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Illusion Pod

69 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★ - 127 ratings

Two LA-raised spiritualists candidly observing passing phenomena. Hosted by Gabi Abrão (@sighswoon) and James Francis (@jamesfrancish)

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Episodes

Is Nicholas in the Room with Us Right Now?

August 27, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 72 MB

James and Gabi talk about an ex bf interaction and getting bit by a chicken. We then get into the Gabbie Hanna situation and what it symbolizes about the internet, boundaries, performance, and illusions. We get into Nicholas - the online viewer turned IRL spawn, who broke the third wall by arriving to Gabbie's house and "trying to help her" whilst tiktokking his mission. We also talk about internet mistakes, the very real reality that we are all creating and learning from the internet in rea...

Observational Comedy

August 06, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 44.5 MB

James and Gabi reflect on Gabi’s first book signing for Notes on Shapeshifting, as well as the fist fight they witnessed right after that James broke up herself. We talk about Nathan Fielder’s “The Rehearsal” and discuss the concept of manipulation. In a way, all communication is manipulation. We bitch about bitching, as usual. We daydream about living in a perfect bubble. For exclusive eps, come to our patreon: patreon.com/illusionpod

No Topic Head Empty

July 09, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 62.4 MB

James and Gabi embark on an episode with zero topics in mind just to see where it goes. Thoughts emerge on James’ stay in a dome in Topanga, wide brimmed hats, having skinny boyfriends, going to a Fourth of July party just to eat new food, board short styles, the “girl war” which may just be a war on joy and the felt presence of God, living simply. After 45 mins we really peak into some life-loving gratitude hype I gotta say. Also, new sign-off announced. this content is made possible by vi...

On God: A Case for Judaism

June 25, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 64.7 MB

Somewhat of a continuation of the last public episode: James and Gabi talk about the word and energy of "God". We then discuss Christianity and Judaism, coming to the conclusion that Judaism is the dominant religion, obviously. Jewish IG's Gabi mentioned: @myrrhmag @jewitches James' favorite pilates youtube, Nicole not Kayla: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEbbyBuyQiHpKiOMj9GFhVw  Tired of ads? Join us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/illusionpod xoxo

Kanye, Red Scare and The New Right: Observing Nature in Motion

June 11, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 78.9 MB

james and gabi discuss “the new right” and a revival of christian religion, citing Kanye west, Red Scare Podcast, that New York movie ticket guy article, and that Peter thiel article. We get into Dasha Nekrasova’s clear influence on the youth and the magic that can happen when a virgo and a pisces are aligned and on air. Is the human brain more inclined toward vibes & symbols or numbers & charts when it comes to decision-making? james makes case for middle aged leadership. tucker carlson and...

Anonymity on the Internet Should Be Outlawed

May 27, 2022 00:00 - 2 hours - 100 MB

- changing covid sentiments, shared covid experiences  - #metoo talks in relation to amber depp trial  - deux moi being revealed and how lame deux moi is while also being an expert at capitalizing on the vibe they simulated  - celeb gawking  - school shooter  - anonymity on the internet should be outlawed  - lots of shit talking basically For more episodes, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/illusionpod

Anonymity on the Internet Should Be Outlawed

May 27, 2022 00:00 - 2 hours - 100 MB

- changing covid sentiments, shared covid experiences  - #metoo talks in relation to amber depp trial  - deux moi being revealed and how lame deux moi is while also being an expert at capitalizing on the vibe they simulated  - celeb gawking  - school shooter  - anonymity on the internet should be outlawed  - lots of shit talking basically For more episodes, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/illusionpod

*UNLOCKED* Are You Living Your Dharma or Drama?

May 15, 2022 14:00 - 2 hours - 93.4 MB

This is our very first Patreon Episode on March 11th. For more exclusive episodes, join us: https://www.patreon.com/illusionpod James and Gabi introduce the new structure of Illusion Pod and its purpose. We then wander into theories on purpose and existence in general - referencing Dharma and the Tao Te Ching. We refer to an article from 2013 entitled “10 Tips to Discover Your Personal Dharma” to share ways in which one accesses their life purpose. James also shares how she was interviewed...

