Podcast Summary: Reflections on Hosting New Thinking Allowed

Podcast: New Thinking Allowed Audio Podcast
Episode: Reflections on Hosting New Thinking Allowed with Emmy Vadnais and Jeffrey Mishlove
Date: May 15, 2025
Participants: Jeffrey Mishlove (Host), Emmy Vadnais (Co-Host)

Episode Overview

This special episode features a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation between longtime host Jeffrey Mishlove and co-host Emmy Vadnais about their experiences and philosophy behind hosting the New Thinking Allowed podcast. They explore the evolution of consciousness and parapsychology media, reflect on their personal journeys, discuss the nature of meaningful conversation, and consider the future of the program and its impact on listeners and broader culture.

Main Themes & Purpose

• Personal Reflections: Jeff and Emmy share their pathways into consciousness research and media, and the inner experiences that have shaped their roles as interviewers.
• The Growth of Consciousness Media: Exploration of how coverage of parapsychology and consciousness studies has evolved from marginalized media to a flourishing ecosystem.
• Nature of Hosting & Interviewing: Insights into their conversational dynamics, the importance of listening, synchronicity, and even telepathy in interviews.
• Community & Legacy: Reflections on their audience’s impact, mutual support, and what they hope the show brings to the world now and after their involvement.
• Societal Value: The show as a catalyst for self-understanding, spiritual awakening, and destigmatizing extraordinary experiences.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Evolution of Parapsychology Media

• Media Then vs. Now

  • Mishlove reminisces about the scarcity of consciousness-centric talk shows in the 1970s compared to today’s abundance.
    Quote:
    “There’s a proliferation now of talk shows or podcasts having to do with consciousness and the paranormal... when I started out… it was rare.” (03:19, Mishlove)
  • He credits pioneers before him but notes the significant shift in public comfort and interest.

• Why the Explosion?

  • Both attribute today’s popularity to an increasing societal openness and the joy of honest, curious conversations with thought leaders.

The Nature of Deep Conversation

• Remote Collaboration & Connection

  • Emmy and Jeff discuss never having met in person yet feeling deeply connected—sometimes experiencing remarkable synchronicities.
    Quote:
    “Maybe that distance has strengthened our telepathic abilities.” (10:20, Vadnais)

• Rhythm of Interviewing

  • Mishlove describes how interviews sometimes flow telepathically/intuitively, requiring little or no prepared questions:
    Quote:
    “I don’t even need to speak to the guest anymore to direct the interviews. It feels like it’s happening telepathically.” (10:44, Mishlove)
  • Vadnais relates her transition from prepared notes to a more present, responsive style, noting, “75 to 80% of the time, I don’t even have to ask the question.” (11:54, Vadnais)

• The Power of Listening

  • Both hosts underline the rarity and importance of true listening in interviews and life.
    • Mishlove recounts learning this from a popular coworker in his youth:
      Quote:
      “People were drawn to him simply because he asked questions and he was a good listener.” (15:20, Mishlove)
    • Vadnais highlights wisdom from her journalist-mediator mother:
      Quote:
      “She talked about how very few people will ask a second question… when somebody does that to you, you take note.” (16:15, Vadnais)

Interviewing as Personal Growth

• Interviews Shape the Interviewer

  • Emmy and Jeff both describe the cumulative psychological and spiritual impact of years interviewing thought leaders.
    Quote:
    “It does impact me in ways I don’t even know. But I’m certain it’s shaped who I am.” (20:43, Mishlove)

• Soul Groups & Spiritual Kinship

  • The conversation delves into “soul groups” as spiritual kin, sometimes supporting, sometimes challenging us.
    Quote:
    “I feel like you’re part of my soul group and definitely part of that spiritual community for me.” (19:30, Vadnais)
  • Mishlove references channeled writings and questions whether difficult people may be equally part of our ‘group soul’, sometimes for growth through adversity.

Overcoming Adversity

• Personal Stories of Challenge
  • Mishlove shares how obstacles to his PhD in parapsychology, and antagonism from skeptic James “The Amazing” Randi, ultimately became blessings, including financial success and motivation. Quote:
    “I feel like indirectly I won Randy’s million-dollar [challenge].” (27:04, Mishlove)
  • Emmy recounts her shift from burnout in occupational therapy to pursuing holistic health, catalyzed by hardship—her “ship of life just took a 180.” (27:45, Vadnais)

Community, Legacy & Impact

• Building a Lasting Enterprise

  • Mishlove reflects on the show’s ten-year growth from a solo effort to a community with volunteers, guest hosts, and publications.
    “It has gone from kind of a one-man effort to a community.” (31:05, Mishlove)
  • Both hosts hope the program will live on, fueled by shared mission and mutual support.

• Audience Resonance

  • Repeatedly, both recall messages from viewers for whom the show provided validation or healing for spiritual or anomalous experiences. Quote:
    “We hear from viewers almost daily who say thank you for giving them permission to accept themselves and not to rely on the harsh judgments of society about what their own inner experience is.” (39:51, Mishlove)

Destigmatizing Extraordinary Experience

• Paranormal & Mental Health
  • Discussion on how Western society can pathologize mystical or psychic experiences, referencing Dr. Manuel Matas’s interview shortly before his passing.
    • Vadnais: It’s common, even normal, to have “hallucination-like” experiences. The key is our relationship to them. Sometimes, what is called “psychosis” may be a harbinger of spiritual awakening if met with compassion and discernment. (41:39 – 42:59)
  • The hosts advocate for a culture that listens, validates, and gently distinguishes between supportive and troubling altered states.

Hopes for the Future

• Integration of Science & Spirituality

  • Mishlove stresses their role in bridging scientific and spiritual perspectives to serve humanity’s evolution. Quote:
    “...the worlds of spirituality and the worlds of science are coming together to the benefit of people, that we don’t have to live in a society where science and religion are at odds with each other.” (53:29, Mishlove)

• Vision for Education & Society

  • Both express hope for future mainstream acceptance of topics like intuition, psychic abilities, and true listening in education: Quote:
    “What a different world we would live in if people were taught to know how to listen, to cultivate and trust their inner intuitive abilities.” (55:00, Vadnais)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This is a calling for me.” (46:23, Mishlove)
• “I was possessed with a supernatural sense of calmness and presence. And I stood up naked, and they saw that I wasn’t afraid of them, and that frightened them, and they ran away.” (49:05, Mishlove – describing a harrowing life event and spiritual protection)
• “I think what we do on New Thinking Allowed is that we help people connect to what they already know is true within themselves and that we’re just showing them, perhaps maybe a mirror, the truth within themselves.” (55:00, Vadnais)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:19 – Mishlove on the history and explosion of consciousness media
• 10:44 – Discussion of telepathy, synchronicity, and intuitive hosting
• 15:20 & 16:15 – Stories about the importance and power of listening
• 19:30 – 23:54 – On soul groups, group souls, and challenging relationships
• 27:04 – Mishlove on overcoming adversity with skeptics and personal transformation
• 31:05 – Growth of New Thinking Allowed into a community
• 39:51 – 41:39 – On destigmatizing paranormal and extraordinary experiences
• 46:23 – 51:47 – Mishlove’s spiritual calling and pivotal life stories
• 53:29 – 55:00 – Episode closes with their hopes, intentions, and vision for the community

Conclusion

This episode functions as an open-hearted reflection on the past, present, and potential future of New Thinking Allowed — both as a platform for public inquiry and a vehicle for personal transformation. Jeff and Emmy openly discuss the joys and challenges of their work, the delicate art of authentic conversation, and the spiritual imperative of their mission. For newcomers and long-time listeners alike, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes portrait of two thoughtful seekers and the legacy they hope to create.

For Listeners New & Old

Whether you’re a first-time listener or a regular, this episode provides deep context for the ethos and heart behind New Thinking Allowed—and serves as both an invitation and a blueprint for seekers, community builders, and anyone curious about the frontiers of mind, spirit, and human connection.