Adventures Through The Mind

Latest Episodes:

Deep Ecology, Earth Connection, and The Miracle of Life | Sky Otter/Bill Pfeiffer Dec 31, 2021

Show notes

Sky Otter (Bill Pfeiffer) joins us to talk about Deep Ecology, the problematic place we are in as a planet, and the profound healing potential still available to us, personally and collectively, through coming back into ecstatic communion and relationship with the Earth.

For links to Otter's work, full show notes, and to watch this episode in video, head to https://bit.ly/ATTMind156 ***Full Topics Breakdown Below*** SUPPORT THIS PODCAST ► Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso ► Donations: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS ► Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ ► More options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support/ ► Newsletter: https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially, Andreas D, Clea S, Joe A, Ian C, David WB, Yvette FC, Ann-Madeleine, Dima B, Eliz C, Chuck W, Nathan B, & Nick M Episode Breakdown

Deep ecology, alienation, and spiritual activism
The value of a spiritual connection to the earth
The trauma of disconnection, perpetuated
A civilization of misery and violence
Hatred against our greatest villains
Jeff Bezos is a hero (and a villain)
The profound grief of collapse; the profound miracle of being alive
What do we do about this? Deep Ecology
Skepticism and the separate-self
Changing our perceptual apparatus towards Connection and Mystery
A moving quote from John Seed
Finding balance in facing collapse 55 Feeling the pain of the earth; community holds the grief
Doing the best we can, even though it's nearly impossible
The role of psychedelic plants in healing our disconnection from nature
A ceremonial community of psychedelic practice is vital
Ceremonial maturity in our psychedelic practice
Befriending our parts through psychedelic mushrooms
Are psychedelics "tools"?
The fungi open us up to the ongoing revelation of nature.
Links to more of Bill/Sky's work
Landscape Shamanism (course)
Bill's dream for your life

************** SUPPORT THIS PODCAST ► Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso ► Donations: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS ► Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ ► More options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support/ ► Newsletter: https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter ► Or, you can buy a copy of one of my books!

Decomposing The Shadow: https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/
The True Light Of Darkness: https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

The Healing Potential Of Expanded States | Psychedelic Café 7aling Potential Of Expanded States | Psychedelic Café 7 Dec 17, 2021

Show notes

What are the healing potentials of expanded states?

It is this question that guides the conversation featured on this episode of Adventures Through The Mind, another Psychedelic Café episode.

Our guests are Maria Papaspyrou, Nir Tradmor, Natasja Pelgrom, and Renee Harvey.

For links to our participants work, full show notes, and to watch this episode in video, head to https://bit.ly/PsyCafe7

***Full Topics Breakdown Below***

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*** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially, Andreas D, Clea S, Joe A, Ian C, David WB, Yvette FC, Ann-Madeleine, Dima B, Eliz C, Chuck W, Nathan B, & Nick M

Episode Breakdown

Introducing participants
One clear thought on the question (round 1): What is the healing potential of expanded states?
Open discussion (round 2)
Entering into the "we" space, relational work, the healing of connection
Getting permission from the plant | giving permission to meet ourselves
The shadow of the mainstream medical psychedelic narrative
The judgments against "recreational" psychedelic use
The importance of arriving to psychedelics with beginner's mind
The psychedelic other | can we trust what "the medicine" tells us?
The spirits have ego, too | negotiating with
The purge as a healing mechanism
Psychedelic marketing and the cringey direction of mainstream psychedelic culture
"Who owns psychedelics?"
The impact of psychedelics on how we approach death
Reciprocity with psychedelics medicine
Why do we sabotage ourselves?
The healing potential of expanded states to help us connect with ourselves
The value of sharing our gratitude for each other
Belonging, feeling alone, and grieving the loss of belonging
Psychedelics and working with psychosis
Closing thoughts on the question (round 3)
Social Media details for each participant

**************

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The Regenerative Power Of Mushrooms | Alex Dorr ~ ATTMind 155 Dec 03, 2021

Show notes

Alex Dorr joins us on Adventures Through The Mind to provide us an overview of mushrooms and the fungi kingdom; the anatomy, life cycle, and evolutionary history of mushrooms; and the role fungi play in the very foundations of life on this planet.

We also talk about mycoremediation, mycotechnologies, and go in-depth about the health effects of functional mushrooms such as reishi, lion's mane, and cordyceps.

