Topic: Metaphysics

Metaphysics comes up in 37 chapters across 32 episodes of The Higherside Chats Free Show, from August 2012 to June 2026.

August 2012 June 2026

Related topics

Todd Elliott | The Cunning Farmer: Magical Timing, Ritual Practice, & Land Spirits
• 32:15 - 37:14

Todd Elliott | The Cunning Farmer: Magical Timing, Ritual Practice, & Land Spirits

Metaphysical Explanations for Unusual Animal Behavior

Todd Elliott recounts a strange event where a tame Jersey cow abandoned its calf and disappeared into the woods, an act he recontextualizes through the lens of folklore as being "taken by the fairies." He contrasts this metaphysical interpretation with the materialist view of a veterinarian who suggested a brain worm infection. The story serves to illustrate how ancient people attributed illness or strange events to spiritual entities when out of harmony with their environment.

Plus Member Bonus Show: Cattle Mutilations & The Knife Of God
• 1:33 - 2:14

Plus Member Bonus Show: Cattle Mutilations & The Knife Of God

Bison Spirit Hypothesis and Cattle Mutilation Geographic Patterns

A provocative theory suggests that cattle mutilations occur exclusively in geographic regions formerly inhabited by bison. This hypothesis posits that a metaphysical entity or the "Great Bison Spirit" is reacting to humanity's historical treatment of the bison population. Data indicates that over half of these incidents involve farmers being led to the kill sites by mysterious lights in the sky.

bisoncattle mutilationsmetaphysicsgreat bison spiritanimal spirits
Mark Gober  | An End To Upside Down Everything
• 30:00 - 32:08

Mark Gober | An End To Upside Down Everything

Edgar Mitchell, Moon Landing Skepticism and IONS Origins

Carlwood questions the connection between IONS founder Edgar Mitchell, an Apollo 14 astronaut, and Gober’s skepticism of the moon landings. Gober clarifies that his views on cosmology are his own and do not represent IONS. He credits the organization's consciousness research for starting his journey away from materialism, regardless of Mitchell's personal history.

Sofia Smallstorm | Blood Guac, The Archonic Underworld, & Fortifying Our Divinity
• 32:48 - 37:21

Sofia Smallstorm | Blood Guac, The Archonic Underworld, & Fortifying Our Divinity

Modern Conveniences, Metaphysical Dimensions and Human Perception

The transition from laborious survival tasks, such as making beef tallow candles, to modern electrical conveniences has fundamentally altered human perception and gratitude. Some philosophical perspectives suggest that the physical world may function as a "prison planet" or a human energy farm designed to keep individuals in a state of constant minor inconvenience. This metaphysical outlook posits that the current dimension may be a trap intended to limit higher consciousness.

Pope Head | Mystical Toponomy, Occult Geographies, & The Great Polar Myth
• 9:00 - 14:19

Pope Head | Mystical Toponomy, Occult Geographies, & The Great Polar Myth

Metaphysical Realism, James Shelby Downard and Synchromysticism

Popehead describes his worldview as metaphysical realism, asserting that gods, fairies, and super-sensory entities are objective realities. He references James Shelby Downard’s "King Kill 33" to explain how modern sterile environments mask an eternal pagan psychodrama. This perspective suggests that human agency is often secondary to a downward spiritual influence that manifests through symbols and ritualized cultural events.

Ronnie Pontiac | Remembering Manly P. Hall, American Metaphysical Religion, & The Pagan Pilgrim
• 5:34 - 8:42

Ronnie Pontiac | Remembering Manly P. Hall, American Metaphysical Religion, & The Pagan Pilgrim

Ronnie Pontiac, American Metaphysical Religion and Esoteric History

Guest Ronnie Pontiac joins the program to discuss his book, American Metaphysical Religion, which explores the mystical and esoteric undercurrents of United States history. The conversation challenges the standard "Christian nation" narrative by highlighting the metaphysical views present in the layout of Washington DC and the symbolism of the dollar bill. Pontiac’s background as a research assistant to Manly P. Hall and his work in documentary production are introduced as foundational to his expertise in the "weirder" side of American history.

ronnie pontiacmanly p. hallamerican metaphysical religionwashington dcesoteric traditions
Ronnie Pontiac | Remembering Manly P. Hall, American Metaphysical Religion, & The Pagan Pilgrim
• 34:01 - 37:24

Ronnie Pontiac | Remembering Manly P. Hall, American Metaphysical Religion, & The Pagan Pilgrim

Metaphysics, Psychology, and the Dangers of the Esoteric

In his later years, Manly P. Hall reportedly expressed regret over emphasizing "invisible masters" and suggested that students of metaphysics should first study psychology. As a screener for Hall, Ronnie Pontiac encountered many individuals who had suffered psychological breaks or "hauntings" after failing to properly close circles in ceremonial magic. The discussion highlights the danger of using esoteric practices as an escape from reality, which can lead to reclusiveness and an inability to function in the physical world.

