Former Air Force technician turned psychedelic therapy advocate Michael Raymond gets refreshingly real about his path from being medically discharged and over medicated to finding profound healing through plant medicines in Ecuador.

This conversation cuts through the noise: Why traditional ceremony matters. Why integration is harder than the experience itself. Why self-agency is non-negotiable. And what veterans actually need to know about accessing these therapies in Australia—including the $20-40K price tag nobody talks about.

Michael co-founded Heroic Hearts Project Australia to create the support system he didn't have. His story proves that healing isn't about returning to who you were before trauma—it's about discovering who you become when you finally create space to feel, release, and rebuild.

3 Takeaways:

1. Micro-habits over peak experiences - Lasting transformation comes from small, consistent daily practices that rewire your nervous system, not just the profound ceremony itself. Think morning routines, journaling, and intentional choices that keep you from sliding back into old patterns.
2. Safety = experienced practitioners - Working with master-level facilitators (20-30+ years experience) isn't optional—it's the difference between coming out better or worse. High-level trauma requires high-level containment and skill to navigate safely.
3. Integration is the real work - The medicine creates potential (like fresh snow on a mountain), but you choose the new paths through daily practice. Without proper integration support, you'll default back to the old tracks worn into your brain.

If you're curious about alternative healing modalities but skeptical of the hype, this one's for you.

For veterans, first responders, and anyone who's been told to "just try another medication"—this conversation offers a different doorway.

CEO & Co-Founder Heroic Hearts Project Australia
https://heroicheartsprojectaustralia.org/meet-the-team/