After nearly two decades in educational leadership—serving as a teacher, school counselor, and administrator—Megan Butler now brings her gifts to the world of mental health as a child and adolescent therapist. Named the 2015 Austin ISD School Counselor of the Year, Megan has always championed mindfulness, innovation, and compassionate care—values that shine through in her current work as Clinical Research Lead at Lucero, a playful self-care app designed to support the emotional well-being of kids and their communities.

In this episode, we explore the heart behind Lucero: how it fosters connection, reflection, and fun for children and families navigating the complexities of life today. Megan shares insights on community healing, the wisdom of youth, and what it means to design mental health tools that meet children where they are.

📲 Download the Lucero app:
Lucero on the App Store
📧 Contact Megan: Megan@lucerospeaks.com
🔗 Connect with Megan: Megan Butler on LinkedIn

Rev. Lynda Elaine Carré is a certified interfaith chaplain and end-of-life educator whose work lives at the threshold between spirit and science. In this conversation, we explore the distinction between religion and spirituality—especially in palliative care settings, where the veil is thin and meaning-making becomes sacred.

Rev. Carré shares how a personal vision quest led her to seminary and into the clinical world of hospice and hospital-based chaplaincy. We speak about the beauty of the human in transition, and the often-overlooked creativity and mysticism that can arise when we are asked to feel our impermanence.

She speaks to the education of dying as a process, the wisdom of the body at the end of life, and how to support a loved one in transition through grounded spiritual presence—not bypass. “You’ve got this. You’re okay to leave. I’ll love you forever. You’re safe to go.”

As Rev. Carré reminds us, spiritual liberation is not a solitary path, and we don’t have to navigate it alone.

🌿 Connect with Rev. Carré:
revcarre@wellspringpassages.com
www.wellspringpassages.com/advocacy

Meet Kathryn L. Tucker, J.D., a leading advocate for improved end-of-life care and expanded patient rights. She has served in key advocacy roles at organizations such as the National Psychedelics Association, Compassion & Choices, and the End of Life Liberty Project. A founding member of the Psychedelic Bar Association, she has been at the forefront of legal efforts to expand access to psychedelic-assisted therapy for palliative care. Tucker has argued landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, shaping legal protections for terminally ill patients. She also teaches law, focusing on the intersection of medicine, ethics, and end-of-life care.

All of Tucker’s work, public interest advocacy, is funded by generous donors! No donation too small or too large.

Donations can be sent to the National Psychedelics Association Advocacy Fund: NPA Foundation, 1743 SW Prospect Drive, Portland, OR 97201. For wire transfer information please contact the fund manager Matthew Ettinger at matthew@fundpsychedelics.org.

In part two of our conversation with the wonderful Christine Caldwell we dive deep into the role of psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, in easing the final stage of life and fostering profound healing experiences.

In the second half of the conversation, they explore:

• Micro and macro dosing psilocybin for terminal care
• Mystical experiences as a healing ally
• Fascinating reports of patients dialoguing with their illnesses
• Goosebump-worthy stories of transformation from Caldwell’s work
• Rethinking the double-blind experiment in psychedelic research
• The liberating permission of individuality in quality-of-life discussions

This conversation is rich with insight and heart, offering new perspectives on how psychedelics may serve as a compassionate bridge in life's most tender moments.

Learn more about End of Life Psychedelic Care

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Christine Caldwell, founder of the nonprofit End of Life Psychedelic Care (eolpc.org). Chris shares her expertise on the transformative role of psychedelics in supporting individuals during the end-of-life process.

Part One delves into:

• The therapeutic use of ketamine for alleviating existential distress and fostering emotional healing.
• The potential of MDMA to promote connection, empathy, and acceptance in end-of-life care.

Stay tuned for Part Two, dropping February 1, 2025, where we'll explore the role of psilocybin in this sacred work.

🌟 Whether you're a professional in the field, someone seeking new perspectives on grief and dying, or simply curious about the intersection of psychedelics and end-of-life care, this episode offers profound insights and hope.

What does it mean to parent with intention in a world shaped by patriarchy? In this enlightening episode, we dive deep into the complexities of modern parenting with David Bouquin. From the micro-level realities—like the absence of baby-changing tables in men’s restrooms—to the macro-level cultural narratives that cast fathers as the “flexible” parent and mothers as career-driven jugglers, we unpack the invisible glitches in the matrix of traditional parenting roles.

We also explore the lessons anthropology offers: studies suggest that for every child, four supportive adults create the most easeful environment. Together, we discuss the inevitable burnout of helicopter parenting, the power of letting children witness conflict resolution, and the transformative gift of boundaries and discipline. David brings thoughtful insights into how we can create a parenting paradigm rooted in balance, structure, and community.

Whether you're a parent, aspiring parent, or simply curious about reshaping societal norms, this episode offers wisdom and tools for reimagining the future of parenting.

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Dr. Rohini Kannigati, a palliative care physician who guides us through the profound terrain of grief and end-of-life care. Dr. K challenges the cultural notion of “letting go,” instead inviting us to embrace the innocent act of “holding on” as a sacred aspect of the human heart.

Grief, like laughter, is a universal experience that transcends cultures, yet our resistance to it often drains our life-force. Dr. K shares how being fully present with grief can unlock a spring of unexpected gifts and a profound transformation.

We explore:

• The paradox of pain as a doorway to the unknown.
• Trust as the alchemy of transmutation.
• Why healing is distinct from curing.

Dr. K also recommends The Adventure of Grief, a powerful TED Talk offering further insight into navigating loss.

This episode is an invitation to live the dying moments of our lives with presence, heart, and an openness to what grief has to teach us.

In this episode, we’re joined by Hamilton Souther, founder of Blue Morpho, one of the first dedicated plant medicine centers in the Peruvian Amazon. For the past 22 years, Hamilton has lived in the Amazon, immersed in the profound world of visionary plant medicines.

Together, we:

• Explore the spirit and healing qualities of San Pedro.
• Unpack the complexities of capitalism in the psychedelic business landscape.
• Dive into Hamilton’s origins, his lineage, and his 15-year apprenticeship in plant medicine traditions.
• Highlight the diverse indigenous Peruvian nations who have long worked with visionary plants.
• Discuss the concept of pharmacopeia as medicine.

Discover how Hamilton bridges ancient traditions with modern consciousness to offer transformative healing experiences.

Connect with Blue Morpho: bluemorphoacademy.com

Connect via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hamiltonsouther/?hl=en

In this episode, we welcome Rick Doblin, Ph.D., the Founder and President of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). He received his doctorate in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, where he wrote his dissertation on the regulation of the medical uses of psychedelics and marijuana and his Master’s thesis on a survey of oncologists about smoked marijuana vs. the oral THC pill in nausea control for cancer patients. His undergraduate thesis at New College of Florida was a 25-year follow-up to the classic Good Friday Experiment, which evaluated the potential of psychedelic drugs to catalyze religious experiences. He also conducted a thirty-four year follow-up study to Timothy Leary’s Concord Prison Experiment. Rick studied with Dr. Stanislav Grof and was among the first to be certified as a Holotropic Breathwork practitioner. His professional goal is to help develop legal contexts for the beneficial uses of psychedelics and marijuana, primarily as prescription medicines but also for personal growth for otherwise healthy people, and eventually to become a legally licensed psychedelic therapist. He founded MAPS in 1986, and currently resides in Boston with his wife and puppy, with three empty rooms from his children who have all graduated college and begun their life journeys. Learn more about Rick by listening to his Origin Story, watching his TED Talk, and watching his SSDP talk about lessons for political activism from a series of his psychedelic experiences.

