Case Study: Reversing the Mental Health Crisis

Send a text In this episode, we dive deep into the life and philosophy of Phramaha Piya Jundadal, a monk at Wat Prodketchettharam of America in Grand Island, NY. We explore the profound role of discipline and the unique perspective of a life dedicated to service, where an eight-hour commute to teach a single hour of meditation is viewed not as a loss of time, but as a significant gain. Piya opens...

Send a text In this episode, we explore the transformative world of energy healing with Dena, a seasoned practitioner whose journey began with a Reiki Level One certification in 2012 and has since expanded into a comprehensive mastery of Clinical QiGong, movement, and Feng Shui. Dena shares her deeply held belief that true healing is a rhythmic process—one that requires us to cultivate a sanctuary...

Send a text In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Ana N. Cervantes , a dual-board-certified forensic psychiatrist whose career serves as a vital bridge between the worlds of medicine and the legal system. Born in Mexico and natively bilingual, Dr. Cervantes brings a uniquely nuanced perspective to her role as the Program Director for the Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at the University at Buffalo...

Send a text Fourteen years ago, Brian Lottman walked away from his former life to become a wandering monk, dedicated to sharing the mystical path of Self-Realization. In this episode, we explore Brian’s unique and inspiring lifestyle as a modern-day renunciant, tracing his transformative travels through the spiritual landscapes of India and the high-vibration energy of Mount Shasta. Brian shares t...

Send a text In this episode, we are joined by a distinguished expert from the University at Buffalo, a PhD and trained cognitive psychologist whose work bridges the gap between the mind’s mechanics and the human experience. With a background in teaching both historic and modern psychological science, our guest brings a wealth of knowledge in cognitive science, offering listeners a deeper look into...

Send a text Adam Bauer is a world-traveling sacred chant artist, healer, and ontological coach dedicated to integrating life’s joys and challenges through "kindness, humor, and grace." With a background rooted in both rigorous academia—holding an honors degree in Organizational Development and Social Change—and deep spiritual practice, Adam’s work spans from the ancient wisdom of the I C...

Send a text In this soulful episode, we are joined by Michelle Gigante , a true luminary in the conscious community and the founder of Shakti Yoga. With over three decades of experience, Michelle isn’t just a yoga instructor; she is a "teacher’s teacher" whose life’s work is dedicated to helping others find their way back to their own hearts. Michelle shares how she weaves her "intu...

Send a text In this episode, we sit down with Jacquie Chavers, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Inner Strength Sanctuary in Lockport, New York. Our conversation centers on the profound and often hidden impact of trauma, specifically exploring how childhood experiences act as a blueprint for our adult reactions. Jacquie sheds light on a phenomenon many face as they grow older: t...

Send a text In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and spiritual teacher, Phramaha Piya Jundadal of Wat Prodketchettharam of America, to record a conversation years in the making. Piya offers a rare look into the life of a forest monk, from the discipline of 4:00 AM wake-up calls and rigorous training to the humbling tradition of the alms round, where monks depend entirely on the comm...

Send a text In the second installment of our series, Phramaha Piya Jundadal and I dive into the mental landscape of the modern world. Drawing from his travels and years of meditation, Piya observes that 99.9% of people—regardless of their background—are in a constant struggle with their own thoughts. We discuss the "monkey mind" and how our modern habits of high consumption have fracture...

Send a text Phramaha Piya Jundadal, who has dedicated most of his life to the monkhood, often shares his observations from his travels to India. He reflects on how even the most poverty-stricken areas can foster profound joy and hope through the strength of community. Looking ahead to 2026, he aims to expand this mission through his temple and global livestreams. This past summer, the monks focuse...

Send a text In our premiere episode, we are joined by Marla Pelletier —founder, mindfulness expert, and yoga instructor—for an immersive dive into the transformative power of Kirtan as a vital coping strategy for the modern world. Marla shares her profound perspective on the musician’s role as an act of Seva , or selfless service, illustrating how sound transcends performance to become a shared of...

Send a text Every 43 seconds, someone in the world dies by suicide. In the U.S., 80% of those deaths are men. These aren’t just statistics to me—they are the shadows of three high school friends I lost, and the tragedy of a man jumping from a window just last week near where I live. These moments aren't just headlines; they are urgent reminders of a question that has haunted me for years: If...