Inner Alchemy with George Stuby – Trauma, Music and Plant Medicine

George Stuby
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Inner Alchemy with George Stuby is a podcast exploring the profound healing that happens when we return to the body, release trauma, and open to expanded states of consciousness. This podcast blends raw recordings of real therapy sessions with intimate conversations with artists, therapists, and visionaries, creating a space for honest, embodied transformation. Whether you are on your own healing path or holding space for others, these episodes offer practical insight, spiritual depth, and a remembrance of your true nature. Hosted by psychologist, musician, and psychedelic guide George Stuby.

  1. Oct 15

    E 18 - Chris Park: From Acid House to Druid Elder

    The deeper connection you keep searching for may need less stimulation, not more. Druid and beekeeper Chris Park shows how land, craft and ceremony bring it back. SUMMARY George Stuby visits Chris Park at his off-grid straw bale home on the Oxfordshire and Wiltshire border, where Chris keeps bees, brews mead and tends a small woodland. Chris traces a winding path from a childhood among his grandparents’ orchards in the Chiltern Hills, through heavy metal, acid house and art college, to search and rescue training, sea turtle conservation in Greece and seven weeks living in an Iron Age village without a car, phone or screen. He explains the three grades of Druidry (bard, ovate and druid) and how the tradition grounded him while opening his creative voice. George brings in what he sees with his own clients and in plant medicine ceremonies: as people heal, their systems become more sensitive, and they need far less stimulation to feel deeply. Chris adds that we have to let ourselves be bored, and describes ayahuasca as a gateway to nature rather than a destination. Together they explore the belief of not being good enough, Ken Wilber’s integral theory, folk dance as a way of building community, and the courage it takes to sing in public. Chris closes with bees, mead and herbal medicine. He describes psychedelics as the scalpel of plant medicine, kept for the moments when surgery is needed. CHAPTERS 0:00 Welcome to Chris Park’s home 1:45 A childhood among orchards and crafts 6:11 Bonfires, heavy metal and paganism 8:32 Raves, hills and Western mysticism 12:37 From art world to search and rescue 14:58 Sea turtle conservation in Greece 18:05 Discovering Druidry 21:31 Life in an Iron Age village 25:12 Bards, ovates and druids explained 30:24 A toast with birch sap mead 33:46 Building your own connections 39:00 Healing makes us more sensitive 42:16 Plant medicine as a gateway to nature 46:28 Finding your voice and self-worth 47:44 Beyond “I’m not good enough” 49:46 Art, health and the Awen 54:01 Druidry, heritage and belonging 1:01:06 Ken Wilber and integrating worldviews 1:05:42 Reconnecting the parts of ourselves 1:08:01 What wisdom traditions share 1:14:43 Screens, abstraction and a taproot 1:18:10 Folk dance as community building 1:21:50 Chris’s plant medicine journey 1:25:59 Henbane, ayahuasca and confidence 1:30:05 Singing in public and being seen 1:34:15 Where to find Chris 1:38:12 Mead, bees and everyday medicine 1:41:50 Psychedelics as the scalpel ABOUT CHRIS PARK Chris Park is a Druid, skep beekeeper, mead maker, storyteller, musician and celebrant who lives off-grid in a straw bale house on the Oxfordshire and Wiltshire border. A long-standing member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, he teaches skep making, mead making, beekeeping and Breton dance, plays Highland pipes for ceremonies, and guides people to sacred sites including Stonehenge, Avebury and West Kennet Long Barrow. He is the author of Bee-Skep Making: Heritage, folklore and how to make and use your own skeps. Book: https://store.druidry.org/products/bee-skep-making Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrischarlespark Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids: https://www.druidry.org If this conversation stirred a wish to slow down and feel more at home in yourself, my free resources will help you regulate your nervous system and reconnect: https://georgestuby.com/resources?source=podcast georgestuby.com Instagram: @iamgeorgestuby

