In this episode of Eyes Wide Open, Nick Thompson engages with Julian Bermudez, a trauma-informed psychedelic integration guide.

They explore Julian's journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a guide for others seeking healing through psychedelics.

Julian shares insights on trauma, the importance of self-awareness, and the stigma surrounding psychedelics, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in healing processes.

Julian emphasizes the need for individuals responsibility in addressing emotional pain and the role of service animals in providing comfort and safety.

He discusses the impact of trauma on individuals, the importance of reconnecting with one's true self, and how psychedelic experiences can facilitate healing.

As the conversation progresses, Julian discusses the multifaceted nature of the psychedelic experience, emphasizing its historical significance and the importance of preparation and intentionality in navigating such journeys.

He explores the concept of bad trips, the therapeutic approaches he employs in his practice, and the distinction between healing and curing.

They also discuss the role of pharmaceuticals in mental health and the profound impact of animals, particularly his dog Layla, in the healing process.

Julian concludes by sharing insights on daily practices for maintaining mental health, highlighting the importance of structure and humor.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Julian Bermudez and His Work

05:19 The Catalyst for Change: Near-Death Experience

12:27 Reconnecting with the True Self

19:37 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact

27:22 Healing Through Self-Compassion and Awareness

31:51 The Stigma of Psychedelics and Their Potential

33:03 The Psychedelic Experience: A Historical Perspective

34:56 Navigating the Psychedelic Journey: Preparation and Intent

39:29 Understanding Bad Trips: Resistance and Acceptance

44:49 Therapeutic Approaches: Integrative Therapy and Inquiry

48:57 Healing vs. Curing: The Journey of Emotional Recovery

52:16 The Role of Pharmaceuticals: A Double-Edged Sword

54:14 The Healing Power of Animals: Layla's Impact

01:00:02 Daily Practices for Mental Health: Structure and Humor

Find Julian Bermudez Here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psycheintegration

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@psycheintegration

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-bermudez-ma-ccmp/

Website: https://www.humantherapists.com/

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ | https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/

UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/

In this episode, Nick chats with Laura Shipler-Chico and Andy McLeod, the creative minds behind Gooper Dust Productions and their upcoming play, Reality Bites.

The conversation explores their motivations behind founding their theater production company, and the themes of their play ‘Reality Bites.”

“Reality Bites” critiques the impact of reality TV on individuals and society. They discuss the complexities of character development, the importance of tone in storytelling, and the audience's role in the consumption of media.

The episode emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in the portrayal of real people on screen, as well as the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a curated world.

I hope this conversation enlightens you on the importance of arts as cultural commentary and helps you show up in the world with your eyes wide open.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gooper Dust Productions

02:44 Childhood Dreams and Career Paths

05:17 The Leap into Acting and Producing

08:21 The Vision Behind Reality Bites

11:17 The Impact of Reality TV on Lives

14:18 Exploring Themes of Consumption and Identity

17:24 Character Perspectives in Reality Bites

20:21 Directorial Approach to Monologues

23:37 The Role of Social Media in Reality TV

26:26 Concluding Thoughts on Reality and Performance

36:12 Character Exploration and Direction

37:25 Patty's Motivations for Joining Reality TV

39:10 The Complexity of Patty's Character

40:29 Tone and Humor in Storytelling

45:25 Reality TV and Identity Crisis

49:23 Post-Show Life and Advocacy

50:25 Authenticity vs. Narrative in Reality TV

55:30 Viewer Complicity in Reality TV

59:17 Final Thoughts on Humanity and Reality TV

Find Laura Shipler-Chico & Andy McLeod here:

Laura Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terranewell

Andy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andymcleod09/

Gooper Dust Instagram: https://www.gooperdust.com/

Indie GoGo: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/off-in-a-cloud-of-gooper-dust#/

Website: https://www.gooperdust.com/

Find Nick Thompson here:

Nick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/

UCAN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/

UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/

Full Live Stream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGoZ5tc-Hjc&t=518s

SPECIAL NOTE: This episode of Eyes Wide Open features several key clips from a Hard Lens Media live stream, where Nick, Kit Cabello, and Larry Sharpe discuss the aftermath of the recent military strikes ordered by President Trump against Iran.

Kit Cabello is a veteran, co-founder, and host of Hard Lens Media, a daily independent news show. Larry Sharpe is a veteran, former candidate for NY Mayor, and host of the Sharpe Way Show.

Kit, Larry, and Nick explore the implications of these actions on international relations, public opinion, and the potential for escalation into a larger conflict.

They go on to emphasize the need for public engagement and the importance of diplomacy over military action, while also addressing the potential consequences of the current trajectory.

The conversation delves into the complexities of war, politics, and public perception, emphasizing the need for unity in the face of war with Iran and the importance of independent media.

They emphasize the importance of activism and collective action in driving change, while also addressing the challenges presented by political hypocrisy and the impact of media narratives.

Find Nick Thompson here:

Nick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ UCAN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/ UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/ Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/