Neurons to Nirvana

In this episode of Neurons to Nirvana, host Tom Hartridge welcomes five members of the dynamic ensemble of Polaroid Collective, featuring a vibrant mix of singer-songwriters. Joining Tom are Johan Wagner, Brett Serrell, Ali Holder, Lori Ellen, and William Wallace.

They share the intriguing genesis of their group, sparked at a songwriters retreat in West Texas, and discuss the collaborative process behind their new album Polaroid Co...

Fan favorites from UTOPiAfest, Shane Cooley and Lori Ellen sit down to perform two acoustic songs and share the dynamic and delightful stories of collaboration, songwriting, and recharging after live performances.

Shane Cooley's nuanced lyrics stand at the forefront of his hauntingly alternative folk music. Cooley’s newest album, Forest (released April 2022), continues to receive airplay and acclaim, both in the U.S. and internatio...

I'm thrilled to share my conversation with an extraordinary guest, Clementine Moss, the band leader and founder of the all-female tribute band, Zepparella. In addition to her impressive career as a musician, Clementine has recently released her memoir, From Bonham to Buddha and Back: The Slow Enlightenment of the Hard Rock Drummer.

In this powerful and insightful book, Clementine offers a raw and honest look at her journey as a dru...

Self-described as a “Black Woman, Spirit, Gentle Heart, rising comedic voice and sociological enthusiast,” Genivive Clinton shares stories of truck driving, humor, silliness, and the everlasting balancing act between comedy and mental health.

One of the hottest up-and-coming comedians in the country, Genivive has opened for Joe Rogan, Duncan Trussell, Neal Brennan, Tim Dillon, Ron White, and many other top headliners. From the East...

Listen to the original sound of Colt Wayne Keeney with a sprinkle of Johnny Cash and an edginess of Jim Morrison. My good friend and talented musician has been compared to the greats of outlaw country like Sturgill Simpson or bar drinking originals like Waylon Jennings.

Today's episode features two Colt Wayne Keeney original songs. After Colorado Moon, he shares an amazing origin story to this lyrical journey. This Lone Star native...

Microdosing Mentor and Plant Medicine Facilitator Tiffany Hurd talks all things plant medicine. Tiffany discusses concepts like stacking, setting intentions and frequently asked questions she receives to implement ceremonial microdosing.

Tiffany offers coaching and private or group ceremonies. She is dedicated to supporting her client’s personal journeys to find purpose and embrac...

Austin-based singer-songwriter Stephanie Hunt sits down in studio to talk about her music, acting and songwriting muses. Her solo debut album, Ambitions of Ambiguity, was recorded under the moniker Buffalo Hunt. She's known for her unique blend of psychedelic rock, folk, and soul that speaks to the deeper aspects of the human experience. Her music is both reflective and uplifting. We discuss her creative process, experience as a pe...

From my hometown of Savannah, Georgia, Andrea Epting continues to foster and emphasize the importance of community for successful mental health treatment.

She founded Heads-Up Guidance Services, Inc. (HUGS) in 2009 to serve the Savannah area. HUGS makes mental health and addiction recovery services affordable and available to ALL motivated individuals, utilizing over 30 volunteer ...

Longtime local Austin music scene fixture Ali Holder joins me in studio to discuss depression, song writing, boundaries, and authenticity.

Across her latest record, Uncomfortable Truths, Ali exposes every raw nerve of her life. Ali puts it all on the table as she shares her inspiration and experience in writing many of her songs, including one of my favorites, The Only Thing on he...

In 1986, drug activist Rick Doblin founded the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, commonly known as MAPS, as a non-profit organization specializing in research and education. MAPS has dedicated the last 36 years to changing the way people think of, talk about, and consume psychedelics through research, education, and advocacy. 

One of MAPS training certifications offers the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Res...

Welcome to The Vinyl Sessions, a combination of highlights from the 2022 episodes, and some new content centered around the art and influence of music.

This time of year, it can be very difficult for many, myself included. Holidays are stressful in their own category. I still grieve the loss of my parents around this time of year and continue to process grief and loss of my mother, who passed in January 2021. Not a day goes by wher...

You may have heard or even personally experienced therapists and medical practitioners including tapping in their treatment of anxiety, depression, insomnia and PTSD. Today, we answer: How does tapping work? As an expert in the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) also known as Tapping, my guest today, Lauren Fonvielle offers a fresh perspective on what is keeping people feeling stuck both physically (with chronic pain) and emotionall...

For many people, writing a book is a lifelong dream. What’s the secret formula that Amazon best seller Chancellor K. Jackson applied to unlock his creativity and get published?

Today, Chancellor ("Chance") tells his story of how he fell into writing after his traumatic experience of being arrested and detained in Beijing for 14 days. His first book, “14 Days in Beijing” has ranked #1 over fifteen times on Amazon in multiple genres.

What can dogs teach us about ourselves? Since 2013, Allegra Kaough of The Naked Dog has helped hundreds of dogs and owners improve their relationship by teaching them to communicate in a language that is effective and intuitive. Her journey with dogs began in 2008 when she lived with a dog trainer and her six dogs in Arizona. Between taking a pack of 7-20 dogs on off leash hikes every day for 8 years, boarding dogs in her home almo...

The 29th Annual Austin Film Festival brought an eight-day uninhibited and authentic exploration of story. It was a conference for like-minded creators and an opportunity to view independent films.

I love discovering new films and putting myself into a director or screenwriter’s shoes to dive into how a film is made and what aesthetic and casting decisions were determined.

After watching the dark comedy and unconventional spy stor...

Andi Astra is an illustrator and artist known by fans as Spooky Girl. Their work celebrates creative expression while questioning the status quo. They encourage people to connect with their highest selves and inspire their inner child through art and color.

Beginning with science fiction and alien-centric art, Andi has used these themes to explore their identity and relationship with femininity through Spooky Girl. Now connecting i...

Welcome to the 50th episode of the Neurons to Nirvana podcast. It has been one year since embarking on this journey, and for new listeners as well as those priceless loyal friends and listeners, you know this year has been a year of transformation for me.

The podcast has introduced me to creative and non-conventional thinkers and artists from all walks of life. And while taking the opportunity to share these stories with you, I’ve ...

In my last episode, Michaell Magrutsche and I began to discover and challenge the definition of the value of art. This week, we continue our exploration of how it vital to have human relevance. Michaell represents that humans that we need something very different right now because we are in a consciousness crisis and there is nothing more to do but to become conscious.

We often suffer when define our success and failure based on sy...

In an effort to expose the true value of art, Michaell Magrutsche joins me in a two-part discovery of humanity and the confines of systems. 

Michaell is an outside the box thinker, and he understands that without creativity there are no man-made systems and there would be no world as we know it. 

Michaell presents a perspective on art outside of systems. This episode is a chance to contemplate the importance of art & creativity for...