Choose Your Fighter, Choose Your Destination

April 30, 2022 20:00 - 2 hours - 86.3 MB

James and Gabi discuss Everything Everywhere All At Once, great movie. We talk about reframing nervousness into excitement and creating destinations for thought. We discuss Elon Musk buying Twitter. All of it coming down to theories on the power of attention and choice. We're now on Patreon— join us for exclusive episodes: https://www.patreon.com/illusionpod

How To Not Join A Cult *TEASER*

April 09, 2022 17:00 - 2 minutes - 1.71 MB

We discuss “Holy Hell”, a unique documentary about the cult Buddhafield that formed in the trippy 80s. We discuss “NXIVM”, a more recent, highly sinister cult with corporate incentives. We witness cults as magnifications of other interpersonal human phenomena like popularity, power structures, social hierarchies, group think, and more. We trip out on people who lie, questioning the function of a lie. We question what makes a cult attractive and what causes it to spiral out. James shares her ...

How To Not Join A Cult *TEASER*

April 09, 2022 17:00 - 2 minutes - 1.71 MB

We discuss “Holy Hell”, a unique documentary about the cult Buddhafield that formed in the trippy 80s. We discuss “NXIVM”, a more recent, highly sinister cult with corporate incentives. We witness cults as magnifications of other interpersonal human phenomena like popularity, power structures, social hierarchies, group think, and more. We trip out on people who lie, questioning the function of a lie. We question what makes a cult attractive and what causes it to spiral out. James shares her ...

2 Goblins, 1 Slap

April 02, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 62.5 MB

James and Gabi discuss the Will Smith slap and the sensations that followed. We share a story of when we fought a man together and ripped his shirt open. We discuss Instagram’s introduction of mindfulness. (Optional chronological feed). We talk about “Goblin Mode”, some article thing. We wonder if we should go outside. Join our Patreon for early episode access + exclusive episodes: https://www.patreon.com/illusionpod Guardian Goblin Article: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/mar/...

Synchronized Swimming

March 20, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 57.6 MB

James and Gabi talk about Gabi completing the writing stages of her book and the synchronicities that occurred during. James begins with anger towards Adobe products but manages to cool off. We explore synchronicities in general and analyze the many ways they may manifest as well as how to call them in. Control vs. intention comes up, as well as Grimes and Elon, Goop and our Virgo Full Moon experiences. For bonus episodes, join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/illusionpod

Weird Party In Your Pocket

March 01, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 51.7 MB

James and Gabi discuss the war in Ukraine. We process the way social media seems to react during every single global crisis, the lack of social cues and contexts online, nationalism, strength and the Vibe Shift article in The Cut that hints at a post-woke era dressed up in American Apparel knee-highs. Read The Cut article here Join the illusion pod patreon 

Kanye's Guide to Heartbreak

February 21, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 41.3 MB

Gabi and James discuss Kanye’s latest breakup display, along the way they share their feelings about coolers, touch on their west LA upbringing, try to understand Kabbalah and so much more.  Join the illusion pod patreon 

Kanye's Guide to Heartbreak

February 21, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 41.3 MB

Gabi and James discuss Kanye’s latest breakup display, along the way they share their feelings about coolers, touch on their west LA upbringing, try to understand Kabbalah and so much more.  Join the illusion pod patreon 

Trauma For President

February 12, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 72.4 MB

Operating on an 11 hour time difference via FaceTime Audio, Gabi and James analyze trauma’s slow climb to fame and how it’s morphed throughout the generations. They share personal stories of traumatic incidents and discuss the importance of choosing how and when to share. It is decided Resilience is due for a comeback. James manages to reference Oliver Twist, Oliver Stone’s JFK and Seinfeld, with varying degrees of lucidity.  Join the illusion pod patreon 

Not All Who Wander Are Lost

January 31, 2022 01:00 - 1 hour - 43.6 MB

James and Gabi get high and then talk about travel, shopping, packing, Scotland, dads, being cartoons, things like that. Join the illusion pod patreon

The Great Reckoning

January 25, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 63.4 MB

James and Gabi discuss January lulls and Gabi’s current destination, as well as how it seems that as a culture we’re at the tail end of some dominant, binary narratives , many of which ran their course mostly on social media …. The concept of post-woke, post-influencer, post-covid and more Want more from Gabi and James? Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoon Gabi's Merch: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoon James' New Meditations: https://linktr.ee/guidetracks James' ...

The Great Reckoning

January 25, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 63.4 MB

James and Gabi discuss January lulls and Gabi’s current destination, as well as how it seems that as a culture we’re at the tail end of some dominant, binary narratives , many of which ran their course mostly on social media …. The concept of post-woke, post-influencer, post-covid and more Want more from Gabi and James? Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoon Gabi's Merch: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoon James' New Meditations: https://linktr.ee/guidetracks James' ...