Gordon White | Finding The Earthkeepers, The Future Forecast, & The Iodine Era
• 14:04 - 19:12

Gordon White | Finding The Earthkeepers, The Future Forecast, & The Iodine Era

Truth-Telling, Spiritual Consequences of Lies

The importance of speaking truthfully is framed as a metaphysical necessity rather than just a social preference. The host reflects on the professional risk of losing subscribers over controversial takes on Gaza and Ukraine, while White argues that squandering the gift of insight is a sin against the soul. They conclude that maintaining integrity is fundamental to the "transaction" one has with the divine or the afterlife.

truthmetaphysicsgazaukrainesoulchristian metaphysics
Mitch Horowitz | Mind Magic, Esoteric Suppression, & The Materialist Blockade
• 1:05:11 - 1:08:34

Mitch Horowitz | Mind Magic, Esoteric Suppression, & The Materialist Blockade

The Miracle Club, 3 PM Eastern Reflection

The Miracle Club, published in 2018, is a practical guide to mind metaphysics and the theory that thoughts can produce actual consequences. The title honors a salon from the early theosophy movement. Members are invited to participate in a daily group reflection at 3:00 PM Eastern Time to hold a private wish or positive thought, a practice intended to nudge reality in a better direction.

the miracle clubtheosophymind metaphysicspositive thoughtsdaily practice

The conversation addresses Graham Hancock's concept of a "war on consciousness" and the Machiavellian suppression of self-evolutionary practices. The guests argue that Kundalini phenomena are ignored in the West to keep the population in a state of fear and baseline consciousness. They explore the metaphysical idea that these practices build a "vehicle" for the soul and discuss the necessary polarity between masculine and feminine forces in spiritual rejuvenation.

graham hancockmachiavellianmetaphysicspolaritymasculine and feminine
Aaron Murakami & Jeremiah Ferwerda | The Tesla Turbine, Suppressed Energy Science, & Breaking The Blockade
• 1:17:35 - 1:20:24

Aaron Murakami & Jeremiah Ferwerda | The Tesla Turbine, Suppressed Energy Science, & Breaking The Blockade

Second Hour Preview, Magic on the Mountain, and THC Meetups

Greg Carlwood previews the second hour of the interview, which covers topics like deuterium depleted water and Rife machines. He announces the "Magic on the Mountain" event at Mount Shasta in February and lists several upcoming listener meetups in Colorado, Wisconsin, Florida, and Missouri. These events are intended to foster community among listeners interested in alternative topics and parallel society building.

mount shastacontact at the cabinmilwaukee metaphysical societyportlandkansas city
Larry E. Arnold | The Mysterious Reality Of Spontaneous Human Combustion
• 50:18 - 54:48

Larry E. Arnold | The Mysterious Reality Of Spontaneous Human Combustion

State of Fortean Research and Scientific Methodology

The conversation shifts to the decline of organized Fortean societies and the compartmentalization of paranormal research. Arnold advocates for an open-minded scientific methodology that avoids immediate denial or debunking of "pyrophenomena." He emphasizes that fire remains one of humanity's least understood tools and calls for honest curiosity in investigating anomalies that currently reside on the "to-be-solved" shelf.

fortian timesmetaphysicsnancy polkineden philpottspyrophenomena
Brian Cotnoir | Practical Alchemy, Alchemical Philosophy, & The Orum Potibile
• 0:00 - 2:21

Brian Cotnoir | Practical Alchemy, Alchemical Philosophy, & The Orum Potibile

Higher Side Chats Introduction, Philosophy and Worldview Development

Greg Carlwood introduces the episode by referencing Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 1930s radio broadcasts as the inspiration for the show's name. The monologue emphasizes the importance of developing a personal philosophy and worldview to avoid becoming a "cog-in-the-wheel" within authoritarian systems. Carlwood advocates for a journey of self-discovery through the observation of nature and ancient mythical traditions.

