What happens when the dust of the desert meets the cosmos of consciousness? In this unforgettable conversation, CJ Shaman — a rock artist, spiritual seeker, and modern-day musical mystic — shares how he’s transforming darkness into light, loss into art, and rebellion into healing.
Born in small-town Arizona and raised in a Mormon household, CJ’s journey has taken him from rural roots to the neon glow of Las Vegas, from classic rock’s outlaw energy to shamanic exploration through psychedelics and sound. His latest album, El Diablo de Ocho (The Devil of Eight), is both a tribute to friends lost too soon and a sonic rebirth — a declaration that music can be medicine for the soul.
In this episode, CJ opens up about:
• 🌵 Desert roots and rebel beginnings — how the spirit of the American West shaped his sound and story.
• 💀 The darkness behind El Diablo de Ocho — grief, loss, and finding beauty in pain.
• 🔮 Shamanic awakening — what it means to walk between worlds and bring wisdom back through music.
• 🎸 Music as medicine — how performance, vulnerability, and sound can heal both artist and audience.
• 🌌 Freedom and faith — breaking away from convention to discover spiritual truth on his own terms.
Through laughter, loss, and revelation, CJ reminds us that authenticity isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being whole.
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This podcast episode is sponsored by*:
Humanist Beauty - Beauty for your skin & soul, Humanist Beauty is clean, conscious, and cruelty-free. Learn more here → https://humanistbeauty.com
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CJ's Links:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/c.j._shaman/
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0kL26sZrHkolXwMXtY9eC9?si=dJi8iLalQdy3p_QGElz93A
Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/cj-shaman/555821385
Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome CJ Shaman: Breaking the Mold & Musical Rebellion
00:56 - Embracing Individuality: Courage, Authenticity & Living Louder
01:22 - Vegas Roots: CJ Shaman’s Hometown and Local Culture
03:14 - Inside El Diablo de Ocho: The Story, Loss & Musical Tribute
06:41 - Channeling Darkness: Vulnerability, Healing & Creative Strength
08:10 - Shamanism, Spiritual Upbringing & Finding Purpose
10:37 - Psychedelics & Rock Legends: How Plant Medicine Ignited Creativity
11:33 - Becoming CJ Shaman: From Experimentation to Spiritual Leadership
13:06 - Plant Medicine: Intention, Ego Death & Cosmic Discoveries
17:56 - Rebirth & Healing: Transformational Experiences with Psychedelics
18:53 - The Power & Risks of Psychedelics: Healing, Euphoria & Integration
24:35 - Beyond the Physical: Expanding Perspective & Letting Go of Ego
25:23 - Connecting Through Music: Childlike Wonder & Emotional Energy
27:50 - CJ’s Creative Process: Channeling Messages & Studio Insights
28:20 - The Changing Music Industry: Spiritual Mindset vs. Mainstream Struggles
30:58 - Resilience, Faith & Recovery: Climbing Out of the Pit
33:01 - Age and Longevity in Music: Health, Well-Being & Authenticity
36:01 - What’s Next for CJ Shaman: Album Launch, Collabs & Nashville Sessions
38:20 - Closing Inspiration: Where to Find CJ Shaman & Human Beauty Movement
39:00 - Join the Movement: Workshops, Community & Inspiring Resources
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