My first Ayahuasca experience had profound effects on my life, my marriage, and my health.

My husband, Austin, and I went to an Ayahuasca retreat earlier this year and we had an incredible experience. It was challenging, healing, beautiful, and, quite honestly, difficult to put into words.  

We first heard about Ayahuasca a few years ago from our dear friend Mansal Denton, who joins Austin and me to talk more about it. Tune in to hear about our unique experiences at a 3-day Ayahuasca retreat, how the ceremony changed our lives, and tips for people who are considering trying Ayahuasca.

Episode Highlights: 

• 4:06 What Ayahuasca is and what you can learn from it
• 7:44 The difference between therapeutic and recreational psychedelic use 
• 10:48 How time in prison sparked Mansal’s path towards self-development and Ayahuasca
• 12:06 What led Austin and I to decide we were ready for an Ayahuasca retreat
• 14:43 One key part of preparing for an Ayahuasca ceremony 
• 18:32 Arriving at the retreat: our experience and what to expect during a 3-day ceremony 
• 23:53 The importance of finding a trusted guide for your Ayahuasca experience
• 26:05 Beginning the Ceremony: Setting intentions and taking in your first cup of Ayahuasca
• 31:17 How much Ayahuasca you actually drink during a ceremony
• 34:15 The purging phase of an Ayahuasca retreat
• 37:58 Why purging is a positive, transformational experience
• 40:23 What it’s like during the closing of the ceremony
• 43:01 My emotions, visions, and out of body experience at the retreat
• 44:51 Connecting with the feeling of a higher power through Ayahuasca
• 47:41 Ayahuasca is a storyteller: Seeing, experiencing, and feeling things you’ve never felt before
• 51:06 Austin’s book recommendations to prepare for an Ayahuasca retreat 
• 52:27 The most profound effects Ayahuasca has had on Mansal’s life
• 54:28 Austin’s biggest takeaways from his first Ayahuasca experience
• 57:26 What I learned during my Ayahuasca experience, including some major revelations about my marriage
• 1:01:15 The emotional ups and downs of a ceremony: experiencing the most blissful and most challenging moments just minutes apart
• 1:03:07 Tips for people who are interested in participating in an Ayahuasca retreat

Links and Resources: 

• The Mansal Denton Podcast
• @mansaldenton on Instagram
• How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan
• Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide to the Universe by James Fadiman