Minority Trip Report

Today's guest is Dr. Joseph Zamaria, a licensed and board-certified clinical psychologist, associate clinical professor at the UCSF School of Medicine, and a fellow of the American Academy of Clinical Psychology.Joe shares his unique perspective as a psychonaut, a person of color, and a practicing clinician, and how these three streams of thinking inform his approach to life and purpose.

Key Insights:

• Joe's work in clinical trials explores the potential of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy to treat a range of conditions, including racial trauma.
• His personal experiences as a person of color and a "wounded healer" have shaped his career in the healing profession.
• Joe's curiosity and personal experiences with psychedelics have led him to bridge the gap between being a psychonaut and a clinician.
• He discusses the importance of understanding the impact of trauma on individuals and how it informs his work.
• Joe shares his multicultural identity, being part Syrian and part African-European, and how it has influenced his perspective and approach to life.

You can follow Dr. Joseph Zamaria here:
https://twitter.com/josephzamaria

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Todays; episode is with Joel Brierre the CEO of Tandava Retreats and co-founder F.I.V.E. From his early life on the streets of Washington D.C. during the crack epidemic to his transformation into a leader in the psychedelic movement, Joel's story is a testament to resilience, personal growth, and the power of conscious leadership.

Key insights from the episode:

•  Joel is the founder and CEO of Tandava Retreats, a psychedelic wellness company, and co-founder of F.I.V.E, a 5-MeO-DMT education and training platform. His work is centered around creating safe and effective protocols for the use of 5-MeO-DMT, a molecule he describes as unlike any other psychedelic.
•  His early life was marked by addiction and involvement in criminal activities. However, a turning point came when he read Dan Millman's "Way of the Peaceful Warrior," which inspired him to take ownership of his life.
• Joel transformative journey was further catalyzed by yoga and psychedelics. Yoga provided him with a framework to navigate his experiences and understand his patterns, while psychedelics offered deep insights into his subconscious.
• His work with 5-MeO-DMT is driven by a lifelong interest in consciousness and the roots of existence. He believes that this molecule, by dissolving the sense of self, can help individuals experience their own wholeness and interconnectedness.
• Joel Haitian heritage and his experiences growing up in a multicultural environment have shaped his approach to life and leadership. He believes in the power of bridging different worlds and identities, and this perspective informs his work in the psychedelic space.

You can learn more about Joël here:
https://www.instagram.com/joel.brierre
https://www.instagram.com/five_meo.education
https://www.instagram.com/tandava_retreats

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Today's episode is with Maya Bastian, an award-winning Tamil Canadian filmmaker. In this episode, Maya shares her profound journey of self-discovery, cultural identity, and creative expression.

Key Insights:

• Embracing Tamil Identity: Maya discusses her initial rejection of her Tamil heritage and her transformative journey towards embracing and understanding ​.
• Legacy of Conflict: She opens up about the impact of the Tamil Eelam struggle on her family and her work, driving her to tell stories that reflect this histo​​ry.
• Rebellion and Resilience: Maya reflects on her rebellious youth, influenced by the Tamil spirit of resilience and the familial trauma.
• Storytelling as Vindication: She talks about the importance of telling the stories of her ancestors and the Tamil community, seeing it as a duty to vindicate their experiences of trauma and oppressi​​on.
• Filmmaker as a Truth Teller: Maya emphasizes the role of filmmakers in challenging popular narratives and revealing the truths found within communities, especially those with backgrounds of trauma like he​​rs.

You can learn more about Maya here:
www.instagram.com/mayabasti

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Join us in our latest episode as we explore the multi-faceted journey of Maria Velkova. Discover how her experiences shape her unique perspective in business and innovation.

Key Insights:

• Immigrant Resilience: Maria shares how her Bulgarian roots and immigrant experience in the USA taught her adaptability and cultural integration, fostering her global business outlook.
• Sector Expertise: Hear Maria's approach to gaining broad expertise, emphasizing interdisciplinary knowledge and constant learning to stay ahead in rapidly evolving sectors.
• Women's Entrepreneurial Journey: Maria offers invaluable advice to women entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of self-confidence, networking, and overcoming gender-specific challenges in the business world.

You can learn more about Maria here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-velkova

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Charlie Smith is a producer, writer, director, editor, and founder of Feenom Films;  a full-range media company on a mission to create content inspired by exploring consciousness. His documentary, "The Art of Healing"  (featuring New York Times bestselling author, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk) premiered to a sold-out audience at Psychedelic Science 2023.  As an unscripted Development Executive, Charlie created true crime series, Cold Valley (Investigation Discovery, 2017), the weather disaster format, Rogue Earth (Discovery Channel, 2016), the true crime podcast, Taken Abroad (iHeartRadio, 2021), and co-developed popular science formats: Invent This (Discovery Science, 2021) and The Mightiest (Discovery+, 2021).

Episode Description:

Join us for a captivating episode where we delve into the life and philosophy of Charlie Smith, a storyteller, and filmmaker, as he unravels his experiences growing up as a gay man, navigating complex identities, and embracing the responsibilities of a filmmaker. Charlie's unique perspective is deeply influenced by Buddhism, which emphasizes the importance of multiple voices and the masks we wear in life.

Show Notes:

• Charlie's Philosophy: Charlie Smith discusses the responsibilities and challenges of being a storyteller. He emphasizes the importance of embracing multiple perspectives and wearing various masks in life, drawing inspiration from Buddhism's idea that "Sangha is the next Buddha."
• Navigating Complex Identities: From a young age, Charlie had a deep sense of curiosity and self-awareness. He shares his early experiences of self-discovery as a gay man and how these experiences shaped his identity.
• The Power of Masks: Charlie's journey in the entertainment industry led him to realize the multitude of masks he wears. He talks about the evolution from being defined by these masks to defining them, leading to a newfound sense of autonomy.
• Becoming Authentic: As Charlie entered his 40s, he reached a point where he could experiment with different aspects of his identity. He discusses the profound experience of being unapologetically authentic and the freedom it brings.
• Audience Capture and Autonomy: The conversation touches upon the idea of audience capture and the loss of autonomy, drawing parallels between public personas and real-life masks.
• Responsibilities of Filmmakers: Charlie highlights the real responsibilities that filmmakers have in today's world, where storytelling influences perceptions and shapes culture.
• Balancing Bliss and Reality: Drawing from Buddhism, Charlie discusses the danger of becoming a "bliss junkie" and emphasizes the importance of facing life's challenges head-on, both in psychedelic experiences and daily life.
• Journey Towards Enlightenment: The episode explores how Charlie's philosophy aligns with the journey of the Buddha towards enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of facing one's inner demons and achieving balance.

You can find more about Charlie at:
https://www.instagram.com/armchaircharlie

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Ifetayo Harvey founded the People of Color Psychedelic Collective (POCPC). The POCPC educates and builds community with people of color interested in psychedelics and ending the war on drugs. In 2022, Open Society Foundations named Ifetayo a 2022 Soros Justice Fellow.

Episode Description:
In this enlightening episode, we embark explore the intersection of psychedelics, race, and personal healing. Our guest, Ifetayo, shares her insights and experiences, offering a deep dive into the history of psychedelic and cannabis use in Black communities. 

Ifetayo takes us on a voyage through her own family's history, revealing how psychedelics and cannabis impacted her mother's life during the civil rights era. From Jimi Hendrix to contemporary rappers, we explore how Black artists have incorporated psychedelics into their work, often as a means of creative expression and spiritual exploration.

The discussion doesn't stop at the past. Ifetayo discusses the challenges and apprehensions people of color may face when considering psychedelic experiences. She emphasizes the importance of confronting fears and misconceptions, advocating for a thorough self-care routine that integrates mind and body practices.

Additionally, we delve into Ifetayo's personal journey of reconciliation with her father, who was deeply affected by the drug trade and incarceration. Her story highlights the complexity of drug-related issues and the impact on families and communities.

Lastly, we learn about the work of the "People of Color in Psychedelics Collective" and its mission to create a more inclusive and equitable space within the psychedelic community.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted relationship between psychedelics, race, and healing, and discover how these substances continue to shape lives and culture.

Show Notes:

• Cannabis and Psychedelics in the U.S.: Explore the historical context of cannabis and psychedelics in the United States, their associations with different communities, and their evolving popularity.
• Psychedelics in Black Culture: Learn about how psychedelics have influenced Black artists, musicians like Jimi Hendrix, George Clinton, and contemporary rappers, and their impact on art and music.
• Fear and Apprehension: Understand why some people of color may be hesitant to explore psychedelics, and the importance of confronting these fears and misconceptions.
• Family Reconciliation: Delve into Ifetayo's personal journey of reconnecting with her father, who was affected by the drug trade and incarceration.
• Self-Care Routine: Discover the significance of building a self-care routine that encompasses both mind and body practices to prepare for and support a psychedelic experience.
• The People of Color in Psychedelics Collective: Learn about the organization's mission to create a more inclusive and equitable space in the psychedelic community.

This episode is a captivating exploration of history, healing, and hope, offering valuable insights into the world of psychedelics and their impact on diverse communities.

You can find more about People of Color Psychedelic Collective:
https://www.pocpc.org

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Join us as we dive into an engaging conversation with Dennis, a true global ambassador who grew up in an international household hosting exchange students from around the world. We explore how humor serves as a bridge between diverse cultures, creating connections that transcend language and socioeconomic differences. Dennis shares insights gained from his immersive experiences, from witnessing the power dynamics of different societies to finding common ground through laughter. Discover how his upbringing led to a deep appreciation for laughs and balanced perspectives.

Show Notes:

• Dennis's upbringing in an international household hosting exchange students from various countries.
• The role of satire in critiquing power structures and offering social commentary, particularly focused on "punching up."
• How humor transcends language barriers and fosters connections between different cultures.
• Dennis's experiences in various countries, including Saudi Arabia, and the importance of authentic relating.
• Humor's ability to create authentic connections and build bridges between cultures and backgrounds.
• Dennis's observations about socioeconomic disparities and the genuine happiness he found in communities with less material wealth.
• The significance of family and multigenerational connections in cultures around the world.
• Dennis's journey of self-discovery and his exploration of psychedelics, which expanded his perspective on spirituality and personal growth.
• The value of embracing humility, laughing at oneself, and recognizing the interconnectedness of humanity.

You can find Mycopreneur at:
https://instagram.com/mycopreneurpodcast
https://x.com/mycopreneur
https://www.tiktok.com/@mycopreneurpodcast

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Today my guest Adam Aronovic who is a fiend or Minority Trip Report and a second time guest on the show. Adam is a PhD Candidate in Medical Anthropology and the creator and curator of Healing from Healing, a social channel which casts a critical, skeptical and humorous gaze at Healing and Transformation Culture.

Episode Description:
Today's episode delves into the intersections of ideology, psychedelics, humor, and hope. Adam Aronovich, a medical anthropologist and critical thinker, brings us insightful perspectives on how our attachment to individual narratives and belief systems impacts our approach to psychedelics and healing. He highlights the need to shift from exclusive self-analysis to recognizing the broader impact of our actions on relationships, communities, and the environment. Aronovic discusses the dangers of magical thinking and the importance of epistemic humility, emphasizing how humor and satire can challenge rigid belief systems and open the door to critical reflection. In a world facing unprecedented challenges, he shares his journey towards embracing hope as a moral imperative, and how his role as a father drives his commitment to shaping a brighter future.

Show Notes:

• The shift from individualizing narratives to treating relationships in the context of psychedelics.
• The counterproductive obsession with peeling layers of the onion of personal traumas without considering broader contexts.
• The allure of intuition as a primary arbiter of truth and its ties to distrust in expertise.
• The role of humor and satire as vehicles for critical discourse, disarming resistance, and fostering introspection.
• The distinction between optimism and hope: finding hope despite a lack of optimism.
• The imperative of preparing the next generation to navigate the complexities of the world.
• The challenge of raising children amidst existential risks and planetary grief.
• Embracing a sense of purpose by contributing positively to the next generation's emotional resilience.

You can find Adam's work and Healing from Healing here:
https://www.instagram.com/healingfromhealing

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Sabba Nazhand is a self-made tech executive, investor, and advisor, and is on a mission to help bring more diverse voices to the psychedelic space by integrating the power of technology and a startup mindset. Sabba immigrated to the US as a child from war-torn Iran and spent his early career building towards a version of the American dream from dabbling in entrepreneurship to leading companies and global teams, living in places like Hong Kong, London, and NYC. He found himself faced with burnout and started a personal journey with plant medicine and overall mental health and it has completely shifted his personal and professional perspectives. Now, especially as the Iranian diaspora is faced with a crisis of dual identities, his commitment to driving conscious leadership through an integrated lifestyle is more important than ever.

Episode Description: 
In this episode, we dive deep into the remarkable life journey of Sabba Nazhand, a self-made technology executive and an immigrant who was born during the Iran-Iraq war in Tehran, Iran. Sabba shares his powerful story of being born prematurely during the war and how his parents made incredible sacrifices to save his life. We explore his struggles and the mindset of constant striving to level up, especially as an immigrant in a new country and rising to a tech executive without a formal education.

The episode also delves into the transformative impact of psychedelics on Sabba's life and how they led him to a more profound sense of spirituality and self-awareness. We discuss the emerging world of plant medicines and psychedelics and the diverse characters it attracts, from genuine healers to those seeking to exploit the space for profit. Sabba shares his insights as a conscious leader in the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of empathy, trustworthiness, optimism, communication, and the courage to do hard things.

Show Notes:

• Sabba Nazhand shares his incredible life journey as an immigrant born during the Iran-Iraq war and the sacrifices his parents made to save his life.
• The importance of constantly striving to level up and the struggles faced by immigrants.
• Sabba's insights into modern and conscious leadership, emphasizing empathy, trustworthiness, optimism, communication, self-awareness, and the ability to embrace challenges.
• Sabba's transformative experiences with psychedelics and the profound impact on his spirituality and self-awareness.
• The emerging market of plant medicines and psychedelics, and the diverse characters involved in the space.
• The challenges faced by the Iranian diaspora and the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice in Iran.
• Sabba's hope for the future, driven by his personal growth, family support, and belief in conscious leadership.

You can follow Sabba here:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabbanazhand/
IG: www.instagram.com/sabba_getzehn

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Simran Sethi (she/her) is a multimedia journalist, academic, and consultant who’s endlessly curious about science, sustainability, and the people and places that nourish and heal us. Her current research as a visiting academic at PUFIN Centre at The Open University in Milton Keynes, UK, is focused on exploring ways to dismantle systems of oppression in support of the bio-cultural diversity of sacred plant medicines and the communities and lands that steward them.

Simran is the founder of the Asian Psychedelic Collective, an evolving space of belonging and support for Asians working with and in psychedelics. The effort is supported by her work as an inaugural Rhizome fellow with Culture Hack Labs (a not-for-profit consultancy supporting organizations, social movements, and activists to create cultural interventions for systems change). She is also a member of the first Fireside Project equity cohort, ensuring culturally-responsive peer support for psychedelic experiences and integration.

Named one of the “50 Most Influential Global Indians” by Vogue India and the “environmental messenger” by Vanity Fair, Simran has written for outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Smithsonian, Guernica, and The Guardian; and serves as visiting faculty at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy. She was designated one of the top eight women saving the planet by Marie Claire, and is the author of Bread, Wine, Chocolate: The Slow Loss of Foods We Love—named one of the best food books of 2016 by Smithsonian—about the loss of biodiversity in food and agriculture told through bread, wine, chocolate, coffee, and beer. Simran is coauthor of Ethical Markets: Growing the Green Economy, winner of the 2008 Axiom Award for Best Business Ethics Book, and contributor to several anthologies, including Orion magazine’s Thirty-Year Plan.

Episode Description:
My guest today is Simran Sethi, a respected multimedia journalist, academic, and founder of the Asian Psychedelic Collective. We delve into the experiences of minorities, the lack of diversity within the psychedelic ecosystem, and the crucial aspect of addressing ancestral trauma. Simran shares her insights on the distortion of truth in journalism and the need for multiple perspectives, drawing attention to the impact of homogenization in the food industry and its correlation with the loss of language and culture. We also explore the transformative role of psychedelics in healing and reclaiming cultural practices, shedding light on the genesis and purpose of the Asian Psychedelic Collective as a vital space of belonging and support for Asians working with and in psychedelics.

Named one of the “50 Most Influential Global Indians” by Vogue India and the “environmental messenger” by Vanity Fair, Simran has written for outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Smithsonian, Guernica, and The Guardian. Her book Bread, Wine, Chocolate: The Slow Loss of Foods We Love—named one of the best food books of 2016 by Smithsonian.

Show Notes:

• Simran Sethi, a respected multimedia journalist, academic, and founder of the Asian Psychedelic Collective, joins me for a profound conversation.
• Simran discusses her current research focused on di

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