Adventures Through The Mind

This episode features Matthew Baggott of Tactogen Inc. and will explore entactogens, which are drugs like MDMA, 2C-B, and Methalone. We start with setting a basic framework for what an entactogen is and a few example drugs, before exploring the complexities in their various effects, mechanisms of action, and both the legislative and technical process of the development of novel or new entactogenic drugs. ... For links to Baggott's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind177 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletterTelgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Joe A, Nanci BF, & Heartwood Mushrooms ——    Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening(2:44) Guest Bio(4:06) Patreon thanks | Support The Show(5:42) Interview begins(6:31) What is an entactogen and what does it do? | The difference between entactogens and psychedelics(8:37) A short discussion about 2C-B(11:47) A list of different entactogens(15:30) r-MDMA vs s-MDMA(19:48) Methalone, aka bk-MDMA(21:52) 3-MMC and 4-MMC: patents, development, and legality(23:13) Why Schedule 1 makes drug development difficult(25:02) The qualities they are trying to design OUT of new entactogen drugs (pt1)(26:31) “The loss of magic” with MDMA(33:11) Serotin transporters and MDMA neuro-oxidization(36:27) Using NAC to bring back the MDMA magic | enhanced plasticity, antioxidants, and homeostasis(44:13) The qualities they are trying to design OUT of new entactogen drugs (pt2)(48:52) Why we need “take home” entactogenic drugs(53:20) Can a drug still be medicine if it’s fun, too?(58:13) The process of justifying off-label MDMA prescriptions(1:03:01) Will there be a moral backlash against the development of “good feel” drugs?(1:11:10) The negative social consequences of prohibitionist law enforcement(1:15:58) We can’t just give people psychedelics and expect society will get better(1:18:46) Problematic moves in the psychedelic biotech industry(1:25:01) Psychedelic Patent Trolling(1:32:15) How Tactogen is trying to give back to psychedelic users(1:44:16) Increasing access to health care, not just to psychedelic substances(1:49:40) Follow-up link and contact details(1:51:25) closing

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Andrew Gallimore to explore the content of his new book 'Reality Switch Technologies: Psychedelics as Tools for the Discovery and Exploration of New Worlds'. We discuss how the brain builds an experiential world model from patterns of information at the neural level; how all of those worlds are correlated with specific neural patterns; how we can disturb that neural pattern to encounter new worlds; essentially, using psychedelic molecules to explore alternate worlds.  We explore how different classes of psychedelics affects the brain differently and thus switch us to different potential worlds, focusing specifically on the neural and world-switching effects of classical psychedelics, tropane alkaloids, and ketamine. We also explore why the brain doesn’t care if its models are true, only if their adaptive; how perception of reality flows from conceptual hypothesis down, not from sensory information upwards; the self-model and its disintegration (ego death); we talk about schizophrenia and hearing voices; and about how every experience is “real” but not all experience is accurately mapped to our environment. ... For links to Gallimore's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind176 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletterTelgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Joe A, Nanci BF, & Heartwood Mushrooms ——    Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening and introduction(3:10) Guest bio(4:38) Patreon Thanks | Support the Show(6:14) Interview Begins(7:38) All experience is “real”; all experiences are of models made by the brain(10:45) DMT worlds are made of the same stuff as our normal waking world(13:15) The brain builds a world model from patterns of information at the neural level(18:31) The Interface Theory of Perception; not every experience is an adaptive model of the environment(22:07) The brain doesn’t care if its models are true, only if it's adaptive.(24:26) Perception of reality flows from conceptual hypothesis down, not from sensory information upwards; predictive coding(35:40) The world falls out of the brain; how the brain builds the rich complexity of an entire reality(40:50) The self-model and its disintegration (ego death)(45:08) Schizophrenia and hearing voices(52:21) How the brain builds the world space of consensus reality, and how we can explore new world spaces by changing our brains with psychedelics(59:59) The C-Switch: how classical psychedelics affect the structure and dynamics of our models for reality(1:07:32) How classical psychedelics offer us profound insights and increase creativity through their effect on our brain’s hypotheses about reality(1:11:39) Ego death is the result of classical psychedelics producing a loss of distinction between self and other(1:14:20) Increased wonder and insights resulting from classical psychedelics destabilizing the brain’s hypotheses(1:23:08) Considering the difference between 5-MeO-DMT and DMT in the context of classical psychedelic effect on “the world space”(1:27:34) The M-Switch: how tropane alkaloids (aka datura) affect the structure and dynamics of our models for reality through acetylcholine, the M1 receptor, and the management of error signals(1:36:38) Tropanes, attention, and coming in and out of reality and hallucinations(1:39:30) The N-Switch: how ketamine and PCP affect the structure and dynamics of our models for reality through the NDMA receptor, the push-pull dance between anesthesia and high-psychedelia(1:45:23) James musing on his high-dose ketamine experiences(1:46:45) Ketamine is an abstract state of consciousness(1:50:11) What about Cannabis, MDMA, and Amanita Muscaria?(1:54:51) Using psychedelic molecules (and designing new ones) to explore and map alternate worlds(2:02:47) Follow-up links and socials(2:05:21) Outro

Today’s episode explores the mescaline-containing cactus known as San Pedro, otherwise known as Huachuma. Our guest is Laurel Anne Sugden. We discuss the objective side of the cactus; that is habitat, history, sustainability, poaching, pollination, propagation, fruits, flowers, and alkaloids. However, we also explore what we might, for lack of better language, call the subjective side of San Pedro; we explore “who is San Pedro”, the qualities of experience it catalyzes, and what it asks of us and offers us in perspective, healing, and relationship.  We also explore the impact anthropocentrism has on our capacity to be in relationship with sacred plants, safe preparation methods of cactus powder, the subjectivity of ethics, why it takes more than breaking the ego to make us wise, and a deconstruction of the modern fascination of “hyperspace entities” and aliens, among a handful of other topics throughout the flow of the conversation.  --LINKS--  Huachuma Collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huachuma.collective/Huachuma Collective Seed Project: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-san-pedro-cactus-conservation-in-peru For further links to Sugden's work, full show notes, and to access a video stream of this episode, head to https://bit.ly/ATTMind175 ***Full Topics Breakdown and Time Stamps Below*** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletterTelgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Joe A, Nanci BF, & Heartwood Mushrooms ——    Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening(4:45) Patreon Thanks | Support The Podcast(5:57) Introducing some cacti friends(8:20) Interview begins: what is Huachuma/San Pedro? (9:42) The different San Pedro cacti used for ceremonial purposes(16:03) San Pedro flowers, fruit, and propagation(21:01) Hybridization and cross-pollination (23:47) Reductionist science and anthropocentrism erase our connection to the spirit of the plant(29:22) The different alkaloids in San Pedro (beyond mescaline)(30:35) A brief history of Cacti and their worldwide distribution (33:57) Serious conservation concerns for san pedro | overharvesting and poaching of wild cactus for international cactus(39:41) Ignorance supporting ecological devastation | A failure of relationship(42:08) The subjectivity of ethics and learning to listen to the plants(44:29) Your store san pedro powder is likely illegally poached | How to safely prepare raw san pedro power(53:03) Reciprociy to indigenous San Pedro communities: The Huachuma Collective (54:56) Who is San Pedro?(57:07) How San Pedro helps us heal(1:01:45) It takes more than breaking the ego to make us wise(1:07:10) We learn from the plant, but the plant also learns from us (1:16:02) Deconstructing the modern fascination with “hyperspace entities” and aliens(1:22:07) What lesson San Pedro has to offer us in our present times(1:24:35) Follow-up links for Huachuma Collective and Laurel Sugden (1:26:02) Outro

