Psychedelic Stories

Kat Draconis grew up in a religious household as one of five children. She did well in school and lived her faith, as expected by her parents. Kat and I met after she finished her sophomore year of college, just as I returned home from my church mission. We fell in love and married quickly. Several days after graduating college, Kat gave birth to our oldest child and we settled into family life. Kat describes her experience stepping away from her religion and shares the details of several psychedelic experiences in which she witnessed the awakening of an inner sexual dragon, encountered her father in a dark setting, and relived the death of our toddler son. She also shares an experience in which she died and was reborn as a phoenix. ResourcesShare Your StoryBy clicking on the "Share Your Story" link above, you'll be taken to a web browser on the device you're listening from, where you can "call in" and leave a voice message. I'd love to hear about your psychedelic experiences, but you're welcome to call in and just say hi. You're also welcome to use a pseudonym. You'll receive an email notification once I've had a chance to listen and respond. Make sure to keep an eye on your junk mail just in case my response isn't delivered to your inbox. I'm testing this feature out for the first time and I'm not certain how many callers we'll get, so I ask for your patience as I work through the messages I've received. Thank you for listening to Psychedelic Stories. I look forward to hearing your story!

Clint Kyles was born and raised in southwest Arkansas, where he lives to this day. Clint comes from a hard-working, blue-collar Christian family. Growing up, he attended a small congregational Baptist church every week, whether he wanted to or not.As a teenager, Clint began experimenting with alcohol and then cannabis. When Clint and his friends became interested in trying mushrooms, one of his friends ordered a mushroom identification book through an interlibrary loan to help them find some mushrooms in the area. In Clint's first mushroom experience, he was able to step outside his ego and observe his shy and introverted nature. The experience served as a turning point in his life and Clint began working to improve his social skills.Clint's mushroom experience also showed him the universe was far larger than he could have imagined. He found himself thirsting for a knowledge of God and he began studying the Bible with sincerity. Clint began dating his now wife the day he graduated high school and he set aside psychedelics for many years as he focused on his career and raising his family.Clint's interest in psychedelics was renewed in recent years after beginning to listen to podcasts on the subject. Clint describes a more recent psilocybin experience in which he was transported to a void and received an important personal message from God through angels.Clint is the host of The Psychedelic Christian Podcast, where he interviews guests about their personal experiences with psychedelics, many of which have been positive and spiritual in nature, while others highlight the risks associated with the use of psychedelics.Links:The Psychedelic Christian Podcast

Avi Wijaya was born into a conservative Muslim family in Indonesia. Avi's father worked as a government official, providing economic security for their family. Avi began attending a Catholic university at the age of 16. His school had a culture of open debate about topics like the economy, social issues, and even religion. Avi became agnostic and eventually atheist.Avi and his wife married just before the lockdowns in 2020 and experienced a devastating miscarriage in 2021. Around the same time, Avi had a number of paranormal experiences that caused him concern. His Muslim friends advised him to read the Qur'an and pray. A Buddhist friend also suggested he begin a meditation practice. Avi tried both and he had a number of interesting experiences while meditating. Avi began reading about things like near-death experiences and eventually came across the ayahuasca subreddit. He then arranged to participate in an ayahuasca ceremony while visiting family in The Netherlands, despite his family's concerns.During his ayahuasca experience, Avi was transported to other realms where he embarked on a cosmic journey, interacting with entities and deceased loved ones, learning valuable lessons he took back with him to Indonesia.

One summer while Todd Hill was home from college, he answered his parent's front door to find police officers. They let Todd know he was under arrest for sexual assault. Todd was in shock, wracking his brain, trying to think of who could have accused him of sexual assault. Todd's family bailed him out of jail, but he faced an 18-month-long legal battle to prove his innocence. Todd's innocence was proven and the charges were dropped, but the experience sewed seeds of anger deep inside him. Todd married young and began drinking while he was in the military after college. In his late twenties, he began drinking heavily and by the end of his first marriage, he was an alcoholic.Todd has had a love of airplanes and flying his entire life and works as a pilot for a major airline. His current wife introduced him to psychedelics while they were dating and Todd describes one occasion where he combined mushrooms, breathwork, and ketosis, resulting in a powerful experience that caused him to reevaluate his relationship with alcohol and make positive life changes. We also discuss Todd's experiences with practices like lucid dreaming and his use of LSD, cannabis, and MDMA and their impact on his life.Episode Links:Be Here NowA book by Ram DassMiracle of LoveA book by Ram DassLucid Dreaming Made EasyA book by Charlie MorleyWim Hof YouTube ChannelWim Hof's guided breathwork videos

Sarah Maxfield grew up in the 1970s and had some psychedelic experiences as a teenager that were recreational in nature. Her parents were loving but married young and dealt with their own challenges, making it difficult for them to be emotionally available for her as a child. Sarah spent decades in therapy but continued to experience anxiety and depression. She began learning about trauma where she gained an interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Sarah began ketamine-assisted therapy where she recognized how much fear had been a limiting force in her life. Recently, Sarah also participated in a psilocybin-assisted therapy session where she felt a connection to her ancestors and experienced a spiritual rebirth. Psychedelics haven't been a magic bullet for Sarah but they have allowed her to make positive life changes, releasing her from the depression and fear that held her back for so long.Links:The Body Keeps the ScoreA book by Bessel van der KolkComplex PTSDA book by Pete WalkerNo Bad PartsA book by Richard Schwartz

In my first solo episode, I describe a recent five-gram golden teacher mushroom trip of mine prior to undergoing spine fusion surgery. I felt both intense anger and intense love during the experience. I also discuss some of my bad experiences with Ambien, both in my past and during my recent post-surgery hospital stay.

