Episodes

  • Ep. 134 - Shonagh Home - Mushrooms, Faeries, Celts, & Logos

    Ep. 134 - Shonagh Home - Mushrooms, Faeries, Celts, & Logos
    May 22 2024
    Hey everybody! Episode 134 of the show is out. In this episode, I spoke with Shonagh Home. I found out that Shonagh is a mutual friend of mine, Cathy Coyle, who I also had on the podcast and have a lot of respect for. So having Shonagh on was a real pleasure. Shonagh recently published a really good book called Poetic Whispers. We spoke about her book as well as her background, her initiation into mushrooms, plant medicines, her study of the Celts, her transmission of poetry, natural law and logic, as well as many other topics. It was a really beautiful and deep conversation and I’m sure you all will gain a lot from her wisdom. As always, to support this podcast, get early access to shows, bonus material, and Q&As, check out my Patreon page below. Enjoy!This episode is sponsored by Real Mushrooms. As listeners, visit their website to enjoy a discount of 25% off your first order: https://www.realmushrooms.com/universe“I am an independent thinker and ever curious about the deeper layers of reality. I dig beneath the surface story in an effort to see the bigger picture and gain a greater understanding while utilizing my intuition and insight. I find the psyche endlessly fascinating and I am in awe of its great depth and mystery. I love to learn and have been an autodidact for the greater part of my life. My favorite saying goes, “Every man has two educations. The first he is given. The second, more important, he gives to himself.” I thoroughly enjoy showering clients and loved ones with helpful wisdom, compassion, humor and nurturing. I am a mother of two amazing daughters and a lifelong, passionate student of the mystery.In my work, I am a teacher, counselor, author and poet. Of Celtic heritage, I follow the wisdom of the ancients, inspired by the Ban Draoi (dree) and fili, (Gaelic for a Celtic medicine woman/seer/poet). As a modern medicine woman I bring my connection to nature and the spirit worlds into my flourishing practice where I host individual retreats and do online counseling/mentoring with clients from all over the world. This is deep, psycho-spiritual work where we delve into the rich territory of the psyche. I cherish the mystical and the practical and I weave my knowledge of Natural Law, the Logical Fallacies, and traditional food wisdom into my work.I have studied with master teachers and for the last 12 years, I have apprenticed myself to the mushroom teachers, who have led me into profound connection with the spirits of nature and my ancestral roots.”To learn more about or contact Shonagh, including her book, visit her website at: https://shonaghhome.comIf you enjoy the show, it’s a big help if you can share it via social media or word of mouth. And please Subscribe or Follow and if you can go on Apple Podcasts and leave a starred-rating and a short review. This is super helpful with the algorithms and getting this show out to more people. Thank you in advance!For more information about me and my upcoming plant medicine retreats with my colleague Merav Artzi, visit my site at: https://www.NicotianaRustica.orgTo book an integration call with me, visit: https://jasongrechanik.setmore.comSupport this podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/UniverseWithinDonate directly with PayPal:https://www.paypal.me/jasongrechanikMusic courtesy of: Nuno Moreno (end song). Visit: https://m.soundcloud.com/groove_a_zen_sound and https://nahira-ziwa.bandcamp.com/ And Stefan Kasapovski’s Santero Project (intro song). Visit: https://spoti.fi/3y5Rd4Hhttps://www.facebook.com/UniverseWithinPodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/UniverseWithinPodcast
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    2 hrs and 44 mins
  • Ep. 133 - Greg Wrenn - Author, Ayahuasca, PTSD, & Nature

