The Smoke Trail

S 2 E 4 2   •   T H E   S M O K E   T R A I LPain Into PurposeA Conversation with Travis SuitOn a daughter’s diagnosis that became a fifteen-year awakening - and what a broken heart builds when you let it lead.Episode Intro (Recorded Voiceover)Episode 42 I’m super excited about. My guest is my good friend, Travis Suit. Travis’s daughter Piper was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in 2011. He was already building businesses, chasing his dream, and everything he’d built became kinda meaningless overnight. Most people would call what happened next a crisis. Travis calls it an initiation. This is the story of what a broken heart builds when you let it lead.About Travis SuitTravis Suit is a social impact entrepreneur, conscious leadership coach, and visionary founder of Piper’s Angels Foundation and The Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis. He is currently President of the Board of Piper’s Angels Foundation, a holistic coach, certified qigong teacher, Kriya Yoga teacher, Reiki practitioner, and psychedelic-assisted therapy guide. He co-hosts The Wisdom Matrix podcast, which launches the same day this episode airs.Episode SummarySmoke opens Season 2 with a homecoming. Travis Suit and Smoke met three years ago in a ceremony in North Carolina, where Travis held Smoke through one of the most intense clearings of his life - the night that became the turning point in Smoke’s decision to stop drinking after forty years. They haven’t sat down to talk about it until now.Piper was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 4 in 2011, one year after Travis’s sister LeeAnn received her own delayed diagnosis at 40. Travis names the years that followed in his own words: the dark night of the soul. Burnout, breakdown, then a copy of Buddha Walks Into a Bar at a bookstore - three days of 45-minute sits and what Travis believes was his first Samadhi. His first Ayahuasca journey came in 2015. A decade of plant medicine and purification followed, alongside qigong, Kriya Yoga, and Reiki.From that ground, the episode delivers some of the most transferable teaching in the Smoke Trail catalog. Forrest Knutson’s bridge between Kriya Yoga and neurology. The Hakala technique from the Kahunas of Hawaii - peripheral vision as a neurological driver into what Travis calls the place “where we Google God.” And a live, on-air qigong practice - Monkey Washes the Fruit - that listeners can do alongside in sixty seconds. Piper is now thriving.Show Notes2011 - Piper diagnosed at age 4, one year after Travis’s sister LeeAnn was diagnosed at 40. Travis and sister Nikki later diagnosed with a rare mild form.The bookstore Samadhi - Buddha Walks Into a Bar, three days of 45-minute sits, and the second meditation that became Travis’s first Samadhi.First Ayahuasca, 2015 - and the decade of plant medicine that followed (Ayahuasca, Wachuma, MDMA, psilocybin, Bufo, Kambo) alongside the systematic dropping of alcohol, weed, and caffeine.The North Carolina ceremony - where Travis and Smoke met, told live for the first time.Forrest Knutson and the right hippocampus - where Kriya Yoga meets contemporary neurology, and what NYC taxi drivers can teach you about expanded consciousness.The Hakala technique from the Kahunas of Hawaii - peripheral vision as the neurological driver Travis calls “where we Google God.”Monkey Washes the Fruit - a live, on-air qigong practice listeners can do in 60 seconds.Hawkins and entrainment - why both Travis and Smoke calibrate against the Map of Consciousness, and why Travis named his son Hawkins.Ceremonial Reiki - Travis’s service work in plant medicine ceremonies, having guided dozens into their first non-dual experience.Piper’s story now - a life-changing drug at 12, one hospitalization in six years since, lung function regained, a normal high school life.Take-Home LessonsPain is not the obstacle to a meaningful life. It is, frequently, the precondition for one. The breakdown is often the doorway onto the trail.Travis didn’t wait to be healed before he started serving. He was “rebuilding my dreams with a broken heart” while building the foundation. Service and healing happened in parallel - and likely because they happened in parallel.Crisis precedes transformation. Barbara Marx Hubbard’s line - and the structural pattern of Travis’s life. Each crisis a doorway.The peripheral vision technique is real, neurologically grounded, and free. Try it the next time you walk into a difficult room. This is not a metaphor - it is a hardware feature of how the brain accesses receptive states.Higher coherence energies always entrain the lower. You do not have to fix a turbulent room. Sitting in deep stillness and peace is itself enough to transmute the denser energies in a space.Pull Quotes - From the Conversation“We very rarely slow down and just look into each other’s eyes and appreciate what’s looking through.”  - Travis“The deep right brain will hold presence. The deep right brain is where we Google God.”  - Travis“It’s just energy. Just let it process.”  - Travis (in the NC ceremony, recalled by Smoke)“My intention is always just to be a mirror of unconditional love.”  - Travis“What I used to think was paranormal has now become my normal.”  - Travis“The real qigong is the qigong we do all day long.”  - Travis“What a broken heart builds when you let it lead.”  - Smoke (cold open)Pull Quotes - Travis’s Favorite TeachersFrom his official packet. Use for graphics paired with the episode.“Crisis precedes transformation.”  - Barbara Marx Hubbard“Remembering to remember is success.”  - Sri Nisargadatta“It takes very special eyes to see God in everything.”  - Neem Karoli Baba“I of my own self can do nothing, it is the Father within that doeth the works.”  - Christ Jesus“The energy system is wearing the body.”  - Lee HoldenConnect With TravisPiper’s Angels Foundation: pipersangels.orgThe Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis: crossingforcysticfibrosis.comThe Wisdom Matrix Podcast: wherever you get podcastsInstagram: @travis_suitLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/travis-suit-049aaa55Facebook: facebook.com/travis.suitConnect With Smoke & The Smoke TrailSubstack: smokewallin.substack.comYouTube: youtube.com/@SmokeWallinOfficialAll platforms: thesmoketrail.transistor.fmLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/smokewallinInstagram: @smoketrailpodcast | @smokewallinX: @TheSmokeTrail1 | @SmokeWallinTikTok: @smokewallinWebsite: smokewallin.com/the-smoke-trail-podcastHashtags#TheSmokeTrail  #ConsciousLeadership  #SpiritualAwakening  #PainIntoPurpose  #PipersAngels  #CysticFibrosis  #PlantMedicine&...

THE SMOKE TRAILSeason 2, Episode 41Welcome to Season Two: From Discovery to the MapEpisode SummaryAfter three months off to finish the manuscript of A Smoke Trail to the Fire Within, Smoke returns with the season two opener. This episode is the threshold. Season one was discovery. Season two is the map.Smoke opens with a morning prayer he carries from a coach in one of his groups, then reads a passage from Sri Aurobindo's The Life Divine, Volume Two. The frame is set. We are spiritual beings with amnesia. The work is to remember, and then to bring the divine into the body, the day, the deal, the room. Not the cave. The world.THE MORNING PRAYERLet me awaken every morning and be thankful for what God has brought me.Let me awaken every morning knowing things are as they are meant to be.Let me awaken every morning knowing life is a journey and I am just a part.Let me awaken every morning knowing the day will bring challenges, opportunities, and learning experiences.Let me awaken every morning with self-love and self-acceptance, so I may be more tolerant of myself and others.Let me awaken every morning with an open heart, so love may rush in and out like the tide of the mighty ocean.~From there he lays out the architecture of the season. He recaps the forty episodes of season one across five buckets, names the three listeners this season is built for, and walks through the Johari Window as the working lens for everything that follows. He closes with the arc that mirrors the manuscript: awakening, wisdom, the work, and living awake.If you arrived in season one, this is your re-entry. If this is your first episode, this is the doorway. In This Episode•      The morning prayer Smoke uses to set trajectory before the day touches him.•      Sri Aurobindo on the divine life and why awakening is not retreat but embodiment.•      Spiritual beings with amnesia. Why the human task is remembering, and why remembering must come back into form.•      The Johari Window as a consciousness lens. Open, hidden, blind, and unknown unknown. The fourth quadrant is where shadow work lives.•      Season one in five buckets. Consciousness frameworks, awakening stories, purpose and second mountain, spiritual discernment, and practical tools.•      The three listeners season two is built for. The analytical skeptic. The experienced seeker who bypassed the shadow. The leader ready to live.•      Emotional energy hairballs. Why unresolved trauma blocks higher states, and why clearing them returns your power.•      Pinocchio as parable. The plant medicine vision that reframed a children's story as a teaching on becoming real.•      The season two arc mirrors the book. Awakening, wisdom east and west, the work, and living awake. The Lens: Johari WindowSmoke uses the Johari Window throughout the manuscript and will use it across the season. Four quadrants:•      Open. Known to self, known to others.•      Hidden. Known to self, hidden from others. Sharing here builds bonding and trust.•      Blind. Hidden from self, seen by others. Surfaces through reflection, feedback, safe containers.•      Unknown unknown. Hidden from self, hidden from others. Where deep shadow lives. Early trauma, the things we fear most to look at, and the very things that hold the most power once seen.Every episode this season moves something from blind or unknown into open. That is the practice. Season One Recap: Forty Episodes, Five BucketsConsciousness Frameworks and Healing ScienceSolo episodes plus conversations with Dr. Michael Brabant, Dani Brooks, Ivan Rados, Susan Hassen (Quantum Sphere Healing), Dr. Jere, and Liv Fisch.Awakening Stories with Business LeadersSarah Fruehling, Jack Maxwell, Justin Breen, Zineb El Ouazzani, Rob Follows, Rob Hersov, Andrew Lobo, Seth Streeter, Jeremiah Boucher, and Jeff Brothers.Purpose, Service, and the Second MountainShireen Hafeez, Elizabeth Funk (DignityMoves), Robert Vera, John D'Attoma (SACRID), and Kamal Ravikant.Spiritual Discernment and NavigationLuke Wallin, Steve Hershberger, Chris Clements, Mark Walker, Sarah Elkhaldy, plus Smoke's solo episodes on the denial of evil and the false light, and a conversation with Jonette Crowley on the eagle and the condor.Practical Tools and Solo TeachingAudience Q and A sessions, a conversation with Dave Garrison, and solo episodes on trajectory, empathy versus compassion, and health. Who Season Two Is ForThe Analytical SkepticMechanism first. Predictive processing, Hawkins, three thousand years of wisdom tradition. The science comes first because the mind needs permission to relax before it can let the body know what the body already knows.The Experienced SeekerYou have done the reading. You have the framework. You still feel stuck. The likely cause is bypassing. The likely fix is shadow work. Season two names the gap and shows the way through.The Leader Ready to LiveDone performing. Ready for real. The fan in the back of the head. The anxiety that will not name itself. Season two is the map for the leader who has the success and now wants the substance. The Season Two ArcThe arc mirrors the manuscript. Roughly twenty-two solo episodes carry the structure. A similar number of guest conversations bring the lived terrain.AwakeningWhat is it. The scientific lens. Psychology and quantum physics as bridges, not endpoints.Wisdom, East and WestChristian mystics: Meister Eckhart, John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, The Cloud of Unknowing. The Buddha. The Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. The New Thought movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. What they all said in common, beneath the language and the centuries.The WorkShadow work. Clearing the subconscious. Alchemizing what trauma left stuck. The emotional energy hairballs that block higher states until they are met, named, and transformed.Living AwakePurpose. Discernment. Sacred geometry. The fire within that is revealed once the purification is done. Quotable Moments"We are all spiritual beings with amnesia. The process of spiritual awakening is remembering.""Season one ...

Episode 40: Epic Journey - Activating Abundance with Justin BreenGuest BioJustin Breen is a visionary entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of BrEpic Communications, a PR firm connecting global leaders. His books include Epic Business and Epic Journey, the latter a tribute to warrior spirits like his WWII hero dad, exploring higher consciousness, deconstruction, and no-excuses purpose. A former journalist, Justin activates abundance through mindset shifts, serving humanity while prioritizing loved ones. He mentors visionaries, emphasizing Gene Keys and pattern recognition for personal evolution.SettingRecorded in the majestic red rock vistas of Sedona, Arizona, symbolizing profound paths and awakening. The serene environment enhances the dialogue on visionary journeys and global consciousness, fostering an epic, introspective conversation.SummaryIn this return episode, Smoke welcomes back Justin Breen to discuss his new book Epic Journey, blending WWII heroism, deconstruction, and activating abundance. They explore Gene Keys assessments revealing Justin and Smoke as visionary aliens on unique paths, overcoming setbacks to change global consciousness. Justin shares shifting from epic anxiety to abundance, prioritizing family, and connecting high-level leaders through pattern recognition apps like The Pattern. The conversation emphasizes no-excuses purpose, deconstruction for growth, and serving humanity while putting loved ones first in chaotic times.LearningsGene Keys Insights: Assessments reveal unique paths—visionaries face setbacks but lead global shifts; use for self-understanding and relationships.Deconstruction to Abundance: Break down old patterns to rebuild—shift from anxiety to purpose through mindset and action.Pattern Recognition Tools: Apps like The Pattern match energies for partnerships; blend AI with intuition for compatible connections.No-Excuses Purpose: Live with warrior spirit—serve humanity but family first; abundance flows from aligned actions.Mentorship Evolution: Guidance from mentors like Smoke accelerates growth; pay it forward by connecting visionaries.Universal TruthsVisionaries forge alone: Unique paths involve setbacks but elevate consciousness—embrace as destiny.Deconstruction rebuilds: Anxiety transforms to abundance through breaking down and purposeful reconstruction.Patterns guide connections: Energy matches (e.g., via apps) foster strong relationships and collaborations.Family anchors purpose: Serve the world but prioritize loved ones—no-excuses living creates true fulfillment.Abundance is activation: Mindset shifts and actions unlock prosperity—serve humanity from a place of love.ExamplesGene Keys Revelation: Justin's assessment: no one to follow, visionary alien changing consciousness; Smoke's AI synthesis confirmed similar path.Epic Journey Book: Tribute to dad's WWII heroism; explores deconstruction, abundance, and serving while family-first.The Pattern App: Justin's dating match via energy patterns; blends assessments for friendships or romance.Anxiety to Abundance: Justin overcame epic anxiety post-journalism; now activates purpose through PR and mentoring.Family Priority: Justin's wife and kids as core; balances global impact with home life in chaotic world.Smoke Trail ThreadsBuilds on Episode 6 (Justin's first) by updating his journey to Epic Journey and abundance activation.Echoes Episode 29 on health/consciousness, linking deconstruction to mindset shifts for wholeness.Connects to Episode 30 (Seth Streeter) on purpose, emphasizing no-excuses living beyond metrics.Ties to The Smoke Trail’s Guide to Raising Consciousness for Leaders sections on mindset and resilience, offering Gene Keys as tools. • • References solo questions from Episodes 1-15 on purpose and forgiveness, as pathways to visionary paths.

Episode 39: Loving Yourself Changes Everything with Tech VC and Entrepreneur Kamal RavikantGuest BioKamal Ravikant is a tech entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and bestselling author of Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It. He has meditated with Tibetan monks in the Dalai Lama's monastery, served in the US Army infantry, walked 550 miles across Spain on the Camino de Santiago, and invested in/mentored influential Silicon Valley startups. His book shares a radical self-growth practice born from personal rock bottom, offering a dynamic, vulnerable guide to overcoming sadness and embracing self-love as a life-changing force.SettingRecorded in the breathtaking red rock landscape of Sedona, Arizona, with views symbolizing inner transformation and renewal. The serene backdrop enhances the discussion on self-love and awakening, fostering a reflective, heart-centered dialogue.SummaryIn this inspiring episode, Smoke interviews Kamal Ravikant, met at Genius Network, about his bestselling book Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It and its profound message. Kamal shares his rock bottom after a startup failure—depression, isolation, and a turning point vow to love himself. They explore the simple practice (mantra, mirror work, meditation), its roots in his diverse experiences (army, Camino, monks), and how self-love transformed his life, relationships, and success. The conversation emphasizes consistency, integration into daily routines, and self-love as the foundation for everything—elevating consciousness, leadership, and joy amid challenges.LearningsSelf-Love Vow: Commit to "I love myself" as a daily mantra—repeat it mentally to rewire the brain, turning it from words to embodied truth.Mirror Practice: Look in the mirror, say "I love myself," and hold eye contact—builds self-acceptance, especially during low moments.Meditation Integration: Use the mantra in meditation or with music (e.g., 7-minute loops) to deepen internal shifts, making self-love a habit.Consistency Over Perfection: Practice daily, even briefly—cumulative effort leads to profound changes, like improved decisions and relationships.Apply to Leadership: Self-love enhances empathy and resilience in business—frees leaders from ego, enabling better support for teams and ventures.Universal TruthsSelf-love changes everything: It's the foundation for health, success, and relationships—without it, external achievements feel empty.Simple practices yield profound results: A mantra or vow, done consistently, rewires the mind and attracts aligned opportunities.Rock bottoms are catalysts: Failure and despair prompt vows that transform life—embrace them as paths to awakening.Love is an inside job: True fulfillment comes from self-acceptance, not external validation—integrates all experiences into growth.Embodiment over intellect: Feel self-love in the body through repetition—unlocks joy, presence, and magnetic living.ExamplesStartup Rock Bottom: After a failed venture with investor losses, Kamal hit depression—his "I love myself" vow sparked recovery and the book.Mantra Loop Creation: Kamal made a 7-minute audio repeating "I love myself" with music—listened constantly to internalize the message.Camino Walk Insight: Walking 550 miles across Spain reinforced self-love—solitude and blisters taught presence and self-compassion.Mirror Work Evolution: Starting awkwardly, Kamal built to loving his reflection—now a daily practice for grounding and decisions.Book Impact: Written vulnerably during turnaround, it became a bestseller—readers report life changes, echoing Kamal's transformation.Smoke Trail ThreadsEchoes Episode 29 on health as consciousness, linking self-love to inner healing and embodiment for wholeness.Builds on Episode 30 (Seth Streeter) by shifting from external success to heart-centered purpose through simple practices.Connects to Episode 32 (Alissa Allen) on unitive intelligence, emphasizing self-love as a bridge for mind-body-spirit integration.Ties to The Smoke Trail’s Guide to Raising Consciousness for Leaders sections on mindset shifts and emotional processing, offering mantra as a tool.References solo questions from Episodes 1-15 on forgiveness and resilience, as pathways to self-love and transformation.

Episode 38: Going Deep - Consciousness, Presence, and San Pedro with Jeff BrothersGuest BioJeff Brothers has spent his life at the intersection of ecology, leadership, and spiritual awakening. After building one of California’s largest cut-flower enterprises and later developing utility-scale solar projects across the West, Jeff realized that true regeneration begins not on the land, but in the heart.A deeply transformative encounter with San Pedro cactus shifted his life’s trajectory, calling him toward service, ceremony, and conscious leadership. Today he is the founder of Shine Ministries and steward of Circles of San Pedro, two intertwined efforts dedicated to reconnecting humanity with nature through sacred practice, community gardens, and regenerative agriculture.Jeff oversees the planting of hundreds of thousands of San Pedro cacti across California, Baja, and the Southwest, while training leaders, facilitators, and land stewards in heart-centered living. His work honors spiritual integrity, ecological balance, and the sacred lineage of this master plant teacher.Jeff is a longtime YPO member and speaks globally about awakening, leadership, and integrating higher purpose into one’s life and work.AREAS OF EXPERTISEConscious leadershipPsychedelic & spiritual awakeningRegenerative agriculture & land stewardshipBuilding purpose-driven organizationsSan Pedro lineage, ceremony, and integrationTrauma healing & heart-centered masculinityScaling impact in spiritual communitiesNavigating dharma, identity shifts, and reinventionSIGNATURE TOPICS FOR THIS PODCASTAwakening From Achievement: Why traditional success stops workingThe San Pedro Path: A plant teacher that opens the heart and reconnects us to natureRegenerative Leadership: Bringing sacred values into business, family, and communityBuilding Shine Ministries: A new model for spiritual service and ecological impactCeremony in Modern Life: How to integrate awakening without blowing up your lifeThe Future of Community Gardens & Sacred AgricultureHow CEOs Transform: A roadmap for leaders ready to live with purposeWHY JEFF IS RELEVANT NOWThe world is in a crisis of meaningLeaders are burning outPsychedelic awakening is outpacing integrationRegenerative agriculture is emerging as a global necessityPeople are hungry for grounded, heart-centered guidance rooted in lived experienceJeff speaks directly to these awakenings with depth, humility, humor, and lived wisdom.SettingRecorded in the majestic red rock vistas of Sedona, Arizona, after an intimate ridge hike that bonded host and guest with nature. The serene, magical environment—frequented by Jeff's parents for 25 years—mirrors the episode's themes of reconnection, awakening, and heart-centered presence.SummaryIn this profound episode, Smoke interviews longtime YPO friend Jeff Brothers on his journey from achievement-driven business to heart-centered spiritual service. Jeff shares starting meditation at 14 amid family alcoholism and divorce, building a cut-flower empire and solar projects, and a transformative San Pedro cactus encounter that shifted him toward regeneration. They explore conscious leadership, integrating awakening without disruption, San Pedro's sacred lineage as a heart-opening teacher, and building Shine Ministries/Circles of San Pedro for cacti planting, ceremonies, and community gardens. The conversation emphasizes dharma, trauma healing, masculine presence, and navigating midlife identity shifts for purpose-driven living in chaotic times.LearningsHeart-Centered Regeneration: True ecological and personal healing starts internally—shift from land-focused work to awakening the heart for lasting impact.San Pedro as Teacher: This plant medicine opens the heart, reconnects with nature, and integrates awakening gently, honoring lineages through ethical stewardship.Conscious Leadership Integration: Blend spirituality with business/family; navigate dharma shifts without "blowing up" life, using presence for balanced decisions.Trauma to Purpose: Turn family challenges (e.g., alcoholism) into service—early meditation builds resilience, leading to mentoring and community building.Scale Sacred Impact: Plant sacred cacti ethically, train facilitators, and create gardens to foster spiritual integrity, ecological balance, and collective awakening.Universal TruthsRegeneration begins within: External success (business/land) fades without heart awakening—true change honors inner ecology for outer harmony.Plant medicines guide gently: San Pedro teaches presence and reconnection, opening hearts without extremes, when approached with integrity.Dharma evolves midlife: Traditional achievement stops working—embrace identity shifts through ceremony and service for purposeful reinvention.Masculinity heals through presence: Heart-centered men integrate trauma, leading with empathy to foster safe, regenerative communities.Nature reconnects humanity: Sacred practices and gardens restore balance—honor lineages to scale spiritual awakening ethically in crisis times.ExamplesEarly Meditation Start: At 14, amid mom's alcoholism and parents' divorce, Jeff began meditating—rejecting cannabis for inner clarity, building lifelong resilience.San Pedro Awakening: A profound encounter shifted Jeff from solar projects to planting 100,000+ cacti, founding Shine Ministries for ceremonies and stewardship.YPO Global Summit Bond: Smoke and Jeff connected at an intimate event, leading to this Sedona recording after a bonding hike.Business to Service Transition: From California's largest cut-flower enterprise to regenerative agriculture, Jeff integrates sacred values into leadership and community gardens.Dharma Navigation: Jeff mentors CEOs on awakening without disruption, using San Pedro's gentle heart-opening for balanced, purpose-driven lives.Smoke Trail ThreadsEchoes Episode 34 (Jonette Crowley) on mystical journeys, linking San Pedro's plant medicine to higher dimensions and soul embodiment.Builds on Episode 30 (Seth Streeter) by exploring midlife purpose shifts, integrating heart-centered leadership beyond metrics.Connects to Episode 32 (Alissa Allen) on science-spirit unity, emphasizing San Pedro's ecological/spiritual balance for unitive intelligence.References solo questions from Episodes 1-15 on presence and dharma, as pathways to regenerative living.

