204 episodes

Adventures Through The Mind is an interview-based podcast hosted by Canadian author and public educator, James W. Jesso.

Although the show topics range---from spirituality, mental health, and emotional maturity; to love, relationships and sexuality; to history, philosophy, and neuroscience---there are two underlying themes that intersect them all: psychedelics & the mind.

James W. Jesso is the author of Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom and The True Light Of Darkness, both about his experiences exploring the potentials of psychedelics.

Adventures Through The Mind James W. Jesso

    • Education
    • 5.0 • 2 Ratings

Adventures Through The Mind is an interview-based podcast hosted by Canadian author and public educator, James W. Jesso.

Although the show topics range---from spirituality, mental health, and emotional maturity; to love, relationships and sexuality; to history, philosophy, and neuroscience---there are two underlying themes that intersect them all: psychedelics & the mind.

James W. Jesso is the author of Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom and The True Light Of Darkness, both about his experiences exploring the potentials of psychedelics.

    Alexander Beiner | How Psychedelics Can Help Us Make Sense Of The Meta-Crisis

    Alexander Beiner | How Psychedelics Can Help Us Make Sense Of The Meta-Crisis

    Alexander Beiner joins us to explore how psychedelics can help us make sense of the meta-crisis.
    This includes topics like complexity tolerance and the overwhelming deluge of information in modern digital life; “How” and “why” we solve a problem is as important as the “what” of the solution itself; the mythological impact of sci-fi narratives on identity and perception; and whether AI will become a new god.
    Additionally, we speak on extended-state DMT (DMTx) and interacting with entities; overlaps in the perceptual impact of phenomena like DMT entities and UAPs; and emotionally managing the potential of our world slowly declining into a nightmare dystopian future.
    ...
    For links to Beiner's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind185
    *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**

     
    SUPPORT THE PODCAST
    Become a member of my Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Toss me a tip on PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Toss my a Tip on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/jameswjesso Buy some merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter Telegram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso *** Huge thanks to my patrons on Patreon!
    In particular, my $23+ patrons; Andreas D, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Joe A, and Heather S  —— 
     
    Episode Breakdown
    (0:00) Opening (1:24) Guest bio (4:52) Patreon Thanks (5:41) Interview begins | the impact of sci-fi narratives on identity and perception (14:48) Technology for a friction-free life and the differing mythological impacts of Star Wars vs Star Trek (19:22) How psychedelics can help us make sense of the meta-crisis (25:28) Spheres of agency and how psychedelics have helped Beiner navigate crisis, personally (28:49) Complexity tolerance and the overwhelming deluge of information in modern digital life (32:38) Uncertainty tolerance, games, and prayer (39:31) The importance of certain conceptual knowledge to access the benefits of psychedelics (46:54) “How” and “why” we solve a problem is as important as the “what” of the solution itself (1:01:00) The potential cultural (and cult) impact of AI | will AI become a new god? (1:13:58) Extended-state DMT (DMTx) and interacting with entities | were they real? (1:20:12) The impact of DMT entities and UAPs on how we understand where our solutions might come from (1:31:17) How emotional resonance tricks us into believing thing that aren’t true (1:33:17) The potential of our world slowly declining into a nightmare dystopian future (1:39:39) Follow-up links for Beiner’s substack, book, and audiobook (1:41:32) Outro

    • 1 hr 43 min
    Herbalism, Animism, and The Language Of The Body | Marie Zak & Travis Cartwright, Althaea Herbals ~ 184

    Herbalism, Animism, and The Language Of The Body | Marie Zak & Travis Cartwright, Althaea Herbals ~ 184

    Travis Cartwright and Marie Zak are clinical herbalists from Althaea Herbals, an apothecary in Nelson, BC, Canada. They join us on the show today to talk about herbalism as a way of being in the world, as well as a clinical practice.
    We also explore why herbalism is not just a plant replacement for pharmaceuticals; how an animistic worldview can empower us to cultivate a direct and living relationship with plants and nature as a whole; how we can learn to communicate with plants through the direct experience of the body; some of Travis and Marie’s favourite herbs; where psychedelic plants and fungi fit in a practice of herbalism; and how herbalism can support us in our experiences with psychedelic plants. 
    Enjoy
    ...
     
