The Universe Within Podcast Ep. 138 - Scott Stanley - Ayahuasca, Religious Freedom, Legality & the DEA
Hey everybody! Episode 138 of the show is out. In this episode, I spoke with Scott Stanley. Scott is the founder of the ayahuasca church, Arizona Yage Assembly (AYA) as well as the North American Association of Visionary Churches (NAAVC). I was interested to bring Scott on to speak about the legal status of plant sacraments in the US. I think Scott is a really good representative in that he has been involved in a legal battle with the US government over religious freedom and actually is suing the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) and seems to be in a good position. We spoke about his background, ayahuasca, the history of churches and religious freedom in the States, principles and morality, and why he’s involved in doing this work. I think its a very relevant conversation in regard to plant medicines and I hope you all find it insightful. As always, to support this podcast, get early access to shows, bonus material, and Q&As, check out my Patreon page below. Enjoy!
This episode is sponsored by Real Mushrooms. As listeners, visit their website to enjoy a discount of 25% off your first order: https://www.realmushrooms.com/universe
“Scott Stanley has spent some 15 years working with ayahuasca and Amazonian master plants. He has led over 500 ayahuasca ceremonies across the US, since founding the ayahuasca church, Arizona Yage Assembly (AYA) in 2015. He also founded the North American Association of Visionary Churches (NAAVC). Both organizations have sued the Drug Enforcement Agency to ensure free and legal access to the visionary practice of religion. His organizations have worked to bring combat vets into ayahuasca ceremonies through support of the veteran led AYA Mission. AYA has also started a nature conservancy for preserving the virgin rainforest of the upper amazon.AYA currently conducts bi-weekly ceremonies in their ceremonial maloca in Tucson, AZ.”
To learn more about or contact Scott, visit his website at: www.ayaguide.org
To view the recent documentary about us, Sacred Tobacco, visit: https://youtu.be/KB0JEQALI_w
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For more information about me and my upcoming plant medicine retreats with my colleague Merav Artzi, visit my site at: https://www.NicotianaRustica.org
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Music courtesy of: Nuno Moreno (end song). Visit: https://m.soundcloud.com/groove_a_zen_sound and https://nahira-ziwa.bandcamp.com/ And Stefan Kasapovski’s Santero Project (intro song). Visit: https://spoti.fi/3y5Rd4H