No More Strangers

This week on No More Strangers, J.T. sits down with Christy Cowgill, an advanced practice nurse in anesthesia and psychiatric mental health, and a Board-Certified Hypnotist. For decades, Christy has operated at the intense intersection of hard clinical science and the fluid mystery of the mind.In this mind-bending episode, we explore why the brain under hypnosis looks identical to a brain on LSD or heavy anesthetics like Propofol. We dive into the controversial idea that our unconscious mind might be actively manifesting our physical illnesses, the clinical reality of the placebo effect , and why the words we speak are the most powerful medicine we have.Whether you are interested in the mechanics of NLP, the healing potential of breathwork, or just want to experience a real-time hypnotic exercise (wait for the lemon experiment), this conversation will completely reframe how you view your own mind.Links to Research Documents!fMRI: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2023.1286336/full MRS: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-80795-3#Ack1 EEG: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010945224001461 University of Zurich, Switzerland: https://www.news.uzh.ch/en/articles/news/2025/hypnosis.htmlConnect with Christy Cowgill:Learn more about her practice and training at: EnterIntoCalm.comFollow the Podcast:https://www.instagram.com/nomorestrangerspodcast/

We’ve all seen the headlines since 2017, but what is actually going on with the UAP phenomenon? If you are new to the conversation, or if you are trying to piece together the leap from "extraterrestrials" to "consciousness," then come on in!Today, J.T. sits down with journalist, executive producer, and UAP college instructor Brian Anslinger for a comprehensive "UAP 101." We strip away the sensationalism to discuss the real stakes of disclosure. We explore how pop culture (Star Trek, Star Wars, etc) might be acting as "soft disclosure" to prepare people for a larger reality. We also dive into the moral dilemma of granting amnesty to the gatekeepers, and why reducing the stigma around "experiencers" is a necessary step we can take to find the truth.Guest Bio: Brian Anslinger is the Executive Producer for KOIN / KRCW Everyday Northwest in Portland, Oregon. He is also an adjunct instructor at Portland Community College, where he teaches a foundational course on UAPs and the phenomenon.

📍 Fayetteville, NC - Hakim Isler has spent a lifetime testing the limits of the human mind—first as a member of the elite Army Special Operations (PSYOP), then as a survivalist on Discovery Channel’s "Naked and Afraid," and now as the founder of The PsiGames.Hakim reveals his mission to build the "Olympics of the Supernatural." We discuss why the psychic community needs "Sheepdogs" to protect it from bad actors, the psychological lessons learned from starving in the Himalayas, and so much more.In this episode:The PsiGames: Creating a global benchmark for Remote Viewing, PK, and ESP.Naked & Afraid: How his time in the Himalayas stripped away Hakim's "false identity."The Curse of Mastery: Why experts are often the easiest people to fool.The Sheepdog: A Special Operations approach to ethics and protection in the psychic space.Sith vs. Jedi: The reality of "dark side" practitioners and why we must acknowledge them.About the Guest: Hakim Isler is a survival expert, martial artist, and author known for his appearances on Naked and Afraid and Naked and Afraid XL. He is the founder of The PsiGames, an international organization dedicated to normalizing and testing extended human capabilities.Links: Hakim Isler:https://www.hakim-isler.com/The Psi Games: https://psigamesinternational.com/https://www.youtube.com/@PsiGamesInternationalFollow the Show!https://www.instagram.com/nomorestrangerspodcast/

📍 San Diego, CA -Shelly Reef traces the invisible line that connects modern science with spiritual experience: Sound.From the Cymatic patterns that shape matter to the bio-acoustic research at Stanford University regenerating heart tissue, Shelly explains how frequency is the fundamental code of reality. She also shares elements of her personal experiences with sound, detailing the specific vibration and hum that signals the presence of non-human intelligence, the ways sound is used in healing, and more!Her book, "The 9th Octave: A Human’s Guide to Interdimensional Contact" is coming soon!Find Shelly Reef!https://shellyreef.com/https://www.youtube.com/@ShellyReefFollow the Show!https://www.instagram.com/nomorestrangerspodcast/