    Ep. 133 - Greg Wrenn - Author, Ayahuasca, PTSD, & Nature
    May 8 2024
    Hey everybody! Episode 133 of the show is out. In this episode, I spoke with Greg Wrenn. Greg reached out to me as he’s just published his book, Mothership. It was a pleasure to have Greg on and share about his book, his background, his working with and overcoming PTSD, how he found healing with ayahuasca, and his connection to nature, especially the coral reefs. Greg has a beautiful story and we had a really good conversation about these topics. I trust you all will gain a lot from this episode. As always, to support this podcast, get early access to shows, bonus material, and Q&As, check out my Patreon page below. Enjoy!“A former Stegner Fellow and Jones Lecturer at Stanford University, Greg Wrenn is the author of the forthcoming Mothership: A Memoir of Wonder and Crisis (Regalo Press 2024), an evidence-based account of his turning to coral reefs and ayahuasca to heal from childhood trauma, and Centaur (U of Wisconsin Press 2013), which National Book Award-winning poet Terrance Hayes awarded the Brittingham Prize. ​Greg's work has appeared or is forthcoming in HuffPost, The New Republic, Al Jazeera, The Rumpus, LitHub, Writer's Digest, Kenyon Review, New England Review, The Iowa Review, and elsewhere. He has received awards and fellowships from the James Merrill House, the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, the Vermont Studio Center, the Poetry Society of America, the Hermitage Artist Retreat, the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and the Spiro Arts Center.​As an associate English professor at James Madison University, he teaches creative nonfiction, poetry, and environmental literature. He also teaches in the low-residency MFA Program at Bennington Writing Seminars and in the Memoir Certificate Program at Stanford Continuing Studies. He was educated at Harvard University and Washington University in St. Louis.Greg is currently sending out Homesick, his second poetry collection. A student of ayahuasca since 2019, he is a trained yoga teacher and a PADI Advanced Open Water diver, having explored coral reefs around the world for over 25 years. He and his husband live in the mountains of Virginia, the ancestral land of the Manahoac and Monacan people.”To learn more about or contact Greg, including his book, visit his website at: https://www.gregwrenn.comIf you enjoy the show, it’s a big help if you can share it via social media or word of mouth. And please Subscribe or Follow and if you can go on Apple Podcasts and leave a starred-rating and a short review. This is super helpful with the algorithms and getting this show out to more people. Thank you in advance!For more information about me and my upcoming plant medicine retreats with my colleague Merav Artzi, visit my site at: https://www.NicotianaRustica.orgTo book an integration call with me, visit: https://jasongrechanik.setmore.comSupport this podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/UniverseWithinDonate directly with PayPal:https://www.paypal.me/jasongrechanikMusic courtesy of: Nuno Moreno (end song). Visit: https://m.soundcloud.com/groove_a_zen_sound and https://nahira-ziwa.bandcamp.com/ And Stefan Kasapovski’s Santero Project (intro song). Visit: https://spoti.fi/3y5Rd4Hhttps://www.facebook.com/UniverseWithinPodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/UniverseWithinPodcast
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    1 hr and 54 mins
  • Ep. 132 - Janeth Jaramillo - Ayahuasca, Wachuma, & Buddhism

    Ep. 132 - Janeth Jaramillo - Ayahuasca, Wachuma, & Buddhism
    Apr 24 2024

    Hey everybody! Episode 132 of the show is out. In this episode, I spoke with Janeth Jaramillo. Janeth and I met about 12 years ago when we were both working at the Amazonian ayahuasca center the Temple of the Way of Light. Janeth was the head of the permaculture program. We spoke about that as well as her interest and experience working with ayahuasca, huachuma (San Pedro), and the intersection of plant medicine practices with Buddhism. I really enjoyed catching up with Janeth and having her share. She’s been around this work for a long time and has a lot of experience and wisdom to share. As always, to support this podcast, get early access to shows, bonus material, and Q&As, check out my Patreon page below. Enjoy!

    This episode is sponsored by Real Mushrooms. As listeners, visit their website to enjoy a discount of 25% off your first order: https://www.realmushrooms.com/universe

    “Janeth Jaramillo is an Ecuadorian Medicine Woman, Mindfulness Teacher, plant medicine facilitator and retreat manager. She has been working with Plant Medicine since 2010 and studying under the guidance of Shipibo Indigenous. From 2015 to 2022, Janeth was co-founder, manager and facilitator at Lotus Vine Journeys Retreats, a Project focused on the intersection between plant medicine and Buddhist teachings. For over 10 years, Janeth has studied Theravada Buddhim, participating in long meditation retreats in Myanmar, the US, Australia and Peru. She studied under the guidance of Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach.

