Connecting with Coincidence 2.0 with Bernard Beitman, MD

• Encountering Beings in the Psychosphere | Rick Strassman, EP 400

  What do psychedelic visions and biblical prophecy have in common? In this 400th episode of Connecting with Coincidence, psychiatrist Bernard Beitman sits down with Rick Strassman, author of DMT: The Spirit Molecule, to explore how altered states of consciousness might connect with ancient spiritual traditions.Order Dr. Beitman's newest book "Life-Changing Synchronicities: A Doctor's Coincidences and Serendipities" at Simon & Schuster, Barnes and Noble, Inner Traditions, Amazon, Books-a-Million, Bookshop.org (May 2025).Both trained psychiatrists with Jewish backgrounds, Beitman and Strassman reflect on shared experiences—from early psychedelic encounters to a lifelong interest in the edges of consciousness. Strassman discusses his return to the Hebrew Bible after decades of Zen practice, offering a new lens on DMT experiences as potentially prophetic rather than purely mystical or hallucinatory.The two explore entity encounters, the psychosphere, and how meaning can emerge through synchronicities and personal interpretation. Whether or not you believe in otherworldly beings, this conversation offers thoughtful reflections on science, spirituality, and the unknown.Rick Strassman, MD performed the first new U.S. clinical research with psychedelic substances in decades. He is the author of DMT: The Spirit Molecule, DMT and the Soul of Prophecy, The Psychedelic Handbook, and My Altered States. His work bridges psychiatry, neuroscience, and spiritual inquiry.🌐 rickstrassman.comBernard D. Beitman, MD is the founder of The Coincidence Project and author of Connecting with Coincidence and Meaningful Coincidences. A Yale- and Stanford-trained psychiatrist, Dr. Beitman explores synchronicity and meaningful coincidence as a form of knowledge and healing.

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• What Patterns of Meaning Do You Choose for Synchronicities | Samir Varma, EP 399

  You have free will. You have no choice. What sounds like a paradox is actually a gateway to deeper understanding in this conversation between Dr. Bernard Beitman and physicist Samir Varma. Together, they explore how a deterministic universe still allows for genuine unpredictability—creating a space where consciousness and free will can thrive.Pre-order Dr. Beitman's newest book "Life-Changing Synchronicities: A Doctor's Coincidences and Serendipities" at Simon & Schuster, Barnes and Noble, Inner Traditions, Amazon, Books-a-Million, Bookshop.org (May 2025).Samir Varma is a physicist, entrepreneur, and author with a PhD in Particle Physics from the University of Texas and a BS in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University. His career spans finance, technology, and scientific research, with multiple patents in fields ranging from advertising to medicine. Varma manages two investment funds utilizing proprietary algorithms and has spent years exploring the intersection of physics, computation, and consciousness. In his book "The Science of Free Will," he presents a groundbreaking framework showing how deterministic physics creates unpredictability and practical free will. His work bridges fundamental science with everyday human experience through an accessible, thought-provoking lens. www.samirvarma.com https://vsasset.com/publications/ The two dive into the role of attention, the nature of meaningful coincidences, and how AI mirrors our own limitations and potential. Coincidences only become significant when you bring your perspective to them. No one else is going to tell you what it means. You are the final decider. Are you ready to carry that responsibility?Learn more about Samir at samirvarma.com and explore his work at https://www.vsasset.com/publications.

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• You Can Meet Entities in the Astral Plane | Marina Weiler , EP 398

  What happens when we step outside the boundaries of the physical world?Psychiatrist Bernard Beitman and neuroscientist Marina Weiler dive deep into the mysteries of out-of-body experiences (OBEs), near-death experiences (NDEs), astral encounters, and the possibility of life beyond the body.Pre-order Dr. Beitman's newest book "Life-Changing Synchronicities: A Doctor's Coincidences and Serendipities" at Simon & Schuster, Barnes and Noble, Inner Traditions, Amazon, Books-a-Million, Bookshop.org (May 2025).Marina shares her personal brushes with the paranormal—including poltergeist-like events and vivid dreams of the departed—even though she has never had an OBE herself. Bernard recounts his own surreal journey to the "coincidence control office" during an out-of-body episode. Together, they explore how these extraordinary events can transform our perspectives, reduce fear of death, and inspire profound life changes.Can we meet others—or even non-human entities—while traveling the astral plane? Is consciousness truly separate from the brain? Join this fascinating conversation as science and the mystical collide, and discover how synchronicity, intention, and expanded awareness can reshape our understanding of reality.Marina Weiler is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the Division of Perceptual Studies (DOPS), University of Virginia. A trained neuroscientist with expertise in neuroimaging, brain stimulation, and consciousness studies, she investigates experiences that transcend traditional physical explanation. Her research has earned recognition from CAPES (Brazil), the Brazilian Academy of Neurology, the NIH, the Templeton World Charity Foundation, and the Bigelow Institute for Consciousness Research.🌐 Learn more at DOPS - University of Virginia | https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/Bernard D. Beitman, MD, is a pioneer in the study of meaningful coincidences and synchronicity. He served as Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Neurology at the University of Missouri-Columbia and is the founder of The Coincidence Project. Dr. Beitman is the author of Connecting with Coincidence and Meaningful Coincidences, and his work has reached more than one million people worldwide through his blog, books, and podcast.📘 Learn more at www.coincider.com

