This is for the baby boomers. The good ol days kind of vibe.

I was there in San Francisco for Erik Davis’s 50th birthday party in some theater downtown.. an old psychedelic film montage from the 60’s was played...followed by a creepy bit of an Old Alan Watts audio tape at the end of which he asks everyone in the audience to start laughing quite angrily..and then screams it...everyone in the audience but me started laughing like robots..then the filmed ended..strange place..stranger evening

As global events spiral out into new and weirder unprecedented depths, we could use the wit and wisdom of Mr Davis and his guests more than ever. The archive of shows is a treasure chest I enjoy exploring, the breadth and depth of which will stand as a thorough contribution to our current intellectual, cultural and spiritual life. Mr Davis has certainly “earned” his break or retirement of the the show but a return would be most welcome. The world needs guidance in these strange times. We seem to be facing a portal of sorts, hopefully into a brighter and more mindful future but such a future needs to be articulated, shared and envisioned. The lame stream media can’t be counted on for this role, “elders” like Mr Davis can though. Much thanks and praises 🙏

Erik's unique vision of conversations (not just interviews) around the cultures of consciousness would be the best of its kind if Expanding Mind weren't the only one of its kind. Wide range of creative, well-spoken guests (not all white men!) around the strange attractors of philosophy, psychedelics, the weird and the occult, religion and magic, meditation and spirituality, science and science fiction, festival culture, cultural history and pivotal personalities. A smart, funny, thought provoking mind stretch just about every week, and almost a decade of bingeable backlist. My favorite 'cast. I hope he finds a new vision and starts 'casting again soon!

Relatively new fan, here. I initially heard this guy during a guest interview on some other psycedelia-related podcast, which I've now forgotten since I switched over to listening to Expanding Mind. Erik is erudite, well-spoken, a generous interviewer, a fascinating soloist (do more of those "rap" episodes Erik!), and has a wonderful "even keel but open-minded" quality to his approach, even when dealing with subjects that are very much out there. I see a lot of Robert Anton Wilson in his methodology too. Just a fantastic podcast all around. Definitely on board with the Patreon, and looking forward to High Weirdness. Edit: High Weirdness was a tour de force. Tremendous respect for this guy's work and this podcast. Hope you come back, Erik!

Erik is an incredible interviewer. Not only does he always get the most interesting guests, but his questions are consistently thoughtful and he’s clearly well-researched. Highly recommended!

Being a heavy podcast listener, I’ve listened to many shows over the course of a decade. Nowadays my show list is streamlined to just a handful, with this one being the best. For the right person who exists at intersection of various semi-fringe / esoteric interests there’s nothing else like EM. Erik, I readily welcome your return in whatever form EM takes! Much love.

I found this podcast after Erik came on other shows to discuss High Weirdness. Have to say - I hope this is just a hiatus and that there’s more to come. The guy’s a great interviewer and host with the background to have meaningful conversations with these brilliant guests. I listened to his solo show on meditation at a time when my own practice needed to be revitalized.

I just finished reading James Merrill’s very moving book-length poem “The Book of Ephraim.” Before that, Jason Louv’s magisterial “John Dee and the Empire Of Angels.” Just prior, I’d gotten swept up in “American Cosmic,” by Dr Diana Pasulka—-twice!! And these are just three authors whom I learned about this year alone through Erik Davis’ inspired, inspiring Expanding Mind podcast. Davis’ tastes are far reaching to say the least. His guests—-no matter how out-there or how establishment— all have something in common: they’re passionate about the feels they’re in and are articulate about it. And Davis has a great way of engaging them and drawing connections without being heavy handed. Plus, he’s got a great sense of humor, lest one expect the show to be too academic or too, what?, conspiracy minded. Always a great listen—-I’ve learned a ton.

Erik and the conversations he has have changed my life immeasurably. I’m getting emotional writing this review after many years of listening. Thank you so much, Erik.

Long form interviews, deep dives into consciousness, extremely eloquent and poetic host (and guests), this podcast is such a sacred offering to those consumed by consciousness exploring - gratitude to Erik for bringing this magic!

This podcast is the best! Erik always delivers with interesting guests and stimulating conversations that feed the mind. Always excited to discover which nuggets of brilliance the next episode will offer :) Erik thanks for leading the way through all of the confusion!!!

I’ve been listening for years, even when I don’t think I’m going to be interested in a topic, I find Eric weaves something essential and integrative, and lo and behold my mind is expanded. Great podcast, less ramble, most excellent content.

Always looking for THAT conversation to expand my mind and EM has always delivered. It meanders through many realities and topics and has become one of my favorites.

Podcasts have become as single-minded and glib as the worst of morning talk radio, which is a pretty sad commentary on how creators wield the freedom of this medium. Erik Davis on the other hand has used podcasting for 10 years to grandly and unapologetically explore what he calls the "culture of consciousness" - a field that encompasses everything from ethnobotany, chaos magick and good old UFOs to drone metal guitarists who believe their detuned instruments are as potent an exploratory tool as the finest hit of LSD (lest that blurb sound glib itself, Erik interviews plenty of scientists and philosophers, too). No matter how trippy his guests become, he treats them all with the fairness and respect of a real journalist. The beauty of this podcast, and perhaps one reason for its longevity, is that Erik's goal is never to uncover or debunk, but simply to learn and understand. If you approach foreign ideas and beliefs in the same way, you'll find something worthwhile every week.

Thank you Erik! I have enjoyed every single episode from the archive…sometimes multiple listens. I am looking forward to the publishing of High weirdness, and plan to look for you on patreon. I love this show. JC

Excellent conversation with interesting minds on the frontiers of art, culture and science. I really appreciate the grounded approach to out-there topics. Thanks, Eric, for sharing your extensive research and keeping your mind open. I want to say to you that the underground is alive and well, as it always has been and always will be!! It is in its nature to lurk in the shadows and find the cracks and crack them open and then new cracks form and on and on it goes.... once it has done its work it might become assimilated into the next wave of mainstream (re: Woodstock, Burning Man, punk rock fashion, etc) Or it doesn’t. It might pass unseen by the masses, but no less beautiful or moving for having lived in obscurity. Trust me, the urge to lurk and disturb and create on the margins is going no where. Much love to you and many thanks!

This show is essential listening for anyone interested in culture, societal trajectories, breathing, thinking or being alive. Gets better and better. Davis is The King.

:-)

I come to meditation from the Sam Harris and skeptics crowd and so was a little wary of this podcast at first. But it was recommended by someone I respect and I've enjoyed it. At this point I've probably listend to 40 episodes or so. Every single one has been interesting and balanced and has opened me up to new ideas and subjects. There have been episodes that initially set off my woo detector, but Erik always fleshes out the issues in a nice way and things end up landing shy of my ability to say 'that's just too crazy'. So in my case it really does result in an expanded mind. It's clear Erik loves the work. There are no ads and there's not a clear way to support the podcast (which I'd like to do). So as far as I can tell it's simply a labor of love.

Erik does a fantastic job of hitting that rarely encountered sweet spot between Pyrrhonian skepticism and all the marvelous goings on in the fringe realms. His California slant, with direct exposure to the weird mix of the huge range of religious beliefs and techno culture, uniquely places him to provide a valuable, thoughtful, well informed, perspective and filter for those of us who have a hard time keeping up with the huge range of developments in the “culture of consciousness” as he puts it. Highly recommended !

Expanding Mind is an exceptional bundle of science, subculture, mysticism, politics, and pro weirdness. I was a little hesitant at first after sensing a link to tech libertarianism, but was pleased to find a critical outlook from someone who doesn’t simply weigh pros and cons or play cause and effect, but instead takes everything all at once with a mind for life-affirming outcomes. Instead of the usual misguided notions of objectivity, this show has a great middle way approach that doesn’t get tangled up in symbolic values while presenting a picture of the world. I’m often bummed at how abruptly the shows wrap up, but I appreciate Erik’s curtesy to the PRN clock and whoever comes on after him lol

the audio sucked! a couple of times the guy being interviewed was saying something important and the key word was unintelligible. very strange that using these advanced technologies, the most important feature of an audio feed - CLARITY - is missing! Also, Erik didn't seem to realize how poor the feed was.