Gary Lachman | Holy Russia, Rudolf Steiner, & Cultural Spirits
• 27:15 - 32:58

Gary Lachman | Holy Russia, Rudolf Steiner, & Cultural Spirits

Russian Philosophy, Materialism, and the Salvific Power of Art

Gary Lachman explains how 19th-century Russian philosophy emerged as a response to the perceived crisis of Western materialism. While Western thought, influenced by John Locke, viewed the mind as a blank slate shaped by senses, Russian writers like Dostoevsky insisted on the reality of the soul. In Russia, art is viewed as having a "salvific" or transformative character—exemplified by religious icons acting as "windows on another world"—rather than being merely for aesthetic entertainment.

materialismjohn lockedostoevskyiconsrussian artmetaphysicsspiritual transformation
John Klyczek | School World Order, Edu-Conditioning, & The Technocracy
• 34:08 - 36:26

John Klyczek | School World Order, Edu-Conditioning, & The Technocracy

Hegelian Philosophy and the State as God

The interview examines Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel's philosophy, which posits that the state is "God marching on Earth." This pantheistic view suggests that truth emerges through contradictions, justifying the merger of corporate and state power as a unified force. Within this framework, the "slave-master" dynamic is viewed as a necessary unity that maintains social order at the expense of individual liberty.

georg wilhelm friedrich hegelpantheismslave master dialecticlogosmetaphysics
John Klyczek | School World Order, Edu-Conditioning, & The Technocracy
• 47:44 - 51:15

John Klyczek | School World Order, Edu-Conditioning, & The Technocracy

Metaphysics and the Rejection of Transhumanist Empiricism

The final solution presented is a return to "consciousness studies" or metaphysics to counter the limitations of radical empiricism. Klyzak argues that without transcendent values like Natural Law or the Logos, humans are reduced to mere biological commodities. By recognizing a priori truths, individuals can establish a moral framework that prevents technology from being used for dehumanizing ends.

Dr. Rick Strassman | DMT Beings, Prophetic State Contact, & Theoneurology
• 19:00 - 25:25

Dr. Rick Strassman | DMT Beings, Prophetic State Contact, & Theoneurology

Theoneurology and Medieval Jewish Metaphysics

Theoneurology is introduced as a framework using medieval Jewish metaphysics to understand divine communication through the human mind. Drawing on Aristotelian divisions of the intellect and imagination, the theory suggests that divine influence is downloaded into the imagination as visions and voices. Dr. Strassman proposes that while DMT may mediate the imaginative content of these states, the prophetic state involves a higher level of intellectual stimulation and interpretation.

theoneurologyaristotlemetaphysicsmaimonidesimagination
Gordon White | Jungle Spirits, Gnostic Times, & Decolonizing Our Ideas
• 59:38 - 1:02:09

Gordon White | Jungle Spirits, Gnostic Times, & Decolonizing Our Ideas

Upcoming Events and Birthday Sign-off

Gordon White promotes his upcoming events, including a "Metaphysics of Desire" workshop with Langston Kahn and a talk on UFOs with Diana Walsh Pasulka at the Guggenheim in New York. Greg Carlwood thanks White for spending his birthday on the show and reflects on their shared journey from having day jobs to their current independent careers.

langston kahndiana walsh pasulkaguggenheimnew yorkmetaphysics of desire
Mark Stavish | Egregores, Magic Thoughts, & Living Ideas
• 3:58 - 8:04

Mark Stavish | Egregores, Magic Thoughts, & Living Ideas

Traditional and Modern Perspectives on Egregores as Social Control

Mark Stavish explains the dual nature of egregores, referencing the Book of Enoch to describe them as spiritual entities linked to humanity via psychic conduits. He contrasts this traditional view with a modern Jungian perspective of collective consciousness. Stavish argues that any group, from religious cults to bowling leagues, creates a collective awareness that functions as a social control mechanism by defining acceptable behavior.

book of enochpsychic conduitcollective consciousnesssocial controlcarl jungmetaphysicalgroup dynamics
Mark Stavish | Egregores, Magic Thoughts, & Living Ideas
• 14:32 - 18:34

Mark Stavish | Egregores, Magic Thoughts, & Living Ideas

Historical Worldviews and the Corporeality of Thought Forms

The conversation shifts to how ancient civilizations, such as Rome, viewed metaphysical battles as literal rather than symbolic. Stavish cites the story of Alexandra David-Neel, who reportedly created a thought form that became visible to others, to illustrate how focused mental energy can create tangible entities. He argues that modern materialism has blinded people to the interconnectedness of the visible and invisible worlds.

ancient romeenochian chessalexandra david-neelthought formsmetaphysicsgolden dawncorporeal