In this episode of Cura Medicina, host Derek Dodds sits down with Neil Ryan Dumra—founder, cacao advocate, and creator of a heart-centered community hub and cacao lounge in Austin, Texas. Neil shares his personal healing journey, from overcoming physical trauma and severe caffeine sensitivity to discovering the grounding, heart-opening power of ceremonial cacao. Key Highlights & Takeaways & Mentions – The Physics & Spirit of Heart Opening: Neil explains how cacao physically, chemically, and sensorially softens tissue around the heart to help us move out of head-space and into feeling. – Neil’s Origin Story: Overcoming trauma, an accident, and severe reactions to caffeine—leading to a life-changing encounter with ceremonial cacao in Costa Rica. – What Is Cacao? Exploring the origins in South America, how pods fruit, and the transition of cacao from wild pods to currency and medicine. – Harvesting & Processing: Breakdown of the fruit pulp, husks, beans, sun-drying, and stone-grinding vs. standard commercial chocolate manufacturing. – Sourcing Integrity & Heavy Metals: Neil introduces the Cacao Flavonoid Index, regenerative farming practices, permaculture, and protecting both farms and consumers. – Indigenous Traditions & Cosmology: How tribes in Colombia live in continuous prayer, treat nature with reverence, and view ceremonial cacao as a bridge between cultures. – Elixir Crafting & Recipes: Recommended ways to prepare cacao at home—using adaptogens, mushrooms, Maldon salt, maple cream, cayenne, and Shilajit for vitality. – Creating a "Third Space": Neil details his Austin yoga center, cacao lounge, and neighboring macrobiotic village designed to release layers of compensation and host heart-centered community gatherings. – Protection & Spirit: Neil reflects on how the spirit of cacao has guided, protected, and transformed his business and life path. "There is no such thing as ceremonial cacao—there is ceremony, and there is cacao." The distinction lies in the intention, presence, and reverence brought to the space. Adaptogens Mentioned: Shilajit (fulvic/humic acid for vitality & blood flow), Lion's Mane, Chicory, Pine Pollen, Maca, Beetroot, and Madagascar Vanilla. Traditional Prep Ideas: Pairing pure stone-ground cacao paste with a touch of sea salt, cinnamon, cayenne, turmeric, or maple cream instead of heavy processing or refined sugars. - - - Connect with Niel - - - https://thirdeyecacao.com/ Derek’s new book on Animal Spirit Guides is launching next month! As a thank you to the Cura Medicina community, he is offering it absolutely free. Click the link in the show notes below to drop your email and join the exclusive release list. Join The Launch: https://derekdodds.com/animal-spirit-guides-summer-26-book-launch/ - - - Connect with Derek - - - curamedicina.cominstagram.com/cura_medicina_podcastderek {@} curamedicina.com - - - Derek's Books on Amazon. - - - Ayahuasca: A Beginner's GuideSacred Geometry and Patterns of Divine DesignHapé Sacred Tobacco: Plant Medicine Ally From The Amazon Rainforest Outroll music by Ninawa Huni Kuin source Subscribe & Review: Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on your favorite platform. See all platforms. My Vision & Prayer May all beings be happy. May all beings be free. May all beings find their way home. ~ Om Mani Padme Hum TAGS: plant medicine, cacao, ceremonial cacao, Neil Ryan Dumra, Derek Dodds, Kuda Medicina, plant medicine, heart opening, South America, Colombia, Kogi tribe, Arawaco tribe, heavy metals in chocolate, Cacao Flavonoid Index, permaculture, regenerative cacao, adaptogens, Shilajit, Lion's Mane, third space
