The Smoke Trail S1 Episode 36: Finding Your Edge the Right Way with Jeremiah Boucher
Guest Bio
Jeremiah Boucher is the Founder & CEO of Patriot Holdings, a real estate private equity firm specializing in cycle-resilient commercial real estate. He began his career by cold calling property owners and negotiating deals directly—an operator-first foundation that has scaled into a vertically integrated platform controlling acquisitions through dispositions in-house. Jeremiah personally sourced more than 100 mobile home park acquisitions between 2010–2018, earning recognition as one of the nation’s most active buyers. He also led the expansion of All Purpose Storage into a Top-40 national self-storage operator. His hallmark is off-market origination, acquiring assets at 10–50% below replacement cost, then driving value through operational excellence. He is the author of Finding Your Edge and a sought-after keynote speaker. A two-time marathon finisher and lifelong martial artist, Jeremiah brings the same endurance, focus, and discipline to business as to his personal pursuits. His guiding philosophy: protect the downside, align deeply with investors, and deliver durable long-term returns. Play long-term games with long-term people, and do business with those people again and again.
Setting
Recorded in the inspiring red rock landscape of Sedona, Arizona, with majestic views symbolizing resilience and growth. The serene backdrop aligns with themes of internal journeys and overcoming challenges, fostering an authentic dialogue on entrepreneurship and purpose.
Summary
In this motivating episode, Smoke interviews Jeremiah Boucher, met at Genius Network, about his passionate "why" talk and journey from Vegas origins to real estate success. Jeremiah shares his "quarters" life analogy—dividing experiences into segments like early struggles, building wealth, awakening, and giving back—emphasizing internal growth over external metrics. They discuss mindset shifts, spirituality in business, pain as privilege, leading teams with empathy, and mentoring others. Jeremiah recounts deals, failures, and how consciousness elevates leadership, urging listeners to find their "edge" through purpose and service in chaotic times.
Learnings
Universal Truths
Examples
Smoke Trail Threads
• • References solo questions from Episodes 1-15 on purpose and forgiveness, as pathways to finding one's edge.
Episode 35: False Light - Truth vs. Falsehood: Discernment on the Spiritual Path
Guest Bio
This is a solo episode hosted by Smoke Wallin, the creator of The Smoke Trail. As a former CEO and entrepreneur turned spiritual guide, Smoke draws from his personal awakening journey, blending leadership insights with consciousness practices to help others navigate transformation. Inspired by Sedona's energy and real-life challenges, he shares raw, practical wisdom on integrating mind, body, and spirit for holistic well-being, often referencing tools like David Hawkins' Map of Consciousness for calibration and discernment.
Setting
Filmed in a serene Sedona setting with red rock views evoking clarity and introspection. The peaceful backdrop aligns with the episode's focus on sorting spiritual truth from noise, providing a grounded space for reflective Q&A on discernment amid information overload.
Summary
In this solo Q&A episode, Smoke addresses navigating the spiritual landscape in an era of unlimited information, where truth mixes with noise, marketing, and "false light." He emphasizes using David Hawkins' calibration scale (above 200 for integrity) via muscle testing or pendulums to discern teachings and teachers. Smoke warns of false paths—teachings blending partial truths with untruths or once-high-calibrating leaders who fall due to ego or external forces. He shares personal experiences, urges testing everything (e.g., books, gurus), and highlights how discernment saves time, avoids costly detours, and protects against energetic distortions. The episode stresses integrity, sovereignty, and proactive truth-seeking to elevate consciousness without deception.
Learnings
Universal Truths
Examples
Smoke Trail Threads
Episode 34: The Eagle and the Condor - Jonette Crowley's Mystical Journeys
Guest Bio
Jonette Crowley is a globally known channel, mystic, teacher, and bestselling author, acknowledged as a world elder and known as "Grandmother." She founded the Center for Creative Consciousness in the early 1990s to support humanity's spiritual awakening. As a shaman in the ancient lineage of the Sun and a modern-day mystic, she explores inner planes and maps higher dimensions of consciousness. Her books, The Eagle and the Condor: A True Story of an Unexpected Mystical Journey and Soul Body Fusion: The Missing Piece for Healing and Beyond, are published in 12 languages. Jonette leads retreats and spiritual adventure tours around the world, having visited over 75 countries.
Setting
Recorded in a spectacular Sedona studio overlooking red rock vistas, symbolizing the grounded yet expansive nature of mystical exploration. The breathtaking environment mirrors the episode's themes of path-making and higher consciousness, creating a serene space for profound dialogue.
Summary
In this captivating episode, Smoke interviews Jonette Crowley about her transformation from a leadership consultant to a renowned mystic and channel. Jonette shares her first mystical encounter while backpacking in Australia, where her higher self urged her to "leave your pack here" and "make your path by walking," sparking her psychic abilities. She discusses channeling White Eagle (an American Indian guide) and Mark (a non-human entity), integrating spirituality into corporate work, and leading global retreats to activate ancient sites. They explore rising global consciousness, shifting timelines beyond karma, embodiment through Soul Body Fusion, and the power of thoughts in leadership. The conversation includes a live Soul Body Fusion meditation, emphasizing "being" over "doing" for true manifestation and joy in turbulent times.
Learnings
Universal Truths
Examples
Smoke Trail Threads
Episode 33: Spiritual Heartbeat - Liv Fisch Returns on Principles for Success
Guest Bio
Olivia "Liv" Fisch is a spiritual coach, author, and founder of the Be Human Medicine platform, dedicated to helping people become "human medicine" for themselves and others. Having escaped a high-control religious group in her early 20s, Liv draws from her recovery journey to guide clients through cult recovery, spiritual awakening, and conscious living. Her book, Spiritual Heartbeat: The Ultimate Requirement for Success, outlines 7 spiritual principles for integrating body, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual intelligence. She also developed a mobile app and community for daily practices, assessments, and growth, empowering users to access higher consciousness and "superpowers" like intuition and divine wisdom.
Setting
Recorded in the majestic red rock vistas of Sedona, Arizona, evoking a sense of grounded peace amid discussion of inner transformation. The serene environment contrasts with themes of chaos and recovery, fostering a reflective dialogue with the host's first repeat guest.
Summary
In this return conversation, Smoke welcomes back Liv Fisch to celebrate the launch of her book Spiritual Heartbeat: The Ultimate Requirement for Success and the Be Human Medicine platform. Liv shares how her coaching revealed recurring themes, leading to 7 spiritual principles (e.g., radical living, empowerment, trust) as a foundation for "human medicine"—filling your cup to overflow for others. They explore integrating four intelligences for higher consciousness, building supportive environments, quick recovery from low states, gratitude practices, energy clearing, and committing to habits over mere choices. The episode emphasizes turning awareness into action for personal and collective elevation, with Liv's app offering assessments and tools for daily application.
Learnings
Universal Truths
Examples
Smoke Trail Threads
Assessment: https://www.oliveyahfisch.com/spiritu...