    She is the founder of Pachanoi Earth Medicine Retreats and Vida Wellness Center. Janeth is passionate about Wellness, her call is to support people to live a healthy and harmonious life.”

    To learn more about or contact Janeth, visit her website at: https://pachanoiretreats.com

    If you enjoy the show, it’s a big help if you can share it via social media or word of mouth. And please Subscribe or Follow and if you can go on Apple Podcasts and leave a starred-rating and a short review. This is super helpful with the algorithms and getting this show out to more people. Thank you in advance!

    For more information about me and my upcoming plant medicine retreats with my colleague Merav Artzi, visit my site at: https://www.NicotianaRustica.org

    To book an integration call with me, visit: https://jasongrechanik.setmore.com

    Support this podcast on Patreon:

    https://www.patreon.com/UniverseWithin

    Donate directly with PayPal:

    https://www.paypal.me/jasongrechanik

    Music courtesy of: Nuno Moreno (end song). Visit: https://m.soundcloud.com/groove_a_zen_sound and https://nahira-ziwa.bandcamp.com/ And Stefan Kasapovski’s Santero Project (intro song). Visit: https://spoti.fi/3y5Rd4H

    https://www.facebook.com/UniverseWithinPodcast

    https://www.instagram.com/UniverseWithinPodcast
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    2 hrs and 13 mins
  • Ep. 131 - Steve Farrell - Consciousness and A New Universal Dream

    Ep. 131 - Steve Farrell - Consciousness and A New Universal Dream
    Apr 10 2024

    Hey everybody! Episode 131 of the show is out. In this episode, I spoke with Steve Farrell. Steve is an interesting guy who was drawn to his path after a spiritual awakening of sorts. He has had a long collaboration with Neale Donald Walsch who wrote a very popular book called Conversations with God. Steve started a really good online streaming service called Humanity Steam focusing on transformational education collaborating with many luminaries. We sat down and spoke about his past, consciousness, his new book, his education passion, and concepts of spirituality in general. I hope you all gain something from this episode. As always, to support this podcast, get early access to shows, bonus material, and Q&As, check out my Patreon page below. Enjoy!

    “From the pinnacle of Silicon Valley success as co-founder of two high-tech firms, Steve Farrell pivoted to lead Humanity’s Team, a global nonprofit helping people everywhere awaken to our interconnectedness. After contributing to the Gold Nautilus Award-winning book "Our Moment of Choice — Evolutionary Visions and Hope for the Future," Steve details his journey from the American Dream to conscious leadership in his new book, "A New Universal Dream." Steve and Humanity’s Team offer educational programs in business, science, spirituality, creativity, relationships, healing, and conscious living through multiple platforms including their Humanity Stream+ streaming service. ”

    To learn more about or contact Steve, visit his websites at: https://www.stevefarrell.org and https://www.humanitysteam.org

    If you enjoy the show, it’s a big help if you can share it via social media or word of mouth. And please Subscribe or Follow and if you can go on Apple Podcasts and leave a starred-rating and a short review. This is super helpful with the algorithms and getting this show out to more people. Thank you in advance!

    For more information about me and my upcoming plant medicine retreats with my colleague Merav Artzi, visit my site at: https://www.NicotianaRustica.org

    To book an integration call with me, visit: https://jasongrechanik.setmore.com

    Support this podcast on Patreon:

    https://www.patreon.com/UniverseWithin

    Donate directly with PayPal:

    https://www.paypal.me/jasongrechanik

    Music courtesy of: Nuno Moreno (end song). Visit: https://m.soundcloud.com/groove_a_zen_sound and https://nahira-ziwa.bandcamp.com/ And Stefan Kasapovski’s Santero Project (intro song). Visit: https://spoti.fi/3y5Rd4H

    https://www.facebook.com/UniverseWithinPodcast

    https://www.instagram.com/UniverseWithinPodcast
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Ep. 130 - Bronislav Vinogrodsky - Taosim & the Way of Change