Watch Dr. Doblin's Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/rick_doblin_the_future_of_psychedelic_assisted_psychotherapy?subtitle=en

Listen to his Origin Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s_j2OJOhrI&ab_channel=PTTOW%21

Tune into his SSDP Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3X2YsG7-Nc&ab_channel=StudentsforSensibleDrugPolicy%28SSDP%29

In this episode, we dive deep with Shannon Morehead, a former Registered Nurse with over 30 years in the healing arts and psychedelics. Shannon’s journey is as diverse as it is transformative, having trained with sacred traditions like União Do Vegetal (UDV) and Shipibo, which have guided her work as a plant sacrament facilitator, herbalist, and integration coach. She’s also an ordained minister, birth doula, and medicine woman dedicated to helping others overcome trauma and reconnect with their higher selves.

Shannon shares her path from traditional medicine to the healing power of psychedelics, revealing how she’s personally overcome chronic pain and asthma. Through her struggles, Shannon has learned the powerful link between physical and emotional pain.

In this episode, we discuss the distinctions between Brazilian and Peruvian ayahuasca practices, the concept of a dieta, and the idea that sacred wisdom belongs to everyone. As Shannon puts it, “There’s no copyright on sacred wisdom. When practicing with authenticity and originality, we’re an amalgam of these different traditions.” Join us as we explore the profound wisdom of plant medicine and Shannon’s heartfelt insights on healing and integration.

Listen now and discover how embracing authenticity in sacred traditions can unlock deep healing and transformation.

Find Shannon’s work at Great Spirit Farm and follow her journey on Instagram.

Join us in this fascinating conversation with Zappy Zapolin, filmmaker and proclaimed "Psychedelic Concierge to the Stars." Zappy’s psychedelic journey began with a profound experience in his youth, where he envisioned himself and a friend as a collection of atoms vibrating at slightly different frequencies. This pivotal moment sparked a lifelong reverence for the power of psychedelic modalities.

Despite following the traditional path—college, career success, and family—Zappy felt unfulfilled and was eventually drawn to ayahuasca, leading him down a deeper spiritual and healing path.

In this episode, we also dive into his groundbreaking documentaries, *The Reality of Truth*, hosted by Michelle Rodriguez, and *Lamar Odom Reborn*, chronicling the athlete's transformative experience with iboga and his inspiring return to the court. Zappy’s nonprofit, *Mind Army*, is also explored, as he fights for the right to pursue happiness through expanded access to psychedelic therapies.

Get ready for a rich critique of modern medical models, the profundity of psychedelic healing, and the importance of living a conscious, mindful life.

Connect with Zappy:

- https://mindarmy.org 

- https://zappyzapolin.com 

- Follow him on social media: @zappyzapolin

In this episode, Paolo Huffman, beloved Albuquerque business owner of Old Barrel Tea Company, joins us for a deep and heart-forward conversation. We explore empowered entrepreneurship, the journey of befriending anxiety, answering the call of psychedelics, and the transformative actions that follow from listening to the lessons of the ethereal realms.

Paolo shares vulnerable and powerful stories from her life, that are bound to move you. The warmth of Lida and Paolo's off-mic friendship is woven throughout the episode, bringing a personal and cherished connection to the discussion.

Check out Old Barrel Tea Company—whether you’re a 505 local or not, they have an incredible online shop you won’t want to miss!

https://oldbarreltea.com/

What happens when we let the soul take the lead?

In this episode, transformational teacher, poet, and “soul doctor” Diana Esther joins us for a powerful conversation on healing, consciousness, and living a life of purpose. Raised in the Soviet Union, Diana shares the pivotal moments that brought her into deep relationship with her soul—especially in the face of challenges logic couldn’t solve.

We explore the wisdom that illness often carries, the suffering that emerges when passion is repressed, and Diana’s unique understanding of consciousness as a living, embodied state. With poetic clarity, Diana reminds us that returning to wholeness begins with listening to the voice within.

✨ Learn more about Diana's work: The Diamond Within
📘 Explore her book: The Diamond Within – Book
💎 Transformational Programs: Online Offerings

In this episode, we dive deep with Joe Robinson, founder of Psilosafe, who spent 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry before making a life-changing pivot to sacred earth medicine. After witnessing the limitations of corporate pharma—where managing symptoms often overshadowed true healing—Joe sought a more meaningful path.

We explore his journey and the groundbreaking work he’s doing today, as well as the complex intersection of pharmaceutical psychedelics and ancient, unregulated modalities of healing. Join us as we discuss:

- The differences between Big Pharma’s profit-driven research and ancient practices rooted in service.

- How modern regulation allows for safer, more accessible psychedelic experiences, while still raising questions about potency and individual impact.

- The potential for bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary research and production techniques, and what this means for the future of healing.

This episode challenges us to rethink the way we approach psychedelic medicine, regulation, and the true meaning of healing.

CONNECT WITH JOE:

Joe@psilosafe.info 

www.psilosafe.info

@psilosafe_info on Instagram 

Explore the healing power of music in our vibratory universe with Kevin Herig, a passionate advocate for music as medicine. Dive into the profound connections we create through music, and how it enhances our human experience by elevating our frequencies. Whether you're discovering new sounds or chasing your curiosities, music offers an incredible gift to our lives.

Rock 101 - Albuquerque's Local Music Education

Kevin Herig is also involved with Rock 101, a local Albuquerque initiative dedicated to music education. Rock 101 empowers individuals to explore their inner artist, fostering amazing connections through the universal language of music.

Learn more at rock101nm.com

rock101@gmail.com

Join us as we speak with Nick Musica, a gifted animal communicator. In this episode, we explore the deep connections between humans and animals, where interspecies conversations occur through mirroring and modeling. Nick shares fascinating stories, such as dogs displaying aggression when their human companions are struggling with anger, or cats inspiring playfulness as a reminder for their humans to embrace joy and intentional play.

Whether you're a pet lover, a seeker of spiritual wisdom, or curious about the unseen energies that shape our reality, this episode will open your mind to the intricate dance of communication that transcends words.

Tune in and discover how listening deeply can transform your understanding of the world and all sentient life within it.

Connect with Nick:

Nickmusica.com 

https://mycatschooledme.com

https://www.instagram.com/mycatschooledme/

Meet adolescent expert, Danielle Parker. Parker accepted her first job working with adolescents a zillion years ago in 2003. Ever since then, she has worked with this age group as often as possible in a variety of jobs, from classroom teacher to guides at nature centers, animal shelters, and even the health department. She finds them quirky, honest, and hilarious. (Translation: She thinks you’re weird.) She has a B.S. in biology from Cornell University, an M.A.T. from East Carolina University, and an M.S. in coastal zone management from Nova Southeastern University. She completed her Secondary Montessori training in 2021 through Houston Montessori Center. She is a 500-RYT yoga instructor and is dedicated to her personal mindfulness journey. 

• Parker moves through education with the montesory philosophy and we talk about how this practice revolutionizes ones perspective of the world. 
• The simplification, respect, and empowerment that is infused in this education model. 
• Parker’s integration of mindfulness into her teaching. 
• Mindfulness is for everyone, but you must find the way that works for you
• We touch on introducing lessons to children like financial waviness + conscious life practices - its never too early to gift lessons of life. 
• Give them access, let them see it, even when they’re complaining, they’re watching. 
• When life throws them curve ball may they pull from the tool belt of their parent’s good habits. This is imposed on them whether they practice it or not. Example becomes reality. 
• Adolescents crave authenticity. If you’re embodied in who you are, trust is cultivated in the teenage mind. 
• The teenagers radar for hypocrisy + “fake-ness” is deeply intuitive. 
• Many of us live our lives based on what we experienced in adolescent. 
• After a bout of her own depression/panic period, and a tumultuous trial period of pharmaceuticals with no avail, she turned to yoga and mindfulness finding relief in embodiment and slow care. 

Check out Parker’s book: Pink Panties & Other Life Lessons: A Mindful  for Adolescents: 

https://www.dwellwithdanielle.com/

https://www.thesaltyblossom.com/

Oh sweet listener, be prepared to be MOVED today. Alex Embry is a perfect glitch in the matrix, reminding us it’s our birthright to BE baby.

**CULT-TURE**

Born and raised in a cult, Alex is a 3rd generation survivor on both sides of his family. From feeling othered to owning who he is, Alex’s journey is a testament to resilience and self-discovery.

"I always believed I was a human being with a wicked heart, and mushrooms taught me YOU'RE NOT; you’re a human being with love."

In this episode, Alex shares his story of navigating life as a transgender individual, facing the harsh reality of solitary confinement conversion therapy, and ultimately finding solace and self-acceptance through the transformative power of mushrooms.

Continued contemplations:

Treat yourself like your best friend—it will change your whole life. Gratitude for the hand you’re dealt. Our mistakes are never a waste to the universe.

Alex is the founder of Mush Love. The genesis of this company stems from his deeply personal encounter with mushrooms and the profound impact they've had on his life.

Join us as we dive into Alex’s inspiring journey, and discover how embracing love and gratitude can lead to profound personal transformation. This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength within us all and the boundless potential for change.

CONNECT WITH ALEX:

https://www.mushlovellc.com/aboutmushlove

https://www.ahumanbeingwithlove.com/

ahumanbeingwithlove@gmail.com

Welcome back Dr. Larry Leeman! As you may remember from his last episode, Dr. Leeman and his colleagues launched a first-of-its-kind pilot study to explore whether a regimen of trauma-focused therapy coupled with doses of MDMA – popularly known as ecstasy or molly – can help new mothers permanently overcome their drug dependency.

In this episode, we dive into the latest developments of this groundbreaking study. The study involves a 14-week therapy program, including three MDMA sessions, specifically targeting women who have had a baby within the last 3-9 months, have PTSD, and whose opioid use is stabilized via medication.

This research is revolutionary as it marks the first time the FDA has included members with substance use disorder in such a study. We'll break down how MDMA works, why it is effective for this population, and what this means for the future of addiction treatment.

Tune in to learn more about this pioneering approach and its potential to change lives!

STUDY INFO:

1. The uAspire study of Major Depression at the University of New Mexico. Interested potential participants can contact the study team at  uASPIRE@salud.unm.edu or leave a text or message at (505) 600-1448

1. The RECONNECT study of Postpartum Depression. This is a randomized study for people with depression diagnosed from 14 weeks of pregnancy until 4 weeks postpartum and are with 12 months of childbirth. They cannot be breastfeeding.
2. Interested potential participants can contact the study team at RECONNECT@salud.unm.edu or leave a text or message at (505) 600-1448

DONATE TO THE STUDY:

https://impactunm.unmfund.org/s/1959/22/interior.aspx?sid=1959&gid=2&pgid=707&_ga=2.117355332.313416249.1688255792-804041491.1664997619

We now have a link to the video from  Dr. Charles Raison's May 7th 2024 presentation on Psilocybin for Depression: Mechanisms and Challenges :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5bsbMbMr-s&ab_channel=UNMFCM

In this episode, we have an enlightening conversation with Dr. Christine Gibson, a family physician based in Calgary, CA, who has expanded her practice to include trauma therapy. Dr. Gibson is the author of "The Modern Trauma Toolkit," a highly accessible book that provides practical tools for understanding and healing from trauma. Her extensive international experience, including surviving the Nepal earthquakes and confronting her own post-traumatic symptoms, has profoundly influenced her approach to trauma care.

We delve into the following topics:

• Havening Techniques: Discover the calming power of soft brushing against the skin, which generates delta and theta brain waves, promoting relaxation and healing.
• Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART): Learn about this cousin to EMDR that leverages metaphor, creativity, and reparenting to process trauma effectively.
• Techniques to Process Trauma: Explore various methods for working through traumatic experiences to foster healing.
• Body Awareness and Trauma: Understand why many trauma survivors avoid bodily care and the importance of acknowledging their physical experiences.
• Physical Ailments and Trauma Correlation: Uncover the connections between trauma and physical health issues, and the transformative effects of trauma treatment.
• Neural Affective Relational Model: Gain insights into this model and its role in trauma therapy.
• Trauma as a Collective Experience: Discuss the ubiquity of trauma and the phenomenon of collective dissociation.
• Self-Care and Collective Care: Learn how caring for ourselves can ignite a ripple effect of collective care and healing.
• Honoring Indigenous Origins: Emphasize the importance of acknowledging and respecting First Nations and indigenous traditions in the context of healing.
• Playful Healing: Discover the power of play in the healing process.

May you drink in these valuable insights and practical tools from Dr. Gibson’s vast experience and compassionate approach to trauma care. Whether you are a healthcare professional, a trauma survivor, or someone interested in the healing process, this episode offers something for everyone.

Connect with Dr. Christine Gibson:

moderntrauma.com

https://www.christinegibson.net

In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative journey of healthcare professional and executive coach, your host, Dr. Lida Fatemi. This episode dissects Dr. Fatemi's recent book publishing of her Conscious Physician Method — Life Practices + Psilocybin. (Linked Below).

Since its inception, the Conscious Physician Method has empowered numerous individuals to rediscover joy, prevent burnout, and cultivate vitality. Dr. Fatemi's success and unique methodology have garnered national attention, leading to multiple appearances on national television and the publication of a best-selling book. This book elaborates on an evidence-based holistic approach to healing, with a special emphasis on the transformative power of Psilocybin in treating trauma.