📍 Nanoose Bay, B.C. - Paul Elder has died five times and keeps coming back. In the process, he seems to have developed a knack for hacking reality.In this episode of No More Strangers, Paul reveals how he went from a news reporter and politician to being a trainer at the Monroe Institute and a government asset. We break down the aspects of the "Life Review", how he used Remote Viewing to predict the stock market, interactions with our “Soul Groups”, and some interesting aspects of Disclosure from an unexpected source.Find Paul Elder!https://www.paul-elder.com/index.htmlFollow the Show!https://www.instagram.com/nomorestrangerspodcast/

📍 Portland, OR - Is the universe empty space, or is it alive? In this episode, J.T. sits down with author Dana Kippel to explore the controversial and "radical" theory that Plasma, the 4th state of matter, might actually be the "Ether" that mystics and early scientists described.Dana discusses her experiences with the "Plasma Universe," the nature of consciousness, and her take on "Future Ancestors" interacting with our timeline. We dive into the science (and the speculation) behind the idea that reality is a living, participatory system.Dana Kippel:https://www.instagram.com/dana.thealien/https://stan.store/DanakippelFollow the Show!https://www.instagram.com/nomorestrangerspodcast/

📍 Charlottesville, VA - University of Virginia's Division of Perceptual Studies (DOPS) - In this episode, J.T. sits down with Dr. Marieta Pehlivanova, a researcher at UVA's Division of Perceptual Studies, where she researches Near Death Experiences (NDEs) and Children's Memories of Purported Past Lives. We discuss her work, and the path which lead her to it, and I couldn't be more thrilled to share the conversation with you!UVA - Division of Perceptual Studieshttps://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/Follow the Show!https://www.instagram.com/nomorestrangerspodcast/

📍 San Diego, CA - San Diego Transcendence at The Bahia Resort In this episode, J.T. sits down with Dalia Burgoin, a MindSight practitioner engaged in enabling the blind to actually see, and mother of Lidu, an incredible young woman in her own right.Join us as we discuss Telepathy, MindSight, her upbringing, and so very much more.Find Dalia www.daliaburgoin.comextra-ordinaries.comFollow the Show!https://www.instagram.com/nomorestrangerspodcast/

📍 Eugene, Oregon - The NeuroMeditation InstituteWelcome to Season Two! In this episode, J.T. sits down with Dr. Jeff Tarrant of the NeuroMeditation Institute for a discussion on his work, which includes measuring the brainwaves of participants engaging in Psychic phenomena (Mediums, Channels, Psychics) as well as elements of his work on The Telepathy Tapes.As always, we talk about who he is, the circuitous path that he took, and the unexpected synchronicities which all seem to have aligned to bring him to where he is today.Getting to know Dr. Tarrant has been an absolute pleasure, and I feel fortunate to now count him as a friend. As always, I'm very excited to introduce him to you with the hope that by the end of the episode, you will have one less stranger in your life.Find Dr. Tarrant!https://www.neuromeditationinstitute.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNtXl-JN5QingnWhGovOgIQhttps://www.instagram.com/neuromeditationinstitute/Follow the Show!https://www.instagram.com/nomorestrangerspodcast/

📍 Portland, OregonIn this episode, I’m sitting down with Peter Grazier.Peter is a retired engineer and a self-published author, both of which are stories in their own right. We met several months ago through the local Monroe Institute meditation group on a visit to Portland, Oregon.After the meditation, I introduced myself to him, and asked if he could tell me more about something that he brought up during discussion. Fortunately for all of us, he is a completely open book on the subject of his experiences.After losing his wife Barbara, Peter’s life started to shift in ways that challenged his entire framework for understanding the world.Peter isn’t trying to convince anyone of anything. He’s simply sharing what happened—and how it’s changed both his perspective, and his perception of reality itself.Episode LinksPeter's Book - Before It's too Late : Employee Involvement... An Idea Whose Time Has ComeNo More Strangers:- Email: [email protected] Instagram⁠- LinkedIn

📍Columbus, Ohio - Today, we’re sitting down with my friend Travis Brown — someone who’s always been actively engaged in his own experience of life. Listen in as he educates me on consent, philosophy, and also? We nerd out on Magic: The Gathering. So if you’ve got gamers in your life, this might be an episode for them. We do get into the weeds, but we tie it all together, I promise.And a quick note — Season Two is right around the corner. It’ll still be about meeting strangers, but the focus is shifting. You’re going to hear from people exploring the non-physical side of life — think consciousness, the unknown, the kinds of experiences that make us reconsider what’s possible. I’m taking a short break to get episodes booked, recorded, and ready to go, and we’ll be back soon with more amazing stories to tell.Travis Brown - YouTube - Twitch - PatreonNo More Strangers: - Email: [email protected] - ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ - ⁠LinkedIn

