Basecamp for Men E92: Bridging the Left and the Right

E92: Bridging the Left and the Right with Special Guest Chris Beatie

 

E92 Introduction

One of the most crippling things about 2020 and 2021 has been the stark division amongst WE THE PEOPLE. The narrative in any MSM outlet is clearly designed to create separation instead of unity.

Mask wearers vs. unmasked. Vaccinated vs. unvaccinated. Biden supporters vs. Trump supporters. BLM vs. back the blue.There is a sub-conscious tendency to demonize the other side. I have spoken and written about this on several occasions. We have to find a path that integrates all aspects of WE THE PEOPLE.

The left and right both have their own unique conditioning and part of that conditioning is to put the other side in a sort “aren‘t they stupid” sort of thing. As someone who was a liberal for 30 years, I know the conditioning of the left quite well. I am a product of it. However as the radical left advanced on my tried and true traditional liberal foundation, I found myself looking for less constraints for my ideas and my truth.

Between identity politics that focused on dividing us along racial and sexual identities, a stifling conformity that would not allow me to question the mainstream narrative without being cancelled, I naturally started to drift to the right, in search of others who were curious and questioning about what the hell was going on.

I don’t know about you but I don’t like it when I hold harsh judgments of whoever is in the other group. Thoughts like “they are stupid” or “they are crazy, insane”or  “how can they be so in the dark, ignorant, etc. etc.”don’t let me express my natural love of our mutual humanity.

It is true I have interesting new friends in the Patriot community. But I also have tons of loved ones on the left. I see them working to figure things out. It’s not easy, I know that.

These are challenging times to navigate. On a personal level, I am working on my compassion. To not be so quick to condemn my brothers and sisters who are at a different stage or even a different path up the mountain.

For those that I travelled far and long with on the left. I haven‘t abandoned any of you. Not in any permanent sense. We are all mystic travellers finding our way. If our paths were deeply connected in the past, my sense is we will see each other again on common ground. There may be much to learn by travelling separate roads right now.

In this episode, I thought you would enjoy hearing two friends with quite different political orientations take a run at a few of the issues that seem to be so deeply dividing us. I hope you enjoy it.

Chris Beatie Bio-

Chris Beatie has been a computer engineer for the last 25 years.  Finding that the stress and rigors of 12+ hour work days was taking a toll on his health,  Chris decided to apply his engineering skills to improve his life, becoming a biohacker of sorts.  Books, podcasts, doctors, medications, eastern medicine, Chris has explored and experimented far and wide!  His personal mission passion is to help others find their most enlightened, capable, healthy and happy version of themselves.

E92 Final Thoughts-

I hope you enjoyed my conversation with Chris Beatie. Here are two men who are on different sides of some of these contentious wedge issues but have not lost their affinity, respect, or love for one another. I hope it helps you navigate the conversations and interactions that you are having.

I thought it was interesting that, even though we made opposite choices on the vaccine issue, there is mutual respect for one another. We both expressed concern for the other. He is hoping I don‘t get Covid and die and I am hoping he has no long-term effects from an experimental vaccine. Both of us have made informed choices and we both wish the best for one another. I don’t need him to do what I am doing and vice versa.

I have a tremendous amount of respect for Chris. He’s smart, lives from the heart, and makes good choices for himself and his family. I know that he also has positive regard for my character and my decision making process.

If you liked the interview, go check out an earlier one I did with Chris in on EP #41 titled Conversations with Men. In that episode, Chris and I talk about men’s health, testosterone replacement,  men’s personal development and some other interesting topics.

Basecamp for Men E91: Restoring Our Republic

E91: Restoring Our Republic with Special Guest Lenka Koloma

 

E91 Introduction

As someone who was educated on liberal principles at an American university, I was taught to (perhaps not HATE my country) but to be deeply suspicious of anything that smacked of jingoism or pride in our nation. Noam Chomsky was a writer and thinker who drove much of this way of thinking.

I remember when I became aware of the CIA black ops when I was a young man and being appalled at what we were doing to other countries and their people. Running heroin and cocaine to introduce to inner city populations here, helping to foment revolution when it suited our corporate interests, assassinating leaders if need be. It was an education in the grisly reality of geopolitics.

Looking back I can see the clever trick that was played on my young mind. If my conditioning could get me to doubt anything American, then I was ripe for further conditioning in cultural Marxism with its hatred of unity, WE THE PEOPLE and all things family, God, and country.

Chomsky also, to my young mind, did not properly differentiate the CIA from the American Republic, making the two seem one and the same. We now know that the CIA is a powerful, deceptive arm of the Deep State and does not carry the same values as WE THE PEOPLE or the American Republic.

I have come full circle. Raised in a working class, conservative small town and educated in college and having lived in great liberal cities, I have in the past five years arrived a place where I unabashedly ADORE our nation and what she represents. We are, right now (whether you realize it or not), renewing our beloved Republic and all that she stands for.

A few things that have emerged for me and others in this movement. One, the U.S. Constitution is a priceless treasure. One that many Americans have given their lives to protect. Every American (left, right or center) should have a copy and study it.

I liken it to the American Grail. If you honor and treasure this exceptional gift to our nation, it will be there to serve WE THE PEOPLE. Like the myths we have been unpacking for you, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are a living, breathing document that responds to your reverence and respect, activating something profound in oneself.

Personally, I was embarrassed that I had lost so much of my knowledge of the Constitution and everything it stands for. I think many of you, especially on the left, can probably say the same thing. It wasn’t until left leaning Governors and Tony Fauci started to attack our liberties with all their rules, guidelines, and mandates hoping WE THE PEOPLE would simply comply instead of taking a cool, rational look at things and recognizing that mandates and recommendations do not supersede Constitutional law.

There is a feistiness that runs in our American blood. I know my guest today exhibits it. I know my wife does and I like to think that I do too. I am willing to fight for what is true and good and beautiful. The founding fathers meant for us to cherish this divinely given document and to keep it close in times like these. It is one of our many Allies in restoring the Republic.

Our rights and liberties are protected by the highest court and highest law in the land. Whatever Tony Fauci or Andrew Cuomo or Jay Inslee or any other so-called authority figure says doesn‘t change that one damn bit. Oh people are free to voice their OPINION of what you should do. You just don‘t need to act like that opinion changes your constitutional rights. It doesn’t.  And the more people that realize this, the stronger WE THE PEOPLE will be, no matter which way you lean politically.

There will come a time soon when most Americans will realize how close we came to losing our ability to choose our lives for ourselves. To live free and pursue happiness as sovereign people. WE THE PEOPLE were awakened by the events of 2020 and 2021. WE THE PEOPLE have become aware of the attacks on our liberties and have grabbed our two most powerful weapons to combat this: One, our beloved Constitution and two, the courage to speak our truth. This is all we need to produce the outcome we are seeking.

It seems there is still some fight and courage in the American heart and thank God. For those that prefer to comply, conform, obey orders, trust the authorities, wear their masks everywhere, I stand by your right to live that way. I don‘t understand it and I know you are not leaders in any of this, but I will give you space to figure this out. I think of the old saying “If you’re not going to lead, then stay out of the way.” I think that captures the essence of this.

But I do have a request for you. Stop attacking those that are fighting for YOUR freedoms. Someone has to do the gritty work and deal with confrontation and people getting in your face. My gang can handle it. We were made for this and we have proven it over and over again as my guest today so beautifully expresses.

Lenka Koloma Bio-

My guest today is an author, thought leader, and spiritual warrior. Lenka Koloma has studied far and wide and is a powerful activist for WE THE PEOPLE. Courageous, smart, and able to speak truth to power, Lenka is a living example of someone who is committed to truth, freedom, and honoring and restoring our great Republic.

Final Thoughts-

I hope you enjoyed my interview with Lenka Koloma. To find her, her book and her work, go to www.lenkakoloma.com. To support the great work she is doing on behalf of WE THE PEOPLE and to find tools and resources, go to Freedom to Breathe Agency at www.ftbagency.com

Basecamp for Men E87: Standing in Strength

E87: Standing in Strength with Special Guest

Paul Remington Jones

 

E87 Introduction-

With all of the complying by the masses. With all of the mandates and near totalitarian narrative around what is best for us (wear masks, everyone get vaccinated, keep wearing masks, prepare for your next vaccination), we seem to have lost sight of something. That this whole “let’s all comply to everything that is asked of us” is not going to get us there. Not by a long shot. In fact, it’s likely taking us in the wrong direction.

When is trading freedoms for safety ever worked out for us humans? Ever?

In today’s times, we need and will continue to need feisty men and women.  People with guts and courage. We will create nothing new by complying to every pseudo-authority figure. Whether that be Fauci, Gates, the Governor or any other rep for the so-called NWO.

The human spirit will not be weighed down by all this compliance and conformity. Where is our backbone? Where is our character? Our strength?

This reminds me of the great beat poet Gary Snyder who, when asked “why fight for the human tribe? Why try and change things?” Snyder simply responded, “because it’s a matter of style.”

I agree. I for one, am not interested in what the herd is doing for so-called herd immunity. My response? FUCKING WAKE UP! You’re being lied to all over the place and you know it.

Men, am I calling you out? Am I saying grow some balls? I am.

Remember, fortune favors the bold. As my guest today so beautifully illustrates.

Paul Remington Bio-

I first came across my guest today in a viral video where he gets pulled over by a police officer for not having his license plates, registration, insurance, or drivers license. What then follows is a jaw-dropping master class in common law and civil liberties. I couldn’t wait to get this man on the show.

Paul Remington Jones is a living  example of walking the walk and living your truth. He is a man who lives free and knows his constitutional rights and common law. Something that we all might want to educate ourselves in the coming days. Here is my interview with Paul Remington Jones.

E87 Final Thoughts-

I hope you enjoyed our time with Paul Remington Jones as much as I did. To see his viral video with the police officer or the hilarious one where he walks into Home Depot with no mask, go to his You Tube channel at It’s Paul Unslaved.

Since this episode is about guts and being a free thinker and having some balls as you go about navigating a narrative that seems hell bent on taking away your liberties. I give you one of my favorite feisty individuals. One of my all-time heroes, the great George Carlin. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Basecamp for Men E86: The Path of Initiation

E86: The Path of Initiation with Special Guest Hunter Toran

 

E86 Introduciton

In episode #83, The Myth of the Grail, I brought forth some of the initiatory themes that lie at the heart of the Grail. Living a life that is marked by initiation is one that allows a person to grow “slowly wise” to use the words of Wolfram Von Eschenbach.

In every persons life, there are countless small initiations and usually a few big ones. The big ones are marked with a big “BEFORE” and “AFTER” signs in your soul’s journey.

It can be a good exercise to take out a notebook and mark out your initiations large and small. It can help you see your Hero’s Journey with more clarity.  I like to mark the initiation in one column and what you learned or how you are different now in the other column. And then ask yourself, what initiations still await my arrival?

To broaden your scope on this, a list of initiations might include things like getting your drivers license or having your parents get divorced when you were young. It definitely would include leaving home for good or the first time you fell in love. Something like military bootcamp is clearly an initiation. Moving to a strange city or country is also an initiation. Anything that marks a clear before and after for the soul qualifies as you will learn much about yourself and where you are going through these trials and tribulations.

I have spoken of my big initiations from time to time but I will mention a few of them again here. Like I said,  it is good to know your own. To know when your Soul found a deeper, more truthful song for you.

For me, moving to NYC was an initiation. I had never even been there when I arrived and had grown up my whole life in the PNW. New York was a strange, powerful, scary new land where I would find new parts of myself that I didn‘t know I had. I became gutsier and more confident because of it.

Another big initiation, as you all know,  was doing the Mankind Projects New Warrior Training. This was a clear “before Tony” and “after Tony”. I came out with a chestful of new tools: a mission I created (and then lived), knowledge of the male archetypes and how to access them, a deep appreciation of the tribe of men and my place in it. MKP gave me a Warrior’s fire and a container to express it. I would never go back to the overly nice, people-pleaser I was when I was younger. Between NYC and the New Warrior Training, I was finding all sorts of newfound inner power as a man.

The next big initiation was becoming a father. I was scared shitless waiting for Lucas to be born. All new fathers feel this (although few will admit it). It is an absolutely awesome, terrifying initiation to be brought into. My son arrived like some tiny force of nature. Divine, powerful, full of raw feeling and powerful vocal chords. He let me know, in no uncertain terms, that my old life was over. It has been a big, incredible initiation. One that I am grateful for every day.

My sobriety was another initiation for me. I know this is true for any addict or alcoholic who has taken on his or her recovery. Quitting drinking 8 years ago changed me. It was an initiation that I was never quite sure I was up to until one day it just happened. I stopped and I didn‘t die. And in my soul, I could feel the excitement that accompanied this new me. I knew it would lead to a hundred new great things if I could just stay with it. And it has! You’re listening to one of the gifts that was awaiting me once I crossed that threshold.

And my marriage to Lisa has certainly been an initiation. In a long-term relationship, you don‘t have anywhere to hide. Oh, you can try and I certainly do. But a life partner or soul mate will bring your love to a new level. It often won’t look the way you would like it to look but the alchemy of a long-term relationship is undeniable. You bring your strengths and your short-comings (we all have them) and you ride life’s ups and downs together, learning the whole way.

What initiations still await me? I can see as men grow older, we are forced to deal with loss. Becoming an empty nester, when your last child leaves the house is certainly an initiation. And losing your parents and other loved ones and friends will be a series of painful initiations as we grieve for what is passing. This all helps to bring us to our final initiation (at least in this body and in this dimension). Our own passing.

If we have grown slowly wise, as Parzival did, then each initiation will ripen and prepare us. We will arrive at our final initiation full of wisdom and grace, rather than regret and fear.  Through all of the changes and passing seasons and lessons and wisdom and grace granted, we will come to our own death with a recognition of what does not change. God bless you on this journey my listener. I am happy to be on this journey with you.

Hunter Toran Bio

Hunter Toran is a Somatic Educator and Therapist within the discipline of Spacial Dynamics and other Somatic practices. Hunter performs individual therapeutic sessions and  group workshops on the entirety of the human experience through conscious movement here in Seattle.  Most recently Hunter has begun to dive deeply into ‘men’s work’ to support containers that see the evolution of the divine masculine as imperative to the survival and development of humankind.

E86 Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed my interview with Hunter Toran. To book a session for one of this excellent Spacial Dynamic sessions or to find out more about Hunter’s workshops, go to www.levitytherapeutics.com

Basecamp for Men E85: Cultivating Curiosity

Person in meditation

E85: Cultivating Curiosity with Special Guest Jim Willis   E85 Introduction We seem to be collectively suffering from cultural amnesia. We tend to get boxed in by one perspective on so many important topics: our…