Transformative Power of Psychedelics with bio chemist, dietician and best selling author, Shawn Wells
Shawn Wells MPH, LDN, RD, CISSN, FISSN is the world’s leading nutritional biochemist and expert on Health Optimization. He has formulated over 1000 supplements, food, beverages, and cosmeceuticals and patented 25 novel ingredients and is now known as the Ingredientologist - the scientist of ingredients. Formerly a Chief Clinical Dietitian with over a decade of clinical experience, he has counseled thousands of people on natural health solutions such as keto, paleo, fasting, and supplements. He has also personally overcome various health issues including Epstein-Barr Virus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, depression, insomnia, obesity, and a pituitary tumor. As a world-renowned thought-leader on mitochondrial health, he has been paid to speak on five different continents. His insights have been prominently featured in documentaries, nationally syndicated radio programs and regularly on morning television. His expertise can help any health-conscious individual to better manage stress and experience higher performance and more energy through utilizing his practical wholistic solutions.
Shawn shares his personal journey from battling imposter syndrome and suicidal thoughts to discovering self-love through psychedelic experiences.
The episode explores the importance of safety, integration, and the impact of psychedelics on personal and professional growth. Shawn offers insights into optimizing brain health, supplements, and creating an environment conducive to healing and growth.
00:00 Introduction and Initial Reflections
00:22 Welcome to the Psychedelic Coach Podcast
01:10 Meet Shawn Wells: Accomplishments and Identity
02:44 The Turning Point: Embracing Psychedelics
07:55 The First Psychedelic Experience
09:37 Realizations and Integration
13:03 The Journey of Healing and Growth
24:37 The Importance of Safety in Psychedelic Spaces
28:52 Exploring Parazanthine and Brain Health
48:32 Exploring Mitochondrial Health
52:29 Understanding Neuroplasticity and Microdosing
56:59 The Power of Echo Dosing
01:03:06 Navigating Emotional States
01:07:35 The Truth About Supplements
01:12:29 Parazanthine: The New Energy Booster
01:14:37 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Overcoming the Past: The Weight of Achievements
Shawn candidly opens up about his past, marked by trauma and an excessive drive for achievement. Despite a successful career, with numerous patented ingredients and a bestselling biohacking book, Shawn reveals that his accomplishments were once tied to conditional love and recognition. It was during his first psychedelic journey that he realized he was worthy of unconditional love. This epiphany became the cornerstone of his transformation.
The Turning Point: Embracing Psychedelics
Inspired by thought leaders like Tim Ferriss and Dave Asprey, Ben Greenfield Shawn ventured into the psychedelic realm. His first experience, facilitated by Tah and Kole, was both terrifying and enlightening. Surrounded by warmth and acceptance, Shawn experienced a profound shift—learning he could be loved simply for being himself.
Integration: The Ongoing Process
The psychedelic experience was a catalyst, but Shawn emphasizes the importance of integration. Post-ceremony efforts involved distancing from unsupportive relationships, embracing conscious uncoupling, and reevaluating career choices. These changes, along with ongoing self-work and facilitated sessions, helped Shawn develop deeper relationships and inner peace.
Science Meets Spirituality: Enhancing Experiences
As a formulator, Shawn began exploring how supplements could augment psychedelic journeys. By focusing on brain health and neuroplasticity, he developed stacks that aid in pre and post-journey integration. Parazanthine, a caffeine metabolite, is one such compound that supports cognitive function and energy without the typical side effects of caffeine.
Creating Safe Spaces: The Role of a Facilitator
Shawn's journey highlights the value of skilled facilitation in processing trauma and enhancing psychedelic experiences. He stresses the need for facilitators to create environments that promote safety and acceptance, allowing participants to explore their inner depths without fear.
Evolving the Path: The Echo Dosing Concept
Shawn introduces the concept of echo dosing—microdosing with elements of past transformative experiences to reinforce the gains made. By integrating sensory triggers like music and aromas from the original journey, individuals can deepen their integration and continue personal growth in their daily lives.
