I am honored to connect with Mike Sapiro today. He is an ordained Zen Buddhist monk, poet, clinical psychologist, psychedelic psychotherapist, author, meditation teacher, and researcher, in addition to being a transformational coach for world-class musicians, athletes, veterans, scientists, authors, and playwrights.

In our conversation, Mike talks about truth medicine and explains how trauma is a disconnection from the present moment, clarifying how the nervous system responds to chronic stress or trauma, and how midlife transitions can reactivate unhealed wounds. We explore how culture, ancestry, parenting, and epigenetics shape conditioning, and examine the roles of ego, psychedelics, and surrender in the healing process. We also discuss what it means to lead with the heart, integrity, and humility, and tackle the emotional weight of regret, remorse, and shame. Mike also recommends some simple yet powerful daily practices to help us heal.

This conversation with Mike Sapiro is truly invaluable. I loved his book, Truth Medicine, and I know the wisdom in both the book and this episode will resonate deeply with many of you.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

The healing benefits of framing trauma as a disconnection from the present moment

Understanding and addressing the causes of undesirable behaviors, and addressing the hurt and conditioning that drive them

How chronic stress and trauma impact the nervous system

How societal pressures and constant connectivity contribute to stress and a sense of disconnection

The value of psychedelics for accessing new perspectives and insights

How midlife transitions can reactivate unhealed wounds

The benefit of involving the heart, psyche, and cosmos in the therapeutic process

Why trusting, letting go, and surrendering are essential for psychedelic therapy 

How integrity and humility can lead to profound healing and transformation within the therapeutic process

Mike shares some small, consistent actions that can help build trust and self-care 

Bio:

Michael Ryoshin Sapiro, PsyD, is an ordained Zen Buddhist monk and poet, clinical psychologist, psychedelic psychotherapist, author, meditation teacher, and researcher. He is also a transformational coach for world-class musicians, athletes, former special operations veterans, scientists, CEOs, authors, and playwrights. 

Over the last two decades, he has served and reached thousands of people in a variety of settings: therapy, workshops, international retreats, hosting a nationally syndicated radio show called Radio Awakened, keynote addresses, and being featured on podcasts. In the last several years, his work has been featured on over 20 well-known podcasts, and he is a co-host for global mental health summits put on by Wisdom for Life, landing in over 70 countries and reaching hundreds of thousands of people. He is featured in a documentary by Brandow Kapelow called “An Act of Service” on ketamine treatment for first responders that was featured by The New York Times. He currently works extensively with first responders in therapy, offering ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, leading retreats, and running calls with them. He believes that unconditional love, speaking one’s truth, and authenticity are the medicines for good health and a thriving life. His work is dedicated to personal awakening for the sake of collective transformation. 

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