A movie review podcast that discusses the good, the bad, and the savage of cinema. Hosted by Adam Mizner and Laura Herlocher.
…
continue reading
Damo Mitchell and friends discussing various aspects of the martial, medical and spiritual arts of the East as well as life in general. Sometimes serious, sometimes not so much, always rambling; the Damo Mitchell Podcast is for those interested in discussion of the inner arts of all kinds. Damo’s main website: http://www.lotusneigong.com Online training with Damo: http://www.damomitchell.com
…
continue reading
Damo Mitchell in the forests of Sweden, chatting about the recent explosion of poor mental health which resulted from the Covid era. He looks at the nature of believing ones own mind as well as how extreme visualisation within the internal arts may contribute to a loss of sense of reality. The main section of the podcast talks about the difference …
…
continue reading
A podcast (as requested) on the topic of Baguazhang and the underlying principles of the system. Damo Mitchell discusses the similarities and differences between Baguazhang and Taijiquan. Further discussion then looks at the following principles of Baguazhang training: - Yi and Qi - The Baguazhang body - Static postures - Circle walking - Common er…
…
continue reading
A very niche podcast here. This one is looking at the quality of touch in Taijiquan pushing hands. Damo discusses the difference between 'grappling' style push hands and 'subtle Qi type' push hands practice. The mechanics behind pushing hands and the internal arts in general are looked at as well as the nature of Qi within these arts, the place of …
…
continue reading
Damo Mitchell discussing the phenomenon of 'speaking in tongues' which is commonplace within many Christian traditions but also within Qi Gong and Nei Dan schools. He discusses the nature of religion, his own approach to religious practice, the idea of attachment and the necessity for recognising transience when approaching the spiritual path. Anot…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #41 - The Pain of Spiritual Awakening!
1:06:07
1:06:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:07
Damo Mitchell doing a late night podcast on the idea that 'a spiritual awakening is a painful and chaotic process'. Damo explores this idea and explains why he doesn't see this as an accurate statement as the suffering is unrelated to the awakening process itself. He also looks at the nature of suffering when on the internal path, the nature of 'go…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #40 - Semen Retention & Sexual Qi Gong
58:17
58:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:17
Damo Mitchell responding to many of the questions he is asked on semen retention and sexual Qi Gong. He discusses two different reasons for semen retention - rationale from an alchemical/energetic perspective and then rationale from a meditation perspective. As a rule, he is anti the practice of long-term semen retention for the sake of it. What is…
…
continue reading
Damo Mitchell looking at the development of the group here in Bali over the course of the third semester. This is a talk about the overall plan for student development over the previous 18 months and then onwards into their future. The students development is based on working through external mechanics, then on into Dan Tian and Qi development foll…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #38 - Taijiquan Chat - Adam Mizner
1:03:20
1:03:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:20
Adam Mizner & Damo Mitchell chatting about various aspects of Yang Taijiquan...By Damo Mitchell
…
continue reading
Damo Mitchell talking on one of the most requested podcasts which is an episode on the subject of Xingyiquan. It's quite a niche subject, so maybe not of interest to many, but this talk looks at the core principles of Dan Tian development and the Liu He or 'Six Harmonies' in Xingyiquan and the San Ti standing posture. The episode concludes with a d…
…
continue reading
In a slightly more serious (sometimes) podcast episode, Adam Mizner and Damo Mitchell discuss some of the hate that comes their way. Damo reads out an online article which paints himself and Adam as s3xually deviant, criminal cult leaders and the two of them respond. Being in the public brings a lot of hatred these days and the two shine a light on…
…
continue reading
Chatting about the process of changing the body in Qigong. Damo is explaining how he views the moving exercises of any traditional Qigong system as being tools which are used to take the body through a series of transformational stages. The use of the Dan Tian and the palms is discussed along with the meaning of Yi Dao Qi Dao.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #34 - Shkar Sharif - Tiger Crane Cultivation
1:14:53
1:14:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:14:53
Shkar Sharif is a martial artist from London. He teaches Tiger Crane style Gong Fu and Shuang Yang Taiji to his students from his full-time school in Islington. He sits down with Damo to discuss his training background, the San Zhan form/system, Sufism, Shuang Yang, the Dan Tian and Hermetics.By Damo Mitchell
…
continue reading
