldrake, he studied pets and people who apparently anticipate events. Brown has served as a guest editor for the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), and he has published many interviews of prominent thinkers.

Aug 26, 2016

One of my favorite combinations within the multi-verse is to take visionary work and combine it with the urban realities that make up real life for most people. It's a necessary exercise to, now and then, step away from the elevated way nature of visionary experience and come back to the inclusionary bond that is all life. Tony Moss stops by the kitchen table to beautifully articulate how his 22 years of entheogenic work has led to profound realizations on the systemic problems of our culture and how to address them with grace. He's not coming to the table with dogmatic firm answers but rather with wonderfully poetic points of view that will open your heart up to asking the right questions. Tony is a wonderful ambassador for the shamanic arts, musicians and entheogen advocates.

INTRO RANT - The Landscape of Being on Team Human

From Tonymoss.me

"I am a artist, recording artist, and event producer influenced by 20 years of entheogenic study. My work is a synthesis of my interests in art, spirituality, and science, with passionate emphasis & interest in the evolution of human consciousness and greater under-standing and reverance for nature.

 I've been called a mystic and a rationalist.

 I marvel at the very presence of our being. I see "God" in evolution. I see God in everything."

@iamlifeproject

Aug 19, 2016

In the middle of all the muck and chaos that is the Trump vs Clinton showdown it seems that we have forgotten some very important ballot measures that will result in real progress should they be passed. One of those is Prop 64 - the Adult Use of Marijuana Act. Lynne Lyman who is the State Director of California for the Drug Policy Alliance stopped by the kitchen table to discuss this historical effort in great detail. Lynne is a wonderfully articulate and brilliant legal mind who can not only speak to Prop 64 but also to the entire history of our complicated relationship with the War on Drugs. Listening to her to speak was truly a joy as I learned so much and was fully enthralled. Ironically, the very next day after we did this podcast the DEA, once again, did not move Marijuana from being a Schedule 1 drug. The horror. Enjoy this episode.

INTRO RANT - TL reading, the DEA and their schedule one baffoon-ness

Lynne Lyman is the California state director for the Drug Policy Alliance. Based in Los Angeles, Lyman leads DPA’s criminal justice reform work in California and oversees all other aspects of the organization’s policy and advocacy work in the state. A native of Los Angeles, Lyman joined the Drug Policy Alliance in 2012 after working with the civil rights organization, Advancement Project, on violence reduction, community policing and criminal justice reform.

VOTE YES:

http://www.yeson64.org

GET INVOLVED:

http://www.drugpolicy.org

Aug 12, 2016

Two of the great ambassadors and talents from the mantra music world stop by the kitchen table to discuss the origins of the universe and the very meaning of life! Not really but it sure seemed like that. But we did talk about the Chant4Change project going on in Washington DC on 10/08, the practice of Bhakti Yoga in the west, the power of sound, the essence of mantras and how to find a deeper connection no matter what faith you do or do not belong to.

Gaura Vani is a multi-disciplinary artist – fluent in music, film and visual arts. He is most known for his Mantra Music performances (an emerging genre based on ancient Indian mantras or chants). Gaura Vani’s events are unifying and transporting – a mix of participatory rhythm and song, story and dance. He travels often to Africa, the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia performing both as a solo artist and with his sacred music ensembles Sita & the Hanumen and As Kindred Spirits. Gaura Vani performs regularly at eclectic venues like private homes, theatres, temples, yoga studios as well as festivals like Lollapalooza, Bhakti Fest and Wanderlust.

Benjy Wertheimer is award-winning musician, composer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist equally accomplished on tabla, congas, percussion, esraj, guitar, and keyboards, Benjy Wertheimer has performed and recorded with such artists as Krishna Das, Deva Premal and Miten, Jai Uttal, Walter Becker of Steely Dan, virtuoso guitarist Michael Mandrell, tabla master Zakir Hussain, and renowned bamboo flute master G. S. Sachdev. He has also opened for such well-known artists as Carlos Santana, Paul Winter, and Narada Michael Walden. Benjy is a founding member of the internationally acclaimed world fusion ensemble Ancient Future.

www.chant4change.com 

Aug 5, 2016

As I travel through the urban sprawl and colorful cultural montage that is mid-city LA I come to a huge Victorian style house where Charles Shaw, the king of the new generation of gonzo-journalism is staying. This is where we do our podcast. Charles and I sit in a sweaty musty corner of this amazing artist complex maze and discuss a wide array of conspiracy theories, reality theories, political contradictions, personal roadblocks, the global security threat and how our own personal relationship got off on the wrong foot. I don't agree with everything Charles says but he is wonderfully intelligent, seductively articulate and exhaustingly well researched. I can't wait for the next one!