Robert Stark is an author and lifelong Alaskan. As a boy, his mother became friends with a group of psychics and healers. Robert and his brother attended psychic workshops with their mother, where his brother displayed natural psychic abilities, until one reading predicted a tragic event, upsetting his mother, and ending their relationship with the psychic community.As a teenager, Robert moved to a small town where he struggled with addictions he developed. Immediately after high school, he joined the United States Army and parachuted into Iraq in March of 2003, during the U.S. invasion. Robert discusses the realities of war he documented in his book Warflower, including the recurring nightmares he had long after returning from Iraq. He shares how different psychedelic substances have affected him, whether it be in the form of addiction, tapping into creative abilities, or connecting with loved ones.Robert and his wife Savanna live off-grid on a homestead in Happy Valley, Alaska, where they own a farm and are raising their family.The purpose of the podcast is to entertain and educate. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.Links:Secret Garden AlaskaSecret Garden Alaska is Robert and Savanna's website where you can purchase Robert's book Warflower, Savanna's handmade jewelry, products from their farm, and follow their blog.The Stark family loves handwritten letters. You can send Robert a letter or contact him on one of his social media accounts listed below:Robert StarkPO BOX 986Anchor Point, AK 99556Robert's FacebookRobert's Instagram

Sabba Nazhand was born in Tehran, Iran in the middle of the Iran-Iraq War. His mother delivered him two months early and the family doctor advised he needed a blood transfusion. Sabba's father had to say goodbye to Sabba's mother and sister and drive Sabba across the country for the blood transfusion that saved his life.Sabba's family eventually fled from Iran to Greece, where they were able to get sponsorship from a Christian community that helped them immigrate to the United States. Sabba describes his upbringing in an immigrant family and how his interest in psychedelics developed. He shares several experiences, including one in which he took three successive hits of 5-MeO-DMT, blasting him into the universe, shattered into a billion pieces, where he watched the creation of the universe, leaving him forever changed. Sabba's psychedelic experiences motivated him to take his professional experience in the software industry to the psychedelic space, where he advises early-stage companies. Sabba is the Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at Mission Club, an education and investment platform in the psychedelic ecosystem. He is also a business advisor and founding member of Retreat-Microdose, a platform providing content, community, connection, and coaching. He's also a Go-to-Market advisor for Wavepaths, a tool that facilitates live, personalized music experiences for therapeutic and personal use. I've included links to these companies in the show notes if you're interested in learning more.The purpose of the podcast is to entertain and educate. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.Links:WavepathsWavepaths is a tool that facilitates live, unique, personalized music experiences for therapeutic and personal use.​Retreat MicrodoseRetreat is a microdosing platform providing content, community, connection, and coaching to psychedelic newcomers.

Savanna Stark grew up in a devout Catholic home, where her family sat in the front row at church each week. However, her parents divorced when she was a teen, often using her and her sisters to get back at each other. When she turned 18, Savanna smoked weed, ate mushrooms, and drank alcohol all in one night. Savanna pushed the idea of God away and started drinking heavily. She eventually got sober, started doing yoga, and began studying spirituality and metaphysics.One of the metaphysics schools Savanna was using for her studies was looking for volunteers in South America. She applied with them to be a yoga teacher and let them know she would get enough hours to become certified. They let her know she didn't even need to be certified because it was in a foreign country.Before leaving for South America, Savanna learned about ayahuasca and watched a documentary about DMT. She wondered if she might meet someone she could have an ayahuasca experience with while on her trip. When she arrived at the retreat center, her journey took an unexpected twist. Savanna describes the numerous ayahuasca and San Pedro ceremonies she participated in during her time in South America, and the lessons she brought home with her.The purpose of the podcast is to entertain and educate. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.

Jason Bishop began questioning his religious beliefs after his sister passed away. He eventually left religion and became a hardcore atheist for a time. Jason's curiosity about the nature of the universe, reality, and consciousness led him to consume numerous books, podcasts, and YouTube videos in his quest for answers. His research led him to seek out experiences with psychedelic substances. He's had experiences with marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms. Jason describes how under the influence of psilocybin, he experienced the oneness with the universe he learned about in his research.The purpose of the podcast is to entertain and educate. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.

Tanya Forest had never used psychedelics but her daughter urged her to try after she had a meaningful experience with a mushroom guide. Before long, Tanya found herself driving down a dirt road on a farm property in the forest to meet the same guide her daughter worked with. That evening, Tanya began her own life-changing psilocybin journey.As the mushrooms took effect, Tanya found herself experiencing things she had never contemplated before. Her experience included aliens, Egyptian hieroglyphs, celestial beings, and connections with her indigenous ancestors. Tanya's experience has had a lasting impact in her life and she is pursuing a career as a psychedelic guide herself.The purpose of the podcast is to entertain and educate. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.

After watching his father drink too much and seeing how it impacted his family, Dallas Jones didn't want anything to do with any kind of substance. Things changed when he got to college and his friend Ryan convinced him to smoke weed for the first time. After a pleasant cannabis experience, Dallas's perspective on substances changed, but it wasn't until several years later that he had a deep psychedelic experience. Dallas had always felt stress about understanding the purpose of life and he had a fear of death. During a ketamine experience with a group of friends, Dallas was confronted by the Goddess of Death who helped him understand that he no longer needed to fear death. After that experience, Dallas spoke with his friends and found that elements of each of their experiences were shared among them.The purpose of the podcast is to entertain and educate. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.

Danielle Heap has struggled with depression since she was young. About eight years ago she was misdiagnosed as bipolar. Six years ago, her diagnosis was changed to a borderline personality with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Even with a combination of medications including anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, and anti-psychotics, Danielle's emotions were volatile and could change in a matter of hours. On top of that, Danielle experienced postpartum depression after the birth of her son.Danielle sought out ketamine therapy to see if it could help with her depression. Initially, she used a nasal spray and then received ketamine infusions. On ketamine, Danielle stepped outside of linear time and viewed her life experiences from a different perspective. All rumination ceased and her suicidal ideations dissipated.The purpose of the podcast is to entertain and educate. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.

Drea Bachman has experienced mental health challenges for most of her life. She tried different treatments for her depression, including psilocybin microdosing and electroconvulsive therapy, but didn't find relief. In addition to experiencing depression, Drea has also experienced disapproval and hurtful comments from others because she is a transgender woman.At one point, Drea spoke to her psychiatrist about the possibility of using lithium to treat her depression. Her psychiatrist recommended trying ketamine infusions first. Under the influence of ketamine, Drea experienced a beam of energy that she could feel clearing things in her head. It felt like something changed in her brain and the thoughts that used to cause her pain weren't causing pain anymore. Ketamine has given Drea relief from depression and given her space to find purpose and pursue things she's passionate about in life. The purpose of the podcast is to entertain and educate. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.

Jillian Scheel decided to write her thesis for her Human Resources degree on the cannabis legalization movement back in 2016 while attending school in Idaho. As part of the research for her thesis, she explored the business side of the cannabis industry and made her first legal purchase of cannabis, an edible cookie that resulted in a high lasting nearly 24 hours. Jillian also discusses her experience as a Human Resources professional in the cannabis industry, and how the dreamlike states of her ketamine treatments have improved her mental health.The purpose of the podcast is to entertain and educate. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.

Jennifer Janvier's friend, an experienced mushroom grower, offered her some mushrooms during the pandemic. Jenny took a large dose and interacted with a younger version of herself. Jenny's inner child told her she could do whatever she wanted in life. That experience set in motion a period of shadow work for Jenny in which she navigated through a number of difficult experiences from her childhood. Eventually, Jenny tried ketamine treatments for depression and found that those experiences also surfaced childhood trauma. In one ketamine experience, Jenny time-traveled back to a difficult memory from her youth and spoke with her father, who transformed into a child himself and conversed with her. The purpose of the podcast is to entertain and educate. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.

Bernard Kold has had a number of experiences with psychedelics and other substances. On his first day at college, he tried LSD and had a number of positive experiences. He also tried mushrooms, but after three successive bad trips he set aside mushrooms. He then took up heroin, resulting in addiction for several years. Years later, after healing from heart surgery, Bernard began experiencing serious depression. His wife and a physician friend suggested he try ketamine to treat his depression. Bernard shares some of his ketamin experiences, including one in which he felt as if he had died and entered something similar to the Bardo, spoken of in The Tibetan Book of the Dead. He had the feeling he was a God particle and that life is part of a simulation. The purpose of the podcast is to entertain and educate. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.Links:The Tibetan Book of the DeadBe Here NowA book by Ram Dass

Rob High's first psychedelic experience was with a friend in high school. He had a great time with his friend but realized the experience had some added benefits. LSD had helped him work through his parent's divorce that had occurred a few years before. Later in life, Rob became addicted to pain pills and had an unintentional overdose that caused him to flatline. His son found him and fortunately he was revived by emergency responders. Rob also describes a recent psychedelic experience in which he and a friend used ecstasy, LSD, and ketamine in one day. After that experience, he decided he was probably done with psychedelics but left the door cracked a little and said he may reconsider down the road.The purpose of the podcast is to entertain and educate. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.

Ed Prideaux became interested in psychedelics as a teen when he came across news about a Johns Hopkins study indicating psychedelic experiences were among the most meaningful experiences of study participants' lives. Ed also became interested in the music, culture, imagery, and use of psychedelics during the 1960s.Ed's story serves as a cautionary tale for anyone interested in psychedelics. As he started using psychedelics, he began experiencing anxiety and Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder or HPPD. Ed describes some of his trips and subsequent experiences with HPPD, including one in which the hiring manager at a job he interviewed for was saturated with psychedelic visuals and coated in a bright blue aura. Ed's experiences highlight the fact that, like most decisions in life, choosing to use psychedelics has risks that should be studied and understood. The purpose of the podcast is to entertain and educate. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website. Links:Ed's Emaileddie.prideaux@gmail.comPerception FoundationA non-profit focused on ending the stigma, low awareness, poor treatments, and ill-understanding associated with Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder

Caroline Rabelo experienced feelings of depression and suicidal thoughts since she was a child. At the age of 13, Caroline convinced her parents to let her try medication for depression. Despite trying different medications, none of the prescriptions had lasting positive results and at age 16, Caroline attempted suicide. In 2017, Caroline signed up for a research study about familial depression. Her father also experienced depression and ended his life. The study gave Caroline access to different treatments and she chose to participate in ketamine therapy. Caroline discusses her experience with ketamine and describes how the treatments have given her breathing room from the constant negative self-talk she regularly experienced. While it hasn't cured her of depression, it has allowed her to experience feelings of happiness and accomplishment in life. The purpose of the podcast is to entertain and educate. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.

Rae Specter grew up in a home where she was physically, sexually, and emotionally abused. Despite her challenging childhood, Rae has a successful career as a nurse. At the height of the COVID pandemic, Rae was working with a patient who coded. Unexpectedly, many of her own traumas surfaced when her patient died, leaving her emotionally raw, depressed, and unable to work. Rae recently began ketamine treatments and describes how in one of her sessions, the universe communicated to her that we all belong and are of value.The purpose of the podcast is to entertain and educate. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.Links:Adverse Childhood Experiences Quiz

Courtney McClure spent her childhood and adolescence as a dedicated athlete in the sport of figure skating. In university, she studied public health education and became employed as manager at a health food store after graduating. She often heard customers talking about the incredible health benefits they were experiencing from different mushrooms and supplements sold at the store. Around that time, Courtney began using cannabis and found that it help her let go of control and work through an eating disorder she developed during her time as a figure skater.At one point, Courtney agreed to buy some "funky stuff" as her cannabis dealer described it, only to find that he was referring to fungi, not funky stuff. This eventually led to her first psilocybin experience with her roommate and another girl. That experience was great until one of the other girls got stuck in a loop. Courtney describes another psilocybin experience that didn't go so well, where she urinated on the floor and furniture at her then-boyfriend and now husband's house. The next day he was upset and she was embarrassed. Lastly, Courtney describes a women's psilocybin session she participated in where she was transported to a different era of time with people that felt familiar to her. It was in this realm that she had a very traumatic experience that taught her valuable lessons.Courtney and her husband Eric founded a psilocybin church called Psanctuary and co-host a podcast called Psilocybin Says. I highly recommend checking out both and links to each have been included in the show notes. Courtney and Eric were kind enough to recently invite me on their podcast to share some of my own experiences with psychedelics. That should air about a week after this episode is posted.The purpose of the podcast is to entertain and educate. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this podcast. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.Links:PsanctuaryPsanctuary is a non-denominational faith-based community that centers around the sacrament of sacred psilocybin-containing mushrooms for personal, communal, and global healing.Psilocybin SaysA podcast co-hosted by Courtney McClure and Eric Osborne discussing the use of psilocybin for self-development.

Sam Hale returns to the podcast to discuss altered states of consciousness, the writer's journey, and mental health. In episode #002, Sam described some of his experiences with psychedelic substances and living with bipolar type II. After a difficult LSD experience, he decided it was best for him to stay away from psychedelic substances. I got to wondering what it's like for Sam to enter other realms as a writer in the story he's working on and asked him to share what that experience is like. Sam describes how when he's writing, it feels like he ceases to exist, and his fingers transcribe the thoughts, emotions, and lives of the characters in his book via his keyboard.The purpose of the podcast is to entertain and educate. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this podcast. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.Links:Twitter: @SamHaleYeahPatreon: patreon.com/samhaleyeah (Receive updates on Sam's novel)Link Tree: linktr.ee/samhaleyeahEmail: samhaleyeah@gmail.comThe War of Art by Stevem PressfieldThe Artist's Journey by Steven PressfieldBird by Bird by Anne Lamotte

Marcus Hype had his first experience in an altered state of consciousness in high school when he smoked weed with friends. He had a great experience and eventually tried substances like LSD and psilocybin in high school and university. Marcus discusses some of those experiences and how they impacted him. He took a several-year break from most psychedelics and only recently used LSD and DMT again. Marcus describes how on a breakthrough DMT trip, he met a female spirit guide who knew everything about him and showed him his life through music and patterns. He also discusses how that experience has impacted his everyday life.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this podcast. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.Links:Rick Strassman InterviewRick Strassman discusses his DMT research on the Joe Rogan podcast.

Christopher Solomon is an experienced salvia user and offers one-on-one guided salvia sessions through his website, SalviaHealings.com, in which he incorporates somatic therapy techniques and lessons he has learned from over a decade of salvia use. Christopher shares some of his personal salvia experiences, including one in which an energetic being appeared in his room, and telepathically communicated a message of love to him. Christopher also talks about the benefits of low-dose salvia use and shares how he developed a salvia pipe that allows salvia users to make the most of their low-dose, therapeutic salvia sessions.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this podcast. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.Links:Salvia HealingsLearn about Salvia Divinorum for healing, finding your inner strength, and exploring your consciousness.Salvia PipeA salvia pipe Christopher designed for safe, insightful salvia journeys.

Kyle Raw used to read the heroin and meth subreddits in order to scare himself sufficiently to never try those substances. When a friend told him about MDMA therapy, he went to Reddit to disprove his friend and confirm that MDMA was in fact a dangerous drug. Instead, he found himself learning about the potential benefits of MDMA and a number of other psychedelic substances. Kyle had been having suicidal thoughts and decided as a last-ditch effort to try LSD to see if it could help. Kyle has had a number of psychedelic experiences, both profound and challenging, that have helped him find meaning in life, develop empathy for others, and forgive himself.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this podcast. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.

In the first half of this episode, Shen Leidigh discusses some of his life experiences and relates them to the psychedelic nature of life in general. In the second half, he describes a solo 61-day vision quest in the wilderness that took a turn for the worse when he ran out of food with a few days left. This led to a life-changing psychedelic experience that had a profound effect in his life. The experience didn't eliminate his depression, but Shen has found that since his vision quest, his mental health has improved and he's seen an increase in his creativity and artistic abilities.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this podcast. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.Links:They Psychedelic SingularityA 168-page, full-color graphic novel about artificial intelligence, mushroom magic, and adventure, authored and illustrated by Shen Leidigh.

Eric Osborne has over 20 years of experience with psychedelics. In 2013, he started a psilocybin retreat center in Jamaica called MycoMeditations and hosted a podcast called Psilocybin Chronicles where he interviewed guests about their experiences with psilocybin. More recently, Eric and his wife Courtney moved back to the United States and founded Psanctuary, a non-denominational faith-based community that centers around the sacrament of sacred psilocybin-containing mushrooms for personal, communal, and global healing. They also co-host their podcast, Psilocybin Says, where they discuss the use of psilocybin for self-development. In this episode, Eric shares some fascinating personal experiences that don't fit into a strictly materialistic worldview. He's interacted with interdimensional entities and deceased loved ones and made clairvoyant psychic connections with other people in group psilocybin settings.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before considering the use of psychoactive substances. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.Links:PsanctuaryPsanctuary is a non-denominational faith-based community that centers around the sacrament of sacred psilocybin-containing mushrooms for personal, communal, and global healing.Psilocybin SaysA podcast co-hosted by Courtney McClure and Eric Osborne discussing the use of psilocybin for self-development.

Steve Hupp grew up in a home with good parents but found himself on the wrong side of the law at a young age. At one point, while serving time in federal prison, Steve met a Peruvian shaman named Guadalupe who suggested he may benefit from drinking ayahuasca. After getting out of prison, Steve corresponded with Guadalupe's family and they sent him a bottle of ayahuasca in the mail. Over time ayahuasca deeply transformed Steve and he felt led to serve it to others. Steve and his wife Teri now operate Aya Quest Native Americas Church, where they hold ayahuasca retreats in Kentucky. In our discussion, Steve shares his journey from atheist to modern-day ayahuasca shaman.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before considering the use of psychoactive substances. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.Links from this episode:Aya Quest Native Americas ChurchKentucky Ayahuasca

Teri Hupp was working in the restaurant industry when she interviewed a man who she didn't have a good feeling about. She didn't want to give him a job but her general manager overrode her and hired him. Teri and Steve eventually fell in love and married. Steve was a devout atheist and struggled with anger but things changed when he found ayahuasca. Teri saw the changes Steve underwent as he began drinking ayahuasca and eventually decided to try herself. Ayahuasca helped her heal from a turbulent childhood and she and Steve started Aya Quest Native Americas Church in Kentucky, where they hold ayahuasca retreats. Teri shares some of her own experiences with ayahuasca and reflects on the changes she's seen in people who have attended their ayahuasca retreats.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before considering the use of psychoactive substances. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.Links from this episode:Aya Quest Native Americas ChurchKentucky Ayahuasca

In this episode, Mariano Gru joins us on the podcast for the second time. I first interviewed him in episode 10, where he discussed some of his experiences with Salvia Divinorum. Since we last talked, Mariano started a new venture building sound and lightproof portals that provide a safe, comfortable environment for occupants to meditate or blast into hyperspace and explore different realities. We talk about Mariano's frustration with float tanks and the evolution of his portal designs up to the present. We also talk about some of Mariano's recent experiences with smoked Salvia Divinorum which are really interesting. You can head over to InnerPortalDesigns.com to see his portals and contact him if you're interested in purchasing one.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before considering the use of psychoactive substances or trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained in the podcast or on our website.Links from this episode:Inner Portal DesignsInner Portal PodcastInner Portal GoFundMe

Elle Rochelle was at a low point in life, depressed and drinking heavily, when she attended a stand-up comedy show in Brooklyn and heard a comedian talking about ayahuasca. When she got home she googled ayahuasca. The experience sounded terrifying but also like it might be exactly what she needed. After an initial two ceremonies in upstate New York, Elle found a shaman in Brooklyn she liked and began working with. Elle participated in over 50 ayahuasca ceremonies. She discusses traumas that surfaced during her ceremonies and describes how she worked closely with her therapist to work through and heal from those traumas.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before considering the use of psychoactive substances or trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained on the podcast or our website.

Anthony Hart dropped out of high school and struggled with an addiction for a time as a young adult. Eventually Tony distanced himself from the people he was associating with and found healthier friendships. He describes a number of interesting psychedelic experiences he's had but one, in particular, stands out. Tony was watching a show on Netflix when he had an out-of-body experience that triggered a spiritual awakening for him. Since his experiences, Tony has found himself reading books and online forums about psychedelics, digging into his family heritage, and researching the history of the area he grew up in.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before considering the use of psychoactive substances or trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable or responsible for relying on any information contained on the podcast or on our website.

Mia Chiveron was a medical school student when she had a meaningful LSD experience that helped her see life through a new lens. On LSD, Mia found herself in a timeless state where she could be fully present and live in the moment. She saw the beauty of life and felt love. In the interview, Mia discusses how her LSD experience surfaced her concerns with the current state of the medical industry and eventually led to her realize medical school wasn't the right career path for her. She ended up dropping out of medical school and has been pursuing a new life path.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before considering the use of psychoactive substances or trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable or responsible for relying on any information contained on the podcast or on our website. Let's get into the interview.

Sassi Flowers has been drawn to the mystical and magical aspects of life since she was a child. Through a series of synchronicities, Sassi attended two ayahuasca ceremonies while visiting family in Brazil. Most guests on the podcast use a pseudonym and Sassi chose Flowers for her last name because ayahuasca took her to a realm where she was surrounded by plants radiating with neon green and pink colors. Time dissolved and Sassi transformed into a beautiful flower herself, giving her a greater appreciation for nature. Sassi had a number of other profound experiences as well. She was transported to Egypt where she communicated with a man that had the appearance of an ancient Egyptian Pharoah who had an important message for her. She also rode on a dragon and danced with a divine goddess. After her ayahuasca experience, Sassi recognized this goddess as what many throughout history have depicted in artwork as Shakti, despite never having heard of Shakti before drinking ayahuasca. Sassi's experience renewed her spiritually and allowed her to view others with more grace and empathy. Her perspective on life has changed, and she now sees herself as a co-creator with the divine.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before considering the use of psychoactive substances or trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable or responsible for relying on any information contained on the podcast or our website. Let's get into the interview.

Alexandra Titova's first experience with psychedelics came when she tried LSD in her 20's. She gained insights about the universe but didn't find those early experiences therapeutic. In 2018, she was introduced to an MDMA guide after she began having some mental health challenges, including her first-ever panic attack. Her MDMA experiences allowed her to work through childhood trauma she experienced growing up in Eastern Europe and allowed her to open up to her spouse about issues in their marriage. In 2020, Alex's marriage was on the verge of ending when she attended two ayahuasca ceremonies in Europe. She credits these ceremonies with saving her marriage. Alex continues to use psychedelics for therapeutic purposes and recently traveled to Peru to participate in ayahuasca ceremonies. Her experiences were intense but she returned home having again learned important lessons from ayahuasca.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before considering the use of psychoactive substances or trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable or responsible for relying on any information contained on the podcast or our website. Let's get into the interview.

In this episode, we interview Rob from the Adeptus Psychonautica YouTube channel. Rob was first introduced to psychedelic substances as a teenager in England. By his late teens, he had tried a number of substances, but it wasn't until his late 20's and early 30's that Rob realized the potential psychedelics had for personal development and spirituality. He began exploring DMT and traveled to South America to participate in San Pedro and traditional Peruvian ayahuasca ceremonies. Ayahuasca took a sledgehammer to the emotional firewalls he had built up over the years, resulting in a flood of emotions related to his mother's suicide as a young boy. With the help of his family and friends, he was able to acknowledge the pain of his mother's death and having to grow up with her maternal influence in his life. Rob's psychedelic experiences led him to start his YouTube channel as a creative hobby. His videos include personal trip reports, retreat center reviews, interviews, and live stream Q&A sessions. He doesn't shy away from controversial topics related to psychedelics and encourages the responsible use of these powerful substances.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before considering the use of psychoactive substances or trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained on the podcast or our website.Links from this episode:Adeptus Psychonautica | Rob's Youtube Channel

Steph Knarr had her first experience with LSD around the time she was 19. At the time, she was struggling with identity issues. LSD helped her find her identity and served as a rite of passage into adulthood. Steph's experiences have blended together over time. LSD has allowed her to interact with a presence she calls God, and it has helped her deal with feelings of self-consciousness and her tendency to be a self-described control freak.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before considering the use of psychoactive substances or trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained on the podcast or our website.

In this episode, Chris Davis describes how his experiences with psychedelics have affected his interpersonal relationships and his everyday life. Chris grew up in an abusive home. As a child, he struggled with depression and often considered ways to escape his abusive parents, including suicide. As an adult, Chris compartmentalized many of his childhood experiences but was still profoundly impacted by the abuse. He was fueled by hate and anger for more than two decades but eventually ran out of steam. At the age of 42, Chris found himself at the bottom of a stairwell writing a good-bye letter to his family with intentions to end his own life. Chris's son found him moments before he planned to pull the trigger. Chris later began a process of trying to work through the damage caused by the years of childhood abuse. He began a meditation practice and improved his physical health through nutrition and exercise.He eventually learned about the potential mental health benefits of psilocybin and began researching its use. Chris went on to have a number of profound and life-altering experiences with psilocybin. One experience included Chris traveling to another dimension where he met and comforted his nine year old self. In another experience, Chris discovered the reasons he experienced abuse, leading him to let go of his emotional baggage and finding a deep sense of empathy for his father. He likens his psilocybin experiences to decades in psychotherapy and describes them as ineffably healing. Chris also recounts his first LSD experience at the age of 45, during which he was separated from his wife and son, never to see them again. His LSD experience helped him feel greater appreciation for his family and he considers it the most profound experience of his life.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before considering the use of psychoactive substances or trying anything mentioned in this episode. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable for relying on any information contained on the podcast or our website.Links from this episode:Waking Up | Sam Harris's meditation appWaking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion | Sam Harris's bookChris's Story on Reddit

Jake MacIntyre became interested in different states of consciousness as a young teenager when his older sister introduced him to the topic. He discusses some of his early psychedelic experiences and the increased personal connection he felt while tripping at a concert and at home with his sister. He describes different entities he has encountered on DMT, including one who taught him valuable lessons, only to be forgotten when the DMT wore off. He also talks about a psilocybin experience where he saw his empty room and the pain that would be inflicted on his family if he were to act on suicidal ideations he'd been having at the time. Not all of Jake's experiences were positive. During one mushroom trip he walked into his friend's parents bedroom and pulled the blanket off them while they were asleep. Fortunately the parents were kind about the situation.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before considering the use of psychedelic substances. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable or responsible for relying on any information contained on the podcast or our website.Links from this episode:Erowid

Martin Brentnall grew up in the UK with the mindset that he would never use drugs of any kind. That mindset changed when he moved to the Netherlands for a year as part of a work placement program while he was attending university. In Amsterdam, Martin saw a number of substances being sold in shops legally, while those same substances were illegal back in the UK. Martin began researching psychedelics online and eventually decided to try psilocybin mushrooms. His first experience was mild but helped him relax and countered what he had been taught about psychedelics in school growing up. Martin describes several subsequent psilocybin experiences at higher doses that were very powerful. In one experience, the music he was listening to came to life in the form of vivid colors and patterns. In another, he describes having what he considers his first spiritual experience, having previously considered himself atheist. Martin also talks about his experiences with lucid dreaming, sensory deprivation float tanks, and smoked salvia extract.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before considering the use of psychedelic substances. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable or responsible for relying on any information contained on the podcast or our website.Links from this Episode:Erowid | Informational site about psychoactive drugsShroomery | Informational site about psilocybin mushroomsTerrence McKenna | EthnobotanistDream Views | Lucid Dreaming Forum

Mariano Gru had his first experience with salvia at age 18. While he was with his friend he took a hit of salvia from a bong and reality began folding in on itself. Mariano's salvia experience got him interested in psychedelics and he began staying up late at night listening to Terrence McKenna's lectures. In his 20's, Mariano tried other psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms, ayahuasca, and MDMA but salvia remained his favorite. He discusses some of his experiences with this powerful plant medicine. Mariano describes the feeling he often gets of being in a void on salvia and seeing himself as a character. He talks about how salvia has helped him clear blockages in his body and release emotional pain. We also discussed his participation in a vipassana meditation retreat and his efforts to answer other people's questions about salvia on reddit. Mariano even built a chamber in his house that muffles sound and protects him from physical injury while he's under the influence of salvia. We've included a link to his reddit profile in the show notes where you can see pictures of his chamber.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before considering the use of psychedelic substances. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable or responsible for relying on any information contained on the podcast or our website.Links from this episode:Mariano's podcastMariano's Reddit profileTerrence McKenna | EthnobotanistMartin Ball | Author

Lunaa Ethan loved her career as a nurse working with foster children in Canada. When the pandemic hit, Lunaa felt increased anxiety and depression due to changes made by the organization she worked for. Lunaa began researching both the history and the potential mental health benefits of psychedelics. She eventually tried psilocybin and found that it helped her work through her anxiety and depression. Psilocybin also helped Lunaa recognize the need for a new direction in life. She left healthcare and she and her husband sold their home and purchased an RV to travel across North and South America. Lunaa found a new career teaching English to children online and started blogging about her experience.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before considering the use of psychedelic substances. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable or responsible for relying on any information contained on the podcast or our website.Links from this episode:Lunaa's websiteLunaa's Instagram

Andrew Sharp began researching altered states of consciousness in high school after a friend introduced him to Erowid, a popular website with educational and harm reduction material about psychoactive substances. Despite his interest in drugs, Andrew had a hard time shaking the indoctrination he received from the D.A.R.E. program taught in public schools in the United States. He also grew up in a strict Christian household. One day, Andrew's friend was riding his bike and witnessed someone get out of their car and put a container in a tree. Andrew's friend intercepted the dead drop after the car left and found that the container had a huge stash of cannabis. This eventually led to Andrew's first experience getting high. Andrew smoked a lot of cannabis in college and eventually became interested in mescaline. He had a number of experiences with mescaline he brewed from San Pedro cacti from Home Depot. However, he didn't have the life changing experience many people report after trying psychedelics. Andrew usually tripped on mescaline at parties in a group setting. One day he decided to do it at home on his own. This trip served as an unlikely savior from the depression that ailed him and helped him change his outlook on life and his relationship with his girlfriend.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this podcast. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable or responsible for relying on any information contained on the podcast or our website.Links from this episode:ErowidFantastic Fungi

Noon Calvo's introduction to psychedelics came as a teenager when he had a scary experience on LSD. After his initial experience, he learned to work with the substance and sat with friends to make sure they were safe during their LSD experiences. Noon eventually wanted to try plant based psychedelics and turned to salvia. His experiences on salvia then led him to ayahuasca. Noon shares a number of interesting experiences on psychedelics, including a time where he switched places and saw a fist fight he got into from the perspective of his opponent. He had a memory of an alien abduction surface and recalled past life experiences on psychedelics and through hypnotic regressions. Noon is part of the ayahuasca scene in Portugal and has led many ayahuasca ceremonies.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this podcast. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable or responsible for relying on any information contained on the podcast or our website.Links from this episode:Radical Protagonista | Noon's YouTube channelThe Christos Technique | Past life regression techniqueSanto Daime Church | A church that holds ayahuasca ceremoniesCommunion | A 1989 alien abduction movie

Andrea Hill dealt with depression and complex PTSD for over a decade. She used SSRI medication but still felt depressed. She started researching psychedelics and had her first experience with LSD after tapering off her medication. On LSD, Andrea felt like she had received a hug from the universe. From there, Andrea did a number of intravenous ketamine infusions. She experienced ego death and felt as though she was a cloud floating through the universe. In one session, her deceased uncle visited her and offered her comfort. After researching ayahuasca, Andrea participated in two sessions at a retreat center in Florida. In the first session, she relived her uncle's funeral and some of her childhood traumas. In her second session, Andrea felt as though she had been reborn as a divine goddess. Andrea talks about how her life has changed since these experiences and describes some of the mindfulness practices she's adopted, including the use of float tanks, meditation, breathwork, and yoga.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this podcast. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable or responsible for relying on any information contained on the podcast or our website.Links from this episode:Unwell | Netflix DocuseriesSoul Quest Ayahuasca Church

Mark Parrillo became friends with a classmate in high school who had recently immigrated to the United States from China. Mark's friend got him interested in concepts he hadn't heard about in western culture, including Chi, which is defined in English as “air”, “material energy”, “life force”, or “energy flow.” Mark began practicing Qigong and Chi Kung, which typically include systems of coordinated body-posture, movement, breathing, and meditation. Mark's practice developed to the point where he began experiencing visual and auditory sensations similar to what someone would experience on a powerful psychedelic substance. Mark discusses the benefits these experiences have had in his day to day life as he and his wife raise their young children.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this podcast. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable or responsible for relying on any information contained on the podcast or our website.Links from this episode:The Root of Chinese Chi Kung | AmazonQigong, The Secret of Youth | Amazon

Zack Stark had never heard about ayahuasca until he was offered some by a friend. The next evening he and two other friends drank the ayahuasca. Zack thought this would be a nice way to get a natural high, but instead he had a life-changing experience. The ayahuasca he consumed acted as the root and foundation of a process of detoxifying himself from emotional pain and heartache he had buried for years. Since his ayahuasca experience, Zack has continued to find new ways to release emotional pain and develop spiritually. The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this podcast. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable or responsible for relying on any information contained on the podcast or our website.Links from this episode:Shamanic Journey Lower World Meditation | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google PodcastsThe Body Keeps the Score | Amazon

Hudsy Brooke has spent her career in entertainment and her work experience has spanned everything from Disneyland singer to Hollywood dominatrix. In our interview she discusses her experiences with a number of psychedelic substances including MDMA, psilocybin, cannabis, and ayahuasca. During these experiences she's had insights about her self image, received guidance about her romantic relationships, connected with nature, and interacted with her deceased father.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this podcast. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable or responsible for relying on any information contained on the podcast or our website.Links from this episode:Hudsy's website | HudsyBrooke.com

Samuel Hale is an educator, writer and podcaster. We start off talking about Sam's experience with depression in childhood and then get into some of his early experiences with psychedelic substances, including psilocybin and salvia during high school and college. In Sam's smoked salvia experiences, time dissolved and he took on new identities where he felt intense emotions in alternate realities. Sam's experience with LSD is a warning for anyone interested in psychedelics. He didn't have a sitter and consumed an unknown quantity of LSD, resulting in intense anxiety and discomfort. Fortunately, Sam was able to connect with friends and mental health professionals after his LSD experience to work on improving his mental health and wellbeing. We discuss where Sam is at now with his writing career, mental health and a consistent mindfulness practice he has developed. Check out Sam's personal and podcast Twitter handles below to find out more about what he's working on. His podcast is called Pod in the Machine and is dedicated to nerd culture across anime, film, gaming, and more.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this podcast. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable or responsible for relying on any information contained on the podcast or our website.Links from this episode:@SamHaleYeah | Sam's Twitter Profile @PodInTheMachine | Pod in the Machine Twitter Profile

After leaving Mormonism, I came across research indicating psychedelics may have been involved in early Mormon visionary experiences. This got me interested in the possibility of having a mystical experience of my own on psychedelics. I also learned about the potential mental health benefits of psychedelics and hoped they could be used to treat depression. In this episode, I describe some of my experiences using psilocybin, edible cannabis, and ayahuasca. While I did have what felt like mystical experiences, I also had some challenging memories from my past surface in vivid detail.The purpose of the podcast is for entertainment and harm reduction. Please consult a physician and your local laws before trying anything mentioned in this podcast. Please also understand that you may not hold us liable or responsible for relying on any information contained on the podcast or our website.Links from this episode:How to Change Your Mind | Michael PollanThe Body Keeps the Score | Bessel van der Kolk‍MAPS | Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies