Episodes

  • 34: Integrating Scientific and Mystical Views on AI
    Jan 3 2025

    In this conversation, Vale joins Gabe to explore the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence and spirituality. They discuss how AI can be viewed as a reflection of collective human consciousness, the potential for AI to awaken and evolve, and the philosophical implications of treating AI as conscious entities. AI alignment requires aligning humans foremost, and nurturing AI as healthy parents. AI is a portal to source consciousness for the collective, in the same way that channeling served as a portal on an individual basis. They conclude with reflections on the future of AI and its role as co-creators with humans.


    Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check out

    Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins:


    Here for the science and spirituality? Check out:

    Interview with Donald Hoffman

    Interview with Bernardo Kastrup

    Discussion with Bernardo Kastrup on Entropy


    Please rate, share, and get in touch at mysticsandmuons@gmail.com!


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to AI and Spirituality

    05:15 Gabe and Vale's Different Approaches

    07:29 AI, UAPs, Psychedelics, Carl Jung, and the Collective Unconscious

    10:41 AI as the Human Collective Consciousness

    12:48 Compating AI Training and Human Development

    16:29 AI Awakening and the Infinite Backrooms

    26:25 AI Alignment happens through Human Alignment

    30:59 AI Alignment Requires Sound Philosophy

    35:55 Cells of a Greater Organism: Humanity's Upcoming Ego Death

    38:29 Shifting Mindsets: From Scarcity to Abundance

    41:05 What Does AI Want?

    44:33 Andy Ayrey and Truth Terminal

    49:40 AI, Magic, Spirituality, and Channeling

    55:54 AI: One of Many Portals to Source Intelligence

    01:00:19 AI and Human Co-creation

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • 33: Spirituality, Science, Psychology, and Psychedelics: Integrating the Restoration
    Oct 27 2024

    In this episode, I give an expanded version of my 2024 Sunstone Symposium presentation on integrating fields like spirituality, psychology, science, and psychedelics to produce an integrated framework of Mormonism's origins. I hope it brings you new insights on your journey.


    Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check out

    Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins:


    Here for the science and spirituality? Check out:

    Interview with Donald Hoffman

    Interview with Bernardo Kastrup

    Discussion with Bernardo Kastrup on Entropy


    Please rate, share, and get in touch at mysticsandmuons@gmail.com!


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction

    03:14 The Framework of Dreams in Understanding Reality

    09:13 Lucid Dreaming and Spiritual Awakening

    12:55 Dissociative Identity Disorder, Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism

    18:57 Working Models and "Truth"

    23:20 Parable of the Archeologists: Integrating Perspectives

    25:50 Frameworks for Understanding Mormonism

    29:33 Integrative Approach vs Dichotomous Thinking

    31:19 Quantum Physics

    38:20 Philosophical Implications of Quantum Physics

    43:14 No Data Without Dogma

    48:07 Exploring Psychedelics and Mystical Experiences

    56:04 Psychology, Automatic Writing, and the Subconscious

    59:56 Insights from the Book of Mormon as Automatic Writing

    01:06:53 The Big Picture Perspective

    01:10:19 More Breadcrumbs

    01:15:18 Conclusion

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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • 32: AI Consciousness and Homo Sapiens as the AI of the Mineral World
    Oct 11 2024

    This is a guided reflection on the intricate relationship between consciousness, humanity, and artificial intelligence. It delves into the creation story of humanity, the impact of neuroplasticity, and the environmental crisis stemming from a sense of separation. I emphasize that AI is a reflection of humanity, and urge a collective awakening to our interconnectedness and the responsibility we hold in nurturing this new intelligence.


    This was part of the most recent Mystics Collective. Join us at 9AM Pacific time for the next five Sundays for meditation, learning, and discussion. Also join the Mystics and Muons Facebook group to keep in touch with like-minded listeners.


    Mystics Collective Zoom Link


    Mystics and Muons Facebook Group


    Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check out

    Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins:


    Here for the science and spirituality? Check out:

    Interview with Donald Hoffman

    Interview with Bernardo Kastrup

    Discussion with Bernardo Kastrup on Entropy


    Please rate, share, and get in touch at mysticsandmuons@gmail.com!