This episode features Jeronimo MM of ICEERS Foundation and explores the potential dangers and pitfalls present for ayahuasca/plant medicine facilitators in non-traditional contexts. Dangers specific to the facilitators, that Jeronimo refers to as The 6 Pitfalls: Sex, Money, Power, Intercultural Relationships, and Legal Situations. We also do a deep dive into what a “non-traditional context” is and two potential harms that might come up for participants, namely “when the experience is too much” and “Ayahuasca told me that…” To use Jeronimo’s words from the interview you are about to hear, this episode explores “How to avoid harming people who have put themselves under your care” We welcome Jeronimo back to Adventures Through The Mind for his fourth feature. His previous episodes were a dedicated interview on the complexity of the ongoing mainstreaming of psychedelics and the others were psychedelic cafes on how to protect from corporate influence and bad actors in the psychedelic scene, and the importance of ethnopharmacology for the future of humanity. If you are a plant medicine facilitator of any kind or know facilitators, this episode is definitely for you. However, this episode will be relevant to anyone interested in participating in any kind of plant medicine ceremony. As the dangers presented, facilitators are also dangers present to participants under those facilitators’ care. Having a sense of what they are in advance empowers your capacity to better navigate the often murky world of underground facilitation. ... Importantly, this episode is a vignette into a portion of the 6-month course Jeronimo is putting on through ICEERS titled Increasing the Safety of Ayahuasca Sessions: A harm reduction course for facilitators in non-traditional contexts. The course begins on May 8 and the admission process ends on April 27. Meaning there is little time left to sign up, if you feel called to do so. More details (along with a video version of this interview) are available at bit.ly/ATTMind174 Or you can jump right over to the course page by heading to http://iceers.academy/ *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW** ***Featured image is courtesy of and copyright iceers.academy 2023   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletterTelgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Joe A, Nanci BF, & Heartwood Mushrooms ——    Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening(7:01) Increasing the Safety of Ayahuasca Sessions Course(7:50) Patron thanks(9:11)) Interview Begins(10:21) A harm reduction course for Facilitators in non-traditional contexts.(14:31) Why non-traditonal use contexts for ayahuasca require additional protocols to protect participants and facilitators(20:03) Dangers for participants: when the experience is too much, flight-response, disassociation, psychosis(29:18) The fine line between when to let difficult experiences unfold naturally and when to intervene(38:21) How to protect an ayahuasca participant from falling into disassociation(42:18) The dangers of "Ayahuasca told me that..."(50:15) Discerning between internal and external truths as a part of psychedelic integration(54:57) The 3 confirmations rule for psychedelic realizations(57:01) The 6 pitfalls for ayahuasca/plat medicine facilitators | Sex, Money, Power, Isolation, Intercultural Relationships, Legal situations(59:34) How the social structure of being an ayahuasca faciliator can push them into these pitfalls(1:10:11) The Pitfall of Money | the importance of payment, but the manipulations that can occur through payment(1:12:42) “Ayahuasca told me…” sex, love, and relationships(1:21:37) Its nice to be celebrated, but eventually it becomes a poison(1:27:31) The pitfall of “Intercultural Relationships” | relationships between non-traditional facilitators and traditional cultures(1:38:54) “How to avoid harming people who have put themselves under your care” | freedom vs responsibility(1:43:47) Follow-up links for the ICEERS course.(1:44:54) Closing

Bob Wold is from Clusterbusters Inc. He joins us on this episode of Adventures Through The Mind podcast to present cluster headaches, one of the most painful conditions known to humankind—their patterns, symptoms, and pathophysiology; as well as the treatments presently available, with a specific deep dive into psychedelic tryptamines as the most effective treatment discovered thus far and how those with clusters use those tryptamines. ... For links to Bob and Clusterbusters', full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind173 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletterTelgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Ian C, Alex F, Eliz C, Joe A, Nanci BF, & Heartwood Mushrooms ——  ***** Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening(3:13) Episode Overture(6:42) Patreon Thanks(7:58) Interview begins(8:44) What are Cluster Headaches: patterns, symptoms, and physiology(16:52) Cluster cycles | headaches returning every year at the same time(20:09) Physiological causes and triggers(24:40) The strain of clusters on family and relationships | The life-saving benefits of community(29:24) Suicidality amongst survivors of cluster headaches(33:24) Pathophysiology of clusters: trigeminal nerve and the hypothalamus(36:34) The treatment landscape | medications and high-flow oxygen(43:49) Lack of funding compromising research on cluster headaches(48:55) The treatment landscape: opiates(e.g. heroin), caffeine, and aerobic exercises(58:57) The history of psychedelic tryptamines for cluster headaches(1:05:33) Psychedelic tryptamines are the most effective treatment for cluster headaches(1:0911) Psychedelic tryptamines for clusters: dosage, efficacy, and protocol(1:16:24) Why psychedelic tryptamines help cluster headaches(1:19:10) LSA vs LSD vs Psilocybin for treatment efficacy(1:23:10) Growing your own psychedelic medicine is revolutionary(1:28:57) Advocation and education on psychedelic tryptamines for cluster survivors(1:32:39) Novel psychedelics tryptamines for cluster headaches(1:35:54) Conflicts between the DEA and research into new psychedelic treatments(1:42:36) Clusterbusters: who they are, what they do, and how you can connect with them(1:45:22) Outro ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletterTelgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Dr. Tim Read is a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and author based in London.  