The Dream Beyond with Nik Tarascio

Lucid dreaming is a unique mental state where the dreamer is fully aware they’re dreaming and can control their dream environment. The practice has fascinated researchers for over 40 years, with studies linking it to transformative psychological benefits. Today’s guest, Mia Lux, is an expert in lucid dreaming and Tibetan dream yoga, blending modern neuroscience with ancient practices. Mia shares h...

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is rapidly becoming a leading modality in the mental health field. IFS, also known as parts work, helps individuals heal their inner selves by recognizing and communicating with various parts of their psyche.  Today’s guest, Heather Smith, is a certified IFS therapist and consultant. Heather explains the philosophy behind IFS, distinguishing it from traditional t...

Many people are skeptical about ancient sound medicine and question its place in modern health practices. Today’s guest, Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary, will help us move from skepticism to embracing sound as a powerful mental and physical wellness tool.  Dr. Kulreet is a neurologist, neuroscientist, and a pioneering voice in sound medicine and Ayurveda. She is the author of "The Prime" and "Sound Med...

Some success stories are unconventional. You have to connect the dots backward to see how seemingly unrelated life experiences culminate in fulfilling your highest calling. Today’s guest, Andy Ellwood, shares his unique journey from an aspiring pilot and pastor to a successful lawn care business owner. Andy has over a decade of experience founding, building, and selling startups. But his current r...

Scaling an organization requires leaders to master delegating and leading with trust. However, despite the abundance of tools and techniques available, effective delegation remains an elusive skill for many. The root cause lies in deep-seated mindsets that hinder our ability to delegate successfully.   Today’s guest, Dave Kerpen, draws from his entrepreneurial experiences and insights in...

Are you struggling with an addiction or nagging habit you just can't seem to break? Whether it's mindless snacking, social media scrolling, or something more serious, today’s guest will guide you toward lasting change and fulfillment.  Dr. Jud Brewer is an accomplished author and renowned expert in the fields of addiction, habit formation, and anxiety. He discusses the pervasive nature of hab...

Is your people-pleasing syndrome affecting your effectiveness as a leader? Is your team’s performance and growth slowing because you protect them from hard truths? My guest today is Curt Cronin, a former Navy SEAL who is the co-founder and managing partner of Broadway Strategic Return Fund. He is also the co-founder and chief operating officer of TBD Studios and the founder of Aiki Partners. Curt...

Being healthy can feel impossible sometimes. But, visualizing health as a game can motivate you to follow your diet and nutrition plan consistently. As it is with every game, you need a winning strategy. Dr. Ryan Lazarus, clinical director, wellness consultant, author, researcher, entrepreneur, clinical nutritionist, and board-certified functional medicine practitioner, is on the show today to rev...

For the artful souls out there, those struggling with imposter syndrome, and perhaps those who weigh heavily on extension reflection, this episode is for you. Max Stossel, celebrated poet and filmmaker, and winner of Forbes Storyteller of the Year, joins me today to share his journey of becoming a voice that resonates globally through his stand-up poetry and films.  But don’t think for a seco...

What would you do differently if you believed you had enough? How would you try to connect differently with others? Would you take part in group 'play' and crawl around on all fours pretending to be an animal? Would you hug a stranger? Would you set your intention to go out and make someone else's day? There are myriad ways we can foster a human connection to confront what is going on inside of us...

What is it that's just so special about the human-animal bond? Do dogs lick you for love – or the salt? Are animals mirrors of our own feelings? And what can we do to prepare our children for the inevitability that they will outlive their beloved pets? Today I’m asking animal questions of all shapes and sizes as we get into life, death, and the improved purpose of all that comes with owning a pet....

For most of my life, I was moving fast enough that I could never be bored. Only to find out what was happening was more of an indicator that I couldn't be with myself.  If I had to hear what was happening in my head, it was the worst soundtrack I could imagine. But what if slowing down and allowing spaciousness are the keys to fulfillment?   Today's guest is Michelle Welsch, a write...

