On this episode of Thinking Ahead, we return to the fascinating subject of UFOs, or UAPs (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomenon) as they are sometimes called. I've already done a couple of podcasts on this topic (if you’d like a more introductory episode, I’d recommend listening to my interview with journalist Ross Coulthart). This conversation ventures down the UFO rabbit hole with author and journalist Keith Thompson, who has written two books on the subject, including his most recent The UFO Paradox: The Celestial and Symbolic World of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena. Keith approaches this complex and controversial issue as a big-picture thinker incorporating a number of disparate fields. We discuss the history of UFOs, recent revelations from the military, near death experiences (including Keith's own), and how questions around consciousness and spirituality intersect with UFOs. We even touch on John Mack's research into the abduction phenomenon. I’m thrilled to have him on the podcast to share an in-depth discussion of these ever-intriguing anomalies that continue to haunt and confound the modern world.

Regular listeners of this podcast may know that I have a special affinity for cats—house cats, certainly, but also the magnificent wild cats that still roam the American West. So when I learned recently that in my home state of Colorado, it’s still legal for trophy hunters to shoot hundreds of these beautiful creatures every year, I was horrified. Thankfully, Colorado’s big cats have a formidable champion in their corner: longtime animal welfare activist and author Wayne Pacelle. Wayne is one of the people behind a ballot initiative (Cats Aren’t Trophies) that will be put before voters this November to outlaw this practice, along with the trapping of bobcats for fur. When I found out about this initiative in a conversation with Wayne last Spring, I offered my support and immediately asked him to come on the podcast to talk about it, as well as his other work around the country.

When it comes to the evolution of human culture—an overarching theme on this podcast—there are few things that speak as loudly as our treatment of other sentient beings and the wild ecosystems of the planet we share. It’s a topic that is very close to my heart, and I can think of few people as well versed in this conversation than Wayne. He has had a remarkable career fighting for better treatment of animals—whether in our homes, in our agricultural systems, or in the wild, leading several animal rights organizations, and authoring two bestselling books, The Bond and The Humane Economy. Enjoy this conversation, spread the word, and if you live in Colorado, vote Yes on Prop 127 in November!

John Mackey, cofounder of Whole Foods Market, is one of the great entrepreneurs of our time. But the story of how he built the iconic grocery store is just one thread in the tapestry of his rich and interesting life, which he discusses candidly in his recent memoir The Whole Story. This fascinating tale spans his remarkable life and career, from his Texas childhood to his spiritual breakthroughs, from his hiking adventures to his psychedelic experimentation, and from a humble Austin health food store to a $13.7 billion sale to Amazon. In this conversation, we touch on all of these topics, many of which reflect our shared interests. Indeed, John is a dear friend with whom I’m proud to have collaborated on a book, Conscious Leadership (along with Steve McIntosh), and shared many journeys—geographical, intellectual, and metaphysical. I’ve learned so much from John over the years about how to live a full life, and I’m delighted to introduce listeners to his unique mix of keen intelligence, playfulness, and generosity of spirit.