SuperFeast Podcast

• #226 Leadership as Seership: Embodiment, Ancestry, and the Alchemy of Culture with Velan Cadden

  In this captivating discussion, Mason and Velan dive deep into leadership—moving past old-school hierarchies to a more custodial vibe, seeing an organization as a soul, not just a machine. Velan brings in seership—reading a culture through patient observation and awakened senses, like a mycelial network. They touch on elemental forces (earth, water, fire, air) as leadership teachers—especially water as a memory keeper. Leadership, they say, should be about self-education, letting things flow like living systems, and shedding those colonial mindsets that cut us off from our senses. They also explore the alchemy of recycling energy—turning discomfort and conflict into gold by creating space for the unspoken. Mason even drops some SuperFeast wisdom about how unacknowledged secrets can disrupt harmony, and how tension can spark new paths—like dandelions breaking through concrete. Velan wraps it up by calling for multidisciplinary education—moving from specialists to diverse thinkers—and finding common ground. He reminds Mason about enchantment, opening up new possibilities. His big advice for new leaders? Get real with your core secret—your profound why—the bedrock for any lasting impact. Mason & Velan’s Highlights [00:00:37] The Living Question of Leadership [00:01:21] Custodial Leadership vs. Hierarchical Models [00:03:45] Seership and Sensory Perception [00:05:37] Mycelial Intelligence and Elemental Mastery [00:09:28] Decolonizing Leadership and Reclaiming the Senses [00:17:00] Embodiment and the Practice of Discomfort [00:20:15] Alchemizing Conflict and Recycling Energy [00:22:00] The Power of Secrets and the Inner “Why” [00:27:30] Multidisciplinary Leadership and Cultural Enchantment [00:36:40] Embodiment as an Ecosystemic Practice [00:45:15] Leading Through Initiation and Death Cycles [00:51:04] Returning to the Sacred “Why” – Leadership as Prayer Call to Action If something in this conversation stirred something in you—don’t rush to make sense of it. Just sit with it. Let it move through your body, your breath, your week. That’s where real leadership begins—not in the doing, but in the listening. If you feel called, share this episode with someone walking that same edge of becoming. And if you haven’t yet, subscribe or leave a few words in the reviews—it really helps this work find the ones who are ready to hear it. Thank You to Velan A deep bow to Velan—for the generosity of presence, for weaving wisdom that feels less like information and more like initiation. Brother, thank you for reminding us that leadership is ceremony—a remembering of how to walk well with life.

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• #225 The Inner Blueprint: How Mindset, Belief, and Gratitude Fueled Steve Napolitan's Healing

  In this very special episode, Mason sits down with his dear friend, the absolute legend Steve Napolitan, for a powerful conversation that's been 10 years in the making. Steve shares his incredible, vulnerable, and deeply honest adventure through a profound health crisis—Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)—and how he navigated the chasm of doubt between conventional and complementary approaches.   This isn't about choosing one path over the other; it's about the deep journey of inner stewardship, health sovereignty, and patient engagement. Steve’s story is a masterclass in discerning appropriate support, understanding the body’s innate capacity for healing, and finding gratitude amidst immense challenge. You’ll hear how tonic herbs and medicinal mushrooms became more than just supplements—they were allies in a profound process of regeneration and self-discovery.   Prepare to be inspired by Steve's resilience, his unique approach to healing, and his unwavering belief in the body’s ability to regrow and restore. This conversation offers a nuanced perspective on what’s possible when we engage with our healing journey with courage, intention, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.   By the end of this episode, you’ll feel empowered to approach your own health challenges with a more colorful and responsible perspective, trusting your inner wisdom while seeking external support when truly needed.   Mason & Steven’s Highlights [00:00:00] Introducing Steve Napolitan and his 10-year journey with Mason [00:03:22] Steve shares the shocking onset of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in 2021 [00:09:56] The rapid progression of paralysis and his wife’s diligent research [00:13:18] The decision to go to the hospital: when holistic efforts meet Western medicine’s limits [00:23:24] Steve’s spiritual awakening: “Am I dying?” and the clear “No.” [00:26:46] The neurologist’s crucial insight: the body’s ability to regrow myelin with good fats [00:40:14] Embracing pain as a guide: why Steve refused heavy medication [00:57:04] Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich and the power of belief [01:07:10] Why Steve wouldn’t take back his paralysis: the man he became [01:24:00] Post-GBS healing: the critical role of good fats, cacao, and targeted herbs   If Steve’s story resonated with you, share this episode with someone who needs to hear a message of hope and resilience today. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an inspiring conversation, and visit our website for more resources on supporting your body’s incredible healing potential.   About Steve Napolitan   Steven Napolitan is an award-winning producer, brand strategist, and executive coach recognized as a pioneer in new media marketing. He has created viral campaigns generating millions in revenue, worked with global brands like Apple and Intel, and produced content across film, TV, and advertising. Through his coaching, he has trained over 35,000 professionals and entrepreneurs in scaling businesses, boosting sales, and achieving lifestyle freedom. At the core, Steve is passionate about people, storytelling, and helping others align vision, focus, and teamwork to create lasting impact.   Resource Website: stevenapolitan.com Podcast: More Business More Life Podcast  

