The Stoned Ape Reports

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with my good friend and a powerhouse in this space, Kim. She discusses her experience with an Iboga retreat, and how it was like a lucid dream, allowing her to see and interact with her soul, past loved ones, and much more. She gets real with us, and I’m honored to have her back. So, please enjoy this conversation with Kim. We discussed: What led you to psychedelics in general? More recently, what was going on that brought you to want to do an Ibogaine treatment? So…why Ibogaine? Soul, “iboga” 7 years ago; two flood doses; journeying you; very heady; go in and find your soul; like a lucid dream; ancestors; past loved ones; speak with soul; not just for addiction; psycho-spiritual; connection to self I’ve heard…as you know..a few Ibogaine experiences and many of them include work with other psychedelics. Was that the case with you? If I think Ibogaine might be a good idea, should I just go to the dark web and order me up some tree bark? What else do you want to share about this or any other experience? What’s next for you? From you? Also, check out my book, The Grief Trip: How I Learned to Heal WITH Grief…and Psychedelics. You can find it at www.thegrieftrip.com. 100% of proceeds go to the Ian Preston Memorial Fund to help support mental health and suicide prevention. The post Episode 57: Iboga, Deep Insights and Healing with Kim appeared first on The Stoned Ape Reports.

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with CJ Spotswood, also known as the EntheoNurse. CJ is a board-certified psychiatric-mental health Registered Nurse. He has worked in the medical field for nearly 20 years and practices a holistic approach in his nursing, having graduated from one of the 14 recognized holistic nursing schools in the nation. CJ was one of the original guests here on The Stoned Ape Reports, and I’m excited to have him back to discuss his new book, The Microdosing Guidebook — available now pretty much everywhere. He shares his insights into microdosing. So, please enjoy this conversation with CJ Spotswood. We discussed: For those who don’t know you, give us a little background on you and your support of psychedelics. Tell us about this book.Who is the book for? Approachable, easy to read; cited everything What inspired you to write it?Taraleigh Weathers, Microdosing Coach Fadiman Michelle Janikian Do you have experience with microdosing? What exactly is a microdose? Who should consider microdosing? Why microdose? How often should somebody do a microdosing regimen?Fadiman protocol Once every month We typically hear of microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms. Can other psychedelics be microdosed? Harm reduction/safety tips/considerations? Placebo? How to track it to see if/how it’s working?Nocebo effect, mindset Expectation bias MicroTracker App? Do people need to integrate after a microdose regimen, like they do with a macrodose? Any new research coming out that you know of? What haven’t I asked you about the book or microdosing in general?Spirit Pharmacist Also Dr. Ken Malcolm Cardiac risks How do people get the book? Contact you? Also, check out my book, The Grief Trip: How I Learned to Heal WITH Grief…and Psychedelics. You can find it at www.thegrieftrip.com. 100% of proceeds go to the Ian Preston Memorial Fund to help support mental health and suicide prevention. The post Episode 56: Microdosing Tips and Research with C.J. Spotswood, RN appeared first on The Stoned Ape Reports.

Please note: if you’re considering working with psychedelics, stay legal and stay safe. Do your research. Understand contraindications. Test all substances. Psychedelics are not for everybody. Quick announcement. I now have a book out, titled The Grief Trip: How I Learned to Heal WITH Grief…and Psychedelics. You can find it at www.thegrieftrip.com. 100% of proceeds go to the Ian Preston Memorial Fund to help support mental health and suicide prevention. Okay. In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with the founders of the Decriminalize Nature movement, Carlos Plazola and Larry Norris. Each of them shared their personal Stoned Ape story as well as what’s going on with the Decriminalize Nature movement. I highly recommend getting involved. Check the links in the text to find your local group. So, please enjoy this conversation with Carlos and Larry. Get Involved: http://decriminalizenature.org/ IG and FB (@decriminalizenature) Donate with PayPay or BitPay Email: decrimnature@gmail.com Carlos Plazola Carlos is the child of an indigenous ejidatario farmer who dropped out of school in the 3 rd grade and then came to the United States at sixteen to send money to his mother in MX; and a powerful and loving Mexican woman who raised three children alone in San Jose, CA. He grew up surrounded by struggle, violence, aggression, and poverty, but also by a loving Chicano/Mexican community, familia, and a warrior-clan who showed him how to stand upright in the face of adversity. At seven, the death of a family member disrupted his comfort by introducing him to the concepts of zero and the infinite. He spent the next 40 years trying to reconcile this seeming contradiction in which we exist. Several mushroom and ayahuasca journeys in 2018 and 2019 enabled him to finally reconcile this contradiction and discover a narrative of inner-peace.  Today he builds housing in Oakland, which keeps him grounded, while volunteering as Chair of the Board and Co-Founder of the Decriminalize Nature, which is his spiritual path. Larry Norris  Larry Norris, PhD is the cofounder of Decriminalize Nature, which took root 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 which 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.  We discussed: I would love to hear your stories…what inspired you to lead this movement…your Stoned Ape stories Start with you, Carlos? What was going on in your life that brought you to psychedelics? Tell us a little about that experience, and then how it helped you in life…Peyote Larry, What was going on in your life that brought you to psychedelics? Tell us a little about that experience, and then how it helped you in life… What do you think the key is to a truly transformational, positive psychedelic experience is? Tell us about the Decrim efforts going on, including past victories. How can people get involved? Anything else? wixarika–Wee har eeka The post Episode 55: Carlos and Larry from Decriminalize Nature appeared first on The Stoned Ape Reports.

Warning: Graphic sexual trauma content In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Karen O’Neel. We talked about her work with Ibogaine to help in her battle with bulimia, as well as the sexual trauma underneath that bulimia, and her continued work in helping others work through their eating disorders with the help of plant medicines. It’s a truly unique story of healing with the aid of psychedelics. So, please enjoy this conversation with Karen. We discussed: Let’s talk about your own experiences first. You battled bulimia for years, is that right? And then got help with Ibogaine? Other psychedelics?Was there some trauma behind the bulimia? Suicidal Tried therapies, pharmaceuticals Shame Transformational Recovery Coach (Being True to You) Two ibogaine experiences Bulimia: trauma of forced oral sex Now, you work with Ibogaine and addiction in Mexico? Tell us about that. Recommendations for somebody looking to do Ibogaine?  What else? Plants are the way! Howard Lotsof Karen O’Neel — Facebook The post Episode 54: Ibogaine, Bulimia, and Sexual Trauma with Karen O’Neel appeared first on The Stoned Ape Reports.

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Ben. We talked about his three-month excursion in Mexico with a Shipibo tradition plant medicine journey, including Ayahuasca and the plant diet. He discussed intention, integration, the consciousness of plants, and more.  So, please enjoy this conversation with Ben. His first appearance on The Stoned Ape Reports: https://stonedapecomedy.com/episode-16-shamanic-journeying-alcoholism-ayahuasca-and-integration-with-ben/ We discussed: We talked a little over a year ago — not counting our recent conversation at the coffee shop. Back then, you shared your journey through depression and addiction, with the help of psychedelics. You have a real focus on shamanism and learning the spiritual side of plant medicines. And now I’ve learned that you spend 2-3 months in Mexico at a Shipibo traditional center, experiencing 4 ceremonies a week, in addition to so many other plan medicines. So, let’s start off with the ‘why’. Why do you spend all this time down there? Is it personal growth? Training? Do you have one or two experiences that were especially impactful that you’d like to share? Any idea, yet, what lessons you received?Connecting to plant consciousness “Open up”  I get concerned in doing consecutive journeys too close together, that my lessons might get over-written before I can integrate them. How did that play out for you with all of these ceremonies? Now, you also work as an integration coach — you even work WITH an integration coach — but I’d like to hear what you learned from all this that will help you work better with your own clients. I get a lot of inquiries into doing a trip to South or Central America. What would you recommend to somebody who is brand new to this? Anything else you want to share or put out there? The post Episode 53: A Months-Long Journey with the Medicine with Ben appeared first on The Stoned Ape Reports.

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Mike, a combat veteran living with PTSD who credits psilocybin mushrooms for his being alive today. Now, he is a true community leader, helping other Veterans. We discussed his journey with mushrooms, the effects on his life, as well as the amazing things he’s working on today. Mike shared a lot of great insight.  So, please enjoy this conversation with Mike. We discussed: What was going on in your life that you wanted help with? PTSD, Field Artillery, Infantry; Pharmaceuticals; Therapy; Suicidal ideation;  How did you come to decide to try psychedelics, psilocybin? Navy friend;  Can you share a little about an experience that really brought on some change? Showed him both military and life understandings; not a magic pill; suicidal thoughts disappeared; brought on empathy for self and others; enabled self to process feelings; “activated me” to lead the Veterans community How does the VA feel about this stuff? Practitioners are open to it but the Org isn’t; can’t even get a doctor’s referral for medical marijuana How is life different for you now? Better able to deal with low days; small business owner; grows medicinal and gourmet mushrooms; got back into ASU, business degree; certification in organic farming; local farmers market;  What do you think are the keys to working with psychedelics, for somebody in a similar situation to yours?  What other advice would you have for somebody out there considering working with psychedelics? Microdosing; It’s ceremonial; take your time; process; internalize;  Anything else? The post Episode 52: PTSD And Life-Saving Mushrooms with Mike appeared first on The Stoned Ape Reports.

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Dennis McKenna, an ethnopharmacologist, researcher, lecturer, and author. He’s also the founder of the McKenna Academy and a board member at the Heffter Research Institute. The McKenna Academy embarks on a long-term project called “BioGnosis” which aims to be a catalyst in bridging ancestral wisdom, ethnobotany, and innovation, all for a thriving planet. We talked about his personal journeys with psychedelics, his insights as an ethnopharmacologist, and even discussed end-of-life anxiety and death. We discussed: His return to South America in 1981 to “just do science”Brought Ayahuasca forward as his main teacher I’d love to hear your story of how psychedelics helped you. If I understand it correctly, you see a profound, symbiotic relationship between mushrooms/psychedelics and humans. You see how they can help with depression, addiction, anxiety, and PTSD. But how have psychedelics helped you, personally? What was going on in your life before you found these Foods of the Gods? And did things change for the better?Stayed focused on studies Took Ayahuasca several times, but deliberately suppressed the effects; “Stranger in a strange land” Would allow himself to surrender Connected in 1991 at a conference in Brazil; 500 people took Ayahuasca together; profound experience of experiencing photosynthesis as a water molecule; personal and profound experience; influenced the idea of symbiosis; more details in The Brotherhood of the Screaming Abyss; songs were very impactful, allowed him to focus attention on inner process; felt safe, unlike in Peru; Hoasca Project;  Psychedelic experiences are so personal, they stick to memories as profound As you know, I lost my son, Ian. I love hearing his name. I love it when people ask me about him. Is there anything you want to share about Terence? Integrate together; big changes; familial issues worked out?He shared experiences with Terence as well as his relationship with his brother during Terence’s terminal illness. Terence as Timothy Leary 2.0 and his relationship with psychedelics Discussion of loss, depression, signs of suicide with my son Forgiving one who has died Food of the Gods; “Stoned Ape” – you don’t love that phrase, right? You have such a deep understanding of these medicines through your studies and your experiences. Given that, what is your advice to getting the most from a psychedelic experience? We know set/setting/dose/integration. What are your thoughts?How has this insight affected your own journeys? I know we try to “let go” or open up. Is that hard to do when you know so much about the chemicals? Have you formed opinions — or even strategies — around the different psychedelics – peyote, ayahuasca, mushrooms, DMT, 5-Meo-DMT, etc.? What’s coming from you in the near future? Events? Books?Documentary project in South America; BioGnosis — knowledge preservation; working with Botanist in Quito; downloading his knowledge; ethnomedicine in the Amazon; visiting communities; curanderos;  Anything else you’d like to share? Symposium https://mckenna.academy/events https://vimeo.com/showcase/4766647 https://synergeticpress.com/catalog/dennis-mckenna/ https://synergeticpress.com/catalog/dennis-mckenna/ The post Episode 51: Ayahuasca, BioGnosis, and more with Dr. Dennis McKenna appeared first on The Stoned Ape Reports.

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Dennis McKenna, an ethnopharmacologist, researcher, lecturer, and author. He and his brother Terence are the ones who coined the term, Stoned Ape, as part of their evolutionary theory. He’s the founder of the McKenna Academy and a board member at the Heffter Research Institute. The McKenna Academy embarks on a long-term project called “BioGnosis” which aims to be a catalyst in bridging ancestral wisdom, ethnobotany, and innovation, all for a thriving planet. We talked about his personal journeys with psychedelics, his insights as an ethnopharmacologist, and even discussed end-of-life anxiety and death. We discussed: His return to South America in 1981 to “just do science”Brought Ayahuasca forward as his main teacher I’d love to hear your story of how psychedelics helped you. If I understand it correctly, you see a profound, symbiotic relationship between mushrooms/psychedelics and humans. You see how they can help with depression, addiction, anxiety, and PTSD. But how have psychedelics helped you, personally? What was going on in your life before you found these Foods of the Gods? And did things change for the better?Stayed focused on studies Took Ayahuasca several times, but deliberately suppressed the effects; “Stranger in a strange land” Would allow himself to surrender Connected in 1991 at a conference in Brazil; 500 people took Ayahuasca together; profound experience of experiencing photosynthesis as a water molecule; personal and profound experience; influenced the idea of symbiosis; more details in The Brotherhood of the Screaming Abyss; songs were very impactful, allowed him to focus attention on inner process; felt safe, unlike in Peru; Hoasca Project;  Psychedelic experiences are so personal, they stick to memories as profound As you know, I lost my son, Ian. I love hearing his name. I love it when people ask me about him. Is there anything you want to share about Terence? Integrate together; big changes; familial issues worked out?He shared experiences with Terence as well as his relationship with his brother during Terence’s terminal illness. Terence as Timothy Leary 2.0 and his relationship with psychedelics Discussion of loss, depression, signs of suicide with my son Forgiving one who has died Food of the Gods; “Stoned Ape” – you don’t love that phrase, right? You have such a deep understanding of these medicines through your studies and your experiences. Given that, what is your advice to getting the most from a psychedelic experience? We know set/setting/dose/integration. What are your thoughts?How has this insight affected your own journeys? I know we try to “let go” or open up. Is that hard to do when you know so much about the chemicals? Have you formed opinions — or even strategies — around the different psychedelics – peyote, ayahuasca, mushrooms, DMT, 5-Meo-DMT, etc.? What’s coming from you in the near future? Events? Books?Documentary project in South America; BioGnosis — knowledge preservation; working with Botanist in Quito; downloading his knowledge; ethnomedicine in the Amazon; visiting communities; curanderos;  Anything else you’d like to share? Symposium https://mckenna.academy/events https://vimeo.com/showcase/4766647 https://synergeticpress.com/catalog/dennis-mckenna/ https://synergeticpress.com/catalog/dennis-mckenna/ The post Episode 51: Ayahuasca, BioGnosis, and more with Dr. Dennis McKenna appeared first on The Stoned Ape Reports.

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Kewal, who recently completed her Masters degree in Women and Gender Studies at Arizona State University. As part of her work, she conducted a survey study around pleasure and psychedelics. She also recently published a follow-up article on Chacruna.net. We discussed her personal experiences with Ayahuasca, the results of the survey, and dived into related topics including trauma, societal norms around sexuality, and much more.  Some helpful links and info she shared, including her aricle on Chacruna.net. Kewal’s recent article about pleasure & psychedelics Book: Pleasure Activism by adrienne maree brown Kim Tallbear on settler sexuality: http://www.criticalpolyamorist.com/  Gayle Rubin on “charmed” sexuality: Amazon Book: Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski Fireside Project, Psychedelic Peer Support line Ayahuasca Community Guide for the Awareness of Sexual Abuse Book: The Fellowship of the River by Joseph Tafur, MD Modern Spirit: https://www.modernspirit.org/ We discussed: I’d like to hear about your New Year’s Eve Ayahuasca experience, both the journey itself and the impact that had on you. But first, is there any background info you’d like to share leading up to that ceremony? Struggles, challenges, aspirations, anything?  MAPS.ORG conference; hard LSD experience*; positive disruption; 20 years no psychedelics; resistant but heard the callYou described it as “an intensely pleasurable—yet somehow terrifying—experience.” You took from that some important lessons, yes? What were those?  Are there other lessons you’ve learned and incorporated into your life from entheogenic experiences? So, you study “pleasure.” It seems obvious, but what IS pleasure? You did a survey. Were there any surprises there, in the results? “settler-colonial (or “charmed”) sexuality and relationship structures” — monogamy, heterosexual sex and relationships, ‘vanilla’ sex practices, and shame around sexuality: How do psychedelics affect one’s feelings about these structures?  I imagine sexual and other traumas play a big role in one’s ability to feel pleasure, and entheogens can help to release that trauma. Yes? No? Did you find any data or insight into couples where one has opened up new sexual “channels” as the result of entheogenic work, creating a kind of separation within the couple’s sexual intimacy?  There’s still a stigma around psychedelics. On top of that, you point out the feeling of shame associated with sexual pleasure. Is there any interplay between those two? Or, how do psychedelics help deal with that shame? Body image. Did you find entheogens help with body image?  Reclaiming one’s sexuality seems to affect women differently, as they’re taught by society to not have or want sex, else get labeled a slut. Is that true? Do entheogens help? Do you relate to your findings on a personal level yourself? What kind of access to pleasure and sexuality can a non-ordinary or altered state of consciousness provide? Open our container, allows feelings; opens up senses; feeling of connectionWhat is it about a psychedelic journey that opens one up to new ideas and experiences around (sexual) pleasure? What about non-sexual pleasure? Insights there? Do you have any recommendations for those looking to connect with their “pleasure center” via entheogens? What are your thoughts on ceremonial “versus” the psychotherapeutic use of entheogens? Have an intention, then let it go; be grateful; connect to the heart; talk to the entheogen When discussing psychedelics and sexuality, I feel like we need to mention harm reduction, whether we’re talking ceremonial setting or a therapeutic setting. Any thoughts on harm reduction? Chacruna.net, community guide for sexual abuse (Ayahuasca); firesideproject.org This paper you’ve written feels like a “first” step on some path for you. What’s next? Where are you headed? Modern Spirit (Joe Tafur, Spirit of the River) modernspirit.org What else, what haven’t I asked? *Quick interruption here: it should be noted that Kewal’s difficult experience with LSD, including her seizure, was likely the result of having several substances in her system, not just the LSD. The post Episode 50: Sexuality, Pleasure, and Psychedelics with Kewal appeared first on The Stoned Ape Reports.

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with filmmaker Mitch Schultz, who brought us the legendary documentary, DMT: The Spirit Molecule. Now, he’s back and working on the sequel, DMT: The Conscious Molecule. He shared his thoughts on consciousness, DMT, and his own psychedelic experiences.  https://www.dmt-tcm.com/ https://www.dmt-nft.com/ We discussed: The sequel, DMT: The Conscious Molecule, explores consciousness as fundamental and ubiquitous in the Universe. Before we launch into this sequel you’re working on, would you mind sharing a little bit about what DMT and maybe other psychedelics mean to you personally? Have you experienced DMT and/or other psychedelics? Was that experience helpful or even transformational? What inspired you to make this sequel? When we say “DMT” — we don’t need to get into a chemistry lesson — but what do you mean by it? Smoked? Ayahuasca? Something else? All of it? Well, you touched a nerve with me — consciousness. What do you think DMT teaches us about consciousness?What do you think consciousness is? Endogenous: there’s a link to human consciousness? Panpsychism? And what about “reality”? What does DMT teach us about what reality is?What is the line between hallucination and reality? DMT. You kind of jumped to the pinnacle of psychedelics. What about the others — LSD, psilocybin, mescaline? Any opinions on the decriminalization/legalization movement going on? Tell us the details of the film: when will it release? Where? How can we watch?Who can we expect to see in this one? What else? The post Episode 49: DMT: The Conscious Molecule with Filmmaker Mitch Schultz appeared first on The Stoned Ape Reports.

