Connection is the Medicine

Brook LeVan – Confessions of a Reluctant Land WhispererA poignant and inspirational conversation that invites listeners to reconsider their relationship to land, food, spirit, and the unseen realms that sustain life.In this episode of Connection is the Medicine Podcast, host Eaden Shantay welcomes Brook LeVan—artist, rancher, alchemist, biodynamic specialist, and co-founder of Sustainable Settings, a 240-acre biodynamic ranch at the base of Carbondale, Colorado’s majestic Mt. Sopris (known to the Ute people as Wemagooah). Highly recommended for anyone interested in biodynamics, land stewardship, indigenous wisdom, permaculture, or the spiritual dimensions of regenerative agriculture. Brook speaks about relationship—with self, land, spirit, and the living intelligence of the Earth. The conversation weaves personal stories, spiritual inquiry, and practical regenerative wisdom.Core Themes•⁠  ⁠Evocation and Right Relationship: The power of acknowledging, asking, and thanking the land—foundational practices for building a mutually beneficial dialogue rather than extraction.•⁠  ⁠Biodynamics: Rooted in Rudolf Steiner and Enzo Nastati’s works. Working with subtle forces, alchemical preparations that truly feeds human evolution.•⁠  ⁠Dowsing, Divination & Intention: Tools and practices for listening to the unseen forces of nature. •⁠  ⁠The Ute Curse: The violent removal of the Ute people in the late 1800s and the lingering energetic imprint on the region.•⁠  ⁠Decolonizing the Mind: Brook offers a critique of cultural conditioning and encourages direct, embodied exploration of the world.•⁠  ⁠Western Material Realism: separating into parts versus dynamic wholeness. Memorable Ideas:•⁠  ⁠Life as a co-created dynamic living systems.•⁠  ⁠The disconnection in modern industrial culture is “by design”—the remedy lies in non-linear ways of knowing and agrarian intimacy. •⁠  ⁠The evolution of Biodynamic agriculture: exploring the work of Enzo Nastati. Brook’s most recent offering: Where the Old Woman Cooks and Biodynamic Preparation Making)Writing: Confessions of a Reluctant Land Whisperer – Poetic Wanderings into Other Realms through the Unknown ArtsGuest Links:•⁠  ⁠Sustainable Settings: www.SustainableSettings.org•⁠  ⁠Biodynamic Source: www.BiodynamicSource.org•⁠  ⁠Biodynamic Botanicals: www.BiodynamicBotanicals.com•⁠  ⁠Build Soil or Die: www.BuildSoilOrDie.com•⁠  ⁠Only Sprayed Once: www.OnlySprayedOnce.comAdditional Links:Rudolf Steiner Archive (rsarchive.org)https://rsarchive.org/Enzo Nastati (biodynamics 2.0): https://arcadellavita.it/ & https://enzonastati.it Enzo Nastati  on YouTube searxh “ARCA DELLA VITA” Goethe-Institut (English sections) www.goethe.de/en (search for Goethe)Georges Braque (Cubism):  https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/georges-braque-803Send us Fan Mail

Merging Yoga, Buddhism and Internal Family Systems. Exploring the somatic, spiritual and psychological.Dharma teacher Kali Basman beautifully combines Buddhist Psychology, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Yin Yoga to guide deep healing and embodied presence. Her work integrates the outer frameworks of anatomy and Traditional Chinese Medicine with inner practices of mind training and trauma resolution, inviting a compassionate and somatic approach to inner inquiry and transformation. Kali is a certified Internal Family Systems coach, holds a master’s in Environmental Public Health, and brings over a decade of experience as a Global Health consultant with the United Nations Association Global Health Initiative on the Africa Affairs Committee. She also serves as a Conscious Dying Coach and Sacred Passage Doula, gently supporting individuals through life’s most profound transitions.Learn more about Kali’s work at https://www.kalidurgayoga.com/Kali will be offering a Spring Yintensive: A Retreat of Stillness & Seasonal Renewal at True Nature Healing Arts in Carbondale, Colorado, from April 23–26, 2026. This four-day immersion invites participants to slow down, soften inward, and attune to the wisdom of the season through Yin Yoga, Zen meditation, somatic ritual, and contemplative dialogue, a field for deep restoration and remembrance in nature’s unfolding. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.truenaturehealingarts.com/spring-yintensiveEnjoy the show!Send us Fan Mail