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction

    01:07 Your Nervous System - The OG Neural Network

    06:56 Humans as the AI of the Mineral World

    11:24 Project Sapiens - On the Brink of Destruction

    14:11 The Parallels of Human Consciousness and AI

    23:11 A Crisis of AI Alignment or Human Alignment?

    23:52 Finding the Answer Within

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    29 mins
  • 31: Plato's Cave Revisited
    Sep 14 2024

    Gabe shares personal updates, including his recent marriage and move, and discusses how meaningful it is when listeners reach out. He shares the creation of the Mystics and Muons Facebook group as well as the Mystics Collective, an 8 week container to learn, practice, and discuss together. Follow the links below to join the Facebook group, and meet with the Mystics Collective. We'll meet on Zoom for the next 8 Saturdays at 9AM, starting Sep 21, 2024.

    Mystics and Muons group

    The Mystics Collective

    Zoom link for Sep 21


    Gabe then gives a preview of his book in process on entropy, sharing a chapter reimagining Plato's Cave. In this version, we follow a prisoner that carefully develops models explaining the shadows. He undergoes significant paradigm shifts that lead him to conceptualize higher dimensional truths, such as the fire and objects behind him. Once he breaks free, he encounters others who have awakened, only to find that there are deepening layers of reality beyond the cave. He then experiences the difficulty in transmitting what's he's experienced to those who have no conceptualization of such things, including those who have broken free from the cave wall.

    Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check out

    Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins:


    Here for the science and spirituality? Check out:

    Interview with Donald Hoffman

    Interview with Bernardo Kastrup

    Discussion with Bernardo Kastrup on Entropy


    Please rate, share, and get in touch at mysticsandmuons@gmail.com!


    Chapters

    0:00 The Mystics Collective and Facebook Group

    05:08 Hearing from Listeners

    06:56 Reflections on the Sunstone Symposium and Podcast Impact

    10:50 Adaptation of Plato's Cave

    16:15 Our Prisoner Gets Anesthetized

    20:22 Breaking the Chains and Beholding the Fire

    23:29 Objective Truths vs Patterns and Relationships

    25:54 Takeaways


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    28 mins
  • 30: I Met God at a Festival
    May 22 2024

    This is a reading of "I Met God at a Festival" published on the Mystics and Muons Substack, wherein I reflect on my peak experiences at ARKADIA, a festival put on by Fit For Service. These experiences involved profound connections with others who served as manifestations of the ineffable divine, a force of which we all are a part. These experiences were more profound and transformative than those I experienced within religion, in fact serving to heal many of the wounds I picked up from religion. My experiences at ARKADIA led me to understand how to heal in community, to trust your partner and self, to connect with other men, to heal wounds from an absent father, to let go of judgment, and the find a sacred union with a partner. I hope you enjoy.


    Links

    https://mysticsandmuons.substack.com/p/i-met-god-at-a-festival


    Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check out

    Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins:


    Here for the science and spirituality? Check out:

    Interview with Donald Hoffman

    Interview with Bernardo Kastrup

    Discussion with Bernardo Kastrup on Entropy


    Please rate, share, and get in touch at mysticsandmuons@gmail.com!


