The Observatory | Discovery of Consciousness & Awareness

The Observatory Podcast
  • 5.0 (67)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

In the world of structure, stress, and seemingly meaningless tasks, it can be easy for one to feel lost and empty. Move beyond career success and access true mental wellness and personal fulfillment as we take you through the landscape of the emotions and personal discoveries that shape who we are. The Observatory podcast, is a space for authentic discussions, dedicated to helping you discover or rediscover meaning in your life. Rooted in the wisdom of their own experiences, our hosts Scott and LaRae Wright started their journeys as accomplished executives, with their successful and lucrative 9-5 jobs with Fortune 100 companies and in the finance industry. Unsatisfied with restrictive environments that demanded a disconnected, curated self, these successes gave them meaningful insights into who they weren’t and led them to the path of truly empowered self-discovery. Their journeys have opened their eyes to the possibilities of their own futures and they want to help you do the same. Each week, join us in our commitment to helping you navigate everything from entrepreneurial dreams to personal transformation with stronger clarity of who you truly are.

  1. 5d ago

    Psychedelic Therapy Methods | Dr. Reid Robison on Ketamine, MDMA, Psilocybin & Mental Health

    In this episode of the Observatory Podcast, Scott and LaRae Wright sit down with Dr. Reid Robison to explore psychedelic therapy methods, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, clinical research with psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, and the deeper relationship between mental health, spirituality, healing, and self-awareness. Dr. Robison shares how psychedelic medicines are being studied and used in careful therapeutic settings to help people work through depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, end-of-life fear, and deeply ingrained patterns of suffering. Together, they discuss the difference between symptom management and true healing, the importance of preparation and integration, the role of music as medicine, and why awareness may be one of the most powerful gifts these experiences can offer. This conversation also explores the future of psychedelic medicine, the evolving legal landscape, and the hope that these therapies may help more people access healing in safe, supported, and meaningful ways. Timestamps:  [00:00:03] Welcome to The Observatory Podcast [00:00:17] Introducing Dr. Reid Robison and psychedelic therapy for mental health [00:05:40] Dr. Robison’s path through psychiatry, ketamine, ayahuasca, MDMA, psilocybin, and LSD research [00:08:00] The 1960s, the war on drugs, and why psychedelic research disappeared for decades [00:13:35] Depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and stuck thought patterns [00:16:10] Awareness, self-observation, and learning to see yourself clearly [00:19:31] The harm chart, psilocybin, alcohol, and rethinking risk [00:26:23] What ketamine is and how ketamine-assisted psychotherapy works [00:30:00] Preparation, dosing sessions, music, and integration [00:31:32] Neuroplasticity and reshaping old patterns [00:35:40] Music as medicine in psychedelic journeys [00:44:39] End-of-life anxiety, terminal illness, and psilocybin as a sacred passage [00:46:49] Spirituality, religion, and reconnecting with belief in a higher power [00:52:34] Healing stories, family work, couples work, MDMA, and PTSD [00:58:12] Psychedelic therapy, suicide, religion, and signs of cultural change [01:02:11] The future of psilocybin, MDMA, DMT, and legal therapeutic access [01:04:57] Self-awareness, sovereignty, and becoming your own curriculum Notable Quotes: “Psychedelics have proven to be a really effective way of doing that. Especially when an individual is really stuck in an inability to see themselves clearly and see what they're stuck in.” - Dr. Reid Robison [13:07]“Depression doesn't become just ruminating about the past as much and the anxiety doesn't become as much about worrying about the future. It becomes a thought pattern loop that we're stuck in.” - Dr. Reid Robison [13:57]“The single greatest thing that psychedelic medicines, plant medicines have given to me, in my experience with them and what I've observed with so many others is awareness.” - Dr. Reid Robison [16:59]“These medicines open up a window of opportunity, not just with awareness but also with neuroplasticity.” - Dr. Reid Robison [31:32]“They don't impose a religious belief.” - Dr. Reid Robison [46:56]“You are your own curriculum, you know, you are what you need to kind of understand.” - LaRae Wright [01:05:09]  Relevant Links: Dr. Reid Robison: www.reidrobison.com Numinus: numinus.com Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers: therapyfrontiers.com Instagram: @innerspacedoctor Produced by NC Productions Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast

    1h 8m

  2. May 21

    Coming Alive Again | Amayra Hamilton on Grief, Aging, Self-Love & Finding Home

    In this episode of the Observatory Podcast, Scott and LaRae Wright sit down with returning guest Amayra Hamilton in Cornville, Arizona, just before she begins a major new chapter: moving back to Holland after nearly 30 years in the United States. Together, they explore grief, aging, home, self-love, and the wisdom that comes from learning to accept what is. Amayra shares the story behind her book, Coming Alive Again, born from the loss of her son and later the passing of her husband, Michael. The conversation moves through the spiritual and practical sides of grief, channeled writing, life after loss, the realities of aging, and the courage it takes to keep choosing awareness, gratitude, and compassion. Timestamps: [00:00:54] Scott and LaRae visit Amayra Hamilton in Cornville, Arizona [00:03:08] Amayra’s book, Coming Alive Again, and the grief work behind it [00:05:29] Why grief can require “coming alive again” [00:06:31] The practical and spiritual sides of grief support [00:07:49] Channeled writing, automatic writing, and messages from loved ones [00:11:34] Amayra hears her son’s voice while preparing to move [00:13:22] Why there is no fixed timeline for grief [00:15:33] The many forms of loss and why every grief is unique [00:19:00] Grief, love, and the pain of what was never there [00:20:01] Aging, death, and learning to talk honestly about both [00:24:10] The realities of energy, caregiving, and the “golden years” [00:32:26] Honoring limitations and releasing resistance to aging [00:35:44] Accepting “what is” as wisdom grows with age [00:38:32] Amayra’s decision to move back to Holland [00:45:42] Home, native country, and carrying home within yourself [00:54:21] A possible Dutch translation of Coming Alive Again [00:55:45] Amayra’s closing wisdom on awareness, gratitude, self-love, and aging Notable Quotes: “The book is called Coming Alive Again, which has been very much the theme of, when a loved one dies, a part of you dies with them. And that has to come alive again, otherwise you will leave yourself.” - Amayra Hamilton [05:29]“Mom, you have been able to let go of me. This is just a house.” - Amayra Hamilton [11:41]“There is no time on grief. You cannot say it takes so much time. It takes whatever it takes.” - Amayra Hamilton [13:30]“Grief is love. The more love there is, the deeper the grief feels.” - Amayra Hamilton [19:00]“I think it’s when you become in resistance to aging that everything then seems to accelerate.” - LaRae Wright [32:40]“Because without the loving of yourself, you cannot love anybody else.” - Amayra Hamilton [57:00]S Relevant Links: Coming Alive Again: http://comingaliveagain.com Amayra Hamilton: http://amayrahamilton.com Produced by NC Productions Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast

    1h 1m

  3. May 14

    Decriminalize Nature | Dr. Larry Norris on Plant Medicine, Entheogens, Ayahuasca & the Right to Relationship with Nature

