EducationSelf-ImprovementHealth & FitnessAlternative HealthSociety & Culture

Psychedelic Passage

The world is waking up to the profound healing power of psychedelics, but very few people understand how actually to use these medicines effectively. As a professional psychedelic guide and facilitator, Jimmy Nguyen has made it his mission to help others have intentional psychedelic experiences and positively influence the facilitation landscape. On this show, we’ll be providing tips, best practices, and answering common questions about safely using psychedelics for meaningful change.

Play

Open in

20 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 54 min
English

Episodes 20

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Thursday · 1 hr 32 min
Clinical Trials and a Complex Psychedelic Future w/ Dr. Alan Davis
In this Episode: Clinical research often excludes the diversity of everyday life, making real-world access to psychedelic therapy look very different than a trial setting. As Dr. Alan Davis highlights, thorough preparation and a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship are essential to preventing harm and fostering genuine healing. Key Takeaways: The Human Connection to Healing: Clinical trials often try to isolate a drug’s biological effect, but decades of psychotherapy research show that therapeutic alliance and thorough preparation are the primary drivers of positive outcomes. Clinical Trials Exclude Real-World Realities: Rigid screening criteria in research leave out the complex, diverse realities of everyday people, highlighting a need for naturalistic and community-based settings to understand how psychedelics work in practice. Internal Protection Isn’t Brokenness: Trauma-response mechanisms like dissociation or hypervigilance are protective strategies built for survival; healing requires a slow, gentle approach rather than trying to “demolish” one’s defensive structures overnight. Chapters: 00:00:00 Intro 00:08:00 Alan's Story 00:18:19 Clinical Trials 00:36:18 Dosages 00:41:39 Addiction, Safety, Healing 00:51:25 Treatment and Diversity 00:58:15 Gurus and the System 01:10:07 The Harm of Doing Good 01:25:57 Psychedelic Hopes and Dreams More From Our Guest: Follow Dr. Alan K. Davis on LinkedIn The Center for Psychology Drug Research and Education at the Ohio State University Read the companion article on our blog. This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. Our music is by Mic Coats. Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise. Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.
- Transcript
September 9 · 1 hr 3 min
Longevity Medicine and Psychedelics w/ Dr. Jordanna Quinn
Key Takeaways Preventing Post-Journey Crashes: Supplying the physical body with proper nourishment before and after psychedelic experiences help prevent post-journey depletion, ensures a smoother, more sustainable recovery. Trauma Impacts Physical Healing: In Dr. Quinn’s experience, physical treatments like stem cell therapy can plateau until underlying psychological trauma is addressed, proving how deeply emotional states influence bodily recovery. Healing & Personal Agency: Sustainable wellness relies on taking accountability, but that doesn’t mean you have to rely on yourself to heal. Professionals can give us tools to help shift our focus from an external fix to internal accountability. Chapters 00:00:00 - Intro 00:05:19 - The Physician’s Path 00:11:33 - Psychedelics in Practice 00:28:05 - Rethinking Healing Models 00:38:08 - Whole-Person Health 00:51:22 - Preparing the Body 00:58:16 - Root Cause Medicine Quinntessential Journey makes supplements designed to provide support before, during, and after your medicine journeys. Use code PASSAGE for 10% off your order at: https://quinntessentialjourney.com/aff/Psychedelic_Passage Dr. Jordanna Quinn is a board-certified physician and founder of Kore Regenerative Medicine in Golden, Colorado, where she practices at the intersection of regenerative, longevity, and psychedelic medicine. One of the early physicians in longevity medicine to focus on the connection between cellular and mental health, she treats the body as an interconnected system rather than a set of symptoms, a lens that shapes how she approaches psychedelics. Nearly two decades of work in human physiology and performance have shown her that the body one brings into an altered state matters as much as their mindset. She founded Quinntessential Journey to translate that physiology into practical, evidence-informed preparation for those experiences. Carrying a working physician's perspective into the field, her psychedelic work centers on the core pillar that physical readiness is a vital component of the medicine experience. Read the companion article at psychedelicpassage.com. More From Our Guest: You can find Dr. Quinn through Quinntessential Journey on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Kore Medicine This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. Our music is by Mic Coats. Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise. Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.