Expanding Mind was the first podcast I really got into a couple of years ago, it was my favorite then and am happy to say, it still my favorite. It is unparalleled in its consistent quality, scope, generosity and sincerity both in recent episodes and its extensive back catalog. As soon as I hear the intro chime and Davis' soothing voice, I know its going to be a good day!

Erik exudes intellectual embodiment. He not only talks about ideas but often he's actually lived and experienced the ideas that he speaks about. This is true journalism today - reporting back from the abyss of consciousness while exuding a sense of curiosity, purpose and awe. While "mind" is the focus, the conversations allow for our hearts to expand too. Thank you, Erik, for Expanding Minds!

Seasons they do change Fallen leaves jewel the ground Our expanding mind

Erik's weekly explorations on the cultures of consciousness have become my de facto master class on being a human, understanding the chaos and loving the uncertainty of it all. In a perfect world it would be the work of Erik and his guests with their angostic pursuits of Pursuit that would define our mediasphere. But, alas, the world ain't perfect, but at least we've got Expanding Mind to tether up to and keep us floating in the wonderful expanse of uncertainty even if the shores around it seem creepier and creepier every day. Thank you Herr Davis for your continued excavations of the broken heart!

Erik keeps you wondering, never one to preach, but rather teach with a coyote twinkle behind the sonorous intonAtions. Pure gold for the curios, this podcast brings erudite insiders and the totally blown-outsiders into a mind meld milieu that leaves you wanting more. PeCe

Erik is a treasure not to be taken lightly, despite his humble and unassuming attitude. He is the embodiment of the California fusion of seeker, techologist, spiritualist, skeptic, and yes, dude. Yet unlike many in this space (out in space...) he is an intellectually heavyweight who uses words carefully and really digs and pushes the limits of concepts, dogmas, experiences, and possibilities. His honestly makes other "intellectuals" like Sam Harris look like charlatans in comparison and that's truly his gift: it's not about winning, it's about exploring. I've followed this show for years and recommend it to anyone thinking person who doesn't want to settle for dogma from hardliners or new agers!

Erik is great! Super original with his mixed interests which makes for a very good conversation

Erik does an amazing job of weaving together the many threads of spirituality, mysticism, technology, psychedelics, media, modern culture and more. He mentioned that another reviewer said the podcast fills the void between seeker and stoner and I couldn’t agree more. There’s nothing else quite like it.

I’ve been listening to The Expanding Mind for many years, since the venerable “pod father” Lorenzo Hagerty turned us on to Erik via the Psychedelic Salon. I feel honored to have ridden along on the wave front of conscious concrescence with Erik and his astonishing roster of guests. His knack for grokking the next nexus of novelty, then going there in body, mind, or both, makes his trip reports more than entertaining. Erik is like a neo-gnostic pundit, and I delight in his witty way of awakening.

I discovered EM via the “drone metal mysticism” episode several months ago while trying to find more information about my (relatively new) personal experience with the genre— I saw SUNN O))), Sleep, and Dylan Carlson live for the first time this year— and I gradually checked out other episodes on topics I was marginally aware of such as psychedelic research (the Tao Lin and Michael Pollan episodes) and it led me to a deeper engagement. I now think about my relation to animism, ecology, and spirituality in terms of “psychedelic naturalism” after hearing the Fungal Alliance ep. The more time I spent listening to an episode here or there, the more I realized that every episode was worth hearing and reflecting upon. Topics I would normally be resistant to such as UFOlogy (in the recent Diana Pasulka episodes) and conspiracy theories as well as passing interests I had in something like Gnosticism (April DeConick) would be opened up in new ways. I have started to draw again as a result of listening to John F. Simon episode. I now try to meditate for ten minutes a day after hearing the wonderful Jeff Warren episode (while also finding Thomas Joiner’s episode critiquing mindfulness fascinating). I could go on and on. The balance that Erik Davis strikes between scholarship, curiosity, humor, humility, and his own knowledge on these topics is inspiring to me. I think about my own pedagogy practices differently now (I teach English at a Jesuit university—where I landed a stable gig after adjuncting forever— so I can even relate to Davis’s occasional frustrations with the machinery of academia). The way Davis engages critical thought, the weird, and topics that are often taboo in mainstream academic contexts, makes me incredibly grateful. Thank you!

