Well folks, it was good while it lasted. But this is the last episode of thsi show. Many thanks to my wonderful listeners. Good stuff on the horizon.

Ben "Doc" Askins is a multifaceted professional with a rich background in both military service and mental health care. He holds degrees in Outdoor Education, Intercultural Studies, Physician Assistant Studies, and a Master of Divinity. During his nearly two-decade military career, he practiced and taught wilderness, tactical, and expeditionary medicine. In his civilian role as a Psychiatric Physician Assistant, Ben adopts an integrative approach to mental health, specializing in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, medication management, and spiritual direction. He is certified by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.

Ben is the author of "Anti-Hero's Journey: The Zero With a Thousand Faces," a book that serves as both a memoir and a philosophical exploration. The work challenges traditional narratives of the "hero's journey," offering readers a unique perspective on self-discovery and personal growth.

In addition to his writing, Ben hosts the "Anti-Hero's Journey" podcast, where he engages in thought-provoking discussions on topics ranging from trauma and empathy to unconventional healing methods. His episodes often delve into the complexities of the human experience, providing listeners with insights into overcoming personal challenges.

Ben's expertise in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is a cornerstone of his practice. He has conducted numerous sessions focusing on treating depression, PTSD, and acute suicidality. His commitment to innovative mental health treatments is evident in his clinical work and ongoing research.

Welcome to Not Your Guru, the podcast where deep conversations meet real-world integration. Hosted by Eric Osborne, this space is dedicated to exploring personal transformation, spiritual sovereignty, and the evolving landscape of psychedelic integration—without the dogma.

Today, Eric is joined by Jose Rodriguez, a specialist in psychedelic integration who helps urban professionals turn profound experiences into lasting, restorative habits. With a background that spans military service, plant medicine, and personal transformation, Jose brings a unique perspective on how psychedelic experiences can lead to clarity, purpose, and sustainable growth.

Together, they’ll dive into the power of integration, the intersection of identity and healing, and how to bring the insights of altered states into everyday life. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or new to the path, this conversation promises to be thought-provoking, grounded, and deeply inspiring.

So sit back, open your mind, and let’s get into it—this is Not Your Guru. 🎙✨

Welcome to the show! Today, we’re honored to have Ora Nadrich, a trailblazer in the world of mindfulness and transformational thinking. As the founder and president of the Institute for Transformational Thinking, Ora has dedicated her life to helping people break through limiting beliefs and step into their most authentic, awakened selves.

She’s the bestselling author of Live True: A Mindfulness Guide to Authenticity—a book recognized among the 100 Best Mindfulness Books of All Time—and a certified life coach and mindfulness teacher. Her powerful blend of intuition, compassion, and deep wisdom has made her one of the most sought-after coaches in Los Angeles, with her insights featured in Women's Health, Fast Company, Spirituality & Health, NBC News, and more.

Even legendary spiritual teacher Marianne Williamson calls her "a treasure," praising her ability to speak straight to the heart.

Beyond coaching, Ora leads transformative women’s groups, mindfulness programs, and meditation seminars, with a special focus on bringing mindfulness practices into schools to support young adults facing stress and anxiety.

Get ready for an enlightening conversation as we dive into the power of mindfulness, self-discovery, and how transformational thinking can unlock your greatest potential. Connect with Ora on Instagram @OraNadrich or visit www.oranadrich.com.

Philip Shepherd is a recognized leader in the global embodiment movement, known for his work in integrating the mind and body's intelligence. He is the co-founder of The Embodied Present Process (TEPP), a set of practices designed to help individuals reunite the thinking of the head with the deep, present, and calm intelligence of the body.

Embodied Present

Shepherd's journey into embodiment began in his teens when he cycled alone through Europe, the Middle East, India, and Japan. His studies included classical Noh theater in Japan, and he has had a diverse career as an actor, playing lead roles on stages in London, New York, Chicago, and Toronto. He has also co-directed an interdisciplinary theater company and taught workshops on embodied thinking and spontaneous creativity.

Embodied Present

As an author, Shepherd has written several books exploring themes of embodiment and wholeness:

• New Self, New World: Recovering Our Senses in the Twenty-first Century (2010)
• Radical Wholeness: The Embodied Present and the Ordinary Grace of Being (2017)
• Deep Fitness: The Mindful, Science-Based Strength-Training Method to Transform Your Well-Being in Just 30 Minutes a Week (2021), co-authored with Andrei Yakovenko

Through his teachings and writings, Shepherd emphasizes the importance of listening to the world through the body's intelligence, fostering a deeper connection with oneself and the present moment.

