SOMA - Stories of Modern Awakening – Details, episodes & analysis

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SOMA - Stories of Modern Awakening

Aaron Chi & Rachel Rumstein

Religion & Spirituality

Education

Health & Fitness

Frequency: 1 episode/11d. Total Eps: 12

SOMA is an exploration of exceptional people through the lens of their encounters with the divine, mediated by sex, substance, and spirit. It’s an invitation for guests and listeners to analyze their mystical, ecstatic, and revelatory experiences free of inhibition and with a healthy dose of twenty-first century hedonism.

Recent rankings

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Apple Podcasts

🇫🇷 France - spirituality
19/11/2025
#91
🇫🇷 France - spirituality
18/11/2025
#55
🇬🇧 Great Britain - spirituality
15/11/2024
#98

Spotify

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Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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https://www.rickstrassman.com/
2 shares
https://www.rickstrassman.com/publications/the-spirit-molecule/
2 shares
https://www.consciousnessinanutshell.com/
2 shares

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVCq-J5PKgpFxpaQZVGdPFA
1 share
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO6lMp9xC-I
1 share
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9OHzfE3dLM
1 share

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Score global : 62%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

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Frontiers of Psychedelic Therapy w/ Steve Thayer

Season 1 · Episode 12

Tuesday, November 8, 2022 • Duration 53:44

The horizons of psychedelic supported psychotherapy are constantly being expanded and reimagined, and this weeks’ guest is at the forefront of the research and clinical trial effort. Meet Dr. Steve Thayer, co-host of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, who joins us today to discuss the current psychedelic renaissance, where it’s going, and his unique role within it as a therapist specializing in PTSD and former member of the LDS church.

Introducing Dr Steve

Steve’s background in the Mormon church and how he began to question his religion after experiencing a crisis of faith
Steve makes a practical decision to pursue therapy over philosophy
After researching psychedelics, Steve's first mushroom trip puts him in contact with his authentic self
Steve considers how his psychedelically informed understanding of mindfulness could be applied to his therapy practice

Awakening and Religion

The intellectual culture of Judaism and its emphasis on the spirit of inquiry and how it compares to the LDS church’s support of contemplative practices
Steve describes where Mormonism “runs off the rails” for him - when you need a middleman between yourself and God
Aaron shares his experience of camping with a group of ex-mormons at Burning Man

Psychedelics as Therapy

LSD and psychedelics as tools to study the mind and learn about consciousness.
How we can access an container of compassion of psychedelics where all things are permitted because they are human
The importance of set and settings and psychedelics as “non specific amplifiers”
Steve's experience of facilitating clinical trials for psychedelic treatment, including a life changing psilocybin experience

Approaches to Psychedelic Therapy

The role of the psychedelic therapist in holding space with an agenda
How to approach resistance during a psychedelic journey
How to get started with psychedelic therapy and how triggers serve as opportunities
The inner healing wisdom and how it applies to psychedelic therapy

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Mushrooms & the Pursuit of Infinity w/ Josh Leonard

Season 1 · Episode 11

Tuesday, September 27, 2022 • Duration 52:56

In 1962, Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert bridged the spiritual and psychedelic discourse, introducing the concept of reliable entheogens to the contemporary psychedelic research effort. Today’s guest, a former staunch atheist, tells us how he stumbled into God Consciousness via a mushroom journey and his passion for sharing that experience with others.

Join our survey of psilocybin through various historical, cultural, and religious lenses as we interview Josh Leonard, co-host of the Pursuit of Infinity podcast. Is the iconography we experience under the influence of psychedelics inspired by ancient cultures? How do western religions and eastern philosophies align with mystical experience? And how can we make use of psychedelics to heal and deepen our connection with our romantic partners?

Explore these questions and more in this week’s episode.

Mushrooms & Awakening

Rachel recounts how psilocybin brought attention to her internal dialogue and negative self talk
Aaron talks about using journeywork to process relationship breakups
Josh starts his psychedelic research with Terrance McKenna, Rick Strassman and Alan Watts
Josh shares his first mystical breakthrough experience on mushrooms blew the doors open on his understanding of reality, values and god

Mushrooms in History, Culture & Religion

Are the visuals on mushrooms influenced by ancient cultures or did these cultures influence the mushroom experience?
How Josh's awakening on mushrooms aligns with western religion and eastern philosophies
Atheism and the conception of God as the acknowledgement something larger than yourself
Approaching mysticism from a scientific perspective and how your religious and cultural background influences your psychedelic experience

Mushrooms Saved My Relationship

Josh describes the mushroom that saved his relationship

Living in a DMT Simulation: The Intersection of Psychedelics and Science w/ Danny Goler

Season 1 · Episode 2

Monday, July 18, 2022 • Duration 01:08:05

Could we be living in a simulated universe? Suspend your disbelief for 68 minutes as we consider the implications of what can be observed under the influence of DMT with the aid of a 650nm refractive laser, and explore a metaphysical discovery that could change the way we understand our world forever.

