Neurons to Nirvana

Checkout Artistic Director Jonathan Dekel

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 had the opportunity to sit down with Artistic Director Jonathan Dekel for a great conversation on his filmmaking process, how-to cross-cultural barriers within a single film, and how Checkout was inspired by true Mossad stories.
Checkout follows Dov, played by Josh Pais, and shows a desperate Mossad spy who's forced to retire yet goes rogue. I don’t want to Iive too much of the story away, but I will say that if you have an opportunity to checkout the movie Checkout, I urge you to see it because it is fantastic. 
View more about Checkout here:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10629014/
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Psychedelic Spooky Girl Andi Astra

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 various social media platforms, you have an opportunity to learn more about Andi as a person and connect with their creative visioning.
Connect with Spooky Girl:
https://linkpop.com/spookygirl
 
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Using Breathwork to heal and love yourself with Bo Bissett

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 approaches to healing my own mind and soul.
You’ve heard me say many times that I am a mental health advocate. I always want to provide options and alternatives to big pharma, and help people explore the possibilities of plant medicine, personal retreats, psychedelic-assisted therapy, holistic health, and with today’s guest, Bo Bissett, through the muscle testing and pranayama breathing to process trauma foundational to his personalized program, Amo Ni. 
Bo’s personal story is one of addiction, destruction and low-self worth until he himself found healing in breathwork and energy channeling. He tells his story as well as provides details of the Amo Ni program. I am currently in the Amo Ni program and have only begun to open my chakras to healing. For those of you who know personally how I have struggled to overcome grief and anger, including holding profound resentment to childhood events, you can appreciate that my progress is truly profound for friends and family members to already say that I have been calmer and more grounded.
Get free breathwork resources and connect with Bo:
https://amoniclear.com/amo-breath-neurons/
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The Consciousness Crisis with Michaell Magrutsche

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 us challenge the other to see the limitations in our mindsets, and the ways we can be exploited when we fall into the trap of confining our creativity to produce against the system rules.
Our conversation builds on how we define and discuss art, creativity, humanity and systems from the prior episode. If you are a person who likes to go into a rabbit hole of exploration, this is an episode for you to challenge limitations.
Please visit the show notes to find Michaells’s website and learn more about his art, book publications, and his own unconventional podcast The Smart of Art.
And now, we can jump into the second part of The Conversation of Art.
Connect with Michaell:michaellm.com
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The Conversation of Art with Michaell Magrutsche

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, book publications, and podcast, be sure listen to the second part of the conversation in part two of this conversation.
Connect with Michaell:michaellm.com
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Electric Violnist Asher Laub

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 believe that you will be inspired by his story. 
Asher’s content can be found on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter, and today, you will hear his original single Neon Dreams that brings high-energy progressive house music and merges it with contemporary classical. 
Connect with Asher:
Instagram @asherlaub
https://www.youtube.com/user/adlbrk
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Out Here with Brock Butler of Perpetual Groove

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 play for their adoring fans at festivals such as Bonnaroo, Hangout Festival, and Jazzfest to gain international critical acclaim. 
Perpetual Groove‘s sound is both genre-bending and unique that touches upon jazz, neo-psychedelia, trance electronica, and last but not least, Rock.
Find their music here: https://www.pgroove.net/
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High Maintenance - Meet the Cannabis Matchmaker Len May of Endocanna Health

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 in shaping the current legislation and culture. He has held past positions as President of the Cannabis Action Network and Board Member and Lifetime Member of California Cannabis Association. May is the current chair of the CBDIA science board, and is a stakeholder in some of the industry’s most iconic brands.
 
His areas of expertise include the workings of the Endocannabinoid system and how DNA and genetic expression play a role in personalized health and wellness leveraging the revolutionary platform of EndoDNA.
 
*LISTENER PROMO*
If you are interested in understanding your personal endo cannabinoid system, remember to use discount code NIRVANA20 on endodna.com for 20% off the order of your endoDNA kit. 
 
 

Songwriting for the soul with Daniel Moody

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 music with Daniel? Consider checking his coaching program out: https://www.danielhuntermoody.com/song
Please like, subscribe or follow this podcast on your preferred listening platform, and if you are even more ambitious, it would mean so much to me if you would complete a very short survey on how to shape future episodes of the podcast. Please consider filling out this short questionnaire by clicking here.
 
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Stripped down with Kalu James of Kalu and the Electric Joint

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 show that enhances their dynamic and uplifting songwriting. Kalu James sits down with Tom and shows his off stage persona as the two share stories of when they met, how their pandemic experience shaped them, and how their experience of moving to Austin has aligned (or misaligned) with their expectations.
Texas Monthly has said Kalu and the Electric Joint “pulls Austin’s sounds into the global diaspora: this is psych rock with more than a dash of Jamaican dub, Southern soul, and Nigerian funk.”
Kalu James grew up the son of a village chief in Nigeria and moved to Austin to enmesh himself in the live music scene. He’s been on the scene as a songwriter for years, and when he began a month-long residency at the Continental Club Gallery with another Austin mainstay, guitarist JT Holt, they both knew there was chemistry afoot. Their weekly shows would last nearly three years and along the way, drummer John Speice joined the party, officially forming Kalu And The Electric Joint.
The Joint was originally an only-in-Austin conception. Now, they have released their debut album, to introduce the world to the blues-rock, American soul and African polyrhythms. Time Undone, recorded over the period of a year out in Driftwood, Texas, and produced by Brett Orrison (Black Angels, Widespread Panic) include guest stars from members of Widespread Panic, War On Drugs, The Sword and Grupo Fantasma, who all contribute to a soulful world groove.
Enjoy Kalu and the Electric Joint’s single Garden of Eden at the end of the podcast.