    Ep. 130 - Bronislav Vinogrodsky - Taosim & the Way of Change
    Mar 27 2024

    Hey everybody! Episode 130 of the show is out. In this episode, I spoke with Bronislav Vinogrodsky. Bronislav is a rally fascinating guy who was introduced to me by mutual family and friends. Bronislav has translated many of the classic Chinese spiritual classics into Russian, including the Tao Te Ching, Yellow Emperor’s Treatise on Medicine, the I-Ching, and many more, and has a real grasp of their deep content and meaning. We spoke about a lot of really interesting topics including these books and their meanings, spirituality, Chinese and plant medicines, tea, mushrooms, and Taoism as a practice. Bronislav has a lot to share and it was really a pleasure and honor to have him share. I trust you all will get a lot out of his wisdom. As always, to support this podcast, get early access to shows, bonus material, and Q&As, check out my Patreon page below. Enjoy!

    This episode is sponsored by Real Mushrooms. As listeners, visit their website to enjoy a discount of 25% off your first order: https://www.realmushrooms.com/universe

    “Engaged in the study of the ways of formation of concepts, meanings and the structure of consciousness based on the texts of the Book of Changes. Developer of scientific programs to change the cognitive paradigm of mankind.

    Born in 1957 in the Far East. Graduated from the Oriental Faculty of the Far Eastern State University in 1979. Since 1985, he has been living and working in Moscow. Speaks 9 languages, including Ancient Chinese.

    Translated more than forty ancient Chinese texts, such as the Book of Changes in various commentaries (more than 10 texts), «Daodejing», «Chuang Tzu», Confucius «Lun Yu», «The Yellow Emperor's Treatise on the Inner», as well as texts on forecasting, the Chinese calendar, Feng Shui, military art, the art of management, Taoist healing techniques, etc.”

    To learn more about or contact Bronislav, visit his website at: live.bronislav.ru/bbv and on Instagram at: instagram.com/bvinogrodskiy

    If you enjoy the show, it’s a big help if you can share it via social media or word of mouth. And please Subscribe or Follow and if you can go on Apple Podcasts and leave a starred-rating and a short review. This is super helpful with the algorithms and getting this show out to more people. Thank you in advance!

    For more information about me and my upcoming plant medicine retreats with my colleague Merav Artzi, visit my site at: https://www.NicotianaRustica.org

    To book an integration call with me, visit: https://jasongrechanik.setmore.com

    Support this podcast on Patreon:

    https://www.patreon.com/UniverseWithin

    Donate directly with PayPal:

    https://www.paypal.me/jasongrechanik

    Music courtesy of: Nuno Moreno (end song). Visit: https://m.soundcloud.com/groove_a_zen_sound and https://nahira-ziwa.bandcamp.com/ And Stefan Kasapovski’s Santero Project (intro song). Visit: https://spoti.fi/3y5Rd4H

    https://www.facebook.com/UniverseWithinPodcast

    https://www.instagram.com/UniverseWithinPodcast
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    1 hr and 45 mins
  • Ep. 129 - Dr. Ron Stotts - Breath, Consciousness, Leadership, & Neurology

    Ep. 129 - Dr. Ron Stotts - Breath, Consciousness, Leadership, & Neurology
    Mar 13 2024

    Hey everybody! Episode 129 of the show is out. In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Ron Stotts. Ron has dedicated much of his life to studying the breath and it's effects on health and consciousness. He also has studied neurology as well as having spent many years learning different forms of spiritual practices. Ron has led a really interesting life and it was a pleasure to have him on to share. We spoke about his background, his spiritual practices, breath-work, neurology, plant medicines, gardening, martial arts, and some other topics as well. I think you all will find Ron has a lot to share and I hope you get much from this episode. As always, to support this podcast, get early access to shows, bonus material, and Q&As, check out my Patreon page below. Enjoy!

    “Ron has spent the last fifty years exploring the deepest caves and soaring heights of our personal and spiritual journey. He is intimate with all aspects of the territory. As a guide, he has supported thousands of others on their journey as they've moved through their most difficult challenges and developed their greatest potential.

    He was trained by and worked with the best of the best, with early mentors like Joseph Campbell, Buckminster Fuller, and other leaders in the spiritual and personal growth fields.

    Rounding out his whole body, mind, and spirit, integrated approach, Ron has earned a Masters in English, a Ph.D. in Transformational Therapy, and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Yet Ron feels that his most important credentials have come from the challenges he has overcome on his own journey, and the incredible learning opportunities that life and working with others has offered him.

