This discussion with Tom Feegel, founder of Beond, explores their personal journey with opioid addiction and their family member's recovery using ibogaine treatment in Mexico. This experience inspired the creation of Beond, a facility that integrates plant medicine treatments, specifically ibogaine, with comprehensive clinical care, therapeutic support, and a focus on creating a supportive and comfortable environment. Feegel's narrative underscores the power of ibogaine in addressing not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the underlying trauma that often fuels it.

Feegel detailed the ibogaine treatment process at Beond, highlighting its holistic approach. The journey begins with remote coaching, preparing individuals for the experience. This is followed by thorough clinical evaluations to ensure safety and suitability for ibogaine treatment. The treatment itself involves administering primary and supplementary doses of ibogaine under strict medical supervision. A crucial component of Beond's approach is integration therapy, which helps individuals process their ibogaine experience and translate their insights into lasting positive change. This integration work is essential for long-term healing and preventing relapse.

A significant portion of the conversation focused on differentiating ibogaine treatment from ketamine treatment. Feegel explained that while both substances have shown promise in treating addiction and mental health conditions, they differ significantly in their effects and approach. Ibogaine treatment is described as a longer, more intensive process, delving deep into the root causes of addiction and trauma. The ibogaine experience is known for its intensity and depth, often providing individuals with profound insights into their lives and patterns of behavior. Importantly, ibogaine itself is not addictive, unlike some other treatment medications. Beond emphasizes integration therapy as a critical part of the ibogaine process, supporting patients in applying their new understanding to everyday life.

In contrast, ketamine treatment is typically shorter and often requires repeated sessions. While ketamine can be effective in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, and can help with cravings, it primarily addresses the surface level of addiction rather than the underlying causes. Feegel stressed that ibogaine is not a recreational drug and its use requires careful medical supervision due to its potency and potential effects on the body. Beond's approach prioritizes safety and provides a structured environment for individuals to undergo this transformative experience. The combination of ibogaine's therapeutic potential with Beond's comprehensive care model aims to provide individuals with a powerful opportunity for lasting recovery.

This discussion between Richard Zwicky and AJ Murillo delves into the complex concept of ego death, exploring its definition, the role of psychedelics, the process of guiding others through the experience, and the personal journey involved. Murillo, author of "The Beginner's Guide to Ego Death," defines ego death as a profound understanding of one's own psyche and how it shapes and often limits our perception of reality. This understanding can lead to a powerful realization that there is more to life than what we typically perceive. The conversation highlights the connection between ego death and personal growth, emphasizing that overcoming trauma and other challenges often requires a deep process of self-discovery, which ego death can facilitate.

The discussion explored the controversial role of psychedelics in achieving ego death. Murillo suggests that while not essential, psychedelics can be a tool to simultaneously understand the physical, mental, and emotional layers of oneself, thus potentially deepening the ego death experience. They clarify that this experience is achievable through practices like meditation and stillness, but that psychedelics can accelerate the process. The experience is likened to a process of unmasking, where individuals confront their true selves at a deeper, more fundamental level.

Murillo, who has guided individuals through this process for six years, shared insights into their approach. They emphasize the crucial need for individuals to understand their own psyche, emotions, and sense of existence before considering any psychedelic experiences. Their book serves as a step-by-step guide, designed to make this potentially overwhelming experience more manageable. Murillo notes that the biggest challenge they face in their work is helping people acknowledge their need for change. A key element of their guidance is stressing the importance of acknowledging and processing emotions, rather than suppressing or avoiding them.

Finally, Murillo shared their own personal journey with ego death, emphasizing that it was a long and transformative process shaped by their unique experiences and perspective. They acknowledged that many people become overwhelmed by the intensity of the experience and may retreat before fully committing to the journey. The discussion concluded with Murillo's reflection that successfully navigating this intense experience requires honesty and calmness with oneself, with a focus on one's physical and emotional experiences.

Scott McLean, creator of the Visual Color Timer, detailed the unique features of his product, emphasizing its bright green colors and front and back LED lights for a 360-degree color display. He explained its value for families and groups, particularly in managing routines and screen time, and how it facilitates smooth transitions between tasks.

The timer includes volume adjustment, rechargeability, and a shock-proof case. McLean discussed the design, noting that 65% of people are visual learners, and the timer uses color changes to provide proactive warnings. It transitions from green to yellow at 25% of the set time, offering a clear visual cue. The design incorporates neuroscience principles, focusing on visual learning and executive function.

The timer has received positive feedback, especially regarding its benefits for individuals with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, and became a top-selling new timer on Amazon. McLean highlighted how the color shifts guide focus and transitions, making time feel more tangible.

The constant visual and auditory cues help users stay on task and avoid distractions. He stressed that it's more than an alarm clock, helping users understand their progress and adjust their time or effort. 

Inspire Health Retreats was born from the shared passion and expertise of Dr. Karen Flannery and Dr. Elizabeth Jenkins, long-time friends and colleagues committed to promoting mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Located in the lush and biodiverse landscapes of Costa Rica, these retreats offer a holistic and transformative approach to health, serving as a launchpad for individuals seeking meaningful, lasting improvements in their overall quality of life.

Karen and Beth drew on their extensive experience at the Palm Beach Wellness Institute, where they provide a physician-led, team-based approach to recovery and wellness. Recognizing the increasing need for deeper mental health support following the pandemic, they expanded their work to include the wellness division and Inspire Health Retreats. This initiative focuses on addressing root causes of health challenges while empowering participants to prioritize self-care in a mindful and intentional way.

The retreats are designed to guide participants on a journey toward lasting well-being. Over the course of a week, attendees engage in a highly personalized experience that encompasses healthy eating, physical activity, sleep optimization, and community building. What sets Inspire Health Retreats apart is their commitment to continued growth, offering 12 months of integrative wellness coaching post-retreat. This support ensures that participants can seamlessly integrate their wellness goals into their daily routines and maintain positive momentum long after they leave Costa Rica.

The program is particularly geared toward individuals aged 50 and older who are navigating life transitions or managing chronic illnesses. Karen and Beth emphasize the importance of healthy aging, focusing on improving quality of life rather than simply extending it. Pre-retreat wellness assessments allow participants to identify their unique health challenges and goals, which are addressed in a supportive and low-volume, high-touch environment. This tailored approach ensures that every attendee feels empowered to create a roadmap for sustainable, meaningful change.

Healthy eating is a cornerstone of the retreats, with a focus on locally-sourced, sustainable food practices. Karen shares her dedication to regenerative agriculture and permaculture, both of which inspire participants to adopt mindful eating habits. Drawing from her personal experience of cultivating a backyard food forest, she encourages a grassroots approach to sustainable food practices, highlighting the importance of pressuring large food companies to embrace ethical and nutritious standards. Rather than framing dietary changes as deprivation, the retreats foster an intentional and nourishing relationship with food.

Inspire Health Retreats also address the broader challenges of modern life, including the constant demands of digital connectivity and the widespread prevalence of anxiety and depression. Karen and Beth’s approach encourages participants to embrace mindfulness, prioritize mental health, and develop habits that align with their personal values and long-term wellness goals.

In addition to providing individualized support, the retreats offer a space for community connection, recognizing the power of shared experiences in fostering growth and resilience. With Costa Rica’s serene environment as a backdrop, Inspire Health Retreats provide the perfect setting for individuals to reconnect with themselves and create a sustainable path to wellness.

Samantha Harte, a physical therapist and author, discussed her journey to sobriety and the publication of her memoir, "Breaking the Circuit." She shared her experience of losing her sister to a drug overdose and how it inspired her to write a prescriptive book on resilience and emotional freedom.

Samantha emphasized the importance of integrating mind and body approaches in therapy, drawing from her 15 years of sobriety and the 12-step program. She also highlighted her upcoming webinar on maintaining physical and spiritual health during the holidays. Samantha's practice focuses on helping women overcome inner critics and trauma, leveraging her personal experiences to guide others.

Christian Rasmussen, owner of Minnesota Nice Ethnobotanicals, the largest Amanita muscaria retailer, wholesaler and importer, discussed the potential benefits and challenges of Amanita muscaria.

Christian highlighted its therapeutic and medicinal properties, particularly its effectiveness as a topical for nerve pain and its potential uses for mental issues such as anxiety, depression, OCD, and ADHD. Rasmussen also addressed challenges faced in the Amanita muscaria industry, including sales and distribution hurdles, difficulties in sourcing and testing, and concerns about product contamination.

He emphasized the need for further research and data to fully understand the compound's effects, and mentioned ongoing talks with universities to potentially conduct comprehensive studies.

Chris Terzakos shares his inspiring story of transitioning from the construction industry to wellness advocacy, motivated by personal losses and a quest for self-belonging. He highlights the significance of a positive mindset, self-care, and distancing oneself from negativity. Chris also provides insights into his methods for naturally boosting testosterone, including a diet focused on organic foods, vitamin D, and avoiding sugar. With his diverse background as an entrepreneur, investor, marketing agency co-owner, coach, and author of three books, Chris is a testament to the power of transformation and self-discovery.

Holly Teegarden, Owner of MoodRXtreats, The Moodment, Moodporium and Cannamood Apparel shares her transformative journey from marketing maven to cannabis connoisseur, driven by a passion for plant medicine and self-care. She curates cannabis-centric retreats that cater to women over 40, providing a supportive space to explore therapeutic applications, alleviate anxiety, and rediscover inner peace.

With a focus on chakra-based healing and personalized wellness experiences, these retreats offer a unique blend of education, relaxation, and community building. By incorporating cannabis into a holistic approach, Moodrx Treats empowers women to reclaim their well-being and cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and others.

Toni, a registered nurse and advocate for cannabis wellness, discussed her involvement in the industry. Running two businesses promoting holistic wellness and working on her first book, she aims to eliminate the stigma around cannabis use. Set to speak at the upcoming Black Cannabis Expo in Chicago, Toni will address the role of cannabis in wellness. Introduced as a "cannabis nurse, wellness advisor, and educator," Toni's contributions to the field were highly appreciated.

Toni emphasized the need to redefine the stigma surrounding cannabis, promoting it as a wellness tool beyond medical use. Concerned about the lack of education and sustainable resources, she highlighted the potential for increased research following cannabis rescheduling. Toni stressed maintaining a focus on wellness alongside medical applications, expressing hope for future research.

Toni discussed the importance of prioritizing wellness in cannabis research. She highlighted the potential for cannabis to aid conditions like Alzheimer's, dementia, and cancer, sharing her experience using cannabis for eczema and anxiety. Toni's story underscored the benefits of topical cannabis applications.

Toni shared her struggles with eczema, anxiety, and medication addiction, finding relief in cannabis. Recalling how secondhand smoke from her grandfather calmed her as a child, she emphasized cannabis's impact on her anxiety and skin conditions as an adult. Toni advocates for wellness and preventative care over prescription medication, stressing the need for education and proper support in the cannabis industry.

Toni discussed the importance of the endocannabinoid system in achieving bodily balance and harmony. She encouraged exploring cannabis for wellness, drawing on her experiences working in a dermatologist's office. Emphasizing education and personal health decisions, she highlighted the need for less invasive and toxic wellness approaches.

Toni advocated for removing the stigma surrounding cannabis and suggested collaboration between farmers and dispensary owners for better education. She emphasized the distinction between medical and adult use markets, highlighting the industry's shift towards cannabis wellness. Toni is working on a book about her experiences and the potential of cannabis in the wellness industry, believing that collaboration can enhance user education and information.

Ricard Zwicky welcomes Steve Rio, Owner and Facilitator at Enfold. Steve, an expert in technology and software, joined the team and shared his background with the group. He discussed his experience with building software, managing data for large non-profits and foundations, and working with many notable organizations such as the Ford Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation. The team also learned that Steve was working on a project related to mental health, and he was joined by Richard, who focuses on mental health and is developing a technology platform in this field. The team was ready to begin their discussions, with Richard inviting Steve to share more about his work.

Steve described their psycho-spiritual model for healing and personal growth, which involves the use of psychedelic medicines, coaching, semantic work, and community connection. He highlighted that they have been working with 5-MeO-DMT for over five years and consider it to be their primary focus due to its unique experience and effectiveness. Steve explained that 5-MeO-DMT is similar to other tryptamines like LSD and DMT, but its experience is intense and semantic, and it's significantly shorter in duration depending on the route of administration. Richard acknowledged the distinctiveness of Steve's approach and the importance of their work in the field.

Richard and Steve discussed the use of 5-MeO-DMT in therapy, focusing on its ability to rewire attachment styles and provide a profound shift in perspective. Steve explained the three levels of their work: the nervous system, personality, and spiritual system. He emphasized the importance of contextualizing these insights and helping clients apply them to their lives. Richard raised questions about the benefits of the therapy for those who may not fully understand their issues. Steve clarified that the medicine is most effective for those who are ready to face hard truths and are not seeking it as a first step in their personal or spiritual development.

Steve and Richard discussed the pursuit of wealth and its impact on one's sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. Steve argued that sacrificing one's personal life for the sake of earning money can be a trap, as it doesn't necessarily bring true happiness or satisfaction. Richard agreed and emphasized the importance of finding meaning beyond monetary gain, such as giving back to the community or making a positive impact on the people one works with. They also touched on the potential of psychedelics in helping individuals become more aware of their lives and values, and the importance of mindfulness in aligning one's thoughts and actions with their true values. Finally, they recognized the significant influence of these factors on personal relationships as well.