This week, we have a conversation between contributor Matt Ruby and his guest, comedian Myq Kaplan, about Myq’s experience with the hallucinogenic brew ayahuasca and the ways in which it has affected his life. Myq latest album, ‘No Kidding,’ is available now via iTunes; his special, ‘Small, Dork, and Handsome,’ is available via Amazon Prime; and he’s also the host of a podcast called Hang Out With Me. We’re also joined by Jacqueline Soller to discuss the recently released movie, Lady Bird, written and directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, and Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges, and Timothée Chalemet. Along the way, we’re also hear from a man names Pat about what it’s like to raise his kids in NYC versus when he grew up in the Midwest. And we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by self-described “piano basher and caterwauler,” Kristeen Young.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

00:00 - Intro

01:11 - START /// Myq Kaplan on Ayahuasca w/ Matt Ruby

02:48 - People's’ reactions when Myq talks about ayahuasca on stage / Ayahuasca ‘age’

06:40 - What is ayahuasca and the experience of taking it?

09:22 - People’s reaction to hearing about ayahuasca, esp. vomiting (or “purging”)

11:32 - Purging, epiphanies, enlightenment / DMT & death / Life coaching vs. death coaching

19:45 - Death coaching, cont’d / Death is part of the ‘recycling’ process / Life goals

26:25 - How has ayahuasca changed the way Myq thinks or acts in his life?

28:45 - Comparing ayahuasca to mushrooms

29:32 - Sham shamans & fake ayahuasca / Ancient wisdom / religious experience

35:55 - Applying lessons learned to current times and problems in the world

37:00 - Evangelizing lessons learned and limits of doing so /// END

45:33 - 1st Person: Pat // Raising Kids in NYC

48:44 - Movie Review: ‘Lady Bird’ w/ Jacqueline Soller

49:46 - Movie Chat: ‘Lady Bird’ (spoiler alert)

61:36 - “Year of the Woman” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - KRISTEENYOUNG

66:03 - Outro / Credits

66:47 - Finish.