MINDBEND EPISODE 45 - MEDITATION, SSRI CESSATION, LIBERATION with ANDREA MONIER I am honored to welcome my dear friend Andrea Monier to the Mindbend podcast. Together, we dive into the transformative journey of meditation as Andrea shares how her personal experiences with anxiety led her to explore meditation as a necessity, not just a practice. Over time, her curiosity evolved into a lifelong passion, guiding her to study the nuances of mindfulness, Kriya Yoga, and internal family systems.

To me, part of what defines Andrea's scholarship is her ability to integrate neuroscience, storytelling, and spirituality into her work, offering a holistic approach to self-discovery. From her own struggles with trauma and healing to helping others navigate their inner landscapes, Andrea has created a bridge between ancient teachings and contemporary modalities, making meditation accessible and deeply personal.

In our conversation, we touch on the power of presence, the courage to face our shadows, and how cultivating a relationship with ourselves can transform every other connection in our lives. Please listen to hear Andrea’s inspiring insights on finding peace, purpose, and integration through the art and work of meditation.

Follow Andrea Monier:

Instagram: @an_dream_onier

Follow MINDBEND IG: @mymindbend

Watch Full Episode on YouTube: @mymindbend

Website: www.mymindbend.org

This is an Operation Podcast production, connect with us @operationpodcast

Diego Ugalde is a repeat guest on Mindbend. The founder of The Trident Approach, and author of the book LEADING FROM THE DEEP, the last time on the show Diego discussed more of his own journey and integration of medicine work, and how lessons learned from the SEAL Teams translate into leadership training.

Diego has returned on this episode to tell us about the most powerful medicine he's encountered, which is connection. And how he has formed WARRIORSIDE as an academy to train veterans to become elite level storytellers, who may parlay this skillset into a career of public speaking, or simply show up better for the aspects of their current employment and daily lives that demand high level communication skills.

This, from the Warriorside website:

Warriorside is a veteran-owned 501 (c)(3) that stands with those who’ve served and now fight battles no one can see. In a world where veteran suicide and depression claim too many lives, we’ve discovered a plan of attack more powerful than therapy or medication: Connection.

Through the timeless art of storytelling, Warriorside brings veterans together to share their raw, unfiltered experiences—stories forged in courage, brother and sisterhood, and sacrifice through live on-stage performances. These connections transcend words, reigniting purpose, and resilience. Join us in this episode to learn more about how you too might become invovled with Warriorside.

Follow Diego Ugalde and Warriorside:

Instagram: @thewarriorside

Website: warriorsidefoundation.org

Follow MINDBEND IG: @mymindbend

Watch Full Episode on YouTube: @mymindbend

Website: www.mymindbend.org

This is an Operation Podcast production, connect with us @operationpodcast

Our guest on EP.43 of MINDBEND is Shane Norte, founder of Church of the People for Creator and Mother Earth. Shane is someone I've wanted to visit with for some time now. It's not every day that I meet a native person who has opened their home on tribal land to facilitate medicine ceremonies for anyone in need who is able to honor and respect the process and the container, and is also in optimal physical condition so as to maximize the benefits of the work.

During our conversation, Shane shares his unfiltered insights into the psychedelic community and the challenges of integrating Native values into modern healing spaces. Shane candidly explores the dichotomy between ceremonial reverence and party culture within the psychedelic movement, questioning whether the industry is truly walking the walk when it comes to inclusion and authenticity.

Shane also discusses the unique model of his church, which offers free, earth-based ceremonies grounded in Native traditions. He reflects on the broader societal disconnect from nature and how reconnecting to the land can foster humility, healing, and community.

This episode offers a provocative lens on the state of psychedelics today, the importance of uncomfortable conversations, and the enduring wisdom of Native voices. It’s a call to action for those seeking depth, truth, and genuine transformation.

Follow Shane Norte:

Website: churchofthepeopleforcreatorandmotherearth

Follow MINDBEND IG: @mymindbend

Watch Full Episode on YouTube: @mymindbend

Website: www.mymindbend.org

This is an Operation Podcast production, connect with us @operationpodcast