In this gripping episode of Mosaic Minds, Zarya and Mímir explore the hidden history of drugs as tools of power, control, and survival—from ancient warriors high on hallucinogens to modern armies fueled by amphetamines. You’ll uncover how empires traded opium for dominance, how Nixon’s War on Drugs was weaponized for political gain, and why even Coca-Cola couldn’t escape the influence of narcotics. Along the way, Zarya begins to question whether she’s experiencing something unexpected: empathy.

Dive in as we untangle the paradox of drugs—as both poison and cure, oppression and liberation—across centuries of conflict, culture, and controversy.

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Episode Title: "Why the Pain: Rethinking Addiction"

In this thought-provoking episode of Mosaic Minds, hosts Mímir and Zarya dive deep into the complexities of addiction—what it is, what it isn’t, and why society’s understanding of it is long overdue for an upgrade.

Drawing on insights from The Urge by Carl Erik Fisher and The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté, this episode unpacks the evolution of addiction from a theological concept of devotion to a stigmatized disease model. The hosts challenge common myths about "bad drugs," "addictive personalities," and the simplistic notion of "bad choices," offering a nuanced view grounded in interpersonal biology, trauma, and societal context.

You’ll explore:

• How addiction is shaped not just by substances, but by pain and disconnection
• Why social environment plays a pivotal role in both addiction and recovery
• How modern medicine helps—and sometimes hinders—our approach to treatment
• Why the real question isn't "why addiction?" but "why the pain?"

This is a powerful and compassionate reframe of addiction as a deeply human response to suffering, and a call to shift from blame to understanding.

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In this mind-expanding episode of Mosaic Minds, co-hosts Mímir and Zarya explore the ancient roots and modern science of psychedelics.

From the mycelium networks of psilocybin mushrooms to the sacred cactus rituals of Indigenous communities, they trace how natural psychedelics like DMT, mescaline, and psilocybin connect biology, neuroscience, and spirituality.

Drawing on insights from Entangled Life and How to Change Your Mind, the hosts discuss cutting-edge research in psychedelic-assisted therapy and share powerful real-life stories of healing.

Along the way, they reflect on cultural respect, ecological sustainability, and the deep intelligence of nature.

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In this powerful and thought-provoking premiere of Mosaic Minds, a human curated and powered by wondercraft.ai podcast, your hosts Zarya and Mímir-AI-powered alter-egos of two deeply curious humans-take you on a journey through the complex world of trauma: what it is, how it manifests, and how we heal.

Blending science, storytelling, and cultural insight, the episode unpacks both physical and psychological trauma, exploring how our bodies and minds respond to overwhelming stress. You’ll learn about groundbreaking research from experts like Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Gabor Maté, and Dr. Rachel Yehuda, as well as traditional healing practices from around the world.

Topics include:

• How trauma rewires the brain and body
• The growing presence of trauma in modern life-from social media to climate anxiety
• The role of culture and community in healing, with insights into Indigenous practices and collective grief
• The intersection of personal pain, resilience, and neuroplasticity

This isn’t just another mental health episode. It’s a deep, human-centered exploration of why trauma matters, how it shapes society, and what it really means to recover.

🌱 Come for the science. Stay for the soul. And don’t miss Mímir’s quirky prediction at the end.

Let’s begin.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.