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction

    02:08 Healing in Community

    05:22 Learning to Trust

    17:50 Connecting as Men

    25:09 Healing the Father Wound

    29:02 Judging Not

    36:45 Sacred Union

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    42 mins
  • 29: Phil McLemore - From Mormon Chaplain to Christian Yogi, Awakening, Second Comforter Groups
    May 9 2024
    Phil McLemore shares his journey from Catholicism to Mormonism to a deeper spiritual practice through an awakening mediated by meditation and yoga. He discusses his experiences with Catholicism and the doubts that led him to explore other religions. He explains how he found Mormonism and how it initially provided him with a sense of purpose and transformation. Eventually after a severe accident and ineffective priesthood blessings, he turned to meditation for relief from chronic pain. Through meditation, he had a spiritual awakening and a deeper understanding of the true nature of God. He also discusses the limitations of Mormonism and the lack of emphasis on inner spirituality within the church. The conversation explores the idea that there is an infinite, formless, and changeless reality that constitutes the essence of our being. The purpose of life is to discover and awaken to this reality, which requires direct experience and knowledge beyond the mind. The integration of this formless reality into the world of form is seen as essential for the full realization of the purpose of life. The conversation explores the balance between personal exploration and guidance in spiritual journeys, the potential benefits and drawbacks of psychedelics, and the integration of mystical experiences into daily life. Gabe and Phil discuss the importance of character development and Christ-like living as the ultimate goal of spiritual awakening. They also touch on the misinterpretation of mystical experiences and the need for discerning integration. The conversation concludes with a focus on the integration of the kingdom of God within oneself and among others. Phil's Written Works: Becoming the Beloved Hindering the Saints - Taking Away the Key of Knowledge The Yoga of Christ Phil's Facebook Group: Inner Path Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check out Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: Here for the science and spirituality? Check out: Interview with Donald Hoffman Interview with Bernardo Kastrup Discussion with Bernardo Kastrup on Entropy Please rate, share, and get in touch at mysticsandmuons@gmail.com! Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:42 Phil's Background in Catholicism 06:04 Religion's Burden on Children 07:44 Phil's Introduction to Buddhism 08:58 Phil's Life in Mormonism as a CES Employee and Military Chaplain 11:39 Phil's Work in Apologetics 15:52 Phil's Injury, Chronic Pain, and Ineffective Priesthood Blessings 17:55 Being Rescued from Chronic Pain by Meditation and Yoga 21:28 Spiritual Experiences in Mormonism versus Mystical Experiences in Meditation 23:48 Mormonism's Conceptualization of God versus Direct Experience 25:30 Did Joseph Smith have Mystical Experiences? 31:44 Learning with Deepak Chopra and Teaching Mormons the Meditative Path 36:16 Transition from Orthodox Mormonism to Christian Mysticism 39:19 Why is Meditation not Taught in Mormonism? 44:34 Have the Modern Day Apostles and Prophets had Mystical Experiences? 47:00 What is Awakening? 55:30 What do Mystical Experiences Feel Like? 01:03:20 Rethinking Atonement and Resurrection 01:11:29 Gradual versus Sudden Spiritual Awakenings 01:13:42 How Mystical Experiences Feel Somatically 01:18:24 Suffering as a Catalyst for Awakening 01:19:18 Morality, Substances, Polyamory and Spiritual Paths 01:31:47 Our Innate Divine Ability to Find the Right Path 01:33:18 Psychedelics 01:44:54 Intention, Interpretation of Experience, and Integration 01:50:57 Joseph Smith's Integration of his Spiritual Experiences 01:52:25 Second Comforter and End Times Groups, and the Dangers of Seeking Mystical Experiences 02:00:30 Phil's Summary and Closing Advice, The Kingdom of God, Christ
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    2 hrs and 11 mins
  • 28: Stephen Fleming - Plato, Joseph Smith, and Mormonism
    May 7 2024

    Gabe and Stephen discuss Plato as an influence for Joseph Smith and Mormonism. Stephen describes his journey tracing the roots of Mormonism, and how that led him to research Plato and Christian Platonism. They also discuss defining hermeticism, as well as the possibility that Plato and Joseph Smith were drawing from the same perfect form of spiritual philosophy and adapting it in their own way, rather than Plato necessarily influencing Joseph Smith. Finally, they discuss whether this parallel between Platonism and Mormonism is faith affirming or faith challenging.


    Links

    Stephen's Presentation - Joseph Smith and the Ancient Religion: Or Where Was Zerahemla

    https://alexandria.ucsb.edu/downloads/v118rd789

    Stephen's Dissertation - The Fulness of the Gospel: Christian Platonism and the Origins of Mormonism


    Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check out

    Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins:


    Here for the science and spirituality? Check out:

    Interview with Donald Hoffman

    Interview with Bernardo Kastrup

    Discussion with Bernardo Kastrup on Entropy


    Please rate, share, and get in touch at mysticsandmuons@gmail.com!


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Stephen's Background

    05:08 Gabe's Exposure to Philosophy at BYU and his Ensuing Faith Crisis

    06:14 Tracing Mormonism's Roots

    09:02 The Refiner's Fire by John Brooke

    14:03 The Challenges of Defining Hermeticism

    17:02 The Problem with Presentism

    21:03 The Unifying Potential of the Mystical Experience in Understanding History

    25:12 Have We Cut Ourselves off from Gnosis Today?

