Joe and Kyle celebrate Vital Cohort 4 and reflect on why Vital is more than a 12-month psychedelic-informed training—it's a living community (alumni webinars, discussion groups, cross-cohort meetups). Many grads aren't rushing to facilitate; they're choosing integration, harm reduction, education, and local community building. Next cohort dates are TBD —applications and email sign-ups are open.

Breathwork in Breckenridge (this weekend) Dreamshadow Transpersonal Breathwork returns Fri–Sun. The last workshop reinforced how powerful the format is for bonding, somatic processing, and ongoing peer support.

Music & tech: fail-safe playbook

• Keep redundant sources: primary laptop with WAV/FLAC (VLC/Mixxx), secondary device/phone, and a small Bluetooth speaker as last resort.
• Redundant mixers/interfaces, tested cables, simple signal flow.
• Pre-flight the exact rig; monitor for digital artifacts/grounding noise.
• Use offline playlists + Do Not Disturb (actually test it).

Why community matters now With AI accelerating "dead-internet" dynamics, trusted human networks—book clubs, film clubs, local meetups—are essential. Skills for the moment: digital security hygiene and discernment (evaluating claims, sources, and inner signals).

News & trends

• Alaska: statewide psilocybin initiative begins signature gathering.
• New Mexico: momentum toward group psilocybin care (cost-cutting models; ~2-year horizon).
• TBI & psychedelics: expanding research interest (ibogaine/5-MeO imaging work; anti-inflammatory angles).
• Colorado & iboga: advisory board backs therapeutic use and encourages Nagoya Protocol reciprocity; federal import/legal nuances remain.

Harm-reduction notes Beware gas-station/head-shop "psychedelic" edibles labeled as "proprietary blends." Ask for COAs and clear ingredients; understand test-kit limits (chocolates are tricky). For injections (even "legal" clinics), ask about sterile technique, water, dosing, and sourcing.

Get involved

• Navigators: join our membership for exclusive livestreams, book/film clubs, courses, and meetups.
• Vital: apply or join the interest list—dates announced soon.