Minority Trip Report

In this episode, Brandon Deroche, a passionate advocate for social impact through music and culture. Brandon shares his journey from being a touring musician to founding Propeller, a platform that empowers artists to leverage their influence for meaningful causes. He reflects on the evolution of live music post-pandemic and the shifting dynamics of ticket sales, while also diving deep into the intersection of activism and entertainment.

Episode Highlights

• Brandon's Summer Experience: Brandon discusses how his summer was a blur filled with various music festivals and the significant impact of working with artist Chappell Roan.
• The Rise of Chappell Roan: He elaborates on Chappell’s meteoric rise in the music scene, breaking attendance records at major festivals and using her platform for LGBTQ advocacy.
• Shifts in Live Music Attendance: Brandon shares insights on how this summer marked a return to full live music experiences, contrasting it with the uncertainty of previous years.
• Ticket Buying Behavior Changes: He explores the new trends in ticket purchasing, where audiences are waiting until the last minute to buy tickets, impacting sales dynamics for promoters.
• Propeller’s Mission: Brandon explains how Propeller connects artists with causes they care about, using incentives to engage fans in social impact initiatives.
• Successful Campaigns: He highlights successful campaigns like Gojira’s environmental efforts and Allie & AJ’s support for the Trevor Project, showcasing how authenticity drives engagement.
• Psychedelics and Social Impact: Brandon discusses his belief in the connection between psychedelics and social change, sharing personal experiences that shaped his worldview.
• Navigating Political Landscapes: He reflects on how political climates influence artist activism and the challenges faced when addressing sensitive issues in today’s environment.

You can follow Brandon here.

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Today's guest is Mia Cosco, an author exploring loss, psychedelics, and the beauty of grief. Mia shares her journey from losing her mother at a young age to her brief stint in modeling, and how these experiences shaped her understanding of grief and personal growth. She discusses the power of psychedelics in self-discovery and her mission to help others navigate their own grief journeys.

Episode Highlights:

• Early Loss: Mia's experience of losing her mother at age seven and its profound impact on her life.
• Modeling Career: Her brief foray into modeling and how it influenced her perspective on confidence and self-worth.
• Psychedelic Insights: How psychedelic experiences helped Mia gain a deeper understanding of herself and others.
• Grief Understanding: Mia's insights on the stages of grief and the importance of cultural rituals in processing loss.
• Writing Process: Her approach to becoming an author, including the valuable exercise of writing one's life story.
• Purpose and Meaning: Mia's perspective on finding purpose and meaning as a way to navigate through grief and life's challenges.

You can follow Mia here. 

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This episode features Tarun Nayar, the creative force behind Modern Biology, a project that blends music, science, and nature in a unique and captivating way.

In this enlightening conversation, Tarun shares his journey from classical Indian music to electronic experimentation, his views on consciousness and bioelectricity, and how his experiences have shaped his artistic vision. Tarun's story is a testament to the power of curiosity, the importance of cultural roots, and the transformative potential of merging art with science.

Episode Highlights:

• Musical Roots: Tarun's background in Indian classical music and how it influences his current work with Modern Biology.
• Bioelectricity and Consciousness: Tarun's fascination with the idea of bioelectricity as a "cognitive glue" connecting all living beings.
• Artistic Evolution: How Tarun's journey from Delhi 2 Dublin to Modern Biology reflects his personal and artistic growth.
• Cultural Fusion: Tarun's insights on blending different musical traditions, particularly Indian and Celtic music.
• Scientific Approach: How Tarun's background in biology informs his artistic practice and his approach to creating music with plants and fungi.
• Pursuit of Excellence: Lessons learned from his apprenticeship with Ustad Zakir Hussain about dedication, practice, and mastering one's craft.
• Nature and Music: Tarun's philosophy on connecting with nature through music and how it shapes his performances and installations.
• Spiritual Practice: The importance of maintaining a spiritual center and valuing one's attention in the age of digital distraction.

You can find Modern Biology here:
https://www.instagram.com/taruntspoon

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Today's guest is Merlin Huynh, a psychedelic facilitator and educator at Sero, a leading company in alternative mental health. In this episode, Merlin shares his family's incredible journey from war-torn Vietnam to Canada, his personal experiences with psychedelics, and his mission to destigmatize mental health treatments, especially within the Asian community. Merlin's story is a testament to the transformative power of psychedelics and the importance of cultural representation in the mental health space.

Episode Highlights:

• Family History: Merlin's parents' harrowing escape from Vietnam, including his mother's four-year imprisonment in a camp while pregnant.
• Personal Journey: How psychedelics helped Merlin process grief and trauma after his father's passing, leading to his career in alternative mental health.
• Cultural Impact: Merlin's commitment to breaking stigmas around mental health in the Asian community and being a "cycle breaker" in his family.
• Sero's Mission: The company's dedication to providing natural, intentional healing alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs, with a focus on microdosing.
• Future Vision: Sero's plans to create community hubs and retreat centers for education and guided psychedelic experiences.
• Industry Insights: Merlin's hopes for collaboration between above-ground and underground psychedelic communities, and his vision for responsible access to psychedelics.

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Today's guest is Shaunt Raffi, an Armenian music curator, DJ, musician, and producer based in Toronto. Shaunt shares his journey of embracing his Armenian identity, his experiences with psychedelics, and his mission to preserve and share Armenian culture through his creative ventures.

Episode Highlights:

• Armenian Identity: Shaunt discusses how living in Armenia redefined his relationship with his heritage, allowing him to embrace being Armenian as an intrinsic part of himself.
• System of a Down: Shaunt explains the band's significance to Armenian diaspora, serving as a powerful example of maintaining cultural identity while achieving mainstream success.
• Psychedelic Experiences: Shaunt shares how his first LSD experience at a music festival broadened his musical horizons and redefined his understanding of personal freedom.
• Cannabis and Meditation: Shaunt talks about overcoming cannabis dependence through meditation, gaining clarity on his life's purpose and strengthening his creative resolve.
• Creative Community: Shaunt reflects on creating safe spaces for artistic expression, emphasizing the importance of fostering judgment-free environments while promoting responsible behavior.
• Cultural Preservation: Shaunt shares his philosophy on preserving Armenian culture by making it relevant and lovable to others, redefining preservation as cultivating appreciation.
• Entrepreneurship: Shaunt offers advice for aspiring creators, emphasizing the importance of patience and understanding that cultural work's impact may not be fully realized within one's lifetime.

You can follow about Shaunt here:
https://www.instagram.com/shauntraffi

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Today's episode is with Kris Archie, the Chief Executive Officer of the Circle on Philanthropy, and an engaged community member. Kris shares her unique perspectives on leadership, the importance of relationships, and the transformative power of psychedelics. Tune in as they discuss Kris's journey, her work in philanthropy, and her insights into creating meaningful change within communities.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding Indigenous Leadership: Kris Archie delves into how Indigenous leadership is framed around relationships and accountability, contrasting it with Western notions of leadership defined by professional achievements.
• The Importance of Relationships: Kris explains why stating her roles as a mother, auntie, and community member is crucial, emphasizing that these relationships come with significant responsibilities and gifts.
• Navigating Identity: Kris shares her experiences growing up biracial and navigating her identity within both Indigenous and settler communities, highlighting the challenges and strengths this duality has brought to her life.
• Power and Authority: Discussing her leadership journey, Kris reflects on her evolving relationship with power and authority, and how Indigenous teachings have shaped her understanding and approach.
• The Role of Psychedelics: Kris recounts her early experiences with psychedelics, emphasizing the importance of setting, support, and the wisdom that these substances can offer when used responsibly.
• Redistribution of Wealth: Kris outlines the Circle's mission to support settler philanthropy in redistributing wealth to Indigenous communities, and the importance of recognizing Indigenous rights and knowledge in this process.
• Integration and Healing: Kris discusses the critical need for effective integration practices in the psychedelics community and the role of Indigenous wisdom in facilitating deep healing and connection.

Find more about Kris Archie and Circle on Philanthropy here:
https://www.the-circle.ca/the-circle-team.html

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Today's episode is with Cesar Marin, a dynamic entrepreneur, former CNN producer, and the visionary behind Cultivating Wisdom. Cesar shares his transformative journey into the world of psychedelics, specifically microdosing, and how it has transformed his life and career. At 54, after being let go from CNN, Cesar embarked on a path of personal growth and enlightenment that reshaped his relationships, his sense of self, and his mission to inspire others, particularly in underrepresented communities. Cesar delves into his experiences, the importance of responsible psychedelic use, and his vision for helping others through education and intentional practices.

Episode Highlights:

• Cesar's Background and Introduction: Cesar Marin discusses his career transition from a CNN producer to the founder of Cultivating Wisdom, emphasizing his dedication to personal growth and the responsible use of psychedelics.
• Late-Life Transformation: Cesar shares his story of discovering psychedelics at 54 and how it opened him up to the possibilities of reinventing oneself at any age, stressing that life can begin anew at any stage.
• Living with Intentions: The importance of setting intentions in the use of plant medicines is explored, highlighting how Cesar moved from an escapist use of cannabis to a conscious practice of microdosing psychedelics.
• Impact on Personal Relationships: Cesar reflects on how his transformation affected his relationship with his children, particularly the challenges and eventual acceptance from his daughter regarding his new lifestyle.
• Cultural and Familial Reactions: Insight into how Cesar's Colombian parents initially reacted to his psychedelic use and how their perspective shifted after witnessing his positive transformation.
• Challenges in the Psychedelic Industry: Discussion on the stigmas and challenges faced by minorities in the psychedelic space, emphasizing the need for representation and accessible education for underserved communities.
• Future Goals and Visions: Cesar outlines his future goals, including creating spaces for veterans and marginalized communities to access and learn about psychedelics responsibly.
• Mass Media and Responsible Storytelling: Analysis of the role of mass media in shaping public perceptions of psychedelics and the importance of responsible storytelling in promoting positive narratives and education.

You can learn more about Cesar here:
www.cultivatingwisdom.net

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Today's episode is with Stephanie Wang, the founder and CEO of KA! Empathogenics. Stephanie delves into her journey from a high-stress Wall Street career to embracing plant-based empathogenic supplements, focusing on Kanna, a heart-opening succulent from South Africa. She shares her personal and professional transformations, illustrating how Kanna can enhance everyday resilience and connection.

Episode Highlights:

• Diverse Career Journey: Stephanie discusses her shift from corporate finance to the wellness and psychedelic spaces, highlighting her diverse experiences and the personal transformations that guided her career path.
• Introduction to Kanna: She introduces Kanna, explaining its traditional uses by the Khoi Khoi and San people for endurance, stress relief, and celebratory purposes. Kanna is noted for its calming yet energizing effects and its role in traditional hunting and divination practices.
• Health Benefits of Kanna: Stephanie outlines Kanna's multiple health benefits, such as cognitive function improvement, stress and anxiety support, and its role as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. She contrasts Kanna's safe, daily usability with the more cautious use recommended for substances like MDMA.
• Spiritual and Healing Aspects: The discussion covers the spiritual and healing aspects of Kanna, emphasizing its empathogenic properties that foster a deeper connection with oneself and others, promoting emotional openness and empathy.
• Business Model and Mission: Stephanie explains the challenges and strategies of building a business around an unscheduled substance like Kanna, focusing on legal and regulatory aspects and the importance of aligning with like-minded individuals who share the company's values of empathy and connection.

You can learn more about Stephanie here:
https://kaempathogenics.com
https://www.instagram.com/ka.empathogenics

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Today's guest is Henry Winslow, founder of Tricycle Day, whose journey from the  halls of Harvard to the world of psychedelic advocacy epitomizes the search for deeper meaning. Delving into his transition from a high-flying advertising career to embracing the nomadic life of a yoga teacher, this episode reveals the intersections of entrepreneurship, personal healing, and the profound impact of psychedelics on human consciousness.

Key insights from the episode include:

• From Harvard to Healing: Henry recounts his departure from a traditional career path post-Harvard, seeking fulfillment beyond societal expectations. His story is a vivid illustration of the courage required to pursue a life aligned with one's passions and the transformative power of yoga and mindfulness in forging new paths.
• Transformative Encounters with 5-MeO DMT: A raw and insightful discussion on Henry's healing journey with 5-MeO DMT, offering listeners a window into his profound experiences of self-discovery and reconciliation with past trauma. This segment illuminates the therapeutic possibilities of psychedelics in transcending deep-rooted emotional and psychological barriers.
• Redefining Success Through Psychedelics: Henry shares his vision of how psychedelics can reshape our understanding of success, well-being, and interconnectedness. This dialogue explores the symbiotic relationship between psychedelic experiences and entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting how these substances can inspire a more compassionate, empathetic, and community-oriented worldview.

You can subscribe to Tricycle Day here:
https://www.tricycleday.com/subscribe

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Today's episode is with Danish Anwar who shares profound insights into his life as a comedian, his creative process, and the unconventional wisdom he's garnered through his experiences with psychedelics. Through a mix of humor, personal anecdotes, and thought-provoking observations, Anwar and host Raad Seraj engage in a deep dive into the interplay between comedy, creativity, and consciousness expansion. This episode not only entertains but also enlightens, offering listeners a unique lens through which to view the world.

Key insights from the episode include:

• Comedy's Role in Understanding the World: Anwar discusses how comedy acts as a reflective mirror, allowing both the comedian and the audience to make sense of societal absurdities and personal experiences in a way that is relatable and often cathartic.
• Advice for Creatives: Emphasizing resilience and authenticity, Anwar offers invaluable advice to aspiring artists. He stresses the importance of pursuing one's passion for the art itself rather than external rewards, highlighting the necessity of finding joy and fulfillment in the creative process.
• The Power of Psychedelics for Personal Development: Anwar opens up about his use of psychedelics, particularly mushrooms, as tools for introspection and artistic inspiration. He shares how these substances have helped him break through creative barriers and gain deeper insights into his mind and the nature of reality.
• Navigating Unconventional Paths: Reflecting on his journey from a challenging childhood to international comedic success, Anwar speaks to the courage required to forge one's path in the face of societal expectations and personal doubt.
• Resilience and Hope: Despite the challenges and uncertainties inherent in a creative career, Anwar's stories and insights are a testament to the human capacity for resilience. His optimistic outlook, grounded in realistic acknowledgment of life's hardships, offers a beacon of hope for others walking the tightrope of creative endeavors.

You can learn more about Danish here:
www.instagram.com/terrorsuspect

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