    For links to Travis and Marie's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind184
    ...
    B E L O N G I N G -- A PATHWAY HOME (course)
    Marie and Travis are running a 7-week long online course to deepen your capacity to connect with plants and practice herbalism in your own life. Sundays, beginning on February 18th, for seven weeks. Registration closes Feb 17, 2024
    More info here: https://www.jameswjesso.com/belonging
    Use the promo code JESSO for 15% off
    ...
    Episode Breakdown
    (0:00) Opening (2:31) BELONGING, Altheae’s upcoming course | Info here (3:43) Patron Thanks (4:32) Interview begins (5:08) What herbalism is (and isn’t) | An explanation of vitalistic herbalism (11:51) Clinical herbalism to balance the vital energies of the body | not just a “green pill” approach (19:37) The limitations of herbal practices (23:40) When to seek a clinical herbalist | when to not seek and herbalist (30:29) Animism and being in direct relationship with plants (35:40) The personal and collective benefits of building a direct relationship with nature (43:59) Heart-centered communication, non-rational engagement, and co-attunement with plants (47:48) Learning from and through the plants, through the direct experience of the body | somatic experience (1:03:11) Where psychedelic plants and fungi fit in a practice of herbalism (1:14:35) Where synthetic chemicals like MDMA fits in herbalism (1:19:16) Travis and Marie’s personal favourite herbs, and why (1:22:36) Where to start with herbalism in your life (1:27:35) Belonging: A Pathway Home; their online course in building a personal practice of herbalism (1:33:23) Follow-up links and contact details: https://www.althaeaherbals.com/ (1:34:14) Outro  
    ...
    SUPPORT THE PODCAST
    Become a member of my Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Toss me a tip on PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Toss my a Tip on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/jameswjesso Buy some merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter Telegram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso *** Huge thanks to my patrons on Patreon!
    In particular, my $23+ patrons; Andreas D, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Joe A, & Heather S. 
    And a special thanks to Martin F. for the generous paypal donation. 

    • 1 hr 37 min
    Integrating Ayahuasca Experiences (And Psychedelics In General) | Mijal Schmidt ~ ATTMind 183

    Integrating Ayahuasca Experiences (And Psychedelics In General) | Mijal Schmidt ~ ATTMind 183

    This episode is with Mijal Schmidt and presents a rather robust exploration of what psychedelic integration is and the specifics of what an ayahuasca integration requires.
    We talk about the importance of good preparation, and what that looks like; various integration practices and activities; the most common challenges in integrating ayahuasca experiences, including integrating HUGE experiences and difficult experiences; the integration of experiences of exogenous material, e.g. entities or absorbing other people’s processes; and how to know when we have successfully completed our integration.
    We also explore the difference between psychedelic integration and psychotherapy; learning to accept what is happening in our journeys, even when we don't like it or want it or think it's what we are supposed to be experiencing; as well as how to support someone in a post-psychedelic crisis, and when to intervene for their own safety.
    Enjoy!
    ...
    For links to Mijal's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind183
    *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**

     
    SUPPORT THE PODCAST
    Become a member of my Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Toss me a tip on PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Toss my a Tip on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/jameswjesso Buy some merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter Telegram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso *** Huge thanks to my patrons on Patreon!
    In particular, my $23+ patrons; Andreas D, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Joe A, Heather S, & Heartwood Mushrooms —— 
     
    Episode Breakdown
    (0:00) Opening (1:05) Introduction and Guest Bio (4:53) Patron Thanks (6:07) Interview Begins (7:13) Mijal’s integration history in private practice and through the ICEERS Support Center (16:40) Best practices in preparing for a psychedelic journey (22:36) Preparing for ayahuasca specifically (28:56) The term “intake” vs “ceremony” (29:57) What an ayahuasca experience is, and what we might find (37:22) Considering the integration of experiences of exogenous material, e.g. entities or absorbing other people’s processes (44:05) The importance of acknowledging Mystery (50:40) What, exactly, is psychedelic integration? (58:10) Various integration practices and activities (1:02:21) We need to be care about when, and who we talk to about our psychedelic experiences (1:12:13) Be careful acting on what ayahuasca tells you, unless it's getting you out of danger (1:14:52) How to know when you have successfully integrated your ayahuasca experience (1:18:53) The most common challenges in integrating ayahuasca experiences (1:24:20) Integrating HUGE ayahuasca experiences (1:30:09) Learning to accept what is happening in our journeys (1:34:49) The feelings you think are in the way, are the way (1:26:23) Supporting someone in post-psychedelic crisis (1:41:53) When to intervene in someone’s post-psychedelic crisis (1:48:57) Follow-up links and social handles (1:51:12) Outro

    • 1 hr 52 min
    Kilindi Iyi and High Dose Psilocybin As A Form Of Martial Arts | Acacea Lewis ~ ATTMind 182