He joins us on the show to discuss the deep unconscious, complexes, being triggered, and why we need a new way to treat mental illness. We talk about the difference between spiritual crisis and psychosis; how modern psychiatry is broken; and why psychiatrists should undergo psychedelic therapy. Additionally, we explore the difference between being in process and processing; how our triggers are an opportunity to step into our healing journey; the role of relationships in our healing; how to help shift culture and community to better support people in crisis; how to support people in psychotic delusion (without colluding in their delusions); and the point at which we should involve psychiatric intervention. Enjoy   ... For links to Jordan's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind172 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletterTelgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Joe A, Nanci BF, & Heartwood Mushrooms ——  ***** Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening(1:51) Overture(5:31) Patron Thanks(6:46) Interview begins(8:28) The deep unconscious, COEX/complexes, and being triggered(12:45) Why we need a new way to treat mental illness (14:03) A bit more into COEX systems and processing being triggered(21:16) Being triggered distorts our perception of reality(22:40) Being triggered offers us an opportunity to heal (in process vs processing)(24:48) Getting stuck in a trigger(30:33) Triggers are an opportunity to step into our healing journey(33:30) How to process being triggered(36:30) The role of relationships in our healing process(40:40) How do we help shift culture and community to better support people in crisis(43:12) Why psychiatrists should undergo psychedelic therapy(44:35) Modern psychiatry is broken(48:10) A definition of Spiritual Emergency, Spiritual Crisis(51:34) The difference between spiritual crisis and psychosis(56:34) Mental illness is not biologically rooted (bipolar, psychosis, and schizophrenia)(1:00:07) Exploring the root of mental illness from a Jungian perspective(1:13:55) The deepest personal touches the transpersonal(1:15:36) The challenge of touching the transpersonal (1:17:40) The point at which we should involve psychiatric intervention(1:21:07) Psychiatric medication can be necessary at times | don’t let ideology get in the way of common sense(1:26:04) How to support people in psychotic delusion (without colluding in their delusions)(1:29:59) It’s all about love | Love is the key ingredient(1:32:07) Follow-up links(1:34:00) Outro ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletterTelgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Jessica Corneille, MSc is a Research Psychologist specializing in spontaneous spiritual awakening experiences. On this episode of the podcast we start by presenting a definition of a spontaneous spiritual awakening experience before going on to explore the after-effects of these experiences; how they seem to affect both atheists and strongly religious people; common preceding factors; the neurobiological and psychological factors correlated with spontaneous awakening experiences; as well as negative spiritual experiences, e.g spiritual crisis or spiritual emergencies.  We also deconstruct the exclusive pathologizing of psychosis, bipolar, and schizophrenia and the delegitimization of the mystical states of other cultures as a kind of racism. And we end with a discussion on integrating spontaneous awakening experiences and how to support people in their integration of spontaneous mystical experiences.   ... For links to Corneille's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind171 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletterTelgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Joe A, Nanci BF, & Heartwood Mushrooms ——  ***** Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening(1:13) Overture(8:02) Patreon Thanks(9:54) Interview begins(11:06) A definition of a spontaneous spiritual awakening(12:36) The qualities of a spontaneous spiritual awakening(18:52) Changes in visual and auditory perceptions during/after(21:00) Entity/demon encounters(24:20) Common preceding factors(28:07) The after-effects of spontaneous mystical experiences(30:01) How these experiences seem to affect both atheists and strongly religious people(35:07) Negative mystical experiences, spiritual crisis(41:38) The neurobiological and psychological factors correlated with spontaneous awakening experiences(43:52) Temporal lobe epilepsy and mystical experiences(47:29) Deconstructing the exclusive pathologizing of psychosis, bipolar, and schizophrenia(1:01:14) The delegitimization of the mystical states of other cultures as a kind of racism(1:13:48) Integrating spontaneous spiritual awakening experiences(1:25:06) How to support people in their integration of spontaneous awakening experiences(1:28:41) Links for supportive info for people integrating spontaneous awakening experiences(1:30:33) How to assess when it makes sense to consult a mental health professional(1:33:44) What’s next for Cornnn….. and socials(1:37:54) Outro ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletterTelgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Today we feature another addition to our Psychedelic Café series. This time exploring what art means and what the meaning of art might become in a growing era of ai generated art-like images flooding the mindspace of humanity through consumptive digital media channels. The cafe is a curated collection of participants who, through a structure series of rounds, explore together a single question. The question we are exploring is: What does the meaning of art look like in an era of increasingly-accessible AI art generators with increasingly powerful capacities for fidelity and complexity? And our guests are Autumn Skye, Simon Haiduk, Evan Bartholomew (aka Bluetech), Martina Hoffman, Chor Boogie, Dan De Santos, and Michael Phillip. ... For links to our guests' work, full bios and show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/PsyCafe11 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletterTelgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Michelle M, Joe A, Naci BF, & Heartwood Mushrooms ——  ***** Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening(2:18) Overture(7:36) Patreon thanks(8:33) Participant Introductions(15:49) Introducing the question:(17:27) Ai art is inevitable(19:32) Ai as a bypass of the raw creative process(23:52) Ai art prompting as a kind of compulsion/binge(27:22) Ai isn’t art but something entirely new; the birth of a new god(29:32) The legal and ethical questions around ai use of artists’ work without consent(34:14) Ai meets our cultural compulsion to consume, rather than truly create(35:55) A spiritual way to work with Ai art as ceremony; image generation vs making art(40:39) A flood of ai art generators culturally downgrading the monetary value of actual art(43:00) The spiritual harm of ai art generation(46:04) If artists feel threatened by Ai, then they need to step up their game(51:33) Resisting the pull towards living a solely digital life by doubling down on the physical act of creation(1:01:34) Ai art generators as a new archetypal container for reality(1:02:50) How ai art generators work; the latent space(1:06:43) If art alters consciousness, what quality of consciousness is ai art cultivating in us?(1:11:55) “The ai does not copy anything from the image”(1:16:39) Losing our connection to nature and our humanity in favour of a transhumanist fallacy(1:21:49) A heated exchange on being “transparent” about artists using digital tools (1:31:15) Trending novel technologies as a platform for massive shadow projection(1:32:51) The danger of human creativity being atrophied due to the ease of access of digital content(1:36:26) The dishonesty of not claiming when art is made through digital means(1:40:59) Ai art generators as a means to satisfy our need to create, without having to leave the easy consumption of digital content(1:45:11) We need human creativity, even for ai art to be worthwhile(1:46:21) Artistic editing vs artistic creation(1:49:13) The dilution of the power of art by a deluge of ai content(1:52:53) Closing thoughts on this conversation(1:54:25) Ai art generators as an avenue for non-creative people to explore the creation of beautiful images(1:58:33) Learning faith through the process of artistic creation (and the journey of life)(2:02:59) Do we choose to surrender our souls to the matrix of digital novelty or stay in the light of a higher principle?