    His service has evolved into working with those committed to their path and the influential leaders who guide them. While there are many who can help you treat the symptoms arising from your challenges, Ron's unique work takes you into and through the deepest source. This empowering approach allows you to make lasting life improvements while transforming those challenges into the greatest opportunities of your life. ”

    To learn more about or contact Ron, visit his website at: https://ronstotts.com

    If you enjoy the show, it’s a big help if you can share it via social media or word of mouth. And please Subscribe or Follow and if you can go on Apple Podcasts and leave a starred-rating and a short review. This is super helpful with the algorithms and getting this show out to more people. Thank you in advance!

    For more information about me and my upcoming plant medicine retreats with my colleague Merav Artzi, visit my site at: https://www.NicotianaRustica.org

    To book an integration call with me, visit: https://jasongrechanik.setmore.com

    Support this podcast on Patreon:

    https://www.patreon.com/UniverseWithin

    Donate directly with PayPal:

    https://www.paypal.me/jasongrechanik

    Music courtesy of: Nuno Moreno (end song). Visit: https://m.soundcloud.com/groove_a_zen_sound and https://nahira-ziwa.bandcamp.com/ And Stefan Kasapovski’s Santero Project (intro song). Visit: https://spoti.fi/3y5Rd4H

    https://www.facebook.com/UniverseWithinPodcast

    https://www.instagram.com/UniverseWithinPodcast
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Ep. 128 - Jonathan Robinson - Ecstasy as Medicine: MDMA Therapy

    Ep. 128 - Jonathan Robinson - Ecstasy as Medicine: MDMA Therapy
    Feb 21 2024
    Hey everybody! Episode 128 of the show is out. In this episode, I spoke with Jonathan Robinson. Jonathan became well-known with his work and books on enlightenment and techniques for happiness. He has spoken to many luminaries including Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, Deepak Chopra, Louise L. Hay and many more. Recently he released a book entitled Ecstasy as Medicine: How MDMA Therapy Can Help You Overcome Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression... and Feel More Love. We spoke about his background, this work with technologies to increase well-being, and especially about his book on MDMA. We spoke about the therapeutical use in general of MDMA as well as his experience as one of the pioneers in this field and how he works with people to help them overcome a myriad of issues. This work has really moved to the forefront of medicine and psychology and so it was a pleasure to have Jonathan on to share his insights. As always, to support this podcast, get early access to shows, bonus material, and Q&As, check out my Patreon page below. Enjoy!This episode is sponsored by Real Mushrooms. As listeners, visit their website to enjoy a discount of 25% off your first order: https://www.realmushrooms.com/universe“Jonathan Robinson is a psychotherapist, best-selling author of numerous books, and a professional speaker from Northern California. He has reached over 200 million people around the world with his practical methods, and his work has been translated into 47 languages. His work has appeared in Newsweek, USA TODAY, and the Los Angeles Times, as well as dozens of other publications. In addition, Mr. Robinson has made numerous appearances on the Oprah show and CNN, as well as other national TV talk shows. He has spent more than thirty years studying the most practical and powerful methods for personal and professional development. He is also the host of the popular podcast show Awareness Explorers. Jonathan Robinson’s first book, “The Experience of God,” includes interviews with such notable people as the late Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, Deepak Chopra, Louise L. Hay, and over 30 other well-known seekers. Jonathan’s second book, “Life’s Big Questions,” became a New York Times bestseller, as did his book “Communication Miracles for Couples.” Mr. Robinson’s other books include: Instant Insight; Real Wealth; Shortcuts to Bliss; Shortcuts to Success; The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Awakening Your Spirituality; Find Happiness Now; Conversations With Dog; The Little Book of Big Questions; The Enlightenment Project; and his latest Ecstasy as Medicine: How MDMA Therapy Can Help You Overcome Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression... and Feel More Love. Ecstasy as Medicine: How MDMA Therapy Can Help You Overcome Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression... and Feel More Love was released on October 29, 2023 and is available for sale on Amazon.”To learn more about or contact Jonathan, visit his website at: https://ecstasyasmedicine.com/ & mdmatraining.netIf you enjoy the show, it’s a big help if you can share it via social media or word of mouth. And please Subscribe or Follow and if you can go on Apple Podcasts and leave a starred-rating and a short review. This is super helpful with the algorithms and getting this show out to more people. Thank you in advance!For more information about me and my upcoming plant medicine retreats with my colleague Merav Artzi, visit my site at: https://www.NicotianaRustica.orgTo book an integration call with me, visit: https://jasongrechanik.setmore.comSupport this podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/UniverseWithinDonate directly with PayPal:https://www.paypal.me/jasongrechanikMusic courtesy of: Nuno Moreno (end song). Visit: https://m.soundcloud.com/groove_a_zen_sound and https://nahira-ziwa.bandcamp.com/ And Stefan Kasapovski’s Santero Project (intro song). Visit: https://spoti.fi/3y5Rd4Hhttps://www.facebook.com/UniverseWithinPodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/UniverseWithinPodcast
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Ep. 127 - Christina Allen - The Shamanic Calling & The Andean Qero Tradition