Erik, along with his wide range of knowledgeable guests, bring it all to the table with each and every episode! If you're looking to learn and grow intellectually while listening to some of the most fascinating humans around then you've come to the right place. Thanks for putting out such an incredible show Erik - keep up the great work!

I’ve listened to just about every episode of Expanding Mind over the last 10 years, and I can say that Erik Davis never ceases to make good on the promise of its title. I would not be the person / mind I am today without having these weekly conversations modeling how to deftly navigate the fringes of consciousness with both abandon and reason.

Engaging, expanding, elevating. The host's encyclopedic knowledge and sharp intuitions move the conversations along without overshadowing the always-interesting guests.

Mind-tickling and thought-poking and provoking. Erik is a huge inspiration :-)

Extremely forward thinking and creative podcast concerning philosophy and spiritual traditions and practices in a modern day context.

I love this podcast I’m glad I found it after hearing his wired interview with Terrence I knew this was a guy like McKenna getting to the nitty gritty of consciousness and the worlds psychedelic aspects. I love Terrence very much and in his absence this shows host helps amend the loss, it means a lot to have homage paid almost every episode to the inspirational psychedelic essence this is Terrence and life itself. Again I’m very thankful for this podcast and the nuggets and jewels of thought provoking content. Much love.

It’s good, but sounds like the host is podcasting from the stairwell of a cheap hotel.

This is one of those few podcasts that I am always excited to listen to as soon as it Comes out. The topics and guests are great and varied and always very interesting. Love it.

This would be such a great podcast if it weren't so hard to listen to. PLEASE PLEASE FIX THE AUDIO. It's a shame something as simple as audio quality is what's preventing more people from discovering an otherwise fantastic forum for unique and progressive points of view.

I really appreciate that, in just about every episode, I'm pleasantly surprised with some new book or idea or thinker that is really interesting/provocative and totally new to me.

If you like Joe Rogan's deeper dives, Duncan Trussell's cast or anything of that nature you need this in your life as well. Imagine that subject matter coming from a more intellectual direction.

Really into the content but please do something about the audio quality. It's maddening.

When I first discovered this podcast I listened to it every day on my way to and from work for a few weeks, working my way through the back catalog. Erik Davis is a great host and knows how to angle discussions to get to the meat of an issue, to the strange, misunderstood, underexplored aspects of things that are, in their nature, strange, misunderstood, and underexplored. You'll find magic, occultism, philosophy, art, music, ecology, altered states, and more in this podcast. The guests are always well informed and have fascinating takes on life. I couldn't recommend this podcast enough. Absolutely download a few episodes, I think everyone who has even the slightest interest in consciousness will find something to chew on here.

Really interesting topics, so it’s a shame about the audio quality. They really need to adjust their levels, all the voices sound clipped and it’s been that way from the beginning. Such an easy problem to fix, and so annoying to listen to.

Just found this and Robots on Acid was a fantastic first intro, extremely interesting topic. Great work!

I think I'd love the material… if I could hear or understand it. DUDE!!!

This is one of the great, must-listen to podcasts of all (along with Joe Rogan and Duncan Trussell). It could use a little more love here on iTunes (why is there no picture, and why aren't Erik Davis and Maja listed as co-hosts?), but do subscribe. However, make sure you've got pen and paper handy to write down the name of his guests, 'cause you'll want to order their books after you've heard them.