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Love, Loss & Hallucinations with Scott Schumaker
Love, Loss & Hallucinations with Scott Schumaker episodes
- Unlocking Long-Term Love and Connection: A Conversation with Ellen Boeder (Ep38)
If you’re like most people, you want to find lasting love and true connection. Ellen Boeder, a passionate psychotherapist and relationship expert, shares insights gained over two decades of study, practice, and life experience on how we can cultivate long-term bonds that thrive through life's inevitable ups and downs. This episode dives into the art of repair after conflict, the importance of mutual co-creation in a relationship, and how self-awareness fuels what Boeder has coined “relational longevity.”
Why does this matter? Because the research is clear: the quality of your relationships in midlife shapes your health, happiness, and vitality in old age, and fostering a caring, authentic, deep relationship with your partner takes time, often years. So, starting to develop these skills in your younger years will pay big dividends. Neglecting this part of life is like skipping routine maintenance on your health—risky and costly. But by embedding simple, intentional practices today, you unlock a lifetime of joy, resilience, and growth with those who matter most.
In this episode:
👉Ellen reveals what relational longevity means and why it’s vital for our health.👉The science linking midlife relationship quality to overall well-being in old age.👉How to develop the skills to repair ruptures and build trust after conflicts.👉Why self-reflection is the cornerstone of healthier relationships.👉The differences and similarities in co-creating with partners versus children.👉Exploring the impact of attachment styles on relationship sustainability.👉The power of daily small acts, like greeting each other, in creating ongoing connection.👉Balancing masculine and feminine energies in partnership.👉Practical steps to align your relationship goals and increase mutual satisfaction.👉How societal narratives influence our roles and our long-term relational growth.ELLEN'S LINKS:
Website | Substack | Instagram |The Couples Podcast - Attachment | Masculine & FeminineSCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)”
1 hr 6 min - Creating Enduring Love and Art in Chaotic Times with Tiffany Shlain (Ep37)
In this episode, we get deep. We laugh. There are tears.
I’m joined by Tiffany Shlain, a pioneer in tech, a documentary filmmaker and an artist. In a disconnect, chaotic world, Tiffany has fought to stay connected. The positive sides of tech still excite her, but she has learned how to shut off the digital invasion in ways that benefit her marriage, her family and friends, and her creativity. She recounts how these boundaries have helped foster her transformative art that interweaves feminism, neuroscience, and nature, leading to her current exhibition with her husband, Ken Goldberg, titled Ancient Wisdom for a Future Ecology: Trees, Time and Technology.
Tiffany’s raw honesty about deepening her 30-year relationship with her husband, the death of her father, battling depression, creating art and finding hope despite the state of will inspire you. This episode isn’t just a story. It’s a blueprint to living more mindfully, loving more deeply, and creating a legacy rooted in truth and connection.
You'll discover:
👉How her groundbreaking work launching the Webby Awards launched her into the wild west of technology.👉The profound impact of her weekly “tech Shabbat”👉The art of navigating love and loss: from losing her father to healing through creative expression.👉Why she now leads with “attention” as the greatest gift in relationships.👉Her fascinating projects merging neuroscience, nature and feminist history.TIFFANY'S LINKS:
Website |Ancient Wisdom for a Future Ecology: Trees, Time and Technology | InstagramSCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)”
1 hr 4 min - Hip Hop, Mindfulness, and Greyhound Bus Dharma: Walking Thru the Jeweled Doorway w/ Born I (Ep36)
Join Scott in a profound conversation with Ofosu Jones-Quartey, aka Born I, a meditation teacher, hip hop artist, and author, as they explore the intersection of music, mindfulness, and radical self-compassion. From the streets of Washington D.C. and his Ghana roots to discovering dharma on a Greyhound bus, Ofosu’s journey through hip hop, Buddhism, and mental health challenges offers transformative insights into interconnectedness, healing, and authentic self-expression. Ofosu shares raw, deeply human stories of growth, loss, and love—showing that liberation comes when we accept ourselves fully, shadows and all. This episode is perfect for seekers, artists, mental health warriors, and anyone courageous enough to look within.
You’ll discover:
👉 how an ancient Buddhist text, the Heart Sutra, illuminated his path during a bus ride and transformed his worldview👉 Using music as a tool for healing and social change👉 Navigating mental health challenges, including OCD, with grace and resilience👉 The importance of inner friendship and simple daily practices for well-being👉 how hip hop, rebellion, and spirituality collide to create a new kind of mindfulness👉 why embracing your fallibility, not denying it, is a key to living with courage, love, and authenticity.OFOSU/BORN I's LINKS:
Website | Instagram | Ayanna video | Komorebi albumSCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)”
1 hr 1 min - Own Your Stuff! Stop Your B.S.! And Consider Psychedelics with Melanie Spring (Ep35)
In this animated conversation, Melanie Spring, a fierce muse and seasoned healer, and I look at radical truths around love, self-identity and transformation. Melanie explodes the myth that you need to be perfect or have your act together to thrive. Instead, she shows you the power in owning your stuff, embracing your wildness, and continually evolving.
Melanie shares her unapologetic journey from perfectionism to sovereignty, and from inherited trauma to radical honesty. She reveals how psychedelics cracked her open to new realms of healing. This is not woo-woo—it’s real, raw, and transformative. She also dives into her no-nonsense approach to boundaries, money, love, and self-expression—reminding us all that true power lies in owning your shadow and stepping into your wild, sovereign self. If you’re ready to tear down inner walls and radically love yourself, then this episode is the spark you need.
In this episode:
👉Melanie’s unique take on coaching vs muse—guiding inward, not fixing outward👉The radical roots of her core values: love, honesty, accountability, collaboration, creativity👉Raw stories of her putting her marriage on pause, psychedelics, and deep healing👉The power of boundaries, sovereignty, and owning your truth in love and life👉How vulnerability is the greatest gift for growth and authentic connection👉Practical steps to ask for mentorship without money, finding your village👉Lessons from her “identity detox” and the importance of loving yourself fully👉The reframe: “Own your stuff” — the ultimate act of freedom(This content is for educational and harm-reduction purposes. We do not promote or support illegal activity, the sale or use of restricted substances, or the use of associated tools or accessories. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for health decisions.)
MELANIE'S LINKS:
Website | InstagramSCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)”
1 hr 5 min - Navigating Life Transitions w/ Hawaii Ironman Champion Turned Professor Scott Tinley (Ep34)
In this episode, Scott Tinley, a friend and competitor from my former life as a professional triathlete, joins me for an in-depth discussion on handling big life transitions. A Hawaii Ironman world champion with over 100 triathlon wins under his belt, Tinley’s own challenges after he stopped racing led him into the academic world, where he’s become an expert on navigating the elite-athlete-to-normal-life shift, lessons from which we can all benefit. We discuss the emotional challenges of transitioning from sports, the importance of mental health, and the lessons learned through personal experiences, including his recent heart surgery. He emphasizes the significance of appreciation, mourning, and planning for life after sports, while also encouraging his students to adventure and find their own identities after athletics or school. We also share some classic, funny stories from back in our racing days and beyond.
We get into:
👉Tinley reflecting on his early experiences in triathlon and the growth of the sport.👉The transition from professional athlete can be challenging and requires self-reflection.👉Mental health awareness in sports has improved since the late 90s, but challenges remain.👉Mourning the end of an athletic career is essential for a healthy transition.👉Planning for life after sports is crucial, yet it is contradictory to athletes’ necessary focus.👉Gratitude for past experiences can enhance one's perspective on life.👉Realizations about retirement can come from unexpected moments, such as nature.👉Rehab is a process everyone goes through, not just those with substance issues.👉Loss can lead to wisdom and personal growth in various aspects of life.👉Validation through athletic success can shape one's identity and purpose.SCOTT TINLEY'S LINKS:
Website | Facebook |Rehab: Collected Stories and Essays on Resolution, Resiliency, and Return -SCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)”
54 min - Surprise! Talking Funerals & Death w/ Lauren Carroll Brought Me Joy (Ep33)
Dive deep into the raw, heart-centered world of being a death doula, and the wisdom that comes from this profession. Lauren Carroll, a death educator whose passion for home funerals is infectious, shares the touching journey she took to becoming a death doula. We also discuss how the commercialized funeral industry has squashed sacred practices around our deceased loved ones. Also, the how and why she began incorporating plant medicine into her end-of-life care is insightful. And she highlights important, revelatory information about caring for a body after a person has passed, plus so much more. Death is inevitable, but beauty, love and transformation can be experienced around the end of life if we allow ourselves to be open to it. This episode will help you navigate it all with more reverence, knowledge and grace.
In this episode:
👉 Lauren’s powerful story of encountering a stillborn baby and how it shifted her fear of death.👉 The history and importance of home funerals and how the modern industrial funeral business has separated us from this sacred act👉 The role of death doulas and how they restore human connection at life's final chapter👉 The healing potential of plant medicine, especially psilocybin, in facing death and grief👉 How meaningful rituals and a longer presence with the deceased transform grief into love, acceptance, and healing for those still alive.👉 The legal, cultural, and emotional aspects of choosing natural death care practices👉 Practical tips for hybrid funeral arrangements and the importance of personal stories in legacyLAUREN'S LINKS:
LA MORT | InstagramMice / plant medicine study
SCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)”
1 hr 6 min - From Fear to Healing: One Shaman's Long Plant Medicine Journey w/ Maestro Hamilton Souther (Ep32)
Prepare to dive deep into healing and personal growth as Maestro Hamilton Souther and I discuss the soul of ayahuasca and san pedro (wachuma), shamanic wisdom, and the transformative power of nature and plant medicines. Souther, a pioneer in the psychedelic renaissance and founder of Blue Morpho, shares truths that could change how you see life, loss, ego and healing. He also reveals behind-the-scenes stories of his own initiation into these sacred traditions, and powerful lessons he has gleaned from thousands of visionary journeys.
In this episode:👉The origins and purpose of ayahuasca, and why it’s a game-changer for healing
👉Insights on loss, impermanence, and the eternal nature of our spirit👉The difference between shamans, maestros, and spiritual guides👉How visionary experiences redefine reality and serve as powerful healing tools👉The intense training and ego dissolving journey to become a trusted ceremonial leader👉Insights on loss, impermanence, and the eternal nature of our spirit👉The profound connection between humans and nature — you are not out of place👉How San Pedro and other plants assist in grounding, healing, and expanding consciousness👉Practical tips for choosing a safe, reputable ceremony center overseas or at home👉The future plans for Blue Morpho and plant medicine in the West👉A fascinating insight into AI, technological evolution, and what visions reveal about our collective future👉The importance of love, gratitude, and embracing life’s miraculous miracleHAMILTON’S LINKS:
Blue Morpho websiteSCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)”
1 hr 3 min - Ep 31 – Rachel Zurer: How Iboga Healed My Deepest Griefs and Revealed Life-Changing Wisdom
In this episode, join me as Rachel Zurer, a somatic and leadership coach, shares her deep healing experiences with the plant medicine Iboga. If you are curious about what it’s like working with iboga, which can cause psychedelic journeys lasting up to 30 hours, then this episode is a must listen. Spoiler: It’s not about quick fixes (obviously), but profound, lasting transformations that can reshape your entire view of life, grief, love, and humanity. Consuming iboga is “not sexy,” as Rachel says, but what’s a little bit of dry mouth and a day of possible discomfort in exchange for long-lasting, positive changes in your life? Tune in to see if you’re ready to surf your own waves of transformation.
You'll discover:
👉The deep, slow journey of working with full root bark iboga and what it really feels like to surf waves of emotion for a day and a half👉How iboga helps you see your mental cages and unlock your true power👉The unexpected, life-shifting lessons on grief, ancestral trauma, and trusting the unknown that Rachel learned from her profound experiences👉Why this plant medicine is more than a psychedelic trip — it’s a portal to deeper love, presence, and spiritual trustRACHEL'S LINKS:
Website | Instagram | LinkedinThe Way meditation app
Books: Prayers of Honor and Grief by Pixie Lighthouse, The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Frances Weller, The Smell of Rain on Dust by Martine Prechtel
SCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)”
1 hr 1 min - Ep30 - Shann Ray: The Surprising Link Between Love, Forgiveness, Wholeness & Preventing Genocide
In this thought-provoking episode, Shann Ray, a clinical psychologist, genocide researcher and prolific author, shares his profound insights from decades of research and personal experience on authentic love, forgiveness, and the union of masculine and feminine energies. We delve into how ancient wisdom, current scientific findings, and simple but valuable daily practices can transform our relationships and inner worlds. Perhaps most importantly, we discuss the power of forgiveness, how it can improve your love life and relationships, your health, and, ultimately, even prevent and help heal from genocide. If nothing else, this stimulating and deep episode will have you kissing your partner longer on a daily basis!
We discuss:
👉 The golden age of research on love and its elusive nature👉 The sacred balance of masculine and feminine energies in relationships👉 Practical daily habits to foster genuine connection and forgiveness👉 The impact of trauma, generational patterns, and societal cycles on love👉 The transformative power of asking for forgiveness and making amends👉 The role of light, love, and humility in spiritual and relational growth👉How genocides can ultimately be traced to the breakdown of one-to-one relationships👉Fascism’s link to the fracture of the masculine and feminine within a society👉 Insights from scientific studies like the Gottman Institute on relationship dynamics👉 How cultural narratives and personal shadow work influence our capacity to love👉 The importance of mentoring, community, and ongoing practice for authentic love👉 Personal reflections on overcoming fear, loss, and embracing wholenessSHANN's LINKS:
Website | InstagramUnsolicited Press
The Gottman InstituteSCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)”
59 min - Ep29 - Jaime Fleres: The Profound Rituals that Allowed Jaime to Say Goodbye to Her Old Identity
In this episode, Jaime Flairs, an author, transformational guide, and the founder of Whale Song Creative, joins me to share her profound journey through divorce, spiritual awakening, and reclaiming her authentic self. Together, we explore the power of ritual, community, nature as a healing and stabilizing force, the importance of discovering and staying aligned with your soul’s purpose, and how inner work can transform pain into purpose. Jaime’s vulnerability as she talks about multiple losses in her life invites listeners to reflect on their own thresholds and the transformative power inherent in life’s challenges. We end by discussing how she brings all of this wisdom to the writers that she coaches and how tell your story is both both and revolutionary!
JAIME’S LINKS:
Website | Instagram
SCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)”
1 hr 4 min
About Love, Loss & Hallucinations with Scott Schumaker
From the publisher's feed
Welcome to Love, Loss and Hallucinations with Scott Schumaker — a podcast where we start with those three themes and see where the conversation takes us. This podcast is about the beauty and pain of…
being human, a podcast about finding strength and connection in vulnerability, a podcast to amplify the voices of those who have been through the ringer of life and have wisdom to share, and a podcast about the healing, evolution, and transformation that can happen when you’re willing to lean into the uncomfortable and the unknown.
I’ll be talking with therapists, coaches, world-class athletes, writers, musicians, artists, shamans, plant medicine guides, and everyday who’ve been touched by incredible moments of love, shattered by loss, or altered by the extraordinary.
If you’ve ever felt like your heart was going to explode from either love or loss; if you’re wanting deeper connection in this increasingly lonely world; if you’re curious about plant medicine, or you’ve experienced an out-of-the-ordinary vision...then you’ll feel at home here.
I’ll be talking with therapists, coaches, world-class athletes, writers, musicians, artists, shamans, plant medicine guides, and everyday who’ve been touched by incredible moments of love, shattered by loss, or altered by the extraordinary.
If you’ve ever felt like your heart was going to explode from either love or loss; if you’re wanting deeper connection in this increasingly lonely world; if you’re curious about plant medicine, or you’ve experienced an out-of-the-ordinary vision...then you’ll feel at home here.