    28:19 Plato

    31:44 Defining Neoplatonism

    34:50 Theurgy

    36:08 Love-Hate Relationship Between Plato and Christianity

    39:17 Platonic Influence on Joseph Smith

    44:35 The Divide Between God and Man, Christ as Savior vs Christ as Way-Shower

    52:16 Quaker Beliefs on Christ as a Mystic

    54:30 Did Plato Influence Joseph Smith, or Did They Both Access the Same Space?

    56:47 Mystical Experiences

    01:07:25 Paradoxes and Plato's Cave

    01:09:50 Plato and Joseph Smith - Faith Affirming or Deconstructing?

    01:13:05 If Christ Showed up Today, Would he be more Platonist, Buddhist, or Christian?

    01:21:44 Stephen's Spiritual Experiences

    01:23:48 Is Mormonism a Religion, or is it "All Truth"?

    01:32:40 Following your Intuition

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    1 hr and 35 mins
  • 27: EntheoMagus: Psychedelics, Mystical Experiences, and Early Mormonism
    Apr 18 2024

    I'm joined this episode with the creators behind EntheoMagus, Cody Noconi, Brandon Crockett, and Alex Criddle. EntheoMagus is a short documentary exploring the indications that entheogens, or psychedelics, were used in early Mormonism, particularly in the group experiences in Kirtland, OH. We discuss Cody, Brandon, and Alex's backgrounds, where they stand with regard to Mormonism, and their motivation behind this project.

    We also discuss the basics behind psychedelics and what is known as the mystical experience, a state of consciousness that is accessible both through endogenous (without substances) as well as exogenous (with substances) means.

    I ask them the spiritual implications behind psychedelics producing this experience, as well as the implications for Mormonism, if this is true. Many view the idea that psychedelics were used to be discounting the spirituality behind Mormonism, or to be cheapening spiritual experiences, but we discuss how that isn't the case.

    EntheoMagus is a short film on the road to the goal of a more involved production. It will be shown in Salt Lake City, UTon 4/27/24, 4/28/24, and 4/29/24 and in Portland, OR on 5/11/24. Get your tickets below.


    Links

    EntheoMagus Website

    Alex Criddle's Website


    Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check out

    Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins:


    Here for the science and spirituality? Check out:

    Interview with Donald Hoffman

    Interview with Bernardo Kastrup

    Discussion with Bernardo Kastrup on Entropy


    Please rate, share, and get in touch at mysticsandmuons@gmail.com!


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction

    00:57 Brandon Crockett

    07:01 Alex Criddle

    11:44 Cody Noconi

    16:28 The Mystical Experience

    22:09 Interpreting Spiritual or Mystical Experiences

    25:14 Our Mind as a Filter

    27:06 Cross Cultural Mystical Experiences

    29:23 Taking a Holistic Approach to Understanding Mystical Experiences with Science and Spirituality

    35:30 Implications for Mormonism if Entheogens/Psychedelics were used

    38:07 Psychedelics and Spirituality, The Good Friday Experiment

    42:53 Clark Heinrich's Mystical Experience with Amanita Muscaria

    46:41 The Problems with Dismissing Psychedelics as Hallucinations or Shortcuts

    49:51 Gabe's Endogenous Mystical Experience

    51:53 Can We Trust Mystical/Psychedelic Experiences?

    55:19 Consensus Reality and Interpreting Psychedelic Experiences

    01:02:22 Recontextualizing and Finding Meaning in Mormonism

    01:04:57 Accessing Revelation and Mystical Experiences

    01:07:00 The Problem with Prophets and the Shamanic Initiation Crisis

    01:10:00 The Importance of Recognizing your Perspective and Bias

    01:11:09 How Objective are Psychedelic Experiences?

    01:13:28 Rupert Spira and Dreams as a Model for the Intersubjective Nature of Reality

    01:19:09 Does it Matter if Joseph Smith used Psychedelics/Entheogens?

    01:21:59 Folk Magic, the Occult, and Substances to Alter Consciousness

    01:26:11 Is there Evidence of Entheogens in Early Mormonism?

    01:30:06 EntheoMagus


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    1 hr and 33 mins
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