📍Faber, Virginia - For this episode, I'm releasing something a bit more bite-sized, and it features a conversation with Chris Sorensen - a friend that I made during my trip to The Monroe Institute in April of 2025 who had some pretty wild experiences, and was willing to share them with us. Most people that I talk with about their Out of Body experiences have them occur during sleep, or otherwise altered states of consciousness - be it meditation or medication, or in Peter's case in Episode 18, a stress response.. Chris has had these experiences due to medical reasons, specifically the phenomenon known as Vasovagal Syncope, which I was wholly unfamiliar with prior to this conversation, and it raises some questions which, in spite of spending time researching the phenomenon, I still find myself lacking satisfactory answers, but which point to potential physiological predicates for the experience. No More Strangers: - Email: [email protected] - Instagram⁠ - LinkedIn

📍Brentwood, Los Angeles, California - This week, I’m sharing a conversation with my friend Gerard—a technologist, a thinker, and someone who has deliberately shaped his own path through experience, reflection, and intentional hard work.In this episode, we talk about self-discovery—what it means to redefine yourself beyond the past, how masculinity is shaped by culture, and how we make peace with the stories we tell ourselves. We explore technology—the way AI and social media influence our perceptions of self, connection, and the future. Finally, if not sequentially, we dig into healing—through mental health work, spirituality, and psychedelics, and how these tools have helped Gerard navigate trauma and rebuild trust. I found the conversation to be honest, introspective, and deeply human, and I hope it resonates with you as much as it did with me.I’d love to hear what stood out to you, so drop a comment or send me a message.As always, I hope you’re walking away with one less stranger in your life.Episode LinksNo More Strangers:- Instagram⁠-LinkedIn

📍 Lago Vista, Texas - In this episode, I'm sitting down with Minja Sretenovic.Minja is a Serbian ex-pat, a musician, a producer, and a former professor at Austin Community College. I first met him a few months back at the Highball Lounge, in one of their private karaoke rooms in Austin, Texas, and well, here we are.Maybe you've heard me muse about finding one's purpose in other episodes, and how it can seem when you're trying to figure that out. For Minja, his passion for music has been a consistent element in his life, and once he found it, he never let it go.Sitting down with him for this discussion was a wonderful experience for me, and I hope that you find his story as beautiful as I do.Episode LinksNo More Strangers:Email: [email protected]⁠LinkedIn

📍 Boulder Creek, CA - In this episode, I'm sitting down with Rio Allen.Rio is someone I would describe as an "Explorer" and an "Experiencer".I met him in San Pancho, Mexico, where he was working as a breath work facilitator, and made the trek up to his current mountaintop home in Boulder Creek, CA to record this episode. He is doing the work to understand this experience of life on a deeper level, exploring what it means to be himself in a way which can be a guiding light for others on a similar path - directly discussing spirituality and self acceptance within the homosexual community. It was an absolute honor and privilege for me to be invited up to his home to record this episode. If you enjoy this content, have questions about it, or even just want to tell me what I can be doing better, PLEASE reach out to me directly at the email address in the shownotes, in the comments, or even on my social media placements. I want to continue to improve the show, and your feedback is helpful for me, personally, so don't be shy! I really hope that you enjoy the conversation, and can take something away from it for yourself.Links - RioLifted HealingYouTubeInstagramLinks - No More StrangersEmail: [email protected]

📍 Santa Monica, CA - In this episode, I'm talking with the head of Kas Kas Productions, Kamala Avila-Salmon.Kamala is tireless in her work to amplify those underrepresented voices in the vast media landscape, and discusses that work in a clear and compelling way.We talk about how she got there. The twists and turns which made her the Kamala that I met all those years ago, and so much more.Kamala:LinkedInNo More Strangers:Instagram⁠LinkedIn

📍 Fillmore, CA - This time we're diving deep into the world of the human voice. Its science, its art, and the incredible passion that fuels its mastery!Join me as I sit down with the wonderful Lisa Popeil, a truly legendary vocal coach, pioneering researcher, and an artist whose understanding of voice blew me away. My own path crossed with Lisa's years ago for a single vocal lesson, and the impression she left was so massive, I knew that a longer conversation was inevitable.What followed was an exploration of her life dedicated to "Voice, Exploration, and Passion." Lisa shares her winding journey from profound early philosophical insights , navigating the music industry, becoming a globally respected authority in vocal science, and finding her ultimate calling in teaching. We get into the mechanics, the myths, and the magic.Honestly, this one’s a wild ride into a world you might think that you know, but will be fascinated by either way. Y'all ready? Let's go exploring!Lisa PopeilVoiceworks® Method⁠Instagram⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠No More Strangers:⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn

📍 Sawtelle, Los Angeles, CA - In this episode, we’re talking coffee and Los Angeles, among many, many other things.Join me as I sit down with THE Chuck Herrera, owner and mastermind behind GoodPeople Coffee Co, nestled in the heart of West L.A.. His path was not so straight-forward, and that’s just the way of things for more people than not.What started as early-morning “coffee talk” became an ongoing conversation which I felt the need to capture, and in this conversation, Chuck shares the winding path that brought him to this moment: a story of growth, self-reflection, and learning to find peace in presence.Y’all are NOT ready for this one, so buckle up!Chuck HerreraInstagramLinkedInGoodPeople InstagramGoodPeople Coffee Co No More Strangers:Instagram⁠LinkedIn

📍 Inglewood, CA - In this episode of No More Strangers, Keiana Richàrd-Bartolome joins J.T. Erickson to explore the intersections of performance, identity, and presence. As a director, actor, teacher, and mother, Keiana brings a layered perspective to what it means to be “in the room”, whether on stage, in the classroom, or at home.Together, they talk about the evolving nature of identity, the balance between creative ambition and family life, and the quiet strength required to trust your voice when it doesn’t always feel welcome. It’s a conversation about alignment, doubt, and choosing to show up anyway.

📍 San Jose, CA - What happens when a brilliant mind questions its own foundation?In this episode, J.T. sits down with David Grover—a data architect and "defrocked" philosopher with a deep love of logic, language, and self-examination—for a raw and thoughtful conversation exploring the sometimes ironic paths our lives can take.David shares his experience navigating the medical and mental health landscape while wrestling with the existential questions that once unraveled his academic career—and later became the backbone of his professional success.Follow No More Strangers: - Instagram⁠ - LinkedIn

📍 San Carlos, CA - In this episode of No More Strangers, Caroline Kim joins J.T. Erickson to explore questions of identity, perfectionism, and self-discovery. Caroline opens up about her journey to untangle herself from external expectations, sharing deeply relatable insights into vulnerability, self-worth, and the universal experience of feeling like we're all "winging it." Join us as we discuss how embracing our imperfections can be a powerful catalyst for genuine growth and meaningful connection.Caroline Kim: Coaching: https://www.yesitsfriday.com/No More Strangers:Instagram⁠LinkedIn

📍 Los Angeles, CA - This week, I’m sharing a conversation with Rob Cochran—a retired police officer, security guard, and someone whose career has been defined by service, duty, and the power of relationships.In this episode, we talk about what drew him to law enforcement, the realities of police work beyond media portrayals, and the philosophy that shaped his approach to service. Rob shares how trust and relationships are essential to effective policing—why he always kept his window down on patrol, how community engagement changes outcomes, and the lessons he carried into his post-police life.It’s a conversation about integrity, perspective, and the human side of a career in service.I’d love to hear what stood out to you—drop a comment or send a message.As always, I hope you’re walking away with one less stranger in your life.No More Strangers:Instagram⁠LinkedIn

📍 Aliso Viejo, California - This week, I’m sharing a conversation with my friend Roman Bercot—a veteran, a technologist, and someone who has spent his life adapting to new challenges, from military service to AI and UX design.In this episode, we talk about emergence—how life unfolds in ways we don’t always anticipate, and how we navigate uncertainty with intention. We explore readiness—the lasting effects of being trained for constant vigilance, how it serves us, and where it can take a toll. Finally, we dig into reinvention—Roman’s evolution from combat journalist to technologist, and how he found new purpose beyond the uniform.Roman’s story is one of adaptability, curiosity, and resilience. His insights into shifting careers, navigating mental wellness, and embracing lifelong learning were incredibly compelling, and I hope they resonate with you as much as they did with me.I’d love to hear what stood out to you, so drop a comment or send a message.As always, I hope you’re walking away with one less stranger in your life.🎧 Episode LinksRoman Bercot:Socially Conscious AILinkedInNo More Strangers:Instagram⁠LinkedIn