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with a friend of mine, Andre. We — unfortunately — share a similar story of loss, grief, and learning to heal with the help of psychedelics. And Andre shared some great insight here, and I really enjoyed our conversation. We discussed: Why don’t we get right into your story of healing. Life was going along somewhat normally, and then tragedy struck. Mormon life. Alpha-1 anti-… Liver transplant. Lost son. Left church. Attempted suicide. Therapy. Depression. Anti-depressants. Cannabis introduced joy.  Then, you turned to psychedelics for healing? Had you already used psychedelics before this? How was your approach different after this tragedy? Dandelions; Baggage; Nihilism; Finding meaning and happiness;  How have psychedelics helped in your grieving process? Inner child; Hurt, anguish & pain into love For somebody out there who is grieving and curious about psychedelics, what might you tell them, what advice might you give? Phases of motivation; writing; intention; controllables; weeds of doubt; meditation; be aware;  What do you think is the key to a healing psychedelic experience? Comforting music; without lyrics What’s your view on integration? Restructuring core system; Believed that he had died How are you doing today? Lucky to be here;  What else? The post Episode 48: Healing With Complex Grief with Andre appeared first on The Stoned Ape Reports.

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Robert Villa who currently presides over the Tucson Herpetological Society, assists with ongoing developments at the Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill with the Universit of Arizona, and is a member of NextGen Sonoran Desert Researchers. He also consulted with Hamilton Morris on Morris’ two episodes of Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia about the Sonoran Desert Toad and 5-Meo-DMT. A result of those episodes is an updated version of the famous pamphlet, Bufo Alivarious: the Psychedelic Toad of the Sonoran Desert which includes information on synthetic 5-Meo, a great step to help preserve these amazing animals… So…let’s hear from Robert. We discussed: Let’s start with an overview. 5-Meo-DMT, from the Sonoran Desert Toad, is gaining in popularity. Please give us some background info on the toads and the current status of the toad?People have died after inhaling toad sourced 5meoDMT. There’s still much we don’t know about how people might react adversely. Is it endangered? What do the toads mean – ecologically, culturally — to the Sonoran Desert region? I feel like the monsoons have been dry the past few years, which concerns me. What are you seeing out there today on the toads’ numbers? Tumamac Hill What are the primary threats to the toads? How did this toad evolve to create this poison? The species is relatively new and unique to this desert? Is there an indigenous history to the toads and psychedelic experiences? Archeological and artistic evidence. What about the benefit of this toad’s poison as a “medicine”? Is there a way to milk the toads of their poison without harming them? Tell us about the pamphlet, “Bufo alvarius: The Psychedelic Toad of the Sonoran Desert”. Pharmacopeia with Hamilton Morris. Fund to the Herpetological Society, putting out RFPs. 2nd episode (link); link to book (below) What have you guys found about the synthetic version of 5-Meo-DMT? Same trip?Is it the same exact molecule? What about the interplay of other chemicals in the toad’s poison versus a lab-created synthetic? Is it bufo alivarious or incilious alivarious?  What else do you want to get out there? The post Episode 47: Preservation of the Sonoran Desert Toad (Bufo) with Robert Villa appeared first on The Stoned Ape Reports.

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Kate. She shares her story of moving away from pharmaceuticals and their side effects to a microdosing regimen, with great results… So…let’s hear from Kate. EntheoNurse course (Facebook, Website) We discussed: We’ll discuss microdosing, but let’s start with why — what brought you to microdosing? And, did you already have experience MACROdosing psychedelics? COVID, Mild Depression, ADHD, Parted ways with job; talked to doctor, ended on four pills; didn’t sit well with her (side effects of pharmaceuticals), started working with Entheonurse (C.J. Spotswood); started microdosing So, tell us about your experience with microdosing — what was it like during the regimen, what changed for you as a result?  Which regimen — dosages and timeline — did you use? How did you choose that? .15g psilocybin; started feeling more mindful; mental clarity; more optimistic; lowered anxiety and depression; capsule, like a supplement; logs effects; noticed differences with different strains;  What do you think the key to a good microdose regimen is? What else did you do around the medicine, in terms of preparation, journalling, integration, etc.? If someone were to ask you about microdosing for the first time, what would you tell them? Are things like set and setting important with microdosing? What’s next for you on your journey? What else do you want to share? The post Episode 46: From Pharmaceuticals to Microdosing with Kate appeared first on The Stoned Ape Reports.

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Jared Rinehart. Jared is a certified psychedelic integration coach and volunteers with the Heroic Hearts Project, a non-profit that connects military veterans struggling with mental trauma to psychedelic therapy options including ayahuasca, psilocybin, and ketamine. Jared shares his personal journey and work with psychedelics. https://www.heroicheartsproject.org/ Volunteer: https://www.heroicheartsproject.org/support Donate: https://www.heroicheartsproject.org/donate https://www.jaredrinehart.com/ We discussed: So, what brought you to the medicines? What was going on with that that needed insight? Can you share a little about your most transformational journeys? And how did that help you in your life? How is life different today, post-ceremony/medicine? How has this affected your spiritual work/practice? Now, what, 5 years into it? How has your work with the medicines evolved? More? Less? Medicines? Now you work as an integration coach with Heroic Hearts. What does an integration coach do? When somebody comes to you wanting to experience psychedelics for the first time, what advice do you give them? What other advice do you have for those who are curious about psychedelics? Tell us about your work with Heroic Hearts. Anything else? The post Episode 45: Heroic Hearts Project and Ayahuasca with Jared Rinehart appeared first on The Stoned Ape Reports.

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Sophia. Sophia was one of my first guests, over a year ago. Back then, we discussed breaking away from a cult-like church with the aid of psychedelics, and she’s back with an update. She discusses psychedelics as a gateway drug…a gateway to other healing modalities like yoga and therapy. She also talks about cognitive liberty and much more… So…let’s hear from Sophia.\r\n\n\n\n\nWe discussed:\r\n\n\n\n\nYou shared your story of a repressive…even abusive/traumatic…church. Some substance abuse. And your transformative experience with mushrooms.\r\nIntegration\r\nOppressive religions stigmatize “the body”\r\nPsychedelics as a gate to other modes of help, like therapy, yoga\r\nCannabis helps with integration\r\nPeople over-romanticize psychedelics\r\nNeed to integrate, or you’ll fall back into old ways\r\nConnection to the physical body\r\nExplored her relationship with cannabis to make sure it’s a healthy relationship; self-accountability; found some escapism; learned to check in with all things, examine intentions\r\nStigma: over-culture; legality\r\nGood trip advice\r\nHelp getting out of churches; digital space to connect\r\nInternational Cultic Studies Assoc; BIET; If you ever ask yourself, “Is this a cult?”, then it’s time to start getting answers; high-control organizations; be willing to be curious and ask questions; cognitive liberty; \r\nCognitive liberty lead to psychedelics\r\nSet & Setting: understand this; integration; support, start integrating before the journey; intentions – what do I want to get out of this; clean your space; do your research; know MAOIs; vet people you’re doing ceremonies with; underground can lead to more harm; test your substance\r\nChanga; Cosmic Trigger Robert A. Wilson – best book, fun read\r\n\nThe post Episode 44: Cults, Cognitive Liberty, and Changa with Sophia appeared first on The Stoned Ape Reports.\r\n

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Sophia. Sophia was one of my first guests, over a year ago. Back then, we discussed breaking away from a cult-like church with the aid of psychedelics, and she’s back with an update. She discusses psychedelics as a gateway drug…a gateway to other healing modalities like yoga and therapy. She also talks about cognitive liberty and much more… So…let’s hear from Sophia.\r\n\n\n\n\nWe discussed:\r\n\n\n\n\nYou shared your story of a repressive…even abusive/traumatic…church. Some substance abuse. And your transformative experience with mushrooms.\r\nIntegration\r\nOppressive religions stigmatize “the body”\r\nPsychedelics as a gate to other modes of help, like therapy, yoga\r\nCannabis helps with integration\r\nPeople over-romanticize psychedelics\r\nNeed to integrate, or you’ll fall back into old ways\r\nConnection to the physical body\r\nExplored her relationship with cannabis to make sure it’s a healthy relationship; self-accountability; found some escapism; learned to check in with all things, examine intentions\r\nStigma: over-culture; legality\r\nGood trip advice\r\nTapir Project: help getting out of churches; digital space to connect\r\nInternational Cultic Studies Assoc; BIET; If you ever ask yourself, “Is this a cult?”, then it’s time to start getting answers; high-control organizations; be willing to be curious and ask questions; cognitive liberty; \r\nCognitive liberty lead to psychedelics\r\nSet & Setting: understand this; integration; support, start integrating before the journey; intentions – what do I want to get out of this; clean your space; do your research; know MAOIs; vet people you’re doing ceremonies with; underground can lead to more harm; test your substance\r\nChanga; Cosmic Trigger Robert A. Wilson – best book, fun read\r\n\nThe post Episode 44: Cults, Cognitive Liberty, and Changa with Sophia appeared first on The Stoned Ape Reports.\r\n

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Kate Kincaid, a Licenced Professional Counselor, who offers ketamine-assisted therapy as well as integration services. Kate shares her experiences with psychedelics, starting with the Zendo Project at Burning Man, as well as a psychedelic-like, near-death experience with childbirth. It’s all about non-ordinary states of consciousness! \r\n\n\n\n\nKate at Psychedelic.Support, MAPS.org, Tucson Counseling Associates \r\n\n\n\n\nWe discussed:\r\n\n\n\n\nPsychedelic-assisted therapy: what is it? What does it look like?Psychedelic integration, Group, Pre- and post-ritual counseling\r\nKetamine: bioavailability; nasal; sublingual; injection; \r\nKetamine assisted psychotherapy training \r\ngroup Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy\r\nMaps.org: “I believe that everyone has the answers to their problems within them and given an accepting and non-judgmental environment, they can gain the courage to remember their own inherent worth and wisdom. My approach is to address the core negative self-beliefs that adversely impact one’s choices and puts strain on your relationship with yourself and others.”\r\nDefault Mode Network; peace love and understanding; \r\n\r\nWhy psychedelics?Burning Man/Zendo\r\nLGBTQIA+ and psychedelics?\r\n\r\nDo people have breakthroughs w/o therapy?Connection to the undamaged core self\r\n\r\nYour own origin story…what brought you to psychedelics\r\nthe commercialization and medicalization of the fieldSynthetics\r\nCapitalism\r\n\r\nother non-ordinary states of consciousnessClick out of ordinary consciousness: meditation, breathwork, childbirth\r\nIna May Gaskin, midwife; brain waves; set and setting of childbirth\r\nChallenging delivery; everyone has three births – the one they plan; the actual birth; and the one they tell later\r\nNear-death; fire breathing; lost blood; in/out of consciousness\r\nHow close we are to death all the time\r\n\r\nKey to integration; make it real; turn the experience into real life, down to Earth; can take years, no hurry to integrate; using language too soon can limit it; use art or vision board; symbols and images instead of words; \r\nStigma\r\n\nThe post Episode 43: Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy and more with Kate Kincaid, LPC appeared first on The Stoned Ape Reports.\r\n

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Tara. Tara is a licensed professional counselor, who shared her Ayahuasca story of rebirth and finding joy within herself. And it wasn’t easy! … So…let’s hear from Tara.\r\n\n\n\n\nWe discussed:\r\n\n\n\n\nLicensed Professional Counselor\r\nAyahuasca\r\nDon’t have a ton of trauma but carry emotions, empathy\r\nDivorce; ended up in bad space\r\nNoticed a change in a depressed client – ayahuasca\r\nDid research\r\nTold parents, all-female yoga retreat\r\nWent to Soul Quest; brutal experience; everyone else had loving experience; got her ass kicked; last day, belly breathing; had a sudden rush of intense “joy”; felt like giving birth; kept breathing; saw it as mom giving birth to her; freedom from mother; \r\n“I don’t need anything outside myself.”\r\nYou have to do the work\r\nGot a download\r\nDad discovered her Ayahuasca trip; told him she wanted to come home and smoke a joint; he agreed\r\nRecommended to an integration coach; took time to break through rigid beliefs\r\nDon’t do so much research that it sets your expectations\r\nTerrifying/brutal experience; yage’ brew; male presence; metal box on the moon, represented weighing on her; mental prison; unforgiving; death and rebirth – hard night, next day rebirth;\r\nStart integration work before you start\r\nHelped her become a better therapist\r\nUnderstood the meaning of self-love; allow crappy feelings\r\nLearned to trust her own feelings in her work\r\nFelt braver to go deeper in session\r\nStarted attracting clients on her level, more in line with her beliefs;\r\nThe only regret is not doing it sooner\r\nAdvice: refer them to an integration coach; not a cure-all; have to deal with stuff; accountable; integration work is critical; \r\nStigma: too bad that basic self-care sounds “hippie-ish”\r\nNeed to be okay first before going out and helping others, writing books, etc.\r\nResearch the place!\r\n\nThe post Episode 42: An Ayahuasca Journey of Rebirth with Tara appeared first on The Stoned Ape Reports.\r\n

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Robin. It’s her second time on the podcast. She’s back to share this deep experience with transgenerational forgiveness, abuse, and grief…oh, and some mushrooms, too. We discussed: Last Time: PTSD, abuse, repressed memories, last journey (portals, overwhelming, physically, spiritually), jealousy, somatic, shadow work (Carl Jung), younger self in field of tall grass in white dresses, connected to younger self, then to the darkness; playlist was faint in the background, but triggered a shift in the journey; really started to feel love; memories of abuse surfaced; arts as integration tools; we are the medicine, ourselves; journaling led to having conversations with family; use the lesson, the vision as a tool; find the right person to integrate with, to share your space; do the prep work (therapy, openness) that helps the medicine take you where you need to go; open to medicine; integration afterwards; when we take these powerful, ancient medicines, it will open things up (drano), things were locked up will be freed; everything comes out and there’s no turning back, so be ready for it! — I forgot to mention that I’m happier and more free and not always stuck in fight flight and more present in my relationships! Oh well. Forgiveness: ability to feel compassion which leads to openness to experience joy and forgiveness Loss of beloved dog; called to mushrooms; 4.5g; good set & setting; music; water food; ritual/prayer over medicine Cried about her dog; playlist for him; felt vibration of sobbing all the way the center of the universe, fused together Others who had passed away showed up; fiance’; talked, laughed, cried; mushrooms dug up old grief;  Then, Spirit brought up her 6th sense; spirits took it in another direction; taken into childhood; whole room changed into a dark, scary place; veils being lifted, showed all of the childhood instances of abuse; got darker and darker, heavier and heavier; no more denying it; Heard a whisper, “Smoke and mirrors, smoke and mirrors.” Childhood cover-up;  Told the spirits she’d seen enough; told boyfriend the memories won’t stop; he said, let it keep coming; Forgiveness starts to happen; spirit showed her father’s childhood, grandfather, great-grandfather, all the way back to the holocaust. Generational trauma. His PTSD was generations in the making. Decided to turn on music; doesn’t normally use music; Om/Aum; shifted to Mom Part of her PTSD is dissociation; checking out; wondered why; Mom was the same way; “Smoke and mirrors” again; saw her lineage of trauma; taught to ignore her feelings, don’t stir the pot; keep status quo; gut feelings; mom’s eating disorder; own dissociation, eating disorder; back in generations to the holocaust Souls carrying transgenerational trauma Angry, just wanted to talk to my dog; felt run over by a truck Messaged a friend; her dog is the one who helped her heal the transgenerational trauma (10:00 remove the name) Lessons for others who are listening; likes to do it alone; PTSD, work with an integration specialist; the prep work is vital; the medicine knows your ready; large doses are not for everyone; set & setting: safe person nearby who understands that the hard part is necessary, don’t pull you out of it; clean out the wound; remember, as you walk through the shadow, the light is waiting on the other side; online integration services and trip sitters; be prepared; find a safe person to process with; be careful about sharing — it’s sacred; everyone handles sexual abuse different, all ways are okay;  Still deep grief but now with deep compassion; no more anxiety when calls them; own souls, own journey The post Episode 41: Grief, Abuse and Forgiveness with Robin appeared first on The Stoned Ape Reports.

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Guy Murray. Guy suffered from C-PTSD, complex PTSD, from trauma experienced in childhood and in war in Afghanistan. That led him to psilocybin and LSD for help. His story is an important one and is being told in the documentary, Breaking Through PTSD with Psychedelics… So…let’s hear from Guy. Breaking Through PTSD with Psychedelics: https://youtu.be/1xvdV01MsWI  (Trailer) Dr. Ben Sessa  We discussed: Breaking Through PTSD with Psychedelics – your story of using Psilocybin and Lsd to heal from C-PTSD, that had developed from childhood and later AfghanistanChildhood development of PTSD? Afghanistan? Joined the Army; sense of service It was shocking Ended up in the bloodiest toll in Afghanistan (1:4 in his position died) Feb 25th; fierce battle; watching; friends got ambushed; watched friend die;  Somatic injury Peter’s book “…Tiger” Stuck in stunned state for 2-3 hours Wanted to break down but friend stopped him from losing it His mates needed him on the battlefield Became dissociative Nine years lived with those terrors; ruminating; those memories were defining him Wanted to become an officer; did interview with the commanding officer; realized he needed to get out, not become an officer Got bad advice from a military therapist; told to just keep going and just figure it out Took an overdose of opioid; attempted suicide, moving away from life rather than towards death Left 3 months before end of duty; partied; skied; played the system; gone for 4 years with drink and drugs; drastic ups and downs Just couldn’t sit with pain It took a break-up to wake him up; saw TED talks other info on psilocybin and depression Started university Foraged for mushrooms in Scotland; Stamets Couldn’t find any in the forests; dejected; at work, the sun came out and shined on the mushrooms right where he worked For the next two months, walked in nature with mushrooms and a notebook Began to see his thoughts fueled the emotional turmoil; engaged with that side of himself Same old arguments with family brought him back down Knew he had to do the work; a friend had a method with LSD Biggest breakthrough in Barcelona; took 10 hours “I love you!” Unconditional, couldn’t accept it; thought it meant he was gay; fundamentally gay; figured out he can’t be loved by men, like his buddies in Afghanistan;  Sat next to a fire in a chapel, and it all broke free: “I never loved myself.” Always there for everyone else but never himself This happened 10 hours in, way past the peak We all have the power of God to love ourselves; the father, son, holy ghost in a non-religious way; breaking dawn within your heart Saw that suffering is a choice; purged, there went his trauma Life hasn’t been the same since How did you use Psilocybin and LSD to help yourself?Experiences? Lessons? Had support around him; counselors; therapists; trauma therapists; friends; social support;  Outcomes: how are things today? Other questions:Set/setting/dose/substance: social, have people around;  How to have an insightful experience Stigma?Comes from a place of not knowing Dad was a cop; Mom a teacher; very anti-drug; They want you to be in the image they created of you University not ready (yet) to start a psychedelic society Breaking Through PTSD with PsychedelicsDid a 1-Minute interview to get a part as an extra; the filmmaker saw it; invited him to interview BBC News (Breakfast News) picked it up Drug Science Keith Abraham, CEO of Heroic Hearts UK Putting pressure on gov’t to make changes What else? The post Episode 40: Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) Treatment with Psilocybin and LSD with Guy appeared first on The Stoned Ape Reports.