Book: https://a.co/d/bCRmxxV
Episode 32: Neurotheology & Unitive Intelligence - Alissa Allen's Science-Spirit Revolution
Guest Bio
Alissa Allen is a neurotheology thought leader, spiritual health director, and the founder of a pioneering model of care that unites neuroscience, AI, and modern medicine with ancient wisdom and spiritual practice. After years of success as a senior executive in the wellness and technology industries, Alissa experienced a personal reckoning that reshaped her understanding of health and leadership. Beneath the facade of achievement, she faced her own battles with weight, addiction, and mental health—an experience that awakened her conviction that healing must integrate the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of the human experience. Alissa holds a Master’s in Pastoral Care and studied Neurotheology and Spiritual Health at Emory University, where she explored how the brain and spirituality interact to shape resilience, purpose, and meaning. She also earned a Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University, trained in Integrative Wellness and Health Coaching at Duke University, and studied herbalism, ancient medicine, and nutrition at the California College of Ayurvedic Medicine. While at Emory, she founded Tapfer, the first telehealth platform for spiritual direction and chaplaincy care—bridging neuroscience, AI, and faith to redefine how emotional and spiritual care is delivered. Tapfer was recognized by Emory’s Hatchery Center for Innovation, Emory’s Center for AI and Humanity, and named one of the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “Top 25 Startups to Watch.” Alissa has devoted her life to advancing unitive intelligence—the understanding that mind, body, and soul form one integrated field of potential. As a spiritual director and technologist, she builds tools and curricula that bridge modern medicine, ancient remedies, and spiritual health to help people become optimal humans—resilient, aware, and whole. Her mission is both scientific and sacred: to awaken human potential by showing that when science and spirituality unite, they unlock the highest expression of resilience and human flourishing.
https://substack.com/@heyfrienditsalissa
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyfrienditsalissa/
Setting
Recorded outdoors in the breathtaking red rock landscape of Sedona, Arizona, with the natural beauty symbolizing renewal and spiritual awakening. The serene, vacation-like backdrop enhances the discussion on transformation and higher consciousness, though occasional background noises add a raw, authentic touch.
Summary
In this visionary episode, Smoke welcomes Alissa Allen to explore her groundbreaking work in neurotheology and unitive intelligence. They discuss the urgent sea change amid societal chaos—political, cultural, and personal—and how integrating neuroscience, AI, modern medicine, and ancient spiritual practices empowers leaders to reach optimal human potential. Alissa shares her journey from corporate success to personal reckoning with addiction and mental health, leading to the creation of Tapfer and a holistic model of care. The conversation celebrates the confluence of science and spirituality, emphasizing how this integration heals fractures, elevates consciousness, and fosters resilience in turbulent times.
Learnings
Universal Truths
Examples
Smoke Trail Threads
Episode 31: From Addiction to Awakening - Tony Denison's Journey
Guest Bio
Tony Denison (born Anthony John Sarrero on September 20, 1949) is an American actor known for his compelling portrayals of complex characters, often detectives or tough guys. Born in Harlem and raised in Queens to Sicilian parents, he started acting later in life after holding various jobs, including running an illegal gambling club. He gained prominence with roles in "Crime Story" (1986-1988) as Ray Luca, "The Closer" (2005-2012) as Detective Andy Flynn, and its spin-off "Major Crimes" (2012-2018). His film credits include "Getting Gotti" (1994) and others like "Little Vegas" (1990). With over 32 years of sobriety, Tony draws from personal struggles to inspire others, emphasizing spirituality, humility, and love as a verb in his life and work.
Setting
Recorded remotely with Smoke in the spiritually charged landscape of Sedona, Arizona, featuring red rock views that evoke reflection and transformation. The conversation flows naturally, blending personal stories with deep philosophical insights in a relaxed, introspective atmosphere.
Summary
In this candid episode, Smoke chats with actor Tony Denison about his remarkable journey from addiction and hardship to sobriety, success, and spiritual awakening. Tony shares his early acting roles in "Crime Story" and "Getting Gotti," family connections, and collaborations like scripting "Last Stop Coney Island" with Jack Maxwell. He opens up about his rock-bottom moments—running an illegal gambling club, heavy cocaine and alcohol use, and two pivotal sobriety turning points in 1986 and 1993. A divine voice during a full-moon breakdown in 1993 marked his final commitment to recovery. They explore spirituality, consciousness scales, the Bible's metaphors, and universal truths across religions, emphasizing love as a verb, heroism in recovery, and humility. Tony reflects on missing the mark ("sin" as an archery term) and finding inner peace beyond material success.
Learnings
Universal Truths
Examples
Smoke Trail Threads
Episode 30: Spiritual Mission From Success to Soul - Purpose-Driven Leadership with Seth Streeter
Guest Bio
Seth Streeter is a renowned facilitator and visionary purpose coach who helps high-performing leaders and their spouse-partners design deeply fulfilling, purpose-driven lives—beyond traditional success metrics.
As the Chief Impact Officer and co-founder of Mission Wealth, a nationally recognized wealth management firm known for its award-winning culture, Seth brings over two decades of experience guiding CEOs, entrepreneurs, and impact-driven families through life’s most meaningful transitions. Today Mission Wealth manages $13 billion in assets for over 4300 families and is fueled by it’s mission to help families realize true wealth.
Seth has been a thought leader in Life-Centered Planning, helping families expand their definition of wealth beyond financial. He was named one of Worth Magazine’s Top 250 Wealth Advisor’s and one of Real Leaders’ Top 100 Visionary Leaders. His acclaimed TEDx talk, The Untethered Life: Wealth Redefined, has inspired thousands to reimagine success on their own terms.
He has shared stages and retreats with luminaries like Deepak Chopra, Chip Conley, Elizabeth Lombardo, Dan Buettner, and is a sought-after thought-leader and speaker. He’s been featured in Forbes, Barron’s, The Wall Street Journal, to numerous podcasts and serves as faculty for the Modern Elder Academy and the Anya Institute for Human Revolution.
Known for his grounded presence and rare ability to hold space for depth, Seth guides immersive experiences that move people from head to heart—helping them reconnect with what matters most and activate their next chapter with authenticity, clarity, and purpose. His international retreats and leadership programs are award-winning and in high demand. His most recent multiday programs were in Mexico, Bhutan and Canada. Seth passionately leads the Purpose community for YPO, and he resides in Austin, TX.
https://linktr.ee/seth_streeter?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=a2c54cf0-5ce9-426e-b555-0e29be6487ea
TEDTALK: https://youtu.be/qHNhNjNwGVY?si=o8aNy0cGTZbBqEHN
Setting
Recorded in the inspiring landscape of Sedona, with majestic mountains providing a backdrop of natural beauty and tranquility. The serene environment mirrors the episode's themes of reflection, presence, and connection to something greater, fostering an open dialogue on personal evolution. Seth joins from his home base in Austin, TX.
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Smoke interviews longtime friend and YPO colleague Seth Streeter about his shift from conventional business success to a purpose-filled life. Seth shares his "whisper to shout" awakening, catalyzed by divorce, a financial crisis, and a public panic attack, leading him to explore personal growth through books like Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth, retreats, and India trips. He discusses evolving from "push" energy (grinding achievements) to "pull" energy (surrendering to opportunities), like serendipitously speaking alongside Deepak Chopra at Davos. They explore integrating ego and soul, the power of retreats for soul-to-soul connection, and living spiritual truths like oneness and kindness. Seth recounts synchronicities, such as a life-saving cyst incident, while Smoke shares his kundalini awakening in Nepal. The episode highlights bridging material success with spiritual depth, emphasizing presence, listening, and alignment for leaders.
Learnings
Universal Truths
Examples
Smoke Trail Threads
• • References solo questions from Episodes 1-15 on resilience and forgiveness, as pathways to heart-centered living and synchronicity awareness.
Episode 29: Health & Consciousness - Smoke from Denver
Guest Bio
This is a solo episode hosted by Smoke, the creator of The Smoke Trail. As a former CEO and entrepreneur turned spiritual guide, Smoke draws from his personal awakening journey, blending leadership insights with consciousness practices to help others navigate transformation. Inspired by Sedona's energy and real-life challenges, he shares raw, practical wisdom on integrating mind, body, and spirit for holistic well-being.
Setting
Filmed against the backdrop of Denver's vibrant fall colors, this episode captures a reflective moment amid travel. The crisp autumn air symbolizes change and renewal, aligning with themes of health crises as catalysts for awakening. Smoke speaks from a place of vulnerability, emphasizing proactive self-care before tragedy strikes.
Summary
In this heartfelt solo episode, Smoke explores the profound link between health and consciousness, prompted by a close family member's recent stroke and brain bleed. He reflects on how ignoring bodily signals—stemming from past habits like "toughing it out"—leads to energetic blockages and disease. Drawing from personal experiences, including overcoming ailments like gout, high blood pressure, and a severe hemorrhoid through awareness and surrender, Smoke critiques Western medicine's symptom-focused approach. He advocates for raising consciousness to dissolve fractures from trauma, using tools like meditation, journaling, and plant medicines. Referencing David Hawkins' Map of Consciousness, he explains how elevating beyond low-energy states (e.g., fear, shame) fosters natural healing and even miracles. The episode urges listeners to clear stuck energy daily, ask for divine help, and prioritize mindfulness to prevent suffering, turning health challenges into opportunities for growth.
Learnings
Universal Truths
Examples
Smoke Trail Threads
The Smoke Trail S1 E28: Dr. Jere Rivera-Dugenio PhD - "The RASHA": Scalar Energy and Consciousness Expansion
Guest Bio
Dr. Jere Rivera-Dugenio, Ph.D., is a pioneer in wellness and human potential, recognized for his groundbreaking work in quantum morphogenetic physics and scalar morphogenetic energy. His journey was profoundly shaped by a near-death experience in 2000 during a heart attack, where he accessed knowledge of scalar energy—the foundational substrate of light, sound, and electromagnetic forces. This led to the invention of The RASHA®, a scalar-plasma-crystalline sound technology that interacts with intron DNA to unlock human potential, promote cellular resonance, and enhance consciousness coherence. He also developed The RASHA® Dome, a multi-sensory environment for wellness and performance optimization, drawing comparisons to Nikola Tesla's visionary work. Dr. Jere holds a Ph.D. in Natural and Quantum Medicine from the International Quantum University for Integrative Medicine, with additional studies in Genetics and Genomics at Stanford University, History and Philosophy of Science at Seton Hall University, and Pre-Medicine at Drew University. His publications explore topics like 12-Strand DNA Morphogenetic Engineering, scalar energy's role in DNA, consciousness evolution, and solar synthesis. As President of the GC Rivera Foundation, he leads charitable efforts including the 2026 Medical Mission in The Philippines, near to his mother's heart. He founded the BioRegenesis Academy and hosts the "Jere Unfiltered" podcast. Currently, he coaches BKFC World Champion Christine Ferea in her fight camp.
Setting
Recorded remotely with Smoke in Sedona, Arizona, tapping into vortex energies, and Dr. Jere in Las Vegas, Nevada. The conversation feels like a multidimensional deep dive, blending Sedona's spiritual vibe with Vegas' dynamic energy, evoking infinite possibilities in consciousness exploration.
Summary
Smoke welcomes Dr. Jere Rivera-Dugenio, sharing their recent connection via The RASHA® experience in Vegas. Dr. Jere recounts his pivot from a pre-med track in a family of surgeons to quantum innovation after a 2000 near-death experience (NDE) from a drug overdose/heart attack, leading to an out-of-body experience (OBE) and access to the source consciousness field. Without belief filters, he perceived true reality as scalar morphogenetic energy—the unmanifest substrate beyond light/sound. They discuss love as vibrational resonance, the challenge of forgetting our spiritual nature upon incarnation, and how unfiltered awareness allows profound insights. Smoke shares his open-minded awakening, drawing from diverse traditions without dogma. The dialogue explores The RASHA®'s use of base-12 scalar frequencies for DNA activation and consciousness coherence, differing from mechanical 3D tools. Topics include the GC Rivera Foundation's mission in The Philippines, multidimensional frameworks, and optimism for human evolution. The episode closes with gratitude and Dr. Jere's invitation to explore scalar potential.
Learnings
Universal Truths
Examples
Smoke Trail Threads
The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 27 – Commentary on Denial of Evil with Smoke Wallin
Host Bio:
Smoke Wallin is a serial entrepreneur, conscious leader, global M&A deal maker, and host of The Smoke Trailpodcast. Having navigated personal trauma through spiritual awakening, Smoke studies traditions like Buddhism, Christianity, and mysticism. His journey—from childhood challenges to leading global businesses—fuels his mission to share tools, truths, and stories for seekers, blending leadership with spiritual growth to inspire transformation.
Setting:
Recorded in the reflective energy of Sedona, Arizona, where the red rocks’ ancient wisdom amplifies introspection, this solo episode captures Smoke’s contemplative voice addressing a tragic event. The desert’s serene pulse grounds his call for unity and awareness, inviting listeners to confront denial and embrace love in a divided world.
Summary:
In this poignant solo episode, Smoke Wallin offers commentary on the tragic slaughter in Minneapolis, focusing on the collective denial of evil and its enabling effects. Hesitant to diverge from his 99.9% focus on positivity, Smoke feels compelled to address the 0.001%—the horrific act by a low-conscious individual possessed by lower astral energies—and the disturbing responses, such as projecting blame on guns or unrelated issues instead of unifying in prayer and love. He explains that denying evil empowers it, drawing on spiritual truths that lower astrals infect susceptible people, as in Episode 13’s facing evil with love. Smoke urges recognition without counterpoint, noting truth needs no defense while falsehoods self-destruct through karma. For families and seekers, he advocates compassion, prayer, and commitment to higher consciousness as a counterforce, emphasizing that love and light dissolve darkness without confrontation. Infused with Sedona’s grounding energy, this episode calls listeners to awaken to evil’s reality while choosing love for healing and unity.
