In this conversation, David Ghiyam shares the spiritual framework that has guided his life for over 25 years—one rooted in the idea that reality operates according to universal spiritual laws, just as it does physical ones. Drawing from Kabbalistic wisdom and lived experience, David explains how the soul’s purpose is not comfort, but transformation, and how life’s challenges are designed to reconnect us with a deeper source of fulfillment.

We explore the concept of the “light of the Creator,” the idea of spiritual baggage carried across lifetimes, and why pain, relationships, and adversity act as mirrors for inner growth. David reflects on periods of profound darkness in his own life—financial collapse, loss, doubt—and how a shift from victimhood to responsibility opened the door to unexpected clarity, healing, and abundance.

MUDWTR - Up to 43% off sitewide (and a free frother!)

https://www.mudwtr.com/knowthyself

[Code: KNOWTHYSELF]

André's Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list

___________

00:00 Intro - David Ghiyam

04:57 The light of the Creator

08:25 External teaching vs internal understanding

12:36 Kabbalah in the life of David

18:39 What is the source of consciousness?

26:50 The trap of “needing” energy

31:00 Ad: Mudwtr

32:21 Does everything happen for a reason?

39:43 The magnetic quality of being whole

52:51 The role of business in our spiritual paths

59:55 Protecting the seed

1:09:08 How to practice trust in your intuition

1:18:18 One spiritual law people violate daily

1:29:26 Closing thoughts

___________

Episode Resources:

https://www.instagram.com/davidghiyam

https://www.davidghiyam.com/

https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/

https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/

https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcast

https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

In this conversation, Reggie Watts explores creativity not as a skill reserved for a few, but as the fundamental way human beings relate to reality itself. From comedy and music to improvisation, paradox, and play, Reggie reflects on how we’re constantly creating our experience of life—often without realizing it.

We talk about absurdity as a doorway to truth, humor as a form of instantaneous awakening, and why laughter momentarily dissolves identity, ideology, and certainty. Reggie shares how improvisation shapes his philosophy of living, why structure exists to be transcended, and how playfulness restores a sense of freedom in a world that often feels rigid and over-defined.

BON CHARGE - 15% off red light therapy products I personally use

https://www.boncharge.com/knowthyself

[Code: KNOWTHYSELF]

André's Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list

___________

00:00 Intro - Reggie Watts

04:54 The absurdity of being human

07:21 The insight gained through self-reflection

11:34 The philosophy of improv

19:06 Realizing the artist in you

24:27 Ad: BON CHARGE

25:44 Reggie’s form of death meditation

38:14 Altered states as a reference point

46:09 Not all transpersonal experiences are equal

52:43 Reframing anxiety after altered states

1:03:25 It’s all an illusion

1:12:44 Service to self vs service to others

1:19:28 Building community

1:23:15 Closing thoughts

___________

Episode Resources:

https://www.reggie-watts.com/

https://www.instagram.com/reggiewatts

https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/

https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/

https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcast

https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

In this conversation, Jesse Michels joins me to explore a question that’s becoming harder to dismiss: what if the phenomenon we call UFOs points to something real—and we don’t yet know what it is? Rather than arguing for belief or disbelief, this episode is an invitation to curiosity, careful inquiry, and intellectual honesty about the limits of our current understanding.

We examine historical UFO encounters near nuclear sites, government secrecy, and the growing body of anomalies that don’t sit comfortably within a purely materialist worldview. This is a conversation about staying grounded while remaining open. About asking better questions. And about whether phenomena like UFOs, non-human intelligence, or something we haven’t yet named might be nudging us to expand how we think about reality, consciousness, and our place in the universe.

Momentous: Best Creatine in the game

https://livemomentous.com

[Use code KNOWTHYSELF for up to 35% off]

BONCHARGE - 15% off red light therapy products I personally use

https://www.boncharge.com/knowthyself

[Code: KNOWTHYSELF]

André's Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list

___________

00:00 Intro

06:36 Questioning the Nature of Reality

09:18 A Timeline of Non-Human Intelligence Evidence

23:37 Why Nuclear Sites Attract Attention

31:55 Extraordinary Claims, Extraordinary Evidence

40:29 Ad: Momentous

41:51 Letting Go of Human-Centric Thinking

47:49 Studying Claims Without Dismissing People

58:58 Non-Human Biologics and Physical Evidence

1:06:10 Ad: Boncharge

1:07:25 What May Have Been Quietly Explored

1:18:55 The Hidden Branch of Physics

1:26:38 Reframing Aliens Through Consciousness

1:33:33 Grays, Nordics, and Reptilians Explained

1:40:10 Why We Don’t See Reality Directly

1:53:58 Glimpses Outside Linear Time

1:58:44 Why Aliens Look Strangely Human

2:07:32 Shared Phenomena in Altered States

2:15:32 Jesse’s Personal UFO Experiences

2:23:35 The Monolith as a Metaphor

2:29:07 The Problem With Visual Proof

2:35:24 What Is Actually Happening?

2:46:47 Voices Worth Listening To

2:51:22 What Would You Ask an Alien?

2:53:19 Closing Thoughts

___________

Episode Resources:

https://www.youtube.com/Jessemichels

https://www.instagram.com/jessemichelsofficial/

https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/

https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/

https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcast

https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

This final episode of the year is a special compilation reflecting on the lessons, reminders, and moments that shaped 2025. It’s a curated journey through insights from across the year—designed to help you slow down, take stock, and step into 2026 with greater clarity, presence, and intention.

This episode is less about doing more and more about listening—reflecting on the growth, challenges, relationships, and inner shifts that defined the past year. It’s an invitation to notice what wants to be released, what wants to be integrated, and what seeds you’re ready to water moving forward. Sometimes all it takes is a one-degree change in direction to alter the entire path ahead.

Momentous: Best Creatine in the game

https://livemomentous.com

[Use code KNOWTHYSELF for up to 35% off]

2025/2026 Reflections and Intentions: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/yearinreview

Andrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list

___________

00:00:00 Intro

00:01:37 Review 2025 Instead of Planning 2026 (E166 – Tim Ferriss)

00:05:27 The Most Important Practice of 2026 (E152 – Mark Manson)

00:10:11 There Is No Wealth Without Health (E128 – Mindy Pelz)

00:12:26 The Importance of a Bedtime Routine (E143 – Michael Beckwith)

00:17:59 How To Grasp The Opportunity of Life (E119 – Marianne Williamson)

00:25:16 The Power of Entrainment (E145 – Dr. Theresa Bullard)

00:31:01 Be Careful With What You Desire (E160 – Aaron Abke)

00:35:18 Explore Your Relationship With Money (E140 – Lewis Howes)

00:41:59 Ad – Momentous

00:43:14 Happiness is an Inside Job (E149 – Dr. Thema Bryant)

00:48:16 The Unique Opportunity of Our Times (E154 – Sadhguru)

00:53:25 How To Discover Your Dharma (E155 – Dr. K)

01:01:11 Living The Moment You're Meant To Live (E164 – Dr. John Demartini)

01:07:53 The Problem With Manifestation (E118 – Aaron Doughty)

01:13:29 Finding Stability in Surrender (E135 – Yung Pueblo)

01:16:23 Relaxing Into Instability (E146 – Cory Muscara)

01:20:42 Looking Back To Plan Ahead (E158 – Tom Campbell)

01:24:35 A Different Perspective of the Future (E165 – Dr. Iain McGilchrist)

01:29:04 The Unlimited Potential of Being Human (E134 – Peter Crone)

___________

Watch the Full Episodes

Tim Ferriss: https://youtu.be/NxmUCGuapNw

Mark Manson: https://youtu.be/to-APJvffFQ

Mindy Pelz: https://youtu.be/pgWnbRg5-cg

Michael Beckwith: https://youtu.be/r3wrUmE1L3w

Marianne Williamson: https://youtu.be/AQzKagUJGvI

Dr. Theresa Bullard: https://youtu.be/mrKiH4J0_5U

Aaron Abke: https://youtu.be/zXMKj8fNnYQ

Lewis Howes: https://youtu.be/PTPjCtF9es4

Dr. Thema Bryant: https://youtu.be/ItRCT_L2kpA

Sadhguru: https://youtu.be/FMoXXb-wKE8

Dr. K: https://youtu.be/zj40FT631P4

Dr. John DeMartini: https://youtu.be/dVR01alAe8o

Aaron Doughty: https://youtu.be/79INohJ7KTw

Yung Pueblo: https://youtu.be/bwom9Y6ybcg

Cory Muscara: https://youtu.be/IrxFMkYUBFg

Tom Campbell: https://youtu.be/IoGSWLuH2Js

Dr. Iain McGilchrist: https://youtu.be/LZ5C11mlTH4

Peter Crone: https://youtu.be/VCi93m9lloM

Episode Resources:

https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/

https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/

https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcast

https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

Dr. Mindy Pelz returns to explore the deeper meaning of aging, menopause, and the profound psychological and neurological transformations women undergo as they grow older. Drawing from neuroscience, anthropology, mythology, and personal experience, Mindy reframes menopause not as a decline—but as an initiation into wisdom, sovereignty, and inner authority.

We discuss the concept of the “second innocence,” the pruning and rewiring of the female brain across hormonal transitions, the grandmother hypothesis, and why modern culture fears aging women. Mindy shares how trauma, grief, solitude, and uncertainty can become gateways to resilience, neuroplasticity, and self-discovery—especially when women stop outsourcing their worth and begin listening inward.

Boost your hydration with Pique Life Tea (20% off here):

https://www.piquelife.com/knowthyself

Andrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list

___________

00:00 Intro - Dr. Mindy Pelz

03:39 The return to the second innocence

08:18 What’s the purpose of menopause?

16:09 Where the shift begins

23:04 Supporting others without abandoning yourself

31:57 Being considerate vs owning others’ emotions

34:14 Ad: Pique Life

35:55 The power of solitude

43:26 Letting go

52:48 From power over to power within

56:48 The brain architecture of wisdom

1:02:24 Transformation: From a caterpillar to a butterfly

1:19:58 Fasting during menopause

1:26:35 Knowing when and how to detox

1:32:31 Healing through breathwork, EMDR, psilocybin

1:45:12 Lacking a support system

1:49:07 Closing thoughts

___________

Episode Resources:

Her new book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/age-like-a-girl-why-the-brain-changes-that-happen-after-40-set-you-up-for-your-best-life-yet-dr-mindy-pelz/1d7c0fe95ab52c4f?ean=9781401975562&next=t

https://www.instagram.com/dr.mindypelz

https://www.drmindypelz.com/

https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/

https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/

https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcast

https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

In this episode, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz walks us through unseen forces shaping our health, energy, and emotional lives. From the chemicals in our food system to the hidden drivers of inflammation and burnout, we dive into why so many people today feel exhausted, misaligned, and disconnected from their true well-being.

We examine how modern culture normalizes habits and environments that work against our biology, and why healing requires more than symptom management — it demands addressing the root causes, rebuilding alignment, and taking ownership of what we allow into our bodies and minds.

20% off Pique Life Tea (FREE glass beaker and frother!):

https://www.piquelife.com/knowthyself

Andrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list

___________

00:00 Intro: Will Bulsiewicz

02:34 How much of our mood is controlled by our gut?

09:40 Two diseases: individualism and materialism

23:30 The intelligence that lives in our gut

35:31 Ad: Pique Life

36:46 What is immune intelligence?

48:01 Detoxing from environmental toxins

54:54 Why are chemical companies allowed to poison us?

57:39 A short horror story

1:02:45 Looking out for what to avoid

1:05:27 The effects of factory farming on our bodies

1:17:36 Humans are the microbes of the Earth

1:26:23 Conclusion: Changing the world

___________

Episode Resources:

https://www.amazon.com/Plant-Powered-Plus-Activate-Inflammation/dp/0593418794

https://www.instagram.com/theguthealthmd/

https://theguthealthmd.com/

https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/

https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/

https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcast

https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

Lucy Hale joins me for a deeply honest conversation about sobriety, identity, childhood wounds, fame, intuition, and learning to finally feel at home within yourself. Known globally as a singer and actress, Lucy opens up about the parts of her journey most people never see: the fear beneath early success, the alcoholism that followed her from childhood, the spiritual intervention that changed her life, and the inner work she’s committed to since.

BONCHARGE Holiday Sale - 25% off the best red light therapy products

https://www.boncharge.com/knowthyself

[Code: KNOWTHYSELF]

MUDWTR Black Friday Sale - Up to 50% off sitewide

https://www.mudwtr.com/knowthyself

[Code: KNOWTHYSELF]

Andrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list

___________

00:00 Intro: Lucy Hale

03:27 What do you attribute your ambition to?

04:49 Alcoholism

14:23 Hitting rock bottom

19:33 Finding meaning in yourself

27:59 Old Lucy vs New Lucy

33:30 Ad: Boncharge

35:28 How has your connection with yourself revealed new insights?

44:40 How do you navigate being in the public eye and staying true to yourself?

47:26 What are you getting intuitively about the next chapter of your life?

50:49 Ad: Mudwtr

51:57 How do you handle rejection as an actor?

54:34 From your young age, what called you to being in this line of work?

57:12 Is there a moment that stood out to you that said "I made it"?

59:51 Pretty Little Liars

1:05:54 What would you say to past Lucy?

1:08:01 Was taking responsibility of your life what shifted it all for you?

1:12:37 How do you view your sense of spirituality?

1:19:48 What is your relationship to boredom?

1:23:00 How has the definition of beauty evolved for you?

1:28:56 What does prayer look like to you?

1:29:51 Being 36 and the biological clock

1:34:46 Closing thoughts - Lucy's masculine vs feminine side

___________

Episode Resources:

https://www.instagram.com/lucyhale/

https://www.instagram.com/thelightdwellers/

https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/

https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/

https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcast

https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

In this solo Q&A episode, I’m answering the questions so many of you have asked me over the past few days—about ego, identity, relationships, breakups, shadow work, discipline, grounding, and what the spiritual path actually looks like in real life.

I share honestly about the subtle ego patterns I still face, how I navigate heartbreak with grace, what it means to “perform” spirituality versus actually live it, and the practices that keep me connected when I fall off center. I also speak about dating, celibacy, intimacy, and how I think about love at this stage of my life.

Get 15% off Magnesium Breakthrough from BiOptimizers

https://www.bioptimizers.com/knowthyself

Use code KNOWTHYSELF for 15% off!

Andrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list

___________

00:25 How do you feel about people using spirituality as an identity?

04:34 What is a subtle form of ego that you still catch yourself falling into?

06:22 Relationships ending

08:30 I would like to hear about your struggles

10:19 How do you stay & grow in a relationship when your partner doesn’t meet you in that growth?

13:50 What are your top spiritual books?

14:39 What’s the simplistic way you ground yourself when you feel an imbalance?

15:50 Who is André underneath all the labels?

17:35 Do you ever fall off your practices with meditation or music?

19:26 Are you single?

22:23 - Ad - BiOptimizers

23:47 What do you use to know yourself deeply?

25:27 What makes you most optimistic about the future of humanity?

27:38 Which meditations do you practice?

28:37 How did you believe so much in yourself to create something at this scale?

30:31 What’s your vision for KT for the coming year?

32:57 When did you start playing piano?

33:40 What practices keep spiritual insight grounded and accountable?

34:36 What illusion do you see most are still caught in without realizing it?

37:55 What was your earliest experience that awakened you to God within?

40:35 How do you know it’s your calling when it comes?

44:25 Do you think the more one knows themselves, the harder it is to fall in love?

48:03 Do you believe in free will?

51:26 How are you approaching dating and relationships?

52:54 What is the most overlooked doorway in consciousness?

53:54 What’s the deepest question you can ever imagine asking yourself?

55:21 What you feel is most important for calling in sacred union, your person?

57:06 What are some of the biggest patterns you’ve unraveled in yourself?

59:22 How were you raised spiritually/religiously?

1:00:55 What kind of diet do you follow & why?

1:02:04 What was the book that launched you into seeking?

1:03:20 What’s the deepest truth you’ve met this year?

1:03:58 Do you as André think that God is consciousness?

1:05:49 Do you still go through episodes of depression?

___________

Episode Resources:

https://www.substack.com/@andreduqum

https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/

https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/

https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcast

https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com