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:

1. 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 process
2. The 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/jameswjesso
• Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS
• Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/
• More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support
• Newsletter: https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter
• Telgram 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 Western
• people.
• (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/jameswjesso
• Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS
• Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/
• More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support
• Newsletter: https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter
• Telgram 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/jameswjesso
• Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS
• Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/
• More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support
• Newsletter: https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter
• Telgram 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/jameswjesso
• Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS
• Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/
• More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support
• Newsletter: https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter
• Telgram 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/jameswjesso
• Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS
• Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/
• More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support
• Newsletter: https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter
• Telgram 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/jameswjesso
• Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS
• Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/
• More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support
• Newsletter: https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter
• Telgram 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/jameswjesso
• Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS
• Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/
• More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support
• Newsletter: https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter
• Telgram 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/jameswjesso
• Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS
• Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/
• More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support
• Newsletter: https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter
• Telgram 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/jameswjesso
• Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS
• Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/
• More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support
• Newsletter: 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.

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/jameswjesso
• Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS
• Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/
• More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support
• Newsletter: 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/jameswjesso
• Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS
• Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/
• More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support
• Newsletter: 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/jameswjesso
• Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS
• Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/
• More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support
• Newsletter: 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/jameswjesso
• Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS
• Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/
• More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support
• Newsletter: 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/jameswjesso
• Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS
• Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/
• More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support
• Newsletter: 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/jameswjesso
• Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS
• Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/
• More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support
• Newsletter: 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/jameswjesso
• Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS
• Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/
• More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support
• Newsletter: 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/jameswjesso
• Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS
• Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/
• More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support
• Newsletter: 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/jameswjesso
• Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS
• Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/
• More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support
• Newsletter: 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/jameswjesso
• Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS
• Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/
• More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support
• Newsletter: 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/jameswjesso
• Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS
• Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/
• More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support
• Newsletter: 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/