Learnings:
Universal Truths:
Examples:
Smoke Trail Threads:
• • Healing (Episodes 2, 8, 10, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22): Smoke’s unity call echoes Sarah Fruehling’s EMDR, Liv Fisch’s human medicine, Dani Brooks’ coherence, Mark Walker’s regenerative living, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s hairballs.
Episode 26: Susan Hassen - Quantum Sphere Healing: Accessing the Infinite for Transformation
Guest Bio
Susan Hassen is a quantum and shamanic practitioner specializing in higher-dimensional healing. With over ten years of experience working in the quantum field, Susan teaches master classes on accessing the quantum for self-healing, connecting with the Higher Self, and the evolution of consciousness. She is also a published author and spiritual teacher who is known for guiding her following through energetic activations and spiritual awakenings.
Setting
Recorded remotely with Smoke in Sedona, Arizona, channeling the vortex energy from their shared retreat, and Susan from her space. The dialogue unfolds like a cosmic reunion, blending Sedona's high-vibrational essence with practical insights on inner worlds, evoking a sense of infinite possibilities.
Summary
Smoke reconnects with Susan Hassen from their Sedona retreat, diving into quantum sphere healing—a blend of shamanic practices and sound technology to access the 5th dimension and higher self for root-cause resolution. Susan explains tracking issues like anxiety to trapped emotions, inner child wounds, past lives, or soul fragmentation via the quantum field. She shares her awakening from law school "normie" life via an alien encounter, health crises, and shamanic training, emphasizing empowerment over intermediaries. They discuss overcoming ailments by addressing spiritual/mental origins, reprogramming the subconscious, Gurdjieff's shocks as growth infusions, and collective shifts where healed individuals ripple positivity. Topics include energy fields in media, non-resistance to dissolve pain, and optimism amid chaos as suppressed shadows surface for transmutation. The episode closes with gratitude, tools for self-healing, and Susan's sign-off: "Infinite love and gratitude."
Learnings
Universal Truths
Examples
Smoke Trail Threads
Guest Bio
Andrew Lobo, known as Lobo, is a consultant specializing in strategy and organizational transformation. A CPA (non-practicing) with an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Vanderbilt University (with honors), Andrew brings over 25 years of combined practitioner and consulting experience in human resources leadership, operations, strategy, finance, and marketing. His global background includes advising clients and delivering projects on six continents, from S&P 50 companies with over 100,000 employees to mid-cap firms, small businesses, and startups. As CHRO for two private equity-backed companies, he drove people-centered transformations before launching his own consulting firm. Industry experience spans Consumer Packaged Goods, Retail, Real Estate, Chemicals, Healthcare, Technology, and Education Services. An expert facilitator, Andrew has led workshops worldwide, from 4-hour sessions to 3-day retreats with 4 to 40 participants. Notable achievements include leading a transformative strategy for a $3.4 billion company, boosting its stock price from $19 to $37 in 18 months, and driving a people-centric operational overhaul that increased sales by 20%, EBITDA by 300%, and market cap by 300%. He has also raised $55 million in capital and developed business plans and cash flow models. Andrew holds a BS with honors in Accounting from St. Peter’s University and dual UK/USA passports.
Setting
Recorded remotely with Smoke in Sedona, Arizona, fresh from a mindful hike appreciating nature's beauty, and Lobo in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. The conversation feels like a relaxed reunion of old business school classmates, blending entrepreneurial nostalgia with Sedona's grounding energy, evoking themes of progress, gratitude, and life's deeper questions.
Summary
Smoke reunites with longtime friend and Vanderbilt classmate Andrew Lobo, reflecting on their 34-year bond sparked by the alcohol industry and shared entrepreneurial ventures like eSky. Lobo shares his journey from Pakistani Christian roots in the UK to US immigration, building a "talent stack" starting with accounting (CPA), pivoting via business school to strategy consulting, marketing, HR at Coca-Cola, and CHRO roles in PE-backed firms. They discuss questioning orthodoxy (e.g., college ROI in the AI era), debate as progress not victory, corporate idiocy (inspired by Dilbert), and AI's overhyped/undervalued impacts. Lobo emphasizes gratitude as a happiness equation (happiness = consumption / desire), defining success as maximizing days excited for work (achieving ~80%), and Stoic calm amid triumphs/disasters. Topics include mindfulness (turning off the mind for sleep), filtering inputs, earning disrespect not respect, and distinguishing confidence from arrogance. Smoke ties in spiritual lenses like thought forms, David Hawkins' consciousness levels, non-attachment, and presence to avoid anxiety/depression. The episode ends with Lobo's tips for gratitude (write daily lists) and optimism for awakening leaders.
Learnings
Universal Truths
Examples
Smoke Trail Threads
• • Reinforces The Smoke Trail’s Guide To Raising Consciousness for Leaders with mindset shifts (non-attachment, presence) and tools (debate, filtering inputs).
Episode 24: Sarah Elkhaldy - The Alchemist: Integrating Consciousness in the Modern World
Guest Bio
Sarah Elkhaldy, known as The Alchemist on YouTube, offers higher-dimensional guidance through spiritual awakenings. Highly claircognizant, her intuitive abilities and deep insights into the nature of reality create energetic transmissions that activate her audience on a soul level. Her videos are renowned for requiring multiple viewings to fully absorb their profound wisdom. Widely recognized as a leader in spirituality and the esoteric arts, Sarah's work bridges the higher with the lower, the outer world with the inner world. With an online community of hundreds of thousands of awakening souls, she assists humanity's evolution.
- YouTube: @officialthealchemist
- Energy Healing: alchemicalenergyhealing.com
- Instagram: @the.alchemist
- Community: thealchemist.community
- Gaia Show: Mystery Teachings with Sarah Elkhaldy (via Gaia.com)
Setting
Recorded remotely with Smoke joining from Milan, Italy, at 3 AM local time (still on West Coast vibes after a last-minute flight), and Sarah from Southern California. The conversation flows like a late-night spiritual deep dive, blending Sedona's energetic retreat memories with Milan's worldly hustle, emphasizing the integration of awakening into everyday life.
Summary
Smoke welcomes Sarah Elkhaldy, reflecting on their Sedona retreat connection and how her teachings provided a framework for his own awakening experiences. Smoke shares his entrepreneurial background, M&A work helping founders transition amid personal awakenings, and his journey from a "blank slate" to integrating consciousness with the physical world. They discuss soul retrieval, fragmentation from trauma, inner child healing through awareness, and the obscure "in-between" spaces of spiritual growth. Sarah explains her evolution from scripted content to unscripted insights on nihilistic depression and matrix disconnection. The dialogue explores Gurdjieff's Fourth Way, Enneagram shocks as energetic infusions (not just dark nights), natural law, subtle vs. gross energies, and the fun of embodying characters while staying aware. They touch on plant medicine's role in jarring the ego, paths like Jnana (knowledge), and pitching consciousness to leaders. The episode closes with gratitude, humor about Jehovah's Witnesses, and Sarah's sign-off: "Infinite love and gratitude."
Learnings
- **Soul Retrieval and Integration**: Prepare the body and energy field for retrieving fragmented soul aspects; dissociation hinders full embodiment, requiring grounding like roots in soil.
- **Inner Child and Awareness**: Sitting with pain or shadows without resistance dissolves them—consciousness withstands nothing when fully present.
- **Gross vs. Subtle Energies**: Master emotional and mental "gross energies" to perceive subtler ones; unchecked reactions keep us mechanical and animalistic.
- **Shocks in Awakening**: In Gurdjieff's Enneagram, shocks are external energies propelling transformation, not just crises—think Zen masters disrupting habits for ego destabilization.
- **Bridging Worlds**: Integrate spirituality into "real" life (e.g., business negotiations) by creating space between stimulus and response, turning leaders into conscious pillars.
- **Paths Vary**: Awakening isn't one-size-fits-all—plant medicine, knowledge (Jnana), or tough love all serve, but respect others' journeys without judgment.
Universal Truths
- Consciousness integration is the era's challenge: Be in the world but not of it, embodying finer energies amid physical distractions.
- Awareness transforms: Nothing withstands sustained, non-resistant presence—shadows, traumas, and egos dissolve under its light.
- Fragmentation is common: Trauma causes soul loss, but retrieval invites wholeness when we're open vessels.
- Reality is fractal and limited: Our perceptual bandwidth is narrow for a reason—focus on reconfiguring what's accessible rather than grasping everything.
- Waves of Awakening: Humanity evolves in ripples, with early wavers guiding later ones, shifting roles as passions align.
Examples
- Smoke's soul retrieval in a plant medicine ceremony: After childhood trauma and compartmentalization, forgiving and opening invited his soul back, feeling God's presence—echoing Ivan Rados' teachings.
- Sarah's shamanic preparation: Three sessions to ready her body for soul integration, avoiding incomplete retrieval due to dissociation.
- Zen Shock Moment: Thomas Merton's awakening during a tea ceremony when the master abruptly gulped his tea, shattering formal expectations to reveal "no one path."
- Mark Gober's Natural Law: Sarah repackages aggressive teachings positively to reduce resistance, honoring the call for broader dissemination.
- Times Square Observation: Smoke stays peaceful amid chaos, witnessing mechanical behaviors as a "science experiment," embodying contemplative presence.
Smoke Trail Threads
- Connects to Episode 11 (Ivan Rados) on soul loss/retrieval and consciousness as health—Smoke references Ivan's book for framing his experience.
- Echoes Episode 10 (Dani Brooks) on trauma healing and heart-mind coherence, expanding to inner child work and non-resistance.
- Builds on Episode 22 (Mark E. Walker) and Episode 23 (Robert Vera) by blending faith-driven innovation with esoteric arts like Gurdjieff's Fourth Way.
- Ties to Episode 20 (Solo on Gratitude/Journaling) and Episode 21 (Solo on Empathy vs. Compassion) through practical integration of awareness in business/leadership.
- Aligns with the Consciousness Guide's mindset shifts and spiritual practices, emphasizing subtle energies, non-attachment, and transcending polarities.
The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 23 – Waking Up at Grand Canyon University with Robert Vera: Faith, Innovation, and Student Startups
Guest Bio:
Robert Vera is the Founding Director of Canyon Ventures Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Grand Canyon University (GCU), where he empowers student and community founders to transform visions into thriving businesses. Under his leadership since 2019, the center has accelerated over 40 startups and exited seven into the Phoenix market, valued at over $200 million. A 2024 City of Phoenix Mayor’s Export Champion and 2025 Phoenix Business Journal Red Blazer Award recipient, Robert teaches entrepreneurship at GCU, internationally at the University of Antioquia in Medellín, Colombia, and through Peoria, Arizona’s community program. He co-created the STAR® model for corporate innovation and Founders Forum for emerging entrepreneurs. Robert’s career spans U.S. Senate service, corporate finance, and a health-tech startup exit. A bestselling author of A Warrior’s Faith and co-author of Perfectly Wounded, he highlights resilience through stories of Navy SEALs. A Boston College walk-on football player (Hall of Fame Bowl Champion), multiple Ironman finisher, and Grand Canyon trek leader, Robert holds a B.A. from Boston College, an MBA from GCU, and is completing his Ph.D. This episode also features student entrepreneurs Lucas (Powder Pal), Nick (Hoolist), and others, showcasing faith-driven innovation.
Setting:
Recorded at Grand Canyon University’s Canyon Ventures Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Phoenix, Arizona, where open workspaces buzz with student startups and collaborative energy, this episode captures Smoke Wallin’s enthusiastic dialogue with Robert Vera and three young founders. The center’s innovative vibe—blending faith, grit, and entrepreneurial spirit—creates a sacred space for awakening potential, set against Phoenix’s dynamic metro backdrop.
Summary:
Smoke Wallin visits Grand Canyon University’s Canyon Ventures, interviewing Founding Director Robert Vera and three student entrepreneurs to explore faith-based innovation and conscious leadership. Robert shares his journey from U.S. Senate service and corporate finance to creating Canyon Ventures in 2019, starting with an empty room and no budget, building an ecosystem where students gain paid experience supporting startups. He emphasizes entrepreneurs as “faith-filled misfits” betting on visions from a higher power, fostering an “unfair advantage” through professional networks and hope as “abundance of options,” as in Episode 19’s collective genius. Smoke chats with Lucas of Powder Pal, a dissolvable collagen supplement born from his golf performance anxiety, scaling to $160K in six months via TikTok Live. Nick of Hoolist describes his vagus nerve stimulator for panic attacks, evolving from engineering research to hands-free headphones and GABA supplements, helping athletes and high-performers. The episode highlights GCU’s abundance mindset, where failures teach winning, and spiritual alignment fuels success, inspiring listeners to harness collective hope for transformative impact.
Learnings:
Universal Truths:
Examples:
Smoke Trail Threads:
• • Healing (Episodes 2, 8, 10, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22): Nick’s vagus stimulation aligns with Sarah Fruehling’s EMDR, Liv Fisch’s human medicine, Dani Brooks’ coherence, Mark Walker’s regenerative living, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s hairballs.
The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 22 – From Comfort LA to Jamaica Vibes with Mark E. Walker
Guest Bio:
Mark E. Walker is a Jamaican-born entrepreneur and conscious leader who transitioned from running Comfort LA, an organic soul food empire in Los Angeles, to creating a healing retreat in Jamaica. Known as the “Chicken Man” for his health-conscious wings and juices, Mark served celebrities like LeBron James and Oprah while building a vibrant team culture. After a throat cancer diagnosis, he shifted to a slower, intentional life in Jamaica, renovating a cliffside villa to offer authentic, healing experiences. A natural bodybuilder and advocate for regenerative farming, Mark’s journey embodies resilience and high-vibrational living, rooted in his Jamaican heritage and family values.
Setting:
Recorded in the radiant energy of Sedona, Arizona, where the red rocks’ spiritual hum meets the warmth of a long-time friendship, this episode captures Smoke Wallin and Mark E. Walker indoors due to Sedona’s summer heat. Their vibrant dialogue, infused with the island vibes of Mark’s Jamaican home, creates a sacred space for sharing stories of transformation and high-vibrational healing.
Summary:
Smoke Wallin welcomes his friend Mark E. Walker, met over a decade ago at an entrepreneurial boot camp, to share his journey from Comfort LA’s bustling restaurant scene to a healing oasis in Jamaica. Mark recounts running an organic soul food empire, serving NBA stars and celebrities, until a throat cancer diagnosis forced a pause. Choosing not to tell family to preserve his energy, Mark drew on a prior year advocating for a friend’s cancer treatment, preparing him to face his own with a positive mindset, as in Episode 17’s intentionality. His pre-treatment visit to Jamaica’s Bath Fountain, a healing spring, and post-treatment move to a cliffside villa reflect a shift to regenerative living, growing soursop and guava to nourish body and soul, echoing Episode 20’s gratitude practices. Mark and Smoke discuss the power of language—avoiding “I have cancer” to maintain high vibration, per Episode 21’s compassion pivot—and intentionality in rejecting societal conditioning, as in Episode 15’s affirmations. Mark’s Rastafarian-inspired focus on “vibes” aligns with Episode 18’s love conquering all, emphasizing that high-vibrational living resists disease. This episode, steeped in Sedona’s clarity and Jamaica’s rhythm, inspires listeners to embrace intentional, healing choices for personal and collective growth.
Learnings:
- **Intentionality Heals**: Mark’s choice to focus energy inward during cancer treatment, per Episode 17’s retreat, preserved his vibration.
- **Language Shapes Reality**: Avoiding negative labels, like “I have cancer,” maintains high vibration, echoing Episode 21’s words matter.
- **Regenerative Living Restores**: Growing food with intention, as Mark does, heals body and soul, per Episode 20’s clean-up.
- **High Vibration Resists Disease**: Positive mindset and environment, as in Episode 11’s consciousness, reduce illness susceptibility.
- **Pause Creates Clarity**: Stepping back, as Mark did, aligns with Episode 16’s presence, enabling purposeful choices.
Universal Truths:
- Vibration is Health: High-vibrational living restores ease, per Episode 11’s consciousness as health.
- Words Manifest Reality Intentional language shapes outcomes, as in Episode 15’s affirmations.
- Nature Heals: Immersing in natural environments, per Episode 20’s gratitude, elevates vibration.
- Intention is Power: Choosing one’s path, as in Episode 17’s intentionality, drives transformation.
- Love Unites: High vibes, like Episode 18’s love, connect us to divinity and others.
Examples:
- Bath Fountain Healing: Mark’s visit to Jamaica’s healing spring, per Episode 15’s synchronicity, set his recovery intention.
- Positive Mindset: Mark’s refusal to label cancer as “his,” as in Episode 21’s compassion, sustained his vibration.
- Jamaica Villa: Mark’s regenerative farming, growing soursop, echoes Episode 20’s gratitude for nature’s nourishment.
- Advocating for a Friend: Mark’s year supporting a friend’s cancer journey, per Episode 17’s holding space, prepared his resilience.
- Rasta Vibes: Mark’s “high vibes” philosophy, inspired by Rastafarian wisdom, aligns with Episode 18’s love conquering all.
Smoke Trail Threads:
- Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21) Mark’s high-vibrational living ties to Smoke’s awakening, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, Chris Clements’ action, Rob Follows’ intentionality, Rob Hersov’s love, Dave Garrison’s genius, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s tools.
- Healing (Episodes 2, 8, 10, 16, 17, 20, 21): Mark’s recovery aligns with Sarah Fruehling’s EMDR, Liv Fisch’s human medicine, Dani Brooks’ coherence, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s hairballs.
- Presence (Episodes 2, 3, 8, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21): Mark’s intentional pause echoes Sarah Fruehling’s breathwork, Jack Maxwell’s living now, Liv Fisch’s holding space, Rob Follows’ meditation, Dave Garrison’s curiosity, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s calm.
- Gratitude (Episodes 9, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21): Mark’s positive mindset connects to Steve Hershberger’s gratitude, Rob Follows’ affirmations, and Episodes 16-17, 20-21’s vibration shift.
- Leadership (Episodes 4, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19): Mark’s intentional living ties to Michael Brabant’s safe workplaces, Justin Breen’s vulnerability, Elizabeth Funk’s empowerment, Rob Follows’ significance, Rob Hersov’s advocacy, Dave Garrison’s alignment, and Episodes 16-17’s conscious leadership.
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The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 21 – Empathy vs. Compassion
Host Bio:
Smoke Wallin is a serial entrepreneur, conscious leader, global M&A deal maker, and host of The Smoke Trail podcast. Having navigated personal trauma through spiritual awakening, Smoke studies traditions like Buddhism, Christianity, and mysticism. His journey—from childhood challenges to leading global businesses—fuels his mission to share tools, truths, and stories for seekers, blending leadership with spiritual growth to inspire transformation.
Setting:
Recorded in the serene embrace of Sedona, Arizona, where the red rocks radiate spiritual clarity, this solo episode captures Smoke’s reflective voice after an impromptu gathering with friends. The desert’s quiet energy, infused with the warmth of recent conversations, grounds his insights on empathy and compassion, inviting listeners to deepen their consciousness journey.
Summary:
In this solo episode, Smoke Wallin explores the pivotal distinction between empathy and compassion, sparked by a dinner conversation in Sedona about a friend facing negative energy from an ex. Drawing from the friend’s highly empathic nature, Smoke explains how empathy—feeling another’s pain—can lower one’s vibration by matching their negative state, often harming the empath more than helping. Compassion, however, involves understanding and holding space without absorbing negativity, maintaining a high vibrational state of love, as in Episode 17’s heart-centered leadership. Smoke offers practical tools to protect one’s energy field: nightly journaling to clear emotional “hairballs,” as in Episode 20, and gratitude practices to sustain high vibration, per Episode 15’s affirmations. He emphasizes that our natural state is bliss and perfect health, achievable by clearing debris—negative thoughts and emotions—through conscious practices, echoing Episode 11’s consciousness as health. By pivoting from empathy to compassion, we avoid perpetuating negativity and help others heal faster, as in Episode 8’s “humans as medicine.” Infused with Sedona’s radiant clarity, this episode empowers listeners to lead and live with love, raising their vibration for personal and collective growth.