    Ep. 127 - Christina Allen - The Shamanic Calling & The Andean Qero Tradition
    Feb 7 2024
    Hey everybody! Episode 127 of the show is out. In this episode, I spoke with Christina Allen. Christina was recommended to me by a past guest and friend Joan Parisi Wilcox. Joan spoke very highly of Christina and so I was happy to have Christina on the podcast. Christina shared in her story and what led her to her shamanic calling, her time in the early psychedelic movement with the Grateful Dead, her studies as a physicist and her interest and work in consciousness, her time with Alberto Villoldo, and eventually her finding her calling learning from the pacos of the Andean Qero tradition. Christina has a beautiful story and a lot of wisdom to share so I think you all will get a lot from this episode. As always, to support this podcast, get early access to shows, bonus material, and Q&As, check out my Patreon page below. Enjoy!This episode is sponsored by Real Mushrooms. As listeners, visit their website to enjoy a discount of 25% off your first order: https://www.realmushrooms.com/universe“Christina was initiated into the journey of becoming a healer through early childhood trauma. This destiny was fostered by growing up in Alaska where she was surrounded by the influences of the indigenous people there. She moved to California in her teens where she was deeply immersed in the psychedelia of the 1970’s, and then she went on to college. At this point it was clear to her that everything was energy and everything was conscious. She wanted to be a medicine woman. When it became apparent that there was not a degree program to accommodate her needs, she created her own path. She started with trying to better understand the energetic nature of reality by studying physics. Then she tackled the brain and consciousness in a graduate neuroscience program. Christina’s healing journey, however, eventually led her away from academia and deep into the healing traditions of Peru. Her training came most specifically from the energy medicines of the high Andes, but she has also spent time in the jungles. It is through these teachings and experiences that she finally did heal. For over 20 years she has been practicing and teaching the Andean healing arts, pairing this wisdom with her western education. She also writes about how to heal from trauma based on her own journey, and the observations that come from her extensive client work.” To learn more about or contact Christina, visit her website at: https://www.austinshamaniccenter.com/If you enjoy the show, it’s a big help if you can share it via social media or word of mouth. And please Subscribe or Follow and if you can go on Apple Podcasts and leave a starred-rating and a short review. This is super helpful with the algorithms and getting this show out to more people. Thank you in advance!For more information about me and my upcoming plant medicine retreats with my colleague Merav Artzi, visit my site at: https://www.NicotianaRustica.orgTo book an integration call with me, visit: https://jasongrechanik.setmore.comSupport this podcast on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/UniverseWithinDonate directly with PayPal:https://www.paypal.me/jasongrechanikMusic courtesy of: Nuno Moreno (end song). Visit: https://m.soundcloud.com/groove_a_zen_sound and https://nahira-ziwa.bandcamp.com/ And Stefan Kasapovski’s Santero Project (intro song). Visit: https://spoti.fi/3y5Rd4Hhttps://www.facebook.com/UniverseWithinPodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/UniverseWithinPodcast
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    2 hrs and 32 mins