The Sultan of Shred - Bombino

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 guitar by watching videos of his heroes like Jimi Hendrix. After years of honing his skills back home and spending time as a shepherd in Libya, he first left Africa and traveled to California in 2006 as lead soloist on tour with Tidawt.
During his trip to California, he had the chance to record a desert blues version of the Rolling Stones classic “Hey Negrita” alongside Stones’ members Keith Richards and Charlie Watts. 
He has released a highly acclaimed studio album, Deran, including one rave reviews from in the form of a full page feature in the New York Times which dubbed Bombino ‘The Sultan of Shred’ 
Deran was nominated for Best World Music Album Grammy, the first-ever Grammy nomination for an artist from Niger.
His latest album, 'Live In Amsterdam' was was released in November 2020. 
Bombino held the center stage at Worldfest and it was an honor to sit down with him to discuss his life, travels and musical inspirations. 
He is an advocate for teaching children the Tuareg language of Tamasheq, the local Haoussa language as well as French and Arabic, all of which he speaks fluently. Sadly, I am not fluent in any of these four languages so you will us sit alongside one another while we share stories via the assistance of a French translator. 
It is a pleasure to show you another side of The Sultan of Shred: Bombino.
http://www.bombinomusic.com/
https://worldfest.net/
 
Also in this episode, you can join along in the experience through video on my YouTube channel @neuronstonirvanapodcast
 
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Southern Charm and Soulful Swag with Niki J Crawford

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’Brien, and Saturday Night Live. 
Making her way from the small country town of Springhill, Louisiana to Los Angeles, Niki is a triple threat: powerful vocalist, imaginative screen and songwriter, and stunning actress. 
Niki sat down with me after the California Worldfest to bring her signature southern charm, and probably the best compliment I could share with you is that sitting down with Niki feels like being home in Savannah, Georgia.
Check out Niki's links: https://linktr.ee/NikiJCrawford
Also in this episode, you can join along in the experience through video on my YouTube channel @neuronstonirvanapodcast
https://worldfest.net/
 
Please like, subscribe or follow this podcast on your preferred listening platform, and if you are even more ambitious, it would mean so much to me if you would complete a very short survey on how to shape future episodes of the podcast. Please consider filling out this short questionnaire by clicking here.
 
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The vibrant and lyrical sound of The Gold Souls

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 this dynamic sound is their recent release, ‘94 Chevy. It is featured in the interview.
At Worldfest, I sat down with the dynamic and lovely lead singer Juniper Waller and also with their kind and clever drummer, Billy D. Thompson. 
Unfortunately, we don’t get to meet every member, but as you listen to their music, know that each member has a hand in writing and song composition, making The Gold Souls a truly collaborative effort.
The band has toured all up and down the West coast, as well as through New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and New Orleans. 
Visit their website thegoldsouls.com for tour and release information. They perform an exciting live show that you’ll want to catch.
Also in this episode, you can join along in the experience through video on my YouTube channel @neuronstonirvanapodcast
https://worldfest.net/
 
Please like, subscribe or follow this podcast on your preferred listening platform, and if you are even more ambitious, it would mean so much to me if you would complete a very short survey on how to shape future episodes of the podcast. Please consider filling out this short questionnaire by clicking here.
 
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Manifesting joy and funk with Red Baraat and Cha Wa

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, an authentic story and an undeniable energy. This brass band-meets-Mardi Gras Indian outfit shares their electric energy.
To learn more about our guests visit:
https://www.redbaraat.com
http://www.chawaband.com/
https://worldfest.net/
 
Please like, subscribe or follow this podcast on your preferred listening platform, and if you are even more ambitious, it would mean so much to me if you would complete a very short survey on how to shape future episodes of the podcast. Please consider filling out this short questionnaire by clicking here.
 
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Introducing Blue Honey: the intertwined harmonies and rhythms of Brightside Blue and Honey of the Heart

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 stage emits a peaceful energy. Blue Honey –a name they have been trying out to represent their collaboration, are as much a representative of the eclectic and peace seeking characters who call Nevada County home as they are a hidden gem in the music industry. You’ll hear Honey of the Heart’s song Corazon and Brightside Blue’s song Mama, both of which are available for streaming, purchase, or download on bandcamp or Spotify. 
 
https://honeyoftheheart.com/
https://brightsideblue.com/
 
Please like, subscribe or follow this podcast on your preferred listening platform, and if you are even more ambitious, it would mean so much to me if you would complete a very short survey on how to shape future episodes of the podcast. Please consider filling out this short questionnaire by clicking here.
 
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