Learnings:
Universal Truths:
Examples:
Smoke Trail Threads:
• • Leadership (Episodes 4, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19): Smoke’s compassionate leadership ties to Michael Brabant’s safe workplaces, Justin Breen’s vulnerability, Elizabeth Funk’s empowerment, Rob Follows’ significance, Rob Hersov’s advocacy, Dave Garrison’s alignment, and Episodes 16-17’s conscious leadership.
The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 20 – Changing Your Trajectory with Smoke Wallin
Host Bio:
Smoke Wallin is a serial entrepreneur, conscious leader, global M&A deal maker, and host of The Smoke Trail podcast. Having navigated personal trauma through spiritual awakening, Smoke studies traditions like Buddhism, Christianity, and mysticism. His journey—from childhood challenges to leading global businesses—fuels his mission to share tools, truths, and stories for seekers, blending leadership with spiritual growth to inspire transformation.
Setting:
Recorded in the breathtaking embrace of Beaver Creek, Colorado, with the Rockies’ majestic peaks as a backdrop, this solo episode captures Smoke’s reflective voice fresh from a transformative two-day workshop with by Gaia with Dr. Ibrahim Karim on Biogeometry near Boulder (https://www.biogeometry.ca/dr-ibrahim-karim). The mountain air and vibrant energy of summer infuse his words with clarity, inviting listeners to shift their life’s trajectory through conscious practices.
Summary:
In this solo episode, Smoke Wallin shares tools to change one’s daily trajectory, inspired by a conversation with a struggling worker at Pazzo’s Pizza in Avon, Colorado. Reflecting on his recent workshop with Dr. Karim, Smoke explores how negative morning thoughts cascade into a downward spiral, driven by ego-mind focus on past regrets or future anxieties. He offers practical strategies to break this cycle: noticing negative thoughts, swiping them away (per Episode 10’s analogy), and replacing them with gratitude to align with higher consciousness, as taught by Ivan Rados in Episode 11. Smoke emphasizes daily “clean-up” practices—journaling at night to release regrets, as in Episode 16, and saying “thank you” to shift vibration, per Episode 17’s retreat insights. These habits, rooted in the “grow up, clean up, wake up” framework, prevent emotional “hairballs” from manifesting as dis-ease, aligning with Episode 15’s health-consciousness link. Smoke cites James Allen’s *As a Man Thinketh*, underscoring that thoughts shape reality, a truth echoed in Episode 18’s love conquering all. Infused with the Rockies’ serene power, this episode empowers listeners to raise their vibration for joy and impact.
Learnings:
- Notice Negative Thoughts: Recognizing unwanted thoughts creates separation, stopping their momentum, as in Episode 16’s mindfulness.
- Gratitude Shifts Vibration: Saying “thank you” or journaling gratitude aligns with higher consciousness, per Episode 15’s affirmations.
- Nightly Journaling Clears: Writing and releasing daily regrets prevents subconscious buildup, echoing Episode 17’s healing.
- Consciousness Shapes Reality: Thoughts drive outcomes, as James Allen teaches, aligning with Episode 18’s love.
- Daily Clean-Up Heals: Clearing emotional energies nightly fosters perfect health, per Episode 11’s consciousness as health.
Universal Truths:
- Thoughts Create Reality: Positive thoughts, like gratitude, manifest joy, as in Episode 15’s intentionality.
- Consciousness is Health: Clearing “hairballs” restores ease, per Episode 17’s collective healing.
- Presence Breaks Cycles: Noticing thoughts, as in Episode 16’s presence, halts negative spirals.
- Love Elevates: Gratitude and love raise vibration, echoing Episode 13’s love over evil.
- We Are Infinite: Releasing limiting thoughts reveals our divine nature, per Episode 1’s awakening.
Examples:
- Pazzo’s Pizza Encounter: Smoke’s talk with a worker about negative mornings inspired this episode, reflecting Episode 17’s heart-centered listening.
- Gratitude Practice: Smoke’s habit of saying “thank you,” learned from Ivan Rados, shifted his daily vibe, as in Episode 11.
- Nightly Journaling: Smoke’s practice of releasing daily regrets, as in Episode 16, cleared his subconscious for better mornings.
- Biogeometry Workshop: Dr. Karim’s teachings on life force energy, attended by Smoke, reinforced Episode 15’s health-consciousness link.
- James Allen’s Wisdom: Smoke’s reference to *As a Man Thinketh* echoes Episode 18’s truth that love shapes reality.
Smoke Trail Threads:
- Consciousness (Episodes 1, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)**: Smoke’s trajectory shift ties to his awakening, Steve Hershberger’s map, Ivan Rados’ health, Chris Clements’ action, Rob Follows’ intentionality, Rob Hersov’s love, Dave Garrison’s genius, and Q&As in 16-17.
- Healing (Episodes 2, 8, 10, 16, 17): Smoke’s clean-up aligns with Sarah Fruehling’s EMDR, Liv Fisch’s human medicine, Dani Brooks’ coherence, and Episodes 16-17’s hairballs.
- Presence (Episodes 2, 3, 8, 15, 16, 17, 19): Smoke’s noticing thoughts echoes Sarah Fruehling’s breathwork, Jack Maxwell’s living now, Liv Fisch’s holding space, Rob Follows’ meditation, Dave Garrison’s curiosity, and Episodes 16-17’s calm.
- Gratitude (Episodes 9, 15, 16, 17): Smoke’s gratitude practice connects to Steve Hershberger’s gratitude, Rob Follows’ affirmations, and Episodes 16-17’s vibration shift.
- Leadership (Episodes 4, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19): Smoke’s daily practices tie to Michael Brabant’s safe workplaces, Justin Breen’s vulnerability, Elizabeth Funk’s empowerment, Rob Follows’ significance, Rob Hersov’s advocacy, Dave Garrison’s alignment, and Episodes 16-17’s conscious leadership.
The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 19 – Unleashing Collective Genius: The Buy-In Advantage with Dave Garrison
Guest Bio:
Dave Garrison, Chief Engagement Officer of GarrisonGrowth, is a visionary leader and trusted advisor who enhances client profitability and satisfaction by fostering team alignment and motivation. As a former CEO at the forefront of the mobile internet revolution, Dave brings a unique perspective, informed by his roles as an independent board member across numerous organizations, including Ameritrade, where he mentored the CEO to drive billions in shareholder value. Quoted in The New York Times, USA Today, and Financial Times, and featured on CNBC, CNN, and Bloomberg TV, Dave has presented at high-profile events like FiRE, CES, and YPO’s Annual General Meeting. A YPO member, he serves on its Leadership Development Network as incoming Chair and has held roles on various committees. His book, The Buy-In Advantage, distills proven techniques for collective genius, aligning energy, strategy, and individuals for transformative outcomes.
