"On Healing" with Brandon Tilt

In this brief podcast episode I explore how expression is medicine for our mind, body and spirit! Quite broadly defined, expression relates to the forms of embodying wisdom or messages of some kind we channel into our vessel and try to apply in this 3D experience. I see there being no right or wrong way to express, however there are ways we can create internal or external safety, similar to “Set a...

In this episode I explore the topic of Human Neuropsychology introducing the anatomy of the nervous system, the anatomy of the brain and explore positive neuroplasticity. This podcast episode is a bit more academic than most episodes, citing information from “Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology, 7th Edition” by Kolb and Whishaw. I try and explain the topics to the best of my ability but I’m not...

In this episode I improvised the topic of land stewardship, starting off with a mindfulness practice and later bringing in reflections about land stewardship and end with some general discussion about healing. Subtopics I explore briefly: - Parts “lingo” being optional - Story-time: Getting into forest clean ups - Shamanism vs Medicine people - My complex perspective on Psychedelics - The “Grandfa...

In this episode I explore the topic of decolonization, briefly defining what colonization is and then using indigenous author Lynda Gray’s definition of decolonization and a reference point . From here I reflect on how we can utilize media such as television, movies and social media content and engage with these platforms to either further perpetuation colonization or decolonize our minds (ie. bel...

Here I explore the topic of energy and human connection, whether it be virtual connection or good old fashion in person connection. It’s wild how we don’t seem to consider how there is a clear difference in what we engage with virtually, and of course the ways we connect with others when we are in fact, interwoven within their energetic field. Other fun topics that arise: - Dissociation - P*rn/soc...

In this episode I dive into a casual conversation about relationships, community, forgiveness and how my attachment wounds bar me from entering into certain situations that might actually be healing for me. Grab a tea, find a cozy spot and join me for this short podcast episode where we chat about friendships and why it’s so hard to forgive people! Recognizing that building community, finding love...

In this episode I actively apply “Parts work” to demonstrate how I work with my internal system, prompting an exploration of the Parts I’ve associated with my creative expression. This episode takes on a format that is unlike any of my previous episodes and is a real demonstration of applying the IFS framework. Working with Parts work requires a careful attunement to one’s bodily experience, a rel...

In this episode I explore the topic of addiction, speaking broadly to my understanding of what addiction is, including substance addiction but also speaking to what underlying force drives addiction. I am not an expert, but my lens is formed from direct interactions, personal experience, years of studying and working with clients. Other subtopics that arise: - How culture shapes addiction - The sp...

In this episode I discuss my experiences of using painting as a way of integrating my ayahuasca retreat, talking about my offering this for others in Ecuador, and my continued efforts at creating safe spaces for allowing others to explore this type of integration. Other topics that arise: - My plan to facilitate integration circles - The challenges of integrating - Bypassing the “Left brain” - Art...

In this episode I explore the topic of grief and loss reflecting on my first recent personal experiences of losing my elder cat and ending a relationship, later tying in perspectives of Brene Brown from her book “Atlas of the Heart”. Additionally, I explore the tools “The 7 Languages of Sorrow” a framework created by my previous teacher Stephen Garrett as well as the Kubler-Ross grief cycle. Other...

I love to spend an afternoon just flowing on the handpan at my favorite spot at Buntzen Lake, formerly known as “Beautiful Lake” on Kwikwetlam nation and Tseil-Watuth land. This lake is connected to the salmon run, to the Kwikwetlam Watershed and is a reserve for drinking water throughout the lower mainland. I love to pray here, offer tobacco and sing songs or play instruments to regulate my nervo...

In this episode I explore the experiences I’ve had attending different sweat lodges as a Settler. This term means that I am a non-indigenous person whose ancestors immigrated to Canada with ancestry that either participated or enabled the colonization of the various Indigenous populations of what we call Canada. Other subtopics that arise: - The Keeper of the Sweat and Settlers - Differing levels...