In this episode, we explore:

• The book's creation, where Lida translates lived experiences into conscious life practices for YOU.
• The extensive range of life practices tried and tested by Dr. Fatemi, now condensed into practical, conscious life strategies for a beautiful life.
• How psychedelics, particularly Psilocybin, serve as the cherry on top of a conscious life.
• Confronting the business model of medicine that breeds burnout, and Lida's personal journey of sifting through and choosing conditioning that truly serves.
• The pivotal role psychedelics played in Lida's self-regulation and healing of trauma.
• Cultivating a relationship with microdosing, is detailed in part 6 of the book.
• The fascinating evolution of humanity with and because of mushrooms.
• Inspirational client stories that showcase the profound impact of the Conscious Physician Method.
• The importance of financial consciousness in achieving overall well-being.
• The profound truth is that when we shift our perspective, our world shifts.

Join us for a compelling discussion that not only challenges the current medical paradigm but also, offers practical insights and inspiring stories of transformation. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, executive, or someone seeking holistic well-being, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help you lead a more conscious and fulfilling life.

READ THE BOOK:

E-book: https://www.amazon.com/Conscious-Physician-Method-Practices-Psilocybin-ebook/dp/B0CVQ9N4B2/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GVeEad2jW6NcrZ8ExHmN69hAMgnsAmapiiYaLhs51Pg.Liqv7kNmHL1Kr6xjkav35IzS7s1qZn_5vUHxSTjNaWI&qid=1711838238&sr=8-1

Hard-copy: https://www.drlidafatemi.com/store/p/consciousphysicianbook

Dr. Fatemi’s coaching offerings:

https://www.drlidafatemi.com/individual-coaching

Contact us to enroll in Dr. Fatemi's 7 day women's retreat in San Miguel Mexico: 8/1-8/7

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Danny Motkya, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Psygen, to explore the fascinating intersection of psychedelics, mental health, and personal growth.

Danny shares his journey into the world of psychedelic medicine, which began with his father's terminal brain cancer diagnosis and his transformative experiences with mushrooms and LSD. We dive deep into Danny's work with Psygen, a company that focuses on the manufacturing and development of specific molecules for testing and FDA approval, and how they aim to bring the highest quality and safety to the field of psychedelics.

We also discuss the potential of psilocybin for postpartum depression and the broader implications of using psychedelics for therapeutic purposes.

Throughout the episode, we address the critical aspects of refining intentions within the realm of psychedelic advocacy and how to attune to what is in the highest good for all. We also tackle the uncertainty surrounding the commercialization of psychedelics and the wisdom needed to find the right guide for a safe and transformative experience.

Join us for an enriching conversation on the future of preventative medicine, the explosion of mindfulness culture, and the importance of personal work and growth alongside psychedelic experiences.

Tune in for a deep dive into the world of psychedelics and their impact on mental health and well-being.

Connect with Danny:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-motyka-0146b21a5/?originalSubdomain=ca

https://psygen.ca/

Dr. Fatemi's revamped website: https://www.drlidafatemi.com/?ss_source=sscampaigns&ss_campaign_id=663146f2d8bdc905c114c677&ss_email_id=66328a69214d3321e6892188&ss_campaign_name=Allow+me+to+reintroduce+myself+%E2%80%A6&ss_campaign_sent_date=2024-05-01T18%3A32%3A39Z

Dr. Fatemi's BOOK:

https://www.amazon.com/Conscious-Physician-Method-Practices-Psilocybin/dp/B0CVHX4GJL

Join us as we explore the profound journey of Brandon Evans, CEO and co-founder of 1Heart, a conscious start-up studio. Brandon's story is one of chasing financial success, achieving it, and then realizing that something crucial was missing.

Having built two $100 million companies, Brandon found himself waking up one day feeling lost despite his achievements. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a deep spiritual quest, chronicled in his viral Medium article, 'Lost on Purpose'. (Linked Below) Now, Brandon shares his insights and experiences to help entrepreneurs navigate their own paths toward authentic fulfillment.

In this enlightening conversation, we delve into the pursuit of real meaning and the importance of staying grounded amidst success. Join us as Brandon shares his journey of self-discovery and how it led him to co-found 1Heart with his best friend, with a mission to guide entrepreneurs in building conscious companies.

Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom and inspiration for your own journey of seeking purpose and authenticity.

1heart.com  

https://brandone.medium.com/lists

This week on Conscious Physician Medicine + Psychedelics, we’re joined by writer, podcaster, and psychedelic guide Zach Leary—a seeker, teacher, and bridge between eras of psychedelic exploration.

For over three decades, Zach has been immersed in the evolving story of psychedelics, bearing witness to both the historic countercultural wave and today’s psychedelic renaissance. With roots in digital innovation and a soul shaped by Ram Dass and Bhakti Yoga, Zach brings a rare blend of ancient wisdom, personal devotion, and practical guidance to the modern psychedelic space.

As an integration coach, session facilitator, and educator, Zach has supported hundreds on their journeys of healing, transformation, and spiritual inquiry. His approach weaves together harm reduction, historical insight, internal family systems, and contemplative practice—offering both safety and depth to the psychedelic experience.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The legacy of Ram Dass and the continuing ripple of his teachings

• What it means to facilitate with integrity and reverence

• The role of psychedelics in modern healing, mysticism, and awakening

• Zach’s personal path—from marketing exec to kirtan-singing Deadhead to soon-to-be author

Zach's upcoming Psychedelics Studies Intensive launches July 2, 2025. Learn more and enroll at: zachleary.net

📚 Your Extraordinary Mind: Psychedelics in the 21st Century and How to Use Them was published with SoundsTrue in early 2025.

Connect with Zach on Instagram: @zachlearydrome

In this week's episode, we embark on an illuminating journey into the world of functional mushrooms with Stephanie Moyal and Jake Mellman, the dynamic duo and co-founders of TROOP, a visionary functional mushroom gummy company. Join us as we explore the symbiotic relationship between the mycelial network and our consciousness, uncovering the profound parallels between our brains, our lives, and the intricate workings of nature's own neural network.

Stephanie and Jake invite us behind the scenes of TROOP's deeply intentional creation process, where the bioavailable compounds of psilocybin reside within the very cell walls of their meticulously crafted products. From discussing the merits of tinctures versus powders to unveiling the mind-blowing intricacies of functional mushroom cultivation, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the transformative potential of fungi.

But it's not just about mushrooms; it's about the paradigm shift occurring in modern medicine. Imagine a future where lion's mane, reishi, and other functional mushrooms are prescribed alongside traditional medications in a doctor's office – a testament to the revolutionary times we live in.

As Stephanie and Jake share their personal journey and the ethos behind TROOP, listeners are treated to a wealth of insights that inspire reverence for the mycelial network and illuminate the interconnectedness of all life. And as a special gift to our audience, TROOP has graciously extended a 20% discount on their products. Simply use the code "conscious20" at checkout on trytroop.com to embark on your own journey of discovery.

So without further ado, join us as we delve deep into the world of functional mushrooms and uncover the transformative power of nature's hidden gems.