- Transcript
- Chapters
August 26 · 1 hr 14 min
Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness and Psychedelic Integration with Psychologist Nigel Denning
Nigel Denning joins us to talk about his work with altered states of consciousness, psychedelic-assisted therapy, and holotropic breathwork. In each of these cases, integration is an important part of the experience, and is an ongoing process with multiple aspects that can unfold over time. We also talk about the therapist’s role, including the need for presence, minimal intervention, and how to support people without imposing a fixed interpretation. Key Takeaways Nigel Denning is a counseling psychologist with nearly 40 years of experience in psychedelics, non-ordinary states of consciousness, and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Holotropic Breathwork: A method of entering altered states, developed from Stanislav Grof’s LSD psychotherapy work, that does not involve any substances at all, but uses accelerated breathing, music, and supportive bodywork. Integration of Non-Ordinary States: A triphasic model that involves first capturing the experience, then translating it into language and story, then finding meaning — which often happens over time, in tandem with traditional therapy. Chapters 00:00:00 - Podcast Opening and Guest Intro 00:05:15 - Nigel’s Psychedelic Beginnings 00:17:55 - What Is Holotropic Breathwork? 00:24:24 - The Symbolic Mind 00:30:56 - Rethinking Psychedelic Integration 00:53:00 - The Triphasic Integration Model 01:00:48 - Rapid-Fire Reflections 01:06:20 - Psychedelic Futures in Australia Read the companion article at psychedelicpassage.com. This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. Our music is by Mic Coats. Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise. Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.
- Transcript
August 12 · 35 min
Special Edition: Community Member Spotlight - Leah B
Welcome to our first Community Member Spotlight. In this premiere episode, you'll hear a conversation between Bree, our Community Steward, and Leah, a program participant and online community member. Leah shares some major transitions in her life. She worked as an ICU nurse for 15 years, and recently left that job to focus on homeschooling and raising her two sons. We talk about the emotional weight of these life changes, including grief, uncertainty, and a sense of rebirth. Leah reflects on motherhood as one of the hardest things she has ever done, and says her children have influenced her to want to become better for herself and for them. Leah had been curious about psychedelics. After researching meditation, and reading Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind, she eventually scheduled a ceremony with Psychedelic Passage. We discuss how psychedelic experiences have influenced her decision-making, what she's learned on her journey so far, and how it's shaping her outlook going forward. Support from facilitators, the community, her therapist, and her family have all been crucial in her growth and healing. Leah also talks about how important integration is, and how her work still continues, long after her ceremonies. Key Takeaways Psychedelics act as a catalyst for change, not a magic bullet: Long-term transformation requires moving beyond a “pop a pill” mindset to view the medicine as sacred, and healing as an ongoing, multi-faceted process. Support systems and alignment are crucial: Navigating deep inner work effectively relies on finding the right fit in facilitators, securing a supportive network (such as a partner, community, or therapist), and feeling safe enough to be fully vulnerable. Integration is an ongoing, lifelong process: Realizing the benefits of a journey unfolds gradually over months or years, often showing up as subtle shifts in self-talk, personal values, identity, and relational patterns rather than immediate overnight fixes. Chapters 00:00:00 New Beginnings and Spotlight 00:02:50 Grief and Rebirth 00:04:40 Leaving Nursing Behind 00:09:28 The Call to Psychedelics 00:12:49 First Ceremony Experience 00:14:57 Medicine Feels Sacred 00:19:02 Healing Through Integration 00:23:37 Exploring Other Medicines 00:25:30 Community and Support 00:31:19 Gratitude for the Journey Read the companion article at psychedelicpassage.com. This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. Our music is by Mic Coats. Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise. Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.
