Ernesto Londoño, a Minnesota-based reporter for The Times, dives into the surprising rise of Governor Tim Walz as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate. He explores Walz's transition from small-town educator to a progressive political figure amidst controversies like his response to the George Floyd protests. Londoño discusses the strategic implications of vice presidential selections, emphasizing how Walz balances moderate ideals while appealing to diverse voter bases. The conversation sheds light on the evolving political landscape and its potential impact on the upcoming campaign.

Ernesto Londoño, a national correspondent and former war reporter, opens up about his transformative journey through ayahuasca retreats across Latin America. He shares how his traumatic experiences from war zones drove him to seek healing and self-discovery. The conversation dives into the interplay between personal healing and psychedelics, discussing the emotional revelations faced during ceremonies. Ernesto also addresses the complexities of integrating psychedelic practices in modern mental health and the implications for indigenous cultures, providing profound insights on personal growth.

Tim Walz, the newly-nominated Democratic VP candidate and former Minnesota governor, shares insights into his transformative political journey. With a background shaped by working-class values and military service, he discusses his shift from a DUI incident to becoming an advocate for inclusivity and LGBTQ rights. The conversation highlights his evolving stance on gun control, driven by recent tragedies, and emphasizes connection with voters through personal narratives. Ernesto Londoño enriches the dialogue with a deeper understanding of Walz's impactful policies.

Reporter for The New York Times, Ernesto Londoño, discusses the resurgence of psychedelics in therapeutic settings, their historical context, benefits, safety, and legal complexities. The podcast explores psychedelic churches, advocacy for wider access, communal healing in therapy, and the transformative impact of group therapy.

This episode contains strong language.It was a surprise to many recently when protesters took to the streets in a small town near Havana to express their grievances with Cuba’s authoritarian government. Cubans do not protest in huge numbers.Even more remarkable: The protests spread across the island.Why are Cubans protesting, and what happens next?Guest: Ernesto Londoño, the Brazil bureau chief for The New York Times, covering the southern cone of South America. Sign up here to get The Daily in your inbox each morning. And for an exclusive look at how the biggest stories on our show come together, subscribe to our newsletter. Background reading: Thousands of Cubans have taken to the streets in cities around their country to protest food and medicine shortages, in a remarkable eruption of discontent not seen in nearly 30 years.Security forces arrested dozens of protesters after a wave of demonstrations on Sunday. But dissidents expressed hope the protests would lead to lasting change.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.  Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.