Connect with TROOP:

• Website: trytroop.com
• Instagram: trytroop

Discount Code: conscious20

USE CODE: conscious20 on trytroop.com for 20% off any order of functional mushrooms!

Welcome to Conscious Physician Mecidince + Psychedelics Podcast, where we believe YOU are the best caretaker of your well-being.

Join us in welcoming the incredible Jose Maresma to the mic this week. With over 35 years of experience as a clinical exercise physiologist, Jose Maresma dives deep into the realms of physical and mental performance, guiding listeners on a journey to maximize their potential and presence in every aspect of life.

In this episode we explore the intersection of action, motivation, and self-awareness, learning to differentiate between constructive self-critique and harmful self-criticism. Discover the transformative power of positive thinking and how it enhances performance, alongside practical strategies for stress reduction and nervous system regulation.

Jose introduces the concept of the "7 pillars of well-being and performance," focusing on key areas such as stress management, mindset cultivation, and the alignment of personal values. As we embark on this journey together, Jose emphasizes meeting individuals where they are on their unique spectrum, empowering listeners to take actionable steps toward their desired outcomes.

Jose delves into topics like early childhood education for emotional well-being and the conscious creation of our realities.

Join us as we dream into existence the conscious life practices we can pass on to future generations, enriching their lives with the tools to feel good and manifest their dreams.

Grab our hands as we walk towards unlocking our potential for a life of fulfillment and vitality.

Connect with Jose: https://www.embodiedspirittherapies.com/joseservices

Connect with Dr. Fatemi:

https://linktr.ee/drlidafatemi

Step into the mindset of an Olympian as we sit down with the incredible Josh Kerr, a true embodiment of devotion, teamwork, self-reliance, and discipline. In this gripping podcast episode, we delve into the profound teachings of cold plunging and how it serves as a powerful mentor for facing the ultimate start line.

Discover how Josh Kerr practices regulating his mindset, acknowledging that the journey is often easier than anticipated. He shares his philosophy of gathering evidence that challenges will be tough, yet with determination, they are conquerable. For this Olympian, the key lies in being fully present in the moment.

Explore the pursuit of structure in Kerr's life, a cornerstone for living the way we desire most. From disciplined bedtime and wake time to distancing from the constant pull of the phone, Kerr emphasizes the importance of self-focus and self-prioritization. Learn how goal-oriented steps become the building blocks toward achieving greatness.

In this conversation, Kerr reveals the profound simplicity that fuels his success. As the fastest man in the world, he keeps it crazy simple. Join us as we uncover the power of mantras in keeping the mind focused and witness the champion's unwavering commitment to a straightforward yet effective approach to life.

Tune in to gain insights into how mindset influences performance and why, for Josh Kerr, it's the differentiating factor that sets him apart. Get ready for an inspiring journey into the world of an Olympian, where the pursuit of excellence is simplified, yet the results are nothing short of extraordinary.

Engage with Josh: https://www.instagram.com/joshhkerr/

Engage with Dr. Fatemi: https://www.instagram.com/fatemi.lida/

Join us on a transformative journey as we delve into the extraordinary life of Dr. Robinson, a trailblazer in the realm of self-discovery and healing. From a dysfunctional childhood to becoming a certified hypnotist at the age of 13, Dr. Robinson's story is one of resilience and exploration.

By 16, he ventured into the realms of MDMA, LSD, and other substances, not for escapism but as a genuine pursuit of self-healing. His unconventional path led him to interview spiritual luminaries like Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama, turning those conversations into books that catapulted him onto global talk shows, including Oprah.

Despite facing the depths of despair, Dr. Robinson found solace in the psychedelic realm, discovering levels of peace and love that transcended the scars of his upbringing. His journey led him to obtain a master's in MDMA therapy when it was still legal, sparking a lifelong commitment to understanding the pathways back to inner peace and love.

In this episode, we explore the profound properties of MDMA and its therapeutic potential. Dr. Robinson shares insights from over 800 journeys, guiding individuals from more than 40 countries towards healing. Whether in-person or over Zoom, his dedication to spreading the transformative power of MDMA therapy knows no boundaries.

For those seeking a deeper understanding, Dr. Robinson's book, "Ecstasy as Medicine: How MDMA Therapy Can Help You Overcome Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression," provides a roadmap to healing. Visit mdmatraining.net to learn more about Dr. Robinson's work and discover the possibilities that MDMA therapy holds.

Embark on this enlightening episode, where the pursuit of inner peace takes center stage, and the transformative potential of psychedelic therapy unfolds.

Visit xtcasmedicine.com to explore more about "Ecstasy as Medicine."

Join us in welcoming the brilliant Audrey Wells, MD: board-certified sleep medicine practitioner, expert sleep coach, and board-certified obesity medicine practitioner. 

In this enlightening conversation, we explore the following:

• Are sleep issues a self-relationship issues?
• The consciousness involved in sleep.
• How does the sleep expert sleep?
• Sleep as THE foundation to well-being. 
• How juxtaposed Dr. Well’s research was compared to her sleep-deprived decade of medical school, internship, and residency. 
• AND SO MUCH MORE

CONNECT WITH DR. WELLS

http://supersleepmd.com/

awellsmd.com

Welcome the radiant Maggie Kang, MD.

“While My Life Was Already On A Steady Course Toward Burnout, A Major Curve Ball Was Thrown My Way.”

When Dr. Kang’s nine-year-old daughter was admitted to the intensive care unit and diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease, her life changed. Processing her daughter's diagnosis and helping her survive a lengthy hospital stay was hard enough. 
Supporting her family, trying to keep up with her busy medical practice, and managing her inner critic telling her she should be able to fix this problem left her depleted, and burned out. 

On today’s episode, we learn:

- How to pivot. 

- How to embrace WELL-BEING as opposed to the pathology pursuit.

- The importance of asking ourselves hard questions.

- And so much more.

Connect with Dr. Kang:

Website: https://maggiekangmd.com/

Mailing List: https://maggiekangmd.com/narrative

Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dgr_Ng9Dt6c&ab_channel=TEDxTalks 

Nell Choi’s Hospital Story:

https://www.amazon.com/My-Hospital-Story-Nell-Choi/dp/1982262842

M+P family, join us for a remarkable conversation with James Davis, the founder of Bay Staters for Natural Medicine: a grassroots group that has worked with 6 cities to end arrests for possessions, sharing, and growing psilocybin mushrooms and related plants.

They also offer a facilitator network where they train individuals in HOW to be peer trip sitters for one another and host mushroom forages for ALL kinds of mushrooms (and so much more). 

Coming from a background on the cannabis committee for the state of MA and in legislature serving the vice mayor in Berkley CA city counsel, James’s interest in this work was born from the life-changing relationship he’s formed with psilocybin. 

“Psilocybin changed me as a person: it helped me accept love from other people, and work through a lot of trauma that conventional therapy had not helped me do.” 

We go:

• James's origins as an alien (his mother was born in Roswell, if you know, you know) 
• Story of his home almost burning down due to a nearby Methamphetamine lab exploding in the trailer park where he grew up
• The oddities of attending college and witnessing peers utilize Adderall (only a few molecules away from meth in chemical composure).
• The powerful truth that drugs are already legal, just for certain people and corporations to sell them to us. 
• James's mission and soul purpose in ENDING THE WAR ON DRUGS
• The power of cannabis as an ally.
• Dr. Fatemi entirely considers her relationship to the plant medicine marijuana, a psychedelic one. 
• Mushrooms have been working as our allies since the dawn of time, lest we forget: James + Dr. Fatemi remind us of several profound historical moments that mushrooms assisted the course of human evolution
• Questioning if capitalism has a place in medicine - pill for profit is inherently questionable - join us in questioning this. 
• Medicine must be people first.
• Contemplating THE NATURALNESS OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
• These are profound teachers. 
• THE INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF US ALL.
• We have become so divorced from our food systems.
• The Controlled Substance Act is one of the most antiscientific laws in US history.
• The power of voicing stories to our council members and local legislators. 
• We are empathic creatures and storytelling is intrinsically life-changing: speak up. 

Connect with James:

https://www.baystatersnm.org/

Sweet listener, join us in welcoming the radiant Henry Winslow! 

He founded Tricycle Day, a free newsletter bringing you the top stories across psychedelic research, policy, and business. It's informative and, just as important, fun to read. (LINK BELOW)

Right out of the podcast gates, Henry shares these golden words:

“And next thing you know, I’m in a bufo alvarius ceremony, smoking toad venom, out of a crack pipe…and it completely changed my life.”

This catalyzes our conversation into questioning REALITY:

“Everything I had experienced up to that point in my life had been, to a degree, superficial, and I don’t mean that with a negative connotation but instead a literal sense: I was seeing the surface of reality. But then I knew, from direct firsthand experience, that there was so much more underneath what we can see and experience daily with our five senses.”

We also dive into 

• Henry’s deep study of yoga + philosophical texts 
• Non-dual states
• Cognitive absorption
• The 8-fold path to “Samadhi” - A total disillusion of the ego into a space where fear does not exist, there is only love there is only acceptance, and it defies our linguistics capabilities to define it. 
• Henry’s creation process behind Tricycle Day, his delicious newsletter. 
• Psychoplastogens
• Synthetic psychedelic manufacturing
• And so much more

JOIN TRICYCLE DAY:

https://www.tricycleday.com/subscribe

https://www.tricycleday.com/

https://www.instagram.com/tricycleday

Oh sweetest listener, welcome to a truly gorgeous episode. 

Amidst deeply heart-centered conversation, Dr. Noshene Ranjbar leads us through three embodiment exercises to collectively coax our nervous systems into regulation. 

Dr. Noshene Ranjbar is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson, Department of Psychiatry and Director of the Integrative Psychiatry Clinic at Banner - UMC South. She also serves as the Training Director for the Integrative Psychiatry Fellowship. Dr. Ranjbar’s interests include integrative psychiatry, health disparities with a focus on Native American and immigrant mental health, and mind-body medicine. Dr. Ranjbar is involved in advocacy for refugees seeking asylum to the United States. She also serves as faculty at the Center for Mind-Body Medicine where she is involved in building health promotion programs within Native communities.

We dive into:

• A gorgeous grounding exercise to invoke ourselves into this healing conversation
• The more stress we experience the less embodied we tend to be.
• How do we come up for air, when deeply feeling into the nightmares of the world?
• The importance of practicing connecting to create safe spaces and co-regulate. 

• The body has the capacity to release stress and anxiety far more effortlessly than the mind: SHAKE IT OFF.
• Humans have done this for AGES: our ancestors regularly shook their bodies in dance, ceremony, and regulation. Let us remember!
• Dr. Fatemi prescribes us a dance party, and Dr. Noshene plays DJ
• How mighty we are as individuals, and especially as a collective.
• Dance + shake exercise
• Meditation
• So much LOVE

“We will be integrating this life until we leave this life.”

Larry Norris, PhD is the co-founder of Decriminalize Nature, which began in Oakland, CA in 2019 and has sprouted across the US. DN-related policy has now passed in seven cities nationwide with at least three more cities looking to pass before the end of the year. He is also the co-founder of Entheogenic Research Integration and Education (ERIE), a nonprofit organization that offers education and integration support for those interested in entheogens. His doctoral research focuses on ayahuasca experiences and integration, as well as expanding integration concepts beyond the psychotherapeutic paradigm.

He believes it is an unalienable right to have one’s own relationship with Nature, and encourages empowering grassroots communities to build local and culturally relevant support structures related to entheogens.

In this conversation, we cover:

• “This is all one big integration to bring back to where our soul lives.”
• The death and dismemberment experience vs. the death and rebirth experience.
• Meaning-making in these ethereal psychedelic experiences.
• Dr. Norris’s tale of integrating an Ayahuasca ceremony.
• Dr. Fatemi’s most powerful trip and the decades of integration that have worked on her.
• How our cultural psychedelic script is growing to include conversation on integration.
• Symbolic latency.
• The non-linear timeline of integration.

Welcome to a gorgeous episode featuring the radiant Julian Bermudez—a guide, facilitator, and trained therapist whose practice is devoted to helping individuals reconnect with their deepest selves—their psyche, emotions, and innate wisdom—often through trauma-informed coaching, and occasionally through the careful inclusion of psychedelics. His work is grounded in the belief that healing is not only possible, but inherent in all of us.In this episode, we explore:

• The psychedelic experience as a gateway to deep self-connection
• Trauma not as what happened to us, but how we responded to it
• The power of inquiry: What are our patterns? Where did they come from? What purpose do they serve?
• The crucial difference between influence and interference in psychedelic facilitation
• How radical self-trust, not blind trust in a facilitator, is the foundation of true healing
• The importance of aligning our lives with our core values

Julian shares what it means to hold space with integrity and clarity, taking full responsibility for the energy he brings into the room while guiding others to reclaim their inner authority.We also reflect on the story of Dr. Lida Fatemi, who grew up in war-torn Iran, and how love, care, and radical self-awareness transformed what could have been an overwhelming trauma into a regulated and joyful way of being.This conversation inspires bravery, self-trust, and respect for the human condition. Connect with Julian Bermudez:🌐 Website: https://www.psychedelic-integration.net/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-bermudez-ma-ccmp

Welcome to another beautiful conversation spotlighting the nexus between Western medicine and integrative/plant medicine.

This week we’re joined by the brilliant Dr. Laila Contractor, an integrative psychiatrist based in Irvine, CA.

In October of 2019 through a health crisis of her own, Dr. Laila fell into the world of herbalism and integrative healthcare, which greatly pivoted her life’s work. 