In and Out for 2022

January 05, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 61.8 MB

James and Gabi present their IN and OUT lists for 2022, resulting in an agreed general temperature for the upcoming decade. We also open the episode with a discussion on the now controversial “The Clique” series by Lisi Harrison, which was written about recently in a New York Times article entitled “How the Clique Books Taught Me to Hate Other Girls and Myself” Want more from Gabi and James? Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoon Gabi's Merch: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/...

POV: you're in the backseat of James' 2006 Prius

December 29, 2021 19:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MB

In the car on the way back from Big Sur, Gabi and James discuss their takes on 2021 as well as theories on chaos, fun dad syndrome, the holiness of nature and reconfiguring to new spaces. *this episode was recorded live on a road trip, sounds like it too but imagine you’re coming along for the ride Support Gabi and James: Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoon Gabi's Merch: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoon James' Newsletter:  https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscri...

Boy Meets World and It's Overwhelming

November 20, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 53.8 MB

Gabi and James talk exclusivity, globalization, nihilism and being remembered. After an off-air cupcake break, they discuss the recent events at Astroworld and their past experiences in large crowds at concerts. Support Gabi and James: Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoon Gabi's Merch: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoon James' Newsletter:  https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribe James' Shop: https://www.goteamjames.com/shop/

The Pete Davidson Effect

November 15, 2021 02:00 - 1 hour - 44.6 MB

We talk about the Pete Davidson effect, our pete davidsons, first kisses and crushes, being bullied by crushes, amongst other things, and then we eat burgers  and fries :)

To Yearn is to Live

October 28, 2021 01:00 - 1 hour - 58.5 MB

We discuss the condition of “yearning”, Lana Del Rey, what men have taught us about ourselves, and sooOoOoOooo much more. Support Gabi and James: Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoon Gabi's Merch: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoon James' Newsletter:  https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribe James' Shop: https://www.goteamjames.com/shop/

Dark Web Grab Bag

October 17, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 65.9 MB

Gabi and James sleepily return to the mic to discuss LA’s unpredictable weather, bad vibes in general, life advice from Uber drivers, being recognized, the metaverse, conspiracy theories, CIA leaks, media narratives, accountability, how to process fumbling on the route to your dreams, and our personal takes on the viral article “Bad Art Friend” as an important cautionary tale to anyone who assumes a creative identity. Support Gabi and James, if you so desire: Gabi's Patreon: https://www.pat...

I Am Constantly Shapeshifting, Adapting, and Evolving (and Other Phrases) Explained - SIGHSWOON

October 11, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 42.3 MB

I explain how the term “I am constantly shapeshifting, adapting, and evolving” became a mantra and truth for me - derived from a real life constant struggle between defining myself within the romantic gaze, the feminist mission, social expectation, narrative, and more. Each word in the phrase was chosen and placed in that order with specific reasoning. I also share the stories behind: “the cyborg in me recognizes the cyborg in you” for making peace with the internet, as well as the infinity ...

I Am Constantly Shapeshifting, Adapting, and Evolving (and Other Phrases) Explained - SIGHSWOON

October 11, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 42.3 MB

I explain how the term “I am constantly shapeshifting, adapting, and evolving” became a mantra and truth for me - derived from a real life constant struggle between defining myself within the romantic gaze, the feminist mission, social expectation, narrative, and more. Each word in the phrase was chosen and placed in that order with specific reasoning. I also share the stories behind: “the cyborg in me recognizes the cyborg in you” for making peace with the internet, as well as the infinity ...

Infographic Gala and Chateau Marmont Mythology

September 19, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 71.6 MB

After booking a room at the famous location for Gabi’s birthday, James and Gabi discuss the Chateau Marmont and its standing as an iconic LA staple - illustrating the power that story-telling has on value and experience. We discuss the Met Gala in this context as well which leads us to delve into theories on infographic brain, gossip currency brain, politicians as celebrities, why the left can’t unite, and other general political grievances. We also share takes on Virgo season energy and why...

What does it mean to be an artist? ACT I

September 07, 2021 21:00 - 1 hour - 57.6 MB

James and Gabi approach the question “What is an artist?”, soon realizing that the question may actually be “What is an artist in a world of poets in a world of non-poets?”. We search for the answer in a variety of mediums, from Daniel Johnston’s song “Story of an Artist” to interviewing a couple friends. This is Act One of a continuous series on this topic. Support Gabi and James, if you so desire: Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoon James' Newsletter:  https://nowisgood.subs...