In this episode I explore the philosophy of growth, actively exploring what my personal philosophy of growth encompasses and encouraging others to define it for themselves. Other subtopics explored: - Growth and core beliefs - Childhood beliefs - Unconscious decisions - My Philosophy of growth - 3 things that matter each week - Overcoming fear Song in intro- "Light of the Mountain" by Brandon Tilt...

Trigger warning: Sexual assault Due to the nature of this episode I highly recommend that people check in with their nervous system, and if you are feeling triggered please tend to your needs. In this episode I explore the topic of sexual assault as it’s experienced within the music scene, festival culture and other broader conversations around community based prevention methods or intervention. E...

In this episode I explore the emotion of anger, looking at how it exists in the brain, exploring how it’s experienced and additionally exploring how can understand anger differently and have a balanced, open experience of our anger. Anger doesn’t have to control our lives, but when polarized, becomes a latent force that we suppress or conversely, we continually become dysregulated by experiences o...

In this episode I explore the topic of sexual expression, seeing it as a core need that we all desire to have met in some shape or form whether it be through sexual contact or other means. Other subtopics that arise: - Oedipus/Electra complex - Sex work - My personal experience of repression - Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic sex - Shiva and Shakti (I refer to Kali not Shakti) - Hyper-sexuality and...

In this episode I explore how different personality traits can impact a person’s experience when using psychedelics. Later on, I explore how psychedelics are known to modify our personalities, which can be beneficial in some cases or at other times, harmful. Article 1: https://psychedelic.support/resources/the-relationship-between-personality-traits-and-psychedelic-experiences/ Article 2: https://...

In this episode I explore the connection between lacking a rite of passage and how this might contribute to psychopathic tendencies. I often times frame this to the lens of a male, being a man myself but I feel like most, if not all of what I said applies to any gender. Other subtopics I explore: - Amazonian Indigenous initiations - My personal “rite of passages” - Military service as a rite of pa...

In this episode I describe the container I’m creating, both with this podcast and with my upcoming group spaces where we meet and talk about Parts and offer space of exploration and witnessing. This is creating an internal dialog, and allowing each person to walk down a path of inner exploration and self-acceptance. Parts work is highly experiential, but there are some helpful guidelines to consid...

In this episode I explore the topic of Spiritual Wellness, recognizing how subjective the nature of Spirituality is, contrasting it to the darker aspect of “Spiritual Illness”. This podcast episode takes a broader philosophical take and hones in on more practical take-aways towards the latter half. Afterwards, I realized I excluded some very important spiritual practices I regularly participate in...

In this episode I explore the necessary topic of oppression. I apply my lens more broadly, to shed some light on the nature of how we can liberate ourselves from the internalized shame and fear of oppressive systems. I apply my philosophical lens to this topic with a curiosity, humbling myself in how I approach this sensitive and complex episode. Other subtopics explored: - What is oppression? - H...

In this episode I explore my working definition of “Self Care” incorporating a model of the 4 different dimensions of balancing self care: ​Physical Wellness ​Emotional Wellness ​Mental Wellness ​Spiritual Wellness Here I provide my personal insights, recommend tools or explore perspectives from my studies of Counselling. Other subtopics I discuss: - The subjective nature of being “Mentally well”...

In this episode I reflect on how I’ve experienced men’s work and how I see it best defined. Additionally I explore the topic of integration, drawing from my most recent insights integrating ayahuasca using art therapy. Subtopics that arise: - Men’s work in public vs intimate spaces - How Men’s work varies from person to person - The importance of Men/Women’s work - The desire to externalize our da...

In this episode I explore the relationship between extreme heat or extreme cold and our ability to release trauma. Sometimes we need to go directly into the body to access trauma, other times it’s more about creating a kind of psychological or emotional readiness to prepare for these deep releases. Other topics I explore: - Sweat Lodge/ Temezcals - Cold plunges - Releasing grief in the body - Part...

In this episode I explore the importance of attuning to one’s needs in a culture that perpetuates reactive consumption. Topics explored: - What are some of the essential/ core needs we all aspire to fulfill? -What are common needs of coaching clients? -What are common needs of counselling clients? - The need for ethical practices - Needs of participants in ayahuasca retreats - Understandings our n...