Ep 162: Brain Supreme: Microdosing Psychedelics & the Battle for Consciousness with Adam Schell
Apr 23, 2025
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Adam Schell, founder of Brain Supreme and former Big Ten linebacker, shares his transformative journey from athlete to microdosing coach. He discusses the emotional depth of psychedelic experiences and the evolving cannabis industry. Highlights include personal stories of healing through microdosing, the potential of psilocybin for mental health and performance, and the challenges of navigating the psychedelic landscape amid corporate interests. Adam emphasizes the importance of intentional practices and holistic approaches in enhancing well-being.
Adam Schell's transition from athlete to microdosing coach exemplifies the transformative potential of psychedelics for personal growth and community building.
The emotional depth of psychedelic ceremonies fosters connections between participants, promoting healing and deepening interpersonal relationships and empathy.
Research highlights the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics like psilocybin in alleviating mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Integration practices following psychedelic experiences are crucial for processing insights and nurturing the supportive community environment essential for emotional healing.
Responsible use of psychedelics requires careful attention to dosage and individual mental health conditions to mitigate potential adverse effects.
Deep dives
Fasting Preparation and Initial Rituals
The fasting process begins the night before the ceremony, typically starting around 6 p.m. Participants are advised to abstain from heavy foods, particularly meat, beforehand. Upon arrival at the designated space, guests are welcomed warmly and participate in a saging ceremony, which sets a positive and sacred tone for the experience. Initial preparations also include a dose of MDMA, which is known for creating feelings of love and liberation from guilt or shame, allowing participants to become more present and emotionally open.
Experiencing HAPE and Setting Intentions
The ceremony includes the use of HAPE, a preparatory substance that is said to stimulate the pituitary and pineal glands, creating a sensation of clarity and readiness for the upcoming experience. While HAPE may not be a powerful psychedelic, it serves to enhance the participants' openness and connection to the process. After reflecting on individual intentions, the group partakes in a dose of a potent psilocybin strain, which is essential for the subsequent journey. This preparation paves the way for an immersive experience, supported by ambient music and a carefully curated environment.
Profound Psychedelic Experience
Participants report encountering a deep state of consciousness similar to that of the primordial ocean, filled with waves of light and emotion. This state leads to moments of immense feeling, often characterized by bliss, love, and occasional confrontations with darker energies related to personal conflicts. The experience ebbs and flows between joy and confrontation, allowing participants to explore relationships with loved ones on a deeper, often more spiritual level. The journey facilitates a sense of reconnection and gratitude for the energies that surround them, thereby enhancing their emotional and spiritual bonds.
Emotional Healing and Personal Insights
Throughout the experience, participants may confront past judgments and traumas, leading to moments of intense emotional release and healing. This process sometimes manifests as bursts of gratitude, where individuals reflect on their relationships, particularly with family members. The experience allows individuals to project love, forgiveness, and appreciation towards those they've had conflicts with, significantly enhancing interpersonal connections. Participants often emerge with a renewed perspective on love, realizing its fundamental importance in navigating life.
Integration of Experience and Lasting Effects
Upon returning from the psychedelic journey, individuals engage in integration practices designed to help process and internalize their experiences. This integration often involves sharing insights and feelings with the group, fostering a supportive community environment. Many participants report feeling a lasting shift in their emotional states, with a heightened appreciation for love and connection persisting long after the ceremony. The overall experience serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of love in one’s life.
Role of Psychedelics in Therapy
The discussion highlights the growing recognition of psychedelics as valuable tools in therapeutic settings for mental health issues, including PTSD and depression. Anecdotal evidence from participants showcases significant improvements in mental well-being, with many experiencing reduced anxiety and negative self-talk due to their psychedelic experiences. Moreover, the importance of setting and intention in these experiences is emphasized, showing that even individuals on SSRIs may benefit from psychedelic therapy when approached correctly. This raises further questions about the integration of psychedelics into current mental health treatment practices.
Personal Well-Being and Emotional Connection
Participants emphasize the improvement in their emotional and interpersonal connections following their psychedelic experiences. Many report a newfound capacity for empathy and love, which allows them to relate better to others and fosters deeper connections. The experience of microdosing or engaging in ceremonies can be seen as a way to strengthen these connections through enhanced emotional intelligence. This underscores the potential of psychedelics to not only treat specific issues but also enrich daily interactions and relationships.
Safety and Considerations in Psychedelic Use
The conversation acknowledges the necessity of responsible use of psychedelics, including attention to dosage and individual circumstances, such as pre-existing mental health conditions. While many participants enjoy positive outcomes, it is vital to remain mindful of personal vulnerabilities and the impact of current medications on experiences. Furthermore, taking measures to mitigate any adverse reactions, such as consulting with knowledgeable practitioners or conducting preliminary tests, is strongly recommended. Participants are urged to listen to their bodies and follow their intuition regarding the substances.
Reflection on Popular Culture and Personal Agency
There's an exploration of the intersection between personal agency, societal pressures, and the influence of media narratives on perceptions of psychedelics. The discussion also points to historical and ongoing manipulation in various domains, including sports and the pharmaceutical industry. Participants reflect on the importance of critical thinking and remaining vigilant against propaganda, particularly regarding public health measures. This perspective encourages the cultivation of a personal, autonomous understanding while navigating the complexities of modern life.
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Adam shares his journey from Big Ten linebacker and cannabis entrepreneur to microdosing coach and founder of Brain Supreme. He dives into the emotional depth of psychedelic ceremonies, the importance of duality and non-duality, and the evolution of the cannabis industry. Adam also breaks down the formulations behind his product line—Genius, Blackstack, Athlete, and Feel Good—and highlights research supporting the power of intentional microdosing.
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