The Smoke Trail S1 Episode 37: John D'Attoma Helping Kids and Family Victims of Child Sexual Abusehttps://kidsaresacred.org/donate/ Guest BioJohn D’Attoma is a nonprofit founder and executive leader with decades of experience in entrepreneurship, executive management, and business development. Throughout his career, he has built and led organizations with an emphasis on strategic growth, operational efficiency, and strong leadership—experience he now brings directly into his nonprofit work. He is the co- founder of Sexually Abused Children’s Relief Endeavor (SACRED), the only nonprofit in the country providing immediate financial assistance to families after a child discloses sexual abuse. SACRED was born from personal experience, after John’s granddaughters were sexually abused by their father and his family faced an unexpected financial crisis. Working exclusively with accredited Child Advocacy Centers, SACRED provides 30 days of essential living expenses, with approvals made within hours and funds distributed within 24 hours. Since its founding, SACRED has helped more than 1600 children and 589 families, ensuring families can focus on healing without the added burden of financial instability.SettingRecorded in the transformative red rock landscape of Sedona, Arizona, evoking renewal and strength amid heavy topics. The serene environment contrasts with the episode's focus on trauma and healing, creating a supportive space for open dialogue on child advocacy.SummaryIn this heartfelt episode, Smoke interviews friend and SACRED co-founder John D’Attoma about the nonprofit's mission to provide immediate financial relief to families after child sexual abuse disclosure. John shares the origin story—sparked by his granddaughters' abuse by their father, leading to family crisis—and how SACRED fills a critical gap by covering 30 days of essentials within 24 hours via Child Advocacy Centers. They discuss the devastating impacts of abuse, the need for quick support, SACRED's growth (helping 1600+ children), and future expansion. Smoke reflects on his involvement, emphasizing empathy, awareness, and collective action to protect children and aid healing in turbulent times.Learnings Healing After Abuse - John D’Attoma on SACRED's MissionImmediate Relief Model: Provide fast financial aid (within 24 hours) for essentials like rent and food, allowing families to prioritize healing over survival during crisis.Partner with Experts: Work exclusively with accredited Child Advocacy Centers for verification and distribution, ensuring aid reaches verified victims efficiently.Focus on Family Stability: Cover 30 days of living expenses to prevent added trauma from financial ruin, enabling focus on therapy and recovery.Raise Awareness Proactively: Educate communities on child abuse signs and resources; early intervention can prevent cycles of harm.Scale Through Empathy: Build nonprofits from personal experience—turn pain into purpose by mentoring and expanding to serve more families nationwide.Universal TruthsTrauma demands swift support: Immediate aid transforms crisis into healing, preventing financial burdens from compounding emotional pain.Empathy drives change: Personal experiences fuel impactful action; turning suffering into service creates lasting good for others.Children need protection: Abuse thrives in silence—awareness and resources break cycles, fostering safer communities.Healing is holistic: Address financial, emotional, and legal needs together; stability enables true recovery and resilience.Collective responsibility elevates: Society's role in child welfare is sacred—empathy and action from all create a world where victims thrive.ExamplesGranddaughters' Disclosure: John's older granddaughter revealed abuse in a cab, leading to family crisis and SACRED's founding after financial hardships.Rapid Aid Process: SACRED approves funds in hours via CACs, distributing within 24 hours—e.g., covering rent to prevent eviction during investigations.Impact Stats: Helped 589 families and 1600+ children, focusing on essentials to allow therapy without added stress.Personal Motivation: John's liquor industry background shifted to nonprofit work, inspired by his family's ordeal to prevent similar suffering.Expansion Vision: From one state to nationwide, partnering with CACs and donors to scale aid and awareness.Smoke Trail ThreadsEchoes Episode 29 on health and consciousness, linking trauma healing to financial stability for wholeness.Builds on Episode 31 (Tony Denison) by addressing recovery from abuse, emphasizing empathy and action in healing journeys.Connects to Episode 30 (Seth Streeter) on purpose-driven lives, showing how personal pain fuels nonprofit leadership.Ties to The Smoke Trail’s Guide to Raising Consciousness for Leaders sections on resilience and emotional processing, offering SACRED as a model for service.References solo questions from Episodes 1-15 on forgiveness and purpose, as pathways to turning trauma into impact.

The Smoke Trail S1 Episode 36: Finding Your Edge the Right Way with Jeremiah BoucherGuest BioJeremiah Boucher is the Founder & CEO of Patriot Holdings, a real estate private equity firm specializing in cycle-resilient commercial real estate. He began his career by cold calling property owners and negotiating deals directly—an operator-first foundation that has scaled into a vertically integrated platform controlling acquisitions through dispositions in-house. Jeremiah personally sourced more than 100 mobile home park acquisitions between 2010–2018, earning recognition as one of the nation’s most active buyers. He also led the expansion of All Purpose Storage into a Top-40 national self-storage operator. His hallmark is off-market origination, acquiring assets at 10–50% below replacement cost, then driving value through operational excellence. He is the author of Finding Your Edge and a sought-after keynote speaker. A two-time marathon finisher and lifelong martial artist, Jeremiah brings the same endurance, focus, and discipline to business as to his personal pursuits. His guiding philosophy: protect the downside, align deeply with investors, and deliver durable long-term returns. Play long-term games with long-term people, and do business with those people again and again.SettingRecorded in the inspiring red rock landscape of Sedona, Arizona, with majestic views symbolizing resilience and growth. The serene backdrop aligns with themes of internal journeys and overcoming challenges, fostering an authentic dialogue on entrepreneurship and purpose.SummaryIn this motivating episode, Smoke interviews Jeremiah Boucher, met at Genius Network, about his passionate "why" talk and journey from Vegas origins to real estate success. Jeremiah shares his "quarters" life analogy—dividing experiences into segments like early struggles, building wealth, awakening, and giving back—emphasizing internal growth over external metrics. They discuss mindset shifts, spirituality in business, pain as privilege, leading teams with empathy, and mentoring others. Jeremiah recounts deals, failures, and how consciousness elevates leadership, urging listeners to find their "edge" through purpose and service in chaotic times.LearningsQuarters Analogy for Life: Divide your journey into phases (e.g., survival, success, awakening, legacy)—reflect on each to gain wisdom and guide future actions.Internal Over External: Entrepreneurship's true gift is who you become; prioritize mindset, spirituality, and relationships over deals for sustainable fulfillment.Pain as Privilege: Embrace hardships as growth opportunities; use them to build resilience and empathy, turning personal struggles into leadership strengths.Lead with Empathy: In business, treat teams like family—provide support, share purpose, and give back to foster loyalty and collective success.Mentor and Give Back: After achieving wealth, focus on legacy through teaching; share stories and tools to help others avoid pitfalls and find their edge.Universal TruthsWho we become matters most: External success fades; internal evolution through mindset and purpose creates lasting impact and joy.Pain fuels growth: Challenges are privileges that build character—embrace them to transcend limitations and lead authentically.Business is spiritual: Integrate consciousness with commerce; empathy and purpose elevate teams, deals, and personal fulfillment.Legacy through service: True wealth is giving back—mentor others to multiply impact, turning individual journeys into collective elevation.Edge from alignment: Find your "why" to navigate chaos; purpose-driven actions create magnetic success beyond grinding.ExamplesGenius Network Talk: Jeremiah's vulnerable "Pain is a Privilege" speech resonated deeply, highlighting internal journeys amid speakers like Dr. Phil.Quarters Journey: From survival (Vegas struggles) to success ($350M portfolio), awakening (mindset shifts), and legacy (book/mentoring).Real Estate Deal Insight: Early self-storage investments taught scaling; mindset focus turned failures into multimillion-dollar wins.Team Leadership Shift: Treating employees like family—offering support during hardships—built loyalty and high-performing teams.Book Creation: Finding Your Edge evolved from personal reflections to a guide, helping readers segment life and prioritize internal growth.Smoke Trail ThreadsEchoes Episode 30 (Seth Streeter) on purpose beyond metrics, showing how internal journeys redefine success in business.Builds on Episode 25 (Andrew Lobo) by questioning orthodoxy, emphasizing empathy and spirituality in real estate leadership.Connects to Episode 29 on health/consciousness, linking mindset shifts to overcoming pain for holistic growth.Ties to The Smoke Trail’s Guide to Raising Consciousness for Leaders sections on mindset shifts and resilience, offering quarters analogy as a tool. • • References solo questions from Episodes 1-15 on purpose and forgiveness, as pathways to finding one's edge.

Episode 35: False Light - Truth vs. Falsehood: Discernment on the Spiritual PathGuest BioThis is a solo episode hosted by Smoke Wallin, the creator of The Smoke Trail. As a former CEO and entrepreneur turned spiritual guide, Smoke draws from his personal awakening journey, blending leadership insights with consciousness practices to help others navigate transformation. Inspired by Sedona's energy and real-life challenges, he shares raw, practical wisdom on integrating mind, body, and spirit for holistic well-being, often referencing tools like David Hawkins' Map of Consciousness for calibration and discernment.SettingFilmed in a serene Sedona setting with red rock views evoking clarity and introspection. The peaceful backdrop aligns with the episode's focus on sorting spiritual truth from noise, providing a grounded space for reflective Q&A on discernment amid information overload.SummaryIn this solo Q&A episode, Smoke addresses navigating the spiritual landscape in an era of unlimited information, where truth mixes with noise, marketing, and "false light." He emphasizes using David Hawkins' calibration scale (above 200 for integrity) via muscle testing or pendulums to discern teachings and teachers. Smoke warns of false paths—teachings blending partial truths with untruths or once-high-calibrating leaders who fall due to ego or external forces. He shares personal experiences, urges testing everything (e.g., books, gurus), and highlights how discernment saves time, avoids costly detours, and protects against energetic distortions. The episode stresses integrity, sovereignty, and proactive truth-seeking to elevate consciousness without deception.LearningsCalibration for Discernment: Use Hawkins' scale (200+ = integrity) with muscle testing or pendulums to quickly evaluate teachings, teachers, or materials—avoid anything below 200 to prevent wasted time and harm.Test Everything: Always verify spiritual content for truthfulness; mix of truths with untruths (false light) is common—calibrate specific claims or overall integrity to stay on path.Recognize False Light: Partial truths packaged with sizzle or marketing can mislead; fallen teachers (once high-calibrating) often succumb to ego or forces, leading followers astray—recalibrate periodically.Sovereignty in Seeking: Rely on personal tools for discernment rather than blind faith; information overload demands proactive testing to filter noise and align with true awakening.Protect Against Forces: As consciousness rises, energetic distortions test seekers—discernment preserves sovereignty, preventing absorption of low-integrity energies that cause problems.Universal TruthsTruth calibrates high: Integrity (200+) aligns with power; low calibrations indicate force or deception—test to ensure teachings elevate rather than distort.False light deceives subtly: Mixes of truth and untruth lure seekers; discernment reveals hidden agendas, protecting the path from costly detours.Sovereignty is key: Personal calibration tools empower independence; blind following risks sovereignty—question everything to maintain authentic growth.Forces oppose awakening: Rising consciousness attracts tests from distortions; integrity shields against them, turning challenges into elevation opportunities.Time is precious: Wasted on false paths hinders lifetimes; proactive discernment accelerates true awakening, fostering joy and alignment.ExamplesHawkins' Scale Application: Smoke uses pendulums or muscle testing to calibrate teachings above 200 for integrity—e.g., testing a book or guru to avoid low-calibrating noise.False Light Teachers: People follow once-high leaders who fall (e.g., due to ego), absorbing distorted energies—recalibrating reveals the shift, preventing harm.Information Overload Test: With AI like Grok, access ancient wisdom easily, but test for truth—e.g., a packaged teaching mixing truths with marketing calibrates low.Personal Detour Avoidance: Smoke shares avoiding wrong paths by testing; costly false journeys waste time, but discernment saves effort and aligns with sovereignty.Energetic Forces Warning: As seekers rise, sophisticated distortions test them—calibrating protects, ensuring growth without deception from "false light."Smoke Trail ThreadsBuilds on Episode 29 (Health & Consciousness) by applying calibration to spiritual health, linking discernment to clearing distortions for wholeness.Echoes Episode 33 (Liv Fisch) on principles for success, emphasizing testing for integrity to align with true "human medicine" and avoid false paths.Connects to Episode 34 (Jonette Crowley) on mystical journeys, using calibration to discern genuine channels/guides from deceptive energies.Ties to Episode 32 (Alissa Allen) on unitive intelligence, expanding discernment tools to unite science-spirit without false light interference.

Episode 34: The Eagle and the Condor - Jonette Crowley's Mystical JourneysGuest BioJonette Crowley is a globally known channel, mystic, teacher, and bestselling author, acknowledged as a world elder and known as "Grandmother." She founded the Center for Creative Consciousness in the early 1990s to support humanity's spiritual awakening. As a shaman in the ancient lineage of the Sun and a modern-day mystic, she explores inner planes and maps higher dimensions of consciousness. Her books, The Eagle and the Condor: A True Story of an Unexpected Mystical Journey and Soul Body Fusion: The Missing Piece for Healing and Beyond, are published in 12 languages. Jonette leads retreats and spiritual adventure tours around the world, having visited over 75 countries.SettingRecorded in a spectacular Sedona studio overlooking red rock vistas, symbolizing the grounded yet expansive nature of mystical exploration. The breathtaking environment mirrors the episode's themes of path-making and higher consciousness, creating a serene space for profound dialogue.SummaryIn this captivating episode, Smoke interviews Jonette Crowley about her transformation from a leadership consultant to a renowned mystic and channel. Jonette shares her first mystical encounter while backpacking in Australia, where her higher self urged her to "leave your pack here" and "make your path by walking," sparking her psychic abilities. She discusses channeling White Eagle (an American Indian guide) and Mark (a non-human entity), integrating spirituality into corporate work, and leading global retreats to activate ancient sites. They explore rising global consciousness, shifting timelines beyond karma, embodiment through Soul Body Fusion, and the power of thoughts in leadership. The conversation includes a live Soul Body Fusion meditation, emphasizing "being" over "doing" for true manifestation and joy in turbulent times.LearningsPath-Making Principle: There is no predefined path ahead—create yours by walking, trusting the journey over rigid plans for personal and leadership growth.Integrate Spirit in Work: Blend spirituality with professional life; thoughts influence outcomes, as demonstrated by muscle testing to reveal subconscious truths and foster positive team dynamics.Channeling as Guidance: Spirit guides like White Eagle and Mark provide non-religious access to higher dimensions, accelerating awakening without requiring belief systems.Soul Body Fusion Practice: Embody your higher self through intention and meditation to align frequencies, enabling manifestation, healing, and freedom from old patterns.Group Consciousness Shift: As humanity's field rises, individual karma lessens—focus on collective elevation through presence, quieting the mind, and supportive environments.Universal TruthsThoughts shape reality: Positive intentions uplift others energetically, while negativity weakens—leaders must embody authenticity to inspire trust and results.Consciousness is evolving: Global awakening accelerates as timelines split, moving beyond karma toward oneness that includes diversity, speeding collective healing.Embodiment over attainment: True spirituality is realization through presence, not striving—drop false attachments to reveal innate joy and "superpowers" like intuition.Fields influence individuals: Surround yourself with high-vibrating groups to raise your energy; guardian angels and guides support without constant communication.Being precedes doing: Manifestation flows from embodied spirit—quiet the mind, align heart and higher self, and actions become effortless and magnetic.ExamplesAustralia Vision Shift: While backpacking, Jonette's reality split to reveal a silver-haired woman (White Buffalo Calf Woman aspect), advising her to drop her pack and forge her path, awakening her psychic gifts.Corporate Muscle Testing: In trainings for companies like Dell and oil firms in Indonesia, Jonette used kinesiology to uncover subconscious truths, saving millions by shifting focus from problems to what's working.Channeling Evolution: Starting with White Eagle for grounding, Jonette later partnered with Mark to map higher dimensions, leading non-religious retreats that activate sites like the Himalayas for global awakening.Soul Body Fusion Impact: During a session with an Iraq veteran implanted in MK-Ultra programs, the practice disempowered his conditioning, drawing government surveillance but freeing him instantly.Prophecy Fulfillment: Jonette's 1987 channeled prophecy of Eagle (North) and Condor (South) uniting came true through her Peru journeys, symbolizing global integration beyond old cycles.Smoke Trail ThreadsEchoes Episode 29 on health as consciousness, expanding how embodiment clears blockages and raises personal frequency through practices like Soul Body Fusion.Builds on Episode 30 (Seth Streeter) by integrating spirit into leadership, showing how "being" over "doing" fosters purpose and magnetic success.Connects to Episode 28 (Dr. Jere Rivera-Dugenio) on energy fields and NDEs, aligning Jonette's channeling with mapping higher dimensions for collective healing.Ties to Episode 32 (Alissa Allen) on science-spirit unity, emphasizing non-religious access to higher realms and embodiment as unitive intelligence.References The Smoke Trail’s Guide to Raising Consciousness for Leaders sections on mindset shifts and emotional processing, offering Soul Body Fusion as a tool for alignment and joy.

Episode 33: Spiritual Heartbeat - Liv Fisch Returns on Principles for SuccessGuest BioOlivia "Liv" Fisch is a spiritual coach, author, and founder of the Be Human Medicine platform, dedicated to helping people become "human medicine" for themselves and others. Having escaped a high-control religious group in her early 20s, Liv draws from her recovery journey to guide clients through cult recovery, spiritual awakening, and conscious living. Her book, Spiritual Heartbeat: The Ultimate Requirement for Success, outlines 7 spiritual principles for integrating body, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual intelligence. She also developed a mobile app and community for daily practices, assessments, and growth, empowering users to access higher consciousness and "superpowers" like intuition and divine wisdom.SettingRecorded in the majestic red rock vistas of Sedona, Arizona, evoking a sense of grounded peace amid discussion of inner transformation. The serene environment contrasts with themes of chaos and recovery, fostering a reflective dialogue with the host's first repeat guest.SummaryIn this return conversation, Smoke welcomes back Liv Fisch to celebrate the launch of her book Spiritual Heartbeat: The Ultimate Requirement for Success and the Be Human Medicine platform. Liv shares how her coaching revealed recurring themes, leading to 7 spiritual principles (e.g., radical living, empowerment, trust) as a foundation for "human medicine"—filling your cup to overflow for others. They explore integrating four intelligences for higher consciousness, building supportive environments, quick recovery from low states, gratitude practices, energy clearing, and committing to habits over mere choices. The episode emphasizes turning awareness into action for personal and collective elevation, with Liv's app offering assessments and tools for daily application.LearningsHuman Medicine Foundation: Fill your own cup through morning practices to give from overflow; coach others to self-heal until they can do it independently.7 Spiritual Principles: Build a "triangle" with principles like radical living and empowerment at the base, enabling self-care, service to others, and world impact.Recovery Time Mastery: Success lies in quick shifts from reactivity to wisdom—notice when below the "line of effectiveness" and respond with awareness.Supportive Environments: Surround yourself with mirrors (friends, family) for honest feedback; invite accountability to align with growth aspirations.Commitment vs. Choice: Associate bad habits with pain and good ones with pleasure; set up environments for success to make positive actions easier than avoidance.Universal TruthsHumans are medicine: We heal each other through presence, but must first heal ourselves to transmit clean energy without distortion.Spiritual intelligence integrates all: Body, emotions, intellect, and spirit form a foundation for "superpowers" like telepathy and divine downloads.Recovery defines mastery: Life's game is measured by how fast you return to empowerment after friction, not avoiding challenges.Environments shape reality: Choose circles that reflect your aspirations—energy fields are hard to overcome, so curate supportive ones for growth.Commitment rewires habits: Link short-term pain to long-term gain; pleasure-seeking brains change when we vividly associate rewards with positive actions.ExamplesBook Birth from Coaching Themes: Liv's clients presented varied stories but shared solutions in 7 principles, evolving from newsletter ideas to a 480-page manuscript.Assessment for Gaps: The Spiritual Heartbeat quiz reveals misalignments (e.g., strong in trust but weak in empowerment), taken alone, on challenges, or with trusted mirrors.Recovery in Friction: Notice low states quickly and shift with gratitude or questions like "What am I to learn?"—Liv's mantra "Thank you, more please" builds reserves.Energy Clearing Practice: Smoke waves off absorbed negativity with declarative statements; Liv somatically wipes her field, honoring sensitivity in chaotic settings like YPO events.Habit Shift Exercise: List negative consequences of numbing (e.g., wine and TV) vs. positive rewards of growth (e.g., meditation)—Tony Robbins-style to rewire pleasure associations.Smoke Trail ThreadsBuilds on Episode 8 (Liv's first appearance) by updating her cult escape to book/platform launch, emphasizing recovery and principles for ongoing growth.Echoes Episode 29 on health as consciousness, linking Liv's "human medicine" to clearing energy and integrating intelligences for wholeness.Connects to Episode 30 (Seth Streeter) on ego-soul shifts, showing how principles like empowerment lead to midlife purpose beyond metrics.Ties to Episode 32 (Alissa Allen) on science-spirit unitive intelligence, expanding to Liv's four intelligences and app for practical application.References The Smoke Trail’s Guide to Raising Consciousness for Leaders on emotional processing and mindset shifts, with solo questions for building reserves and recovery.Assessment: https://www.oliveyahfisch.com/spiritu...Book: https://a.co/d/bCRmxxV

Episode 32: Neurotheology & Unitive Intelligence - Alissa Allen's Science-Spirit RevolutionGuest BioAlissa Allen is a neurotheology thought leader, spiritual health director, and the founder of a pioneering model of care that unites neuroscience, AI, and modern medicine with ancient wisdom and spiritual practice. After years of success as a senior executive in the wellness and technology industries, Alissa experienced a personal reckoning that reshaped her understanding of health and leadership. Beneath the facade of achievement, she faced her own battles with weight, addiction, and mental health—an experience that awakened her conviction that healing must integrate the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of the human experience. Alissa holds a Master’s in Pastoral Care and studied Neurotheology and Spiritual Health at Emory University, where she explored how the brain and spirituality interact to shape resilience, purpose, and meaning. She also earned a Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University, trained in Integrative Wellness and Health Coaching at Duke University, and studied herbalism, ancient medicine, and nutrition at the California College of Ayurvedic Medicine. While at Emory, she founded Tapfer, the first telehealth platform for spiritual direction and chaplaincy care—bridging neuroscience, AI, and faith to redefine how emotional and spiritual care is delivered. Tapfer was recognized by Emory’s Hatchery Center for Innovation, Emory’s Center for AI and Humanity, and named one of the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “Top 25 Startups to Watch.” Alissa has devoted her life to advancing unitive intelligence—the understanding that mind, body, and soul form one integrated field of potential. As a spiritual director and technologist, she builds tools and curricula that bridge modern medicine, ancient remedies, and spiritual health to help people become optimal humans—resilient, aware, and whole. Her mission is both scientific and sacred: to awaken human potential by showing that when science and spirituality unite, they unlock the highest expression of resilience and human flourishing.https://substack.com/@heyfrienditsalissahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/heyfrienditsalissa/SettingRecorded outdoors in the breathtaking red rock landscape of Sedona, Arizona, with the natural beauty symbolizing renewal and spiritual awakening. The serene, vacation-like backdrop enhances the discussion on transformation and higher consciousness, though occasional background noises add a raw, authentic touch.SummaryIn this visionary episode, Smoke welcomes Alissa Allen to explore her groundbreaking work in neurotheology and unitive intelligence. They discuss the urgent sea change amid societal chaos—political, cultural, and personal—and how integrating neuroscience, AI, modern medicine, and ancient spiritual practices empowers leaders to reach optimal human potential. Alissa shares her journey from corporate success to personal reckoning with addiction and mental health, leading to the creation of Tapfer and a holistic model of care. The conversation celebrates the confluence of science and spirituality, emphasizing how this integration heals fractures, elevates consciousness, and fosters resilience in turbulent times.LearningsUnitive Intelligence Framework: Mind, body, and soul are one field of potential—use neuroscience and AI alongside ancient wisdom to heal holistically and unlock peak human performance.Personal Reckoning as Catalyst: Rock bottoms (addiction, mental health) reveal the need for integrated healing; facing shadows with science and spirit transforms suffering into purpose.Neurotheology in Action: Study how the brain processes spiritual experiences to build resilience—tools like Tapfer make chaplaincy and emotional care accessible via telehealth.Leadership Through Integration: Leaders thrive by modeling unitive health—combine data-driven insights with sacred practices to navigate chaos and inspire others.Proactive Spiritual Health: Prevent crisis by daily aligning science (nutrition, therapy) and spirit (meditation, prayer), creating wholeness before fractures manifest.Universal TruthsScience and spirituality are one: They converge to reveal unitive intelligence—when united, they awaken the highest expression of human resilience and flourishing.Chaos is the crucible: Societal and personal turmoil surfaces unhealed fractures, inviting a sacred-scientific integration to birth a new era of consciousness.Health is wholeness: True healing addresses physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions—ignore one, and the others suffer; integrate all for optimal humanity.Divinity renders reality: Sedona’s landscapes remind us that God/CGI creates beauty daily—presence in nature reconnects us to the sacred in the mundane.Leaders are bridges: Those who embody unitive intelligence elevate collective potential, turning personal awakening into global transformation.ExamplesTapfer Platform: Alissa founded the first AI-driven telehealth service for spiritual direction, recognized by Emory and Atlanta’s top startups, proving technology can deliver soul care.Personal Reckoning: Corporate success masked addiction and mental health struggles—studying neurotheology at Emory revealed the brain-spirit link, birthing her mission.Sedona as Divine CGI: Smoke’s daily awe at red rock views illustrates how nature’s beauty triggers spiritual presence, mirroring unitive intelligence in action.Sea Change Amid Chaos: Current political and cultural stress is a global reckoning—Alissa’s model offers leaders tools to integrate science and spirit for resilience.Ancient-Modern Fusion: Training in Ayurvedic medicine, plant-based nutrition, and AI shows how blending Cornell, Duke, and Emory insights with ancient remedies creates optimal health.Smoke Trail ThreadsBuilds on Episode 29 (Health & Consciousness) by expanding consciousness-health links with neuroscientific tools and unitive intelligence.Echoes Episode 30 (Seth Streeter) on purpose beyond metrics, showing how leaders integrate science-spirit for heart-centered flourishing.Connects to Episode 28 (Dr. Jere Rivera-Dugenio) on scalar tech and NDEs, aligning AI/neuroscience with energy-based spiritual healing.Ties to The Smoke Trail’s Guide to Raising Consciousness for Leaders sections on mindset shifts, emotional processing, and leadership tools, offering neurotheology practices.References solo questions from Episodes 1-15 on resilience and meditation, as pathways to unitive intelligence and optimal humanity.

