In this episode, trauma therapist and Buddhist practitioner Tom Faupl shares his powerful experience in a high-dose psilocybin clinical trial. He describes it as both the hardest and most transformative day of his life, revealing the profound healing potential of psychedelics when held in a trauma-informed way.

Tom and Karen explore the importance of sustained integration support and the role of the subtle body—an energetic, psychospiritual dimension recognized in traditions like Buddhism, Hinduism, and Yoga. They discuss how psychedelics can open deeper awareness of this subtle body, and why honoring and integrating this embodied knowledge is essential for true healing.

Special Thanks to:

Konstantin Alexander (KAStudiosHQ.com) - Podcast Production

Ryan Bell (@IG bellphoto11.com) - Logo Design

David Starfire (davidstarfire.com) - Music

In this episode, I speak with David Weinstein—founding teacher of the Rockridge Meditation Community, teacher at the Pacific Zen Institute, and psychotherapist. David shares his unexpected entry into Buddhism and psychedelics, beginning with childhood mind experiments, LSD in college, and a chance encounter in a German bar that led him across Nepal, Afghanistan, Japan, and beyond.

He describes how the teachings of Lama Zopa and Lama Yeshe on death and suffering drew him deeper into Tibetan practice, extended retreats, and later into Zen koans, shikantaza, and Morita psychotherapy. David sees psychedelics not as permanent tools, but as bridges—“for crossing, not carrying”—that can open insight when paired with meditation and integration.

We explore how psychedelic states, trauma, and awakening experiences can dissolve identity, making community and integration essential. David emphasizes gentleness in practice, belonging, and keeping the mind open with his guiding mantra: “make your mind a question mark.”

Special Thanks to:

Konstantin Alexander (KAStudiosHQ.com) - Podcast Production

Ryan Bell (@IG bellphoto11.com) - Logo Design

David Starfire (davidstarfire.com) - Music

A podcast exploring the meeting point of trauma therapy, psychedelic medicine, and Buddhist wisdom and how weaving them together can transform healing and our relationship to suffering. Learn more at karensprinkel.com.

Special Thanks to:

Konstantin Alexander (KAStudiosHQ.com) - Podcast Production

Ryan Bell (@IG bellphoto11.com) - Logo Design

David Starfire (davidstarfire.com) - Music