Summing Up the C-Realm Podcast

[KMO]

An old friend of mine just wrote to say:

Greetings KMO,
I hope you are well.
I've recently been catching up with your podcasts. In fact, I've had a 'c-realm' marathon recently. (only up to #48 so far, <laughing.>) I've enjoyed it GREATLY.

Initially turned off by the poor sound quality of the early episodes, I later returned to find a show that is nicely done and extremely interesting. It is very good stuff, if not a bit long.

I recall your search for an "elevator speech" describing the Singularity, but what I'd like is the same thing for YOUR show. How is the C-realm Podcast best profiled? How do I tell a friend about C-Realm's depth and scope in a few sentences?

Be well,
Mark

Any help? The show that I had planned to do is not the show that I've ended up doing, so the description I give on the website is not very accurate. For instance, I've only done a couple of shows, and very early on, on the topic of drug policy reform. I've lost interest in that topic. Lorenzo and I are on the same page there. "Rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic." Anyway, that's getting off topic.

My question to you, "How would you summarize the C-Realm Podcast?"

[KMO]

Here's the answer I came up with:

I tend to tailor my description of the
C-Realm Podcast to the person I'm talking to. If I think they're
interested in psychedelics, then I can describe the show as being
centered on the topic of psychedelic consciousness that branches out
to encompass topics such as shamanism, resource depletion, population
growth, the acceleration of technological development, and the
consequences of the uncritical or even unconscious adoption of every
new technology.

If I suspect that any mention of drugs or psychedelics would invoke a
negative memebot response, then I describe the show as dealing with
issues of consciousness, the environment, the re-localization of
community and alternative agriculture.

As for conveying the depth of the coverage, I don't say anything.
Coming from me, the show's host and creator, I think it would come
across as bragging or empty boosterism. When orienting guests, I
encourage them to think of the podcast as "long attention span
theater" in that they are going to get a lot more time to explain
their views in detail than they would get on a normal tv or radio
segment. I also sometimes encourage guests to approach the show as
they would an appearance on Fresh Air with Terry Gross or Talk of the
Nation.

Most often when I explain the show to someone, it's to a guest.
Lorenzo, the host of the hugely popular Psychedelic Salon podcast, has
a link to the C-Realm Podcast on his web page, and that's where the
majority of new listeners seem to come from. These folks require no
explanation from me. Lorenzo's recommendation seems to be all that's
required.

[Xochipilli2012]

Hey there KMO,

After reading your well-reasoned and articulate response to Cameron Reilly, I am sometimes so much in awe of your grasp of these matters that I feel a little reluctant about weighing-in with my own ramblings. Who could possibly be better equipped than you?

Well...here I go anyway...

If "angels" didn't already have such strong associations with certain branches of Christianity, I like something along the lines of:

"Providing tools, techniques, and insights for transforming monkeys into angels."

That might work for a ride from the lobby up to the first or second floor.

If you had a slower elevator or longer trip...maybe something like:

"Thought-provoking interviews, information, and commentary with the intention of inspiring engaged, creative, and conscious action to manifest a more dynamic, humane, and creative experience of community that is sustainable, both locally and globally, with an emphasis on grasping the bull of human consciousness firmly by the horns in order to direct its immense power and potential towards this end."

Naw...that's no good. The "bull" metaphor doesn't quite work.

OK. How about this:

"Turning tables, chairs, and anything else that floats into life rafts--rather than simply arranging the deck chairs."

Nope.

I suck at this.

:(

[KMO]

Dude! Those are brilliant!

Thank you.

[scaredstraight]

I wish I could help you, but I have nothing McKenna-esque to provide in an articulate distinctive expression that describes your program.

Obviously, you want something concise and relatively short that captures the essence of your program.

I don't believe there is anything that I (or possibly anyone else) could come up with that could peg you down for more than a moment. You are always changing and evolving, and your program right along with you. Whatever description you go with needs to embrace that concept of growth and change that you and your program embody.

Perhaps, something resembling a 'mission statement' (no matter how much I hate that corporate jargon.)

I'll think about it. Right now I have circuit boards and machine code on the brain and need to separate myself from my alleged 'real life' in order to be of any use. I'll put some thought into it, but no promises. You'll beat me to the thought anyway...like you always do.

Be well, KMO...
Scared Straight

[KMO]

I don't believe there is anything that I (or possibly anyone else) could come up with that could peg you down for more than a moment. You are always changing and evolving, and your program right along with you. Whatever description you go with needs to embrace that concept of growth and change that you and your program embody.

Thank you, Scaredstraight. Yes, the "mission statement" needs to include something about not being attached to the positions I've articulated in the past. Gotta roll with the changes.

I've actually stained some of my relationships recently by spouting opinions and arguments that I formulated over a decade ago rather than taking the time to and expending the effort to give the topics a fresh look. A lot changes in ten years.

Thanks again.

[WakingSleep]

I've actually stained some of my relationships recently by spouting opinions and arguments that I formulated over a decade ago rather than taking the time to and expending the effort to give the topics a fresh look. A lot changes in ten years.

I've found that it's somewhat difficult to argue with people who have been in your life for 10+ years- family members, especially. Most people's opinions do not change all that much from year to year, as most people early on in their lives find a comfortable mindset and belief system, and stick with it. They also expect you to stick with one belief system and mindset, therefore use the arguments that they are so used to using against you. This makes it easy to slip back into old arguments... ones you know damn well aren't as effective as you once did.

[Milan]

Psychedelic Malthusian Zeitgeist

;)

C stands for Consciousness and KMO for Keep Mind Open!