Episode 31: From Addiction to Awakening - Tony Denison's JourneyGuest BioTony Denison (born Anthony John Sarrero on September 20, 1949) is an American actor known for his compelling portrayals of complex characters, often detectives or tough guys. Born in Harlem and raised in Queens to Sicilian parents, he started acting later in life after holding various jobs, including running an illegal gambling club. He gained prominence with roles in "Crime Story" (1986-1988) as Ray Luca, "The Closer" (2005-2012) as Detective Andy Flynn, and its spin-off "Major Crimes" (2012-2018). His film credits include "Getting Gotti" (1994) and others like "Little Vegas" (1990). With over 32 years of sobriety, Tony draws from personal struggles to inspire others, emphasizing spirituality, humility, and love as a verb in his life and work.SettingRecorded remotely with Smoke in the spiritually charged landscape of Sedona, Arizona, featuring red rock views that evoke reflection and transformation. The conversation flows naturally, blending personal stories with deep philosophical insights in a relaxed, introspective atmosphere.SummaryIn this candid episode, Smoke chats with actor Tony Denison about his remarkable journey from addiction and hardship to sobriety, success, and spiritual awakening. Tony shares his early acting roles in "Crime Story" and "Getting Gotti," family connections, and collaborations like scripting "Last Stop Coney Island" with Jack Maxwell. He opens up about his rock-bottom moments—running an illegal gambling club, heavy cocaine and alcohol use, and two pivotal sobriety turning points in 1986 and 1993. A divine voice during a full-moon breakdown in 1993 marked his final commitment to recovery. They explore spirituality, consciousness scales, the Bible's metaphors, and universal truths across religions, emphasizing love as a verb, heroism in recovery, and humility. Tony reflects on missing the mark ("sin" as an archery term) and finding inner peace beyond material success.LearningsSobriety as Heroism: Recovery is a daily heroic act—start by moving toward the unknown "light" when life feels unbearable, drawing on past lessons but recreating heroism anew each day.Love as a Verb: True love requires action; self-love comes first to enable helping others, like putting on your oxygen mask before assisting those around you.Humility in Success: Never let fame inflate the ego—stay teachable, grounded in blue-collar values, and remember that "right action needs no defense."Spiritual Knowing Over Belief: Attainment shifts from belief to knowing, like riding a bike; faith, concentrated like a mustard seed, moves "mountains" (troubles) without needing instant proof.Clearing Inner Debris: Address trauma and shadows to access the subconscious mind's power—our awake mind is just 5%, but healing removes "fans" of anxiety, eliminating crutches like alcohol.Universal TruthsEveryone is on a hero's journey: Life's travails build character; recovery heroes face the unknown daily, standing for something to avoid falling for everything.God/Source is unconditional love: An energy field without gender or form, accessed through self-love and transmitted as actions toward others—humans become medicine for one another.Sin is ignorance or missing the mark: Not inherent evil, but unawareness; all religions' core is love as a verb, with humans distorting teachings through power and misinterpretation.Humility unlocks higher consciousness: The more you learn, the more you realize there's always more above—stay open, as knowing (not just believing) brings true peace.Divinity is within all: We are God manifest; recognize it in yourself to see it in others—transmission from enlightened beings elevates those ready, as with witnesses to the resurrection.ExamplesMoon Howl Awakening: In 1993, Tony hit bottom, howling at a full moon in despair; a voice said "It's over. You're done. You need help," leading to lasting sobriety without relapse.Gambling Club Downfall: Tony ran an illegal blackjack club in New York, escalating cocaine and scotch addiction; it cost his marriage temporarily but taught him about hitting financial and emotional bottoms.Bible Insights as Verbs: Tony read the Bible 1.5 times, realizing "love one another" as the 11th commandment—a verb for action, not just feeling—shifting his focus from material stuff to self-respect.Heroic Daily Renewal: Tony views sobriety as 32 years of "consecutive yesterdays," borrowing lessons but recreating heroism daily, inspired by Joseph Campbell's "hero with a thousand faces."Family Values Grounding: Raised by Sicilian parents who equated his acting success to winning the lottery, Tony maintained humility, valuing dignity as "all you got" amid career ups and downs.Smoke Trail ThreadsEchoes Episode 29 on health and consciousness, linking Tony's sobriety to clearing inner "fans" of anxiety and elevating awareness through spiritual work.Builds on Episode 30 (Seth Streeter) by exploring head-to-heart transitions, ego integration, and heroism in midlife shifts from addiction to purpose.Connects to Episode 28 (Dr. Jere Rivera-Dugenio) on energy fields, viewing God/Source as an unconditional love field that transmits healing.Ties to The Smoke Trail’s Guide to Raising Consciousness for Leaders sections on emotional processing and mindset shifts, using recovery as a model for resilience and self-love.References solo questions from Episodes 1-15 on forgiveness and resilience, as Tony's story illustrates turning rock bottoms into awakenings.

Episode 30: Spiritual Mission From Success to Soul - Purpose-Driven Leadership with Seth StreeterGuest BioSeth Streeter is a renowned facilitator and visionary purpose coach who helps high-performing leaders and their spouse-partners design deeply fulfilling, purpose-driven lives—beyond traditional success metrics.As the Chief Impact Officer and co-founder of Mission Wealth, a nationally recognized wealth management firm known for its award-winning culture, Seth brings over two decades of experience guiding CEOs, entrepreneurs, and impact-driven families through life’s most meaningful transitions. Today Mission Wealth manages $13 billion in assets for over 4300 families and is fueled by it’s mission to help families realize true wealth.Seth has been a thought leader in Life-Centered Planning, helping families expand their definition of wealth beyond financial. He was named one of Worth Magazine’s Top 250 Wealth Advisor’s and one of Real Leaders’ Top 100 Visionary Leaders. His acclaimed TEDx talk, The Untethered Life: Wealth Redefined, has inspired thousands to reimagine success on their own terms.He has shared stages and retreats with luminaries like Deepak Chopra, Chip Conley, Elizabeth Lombardo, Dan Buettner, and is a sought-after thought-leader and speaker. He’s been featured in Forbes, Barron’s, The Wall Street Journal, to numerous podcasts and serves as faculty for the Modern Elder Academy and the Anya Institute for Human Revolution.Known for his grounded presence and rare ability to hold space for depth, Seth guides immersive experiences that move people from head to heart—helping them reconnect with what matters most and activate their next chapter with authenticity, clarity, and purpose.  His international retreats and leadership programs are award-winning and in high demand. His most recent multiday programs were in Mexico, Bhutan and Canada. Seth passionately leads the Purpose community for YPO, and he resides in Austin, TX.https://linktr.ee/seth_streeter?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=a2c54cf0-5ce9-426e-b555-0e29be6487eaTEDTALK: https://youtu.be/qHNhNjNwGVY?si=o8aNy0cGTZbBqEHN  SettingRecorded in the inspiring landscape of Sedona, with majestic mountains providing a backdrop of natural beauty and tranquility. The serene environment mirrors the episode's themes of reflection, presence, and connection to something greater, fostering an open dialogue on personal evolution. Seth joins from his home base in Austin, TX.SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Smoke interviews longtime friend and YPO colleague Seth Streeter about his shift from conventional business success to a purpose-filled life. Seth shares his "whisper to shout" awakening, catalyzed by divorce, a financial crisis, and a public panic attack, leading him to explore personal growth through books like Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth, retreats, and India trips. He discusses evolving from "push" energy (grinding achievements) to "pull" energy (surrendering to opportunities), like serendipitously speaking alongside Deepak Chopra at Davos. They explore integrating ego and soul, the power of retreats for soul-to-soul connection, and living spiritual truths like oneness and kindness. Seth recounts synchronicities, such as a life-saving cyst incident, while Smoke shares his kundalini awakening in Nepal. The episode highlights bridging material success with spiritual depth, emphasizing presence, listening, and alignment for leaders.LearningsHead to Heart Transition: The journey from intellect-driven success to heart-centered fulfillment is challenging but essential—embrace "pull" energy by saying yes to opportunities without rigid agendas.Catalysts as Blessings: Life disruptions like divorce or panic attacks can spark growth; face fears (e.g., journaling intentions like doing a TED Talk) to transform them into breakthroughs.Holistic Wealth Dimensions: True success spans 12 areas beyond money, including relationships, health, and purpose—self-selecting groups like retreats accelerate alignment.Presence and Listening: Deep listening (without judgment or agenda) fosters connection; it's the highest form of love, allowing you to hear what's unsaid and impact others profoundly.Ego-Soul Integration: Honor your achiever self as a foundation, but let the soul guide the second half of life—use practices like meditation and nature walks to spy on the divine.Universal TruthsWe are all one: Differences (e.g., politics, race) are superficial—focus on shared humanity, treating everyone as an extension of yourself with kindness to dissolve "othering."Synchronicities guide us: Life offers constant support from guides or divinity; awareness reveals fate (50%) and agency (50%), turning "accidents" into profound interventions.Ego fuels the first mountain, soul the second: Early life builds through striving, but midlife calls for surrender—integrate both for a balanced, purpose-driven path.Listening is loving: True presence in conversations creates resonance, elevating relationships and leadership without forcing change on others.Actions align with truths: Live simple principles like "the more you give, the more you get" through daily integrity, turning knowledge into embodied wisdom.ExamplesPanic to TED Talk: After a debilitating stage panic attack, Seth journaled his intent to face fears, leading to a 2016 TEDx on holistic wealth and subsequent YPO retreats winning "most impactful" awards.Davos Serendipity: A casual Malibu talk led to an invitation to speak at Davos, sharing the stage with Deepak Chopra on conscious leadership—illustrating "pull" energy's magic.Cyst Miracle: A tree branch hit revealed a hidden cancerous cyst; a saint statue synchronicity prompted medical action, averting bone cancer and affirming divine guidance.Smoke's Kundalini Awakening: At Buddha's birthplace in Nepal, a spontaneous energy surge sparked Smoke's journey, shifting from material grinding to contemplative presence.Vedanta Application: Studying ancient Vedas in India inspired Seth to align actions (e.g., wearing a bike helmet, arriving early to meetings) with truths like "actions speak louder than words."Smoke Trail ThreadsEchoes Episode 29 on health and consciousness, expanding how awareness clears blockages and elevates life-force energy, tying to Seth's holistic wealth model.Builds on Episode 25 (Andrew Lobo) by questioning business orthodoxy, showing how leaders transition from push-driven success to soul-led purpose.Connects to Episode 26 (Susan Hassen) on inner child work and energy fields, aligning with Seth's emphasis on trauma integration and group healing in retreats.Ties to The Smoke Trail’s Guide to Raising Consciousness for Leaders sections on mindset shifts, emotional processing, and leadership tools, offering retreat practices for application. • • References solo questions from Episodes 1-15 on resilience and forgiveness, as pathways to heart-centered living and synchronicity awareness.

Episode 29: Health & Consciousness - Smoke from DenverGuest BioThis is a solo episode hosted by Smoke, the creator of The Smoke Trail. As a former CEO and entrepreneur turned spiritual guide, Smoke draws from his personal awakening journey, blending leadership insights with consciousness practices to help others navigate transformation. Inspired by Sedona's energy and real-life challenges, he shares raw, practical wisdom on integrating mind, body, and spirit for holistic well-being.SettingFilmed against the backdrop of Denver's vibrant fall colors, this episode captures a reflective moment amid travel. The crisp autumn air symbolizes change and renewal, aligning with themes of health crises as catalysts for awakening. Smoke speaks from a place of vulnerability, emphasizing proactive self-care before tragedy strikes.SummaryIn this heartfelt solo episode, Smoke explores the profound link between health and consciousness, prompted by a close family member's recent stroke and brain bleed. He reflects on how ignoring bodily signals—stemming from past habits like "toughing it out"—leads to energetic blockages and disease. Drawing from personal experiences, including overcoming ailments like gout, high blood pressure, and a severe hemorrhoid through awareness and surrender, Smoke critiques Western medicine's symptom-focused approach. He advocates for raising consciousness to dissolve fractures from trauma, using tools like meditation, journaling, and plant medicines. Referencing David Hawkins' Map of Consciousness, he explains how elevating beyond low-energy states (e.g., fear, shame) fosters natural healing and even miracles. The episode urges listeners to clear stuck energy daily, ask for divine help, and prioritize mindfulness to prevent suffering, turning health challenges into opportunities for growth.LearningsBody as Intelligence: Your body communicates through sensations; ignoring them creates separations that manifest as illness—listen and respond with awareness to restore wholeness.Conscious Healing Over Symptom Treatment: Pain relievers and "whack-a-mole" medicine provide temporary relief but don't address root energetic blockages; true healing comes from sitting with discomfort and contextualizing it (e.g., "What am I supposed to learn?").Daily Clearing Practices: Journal and release unprocessed emotions before bed to prevent buildup; modalities like psilocybin, MDMA, or therapy can surface deep trauma for integration.Surrender and Non-Resistance: By accepting pain without labeling or fighting it, energy dissipates—Smoke's hemorrhoid story shows how this resolved severe suffering in hours.Proactive Mindfulness: Develop contemplative habits while healthy to build resilience; catastrophic events are "forced interrupts" that prompt reflection, but prevention through consciousness is key.Universal TruthsHealth is an extension of consciousness: Physical ailments often arise from unprocessed emotional or spiritual fractures, not random destiny—raising awareness restores life-force energy flow.Nothing withstands conscious awareness: Stuck energy (from trauma or suppression) causes disease, but presence and surrender allow it to dissolve, leading to automatic healing.Miracles stem from high consciousness: Levels above 500 (love and beyond) access divine power, enabling spontaneous recoveries; group fields amplify this, as seen in saints and documented healings.Suffering is optional: Pain is inevitable, but suffering comes from resistance—asking for help from a higher power transforms challenges into growth without unnecessary torment.We're sovereign beings in a free-will realm: Life's curveballs reflect our energetic state and karma, but choices like clearing shadows elevate us to attract better experiences.ExamplesPersonal Ailment Clearance: Smoke recounts clearing 25-40 ailments in his 50s (e.g., prediabetes, gout, stomach issues) by raising consciousness—no meds needed, as issues "fell away" naturally.Hemorrhoid Healing: Before a major talk, a debilitating hemorrhoid emerged from reliving trauma during rehearsals. By surrendering at 5 AM—accepting the pain, asking for divine help, and contextualizing—it resolved enough by 10 AM to rehearse and deliver the speech pain-free.Stroke as Catalyst: The family member's crisis highlights how built-up pressure from unaddressed issues manifests as strokes or cancers, forcing surrender and life reevaluation—early signs were encouraging, like moving from ICU.Hawkins' Scale in Action: At low levels (<200), disease thrives; above 500, miracles occur—e.g., being around high-calibrating people can heal others temporarily, but personal work sustains it.Daily Journaling: Writing down 5-10 unprocessed events and consciously releasing them before bed clears energy, ensuring a fresh start and preventing accumulation.Smoke Trail ThreadsBuilds on Episode 28 (Dr. Jere Rivera-Dugenio) by linking scalar energy and NDEs to consciousness-driven healing, emphasizing energetic fields for wholeness.Echoes Episode 26 (Susan Hassen) on quantum sphere healing and inner child work, expanding how trauma fractures create blockages that awareness can mend.Ties to Episode 25 (Andrew Lobo) on questioning orthodoxy, applying it to healthcare—challenging symptom-focused medicine in favor of holistic, consciousness-based approaches.Connects to The Smoke Trail’s Guide to Raising Consciousness for Leaders sections on emotional processing and mindset shifts, offering practical tools like surrender for health integration.References solo questions from Episodes 1-15, such as those on resilience and forgiveness, as pathways to clear trauma and elevate energy.

The Smoke Trail S1 E28: Dr. Jere Rivera-Dugenio PhD - "The RASHA": Scalar Energy and Consciousness ExpansionGuest BioDr. Jere Rivera-Dugenio, Ph.D., is a pioneer in wellness and human potential, recognized for his groundbreaking work in quantum morphogenetic physics and scalar morphogenetic energy. His journey was profoundly shaped by a near-death experience in 2000 during a heart attack, where he accessed knowledge of scalar energy—the foundational substrate of light, sound, and electromagnetic forces. This led to the invention of The RASHA®, a scalar-plasma-crystalline sound technology that interacts with intron DNA to unlock human potential, promote cellular resonance, and enhance consciousness coherence. He also developed The RASHA® Dome, a multi-sensory environment for wellness and performance optimization, drawing comparisons to Nikola Tesla's visionary work. Dr. Jere holds a Ph.D. in Natural and Quantum Medicine from the International Quantum University for Integrative Medicine, with additional studies in Genetics and Genomics at Stanford University, History and Philosophy of Science at Seton Hall University, and Pre-Medicine at Drew University. His publications explore topics like 12-Strand DNA Morphogenetic Engineering, scalar energy's role in DNA, consciousness evolution, and solar synthesis. As President of the GC Rivera Foundation, he leads charitable efforts including the 2026 Medical Mission in The Philippines, near to his mother's heart. He founded the BioRegenesis Academy and hosts the "Jere Unfiltered" podcast. Currently, he coaches BKFC World Champion Christine Ferea in her fight camp. Website: www.therasha.com (How It Works: https://www.therasha.com/how-it-works) Podcast: jereunfiltered.buzzsprout.com BioRegenesis Academy: bioregenesisacademy.org GC Rivera Foundation: http://www.gcriverafoundation.org/Instagram: @jereunfiltered / @rashaelite / @rasha.experience / @bud12contactcombat / @gcriverafoundation X: @drjerephdLinkedIn: Dr. Jere Rivera-Dugenio PhDSettingRecorded remotely with Smoke in Sedona, Arizona, tapping into vortex energies, and Dr. Jere in Las Vegas, Nevada. The conversation feels like a multidimensional deep dive, blending Sedona's spiritual vibe with Vegas' dynamic energy, evoking infinite possibilities in consciousness exploration.SummarySmoke welcomes Dr. Jere Rivera-Dugenio, sharing their recent connection via The RASHA® experience in Vegas. Dr. Jere recounts his pivot from a pre-med track in a family of surgeons to quantum innovation after a 2000 near-death experience (NDE) from a drug overdose/heart attack, leading to an out-of-body experience (OBE) and access to the source consciousness field. Without belief filters, he perceived true reality as scalar morphogenetic energy—the unmanifest substrate beyond light/sound. They discuss love as vibrational resonance, the challenge of forgetting our spiritual nature upon incarnation, and how unfiltered awareness allows profound insights. Smoke shares his open-minded awakening, drawing from diverse traditions without dogma. The dialogue explores The RASHA®'s use of base-12 scalar frequencies for DNA activation and consciousness coherence, differing from mechanical 3D tools. Topics include the GC Rivera Foundation's mission in The Philippines, multidimensional frameworks, and optimism for human evolution. The episode closes with gratitude and Dr. Jere's invitation to explore scalar potential.LearningsScalar Morphogenetic Energy: The foundational, unmanifest substrate of reality—parent to light, sound, electric/magnetic forces; harnessed in The RASHA® for cellular resonance and intron DNA communication.NDE/OBE Insights: Filter-free experiences reveal universal source code; belief systems shape perceptions—e.g., religious filters manifest angels/Buddha, but neutrality unveils energy's true nature.Vibrational Love: Not an emotion, but oscillatory resonance aligning beings with oneness; fosters at-onement with the cosmos.Base-12 Frequencies: The RASHA® uses scalar waves (vs. Hertzian) for quantum-level healing, promoting tranquility and consciousness expansion beyond 3D limitations.Forgetting by Design: Incarnation blots spiritual memory to enable growth; NDEs reopen channels for multidimensional knowledge.Open-Minded Inquiry: Approach traditions neutrally to find core truths across sources (e.g., Dhammapada, Bhagavad Gita, mystics)—avoids ego/cultural distortions.Universal TruthsReality is energy: Scalar morphogenetic fields underpin all manifestation—unfiltered awareness reveals this substrate.Consciousness is eternal: We are spiritual beings in physical form; NDEs affirm unity with the source field, transcending filters.Love vibrates: True connection is resonance, not emotion—aligns individuals/cosmos for harmony.Filters shape experience: Beliefs program perceptions; neutrality enables pure truth.Evolution through shocks: NDEs pivot paths, uploading knowledge for innovation and service.Incarnation's purpose: Forgetting enables learning; remembrance awakens potential.ExamplesDr. Jere's NDE: Heart attack OBE with 360° awareness; internal question "Who am I?" uploaded him to the source field, revealing scalar energy—pivoted from pre-med to quantum pioneer.The RASHA® Activation: Smoke's Vegas session in the dome; scalar frequencies facilitate quantum communication, enhancing coherence like cosmic downloads.Unfiltered Perception: Without religious programming, Dr. Jere experienced pure energy vs. expected angels—contrasts with filtered NDEs manifesting cultural symbols.GC Rivera Foundation: Medical missions in The Philippines, led by Dr. Jere and his mother, applying scalar insights to community health and empowerment.Tradition Synthesis: Smoke's neutral lens on scriptures reveals common cores (e.g., love, non-attachment)—echoes Dr. Jere's post-NDE integration.Fight Camp Coaching: Guiding BKFC Champ Christine Ferea with scalar principles for peak performance.Smoke Trail ThreadsConnects to Episode 24 (Sarah Elkhaldy) and Episode 26 (Susan Hassen) on quantum fields, soul retrieval, and higher-dimensional healing—expands to scalar energy and NDEs.Echoes Episode 9 (Steve Hershberger) on near-death experiences and gratitude, tying to Dr. Jere's OBE pivot.Builds on Episode 11 (Ivan Rados) via consciousness as health, adding scalar morphogenetic resonance.Ties to Episode 25 (Andrew Lobo) on talent stacks and questioning orthodoxy, through Dr. Jere's rejection of Western medicine for quantum paths.Aligns with Episode 20 (Solo on Gratitude) and the Consciousness Guide's spiritual practices, emphasizing vibrational alignment and non-attachment.

The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 27 – Commentary on Denial of Evil with Smoke WallinHost Bio:Smoke Wallin is a serial entrepreneur, conscious leader, global M&A deal maker, and host of The Smoke Trailpodcast. Having navigated personal trauma through spiritual awakening, Smoke studies traditions like Buddhism, Christianity, and mysticism. His journey—from childhood challenges to leading global businesses—fuels his mission to share tools, truths, and stories for seekers, blending leadership with spiritual growth to inspire transformation.Setting:Recorded in the reflective energy of Sedona, Arizona, where the red rocks’ ancient wisdom amplifies introspection, this solo episode captures Smoke’s contemplative voice addressing a tragic event. The desert’s serene pulse grounds his call for unity and awareness, inviting listeners to confront denial and embrace love in a divided world.Summary:In this poignant solo episode, Smoke Wallin offers commentary on the tragic slaughter in Minneapolis, focusing on the collective denial of evil and its enabling effects. Hesitant to diverge from his 99.9% focus on positivity, Smoke feels compelled to address the 0.001%—the horrific act by a low-conscious individual possessed by lower astral energies—and the disturbing responses, such as projecting blame on guns or unrelated issues instead of unifying in prayer and love. He explains that denying evil empowers it, drawing on spiritual truths that lower astrals infect susceptible people, as in Episode 13’s facing evil with love. Smoke urges recognition without counterpoint, noting truth needs no defense while falsehoods self-destruct through karma. For families and seekers, he advocates compassion, prayer, and commitment to higher consciousness as a counterforce, emphasizing that love and light dissolve darkness without confrontation. Infused with Sedona’s grounding energy, this episode calls listeners to awaken to evil’s reality while choosing love for healing and unity.Learnings: Denial Enables Evil: Ignoring or projecting away from evil empowers it, as in Episode 13’s love over evil. Intention Unites: Responding with prayer and love fosters collective healing, per Episode 17’s intentionality. Karma Balances All: Actions, thoughts, and words have divine repercussions, echoing Episode 20’s trajectory shift. Compassion Over Empathy: Hold space without absorbing negativity, as in Episode 21’s empathy pivot. Higher Consciousness Protects: Raising vibration through love resists lower energies, per Episode 22’s high vibes.Universal Truths: Evil Exists in Low Consciousness: Lower astrals infect the susceptible, as in Episode 11’s consciousness as health. Love is the Counterforce: Light dissolves darkness without fight, per Episode 18’s love conquers all. Truth Stands Alone: No defense needed for truth, falsehoods self-destruct, echoing Episode 19’s curiosity. Karma is Divine Law: All actions bear consequences, as in Episode 15’s synchronicity. Unity Heals Division: Prayer and compassion bridge divides, per Episode 23’s collective hope.Examples: Minneapolis Response: Denials projecting on guns or unrelated rights enable evil, contrasting Episode 13’s love. Prayer for Healing: Smoke’s call for unity in love mirrors Episode 17’s retreat healing. Karmic Repercussions: Leaders’ denials face consequences, as in Episode 20’s thoughts shaping reality. Lower Astral Infection: The shooter’s possession reflects Episode 16’s emotional blockages. Love Dissolves: Choosing compassion over denial heals, per Episode 21’s holding space.Smoke Trail Threads: Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23): Smoke’s denial commentary ties to his awakening, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, Chris Clements’ action, Rob Follows’ intentionality, Rob Hersov’s love, Dave Garrison’s genius, Mark Walker’s vibes, Robert Vera’s hope, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s tools. Love Over Evil (Episodes 13, 18, 22): Smoke’s counterforce of love aligns with Chris Clements’ love, Rob Hersov’s conquers all, and Mark Walker’s healing.  • • Healing (Episodes 2, 8, 10, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22): Smoke’s unity call echoes Sarah Fruehling’s EMDR, Liv Fisch’s human medicine, Dani Brooks’ coherence, Mark Walker’s regenerative living, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s hairballs. 

Episode 26: Susan Hassen - Quantum Sphere Healing: Accessing the Infinite for TransformationGuest BioSusan Hassen is a quantum and shamanic practitioner specializing in higher-dimensional healing. With over ten years of experience working in the quantum field, Susan teaches master classes on accessing the quantum for self-healing, connecting with the Higher Self, and the evolution of consciousness. She is also a published author and spiritual teacher who is known for guiding her following through energetic activations and spiritual awakenings. Instagram: @quantumspherehealer YouTube: @quantumspherehealer Healing Sessions: quantumspherehealer.comSettingRecorded remotely with Smoke in Sedona, Arizona, channeling the vortex energy from their shared retreat, and Susan from her space. The dialogue unfolds like a cosmic reunion, blending Sedona's high-vibrational essence with practical insights on inner worlds, evoking a sense of infinite possibilities.SummarySmoke reconnects with Susan Hassen from their Sedona retreat, diving into quantum sphere healing—a blend of shamanic practices and sound technology to access the 5th dimension and higher self for root-cause resolution. Susan explains tracking issues like anxiety to trapped emotions, inner child wounds, past lives, or soul fragmentation via the quantum field. She shares her awakening from law school "normie" life via an alien encounter, health crises, and shamanic training, emphasizing empowerment over intermediaries. They discuss overcoming ailments by addressing spiritual/mental origins, reprogramming the subconscious, Gurdjieff's shocks as growth infusions, and collective shifts where healed individuals ripple positivity. Topics include energy fields in media, non-resistance to dissolve pain, and optimism amid chaos as suppressed shadows surface for transmutation. The episode closes with gratitude, tools for self-healing, and Susan's sign-off: "Infinite love and gratitude."LearningsQuantum Sphere Healing: Access infinite timelines via gamma brainwaves to track/root out issues (e.g., womb trauma, soul loss) with higher self guidance—remote entanglement enables global sessions.Inner Child Integration: Often 7-8 years old, holds suppressed power (throat chakra); reparenting unlocks purpose, heals anxiety by addressing unmet needs.Energy as Reality: Emotions/thoughts are fields; non-labeling and awareness dissolve them—filter inputs (media, ads) to reprogram subconscious positively.Shocks for Growth: Gurdjieff's Enneagram views shocks as energetic infusions (not just crises) to destabilize ego, propel awakening—like Zen disruptions.Bridging Worlds: Master physical (3D consequences) and spiritual (5D bird's-eye view) without judgment; preferences ok, but detach from polarities to avoid distraction.Collective Ripple: Individual healing elevates global frequency logarithmically—one at love (500) counteracts millions below 200; chaos signals transmuting shadows.Universal TruthsAwareness transforms: Sustained presence dissolves shadows/energies—nothing withstands non-resistant consciousness.Everything is energy: Inputs shape outputs; reprogram subconscious to manifest positively, as fields entrain without discrimination.Healing self heals all: Personal integration ripples exponentially, countering negativity; unity over separation consciousness.Shocks propel evolution: Disruptions infuse higher energies, bridging mechanical reactions to free will.Chaos precedes light: Global turmoil surfaces suppressed issues for transmutation—optimism lies in collective awakening.Infinite access: Quantum field connects all timelines; higher self guides when open—empowerment is innate.ExamplesSusan's Awakening: Law school OBE with gray alien telepathy sparked shift; car accident "synchronicity" funded shamanic training, revealing natural sight.Smoke's Soul Retrieval: Childhood trauma caused fragmentation; shamanic invitation reintegrated pieces, feeling God's presence—echoes Ivan Rados.Inner Child Session: 7-year-old aspects surface in throat for expression; reparenting shifts careers, as seen in retreat meditations.Gurdjieff Shock: Merton's abrupt tea gulp shattered expectations, awakening "no single path"—contrasts programmed rigidity.Media Fields: Violent games/movies entrain low astral; pharma ads implant illness—Susan skips "sus" lyrics, holding higher vibration.Collective Optimism: Elevated individuals (e.g., love at 500) counteract millions; global chaos as healing "boil" before clarity.Smoke Trail ThreadsConnects to Episode 24 (Sarah Elkhaldy) on quantum access, inner child, and shocks—expands to Susan's shamanic integration.Echoes Episode 11 (Ivan Rados) on soul retrieval/loss and consciousness as health, tying to quantum tracking.Builds on Episode 10 (Dani Brooks) via trauma healing and heart coherence, adding inner child reparenting.Ties to Episode 20 (Solo on Gratitude) and Episode 21 (Solo on Empathy vs. Compassion) through non-resistance and subconscious reprogramming.Aligns with Episode 22 (Mark E. Walker) on overcoming via plant medicine, extending to alien encounters/shocks.Reinforces The Smoke Trail’s Guide To Raising Consciousness for Leaders with tools like gamma entrainment, discernment, and transcending polarities.

Guest BioAndrew Lobo, known as Lobo, is a consultant specializing in strategy and organizational transformation. A CPA (non-practicing) with an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Vanderbilt University (with honors), Andrew brings over 25 years of combined practitioner and consulting experience in human resources leadership, operations, strategy, finance, and marketing. His global background includes advising clients and delivering projects on six continents, from S&P 50 companies with over 100,000 employees to mid-cap firms, small businesses, and startups. As CHRO for two private equity-backed companies, he drove people-centered transformations before launching his own consulting firm. Industry experience spans Consumer Packaged Goods, Retail, Real Estate, Chemicals, Healthcare, Technology, and Education Services. An expert facilitator, Andrew has led workshops worldwide, from 4-hour sessions to 3-day retreats with 4 to 40 participants. Notable achievements include leading a transformative strategy for a $3.4 billion company, boosting its stock price from $19 to $37 in 18 months, and driving a people-centric operational overhaul that increased sales by 20%, EBITDA by 300%, and market cap by 300%. He has also raised $55 million in capital and developed business plans and cash flow models. Andrew holds a BS with honors in Accounting from St. Peter’s University and dual UK/USA passports. LinkedIn: Andrew Lobo (DM for inquiries) Email: [email protected] Website: clarifyhrconsulting.comSettingRecorded remotely with Smoke in Sedona, Arizona, fresh from a mindful hike appreciating nature's beauty, and Lobo in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. The conversation feels like a relaxed reunion of old business school classmates, blending entrepreneurial nostalgia with Sedona's grounding energy, evoking themes of progress, gratitude, and life's deeper questions.SummarySmoke reunites with longtime friend and Vanderbilt classmate Andrew Lobo, reflecting on their 34-year bond sparked by the alcohol industry and shared entrepreneurial ventures like eSky. Lobo shares his journey from Pakistani Christian roots in the UK to US immigration, building a "talent stack" starting with accounting (CPA), pivoting via business school to strategy consulting, marketing, HR at Coca-Cola, and CHRO roles in PE-backed firms. They discuss questioning orthodoxy (e.g., college ROI in the AI era), debate as progress not victory, corporate idiocy (inspired by Dilbert), and AI's overhyped/undervalued impacts. Lobo emphasizes gratitude as a happiness equation (happiness = consumption / desire), defining success as maximizing days excited for work (achieving ~80%), and Stoic calm amid triumphs/disasters. Topics include mindfulness (turning off the mind for sleep), filtering inputs, earning disrespect not respect, and distinguishing confidence from arrogance. Smoke ties in spiritual lenses like thought forms, David Hawkins' consciousness levels, non-attachment, and presence to avoid anxiety/depression. The episode ends with Lobo's tips for gratitude (write daily lists) and optimism for awakening leaders.LearningsTalent Stack Building: Layer skills (e.g., accounting + marketing + HR) to become top 1% versatile—business school pivots enable broader impact.Question Orthodoxy: Challenge crowd wisdom (e.g., college prestige vs. practical ROI, AI job disruption favoring trades) by arguing opposites for deeper analysis.Debate for Progress: Arguments foster learning; the "loser" wins by gaining knowledge—use Socratic method for efficiency.Gratitude Equation: Happiness = consumption / desire; reduce desire via daily written lists of blessings to foster contentment.Mindfulness & Presence: Create space between stimulus/response to avoid mechanical reactions; swipe negative thoughts, focus on now to eliminate anxiety/depression.Confidence vs. Arrogance: Confident people admit wrongs/apologize (strength); arrogant ones don't—start interactions with respect, earn disrespect through actions.AI in Business: Generative AI excels at quick ideation/creativity (e.g., slogans), but agentic AI is overhyped; balance hype with practical application.Universal TruthsProgress requires non-attachment: Preferences are fine, but detach from outcomes to stay content amid uncertainty.Thinking is hard work: Most avoid it, leading to mechanical lives—create stimulus-response gaps for free will and optimal choices.Gratitude roots contentment: Desire causes suffering; focus on what you have (not lack) to amplify happiness.Success is internal: Maximize joyful days over material gains; treat triumph/disaster as impostors for equanimity.Inputs shape outputs: Filter garbage (thoughts, data) to program subconscious positively—presence dissolves past regrets/future fears.Respect is default: Give it freely; behavior earns its loss—echoes non-judgmental presence for true observation.ExamplesTalent Stack in Action: Lobo's pivot from Seagram accounting to strategy consulting via Vanderbilt, then HR at Coca-Cola, eSky entrepreneurship, and CHRO roles—eSky's "duress" added resilience, completing his stack.Questioning Orthodoxy: College choice—St. Peter’s (Jesuit, honors program) over prestige for Big Eight firm internships; contrasts with today's AI-driven doubts on degrees vs. 10-week wind turbine certifications at $75K starting salary.Gratitude Practice: Lobo writes/reviews daily lists (e.g., love, health, basics like non-breaking cars) to reduce desire—ties to Buddha's "abandon what you have not," achieving 80% excited workdays.Mindfulness Demo: Lobo sleeps in 7 minutes by focusing on pleasant thoughts, ignoring stressors—contrasts with those unable to "turn off" brains.AI Creativity: Prompting AI as a local HVAC company yielded "When hell freezes over? We can make that happen"—quick, fun ideation beyond human baselines.Stoic Equanimity: Lobo's unemployment periods (6-7 years total) without anxiety: "The right thing will come," leading to fitting opportunities.Smoke Trail ThreadsConnects to Episode 19 (Dave Garrison) on collective genius, expanding to Lobo's facilitation of leadership workshops and people-centered transformations.Echoes Episode 23 (Robert Vera) on faith-driven startups, tying to Lobo's global strategy work blending purpose with financial success (e.g., 300% EBITDA growth).Builds on Episode 24 (Sarah Elkhaldy) by grounding esoteric concepts (thought forms, consciousness levels) in practical business (talent stacks, AI ethics).Ties to Episode 20 (Solo on Gratitude/Journaling) through Lobo's written gratitude lists and happiness equation.Aligns with Episode 21 (Solo on Empathy vs. Compassion) via non-judgmental respect and distinguishing confidence/arrogance. • • Reinforces The Smoke Trail’s Guide To Raising Consciousness for Leaders with mindset shifts (non-attachment, presence) and tools (debate, filtering inputs).

Episode 24: Sarah Elkhaldy - The Alchemist: Integrating Consciousness in the Modern World Guest BioSarah Elkhaldy, known as The Alchemist on YouTube, offers higher-dimensional guidance through spiritual awakenings. Highly claircognizant, her intuitive abilities and deep insights into the nature of reality create energetic transmissions that activate her audience on a soul level. Her videos are renowned for requiring multiple viewings to fully absorb their profound wisdom. Widely recognized as a leader in spirituality and the esoteric arts, Sarah's work bridges the higher with the lower, the outer world with the inner world. With an online community of hundreds of thousands of awakening souls, she assists humanity's evolution.  - YouTube: @officialthealchemist  - Energy Healing: alchemicalenergyhealing.com  - Instagram: @the.alchemist  - Community: thealchemist.community  - Gaia Show: Mystery Teachings with Sarah Elkhaldy (via Gaia.com)SettingRecorded remotely with Smoke joining from Milan, Italy, at 3 AM local time (still on West Coast vibes after a last-minute flight), and Sarah from Southern California. The conversation flows like a late-night spiritual deep dive, blending Sedona's energetic retreat memories with Milan's worldly hustle, emphasizing the integration of awakening into everyday life. SummarySmoke welcomes Sarah Elkhaldy, reflecting on their Sedona retreat connection and how her teachings provided a framework for his own awakening experiences. Smoke shares his entrepreneurial background, M&A work helping founders transition amid personal awakenings, and his journey from a "blank slate" to integrating consciousness with the physical world. They discuss soul retrieval, fragmentation from trauma, inner child healing through awareness, and the obscure "in-between" spaces of spiritual growth. Sarah explains her evolution from scripted content to unscripted insights on nihilistic depression and matrix disconnection. The dialogue explores Gurdjieff's Fourth Way, Enneagram shocks as energetic infusions (not just dark nights), natural law, subtle vs. gross energies, and the fun of embodying characters while staying aware. They touch on plant medicine's role in jarring the ego, paths like Jnana (knowledge), and pitching consciousness to leaders. The episode closes with gratitude, humor about Jehovah's Witnesses, and Sarah's sign-off: "Infinite love and gratitude."Learnings- **Soul Retrieval and Integration**: Prepare the body and energy field for retrieving fragmented soul aspects; dissociation hinders full embodiment, requiring grounding like roots in soil.- **Inner Child and Awareness**: Sitting with pain or shadows without resistance dissolves them—consciousness withstands nothing when fully present.- **Gross vs. Subtle Energies**: Master emotional and mental "gross energies" to perceive subtler ones; unchecked reactions keep us mechanical and animalistic.- **Shocks in Awakening**: In Gurdjieff's Enneagram, shocks are external energies propelling transformation, not just crises—think Zen masters disrupting habits for ego destabilization.- **Bridging Worlds**: Integrate spirituality into "real" life (e.g., business negotiations) by creating space between stimulus and response, turning leaders into conscious pillars.- **Paths Vary**: Awakening isn't one-size-fits-all—plant medicine, knowledge (Jnana), or tough love all serve, but respect others' journeys without judgment. Universal Truths- Consciousness integration is the era's challenge: Be in the world but not of it, embodying finer energies amid physical distractions.- Awareness transforms: Nothing withstands sustained, non-resistant presence—shadows, traumas, and egos dissolve under its light.- Fragmentation is common: Trauma causes soul loss, but retrieval invites wholeness when we're open vessels.- Reality is fractal and limited: Our perceptual bandwidth is narrow for a reason—focus on reconfiguring what's accessible rather than grasping everything.- Waves of Awakening: Humanity evolves in ripples, with early wavers guiding later ones, shifting roles as passions align. Examples- Smoke's soul retrieval in a plant medicine ceremony: After childhood trauma and compartmentalization, forgiving and opening invited his soul back, feeling God's presence—echoing Ivan Rados' teachings.- Sarah's shamanic preparation: Three sessions to ready her body for soul integration, avoiding incomplete retrieval due to dissociation.- Zen Shock Moment: Thomas Merton's awakening during a tea ceremony when the master abruptly gulped his tea, shattering formal expectations to reveal "no one path."- Mark Gober's Natural Law: Sarah repackages aggressive teachings positively to reduce resistance, honoring the call for broader dissemination.- Times Square Observation: Smoke stays peaceful amid chaos, witnessing mechanical behaviors as a "science experiment," embodying contemplative presence.Smoke Trail Threads- Connects to Episode 11 (Ivan Rados) on soul loss/retrieval and consciousness as health—Smoke references Ivan's book for framing his experience.- Echoes Episode 10 (Dani Brooks) on trauma healing and heart-mind coherence, expanding to inner child work and non-resistance.- Builds on Episode 22 (Mark E. Walker) and Episode 23 (Robert Vera) by blending faith-driven innovation with esoteric arts like Gurdjieff's Fourth Way.- Ties to Episode 20 (Solo on Gratitude/Journaling) and Episode 21 (Solo on Empathy vs. Compassion) through practical integration of awareness in business/leadership.- Aligns with the Consciousness Guide's mindset shifts and spiritual practices, emphasizing subtle energies, non-attachment, and transcending polarities.

The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 23 – Waking Up at Grand Canyon University with Robert Vera: Faith, Innovation, and Student StartupsGuest Bio:Robert Vera is the Founding Director of Canyon Ventures Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Grand Canyon University (GCU), where he empowers student and community founders to transform visions into thriving businesses. Under his leadership since 2019, the center has accelerated over 40 startups and exited seven into the Phoenix market, valued at over $200 million. A 2024 City of Phoenix Mayor’s Export Champion and 2025 Phoenix Business Journal Red Blazer Award recipient, Robert teaches entrepreneurship at GCU, internationally at the University of Antioquia in Medellín, Colombia, and through Peoria, Arizona’s community program. He co-created the STAR® model for corporate innovation and Founders Forum for emerging entrepreneurs. Robert’s career spans U.S. Senate service, corporate finance, and a health-tech startup exit. A bestselling author of A Warrior’s Faith and co-author of Perfectly Wounded, he highlights resilience through stories of Navy SEALs. A Boston College walk-on football player (Hall of Fame Bowl Champion), multiple Ironman finisher, and Grand Canyon trek leader, Robert holds a B.A. from Boston College, an MBA from GCU, and is completing his Ph.D. This episode also features student entrepreneurs Lucas (Powder Pal), Nick (Hoolist), and others, showcasing faith-driven innovation.Setting:Recorded at Grand Canyon University’s Canyon Ventures Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Phoenix, Arizona, where open workspaces buzz with student startups and collaborative energy, this episode captures Smoke Wallin’s enthusiastic dialogue with Robert Vera and three young founders. The center’s innovative vibe—blending faith, grit, and entrepreneurial spirit—creates a sacred space for awakening potential, set against Phoenix’s dynamic metro backdrop.Summary:Smoke Wallin visits Grand Canyon University’s Canyon Ventures, interviewing Founding Director Robert Vera and three student entrepreneurs to explore faith-based innovation and conscious leadership. Robert shares his journey from U.S. Senate service and corporate finance to creating Canyon Ventures in 2019, starting with an empty room and no budget, building an ecosystem where students gain paid experience supporting startups. He emphasizes entrepreneurs as “faith-filled misfits” betting on visions from a higher power, fostering an “unfair advantage” through professional networks and hope as “abundance of options,” as in Episode 19’s collective genius. Smoke chats with Lucas of Powder Pal, a dissolvable collagen supplement born from his golf performance anxiety, scaling to $160K in six months via TikTok Live. Nick of Hoolist describes his vagus nerve stimulator for panic attacks, evolving from engineering research to hands-free headphones and GABA supplements, helping athletes and high-performers. The episode highlights GCU’s abundance mindset, where failures teach winning, and spiritual alignment fuels success, inspiring listeners to harness collective hope for transformative impact.Learnings:Faith Fuels Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurs’ visions from a higher power, as Robert teaches, drive innovation, per Episode 19’s alignment.Fail Fast, Learn More: Quick pivots from setbacks, like Lucas’s TikTok shift, accelerate growth, echoing Episode 18’s resilience.Collective Ecosystem Empowers: Canyon Ventures’ support network, providing paid experience, builds unfair advantages, as in Episode 19’s genius.Vibration Drives Performance: Nick’s vagus nerve tools for calm, per Episode 21’s compassion, enhance focus under pressure.Hope is Abundance: Viewing problems as options, as Robert’s “epidemic of hope,” transforms failures into wins, per Episode 20’s trajectory.Universal Truths:Divinity Guides Vision: Entrepreneurs’ ideas from a higher source, per Episode 15’s synchronicity, manifest through faith.Consciousness Creates Success: Raising vibration, as in Episode 22’s vibes, unlocks abundance, per Episode 11’s health.Collective Genius Transforms: Shared wisdom, per Episode 19’s buy-in, elevates all, as in Episode 18’s love.Resilience is Grit: Embracing failures, per Episode 3’s triumph, builds epidemics of hope.Presence Heals Stress: Tools for calm, per Episode 21’s empathy pivot, align with Episode 17’s intentionality.Examples:Canyon Ventures Launch: Robert’s start with nothing in 2019, launching 40 startups, reflects Episode 19’s alignment, creating $200M value.Powder Pal Scaling: Lucas’s TikTok Live demos, hitting $160K in six months, echoes Episode 15’s manifestation.Hoolist Innovation: Nick’s vagus stimulator for panic, evolving to headphones and GABA, aligns with Episode 22’s healing.Student Walk-On: Robert’s Boston College football grit mirrors Episode 18’s resilience, inspiring student founders.Epidemic of Hope: Robert’s vision of transforming communities, per Episode 20’s clean-up, fuels GCU’s ecosystem.Smoke Trail Threads:Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22): Robert’s faith-driven innovation ties to Smoke’s awakening, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, Chris Clements’ action, Rob Follows’ intentionality, Rob Hersov’s love, Dave Garrison’s genius, Mark Walker’s vibes, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s tools.Leadership (Episodes 4, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22): Robert’s ecosystem aligns with Michael Brabant’s safe workplaces, Justin Breen’s vulnerability, Elizabeth Funk’s empowerment, Rob Follows’ significance, Rob Hersov’s advocacy, Dave Garrison’s alignment, Mark Walker’s intentionality, and Episodes 16-17’s conscious leadership.Resilience (Episodes 2, 3, 5, 18, 20, 22): Robert’s grit echoes Sarah Fruehling’s trauma recovery, Jack Maxwell’s triumph, Shireen Hafeez’s advocacy, Rob Hersov’s truth, Episode 20’s trajectory, and Mark Walker’s healing.Presence (Episodes 2, 3, 8, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22): Nick’s calm tools echo Sarah Fruehling’s breathwork, Jack Maxwell’s living now, Liv Fisch’s holding space, Rob Follows’ meditation, Dave Garrison’s curiosity, Mark Walker’s vibes, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s calm. • • Healing (Episodes 2, 8, 10, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22): Nick’s vagus stimulation aligns with Sarah Fruehling’s EMDR, Liv Fisch’s human medicine, Dani Brooks’ coherence, Mark Walker’s regenerative living, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s hairballs.

