The Drop the Needle Podcast
Episode 51: Your Pain Is Your Genius | Shadow Work, Trauma & Metanoia with Steven Twohig
Release Date: January 15, 2026
Host: Jim Alstatt
Guest: Steven Twohig
Episode Overview
This episode explores the depths of shadow work, the impact of trauma, and the transformative concept of Metanoia with Steven Twohig—a veteran in spiritual transformation who blends deep spiritual work with strategic business consulting. Jim and Steven discuss how facing one’s pain and unconscious patterns is the pathway to true genius and spiritual awakening, and the conversation effortlessly weaves between psychological insight, practical application in life and business, and the healing power of music.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Layers of Consciousness & Shadow Work
(Starts ~04:39)
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Steven’s Model:
Steven invites listeners to picture themselves as floating in a boat on a river—a metaphor for one's consciousness and personal story. The river has many "boats" (possibilities) on its surface, representing the multiplicity of thoughts and roles.“You’re floating down the river of the story called you in the boat called Now…and your mind is anywhere but now.” – Steven Twohig [04:39]
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Surface vs. Subconscious:
Most people focus only on the “surface” (their daily thoughts and actions), unaware of the deep currents (subconscious and “deep conscious”) that actually drive their behaviors and suffering. -
Shadow work, according to Steven, is about “diving beneath the surface” to recalibrate those underlying signals, so that we’re not endlessly chasing external solutions to internal problems.
2. Repetitive Thought Patterns & Survival Instinct
(~08:36-12:43)
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Repetitive Thoughts:
- 95% of our thoughts are repetitive; 87% of those are survival-driven, negative, or protective.
“95% of the thoughts you think are repetitive…about 87% of the 95% are survival rooted attack thoughts.” – Steven Twohig [08:36]
- 95% of our thoughts are repetitive; 87% of those are survival-driven, negative, or protective.
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Origins:
These patterns are rooted in ancient evolutionary biology, archetypes, and learned scripts passed down through generations (“13.5 billion years,” as Steven says).
3. Beyond the Hero’s Journey: Waking Up to Your Genius
(~10:57-15:48)
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Moving Beyond Old Narratives:
Most people live life by the “egoic hero’s journey” template—going from crisis to crisis, overcoming challenges, and seeking external validation. Steven argues it's time to “evolve past that.”“That model is dead. We need to evolve now past that. Michael Mead calls it the story of the genius, where there’s a unique expression that can only come through…you.” – Steven Twohig [10:57]
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Spiritual Crisis & Transformation:
The universe and modern pressures (like AI and societal acceleration) are “forcing us to the table” to transform—what Steven calls Metanoia.
4. Chasing Metanoia: Structural Change at the Soul Level
(~13:03-15:48)
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Metanoia Defined:
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From Greek: a total spiritual or structural change, often catalyzed by crisis or tragedy.
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In mythology, Metanoia is “a character of unknown origin that hangs out with Kiros, the goddess of transformation.”
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It’s about a shift from seeing ourselves as surface-bound, consumption-focused beings to recognizing ourselves as creators and healers.
“We are creators that have been programmed to be consumers… But the universe is saying—it’s time for you to wake up.” – Steven Twohig [13:09]
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Speed of Change:
Events that used to take millennia now happen in years; adaptation demands inner recalibration.
5. Shadow Work Meets Business and Leadership
(~18:21-34:44)
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From Tony Robbins to Ayahuasca:
Steven shares his journey of recovery, shadow work, and eventually working for Tony Robbins for 14+ years. He integrated shadow practices into business settings—proving these principles are not just spiritual, but also practical and scalable.“It doesn't matter. It scales. The math adds up all the way in, all the way down. [...] Business is a spiritual sport at the end of the day.” – Steven Twohig [24:21 & 25:50]
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Practical Impact:
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Businesses are run by stories, patterns, and shadows. The parts of ourselves we “hide, repress, and deny” show up in business and leadership roles.
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Shifting from “paycheck employees” and internal competition to “integrated leadership” and engagement unleashes creativity and collective genius.
