Thinking With David

Bradley Lovell (@burntbybradley) is my friend with whom I've hiked across America on the Pacific Crest Trail, traveled to Nepal to live with a spiritual teacher, and who continues to inspire me to this day. In this podcast, we discuss artistic pursuit, child-like play vs. mature play in daily practice, and various tools for dissolving life's challenges. We then explore the ideas of the changing and unchanging Self, using sensations and feelings as guides, and waking up to the reality of suffering. Finally, we wrap things up by getting Bradley's perspective on being written into David's books. It was a blast of a conversation. I hope you enjoy the interaction as much as I did. Love, David

Mandy Ramsdell is a spiritual teacher and creator of the Light on Earth YouTube channel.   I’ve been following Mandy’s YouTube channel for nearly a year before the stars and our schedules finally aligned. On her channel, Mandy shares her experience with non-duality, the law of attraction, and spiritual awakening. In this conversation, we discuss these ideas and more, including truth, conceptual models, and teachers/gurus. I hope this reaches you at the right time in your life. Love, David

I’m extremely pleased to release this truth-telling, marathon-of-a-podcast featuring two of my closest college fraternity brothers and present-day homies, Bradley Lovell (@wake.shake.roll) and Alex Skold (@skoldblooded). This episode gets better and better as it goes along and those who stick around until the end will be greatly rewarded. We spend the first hour of the podcast in disagreement while attempting to sync up, a somewhat frustrating display of poor communication skills on all ends until Alex had to dip. From there, Bradley and I proceed onward, analyzing what went wrong, then dive into sharing deeply personal stories about relationships, integrating the shadow, and important lessons learned over these past few years. It's a showcase of vulnerability and honesty between friends, and a fascinating self-study of the great difficulties and great rewards of communication and connection. Strap in and enjoy the ride. Love, David

Malcolm “Lil Bird” MacDuffie (@lilbirdtweettweet) is a hip-hop artist, meditator, and friend. I’ve been a fan of Lil Bird and his music for the last year, so when he agreed to come on the podcast, I was stoked. The vibe of Malcolm’s music resonates and feels to me highly melodic, lyrical, and intentional—birdsong, you could say. In our conversation, Malcolm pulls back the curtain to reveal his musical process as we discuss the importance of opening up to others, sharing your true self, the influence of meditation and isolation on his creativity, and the formation of his most recent album, Yellow Bird, which he wrote on a goat farm in a tiny, secluded Airbnb cabin. Featured on the podcast is one of my favorite songs of his, "Home/Sunshine." Stick around until the end to hear Lil Bird serenade us with an acoustic version of his hit song "Always." It was truly inspiring to speak with an artist who so consistently puts out high quality and highly intentional music while simultaneously living a simple, balanced, a

Kristina Licare (@journey.to.the.heart) is a relationship coach, television scriptwriter and awakened human being. Kristina’s online content guides others toward complete freedom from suffering by dissolving one’s tendencies to identify with patterns of thought and form.   Kristina's content reached me at just the right time in my life, a challenging time when many of my closest relationships are shifting. I deeply appreciate Kristina’s efforts in creating clarity around the topic of awakening, something that’s subject to a lot of confusion and misconceptions. I can see how having a silent mind helps in this endeavor, a full-time experience she’s gradually awakened to in the last five years.   In our conversation, we discuss the space between thoughts, Kristina’s awakening, the importance of presence in relationship, the difference between feeling sensations and becoming them, and of course, Kristina’s alien friend.   ✨Connect to Kristina✨ Instagram: @journey.to.the.heart  

Brian Johnson (@brianmovement) is an exercise physiologist, integral philosopher, and the owner/teacher of The Movement Standard, a movement school teaching principles inspired by Ido Portal.   In this podcast episode, we explore Brian's path of self-development, his interest and growth in body/health/nutrition, and the legendary origin story of The Movement Standard located here in the heart of Dallas, Texas. Delight in the stories, laughter and philosophy and be sure to join us for the one-minute meditation near the start of the episode. You will thank yourself for it.   Oh, and I forgot to say this at the end of the audio—thanks for coming on the show, Brian!   Cheers, and enjoy the show.   -David  

Mark England (@markengland2020) the founder of Procabulary and Enlifted Athletes, online programs designed to improve our language to reduce suffering, achieve personal goals, and strengthen our connection to ourselves and others.   This podcast is about the power of words. Words shape our stories, identities, realities and ultimately, our destinations. May we think/speak/write them wisely.  

