What's Your Story with Jaime & Stan

What’s Your Story, Michael Pottern? Healing through light, sound, and the future of wellness

Episode Summary

In this eye-opening episode, we’re joined by Michael Pottern, founder of the Denver Zen Den, a revolutionary wellness space where light, sound, and vibration combine to create what he calls sober psychedelic experiences. Michael walks us through his journey from Chicago entrepreneur to wellness innovator, driven by a personal discovery of meditation, mindfulness, and somatic healing. Through his work with veterans, parents, and busy professionals, Michael is reimagining how we approach mental wellness, nervous system regulation, and emotional healing without relying on substances. This conversation is for anyone curious about the future of wellness, the science of vibration, and the power of reconnecting with yourself.

Episode Notes

In this eye-opening episode, we’re joined by Michael Pottern, founder of the Denver Zen Den, a revolutionary wellness space where light, sound, and vibration combine to create what he calls sober psychedelic experiences.

Michael walks us through his journey from Chicago entrepreneur to wellness innovator, driven by a personal discovery of meditation, mindfulness, and somatic healing. Through his work with veterans, parents, and busy professionals, Michael is reimagining how we approach mental wellness, nervous system regulation, and emotional healing without relying on substances.

This conversation is for anyone curious about the future of wellness, the science of vibration, and the power of reconnecting with yourself.

Key topics discussed

Michael's journey to wellness

• From building real estate ventures and study-abroad startups in Chicago to discovering meditation through the David Lynch Foundation.
• How a shift toward mindfulness and inner healing became the foundation for everything that came next.

The Denver Zen Den

• Inside Michael’s unique wellness space, where visitors experience light, sound, and vibration therapies that simulate the effects of psychedelics without using any substances.
• How these sober psychedelic experiences are helping people find balance, clarity, and deep emotional healing.

Science meets innovation

• A breakdown of the cutting-edge tech behind the Zen Den, including stroboscopic light, vibroacoustic therapy, and frequency-based sound healing.
• The emerging role of neuroplasticity and somatic therapies in regulating the nervous system.

Mental health and resilience

• Why the Zen Den model is making a difference for everyone from parents and entrepreneurs to veterans with PTSD.
• Michael’s collaborations with neuroscientists, trauma experts, and nonprofit organizations to expand access to alternative healing.

Expanding the vision

• Michael’s mission to take the Zen Den concept beyond Denver with portable, scalable wellness setups that make healing more accessible.
• Why he believes wellness centers will be as essential to communities as gyms and coffee shops in the future.

Memorable quotes

“The issues are in the tissues. Healing starts when we let go of what no longer serves us.” – Michael Pottern
“Sober psychedelic experiences allow us to reconnect with ourselves, creating profound healing without the need for substances.” – Michael Pottern
“Wellness is not a luxury it’s a necessity for a balanced, fulfilled life.” – Michael Pottern

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Where to listen & watch:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/BaL_CLy_Et0
Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/mtkxjcez
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yhkw24v7
Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2hnfynpm

Connect with Michael:
Website: www.denverzenden.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-pottern
Facebook: www.facebook.com/michael.pottern
Instagram: www.instagram.com/michael.findingmyzen

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