Charles Shaw is the author of the critically-acclaimed memoir, "Exile Nation: Drugs, Prisons, Politics & Spirituality" (2012, Counterpoint/Soft Skull Press) and the Director of the documentary films, "The Exile Nation Project: An Oral History of the War on Drugs & The American Criminal Justice System" (2011), "Visurreality" (2013), "WHITE PANTHER: The Legacy of John Sinclair" (2013) and "Exile Nation: The Plastic People" (2014 Cinedigm Films: Executive Produced & Narrated by Edward James Olmos). He is currently in post-production on SOLDIERS OF THE VINE, a documentary series about healing war trauma with plant medicine.

His work has appeared in Alternet, Grist, Guardian UK, Huffington Post, openDemocracy & The New York Times. He was a contributing author to Planetizen's Contemporary Debates in Urban Planning (2007, Island Press). In 2009 he was recognized by the San Diego Press Club for excellence in journalism.

He is the former Editorial Director of Conscious Enlightenment Publishing (Conscious Choice, Common Ground, Whole Life Times, and Seattle's Conscious Choice), and the founder and publisher of Newtopia, former head writer for the nationally syndicated radio show Reality Checks.

He holds a BA in English and Creative Writing from Boston University. A native of Chicago, he lives on the West Coast.

Please support his crowd fund campaign for his latest project Soldiers of the Vine:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/soldiers-of-the-vine-cannabis#/

Jul 29, 2016

Ever wondered how to be "ultra spiritual"? Look no further! The great JP Sears makes his way on to the podcast to discuss ultra-spirituality, laughter in the spiritual world, our true roles and identities and offers a whole new lens to look at non-attachment with. JP goes beyond just being the Andy Kaufman of the spiritual world - he is truly a wise, accomplished and vast spiritual teacher. Check out what he's doing beyond just the insanely brilliant viral videos and you get thrusted into the idea of questioning everything you think you know.

From his website "I’m an emotional healing coach, international teacher, world traveler, and curious student of life. My work is intended to empower people to empower themselves to live more meaningful lives.

I run a very busy one-on-one client practice (most sessions are via skype) where I’m fortunate enough to work with people everyday on healing their hearts, resolving self-sabotage, and stepping into their true power.

I also lead retreats around the world on different healing and personal empowerment themes for like minded and like hearted people to come together and learn, grow, and heal.

I also make videos. I’m very active on my YouTube channel, where I regularly release videos to help people help themselves. I also make comedy videos known as my 'Ultra Spiritual' series. Aside from the entertainment value of these humorous videos, they also carry important underlying messages (at least I think so, but I’m biased because they’re my videos)."

http://awakenwithjp.com

Jul 22, 2016

It's the It's All Happening one year anniversary!! And to mark the occasion we have a very special guest in the form of Andy Summers. I dropped by Andy's studio in Venice, CA to record the episode and what followed was pure podcast magic. You, of course, know Andy as the guitarist for the iconic band The Police but going beyond those magical years he's continued to make his mark as one of the worlds most acclaimed, thoughtful and original guitarists who defies classification. Our one hour conversation wove it's away around the topics of craftsmanship within music, finding ones role in life, what the culture of mid 60's UK and our overall shared love for music. We journeyed through his career somewhat chronologically to cover his work with Robert Fripp, his jazz albums and of course The Police. If you're a fan of music of any kind this episode is for you. Andy is truly a remarkable mind, kind soul and unreal talent. 