This week’s guest, entrepreneur and psychonaut Danny Goler was always interested in the big question. An early interest in physics set Danny on a psychedelic trajectory fueled by an undying commitment to scientific discovery. While many have postulated that DMT space is an objective and self-illuminated realm, Danny claims to have found a conclusive answer to this question.

In this episode, we explore the phenomenon of shared realities under the influence of psychedelics, and we ponder whether science can satisfactorily fill the gaps in our understanding of the psychosphere. And after having our minds blown, we find ourselves returning to the universal truths that led us on this journey in the first place.

“Your brain is simulating what you're seeing right now. This is not what reality looks like. This is a very tiny sliver of what your brain constructs into what you think is the physical world. So all you're saying here is that the simulation is not just occurring by the laws of physics, but that somebody is actually simulating it.” - Danny Goler

Psychedelics and the Scientific Method

Aaron and Rachel introduce Danny’s theory that we are living in a simulation based on observations he’s made under the influence of DMT.
Aaron and Rachel theorize potential causes behind shared phenomena in psychedelic states.
Aaron discusses Qi as a metaphysical placeholder.

Danny Goler - Physicist, Seeker and Psychonaut

Danny recounts his interest in physics and how it led him to the exploration of psychedelics.
Danny shares how DMT differs from other psychedelics.
Psychedelics as a “meaning expansion machine.”

Connectors: Psychedelics as a Gateway to Mystical Experience w/ Scott Vineberg

Season 1 · Episode 1

Monday, July 11, 2022 • Duration 01:04:07

In Tantra Yoga, the left-hand path provides a means to access deep spiritual wisdom by engaging in the use of substances and practices often considered taboo. Specifically, psychedelics like LSD, mushrooms, ayahuasca, DMT, and iboga can provide similar insights as years of disciplined meditation and spiritual practice if approached with the proper attitude and intention.

In this episode, we sit down with long-time psychedelic facilitator, qigong practitioner, and social entrepreneur Scott Vineberg to discuss his unique perspective on psychedelic journeywork informed by his practice and study of various spiritual traditions. Plus, we explore the emerging consensus that psychedelic-assisted awakenings need not be as difficult and confronting when aided by temperance and thoughtful preparation.

Whether you are a newcomer looking to dip your toe in the waters of psychedelic therapy or a practiced sadhu already walking the path, this episode delivers wisdom and unique perspectives.

“It’s fascinating to me that we can even just puff something to get these shortcuts to what many of the Kabbalistic mystics and mystics in all the traditions talk about as generally only the fruit of significant meditative labor. And then you might or might not get it at any point in your life. And here, whether you've done the work or not, you can take a couple of puffs, and you get a taste." - Scott Vineberg

Awakenings on the Left-Hand Path

Rachel and Aaron share their inspiration for the podcast.
Aaron’s background of awakening as mediated by substances and how that set him on the left hand path.
Rachel’s background in modern Jewish orthodoxy and how meditation changed her life.

Scott Vineberg - Seeker and Psychedelic Facilitator

Scott’s Jewish upbringing and how it supported an early interest in wisdom traditions.
Scott’s observation that academic study is no substitute for spiritual practices like yoga and meditation.
Scott describes his LSD-mediated breakthrough and how drugs like LSD and mushrooms exposed him to spiritual and mystical experiences beyond conventional religious practice.

Consciousness in a Nutshell w/ Jay & Lindy Nelson

Season 1 · Episode 10

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 • Duration 01:00:32

For many, intuition labels psychedelic experiences as threatening, knowing that character defects and shameful behaviors are bound to confront them under the influence. But what happens if we lean into that fear? What do the molecules have to teach us, and how can we heed their teachings?

After years of dissatisfaction and a cynical world view leading to psychological and emotional struggle, Jay Nelson was catapulted into the vulnerability of a life curiosity by way of an unintentional LSD overdose. From there, Jay became obsessed with the hard questions of consciousness, and began devoting his life, in partnership with his wife Lindy Nelson, to finding and sharing answers.

What is consciousness? What is its purpose? And how can we function most skillfully knowing its influence? Join us for this week’s episode as we sit down with authors and explorers Jay and Lindy Nelson to discuss their forthcoming creative nonfiction, Consciousness in a Nutshell.

Intro to Consciousness

Jay’s recounts the near death experience that that cracked his brain open and started him on his quest to explore the nature of consciousness
350 micrograms of LSD and the experience of the never-ending moment
Jay comes face to face with death and resists surrendering to his ego
Jay’s brains reboots and he sees the layers of consciousness stack up

The Photoshop Layers of Reality

Exploring the layers of consciousness and how psychedelics increase the permeability between the unconscious and conscious selves
How the majority of our reality is constructed from memories and past experience
Understanding the malleability of our internal experience and how to use that knowledge to rewrite our identity and past experiences
The similarities in psychedelic accounts of dissolving ego identity and experiencing unity consciousness

Depression & Healing Through the Shadow

The Mystic in the Float Tank - Spontaneous Awakening & Integration w/ Beni Summers

Season 1 · Episode 9

Tuesday, September 13, 2022 • Duration 01:01:44

So you’ve had a psychedelic or psychedelic adjacent experience. What comes next? This week we sit down with Beni Summers, Rabbinic Intern at Shefa: Jewish Psychedelic Supports, to discuss psychedelic integration, float tanks, Buddhist psychology, and Jewish mysticism as we cultivate a deeper understanding of ecstatic states and the fruits they bear.

"Something that floating taught me was that I have, or that we as people, have the whole keyring with every key attached to our being. I used to think that you had to go out and find the keys, in a book, in a pill, in a song - and yes, they're out there but they are already inside of us." - Beni Summers

Jewish Psychedelic Integration

Rachel intros Shefa and the Jewish Entheogenic Society and how it supported her during her psychedelic explorations
Aaron shares his early experience with floating and how it reminded him of his first mushroom journey
Beni explains Shefa’s origins in a John Hopkins study where high doses of psilocybin were given to clergy of different faiths

Beni’s Story of Awakening

Beni shares an early experience of spontaneous awakening that occurred after getting lost in the Sahara desert
Beni’s horrific experience with hash cookies and how it led to a deep curiosity around the nature of consciousness
How Beni turned to the contemplative arts of mindfulness and meditation in order to integrate his experiences of expanded consciousness

Floating into Revelation

Beni’s introduction to float tanks, his initial disappointment, and the opening he discovered after his third float
How Beni became interested in altered states of conscious through doing research on Dr John Lily, the investor of the float tank
How the Buddhist orientation to the mind describes what is happening to the self when we have spontaneous endogenous awakenings

Coming Together - Healing Through Sex & Intimacy w/ Celeste Hirschman

Season 1 · Episode 8

Tuesday, September 6, 2022 • Duration 01:00:59

Does sexuality hold the key to healing our deepest wounds? Join us as we dive into the roots of our sexual identity to understand how our core desires originate from early traumas, and explore ways to heal through sex and relationships.

This week we sit down with, Celeste Hirschman, a sex therapist and co-creator of the Somatica Method. Celeste draws on her training in attachment psychology, sociology, gender studies, and body-based modalities to help individuals deepen into their experiences of pleasure, and realize their full potential.

Sex & Energy

Aaron discusses his introduction to sexual healing and his background in sexological bodywork
The Daoist perspective on sex & energy, and how men can learn to separate orgasm from ejaculation

Celeste's Journey into Sexuality

How Celeste’s upbringing in a “hippie cult” gave her freedom to explore her sexuality and the power within it
Celeste’s journey through higher education, and how it led her to human sexuality studies
How taking responsibility for one’s own emotions in relationships contributes to long term intimacy
How our core sexual desires originate from our deepest wounds
Celeste discusses her research on oral sex among teenage girls
Sexological bodywork and how it can be used for trance and emotional integration
Celeste’s transition from sexual bodywork to a modality that included intimacy and relationships

Practical Advice for Sexual Empowerment

Celeste talks about how to get in touch with core desires around sex and how to navigate that with a partner
Rachel shares about her experience drawing connections between childhood wounds and corrective experiences and how that has played out in her relationships
Aaron shares his experience and conflicts around spiritual sexuality, Tantra and energy

A Psychic Moment - Metaphysical Healing Through Light and Chaos w/ Joseph Grayshock

Season 1 · Episode 7

Monday, August 22, 2022 • Duration 48:53

This week, we share the tale of a divine encounter with a psychic who weaves his wisdom in unique ways - and discuss how light and chaos work together in the process of healing and awakening.

Joseph Grayshock is a metaphysical healer whose craft was born of chaos and honed through difficult life experiences. We talk to Joseph about his personal story of awakening to psychic abilities and how that now informs his healing practice.

