Leafbox Podcast

Talking with author, Jasun Horsley , on navigating the first and second Matrix, mirror neurons and telepathic messages, goats and autonomy, spiritual seeking and self-invention, the pitfalls of psychedelics, Castaneda and the shamanic path, the challenges of building groups, conspiratainment and discernment, the search for authentic connection, the art of writing as a tool for connecting to the so...

Rurik Skywalker (Rolo), author of The Slavland Chronicles , invites us into a labyrinth of ideas where politics, metaphysics, and culture collide. With a personal background bridging Russia and the U.S., Rurik critiques societal norms, examines cultural contrasts, and unveils his provocative "convergence theory," positing an eerie unity among global powers behind the façade of conflict. Known for...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Matt Cardin, an accomplished writer, editor, and higher education professional known for his profound exploration of creativity, spirituality, and the mysterious intersections of religion and horror. Matt’s work delves deeply into non-duality, the paranormal, and dystopian cultural trends, offering unique perspectives on the connections between c...

Benjamin Lucas, an experienced private tutor and educator, brings a wealth of insight from years of teaching at some of Europe’s most prestigious boarding schools. Born in Newcastle and raised in Manchester, Benjamin attended a local grammar school before pursuing a dual passion for academics and sports as a scholar at Durham University. During his teenage years, he represented England at the nati...

Tom Davidson-Marx is the co-founder of Aloha Sangha, a secular meditation group based out of Honolulu, Hawaii. In this conversation he shares journey through Buddhism, from his first meditation retreat to becoming a monk in Sri Lanka, and his later experiences balancing spirituality with everyday life. He shares profound insights on meditation practices from intensive practice, the challenges face...

In this interview with Andrew Thomson, a Scottish seasoned professional in the energy sector, we delve into the multifaceted landscape of oil, renewable energy, and their global implications through a personal lens. Andrew shares his journey from working in the oil industry over 20 years to recently transitioning into nuclear and wind energy sectors. Through his experiences, he provides insights i...

In this intimate conversation, Stephen Chamberlain , a former U.S. Coast Guard officer, small business owner, and writer, candidly discusses his personal struggles and victories. From navigating anxiety disorders to his cathartic discovery of writing and poetry, Steve opens up about his life journey. He delves into the complexities of moral injury, the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, his 40...

Microwave It wasn’t deliberate, not really, the impulse instead had struck him, a microburst, waiting for the countdown. The lunchroom buzzed, indifferent, as he opened the door to the cafeteria’s microwave and without a glance of the tattered paperback, placed it on glass carousel. The cover? Irrelevant.  Closing the door with a refreshing catch, a gift for someone next to find he thought as he w...

James Ellis , the author and host of the popular podcast Hermitix , takes us on a journey through his transformation from his enigmatic online presence as MetaNomad to his current philosophical and literary endeavors under the name James De Llis . In this conversation, we explore his evolution as a thinker and writer, discussing his recent short fiction collection, There’s a Man Crying in the Stre...

I’ve been reading, listening to, and following Nick Currie, the Scottish artist, musician, and writer known as Momus , for over 20 years. As he prepares to release his new album, Ballyhoo, he graciously shared his time and thoughts in this extensive conversation. We explore his artistic philosophy, the role of art in liberating the imagination, and his experiments in AI compositions and K-pop infl...

Hawaii based photographer Wayne Levin reflects on his lifelong career while preparing for a retrospective collection of his journey from underwater photography to documenting the civil rights movement. Wayne shares experiences from his collaborations, notably with Tom Farber, highlighting significant projects such as documenting Hansen's disease communities in Kalaupapa Molokai and the spiritual i...

I had the pleasure of speaking with Ashutosh Joshi, an Indian photographer and writer whose recent memoir “Journey to the East”, chronicles his 1800-kilometer walk through the heart of India, from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal.  Initially a project document the issues plaguing rural India, the project unfolded to become an unforgettable voyage of self-discovery. In this interview, Ashutosh...

Kit Ebersbach, a multifaceted musician and arranger, shares his extensive journey through Hawaii's vibrant music scene in this personal interview. Recorded in his Honolulu studio, Kit reflects on his 30-plus years at Pacific Music Productions. I hope most of you will enjoy the interview. This is a free flowing conversation. Just let it wash over you like you are hanging out with Kit in the studio....