📍San Pancho, Nayarit, Mexico - This week, I’m sharing a conversation with my friend Andrea Cometa—a traveler, a builder of spaces (both physical and social), and someone who understands the deep importance of connection.In this episode, we talk about the power of community—what it means to truly belong, the shifting nature of shared spaces, and how we can hold onto the things that matter. We explore tradition, from the small rituals that keep us grounded (like drinking mate) to the larger cultural practices that define our sense of place. And we dig into identity, how we shape it, and how it evolves when we embrace change.This conversation is full of warmth, wisdom, and a little bit of chaos (in the best way). I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.I’d love to hear what stood out to you, so please leave a comment.As always, I hope you’re walking away with one less stranger in your life.Episode LinksCometa & Ocho:- Cometa’s Instagram- Ocho’s InstagramNo More Strangers:- Instagram⁠- LinkedIn

📍Burton, Ohio, USA - This week, I’m sharing the second part of a conversation with my friend Paul “TAP” Ware—a storyteller, teacher, and someone who sees the world through a lens of faith and transformation.In this episode, Paul dives right in to his favorite book of the Bible, Genesis, and we explore his thoughts and ideas around what it means, how it applies to the rest of his faith, and how it is more than just the beginning, but also the end.I’d love to hear what stood out to you, so please leave a comment.As always, I hope you’re walking away with one less stranger in your life.Episode Links:- Instagram⁠- LinkedIn

📍Burton, Ohio, USA - This week, I’m sharing the first part of a conversation with my friend Paul “TAP” Ware—a storyteller, teacher, and someone who sees the world through a lens of faith and transformation.In this episode, Paul opens up about his incredible journey, the miracles he’s witnessed, and the power of love in guiding us back to ourselves and each other. We also talk about the importance of honest assessment—of our lives, our actions, and our purpose—as a path to growth.This is Part I of a two-part series, and I hope it gives you a glimpse into the life and mind of someone truly extraordinary.I’d love to hear what stood out to you, so please leave a comment.And as always, I hope you’re walking away with one less stranger in your life.

📍Fort Worth, Texas, USA - In this episode of No More Strangers, J.T. sits down with Bill Bradford, a leader whose life is shaped by his deep Christian faith and a commitment to guiding others with humility and care. Bill shares his perspectives on leadership as stewardship, the role of faith in shaping values, and what it means to live with purpose in a complex world. Whether you’re curious about the intersections of belief and responsibility or seeking inspiration for your own journey, this episode offers personal stories, thoughtful insights, and timeless wisdom. Join us as we explore the power of faith, connection, and service — and maybe you'll come away with one less stranger in your life.Episode Links: - No More Strangers Instagram

📍Wimberley, Texas, USA - In this episode of No More Strangers, J.T. sits down with David Austin Marks, a fifth-generation Texas rancher who shares his story of resilience, faith, and the art of balancing tradition with modern challenges. From growing super-hot peppers to navigating the ups and downs of family ranching, David offers a grounded perspective on a life deeply tied to the land.Join us for a thoughtful exploration of hard work, self-reliance, and finding peace in the simplicity of nature. Whether you’re a city dweller or a country soul, there’s something here for everyone to reflect on—and hopefully, you’ll leave with one less stranger in your life.Episode Links⁠⁠ - Follow Hill Country Hot Peppers on InstagramNo More Strangers Podcast Social Links - ⁠Instagram

📍Portland, Oregon, USA - Stephen Parker is a native of the Pacific Northwest, a musician, audio engineer, and software developer. In this conversation, Stephen reflects on his journey through music: sharing insights into the themes of grief, mental health, and creative expression that drive his work. Together, we explore the cathartic power of heavy music and the balance between personal authenticity and connecting with an audience. - Listen to his latest single, "Dolorem" at the end of the episode!Episode Links⁠Stephen's Metal Archives EntryListen to his band ⁠Maestus on Spotify⁠Follow ⁠Maestus on Instagram⁠Podcast Social LinksInstagram