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• #224 Integrating Conventional & Complementary Care with Dr. Carol Haddad

  In this episode, Mason sits down with Dr. Carol Haddad to explore a topic close to the hearts of so many—how traditional medical treatments and complementary approaches can work together for deeper healing. Instead of choosing one path over the other, Dr. Carol shares how integration creates a more personalized, compassionate, and effective journey toward wellness. You’ll hear real-world examples, practical strategies, and encouraging insights that remind us healing isn’t just about treating the body—it’s about nurturing the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or simply curious about integrative approaches, this conversation offers hope, wisdom, and a refreshing perspective on what’s possible when different worlds of medicine come together. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel empowered with new ways to think about health, inspired by stories of resilience, and encouraged to see healing as more than a diagnosis—it’s a journey.   Key Insights & Timestamps 02:15 The importance of blending science with holistic approaches 05:42 Why patients shouldn’t feel forced to choose “either/or” in treatment 09:10 Dr. Carol’s story of how she embraced integrative care 14:27 The role of nutrition and lifestyle in healing 18:55 How mindset and emotional health impact physical recovery 23:40 The science behind complementary therapies 28:05 Stories of patients who found strength through integrative care 33:12 How caregivers can support the journey with compassion 38:46 The future of medicine: collaboration over competition 42:19 Practical steps to begin your own integrative path About Dr. Carol Haddad Dr. Carol is a highly trained physician who bridges the gap between conventional oncology and holistic healing. With a background that includes a Medical Science degree from UNSW, a postgraduate degree in Medicine from the University of Sydney, specialty training in Radiation Oncology, and certification in Functional Medicine, she has more than a decade of experience treating patients within hospital and cancer center settings. Her journey led her beyond traditional medicine into the world of integrative oncology, where she combines evidence-based treatments with complementary therapies such as natural medicine, psycho-energetic healing, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions. This unique approach allows her to deliver truly holistic cancer care—addressing not just the disease, but the whole person. Dr. Carol believes that patients deserve a more balanced model of treatment, one that draws from the strengths of both science and spirituality to improve outcomes and quality of life. Today, she consults with patients and healthcare professionals worldwide, offering guidance on functional medicine, integrative cancer strategies, and ways to minimise side effects while maximising recovery. Her mission is to empower individuals to embrace long-term wellbeing, reduce recurrence risk, and experience healing in a more sustainable way. If you’re curious about functional medicine, holistic oncology, or integrative cancer support, this episode is for you.   Resources Mentioned: Email: [email protected] Website: www.drcarolhaddad.com

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• #223 A Buddhist and a Taoist with Nicholas Giannasi

  Embark on an illuminating journey with Nicholas Giannasi in this episode, where Mason guides a profound and deeply insightful conversation that seamlessly weaves together ancient spiritual concepts with their tangible, practical applications in the fabric of everyday existence. This is not merely a surface-level discussion; it's an exploration that delves into the very heart of what it means to be human, to err, and to transcend.   From the nuanced and often misunderstood true meaning of forgiveness—revealed not as a mere act of absolution, but as a dynamic interplay of understanding and compassion—to the profound yet accessible importance of humility in an increasingly self-promotional world, Nicholas shares wisdom that resonates deeply. The conversation gracefully flows through the inevitability of change, emphasizing how embracing impermanence can liberate us from suffering and foster a deeper appreciation for the present moment. Mason and Nicholas collectively peel back the layers, revealing how ancient wisdom, distilled through centuries of profound contemplation and practice, offers an indispensable compass to navigate the intricate and often turbulent waters of the modern world. They invite listeners to discover how these timeless truths can not only illuminate our individual paths but also foster greater harmony and meaning in our lives, making the sacred visible in even the most mundane of activities. This episode promises to be a transformative listen, encouraging a shift in perspective that allows for greater peace, understanding, and authentic engagement with life's rich tapestry.   Episode Highlights: 00:01:34 - Forgiveness and Compassion: Nicholas emphasizes that true forgiveness comes from understanding another's suffering (compassion), which is love with understanding. He suggests stopping the effort to forgive and instead looking into the other person's suffering, creating space for understanding. 00:03:23 - The Importance of Space: Meditation and creating "space" are crucial for spiritual practice and achieving genuine understanding and forgiveness. 00:05:00 - Non-Clinging to "I, Me, Mine": Drawing from Buddhist teachings, Nicholas highlights that suffering arises from clinging to the illusion of a separate "I, me, or mine." True wholeness and appreciation of interconnectedness come from dropping this self-identity. 00:32:00 - The Mundane is Sacred: Both speakers agree that everyday life and seemingly mundane tasks (like "chop wood, carry water") are part of spiritual practice and that true spiritual growth doesn't necessarily mean escaping worldly obligations. 00:18:12 - Preparing for Death: The conversation touches on impermanence and preparing for death by living a grateful and aware life, free from fear and attachment. 00:13:51 - The Role of a Sense of Humor: A sense of humor is presented as an important aspect of the spiritual journey, helping to navigate suffering and the absurdities of life without becoming cynical. 00:44:10 - Jing, Qi, and Shen: The concept of Jing, Qi, and Shen is discussed, with Nicholas emphasizing that healing the soul (Shen) first allows the mind and body (Qi and Jing) to follow. Connecting with a "higher Jing" or the Dao through practice is key. 00:50:04 - Avoiding Over-Complication: Nicholas stresses keeping spiritual practices simple, as the Dao itself is "extremely simple." He notes that attachment to material possessions and the desire for wealth can lead to emptiness and unhappiness.   Resources Mentioned: Stephen Harrod Buhner's final book (an herbalist earth poet) The Psychology of Money (audiobook) Nickdanbeau Love  Email: [email protected]  