This is my second interview with the writer Charles Hugh Smith. For a deep dive into Charle’s past, bio, writing etc I recommend you take a listen to the October 2023 interview with Charles Hugh Smith . For those familiar with his writing on self reliance, agency, ownership, authenticity and autonomy I hope you find this interview fruitful. We explore Charles's recent perspectives on various topic...

Dr Elmar Jung Dr. Elmar Jung, a distinguished figure in the realm of holistic and biological dentistry. Dr. Jung, who is not only the founder of Dr. Elmar Jung Dental Clinic but also a naturopath, author, podcaster, and an international speaker, has dedicated nearly 35 years to advocating for an integrative holistic approach in dental practice since graduating from dental school. We delve into the...

Dr. Janet Hoskins is a professor of Anthropology and Religion at the University of Southern California. She has conducted extensive field research in Indonesia, Vietnam, and California. Dr. Hoskins holds an MA and PhD in anthropology from Harvard University, and a BA in anthropology from Pomona College. Her current research interests include the emerging field of Transpacific Studies, post-colonia...

Jed is an imaginative writer from Oakland, California known for his intriguing work of speculative philosophy published on Substack as The Spouter. Viewed through a Marxist lens, The Spouter presents an unconventional narrative on petroleum's role in shaping contemporary history. Our discussion spans a range of captivating topics. We examine the historical significance of petroleum and Jed's effor...

Writing under the pseudonym, ARX-Han and using a voice modulator for this interview, this writer and novelist joins me to explore his debut work “Incel.” " Incel " by ARX-Han is a darkly satirical and unsettling portrayal of a sexually frustrated American man's internal journey. The novel offers an unfiltered glimpse into his increasingly radical, obsessive, and destructive mindset. Praised for it...

While strolling along the Hudson River in New York City, Jason Trucco joins me to discuss his career in filmmaking, directing, art, design, and playwriting. In this insightful interview, Trucco opens up about his multifaceted career jumping between the avant garden and the commercial, including directing music videos for icons like Billy Idol, Macy Gray, Devo, and Queens of the Stone Age. Througho...

Today I had the pleasure to speaking one of Australia's leading experts in tobacco control, Dr. Colin Mendelsohn. With over three decades of dedicated service in smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction, Dr. Mendelsohn's expertise is both rare and invaluable. In our discussion, we delve into the complex world of public health, examining the often unnoticed echo chambers, the intricate web of i...

Today I had the pleasure of connecting with fellow surfer and ocean lover Thomas Farber. Thomas Farber is a master in capturing the essence of life’s intimate moments, condensing the most profound into beautiful profound vignettes. Awarded Guggenheim and, three times, National Endowment fellowships for fiction and creative nonfiction, Thomas Farber has been a Fulbright Scholar, recipient of the Do...

Josh Mitteldorf, is a science writer, researcher in biology of aging, and poet, with a rebellious spirit and persistent curiosity. His interests span all the biggest topics in current affairs, as well as eternal questions of the human condition. Who is behind the pandemic and other assaults on humanity? Why do ETs look like us? Can the future reach back in time to cause the past? Are there transfo...

Craig Steely, an American architect based both in Hawaii and California shares his philosophy on life and design.  Craig's work stands out for its seamless integration of modern design with natural environments, creating spaces that are as stunning as they are sustainable. From his iconic Lavaflow homes in Hawaii to his urban homes in San Francisco, Craig's approach to architecture challenges conv...

Keturah Lamb, an American writer, educator, and community builder, discusses her unconventional upbringing, her philosophy, her projects, and her views on technology and society. Raised in a family that rejected social security cards for four generations, Lamb was homeschooled and grew up in various locations across the US. She has hosted workshops through her project, the Living Room Academy, to...

Dr. Shoji Nakayama, active in Japanese medical and public health research, delves into his extensive career centered around environmental health and public safety.  Dr Nakayama is currently serving as the deputy director of Japan's Environmental Children's Health Study (JECS), involving over 100,000 participants, Dr. Nakayama advocates for transformative approaches in public health – focusing on a...