Episodes

  • The Acid Queen: Susannah Cahalan on Rosemary Leary, the Forgotten Icon of the Psychedelic Revolution

    The Acid Queen: Susannah Cahalan on Rosemary Leary, the Forgotten Icon of the Psychedelic Revolution
    Sep 22 2025

    In this episode of Shifting Perceptions, Jay Alders sits down with New York Times bestselling author and investigative journalist Susannah Cahalan (Brain on Fire, The Great Pretender). Susannah's latest book, The Acid Queen, uncovers the extraordinary and largely forgotten story of Rosemary Woodruff Leary—Timothy Leary's partner, accomplice, and muse—who helped him escape prison before vanishing underground for 25 years.

    We explore:

    • The hidden role of women in the psychedelic revolution

    • How Rosemary became a counterculture icon—and why history erased her

    • Susannah's personal connection to altered states and psychosis

    • The dangers and revelations of ego death, set & setting, and spiritual narcissism

    • The discipline and rituals behind Susannah's writing process

    Susannah's groundbreaking memoir Brain on Fire was adapted into a Netflix film and translated into more than 30 languages. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The New York Post, and beyond. This conversation dives deep into the psychedelic movement, creativity, legacy, and the fragile nature of the self—with lessons that remain urgent today.
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    46 mins
  • You're Not Competing With AI—We're Merging With It - With AI Educator Matt Konwiser

    You're Not Competing With AI—We're Merging With It - With AI Educator Matt Konwiser
    Mar 31 2025
    In this conversation AI Designer, Educator, Futurist and Educator Matt Konwiser discusses the complexities and implications of Artificial Intelligence, particularly generative AI, with a focus on its impact on creativity, technology, and society. Konwiser emphasizes the importance of understanding the potential risks and benefits of AI integration into daily life, and the philosophical questions surrounding AI's evolution and its relationship with humanity. In this conversation, host Jay Alders & Konwiser explore the evolving subjective nature of art, the implications of AI on creativity and human interaction, and the ethical considerations surrounding technology. The dialogue also touches on the importance of instilling values in children, the future of work in an AI-driven world, and the balance between technology and humanity. Konwiser and Alders talk about the relationship between art and technology, particularly the influence of AI on creativity and inspiration. Alders reflects on how his artistic identity has shifted over time, especially after becoming a parent, and expresses concerns about the implications of AI in art and music. Also covered is the importance of guiding children through the complexities of AI, privacy concerns related to AI and technology are addressed, highlighting the balance between leveraging these tools and maintaining personal security. takeaways Chapter Time Stamps 00:00Reconnecting and Introduction to AI05:59Generative AI vs Traditional AI11:59The Future of AI and Human Interaction18:02The Balance of AI in Society23:46The Environmental Cost of AI29:50The Philosophical Implications of AI32:59Navigating the Future with AI41:08The Evolution of Art and Minimalism42:06Defining Art: Subjectivity and Controversy43:25The Keeper: What Makes Art Worthy?44:24AI and the Subjectivity of Art45:50The Dangers of Laziness in AI Usage47:12The Impact of AI on Human Interaction49:05The Future of AI and Human Relationships50:30Ethics in AI: The Dark Side of Technology52:21The Role of AI in Personal Relationships54:07The Intersection of AI and Adult Content55:34The Changing Landscape of Dating and Relationships57:54The Importance of Social Skills in a Digital Age01:00:08Concerns for Future Generations01:01:08Instilling Values in Children01:04:00Balancing Technology and Humanity01:06:06The Future of Work in an AI-Driven World01:09:18The Evolution of Job Roles01:12:32The Need for Adaptation in a Changing Job Market01:15:16The Role of Trades in the Future01:16:46The Importance of Ethical AI Development01:19:24Finding Purpose in Work01:21:23The Nourishment of Art and Creativity01:22:16The Challenge of Capturing Reality01:25:10Shifting Inspirations in Art01:28:38Navigating AI's Influence on Creativity01:32:27AI as a Tool for Learning and Growth01:42:36Guiding Children Through AI Exposure01:50:14The Role of Human Agency in AI Creation01:53:32Privacy Concerns in the Age of AI ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*Sponsors: Insta360: Free accessory + save with this 360° camera! insta360.com/sal/x4?utm_term=INRR6JU (Code: INRR6JU) *The DNA Company: Custom genetic tests. thednacompany.com/jayalders ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Connect with The Shifting Perceptions Podcast: Shifting Perceptions Website: http://shiftingperceptionspodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shiftingperceptionspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftingperceptionspodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShiftingPodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingperceptionspodcast Connect with Jay Alders: Jay Alders Website: https://jayalders.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jayalders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayalders/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jayalders YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayalders Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jayalders/
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    2 hrs and 4 mins
  • "They Told Us To Trust The Science'—But Whose Science?" - Dr. Michael J. Schwartz