    Kilindi Iyi and High Dose Psilocybin As A Form Of Martial Arts | Acacea Lewis ~ ATTMind 182

    Acacea Lewis is our guest for this episode of Adventures Through The Mind.
    Our interview explores a number of vignettes into her scholarly explorations of psychedelic mushrooms throughout human history, and especially in various African traditions. But the two main thematic arcs we travel in the interview are the work of the late Kilindi Iyi and the value and potential of high dose psilocybin experiences as a form of marital arts, primarily through the lens of Acacea’s personal experiences.
    ...
    For links to Acacea's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind182
    *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**

     
    EPISODE SPONSOR
    The Spirit Plant Medicine Conference 2023
    Happening in-Person and Online, Nov 3-5 
    Head to http://www.jameswjesso.com/spmc and use the promo ADVENTURES to get a 30% off the price of your ticket.
     
    SUPPORT THE PODCAST
    Become a member of my Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Toss me a tip on PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Toss my a Tip on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/jameswjesso Buy some merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter Telegram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso *** Huge thanks to my patrons on Patreon!
    In particular, my $23+ patrons; Andreas D, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Joe A, Heather S, & Heartwood Mushrooms —— 
    ...
    Episode Breakdown
    (0:00) Episode sponsor (1:11) Opening and guest bio (4:32) Patron Thanks (6:48) Interview begins (8:09) Acacea’s journey into high doses of psilocybin (14:25) Acacea’s journey with Kilindi Iyi (18:57) We see what we are interested in (22:54) The African use of psychedelic mushrooms (Egypt and Maasai) (30:20) The history of African martial arts, and the role of psychedelic states in martial arts practice (33:25) Debunking pseudoscience can backfire (30:08) An outline of Acacea’s first banned talk (37:24) High dose psilocybin as a martial arts form (40:03) The value (and dangers) of taking high doses of psilocybin (43:44) Psilocybin mushrooms in the Aztec traditions (45:51) The value of high doses is exploration (of self and of reality) (56:05) Learning to be our authentic self through battle with the trained self (1:01:04) The importance of healthy community during high dose explorations (1:06:28) The challenges and opportunities of being stereotyped as a black woman in public advocacy of psychedelics (1:17:32) Considering the potential harms of “accidentally promoting” high doses | there will always be ignorance in the world (1:24:37) Psilocybin mushrooms can be harsh, just like mother nature can be harsh (1:26:12) A quick run down of the lectures Acacea will be giving at the Spirit Plant Medicine Conference. (1:27:05) Crystals as a technology for psychedelic experiences (1:32:23) Connecting with Acacea on social media, and her online school (1:35:20) Outro

    • 1 hr 37 min
    The Schizophrenia Complex and The Turbulent Waters of The Unconscious Mind | Dr. Eve Maram ~ ATTMind 181

    The Schizophrenia Complex and The Turbulent Waters of The Unconscious Mind | Dr. Eve Maram ~ ATTMind 181

    Dr. Eve Maram is a clinical and forensic psychologist and a certified Jungian Analyst in private practice in Orange, California.
    She joins us to share her perspective on schizophrenia, of it as a condition wherein the organizing function of the ego is overwhelmed by the turbulence waters of the unconscious (a statement that will be well flushed out in the interview); but we also go deep into her model of the schizophrenia complex, which is the bundle of “thoughts and feelings constellated by encounters with what we call schizophrenia, for those who experience symptoms, and for those others impacted by them” (another statement that will be fully flushed out throughout the interview). 
    Throughout this interview we also explore what a complex is; the role schizophrenia played in the development of Jung’s theories; the vital important of relationship for those with schizophrenia; how schizophrenia attacks relatedness; the various ways the schizophrenia complex arises within us and why; pharmaceutical vs non-pharmaceutical treatments of schizophrenia; the changing cultural tides around how medicine perceives schizophrenia; and practical advice for relating with those who have schizophrenia and their symptoms, advice for practitioners, loved-ones, and even for people with the condition themselves. 
    Enjoy.
    For links to Dr. Maram's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind181
    *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**

     
    SUPPORT THE PODCAST
    Become a member of my Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Toss me a tip on PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Toss my a Tip on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/jameswjesso Buy some merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter Telegram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso *** Huge thanks to my patrons on Patreon!
    In particular, my $23+ patrons; Andreas D, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Joe A, Heather S, & Heartwood Mushrooms —— 
     
    Episode Breakdown
    (0:00) Opening (1:47) Episode overture and guest bio (5:21) Patron thanks (7:38) Interview begins (8:23) How Dr. Maram came to study schizophrenia (15:03) A Jungian definition of “complex” (18:14) The Schizophrenia Complex (24:10) How schizophrenia was essential in the development of Jung’s ideas (26:37) We don’t really know what schizophrenia is, exactly. (28:36) Schizophrenia as the ego mind being flooded by the unconscious (36:01) The Schizophrenia Complex arises from our fear of total annihilation (44:44) That fear is justified, for many reasons, what matters is that we are conscious of it. (51:09) Relationship is essential in navigating schizophrenia; but schizophrenia attacks relatedness (54:21) The Schizophrenia Complex manifesting through fawning (trying to save them) (1:00:04) Treating schizophrenia: pharmaceutical vs non-pharmaceutical methods (1:07:56) Anosognosia (1:09:32) Exploring the changing cultural tides around how medicine perceives schizophrenia (1:13:32) Telling the difference between psychosis and spiritual crisis (1:16:22) Some practical advice for practitioners working with people with schizophrenia (1:20:18) Some practical advice for people with schizophrenia grappling with their diagnosis and condition (1:24:58) Some practical advice for people living with/caring for loved ones with schizophrenia (1:31:51) Follow-up links and information about Dr. Maram’s book, The Schizophrenia Complex (1:32:38) Closing

    • 1 hr 34 min
    Psychedelics and the Healing Power of Love | Dr. Adele LaFrance

    Psychedelics and the Healing Power of Love | Dr. Adele LaFrance

    Dr. Adele Lafrance joins us to explore psychedelics and the healing power of Love.
    Our conversation begins with an exploration of emotional processing and how difficulties and deficiencies in emotional processing both our mental health, our relationships, and our general wellbeing. We then step into psychedelics and the role they play in supporting our emotional processing capacities.
    From there we turn towards Love, what it is and all the accidental ways we conflate it with things that can include love but aren’t love itself: romance, lust, infatuation, attachment, obsession, etc. We talk about the healing power of Love, both in our day-to-day lives and in various forms of healthcare, and why as a society we need to better learn how to wield and integrate that healing power of love. We then talk about encounters with Love as a transpersonal force during psychedelic experiences, the role of love in supporting people in their psychedelic experiences, and even the strange phenomenon of being harmed by too much Love on 5-MeO-DMT.
    Of course, although love itself is not sex, with any mention of love we evoke consideration of sexuality, sexual dynamics, and sex itself. Thus, we also talk about sexual healing, the complexity of sexual energy and behaviour in therapy, and even the risks, challenges, and opportunities of having sex while on psychedelics.
    ...
    STUDY SURVEY HERE: https://psychedeliclove.org/survey-study
    For links to Lafrance's work, full show notes, and a link to watch this episode in video, head to bit.ly/ATTMind180
    *** FULL TOPICS BREAKDOWN BELOW**


     
    SUPPORT THE PODCAST
    Patreon: https://patreon.com/jameswjesso Paypal Donation: https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=383635S3BKJVS Tip Me on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/jameswjesso Merchandise:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/shop/ More Options: https://www.jameswjesso.com/support Newsletter:  https://www.jameswjesso.com/newsletter Telgram Channel:  https://t.me/jameswjesso *** Huge thanks to my patrons on Patreon for helping keep this podcast alive!
    In particular my $23+ patrons: Andreas D, Ian C, Yvette FC, Alex F, Eliz C, Nick M, Joe A, James S, Heather S, & Heartwood Mushrooms —— 
     
    Episode Breakdown
    (0:00) Opening (1:35) Episode overture and guest bio (5:45) Patreon thanks (6:43) Interview begins (7:44) Emotional processing and the damaging impact of poor emotional processing (12:49) Culturally conditioned deficits in emotional processing (19:50) Learning to own triggers, rather than project them (22:14) The role of psychedelics in emotional processing (and vice versa) (28:02) Our emotions are the most reliably true aspect of our psychedelic experiences (31:18) Disambiguating “Love” (37:01) Love as a transpersonal force (40:01) Love in psychedelic experiences (44:08) Being harmed by too much love on 5-MeO-DMT (48:03) Our sociocultural context can negatively impact our psychedelic integration (50:05) The role of love in our healing journeys (51:48) The role of love in supporting people in psychedelic experiences (53:59) We need to acknowledge love is a transpersonal force (56:40) The complexity of sexual energy and behaviour in therapy (1:05:11) Psychedelics and sexual healing, and sex on psychedelics (1:15:57) The Love Project: what it is, how it came to be, and how you can get involved (1:23:33) Closing regards (1:24:25) Outro

    • 1 hr 25 min

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