Sacred Roots: How the Iboga Plant Transformed Former NBA Star Stéphane Lasme

The Iboga plant isn’t just a sacred medicine—it’s a way of life for the people of Gabon, tied to healing, spiritual growth, and community. In this episode, Stéphane Lasme, former NBA player and proud Gabon native, shares his powerful connection to this ancient plant. He talks about how Iboga shaped his journey from childhood to adulthood, helping him find purpose and healing along the way. If you’ve ever wondered how plant medicine can truly change lives, this conversation will leave you thinking.

Stéphane opens up about his personal experiences with Iboga, from early days of microdosing to transformative ceremonies that helped him navigate the highs and lows of being a professional athlete. With his background in biology and his global perspective, he also breaks down the big differences between Iboga and psychedelics like psilocybin and ayahuasca—it’s not just another trend; it’s deeply rooted in tradition. Listening to him, you’ll see why this isn’t just about healing but about honoring culture and connecting to something much bigger.

Beyond his Iboga journey, Stéphane’s life is full of fascinating twists—from winning MVPs on the basketball court to launching businesses that celebrate Gabon’s heritage. He’s all about merging purpose with passion. Now, as CEO of RESET, he’s on a mission to share Iboga’s potential for global mental health while protecting the traditions it comes from. It’s a story of culture, healing, and finding your way—and you’re going to love it. 

Key Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction.

[00:03:48] Iboga's cultural significance and use.

[00:08:18] Iboga as life-changing medicine.

[00:12:10] Plant medicine as a teacher.

[00:13:59] Plant medicine and ancestral connection

[00:19:42] Purpose in childhood plant medicine.

[00:25:33] Addiction as a distraction.

[00:29:50] Dealing with past emotions.

[00:30:54] Spiritual journey and family history.

Memorable Quotes:

"I always wanted to be the person that I am today. You know, this is who I wanted to be. I knew it was going to be hard, but there was a purpose." [00:18:35] – Stéphane Lasme

"People are running towards plant medicine, running towards Iboga to find a purpose in their lives, to get rid of the baggage. So yeah, I think there should be a lot more attention put into Iboga and all the other plain medicine as well, because it's definitely saving lives." [00:22:38] – Stéphane Lasme

Connect with Stéphane Lasme:

Website: http://www.stephanelasme.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabonbeast_

X/Twitter: https://x.com/Slasme

Connect with Modern Enlightenment:

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Apply to be a guest on the show: https://airtable.com/appiLHnhKJH01qCNe/pageThPHAjQNNaJNY/form

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com