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/@TheEsotericaChannel

Website: https://www.justinsledge.com/esoterica

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Justin Sledge & Esoterica

01:00 - Defining Esoteric vs. Exoteric Practices

02:30 - Mysticism in Major Religions & Occultism

04:00 - Dr. Sledge’s Approach to Belief, Religion & Intellectual Humility

06:00 - Symbolism, Myths & Navigation of Reality

09:00 - Sensory Experience and Prayer

11:00 - Language Learning for Religious Studies

13:00 - The Importance of Reading in Original Languages

15:00 - Science, Mathematics & Logic in Truth-Seeking

17:00 - The Limits of Propositional & Experimental Knowledge

18:30 - Phenomenology, Meaning, and Experience

20:30 - Qualities for Rigorous Phenomenology

22:00 - Interdisciplinary Approach: Neuroscience, Philosophy & Religion

27:00 - Learning, Intellectual Humility, and Psychological Development

34:00 - Belief vs. Knowledge: Navigating Mystical Experience

40:00 - Hubris, Memory, and Experiencing ‘Truth’

44:00 - Dr. Sledge’s Philosophy on Education

48:00 - Expanding Esoterica: Future Projects & Community Engagement

52:00 - How to Connect with Dr. Sledge & Closing Thoughts

Join us at: https://www.mysterycollege.com/courses

Our 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.org

0:02 – Welcome and introduction to Gangaji

1:09 – The roots and real meaning of self-inquiry: willingness, not technique

2:25 – Making inquiry a living, spontaneous experience

5:31 – The radical invitation: just stop, drop the mental activity, discover what’s always here

7:49 – Living in the world: bringing presence to ordinary life moments

12:04 – The “stateless state” and discovering what never comes and goes

27:05 – Recognizing presence in both good and bad moments

31:09 – Gangaji’s own journey: meeting Papaji, learning to “just stop”

34:57 – Cultivating vigilance and love for the unchanging awareness

43:08 – Last words: vigilance as the “golden key” and what freedom really means

Join us at: https://www.mysterycollege.com/courses

Our 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/0593799550

NeuroDiversion conference: https://www.neurodiversion.org/

Chris’s essays: yearofmentalhealth.com

Side Hustle School Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qnXDWYMqKD3nNBiJFXyP6?si=273092e9dd9e432c

Join 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 humility

Whether 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.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guruviking/

Omega Institute Retreat: https://www.eomega.org/workshops/teachers/steve-james

Movement Koan Method: https://www.guruviking.com/shop

Guru Viking Podcast: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast

join us | https://www.mysterycollege.com

Donate for brain imaging to make hardcore spiritual practices be taken seriously: https://ebenefactors.org/

https://www.integrateddaniel.info/

https://www.mctb.org/

Join us for a deep-dive conversation with Dr. Daniel Ingram, author of "Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha," as we explore the intersections between hardcore Buddhist practice, Western occult/spiritual traditions, and the neuroscience of altered states. Daniel shares his personal journey from early mystical experiences and intensive Dharma training to his experiences into Western esotericism, magick, and scientific research on meditation.

We discuss:

-The overlap between Buddhist jhanas and Western magical states

-The history and suppression of esoteric practices in Theravada Buddhism

-The neuroscience of meditation and mystical experience

-Fire Kasina retreats: what they are, what to expect, and why they’re not for the faint of heart

-The risks, ethics, and psychological challenges of advanced esoteric and magical practice

-Why foundational psychological work is essential before diving into the deep end of the magical pool

-How to ground yourself and navigate the challenges of spiritual and magical attainment

-Whether you’re a meditator, magician, or curious skeptic, this episode offers rare insights into the real-world practice and science of mystical arts.

Book Link: https://a.co/d/0V9Ulz9

Website: https://www.husseinhallak.com/

Step into the depths of personal transformation with Hussein Hallak—entrepreneur, author of The Dark Art Of Mastering Your Life, and a pioneer in mindful leadership within both startups and fortune-500 organizations. In this episode, we explore Hallak’s unique journey from startup founder to spiritual seeker, uncovering how his encounters with adversity, cultural shifts, and the pursuit of meaning shaped his philosophy on mastering time, embracing the shadow, and cultivating authentic being.

Hallak shares candid stories from his own life, revealing how mindful awareness and personal development practices became the foundation for his success in business and beyond. We delve into the “dark arts” of self-mastery—facing inner fears, integrating shadow aspects, and harnessing the power of presence to transform challenges into opportunities.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a seeker, or simply curious about the intersection of practical wisdom and spiritual growth, this conversation offers actionable insights and inspiration for anyone ready to take command of their time, identity, and inner world.

Tune in for a thought-provoking dialogue on the art of living fully, the courage to confront your shadow, and the timeless journey of becoming who you truly are.

https://www.lamaglenndharma.com/

https://www.glennmullin.com/

We welcome renowned Buddhist scholar and translator Glenn Mullin. In this enlightening conversation, Glenn shares insights from decades of study in Tibetan Buddhism, explores the mysteries of Tantric practice, and offers practical wisdom for seekers on the path to awakening. Discover the transformative power of tummo, the Six Yogas of Naropa, and the living legacy of the Dalai Lamas. Whether you're new to Eastern philosophy or a seasoned practitioner, this episode promises inspiration and deep spiritual insight.

Join us at: https://www.mysterycollege.com/courses

Our ever-growing course library holds some of the most advanced spiritual topics you can find available online.