(2:05:05) An expression of hope for us to remember our humanity in the face of ongoing technological novelty(2:10:26) Wondering about intentions, psychedelics, and resisting the pull to getting locked into an ai reality(2:13:42) The potential for ai is so incredible, but generating art seems like a dangerous waste of that potential(2:15:28) The debate around art generators reveals the meta-crisis we are all in.(2:18:30) Closing ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletterTelgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Justin Townsend is the CEO and Head Facilitator at the psilocybin therapy retreat centre MycoMeditations. He is on the show for this episode to explore two topic themes: The business side of running a successful psilocybin retreat centre in the economic context of the modern corporate world without losing your ethics in the processThe therapeutic framework and philosophy that MycoMeditations holds for their retreats and their guests. Some of the things we cover on the first side of the conversation: Justin’s journey from the corporate world to running an psychedelic psilocybin therapy retreat centre; psychopathology and integrity in the corporate world, and how good people end up doing bad things; the nuances around running a financially successful psychedelic retreat centre without ethical sacrifices; what it means to be building what they call “gold-standard for group-facilitated psilocybin therapeutics in natural settings”; data propriety; and supporting peer-reviewed research. In the other half of the conversation we explore: why MycoMeditations holds an entity “non-shamanic” framework for their psilocybin work; how to support someone who has a beyond Western framework experience from a non-shamanic framework; helping to prevent post-psychedelic hypomania from evolving into psychosis; differentiating between psychosis and a “normal psychotomimetic response”; non-pharmacological interventions for psychosis and psychotomimetic responses; as well as The Golden Shadow and the dangers of golden-shadow projection in both psychedelic therapy and spiritual communities. Enjoy. ... For links to Justin's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind170 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletterTelgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Michelle M, Joe A, & Heartwood Mushrooms ——  ***** Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening(1:12) Overture and guest bio(5:18) Patron thanks(6:05) An important statement about endorsements(7:41) Interview begins(7:47) Justin’s journey from the corporate world to running an psychedelic psilocybin retreat centre(12:52) Exploring the toxic psychology/behaviours of the corporate world(20:26) Psychopathology in the corporate world, and how good people end doing bad things—multipolar traps(26:03) Merging his corporate experience and psychedelic work to build a high-quality company in the psychedelic retreat field(29:27) The importance of protecting a business ethos from financial takeover(32:39) Exploring nuances around running a financially successful psychedelic retreat centre without ethical sacrifices(39:06) MycoMediation’s mission to build the “gold-standard for group-facilitated psilocybin therapeutics in natural settings” — and how and why they are doing it(44:08) Why MycoMeditation will keep their “gold-standard” data proprietary, for now(54:46) Where/how MycoMediation is helping support peer-reviewed science.(57:21) Building a fully non-shamanic framework for psilocybin retreats, and why it matters for Westernpeople.(1:04:41) How to support someone who has a beyond Western framework experience from a non-shamanic framework(1:17:16) Helping to prevent post-psychedelic hypomania from evolving into psychosis(1:21:09) Differentiating between psychosis and a “normal psychomemetic response”(1:31:16) Discussing non-pharmacological interventions for psychosis and psychomimetic response(1:39:04) The Golden Shadow and the dangers of golden-shadow projection in psychedelic therapy(1:45:51) A “tough pill to swallow” with respect to the issues of indigenous reciprocity and biopiracy as a psychedelic company(1:60:52) How MycoMeditations is helping to give back to the people of Jamaica(1:58:12) Pushing back on Townsend’s “tough pill to swallow”(2:01:50) Townsend’s concerns around what is happening with psilocybin in Oregon(2:06:58) Closing the interview, follow up links and socials(2:08:30) Outro ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletterTelgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Baba Masha MD joins us to present the results of her research into microdosing amanita muscaria mushrooms, the benefits and the risks, as well as what she learned about the ideal prepration and protocol. In this episode of the podcast we first explore Masha’s journey of making a banned-podcast about psychedelics in Russia; being the first person to be public about consuming psychedelics in Russia; as well as the context of drug use and prohibitionist propaganda in Russia and it’s impact on public health.  Masha then outlines the origins of her microdosing amanita muscaria study; where the data came from; the results; the potential influence of placebo effect; some nuances about the chemical compositions and pharmacology of amanita; and what her study revealed about the optimal dosing and preparation protocols for microdosing amanita muscaria. ... For links to Baba's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind169 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletterTelgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Michelle M, Chloe C, & Heartwood Mushrooms ——  ***** Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening(1:47) Introduction(6:22) Patron thanks(8:45) Interview begins; The context for why Masha is in disguise(11:34) Masha’s journey of making a banned-podcast about psychedelics in Russia; the first person to be public about consuming psychedelics in Russia(16:36) The creation of Baba Masha’s amanita muscaria microdosing study(21:57) The impact of Masha’s podcast in Russia, and why it got banned(26:40) The context of drug use and prohibitionist propaganda in Russia(29:34) The impact of Russian prohibitionist narratives on drug-induced anxiety/panic attacks(36:03) General information about amanita muscaria(41:37) The dangers of psychedelic doses on amanita muscaria(55:39) The chemical compounds present in amanita muscaria—ibotenic acid and muscimol(1:01:01) How the different ratios of ibotenic acid and muscimol effect different people differently (in microdosing)(1:08:50) The best time of day to microdose amanita muscaria(1:11:54) Microdosing amanita muscaria as an antidote to chemical dependence(1:13:52) Topical amanita muscaria as a powerful anti inflammatory (1:18:56) Microdosing amanita muscaria effects on memory(1:23:52) The potential placebo effect of microdosing amanita muscaria(1:31:32) The optimal dosing protocol for microdosing amanita muscaria(1:35:05) The optimal preparation of amanita muscaria for microdosing(1:38:27) Smoking amanita muscaria(1:39:24) Follow up links, social handles, and where to buy their book(1:43:08) Outro(1:43:53) Support the podcast ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletterTelgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Our guests for this episode are Dennis McKenna, The Teafaerie, Chris Bache, Bruce Damer, Dank Duchess, Laurel Anne Sugden, and Stephen Gray. Together, in Psychedelic Cafe style, we explore conversation with the following question as our central guiding inquiry: "What is the power and potential of psychedelics in navigating the many-orders of growing collapse that our planet is currently facing?" Topics explored include global crisis and the birth of the future human; how the pain and suffering of ongoing collapse that will drive us into our next expression in consciousness; the intelligence of the universe; liberating ourselves from materialism; coming to terms with death; nudging consciousness forward through symbiosis with plant teachers; the history of the San Pedro cactus as an example of how sacred plants help support us through climate crisis; and an optimistic look at our present circumstances. Enjoy. ... For links to our guest's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/PsyCafe10 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletterTelgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Michelle M, Chloe C, & Heartwood Mushrooms ——  ***** Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening(3:18) Overture(7:40) Patron Thanks!