Here's the latest episode of the podcast, featuring yours truly talking to myself.  In the midst of ego backlash, I discuss my uncertain future, taking a break from the podcast, and creating space. I do my best to point you/me in helpful directions. Here are some of the links and resources I can provide you with to aid in your journey: - Difficult Conversations by Douglass Stone: useful audiobook/ebook on navigating difficult conversations - Procabulary: an effective language course by Mark England - Actualized.org: an insightful YouTube channel by Leo Gura - Vipassana Retreats: 10-day, donation-based meditation retreats - Spiral Dynamics Resources: Leo Gura Intro, Liturgists Intro Love, David Access Early Podcast/Blog Content: Subscribe to Patreon: bit.ly/twdpatreon Subscribe to the Blog: bit.ly/twdblogsubscribe Connect with David: Blog, Stories, Podcast & More: thinkingwithdavid.com/ Instagram: @stay.in.alive Read my book: The Trail Provides

Kurshot Akyuz (@kurshot) is a digital nomad, adventurer, freedom seeker, friend, and creator of the online program Ultimate Freedom Lifestyle. I was excited to reconnect with my friend Kurshot to pick his brain on topics like building an online course for aspiring digital nomads, studying the ways of Tony Robbins, Tim Ferriss, and Gary V, taking psychedelics, softening the ego, and finding the space to step back from grinding to gain perspective on what's really important in life. I'm inspired by Kurshot's authenticity and his uncanny ability to speak his truth. He's studied personal development for many years, and it shows. Life is filled with problems, and to think we will avoid them is delusion. May we all continue to find the tools necessary to lift us out from the valleys of life and to reprogram our minds to return to freedom and beautiful states of being. Without further adieu, please enjoy this inspiring and laid-back chat with my dear friend, Kurshot! Love, David Access Early Podcast/Blog Content: S

Today I'm joined by my two younger brothers, Duncan (25; @smartdunc) and Philip (20; @philipsmart) to discuss stories of mischief and misbehavior, our influence on each other's life paths, how we contribute to the family, the role of creativity in our lives, and what brotherhood means to us.   It's such a treat to get my family involved with this on-going project, and I thank my brothers for engaging in something that might be out of their comfort zone. I think we are all stronger because of it. :) Without further adieu, please enjoy this episode feat. the Smart Brothers!   Love, David   Access Early Podcast/Blog Content: Subscribe to Patreon: bit.ly/twdpatreon Subscribe to the Blog: bit.ly/twdblogsubscribe Connect with David: Blog, Stories, Podcast & More: thinkingwithdavid.com/ Instagram: @stay.in.alive Read my memoir: The Trail Provides

Kayla Rose Yoder (@kaylaroseyoder) is a Shamaness, practitioner of Reiki, and life coach. Today's episode requires a high level of open-mindedness! Kayla explains Shamanism, shares what it's like to travel through spiritual realms using imagination as an access point, and her important realizations regarding mind-altering substances. We also discuss balancing motherhood and career, and steps we can all take to follow our life purpose. I have a feeling you will enjoy this episode. Without further adieu, please welcome to the podcast, a modern-day Shaman and my good friend, Kayla Yoder! Love, David Show Notes: Follow Kayla on Instagram Book a free session with Kayla Access Early Podcast/Blog Content: Subscribe to Patreon: bit.ly/twdpatreon Subscribe to the Blog: bit.ly/twdblogsubscribe Connect with David: Blog, Stories, Podcast & More: thinkingwithdavid.com/ Instagram: @stay.in.alive Read my memoir: The Trail Provides      

