Have you ever found yourself staring up at the night sky—maybe spoon-deep into a tub of ice cream—and asked yourself that age-old, soul-tingling question:
“Who am I… really?”
You’re not alone. That existential itch has been scratching at humanity’s brain for millennia. But here’s the twist: what if the answer wasn’t out there in the stars… but unfolding, moment by moment, inside you?
That’s exactly what we dive into in our latest episode of The Skeptic Metaphysicians, where we welcome Dr. Val Rytova, a neuroscience PhD, ontology scholar, and self-proclaimed “neurosciencey spiritualist” who just might change the way you look at reality itself.
The Science of Being (Yes, It’s a Thing)
So… what the heck is ontology, anyway?
It’s not a typo, and it’s definitely not ornithology (unless you’re contemplating the meaning of existence while birdwatching). Ontology is the metaphysical study of being—with a capital B. It asks the most fundamental of questions:
What does it mean to exist?
Dr. Val brings a powerhouse combination of neuroscience, epigenetics, quantum principles, and metaphysical exploration to bear on that question. And her answer?
“Being is created moment by moment.”
In other words, your existence isn’t something that’s locked in place like a character in a novel. It’s more like an improvisational jazz piece—fluid, shifting, unfolding in real time.
We’re Not Static… and That’s the Point
In Western science, we tend to look for certainty. Concrete, repeatable, measurable results. But in the world of spiritual awakening, things are… a little more slippery.
Dr. Val invites us to embrace that uncertainty—to stop demanding one fixed answer and instead learn to live in the gray space between what we know and what we feel. That’s not easy for a brain that’s evolved to categorize, protect, and survive. But it’s necessary for growth.
And ironically, this idea that we’re always changing? It’s backed by science.
Enter Neuroplasticity: Your Brain’s Hidden Superpower
One of the most exciting revelations in modern neuroscience is that our brains are not fixed. Thanks to a process called neuroplasticity, we can literally rewire how we think, feel, and respond to the world.
Dr. Val explains it like this:
“Your brain will default to whatever pathway you use the most. The more you engage with a certain way of being, the more deeply that pattern becomes embedded.”
Whether it’s healing trauma, overcoming fear, or stepping into spiritual alignment, you have the power to create new pathways—especially when you surround yourself with people who speak the same language.
Yes, that spiritual retreat you’ve been putting off? Turns out, it’s not just about getting zen in the jungle—it’s about building new, lasting circuits in your brain. Bonus points if you bring your soul tribe along for the ride.
DNA, Nature & the Forgotten Wisdom of Our Bodies
One of the most profound moments in our conversation came when Dr. Val dropped this truth bomb:
“Some of your DNA is so clumped together it’s inaccessible… until you spend time in nature.”
Let that sink in.
Your environment doesn’t just shape your mood—it can activate or suppress genes through a process called epigenetics. Our modern urban lives are disconnecting us from the very biology that craves sunlight, soil, and spiritual stillness.
That’s why ancient wisdom and modern science agree: want to awaken? Go outside.
So… What About Ghosts and UFOs?
You know we had to ask.
Dr. Val, ever the pragmatic mystic, doesn’t dismiss these experiences. Instead, she reframes them:
“When something physical disappears, it doesn’t mean the being is gone. It’s just no longer appearing in physical form.”
As for UFOs and the UAP phenomenon? She believes it’s shortsighted to think we’re the only intelligent beings in the universe—and points out that quantum science itself suggests multiple layers of reality may be coexisting all around us.
Translation: If consciousness is non-local and time isn’t linear, then yeah—a lot more is possible than we’ve been led to believe.
Meditation, Awakening & the Myth of the Fast Track
Will openly admits that despite producing a metaphysical podcast and meditating daily, he hasn’t yet reached the spiritual heights he’s craving. Dr. Val’s answer is both compassionate and clear:
“You can’t half-ass it. You have to live it.”
Whether it’s moving to a new neighborhood, changing your conversations, or adding calendar pop-ups that ask, “What kind of energy are you in right now?”—the point is, consistency matters.
And if you want a spiritual six-pack, you can’t just read about sit-ups. You’ve got to get on the mat and sweat.
From Theory to Transformation
The most beautiful thing about Dr. Val’s perspective is that it bridges the gap between science and spirit. You’re not either a logical brain or a mystical soul—you’re both. And when you integrate those aspects of yourself?
You become unstoppable.
Want to awaken?
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Rewire your brain with intention.
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Shift your environment to support your path.
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Use conversation as transformation.
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And most importantly… live the question of Being.
🔗 Resources from the Episode:
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Work with Dr. Val: www.drvalrytova.com
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Explore the AUM Sanctuary by Tom Evans (Affiliate): Click here
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Try the Lovetuner – 528Hz Frequency Tool (Affiliate): Get yours
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Edit like a pro with Descript (Affiliate): Try Descript
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Read “Hands of Light” by Barbara Ann Brennan
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Quantum Healing Hypnosis: qhhtofficial.com
🎧 Final Thoughts
If your spiritual path feels stuck or scattered… maybe you’re not doing it wrong. Maybe you’re just trying to think your way into something that’s meant to be lived.
Tune into the episode. Take a walk in nature. Have a vulnerable conversation with someone who gets it. And allow your next moment of Being to unfold.
As Dr. Val reminds us,
“You are nothing… and everything… all at once.”
And that’s exactly where the magic begins.
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Whether you’re a seasoned seeker or just metaphysical-curious, you’re welcome here. Thanks for being part of the journey to raise the vibration of the planet—one question at a time.
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