Adventures Through The Mind

Today we feature another addition to our Psychedelic Café series. This time exploring what art means and what the meaning of art might become in a growing era of ai generated art-like images flooding the mindspace of humanity through consumptive digital media channels. The cafe is a curated collection of participants who, through a structure series of rounds, explore together a single question. The question we are exploring is: What does the meaning of art look like in an era of increasingly-accessible AI art generators with increasingly powerful capacities for fidelity and complexity? And our guests are Autumn Skye, Simon Haiduk, Evan Bartholomew (aka Bluetech), Martina Hoffman, Chor Boogie, Dan De Santos, and Michael Phillip. ... For links to our guests' work, full bios and show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/PsyCafe11 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S

Justin Townsend is the CEO and Head Facilitator at the psilocybin therapy retreat centre MycoMeditations. He is on the show for this episode to explore two topic themes: The business side of running a successful psilocybin retreat centre in the economic context of the modern corporate world without losing your ethics in the process The therapeutic framework and philosophy that MycoMeditations holds for their retreats and their guests. Some of the things we cover on the first side of the conversation: Justin’s journey from the corporate world to running an psychedelic psilocybin therapy retreat centre; psychopathology and integrity in the corporate world, and how good people end up doing bad things; the nuances around running a financially successful psychedelic retreat centre without ethical sacrifices; what it means to be building what they call “gold-standard for group-facilitated psilocybin therapeutics in natural settings”; data propriety; and supporting peer-reviewed research. In the other half of the

Baba Masha MD joins us to present the results of her research into microdosing amanita muscaria mushrooms, the benefits and the risks, as well as what she learned about the ideal prepration and protocol. In this episode of the podcast we first explore Masha’s journey of making a banned-podcast about psychedelics in Russia; being the first person to be public about consuming psychedelics in Russia; as well as the context of drug use and prohibitionist propaganda in Russia and it’s impact on public health.  Masha then outlines the origins of her microdosing amanita muscaria study; where the data came from; the results; the potential influence of placebo effect; some nuances about the chemical compositions and pharmacology of amanita; and what her study revealed about the optimal dosing and preparation protocols for microdosing amanita muscaria. ... For links to Baba's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind169 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCA

Our guests for this episode are Dennis McKenna, The Teafaerie, Chris Bache, Bruce Damer, Dank Duchess, Laurel Anne Sugden, and Stephen Gray. Together, in Psychedelic Cafe style, we explore conversation with the following question as our central guiding inquiry: "What is the power and potential of psychedelics in navigating the many-orders of growing collapse that our planet is currently facing?" Topics explored include global crisis and the birth of the future human; how the pain and suffering of ongoing collapse that will drive us into our next expression in consciousness; the intelligence of the universe; liberating ourselves from materialism; coming to terms with death; nudging consciousness forward through symbiosis with plant teachers; the history of the San Pedro cactus as an example of how sacred plants help support us through climate crisis; and an optimistic look at our present circumstances. Enjoy. ... For links to our guest's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to

Jordan Gruber is one of the authors of "Your Symphony Of Selves" and joins us to discuss how we all have multiple selves, not a single self. Some of the topics we explore in this episode include an in-depth look at The Health Selves Model in comparison and contrast to The Single Self Assumption; why we mistakenly assume multiple selves to be pathological; how mental health is being in the right mind (self/selves) as the right time; and how we can start applying the healthy selves model into our lives today. We also talk about Monotheism’s influence on the single self assumption—“the single god assumption”; how Buddishm’s noself and interdependence relates to multiple selves; the difference between multiple selves and Jungian archetypes/autonomous complexes; how Sigmund Freud helped The Single Self Assumption dominate the western mind; and how the very origins of Freud’s model of the mind might be in the gaslighting of sexual abuse. Furthermore, we also explore psychedelic journeying and healing from a healthy

Belinda Eriacho joins us today to explore the intersection of the psychedelic renaissance and ancestral wisdom; connecting with our own ancestry; and what indigenous people bring to the psychedelic renaissance and the problems created by their absence. We also talk about being in right relationship with sacred plants and where that does and doesn't not overlap with recreational use; how to cultivate reciprocity with indigenous peoples in psychedelic movements; the value and importance of supporting ethical psychedelic companies; and how legislating psychedelic medicine may help support the healing of intergenerational trauma held by indigenous people in North America. Enjoy ... For links to Belinda's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind167 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW** *Promo Art For This Episode Courtesy of Simon Haiduk (slightly modified by James)*   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/b

Darcia Narvaez, PhD and Wahinkpe Topa (Four Arrows) join us to explore various precepts of the indigenous worldview—aka the kinship worldview—how we might restore that worldview in both our personal lives and the world at large. We also explore the basis of what a worldview is and why our guests propose there are only two, the indigenous/kinship worldview and the dominant/Western worldview. We go in-depth on the historical rise and impact of the dominant worldview and the intergenerational cycle of trauma it propagates; the left brain / right brain dynamic and how it aligns with worldview, perception, and behavior; how generations of anthropocentrism impact our capacity to perceive our interconnection with nature and each other; a substantial dive into death, dying, grief, and ceremony; and what it means to become fully human. ... For links to our guests' work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind166 Their Book: Restoring the Kinship Worldview: Indigenous Voices

WHAT IS THE EVOLUTIONARY ROLE OF PSILOCYBIN IN LIFE ON THIS PLANET? This is both an explicit question and an implicit guiding inquiry in the discussion you will hear on this episode Adventures Through The Mind. Our guest is Jahan Khamsehzadeh, PhD. He is the author of The Psilocybin Connection: Psychedelics, the Transformation of Consciousness, and Evolution of the Planet—An Integral Approach. Together we have a conversation that waves in and out from the microscopic to the cosmological. We explore topics such as the role fungi have played and continue to play in the evolution and existence of life on this planet; how psilocybin may have assisted in the development of human consciousness; the role psychedelics can play in cultivating a strong, but healthy ego; why taking heroic doses is not the best way to heal or learn and it may actually hurt you; why an understanding of psychedelics requires us to transcend reductionism and materialism; and more. *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW** ... For links to Jahan'

Sara Ness joins us on Adventures Through The Mind to have a conversation about the art of conversation and its role in our relationships and vice versa. We also explore how play can help us develop and exercise our relational and conversational skills, specifically what are called Authentic Relating games. Furthermore, we also speak about how the possibilities of conversations can be both literally and phenomenologically psychedelic. ... For links to Sara's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind164 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F,

Robert “Bob” Falconer has been bridging his long history of IFS and psychedelics together into the body of work that informs the conversation you will hear today. Bob lays the groundwork for what Internal Family Systems therapy is; its foundational propositions about the nature of the mind; and both how IFS works and how therapists work with IFS to bring about healing. From there we go into the unique benefit IFS has to offer psychedelic therapy and how to use IFS in both preparation for and integration of psychedelic experiences. We also talk about generative change vs counteractive change; the harms of isolation and the healing of connection; the porous nature of the mind and relational nature of reality; and even Bob’s perspective on how to work with spirit entities, demons, and the intelligence of psychedelic medicines. Enjoy ... For links to Bob's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind163 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: h

WHY DOES OUR SENSE OF CONNECTION MATTER? This is the central question that guides the conversation you will hear today, another session in our Psychedelic Café series, where we featured a curated selection of guests to explore how "whether or not we feel connected affects everything". We also explore the neurobiological origins of our sense of connection/disconnection with each other and how that is wrapped up in personal and collective traumas; our sense of connection with nature and the consequences that our lack of it is having on our lives and all life on this planet; as well as strategies and pathways of increasing our sense of connection with ourselves, each other, and the natural world. We also talk about connecting with spiritual energies and our dead loved ones; ancestry in general; the importance of being able to grieve together; and the value of learning to turn towards pain. Our Guests for this Café are: Darcia Narvaez, Robert Gilman, Rita Bozi, Charley Wininger, Jean Robertson, Sky Otter, and Sam

A.J. Bond—author of Discomfortable: What Is Shame and How Can We Break Its Hold—joins us on Adventures Through The Mind to talk about what shame is, what it feels like, and how it impacts our sense of self and perception of the world. We also talk about healthy vs unhealthy shame; internal vs. external shame; attachment styles and shame’s link to our developmental past and early relationship with our parents; intimacy and how shame hinders our ability to truly connect with others; unconditional love and ayahuasca’s impact on AJ’s healing through shame; and, of course, how to navigate shame in a way that supports healing the wounds around which our shame directs us. ... For links to A.J.'s work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind162 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW *** ... This episode is sponsored by Maps of the Mind and their upcoming workshop Facilitating Psychedelic Experiences, happening on Saturday, July 2nd More details can be found here: mapsofthemind.com

Martijn Schirp of Synthesis Institute joins us on Adventures Through The Mind to wonder with us about the potential harms that will come from the profit-driven industrialization of psychedelics and psychedelic therapy; how we might safeguard the sacredness of psychedelics and people seeking psychedelic therapy against those harms; and where and how he sees Synthesis Institute as attempting to do so. We also talk about cultural maturity; the systemic issues that lead to broad-sweeping ill-health amongst modern people; why no, it’s not “just business”; psychedelics’ role in helping us to learn to be better people in uncertain times; indigenous issues, and our personal sense of where we land in the long history of colonial harms; and why choosing love ain’t easy, but well worth it.  ... For links to Martijn's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind161 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation:

Anna Lutkajtis is the author of The Dark Side of Dharma: Meditation, Madness and other Maladies on the Contemplative Path. Lutkajtis joins us on the Adventures Through The Mind podcast to discuss mediation; the adverse effects of meditation; where those adverse effects may arise from; the importance of meditation teachers having psychotherapeutic skills; the nerfing of spirituality; and why it is that Western meditation contexts not only generally lack an awareness and understanding of mediation adverse effects, but why those harms are seemingly actively and explicitly ignored. Furthermore, we touch on psychedelic experiences as well; the media landscape surrounding their industrialization; the influence psychedelics have had on meditation culture (and vice versa); and how Anna’s research into the adverse effects of meditation overlaps with the growing interest in psychedelics amongst clinical practice, investors, and the wellness industry at large. ... For links to Anna's work, full show notes, and a link to

Featuring speakers from the ESPD55: Ethnopharmacologic Search for Psychoactive Drugs symposium, this cafe explores the question: What does ethnopharmacology have to teach humanity in our present times?  Topics include: the reconciliation of humanity with nature; what traditional and indigenous knowledge systems hold for our capacity to facilitate this reconciliation; the importance and challenge of good reciprocity, fair compensation, and the prioritization and protection of indigenous sovereignty in the process; the importance of all of this in the face of a growing, global ecological crisis; and where psychedelic plants and psychedelic experiences fit within it all. Our guests: Michael Coe, David F. Rodriguez-Mora, Colin Domnauer, and Jerónimo Mazarrasa ... For links to our guest's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind159 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com

Brian Blomerth joins us on ATTMind to discuss his journey into drawing and comics, his artistic process, the intense journalistic research that went into both his psychedelic history graphic novels Mycelium Wassoni and Bicycle Day, the strange findings and complexities he uncovered during that research, and why making these cartoonist accounts of Psychedelic History matter to him. ... For links to Blomerth's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind159 *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially my $23+ patrons, Andreas D, Clea S, Joe A, Ian C, Yvette FC, Chuck W, Alex F, Eliz C, Nathan B, Nick M, & C

Dr. Darcia Narvaez joins us on Adventures Through The Mind to explore how early life experiences shape our morality and culture in adulthood and the kind of early life that leads to human thriving—what she calls The Evolved Nest. We also explore the impact 10,000 years of unnested children is having on our psychology, our morality, and our civilization as a whole; how early life nesting experiences lead to what Narvaez’s calls Cycled Of Cooperative Companionship; and how the undercare of being unnested leads to Cycles Of Competitive Detachment—the cycle most of us are locked into now, a cycle that is definably unhuman.  Furthermore, we explore what it means and what it takes to break that competitive detachment cycle and come back into healthy connection with ourselves, each other, and the natural world. For links to Narvaez's work, full show notes, and to watch this episode in video, head to https://bit.ly/ATTMind158   ***Full Topics Breakdown Below***     SUPPORT THIS PODCAST   ► Patreon: https://patreon.co

Noah Cebuliak joins us to explore what Tarot and Asotlrogy are and are not; their use and history of involvement with psychedelic work; wagering fair skepticism with pragmatism and opportunity; the use of astrology for spiritual bypassing; how we can work with both astrology and tarot for our psychedelic preparation and integration; and more. For links to Noah's work, full show notes, and to watch this episode in video, head to https://bit.ly/ATTMind157   ***Full Topics Breakdown Below***     SUPPORT THIS PODCAST   ► Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso ► Donations: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS ► Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ ► More options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support/   ► Newsletter: https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter   *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially, Andreas D, Clea S, Joe A, Ian C, Yvette FC, Dima B, Chuck W, Alex F, Eliz C, Nathan B, Nick M, & Chloe C Another special thanks to Makea, T

Sky Otter (Bill Pfeiffer) joins us to talk about Deep Ecology, the problematic place we are in as a planet, and the profound healing potential still available to us, personally and collectively, through coming back into ecstatic communion and relationship with the Earth. For links to Otter's work, full show notes, and to watch this episode in video, head to https://bit.ly/ATTMind156   ***Full Topics Breakdown Below***     SUPPORT THIS PODCAST   ► Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso ► Donations: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS ► Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ ► More options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support/   ► Newsletter: https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter   *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially, Andreas D, Clea S, Joe A, Ian C, David WB, Yvette FC, Ann-Madeleine, Dima B, Eliz C, Chuck W, Nathan B, & Nick M     Episode Breakdown   Deep ecology, alienation, and spiritual activism  The value of a spiritual

What are the healing potentials of expanded states? It is this question that guides the conversation featured on this episode of Adventures Through The Mind, another Psychedelic Café episode. Our guests are Maria Papaspyrou, Nir Tradmor, Natasja Pelgrom, and Renee Harvey. For links to our participants work, full show notes, and to watch this episode in video, head to https://bit.ly/PsyCafe7   ***Full Topics Breakdown Below***    SUPPORT THIS PODCAST   ► Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso ► Donations: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS ► Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ ► More options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support/   ► Newsletter: https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter   *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially, Andreas D, Clea S, Joe A, Ian C, David WB, Yvette FC, Ann-Madeleine, Dima B, Eliz C, Chuck W, Nathan B, & Nick M   Episode Breakdown Introducing participants One clear thought on the question (round 1): W