Ep.11 - John Higgs: Reality Tunnels, David Lynch and the Cosmic Joke

Ep.11 - John Higgs: Reality Tunnels, David Lynch and the Cosmic Joke

How do you stay open to mystery without becoming trapped by your own beliefs? In this episode of The Bardo Podcast, Marc Salmon is joined by author John Higgs for a conversation about David Lynch, Robert Anton Wilson, reality tunnels, synchronicity, creativity and the challenge of making sense of reality in confusing times. John's books explore many of the strange thinkers, artists and movements that sit at the edges of culture, from William Blake and Timothy Leary to Discordianism and the KLF. Together we explore subjective experience, meditation, humour, certainty and why some of the most interesting ideas begin by questioning the stories we tell ourselves about the world. We discuss David Lynch and transcendental meditation, Robert Anton Wilson's reality tunnels, synchronicity, the internet, the KLF, and why humour might be one of the best protections against dogma. A thoughtful, funny and wide-ranging conversation about uncertainty, imagination and how not to fall for your own bullshit. Support the podcast If you're enjoying these conversations and would like to support The Bardo Podcast, you can join the Patreon here. Your support helps cover recording, editing and production costs, and makes it easier to keep creating long-form conversations like this. https://patreon.com/thebardopodcast [https://patreon.com/thebardopodcast] Topics include: David Lynch and meditation Reality tunnels Robert Anton Wilson Synchronicity Discordianism The KLF Counterculture and the internet Creativity and subjective experience Humour and dogma How not to fall for your own bullshit Guest: John Higgs is the author of The KLF: Chaos, Magic and the Band Who Burned a Million Pounds, William Blake vs The World, Stranger Than We Can Imagine, The Future Starts Here, Watling Street, Love and Let Die and Lynchian. John's website https://johnhiggs.com/ [https://johnhiggs.com/] John's Substack: https://johnhiggs.substack.com/ [https://johnhiggs.substack.com/] Mentioned in this episode: • Lynchian: The Spell of David Lynch - John Higgs • The KLF: Chaos, Magic and the Band Who Burned a Million Pounds - John Higgs • Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity - David Lynch • Cosmic Trigger I: Final Secret of the Illuminati - Robert Anton Wilson • The Bumper Book of Magic - Alan Moore & Steve Moore Suggested documentary • Who Killed The KLF? (2021) Online Meditation Sessions Second and fourth Sundays at 10:30am UK time. Message Marc on Instagram to join. About the podcast The Bardo Podcast is a podcast about comedy, philosophy and spirituality, and new ways of thinking in uncertain times. Hosted by comedian Marc Salmon, the show features thoughtful conversations with comedians, philosophers, Buddhist thinkers and other curious minds, not about certainty or expertise, but about questioning assumptions and sitting with ambiguity together. Episodes explore comedy, meditation, philosophy, creativity and alternative ways of living. Find updates and more information at: https://www.marcsalmoncomedy.com/ [https://www.marcsalmoncomedy.com/] Music by Marc Salmon and Robert Fuller [https://www.instagram.com/robertcfuller/] Artwork by Zoe Brownstone - Check out her special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJkF4QSNPmE& [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJkF4QSNPmE&t=157s]