    "They Told Us To Trust The Science'—But Whose Science?" - Dr. Michael J. Schwartz
    Mar 17 2025
    COVID changed everything—our freedoms, our beliefs, and even how we think about science itself. But in the aftermath of lockdowns, mandates, and mass fear, one question remains: Did we actually follow science, or just a carefully crafted narrative? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Michael J. Schwartz, a medical expert specializing in genetics, respiratory pathogens, and immunology, who has analyzed over 19,000 patients and 44,000 test results throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As a clinic owner, laboratory director, and author of "Fauci's Fiction" and "Vaccine Fiction," Dr. Schwartz has firsthand knowledge of how government policies, media narratives, and flawed data shaped the pandemic response. We dig into the real numbers behind COVID testing and vaccines, the impact of lockdowns on public health, and the politicization of science. Did we follow the best medical practices, or did government agencies manipulate the narrative? Were vaccine mandates based on solid science, or were key data points ignored? And what happens the next time the world faces a crisis like this? No matter where you stand on COVID, this episode will challenge you to rethink what we were told—and what we weren't. Tune in now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. SPONSORS *Sponsors: Insta360: Free accessory + save with this 360° camera! insta360.com/sal/x4?utm_term=INRR6JU (Code: INRR6JU) *The DNA Company: Custom genetic tests. thednacompany.com/jayalders --------------- Connect with Dr. Michael Schwartz Fauci's Fiction Book : https://amzn.to/4ivFtPS Vaccine Fiction Book: https://amzn.to/43VbegP Website: https://www.michaeljschwartz.com/ The Michael Schwartz Show: https://rumble.com/c/TheMikeSchwartzShow Connect with The Shifting Perceptions Podcast: Shifting Perceptions Website: http://shiftingperceptionspodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shiftingperceptionspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftingperceptionspodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShiftingPodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingperceptionspodcast Connect with Jay Alders: Jay Alders Website: https://jayalders.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jayalders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayalders/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jayalders YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayalders Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jayalders/ ** Contains affiliate links
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    2 hrs and 10 mins
  • Click Here or Stay Broke: Steal Whitney Bonds' Affiliate Marketing and Passive Income Secrets to Ditch the 9-5 Forever

    Click Here or Stay Broke: Steal Whitney Bonds' Affiliate Marketing and Passive Income Secrets to Ditch the 9-5 Forever
    Mar 12 2025
    In this episode, we sit down with entrepreneur and YouTuber Whitney Bonds, who transformed her career from a virtual assistant gig into a thriving online business. Whitney opens up about her path to passive income through YouTube and affiliate marketing, revealing how she built a flexible lifestyle that lets her work from home while raising a family. Perfect for entrepreneurs, career-switchers, and anyone feeling trapped in a traditional job, this conversation dives into the realities—good and bad—of designing a life with financial freedom. Whitney shares practical advice, like "study what works, make it your own, and execute," and discusses her upcoming boot camp to help others monetize their own videos. From her $50,000 Amazon dropshipping misadventure to her plans for future investments, Whitney's story is a raw, inspiring look at creating income on your terms. Tune in to discover how to break free and build your own empire. --- *Sponsors: Insta360: Free accessory + save with this 360° camera! insta360.com/sal/x4?utm_term=INRR6JU (Code: INRR6JU) *The DNA Company: Custom genetic tests. thednacompany.com/jayalders
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Thinking of Quitting Your Job? Listen to This First— How You Can Break Free with CEO Aaron Harper

    Thinking of Quitting Your Job? Listen to This First— How You Can Break Free with CEO Aaron Harper
    Feb 6 2025

    Ever feel stuck in life, knowing you're capable of more but unsure how to break through? In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Harper, CEO of Rolling Suds, who took an unexpected leap from corporate America into building a thriving national power washing empire.

