Psychedelic Passage

This week, we meet Mareesa Stertz, a filmmaker, storyteller, artist, and community organizer dedicated to fostering collective healing and transformation. As a co-founder of the Global Psychedelic Society (GPS) and Lucid News, Mareesa has been building platforms that destigmatize, educate, and build community around psychedelics. 

Drawing from her own journey of trauma and transformation, Mareesa is passionate about using storytelling and art to deepen understanding and bring visibility to the process of healing and wholeness of which she has shared some of her experience on international stages, and through teaching workshops and retreats.  

She’s done film work producing and hosting documentary series that can be found on Gaia TV and Amazon, and is currently bringing a large-scale immersive art project, The Sphinx Gate, to Burning Man 2025. 

Settle in as we take a ride with our co-founder, Jimmy Nguyen, to explore Stertz’s unique perspective on healing, art, and psychedelics. 

Key Takeaways

• Mareesa’s healing journey with psychedelics was gradual and layered, with small micro-shifts and realizations, highlighting the importance of integration and subtle changes over time.
• The creation of community and shared resources, exemplified by the Global Psychedelic Society and projects like the Sphinx Gate, are essential for sustainable, collective healing outside clinical settings.
• Viewing challenges and personal growth through frameworks like the Hero’s Journey and emphasizing play, storytelling, and community can make the process of healing more empowering, joyful, and meaningful.

More From Our Guest

• Storytelling Catharsis Workshop on May 21st - Join Mareesa for her free online workshop, which will give you the opportunity to share, explore, and discover your story in a meaningful way.
• TheSphinxGate.com - How well do you Know Thyself? Donate to, or find out more about the mission to bring the Sphinx, Stertz’s immersive art, to Burning Man, 2025. 
• Global Psychedelic Society - Meet other like minded individuals by joining or creating a psychedelic community of your own.

This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. 

Our music is by Mic Coats. 

Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise.

Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.

Dr. Will Van Derveer, MD, emphasizes the importance of merging clinical practices with holistic approaches in addressing mental health, advocating for all-encompassing psychedelic healing methods that integrate diverse modalities. His journey showcases the transformative potential of psychedelics in fostering deeper healing beyond traditional Western medical models.

Today we learn about how one man's internal compass, with the help of psychedelic medicine, got him on the path to helping others find ultimate healing.

We encapsulate an illuminating conversation between Dr. Will Van Derveer, co-founder of the Integrative Psychiatry Institute and Jimmy Nguyen, co-founder of Psychedelic Passage. They delve into Dr. Van Derveer's transformative journey from traditional Western medicine to embracing psychedelic healing modalities, influenced by his experiences in India and South America. 

The conversation highlights the importance of holistic approaches to mental health, the cultural challenges surrounding psychedelic therapies, and the need for community support in the healing process. 

Dr. Van Derveer shares insights from his clinical practice and ongoing research, exploring the potential of psychedelics to facilitate profound healing experiences while emphasizing the importance of integration and safety. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of psychedelics, mental health, and personal growth.

Key Takeaways

• Cultural and Personal Healing: Dr. Will Van Derveer’s journey into psychedelic healing was influenced by his experiences in India and South America, highlighting where Western medicinal practices are lacking and the importance of interpersonal relationships and holistic approaches to health.
• Multiplicity in Healing: He emphasizes the concept of “multiplicity,” advocating that healing requires a combination of approaches tailored to individual needs, which can include traditional therapies, psychedelics, and other modalities.
• Community and Integration: Read about the importance of community support and integration after psychedelic experiences, as healing journeys often need a nurturing environment to help individuals process their experiences and enact meaningful changes in their lives.

More From Our Guest

• Integrative Psychiatry Institute website
• Dr. Will Van Derveer on Instagram
• Find him on LinkedIn

This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. 

Our music is by Mic Coats. 

Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise.

Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.

Sleepiness on psilocybin can stem from both biological and psychological factors, with science pointing to altered brain wave activity and serotonin receptor interactions as key contributors. Research suggests psilocybin induces a paradoxical state of heightened awareness alongside deep relaxation, offering insight into the complex relationship between psychedelics and rest.

Explore the curious and often misunderstood phenomenon of sleepiness during a psilocybin-containing mushroom or other psychedelic experience in today’s article. We’ll break down the different stages in which drowsiness may occur: during the come-up, mid-trip, or afterglow, and offer both scientific and psycho-spiritual perspectives to explain why. 

Drawing from client experiences and current neuroscience, we examine how psilocybin affects brainwaves, information processing, and the serotonin system, potentially triggering a state of paradoxical relaxation and alertness. 

Jimmy also delves into the role of trauma, the body’s need for rest, and the concept of psychedelics as “non-specific amplifiers” of unconscious material. You can find practical advice for those of us struggling with disruptive sleepiness during micro- or macrodosing, alongside cultural reflections on rest, trauma, and integration. 

We close the episode by answering a question from a community member on selecting a psychedelic facilitator, emphasizing the importance of resonance and choice in healing journeys.

Key Takeaways

• Sleepiness on psilocybin can occur at various stages—during the come-up, mid-trip, or afterglow—and may stem from both biological and psycho-spiritual causes, including trauma responses or nervous system fatigue.
• Psilocybin alters brain wave activity, reducing top-down processing and slowing delta, theta, and alpha waves (linked to relaxation and sleep), while increasing gamma waves (linked to focus), potentially creating a paradoxical sleepy-yet-alert state.
• Sleepiness can be an opportunity, not an obstacle—it may indicate a need for rest, emotional processing, or integration, and embracing it might lead to deeper healing rather than resisting it.

This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. 

Our music is by Mic Coats. 

Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise.

Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.

Hey everyone. We're going to take a few weeks off and enjoy the changing of the seasons. We’ll be back soon. Sending you a lot of love, and just know that we're here to support you at The Psychedelic Passage Podcast.

This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. 

Our music is by Mic Coats. 

Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise.

Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.

Zach Leary's insights into psychedelics show us how psychedelics intersect with the advancements and issues of the 21st century. We see how individuals can engage with these compounds as a means of personal growth and sustainable healing, using psychedelics to fundamentally transform one's way of life.

Echoing Timothy Leary's everlasting impression on the psychedelic and counterculture movements of the 60's, his son, Zach Leary, comes on the scene for a thought-provoking conversation, offering the unique perspective not only of the son of a legend but someone who has watched the evolution of the psychedelic movement up close and personal for the last 30 years.

Zach spent many years as a digital marketing expert for world-renowned brands, but about 13 years ago, Zach had a wake-up call that thrust him back into the center of what he calls the "psychedelic cyclone," thanks to the influence of his primary teacher and mentor, Ram Dass. 

Since then, Zach has discovered his own unique voice and approach to contributing to the revolutionary psychedelic movement of the 21st century.

Having worked with nearly 200 people one-on-one and having taught over a hundred in his unique approach to psychedelic studies, he has dove into the psychedelic scene in a way that would make his father proud. Zach shares insights from his unique upbringing surrounded by influential psychedelic figures, expanding upon his father's concept of "set and setting," emphasizing the need for a sustainable approach to using psychedelics, encouraging listeners to think beyond mere peak experiences and to cultivate lasting change in their lives.

Key Takeaways

• Integration and Sustainability: Emphasizing the importance of preparation, the journey itself, and integration in psychedelic experiences, Zach Leary introduces the concept of sustainability to ensure that the insights gained from psychedelics lead to long-lasting and meaningful changes in one’s life.
• Historical Context in Modern Application: By looking at the evolution of psychedelics from their counterculture roots in the 1960s to their current role as tools for mental health and healing, we can learn from past misconceptions and practice responsible use.
• Utilizing The Technology Revolution: Those interested in learning more about psychedelics should take advantage of what the internet has given us: a boundless library of information at our fingertips. Engaging with resources and finding supportive communities to share experiences embodies the holistic nature of psychedelics.

More From Our Guest:

• You can preorder his book here
• Find him on Instagram at @zachlearydrome
• See all he has to offer on his Linktree

This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. 

Our music is by Mic Coats. 

Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise.

Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.

The "psychedelic afterglow" defines the transitory period following a psychedelic experience, typically lasting from hours to days, where individuals may feel heightened mood, creativity, and sensory awareness. It's important to recognize this phase as a bridge to sober life, allowing for mindfulness and observation, while understanding it will fade, prompting engagement in integration practices to fully benefit from the experience.

Jimmy dives into the concept of the “psychedelic afterglow”, a feeling felt by many but understood by few. An afterglow is a feeling, but it's also a transitory period of time in the hours and days after a psychedelic experience. 

We will explore what the afterglow period can look like for different people, and how to utilize it in your healing journey. The importance of integration following a psychedelic journey is emphasized, cautioning against confusing the vibrant feelings during afterglow with true healing.

By using the analogy of an airplane flight, we highlight the significance of acknowledging the afterglow period for what it is; a bridge between altered states of consciousness and daily life, ultimately serving as a reminder of one's capacity for connection and joy in a sober state. 

Key Takeaways 

• Understanding Psychedelic Afterglow: Afterglow is the transitory state experienced after a psychedelic trip, characterized by heightened mood, creativity, and sensory awareness, typically lasting from hours to several days.
• Importance of Integration: The afterglow should not replace proper integration of insights gained during the psychedelic experience; continuing mindfulness practices post-experience is essential for long-term growth and to benefit from the afterglow effects.
• Afterglow Shines Different For Everyone: Not everyone experiences the classic “psychedelic afterglow”, and it’s okay if you don’t. It can depend on the individual, level of preparedness, their content, and the substance. 

This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. 

Our music is by Mic Coats. 

Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise.

Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.

Psychedelic integration offers numerous benefits, such as enhancing lasting changes and fostering community support, while also presenting challenges like the difficulty of navigating emotions and memories post-experience. Common myths, including misconceptions about the linearity of the healing process, are debunked, and helpful tips emphasize the importance of expectation management and finding the right support modalities tailored to individual needs.

Having a therapeutic psychedelic experience can be life changing in itself, but how can you productively embed these newfound insights into your everyday life?

Today we are taking a moment to break down psychedelic integration, sharing tangible and actionable pathways to take your healing journey to the next level. Our discussion will share the nuances of the process and how important it is to intentionally integrate your psychedelic experiences.

Used properly and respectfully, psychedelics are like a key to the door of our psyche. As such, they can be used to navigate who we are, how we think, and what we feel. Psychedelic experiences shouldn’t be taken lightly—nor should the potential benefits they may have on our lives. 

There are many questions that arise both before and after an encounter with psychedelics. Support in the form of psychedelic integration can help you get to the bottom of these questions and reveal how you can use them to turn newfound knowledge and insights into long-term change.

Join us for this deep dive into the world of psychedelic integration as we explore the good and the bad, tips and tricks, and everything in between. We love hearing from the community, so we finish off by answering a question from our monthly open public forum Q&A on psychedelics and SSRIs.

Key Takeaways

• Why Integration Is Important: The majority of benefits from psychedelic experiences come from the integration phase, making it essential to process and apply the insights gained from psychedelic experiences to daily life for lasting change.
• Diverse Modalities: There are numerous ways to approach integration, including journaling, art, therapy, and community support, but it’s also more nuanced, leaving room for personalization and allowing individuals to find methods that resonate with them.
• Myths and Realities: Common misconceptions about psychedelic integration include a finite time window for success and equating it solely with talk therapy. In actuality, integration is a non-linear, holistic process involving mind, body, and spirit.

This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. 

Our music is by Mic Coats. 

Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise.

Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.

Mikaela de la Myco's groundbreaking research on psilocybin and motherhood reveals its potential benefits for mothers, challenging societal stigma around psychedelics in motherhood. By focusing on the rematriation of psychedelics, her work seeks to empower women and restore indigenous wisdom in the conversation about mental health and maternal care.

Today, we take a compelling journey with co-founder Jimmy Nguyen as he engages in a powerful conversation with Mikaela de la Myco to learn about her groundbreaking research initiative, "Mothers of the Mushroom," which investigates the experiences of mothers who have engaged with psilocybin mushrooms during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or postpartum.

Mikaela de la Myco is a mother, herbalist, educator, researcher, and facilitator whose work centers on ancestral healing, sacred earth medicine, and trauma-informed care.

As the founder of MushWomb, she creates education and containers for birthing people, queer folks, and BIPOC. Based in the occupied Kumeya and Luiseno territory in San Diego, California, Mikaela draws from her indigenous Mexican, Afro-Caribbean, and Southern Italian roots to promote well-being. 

Professionally, she spearheads organizations like Ma'at, the Matriarchal Alliance for Accountability and Transparency, and Mothers of the Mushroom Research and Resources for Psychedelic Families. Known as a maternal caretaker in her community, Mikaela collaborates with individuals, families, and organizations alike in the struggle to rematriate entheogens. 

Key Takeaways

• Mothers of the Mushroom Research: 411 moms participated in a survey study to explore the relationship between psilocybin and motherhood, and it showed promising results, highlighting the need for more research.
• Rematriating Science & Psychedelics: While De la Myco’s research is paving the way for future research into women’s bodies and psychedelics, it also builds models for the larger fabric of society, empowering women and maternal caretakers to reclaim the power that lies within them.
• The Power of Citizen Science: As you’ll read, it takes a long time for inherent knowledge to permeate society and legislature, which is where citizen science can step in to bridge the gap between them. 

This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. 

Our music is by Mic Coats. 

Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise.

Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.

Jimmy explores the concept of a "heroic dose" of psychedelics, drawing parallels with Joseph Campbell's "hero's journey," where individuals undergo transformation through challenging experiences. He highlights the drawbacks of viewing psychedelics through a fixed lens, emphasizing the importance of personalized exploration and the non-linear nature of healing.

Today, we are here to explore the concept of a "heroic dose" of psychedelics, a term popularized by Terence McKenna. We delve into the origins and implications of taking high doses of psychedelics, comparing this journey to Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey.” 

We will discuss the impact of psychedelic experiences on personal transformation, emphasizing that the effectiveness of psychedelic therapy is not strictly dose-dependent but rather shaped by individual needs and contexts. 

Jimmy also critiques the notion of a single "correct" way to use psychedelics, advocating against the pressure of adhering to such a standard and highlighting the nuanced nature of personal psychedelic exploration. 

People should find their own "dosage sweet spot" and recognize the transformative potential of psychedelics beyond mere dosage, highlighting safety and preparation when using psychedelics, specifically when considering outdoor settings. Ultimately, he invites readers to foster understanding and loving relationships with themselves through mindful psychedelic experiences.

Key Takeaways

• The “heroic dose,” a concept popularized by Terence McKenna, emphasizes a high-dose experience but should not dictate how individuals explore psychedelics, as the journey is personal and varied.
• Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey” parallels the psychedelic experience, where personal transformation often involves facing internal challenges and returning with new insights.
• Psychedelic experiences should be tailored to individual needs, avoiding the pressure of fitting specific standards, and success lies in finding a personal “dosage sweet spot” and integrating the experience into daily life.

This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. 

Our music is by Mic Coats. 

Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise.

Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.

Communal support plays a crucial role in healing by providing a welcoming and respectful environment that fosters personal growth and emotional well-being. Through shared experiences and understanding, individuals can overcome isolation and build meaningful connections that enhance their healing journeys.

Jimmy explores the significant role that community plays in enhancing psychedelic healing journeys. He contrasts the inherent community-driven psychedelic practices of indigenous cultures with the often isolated experiences in modern American society, which face challenges due to criminalization and stigma from the war on drugs. 

The episode highlights how communal support, whether from family, friends, or professional groups, can provide validation, accountability, and grounding to individuals undergoing psychedelic experiences. It discusses the importance of finding the right community that aligns with personal values, has clear boundaries, and offers regular opportunities for connection. 

Moreover, Jimmy emphasizes the power of being witnessed and supported in these experiences. The episode also warns against exploitative groups while encouraging individuals to trust their instincts and find communities that empower rather than control their healing journeys. Furthermore, it touches on the concept of macrodosing and the importance of finding a personal dosage threshold for effective psychedelic healing.

Key Takeaways

• Community as Crucial Support: Being part of a community can significantly enhance psychedelic healing by providing validation, reducing feelings of isolation, and supporting personal growth and accountability in one’s healing journey.
• Balancing Solo and Group Experiences: While solo psychedelic experiences allow for deep personal reflection, community integration offers the benefits of shared insights and diverse support, creating a balanced and comprehensive healing process.
• Importance of Safe and Authentic Communities: Finding a community with shared values, clear boundaries, and regular opportunities to connect is essential. It’s crucial to feel comfortable and authentic within the community, ensuring it supports rather than controls one’s healing journey.

This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. 

Our music is by Mic Coats. 

Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise.

Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.