Eric Leija (@primal.swoledier) is a senior kettlebell specialist at Onnit Academy.   After meeting by happen-stance at Onnit Academy's sauna, Eric agreed to come on the podcast where he shared his story of growing up as an "out-of-shape nerd", how he overcame fear and began taking action toward realizing his dreams. His mental and spiritual journey is intertwined with fitness, sparked from revelations during psychedelic experiences while navigating the spiritual realms.   Without further adieu, open your minds to soak in some inspiration, and please welcome to the podcast, my friend Eric Leija!   Love, David   Show Notes: Follow Eric on Instagram Access Early Podcast/Blog Content: Subscribe to Patreon: bit.ly/twdpatreon Subscribe to the Blog: bit.ly/twdblogsubscribe Connect with David: Blog, Stories, Podcast & More: thinkingwithdavid.com/ Instagram: @stay.in.alive Read my memoir: The Trail Provides

Alex Wang (@alexander.a.wang) is a practitioner of movement, student of the body, and a dear friend of mine.  In today's dialogue, Alex reveals to us his myth. We then chat about the influence of our parents, the challenges of daily interactions, skillfully navigating conversation, friendships and relationships, and how we can improve and grow in these departments. Finally, Alex shares his journey to bodily fitness before we dive into personality tests and pipe-dreams of #vanlife / #tinyhome living. Alrighty then...! Settle yourself in and enjoy the words of my dear friend, Alex Wang! Love, David   Show Notes: Follow Alex on Instagram Access Early Podcast/Blog Content: Subscribe to Patreon: bit.ly/twdpatreon Subscribe to the Blog: bit.ly/twdblogsubscribe Connect with David: Blog, Stories, Podcast & More: thinkingwithdavid.com/ Instagram: @stay.in.alive Read my memoir: The Trail Provides

Hannah Pruett (@lovely_dirt) is a student of life, holistic health, and listener of the Thinking with David Podcast. This dialogue blew me away while simultaneously solidifying my hope for future generations. Hannah is well beyond her age (19), and you'll soon understand why as she shares her journey of overcoming anxiety before diving into topics like bio-individuality, the life-changing model of Spiral Dynamics, meditation, post-modern nutrition, and much, much more. I hope you choose to listen to this easy-flowing and immensely practical episode. Hannah emits a certain levity and thoughtfulness that inspires growth in me, and I wish the same for you. Love, David Show Notes: Follow Hannah on Instagram The Liturgists Podcast (Spiral Dynamics) Actualized.org (Spiral Dynamics) Integrative Nutrition (Education Platform) Access Early Podcast/Blog Content: Subscribe to Patreon: bit.ly/twdpatreon Subscribe to the Blog: bit.ly/twdblogsubscribe Connect with David: Blog, Stories, Podcast & More: thinkingwith

The time has come! My brothers Bradley Lovell (@bradleyjlovell) and Alex Skold (@skoldblooded) gathered together to join me in exploring the depths of radical honesty. In an effort to reduce our bias, expand our limited individual perspectives and grow closer as friends, we discussed beliefs, vices, pleasures, addictions, sex, drugs, alcohol and social media before turning our attention outward to ROAST our fellow brothers. This is likely the most vulnerable and honest public conversation any of us have engaged in to date. We hope you enjoy. Love, David If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider rating it on iTunes. Cheers! Access Early Podcast/Blog Content: Subscribe to Patreon: bit.ly/twdpatreon Subscribe to the Blog: bit.ly/twdblogsubscribe Connect with David: Blog, Stories, Podcast & More: thinkingwithdavid.com/ Instagram: @stay.in.alive Read my book: The Trail Provides

Sean Thompson (no social media!) is the former owner/operator of Liquid Float Tanks in Austin, TX, and a distributor of kindness. This episode was a treat! Sean and I briefly discuss the history of float tanks, sensory deprivation, getting to a state of optimal focus, and the dangers of cruise control before wandering down a tributary on topics like helping those in our direct experience, the value of kindness vs. the dangers of niceness, and the importance of giving energy to the right activities and people. I hope you enjoy our chat. Sean is such a wonderful and mindful individual and I've looked forward to sharing this conversation with you. So, without further adieu, please welcome my fellow long-haired brother, Sean Thompson! Access Early Podcast/Blog Content: Subscribe to Patreon: bit.ly/twdpatreon Subscribe to the Blog: bit.ly/twdblogsubscribe Connect with David: Blog, Stories, Podcast & More: thinkingwithdavid.com/ Instagram: @stay.in.alive Read the book: The Trail Provides

Madeline Acri (@m.acri + @macrieats) is a vegan, lover of plants, and advocate for a Zero-Waste lifestyle. After passing through the TWD essential oil ritual, Maddie and I discuss her beliefs on preserving the environment, veganism, the future of this planet, the apocalyptic visions and stories of the past, and the greatest problems facing our homo sapiens species. Things get deep and Madeline shares with us what might happen if we do not change our ways! Spoiler: she doesn't think it's good. I always love talking to Madeline and know you will enjoy what I found to be a fascinating, philosophical, practical, and engaging conversation. Without further adieu, please open your arms and ears and welcome to the podcast, my dear friend, Madeline Acri! Access Early Podcast/Blog Content: Subscribe to Patreon: bit.ly/twdpatreon Subscribe to the Blog: bit.ly/twdblogsubscribe Connect with David: Blog, Stories, Podcast & More: thinkingwithdavid.com/ Instagram: @stay.in.alive

Hey You! What a special day it is today :) I'm so incredibly excited to share with you that my new book, The Trail Provides: A Boy's Memoir of Thru-Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, is now available for purchase on Amazon!  There's so much I could say about the book, but I think it speaks for itself. That's where you'll find all the stories, lessons learned, acknowledgments, and hopefully some laughs, insights, and inspiration. Enjoy! In honor of the book launch, this week's podcast episode is a reading of the first chapter! I am far from being a professional voice actor, and voice acting was a much more difficult task than I had anticipated, requiring many retakes and chugging lots of water, and I am still not sure about the result, but I tried my best and had fun doing it. Enjoy, and I'd love to know what you think about how I did as I might be considering an audiobook in the future. Finally, my website/blog has been updated to reflect the launch. Feel free to head to thinkingwithdavid.com to browse around an

Liz Hartzell (@emhartzell) is a teacher of movement, yogi, empath, and student of mind/body healing. This week Liz and I discuss the growing revolution that is "movement", how trauma lodges in the body, the ego craving identities, the counter-intuitive solution to pain, the dangers of victimhood, and much, much more. Much thanks goes to Liz for showing up, being vulnerable, and sharing her personal experiences and wisdom. She's no stranger to trauma and it's inspiring to hear how she continues to grow through the use of various tools, practices, and disciplines relating to movement and stillness. I'm consistently amazed to learn and experience how the body and mind are so interconnected.  Love, David Show Notes: Follow Liz on Instagram The Body Keeps Score, Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. The Way of the Wizard, Deepak Chopra Access Early Podcast/Blog Content: Subscribe to Patreon: bit.ly/twdpatreon Subscribe to the Blog: bit.ly/twdblogsubscribe Connect with David: Blog, Stories, Podcast & More: thinkingwit

Robinson Erhardt (@robinsonerhardt) is the author of over thirty books including The Book of Lokk and most recently Viking Ninja Elements: Kill Your Ego, Challenge Your Discipline. I first encountered Robinson's calm and collected demeanor at the local gym, only later discovering that at the young age of twenty-six, he was already a prolific author with books written in the realms of poetry, dark fantasy, and now fitness philosophy. He has helped me in my writing journey and I'm excited to share with you our discussion today! Our dialogue involves Robinson's personal evolution, his thoughts about marketing his work, and what he's learned from diving into the Viking Ninja fitness system. Without further adieu, release the drawbridge, open the gate, and usher into the high court, my good friend, Robinson Erhardt! Show Notes: Robinson on Instagram: @robinsonerhardt The Book of Lokk by Sommer Nectarhoff (all proceeds go to PAWS Chicago Animal Shelter) Viking Ninja Elements by Robison Erhardt & Erik Melland