In this convo, we discuss:

• The complexity of being ill as a physician: problem-solving and hypothesizing solutions as you actively experience symptoms. 
• The difficulty in psychiatry - noticing the cost of NOT treating trauma in a medical system - the cost of prescribing a pill instead of addressing root issues. 
• The beauty in prescribing tools for homeostasis, OT, and herbal supplements as opposed to creating a chronic patient when prescribing pharmaceuticals. 
• We have more evidence than ever spotlighting WHY these alternative and holistic treatments are valid + profoundly effective. 
• If you’re Dr. Laila’s patient you must be in therapy. 
• The nutrient-deficient nature of our American soil and multi-ingredient formulas as an antidote for this disheartening happening (Dr. C brings a profound study that supports this research to our attention) 
• Dr. C emphasizes practitioners MUST pair psychedelic intervention with therapy. Simply must. 
• The historical profundity of psychedelic medicines in MANY religions whether utilized as a rite of passage or a way to deepen spirituality 
• AND SO MUCH MORE

Connect with Dr. Laila Contractor:

lailacontractormd.com

This week, we welcome the remarkable soul, Dr. Kendra Campbell, for a beautiful conversation centering the world of psychiatry and the shadow it casts. 

“I can’t keep prescribing these drugs to people who aren’t getting any better and I’m not offering them any reason to get better because the drugs aren’t actually treating anything.”

Dr. Campbell is the creator of Free Range Psychiatry, where she is devoted to holistically excavating the root cause of an individual’s suffering instead of prescribing band-aid pharmaceuticals to numb it. 

As her website voices, “Instead of just prescribing medications to treat symptoms, we take a functional deep dive into your life to determine the underlying cause of your suffering. We know that mental health symptoms are related to trauma and psychological issues; hormonal and other medical problems; medication side-effects; gut dysbiosis; environmental toxins; vitamin deficiencies and imbalances; food sensitivities; and other issues.”

We dive into:

• Holistic Psychiatry
• Working with individuals to come off of psychiatric drugs 
• How Dr. C helped ween herself off of 20 medications (and attributes the success of that to her mindset and passion for having children)
• Symptoms as your body communicating something to you 
• If you approach them with curiosity, love, and compassion, answers come.

Connect with Dr. Campbell:

https://freerange.org/

https://www.instagram.com/freerangepsychiatry/

https://www.tiktok.com/@freerangepsychiatry?_t=8fE3Qtuo9jG&_r=1

Larry Norris, PhD is the co-founder of Decriminalize Nature, which began in Oakland, CA in 2019 and has sprouted across the US. DN-related policy has now passed in seven cities nationwide with at least three more cities looking to pass before the end of the year. He is also the co-founder of Entheogenic Research Integration and Education (ERIE), a nonprofit organization that offers education and integration support for those interested in entheogens. His doctoral research focuses on ayahuasca experiences and integration, as well as expanding integration concepts beyond the psychotherapeutic paradigm.

He believes it is an unalienable right to have one’s own relationship with Nature, and encourages empowering grassroots communities to build local and culturally relevant support structures related to entheogens.

In this conversation, we cover:

• Larry’s lifelong ever-present interest in human consciousness 
• Reflecting on the evolution of the conversation around integration (used to be perceived as a pursuit of the ego)
• The difference between legalization and decriminalization 
• Decriminalize Nature as a PEOPLE POWERED MOVEMENT 
• The basics of HOW TO engage with local politics 
• And so much more. 

This week we're joined by Avishag Fittoussi - a remarkable Israeli-based yogi, herbalist, and aromatherapist.

With passion, Avi shares:

- Natural medicine works if you believe in it. 

- How to properly store and use your essential oils 

- Taking herbs/aroma because it profoundly aligns with your brain and body. NOT simply for the sake of taking it.

- Renewing intentions with our plant allies.

- Relaxation as a pivotal component of flexibility/mobility

- And so much more!

Connect with Avi here:

https://avishagfitoussi.com/

https://www.facebook.com/avishag.fittoussi

Today's conversation is with the remarkable, Dr. Katherine Lawson. Dr. Katherine Lawson is an Integrative Mental Health Specialist, a certified Embodied Imagination® practitioner, consultant, psycho-spiritual counselor, and an international speaker. She has spent nearly two decades examining the intersections between healing, dreaming, mysticism, and psychedelics. As a BIPOC woman, cancer survivor, and parent, she teaches and utilizes holistic therapies for PTSD and other types of unprocessed wounds and shares stories of healing. She is fascinated by the interactions between the brain, mind, body, and personality, as well as the powerful ways in which societal and spiritual factors affect health and happiness. She recently published Dreamwork for Growth and Healing: A Guided Dream Journal.

Here are the key pillars in our conversation with Dr. Lawson:

- "Psilocybin saved my son's life"

- Together we hold the remarkable story of Dr. L and her son who cured his treatment-resistant depression/suicidality with psilocybin and integration.

- Dr. L's amazing school, Awake in the Dream: School of Integrative Consciousness which offers online education, certification, and community for anyone who wants to support their clients as they prepare for and integrate the often life-changing impact of psychedelic medicine.

- The parallels between dreaming, mysticism, and psychedelics

- and so much more

Connect with Dr. Lawson:

https://www.awakeinthedream.co/

katherine@awakeinthedream.co

Welcome back Dr. Larry Leeman!

Leeman and his colleagues are launching a first-of-its-kind pilot study to see whether a regimen of trauma-focused therapy coupled with doses of MDMA – popularly known as ecstasy or molly – can help new mothers permanently overcome their drug dependency.  

Please donate to support the first-ever MDMA-assisted therapy study for people with co-occurring opioid use and post-traumatic stress disorders 6 to 12 months after childbirth.: “MAT-POD Study of MDMA-Assisted Therapy 6 to 12 months After Childbirth for People with Co-Occurring Opioid Use and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders”

https://impactunm.unmfund.org/s/1959/22/interior.aspx?sid=1959&gid=2&pgid=707&_ga=2.117355332.313416249.1688255792-804041491.1664997619
PBS INTERVIEW:

https://www.newmexicopbs.org/productions/newmexicoinfocus/unm-study-hopes-break-the-cycle-dependency-using-mdma-assisted-therapy/

UNM NEWSROOM ARTICLE:

https://hsc.unm.edu/news/2023/04/breaking-the-cycle-of-drug-dependency.html

In this episode we drop in with Nissim Malul, the creator of Native Mystic: a divinely and deeply intentional supplement line that activates ancient alchemy for a modern era. 

For more info, check out: https://www.nativemystic.com/

Nissim’s playful heart and big belly laughs carry us through conversation around:

• Revering + respecting plants as teachers and guides. 
• A snippet of Nissim’s epic life story centering on self-development, introspection, and alternative healing modalities. 
• The power of listening IN - your body knows what you need. 
• The ethics in authentic sourcing + production of his divine products. 
• The profound intentionality in his creation process
• Nissim’s inability to understand getting high for the sake of getting high: “USE it”, he says, “What’s your intention?!” 
• and SO much more 

Today's conversation is an INVOCATION OF EVOLUTION directed at MEDICINE. Two epic physicians, your host Dr. Lida Fatemi and special guest Dr. Nicole King, dismantle their field's SLOW progress.

Together they question:

- Where did the health in healthcare go?

- Dr. King shares her military background and the powerful observation that progress is found more readily in our armed forces than in our medical systems.

- Condemning the "no sleep" narrative and illuminating the UNBELIEVABLE way this value/tradition began.