    Aaron doesn't hold back—he shares the raw, unfiltered truth about risk, reinvention, and the mindset shifts that separate successful entrepreneurs from the ones who stay stuck. We talk about why most people never start, how to push past fear, and the unexpected lessons he's learned along the way.

    If you're itching to take control of your life, start your own business, or just need a fire lit under you, this episode is for you. Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube!

    Watch on Youtube:https://youtu.be/Qy2tBbrzht0

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    Connect with Aaron Harper

    • LinkedIn: Aaron Harper on LinkedIn
    • X (formerly Twitter): @AaronHarperCEO
    • Instagram: @aarontharper
    • Rolling Suds:
    • Official Website: Rolling Suds Power Washing
    • Franchise Information: Rolling Suds Franchise
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Comfort Zones Are Killing Your Soul: Why I Chose to Risk It All with Matt Dawson

    Comfort Zones Are Killing Your Soul: Why I Chose to Risk It All with Matt Dawson
    Jan 9 2025

    What happens when you leave the corporate grind to conquer the world's tallest peaks and row across oceans?

    In this episode, Jay Alders dives into the incredible journey of Matt Dawson, a former investment banker turned world record adventurer.

    Discover how loss, pain, and stepping outside of his comfort zone transformed Matt's life—and how it can transform yours.

    Whether you're stuck in a rut, craving adventure, or looking for the spark to change your path, this conversation will inspire you to risk it all and find your true purpose.

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    Connect with Dawson:

    Buy Dawson's New Book: Strength In Surrender: https://amzn.to/4fQL7tK

    • https://www.instagram.com/dawsonspeak/
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    ** Contains affiliate links
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Building Warriors: The Vision Behind The Tactical Games with Nick Thayer

    Building Warriors: The Vision Behind The Tactical Games with Nick Thayer
    Dec 31 2024

    In this episode, Jay Alders chats with Nick Thayer, President of The Tactical Games, about his journey from U.S. Coast Guard veteran to leader of one of the most intense fitness and shooting competitions in the world. Nick shares how The Tactical Games combines athleticism, marksmanship, and mental toughness, creating a unique challenge for competitors of all backgrounds.

    Discover how Nick's unconventional path and entrepreneurial mindset have helped shape the sport, its growing community, and its impact on participants worldwide. Whether you're into fitness, firearms, or simply love hearing stories of resilience and passion, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights.

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    Nick Thayer and Tactical Games Links & Resources

    Website: The Tactical Games

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    ** Contains affiliate links
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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • Creative Identity Crisis: Searching For The Joy in Art Again with Artist Bo Bramwell

    Creative Identity Crisis: Searching For The Joy in Art Again with Artist Bo Bramwell
    Nov 19 2024

    In this heartfelt episode of the Shifting Perceptions Podcast, artist Bo Bramwell joins Jay Alders for a deep dive into the vulnerable side of being a creative. Known for his intricate, surreal pen-and-ink and digital art, Bo has collaborated with music legends like Sublime, Slightly Stoopid, and Atmosphere and exhibited alongside the visionary artist Alex Grey.

    But beyond his success, Bo shares the inner struggles that resonate with so many artists: dealing with creative blocks, facing identity crises, and managing the weight of public expectations. He and Jay open up about the intense emotional journey that comes with making a life in art, from battling self-doubt and isolation to rediscovering joy and authenticity.

    Tune in as Bo and Jay discuss:

    • The pressures of social media and the disconnect between public image and true self

    • How vulnerability in art can foster deeper connections and a supportive community

    • Practical ways to overcome creative burnout and stay inspired

    • Embracing your evolving identity as an artist, even when it doesn't fit expectations

    • Finding mental health balance and self-care practices that support creativity

    This episode is a must-watch for artists feeling stuck, alone, or uncertain of their path. Bo and Jay's honest conversation reminds us that the artistic journey is rarely linear. It's about pushing through the tough days, leaning into vulnerability, and rediscovering the "why" behind your work.

    Connect with Bo Bramwell:

    • Website: illustrationbybo.com

    • Instagram: instagram.com/illustrationbybo

    • Facebook: facebook.com/groups/346593890020441/about

    • Threads: threads.net/@illustrationbybo

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    If you're an artist navigating creative block, burnout, or struggling to reconcile your public and private self, this conversation will speak to you. Subscribe for more inspiring and real discussions that dive deep into the artist's journey!
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    1 hr and 46 mins