Keywords: Thriving, Surviving, Neurodiversity, Cacao, Acceptance, Community, Self-Discovery, Cacao Love, Plant Medicine, Autism, Chocolate, Indigenous Tribes, Sustainability, Spirituality, Ayahuasca, Agroforestry, Nature, Integration, Mushrooms, Healing, Indigenous Wisdom, Personal Stories, Transformation

Summary:

In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen Valentino welcomes Gavin from Cacao Love for a heartfelt conversation on neurodiversity, self-acceptance, and the gentle power of cacao. Together, they explore the healing potential of plant medicines, the importance of community, and the journey toward self-discovery. Gavin shares his personal story of living with autism, his late diagnosis, and how it shaped the way he navigates the world. With honesty and humour, he talks about how cacao transformed his life and how his deep love for this plant led to the creation of Cacao Love—a business built on sustainability, ethics, and connection. The conversation expands into the cultural significance of cacao, the dark history of chocolate production, and the impact of climate change and disease on cacao crops. Gavin and Helen explore how cacao is helping indigenous communities reconnect with traditional ways of life and how the medicine can serve as a gentle, heart-opening entry into spirituality and healing. They also reflect on the reverence needed when working with more intense plant medicines such as ayahuasca and mushrooms. Personal stories from both Gavin and Helen highlight the importance of preparation and integration—often overlooked but essential steps in the healing process. Their dialogue is a reminder that spiritual growth is not about shortcuts but deep, grounded work. Themes of simplicity, intentional living, and honouring nature's cycles weave through the episode, as does a strong emphasis on the wisdom found in indigenous practices and the magic of everyday signs and synchronicities.

Takeaways:

• The podcast is raw, real, and unedited—just like healing.
• Gavin shares how his autism shapes the way he plans and moves through life.
• Both hosts reflect on their late diagnoses of ADHD and autism.
• Self-acceptance is key to thriving as a neurodivergent person.
• Community is essential for growth and support.
• Cacao is a gentle but powerful plant medicine.
• Gavin’s first cacao ceremony was a turning point in his healing.
• Cacao Love grew organically from passion and purpose.
• Ethical sourcing is critical in the cacao trade.
• Cacao ceremonies foster connection and transformation.
• Cacao crops are affected by disease and climate change.
• The chocolate industry’s past has deeply harmed indigenous cultures.
• Cacao offers a way for tribes to reconnect with ancestral practices.
• Simplicity can bring clarity, peace, and reduced anxiety.
• Nature has a grounding, healing energy.
• Cacao introduces spiritual practice in an accessible, heart-led way.
• Aligning with natural cycles promotes balance and well-being.
• Preparation and integration are vital in any plant medicine journey.
• Deep healing requires reverence, time, and dedication.
• Personal experiences with plant medicine can spark profound change.
• Indigenous wisdom holds essential truths for modern healing.
• Local traditions and nature are full of subtle magic.
• Sharing personal stories connects us to others and ourselves.
• Nature’s signs can affirm and support the spiritual path.
• Healing is most powerful when done in community.

Music for Intro & Outro is thanks to Pixabay – Upbeat acoustic - Stockaudios. Thank you to Dave Champagne for the cover art📧 Want a full transcription of this episode? Email Helen at [email protected]

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