"What does it mean to be an Artist?" (Act One)

September 07, 2021 21:00 - 1 hour - 57.6 MB

James and Gabi approach the question “What is an artist?”, soon realizing that the question may actually be “What is an artist in a world of poets in a world of non-poets?”. We search for the answer in a variety of mediums, from Daniel Johnston’s song “Story of an Artist” to interviewing a couple friends. This is Act One of a continuous series on this topic. Support Gabi and James, if you so desire: Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoon James' Newsletter:  https://nowisgood.subs...

To Kanye or Not to Kanye

September 01, 2021 22:00 - 1 hour - 52.9 MB

James and Gabi discuss varying ideas of success, celebrity culture, fan vs. artist relationships, parasocial relationships, Lorde’s album, Kanye’s album, Kanye in general, cancel culture, the concept of self expression vs. attention grabs, and more. Also, Gabi’s dad calls us mid-pod.

NOT A BOT

August 28, 2021 01:00 - 1 hour - 57.9 MB

Following Tesla’s announcement to create AI robots to perform “boring human tasks”, James and Gabi discuss everything BOT. Feeling like a bot, feeling like not a bot, philosophies on a world where AI serves humanity, working in the service industry, how we would design the AI robot species,  AI bots as memes, channeling your bot-ness on purpose, and much more. We interview a friend, who we will call “space x anon”, who works at Space X as a software engineer and has seen Elon Musk in the fle...

NOT A BOT

August 28, 2021 01:00 - 1 hour - 57.9 MB

Following Tesla’s announcement to create AI robots to perform “boring human tasks”, James and Gabi discuss everything BOT. Feeling like a bot, feeling like not a bot, philosophies on a world where AI serves humanity, working in the service industry, how we would design the AI robot species,  AI bots as memes, channeling your bot-ness on purpose, and much more. We interview a friend, who we will call “space x anon”, who works at Space X as a software engineer and has seen Elon Musk in the fle...

SIGHSWOON: May Your Symbols Transport You

August 03, 2021 01:00 - 58 minutes - 40.3 MB

***This is an episode from 2/12/21 unlocked from @sighswoon’s Patreon!*** This episode explores the entirety of my experience and theory on symbols as an important vessel and language. How I was taught the vital role of symbols in conceptual art, symbols as they are used in ritual and magic, and symbols as they are used as a language with the subconscious. I highlight the importance of understanding the power of symbols on both a custom, personal level as well as the mainstream symbols (repr...

Micro Citizens of Saddle Ranch

August 01, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 47 MB

Gabi fills James in on the cultural significance of Saddle Ranch and we hear about her recent date at the TikTok magnet. We then reveal our results of both Disney Princess and Meyers-Briggs tests.  We discuss ramifications of using personality tests in the real world and ponder the societal need for protagonist forces.  For more content from Gabi and James: Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoon James' Newsletter:  https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribe

Micro Citizens of Saddle Ranch

August 01, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 47 MB

Gabi fills James in on the cultural significance of Saddle Ranch and we hear about her recent date at the TikTok magnet. We then reveal our results of both Disney Princess and Meyers-Briggs tests.  We discuss ramifications of using personality tests in the real world and ponder the societal need for protagonist forces.  For more content from Gabi and James: Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoon James' Newsletter:  https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribe

Ancestral Ties Realize Real Lies

July 21, 2021 00:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MB

James returns to Los Angeles after visiting family and attending a not-wedding in Chicago. We discuss our experience with having our extended family thousands of miles away, but having our parents in the same city our whole lives, and how this plays a part in connection, communication, and boundaries in the family realm. We unbox a gift! We also share our opinions on 23 & me, ancestry, and the importance and clues we can find in DNA and family ties. For more content from Gabi and James: Gab...

GUIDED MEDITATION: SPACE EXPANSION

July 12, 2021 04:00 - 8 minutes - 6.06 MB

This meditation playfully rejects seeking vast corners of outer space, by offering a look inward.  We will focus on finding easy expansion, while tapping into the eternal space of being. If you enjoyed this meditation and wish for more content from James, visit: https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribe

Call-in Q&A: Smooth Brain, No Ghosts

July 04, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 45.3 MB

Topics include:  How to work on something when you feel resistance towards it Our paranormal experiences  Finding a personal style Smooth brain, no thoughts  --- For more content from Gabi and James: Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoon James' Newsletter:  https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribe

2021 A Space Odyssey

June 19, 2021 18:00 - 1 hour - 45.6 MB

In this highly space-themed episode, we discuss mercury retrograde, Jeff Bezos’ plan to fly to space for 11 minutes, the first space tourist (Dennis Tito of LA) no one is talking about who paid Russia 20 million to go to space way back in 2001, all the main contenders in the current space race, and Lorde’s new song, Solar Power. This episode is sprinkled with thoughts and fun facts on space bodies, human bodies, space tourism, energy vs. matter, stars as fully evolved beings, and much more. ...

2021 A Space Odyssey

June 19, 2021 18:00 - 1 hour - 45.6 MB

In this highly space-themed episode, we discuss mercury retrograde, Jeff Bezos’ plan to fly to space for 11 minutes, the first space tourist (Dennis Tito of LA) no one is talking about who paid Russia 20 million to go to space way back in 2001, all the main contenders in the current space race, and Lorde’s new song, Solar Power. This episode is sprinkled with thoughts and fun facts on space bodies, human bodies, space tourism, energy vs. matter, stars as fully evolved beings, and much more. ...

Guided Meditation: Gallery Visit

June 14, 2021 01:00 - 7 minutes - 4.97 MB

This meditation takes you on a little visit to the gallery of being. Here you are free to wander and listen to the sounds of nearby visitors while you envision your version of abundance. If you get lost in a loop of thought, James checks in regularly to bring you back to center. If you enjoyed this meditation and want more, subscribe to James' newsletter:  https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribe

Curating Life + Curating Art = <3

June 08, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 68.8 MB

James and Gabi discuss going to their very first post-covid LA house party and share their thoughts on Made in LA 2021, the Hammer Museum’s iconic biennial. Following an exploration of said curated art exhibition, we enter the concept and meaning of “curating a life”. We share the systems in which we curate our own lives, touching on the importance of choices, energy & matter, vibrational frequency attuning, breaking ancestral patterns, and much more. If you'd like to access more content fr...

Guided Meditation: Force Field Exercise

June 01, 2021 02:00 - 9 minutes - 6.51 MB

In this meditation, James offers one of her favorite protection meditations. This can be especially helpful when you feel pulled down by external energies and need to reboot. Ellen DeGeneres, this one is for you.  If you enjoyed this meditation and want more awareness based content from James, subscribe to her newsletter: nowisgood.substack.com

Guided Meditation: Force Field Exercise

June 01, 2021 02:00 - 9 minutes - 6.51 MB

In this meditation, James offers one of her favorite protection meditations. This can be especially helpful when you feel pulled down by external energies and need to reboot. Ellen DeGeneres, this one is for you.  If you enjoyed this meditation and want more awareness based content from James, subscribe to her newsletter: nowisgood.substack.com

Reunited in the 310 in the Time of 818

May 24, 2021 01:00 - 50 minutes - 35.1 MB

Gabi is back in LA, and we have our very first post-pandemic outing in our city together. We catch the final day of Shattered Glass, an incredible group show at Jeffrey Deitch gallery, and discuss its affect on us as an important ode to Los Angeles, collaboration, and consistency. Following the LA theme, we discuss Kendall’s new tequila brand, 818 (the area code of her LA neighborhood), and the backlash she received for her campaign. We then get into a general discussion on the phenomenon of...

Guided Meditation: Witnessing Impermanence

May 23, 2021 00:00 - 7 minutes - 5.5 MB

Following up on Gabi and James' discussion surrounding self-branding, this meditation asks us to sit with the personality and it's limited ability to portray the fullness of our being.  If you enjoyed this meditation and want more awareness based content from James, subscribe to her newsletter: nowisgood.substack.com

Guided Meditation: Witnessing Impermanence

May 23, 2021 00:00 - 7 minutes - 5.5 MB

Following up on Gabi and James' discussion surrounding self-branding, this meditation asks us to sit with the personality and it's limited ability to portray the fullness of our being.  If you enjoyed this meditation and want more awareness based content from James, subscribe to her newsletter: nowisgood.substack.com

The Bystander Effect and Self-Branding

May 15, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 55.9 MB

CW: Death, drowning, tragic story, bystander effect. After witnessing a tragic freak accident drowning death on a popular Maui beach, Gabi shares the experience. Perplexed by the inaction of individuals on the heavily populated beach, we discuss the spooky psychological phenomenon known as the bystander effect. We then travel into conversations on “self-branding”, the concept of a human as a brand, our experience in that realm, and more.     If you wish to skip the scary part, our talk on s...