- Disapproving superficial problem solving

and so much more.

Brent Pella is a stand-up comedian, digital content creator, and current cast member on MTV’s Wild ’N Out. Brent’s comedy sketches, celebrity impressions, and parody music videos have gained more than 200 million views online and have been featured on MTV, Funny or Die, BroBible, Worldstar HipHop and more. Brent is best known for his finely tuned topical comedy and political satire that takes aim at all sides of culture, media, and the audacity of life itself. 

What a joy to have him in our container this week!

We discuss:

• The power of laughter in transmuting negativity 
• The intentionality behind Brent’s relationship with psychedelics 

• Psychedelics as a teacher to pursue depth in sober reality
• Intention setting in even the most mundane moments 
• The beauty + power of a morning routine 
• Creativity 
• And moooooore 

Connect with Brent:

https://brentpella.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@goodtrippodcast/videos

https://www.instagram.com/brentpella/

Welcome Dr. Gary Shlifer, Dr. Fatemi’s longtime friend, and fellow Internal Medicine Physician. This episode is rich.

We explore:

• How to eat like a human
• Unlearning our societally conditioned nutrition ideals
• Lida and Gary’s shared burning man LSD experience
• Leaning into the uncomfortable
• The properties/characteristics of MDMA, Psilocybin, Ketamine, and LSD

Connect with Dr. Gary:

Dr. Shlifer’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sapien-podcast-optimum-health-wellness/id1475571111

Connect to Dr. Shlifer’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgaryevolve/

Dr. Shlifer’s Practice: https://evolvehealthcare.com/

Food Lies - Gary’s Upcoming Documentary: https://www.foodlies.org/

In this episode, we sit down with James Walker, founder of Cloud Walker Farms, one of Dr. Fatemi's most respected cannabis companies, known for its integrity, purity, and deeply intentional cultivation practices. After years in a high-stress, fast-paced career—and a dependency on sleeping aids and Xanax—James was introduced to a homemade cannabis edible that offered him the deepest sense of relaxation and restoration he'd felt in years. That moment sparked a personal and professional transformation.

We explore his journey from burnout to botanical healing, his groundbreaking work with Parkinson’s patients, and his mission to grow and process cannabis without growth regulators, hormones, or pesticides—ever. James breaks down the often-overlooked (and often harmful) methods of mainstream cannabis extraction (cough cough butane), and shares how Cloud Walker Farms has carved a new standard rooted in health, sustainability, and reverence for the plant.

Plus, we dive into the fascinating, still largely understudied world of cannabinoids—over 130 and counting—and what we’re just beginning to understand about their medicinal potential.

Whether you’re canna-curious, a seasoned user, or a skeptic, this conversation opens the door to seeing cannabis as both recreational and remedy.

Sarah Merritt MD is board certified in anesthesiology, pain medicine, and addiction medicine.  She is a clinician in private practice in Bowie, Maryland.  She advocates for patients and empowers them to get the most from their relationship with their pain physicians, other doctors, and healthcare providers.  She works with patients to find small, practical changes in their daily lives that empower them to help better manage pain and improve their overall health. As part of her journey as a doctor, several years ago Dr. Merritt began offering ketamine infusions for pain and depression.  She has seen excellent results and loves to discuss this treatment, the evidence for it, and some of the patient experiences. Dr. Merritt has extensive experience in the management of acute and chronic pain, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of opioid use disorder.  She is a mom of 2 boys, a german shepherd, and a private practice owner.

“My life been a journey of pain, and making sense of that.”

Currently a Spiritual Counselor at Hospice of New Mexico, Jeremy has a rich educational history in Religious Studies + Political Science. As a queer, non-christian person, Jeremy has a Masters in Divinity AND a Master in Sacred Theology with a concentration in chaplaincy that allowed them to consider spiritual care for the LGBTQIA+ survivors of sexual, domestic, and intimate partner violence.

They are particularly interested in ways that individuals engage with the divine non-traditionally. Enter, psychedelics.

From seeking out psychedelics as trauma survival support to spiritual exploration, Jeremy vulnerably puts words to the profundity of their experiences in the psychedelic realm.

This is a special one. Thank you for being here.

As mentioned:

The Immortality Key by Brian Muraresku:

https://www.brianmuraresku.com/the-immortality-key

Elle’s podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sacred-vortex-podcast/id1602878134

https://open.spotify.com/show/5TNozpjOc2G3gqTVrgQVes?si=61ff0125447b4c87

“We’re so fortunate to be in this time, in this country, pursuing psychedelic research.”

This is rich one, listener.

Dr. Lawrence Leeman received his degree from University of California, San Francisco in 1988 and completed residency training in Family Medicine at UNM. He practiced rural Family Medicine at the Zuni/Ramah Indian Health Service Hospital for six years. He subsequently earned a fellowship in Obstetrics. He is board certified in Family and Addiction Medicine. He directs the Family Medicine Maternal and Child Health service and fellowship and co-medical director of the UNM Hospital Mother-Baby Unit. Dr. Leeman practices family medicine with a special interest in the care of pregnant women and newborns. He is Medical Director of the Milagro Program that provides prenatal care and maternity care services to women with substance abuse problems. Dr. Leeman is a Professor in the Departments of Family & Community Medicine, and Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is currently the Medical Editor for the nationwide Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) program. Current areas of research include rural maternity care, perinatal opioid use disorder, neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, and the use of psychedelic assisted therapies for trauma and addiction. He is the site PI for three NIH grants in the involving opioid use disorder in pregnancy and neonatal effects.

Dr. Leeman amplifies the honor and indigenous reciprocity that psychedelic research and utilization demands. We hold the ironic truth of psychedelics as “ancient novel therapeutics.”

Music by Shervin Hajipour, a 25-year-old singer-songwriter from Tehran called, “Baraye.”

He was arrested two days after the song's release by Iranian intelligence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY_U5QfeQQc&ab_channel=PirouzShamekh

“The world is looking to women as an emerging power capable of shifting the paradigm of war, violence, and nationalist hostility. The divine feminine is capable of writing a new story for humanity.” 

- Deepak Chopra

This week, Dr. Fatemi speaks on the revolution and evolution of consciousness that is happening in her homeland, Iran.

We touch on:

• How Iran’s theocratic dictatorship shaped Lida’s childhood
• The impact that silencing and policing of expression had on Lida’s emotions and body. 
• How overcoming self-censorship has been one of the greatest summits of her life.
• “I was on a spiritual path at 12, and couldn’t share with my best friend that I meditate, for fear that my dad or mom might get kidnapped by the government…”
• The importance of SAYING THEIR NAMES
• Reminding listeners what Iran used to be: a Persian Empire, a place of renaissance, where the Silk Road ran, a place of abundant natural resources, rich rich culture, profound love, and community.
• SUPPORT BY AMPLIFYING: post about it, feel this on an individual level, share this conversation
• Joy is an essential element of the activism
• And looking to the future to capture more of this story

Thank you for holding this.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-support-trauma-training-for-iranians

https://cmbm.org/our-work/