    In this episode of the Observatory Podcast, Scott and LaRae Wright sit down with Dr. Larry Norris, co-founder of Decriminalize Nature, for a powerful conversation about plant medicine, entheogens, ayahuasca, consciousness, community healing, and the human right to relationship with nature. Dr. Norris shares how the Decriminalize Nature movement began, why language matters when discussing psychedelics and plant medicine, and how decriminalization can reduce harm by allowing underground communities to come into the open. Together, they explore the bridge between science and spirituality, ayahuasca integration, grassroots policy change, and what it means to reconnect with nature as teacher, healer, and living relationship.  Timestamps: [00:00:17] Introducing Dr. Larry Norris and Decriminalize Nature [00:01:17] What is Decriminalize Nature? [00:04:32] How the Oakland movement began [00:07:55] Neuroscience, mushrooms, and consciousness [00:10:21] Ayahuasca, plant teachers, and dissertation research [00:11:13] The right to relationship with nature [00:17:17] Why language shapes fear, healing, and understanding [00:20:56] Integration, implementation, and meaning-making [00:24:54] Decriminalization as risk reduction [00:30:09] Hawaii, embodiment, and bridging science with spirit [00:35:03] “You are your own curriculum” [00:39:08] Language, scripture, music, and describing oneness [00:47:14] Shared experience, grief, and deeper communication [00:53:28] Planting seeds for future generations [00:57:00] What is on the horizon for Decriminalize Nature [01:01:20] Building community and protecting plant medicine access Notable Quotes: “Why is nature against the law? Why is it against the law to grow a plant? Why is it against the law to grow a mushroom?” - Dr. Larry Norris [00:01:28]“There’s no real conversations about the individual’s right to have their own relationship with nature.” - Dr. Larry Norris [00:11:13]“Integration, kind of like the meaning making process. You make meaning of that experience. But that implementation process, that’s where it’s at.” - Dr. Larry Norris [00:20:56]“We really see decriminalization as sort of a risk reduction strategy.” - Dr. Larry Norris [00:25:04]“You are your own curriculum.” - LaRae Wright [00:35:03] “Helping steward changes in policy to allow people to have access to consciousness is just such a beautiful thing.” - Dr. Larry Norris [00:53:45]Relevant links: Decriminalize Nature: www.decriminalizenature.org Decriminalize Nature Michigan: www.decrimnaturemi.org Produced by NC Productions Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast

    1h 5m

  4. May 7

    Mental and Emotional Healing | Journey to Healing from Trauma with Anna Dickson revisited

    In this episode of The Observatory, Anna Dickson joins the show to discuss trauma healing. Anna is a Clinical Director,  Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and Psychotherapist who specializes in trauma healing and recovery, anxiety, depression, substance use, mood and personality disorders, history of suicide attempts, ideation, and self-injuring tendencies. Hear about the different childhood and intergenerational traumas and how to heal from them, the power of being present in trauma healing, and the importance of your loved ones in your healing journey. You will also learn the different color shockers in healing. Timestamps [02:46] Anna Dickson’s background information [06:35] Childhood and early attachment trauma [07:30] Intergenerational trauma and how to heal from it [12:36] Anna’s journey into psychology [16:24] Anna’s ideal clients [20:05] The book: The Body Keeps the Score [23:03] The power of being present in trauma healing  [31:54] Identifying where we carry our energies [35:36] Anna’s opinion on the different psychedelic medicines [42:26] How the different childhood experiences of siblings affect their lives and healing journeys [51:51] The importance of your loved ones on the healing journey  [56:33] Anna’s healing journey [01:05:45] The color shockers in healing  [01:07:42] The uniqueness of traumas  Notable quotes: “If we can resolve the past, we can help people live more unburdened, freer, and more authentic lives.” - Anna Dickson [05:30]“Trauma therapy helps you rewrite the narrative.” - Anna Dickson [10:23]“Being with our person allows us to heal spontaneously.” - Anna Dickson [51:11]“As long as your heart is still beating, you have a choice to change, to resolve, and a choice to become.” - Anna Dickson [01:02:43]“Trauma is so unique to each individual, and so it requires a level of uniqueness in reprocessing.” - Anna Dickson [01:07:42]Relevant links: Anna Dickson Website: https://www.ember-root.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ember.and.root/ Produced by NC Productions Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast

    1h 20m

  5. Apr 30

    The Weight of History & The Power of Healing | Darren Parry on Legacy, Truth, and Reconciliation

    In this episode of the Observatory Podcast, Scott and LaRae Wright sit down with Darren Parry for a powerful and deeply meaningful conversation about history, identity, and healing. Darren shares his lived experience as a descendant of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, offering insight into generational trauma, cultural preservation, and the responsibility of carrying forward truth. Through storytelling and reflection, the conversation explores how understanding the past shapes the present—and how acknowledgment, compassion, and connection can create a path toward healing. This episode is both grounding and expansive, inviting listeners to consider their own relationship with history, identity, and the shared human experience. Timestamps: [00:00:22] Introducing Darren Parry and the conversation ahead [00:02:10] Darren shares his background and connection to the Shoshone Nation [00:06:48] The importance of remembering and honoring history [00:12:35] Generational trauma and its lasting impact [00:18:42] The role of storytelling in preserving culture [00:25:10] Healing through understanding and acknowledgment [00:33:58] Identity, responsibility, and carrying legacy forward [00:41:27] Bridging divides through compassion and dialogue [00:52:14] What reconciliation really means [01:03:36] Final reflections and closing thoughts Notable Quotes: “History isn’t just something that happened… it’s something we’re still living.” – Darren Parry [06:52]“If we don’t tell our stories, they disappear.” – Darren Parry [18:55]“Healing begins when we’re willing to acknowledge what’s been carried for generations.” – Darren Parry [25:22]“It’s not about blame… it’s about understanding.” – Scott Wright [41:35] “We’re more connected than we realize—we just have to be willing to see it.” – LaRae Wright [52:28] Relevant links:  https://www.instagram.com/shoshoneelder/ Produced by NC Productions Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast

    1h 25m

  6. Apr 23

    The Energy Stack | Mike Canales, Adam Heaps, Jesse Rich & Dan McFarland on Men’s Work, Brotherhood, and Healing in Community

    In this episode of the Observatory Podcast, Scott and LaRae Wright sit down with Mike Canales, Adam Heaps, Jesse Rich, and Dan McFarland to explore the heart behind the Energy Stack and the Virtual Men’s Council they’ve built together. What unfolds is a thoughtful, vulnerable conversation about men’s work, healing, brotherhood, and the kind of relational space that allows real transformation to happen. The four guests share how the work began, what drew each of them into it, and how these gatherings have changed their lives from the inside out. Along the way, they talk about safety, being witnessed by other men, learning to show up authentically, and the power of creating containers where men can heal, connect, and remember they are far more alike than different. This episode is both an invitation and a testimony to what becomes possible when men gather with honesty, intention, and heart. Timestamps: [00:00:17] Scott introduces the Energy Stack and the four guests joining the conversation [00:01:27] Mike Canales, Adam Heaps, Jesse Rich, and Dan McFarland join Scott and LaRae [00:02:53] Mike shares how the Energy Stack began and how the retreats took shape [00:08:23] Adam reflects on stumbling into the work and discovering the need for men’s circles [00:12:52] Jesse shares how brotherhood and safety with other men were missing in his life [00:17:37] Dan opens up about being witnessed, healing, and finding a place to belong [00:23:19] LaRae reflects on the depth she sees and asks how the work has changed them over time [00:42:28] What would they say to men who feel hesitant about joining something like this? [00:53:05] Memorable stories and meaningful moments from the in-person and virtual gatherings [01:04:09] The role of food, hospitality, and care in the retreat experience [01:09:10] Dan closes with gratitude for the women and feminine support behind the work Noteable Quotes:  “And it's just been pure magic.” – Mike Canales [06:30]“It showed us what it is and it's still showing us and it's been showing us layer by layer.” – Adam Heaps [09:21]“I didn't feel safe enough to connect with men.” – Jesse Rich [14:58] “That I deserve the air that I breathe and. And the space that I take up in this world.” – Dan McFarland [35:26]“It shows me every single time that what I get out of it, I didn't see coming out of left field.” – Dan McFarland [44:59]“An immense amount of gratitude for all the feminine and the women that makes this stuff possible.” – Dan McFarland [01:09:19] Relevant links: https://www.instagram.com/theenergystack/ https://www.instagram.com/mikecanales_/ https://www.instagram.com/adamheaps/ https://www.instagram.com/jessleerich333/ https://www.instagram.com/mistermcfarland/ Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast Produced by NC Productions.

    1h 12m

  7. Apr 16

    Listening Differently | Scott & LaRae on Awareness, Language, and Inner Dialogue

    In this episode of the Observatory Podcast, Scott and LaRae Wright explore the subtle but powerful ways awareness shifts how we experience life. What begins as a reflection on communication and perception evolves into a deeper conversation about how we interpret reality, the language we use internally, and how small realizations can create profound changes in how we show up. Through personal experiences and thoughtful dialogue, they unpack the difference between reacting and observing, how meaning is created, and why paying attention to the smallest details can transform relationships, self-awareness, and presence. This episode invites listeners to slow down, listen more closely, and reconsider how they engage with the world around them. Timestamps [00:00:18] Opening reflections and introducing the theme of awareness [00:02:12] How language shapes perception and experience [00:05:44] Noticing patterns in communication and internal dialogue [00:09:31] The difference between reacting and observing [00:13:12] Awareness as a practice, not a destination [00:17:40] How small shifts create meaningful change [00:21:18] Letting go of rigid interpretations [00:25:06] Recognizing where we assign meaning [00:28:33] Applying awareness in everyday life Quotes “Sometimes we’re not reacting to what’s actually happening… we’re reacting to the meaning we’ve assigned to it.” – Scott Wright [05:52]“When you start paying attention, you realize how much of your experience is created internally.” – Scott Wright [09:38]“It’s not about controlling your thoughts… it’s about noticing them.” – LaRae Wright [13:20] “Awareness isn’t something you arrive at, it’s something you practice.” – Scott Wright [13:42] “The moment you see it, you can choose something different.” – LaRae Wright [21:24]Relevant links Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast Produced by NC Productions.

    41 min

  8. Apr 9

    Hearing Life Differently | Scott & LaRae on Awareness, Sound, and Paying Attention to Life Unmuted

    In this episode of the Observatory Podcast, Scott and LaRae Wright explore an unexpected but powerful topic: hearing aids—and the deeper awareness they bring. What begins as a conversation about sound and technology quickly expands into a reflection on perception, presence, and how much of life we move through without truly noticing.Scott shares his experience of wearing hearing aids and the surprising realization of how much he had been missing—not just physically, but in awareness. Together, they unpack how tuning into subtle details can shift your entire experience of the world, relationships, and even your inner dialogue. This episode is a reminder that sometimes the smallest adjustments create the biggest shifts in how we experience life. Timestamps [00:00:18] Scott introduces the topic: hearing aids and unexpected awareness [00:01:05] The moment Scott realized he wasn’t hearing everything [00:03:12] First experiences wearing hearing aids and noticing new details [00:05:40] Sounds that were always there—but never noticed [00:08:22] Awareness vs. assumption in everyday life [00:11:03] How perception shapes experience and relationships [00:14:45] The connection between listening and presence [00:18:12] Subtle awareness and internal dialogue [00:21:30] Expanding awareness beyond physical hearing [00:24:18] Applying the lesson: where else are we “not hearing”? [00:27:05] Final reflections on awareness and attention Noteable Quotes “I didn’t even realize how much I wasn’t hearing until I started hearing it.” – Scott Wright [01:12]“It’s amazing how many things are happening around us that we’re just not aware of.” – Scott Wright [05:48]“When you start to actually listen, everything changes.” – Scott Wright [14:52]“It’s not just about hearing better—it’s about being more present.” – LaRae Wright [15:10]“Where else in our life are we not really listening?” – Scott Wright [24:25]Relevant links Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcast Produced by NC Productions.

    30 min
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5
out of 5
67 Ratings

About

In the world of structure, stress, and seemingly meaningless tasks, it can be easy for one to feel lost and empty. Move beyond career success and access true mental wellness and personal fulfillment as we take you through the landscape of the emotions and personal discoveries that shape who we are. The Observatory podcast, is a space for authentic discussions, dedicated to helping you discover or rediscover meaning in your life. Rooted in the wisdom of their own experiences, our hosts Scott and LaRae Wright started their journeys as accomplished executives, with their successful and lucrative 9-5 jobs with Fortune 100 companies and in the finance industry. Unsatisfied with restrictive environments that demanded a disconnected, curated self, these successes gave them meaningful insights into who they weren’t and led them to the path of truly empowered self-discovery. Their journeys have opened their eyes to the possibilities of their own futures and they want to help you do the same. Each week, join us in our commitment to helping you navigate everything from entrepreneurial dreams to personal transformation with stronger clarity of who you truly are.

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