“Companies that are only...the research is profound—the amount of people that are not happy with where they are, they're not engaged. If I'm not engaged, I'm only paper thin...That organization that's moving at the speed of light has to be conscious.” – Steven Twohig [27:58]
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6. Your Struggle is Sacred: Transforming Pain into Genius
(~37:52–47:53)
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Pain as Portal:
The show’s titular theme—“Your pain is your genius”—comes alive here. The core wounds and traumas from childhood become “open secrets” that reverberate through our lives until faced.“It's in the suffering of me...there's a part of me that was not given.” – Steven Twohig [43:13]
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Personal Anecdotes:
Both Steven and Jim mention childhood traumas (from family dynamics to abuse) and how these unconsciously dictate lifelong patterns—until illuminated through shadow work.“There's this part of me that feels trapped… like I'm always waiting to be stuck back in that basement… But now because I’ve gone down in there…I can go into the basement called Jim and go 'Hey buddy, come with me.'” – Steven Twohig [44:30]
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Healing Process (“RAIN” framework):
- Recognize you’re in the struggle.
- Allow and accept it.
- Investigate its root.
- Nurture the part of you that needs healing.
7. Mental Hygiene in the Age of Acceleration & Artificial Intelligence
(~47:53–51:38)
- Necessity of Mental Cleanse:
Old wounds and “mental meanings” clog our perceptions. Steven calls intentional soul work a form of vital “mental hygiene.” - AI & Adaptation:
As AI becomes exponentially intelligent, humans must go “inward” for relevance and presence.“The illiterate of today's age will be the people that can't learn, then unlearn, and then relearn again.” – Steven Twohig [48:59]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On shadow work and the repetitive mind:
“Most people spend their lives chasing something outside of themselves to solve a signal that’s happening underneath the water. My work goes underneath the water and basically retunes and recalibrates that signal.” – Steven Twohig [06:00]
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On the trap of success:
“The more success I had…the certainty of going to be a bum…the gravity of it increased. The farther away I got, the farther up I got. Because my mind is still holding on to the same ‘You're gonna hit the ground,’ but now it's like you're five stories up.” – Steven Twohig [22:55]
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On collective awakening:
“We’re trying to get to that space where…when Jim's genius comes out, when your unique expression of you is finally able to sing its song…your presence automatically liberates others.” – Steven Twohig [37:52]
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On the importance of deep healing:
“Our first rule of shadow work is that you lie to yourself first. Where I can see how I'm lying to myself, I'm much bigger than what I think I am.” – Steven Twohig [41:00]
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Timestamp | Segment | |-------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:39–07:40 | Steven describes consciousness, shadow, and his healing model | | 08:36–12:43 | Repetitive thoughts, survival instincts, belief systems | | 13:03–15:48 | Metanoia: total transformation (definition, urgency, AI era) | | 18:21–24:21 | Steven’s story: Tony Robbins, recovery, business consulting | | 25:20–34:44 | Shadow work in business, leadership, real-world examples | | 37:52–47:53 | Pain as genius; healing childhood wounds (RAIN process) | | 47:53–51:38 | Mental hygiene, AI, the necessity of inner work |
Music, Memory, and Healing
(Segment begins ~52:24 with musical questions)
Steven and Jim reflect on how music shapes memory, emotion, and healing. Steven shares his personal “soundtrack”—from the Eagles’ “Take It Easy” on childhood road trips to Tool’s “46 & 2” as the anthem of his shadowy years.
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Song that feels written for Steven:
“Landslide” (performed by Robin Sherwell)“There’s something about it that’s humbling and cleansing in the same way…watching those lights come on is…the jam, man.” – Steven Twohig [63:34]
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Theme of music and genius:
The conversation celebrates music as a “tie that binds us all,” and a tool for unlocking both joy and self-understanding.
Guest Contact Information
- Steven Twohig:
- Website: MasteringChange.com
- Shadow Work App: Download via your phone app store
- Non-profit: Evolving Mind Project
- 65+ active integration groups monthly
Conclusion
Steven Twohig’s message: The suffering, struggle, and “basement” parts of ourselves are not obstacles, but essential portals to genius and transformation—both spiritual and practical. By embracing shadow work and turning inward, we not only heal ourselves but become catalysts for healing and creativity in business, relationships, and beyond.
For more, explore the show notes for Steven’s curated playlist and how to join his community.
“The only way out is through, and the only way through is in.” – Steven Twohig [48:59]