(9:46) Cafe begins; guest introductions(19:59) Introducing The Question: "What is the power and potential of psychedelics in navigating the many-orders of growing collapse that our planet is currently facing?"(20:31) Strong medicine might be required(25:22) The stress of modern collapse may be in service to our evolution(31:30) Un-fixing the ego and recalibrating our interdependence(37:02) Global crisis and the birth of the future human(42:13) Slay the dragon, Save the grail(45:18) Nudging consciousness forward through symbiosis with plant teachers(56:06) The great forgetting and re-membering Connection as primary(58:52) An optimistic look at our present circumstances(1:03:35) The power and potential of social networks to create important change(1:06:56) Life has been deeply connected since the beginning(1:14:05) It is the pain and suffering of ongoing collapse that will drive us into our next expression in consciousness(1:18:50) The history of the San Pedro cactus as an example of how sacred plants help support us through climate crisis(1:23:51) Life’s intelligence can be trusted(1:31:06) The intelligence of the universe; liberating ourselves from materialism(1:34:29) Psychedelics don’t belong (only) in the therapist’s office(1:35:50) The power of psychedelics is not in the molecule, not in the matter(1:43:32) Coming to terms with death; all life lives on death(1:46:51) The is no end point and there is nothing to fear when we die(1:50:01) There are no answers, that’s not the point(1:52:17) The sentient other; what does real actually mean?(1:57:59) Does modern psychedelic therapy make us myopic onto the self?(2:00:17) We only think we are alone(2:01:59) It’s going to get worse before it gets better, let’s learn to support each other(2:04:20) Actions are necessary to create good in the world, but our actions can be easily confused(2:07:19) “Please, take heart” ; the awakened heart is our natural state(2:10:01) Closing The Cafe; goodbyes(2:10:51) Outro ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletterTelgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Jordan Gruber is one of the authors of "Your Symphony Of Selves" and joins us to discuss how we all have multiple selves, not a single self. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include an in-depth look at The Health Selves Model in comparison and contrast to The Single Self Assumption; why we mistakenly assume multiple selves to be pathological; how mental health is being in the right mind (self/selves) as the right time; and how we can start applying the healthy selves model into our lives today. We also talk about Monotheism’s influence on the single self assumption—“the single god assumption”; how Buddishm’s noself and interdependence relates to multiple selves; the difference between multiple selves and Jungian archetypes/autonomous complexes; how Sigmund Freud helped The Single Self Assumption dominate the western mind; and how the very origins of Freud’s model of the mind might be in the gaslighting of sexual abuse. Furthermore, we also explore psychedelic journeying and healing from a healthy selves model; how we might understand the effects of psychedelics on the ego, if there is no such thing as an ego; as well as all of reality being fractal iterations of various wholistic expressions of cosmic multiplicity while debating the validity of The Essential Self, Self Energy, and our ability to live in relationship to “Ultimate Reality”. And, of course, more. Enjoy. ... For links to Jordan's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind168 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletterTelgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Michelle M, Chloe C, & Heartwood Mushrooms ——  ***** Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening(1:53) Overture(6:42) Patron Thanks | support the show!(8:03) Interview begins | James’ thoughts on Your Symphony Of Selves book(10:09) Why multiple selves can be very confronting(12:07) How we came to see multiple selves as being pathological | and why multiplicity is normal(17:40) Switching into younger/healthier selves in our aging, dying time, or Alzheimer's disease(23:43) How Sigmund Freud helped The Single Self Assumption dominate the western mind(26:31) The origins of Freud’s model of the mind might have be in the gaslighting of sexual abuse(32:37) Jung: the difference between multiple selves and archetypes/autonomous complexes(37:15) Monotheism’s influence on the single self assumption; “the single god assumption”?(43:23) How Buddishm’s noself and interdependence relates to multiple selves(49:51) Can a noself identity be a defensive compensation?(58:07) Centering our selves, without a central self(1:04:12) What about “I”?(1:09:49) Debating the validity of The Essential Self, Self Energy, and our ability to live in relationship to “Ultimate Reality”(1:19:06) Spiritual bypassing by evading the realities of relational life(1:27:02) All of reality is fractal iterations of various wholistic expressions of cosmic multiplicity(1:30:26) Psychedelic journeying and healing from a healthy selves model(1:39:31) Developing your “psychedelic journey self” | Interviews with Christopher Bache(1:41:38) Never do a psychedelic journey unless all selves are on board(1:43:02) Considering the effects of psychedelics on the ego, if there is no such thing as an ego(1:50:33) Why we need to give up on having big definite theories(1:56:10) Don’t force selves into integration or try to get rid of selves(1:59:24) The Single Soul Assumption?(2:03:04) How to start applying healthy selves model into your life today(2:10:11) Follow-up links and contact info(2:12:51) Outro ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletterTelgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Belinda Eriacho joins us today to explore the intersection of the psychedelic renaissance and ancestral wisdom; connecting with our own ancestry; and what indigenous people bring to the psychedelic renaissance and the problems created by their absence. We also talk about being in right relationship with sacred plants and where that does and doesn't not overlap with recreational use; how to cultivate reciprocity with indigenous peoples in psychedelic movements; the value and importance of supporting ethical psychedelic companies; and how legislating psychedelic medicine may help support the healing of intergenerational trauma held by indigenous people in North America. Enjoy ... For links to Belinda's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind167 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW** *Promo Art For This Episode Courtesy of Simon Haiduk (slightly modified by James)*   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Michelle M, & Chloe C ——    ****   Join Me For The Spirit Plant Medicine Conference! The episode is sponsored by The Spirit Plant Medicine Conference, happening online and in Vancouver BC Nov 4-6 This year's theme is "The Role of Psychedelics for a Planet in Transition" and they are featuring Dennis McKenna, Paul Stamets, Belinda Eriacho, Wade Davis, Chris Bache, Jeremy Narby, Laurel Anne Sugden, Jamie Wheal, and more. The conference organizers have been wonderfully generous in offering the Livestream of the conference at no charge, all you have to do is register to get access. Head to jameswjesso.com/spmc to learn more and register If you want to attend in person, or purchase the VIP digital access, follow that same link and use the promo code JWJ to get 11% off your ticket   ***** Episode Breakdown (0:00) Join me for The Spirit Plant Medicine Conference, Nov 4-6 2022, more details and no-charge access to livestream can be found here: https://www.jameswjesso.com/spmc(2:22) Introducing our guest and the topic of the episode(4:41) Thank you, Patrons!(6:49) Interview begins(7:46) Belinda’s offering of land acknowledgment(8:53) Belinda Eriacho’s cultural lineage(11:53) The meaningfulness of being able to openly speak indigenous languages(14:34) Our indigenous ancestry lives on in our blood | awakening to our ancestry(17:56) Connecting with our ancestry through the land, even if we no longer live on that ancestral land(21:47) The reawakening of ancestral wisdom is underway(25:39) The intersection of the Psychedelic Renaissance and Indigenous/Ancestral Wisdom(28:33) The cultural and relational context needed to awaken ancestral wisdom | the different possibilities of ceremonial vs recreational psychedelic use(33:38) What indigenous people bring to the psychedelic renaissance(36:27) Discussing the potential value and losses of the “middle ground” of psychedelic use, neither fully recreational nor fully ceremonial(44:46) Being in right relationship with sacred plants (and medicines)(48:21) Holding even psychedelic chemicals with reverence(49:56) Learning to deepen our relationship with all plants(52:33) The music of the plants | training our gut feeling(57:34) Connection, psychedelics, and the many levels of one’s being(1:01:20) Psilocybin mushrooms are not a tool | additional value(1:02:57) “Medicine” from a Native American perspective (is not the same as medication)(1:04:57) The meaning of “understand” vs “innerstand”(1:06:43) Two issues with indigenous people are not being included in the psychedelic renaissance(1:11:01) Belinda’s thoughts on how to cultivate reciprocity with indigenous peoples(1:16:35) The value of supporting ethical psychedelic companies(1:18:37) Legislating psychedelic medicine and healing the intergenerational trauma of indigenous people(1:27:27) We need to protect the spiritual element of psychedelic medicine(1:29:58) Crazy;Wise (a documentary suggestion from Belinda)(1:31:14) Why any of these actually matters(1:33:43) Closing comments and a final invitation to listeners(1:35:28) Follow-up links and contact information(1:36:55) Outro | Please support ethical psychedelic companies/organization ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Darcia Narvaez, PhD and Wahinkpe Topa (Four Arrows) join us to explore various precepts of the indigenous worldview—aka the kinship worldview—how we might restore that worldview in both our personal lives and the world at large. We also explore the basis of what a worldview is and why our guests propose there are only two, the indigenous/kinship worldview and the dominant/Western worldview. We go in-depth on the historical rise and impact of the dominant worldview and the intergenerational cycle of trauma it propagates; the left brain / right brain dynamic and how it aligns with worldview, perception, and behavior; how generations of anthropocentrism impact our capacity to perceive our interconnection with nature and each other; a substantial dive into death, dying, grief, and ceremony; and what it means to become fully human. ... For links to our guests' work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind166 Their Book: Restoring the Kinship Worldview: Indigenous Voices Introduce 28 Precepts for Rebalancing Life on Planet Earth *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Michelle M, & Chloe C Another special thanks to Lisa F for their generous one-time donation ***** Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening(1:30) Guest bios(6:11) Patron thanks(8:10) Interview begins(10:35) How Four Arrows came into the indigenous worldview through a near-death experience(14:05) How Darcia Narvaez came into the indigenous worldview through science(16:39) An explanation of “shifting baselines” and why understanding it matters(20:04) The dominant worldview, religion, trauma, the Roman conquest, and colonialism(32:00) What is a worldview and why there are only two worldviews that exist: Western/Dominante and Kinship/indigenous(35:16) Exploring these two worldviews and the history of their dynamic(38:39) The intergeneration cycle of trauma embedded in us through the Dominant worldview(43:53) How generations of anthropocentrism impact our capacity to perceive our interconnection with nature and each other(51:02) Feeling interconnected with life decreases fear of death, and vice versa(54:43) The left brain / right brain dynamic and how it aligns with worldview, perception, and behavior(59:31) Exploring a visit from some giant birds(1:02:10) A meditation practice on death from Four Arrows | Having a death song(1:05:01) The difference between courage and fearlessness | trust the universe(1:10:48) Ceremony and the indigenous worldview’s impact on death and dying(1:14:23) Grief in the indigenous worldview vs the dominant worldview (1:21:22) Some anecdotes of psychedelic ceremony from Four Arrows (1:27:09) Being in relationship with the spirit of psychoative plants(1:31:07) “Last resortism” in the medical system and Four Arrows’ journey with cancer(1:33:44) James’ thoughts on the value of leaning on last resortism to Insitute psilocybin for dying people(1:35:46) Cultivated interconnectedness and relationship throughout life and death | grieving together and ceremony(1:43:14) Becoming fully human—neurobiologically and culturally(1:46:08) Does it make sense to have hope that we will change our ways before it's too late?(1:50:28) Further links and contact information for our guests(1:53:16) Some closing words in Lakota from Four Arrows(1:53:55) Outro ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

WHAT IS THE EVOLUTIONARY ROLE OF PSILOCYBIN IN LIFE ON THIS PLANET? This is both an explicit question and an implicit guiding inquiry in the discussion you will hear on this episode Adventures Through The Mind. Our guest is Jahan Khamsehzadeh, PhD. He is the author of The Psilocybin Connection: Psychedelics, the Transformation of Consciousness, and Evolution of the Planet—An Integral Approach. Together we have a conversation that waves in and out from the microscopic to the cosmological. We explore topics such as the role fungi have played and continue to play in the evolution and existence of life on this planet;how psilocybin may have assisted in the development of human consciousness; the role psychedelics can play in cultivating a strong, but healthy ego;why taking heroic doses is not the best way to heal or learn and it may actually hurt you;why an understanding of psychedelics requires us to transcend reductionism and materialism;and more. *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW** ... For links to Jahan's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind165 ... SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter ❤︎❤︎❤︎ Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Michelle M, & Chloe C Another special thanks to Allison, Cameron, and Carl for their generous one-time donations   Episode Sponsor THE EVOLVING PSYCHEDELIC ECOSYSTEM (Free Livestream) Happening Tuesday, Sept 20, 2022 10 a.m. PDT/1 p.m. EDT/ 7 p.m. CEST Register now to secure your no-charge seat at this unique live event where you’ll meet and have the opportunity to interact with renowned psychedelic experts who will be revealing what they see on the horizon for the rapidly changing psychedelic landscape and the impact expected on those co-creating this burgeoning space.   ***** Episode Breakdown (0:00) Episode Sponsor: (1:26) Intro & guest bio(5:24) Patreon Thanks(6:33) Interview begins(8:15) Speaking about my own book with Jahan(9:16) Participating in the wave of Psychedelic Culture(13:17) Psychedelics actually grow the ego—for good and ill(17:31) The Structure of Self, Life, and Reality(19:11) Masculine and Feminine Energy | Archetypal Reality(25:51) We are a symphony of selves, interpersonally and intrapersonally(27:12)Psychedelic molecules and the evolution of Gaia Mind(31:29) The damaging effects of failing to see the deep interconnection of life(34:56) Why scientific materialism is inadequate to explain psychedelics(39:38) Western reductionism is unable to see its own cultural frame of reference(45:27) There is no “The” mystical experience | There is an infinite variability of Unity(48:37) There is value in psychedelic experiences that aren’t “peak mystical experiences”(50:55) The role of psilocybin in the evolution of human consciousness; the Stoned Ape Theory(54:11) The role of fungi in the history of life surviving in the face of planetary crisis(58:06) Without fungi, there would be no life as we know it on this planet(59:52) The voice of the Mushroom; the voice of God(1:02:41) The specific role that the psilocybin mushroom is playing in life and consciousness(1:06:27) Taking heroic doses is not the best way to heal or learn, it may actually hurt you(1:12:24) Stop worrying about having “the” mystical experience, there is so much more there for you(1:13:39) The longing for belonging, Connection, and communion(1:16:04) the root of depression is a lack of connection(1:17:33) Disconnection beyond humanity(1:20:38) Living awake and mature in a relational reality(1:24:22) balancing care of self and service to others(1:30:22) ADHD drove the evolution of human consciousness(1:31:57) ADHD is not a cultural construct, it has a genetic basis that goes back thousands of years(1:34:08) the evolutionary advantage of ADHD in early humanity; including being the first to eat psilocybin(1:37:09) dismantling ADHD shame(1:40:12) Psychedelics are helping resolve our crisis in perception(1:43:58) Follow-up links(1:44:53) Outro ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Sara Ness joins us on Adventures Through The Mind to have a conversation about the art of conversation and its role in our relationships and vice versa. We also explore how play can help us develop and exercise our relational and conversational skills, specifically what are called Authentic Relating games. Furthermore, we also speak about how the possibilities of conversations can be both literally and phenomenologically psychedelic. ... For links to Sara's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind164 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Michelle M, & Chloe C  Another special thanks to Julie D for their generous one-time donation *****   Episode Breakdown (000) Opening(2:39) Thank you :)(4:02) Interview begins(4:08) What is a conversation? The levels of a conversation(8:40) Mindset context and its impact on meaning in conversation(11:52) Beyond the self; conversation and the boundaries of relationship(15:58) Conflict is not abuse(17:34) We are more than a single self; “No wonder conversations are so complicated”(19:02) The blurred line between what is conversation and what is relationship(20:11) Wounds from past relationships cloud our ability to see each other(23:15) Gaslighting and how do we determine if we are being gaslit?(27:00) Having conversations across polarization/ severe ideological differences; befriending the enemy(33:55) Meeting each other’s energy; navigating the levels of conversations(37:56) Conflict: what it is and how can we navigate it effectively(44:23) The value of conflict in relationship(46:25) The difference between conflict, fight, violence, power-over, and mutually empowered intense play(1:00:56) The value of listening(1:04:29) The 4 different relating languages (and how to determine them)(1:13:06) Games that teach us the skills we need to have healthy relationships; “authentic relating games”(1:24:52) What authentic relating games can offer us is similar to what psychedelic experiences can offer us(1:30:11) Accessing psychedelic experiences through authentic relating games; accessing shared flow state(1:39:49) Healing our nervous systems from the threat of slowing down(1:42:10) An authentic relating game for listeners to start with, “hot seat”(1:46:24) Not just about building skills, but building relationships too(1:47:47) Some follow-up links and content   ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Robert “Bob” Falconer has been bridging his long history of IFS and psychedelics together into the body of work that informs the conversation you will hear today. Bob lays the groundwork for what Internal Family Systems therapy is; its foundational propositions about the nature of the mind; and both how IFS works and how therapists work with IFS to bring about healing. From there we go into the unique benefit IFS has to offer psychedelic therapy and how to use IFS in both preparation for and integration of psychedelic experiences. We also talk about generative change vs counteractive change; the harms of isolation and the healing of connection; the porous nature of the mind and relational nature of reality; and even Bob’s perspective on how to work with spirit entities, demons, and the intelligence of psychedelic medicines. Enjoy ... For links to Bob's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind163 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Joe A, Ian C, Yvette FC, Chuck W, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, & Chloe C ——  ***** Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening(4:47) Thank you!(7:06) Interview begins(8:13) An introduction to Internal Family Systems IFS therapy(12:34) What makes IFS “parts work” unique; Self-energy(16:10) No bad parts; all parts have good intention(19:54) Most people are civil wars, IFS helps heal us into a symphony(23:12) How IFS addresses our wounded parts, e.g. our “exiles”(26:58) “Insight is the booby prize”(28:40) Counteractive change vs generative change(32:00) The unique benefit of IFS for psychedelic therapy(25:40) How Internal Family Systems therapy works best with psychedelics(42:04) Where IFS fits into psychedelic integration(46:26) Separating internal vs external change during our psychedelic integration(47:37) Living in troubled times; therapy with the potential for exponential growth(55:04) The mind is porous; reality is relational(1:03:05) Falconer’s perspective on spirit entities and demons(1:11:13) The utility of regarding the intelligence of the medicine as full spectrum personalities(1:17:50) Some discussion on regarding nature as full-spectrum personalities(1:23:15) The harms of isolation; the healing of connection(1:27:19) IFS with MDMA or Ketamine?(1:30:18) The specific nuances of doing IFS therapy with ketamine(1:34:52) Can protector parts block the effects of psychedelics?(1:40:31) We don’t always need support to have a great psychedelic experience, but it helps(1:44:31) Suggestions on integrating IFS into your personal psychedelic practice(1:48:39) A final offering for us from Robert Falconer(1:49:22) Closing ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

WHY DOES OUR SENSE OF CONNECTION MATTER? This is the central question that guides the conversation you will hear today, another session in our Psychedelic Café series, where we featured a curated selection of guests to explore how "whether or not we feel connected affects everything". We also explore the neurobiological origins of our sense of connection/disconnection with each other and how that is wrapped up in personal and collective traumas; our sense of connection with nature and the consequences that our lack of it is having on our lives and all life on this planet; as well as strategies and pathways of increasing our sense of connection with ourselves, each other, and the natural world. We also talk about connecting with spiritual energies and our dead loved ones; ancestry in general; the importance of being able to grieve together; and the value of learning to turn towards pain. Our Guests for this Café are: Darcia Narvaez, Robert Gilman, Rita Bozi, Charley Wininger, Jean Robertson, Sky Otter, and Sam Gandy Enjoy. ... For links to our guest's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/PsyCafe9 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Joe A, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nathan B, Nick M, & Chloe C. — Another special thanks to Magnus D for their generous one-time donation ***** Episode Breakdown (5:37) Cafe begins; Introducing our guests(12:00) Introducing the question “Why does our sense of connection matter?”(26:58) Whether we feel connected or not affects everything(29:42) The neurobiological origins of our sense of connection/disconnection(31:36) The path out of early life trauma - our birthright is to live in a safe healthy state — learning to lift ourselves and each other out of trauma(35:22) A brighter future is available to us through our reconnection with our origins(38:24) Wondering about connection forged through war/displacement-based trauma(40:40) Various ways/techniques that we come back into connection(51:13) Increasing connection with nature, increases the sense of connection more broadly(54:57) Longing is the first step to coming back into connection(56:49) How to do a neurological reset (a technique for resetting the nervous system)(1:02:42) Building relationships of deep connection with each other(1:08:23) Connection with ancestry, dead loved ones, spiritual energies, and different generational perspectives(1:20:14) Our shared  ancestral trauma of war(1:24:23) Grief, grieving in community, and turning towards pain(1:30:59) How we respond to a stubbed toe as an example of moving through pain(1:35:00) Calling in “Reverence”(1:36:37 ) Closing thoughts on the conversation from each guest ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

A.J. Bond—author of Discomfortable: What Is Shame and How Can We Break Its Hold—joins us on Adventures Through The Mind to talk about what shame is, what it feels like, and how it impacts our sense of self and perception of the world. We also talk about healthy vs unhealthy shame; internal vs. external shame; attachment styles and shame’s link to our developmental past and early relationship with our parents; intimacy and how shame hinders our ability to truly connect with others; unconditional love and ayahuasca’s impact on AJ’s healing through shame; and, of course, how to navigate shame in a way that supports healing the wounds around which our shame directs us. ... For links to A.J.'s work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind162 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW *** ... This episode is sponsored by Maps of the Mind and their upcoming workshop Facilitating Psychedelic Experiences, happening on Saturday, July 2nd More details can be found here: mapsofthemind.com/facilitating-psychedelic-experiences-workshop/ Use discount code JESSO40 in the section that says 'have a coupon' to get a ticket for £40 ... SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Joe A, Ian C, Yvette FC, Chuck W, Alex F, Eliz C, Nathan B, Nick M, & Chloe C ***** Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening | Ad for upcoming workshop sponsoring this video(6:01) Interview Begins(6:31) Why shame is an important topic for psychedelic culture(8:31) Shame: what it is and what its made of(11:57) The affect of shame(13:34) Shame as an evolutionary survival adaptation (21:07 ) Healthy vs. unhealthy shame(24:30) Internal vs. external Shame(27:58) Narcissism, canceling, and toxic shame(34:35) Shame’s link to our developmental past and early relationship with our parents(40:01) Healing the past to liberate ourselves from unhealthy shame | getting discomfortable with shame(46:18) Why how we do a thing matters as much as the thing we do(51:58) Bringing our shame healing/liberation to a systemic level(55:40) All the ways shame will weave itself into your healing(57:32) Intimacy and how shame hinders our ability to truly connect with others(58:18) Connection and relationship is essential components of our healing (1:05:07 ) Unconditional love and ayahuasca’s impact on AJ’s healing through shame(1:11:59) Develop a meta-scaffolding that allows us to be with our reactivity in a healthy way(1:14:06) Some basic steps for navigating shame(1:18:26) Follow-up and social links(1:20:41) Outro | Info about workshop sponsoring this video ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Martijn Schirp of Synthesis Institute joins us on Adventures Through The Mind to wonder with us about the potential harms that will come from the profit-driven industrialization of psychedelics and psychedelic therapy; how we might safeguard the sacredness of psychedelics and people seeking psychedelic therapy against those harms; and where and how he sees Synthesis Institute as attempting to do so. We also talk about cultural maturity; the systemic issues that lead to broad-sweeping ill-health amongst modern people; why no, it’s not “just business”; psychedelics’ role in helping us to learn to be better people in uncertain times; indigenous issues, and our personal sense of where we land in the long history of colonial harms; and why choosing love ain’t easy, but well worth it.  ... For links to Martijn's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind161 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Joe A, Ian C, Yvette FC, Chuck W, Alex F, Eliz C, Nathan B, Nick M, & Chloe C ***** Episode Breakdown (0:00) Opening(1:59) Overture(4:28) Guest bio(640) Support the show(7:29) Interview begins(7:48) What is (and what inspired) the Synthesis psychedelic retreat centre?(12:39) The complex legality of psychedelics (psilocybin) in the Netherlands(18:53) The impact of capital on the psychedelic space/industry(26:42) How profit-driven management will impact people undergoing psychedelic therapy(36:08) What is the proper container for holding the full depth of learning present in learning to institutionalize psychedelic therapy?(38:08 ) Psychedelics’ role in being better people in uncertain times(43:14) Further possible issues of psychedelic underground therapy in the growing industrialization of psychedelics(46:01) Psychedelic therapy is expensive; who’s gonna pay for it?(53:44) Cultural maturation | It’s safer to critique than to do the work(58:28 ) Choose love. It ain’t easy, it’s but well worth it.(1:02:06) Safeguarding the sacred through Steward Ownership(1:10:53) How might Synthesis’ move to steward ownership positively impact the larger psychedelic space(1:14:51) Why work towards greater ethics as a company, even though it might not succeed financially(1:22:44) No, it’s not “just business”; how you use money is a reflection of who you are(1:26:21) What is making us sick? | Systemic institutional change is needed to optimize psychedelic healing(1:33:56) Addressing these questions in the context of indigenous issues(1:43:02) Wondering about our place in the long history of colonialism(1:48:20) Is the shadow of historical displacement and ancestral disconnection at the root of white nationalism?(1:52:52) Compassionately wondering about the psychological impact of widespread displacement from heritage amongst Western people(2:01:31) Information about Synthesis’ facilitator training course(2:06:18) Synthesis’ new psychedelic retreat centre in Oregon, USA(2:08:16) Follow up links(2:11:20) Outro ***** SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjessoPaypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVSMerchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/supportNewsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter OR you can buy a copy of one of my books! Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom – https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/The True Light Of Darkness — https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/