For links to Dorr's work, full show notes, and to watch this episode in video, head to https://bit.ly/ATTMind155

***Full Topics Breakdown Below***

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Episode Breakdown

An overview of mushrooms and the fungi kingdom
Mushroom evolution, anatomy, and life cycle
How mushrooms support the foundation of life itself
Mycoremediation (using fungi to fix industrial pollution)
Using psilocybin is mycoremediation of human trauma
Criticisms of the mainstreaming and industrializing of psilocybin
Functional mushrooms and their benefit on human health
The health effects of Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi mushrooms
Four guidelines to follow for finding good quality functional mushrooms (sourcing, extraction, lab-tested, dose)
Issues around Chaga mushroom extraction and sourcing
Importance of ensuring good extraction methods
The importance of ensuring functional mushrooms are certified organic and lab-tested
Getting the right dose for your functional mushrooms
Mycoprotein, aka mushroom meat
Mycowood for making musical instrument
Mycopesticides for malaria mosquitos
Malaria medication nightmares

************** SUPPORT THIS PODCAST

► Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso ► Donations: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS ► Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ ► More options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support/ ► Newsletter: https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter ► Or, you can buy a copy of one of my books!

Decomposing The Shadow: https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/
The True Light Of Darkness: https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Veteran PTSD, Ayahuasca Healing, And The Military-Industrial Complex | Jesse Gould ~ ATTMind 154 Nov 19, 2021

Show notes

Jesse Gould of Heroic Hearts Project is on the show for this episode to talk about his own battle with PTSD and his recovery through ayahuasca therapy. We also talk about the challenges of integrating back into civilian life after combat, the tragic mental health and suicide statistics amongst veterans, and the role Heroic Hearts Project is playing to help those veterans.

More than that though, Jesse and I speak about what it's like as a soldier to find out that their government lied to justify the war they were traumatized by being in; the impact of military expansionism on the climate crisis; whether or not "the psychedelic cure" will be used by governments to justify continuing war; and, whether or not ayahuasca healing has any noticeable effects on one's political stance on the military.

For links to Gould's work, full show notes, and to watch this episode in video, head to https://bit.ly/ATTMind154 ***Full Topics Breakdown Below*** SUPPORT THIS PODCAST ► Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso ► Donations: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS ► Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ ► More options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support/ ► Newsletter: https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially, Andreas D, Clea S, Joe A, Ian C, David WB, Yvette FC, Ann-Madeleine, Dima B, Eliz C, Chuck W, Nathan B, & Nick M Episode Breakdown

What is Heroic Hearts Project?
The mental health crisis amongst veterans
The two extreme realities of veterans' life though
The challenges of becoming a civilian after being made a soldier
Jesse's journey from the Military, through PTSD, and to ayahuasca
Harming and self-harming amongst veterans
The mismanagement of mental health care on behalf of the Veteran Associations
Jesse's journey into ayahuasca and what he learned
A powerful story of a Veteran's transformation out of PTSD through ayahuasca
The crisis of meaning when a soldier learns that the reason they were at war was based on lies
Does ayahuasca change a veteran's perspective on the military-industrial complex?
Does ayahuasca change a veteran's perspective on the military, itself?
No, psychedelics do not fundamentally alter your political views or make you a better person
Responding to the ecological destruction of the military-industrial complex and military expansionism
Will "the psychedelic cure" for veteran PTSD be used by the military to justify continuing war
The shifting cultural tides in the USA regarding kinetic warfare
What Heroic Hearts is up to now (services and research)

Decomposing The Shadow: https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/
The True Light Of Darkness: https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Plant Intelligence | Monica Gagliano, PhD ~ ATTMind 153 Nov 05, 2021

Show notes

Dr. Monica Gagliano takes us on a deep dive into the results of her scientific research into plant intelligence. But she also shares the profound impact of her personal encounters with the living intelligence of the natural world, and what those encounters have revealed about herself, about life, and about the murderous consequences of modern scientific training.

We also explore definitions of intelligence and plant intelligence; the impact of anthropocentrism on our relationship to the natural world; listening to and learning from plants; and the role of altered states and psychedelics in our capacity to directly communicate with not only plants, but the intelligent life of nature itself.

...

For links to Dr. Gagliano's work, full show notes, and to watch this episode in video, head to https://bit.ly/ATTMind153 ***Full Topics Breakdown Below*** SUPPORT THIS PODCAST ► Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso ► Donations: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS ► Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ ► More options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support/ ► Newsletter: https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially, Andreas D, Clea S, Joe A, Ian C, David WB, Yvette FC, Ann-Madeleine, Dima B, Eliz C, Chuck W, Nathan B, & Nick M Episode Breakdown

What is intelligence?
What is plant Intelligence?
Why we assume plants aren't intelligent
Gagliano's transformation away from "cold-hearted scientist"
How anthropocentric bias in Academia delegitimizes plant intelligence research
Plant bioacoustics and shamanic medicine songs
Voice, plant voice, and how we silence them
An example of listening to plants
Appropriation and the silencing of plant intelligence
The history of our enslavement to wheat
What if plants listened to plants as a "someone" and not a "something"
Slowing down and letting yourself be confused is a good thing
The role of altered states in communicating with and learning from plants
The psychedelic experience is happening all the time
The role of plant dietas in healing
Allowing our encounters with the natural world to become meaningful moments of learning and insight
What medicine means
A closing poem from The Spoke The Plant

Decomposing The Shadow: https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/
The True Light Of Darkness: https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Hallucinogen Perception Persisting Disorder (HPPD) | Ed Prideaux ~ ATTMind 152 Oct 22, 2021

Show notes

Ed Prideaux joins us to discuss what Hallucinogen Perception Persisting Disorder (HPPD) is, its symptoms, its history, its association with other mental health conditions, how widespread it seems to be, and how it isn't necessarily a negative experience.

We also speak of psychedelic flashbacks--what they are and what they are not; the role of memory, trauma, and neuroplasticity in HPPD; the pathologizing of neurodiversity; and each of our personal experiences of the condition.

For links to Prideaux's work, full show notes, and to watch this episode in video, head to https://bit.ly/ATTMind152 ***Full Topics Breakdown Below*** SUPPORT THIS PODCAST ► Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso ► Donations: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS ► Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ ► More options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support/ ► Newsletter: https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially, Andreas D, Clea S, Joe A, Ian C, David WB, Yvette FC, Ann-Madeleine, Dima B, Eliz C, Chuck W, Nathan B, & Nick M Episode Breakdown

What is Hallucinogen Perception Persisting Disorder?
James' personal experiences of HPPD
HPPD is much more common than we realize, and not always negative
The potentially serious negative consequences of HPPD
The harm of drug stigma, cultural ignorance, and pathologizing of neurodiversity
The urgency of HPPD
The pharmacological treatments for HPPD
Psychedelic flashbacks: what they are, and what they are not
HPPD is not necessary the consequence of psychedelics
Genetic predispositions to HPPD
Memory triggers, Neruoplastiocity and being traumatized by psychedelics (bad trips)
HPPD can be positive, too
The current treatments for HPPD
The relationship between Cannabis and HPPD
Something everyone should know about HPPD
Why do people who don't have HPPD think it's not real?
How to create better awareness around Hallucinogen Perception Persisting Disorder
Links to Ed Prideaux's Twitter, The Perception Restoration Foundation, and some Australia studies happening now/soon

Decomposing The Shadow: https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/
The True Light Of Darkness: https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Yoga, Psychedelics, And The Spirit Of Cannabis | Chris Kilham ~ ATTMind 151 Oct 08, 2021

Show notes

Chris Kilham joins us on Adventures Through The Mind to explore yoga, cannabis, and yoga and cannabis. We also explore the spirit of cannabis, psychedelics in general as a part of spiritual practice, and the dangerous pitfalls of spiritual narcissism and delusions that arise from all spiritual practice, and especially insular spiritual communities. For links to Chris' work, full show notes, and to watch this episode in video, head to https://bit.ly/ATTMind151 ***Full Topics Breakdown Below*** OUR SPONSOR R/EVOLUTION: A Deep Dive Course for Psychedelic Explorers Use code JESSO for 15% off until November 1st Before then, there are also 15 tickets for a greater discount with code ADVOCATEJESSO until that tier sells out. For more info visit the course page.

***Course begins on November 1st.

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST ► Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso ► Donations: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS ► Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ ► More options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support/ ► Newsletter: https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially, Andreas D, Clea S, Joe A, Ian C, David WB, Yvette FC, Ann-Madeleine, Dima B, Eliz C, Chuck W, Nathan B, & Nick M Episode Breakdown

Chris Kilham's yoga practice history
Yoga and cannabis for chronic pain and back injuries
What is Yoga and what is the point of the practice?
Spiritual narcissism and insular spiritual communities
Psychedelic use and messianic delusions
Spiritual/psychedelic practice for the development of the healthy self
The importance of a healthy community in your integration
Is cannabis a psychedelic? How?
Yoga and the spirit of cannabis
What message are the different plant spirits trying to teach us?
Different cultivars and the spirit of cannabis
Don't anthropomorphize plant spirits
The pharmacology of cannabis and endocannabinoid system (ECS)
The wonder of LSD and the discovery of serotonin
Is microdosing a placebo?
the stigma again using drugs with spiritual practice
The risk of psychosis with psychedelics
Psychedelics are well beyond the therapeutic framework
The value of psychedelics beyond therapy
2nd Gen psychedelics and the failings of the corporate mindset
Important advice for your first cannabis-yoga experience

Decomposing The Shadow: https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/
The True Light Of Darkness: https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Group MDMA for Grief And The Recently Bereaved | Shelley and Charley Wininger ~ ATTMind 150 Sep 24, 2021

Show notes

Shelley and Charley Wininger join us to tell a story of great loss, one that provides the context to wonder about the potential of group MDMA experiences for grief and the recently bereaved, as well as questions about death and dying, feeling safe to be vulnerable, and the profound healing of togetherness in times of great loss. ... For links to Winingers's work, full show notes, and to watch this episode in video, head to https://bit.ly/ATTMind150 ***Full Topics Breakdown Below*** SUPPORT THIS PODCAST ► Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso ► Donations: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS ► Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ ► More options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support/ ► Newsletter: https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially, Andreas D, Clea S, Joe A, Ian C, David WB, Yvette FC, Ann-Madeleine, Dima B, Eliz C, Chuck W, Nathan B, & Nick M Episode Breakdown

The relevant background of Charley & Shelley's relationship and community
The story of the death of Shelley's son
Their yearly group roll
The MDMA grief circle
Shelley sharing during the MDMA grief circle
"I never want to go to a conventional wake again"
The muting of emotions during modern funerals
Feeling safe to feel the full pain of grief
MDMA and learning to feel safe to be vulnerable
Integrating MDMA into community grief processes
Grieving the loss of safety and connection
The MDMA middle way
The MDMA experience is a holy space of profound togetherness and Love
How MDMA impacted Shelley's grieving process
Learning to be wrecked on schedule
Openly crying gives others permission to touch the tears in themselves
Feeling safe to feel with MDMA
Charley checks in with me
The integration of a group MDMA grief circle
Generational differences in stigma against MDMA

Decomposing The Shadow: https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/
The True Light Of Darkness: https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Attention And Adderall Addiction In An Age Of Distraction | Casey Schwartz ~ ATTMind 149 Sep 10, 2021

Show notes

Casey Schwartz, author of Attention: A Love Story, joins us talk about her journey with Adderall addiction; how social media technology influences our attention and behavior; internet reactivity and mob "justice"; psychedelics and their impact on attention; the deeper philosophy of what attention is; and why attention matters.

For links to Schwartz's work, full show notes, and to watch this episode in video, head to https://bit.ly/ATTMind149 ***Full Topics Breakdown Below*** SUPPORT THIS PODCAST ► Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso ► Donations: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS ► Merchandise: https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ ► More options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support/ ► Newsletter: https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter *** Extra BIG thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive! Especially, Andreas D, Clea S, Joe A, Ian C, David WB, Yvette FC, Ann-Madeleine, Dima B, Eliz C, Chuck W, Nathan B, & Nick M Episode Breakdown

What if that final rug comes up from under us
The beginnings of Adderall addiction
The Adderall promise and of the attentional expectations of the modern world
Adderall does not increase attention, not really
If attention isn't focused concentration then what is it?
Is there such a thing as natural attention?
Social media turning us into reactive children
Bonding by bullying through canceling,
Casey's journey of watching her father get swept up in the metoo movement
The difference between justice and vengeance, redemption, and a lack of much-needed nuance
Adderall addiction in the age of technological onslaught
How what we attend to changing the meaning landscape of our lives
The deeper philosophy of what attention is, and why attention matters
Where you put your attention is how you live your life
Psychedelics and attention; how psychedelics alter how we attend to life
Attention, prayer, and the discovery of divine
A personal trip report of Vyvanse vs Adderall
Attention: A Love Story and social links

Decomposing The Shadow: https://www.jameswjesso.com/decomposing-the-shadow/
The True Light Of Darkness: https://www.jameswjesso.com/true-light-darkness/

Wonder And Inquiry In Times Of Trouble | Stephen Jenkinson ~ ATTMind 148 Aug 27, 2021

Show notes

Our guest for this episode is Stephen Jenkinson and, with him, we will wonder about wonder and inquire–with wonder–about wisdom, prejudice, language, Mystery, generational truancy, the plague, and inquiry itself.

For links to Jenkinson's work, full show notes, and to watch this episode in video, head to https://bit.ly/ATTMind148

***Full Topics Breakdown Below***

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