Deep Fix- Addiction In Silicon Valley, Recover

Marker

Alex Olshonsky, aka “Olo,” is a writer and the founder of Deep Fix - a newsletter, somatic coaching practice, and fast-growing digital community. He is also the co-founder of Natura Care Programs, an interdisciplinary entheogenic program combating addiction.

Alex is a former Silicon Valley executive at companies like Twitter, Salesforce, Copper, Slack, and VentureBeat. He joined me to share his story of his battle with addiction and his recovery. We also explored “Second Stage of Recovery” and the nuance of plant medicines, Ayahuasca, and the intentional use of psychedelics for healing. 

In this episode we discuss: 
Alex’s upbringing in a culture of wealth and consumerist values
Imposter syndrome
The seeds of addiction
Living a life for others, vs for yourself.
The absence of mentorship for men
Alex’s early work in finance which led to the tech start-up world
Severe poly-substance addiction in Silicon Valley.
“High-Functioning Addiction”
Family intervention for addiction.
Alex’s “bottom” which led him to recovery
The value of AA and 12 step meetings 
The limitations of the 12 step model and the disease concept of addiction
Buddhism, Yoga, and plant medicines
“Second Stage Recovery”
Ayahuasca as a tool for healing and transformation
The proper use of psychedelic therapy.
The importance of leveraging counseling, groups, and ceremony when engaging plant medicines.
Bringing about Natura - a holistic plant medicine recovery program for people suffering from addiction.

Links from this episode:
Deep Fix - Alex’s website
Alex’s Twitter 
Alex’s Instagram
Natura Care Programs

 

Alex Olshonsky, aka &ldquo;Olo,&rdquo; is a writer and the founder of Deep Fix - a newsletter, somatic coaching practice, and fast-growing digital community. He is also the co-founder of Natura Care Programs, an interdisciplinary entheogenic program combating addiction.
Alex is a former Silicon Valley executive at companies like Twitter, Salesforce, Copper, Slack, and VentureBeat. He joined me to share his story of his battle with addiction and his recovery. We also explored &ldquo;Second Stage of Recovery&rdquo; and the nuance of plant medicines, Ayahuasca, and the intentional use of psychedelics for healing.&nbsp;
In this episode we discuss:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Alex&rsquo;s upbringing in a culture of wealth and consumerist values</li>
<li aria-level="1">Imposter syndrome</li>
<li aria-level="1">The seeds of addiction</li>
<li aria-level="1">Living a life for others, vs for yourself.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The absence of mentorship for men</li>
<li aria-level="1">Alex&rsquo;s early work in finance which led to the tech start-up world</li>
<li aria-level="1">Severe poly-substance addiction in Silicon Valley.</li>
<li aria-level="1">&ldquo;High-Functioning Addiction&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Family intervention for addiction.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Alex&rsquo;s &ldquo;bottom&rdquo; which led him to recovery</li>
<li aria-level="1">The value of AA and 12 step meetings&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">The limitations of the 12 step model and the disease concept of addiction</li>
<li aria-level="1">Buddhism, Yoga, and plant medicines</li>
<li aria-level="1">&ldquo;Second Stage Recovery&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ayahuasca as a tool for healing and transformation</li>
<li aria-level="1">The proper use of psychedelic therapy.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The importance of leveraging counseling, groups, and ceremony when engaging plant medicines.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Bringing about Natura - a holistic plant medicine recovery program for people suffering from addiction.</li>
</ul>
Links from this episode:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://deepfix.co/">Deep Fix - Alex&rsquo;s website</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://twitter.com/oloal">Alex&rsquo;s Twitter&nbsp;</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/oloal/?hl=en">Alex&rsquo;s Instagram</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.naturacareprograms.org/">Natura Care Programs</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

The Evolving Man podcast features leaders and influencers in the personal growth arena who are actively engaged in "deep work", whether that be as a healer, or someone doing their own work. The guests on this podcast have a unique gift that they bring to the world, and they come to share these gifts with listeners. 

Tune in to witness discussions about addiction, consciousness, masculinity,  health and personal growth.

The Evolving Man Podcast

The Evolving Man podcast features leaders who are strong forces of change in the world. Tune in to witness discussions about relationships, mens' work, addiction recovery, and healing.

The Evolving Man podcast features leaders who are strong forces of change in the world. Tune in to witness discussions about relationships, mens' work, addiction recovery, and healing.

#67 - Deep Fix - Addiction In Silicon Valley, Recovery, and Plant Medicines with Alex Olshonsky

Alison Armstrong has been teaching and speaking publicly about men and relationships for 3 decades. She is a thoughtful and inquisitive individual whose curiosity led her to a profound revelation about human behavior and relationships. Through her deep contemplation and examination of male development, she realized that men often react independently of women's influences, shaped instead by their developmental stages. 

Her insights shed light on the misconceptions women might have, believing that a man's dedication to his career or personal goals could signify a lack of love. Alison's keen realization emphasizes that men and women's actions and priorities are influenced by different developmental needs, rather than personal affection or commitment. Her work aims to foster better understanding and communication between genders.

In this episode, Alison and I explore the complexities of conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of curiosity over false conclusions. We discuss the evolution of the men's movement, strategies for handling relationships, and the power dynamics between genders. Alison shares her own transformative experience of challenging negative perceptions of men and highlights the critical role of empathy and understanding in nurturing strong, healthy relationships.

On this episode, we discuss:
How men and women deal differently with emotions.-
How women can get what they need while empowering men.
How she became a champion for men, and a helper in relationships between men and women.
Frog farming vs. discovering princes.
Helping women understand stages of men’s development.
How she learned to stop diminishing men, and how that changed her relationships.
Ways that women justify disempowering men.
Moving ‘from furious to curious’.
Learning to improve communication.
Dropping over-fixation on boundaries and leaning in with curiosity.
Avoiding labelling each other.
Being ‘pro-choice orgasm’
Tips on really listening to each other, and common traps of not listening.
The importance of making friends outside your relationship.
How her work has changed over the years.
Her thoughts on different waves of feminism.

Links from this episode:

Alison’s website

Alison’s Instagram

Alison’s Youtube

Alison Armstrong has been teaching and speaking publicly about men and relationships for 3 decades. She is a thoughtful and inquisitive individual whose curiosity led her to a profound revelation about human behavior and relationships. Through her deep contemplation and examination of male development, she realized that men often react independently of women's influences, shaped instead by their developmental stages. 
Her insights shed light on the misconceptions women might have, believing that a man's dedication to his career or personal goals could signify a lack of love. Alison's keen realization emphasizes that men and women's actions and priorities are influenced by different developmental needs, rather than personal affection or commitment. Her work aims to foster better understanding and communication between genders.
In this episode, Alison and I explore the complexities of conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of curiosity over false conclusions. We discuss the evolution of the men's movement, strategies for handling relationships, and the power dynamics between genders. Alison shares her own transformative experience of challenging negative perceptions of men and highlights the critical role of empathy and understanding in nurturing strong, healthy relationships.
On this episode, we discuss:
<ul>
<li>How men and women deal differently with emotions.-</li>
<li>How women can get what they need while empowering men.</li>
<li>How she became a champion for men, and a helper in relationships between men and women.</li>
<li>Frog farming vs. discovering princes.</li>
<li>Helping women understand stages of men’s development.</li>
<li>How she learned to stop diminishing men, and how that changed her relationships.</li>
<li>Ways that women justify disempowering men.</li>
<li>Moving ‘from furious to curious’.</li>
<li>Learning to improve communication.</li>
<li>Dropping over-fixation on boundaries and leaning in with curiosity.</li>
<li>Avoiding labelling each other.</li>
<li>Being ‘pro-choice orgasm’</li>
<li>Tips on really listening to each other, and common traps of not listening.</li>
<li>The importance of making friends outside your relationship.</li>
<li>How her work has changed over the years.</li>
<li>Her thoughts on different waves of feminism.</li>
</ul>
Links from this episode:
<a href="https://www.alisonarmstrong.com/">Alison’s website</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thealisonarmstrong/">Alison’s Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@AlisonArmstrongVideos">Alison’s Youtube</a>

#92 - The Dance Of Partnership - Relationship Wisdom with Alison Armstrong

In today's episode, we’re diving deep into the world of sacred plant medicines, indigenous wisdom, and conscious parenting with the extraordinary Vivien Vilela. Join us as we explore the delicate art of harvesting peyote, the spiritual importance of maintaining a respectful relationship with the earth, and the dangers of commodifying sacred plants. Vivien shares her journey from the party scene to a profound spiritual awakening. We discuss the significance of ceremony and proper guidance when working with plant medicines, and we specifically discuss Peyote.

We also discuss the visionary Aniwa Gathering, a transformative event founded by Vivien, which brings together indigenous leaders from around the world to share sacred ceremonies and wisdom without the use of entheogenic medicines. Learn about the critical need for sustainable practices, the impact of screen addiction on children's development, and how to raise children naturally in a city environment.

Ben and Vivien also reflect on their personal experiences, the importance of spiritual initiations, and the lifelong journey of personal growth and healing. Whether you're a parent, a seeker of spiritual wisdom, or someone curious about indigenous practices, this episode offers valuable insights into living a conscious, connected life. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that promises to leave you inspired and informed.

 On this episode, we discuss:
Harvesting and use of Peyote properly
Destruction and Disruption of Peyote Plants
Efforts to educate on responsible harvesting
Indigenous Cultural Practices
Emphasis on reciprocity and respectful relationships with the earth
Rituals such as fasting, offerings, and spiritual connection
Commodification and Misappropriation
Concerns over sacred plant medicines being commodified
Importance of traditional initiations and proper practices
The dangers of recreational use without proper guidance
Adherence to indigenous practitioner wishes
Ceremony and Reciprocity
Knowledgeable Practitioners and Offerings
Importance of sitting in ceremony with experienced practitioners
Physical and spiritual offerings
Reciprocity and its significance
Aniwa Gathering

Focus on spiritual connection without entheogenic medicines

Use of natural herbs like cacao, tobacco, and sage

Raising funds for indigenous projects through the Huya Aniwa foundation
Peyote’s Spiritual Significance

Description of peyote and its roots in Mexico and Texas

Its role in connecting individuals to their true selves and ancestral memory

Importance of using peyote in the right ceremonial context
Indigenous wisdom on parenting 

Lack of initiation rituals in western societies

Approaches to avoid screen time and societal pressures

Emphasis on discipline with love and fostering unconditional love and respect

Traditional midwifery and keeping children close

Nurturing imagination and avoiding artificial toys
Faster brain development in indigenous children in nature
Challenges in City Environments

Pushback from society and finding natural stimuli
The impact of screens on children’s emotional balance and ability to be present
Concerns about excessive screen time