Whether it be crystals and chaos magick, yoga and meditation, psychadelics and spirits, or shamanism and voodo, we explore the myriad of tools that can be used to develop our psychic sensitivities - and discuss the benefits and pitfalls of being called to the healer's path.

Meeting Joseph Grayshock

Aaron and Rachel share how they crossed paths with Joseph during an MDMA journey
Rachel reflects on her previous experience with psychics

Developing Psychic Abilities

Joseph describes the mind-body-spirit balance and how that opens us up to psychic abilities
Joseph and Aaron discuss the balance between learning from a teacher and developing abilities though intuitive knowledge
Tales of dubious healers and “the idea of being spiritual” vs being a clear channel

Healing Through Light and Chaos

Joseph shares a story of healing trauma through his chosen modality
Aaron describes the “karmic layer” and how it affects our life path
Joseph discusses how choice, accountability and action contribute to our spiritual evolution
How being in acceptance of both light and dark allows us to work with our shadow
Finding a balance between bringing in light and working through chaos

Changing the World with Loving Awareness

Rachel describes being able to access presence and acceptance through her meditation practice

The Sacred Prostitute: Sex Work for Healing and Transformation w/ David Wichman

Season 1 · Episode 6

Monday, August 15, 2022 • Duration 52:41

Can sex facilitate transformation and healing? And what role do sex workers play in this dynamic? Join us as we discuss sexuality as a vehicle for personal growth and the role of the sacred intimate in creating safety and acceptance around sexual space.

This week’s guest, David Wichman, is an award winning author, speaker, sex, love & intimacy guide, soundbath practitioner, and lover of all things wild. Driven by his deep compassion for individuals seeking healing and human connection, David found a calling in sex work, and then saw his practice evolve through the integration of ritual and sound healing.

While working with seniors, the differently abled, and those with severe intimacy issues, he discovered the profound transformational power that sex work creates for both client and provider. He joins us for this episode to share stories, insights, and wisdom around sacred sexuality and to discuss how we can leverage our sensual experience toward growth and healing.

"You can have the best diet. You can have all the exercise. You can be as healthy as you want. You can have a lot of money. And you can sit in meditation. And you can do all of the yoga... but if you're not being touched in a way that makes you feel fully and completely accepted, then there is a part that's missing." - David Wichman

Setting up for Sacred Sexuality

Rachel reads the story of Pass-a-Million, a prostitute and bodhisattva who lived during the Buddha’s lifetime and used sex to heal
David’s lifelong search for God and his underlying sense of brokenness
The book that brought David to tears and began a shift in awareness around his wholeness
Aaron and David discuss the concept of the essential self and “what if nothing needs to be fixed”
David recounts his tumultuous upbringing and how he used to look for love outside of himself in God and religion

Sex Work and Sacred Intimates

How David’s preaching on the importance of sex and touch as a basic human need turned to a focus on intimate connection

Cannabis & Creativity: A Comedian’s Perspective w/ Gabby Jordan Brown

Season 1 · Episode 5

Monday, August 8, 2022 • Duration 56:14

A 2021 Gallup poll revealed that 49% of US adults have used marijuana at least once, but what percentage of those individuals use cannabis to facilitate self-discovery, integrate difficult emotions, or enhance creative pursuits? Join us for an honest conversation about the reality of cannabis use, and the possibilities available when one chooses to get high consciously.

In this episode we are joined by NYC native comedian, producer and writer, and co-host of Two Nosy Meerkats podcast, Gabby Jordan Brown to discuss how she has integrated cannabis into her creative pursuits, and how it has influenced her writing and performing. Aaron also provides insight into the energetic influence of cannabis, and introduces concepts for changing pre-existing, non-conscious relationships with the substance.

“I think the best comics are the people who really know themselves, but I don’t know if you can know yourself if you are pushing away that self knowledge… and when you smoke weed, you can’t not do that.” - Gabby Jordan Brown

Cannabis & the Creative Process

The benefits of microdosing THC for creativity and focus
Aaron talks about his experience attending a cannabis yoga event
Rachel recounts how cannabis consciousness influenced her artwork

Introductions to Cannabis

Gabby shares her unfortunate first experience of getting high
Gabby discusses the way that cannabis has impacted her comedic performances
Aaron recounts how his first experiences with marijuana evolved into personal journeys
Rachel recounts the ceremonial construction of her first intentional cannabis journey after a meditation retreat

Yoga, Meditation, Sex & Other Spiritual Practices

Gabby’s intro to yoga and how she benefits from her practice

SOMA - Stories of Modern Awakening – Details, episodes & analysis

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SOMA - Stories of Modern Awakening – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other13

Amazon6

Youtube5

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other13

Amazon6

Youtube5