In this episode of The Alchemist Lounge, Alex sits down with Paul Cooper—co-founder of Castle Grace—for one of the most raw and powerful conversations we've had on the show. Paul shares the origin story of Castle Grace, a consciously designed communal home in Boulder, Colorado, built on a written constitution, shared governance, pooled finances, and radical transparency. But beneath the castle walls lies an even deeper story—of childhood in Rwanda, unimaginable trauma, faith, genocide, psychedelics, and the healing power of storytelling.

From missionary life in East Africa to losing his father in a tragic accident at age eight… from navigating the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide to rebuilding his emotional world through mushrooms and children's films—Paul's journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring. This is a conversation about grief, sovereignty, community design, emotional regulation, and what it means to consciously architect your life.

In this episode, you will hear:

(0:00) Castle Grace: building a real-life "mythical" castle with governance, shared ownership, and no chore charts.
(5:04) Designing a constitution for community: peer ratings, pooled finances, and decentralized power.
(19:24) Growing up on a missionary campus in Rwanda and witnessing community built from nothing.
(28:55) The tragic car accident that took Paul's father and changed his life forever.
(34:15) Moving to Michigan, rebuilding family life, and the role of faith after trauma.
(43:10) Story as medicine: why telling your story can be life-saving—and how identity evolves over time.
(49:45) Returning to Rwanda as an adult and confronting the legacy of genocide.
(58:30) Discovering psychedelics: mushrooms, emotional regulation, and reclaiming childhood presence.
(1:05:20) Using animated films as "emotional physical therapy" to safely process trauma.
(1:10:00+) Why psychedelics must be voluntary—and the dangers of turning medicine into dogma.

This episode is a masterclass in resilience and intentional living. If you've ever wondered how to turn trauma into transformation, how to build community without hierarchy, or how to reclaim presence after loss, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.

In this heart-opening episode of The Alchemist Lounge, Alex Atwood sits down with author, therapist, and relationship expert Vicki Kennedy to explore how couples can transform conflict into connection—and why "It's Never Personal" might be the mantra that saves your relationship and your sanity. Drawing from her own story of heartbreak and healing, Vicki shares the tools behind the Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) model, how "demon dialogues" sabotage intimacy, and what it means to drop into primary emotion, co-regulate, and become true allies with your partner.

Whether you're single, coupled, or in the trenches of relational breakdown, this conversation will reshape how you relate—to others and to yourself.

In this episode, you will hear:
(0:00) The "Oh Moment" & Emotional Hijacks: when your nervous system says "I don't matter"—and how to course-correct.
(2:35) Arguments vs. Fights: how to distinguish hurt from harm and why healthy friction is essential.
(6:05) The Hold Me Tight Workshop: why couples of every stage—from dating to divorced—can benefit.
(10:44) Demon Dialogues Decoded: what happens when your partner "never listens" and why it's rarely about the dishes.
(24:13) Vicki's Story: divorce, five therapists, and the training that finally clicked.
(27:46) Why EFT Works: the neuroscience behind connection, and how secure attachment makes you a better human.
(36:53) Shadow Work & Self-Compassion: why the parts you hide are the keys to healing.
(46:06) The Five-Step "Never Personal" Process: from pain to presence, and holding what hurts to release it.
(57:35) Ego, Forgiveness & Freedom: the summit beyond the summit—and the realization that "there's nothing to forgive."

If you're ready to evolve how you love—and how you live—this one's not to be missed. Drop your biggest insight in the comments, and let us know: what demon dialogue are you rewriting?

What happens when a high-performing entrepreneur walks away from it all? Peter Corbett, former CEO who sold his boutique agency to a global firm, opens up in this deep and personal conversation with Alex Atwood.

In this candid and soulful episode, Peter shares the lessons he's learned through spiritual practice, emotional unraveling, and the second major exit of his life—his marriage.

00:00 – Intro: From Marketing CEO to Spiritual Explorer
02:08 – Bringing Art Through the Roof: "I Thought I Made It"
05:00 – Opulence & Awakening: When Success Sparks a Spiritual Journey
09:30 – Letting Go of Fame & Gain: Zen, Hospice Work & Finding Presence
13:00 – Relationship Struggles While Letting Go of Identity
16:43 – Building Businesses for Love: Uncovering Deep Childhood Patterns
20:59 – The Moment His Marriage Collapsed
22:20 – "This Was Done For Me": Peter's Enlightened Divorce Mindset
27:36 – From Trauma to Transformation: The Role of the "Soul Contract"
30:07 – Grieving Through the Body: Ice Baths, Yoga, No Alcohol
36:34 – Rebuilding Self-Worth Without Productivity
38:52 – Dating After 12 Years: "I Don't Know What Love Is"
41:04 – Advice on Grief & Loss: Bringing Pain Close Without Numbing
47:36 – Atlas: Peter's New Venture on Holistic Well-Being
48:06 – Final Words: "Are You Murdering Yourself For Someone Else?"