Ron Speaker is a seasoned investment specialist, financial mentor, and dedicated husband and father.He began his career in the mid-1980s as a summer intern in the mail room at Janus Capital Group in Denver, Colorado. There, he came under the mentorship of finance legends Tom Bailey and Michael McGoldrick, who would become lifelong influences. Speaker rose through the ranks over 21 years at Janus, starting as a securities analyst—traveling internationally to research investments, eventually becoming a senior portfolio manager overseeing multi-billion-dollar mutual funds.In 2007, Speaker left Janus to found Equus Private Wealth Management in Carbondale, Colorado. He ran Equus for 15 years serving high-net-worth clients, until concluding operations in 2022.When mentee Michael McGoldrick passed away in 2021, Speaker was appointed CEO (and Founder) of the Michael E. McGoldrick Charitable Foundation, a private family foundation based in Colorado. The foundation supports nonprofits in arts and culture, education, environmental conservation, human rights, peace, justice, and the rule of law.Today, Speaker dedicates himself to financial education and mentorship. He founded The Finance Camp for teens, an intensive program teaching investing principles through real-world experience, community service, and market simulations. He also supports initiatives like the Youth Entrepreneurial Zone and programs empowering women and young investors.With over 38 years in the financial markets, Ron Speaker embodies a career of disciplined bond investing, entrepreneurial success, and a commitment to passing on financial wisdom—rooted in Colorado and inspired by his early mentors.Ron’s two mentors are: Tom Bailey who founded Janus Funds, and Michael McGoldricK from the https://memcf.orgRon has created a financial youth camp: https://thefinancecamp.comEmpowering Women: www.aspenwomenswealth.com Ron also received coaching from Jeff Patterson: @officaljeffpattersonHeroic Program w/ Brian Johnson: IG: @heroicbrianThank you for joining us on Connection Is The Medicine podcast. Support the show by liking, sharing, subscribing, commenting and rating. Every action helps.Enjoy the show!Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Eaden Shantay sits down with Tyler Stableford, a licensed psychotherapist based in Carbondale, Colorado, where he maintains a private practice at Stableford Counseling (stablefordcounseling.com) while also working in community mental health settings. Specializing in trauma resolution and treatment-resistant conditions such as depression, anxiety, and addiction, he integrates cutting-edge modalities including:•⁠  ⁠Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)•⁠  ⁠EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)•⁠  ⁠Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy•⁠  ⁠Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)•⁠  ⁠Coherence therapyHis approach emphasizes healing, transformation, and accessibility, welcoming clients of all backgrounds through in-person sessions in Carbondale and tele-health options.Stableford’s educational path reflects both his creative roots and commitment to mental health. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Environmental Studies from Dartmouth College, where he served as president of the Dartmouth Mountaineering Club. After a distinguished first career, he returned to academia and graduated summa cum laude with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Midwestern State University at Texas Tech, complemented by advanced certifications in psychedelic medicine and trauma-focused therapies.Before transitioning to psychotherapy in 2023, Stableford built an acclaimed career as an Emmy Award-winning director, cinematographer, and adventure photographer. Owner of Tyler Stableford Productions, he created immersive campaigns for brands like Canon (as a longtime Explorer of Light), Patagonia, The North Face, Adidas, and Wrangler. His wide-angle style captured extreme sports, western lifestyles, and human resilience in award-winning short films and still series, earning recognition from Men’s Journal as one of the “World’s Seven Greatest Adventure Photographers” and screenings at festivals including Sundance and Banff.Deeply committed to social justice and service, Stableford has volunteered extensively, including four years as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children in Colorado’s 9th Judicial District and pro bono filmmaking for nonprofits supporting paralympic athletes, foster care, and immigrant integration. This ethos of advocacy and empathy now informs his therapeutic work, where he draws on life experience to help clients access care regardless of barriers.Today, Tyler Stableford lives in Carbondale with his wife and two children, balancing his counseling practice with family adventures in climbing and the outdoors that originally drew him to Colorado in 1996. His dual legacy—as a visual storyteller of boldness and a healer of inner landscapes—continues to inspire at the intersection of creativity, science, and human connection.Thank you for joining us on Connection Is The Medicine podcast. Support the show by liking, sharing, subscribing, commenting and rating. Every action helps.Send us Fan Mail

Today we welcome Nevin Eckert to the show. He is the founder of TrueSpring Water Quality Solutions LLC, a company specializing in advanced water purification and transformation systems. He has dedicated nearly 30 years to researching and understanding water’s role in health, viewing it as the “blood of the earth” and emphasizing its physical and energetic qualities for nourishing life. Born with a deep connection to nature, Eckert grew up near the Sequoia National Forest. His early experiences included gathering redwood tree cones at age 11 and caretaking 1,500 acres of private forest as a teenager, where he protected wildlife and salvaged ancient tree remains. He later traveled the U.S. planting trees and building hiking trails in national parks. In 1988, he learned organic farming principles while working on farms in California, Hawaii, Washington, and New Mexico. During the early 1990s, he engaged in environmental and animal rights activism in the western U.S. A pivotal influence came in 1994 from the works of Viktor Schauberger, the Austrian “Water Wizard” (1885-1958), whose natural science insights shaped Eckert’s approach to water and environmental reconnection. Through TrueSpring, Eckert provides custom drinking water systems that purify tap water to medicinal spring quality, often bottled alternatives. These systems mimic the natural hydrological cycle, using technologies like reverse osmosis, deionization, natural ionization, alkalization, and mineralization to create “living water” with therapeutic properties for deep cellular hydration. He also offers solutions for showers, whole-house systems, wastewater management, and large-scale environmental projects. Eckert’s philosophy centers on combating sub-clinical dehydration as a root cause of health issues like headaches, weakened immunity, and premature aging. He advocates for holistic, natural water quality to enhance vitality, stating that human health mirrors environmental health, with water as the primary element.TakeawaysNevin Eckert shares his deep connection to nature from childhood.His experiences with giant sequoias shaped his environmental views.Poaching of bears in his community sparked his activism.Nevin's journey includes working with Earth First to protect forests.He faced personal risks and threats due to his activism.The importance of spirituality and energetics in understanding water.Nevin's experiences with dimensional beings influenced his perspective.He emphasizes the need for a harmonious relationship with nature.Permaculture practices are vital for restoring ecosystems.Nevin's story illustrates the interconnectedness of all living beings. Eaden overcame his fear of heights through activism.His activism included tree sits and climbing logging equipment.He experienced despondency after years of activism.A significant relationship helped him find new purpose.Eaden learned about permaculture while living in Hawaii.He prayed for guidance on how to serve the world better.Victor Schauberger's teachings influenced his understanding of water.Eaden's business focuses on creating living water systems.He emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature.Eaden's journey reflects a deep spiritual connection to the earth.Nevin's Influences and Interest links:Viktor SchaubergerOlof AlexanderssonCallum CoatsChristian SteinbachJohan Grander  Send us Fan Mail

Today we welcome Gina Murdock, founder of the non-profit Lead with Love, which came into being in Aspen, Colorado. Gina believes we are all one and that LOVE is the ultimate intelligence. Her most recent initiative, called Care for Caregivers, serves children through serving caregivers. In this episode, we explore Gina’s desire for community and her challenge with having kids which ultimately led to advocating for children through the organization CASA, which stands for court-appointed special advocate. Episode touchstones include:Mindfulness, Sacred Activism, Bringing Being Into Doing, CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocate), Fantastic Fungi, Iboga and the Bwiti People of Gabon, West Africa, Loving What Is by Byron Katie and IFS (Internal Family Systems) Therapy.  Thank you to my good friend James Bernard for creating the intro and the outro for this podcast. The intro depicts True Nature in Carbondale, CO, while the outro shares footage from Loma Sagrada, in Nosara, Costa Rica. Both of these spaces offer Connection Is The Medicine programming. Learn more about our initiatives at ConnectionIsTheMedicine.com & TrueNatureHealingArts.comPlease consider a donation to our non-profit foundation.  Visit Youtube, Spotify and Apple Podcast to see our other episodes.Please like, comment and share this episode to support our efforts.  Thank you for joining us on the Connection Is The Medicine podcast.Grounded in being, connected to all that is 🙏🏼———Video Credit: thank you to Jack Elder for the video used in the intro: https://www.jackalopecinema.com/Music Credit: Thank you to Sokolov Timofey for the opening and closing Tibetan Healing soundtrack. Please contact me for removal request, additional credit and or compensation.Send us Fan Mail

What a blessing to sit down with Will Evans, former emergency medicine doctor, author, environmentalist, radio show host and wise elder. In this episode, Will shares about the practical application and power of the circle. How the circle supports relationship, reciprocity, connection, and the building of alliances. Well into his life as an ER doctor, Will expanded his understanding of health and wellness through the study of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and Tai Chi. He began to view medicine not as a process of conquering disease but creating a more balanced and holistic relationship with ourselves, each other and the natural world. A big part of his practice and life is the important connection between the mind, heart, center (Hara) and source. He speaks about about aligning with the heart’s natural rhythms and how this supports wellness. Together, we explored the present state of fear and overwhelm so many are experiencing and how connecting with the heart and nature can support a return to balance and wholeness. Woven throughout the episode, Will shares the importance of creating alliances with ourselves, each other and the natural world. What a special meeting to sit with this wise elder, with so much meaningful life experience to share. This show was recorded at True Nature in Carbondale, CO, a campus for inspiration, connection, and self discovery and is brought to you by the Connection Is The Medicine Foundation with satellite locations at True Nature, Carbondale, Colorado and Loma Sagrada, Nosara, Costa Rica. Thank you for joining us on Connection Is The Medicine podcast. Please support the show by liking, sharing, subscribing, commenting and rating. It truly helps.Key Concepts Shared: How to build alliances with self, other and the natural world. The circle as a fundamental blueprint in life, it’s practical applications and inherent power. The limitation of western medicine and how its strengths can be expanded within a more holistic framework.The importance of connecting the mind with the heart, center (hara) and source. The role of awareness, balance and connection in health. The healing power of nature. Transitioning from doing to being, and living from this place of doing less, needing less and being more. How Indigenous wisdom offers valuable insights into cooperation and alliance building. Will Evan’s Radio Show on KDNKBook: Circulating Source WaterTrue Nature, Carbondale, COConnection Is The Medicine Send us Fan Mail

Mother, mentor, poet, artist, volunteer, bestselling author, and host of the Practice You Podcast, Elena Brower is a celebrated international yoga and meditation teacher on Glo, guiding transformative practices since 1999. Her debut book, Art of Attention: A Yoga Practice Workbook for Movement as Meditation, was published in 2012 and has since been translated into seven languages. Her bestselling journals Practice You and Being You, her collection of poetry Softening Time, along with her courses and talks, explore stages of studentship, practice, life, and listening. Her next book, Hold Nothing, will be published by Shambhala Publications in late 2025. Her column on Substack supports girls and women, through On The Inside, Girls on Fire Leaders, Women for Women, and Free Food Kitchen.She hosts the acclaimed podcast Practice You, a series of deep, compassionate conversations with teachers, artists, and thinkers, designed to support you through life’s transitions, encouraging presence, care, and openness. Offering two new virtual classes on Glo each week, Elena weaves body, breath, art, and contemplative mindfulness into practice. Bridging ancient yogic precision with creative depth, and emotional intelligence, she serves individuals in cultivating resilience and inner alignment.  In 2023, she received Jukai (lay Buddhist vows) from Roshi Joan Jiko Halifax at Upaya Zen Center, and is a student in Upaya’s Chaplaincy Training. As part of her service, she volunteers in hospice and penitentiary settings, bringing yoga, meditation, and compassionate presence, aligning with Upaya’s commitment to local service and community support. Enjoy the show!Send us Fan Mail

Ellen Bradley is a mother, master yoga teacher, author, and visionary guide devoted to reawakening the innate wisdom in women and girls. After spending eight years worldschooling her three daughters across 40+ countries, Ellen’s life became a living classroom—rooted in presence, connection, and the courage to untether from convention. She is the founder of The Ohana Project, a global movement empowering girls with holistic tools—yoga, breathwork, journaling, self-inquiry, ritual, and sisterhood—to navigate their emotions, honor their bodies, and grow into confident, compassionate young women. Ellen’s work gently invites women home to themselves. Through sacred circles, movement, and storytelling, she helps mothers reconnect with their essence beyond roles—returning to rhythms that feel authentic, nourishing, and free. Ellen is also the author of A Wildly Different Normal and the producer of the forthcoming documentary series Untethered, which explores motherhood, resilience, and the wisdom of women across cultures. Guided by the spiritual principle of moksha—liberation—Ellen walks a path of truth, soul-led learning, and love in action. She is passionate to share and co-create a vision for a new paradigm of education and living—one rooted in curiosity, compassion, community, and the call to serve something greater than ourselves. Beyond her 3 girls, the ocean is Ellen’s greatest teacher, daily reminding her to surrender and flow.Links: Ellen Bradley @journeyoftheglobe live-untethered.com/redesign-education yacumama (Ayahuasca Medicine Journeys with Ixchel) Chief Nixiwaka of the Yawanawa tribe from Brazil was mentioned in the podcast Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Eaden Shantay interviews Lindsay Branham, an environmental psychologist and eco-dula, who shares her profound journey of reconnecting with nature and the healing it has brought her. Lindsay discusses her eco-awakening, the importance of understanding the subject-object relationship with nature, and how historical disconnection has shaped our current relationship with the environment. She shares her personal healing journey through nature, the exploration of various healing modalities, and the impact of psychedelics on her life. The conversation also delves into the concept of erotic ecology and the collective responsibility we have towards environmental justice.TakeawaysLindsay Branham emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature as a healing practice.The concept of eco-awakening highlights the ongoing process of becoming aware of our relationship with the earth.Understanding the subject-object split can deepen our connection with nature.Historical disconnection from nature has roots in philosophical shifts dating back to the 15th century.Personal healing journeys can be profoundly influenced by nature and its elements.Psychedelics can serve as transformative allies in the healing process.Collective healing is intertwined with environmental justice and the health of our planet.Erotic ecology invites us to view our relationship with nature as one of intimacy and connection.Nature can provide a sense of safety and belonging that is crucial for healing.The journey of healing is not just personal but also collective, emphasizing our interconnectedness.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Lindsay Branham01:36 Eco-Awakening and Connection to Nature08:23 Understanding Aliveness and Sentience10:11 Historical Context of Disconnection from Nature12:52 Personal Healing Journey and Autoimmune Issues24:55 Nature as a Source of Healing and Agency34:17 The Interconnectedness of Healing and Nature36:05 Transformative Experiences: From Personal to Collective Healing37:53 The Role of Nature in Personal Healing40:38 Embodied Communication with Nature45:03 The Journey of Healing: A Year in Nature51:14 Psychedelics and Healing: A New Frontier59:27 Erotic Ecology: Deepening Our Connection with NatureSend us Fan Mail

What an absolute blessing to interview Akah Jackson, a deeply spiritual natural mystic. Akah has a background in traditional and non--traditional medicine and herbalism. He is a medical Qi Gong instructor, recovery coach, artist, Kundalini yoga teacher and musician. Akah is such an amazing storyteller. I have no doubt you will enjoy these beautiful stories of connection from his life experience. You can find out more about Akah on instagram @akahjackson and his music @aykanna. Or visit the website: aykanna.mykajabi.com TakeawaysConnection to source is vital for personal growth.Childhood experiences shape our understanding of nature.Nature provides a sense of peace and grounding.Education can be a struggle for those with learning differences.Cultural practices can enhance our connection to the earth.Plant medicine can be a tool for healing and connection.Experiences in nature can lead to profound insights.The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and transformative.Community and cultural connections are essential for healing.Awareness of our roots can lead to inner peace. Connection to nature is essential for inner peace.The journey to self-discovery often involves community.Indigenous practices can offer profound healing.Art and creativity can bridge cultural gaps.Spirituality is deeply connected to our ancestry.Rituals and ceremonies can enhance our spiritual journey.Listening to nature can guide our decisions.Hypnotherapy can unlock deeper self-awareness.The medicine wheel represents life's journey.Choosing love over fear is a powerful act.Akah, I am grateful to call you my friend and thank you for sharing these meaningful refections on connection. For more information about our work and ways you can support the vision of Connection Is The Medicine, please visit www.connectionisthemedicine.com and follow us on Instagram @connectionisthemedicine. Your presence, support, and sharing of these conversations help us keep the fire of collective healing alive. Thank you for listening.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, host Eaden Shantay sits down with wife Deva Shantay to discuss their transformative experience at an Ayurvedic Panchakarma retreat in Coimbatore, India. They explore the principles of Ayurveda, the significance of Panchakarma as a cleansing process, and share personal insights and challenges faced during their 28-day journey. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-care, holistic health, and the integration of Ayurvedic practices into daily life for improved well-being and longevity.Takeaways:Ayurveda is the science of life and common sense wisdom.Panchakarma is recommended annually to restore balance.The process involves individualized treatment based on one's dosha.Disconnecting from daily life is crucial for healing.Mindful eating and self-reflection are key components of wellness.Ayurveda covers all aspects of health, including surgery.The retreat provided a space for deep personal reflection.Preventative health is essential for longevity.Small changes in daily habits can lead to significant health improvements.All illness begins in the gut, emphasizing the importance of diet.Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to the Connection Is The Medicine Podcast!For the first podcast, I interviewed my wife and partner, Deva Shantay. We discussed the importance of connection and how it can enhance our wellbeing. We also spoke about our foundation—Connection Is The Medicine Foundation with two locations where we offer programming for inspiration, connection and self-discovery: True Nature in Carbondale, CO and Loma Sagrada in Nosara, Costa Rica.DEVA SHANTAYSeer and visionary endowed with the gift of intuitive sight, master yoga therapist (E-RYT 500, IYT 1000), Ayurvedic practitioner and chef, advanced medicinal aromatherapist, fine artist, dedicated mother and co-creator of True Nature Healing Arts Foundation in Carbondale, Colorado, USA and Loma Sagrada in Nosara, Costa Rica—two sacred spaces that support inspiration, connection and self-discovery. Deva supports clients in understanding their karmic obstacles so they can discover and live their life purpose. She is able to see deeply into her client’s subconscious, bringing awareness to that which is unresolved, suggesting ways to call forth greater alignment, harmony and purpose. Currently residing in Costa Rica, offering individual and group sessions (virtually and in-person), workshops, retreats and yoga teacher trainings globally.Find her on IG @devashantayEADEN SHANTAYEaden grew up in a family with a deep love for arts, live music, architecture, and nature. His father was an award-winning property developer, his mother a modern dancer. Eaden’s upbringing, as well as his path of healing, greatly influenced his life and desire to create sanctuaries (True Nature Healing Arts, Colorado, USA and Loma Sagrada, Nosara, Costa Rica) for restoration and personal growth. Eaden has been passionately seeking growth, community, and sacred space for over 30 years. He has a knack for bringing together talented people to support the evolution of his vision. He also loves sharing yoga philosophy, meditation, and conscious living classes and workshops.Find Eaden on IG @eadenshantayThank you for listening,EADEN SHANTAYCo-Founder | Co-President at:CONNECTION IS THE MEDICINEwww.connectionisthemedicine.com+Co-Founder of:TRUE NATURE + LOMA SAGRADAwww.truenaturehealingarts.comwww.lomasagrada.comSend us Fan Mail