What if even your most cherished beliefs—your opinions, routines, and even your gratitude—were quietly reinforcing the illusion of identity? In this raw and revealing conversation, we explore the unexpected ways certainty creeps into our lives and how even self-help tools like affirmations can tether us to a fictional sense of self. From the liberating disorientation of travel to the spiritual bypassing hidden in gratitude, we peel back the comfortable layers of our assumptions. We also confront the real reason we fear change, and why helping others might still be about us. If you've ever felt uneasy letting go of control, this episode will challenge what you think it means to “be yourself.” It's not about who you are—it's about how tightly you're holding on.

👉 Tune in for a conversation that goes beyond motivation, straight into the root of your inner dialogue. [00:00:00] Introduction from Japan and how environment impacts self-perception [00:03:50] Recognizing daily novelty through travel and shedding the illusion of routine [00:07:40] Identity’s grip on anxiety, and how it's reinforced by seemingly positive habits [00:11:30] Praying to a conceptual God as a coping mechanism for uncertainty [00:15:20] The hidden danger of spiritual practices reinforcing identity [00:19:10] Breaking down the self-centered roots of global concerns like climate change [00:23:00] Selflessness as a reflection of personal benefit—connecting to others as self [00:26:50] The trap of opinions as extensions of identity and the exhaustion they cause [00:30:40] Using doubt and inner resistance as opportunities for deeper clarity [00:34:30] Clinging to certainty in finance and tech: Bitcoin and belief as identity [00:38:20] Questioning your own stance to allow freedom of thought [00:42:10] How letting go of control leads to natural responsiveness and creativity [00:46:00] The myth of linear growth and the cyclical nature of personal insight [00:49:50] Social masks, projection, and our addiction to being someone [00:53:40] Closing reflections on shared awareness and the relief of not knowing

Ever feel like you’re doing all the "right things" for self-growth but still hitting a wall? In this raw, unscripted conversation, we explore what actually shifts us—like why karaoke might be a more powerful tool for self-discovery than psychedelics. We dive into the quiet trap of identifying with comfort, how cold hands become a metaphor for resistance to life, and the overlooked power of letting go of the need to "mean something." This isn’t about fixing yourself—this is about seeing that you're not what you think you are, and that might be the most freeing realization of all. Join us in challenging spiritual shortcuts, embracing uncertainty, and celebrating courage through community, chaos, and connection.

👉 Tap in, question more, and maybe... sing louder.

[00:00:00] Introduction to the theme of making experience personal and its immediate emotional consequences [00:03:11] The subtle shift from presence to insecurity and how value projection creates conflict [00:06:40] Letting go of the "self-concept" to allow for more experiences and natural growth [00:08:59] Presence is not a skill to be practiced—it’s your nature [00:10:54] Insight isn’t for ego inflation—it’s for real change [00:13:10] How letting go of personal narratives helps others feel more free [00:16:30] Identity as a variable, not a fixed point—“X can equal anything” [00:18:20] Mental health issues as overcommitments to thoughts being reality [00:20:57] Comfort and fear of discomfort as the main resistance to action and growth [00:25:20] Using the metaphor of cold hands to explain resisting discomfort [00:28:15] Facing manipulative people and judgments without reinforcing the fiction of self [00:31:29] Public misinterpretation of the podcast as cult-like and why it’s not about Dualistic Unity [00:35:02] Faith in the truth of who you are rather than defending the idea of you [00:38:12] Karaoke as a more grounding and transformative practice than psychedelics [00:45:24] Organic growth through engagement with life—not business cards and planning

Fear isn't the enemy—it's just misunderstood. In this raw and insightful conversation, we explore the hidden ways fear shapes our decisions, our relationships, and even our identities. From the trap of denying fear to the subtle psychosis of mistaking thoughts for reality, we dive into how stories we tell ourselves become prisons we don't even see. We unpack the emotional weight of self-judgment, the illusion of control, and why karaoke might just be the ultimate metaphor for life. If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you think you are and who you might become—this one’s for you. Let go, tune in, and discover the power of presence beyond the story.

[00:00:00] Fear as a constant presence and the importance of recognizing it rather than denying it. [00:02:46] How fear of success and attachment to personal narratives stop us from trying new things. [00:04:19] Denying fear creates sub-stories that mask the real reasons we hesitate. [00:06:14] Vilifying our past choices blocks us from understanding the value of those experiences. [00:07:31] The carrot-and-stick mentality as a valid step in moving through fear. [00:09:36] Physical pain from past overexertion and the insight gained through consequence. [00:11:39] The distinction between pain and suffering, and how storytelling creates suffering. [00:13:00] Fear as distortion on the glass of perception—clarity comes from observing it directly. [00:14:10] Karaoke as a metaphor for being present and letting go of fear and self-judgment. [00:15:58] Everyday psychosis: mistaking thoughts for reality and how it separates us from life. [00:18:11] How being present and dropping your story helps others let go of theirs. [00:20:50] Saying the “wrong thing” often leads to unexpected, meaningful human connection. [00:22:56] Letting go doesn’t mean recklessness—it means trusting yourself without micromanaging. [00:25:30] Spiritual paths as detours to eventual self-honesty—insight isn’t mystical, it’s honest. [00:28:35] A karaoke business encounter reveals how others’ fear-based stories shape reactions.

What if everything you thought you knew about "being in the flow" was just another illusion? In this conversation, we dive into the deeper reality behind belief, hope, and the way we cling to false certainty for comfort. From breaking down the myth of a "perfect" Jesus to challenging the very idea of a creator, we push past surface-level spirituality into the raw, often uncomfortable process of actually waking up. Can you ever truly be "out of the flow"? And what happens when you stop resisting what’s already happening? This one will challenge your assumptions—if you let it.

[00:00:00] Introduction to the new series with Levi and Ray, embracing uncertainty in conversation. [00:01:04] Rethinking Jesus—was he just a human who got lost in his own story? [00:04:32] The illusion of government integrity and how we project unrealistic ideals onto leaders. [00:06:18] The fine line between belief and delusion—when belief becomes unquestionable. [00:08:06] How hope can become a trap that stops action and keeps us stuck. [00:09:43] The misunderstood concept of "flow"—it's not about ease but surrendering resistance. [00:11:53] Challenging the first cause argument—does existence even need a beginning? [00:14:17] Why the "simulation theory" still assumes an external creator instead of recognizing self-awareness. [00:17:45] The fear of responsibility—realizing you are the creative potential of the universe. [00:20:41] How attachment to opinions and expectations creates suffering. [00:24:40] The power of small interactions—why a simple conversation can shift everything. [00:26:51] Overcoming fear in social interactions—why are we afraid to break the script? [00:28:40] How dropping expectations makes social interactions effortless. [00:31:41] The connection between stretching and emotional release—sitting with discomfort. [00:33:52] Wrapping up

How many times have you burned a bridge and assumed it was gone forever? What if the bridge was never real to begin with? In this episode, we challenge the obsession with "doing the right thing" and explore how false certainty, self-concept, and regret keep us trapped in cycles of attachment and avoidance. We dive into the dangers of idolizing others, the fear of making mistakes, and the liberation that comes from embracing uncertainty. This is not about fixing the past—it’s about recognizing that nothing was ever truly broken. If you’ve ever struggled with letting go, this conversation will shake your perspective and invite you to see beyond the illusions you’ve created.

[00:00:00] Introduction to the episode and main theme. [00:03:05] Exploring how obsession with self-improvement leads to suffering. [00:06:09] Discussing the dangers of idolizing others and self-concept. [00:09:11] The impact of assumptions and false certainty on relationships. [00:12:02] How uncertainty drives people to seek false security in labels. [00:15:05] Breaking down regret and its role in personal growth. [00:17:46] Exploring the idea that burning bridges doesn’t mean the end. [00:20:24] How past experiences inform future growth, not define it. [00:23:16] Letting go of control and embracing the flow of life. [00:26:06] Recognizing that connection never disappears, only changes. [00:29:03] Admitting regret without letting it dictate future actions. [00:31:52] Understanding that self-judgment only reinforces limiting beliefs. [00:35:20] Conclusion and reflections on embracing uncertainty and growth.

What if everything you believe about yourself is just a story—a fragile illusion reinforced by fear, validation, and the craving for certainty? In this first episode of Season 7, we dismantle the identity trap and expose the hidden ties between self-perception and suffering. We explore how the idea of "God" itself is shaped by thought and how true freedom lies not in seeking external answers, but in questioning the narratives that define you.

This isn't about feeling better or finding comfort—it's about breaking the cycle of self-deception and stepping into the unknown. Are you ready to let go of who you think you are?

"Proof That You're God" is available in Print and Digital format on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKCMR183/

[00:00:00] Introduction and reflections on returning for a new season. [00:02:21] Discussing Proof That You’re God—why it was written and its connection to the podcast​. [00:06:00] The illusion of identity—how stories we tell about ourselves shape our suffering​. [00:09:13] The paradox of "God"—challenging assumptions about divinity​. [00:15:04] Recognizing how judgment is a reflection of internal beliefs​. [00:20:57] The illusion of change—how clinging to concepts prevents growth​. [00:26:57] The comfort of certainty—why we resist questioning our assumptions​. [00:31:45] False certainty—why the mind clings to ideas that limit awareness​. [00:36:34] The power of not knowing—why embracing uncertainty leads to freedom​ [00:41:26] Final thoughts on breaking free from limiting beliefs and expectations​.

An exciting conversation with special guest Lyam (@yamsox) Episode 2 is all about relationship and communication (with ourselves and "others"). Join us as we discuss the recognition that what we often consider to be entirely separate fields of study, belief systems, or realms or thought, are actually more akin to different languages for describing and understanding the vast uncertainty of our unitary existence. Likewise, we explore the importance of understanding that our descriptions, regardless of how convincing they may be, are never the described. Other topics in this incredible episode include (but are not limited to) childhood, parenthood, loneliness, psychedelics, energy, god, the devil, and more.

Join us for live group discussions every week on Patreon!

In this episode, join Levi as he explores the journey of embracing authenticity and letting go of rigid expectations of who we think we should be. From navigating social interactions to overcoming self-imposed labels like introvert or extrovert, the conversation dives into the natural flow of being present in the moment. We discuss the challenges of staying authentic, the weight of self-judgment, and how much lighter life feels when we release the need to conform to any idea of ourselves. This episode will inspire you to be more self-aware, less judgmental, and more connected to your true self in every situation. Tune in to discover how letting go of identity can lead to freedom and deeper connections with others and yourself.

00:00:00 – Introduction and thoughts on authenticity 00:01:02 – Questioning identity: Introvert vs. extrovert 00:04:12 – Navigating conversations without self-judgment 00:08:18 – The impact of letting go of self-evaluation 00:11:47 – Learning from experiences without harsh self-judgment 00:14:48 – The process of starting something new and finding direction 00:18:49 – Importance of honest communication and vulnerability 00:22:13 – Letting go of the need for perfection and embracing mistakes 00:26:26 – Identifying with roles and the weight of keeping up appearances 00:30:27 – The trap of spiritual identity and self-suppression 00:34:24 – Seeing others beyond the assumptions we make 00:38:23 – Trusting yourself to flow naturally with life