A short talk on the nature of teaching the mechanics of the inner arts (such as Qigong, Yoga and Meditation) versus claiming to be a spiritual teacher. The term 'spiritual teacher' is a term Damo does not apply to himself at all and increasingly is a term that he deems less relevant in the wider picture of spiritual cultivation.…
…
continue reading
A follow-up to yesterdays podcast on a comment Damo made concerning the way that Qigong is turning into contemporary Yoga and starting to offer short term teacher training courses of a month, two months or even, horribly, 10 days or shorter! These teacher training certificated courses are being offered online even with no interaction between teache…
…
continue reading
Just a debrief and sharing of thoughts after teaching a three day long foundations event in Perth, Australia. This talk may not be of interest to 'casual listeners' and more for those who are interested in the school, Damo's thoughts and our system of Qigong in particular. Damo primarily discusses the differences between his method of teaching and …
…
continue reading
On this weeks episode, we find out what value truly means (metaphorically) as we talk about our viewing of the film Poor Things! Poor Things follows the life of the character Bella, who is Brought back to life by an unorthodox scientist, and set on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. She grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #30 - Dr Cindy Engel - Somatic Empathy
1:28:32
1:28:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:28:32
Damo chats with his good friend, Dr Cindy Engel about her book: Another Self - How Your Body Helps You Understand Others. They look at Cindy's experience as a therapist and especially her use of 'somatic empathy' as a tool and how it functions as a part of human awareness. The nature of understanding others through felt-knowing, visual phenomena du…
…
continue reading
A short chat from a bland hotel on the principle of 'Shen Up, Qi Down'. This was a teaching Damo was given early on in his Qigong journey that summed up the division of the mind and the Qi, two of the poles of Yin and Yang. Note that this is a fundamental principle that establishes the groundwork for more advanced mental qualities utilised within t…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #28 - Dr Lawrence Blair - Animism & Spirituality
59:42
59:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:42
Damo Mitchell chatting with famed explorer and film-maker, Dr Lawrence Blair at his home in Bali. The discussion looks at Indonesian culture, mythology, religion and even UFO's! Dynamo Jack is discussed along with the connection between subtle energy and spiritual experience. For more information on Dr Lawrence Blair, please visit his website at: h…
…
continue reading
On this weeks episode, what does it take Oliver Quick to be accepted by others at Oxford University in the new film Saltburn! Saltburn is a film that is set in Oxford and Northamptonshire, England. It focuses on an Oxford University student who becomes fixated with a popular, aristocratic fellow student at his university, who later invites him to s…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #27 - Dream Teaching & Sleep Visitations
33:03
33:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:03
Damo Mitchell discussing the mechanics behind teachers visiting students in their dreams, the nature of why we dream of teachers, ascended masters and deities. Some of the misconceptions are looked at as well as canvassing for new students via dream visitations!By Damo Mitchell
…
continue reading
On this weeks episode, we're asking the question do you know how to drive a racecar? Or more importantly, were you aware video games could inspire you to become a racecar driver?! Gran Turismo is a film based upon the true story of Jann Mardenborough, whose gaming skills won a series of Nissan competitions to become an actual professional racecar d…
…
continue reading
A talk by Damo on the subject of Bai Shi and the accepting of disciples. He looks at the difference between Bai Shi in the martial arts and the spiritual arts, the nature of having multiple lineages and the expectations of Bai Shi. Also explored are the implications of translating Chinese customs over into western culture and how these things may b…
…
continue reading
A short discussion of the nature of Zi Fa Gong or 'Spontaneous Qi Flow'. This is to help with some of the confusions around the topic. Spontaneous Qi flow is when the body moves free from conscious control and this is often something that manifests within practices such as Qigong, Yoga and Meditation. It should always be approached with a degree of…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #24 - Qi Talks in Tokyo with Adam Mizner
54:36
54:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:36
Adam Mizner & Damo Mitchell chatting about Taijiquan, Japanese culture, Karate, Qi development and a bunch of other stuff whilst they are in Tokyo. Of particular interest is the distinction between three forms of 'internal force' within these arts - body level practice, mind level skills and Qi development. One is the key method and the others beco…
…
continue reading
A discussion by Damo Mitchell on the subject of learning Qigong and the internal arts. He chats about transmission, the nature of learning subtle skills, the auric field of the Guru and how to master Qigong and associated arts. He also look at the nature of teaching online; its limitations and the nature of what can be learnt through solo study.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #22 - The Teacher/Student Dynamic
1:10:14
1:10:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:14
An informal and yet frank discussion of the dynamics that may exist between teachers and students within the martial and internal arts world. These are thoughts in response to the recent year of full time teaching by Lotus Nei Gong and the ugly truths of keeping people happy in schools and the difficulties of teaching are looked at.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #21 - Lessons from a Year of Gong Fu - ⛩️
38:57
38:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:57
An informal and unplanned talk by Damo Mitchell on what he learnt after a year of teaching full-time. He shares his thoughts on transitioning from a 'workshop teacher' to a 'full time retreat teacher' and how these two are different. Damo also discusses the importance of continual learning for teachers of the arts, the danger of 'psychic' teachers …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #20 - Damo Mitchell - Changing Wounds to Scars
31:00
31:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:00
A shorter talk by Damo on the idea of 'changing wounds to scars as wounds are debilitating and scars are character building'. This is just some general advice around how to sensibly approach managing ones own injuries and how to move beyond them so that the body may heal; an idea based in not over-identifying with the issue at hand.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #19 - Joey Nishad - Zhong Ding, Sinew Changing & Tai Chi
2:07:45
2:07:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:07:45
Joey Nishad chats about his Taiji training, weight-lifting as a part of Taiji, sinew changing principles and more. This conversation takes place over Zoom and so the sound quality reflects this. Joey Nishad has an eccentric take on life and a profound take on internal arts training. This is combined with a great sense of humour and so this talk sho…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #18 - Damo Mitchell - Jing, Cultivation & Subtle Anatomy
1:41:15
1:41:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:41:15
Damo in a lengthy talk on the subject of Jing (Yuan Qi) in Chinese medicine and inner cultivation. Over the course of nearly two hours, he discusses the difference between medicine and cultivation as well as the difference between gross and subtle bodily mechanisms. The final section of the talk concerns the things a practitioner should do to assis…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #17 - Adam Mizner - Taiji, Qi & Integrity
1:54:09
1:54:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:54:09
Damo is joined once again by Adam Mizner in the studio in Bali. After a month's practice retreat, the two of them sit down with a cigar and whisky to discuss evolution versus religious views, Taiji, the concept of Qi, Zhan Zhuang training, integrity, politics and various other topics associated with the internal arts.…
…
continue reading
Damo (in a hotel in London) chatting about the effects of porn addiction on young men in the martial arts and Qigong world. He also looks at the effects of a lack of physical exercise in developmental years, the nature of video-gaming, online interactions and male competitiveness.By Damo Mitchell
…
continue reading
On this weeks episode, it's all about understanding relationships as we dive into the all new film Past Lives. Past Lives is a film that showcases the story of two people in a close bond throughout their life. As the story moves forward though, the questions remains whether or not they should truly be in a romantic relationship with one another or …
…
continue reading
In this episode, Damo is giving a more personal account of his views on and contact with the subject of violence. He looks at why violence should never be glorified and why it is a complex aspect of martial arts. In his own classes, violence is a part of the training but not the mental focus and in this episode, he explains why.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #14 - USA Qigong Debrief & Cause and Effect
53:37
53:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:37
Damo chatting about his recent trip to the United States (Maryland, Washington DC and Louisiana) as well as his views on American/Western media. He also looks at one of the prime principles for developing within the arts - this is the principle of organising 'practice intent' according to the idea of Cause, Effect and Conditions. Not filmed in the …
…
continue reading
On this weeks episode, we're going back to ye olden times with treasure, bandits, and drama between friends like you may have never thought as we cover the film The Count of Monte Cristo! The Count of Monte Cristo is a film that displays the story of two friends in the era of Napoleon Bonapart in France. Edmond (Jim Caviezel) and Fernand (Guy Pierc…
…
continue reading
A rambling podcast by Damo Mitchell on the various ways in which he understood Qi, the difference between belief and knowing, the impact of the internet and the danger of restricting yourself to fixed definitions. This is a talk that wanders around and looks at various topics, so dont expect a structured and systematic exploration of Qi so much as …