Conscious living as parents
Personal Growth and Spiritual Awakening

Vivien’s Story

Journey from party scene and drug use to spiritual awakening

Spiritual session leading to significant growth



Aniwa Gathering

Aniwa’s main site

Aniwa on instagram

Hyua Aniwa

Aniwa on Youtube

Ben’s Freedom From Addiction Circle

In today's episode, we’re diving deep into the world of sacred plant medicines, indigenous wisdom, and conscious parenting with the extraordinary Vivien Vilela. Join us as we explore the delicate art of harvesting peyote, the spiritual importance of maintaining a respectful relationship with the earth, and the dangers of commodifying sacred plants. Vivien shares her journey from the party scene to a profound spiritual awakening. We discuss the significance of ceremony and proper guidance when working with plant medicines, and we specifically discuss Peyote.
We also discuss the visionary Aniwa Gathering, a transformative event founded by Vivien, which brings together indigenous leaders from around the world to share sacred ceremonies and wisdom without the use of entheogenic medicines. Learn about the critical need for sustainable practices, the impact of screen addiction on children's development, and how to raise children naturally in a city environment.
Ben and Vivien also reflect on their personal experiences, the importance of spiritual initiations, and the lifelong journey of personal growth and healing. Whether you're a parent, a seeker of spiritual wisdom, or someone curious about indigenous practices, this episode offers valuable insights into living a conscious, connected life. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that promises to leave you inspired and informed.
 On this episode, we discuss:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Harvesting and use of Peyote properly</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Destruction and Disruption of Peyote Plants</li>
<li aria-level="1">Efforts to educate on responsible harvesting</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Indigenous Cultural Practices</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Emphasis on reciprocity and respectful relationships with the earth</li>
<li aria-level="1">Rituals such as fasting, offerings, and spiritual connection</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Commodification and Misappropriation</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Concerns over sacred plant medicines being commodified</li>
<li aria-level="1">Importance of traditional initiations and proper practices</li>
<li aria-level="1">The dangers of recreational use without proper guidance</li>
<li aria-level="1">Adherence to indigenous practitioner wishes</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Ceremony and Reciprocity</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Knowledgeable Practitioners and Offerings</li>
<li aria-level="1">Importance of sitting in ceremony with experienced practitioners</li>
<li aria-level="1">Physical and spiritual offerings</li>
<li aria-level="1">Reciprocity and its significance</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Aniwa Gathering</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Focus on spiritual connection without entheogenic medicines</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Use of natural herbs like cacao, tobacco, and sage</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Raising funds for indigenous projects through the Huya Aniwa foundation</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Peyote’s Spiritual Significance</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Description of peyote and its roots in Mexico and Texas</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Its role in connecting individuals to their true selves and ancestral memory</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Importance of using peyote in the right ceremonial context</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Indigenous wisdom on parenting </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Lack of initiation rituals in western societies</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Approaches to avoid screen time and societal pressures</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Emphasis on discipline with love and fostering unconditional love and respect</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Traditional midwifery and keeping children close</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Nurturing imagination and avoiding artificial toys</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Faster brain development in indigenous children in nature</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Challenges in City Environments</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Pushback from society and finding natural stimuli</li>
<li>The impact of screens on children’s emotional balance and ability to be present</li>
<li aria-level="1">Concerns about excessive screen time</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Conscious living as parents</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Personal Growth and Spiritual Awakening</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Vivien’s Story</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Journey from party scene and drug use to spiritual awakening</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Spiritual session leading to significant growth</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
<a href="https://www.aniwagathering.com/">Aniwa Gathering</a>
<a href="https://www.aniwa.co">Aniwa’s main site</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aniwa.co/">Aniwa on instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.huyaaniwa.org">Hyua Aniwa</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@AniwaCommunity">Aniwa on Youtube</a>
<a href="https://evolvingman.com/freedom-from-addiction/">Ben’s Freedom From Addiction Circle</a>

#91 - Indigenous Wisdom on Parenting, Plant Medicines, and Personal Growth - with Vivien Vilela

Charlie Bloom and his wife Linda have been writing and teaching about relationships for decades, and he joins me on the heels of the release of their recent book “An End To Arguing: 101 Valuable Lessons For All Relationships”

We discuss these points and more:

-Differences are unavoidable; conflict is not.

-Your partner thinks differently than you.

-Ways to free yourselves from impasses.

-It’s often better to just drop a fight until your heads are cooler.

-Deepening a relationship beats winning an argument.

-Speak according to the receptivity of your partner.

-Learn to see the fears of yourself and your partner.

-Learn to share responsibility for problems with your partner.

-Coming out of victim scripts into co-creation.

-Different relationships have different kinds of conflict.

-Are there couples who never fight?

-Learning how to be in conflict.

-‘Sudden’ endings to relationships are often years in the making.

-Translating relational teachings into action.

-Losing the hope that you’ll never get triggered

-The biases of friends supporting us in relationships.

Links: 

Charlie and Linda Bloom’s website

The Creating Conscious Love Course

Charlie Bloom and his wife Linda have been writing and teaching about relationships for decades, and he joins me on the heels of the release of their recent book “An End To Arguing: 101 Valuable Lessons For All Relationships”
We discuss these points and more:
-Differences are unavoidable; conflict is not.
-Your partner thinks differently than you.
-Ways to free yourselves from impasses.
-It’s often better to just drop a fight until your heads are cooler.
-Deepening a relationship beats winning an argument.
-Speak according to the receptivity of your partner.
-Learn to see the fears of yourself and your partner.
-Learn to share responsibility for problems with your partner.
-Coming out of victim scripts into co-creation.
-Different relationships have different kinds of conflict.
-Are there couples who never fight?
-Learning how to be in conflict.
-‘Sudden’ endings to relationships are often years in the making.
-Translating relational teachings into action.
-Losing the hope that you’ll never get triggered
-The biases of friends supporting us in relationships.
Links: 
<a href="https://bloomwork.com/">Charlie and Linda Bloom’s website</a>
<a href="https://risingwoman.clickfunnels.com/launch-page-11593024164506">The Creating Conscious Love Course</a>

#67 - Deep Fix - Addiction In Silicon Valley, Recovery, and Plant Medicines with Alex Olshonsky

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