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• Servant Citizenship Will Increase Your Synchronicities | Philip Merry, EP 397

  Ask a question. Look around.Wherever you are, clues, hints, and answers are reflected back to you—if you’re willing to see them. Dr. Philip Merry teaches global leaders how to recognize synchronicity as a real-world tool for insight, connection, and transformation. The same principle applies beyond the boardroom—into families, communities, and nations.As authoritarianism rises across the globe, synchronicity offers a subtle but powerful guide toward a different future—one rooted not in domination, but in collaboration. What if we could all shift from "Me" to "We"? What if the universe is already showing us how?In this episode, discover how synchronicity is not just a personal curiosity—it’s a collective compass.Pre-order Dr. Beitman's newest book "Life-Changing Synchronicities: A Doctor's Coincidences and Serendipities" at Simon & Schuster, Barnes and Noble, Inner Traditions, Amazon, Books-a-Million, Bookshop.org (May 2025).Guest Bio: Dr. Philip MerryFor over 40 years in 63 countries, Dr. Philip Merry has helped organizations and leaders unlock the power of teams, including at the United Nations, World Bank, and Fortune 300 companies. He is a Master Team Coach who has certified over 400 team coaches worldwide. With a PhD in Synchronicity and Leadership, Philip is a recognized global thought leader in applying synchronicity to leadership, personal growth, and global change.🌐 www.PhilipMerry.com📘 The 9 Keys of Synchronicity – Read on AmazonAbout Dr. Bernard BeitmanBernard D. Beitman, MD, is the first psychiatrist since Carl Jung to systematize the study of coincidences. He served as Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Neurology at the University of Missouri-Columbia and is the founder of The Coincidence Project. Dr. Beitman is the author of Connecting with Coincidence and Meaningful Coincidences, and has reached over 1 million people through his blog, books, and podcast.📘 Learn more at www.coincider.com

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• Improve Doctor-Patient Relationship with Coincidences | Dr. David Cannon, EP 396

  Meet a highly empathic physician. David Cannon intends to help his patients. Through the fun and adventure of coincidences he strengthens the therapeutic alliance which increases positive outcomes. A patient which chronic lung disease had no options anymore Dr. Cannon had recently read about frankensense oil as a possible anti-inflammatory for lungs. While fearing being ridiculed for suggesting this to his patient, he went ahead. Very surprised, the patient said the he too was afraid to mention that possibility also fearing ridicule. It was as if the doctor had read the patient's mind. That's empathy! For more stories like this, tune into this episode. Pre-order Dr. Beitman's newest book "Life-Changing Synchronicities: A Doctor's Coincidences and Serendipities" at Simon & Schuster, Barnes and Noble, Inner Traditions, Amazon, Books-a-Million, Bookshop.org (May 2025).David Cannon was originally from West Virginia, and attended Duke University for his undergraduate degree in chemistry before going on to get his medical degree also at Duke. He went on to complete his postgraduate training in Primary Care Internal Medicine at the University of Virginia, and following residency training he completed two years of active duty in the US Navy.After completing his military service, he returned to Lynchburg, Virginia, to join a then small group practice in general internal medicine. This has evolved over the past several years into a large primary care group with several offices of family physicians serving the community. Dr Cannon completed the Integrative Medicine fellowship at the University of Arizona in 2005, and since that time has shifted his focus to an integrative style of practice.Bernard D. Beitman, MD has broken out of the restrictive bounds of conservative academic research to create a blueprint for the practical new discipline of Coincidence Studies. He served as Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Neurology and later as Chair of Psychiatry at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He has reached over one million readers through his Psychology Today blog, radio show, website, and his books Connecting with Coincidence and Meaningful Coincidences. Yale and Stanford educated, Dr. Beitman is the founder and president of The Coincidence Project.

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