Embodied Present

Nicole Daedone is an American author, entrepreneur, and advocate best known for popularizing Orgasmic Meditation (OM), a mindfulness practice combining meditation and physical connection. She is the founder of OneTaste, a company that taught OM as a pathway to deeper intimacy and personal transformation. Daedone also authored Slow Sex: The Art and Craft of the Female Orgasm, which explores her philosophy of mindfulness and connection in relationships.

OneTaste gained widespread attention for its unique approach to sexual wellness, praised for innovation but also criticized for alleged high-pressure sales tactics and cult-like dynamics. In recent years, Daedone and OneTaste have faced serious allegations, including accusations of human trafficking, labor exploitation, and creating a coercive environment for participants and employees. In 2023, Daedone and a former executive were indicted on charges related to forced labor, which they have denied.

Beyond her work with OneTaste, Daedone has explored broader spiritual themes, including conducting workshops on “cancelling as a spiritual practice.” These workshops reportedly focused on addressing societal judgments and exploring the dynamics of public shaming and social exclusion. Her framing of cancellation as a spiritual inquiry has been both lauded for its boldness and criticized for its potential to deflect accountability.

Daedone remains a polarizing figure, with a legacy marked by innovative contributions to discussions on intimacy and sexuality, alongside ongoing scrutiny over her methods and the ethical implications of her practices.

https://www.instagram.com/nicoledaedone/

Some Thoughts on Cancel Culture

The harms of cancel culture can be significant, particularly when it is applied in ways that prioritize public shaming or social exclusion over dialogue and accountability. Here are some key concerns often raised:

1. Erosion of Nuance

Cancel culture often thrives in environments like social media, where complex issues are reduced to soundbites or hashtags. This can lead to oversimplified narratives that fail to capture the context or intent behind someone’s actions or words.

2. Chilling Effects on Free Expression

The fear of being "cancelled" can discourage individuals from expressing opinions, even in good faith, or from engaging in meaningful conversations about controversial topics. This can stifle intellectual and cultural progress.

3. Lack of Due Process

In many cases, accusations and judgments are made in the court of public opinion rather than through established processes. This can lead to disproportionate consequences, especially when individuals are denied the opportunity to explain or defend themselves.

4. Impact on Mental Health

Being publicly "cancelled" can result in severe emotional and psychological distress for the individual targeted. It may also have financial and professional repercussions, contributing to a sense of isolation and despair.

5. Risk of Mob Mentality

Cancel culture can sometimes foster mob behavior, where collective outrage escalates without critical examination. This may amplify harm and encourage performative, rather than meaningful, activism.

6. Undermining Redemption

A culture of cancellation often leaves little room for growth, learning, or redemption. When individuals are permanently ostracized, it can discourage them—and others—from engaging in restorative or educational efforts.

7. Collateral Damage

Cancellations can affect not only the targeted individuals but also their families, colleagues, and communities. Entire organizations or movements can suffer when a single individual’s actions lead to broad-based condemnations.

8. Misuse as a Tool of...

Every single one of us is on a personal growth journey. Whether you have admitted it or not, you desire to have more, do more, succeed and accomplish more than you have. So, what's stopping you? Probably yourself, or your old patterns. The upcoming chapter explores ways in which we can become more actualized versions of ourselves but before we get to that, in this episode Eric reflects on his own personal growth journey. It has been a rocky ride that's for sure, but as you will here in this monologue, it has led to some beautiful vistas.

Thank you as always for joining. Links mentioned in the episode are below.

Using

Rock-Star Personas as Identity-Construction Blueprints | Psychology Today

Here

Are Some Interesting Statistics on Self-Help Books | by Don Sabado | Write,

Edit, and Publish | Medium

Eros

Talks with Nicole Daedone: On Cancelled: A Conversation | Eros...

(erosplatform.com)

How

To Fix Your Self-Esteem - Dr K HealthyGamer (4K) (youtube.com)

Courtney joins Eric to candidly discuss sexual health. This lighthearted and penetrating conversation explores sexual wellness in a way that you've likely seldom heard. Discussing their past experiences before meeting and providing a window into how they navigate their sexual selves, their conversation is likely to leave you curious and hopefully a little more open minded.