- Transcript
- Chapters
July 29 · 1 hr 11 min
The Power of Story, Myth, and Belief w/ John O'Connor
In A Short, Strange Trip, author John O’Connor explores the mystical legacy of Terence McKenna to look beyond the "cheerleaderism" of the modern psychedelic renaissance. By journeying from the Amazon to American subcultures, O’Connor reveals how raw curiosity cultivates the deep connection and community necessary for true human understanding. Key Takeaways Psychedelic therapy is not a standalone solution: Based on his father's experience, O'Connor emphasizes that psychedelic interventions require deliberate preparation and integration to work, warning against the uncritical "cheerleaderism" prevalent in mainstream media. Terence McKenna laid the groundwork for the modern psychedelic renaissance: O'Connor's book, A Short, Strange Trip, chronicles McKenna’s 1971 expedition to the Colombian Amazon, framing him as a foundational yet frequently overlooked figure in psychedelic history. Field-based journalism bridges cultural divides: By directly engaging with subcultures like from Bigfoot researchers to Indigenous leaders in the Amazon, O'Connor proves how immersive, genuine reporting fosters connection and nuanced understanding across the many subcultures of humanity. More From Our Guest John O’Connor's website: https://www.johnmoconnor.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerforhighenergymetaphysics Find his book, A Short, Strange Trip, on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or bookshop.org Chapters 00:00:00 Intro and Guest Introduction 00:05:18 From Travel Writing to Bigfoot 00:08:53 Belief, Myths, and Psychedelics 00:19:21 Bigfoot, Wilderness, and Longing 00:29:05 McKenna’s Amazon Journey 00:36:43 Discovering Terrence McKenna 00:40:59 A Father’s Search for Healing 00:50:06 La Chorrera in Person 00:59:53 Journalism, Responsibility, and Community 01:05:32 Psychedelic Futures and Regulation Read the companion article at psychedelicpassage.com. This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. Our music is by Mic Coats. Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise. Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.
- Transcript
- Chapters
July 8 · 1 hr 13 min
Exploring Medicinal Mindfulness w/ Daniel McQueen
Daniel McQueen utilizes mindfulness-enhanced psychedelic therapy and multimodal, multi-substance programs to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed healing and advanced spiritual exploration. Through his innovative work with psychedelic cannabis blends and extended-state DMTx journeys, McQueen emphasizes safety, client autonomy, and deeply ethical facilitation practices, while keeping a healthy curiosity of psychedelic medicine and what it can achieve. Key Takeaways Psychedelic Cannabis is a Distinct Modality: By intuitively blending full-spectrum sativa, indica, and hybrid strains, Daniel McQueen developed a somatic, trauma-informed practice that induces a waking, dream-like state capable of psychedelic visuals with client autonomy fully intact. DMTx Extends the Psychedelic Journey: To overcome the brief 5-to-15-minute window of standard DMT, McQueen pioneered "DMTx," a multi-hour experience utilizing an infusion pump method that allows journeyers to ground into and explore the space over an extended period. The Foundation of Deep Healing is Skill and Ethics: Daniel believes that deep healing relies heavily on the "Set, Setting, and Skill" framework—where established everyday mindfulness practices enhance a client's ability to surrender to the experience. This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. Our music is by Mic Coats. Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise. Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.
- Transcript
June 24 · 43 min
Mushroom Mycology for Health and Wellness with Jeff Chilton Pt. 2
This is Part 2 of Jimmy's conversation with Jeff Chilton. If you haven't already listened to Part 1, we recommend you check that out first. Jeff Chilton is an unsung hero of the mycology world whose decades of expertise in mushroom cultivation have helped expose the mislabeling and economic adulteration rampant in the modern supplement industry. Ultimately, his life's work and research all point to one simple piece of advice: reconnect with nature and eat mushrooms. Key Takeaways Pioneering Mushroom Cultivation: Jeff Chilton fundamentally shaped the modern mushroom industry by co-authoring the definitive 1983 guide The Mushroom Cultivator, launching Nammex to introduce organic functional mushrooms to the US, and securing a landmark Health Canada permit to research and standardize 20 different Psilocybe species. The Fight Against Mislabeling: Chilton actively campaigns against "economic adulteration" in the supplement industry, using rigorous scientific testing to expose companies selling myceliated grain products (which are mostly starch) under the guise of true mushroom products. Prioritizing Nature Over Medicalization: Believing that healing stems from natural connection rather than synthesized or heavily commercialized products, Chilton advocates for full-spectrum mushrooms and the profound, grounding "ecstatic experiences" that come from reconnecting with nature. Learn More: nammex.com realmushrooms.com This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. Our music is by Mic Coats. Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise. Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.
- Transcript
June 11 · 47 min
Mushroom Mycology for Health and Wellness with Jeff Chilton Pt. 1
This is Part 1 of Jimmy's conversation with Jeff Chilton. Jeff Chilton is an unsung hero of the mycology world whose decades of expertise in mushroom cultivation have helped expose the mislabeling and economic adulteration rampant in the modern supplement industry. Ultimately, his life's work and research all point to one simple piece of advice: reconnect with nature and eat mushrooms. Key Takeaways Pioneering Mushroom Cultivation: Jeff Chilton fundamentally shaped the modern mushroom industry by co-authoring the definitive 1983 guide The Mushroom Cultivator, launching Nammex to introduce organic functional mushrooms to the US, and securing a landmark Health Canada permit to research and standardize 20 different Psilocybe species. The Fight Against Mislabeling: Chilton actively campaigns against "economic adulteration" in the supplement industry, using rigorous scientific testing to expose companies selling myceliated grain products (which are mostly starch) under the guise of true mushroom products. Prioritizing Nature Over Medicalization: Believing that healing stems from natural connection rather than synthesized or heavily commercialized products, Chilton advocates for full-spectrum mushrooms and the profound, grounding "ecstatic experiences" that come from reconnecting with nature. Learn More: nammex.com realmushrooms.com This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. Our music is by Mic Coats. Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise. Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.
- Transcript
May 20 · 42 min
Mushrooms, Cannabis, and Living Authentically with Nancy Rassbach
Jimmy welcomes Nancy Rassbach, a long-time member of the Psychedelic Passage community. Now in her eighties, she talks about her journey through altered states of consciousness, and how she’s finally come to know the best version of herself. Key Takeaways Integration is a Long-Term Commitment: Nancy’s profound transformation didn’t happen overnight from her initial psilocybin macrodoses; rather, her macrodoses laid the groundwork and her healing was sustained by five years of disciplined, routine inner work and therapeutic support. Cannabis May Be A Helpful Integration Tool: By leveraging an intentional 10mg THC routine twice a week, Nancy discovered that “stoned journaling” and meditation could reliably replicate the conducive, reflective states of a psychedelic experience in a highly controllable container. The Power of the Biphasic Experience: Nancy’s routine masterfully mirrors the natural flow of cannabis by using the initial phase of racing thoughts to clear her mind via journaling, followed by the secondary phase of physical calm to transition into deep meditation. This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. Our music is by Mic Coats. Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise. Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.
- Transcript
May 4 · 1 hr 26 min
Drug Reform and Executive Orders with Jason Ortiz
Key Takeaways The Power of Local Action: Meaningful change often begins at the municipal level through grassroots organizing, with the possibility to connect with likeminded individuals across the country and grow to a national scale. Medicalization vs. Legalization: Recent executive orders favor a “capitalistic” model of progress, prioritizing patented, pharmaceutical versions of substances while often leaving natural plants and the communities most impacted by the War on Drugs behind. The “People-to-Law Pipeline”: To ensure that new policies actually meet community needs, advocates must move from simply “asking for a seat at the table” to actively drafting their own legislation and building coalitions that force political incorporation. Psychedelic Passage: Your Psychedelic Concierge — The easy, legal way to find trustworthy psilocybin guides, facilitators, and psychedelic-assisted therapy near you in the United States. A community organizer by trade, Jason Ortiz is the Director of Strategic Initiatives for The Last Prisoner Project, focusing on policy and advocacy for incarcerated individuals affected by drug laws. He is currently focused on cannabis legalization at the federal level through the Cannabis Unity Coalition, the nation’s largest cannabis advocacy coalition. He also serves as the Vice President of the Latino Cannabis Alliance and as the Chair of the Policy Committee of the Puerto Rican Psychedelic Collective. A cannabis justice advocate since he was arrested for smoking on the way to school at age 16, Jason co-founded the Minority Cannabis Business Association and helped draft Connecticut’s 2021 cannabis equity framework. He is the former Executive Director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy, where he trained students to combat the war on drugs, and has served as the Policy Director for Connecticut for Accessible Psychedelic Medicine and as President of the Connecticut Puerto Rican Agenda, where he mobilized support for Puerto Rico’s independence. Ever get frustrated by your Governor or local government, or feel like your voice isn’t heard? Or maybe you don’t feel represented by the politicians around you. Don’t you wish you could call up the president and tell him what he’s doing wrong? Well, Jason Ortiz is the person you want to know. He forces politicians to do things they don’t want to do. Believe it or not, politicians get away with what we let them, and it may feel like we don’t have a voice, but we very much do. Jason wears many hats, and while we won’t get to learn about them all today, we’ll instead get to focus on the actionable side of government: the intergenerationality of politics and advocacy, the political machine at work, how ideas become reality, and what that process looks like. Learn from a true agent of change about what you can do to make the world a better place, because it’s true: the power is with the people. By discussing the ins and outs of drug policy and the recent executive orders on cannabis and psychedelics, we hope to help folks find their own path to how to get involved in their communities to change their governments and their laws. More From Our Guest: Last Prisoner Project: lastprisonerproject.org Latino Cannabis Alliance: latinocannabisalliance.org Jason Ortiz on Instagram: instagram.com/jasonjortiz This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. Our music is by Mic Coats. Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise. Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.
- Transcript
April 22 · 48 min
Why Psychedelic Healing is Nonlinear
Intentional psychedelic healing is a cyclical process that forgoes linear progress in favor of an upward spiral, where minute changes in perspective can build up to deep transformation. By embracing the natural highs and lows of the overall journey, individuals can move beyond simple symptom relief toward building a resilient, self-sustaining internal ecosystem. Key Takeaways Beware the "Optimization" trap. True self-actualization isn't about becoming a "perfect" or "optimized" future version of yourself; it’s about stripping away layers to become the real you, measuring success by fulfillment not “leveling up.” Healing is cyclical, not linear. Progress often involves revisiting the same emotional material multiple times. However, each "loop" offers a slightly different perspective, allowing you to transform old baggage into usable wisdom through minute changes in your relationship with the content. The goal is "Living Pond" resilience. Rather than relying on constant external fixes (like a chlorinated pool), the objective is to build a self-sufficient internal ecosystem. This means developing the skills to navigate the natural highs and lows of life with your own internal tools and values. This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. Our music is by Mic Coats. Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise. Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.
- Transcript
March 25 · 48 min
Psilocybin and Nausea
Nausea is a common side effect when ingesting psilocybin mushrooms, usually most pronounced during the “come up” and typically leveling out for the remainder of the trip, although the extent and duration of nausea can vary greatly among individuals. Today, we’ll look at a few different perspectives on why nausea can happen, as well as some tips for avoiding it. We’ll also share how nausea played an integral part in one client’s intentional psychedelic experience, so tune in for a comprehensive conversation surrounding nausea and psilocybin! Key Takeaways Diverse Biological Triggers: Nausea is primarily caused by the interaction of fungal compounds (like indigestible chitin, tannins, and beta-glucans) with the human body, as well as the activation of 5-HT2A and 5-HT3 receptors in the gut. Physiological vs. Psychospiritual Lenses: Identifying the specific causes of discomfort is essential for choosing the right approach; symptoms may stem from physical digestion or from "somatic resistance" and emotional baggage. Strategic Remedies: Depending on the trigger, the transition can be managed through remedies like lemon tekking and dietary preparation, or by intentionally "leaning in" to the experience as a beneficial psychospiritual purge. This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. Our music is by Mic Coats. Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise. Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.
- Transcript
March 11 · 36 min
The Mushroom vs Myceliated Grain Debate of Functional Mushroom Products with Louis Giller of North Spore
Jimmy welcomes Louis Giller, North Spore’s community education lead. In part two of this two-part discussion, they discuss the ongoing debate between the use of fruiting body versus myceliated grain, highlighting a critical need for transparency and more rigorous research within the functional mushroom industry. By understanding how these products are cultivated and labeled, consumers can better advocate for honest standards and ensure they are receiving the medicinal compounds they expect. Key Takeaways The Transparency Gap: The core issue isn't that myceliated grain is "bad," but that it is often hidden. True industry transparency means clearly labeling the ratios of mycelium to fruiting bodies so consumers can make informed choices about the potency they are paying for. The Power of Synergy: Functional mushrooms and psychedelics can work in tandem; for example, the "Stamets Stack" uses Lion’s Mane and psilocybin together to potentially catalyze neuroplasticity and nerve growth more effectively than either could alone. A Growing Industry Standard: Through coalitions like the Functional Mushroom Council, the industry is moving toward a standard of "radical transparency," aiming for clear labeling of beta-glucan content and standardized testing protocols. This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. Our music is by Mic Coats. Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise. Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.
- Transcript
February 25 · 47 min
Everything You Need to Know About Functional Mushrooms with Louis Giller of North Spore
Part 1 of 2 Jimmy welcomes Louis Giller, North Spore’s community education lead. In part one of this two-part discussion, they dig into the many facets of mushrooms in our lives—from environmental remediation to cultural practices, and even their role in the ecosystem as decomposers. Louis and Jimmy unpack some of the benefits of functional mushrooms, particularly for anyone on a healing journey. They explore some of the ways mushrooms may interact with the body and gut microbiome, as well as some of the specific effects you may experience with different mushroom species, and highlight the importance of individual experimentation. By exploring the diverse types of fungi—from saprotrophs to mycorrhizal networks—we can better utilize their unique biological compounds to support human health. These functional mushrooms can offer extensive benefits, ranging from enhanced mitochondrial energy and cognitive support to systemic immune modulation. Key Takeaways Biological Recyclers: Fungi belong to a unique kingdom of “decomposers” that bridge the worlds of the living and the dead, utilizing mycelial networks to recycle nutrients and maintain global ecosystems. Systemic Health Benefits: Functional species like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps provide a “hidden pharmacy” of compounds—including beta-glucans, triterpenes, and ergothioneine—that support cognitive function, immune resilience, and cellular energy. Untapped Potential: While Eastern cultures have revered mushrooms for millennia, Western science is only just beginning to map the full chemical profiles of both functional and psychedelic species, revealing a vast array of secondary metabolites with untapped therapeutic potential. This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. Our music is by Mic Coats. Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise. Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.
- Transcript
February 12 · 49 min
My Plant Medicine Experience in Brazil
This article explores the transformative clash between Western perspectives and Indigenous wisdom during a week-long plant medicine immersion in Brazil. Through various community-led traditions and the ceremony experience, we learn how sacred traditions can bridge cultural divides and foster collective healing. Key Takeaways The Power of Community: The journey highlights how shared ceremony and collective support can create a Utopia, allowing diverse backgrounds to align through wholehearted acceptance and mutual service. Healing Through Discomfort: Rather than simply seeking to "feel better," the experience emphasizes the importance of "composting" suffering—transforming personal and societal challenges into vital growth for the self and the community. Bridging Cultural Clashes: The indigenous-led wisdom of groups like the Huni Kuin and Tukano demonstrate how the clash between ancient traditions and modern Western views can create a balanced path toward global healing and resistance. This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. Our music is by Mic Coats. Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise. Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.
- Transcript
January 28 · 40 min
Common Sensations Before a Macrodose
To prepare for a macrodose, one must navigate the physical, mental, and emotional shifts that occur as the nervous system and ego react to impending change. By utilizing mindfulness and compassionate self-inquiry, one can transform pre-journey anxiety into a grounded state of readiness. Key Takeaways Preparation is Part of the Ceremony: The experience begins the moment you commit to it. Physical symptoms like restless sleep, a shifting "dreamscape," and a heightened nervous system are not distractions; they are normal reactions to the mystery that is a “macrodose,” signaling that your body is already starting the work of alignment. Expect the Ego to Push Back: As you approach a macrodose, the ego often senses a threat to its status quo, frequently manifesting as loud mental chatter or a sudden amplification of negative self-narratives. Recognize these mental "noises" as automatic survival mechanisms rather than absolute truths. Cultivate "Wiggle Room" Through Practice: Use mindfulness tools like breathwork and journaling to create distance between yourself and your sensations. The goal isn't to eliminate pre-trip anxiety, but to practice moving from a state of dysregulation back to calm, proving to yourself that you can hold both fear and readiness at once. This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. Our music is by Mic Coats. Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise. Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.
- Transcript
January 14 · 44 min
Setting Intentions for a Psychedelic Experience
As we kick off 2026, we’re exploring the power of setting intentions, and why they’re essential for any transformative journey. By providing a focal point, a clear intention helps you sort through the noise to find the insights most relevant to your growth. It also serves as an emotional "home" to return to, ensuring that you’re actively navigating your subconscious, and not just drifting. Key Takeaways Focus on the "Why" over the "What": An intention isn’t a rigid destination or a list of goals; it’s the emotional fuel behind your journey. By honing in on your "why,” you create a sturdy foundation for challenging experiences. Practice Distillation for Clarity: Boil your intentions down to one or two core themes or a single word, making it easier to recall and use as a grounding tool during an altered state of consciousness. Bridge the Gap with Emotional Targets: True healing is felt in the body, not just in the mind. To ensure your intentions are actionable, identify your specific "emotional markers" of success so you can recognize when you’re moving toward your purpose. This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. Our music is by Mic Coats. Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise. Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.
- Transcript
Dec 17, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
Psychedelics & Living Your Truth with Dr. Michael Sapiro
Jimmy shares an in-depth conversation with Dr. Michael Sapiro, whose unique approach to psychedelic psychotherapy emphasizes the courage needed to align with one's authentic self. His clinical work extends specialized support to veterans and first responders, healing those who run toward, rather than away from, trauma. Key Takeaways Trauma and Truth: Dr. Sapiro's holistic approach to is founded on a convergence of generational trauma, early psychedelic experiences, and the structural discipline of Buddhism. Active vs. Passive Facilitation: He advocates for active psychotherapy during altered states, viewing it as "practice rounds" of positive change when the ego is subdued—but it must be done with extreme care. Healing the Caregivers: Veterans and first responders experience unique trauma exposure, and those who protect others also need to care for themselves. About Our Guest Michael Ryoshin Sapiro, PsyD, is an ordained Zen Buddhist monk, poet, clinical psychologist, psychedelic psychotherapist, researcher and meditation teacher, he’s also the author of Truth Medicine: Healing and Living Authentically through Psychedelic Psychotherapy. Dr. Michael Sapiro’s website His book & audiobook: Truth Medicine: Healing and Living Authentically through Psychedelic Psychotherapy Shift Network Course: A 7-week course on how to enact lasting change and live your truth “Malcom and the Monk” podcast coming out Jan 2026 by VETS This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. Our music is by Mic Coats. Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise. Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.