Setting:
Recorded in the vibrant synergy of Sedona, Arizona, where Smoke’s red rock sanctuary meets Dave Garrison’s dynamic presence via virtual connection, this episode pulses with the energy of long-time friends reuniting. Set against Sedona’s spiritual vortex, their dialogue weaves leadership and consciousness, inviting listeners to a fireside chat of wisdom and heart in a desert glow.
Summary:
Smoke Wallin welcomes his dear friend Dave Garrison to explore leadership and consciousness through the lens of Dave’s new book, The Buy-In Advantage. Reflecting on their decades-long friendship, Smoke praises Dave’s innate ability to foster engagement, now crystallized in his framework for collective genius. Dave shares how curiosity over judgment unlocks team potential, emphasizing that “all of us are smarter than any of us,” a principle rooted in dropping ego-driven answers, as Smoke connects to his non-judgmental stance in Episode 16. They discuss aligning teams through open questions, validating emotions without reactive responses, and fostering horizontal synergy, drawing from Dave’s experience with venture-backed firms where people-first strategies were undervalued, unlike CHG Healthcare’s success in Episode 7’s resilience. Dave’s “get-on-board” questions, inspired by YPO forums, build vulnerability in small groups, mirroring Episode 17’s retreat healing. Smoke ties Dave’s heart-led approach to David Hawkins’ Power vs. Force, advocating heart-mind coherence for intuitive leadership, as in Episode 15’s affirmations. Dave’s writing process, channeling wisdom at dawn, echoes Episode 11’s quiet mind, revealing universal truths like collective genius through curiosity. This episode, infused with Sedona’s clarity, inspires leaders to harness team wisdom for transformative impact.
Learnings:
Universal Truths:
Examples:
Smoke Trail Threads:
• • Healing (Episodes 2, 8, 10, 16, 17): Dave’s validation links to Sarah Fruehling’s EMDR, Liv Fisch’s human medicine, Dani Brooks’ coherence, and Episodes 16-17’s hairballs.
The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 18 – Waking Up in South Africa with Rob Hersov: Love Conquers All
Guest Bio:
Robert Hersov, 64, is a South African/UK entrepreneur and private investor based in Cape Town, with a career spanning over 30 years in the US, Europe, and the UK. Grandson of AngloVaal founder Bob Hersov and son of its former leader Basil Hersov, Rob worked at Goldman Sachs, served as Rupert Murdoch’s chief of staff at News Corp, sat on Richemont’s main board, and was CEO of Telepiu in Milan. He founded Marquis Jet Europe, sold to Berkshire Hathaway, and co-founded ventures like RSA.aero, Norrsken22, LYRA, BitMach, Africa Padel, and Pacific Padel New Zealand. A graduate of the University of Cape Town (B.Bus.Sci.) and Harvard Business School (MBA ’89), Rob served as an infantry officer in the SADF. Known for his bold stance against corruption, he speaks out against South Africa’s ANC government, earning a large following for his statement “Voetsek ANC.” Married to Dr. Kate Hersov, a gifted healer, he has four children and champions truth and love as transformative forces.
Setting:
Recorded across continents, with Smoke in Sedona’s red rock embrace and Rob in Cape Town’s magical glow, this episode bridges Arizona’s spiritual vortex with South Africa’s vibrant pulse. The virtual connection hums with warmth, as old friends reconnect to explore consciousness amidst the world’s complexities, set against a backdrop of mountains and oceans.
Summary:
Smoke Wallin welcomes Rob Hersov, a longtime friend and South African entrepreneur, to reflect on their parallel journeys from the dot-com era’s highs and lows to awakening consciousness. Recalling their collaboration during the 2000s tech boom—Rob raising $100M for Sportal, Smoke $60M for eSkye—they share lessons of humility from the crash, finding resilience in Rudyard Kipling’s If. Rob, now a vocal advocate against South Africa’s ANC government, discusses his viral 2020 speech exposing corruption, facing death threats yet gaining support from everyday citizens, inspired by his father’s pride and the poem The Man in the Glass. He credits his wife Kate’s intuitive healing—diagnosing ailments remotely, as in Episode 15’s synchronicities—for guiding him, like her advice to avoid a Piers Morgan panel. Smoke and Rob explore Stoicism, with Marcus Aurelius as a beacon of disciplined love, and Christian Science’s tenet that “God is love,” aligning with Meister Eckhart’s view of divinity within. Rob’s minimalism, sparked by Kate’s wisdom, frees him from possessions, echoing Episode 16’s clarity through journaling. Their dialogue culminates in a vision for South Africa’s healing through love, a logarithmic force that conquers fear, as Smoke affirms in Episode 17’s collective healing. This episode, vibrant with transcontinental energy, inspires leaders to lead with heart and truth.
Learnings:
Universal Truths:
Examples:
Smoke Trail Threads:
The Smoke Trail: Season 1, Episode 17 – Audience Q&A 2.0 with Smoke Wallin
Host Bio:
Smoke Wallin is a serial entrepreneur, conscious leader, global M&A deal maker, and host of The Smoke Trail podcast. Having navigated personal trauma through spiritual awakening, Smoke studies traditions like Buddhism, Christianity, and mysticism. His journey—from childhood challenges to leading global businesses—fuels his mission to share tools, truths, and stories for seekers, blending leadership with spiritual growth to inspire transformation.
Setting:
Recorded in a serene hotel room in Vancouver, British Columbia, overlooking a glorious cityscape, this solo episode captures Smoke’s reflective voice fresh from Ivan Rados’s Wild Zen Retreat on Bowen Island. The lush, rain-kissed forest of the retreat lingers in his words, infusing the Q&A with a profound sense of healing and connection, inviting listeners to deepen their consciousness journey.
Summary:
In this second Q&A episode, Smoke Wallin answers audience questions from global YPO talks and the first 15 episodes, enriched by insights from Ivan Rados’s Wild Zen Retreat on Bowen Island, where he served as an “angel” holding space for men confronting their shadows. On clearing emotional blockages, Smoke emphasizes the power of intention, sharing how retreat participants bravely faced unresolved “hairballs” through modalities like energy clearing and contextual reflection, enhancing leadership by integrating shadows for higher perspective. Addressing intentionality in leadership, he explains how heart-centered presence aligns actions with higher purpose, enabling leaders to notice subtle signals and empower teams. For staying present under stress, Smoke offers a practical breathing exercise to create a gap between stimulus and response, ensuring calm, effective decisions in conflicts or high-pressure meetings. On vulnerability in leadership, he redefines it as strength, sharing his journey of overcoming heavy drinking to connect authentically with others, reducing team resistance and fostering teachability. Infused with the retreat’s healing energy, this episode empowers listeners to apply these tools for personal growth and collective impact.
Learnings:
Universal Truths:
Examples:
Smoke Trail Threads: