Why are wild peyote populations shrinking, and what can be done about it?

In this episode, we explore the sacred medicine of peyote and efforts to conserve it with Leonardo Mercado. We discuss restrictive U.S. laws, unregulated harvesting, ongoing debates, conservation work led by some Native communities, wild vs. greenhouse cultivation and more.

For 40 years, Leo has been dedicated to preserving peyote and its seed sources to create a sustainable future for the medicine. He’s now Cultivation Director at Seedling Sanctuary in Tucson – a proof of concept program demonstrating an efficient model for the ethical stewardship of peyote. It operates under the Morning Star Conservancy (MSC), a non-profit organization founded by members of the Native American Church (NAC).

So what’s working, what needs improvement and what support is needed? Take a listen!

If you’d like to support the nonprofit Modern Spirit and our podcast, you can make a donation HERE.

For more information about Leo and Morning Star Conservancy, and to support conservation efforts:

Timestamps: 
(00:00) Opening and Welcome
(02:50) Growing Up Around Reservations & Introduction to Cacti
(03:47) The Accidental ‘Death/Rebirth’
(05:23) Finding an Elder and Vision Quest 
(07:22) Philosophical Conflict and Protecting Sacred Tradition
(09:19) Why Peyote Is Scarcer Than Ever: Supply, Ethics, and Habitat Loss
(15:21) Learning with the Wixárika in Mexico
(18:04) From Picket Line Roots to Conservation
(22:30) Peyote Paradox: Legal Abroad, Restricted Where Needed
(27:17) Morning Star in Arizona: Seed Bank, Germination, Proof of Concept
(32:13) Seed-to-Ceremony: Donations and Scaling Up
(40:31) Natural Culture & How to Help: Land, Funding, and the Future 

Today’s mini episode welcomes back Xochi Bucuru - Colombian traditional healer, educator, and community activist. Xochi shares details about her upcoming course, Spiritual Medicine for Integrative Health – part of Modern Spirit’s wider offerings and learning resources.

The 5-week live online course will run from Feb 24th to March 24th 2026.

More details HERE. Limited scholarships available.

If you’d like to support the nonprofit Modern Spirit and our podcast, you can make a donation HERE.

Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:39) Xochi’s Vision & Desire to Exchange Knowledge
(03:28) Expanding Learning Opportunities & Access
(04:58) Integrating Ancestral Wisdom
(06:27) Who Is the Course For?
(11:38) Details About Course Curriculum
(14:43) Life is a Ceremony
(18:08) Science and Spirit Learning from Each Other
(22:38) How to Join

For this episode, Dr. Joe Tafur and Natasha Pentin spoke with Tania de Jong AM, an award-winning social entrepreneur, acclaimed soprano, inspirational speaker and storyteller, creative alchemist, philanthropist and spiritual journey woman.

Many of our listeners wanted to learn more about the power of music for healing and the neuroscience of singing together, so in this episode we explore all of that – as well as the rescheduling of psychedelic medicines in Australia, building an ecosystem for accessible and affordable treatment, how therapists become authorized prescribers, and what other countries can learn from this pioneering approach.

Tania was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, and has also been named in the 100 Women of Influence, 100 Most Influential Entrepreneurs in Australia, and 100 Most Influential People in Psychedelics globally. She has developed six businesses and four charities including: Creative Universe, Creativity Australia and the With One Voice program, Creative Innovation Global, Mind Medicine Australia, Umbrella Foundation and Driftwood The Musical, Pot-Pourri and The Song Room.

Thanks for listening! If you’d like to support the nonprofit Modern Spirit and our podcast, you can make a donation HERE. There, you can also access links to Dr. Tafur’s newsletter and Patreon. 

More information about Tania: 

Timestamps: 
(00:00) Introduction to Tania de Jong AM

(03:25) Tania's Journey into Psychedelics

(06:52) Life-Changing Experiences with Psilocybin

(08:19) Founding a Charity for Psychedelic Treatments

(09:34) Australia Becomes First Country in the World to Reschedule Psilocybin and MDMA

(12:10) Communicating Through Skepticism & Taboo

(17:59) Training Therapists for Psychedelic Therapy

(22:32) How Psychedelic Treatments Currently Work in Australia

(25:27) Costs, Funding, Insurance & Access to Treatments 

(29:21) The Power of Music in Healing

(33:44) Ethics and Overmedication in the Modern World

(37:29) Healing Together Through Voice, Community & Reciprocity

(41:07) The Neuroscience of Singing Together

(43:49) Music and Visionary Experiences

(47:23) Integrating Music into Healing Practices 

(51:07) Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

Dr. Joe Tafur and Natasha Pentin spoke with Edward James, Ph.D., and Joachim Keppler, Ph.D. Edward brings expertise across pharmacology, psychedelic compounds, and biochemistry. Joachim is a quantum field theory physicist, devoted to the study of consciousness and uncovering its fundamental mechanisms. With their colleagues, they published a paper together in 2022 about DMT, ayahuasca plant medicine, and human consciousness.

We had many messages asking for an episode about quantum physics…so here it is!

We discuss two different theories of consciousness: the biological processes model that is explained by biological or neurophysiological processes versus the idea that the universe is pervaded by an ubiquitous field of consciousness (which corresponds with the laws of physics). In other words, viewing the brain as a filter, and that it can somehow couple with the larger consciousness.

Edward and Joachim explain how related work may eventually lead to further understanding of the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic medicines.

Thanks for listening! If you’d like to support the nonprofit Modern Spirit and our podcast, you can make a donation HERE.

For more information about Edward and Joachim:
• Their article on N,N-dimethyltryptamine and Amazonian ayahuasca plant medicine
• DIWISS Research Institute: https://www.diwiss.de/

(00:00) Introduction 
(01:35) Meet Edward James and Joachim Keppler
(03:19) Early Experiences with Psychedelics
(04:53) Ed’s Academic Pursuits and Psychedelic Research
(06:39) DMT Hallucinations or Perception & Limits of Explanation 
(09:08) Quantum Physics and Conscious Processes
(11:52) Field Models of Consciousness
(18:28) Interaction of Zero-Point Field and the Brain
(25:03) Psychedelics & Coupling to the Field 
(29:46) Plant Spirits, Ayahuasca & Leaving Imprints in the Field 
(41:13) These “Mystical” Experiences and Mental Health Benefits
(44:09) Broadening Definitions of “Mystical” Experiences
(48:07) Universal Spirituality and Healing
(51:57) Bridging Modern Healthcare and Amazonian Practices
(57:22) Conclusion and Examples of Knowledge Exchange

Dr. Joe Tafur and Natasha Pentin sat down with Roman Palitsky M.Div. PhD., Director of Research Projects for Emory Spiritual Health. He’s also Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science and faculty in the Emory Center for Psychedelics and Spirituality.

We discuss Spiritual, Existential, Religious, and Theological (SERT) experiences around psychedelics, how some religious people understand and experience psychedelics (the Mosaic Initiative), spiritual health practitioners and chaplains, post-psychedelic challenges, and more. 

Thanks for listening! If you’d like to support the nonprofit Modern Spirit and our podcast, you can make a donation HERE: https://www.modernspirit.org/support-our-programs

More information about Roman: 

Timestamps: 
(00:00) Modern Spirit Intro

(01:19) Guest Introduction: Roman Palitsky

(02:28) MAPS 2023 & Meeting at Berkeley Program

(05:03) Science on Spiritual Health (SOS) Conference

(07:16) Understanding SERT

(13:14) Spirituality and Psychedelics

(22:10) Challenging Spiritual & Religious Dynamics 

(30:52) Measurement-Based Care

(32:36) The Mosaic Initiative - Religious Perspectives on Psychedelic Experiences

(35:20) Exploring Psychedelic Use in the Jewish Community

(37:47) Addressing Post-Psychedelic Challenges

(41:00) The Role of Spiritual Health Practitioners & Chaplains

(49:31) End-of-Life and Psychedelics

(54:50) Alternative Paths to Altered States

Dr. Joe Tafur and Natasha Pentin spoke with Canadian adult and pediatric neurologist Dr. Evan Cole Lewis to explore how epilepsy, trauma, and brain networks intertwine. We discuss pediatric epilepsy, cannabis for seizures, Functional Neurological Disorders (FND), and emerging psychedelic-assisted therapy treatments. Dr. Lewis talks about the differences between structural brain injury and brain “software” disruption, shining light on the world of trauma-based neurological symptoms.

Dr. Lewis holds a clinical appointment as Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Hospital for Sick Children and at the University of Toronto. Currently practicing at North Toronto Neurology and Homeward Therapy, Dr. Lewis focuses on epilepsy, brain injury, concussion and post-concussion symptoms, functional neurological disorders, and the therapeutic use of cannabis and psychedelics in these conditions.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is presented for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners are strongly advised to consult with a licensed physician or other qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any changes to their medical care, including considering or using any substances mentioned herein. The experiences described are personal and may not be applicable or safe for everyone.