- Transcript
Dec 4, 2025 · 39 min
Rediscovering Joy & Contentment
People often ask: can psychedelics help me to be happier? This might seem like a straightforward question, but first, we should define what we mean by “happiness.” To better investigate the question, we’ll explore two specific types of happy feelings: joy and contentment. We’ll define the differences between them, look into the ways they’re interconnected, and explore the nuances of how we identify, define, and value our positive emotions. In today’s communities and societies, it can feel like we’re losing touch with our joy and contentment, and we may even question our ability to foster these feelings. So let’s dig into some of the ways that intentional psychedelic use can help us to rediscover the capacities we each hold within ourselves to find, create, and hold on to more joy and contentment in our lives. Key Takeaways Safety Precedes Joy: Like Maslow postulated, the ability to experience joy is contingent upon our basic needs being met, like food, shelter, and a sense of security. The Contentment Trap of Comparison: Modern American society fosters a paralyzed, lonely existence by leveraging Social Comparison Theory. This environment constantly directs finite attention toward what is missing and unrealistic goals, like the edited lives seen on social media. Psychedelics Model Emotional Navigation: The process of navigating a psychedelic experience serves as a practical model for life. It requires the cultivation of three critical skills for maintaining contentment amidst difficulty: courage to explore hard aspects, establishing a seat of safety, and accepting that everything is temporary. This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. Our music is by Mic Coats. Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise. Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.
- Transcript
Nov 19, 2025 · 34 min
Can Psychedelics Lead to Death Positivity?
The growing death positivity movement encourages open discussion about mortality, challenging the societal tendency to avoid or glorify death, which prevents us from living a richer life. Groundbreaking research on psychedelics like DMT shows that they can therapeutically mimic Near-Death Experiences, offering a pathway to confront the fear of death and gain clarity on priorities, bridging the gap between our personal mortality and diverse cultural practices of honoring the dead. We stand in solidarity for anyone with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, each and everyone of us have our own battle with mental health and we fully stand with anyone dealing with death in a negative way themselves right now. Suicide & Crisis Hotline: 9-8-8 https://988lifeline.org/ When we talk about death positivity, we aren’t celebrating death, we aren’t promoting death or suicide. We’re here to discuss the nature of the personal relationship with your own death, something that all of us grapple with, and how psychedelics can be a part of that process. While many cultures integrate elaborate rituals to honor the dead, we often neglect engaging with our own mortality, despite its profound influence on life choices and legacy building. Research demonstrates that high-intensity psychedelic experiences, particularly with DMT, can therapeutically mimic Near-Death Experiences (NDEs), leading to feelings of euphoria and the dissolution of the fear of death. These "virtual death" experiences can function as powerful catalysts for psychological rebirth and transformation. By facing death, rather than avoiding it, we can gain clarity on our priorities, as exemplified by the exercise of setting a "last week alive" alarm. Ultimately, the concept of Memento Mori reminds us that accepting our own finality is the key to creating a richer, more meaningful life. Key Takeaways Death Positivity Can be Life Affirming: Consciously engaging with and accepting the reality of our own death (as opposed to avoiding it) is essential for living a more intentional, meaningful, and richer life. Psychedelics Mimic NDEs: Psychedelic experiences and Near-Death Experiences alike can often lead to the dissolution of the fear of death and feelings of psychological rebirth. Cultural Distance Shields Us From Death: Modern Western society employs structures (like immediate removal of bodies by first responders) that distance us from death, contrasting with more intricate, communal death rituals found in other cultures (like in Vietnam). This podcast is edited by Chad Eschman. Our music is by Mic Coats. Psychedelic Passage is your partner in safe, supported, and effective psychedelic journeys. As the first concierge service in the U.S., we connect you with vetted facilitators who value integrity and expertise. Start your free Match Making Process, join our Online Learning Community, and explore a range of educational articles at psychedelicpassage.com.
- Transcript

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes