The HeathenMachine Chronicles: Recent Episodes
The HeathenMachine
From tactical fitness and conditioning to psychedelics to motivation and beyond, The HeathenMachine podcast seeks to explore fitness, strength, mental health, and philosophy from a different angle. Come sit in the circle.
Prepare for an eerie, yet entertaining journey as we dissect the concept of surviving a zombie apocalypse. We've all watched those zombie movies and wondered, "How would I survive if this happened in real life?" Well, we're about to dig into those gritty realities and ponder over the best strategies to come out alive. From the significance of being armed to the wisdom needed in navigating a zombie-infested city, we're evaluating every survival tactic you can think of. We'll talk about the practicalities of survival, the use of suppressors and other weapons, and the impact of zombies that have evolved to manipulate doorknobs. Expect a lively discussion on the tactics of surviving a zombie apocalypse, from the importance of being in shape and using stealth, to the advantages of choosing a location like a forest or mountain. Whether you're a zombie enthusiast or just a fan of fascinating discussions, this episode will leave you captivated. Come join the circle!
Riding on the wings of the god Odin, we soar through ancient Norse wisdom, landing right in your modern lives. This episode is a treasure chest, filled with pearls of wisdom from the Havamal, an Old Norse poem with timeless lessons. We dissect its profound teachings, discuss its relevance in our daily existence, and offer you thick slices of wisdom to chew on. From fitness to finance, relationships to self-awareness, this episode covers it all, sprinkling ancient wisdom on contemporary issues. Join the Circle.
Today's conversation goes beyond the usual health chat, probing into contemporary issues like the impact of the body positivity movement and convenience culture on our collective well-being. We're also lifting the lid on some disturbing trends, like the rise of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and the labeling of health-conscious individuals as extremists. And that's not all, we explore unconventional training methods, offer insights on training for athletic performance, and discuss the significance of circuit training for conditioning and longevity. Come join the circle.
Are you ready to harness the power of Jiu Jitsu, not just as a physical exercise, but as a methodology for mental resilience and personal discipline? We navigate the thrilling world of Jiu Jitsu, the mental fortitude it demands, and the valuable life skills it offers. Join us as we share captivating tales of Jiu Jitsu's evolution, its transformative effect on martial arts, and the unique perspective competition brings to your training. More than just a martial art, Jiu Jitsu is a pathway to understanding one's physical and mental thresholds.
What if there was a way to unlock profound insights within your own mind, and even potentially aid in the treatment of mental health issues? On today's episode, we discuss the fascinating world of psychedelics and their potential benefits. We explore the research, effects, and how to set yourself up for an optimal experience.
We delve into the history and stigma surrounding psychedelics, and how a new generation of psychedelic advocates like journalist Michael Pollan are helping to bridge the gap between counterculture and mainstream understanding. We also touch on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for combat veterans and cancer patients, and discuss ongoing research on safety and efficacy. Comparing the effects of psilocybin to traditional medications like SSRIs, we share personal experiences and emphasize the importance of intention, set, and setting for a positive and transformative journey.
Join us as we navigate this compelling topic and uncover the power of psychedelics to transform lives, expand our understanding of ourselves, and connect us more deeply with the world around us. Whether you're curious about the psychedelic experience, or seeking insights on how these substances may be applied therapeutically, we invite you to tune in and explore the possibilities with us.
Links to published studies:
Ross, S. Bossis, A. Guss J. Agin-Liebes, G. Malone, T. Cohen B. Mennenga, S. E. Belser, A. Kalliontzi, K. Babb, J. Su, Z. Corby, P. Schmidt, B. L. (2016) Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Psychopharmacology 30(12) 1165-1180 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116675512 http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0269881116675512
McRae, M. (2017, July 8) Research Shows Magic Mushrooms Can Offer Real Benefits in Depression Therapy. Science Alert. Retrieved from https://www.sciencealert.com/therapy-for-depression-gets-a-significant-boost-when-combined-with-psilocybin
Schiffman, R. (2016, December 1) Psilocybin: A Journey Beyond the Fear of Death? Scientific American. Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/psilocybin-a-journey-beyond-the-fear-of-death/
Vollenweider, F.X. Kometer, M. (2010, September) The neurobiology of psychedelic drugs: implications for the treatment of mood disorders. Nature Reviews: Neuroscience. 11(9) 642-651. Retrieved from http://www.biblioteca.cij.gob.mx/Archivos/Materiales_de_consulta/Drogas_de_Abuso/Articulos/neurobilogypsychedelicdrugs.pdf
Griffiths, R. R. Johnson, M.W. Carducci, M.A. Umbricht, A. Richards W.A. Richards B.D. Cosimano M.P. Klinedinst M.A. (2016) Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial. Journal of Psychopharmacology 30(12) 1181-1197 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116675513 http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0269881116675513
In this episode, I talk about one of the most abundant yet misunderstood of all birds; the chicken.
In this episode, I discuss the benefits of adding (hard; jiu-jitsu, judo, muay thai, etc.) martial arts training to your strength training regimen. Be an asset, not a liability.
Links to studies mentioned:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321196277_Health_benefits_of_hard_martial_arts_in_adults_a_systematic_review
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362727603_Judo_training_program_improves_brain_and_muscle_function_and_elevates_the_peripheral_BDNF_concentration_among_the_elderly
In this episode, I discuss my experiences so far with age, strength, athleticism, and how I've navigated it all. Join the circle.
In this episode, I discuss toxic traits and people. I also talk about chickens. Come join the circle.
In this episode, I riff on the notion that even if you had everything in the world, you'd still deal with the same problems that every human deals with; stress, anxiety, depression, and so on. Come join the circle.
in this episode, I discuss some of the things that have helped me along the way with my own mental and physical health. Join the Circle.
In this episode I talk about struggle. Why it's necessary and why we shouldn't avoid it. Join the circle.
In this episode, I wanted to try something new. Join me as I discuss limb regeneration, a famous celebrity face-farter, and a 2,000 year old Roman sculpture turns up in an unlikely place.
In this episode, I discuss why it's important to understand where your food is coming from.
In this episode, I share a human experience in a place I least expected it. Perhaps with today's seeming lack of empathy, this story can encourage better interaction between others. Come join the circle.
In this episode I riff on listening to music while working out, and living a life of solitude and what that entails.
In this episode, I share my first major psychedelic experience I had after I got out of the Marine Corps. It changed everything for me and hopefully my story will enlighten those who are on the fence about psychedelics.
In this episode I give some thoughts about today's current state of affairs, and end the episode on thoughts about what it means to me to be a Heathen. Join the circle.
In this episode I give my thoughts on anger, my experiences with anger, and how you can better manage anger in your life. We'll all get angry, but don't let anger be the driving force in your life. Come join the circle.
Julian Ortiz was a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, a machinegunner, a father. Tragically, he took his own life February 22, 2013. While this was a hard episode to work on, I wanted to share my experiences with dealing with suicide so it might help others.
In this episode I give my thoughts on the tactical athlete and why an outside-the-box training methodology is often needed. Come join the circle.
In this episode we dive into the concepts of what makes a healthy, masculine man and comparing/contrasting them to the toxic man. Remember, these are my own thoughts and you are welcome to agree or disagree with them.
In this episode I'll discuss the ways psilocybin mushrooms help overcome fear. Also discussed is what triggers fear, and a pair of studies that explore the ways in which psilocybin can bring relief to the terminally ill.
Listed below are the sources used for the podcast and I would encourage everyone to dive in and learn about psychedelics!
Works Cited:
1 Brodwin, E. (2017, December 11) Peter Thiel is betting on magic mushrooms to treat depression — and he's not the only one. Business Insider. Retrieved from
2 Cannon, W.B. (1915) Bodily Changes in Pain, Hunger, Fear and Rage: An Account of Recent Researches into the Function of Emotional Excitement. 187-189.
3 Dockrill, P. (2018, January 8) Magic Mushrooms Do the Opposite of Anti-Depressants, But That May Be Why They Work. Science Alert.
4 Gibb. B.J. (2007) The Rough Guide to the Brain. Strand, London. Rough Guides Ltd. 97-99.
5 Griffiths, R. R. Johnson, M.W. Carducci, M.A. Umbricht, A. Richards W.A. Richards B.D. Cosimano M.P. Klinedinst M.A. (2016) Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial. Journal of Psychopharmacology 30(12) 1181-1197 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116675513
6 Lamia, M. (2011, December 15) The Complexity of Fear: Are you experiencing anxiety, or is it fear? Psychology Today.
7 McIntosh, J. (2016, April 29) Serotonin: Facts, What Does Serotonin Do? Medical New Today.
8 McRae, M. (2017, July 8) Research Shows Magic Mushrooms Can Offer Real Benefits in Depression Therapy. Science Alert
9 Ross, S. Bossis, A. Guss J. Agin-Liebes, G. Malone, T. Cohen B. Mennenga, S. E. Belser, A. Kalliontzi, K. Babb, J. Su, Z. Corby, P. Schmidt, B. L. (2016) Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Psychopharmacology 30(12) 1165-1180 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116675512
10 Schiffman, R. (2016, December 1) Psilocybin: A Journey Beyond the Fear of Death? Scientific American.
11 TedMed (2016, April 20) The science of psilocybin and its use to relieve suffering. [Video file].
12 Vollenweider, F.X. Kometer, M. (2010, September) The neurobiology of psychedelic drugs: implications for the treatment of mood disorders. Nature Reviews: Neuroscience. 11(9) 642-651.
In this episode, I discuss my approach to strength and fitness. I talk about my own physical training journey and how it evolved over time into what it has now become. Lastly, I discuss the influences of Jailhouse Strong, the PHA and Tactical PHA training system, Bob Gajda, and tactical fitness. Come join the Circle.
Of all the engagements and firefights I'd been in in Afghanistan, this firefight on Sept. 29th 2011 stuck with me with the most. Maybe it was the poor planning, maybe it was the fact that I really did think that was the day I was going to die. Either way, it left its lessons with me and I carry those with me to this day. Live everyday like it means something because you never know when the show might end...
We continue on the odyssey of combat. Afghanistan has a beauty one must experience in order to appreciate the desolate beauty of it all. I know it's a place I'll never forget...
In this episode, I begin a tale of combat and adversity. Life is chaotic and we never know when our end will come. All of this is ramped up in an active combat zone. Too many combat veterans refuse to share their experiences in combat, but here at The HeathenMachine, the point is sharing these experiences so others will know what combat veterans experience far away from home.
In this episode, I discuss a pivotal moment of failure in my life and the ramifications of that fateful decision. We'll all suffer set backs and we will all fall. We will fail and fail often but that only gives us more opportunities to learn and grow.
Just skimming the surface of what The HeathenMachine Chronicles are all about. In this episode, The HeathenMachine lays the ground work for what's to come and learns that it takes a lot of work to record a podcast and that carrying on a conversation with yourself has its perks.