Tom Verstappen is one of the most inspiring examples of transformation that I know. As you’ll hear in this episode, Tom continued to show up for himself during difficult times to eventually turn the tide around, and build something that's not only greater than himself, but is also serving a purpose in community and society. We talk about the power of self-love as Tom shares some deeply personal stories about the toughest time of his life, slowly allowing himself to feel all the emotions and heal from within. Tom also opens up about how cacao and plant ceremonies have changed his outlook on life, what fatherhood taught him, and why he is now focused on bringing people together in sacred spaces & ceremonies through his business & brand Cacaosito. I hope you will enjoy this heart-opening conversation. 

Tom & Cacaosito also have a special offer for listeners of the Spirit Unfolding podcast: Use code “SPIRIT10” for 10% off your bag of organic ceremonial cacao from Cacaosito: https://cacaosito.nl/ You can order any size & shipping is available throughout Europe. By buying from Cacaosito you help preserve Uganda’s Semuliki rainforest through agroforestry and contribute to local communities.

Follow the Spirit Unfolding podcast:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/spiritunfolding 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritUnfolding 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/686nVE9z28r8AryvhgWWk0 

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Episode preview

01:10 - Podcast intro

03:20 - Tom’s Discovery of Self-Love by Facing the Shadows of his Past

14:08 - Healing Process, Plant Medicine and Inner Child Work

26:50 - Tom’s Ayahuasca Experience

33:20 - Lars’s Ayahuasca Experience

39:04 - Women, Inner Feminine, Taking Responsibility of Your Life

43:43 - Tom’s Journey to Work with Cacao & Find Self-Love

46:38 - A Journey to Uganda visiting Gorillas

51:18 - Surviving Malaria and a Spiritual Encounter

54:00 - Bringing Cacao to the Netherlands and Starting Cacaosito

01:09:05 - Parenting and Emotional Intelligence

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Tom Verstappen is the founder of Cacaosito, which shares heart-opening Cacao with the world and organizes concerts and ceremonies in Amsterdam to spread peace and love. 

Website: https://cacaosito.nl/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacaositonl 

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The Spirit Unfolding podcast explores the depth of the human experience, the creative energy that flows through us all & what we can do to create a more beautiful world. Every episode I sit down with a pioneer, teacher or creative to give you unique insights into spiritual growth, taking ownership of your life, and expanding your perspective on life’s possibilities.

Follow the Spirit Unfolding podcast:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/spiritunfolding 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritUnfolding 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/686nVE9z28r8AryvhgWWk0 

Website: https://larsveenstra.com/podcast 

Lars Veenstra

Instagram:  https://instagram.com/larsveenstra