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• #222 Re-Embodying Herbalism in the Age of AI with Stephanie Hazel

  Mason and Stephanie Hazel dive deep into the real talk about herbalism and healing in today's AI-driven world. They kick off by revisiting Stephen Harrod Buhner's "heart perception" and stress how crucial it is to actually feel that connection, especially as AI becomes more prevalent. Stephanie calls out the worrying trend of new herbalists losing touch with plants, often due to a lack of hands-on experience and over-reliance on ready-made formulations. They both hammer home the importance of sensory engagement—tasting, smelling, touching, and truly observing herbs—arguing that this embodied learning sticks with you way better than just theory.   The conversation shifts to the idea of oscillating between rational thought and embodied sensing, emphasizing that true wisdom in healing comes from blending both. Stephanie warns against getting too caught up in hyper-scientific jargon, suggesting that language grounded in sensory experience, like Chinese medicine energetics, is more accessible and effective. They link society's increasing disembodiment to mental health struggles and the addictive pull of digital spaces, offering practical tips for grounding yourself in daily life. Ultimately, they argue that AI's efficiency highlights the irreplaceable human capacity for embodied sensing and intuitive insight in healing, something no machine can replicate.   Timestamps: 00:00:34 - Heart Perception & Embodiment: Mason and Stephanie reflect on their previous conversation about Stephen Harrod Buhner's concept of heart perception and the importance of embodying this skillset, particularly in the context of rising AI. 00:01:05 - The Elder Tree Podcast & Stephen Harrod Buhner: Stephanie shares how their previous discussion inspired a tribute episode to Stephen Harrod Buhner on her podcast, The Elder Tree. 00:03:33 - The Decline of Herbalism & Lack of Embodiment: Stephanie and Mason discuss concerns about the dwindling connection to herbs among new practitioners, often due to a lack of hands-on experience and reliance on pre-compounded formulations. 00:07:20 - The Importance of Sensory Engagement with Herbs: Stephanie highlights the crucial role of taste, smell, touch, and observation in truly understanding herbs, arguing that this embodied learning is more memorable and profound than theoretical knowledge. 00:10:51 - Oscillating Between Rational and Embodied Sensing: They explore the dynamic interplay between rational analysis and embodied sensing in understanding herbs, emphasizing how a blend of both leads to deeper insights. 00:21:26 - Beyond Hyper-Scientific Language in Healing: Stephanie cautions against solely relying on scientific terminology in natural medicine, advocating for language that is grounded in sensory experience and accessible to the body, like traditional Chinese medicine energetics. 00:36:21 - The Societal Impact of Disembodiment: The conversation broadens to the wider implications of a lack of embodiment in society, linking it to mental health struggles and the addictive nature of virtual digital spaces. 00:40:51 - Cultivating Embodiment in Daily Life: Practical tips are offered for incorporating embodied practices into daily routines, such as mindful engagement with herbal supplements and spending time in nature. 00:49:10 - AI and the Future of Healing: They discuss how AI's efficiency in data analysis highlights the unique human capacity for embodied sensing and intuitive insight in healing practices, which AI cannot replicate. 01:07:44 - Yarrow and the Wounded Healer Archetype: Stephanie shares a powerful client story illustrating the "leap of insight" in diagnosis, drawing on the mythopoetic story of Yarrow to highlight the importance of non-rational understanding in healing. Resources Mentioned: Stephen Harrod Buhner's Work: Referenced for his concept of "heart perception" and sensing the metaphysical background of the world. The Elder Tree Podcast: Stephanie Hazel's podcast, which featured a tribute episode to Stephen Harrod Buhner. David Abram, Becoming Animal: Recommended for its exploration of grounding analytical thought and language into the senses. Stephanie Hazel's "The Wild Edge of Herbalism" Course: Mentioned as a way for practitioners and individuals to deepen their relationship with plants and their own intuition, with a "Plant Allies" taster option. The online course starts on August 14th. If you found this conversation insightful, subscribe to the podcast for more deep dives and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

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