As you may already know, I'm very formulaic. So when I discovered someone who created formulas for planning successful gatherings with optimized logistics, I knew I had to use that information.  And when I did it, I learned strategies for overcoming fears of hosting and techniques for facilitating meaningful connections between guests. In this episode, the expert will teach you how to do it f...

You should eat well, you should exercise, and you should sleep. We all know this advice, and we're supposed to do it, but to the point of behavioral change, it takes time to get it to move.  So why should we care about sleep optimization?  In this episode of The Dream Beyond, I had the pleasure of speaking with renowned sleep expert Mollie Eastman. We dove deep into her journey, her uniq...

During the summer, I was in Greece, on one of the most beautiful islands in the world. I knew I was having a good time but couldn't feel it inside. I realized I was incapable of feeling gratitude.  Gratitude is a beautiful word, and I could understand the concept rationally, but I couldn't feel it in my body.  There have been plenty of times when things looked incredible externally- I wa...

From family disputes to marital tensions, money can stir powerful emotions and cause deep issues.  Yet, it remains one of the most taboo topics in our culture, a source of both longing and anxiety. In this episode, we discuss the complex relationship between money and fulfillment with our insightful guest, Scott Peppet.  With 18 years of experience as a law professor at the University of...

You may have heard the term "inferiority complex." You may even have used it multiple times to describe yourself or someone you know. But do you know its origins?  The term was coined by the often-overlooked yet profoundly influential Alfred Adler. While names like Jung and Freud might be more familiar, Adler was right there with them, shaping the psychology landscape. In this episode, you'll...

Why do you feel the way you do, or why do certain situations trigger specific emotions? Do you have the answers to these questions? What if I told you there's an automatic system inside you shaping the quality of your life?  This system dictates your happiness, sadness, anxiety, and even your ability to connect deeply with others. In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of Po...

We all dream of traveling the world, pursuing our passions, or simply living on our own terms. But here's the reality check: time isn't an infinite resource.  Sometimes, we don't have as much time as we think. That's where the gift of urgency comes in, and it can transform the way we live, making our lives more meaningful and enriching. In this episode, we're diving deep into the art of livin...

As I look back on my life, there's always been this big dream I couldn't shake—a desire to have a voice that matters.  But growing up in the Catholic Church and going through the school system, I got this subtle message that I wasn't supposed to shake things up.  I never wanted to rock the boat or make people feel uncomfortable. Deep down, though, I wanted to share stories and conversati...

Balancing the desire for growth with accepting my current state has been a battle I have faced for a long time.  In fact, I don't know if I've ever been able to hold the thought of being happy with what I have while looking for more. But can we be content with where we are while searching for more? The struggle to harmonize these opposing thoughts has been exhausting for me.  Moreover, t...

In a world where success often takes precedence over self-care, many of us ignore the warning signs of pain and discomfort. And we do this in the hopes of reaching a fabled promised land.  But the truth is, this relentless pursuit can often lead to one destination: burnout. Today, we have a guest who is no stranger to the impact of burnout and is here to shed light on this critical topic.&nbs...

I have often found myself torn between multiple interests, wondering whether I should give myself permission to pursue them all.  The fear of judgment and the weight of societal expectations cast a shadow on my ambitions, leaving me ashamed and hesitant to explore new horizons.  I was worried that others may perceive me as lacking focus or being restless rather than appreciating my desir...

When I first got interested in Ayurveda, I thought it was only connected with food, nutrition, and eating well. But it’s so much more than that.   Ayurveda offers a complete analysis of a person from different angles. This ancient tradition doesn’t only focus on the physical aspect of being a human but also the mental and emotional facets, as well as the connection with nature. &nbs...

Being an entrepreneur is a spiritual path. I'm certain about it now, but it didn't always feel like this.  As a musician, I rejected business. I used to say that I didn't want to be a suit.  Something about "being a suit" scared me. Then I got involved in the family business and realized that spirituality and creativity are core ingredients of entrepreneurship.  I'm an entrepreneur...