Ep.10 - Lawrence Dodd: The Buddhist Clown Trying to Stay Human

How do you stay human in a world that constantly pushes you towards fear, certainty and overwhelm? In this episode of The Bardo Podcast, Marc Salmon is joined by comedian and clown Lawrence Dodd for a conversation about comedy, Buddhism, sobriety, neurodivergence, political despair and the search for connection in confusing times. Lawrence’s work blends clowning, existential confusion and performance art into something vulnerable, chaotic and unexpectedly hopeful. Together we explore what happens when certainty stops working, why play might matter more than ever, and how to stay open-hearted when the world feels like it’s closing down. We discuss autism and masking, intrusive thoughts, addiction, organising, spirituality, identity and why community still matters. A funny, strange and emotionally honest conversation about uncertainty, vulnerability and learning to remain human. Topics include: * Comedy and vulnerability * Sobriety and Buddhism * Autism and masking * Intrusive thoughts and overwhelm * Spirituality and uncertainty * Clowning and play * Political despair and connection * Identity and belonging * Community and organising * Staying open in difficult times Guest: Lawrence Dodd is an alternative comedian and clown whose work blends performance art, chaos and emotional honesty. His new show This Can’t Be It is directed by friend of the podcast Lara Ricote with Rachael Dobbie on tech. Lawrence @ Soho Theatre - June 4th https://sohotheatre.com/events/lawrence-dodd-this-cant-be-it/ [https://sohotheatre.com/events/lawrence-dodd-this-cant-be-it/] Lawrence instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pleaselozplease/ [https://www.instagram.com/pleaselozplease/] Lara Ricote new special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVDk4MFVkeM [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVDk4MFVkeM] Support the podcast If you enjoy The Bardo Podcast and want it to keep going, the best way to support it is on Patreon: The Bardo Podcast | Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/thebardopodcast] Online Meditation Sessions Second and fourth Sundays at 10:30am UK time. Message Marc on Instagram to join. About the podcast The Bardo Podcast is a podcast about comedy, philosophy and spirituality, and new ways of thinking in uncertain times. Hosted by comedian Marc Salmon, the show features thoughtful conversations with comedians, philosophers, Buddhist thinkers and other curious minds, not about certainty or expertise, but about questioning assumptions and sitting with ambiguity together. Episodes explore comedy, meditation, philosophy, creativity and alternative ways of living. Find updates and more information at: https://www.marcsalmoncomedy.com/ [https://www.marcsalmoncomedy.com/] Music by Marc Salmon and Robert Fuller [https://www.instagram.com/robertcfuller/] Artwork by Zoe Brownstone - Check out her special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJkF4QSNPmE& [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJkF4QSNPmE&t=157s]

Ep.9 - Emily Herring: Henri Bergson | Why You Feel Less Free Than You Think

Why do so many people feel rushed, rigid and disconnected from themselves? In this episode of The Bardo Podcast, Marc Salmon is joined by writer and philosopher Emily Herring to explore the life and ideas of Henri Bergson, once the most famous philosopher in the world. We discuss Bergson’s ideas on time, freedom, memory, intuition, laughter and why modern life can feel increasingly mechanical. Emily explains how we often mistake clock time for lived experience, habit for freedom, and concepts for reality. We also explore Bergson’s clashes with Einstein and Bertrand Russell, the meaning of élan vital, mysticism, and whether technology is advancing faster than our moral development. A thoughtful and surprisingly relevant conversation about how to stay human in an increasingly mechanical world. Topics include *  Henri Bergson explained simply  *  Lived time vs clock time  *  Freedom and free will  *  Memory and the hidden self  *  Intuition beyond fixed concepts  *  Why laughter matters  *  Bergson vs Einstein  *  Bergson vs Bertrand Russell  *  Élan vital and creativity  *  Technology, algorithms and modern life  Guest Emily Herring is a writer based in Paris. She studied philosophy at the Sorbonne and received her PhD in the history and philosophy of science from the University of Leeds. She is the author of Herald of a Restless World: How Henri Bergson Brought Philosophy to the People — the first biography of Bergson in English. Website: https://www.wellreadherring.com/ [https://www.wellreadherring.com/] Support the podcast If you enjoy The Bardo Podcast and want it to keep going, the best way to support it is on Patreon: The Bardo Podcast | Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/thebardopodcast] Online Meditation Sessions Second and fourth Sundays at 10:30am UK time. Message Marc on Instagram to join. About the podcast The Bardo Podcast is a podcast about comedy, philosophy and spirituality, and new ways of thinking in uncertain times. Hosted by comedian Marc Salmon, the show features thoughtful conversations with comedians, philosophers, Buddhist thinkers and other curious minds, not about certainty or expertise, but about questioning assumptions and sitting with ambiguity together. Episodes explore comedy, meditation, philosophy, creativity and alternative ways of living. Find updates and more information at: https://www.marcsalmoncomedy.com/ [https://www.marcsalmoncomedy.com/] Music by Marc Salmon and Robert Fuller [https://www.instagram.com/robertcfuller/] Artwork by Zoe Brownstone - Check out her special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJkF4QSNPmE& [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJkF4QSNPmE&t=157s]

Ep.8 - Rob Copland: Why Being Funny Doesn’t Fix You

What happens when things start going well… and you still feel like a fraud? In this episode of The Bardo Podcast, Marc Salmon is joined by award-winning comedian Rob Copland for a conversation about imposter syndrome, self-doubt and the reality of life as a stand-up. Rob shares what it’s actually like behind the scenes, from writing and performing to the pressures of the Edinburgh Fringe, and why success doesn’t always bring the relief you expect. A funny, honest and reflective episode about creativity, ego, anxiety and trying to find something real underneath it all. Topics include * Imposter syndrome in comedy * Writing vs performing * Edinburgh Fringe and the industry * Success, ego and self-doubt * Belonging and comparison * Meaning, kindness and how to live Guest Rob Copland is an award-winning comedian and clown. His show Gimme (One With Everything) won the Victoria Wood Award at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2024, following his debut Mainstream Muck, which won Best Show at the Comedian’s Choice Awards. Rob Copland (@robertdcopland) • Instagram profile [https://www.instagram.com/robertdcopland/] Things mentioned * Eddie Pepitone – For the Masses * Chögyam Trungpa – Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism * Nick Nemeroff – stand-up special - The Pursuit of Comedy has Ruined My Life Support the podcast If you enjoy The Bardo Podcast and want it to keep going, the best way to support it is on Patreon: The Bardo Podcast | Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/thebardopodcast] Online Meditation Sessions Second and fourth Sundays at 10:30am UK time. Message Marc on Instagram to join. About the podcast The Bardo Podcast is a podcast about comedy, philosophy and spirituality, and new ways of thinking in uncertain times. Hosted by comedian Marc Salmon, the show features thoughtful conversations with comedians, philosophers, Buddhist thinkers and other curious minds, not about certainty or expertise, but about questioning assumptions and sitting with ambiguity together. Episodes explore comedy, meditation, philosophy, creativity and alternative ways of living. Find updates and more information at: https://www.marcsalmoncomedy.com/ [https://www.marcsalmoncomedy.com/] Music by Marc Salmon and Robert Fuller [https://www.instagram.com/robertcfuller/] Artwork by Zoe Brownstone - Check out her special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJkF4QSNPmE& [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJkF4QSNPmE&t=157s]

Ep.7 - Steve Todd & Cesare Saguato: Death, Change and What Comes Next

What happens between moments of change, loss and uncertainty? In this episode, Marc Salmon is joined by Steve Todd and Cesare Saguato to explore the Buddhist idea of the bardo, often associated with death, but also something that may be happening all the time. Drawing on Tibetan Buddhist teachings, including The Tibetan Book of the Dead and the Six Bardos, the conversation explores death, impermanence, consciousness and how we respond to change in everyday life. This is a thoughtful and grounded conversation about death, Buddhism, awareness and how to live with more presence in the in-between. In this episode we explore: * The bardo as everyday experience, not just death * The Tibetan Book of the Dead and the Six Bardos * Death, impermanence and the nature of change * Buddhist perspectives on consciousness and mind * Letting go, grasping and emotional reactivity * Compassion, karma and responding to difficulty * Meditation and awareness in daily life * The “in-between” as an opportunity for transformation Texts referenced The Tibetan Book of the Dead (Bardo Thodol) The Six Bardos (Root Verses of the Six Bardos – Karma Lingpa) https://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/karma-lingpa/root-verses-six-bardos [https://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/karma-lingpa/root-verses-six-bardos] The Tibetan Book of the Dead A Way of Life (1994) Narrated by Leonard Cohen https://youtu.be/VyPwBIOL7-8?si=SeVsZCZg61nKdD_o [https://youtu.be/VyPwBIOL7-8?si=SeVsZCZg61nKdD_o] Guests Steve Todd is a theoretical physicist with a PhD in high-energy particle theory and a long-time Buddhist practitioner within the Drukpa Kagyu tradition. He explores the intersections of science, Buddhism, and Western esotericism. Steve’s Meta-Modern Rosicrucian Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/464647772026730/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/464647772026730/] Cesare Saguato is a Buddhist practitioner, psychotherapist, mindfulness teacher, and clinical supervisor. He works in private practice, education, and organisational settings, and is Chair of Bodhicharya UK. Cesare’s work: https://www.cesaremindfultherapy.com/ [https://www.cesaremindfultherapy.com/] https://bodhicharya-kent.org/ [https://bodhicharya-kent.org/] Online Meditation Sessions Second and fourth Sundays at 10:30am UK time. If you're interested in joining, send Marc a message Support the show If you’re enjoying The Bardo Podcast, subscribing, rating or sharing genuinely helps. Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheBardoPodcast [https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheBardoPodcast] The Bardo Podcast is a podcast about comedy, philosophy, spirituality and new ways of thinking in uncertain times. Hosted by comedian Marc Salmon, the show features thoughtful conversations with comedians, philosophers, Buddhist thinkers and other curious minds — not about certainty or expertise, but about questioning assumptions and sitting with ambiguity together. Episodes explore comedy, meditation, philosophy, creativity and alternative ways of living. https://www.marcsalmoncomedy.com/ [https://www.marcsalmoncomedy.com/] Music - Marc and Robert Fuller [https://www.instagram.com/robertcfuller/] Art - Zoe Brownstone [https://www.instagram.com/zoebrownstone/]