The Mystery College Podcast

Dr. Justin Sledge, creator of the Esoterica channel, joins the Mystery College podcast to discuss the difference between esoteric and exoteric religious practices, the role of intellectual humility, and the importance of philosophy and language learning in understanding mysticism. He shares insights from his academic journey, practical advice for self-learners, and his vision for accessible community-focused education. Topics range from spirituality vs. religion, neurophilosophy, and the limits of scientific and experiential knowledge to the future of education and his work with Esoterica.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsotericaChannelWebsite: https://www.justinsledge.com/esoterica00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Justin Sledge & Esoterica01:00 - Defining Esoteric vs. Exoteric Practices02:30 - Mysticism in Major Religions & Occultism04:00 - Dr. Sledge’s Approach to Belief, Religion & Intellectual Humility06:00 - Symbolism, Myths & Navigation of Reality09:00 - Sensory Experience and Prayer11:00 - Language Learning for Religious Studies13:00 - The Importance of Reading in Original Languages15:00 - Science, Mathematics & Logic in Truth-Seeking17:00 - The Limits of Propositional & Experimental Knowledge18:30 - Phenomenology, Meaning, and Experience20:30 - Qualities for Rigorous Phenomenology22:00 - Interdisciplinary Approach: Neuroscience, Philosophy & Religion27:00 - Learning, Intellectual Humility, and Psychological Development34:00 - Belief vs. Knowledge: Navigating Mystical Experience40:00 - Hubris, Memory, and Experiencing ‘Truth’44:00 - Dr. Sledge’s Philosophy on Education48:00 - Expanding Esoterica: Future Projects & Community Engagement52:00 - How to Connect with Dr. Sledge & Closing ThoughtsJoin us at: https://www.mysterycollege.com/coursesOur ever-growing course library holds some of the most advanced spiritual topics you can find available online.

Join us for an in-depth podcast interview with Leigh Brasington, renowned teacher and author, as he demystifies the practice of Jhana (meditative absorption) in the Buddhist tradition. Leigh shares his personal journey, pivotal milestones, and practical guidance for both beginners and seasoned meditators. We cover the essential stages of Jhana practice, integrating deep meditation into daily life, misconceptions, the role of neuroscience and feedback loops, common challenges, and much more.▶ Leigh's website: leighb.com

Join Jake as he welcomes renowned spiritual teacher Gangaji to explore direct self-inquiry, radical presence, and what it means to truly let go. Gangaji offers illuminating insights into moving beyond rote “practices” into the living experience of awareness and spontaneous being. This dialogue delves into how to meet everyday life, emotions, and even self-criticism from the ground of unchanging presence and freedom.Gangaji is an internationally respected teacher and author whose work centers on self-inquiry and the realization of one’s true nature. Her teachings invite seekers to discover the peace and fulfillment that is already alive within them. You can find her books, retreats, podcasts, and more at her official website: gangaji.org0:02 – Welcome and introduction to Gangaji1:09 – The roots and real meaning of self-inquiry: willingness, not technique2:25 – Making inquiry a living, spontaneous experience5:31 – The radical invitation: just stop, drop the mental activity, discover what’s always here7:49 – Living in the world: bringing presence to ordinary life moments12:04 – The “stateless state” and discovering what never comes and goes27:05 – Recognizing presence in both good and bad moments31:09 – Gangaji’s own journey: meeting Papaji, learning to “just stop”34:57 – Cultivating vigilance and love for the unchanging awareness43:08 – Last words: vigilance as the “golden key” and what freedom really meansJoin us at: https://www.mysterycollege.com/coursesOur ever-growing course library holds some of the most advanced spiritual topics you can find available online.

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Chris Guillebeau, New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Non-Conformity and his latest book, Time Anxiety. Chris unpacks the concept of time anxiety—the persistent sense that time is slipping away, and the challenge of managing endless opportunities in our fast-paced world. We explore how these challenges intersect with neurodivergence and living with ADHD, sharing practical strategies for embracing your strengths, pursuing big quests, and living a meaningful life.-Learn actionable tips for handling time blindness, setting boundaries, and questioning “time rules” that don’t serve you.-Chris shares insights from his year-long mental health project and explains why allowing more transition time can reduce stress for everyone.-We discuss how to balance ambition with well-being, find what truly matters “right now”, and reframe legacy as living well today.-The episode closes with Chris’s enduring mission: live life on your terms, not by others’ expectations.Resources mentioned:Time Anxiety: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Anxiety-Illusion-Urgency-Better/dp/0593799550NeuroDiversion conference: https://www.neurodiversion.org/Chris’s essays: yearofmentalhealth.comSide Hustle School Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qnXDWYMqKD3nNBiJFXyP6?si=273092e9dd9e432cJoin the Mystery College at: https://www.mysterycollege.com

Join Steve James—host of the acclaimed Guru Viking Podcast and founder of the Movement Koan Method—as he sits down with Jake and Alex Leonhart at the Mystery College Podcast to share his remarkable spiritual journey. Discover Steve’s unique insights gained from years of contemplative study, teaching internationally, and leading retreats at renowned centers, including the upcoming program at the Omega Institute.In this interview, Steve discusses:-His personal path through various spiritual and contemplative traditions-Lessons from years in practice, solitude, and also wilderness survival -The genesis and philosophy behind the Movement Koan Method—a fusion of mindful movement and deep embodiment-Practical advice on meditation and humilityWhether you’re a meditation practitioner, a movement enthusiast, or someone seeking wisdom for spiritual growth, Steve’s grounded and experiential teachings offer a wealth of inspiration.Connect with Steve James:Website: https://www.guruviking.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/guruviking/Omega Institute Retreat: https://www.eomega.org/workshops/teachers/steve-jamesMovement Koan Method: https://www.guruviking.com/shopGuru Viking Podcast: https://www.guruviking.com/podcastjoin us | https://www.mysterycollege.com