Andy Summers is known as the guitarist for the rock band The Police, he has also recorded twelve solo albums, collaborated with many other artists, toured extensively under his own name, published several books, and composed several film scores. 

http://andysummers.com

Jul 15, 2016

A huge milestone for IAH! Episode 50!! This weeks guest at the kitchen table is Ian Forester - VR visionary, consciousness provocateur, businessman and architect for the new reality. He came by initially because I'm a lifelong fan and advocate of VR but what transpired was far more interesting, dense and exciting than just talking about the current state of VR tech. We cover everything from our relationship to this thing we call reality, to politics and to how our evolution might get mapped in the post-scarcity age which will give way to Augmented Realities. I don't normally say this about people but keep your eye out for Ian - he may be poised to become one of the great thought leaders of our generation.

INTRO TOPIC - an Alan Watts snippet and a tale on the systemic roots of fertile soil that grow Trumps.

Ian Forester if the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of VR Playhouse which is a Los Angeles-based creative studio and full-service production company specializing in virtual and augmented reality. With a fervent passion for transporting viewers through meaningful experiences in immersive media, VRP has amassed a specialized team with diverse backgrounds ranging from production to animation, journalism, VFX, theater and live events. From creative to production and distribution, VR Playhouse delivers complete projects through its cohesive VR pipeline.

Boasting a broad range of projects in the commercial, live sports, cinematic narrative and high-end real estate industries, VR Playhouse’s original VR content transports viewers into unexplored times and locations, allowing audiences to transcend their daily lives and experience new perspectives and emotions.

http://www.vrplayhouse.com

@VRPlayhouse

Jul 12, 2016

This is a new type of episode of the It's All Happening podcast, no guests here - just me. Now and then I'm going to bring you more in depth thoughts around specific issues that I've blogged on, touched upon in podcasts/talks or that have come up in and around my day to day life. 

These episodes will take on two or more issues with each one being it's own self-contained segment. Please note that these episodes will be short - they will be anywhere from 20-40 minutes in length. So think of these as verbal blog posts or more structured podcast intro segments. I hope you enjoy it. 

This episode focusses on two issues:

1.) Creating Value in the 21st Century - digging into new systems that can define value beyond antiquarian methods like the GDP

2.) Institutionalized racism - I'm no race relations expert or even a community leader but I did want to share my view of Institutional Racism from the lens of growing up an Angeleno in the 1980's and 90s.

For more visit..

www.zachleary.com

Jul 7, 2016

My dear friend, brother, teacher and all around inspiration Govind Das stops by the kitchen table to talk with me about what yoga means in a 21st Century application, the path of bhakti, how to combat the Maya, embracing ones dharma and finding compassion in these troubling times. Govind Das is truly one of the great American yoga teachers and you should check out his classes and offerings whenever possible.

INTRO TOPIC - my confusion around the new age community and the recent police brutality events.

Govind Das first came to yoga while living in Los Angeles in 1994 because of health concerns- specifically ulcerative colitis/crohn's/inflammatory bowel disease... After years of many different practices with the intention of healing(hatha yoga, ayurveda, buddhist meditation etc), Ira Rosen found his yogic "home' in the path of Bhakti Yoga... the aspect of yoga frequently described as the "yoga of the heart" or "the yoga of love and devotion". Not by avoiding or denying our life and health challenges, but only by accepting and courageously moving through and forward, the flower of our full appreciation and devotion to Life blooms. It is in this tradition of "Bhakti/Devotion" where Ira was given his spiritual name- Govind Das or simply "Govindas" which means "servant of the Divine"... This path of service is at the root of his spiritual life- to serve the Love and Spirit that lives in the hearts of all. His journey has led him to India on 5 different occasions to immerse himself in the ways of the yoga tradition at the Ashram of his "Guru" or main spirtual teacher- Neem Karoli Baba, as well as spending time in holy yogic places like Vrindavan, Varanasi, Rishikesh and many more... Through his journeys to the "motherland of yoga"- India, Govindas has been blessed to enjoy the "darshan" or be in the company of many yogic saints, sadhus, and wise teachers- It is from these transmissions that Govindas shares the authenticity of the Bhakti path... As well Govindas would like to express heartfelt gratitude to his yoga teachers here in California - Bryan Kest, Saul David Raye, Shiva Rea, and Mark Whitwell... and bow to his Bhakti and Kirtan teachers Ram DassJai UttalBhagavan Das, Krishna Das, Shyam Das, Raghu Markusand many many more...

www.bhaktiyogashala.com

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