…
continue reading
On this weeks episode, we take it back it to the college days of the 70's with National Lampoon's over the top cult classic Animal House! Animal House is a film that begins by following two freshmen that just want to be cool! Larry (Thomas Hulce) and Kent (Stephen Furst) attempt to pledge the snooty Omega Theta Pi House, but are summarily rejected.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
55:45
55:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:45
We're back and we're blazing through the fantasy realms of the brand new film Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves! This weeks film follows Edgin (Chris Pine) and his group of fellow adventurers as they do what they can to steal a "Tablet of Reawakening", save the town, save Edgin's daughter, and many other perils along the way! How well does th…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #12 - Adam Mizner - Cultivation chat
2:01:19
2:01:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:01:19
In this episode, Damo and Adam Mizner are in Bali, chatting about the nature of cultivation and what place the various arts such as Taiji, Qigong and Meditation play on this path. They discuss their personal entry into Taiji, the nature of pushing hands, Zhong Ding, meditation and more. This episode was filmed on a day off after they had been pract…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Damo is giving his personal opinion on the recent 'tongue sucking' scandal involving the Dalai Lama. The nature of cultural differences are looked at, along with public shaming, honest mistakes, red flags for abusive behaviour and the dangers of attributing divine qualities to humans, no matter how kind they may seem. It is importa…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #10 - Five Year Internal Arts Retreat (1 Week In!)
41:01
41:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:01
Damo talks about his experiences of finishing the first week of a five year long martial arts retreat in Bali. Over five years, a group will be going deep into both external and internal martial arts, meditation and medicine. After the first week, Damo sits down and discusses his first impression of teaching the retreat and the mindset behind the p…
…
continue reading
On this weeks episode, we're going back to the classics to take a look at the silent film Modern Times! Modern Times is a film that follows Charlie Chaplin's memorable character The Tramp employed at a state-of-the-art factory where the inescapable machinery completely overwhelms him, and where various mishaps keep getting him sent to prison. Very …
…
continue reading
In this episode, Damo is testing out new sound equipment and talking about power issues in Qigong, Taijiquan and associated arts. He looks at the nature and difficulty of teaching, why teachers are so controlling and why they spend so much time badmouthing all of their rivals or perceived competition. Damo also discusses his experience of the polit…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #8 - The Shen (神) & Daoist Concepts
1:01:30
1:01:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:30
In this episode, Damo Mitchell is discussing both the benefits of a conceptual model such as that laid out within the Daoist tradition as well as its limitations. He then goes on to describe the Wu Shen (5 Spirits) in Chinese medicine and why they are a model of fragmented psychology rather than a model of spiritual divinity.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #7 - Joey Nishad - Live & Uncut
2:00:07
2:00:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:00:07
In this episode, Damo is chatting to his good friend, Joey Nishad. Joey is a Yang Taiji practitioner who gives his view on training, teaching, the internal arts scene and the arts in general. The discussion then goes on to Joeys experience at the recent ‘Martial Man Camp’ held in Chiangmai before it gets personal with a look at mental health in the…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #6 - Paul Mitchell - A Life in Practice
1:23:02
1:23:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:23:02
In this episode, Damo is talking to his father, Paul Mitchell in his personal training space in the South of the UK. They chat about Paul's training history, his views on the arts and how martial arts and inner training has served him over the course of his life.By Damo Mitchell
…
continue reading
We're back in full gear! This week we're taking a look at the 2013 thriller Prisoners. The film follows Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) who losses his 6 year old daughter Anna and is on the hunt to find where she has gone off to or who may have taken her. He begins to take matters into his own hands as the lead detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) pursues …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
DMP #5 - Damo Mitchell - The Death of Lineage ☠️
55:27
55:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:27
In this episode, Damo is on his own and chatting about the importance and weaknesses of lineage, systems and traditions. He looks at the nature of spiritual practice, awakening and how this takes place according to the various methods contained within traditional training.By Damo Mitchell
…
continue reading