You can see more of Dr. Lewis’s work here: 

For Dr. Joe Tafur’s newsletter and Patreon: https://www.modernspirit.org/patreon 


Timestamps: 

(00:00) Introduction and Dr. Lewis’s Background

(01:57) WeCann Conference Meeting

(04:16) Cannabis for Pediatric Epilepsy

(05:47) Success Stories with Cannabis

(9:30) Harm-Reduction Approach & Opening a Clinic

(12:40) Medication for Different Types of Seizures 

(15:33) Psychedelics Treatment & Brain Networks

(18:58) Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) & Non-Epileptic Seizures 

(22:19) The Brain’s Structure vs Software 

(23:44) Diagnosing FND

(29:19) Concussion and FND

(33:55) Psychedelics and Brain Network Disruption

(36:01) FND Also Rooted in Trauma Rather Than Physical Injury

(39:44) Bridging Neurology and Psychology

(45:08) Challenges and Risks of Psychedelic Treatments

(54:54) Importance of Medical Education in Psychedelics

(01:01:57) Future Projects and Research Initiatives

Natasha Pentin is joined by Dr. Joe Tafur himself and Xochi Bucuru. Dr. Tafur is a Colombo-American integrative physician, traditionally trained spiritual healer (Ayahuasquero), and highly acclaimed author. Xochi is a Colombian traditional healer (Yagecera), educator, and promoter of Indigenous community projects. 

They discuss supporting Indigenous traditions, navigating the learning curve of ancestral healing, advice for finding respectful plant medicine ceremonies, the power of music, discernment, upcoming projects, and more.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is presented for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners are strongly advised to consult with a licensed physician or other qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any changes to their medical care, including considering or using any substances mentioned herein. The experiences described are personal and may not be applicable or safe for everyone.

Modern Spirit Website: https://www.modernspirit.org/ 

Joe’s books: 

Timestamps: 

(00:00) Introduction to the Modern Spirit Podcast

(00:47) Introducing the Guests: Dr. Joe Tafur & Xochi Bucuru

(02:15) How Joe & Xochi Met

(04:17) Elevating Indigenous Voices

(06:37) Combining Science and Spirit

(09:10) Yagé Used As Medicine

(10:32) The Influence of Many Teachers

(11:56) Combining Traditions in Ceremony

(19:45) The Power of Music in Healing 

(25:50) Unlocking Your Natural Healing Intelligence 

(30:50) Discernment & Interpreting Messages

(36:04) Finding Safe Spiritual Experiences 

(38:55) Building Genuine Relationships 

(42:54) Conserving Traditional Knowledge & Social Mobility 

(50:22) Xochi’s Upcoming Projects 

(53:22) Overcoming Stereotypes 

(55:14) How to Hear More 

(56:47) Seeking Donations for Scholarships 

Modern Spirit Podcast hosted by Dr. Joe Tafur & Natasha Pentin. 

Great interview with my friends and colleagues, Ray and Amalia Baca. Together we started the Ocotillo Center for Integrative Medicine, which continues to evolve. Raymond Alonzo “Two Bears” Baca describes himself as a Christian Taoist, walking the Red Road. I call him a Medicine Man and a Breathworker. Amalia Baca obtained her doctorate’s from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences in Tempe, Arizona. Dr. Baca has developed a strong passion for providing medical care to families, using advanced medical technologies as well as traditional & indigenous healing methods. Together their experiences with sacred ceremony, with & without entheogens, have blessed them with opportunities to help others with their healing work and post-integration. Breathwork has become a big part of that integration, and in this episode, they share their expertise with our audience. Enjoy this profound episode!

Wonderful discussion with my old friend, research and spiritual mentor Dr. Paul Mills.
Paul J. Mills was Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health and Director of the Center of Excellence for Research and Training in Integrative Health.
He was also Chief of the UC San Diego Behavioral Medicine Division, Director of the UC San Diego Clinical Research Biomarker Laboratory, and Co-director of the UC San Diego Clinical and Translational Research Institute’s Translational Research Technology (TRT) Program.
He is currently serving as Director of Research for the Chopra Foundation.

He has expertise in Integrative Medicine, Traditional Medical systems, and psychoneuroimmune processes in wellness and disease, publishing numerous manuscripts and book chapters on these topics.
Dr. Paul Mills has been an inspirational figure in many lives, we look back on his career and forward to his continued work bridging the spiritual and the scientific. Enjoy.
Learn more at modernspirit.org.