  2. Oct 2

    E17- Gary Fabbri: From a Life That's Just Okay to a Life That's Truly Yours

    A comfortable life can still feel empty. Find out how small moments of awareness bring you back to the life you actually want to live. SUMMARY George Stuby talks with writer, artist and creative director Gary Fabbri, author of Atomic Awareness. Gary describes how a divorce and the pressure of being a single father every other week left him stuck in his head for over a year. One day, crossing a bridge in Stockholm, he noticed a single leaf moving on a tree, and something opened up. From there, George and Garry look at "lagom," the Swedish idea of everything being just okay, and how a comfortable life can quietly push aside the dreams we once had. George explains the nervous system's three states and what it takes to return to calm and openness. Gary shares his practice of setting a daily intention about how you want to show up, and treating each lapse as another chance to practise rather than a failure. They also cover slow practice in music and the gym, aligning values, intention and action, Gabor Maté's view of personality as a set of coping mechanisms, and how reclaiming your attention changes what you create. The conversation closes on kindness, self-compassion and a more personal definition of success. CHAPTERS 0:00 Meet Gary Fabbri and Atomic Awareness 1:11 Divorce, overwhelm and the leaf on the bridge 5:54 What Atomic Awareness is really about 7:29 Lagom: the trap of a life that's just okay 12:57 Who you are matters more than what you do 18:10 The nervous system and returning to calm 21:27 Becoming a gardener of your true self 26:05 Setting a daily intention 30:19 Using triggers as data, not failure 34:18 Slow practice in music and the gym 45:50 Values, intention and action 52:10 Personality as a set of coping mechanisms 55:09 You are the hero of your own story 1:01:36 Reclaiming attention in a distracted world 1:03:57 When learning becomes avoidance 1:06:18 Small acts of kindness that change a day 1:10:38 The grandmother effect and self-compassion 1:13:16 Discipline, balance and redefining success 1:22:26 Rehearsal as the path to relaxation 1:27:21 What to take away from the book ABOUT THE GUEST Gary Fabbri is a writer, artist, speaker and creative director based in Stockholm. He has worked in TV in London and in creative agencies in Sweden, and is the author of several novels and of Atomic Awareness: A Guide to Crafting an Extraordinary Life Based on the Power of the Present. His work helps people unlock their inner artistry and align their daily habits with their deepest values. Atomic Awareness: available on Amazon Website: garyfabbri.com WORK WITH GEORGE Want simple practices to bring your nervous system back to calm? Comment REGULATE and get my free resources here: https://georgestuby.com/resources?source=podcast georgestuby.com Instagram: @iamgeorgestuby

  3. Jun 30

    E16 - Dr Darragh Stewart: The Inner Work Men Have Been Avoiding

    A molecular geneticist walked away from the lab to guide men into the parts of themselves they had spent a lifetime hiding. What he found there might surprise you. Summary In this conversation, I sit down with Dr Darragh Stewart, who holds a PhD in molecular plant genetics and now co-founds psychedelic retreats and leads men's work. Darragh spent more than a decade inside the rational, materialist world of science before practices like meditation, breathwork and psychedelics opened up a different way of relating to himself and the world. We talk about what it means to bridge that scientific grounding with ancestral wisdom, and why he believes the data, however valuable, cannot explain everything. Much of our conversation turns toward men. Darragh shares how the loss of two colleagues moved him to start running men's circles, and why so many men have learned to bury their emotions, their creativity, even their own singing voice. We explore shadow work as a way of reclaiming those lost parts, the difference between genuine integration and chasing peak experiences, and how to recognise a facilitator worth trusting. Throughout, Darragh returns to something simple and steadying: connection to nature, to community, and to the sense that you were never broken to begin with. Chapters 0:00 Bridging Science and Ancestral Wisdom 3:05 How a Scientist Found the Holistic World 6:00 What Nature-Based Spirituality Means 9:39 Small Daily Acts of Reconnection 10:02 Prescribing Nature for Anxiety and Low Mood 13:11 Men, Identity and the Golden Cage 17:02 What a Vision Quest Actually Is 18:48 The Origin Story of Inward Bound 25:03 The Psychedelic Wave and Its Shadow Side 28:37 When Clinical Settings Get It Wrong 31:31 Why Men Need Co-Regulation and Nurture 33:11 Shadow Work and the Gold We Bury 37:02 Reclaiming a Voice, Reclaiming Art 40:13 What Integration Really Looks Like 44:06 Men's Work and the Critics Who Doubt It 50:26 How to Recognise a Good Facilitator 54:21 Beyond Fluffy Spirituality 56:34 You Were Never Broken Guest Bio Dr Darragh Stewart holds a PhD in molecular plant genetics and is the co-founder of Inward Bound, which runs legal psilocybin retreats in the Netherlands and Costa Rica. He is one of Ireland's leading men's work facilitators, blending a scientific background with breathwork, meditation, movement and nature-based practice to help people reconnect with themselves. His work is grounded, non-dogmatic, and committed to safe, well-held journeys with altered states. Psychedelic work: inwardbound.nl Men's work, events and retreats: innerwork.ie Listen and Connect If this conversation moved something in you, the next step is learning how to work with your own nervous system. Comment or DM me REGULATE and I'll send you my free resources, or go straight to https://georgestuby.com/resources?source=podcast. You can find more of my work at georgestuby.com and on Instagram at @iamgeorgestuby.

  4. Jun 14

    E15 - Ignacio Diaz Jr. (The Monroe Institute): How Sound Unlocks the Doors of Consciousness

    What if the right sound could carry you into states most people only reach after years of practice? Ignacio Diaz Jr. explains how. In this episode, I sit down with Ignacio Diaz Jr., a classically trained pianist and director of music strategy at the Monroe Institute, for a conversation about how sound opens the door to deeper states of awareness. Ignacio traces his path from a quiet experiment with meditation at age eleven — using a cassette he later discovered was one of Bob Monroe's own recordings — to four decades of teaching music and exploring consciousness. He explains binaural beats in plain terms, why pleasing music matters as a carrier for that technology, and the crucial point that sound never gives us an experience; it simply quiets the noise so we can observe what is already there. We explore meditation as a living practice rather than a goal, the link between altered states and creativity, and how Ignacio raised his daughter with affirmations, candle focus and vision boards that became second nature to her. The conversation moves into desire and honesty — learning to tell which longings are truly ours and which belong to ego or the expectations of others — and lands on the quiet truth that what most of us are really after is connection and meaning. It is a warm, far-reaching talk about presence, intention and the most direct of all the arts. Chapters 0:00 Meeting Ignacio Diaz Jr. 2:18 An early meditation journey 6:34 Bob Monroe and the Institute 10:39 Understanding binaural beats 14:32 Music as a carrier inward 18:19 Meditation as a practice 22:33 Parenting with awareness 40:15 Affirmations and attraction 52:37 The power of vision boards 55:45 Telling true desire apart 01:01:42 What we really long for 01:06:25 Sound and self-discovery 01:12:46 Intentional music 01:22:59 Where to begin Guest bio and links Ignacio Diaz Jr. is a classically trained pianist with degrees from Augustana College and Northwestern University, and has taught music for over four decades alongside a lifelong path of consciousness exploration. He serves as director of music strategy and development, audio engineer and trainer at the Monroe Institute, and his own programme, Creation Station, uses Monroe Sound Science to help people reach expanded states and access their creativity. Monroe Institute: https://www.monroeinstitute.org/ Expand: Beyond Meditation app: https://info.monroeinstitute.org/get-expand-app LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/idjr/ More at georgestuby.com · Subscribe to Inner Alchemy wherever you listen · Instagram: @iamgeorgestuby

  5. Apr 7

    E14 - Eliah Prichard: From Anxiety to Authenticity – Embracing Emotional Freedom

    Discover how reconnecting with your body and emotions can transform your mental well-being, reduce stress, and foster authentic self-expression. In this episode, Eliah Prichard and George Stuby explore practical tools like grounding, breathwork, and somatic practices that help you develop emotional fluency and build a resilient nervous system. Key Topics: - The importance of emotional fluency and understanding body language of emotions - Grounding practices as foundational tools for everyday stress management - The role of breathwork, movement, and sensory engagement in nervous system regulation - How trauma and childhood experiences influence emotional responses - The significance of connecting with emotions to access self-awareness and authenticity - Strategies for integrating body awareness into daily life and relationships - The impact of emotional regulation on societal issues like overconsumption and climate change - The difference between external and internal sources of safety and security - How consistent practice accelerates emotional and spiritual growth - Resources for learning emotional fluency, somatic experiencing, and psychedelic-assisted therapy Connect with Eliah: https://www.kaleidos-cope.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kaleidos.cope/ Connect with George: https://www.georgestuby.com/ 10 Day "The Missing Piece" Course: ⁠course.georgestuby.com/10daycourse⁠

  6. Jan 16

    E13: Uria Tsur - The Art of Leading Singing Circles

    In this episode, Uria Tsur and Georg Stuby explore the profound connection between music, voice, and human expression. Uria, an international musician and facilitator, shares his journey of using music to foster community and personal growth. They discuss the challenges and joys of leading singing circles, the importance of presence, and the transformative power of music as a form of medicine. The conversation delves into themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and the collective experience of singing together. Takeaways Uria Tsur emphasizes the power of music to connect and heal.Singing circles are a space for mutual expression and learning.Presence is a key element in Uria's workshops and teachings.Music serves as a form of medicine, offering insight and connection.Authenticity and vulnerability are encouraged in Uria's sessions.The balance between personal desires and collective harmony is explored.Uria shares his journey of becoming a facilitator and musician.The importance of community and shared experiences is highlighted.Uria discusses the role of music in personal and collective growth.The episode explores the concept of presence and its impact on life. Keywordsmusic, voice, human expression, singing circles, presence, authenticity, vulnerability, collective experience, music medicine, personal growth

    E13: Uria Tsur - The Art of Leading Singing Circles

  7. 12/16/2025

    E12 - Florian Haik Schirmacher: A Producer's Journey from Success to Soul

    In this conversation, Florian Haik Schirmacher discusses the transformative power of music, its connection to personal growth, and the role of plant medicine in shaping his musical journey. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, deep listening, and the healing aspects of music, while also navigating the complexities of the music industry and the realities of touring. The dialogue explores the intersection of music and spirituality, highlighting the significance of freedom in artistic expression and the legacy one leaves behind through their work. Key takeaways Music is a powerful tool for transformation and healing.Plant medicine can enhance the understanding of music's role in life.Authenticity in music is essential for true expression.Traveling and touring can provide inspiration and growth opportunities.Deep listening is crucial for connecting with music on a profound level.Freedom in music allows for genuine expression and creativity.The music industry presents unique challenges that require resilience.Honesty in artistic endeavors leads to meaningful connections with audiences.Music serves as a mirror for personal growth and self-discovery.The legacy of music is defined by the honesty and research behind it.

    E12 - Florian Haik Schirmacher: A Producer's Journey from Success to Soul

  8. 12/05/2025

    E11 - Jenna (Medicine Festival): From Escape to Return – The Rise of Intentional Gatherings

    Mainstream festivals promise escape — a break from daily life, a weekend of intensity, sound, and spectacle. But more and more people are discovering something deeper: spaces where celebration turns into healing, where community feels like family, and where music isn’t just entertainment, but medicine. In this conversation, Jenna shares the story of how she moved from global diplomacy into the world of transformational festival culture — and why intentional gatherings are becoming a global movement. We explore what truly sets these spaces apart: the presence, the rituals, the emotional safety, the integration, the way they invite you back into yourself rather than away from your life. This episode is an invitation to rethink what a festival can be — not just a place to lose yourself, but a place to remember who you are.

    E11 - Jenna (Medicine Festival): From Escape to Return – The Rise of Intentional Gatherings
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About

Inner Alchemy with George Stuby is a podcast exploring the profound healing that happens when we return to the body, release trauma, and open to expanded states of consciousness. This podcast blends raw recordings of real therapy sessions with intimate conversations with artists, therapists, and visionaries, creating a space for honest, embodied transformation. Whether you are on your own healing path or holding space for others, these episodes offer practical insight, spiritual depth, and a remembrance of your true nature. Hosted by psychologist, musician, and psychedelic guide George Stuby.

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