The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 22 – From Comfort LA to Jamaica Vibes with Mark E. WalkerGuest Bio:  Mark E. Walker is a Jamaican-born entrepreneur and conscious leader who transitioned from running Comfort LA, an organic soul food empire in Los Angeles, to creating a healing retreat in Jamaica. Known as the “Chicken Man” for his health-conscious wings and juices, Mark served celebrities like LeBron James and Oprah while building a vibrant team culture. After a throat cancer diagnosis, he shifted to a slower, intentional life in Jamaica, renovating a cliffside villa to offer authentic, healing experiences. A natural bodybuilder and advocate for regenerative farming, Mark’s journey embodies resilience and high-vibrational living, rooted in his Jamaican heritage and family values.Setting:  Recorded in the radiant energy of Sedona, Arizona, where the red rocks’ spiritual hum meets the warmth of a long-time friendship, this episode captures Smoke Wallin and Mark E. Walker indoors due to Sedona’s summer heat. Their vibrant dialogue, infused with the island vibes of Mark’s Jamaican home, creates a sacred space for sharing stories of transformation and high-vibrational healing.Summary:  Smoke Wallin welcomes his friend Mark E. Walker, met over a decade ago at an entrepreneurial boot camp, to share his journey from Comfort LA’s bustling restaurant scene to a healing oasis in Jamaica. Mark recounts running an organic soul food empire, serving NBA stars and celebrities, until a throat cancer diagnosis forced a pause. Choosing not to tell family to preserve his energy, Mark drew on a prior year advocating for a friend’s cancer treatment, preparing him to face his own with a positive mindset, as in Episode 17’s intentionality. His pre-treatment visit to Jamaica’s Bath Fountain, a healing spring, and post-treatment move to a cliffside villa reflect a shift to regenerative living, growing soursop and guava to nourish body and soul, echoing Episode 20’s gratitude practices. Mark and Smoke discuss the power of language—avoiding “I have cancer” to maintain high vibration, per Episode 21’s compassion pivot—and intentionality in rejecting societal conditioning, as in Episode 15’s affirmations. Mark’s Rastafarian-inspired focus on “vibes” aligns with Episode 18’s love conquering all, emphasizing that high-vibrational living resists disease. This episode, steeped in Sedona’s clarity and Jamaica’s rhythm, inspires listeners to embrace intentional, healing choices for personal and collective growth.Learnings:  - **Intentionality Heals**: Mark’s choice to focus energy inward during cancer treatment, per Episode 17’s retreat, preserved his vibration.  - **Language Shapes Reality**: Avoiding negative labels, like “I have cancer,” maintains high vibration, echoing Episode 21’s words matter.  - **Regenerative Living Restores**: Growing food with intention, as Mark does, heals body and soul, per Episode 20’s clean-up.  - **High Vibration Resists Disease**: Positive mindset and environment, as in Episode 11’s consciousness, reduce illness susceptibility.  - **Pause Creates Clarity**: Stepping back, as Mark did, aligns with Episode 16’s presence, enabling purposeful choices.Universal Truths:  - Vibration is Health: High-vibrational living restores ease, per Episode 11’s consciousness as health.  - Words Manifest Reality Intentional language shapes outcomes, as in Episode 15’s affirmations.  - Nature Heals: Immersing in natural environments, per Episode 20’s gratitude, elevates vibration.  - Intention is Power: Choosing one’s path, as in Episode 17’s intentionality, drives transformation.  - Love Unites: High vibes, like Episode 18’s love, connect us to divinity and others.Examples:  - Bath Fountain Healing: Mark’s visit to Jamaica’s healing spring, per Episode 15’s synchronicity, set his recovery intention.  - Positive Mindset: Mark’s refusal to label cancer as “his,” as in Episode 21’s compassion, sustained his vibration.  - Jamaica Villa: Mark’s regenerative farming, growing soursop, echoes Episode 20’s gratitude for nature’s nourishment.  - Advocating for a Friend: Mark’s year supporting a friend’s cancer journey, per Episode 17’s holding space, prepared his resilience.  - Rasta Vibes: Mark’s “high vibes” philosophy, inspired by Rastafarian wisdom, aligns with Episode 18’s love conquering all.Smoke Trail Threads:  - Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21) Mark’s high-vibrational living ties to Smoke’s awakening, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, Chris Clements’ action, Rob Follows’ intentionality, Rob Hersov’s love, Dave Garrison’s genius, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s tools.  - Healing (Episodes 2, 8, 10, 16, 17, 20, 21): Mark’s recovery aligns with Sarah Fruehling’s EMDR, Liv Fisch’s human medicine, Dani Brooks’ coherence, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s hairballs.  - Presence (Episodes 2, 3, 8, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21): Mark’s intentional pause echoes Sarah Fruehling’s breathwork, Jack Maxwell’s living now, Liv Fisch’s holding space, Rob Follows’ meditation, Dave Garrison’s curiosity, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s calm.  - Gratitude (Episodes 9, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21): Mark’s positive mindset connects to Steve Hershberger’s gratitude, Rob Follows’ affirmations, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s vibration shift.  - Leadership (Episodes 4, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19): Mark’s intentional living ties to Michael Brabant’s safe workplaces, Justin Breen’s vulnerability, Elizabeth Funk’s empowerment, Rob Follows’ significance, Rob Hersov’s advocacy, Dave Garrison’s alignment, and Episodes 16-17’s conscious leadership.---

The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 21 – Empathy vs. Compassion Host Bio:Smoke Wallin is a serial entrepreneur, conscious leader, global M&A deal maker, and host of The Smoke Trail podcast. Having navigated personal trauma through spiritual awakening, Smoke studies traditions like Buddhism, Christianity, and mysticism. His journey—from childhood challenges to leading global businesses—fuels his mission to share tools, truths, and stories for seekers, blending leadership with spiritual growth to inspire transformation.Setting:Recorded in the serene embrace of Sedona, Arizona, where the red rocks radiate spiritual clarity, this solo episode captures Smoke’s reflective voice after an impromptu gathering with friends. The desert’s quiet energy, infused with the warmth of recent conversations, grounds his insights on empathy and compassion, inviting listeners to deepen their consciousness journey.Summary:In this solo episode, Smoke Wallin explores the pivotal distinction between empathy and compassion, sparked by a dinner conversation in Sedona about a friend facing negative energy from an ex. Drawing from the friend’s highly empathic nature, Smoke explains how empathy—feeling another’s pain—can lower one’s vibration by matching their negative state, often harming the empath more than helping. Compassion, however, involves understanding and holding space without absorbing negativity, maintaining a high vibrational state of love, as in Episode 17’s heart-centered leadership. Smoke offers practical tools to protect one’s energy field: nightly journaling to clear emotional “hairballs,” as in Episode 20, and gratitude practices to sustain high vibration, per Episode 15’s affirmations. He emphasizes that our natural state is bliss and perfect health, achievable by clearing debris—negative thoughts and emotions—through conscious practices, echoing Episode 11’s consciousness as health. By pivoting from empathy to compassion, we avoid perpetuating negativity and help others heal faster, as in Episode 8’s “humans as medicine.” Infused with Sedona’s radiant clarity, this episode empowers listeners to lead and live with love, raising their vibration for personal and collective growth.Learnings: Empathy Lowers Vibration: Feeling another’s pain can match their negative state, harming the empath, per Episode 16’s mindfulness. Compassion Holds Space: Understanding without absorbing negativity maintains high vibration, as in Episode 17’s intentionality. Clearing Debris Heals: Nightly journaling releases emotional blockages, echoing Episode 20’s clean-up practices. Gratitude Elevates: Practicing gratitude, as in Episode 15, aligns with love and bliss, raising consciousness. Natural State is Bliss: Clearing negative thoughts restores perfect health, per Episode 11’s consciousness teachings.Universal Truths: Compassion is Love: Holding space without judgment uplifts, as in Episode 13’s love over evil. Consciousness is Health: Clearing emotional debris restores ease, per Episode 17’s collective healing. Presence Protects: Staying high-vibrational, as in Episode 16’s presence, shields from negativity. We Are Divine: Our natural state of bliss is within, echoing Episode 1’s awakening. Love Heals All: Compassion transforms pain, as in Episode 8’s human medicine.Examples: Dinner Insight: Smoke’s talk with an empathic friend about her ex’s negativity sparked this episode, reflecting Episode 17’s listening. Compassion in Action: Holding space for a friend’s pain without absorbing it, as Smoke advised, aligns with Episode 8’s medicine. Journaling Practice: Smoke’s nightly journaling to clear regrets, per Episode 20, sustained his high vibration. Gratitude Shift: Saying “thank you,” learned from Ivan Rados in Episode 11, elevated Smoke’s daily energy. Health Restoration: Clearing emotional “hairballs,” as in Episode 10, restored Smoke’s natural bliss.Smoke Trail Threads: Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20): Smoke’s empathy-compassion pivot ties to his awakening, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, Chris Clements’ action, Rob Follows’ intentionality, Rob Hersov’s love, Dave Garrison’s genius, and Episodes 16-17, 20’s tools. Healing (Episodes 2, 8, 10, 16, 17, 20): Smoke’s debris clearing aligns with Sarah Fruehling’s EMDR, Liv Fisch’s human medicine, Dani Brooks’ coherence, and Episodes 16-17, 20’s hairballs. Presence (Episodes 2, 3, 8, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20): Smoke’s high vibration echoes Sarah Fruehling’s breathwork, Jack Maxwell’s living now, Liv Fisch’s holding space, Rob Follows’ meditation, Dave Garrison’s curiosity, and Episodes 16-17, 20’s calm. Gratitude (Episodes 9, 15, 16, 17, 20): Smoke’s gratitude practice connects to Steve Hershberger’s gratitude, Rob Follows’ affirmations, and Episodes 16-17, 20’s vibration shift.  • • Leadership (Episodes 4, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19): Smoke’s compassionate leadership ties to Michael Brabant’s safe workplaces, Justin Breen’s vulnerability, Elizabeth Funk’s empowerment, Rob Follows’ significance, Rob Hersov’s advocacy, Dave Garrison’s alignment, and Episodes 16-17’s conscious leadership.

The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 20 – Changing Your Trajectory with Smoke WallinHost Bio:  Smoke Wallin is a serial entrepreneur, conscious leader, global M&A deal maker, and host of The Smoke Trail podcast. Having navigated personal trauma through spiritual awakening, Smoke studies traditions like Buddhism, Christianity, and mysticism. His journey—from childhood challenges to leading global businesses—fuels his mission to share tools, truths, and stories for seekers, blending leadership with spiritual growth to inspire transformation.Setting:  Recorded in the breathtaking embrace of Beaver Creek, Colorado, with the Rockies’ majestic peaks as a backdrop, this solo episode captures Smoke’s reflective voice fresh from a transformative two-day workshop with by Gaia with Dr. Ibrahim Karim on Biogeometry near Boulder (https://www.biogeometry.ca/dr-ibrahim-karim). The mountain air and vibrant energy of summer infuse his words with clarity, inviting listeners to shift their life’s trajectory through conscious practices.Summary:  In this solo episode, Smoke Wallin shares tools to change one’s daily trajectory, inspired by a conversation with a struggling worker at Pazzo’s Pizza in Avon, Colorado. Reflecting on his recent workshop with Dr. Karim, Smoke explores how negative morning thoughts cascade into a downward spiral, driven by ego-mind focus on past regrets or future anxieties. He offers practical strategies to break this cycle: noticing negative thoughts, swiping them away (per Episode 10’s analogy), and replacing them with gratitude to align with higher consciousness, as taught by Ivan Rados in Episode 11. Smoke emphasizes daily “clean-up” practices—journaling at night to release regrets, as in Episode 16, and saying “thank you” to shift vibration, per Episode 17’s retreat insights. These habits, rooted in the “grow up, clean up, wake up” framework, prevent emotional “hairballs” from manifesting as dis-ease, aligning with Episode 15’s health-consciousness link. Smoke cites James Allen’s *As a Man Thinketh*, underscoring that thoughts shape reality, a truth echoed in Episode 18’s love conquering all. Infused with the Rockies’ serene power, this episode empowers listeners to raise their vibration for joy and impact.Learnings:  - Notice Negative Thoughts: Recognizing unwanted thoughts creates separation, stopping their momentum, as in Episode 16’s mindfulness.  - Gratitude Shifts Vibration: Saying “thank you” or journaling gratitude aligns with higher consciousness, per Episode 15’s affirmations.  - Nightly Journaling Clears: Writing and releasing daily regrets prevents subconscious buildup, echoing Episode 17’s healing.  - Consciousness Shapes Reality: Thoughts drive outcomes, as James Allen teaches, aligning with Episode 18’s love.  - Daily Clean-Up Heals: Clearing emotional energies nightly fosters perfect health, per Episode 11’s consciousness as health.Universal Truths:  - Thoughts Create Reality: Positive thoughts, like gratitude, manifest joy, as in Episode 15’s intentionality.  - Consciousness is Health: Clearing “hairballs” restores ease, per Episode 17’s collective healing.  - Presence Breaks Cycles: Noticing thoughts, as in Episode 16’s presence, halts negative spirals.  - Love Elevates: Gratitude and love raise vibration, echoing Episode 13’s love over evil.  - We Are Infinite: Releasing limiting thoughts reveals our divine nature, per Episode 1’s awakening.Examples:  - Pazzo’s Pizza Encounter: Smoke’s talk with a worker about negative mornings inspired this episode, reflecting Episode 17’s heart-centered listening.  - Gratitude Practice: Smoke’s habit of saying “thank you,” learned from Ivan Rados, shifted his daily vibe, as in Episode 11.  - Nightly Journaling: Smoke’s practice of releasing daily regrets, as in Episode 16, cleared his subconscious for better mornings.  - Biogeometry Workshop: Dr. Karim’s teachings on life force energy, attended by Smoke, reinforced Episode 15’s health-consciousness link.  - James Allen’s Wisdom: Smoke’s reference to *As a Man Thinketh* echoes Episode 18’s truth that love shapes reality.Smoke Trail Threads:  - Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)**: Smoke’s trajectory shift ties to his awakening, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, Chris Clements’ action, Rob Follows’ intentionality, Rob Hersov’s love, Dave Garrison’s genius, and Q&As in 16-17.  - Healing (Episodes 2, 8, 10, 16, 17): Smoke’s clean-up aligns with Sarah Fruehling’s EMDR, Liv Fisch’s human medicine, Dani Brooks’ coherence, and Episodes 16-17’s hairballs.  - Presence (Episodes 2, 3, 8, 15, 16, 17, 19): Smoke’s noticing thoughts echoes Sarah Fruehling’s breathwork, Jack Maxwell’s living now, Liv Fisch’s holding space, Rob Follows’ meditation, Dave Garrison’s curiosity, and Episodes 16-17’s calm.  - Gratitude (Episodes 9, 15, 16, 17): Smoke’s gratitude practice connects to Steve Hershberger’s gratitude, Rob Follows’ affirmations, and Episodes 16-17’s vibration shift.  - Leadership (Episodes 4, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19): Smoke’s daily practices tie to Michael Brabant’s safe workplaces, Justin Breen’s vulnerability, Elizabeth Funk’s empowerment, Rob Follows’ significance, Rob Hersov’s advocacy, Dave Garrison’s alignment, and Episodes 16-17’s conscious leadership. 

The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 19 – Unleashing Collective Genius: The Buy-In Advantage with Dave GarrisonGuest Bio:Dave Garrison, Chief Engagement Officer of GarrisonGrowth, is a visionary leader and trusted advisor who enhances client profitability and satisfaction by fostering team alignment and motivation. As a former CEO at the forefront of the mobile internet revolution, Dave brings a unique perspective, informed by his roles as an independent board member across numerous organizations, including Ameritrade, where he mentored the CEO to drive billions in shareholder value. Quoted in The New York Times, USA Today, and Financial Times, and featured on CNBC, CNN, and Bloomberg TV, Dave has presented at high-profile events like FiRE, CES, and YPO’s Annual General Meeting. A YPO member, he serves on its Leadership Development Network as incoming Chair and has held roles on various committees. His book, The Buy-In Advantage, distills proven techniques for collective genius, aligning energy, strategy, and individuals for transformative outcomes.Setting:Recorded in the vibrant synergy of Sedona, Arizona, where Smoke’s red rock sanctuary meets Dave Garrison’s dynamic presence via virtual connection, this episode pulses with the energy of long-time friends reuniting. Set against Sedona’s spiritual vortex, their dialogue weaves leadership and consciousness, inviting listeners to a fireside chat of wisdom and heart in a desert glow.Summary:Smoke Wallin welcomes his dear friend Dave Garrison to explore leadership and consciousness through the lens of Dave’s new book, The Buy-In Advantage. Reflecting on their decades-long friendship, Smoke praises Dave’s innate ability to foster engagement, now crystallized in his framework for collective genius. Dave shares how curiosity over judgment unlocks team potential, emphasizing that “all of us are smarter than any of us,” a principle rooted in dropping ego-driven answers, as Smoke connects to his non-judgmental stance in Episode 16. They discuss aligning teams through open questions, validating emotions without reactive responses, and fostering horizontal synergy, drawing from Dave’s experience with venture-backed firms where people-first strategies were undervalued, unlike CHG Healthcare’s success in Episode 7’s resilience. Dave’s “get-on-board” questions, inspired by YPO forums, build vulnerability in small groups, mirroring Episode 17’s retreat healing. Smoke ties Dave’s heart-led approach to David Hawkins’ Power vs. Force, advocating heart-mind coherence for intuitive leadership, as in Episode 15’s affirmations. Dave’s writing process, channeling wisdom at dawn, echoes Episode 11’s quiet mind, revealing universal truths like collective genius through curiosity. This episode, infused with Sedona’s clarity, inspires leaders to harness team wisdom for transformative impact.Learnings:  Curiosity Unlocks Genius: Dropping judgment for curiosity, as Dave teaches, taps collective wisdom, per Episode 16’s mindfulness.  Validation Defuses Conflict: Mirroring and validating emotions, without reactive judgment, fosters collaboration, like Episode 17’s breathing pause.  Small Groups Build Trust: Vulnerability in groups of three, as in YPO forums, translates to larger teams, echoing Episode 13’s love-driven connection.  Heart-Mind Coherence Empowers: Listening to heart and gut, as Smoke advocates, aligns with Episode 15’s intuitive guidance.  Alignment Drives Profit: People-first cultures, like CHG Healthcare, cut turnover and boost value, per Episode 7’s resilience.Universal Truths:  All Are Smarter Than One: Collective genius, as in Episode 18’s love conquering all, emerges from shared wisdom.  Curiosity Trumps Judgment: A quiet mind, per Episode 11’s consciousness, reveals truth beyond ego, as in Episode 16’s presence.  Validation Heals: Acknowledging others’ emotions, as in Episode 8’s human medicine, builds trust.  Intuition is Power: Heart-led decisions, per Episode 15’s divine timing, access universal wisdom.  Consciousness Elevates: Raising awareness, as in Episode 17’s collective healing, transforms teams and humanity.Examples:  CHG Healthcare’s Success: Dave’s people-first approach halved turnover, boosting profits, like Episode 12’s Dignity Moves impact.  Get-On-Board Questions: Dave’s YPO-inspired question about childhood happiness built trust, mirroring Episode 17’s retreat vulnerability.  Cadillac Dealership Turnaround: Reducing turnover saved $1M, as Dave advised, reflecting Episode 7’s resilience.  Smoke’s Non-Judgment: Dropping judgment revealed team resistance, aligning with Episode 16’s mindful presence.  Dave’s Writing Flow: Channeling The Buy-In Advantage at dawn, like Episode 11’s quiet mind, tapped intuitive wisdom.Smoke Trail Threads:  Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18): Dave’s collective genius ties to Smoke’s awakening, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, Chris Clements’ action, Rob Follows’ intentionality, Rob Hersov’s love, and Q&As in 16-17.  Vulnerability (Episodes 6, 13, 17, 18): Dave’s trust-building aligns with Justin Breen’s openness, Chris Clements’ love, Rob Hersov’s truth, and Episode 17’s sharing.  Presence (Episodes 2, 3, 8, 15, 16, 17): Dave’s curiosity echoes Sarah Fruehling’s breathwork, Jack Maxwell’s living now, Liv Fisch’s holding space, Rob Follows’ meditation, and Episodes 16-17’s calm.  Leadership (Episodes 4, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18): Dave’s alignment connects to Michael Brabant’s safe workplaces, Justin Breen’s vulnerability, Elizabeth Funk’s empowerment, Rob Follows’ significance, Rob Hersov’s advocacy, and Episodes 16-17’s conscious leadership.   • • Healing (Episodes 2, 8, 10, 16, 17): Dave’s validation links to Sarah Fruehling’s EMDR, Liv Fisch’s human medicine, Dani Brooks’ coherence, and Episodes 16-17’s hairballs.

The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 18 – Waking Up in South Africa with Rob Hersov: Love Conquers AllGuest Bio:Robert Hersov, 64, is a South African/UK entrepreneur and private investor based in Cape Town, with a career spanning over 30 years in the US, Europe, and the UK. Grandson of AngloVaal founder Bob Hersov and son of its former leader Basil Hersov, Rob worked at Goldman Sachs, served as Rupert Murdoch’s chief of staff at News Corp, sat on Richemont’s main board, and was CEO of Telepiu in Milan. He founded Marquis Jet Europe, sold to Berkshire Hathaway, and co-founded ventures like RSA.aero, Norrsken22, LYRA, BitMach, Africa Padel, and Pacific Padel New Zealand. A graduate of the University of Cape Town (B.Bus.Sci.) and Harvard Business School (MBA ’89), Rob served as an infantry officer in the SADF. Known for his bold stance against corruption, he speaks out against South Africa’s ANC government, earning a large following for his statement “Voetsek ANC.” Married to Dr. Kate Hersov, a gifted healer, he has four children and champions truth and love as transformative forces.Setting:Recorded across continents, with Smoke in Sedona’s red rock embrace and Rob in Cape Town’s magical glow, this episode bridges Arizona’s spiritual vortex with South Africa’s vibrant pulse. The virtual connection hums with warmth, as old friends reconnect to explore consciousness amidst the world’s complexities, set against a backdrop of mountains and oceans.Summary:Smoke Wallin welcomes Rob Hersov, a longtime friend and South African entrepreneur, to reflect on their parallel journeys from the dot-com era’s highs and lows to awakening consciousness. Recalling their collaboration during the 2000s tech boom—Rob raising $100M for Sportal, Smoke $60M for eSkye—they share lessons of humility from the crash, finding resilience in Rudyard Kipling’s If. Rob, now a vocal advocate against South Africa’s ANC government, discusses his viral 2020 speech exposing corruption, facing death threats yet gaining support from everyday citizens, inspired by his father’s pride and the poem The Man in the Glass. He credits his wife Kate’s intuitive healing—diagnosing ailments remotely, as in Episode 15’s synchronicities—for guiding him, like her advice to avoid a Piers Morgan panel. Smoke and Rob explore Stoicism, with Marcus Aurelius as a beacon of disciplined love, and Christian Science’s tenet that “God is love,” aligning with Meister Eckhart’s view of divinity within. Rob’s minimalism, sparked by Kate’s wisdom, frees him from possessions, echoing Episode 16’s clarity through journaling. Their dialogue culminates in a vision for South Africa’s healing through love, a logarithmic force that conquers fear, as Smoke affirms in Episode 17’s collective healing. This episode, vibrant with transcontinental energy, inspires leaders to lead with heart and truth.Learnings:  Resilience Through Humility: The dot-com crash taught Rob and Smoke to dust off and rise, as in Episode 16’s calm leadership.  Vulnerability as Calling: Rob’s truth-speaking, despite threats, reflects authenticity, like Episode 17’s vulnerability.  Intuition Guides Decisions: Kate’s intuitive wisdom, like avoiding Piers Morgan, mirrors Episode 15’s divine timing.  Minimalism Frees: Letting go of possessions, as Rob did, clarifies purpose, akin to Episode 16’s journaling perspective.  Love Conquers All: Higher consciousness, rooted in love, transforms societal challenges, echoing Episode 13’s love over evil.Universal Truths:  God is Love: Divinity within, as Christian Science and Eckhart affirm, unites all, per Episode 17’s healing.  Consciousness is Power: Higher vibrations, like Rob’s advocacy, outweigh fear, as in Episode 16’s Hawkins’ Map.  Presence is Strength: A pause, like Smoke’s three breaths, centers us, echoing Episode 17’s stress response.  Truth Resonates: Authentic actions, as in The Man in the Glass, align with Episode 15’s intentionality.  We Are One: Love transcends division, healing societies, as in Episode 12’s collective upliftment.Examples:  Dot-Com Resilience: Rob’s recovery post-Sportal crash, like Smoke’s eSkye pivot, reflects Episode 3’s triumph over adversity.  Viral Speech: Rob’s 2020 speech, going viral despite threats, mirrors Episode 6’s vulnerability, earning public support.  Kate’s Intuition: Her remote diagnosis of swine flu, guiding Rob’s partner to hospital, aligns with Episode 15’s guru synchronicity.  Minimalist Shift: Rob’s shedding of books and watches, inspired by Kate, echoes Episode 16’s journaling clarity.  South Africa’s Hope: Rob’s advocacy, rooted in love, aims to heal, like Episode 17’s retreat healing.Smoke Trail Threads:  Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17): Rob’s awakening ties to Smoke’s journey, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, Chris Clements’ action, Rob Follows’ intentionality, and Q&As in 16-17.  Vulnerability (Episodes 6, 13, 17): Rob’s truth-speaking aligns with Justin Breen’s openness, Chris Clements’ love, and Episode 17’s sharing.  Presence (Episodes 2, 3, 8, 15, 16, 17): Smoke’s breathing pause echoes Sarah Fruehling’s breathwork, Jack Maxwell’s living now, Liv Fisch’s holding space, Rob Follows’ meditation, and Episodes 16-17’s calm.  Leadership (Episodes 4, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17): Rob’s advocacy connects to Michael Brabant’s safe workplaces, Justin Breen’s vulnerability, Elizabeth Funk’s empowerment, Rob Follows’ significance, and Episodes 16-17’s conscious leadership.  Love (Episodes 8, 12, 13, 17): Rob’s vision of love conquering all links to Liv Fisch’s human medicine, Elizabeth Funk’s upliftment, Chris Clements’ love over evil, and Episode 17’s healing.

The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 17 – Audience Q&A 2.0 with Smoke WallinHost Bio:Smoke Wallin is a serial entrepreneur, conscious leader, global M&A deal maker, and host of The Smoke Trail podcast. Having navigated personal trauma through spiritual awakening, Smoke studies traditions like Buddhism, Christianity, and mysticism. His journey—from childhood challenges to leading global businesses—fuels his mission to share tools, truths, and stories for seekers, blending leadership with spiritual growth to inspire transformation.Setting:Recorded in a serene hotel room in Vancouver, British Columbia, overlooking a glorious cityscape, this solo episode captures Smoke’s reflective voice fresh from Ivan Rados’s Wild Zen Retreat on Bowen Island. The lush, rain-kissed forest of the retreat lingers in his words, infusing the Q&A with a profound sense of healing and connection, inviting listeners to deepen their consciousness journey.Summary:In this second Q&A episode, Smoke Wallin answers audience questions from global YPO talks and the first 15 episodes, enriched by insights from Ivan Rados’s Wild Zen Retreat on Bowen Island, where he served as an “angel” holding space for men confronting their shadows. On clearing emotional blockages, Smoke emphasizes the power of intention, sharing how retreat participants bravely faced unresolved “hairballs” through modalities like energy clearing and contextual reflection, enhancing leadership by integrating shadows for higher perspective. Addressing intentionality in leadership, he explains how heart-centered presence aligns actions with higher purpose, enabling leaders to notice subtle signals and empower teams. For staying present under stress, Smoke offers a practical breathing exercise to create a gap between stimulus and response, ensuring calm, effective decisions in conflicts or high-pressure meetings. On vulnerability in leadership, he redefines it as strength, sharing his journey of overcoming heavy drinking to connect authentically with others, reducing team resistance and fostering teachability. Infused with the retreat’s healing energy, this episode empowers listeners to apply these tools for personal growth and collective impact.Learnings:  Intention Clears Blockages: Setting an intention to face emotional “hairballs” initiates healing, enhancing leadership clarity.  Heart-Centered Leadership: Intentional presence aligns actions with purpose, empowering teams and noticing subtle cues.  Breathing Maintains Presence: Three deep breaths in stressful moments create space for calm, effective responses.  Vulnerability Builds Trust: Sharing healed experiences, like Smoke’s sobriety, reduces team resistance and fosters connection.  Collective Healing Amplifies: Holding space for others, as at the retreat, accelerates personal and group transformation.Universal Truths:  Consciousness is Healing: Integrating shadows raises awareness, fostering compassion and perspective.  Intentionality Shapes Reality: Heart-centered intentions align actions with divine purpose, enhancing impact.  Presence Dissolves Stress: A calm mind in chaos empowers wise, non-reactive choices.  Vulnerability is Strength: Authentic sharing builds trust, uniting leaders and teams.  We Heal Together: Individual healing, as in Episode 8’s “humans as medicine,” uplifts the collective.Examples:  Retreat Healing: Smoke’s role as an “angel” at the Wild Zen Retreat, holding space for men, amplified collective healing, inspired by Episode 11’s consciousness teachings.  Intentional Leadership: Smoke’s heart-centered approach at STS Capital noticed team challenges, aligning with Episode 15’s intentionality.  Breathing Exercise: Smoke’s use of three breaths during a tense meeting diffused conflict, echoing Episode 2’s breathwork.  Vulnerability Shared: Smoke’s openness about past drinking connected with a struggling team member, reducing resistance, reflecting Episode 6’s vulnerability.  Shadow Integration: A retreat participant’s energy clearing, witnessed by Smoke, mirrored Episode 10’s emotional healing tools.Smoke Trail Threads:  Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16): Smoke’s retreat insights tie to his awakening, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, Chris Clements’ action, Rob Follows’ intentionality, and Episode 16’s Q&A.  Healing (Episodes 2, 8, 10, 16): Clearing blockages aligns with Sarah Fruehling’s EMDR, Liv Fisch’s human medicine, Dani Brooks’ coherence, and Episode 16’s hairballs.  Presence (Episodes 2, 3, 8, 15, 16): Smoke’s breathing exercise echoes Sarah Fruehling’s breathwork, Jack Maxwell’s living now, Liv Fisch’s holding space, Rob Follows’ meditation, and Episode 16’s calm leadership.  Leadership (Episodes 4, 6, 12, 15, 16): Smoke’s intentionality connects to Michael Brabant’s safe workplaces, Justin Breen’s vulnerability, Elizabeth Funk’s empowerment, Rob Follows’ significance, and Episode 16’s conscious leadership.  Vulnerability (Episodes 6, 13): Smoke’s authentic sharing ties to Justin Breen’s openness and Chris Clements’ love-driven leadership.

The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 16 – Audience Q&A 1.0 with Smoke WallinHost Bio:Smoke Wallin is a serial entrepreneur, conscious leader, global M&A deal maker and host of The Smoke Trail podcast. Smoke has navigated personal trauma through spiritual awakening, studying traditions like Buddhism, Christianity, and mysticism. His journey—from childhood challenges to leading global businesses—fuels his mission to share tools, truths, and stories for seekers, blending leadership with spiritual growth to inspire transformation.Setting:Recorded in the vibrant energy of a park in Prescott, Arizona, where the children and dogs playing juxtapose with the need for introspection, this solo episode captures Smoke’s reflective voice answering audience questions from recent YPO talks in Bangkok, Sedona, and San Francisco, as well as queries inspired by the first 15 episodes. The sounds of birds as a backdrop enhances the clarity and warmth of his responses, inviting listeners to deepen their consciousness journey.Summary:In this special Q&A episode, Smoke Wallin responds to audience questions gathered from global YPO talks and the first 15 episodes of The Smoke Trail, offering practical tools and insights for conscious leadership. Addressing meditation’s role in leadership, Smoke explains how it creates a gap between stimulus and response, enabling emotion-free decisions that enhance clarity and effectiveness. He shares how leaders can foster team optimism by modeling calm presence during tough times, transforming dynamics through non-reactive, conscious leadership. Smoke discusses journaling as a tool to gain perspective and boost awareness, positively influencing teams. Diving into David Hawkins’ Map of Consciousness, he outlines its value in understanding team emotional states, anticipating behaviors, and leading with context over content. On clearing emotional blockages, or “hairballs,” Smoke explores modalities like EMDR, plant medicine, and tapping to release subconscious trauma, emphasizing that conscious awareness dissolves these energies. Finally, he underscores the synergy between spiritual growth and leadership, asserting that raising consciousness is essential for impactful leadership. This episode, infused with Smoke’s spiritual resonance, empowers listeners to apply these practices for personal and collective growth.Learnings:  Meditation Enhances Decisions: Regular meditation fosters a calm mind, enabling leaders to make emotion-free choices, improving outcomes.  Calm Leadership Inspires: Modeling presence during crises spreads optimism and cohesion, transforming team dynamics.  Journaling Boosts Perspective: Daily journaling clarifies thoughts, enhancing consciousness and team influence.  Map of Consciousness Guides: Hawkins’ framework helps leaders anticipate team behaviors and lead with higher awareness.  Clearing Blockages Frees: Releasing emotional “hairballs” through modalities like EMDR or tapping unlocks leadership potential.Universal Truths:  Consciousness is Power: Higher awareness drives effective leadership and personal harmony.  Presence is Leadership: Staying calm in chaos inspires trust and optimism in others.  Forgiveness Heals: Releasing emotional blockages restores ease and enables growth.  Love Dissolves Shadows: Conscious love and awareness clear subconscious barriers, fostering bliss.  Spirituality Fuels Impact: Spiritual growth is essential for transformative leadership and collective good.Examples:  Meditation in Action: Smoke’s practice of witnessing thoughts during meditation improved his decision-making, filtering out emotional noise.  Calm Leadership: A leader’s non-reactive presence in a crisis, as Smoke observed, unified a stressed team, echoing Episode 12’s optimism.  Journaling Breakthrough: Smoke’s daily journaling clarified his responses to challenges, enhancing his leadership perspective.  Map of Consciousness: Understanding a team member’s anger (150 on Hawkins’ scale) allowed Smoke to tailor communication, aligning with Episode 15’s intentionality.  Clearing Hairballs: Smoke’s use of plant medicine uncovered childhood trauma, dissolving blockages with conscious awareness, inspired by Episode 10’s healing tools.Smoke Trail Threads:  Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13, 15): Smoke’s Q&A ties to his awakening, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, Chris Clements’ action, and Rob Follows’ intentionality.  Forgiveness (Episodes 7, 8, 13): Clearing emotional blockages aligns with Luke Wallin’s enemy forgiveness, Liv Fisch’s self-kindness, and Chris Clements’ liberation.  Presence (Episodes 2, 3, 8, 15): Smoke’s calm leadership echoes Sarah Fruehling’s breathwork, Jack Maxwell’s living now, Liv Fisch’s holding space, and Rob Follows’ meditation.  Leadership (Episodes 4, 6, 12, 15): Smoke’s conscious leadership connects to Michael Brabant’s safe workplaces, Justin Breen’s vulnerability, Elizabeth Funk’s empowerment, and Rob Follows’ significance.  Healing (Episodes 2, 10): Emotional blockages link to Sarah Fruehling’s EMDR and Dani Brooks’ heart-mind coherence tools.

The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 15 – Trekking Back to Nepal: Roots of Success to Significance with Rob FollowsGuest Bio:Rob Follows is the founder and chairman of STS Capital Partners, a global M&A firm, and a conscious leader dedicated to philanthropy and spiritual growth. A Canadian entrepreneur, Rob sold his marketing services business in 1996, leading to a transformative hiatus at Nepal’s Kopan Monastery, where he learned meditation and purpose-driven living. As a YPO member and mentor, Rob’s journey from corporate success to significance inspires others to balance business with impact, guided by affirmations, meditation, and a commitment to making the world better.Setting:Recorded at the Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal, where ancient stupas and vibrant maroon-robed monks create a sacred backdrop, this episode hums with the Himalayas’ spiritual energy. Smoke and Rob, partners at STS Capital, share a reflective dialogue amidst the monastery’s serene power, enriched by their recent day spent connecting with welcoming monks, whose warmth and wisdom amplified the experience.Summary:Smoke welcomes Rob Follows to the Kopan Monastery, where Rob’s spiritual journey began in 1996 after selling his business. Rob recounts arriving in Nepal with $800, giving it to a dying guru who directed him to Kopan, where he studied meditation under Lama Lhundrup (Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Lhundrup Rigsel). A serendipitous return in 2018 on the 31st day of Lama Lhundrup’s passing sparked a mystical connection, reinforcing Rob’s belief in divine timing. He shares how this experience, coupled with mentorship from business titan Bill Merritts, shaped his philosophy of balancing success with significance. Smoke and Rob discuss practical tools—affirmations to reprogram the subconscious, pre-sleep meditation for theta-state clarity, and vision boards for manifestation—while emphasizing love and intentionality as leadership cornerstones. They explore how clearing emotional “hairballs” through conscious practices fosters health and purpose, drawing on Bruce Lipton’s Biology of Belief. Set against Nepal’s spiritual resonance, where Smoke and Rob engaged with current monks under the guidance of Khenrinpoche Geshe Thubten Chonyi, the monastery’s abbot, this conversation inspires leaders to align heart and mind for impact.Learnings:  Affirmations Rewire Beliefs: Daily affirmations shift subconscious patterns, fostering positive change.  Meditation Enhances Clarity: Pre-sleep or walking meditation accesses theta states for deep insight.  Vision Boards Manifest: Visualizing goals aligns energy with outcomes, driving success.  Intentionality Shapes Impact: Clear intentions guide purposeful leadership.  Love Overcomes Negativity: Bringing love and light clears stuck energies for health and harmony.Universal Truths:  Consciousness is Health: Clearing emotional blockages through awareness restores ease, our natural state.  Divine Timing Guides: Synchronicities reflect a universal plan.  Love is Transformative: Love dissolves fear and negativity, uniting all.  We Are Spiritual Beings: Our mission is to remember our divinity through practice.  Intentionality Creates Reality: Focused energy shapes lives and impact.Examples:  Kopan Meditation: Rob’s 1996 training under Lama Lhundrup, from 4 AM to 10 PM, built lifelong meditation habits.  Guru Encounter: Giving $800 to a dying guru led Rob to Kopan, showing trust in divine guidance.  Lama Lhundrup’s Return: Rob’s 2018 visit on Lama Lhundrup’s 31st death day, mistaken for his reincarnation, highlighted synchronicity.  Vision Boards: Rob’s boards from a decade ago manifested goals, as did Smoke’s spiritual and professional boards.  Monk Interactions: Smoke and Rob’s recent conversations with Kopan monks, under Geshe Thubten Chonyi’s leadership, deepened their connection to the monastery’s living wisdom.Smoke Trail Threads:  Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13): Rob’s awareness aligns with Smoke’s awakening, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, and Chris Clements’ action.  Forgiveness (Episodes 7, 8, 13): Rob’s release of corporate stress ties to Luke Wallin’s enemy forgiveness and Chris Clements’ liberation.  Presence (Episodes 2, 3, 8): Rob’s meditation echoes Sarah Fruehling’s breathwork, Jack Maxwell’s living now, and Liv Fisch’s holding space.  Love (Episodes 12, 13): Rob’s love and light meditation connects to Elizabeth Funk’s uplifting solutions and Chris Clements’ love over evil.  Surrender (Episodes 7, 11, 12)

Episode 14: "Not Playing Around" with Zineb El OuazzaniGuest: Zineb El Ouazzani (Zi) – Moroccan former child tennis prodigy turned pro at 31 after a 12-year hiatus, CEO, and YPO speaker whose reinvention through adversity inspires leaders. Watch her YPO talk at YouTube and read more at Medium.Setting: Recorded at the YPO Global Leadership Conference in Washington, DC, April 2025, amidst >1,000 CEOs, where Smoke and Zi coached LAB speakers, their bond forged in Istanbul’s transformative talks.SummarySmoke and Zi connect at the YPO Global Leadership Conference, reflecting on their journeys since sharing life-changing stories in Istanbul. Zi, a Moroccan tennis prodigy, recounts her rise to Africa’s top ranks by 13, only to face a shattering setback post-9/11 when her U.S. visa was revoked, ending her pro dreams at 18. Exiled to Morocco, she battled depression, broke her rackets, and reinvented herself, later marrying and embracing personal development. At 31, spurred by a coach’s nudge and a stranger’s journal gift, Zi returned to the pro circuit, training six hours daily through tears to heal her “unfinished story.” Her Ho’oponopono practice and ownership mindset transformed her body and soul, proving age and past don’t define you. Now, Zi’s intuitive leadership—reading rooms with heart—guides CEOs, aligning with Smoke’s mission to awaken consciousness. This episode, a beacon of resilience, urges listeners to face demons, trust intuition, and rewrite their story. Explore Zi’s journey at YouTube.LearningsFace Your Demons: Zi’s return to tennis to heal past wounds, like Smoke’s public storytelling, shows confronting unresolved pain is key to growth.  Take Ownership: Zi’s shift from victimhood to leading her comeback, using Ho’oponopono, teaches reclaiming power over your narrative.  Trust Intuition: Zi’s “intuitive angel” role in boardrooms, reading energy, offers a tool for leaders to feel, not force, decisions.  Question Limits: Defying “too old” naysayers, Zi’s pro circuit return at 31 proves only you set your boundaries.  Practice Positive Self-Talk: Zi’s Ho’oponopono (“thank you, I love you”) countered negative thoughts, a daily muscle for all seekers.Universal TruthsConsciousness Shapes Reality: Zi’s negative self-talk caused physical illness, while positive shifts healed her, echoing Smoke’s mind-body unity.  Adversity is Purposeful: Zi’s visa loss, like Smoke’s trauma, was a divine detour to build compassion and resilience.  Energy Drives Impact: Zi’s vibrant pro-circuit energy, mistaken for youth, shows high-vibration presence transforms perception and outcomes.  The Answer Lies Within: Zi’s intuitive breakthroughs align with Smoke’s inner wisdom, proving external validation pales to self-trust.ExamplesScrewdriver Mishap: At 13, Zi’s brother hid a screwdriver in her bag for safety, triggering a school security scare, highlighting her cultural shock in the U.S.  Visa Rejection: Post-9/11, Zi’s U.S. visa was revoked at 18, barring her until 90, collapsing her tennis dreams and sparking grief.  Journal Gift: A California teacher’s journal, urging Zi to “own your story,” reignited her tennis passion at 31, a synchronicity shifting her path.  Pro Circuit Return: Zi trained six hours daily, crying through seven months, to compete professionally, embodying grit and healing.  Intuitive Leadership: Zi’s boardroom “reading” for a VP, feeling energy over notes, showcased her intuitive gift, later guiding YPO teams.Smoke Trail ThreadsEpisode 14 builds on Episode 7’s forgiveness (Luke Wallin) with Zi’s self-forgiveness via Ho’oponopono, and Episode 8’s presence (Liv Fisch) through her intuitive flow. Steve Hershberger’s (Episode 9) stone-dropping mirrors Zi’s release of victimhood, while Dani Brooks’ (Episode 10) heart-mind coherence aligns with her ownership shift. Ivan Rados’ (Episode 11) “allow, accept, let go” echoes Zi’s healing through tennis, and Elizabeth Funk’s (Episode 12) optimism resonates in Zi’s relentless grit. 

The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 13 – Finding Christ, Facing Evil With Love with Chris ClementsGuest Bio:Chris Clements is a former CEO and third-generation leader of a major Arizona beverage distribution business, now a partner at STS Capital, where he guides entrepreneurs through mergers and acquisitions. Raised in a spiritually diverse family—blending Armenian Anglican, Southern Baptist, and Episcopalian influences—Chris’s faith journey was shaped by his grandmother’s devotion to Jesus and his father’s legacy of stewardship and charity. After a rock-climbing accident, a traumatic brain injury, and the sudden loss of his father at 25, Chris faced darkness, battling anger and addiction. A transformative deliverance session in 2015, guided by his wife Sasha’s compassion, led him to reclaim his sovereignty through Christ, embracing a mission to “know Him and make Him known.” Today, he lives in Arizona, integrating faith, freedom, and love into his leadership and community work.Setting:Recorded in the vibrant famous resort The Arizona Biltmore, this conversation unfolds as a raw, heartfelt exchange between two friends. The sacred energy of the desert mirrors the episode’s themes of surrender, forgiveness, and divine connection, inviting listeners to reflect on their own path to the “river” of divinity.Summary:In this intimate episode, I sit down with my friend Chris Clements to explore his journey from inherited faith to personal transformation through Christ. Chris shares his upbringing in Arizona, steeped in diverse religious traditions, and the profound influence of his grandmother Pat, a Southern Baptist who introduced him to Jesus, and his father, a charitable leader who modeled stewardship. At 25, tragedy struck when his father died of a brain tumor, thrusting Chris into leadership of the family’s beverage distribution business. Struggling with a traumatic brain injury from a rock-climbing accident, anger at God, and addiction, Chris’s life spiraled until his wife Sasha’s compassionate ultimatum in Key West prompted a turning point. A powerful deliverance session in Charlottesville, Virginia, revealed past wounds and dark energies, leading Chris to proclaim his sovereignty through Jesus, cleansing his spirit and renewing his purpose. We dive into how Chris integrates this faith into his work at STS Capital, balancing material success with spiritual surrender, and discuss the nature of evil—not as a force to fight, but to overwhelm with love. From the Armenian genocide’s generational trauma to personal forgiveness, Chris’s story is a testament to reclaiming divinity and living as love in a complex world.Learnings:  Surrender is Freedom: Chris’s deliverance session taught him to release control, trusting the universe’s “zigzag path” to divinity, a lesson reinforced by his father’s death and his own healing.  Forgiveness is for the Forgiver: Forgiving his father, God, and himself freed Chris from anger, echoing the Armenian community’s need to release generational grudges for healing.  Evil Flees Love: Rather than battling dark energies, Chris learned to offer love, disarming fear and negativity, as seen in his post-deliverance clarity.  Faith Anchors Leadership: Integrating spirituality into business, like through the Wings Like Eagles Foundation, empowers purposeful leadership without fear of judgment.  Consciousness Drives Action: Raising personal consciousness, as Chris did through faith, naturally leads to loving actions, not as a checklist but as grace’s overflow.Universal Truths:  The River Runs Through Us All: Divinity is within everyone, accessible at any moment, whether through Christ, plant medicine, or quiet reflection, as Chris’s deliverance and the “river” analogy from Jim Finley illustrate.  Evil is Intentional Harm: Evil arises when someone knowingly harms another, but love—embodied as grace or compassion—dissolves its power.  Sovereignty is Proclaimed: We reclaim our divine nature by consciously choosing light over darkness, as Chris did by accepting Christ’s grace.  Judgment Blocks Vision: Releasing judgment, as Chris learned post-deliverance, reveals truth and fosters connection, aligning with divine love.  Grace is Sufficient: Salvation isn’t earned through works but flows from accepting divine love, as seen in the thief on the cross and Chris’s renewed faith.Examples:  Deliverance Session: Chris’s 2015 prayer session in Charlottesville, guided by Dr. David Appleby, cleansed dark energies, with his friend John noting his grandmother Pat’s pride, symbolizing spiritual rebirth.  Sasha’s Compassion: In Key West, Sasha’s non-judgmental call for Chris to heal—not for their marriage, but for his son’s trust—sparked his pivot toward sobriety and faith.  Wings Like Eagles Foundation: Chris’s family business channeled Isaiah 40’s spirit, funding charities aligned with faith, showing how spirituality can shape corporate culture.  Forgiving the Past: Chris’s release of anger toward his father and God mirrors the broader need for communities, like Armenians, to forgive historical traumas for collective healing.  The Thief on the Cross: The biblical story of the repentant thief, who found paradise through a single proclamation, underscores that grace is always available, as Chris experienced.Smoke Trail Threads:  Forgiveness (Episode 7): Chris’s journey of forgiving his father and himself echoes Episode 7’s focus on forgiveness as liberation, extending to generational healing.  Presence (Episode 8): Like Liv Fisch’s emphasis on self-kindness, Chris’s daily proclamation of sovereignty requires staying present to avoid unconscious slips into darkness.  Consciousness (Episode 9): Steve Hershberger’s consciousness map aligns with Chris’s belief that higher consciousness prevents harm, as love reveals our oneness.  Heart-Mind Coherence (Episode 10): Dani Brooks’ mirror work parallels Chris’s heart-led faith, where his guardian angel speaks through intuition, guiding right action.  Surrender (Episode 11): Ivan Rados’ “allow, accept, let go” formula resonates with Chris’s surrender to God’s grace, trusting the universe’s path.  Optimism in Action (Episode 12): Elizabeth Funk’s solutions-driven approach to homelessness reflects Chris’s focus on positive action over dwelling on evil, uplifting the least advantaged.

Episode 12: "Embodiment of Love - Making Dignity Moves" with Elizabeth FunkGuest: Elizabeth Funk – Social entrepreneur, former tech executive (Yahoo, Microsoft), and founder of Dignity Moves, which builds interim housing to end unsheltered homelessness. Her contagious optimism drives systemic change, learn more at dignitymoves.org.Setting: Recorded at Dignity Moves’ first site, 33 Gough in San Francisco, a vibrant example of hope amidst urban challenges.SummarySmoke sits with Elizabeth Funk at 33 Gough, Dignity Moves’ pioneering San Francisco site, to explore her journey from tech to transforming homelessness solutions. Elizabeth, a YPO ally, pivoted from microfinance—proving for-profit models can uplift—to leading Dignity Moves, born from a YPO group’s frustration with ineffective systems. They reveal how unsheltered homelessness, costing $80,000 per person annually, can be solved for less with interim housing, slashing trauma (17% mental illness at homelessness onset doubles in weeks). Elizabeth’s data-driven optimism—backed by successes in Santa Barbara and San Jose—challenges bureaucratic metrics prioritizing permanent housing over immediate shelter. Her “solve it” ethos, rooted in love and pragmatism, creates high-vibration fields that lift residents, like a hubcap artist finding worth via Etsy. This episode embodies love in action, urging listeners to pick a finite problem and act. Explore Dignity Moves at dignitymoves.org.LearningsPick a Finite Problem: Elizabeth’s advice—tackle a solvable issue like unsheltered homelessness—offers a blueprint for impact, achievable through focus and optimism.Challenge Broken Systems: Use clear-eyed analysis to rethink metrics, as Dignity Moves did, prioritizing interim shelter over costly, slow permanent housing.Leverage Love’s Field: Create high-consciousness environments (like 33 Gough’s pancake breakfasts) to spark residents’ inner divinity, fostering hope and agency.Act Without Permission: Elizabeth’s “ask forgiveness, not permission” approach—launching 33 Gough despite opposition—shows bold action shifts paradigms.Blend Profit and Purpose: Her microfinance success proves for-profit models can scale social good, a lesson for Dignity Moves’ emerging public-private funds.Universal TruthsConsciousness Drives Impact: High-vibration fields, like Dignity Moves’ love-infused villages, elevate souls, aligning with Smoke’s Hawkins-scale insights.

The Smoke Trail S1 E11 A Mystic Dialogue from Sedona with Ivan RadosEpisode 11: "A Mystic Dialogue from Sedona" with Ivan RadosGuest: Ivan Rados – Mystic, artist, and author of 12 books, including Health is All About Consciousness and The Mystery of Love, whose teachings on self-acceptance and infinite awareness have guided Smoke and countless others. A healer who points to the inner truth, reachable at ivanrados.com and intronaut.com.  Setting: Smoke in Sedona’s vortex energy, Ivan beaming in from his space, their teacher-student bond igniting a cosmic conversation.SummarySmoke hosts his mentor, Ivan Rados, in a radiant dialogue from Sedona’s Bell Rock vortex, where crystalline energy amplifies their exploration of consciousness, health, and love. Ivan, a mystic who found truth beyond Yugoslavian indoctrination, shares his journey—sparked by astral travel at 13 and a vision of writing books, now realized in works like Health is All About Consciousness. They unpack how denying one’s infinite self creates tension—disease’s root—while acceptance heals, as consciousness is health. Smoke reflects on Ivan’s guidance, from soul retrieval to purging subconscious noise, transforming his life from gout and anxiety to bliss. Ivan’s formula—allow, accept, be grateful, let go—emerges as a path to wholeness, bypassing mind’s illusions. This “transmission of love” urges listeners to trust their inner healer, rise above polarity, and live as the universe’s infinite flicker. Find Ivan’s wisdom at ivanrados.com and intronaut.com.Learnings- Accept All of You: Ivan’s core teaching—love your disease, failures, and past—frees you from denial’s tension, sparking healing, as Smoke’s journey shows.- Filter the Subconscious: Smoke’s shift—ditching negative media for uplifting inputs—purifies the subconscious, proving we control what shapes us, per Ivan’s nod.- Allow, Accept, Let Go: Ivan’s formula for healing: allow experiences without judgment, accept them with gratitude, and release—Smoke’s flu vanishing in hours exemplifies this.- Be Your Own Teacher: Ivan’s self-guided path, echoed by Smoke’s openness, teaches trusting your excitement—do what energizes, skip what doesn’t.- Witness, Don’t React: Stay neutral, observing thoughts and dualities without attachment, to tap infinite awareness, as Ivan’s nondual stance guides.Universal Truths- Consciousness is Health: Ivan’s axiom—disease stems from denying your infinite self, while acceptance restores wholeness—ties health to presence.- Mind is Illusion: Thoughts aren’t yours; they’re social, recycled at your consciousness level—true freedom lies beyond, in no-mind awareness.- Duality Serves Growth: Light and dark, good and evil exist to teach love through contrast—transcending polarity reveals the neutral, infinite you.- Life is Now: Past regrets and future hopes trap you; only the present, fully accepted, ignites healing, as Ivan’s “here and now” focus insists.Examples- Smoke’s Healing: Ivan’s soul retrieval and acceptance work cleared Smoke’s gout, anxiety, and trauma, showing consciousness trumps symptoms.- Ivan’s Astral Vision: At 13, Ivan’s astral travel revealed a library of his future books, a synchronicity guiding his mystic path, later fulfilled.- Kai’s Wisdom: Ivan’s son, at 4, declared a cockroach’s purpose is “being,” shifting Ivan’s view—life’s reason is presence, not rationale.- Sedona Coffee Chat: Smoke’s impromptu podcast talk with a barista, born of openness, mirrors Ivan’s call to share truth freely, sparking connections.- Ivan’s Wilderness Writing: Spending 15 days in nature, Ivan “downloaded” Health is All About Consciousness, proving inspired action births creation.Smoke Trail ThreadsEpisode 11 deepens Episode 7’s forgiveness (Luke Wallin) with Ivan’s total acceptance, and Episode 8’s presence (Liv Fisch) via his “here and now” focus. Smoke’s Nepal jolt (Episode 1) and Episode 9’s stone-dropping (Steve Hershberger) echo in Ivan’s soul retrieval, while Episode 10’s awareness (Dani Brooks) aligns with his no-mind witnessing. Sedona’s vortex amplifies the love transmission, tying to Smoke’s mission of pointing seekers to truth.v

Episode 10: "Cultivating Awareness for Heart-Mind Coherence" with Danielle "Dani" BrooksGuest: Danielle "Dani" Brooks – A coach specializing in emotional healing and personal transformation, integrating plant medicine and practical tools to help clients uncover their true selves. She has a background in nutritional therapy and has been on a spiritual journey since her early twenties, inspired by "Autobiography of a Yogi" at age 24.Setting: Smoke  and Dani in Sedona’s tranquil environment connecting for a deep dive into awareness and healing.SummaryIn this episode, Smoke and Dani explore the intersection of spirituality, trauma, and personal growth. Smoke shares his journey of uncovering childhood trauma through plant medicine, guided by Dani, who has been instrumental in his healing process. Dani recounts her own path, starting with struggles like negative self-talk, emotional eating, and substance use, and her transition from a nutritional therapist to a coach integrating plant medicine for rapid healing. They discuss the stages of spiritual growth, using Smoke’s framework of "Clean Up, Grow Up, Wake Up" and Dani’s four phases: letting go, identity crisis, acclimation to truth, and managing ego. The conversation highlights the concept of emotional "hairballs"—unprocessed emotions as stuck energy—and the importance of letting go of stories attached to past events. Practical techniques like journaling, letter-writing for forgiveness, and mirror work are shared as effective tools for healing. They emphasize the power of awareness, presence, and the role of the ego in personal transformation, culminating in a live awareness exercise led by Dani, guiding listeners to ground themselves, notice their surroundings, and open their hearts for greater coherence.LearningsThe episode offers several actionable insights for personal growth:- Stages of Spiritual Growth: Smoke’s "Clean Up, Grow Up, Wake Up" framework, complemented by Dani’s four phases, provides a roadmap for spiritual development, emphasizing cleaning up trauma, personal growth, and awakening to higher consciousness.- Processing Emotions: Both discuss unprocessed emotions as "hairballs" of stuck energy, suggesting that awareness and non-attachment to stories can release these blocks, fostering emotional freedom.- Forgiveness Through Writing: A practical tool involves writing letters to express rage and then forgiveness toward those who caused trauma, eventually leading to understanding and release, as exemplified by Smoke’s experience.- Mirror Work for Self-Love: Dani shares her breakthrough with mirror work, staring into a mirror to confront self-criticism, which helped her overcome feelings of unworthiness and cultivate self-love.- Cultivating Awareness: The most critical practice is cultivating presence and consciousness, with Dani leading a live exercise at the episode’s end, instructing listeners to ground in their body, notice sounds, and open their hearts for mind-heart coherence.Universal TruthsThe conversation reveals several philosophical insights:- Energy Dynamics: Everything—thoughts, emotions, experiences—is energy that can be managed through awareness and intention, aligning with the podcast’s focus on vibrational resonance.- Awareness as Liberation: Observing without judgment can free one from past traumas and ego traps, emphasizing consciousness as a tool for sovereignty and peace.- Cyclical Nature of Growth: Spiritual and personal growth isn’t linear; it involves cycles of letting go, identity crises, and integration, often accelerated by practices like plant medicine.- Ego Management: The ego can be transcended or transformed through love and non-engagement, with Dani suggesting "swiping left" on ego-driven impulses to maintain true freedom.ExamplesThe episode is rich with personal anecdotes:- Smoke’s Healing Journey: Smoke details how plant medicine and Dani’s guidance helped him process childhood trauma, using forgiveness and understanding to release emotional burdens.- Dani’s Transformation: Dani shares her battle with emotional eating and substance use, her shift to counseling, and her development of coaching programs using food and later plant medicine, illustrating her own growth.- Letter-Writing Exercise: Smoke’s specific example of writing letters to express and process emotions, leading to forgiveness, highlights a practical application of the discussed tools.- Mirror Work: Dani’s personal breakthrough with mirror work, overcoming self-criticism, serves as a tangible example of self-love in action.- Awareness in Business: Smoke mentions his struggle with staying present during business calls, overcoming it by consciously turning off distractions, showing the relevance of presence in professional life.Smoke Trail ThreadsThis episode builds on and connects to previous discussions:- Forgiveness and Letting Go: Echoes Episode 7 (Luke Wallin) and Episode 8 (Liv Fisch), where forgiveness and releasing burdens were central, with Dani’s letter-writing aligning with Luke’s forgiveness of enemies.- Presence and Awareness: Continues from Episode 9 (Steve Hershberger), where gratitude and presence were key, with Dani’s awareness exercise reinforcing Steve’s focus on dropping stones.- Plant Medicine as a Tool: A recurring theme throughout the podcast, with Smoke’s Nepal epiphany (Episode 1) and guests’ experiences, highlighting its role in transformation.- Ego and Sovereignty: Tied to Episode 9’s discussion on dropping ego’s burdens, emphasizing personal sovereignty through conscious choice, as discussed with Dani.

Episode 9: "Dropping Stones, Finding Paths" with Steve HershbergerGuest: Steve Hershberger – Serial entrepreneur, writer at The Chosen Path Substack, and founder of Amplify Flow (amplifyflow.co), whose four near-death experiences reshaped his journey from victimhood to purpose. A decades-long friend of Smoke from their dot-com days.Setting: Smoke in Sedona’s radiant calm, Steve beaming in from his space—old pals syncing up for a soul-deep chat.See the Full Pre Episode Q&A on Smoke’s Substack hereSummarySmoke welcomes Steve with brotherly warmth, their entrepreneurial roots setting the stage for a raw exploration of transformation. Steve, a veteran of the dot-com boom like Smoke, unpacks his shift from chasing material wins to embracing a higher calling, catalyzed by four brushes with death—most vividly a hit-and-run truck crash that flatlined him for two minutes. That NDE, guided by a mysterious figure (Black Horse or Dark Horse), gifted him a cosmic map of consciousness, from tar-like victimhood to buoyant joy. Together, they riff on shedding ego’s burdens—Smoke’s “emotional hairballs,” Steve’s “stones”—to reveal the innate light within. Gratitude emerges as their anchor, a practice Steve hones via Substack and Smoke lives through this podcast, amplifying positive energy in a noisy world. Check out Steve’s reflections at The Chosen Path and his work at amplifyflow.co.LearningsDrop the Stones: Steve’s NDE vision—releasing burdens into a stream—echoes Smoke’s trauma-clearing process. Let go of what weighs you down; peace lies on the other side.Gratitude as Fuel: Both tout gratitude as the vibe that lifts you—Steve’s daily stance, Smoke’s gateway to clarity. Start small, watch it grow.Listen, Don’t Judge: Smoke’s shift to active listening—seeking essence over rebuttal—pairs with Steve’s openness to synchronicity. Drop judgment, unlock insight.Stack the Journey: Smoke adapts Scott Adams’ talent stack to spirituality—layer practices (meditation, reading, reflection) until an avalanche of awareness hits.Universal TruthsConsciousness is Innate: Steve’s map and Smoke’s tar metaphor agree—what’s divine isn’t found; it’s uncovered by chipping away ego’s clutter, à la Michelangelo’s David.Energy Amplifyies: Higher states (love, joy) dwarf lower ones (fear, shame) in power—Steve’s radio station analogy aligns with Smoke’s log-10 scale. One uplifted soul shifts the field.Trauma’s Scale is Relative: Smoke’s EMDR insight and Steve’s 148 strangers reveal—big or small, perceived pain sticks until released. It’s not the event, it’s the holding.Time Hides Progress: Steve’s season-shift take and Smoke’s snowflake avalanche affirm—growth’s subtle until it’s undeniable. Trust the process.ExamplesTruck NDE: Steve’s hit-and-run—broken neck, back, skull—brought a meadow vision and a choice from Black Horse. Dropping stones fast-tracked his recovery, defying medical odds.Nepal Prayer: Smoke’s electric jolt at Buddha’s birthplace, asking for peace, mirrors Steve’s dream-led pivot—both sought help, got cosmic downloads.Coffee Shop Wake-Up: A stranger’s plea—“If I’m worth it, don’t stop writing”—reignited Steve’s Substack, proving small acts ripple, like Smoke’s podcast intent.Gravel Race Grit: Steve’s 156-mile Unbound prep, shedding victimhood, set him up to survive the crash—Smoke ties it to his own shedding of tar via plant medicine.Smoke Trail ThreadsEpisode 9 builds on Episode 7’s forgiveness (Luke’s enemies, Smoke’s past) with Steve’s stone-dropping release, and Episode 8’s presence (Liv’s human medicine) via their shared listening evolution. Smoke’s Nepal epiphany (Ep. 8) and Luke’s star-gazing (Ep. 7) echo in Steve’s NDE meadow, reinforcing serendipity’s pull. Sedona’s vibe hums again, grounding tools like gratitude and awareness—core to Smoke’s mission of lighting paths for seekers.

Episode 8: "From Cult to Consciousness" with Olivia "Liv" FischGuest: Olivia "Liv" Fisch – A leadership coach, spiritual guide, and author whose path from a cultish childhood to empowering high achievers shines through her work at https://www.oliveyahfisch.com/. There, she offers “human medicine” to awaken purpose and presence, a mission sparked by her multi-year YPO friendship with Smoke.BioOliveyah Fisch (aka Liv) is a master coach, #1 best-selling author, and expert in driving impactful change for individuals and teams. With over 15 years of experience, Liv empowers professionals and organizations to enhance communication, resolve conflicts, and reach peak performance. Specializing in tailored strategies, she blends awareness, mindfulness, and evidence-based techniques to foster lasting transformation. Whether guiding executive teams or emerging leaders, Liv brings clarity, enthusiasm, and actionable insights, passionate about building resilient, high-performing teams and individuals who thrive in today’s fast-paced world.Setting: Smoke in Sedona’s vibrant stillness, Liv in her grounded space—two frequencies syncing up across the miles.SummarySmoke kicks off with infectious enthusiasm, his YPO-rooted bond with Liv setting a warm, authentic tone. Liv peels back her layers: born into a manipulative cult, she questioned its rigidity as a child—“Why are we here? What are they searching for?”—and escaped at 6 when her parents bravely broke free. That unsafe start honed her superpower of reading people, though it also drove dissociation (spinning a necklace) and later addictions masked as success (over-exercising, overworking). Smoke mirrors this, recounting his own compartmentalization of trauma until his Nepal awakening flipped the switch. Together, they climb the ladder of consciousness—from victimhood to divine flow—offering tools like self-kindness, intentional input, and presence. Liv’s “human medicine” concept, central to her site’s ethos of healing through connection, emerges as a beacon: we heal ourselves to hold space for others. Smoke’s podcast, she notes, ripples this out, raising the planet’s vibration—one vulnerable convo at a time. Visit her site for a taste of her upcoming book, Spiritual Heartbeat, and coaching that turns triggers into growth.LearningsBefriend Your Parts: Liv’s shift from numbing (necklace-spinning as a kid, over-yoga later) to curiosity—“Why are you here, part?”—echoes Smoke’s forgiveness of younger selves. Healing begins with listening, not exiling, a cornerstone of her coaching at oliveyahfisch.com.Conscious Filters: Smoke’s cleanup—swapping violent movies for poetry—pairs with Liv’s “eliminate the dead weight” call. Her site’s focus on aligning energy underscores this: curate inputs that elevate, not drain.Presence as Medicine: Liv’s 50/50 awareness (self and other) makes you “human medicine”—Smoke’s electric shocks affirm it. Her work amplifies this: hold space without judgment, and transformation flows.One Step at a Time: Smoke’s podcast plunge—learning editing, trusting intuition—mirrors Liv’s “intuitive action.” Her site’s “say yes to purpose” vibe backs this: commit, even imperfectly, and the path unfolds.Universal TruthsConsciousness is a Choice: Liv’s five stages—to me (victim), by me (rush), for me (opportunity), through me (divine), as me (oneness)—frame awakening as a daily opt-in, reflected in her book title, Spiritual Heartbeat. Smoke ties it to Hawkins’ levels: it’s universal, no guru badge needed.Safety Shapes Us: Liv’s “Am I safe?” lens, forged in chaos, aligns with Smoke’s past avoidance—core wounds steer us until we face them, a truth her coaching tackles head-on.Reciprocity Rules: Giving without expectation—Smoke’s poem, Liv’s service shift—yields abundance. Her site’s promise of “reciprocal growth” nods to this cosmic law.Suffering’s Optional: Pain’s inevitable, but suffering isn’t—Smoke and Liv agree. Her work reframes triggers as gifts, lightening the load for clients and listeners alike.ExamplesCult Escape: Liv’s parents’ daring exit at 6, despite ostracism, shows intuition’s might—Smoke links it to his drinking drop-off, a healing byproduct, not a forced fix.Sedona Breathwork: Smoke’s 2-hour breathing session, birthing “I am complete, whole, no need outside approval,” syncs with Liv’s “perfect, whole, complete” prayer—a self-referral epiphany her site champions.YPO Encounter: Liv clocking Smoke’s shift—“You’re different”—at a YPO event showcases her people-reading gift, now a tool to uplift via oliveyahfisch.com, not just survive.Amy’s Return: Liv reclaiming her tree-hugging 5-year-old self (once sidelined for “Liv”) parallels Smoke’s inner-child poem—both tap wisdom in what they’d dismissed, a theme her coaching nurtures.Smoke Trail ThreadsEpisode 8 builds on Episode 7’s forgiveness (Luke’s enemies, Smoke’s trauma) with Liv’s self-kindness spin, and its nonattachment (Luke’s deer stand, Smoke’s outcomes) via her “as me” oneness. Smoke’s Nepal jolt and Luke’s star-gazing awe resonate in Liv’s “through me” divine flow, teased in Spiritual Heartbeat. Sedona’s pulse hums again, amplifying tools like presence and vulnerability—core to Smoke’s quest to share what clicks for seekers.

Luke Wallin is a writer, teacher, artist, and musician. He was born in Mississippi in 1943. He taught Philosophy, Literature, and Creative Writing, and has written 11 books, winning numerous awards. Luke has been Fulbright Teaching Fellow at University College Dublin, Senior Research Associate at the Center for Policy Analysis, taught Philosophy at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, Creative Writing in Spalding University's MFA program, and is Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Visit @ lukewallin.com.Episode 7: “Deep in the Woods with Luke Wallin”Guest: Luke Wallin – Novelist, songwriter, and professor, whose life spans Mississippi’s rural woods, academia, and a 40-year creative career, now rooted in Little Compton, Rhode Island.Setting: Smoke in Sedona, Luke in Little Compton—a coastal “winter wonderland” a mile from the Atlantic, steeped in nature’s quiet magic.SummarySmoke kicks off with a live rendition of Luke’s song, “The Redneck Poacher’s Son” , linking it to Luke’s debut novel of the same name. That song cracked open his creative process, turning a stalled draft into a published work by revealing his main character’s soul. The convo flows into Luke’s Mississippi roots, where at 16 he and pals Dennis and another friend rejected brutal deer drives—dogs and shotguns herding bucks to slaughter—and persuaded his sawmill-owning dad to ban them on their land, stirring enemies and planting seeds of integrity. This pivots to a deep dive on forgiveness, consciousness, and living present—core to Smoke’s journey and Luke’s arc from a star-struck 7-year-old to a seeker wielding gratitude and nonattachment.LearningsCreative Alchemy: Luke reveals how “The Redneck Poacher’s Son” (the song) unlocked his novel—half a draft floundered until the lyrics bared his character’s essence, a tool Smoke ties to his 150-books-a-year quest for insight.Forgiveness as a Scalpel: Smoke channels David Hawkins: forgiveness slices through ego’s grudges. Luke confirms, having let go of old hunting and academic foes—start by saying it, then let it grow.Meditation Made Simple: Luke leans on Rupert Spira’s witness trick—sit, notice the calm, impersonal self watching thoughts or scenes. Smoke nods, citing his Nepal plea for help that sparked peace.One Small Step: Pick a practice—gratitude, kindness, respect for life—and stick to it relentlessly. Smoke calls it a snowflake that triggers an awakening avalanche.Universal TruthsCreation is Continuous: Luke’s 7-year-old awe—stars birthing as he gazed—echoes Smoke: every moment is creation, not a dusty past event.Ego’s Payoff Trap: Smoke dissects ego’s love for grudges, grief, or anxiety as identity fuel; Luke agrees, recalling how it stoked his early enemy mindset in hunting and academia.Silence Over Sound: Luke, via Hawkins, flips it: life’s noise fades against silence’s backdrop when you sync with your higher self—a calm cocoon.Nonattachment, Not Detachment: Smoke opts for nonattachment—play life’s game fully, untethered by outcomes. Luke ties this to blending spiritual and active living, no cave needed.ExamplesThe Deer Drive Stand: At 16, Luke, moved by Faulkner’s disdain for cruel hunts, rallied his crew to halt deer drives on their land. His dad’s hesitant yes—despite backlash—shows conviction’s cost and reward.Nature as Teacher: Luke’s 7-year-old self, roaming with dog Ginger, saw creation in stars and ants—a root Smoke links to his Sedona hikes and Nepal jolt.Synchronicity in Action: Smoke’s temple shock and Luke’s song-to-novel leap show asking for help delivers—call it divine or serendipity, it works.Enemies to Allies: Luke’s shift from grudge-holding (hunters fuming over a deer spat) to forgiveness mirrors Smoke’s trauma release, proving the scalpel’s edge.Full length Q&A that go with the episode here

Summary of Episode 6: The Smoke Trail with Justin BreenIn Episode 6 of The Smoke Trail, Smoke hosts Justin Breen, a visionary entrepreneur and connector, for an hour-long, high-energy dialogue that kicks off with laughter and a nod to crying’s healing power. From Sedona, Smoke sets an intention to share his journey’s lessons—blending spirituality, leadership, and modern integration—inviting Justin, a kindred “quick start,” to dive in raw, skipping preamble. Justin, aligning with this, quotes Wayne Dyer—“If you knew who walked beside you…you could never experience fear or doubt”— framing their talk as a gift-sharing mission.Justin unfolds his path: born to a 61-year-old WWII hero father who survived the Hürtgen Forest, hit by a drunk driver at 74 (where his nurse mother met him), and dying when Justin was 13, shaping his no-excuses ethos. A Life Path 11, he shifted from ego-driven achievement to spiritual sensitivity at 45, launching ventures like Epic Fit, music AI firms (e.g., Corvia.ai), and a leadership company using fire-earth-wind-water elements. His upcoming book, with Deepak Chopra’s intro, and a Gary Sinise-narrated documentary trace his father’s legacy, reflecting his heart-led “plow through” approach over retreat.Smoke connects, sharing his rags-to-riches cycles, unburdened by material loss, mirroring Justin’s fearlessness. They explore transcending social conditioning—Justin citing Robert Johnson’s inner Grail quest, Smoke echoing Emerson’s “to be great is to be misunderstood”—and the power of vulnerability. Justin’s five wants (e.g., purpose, true love, obstacle-as-greatness) and Smoke’s coaching of a self-deprecating CEO highlight self-love’s role in leadership. Technology, especially AI, emerges as a soul collaborator, amplifying their impact.Their resonance—sparked by an instant connection via a mutual friend—underscores vibrational alignment, rejecting hypocrisy and embracing serendipity (e.g., Nasdaq bell chats). Justin offers theepicfit.com and LinkedIn for outreach, ending with a promise of more talks, leaving listeners with tools to break free and lead authentically.How It Fits into The Smoke Trail OverallEpisode 6 weaves seamlessly into The Smoke Trail’s tapestry, aligning with its three content buckets—learnings, universal truths, and experiential examples—while advancing spirituality, leadership, high performance, perfect health, and bliss, consistent with Episodes 1-5.Learnings: Justin’s heart-led manifesting and Smoke’s non-attachment to wealth offer tools, echoing Episode 2’s grounding, Episode 3’s presence, Episode 4’s ego work, and Episode 5’s belief, fostering high performance via vulnerability and intuition.Universal Truths: Liberation from conditioning, obstacles as greatness, and love’s exponential power build on Episode 1’s alignment, Episode 2’s congruence, Episode 3’s impermanence, Episode 4’s fullness, and Episode 5’s unity, with Justin’s “no excuses” ethos as a clarion call.Experiential Examples: Justin’s shift from survival to service parallels Smoke’s healing (Episode 1), Sarah’s resilience (Episode 2), Jack’s rise (Episode 3), Michael’s coherence (Episode 4), and Shireen’s advocacy (Episode 5), embodying “integrous” evolution.High performance shines in Justin’s ventures, perfect health in his emotional clarity, and bliss in their fearless joy, fulfilling the podcast’s ethos. Leadership emerges—Justin’s visionary connections mirror Smoke’s influence, uplifting humanity. Sedona’s backdrop enhances the spiritual tone, while practical insights (e.g., active listening, AI’s role) ground it, making Episode 6 a dynamic thread in the show’s awakening narrative.

"Making an impact is usually provoked through circumstance, experience, and emotion. When my son was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, I could have never then known that my inner activist would be unleashed."- Shireen Hafeez, Founder DKCThe IssueData from the National Deaf Center is clear: the deaf/hard of hearing community is unemployed, underemployed, and underpaid at an alarming rate. These trends are exacerbated in the tech sector. Despite having no intellectual disabilities, many potential deaf/hard of hearing employees fall prey to the “school to couch” pipeline, often due to a lack of accessibility and equity in the labor market.  But these discrepancies do not only stem from issues within the labor market; they also arise from a gap in education opportunities. Computer science education has skyrocketed, but for deaf/hard of hearing students, technical education is harder to come by. There is a major need for intentional accessibility within the computer science education space.The VisionAt Deaf Kids Code, we envision an equitable and accessible education system that empowers all students – no matter what physical challenges they might face. We believe that an education system that truly serves all people will inevitably lead to a labor market that does the same. We see the universal language of computing as the pathway to this ultimate goal. By promoting a genuine passion for computer science in deaf/hard of hearing education, we are equipping students with the necessary technical skills to not only get by in the tech world, but thrive in it. At the end of the day, we all stand to gain from a labor market that refuses to discriminate and allows each and every mind to flourish and change the world.Our Story | deafkidscodeSummary of Episode 5: The Smoke Trail with Shireen HafeezIn Episode 5 of The Smoke Trail, Smoke hosts Shireen Hafeez, a fierce advocate and accidental founder of Deaf Kids Code, for a soulful, hour-long conversation sparked by a chance plane-seat encounter. From Sedona, Smoke sets an intention to deepen their flight-long dialogue—born of mutual openness on a trip to Indianapolis—exploring spirituality, leadership, and transcending adversity. Shireen, echoing this, embraces the organic flow, anticipating a transparent exchange to inspire listeners.Shireen shares her origin story: her son’s late diagnosis of severe hearing loss at age 4—unmeasurable language skills despite intellectual prowess—propelled her into the disability world. Facing a “cosmetic” label from insurance for hearing aids and dismal data on deaf outcomes (e.g., education, employment), she rejected fear-driven narratives, believing deafness wasn’t a barrier. Her son’s school years—marked by superhero-themed hearing aids and self-advocacy presentations—ignited Deaf Kids Code, a nonprofit teaching deaf students STEM, design thinking, and AI literacy to combat archaic workforce development. Now 20, her son thrives at Purdue, researching quantum computing, a testament to untapped potential she champions.Smoke connects personally, revealing his son Cameron’s eye condition requiring surgeries and a prosthetic, mirroring Shireen’s drive for self-sufficiency. They explore how adversity—Shireen’s multilayered challenges, Smoke’s past escapes—forges resilience when met with belief, not victimhood. Shireen’s mantra, “You are what you believe,” fuels her rejection of limits, while Smoke ties this to vibration: judgment-free openness attracts profound exchanges, as with their flight chat.Spiritually, Shireen prays hardest in gratitude, shunning divisive “us vs. them” dogmas for a unifying faith in humanity’s shared essence. Smoke agrees, citing mystics across traditions, emphasizing transcendence over ego-driven separation. Practically, Shireen’s five-digit budget yields million-dollar impact, frustrating yet galvanizing her against systemic inertia (e.g., USAID waste). She finds joy in small acts—a four-mile pharmacy walk—reflecting inner peace. Smoke pledges support, eyeing Silicon Valley allies, and Shireen offers deafkidscode.org for engagement. The episode closes with mutual appreciation, a promise of future talks, and a call to embrace life’s lessons.---How It Fits into The Smoke Trail OverallEpisode 5 aligns with The Smoke Trail’s mission, weaving Smoke’s awakening narrative with Shireen’s authentic journey, reinforcing its three content buckets—learnings, universal truths, and experiential examples—across spirituality, leadership, high performance, perfect health, and bliss, consistent with Episodes 1-4.- Learnings: Shireen’s self-advocacy model and Smoke’s vibration insight offer tools, echoing Episode 2’s grounding, Episode 3’s presence, and Episode 4’s ego-parts work, fostering high performance via belief and openness.- Universal Truths: Unity over division, potential’s alchemy, and adversity’s gifts build on Episode 1’s nonattachment, Episode 2’s congruence, Episode 3’s impermanence, and Episode 4’s fullness, with Shireen’s “no greater disability than believing you can’t” as a core axiom.- Experiential Examples: Shireen’s pivot from despair to impact parallels Smoke’s healing (Episode 1), Sarah’s resilience (Episode 2), Jack’s rise (Episode 3), and Michael’s coherence (Episode 4), embodying “integrous” growth.High performance shines in Shireen’s STEM revolution, perfect health in her son’s thriving, and bliss in her simple joys, fulfilling the podcast’s ethos. Leadership emerges—Shireen’s grassroots tenacity mirrors Smoke’s YPO influence, uplifting communities. Sedona’s calm enhances the spiritual tone, while practical calls (e.g., mindset shifts, advocacy) ground it, making Episode 5 a vibrant thread in the show’s tapestry of transformation.

Summary of Episode 4: The Smoke Trail Deep Discussion with Dr. Michael Brabant In Episode 4 of The Smoke Trail, Smoke hosts Dr. Michael Brabant, an coach specializing in psychologically safe environments for transformation, for a rich, hour-long conversation blending spirituality, leadership, and personal growth. From Sedona, Smoke credits Michael’s nudge as the catalyst for launching the podcast, setting an intention to explore deep topics—spirituality, leadership, trauma healing, and higher power—fearlessly yet respectfully, aiming to inspire listeners through authentic experiences. Michael aligns, intending to serve the moment authentically, fostering a “1-degree shift” toward heart-opening and soul connection. The dialogue begins with Michael’s childhood—hypersensitive and alienated in a conventional world, compounded by parental “weird stuff” and intergenerational trauma—leading to a breaking point of depression at a young age. Quoting Krishnamurti—“It’s no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society”—he reframes depression as suppressed expression, a soul misalignment that drove his search for more. Smoke resonates, sharing his own childhood incongruences—adults lacking integrity—fueling a hyper-independent, competitive ego that propelled entrepreneurial success but hindered trust and inner peace. They delve into leadership’s energetic ripple effect. Michael highlights how CEOs’ unconscious need for control, rooted in childhood lack, creates incongruence between words and vibration, undermining team safety—a subtle echo of parental disconnect. Smoke reflects on his past “need-driven” deals, achieving paper wins (e.g., $5-50 million swings) but facing chaos until aligning with wholeness, now attracting others’ vulnerability vibrationally. Practicality emerges: Michael’s CEO client struggles with feedback despite seeking it, fearing trust loss, while Smoke admits resisting Michael’s input on his YPO talks (Miami, Istanbul), learning to integrate it despite ego defenses (“Perky”). The episode explores ego as multifaceted—Michael breaks it into developmental “parts” (e.g., a 5-year-old needing love)—requiring specific inner “medicine” beyond generic meditation labels like “thinking.” Smoke’s “talent stack” of techniques (e.g., A Course in Miracles, plant medicine) unwound his ego, yet defensiveness lingers, now playfully acknowledged. They contrast external validation’s addictive ease with self-esteem as a verb, advocating fullness over consumption—an abundance mindset that enhances decision-making (e.g., avoiding misaligned deals). Michael closes with a meditation, guiding listeners to step back energetically, breathe into sensations, and befriend a loud thought or worry as an asset, not a problem, fostering inner safety. Smoke praises Michael’s approach, sharing contact info (candorandcoherence.com) and affirming the episode’s depth charges—practical yet profound seeds for leaders to pause, probe internal causality, and lead from solution consciousness, not problem fixation.How It Fits into The Smoke Trail OverallEpisode 4 deepens The Smoke Trail’s mission, aligning with its three content buckets—learnings, universal truths, and experiential examples—while advancing its themes of spirituality, leadership, high performance, perfect health, and bliss, as seen in Episodes 1-3.Learnings: Michael’s meditation and ego-parts approach, alongside Smoke’s feedback integration, offer tools akin to Episode 2’s grounding breaths and Episode 3’s presence, emphasizing self-inquiry and vibrational alignment for high performance and health.Universal Truths: Fullness vs. consumption, congruence as leadership’s core, and ego’s alchemy into soul echo Episode 1’s nonattachment, Episode 2’s energy management, and Episode 3’s impermanence, with Krishnamurti’s lens adding philosophical depth.Experiential Examples: Michael’s depression-to-purpose arc and Smoke’s need-to-wholeness shift mirror Episode 1’s healing, Episode 2’s trauma resilience, and Episode 3’s cancer reframing, showcasing “integrous” journeys. The episode ties high performance to Michael’s leadership coherence, perfect health to Smoke’s ego unwinding, and bliss to their shared fullness, fulfilling the podcast’s ethos. Leadership shines—Smoke’s YPO evolution and Michael’s CEO work reflect guiding from wholeness, not need. Sedona’s calm backdrop enhances the spiritual tone, while practical calls (e.g., pausing reactivity) ground it, making Episode 4 a pivotal bridge from personal awakening to organizational impact, inviting listeners to take their first step inward.FOR THE FULL Q AND A AND PRE-SHOW Questions Join Here on SACRED SMOKE on SUBSTACKAbout Dr. Michael BrabantMichael is a seasoned expert in fostering psychologically safe environments that lead to authentic and lasting transformation within CEOs, leaders and organizations. With a rich background in clinical psychology, leadership development and integrative practices, Michael brings a unique, precise and holistic approach to his consulting. His deep understanding and skillful facilitation of individual, relational and collective dynamics allows him to guide teams toward greater coherence, trust and performance. While strategies are shared, the potency of Michael’s work is in his ability to create contexts where people can reveal what is real, honest and true.By exposing the elephants in the room in a playful and dynamic way, huge amounts of trust and creative energy can be tapped into in a short period of time. This reorganizes the way people think and the ways that teams communicate. Organizational and leadership development theories without embodied practice and commitment to implementation become easily forgettable. By going through a transformative journey, people and organizations evolve and embody the learning that leads to lasting and ever-deepening tangible results.Michael began his graduate studies in clinical psychology only to find that the best-practices in the field were sorely lacking nuance and depth to help people heal their past and thrive in their present. He transferred from his clinical psychological program after five and a half years and 120 pages of his first dissertation, to a non-clinical PhD in psychology and interdisciplinary inquiry. His second dissertation studied how transformative learning, mindfulness, collective intelligence and embodied forms of education were able to qualitatively expand people’s worldview that led to a more skillful and compassionate leadership style.Early on in his career, Michael led meditation retreats, had a private counseling practice and consulted at universities developing transformative learning curriculum. Throughout his life he has studied with shamans, meditation teachers, psychologists and indigenous wisdom carriers. Since 2017, he has been working with business leaders and CEOs, synthesizing the most potent forms of personal growth from depth psychology to integrative spiritual practices and making it accessible and practical to leaders.His devotion to his own learning and growth is the center of all that he offers to others. He is constantly learning, refining and integrating the feedback from everyone he works with and from life itself. Michael walks and lives his talk, so his approach is a living transmission that is cata...

Summary of Episode 3: The Smoke Trail with Jack MaxwellIn Episode 3 of The Smoke Trail, Smoke hosts Jack Maxwell, a seasoned TV host and actor, in a heartfelt conversation set against Sedona’s serene backdrop. Smoke opens by affirming the podcast’s intent: sharing wisdom for high performance, perfect health, and bliss, drawing from his own journey of clearing shadows to find peace. Jack, inspired by Smoke’s transformation, recounts his path from a tough South Boston childhood—marked by poverty, fatherlessness, and sexual abuse—to a celebrated career, including hosting Booze Traveler.  Jack shares pivotal moments: overcoming self-doubt to land his first acting role at 29 via a Vegas audition, hitting a home run that boosted his confidence, and facing cancer with gratitude rather than resistance—an attitude that inspired others. They explore how trauma, processed through forgiveness and presence, fuels resilience and compassion, with Smoke tying this to his own abuse recovery. The duo discusses nonattachment—embracing life’s impermanence without clinging to outcomes—as key to bliss, exemplified by Jack’s calm amid career highs and health lows. Practical insights emerge: living present reduces anxiety and depression, while positive energy manifests desired outcomes. Jack previews his new script, a collaborative TV pilot gaining traction, reflecting his ongoing creative drive. Recorded outdoors, the episode captures Sedona’s peace, ending with mutual gratitude and a promise of future talks, offering listeners tools for their own transformative journeys.How It Fits into The Smoke Trail OverallEpisode 3 deepens The Smoke Trail’s mission, mirroring Episodes 1 and 2 by weaving Smoke’s awakening narrative with a guest’s authentic story, here Jack Maxwell’s. It aligns with the show’s three content buckets:Learnings: Jack’s shift from self-doubt to confidence (e.g., acting, softball) and Smoke’s nonattachment stance provide actionable lessons, echoing tools like Episode 2’s breathing exercises.Universal Truths: Themes of impermanence, forgiveness, and presence reinforce Smoke’s Episode 1 frameworks (e.g., energy, alignment), with Jack’s “less control, more power” insight adding fresh depth.Experiential Examples: Jack’s journey—trauma to TV stardom to cancer recovery—fits the integrus guest promise, paralleling Sarah Fruehling’s resilience in Episode 2.About Jack MaxwellJack Maxwell hosted Booze Traveler, Booze Traveler: Best Bars, and The Trip (Travel Channel, 4 yrs/76 eps, domestic and int'l distribution). He has made guest star TV appearances on Lost, 24, House, Without a Trace, Beverly Hills 90210, General Hospital, All My Children, and others. He has shared the stage with Al Pacino, Jessica Chastain, and Dianne Wiest in Salome, and has appeared in several other theatrical productions. Jack hails from South Boston, MA, and resides in LA. He is a lifetime member of the Actors Studio and can be found on Instagram and X at @southiejack.

For more Q&A with Sarah go here to Smoke’s SubstackSummary of Episode 2: The Smoke Trail with Sarah Fruehling In Episode 2 of The Smoke Trail, Smoke Wallin welcomes Sarah Fruehling, M.A., MCC, BCC, an executive coach and former trauma therapist, for a deep, reflective conversation. Recorded outdoors in Sedona, the episode begins with Smoke setting the intention: to explore authentic stories of high-performing individuals who’ve faced their shadows, offering listeners insights into resilience and consciousness. He praises Sarah’s work coaching global CEOs, noting her rare opportunity here to share her own journey rather than solely supporting others. Sarah aligns with Smoke’s intent, aiming to elevate consciousness and foster healing through their dialogue. She leads a grounding exercise—three deep breaths with audible sighs and smiles—to center themselves and listeners, explaining its neuroscience-backed benefits (e.g., reducing stress hormones, boosting feel-good hormones). This sets a calm, intentional tone. Sarah shares her backstory, shaped by two profound traumas. First, she endured sexual abuse from preschool to fifth grade by a non-immediate family member. At 10, inspired by an after-school special, she bravely disclosed the abuse, receiving parental support, confronting her abuser (a sociopath and pedophile), and later, in her thirties, seeking closure as he neared death. Second, she faced the loss of her second son, Charlie, who died at birth after a high-risk pregnancy, a grief compounded by her work as a trauma therapist supporting vulnerable clients. Her mentor, Jim Marks, offered a transformative perspective: “It’s moments like these that help us discover the shores of our soul,” enabling her to find depth and capacity to hold space for others. The discussion pivots to leadership and spirituality. Smoke and Sarah explore how trauma informs their ability to hold space—an energetic, emotional gift for others—contrasting performative vulnerability with authentic sharing. Sarah rebranded in 2024 to attract conscious leaders open to “woo-woo adjacent” ideas, reflecting her mystic side previously concealed from Fortune 20 clients. Smoke ties this to YPO’s culture of deep, confidential sharing, emphasizing the podcast’s focus on the “top 5% and bottom 5%” of human experience. They delve into practical tools for transmuting trauma’s energy, like EMDR (Smoke recounts a session releasing infant trauma energy) and mindful breathing (Sarah’s “listen to the room” hack). Both stress sovereignty over reactions—Smoke likening it to an experienced paratrooper’s calm versus a novice’s anxiety—highlighting how consciousness shifts perspective on life’s challenges. They advocate for leaders to cultivate emotional grit, depth, and capacity, noting research that self-regulated, appreciative leadership boosts profitability and employee fulfillment. Sarah offers listeners an “anti-gravity call” gift—a coaching session for quantum growth or trauma support—accessible via fruehlingcoaching.com or her socials, alongside keynotes on conscious leadership and emotional intelligence. The episode closes with mutual gratitude, a promise of future talks, and an invitation for audience engagement. In deep appreciation to the Smoke Show community, Sarah would like to offer you the gift of time - a 1:1 Anti-Gravity call to discover how you can break free from settling and sacrificing in your leadership and in your life. On this call, you will explore the specific ways you need to be pushed out of your comfort zone to uplevel your leadership, enhance your well-being, and achieve happy success. You can schedule your Anti-Gravity call here: https://www.fruehlingcoaching.com/get-started.I am also including Sarah's link tree that you can access here: https://www.fruehlingcoaching.com/links

Summary of Episode 1: Launch of The Smoke Trail In the inaugural episode of The Smoke Trail, host Smoke Wallin introduces the podcast as an extension of his personal journey toward "awakening consciousness." He frames it as a platform to explore profound topics in-depth, share lessons learned, and engage with guests, building on a year of sharing "tidbits from the trail" and writing poetry to communicate big ideas. Smoke begins with a candid overview of his life: a successful entrepreneurial career, leadership roles (including 22 years with the Young Presidents’ Organization, YPO), a fulfilling family life with four adult children, a great wife, and even a positive relationship with his ex-wife. However, he reveals a darker side—chronic physical and mental health struggles, including heavy alcohol use, weight gain, metabolic issues, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and more. Despite outward happiness, these challenges persisted until a pivotal moment shifted his trajectory. The turning point came during a business trip to Nepal, where he visited Buddha’s birthplace. Though not previously spiritual or religious, Smoke knelt in a temple and prayed for "peace and divine love," experiencing a sudden, electric sensation up his spine—a moment he describes as mysterious and transformative. Months later, a friend invited him to a plant medicine ceremony in Whistler with teacher Ivan Rados. Setting an intention of "peace and love," Smoke faced a grueling 8-hour experience, unearthing childhood traumas and subconscious pain. Encouraged to trust himself and others, he chose to confront rather than repress these revelations, likening it to a "birthing" process. Over the following year, Smoke dedicated himself to integration—meditating, exploring suppressed memories, and studying spiritual traditions (e.g., Meister Eckhart, Teresa of Avila, the Bhagavad Gita, Buddhism) and modern teachers (e.g., David Hawkins). This "alchemical process" led to forgiveness—of others and himself—yielding complete peace, physical healing (e.g., sobriety, 50-pound weight loss, resolution of all ailments), and a state of bliss. This transformation deepened his empathy and ability to hold space for others’ struggles. Inspired by speaking at YPO’s Global Leadership Conferences in Miami and Istanbul (to over 1,000 CEOs each), where he shared his story and received overwhelming feedback, Smoke launched The Smoke Trail. His intention is to assist others on their spiritual paths, offering insights to make their journeys "more direct" amid modern distractions. The podcast features three buckets of content: (1) learnings from ancient and personal experiences, (2) universal truths and frameworks (e.g., Hermetic Laws, energy), and (3) techniques for alignment and raising consciousness (e.g., purification, meditation). Guests will include "integrous" individuals—ordinary people with extraordinary stories—engaging in discussions, not interviews, to explore these themes. Smoke emphasizes alignment of body, mind, and soul as key to health and happiness, viewing consciousness as an uncovering of what’s already present. He invites listeners to join him on this "straight and narrow path," promising authentic, distraction-free content rooted in his ongoing evolution. --- Key Themes and Messages- Spirituality: Smoke’s shift from a non-spiritual life to embracing divine love and consciousness through pivotal experiences (Nepal, plant medicine).- Leadership: Leveraging his leadership background (YPO, business, entrepreneurship) to guide others, emphasizing empathy and presence as evolved leadership traits.- Transformation: Healing through facing trauma, forgiveness, and integration, leading to physical and emotional renewal.- Purpose: Sharing his journey to help others navigate their own paths with clarity and integrity. This episode establishes The Smoke Trail as a reflective, purpose-driven podcast blending personal narrative with universal spiritual insights, tailored for those seeking awakening and leadership growth.x