The Universe Within Podcast

Jason Grechanik
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May 28, 2025 • 2h 17min

Ep. 159 - Michael Amster - The Power of Awe

Hey everybody! In this episode, I spoke with Michael Amster. Michael is a really interesting guy. He is a medical doctor who has bridged many different spiritual paths together. Through mindfulness he developed a practice to, as he puts it, microdose awe. He co-wrote a book called The Power of Awe which is about just that, the power of awe to positively influence our lives. As someone who works with plant medicines, I also think that this experience of awe is one of, if not the most important, aspects of this work with plants and also at the core of what it means to be a human being. It was a pleasure to have Michael on to share his research and I trust you all will gain much from this interview. 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 (https://realmushrooms.com) As listeners, enjoy a discount of 25% off your first order at checkout using the Discount code: UNIVERSETo learn more about or contact Michael, visit their website at: www.thepowerofawe.comTo learn more about our work, visit our website: https://NicotianaRustica.orgTo view the recent documentary, Sacred Tobacco, about my work, visit: https://youtu.be/KB0JEQALI_wIf you enjoy the show, it would be a big help if you could share it with your own audiences via social media or word of mouth. And please Subscribe or Follow and if you can go on Apple Podcasts and leave a starred-rating and a short review. That would be super helpful with the algorithms and getting this show out to more people. Thank you in advance!I will be guiding our next plant medicine dietas with my colleague Merav Artzi (who I interviewed in episode 28) in July in Ireland (SOLD OUT), online beginning August 23, and in-person in the Sacred Valley of Peru November 2. If you would like more information about joining us and the work I do, visit my site at: https://NicotianaRustica.orgIntegration/Consultation call: https://jasongrechanik.setmore.comPatreon: https://patreon.com/UniverseWithinYouTube join & perks: https://bit.ly/YTPerksPayPal, donate: https://paypal.me/jasongrechanikWebsite: https://UniverseWithinPodcast.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/UniverseWithinPodcastFacebook: https://facebook.com/UniverseWithinPodcastMusic: Nuno Moreno: https://m.soundcloud.com/groove_a_zen_sound & https://nahira-ziwa.bandcamp.com & Stefan Kasapovski’s Santero Project: https://spoti.fi/3y5Rd4H
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May 14, 2025 • 1h 55min

Ep. 158 - Roman Hanis - Beyond Ayahuasca: Evolutionary Science of Indigenous Amazonian Wisdom

Hey everybody! Episode 158 of the show is out. In this episode, I spoke with Roman Hanis. This is my second time interviewing Roman. I really enjoyed our first interview with Roman and was impressed with his wisdom and what he had to share. He is releasing a book soon so I was happy to heave him back on to speak about it. Its called Beyond Ayahuasca: Evolutionary Science of Indigenous Amazonian Wisdom. I had the pleasure to read it a while back and really enjoyed it. Its full of wisdom about these traditional technologies and I think you all will gain much from this episode as from the first. As always, to support this podcast, get early access to shows, bonus material, and Q&As, check out my Patreon page below. Enjoy!To learn more about or contact Roman, including his book, visit his website at: paititi-institute.orgTo learn more about our work, visit our website: https://NicotianaRustica.orgTo view the recent documentary, Sacred Tobacco, about my work, visit: https://youtu.be/KB0JEQALI_wIf you enjoy the show, it would be a big help if you could share it with your own audiences via social media or word of mouth. And please Subscribe or Follow and if you can go on Apple Podcasts and leave a starred-rating and a short review. That would be super helpful with the algorithms and getting this show out to more people. Thank you in advance!I will be guiding our next plant medicine dietas with my colleague Merav Artzi (who I interviewed in episode 28) in July in Westport, Ireland. If you would like more information about joining us and the work I do, visit my site at: https://NicotianaRustica.orgIntegration/Consultation call: https://jasongrechanik.setmore.comPatreon: https://patreon.com/UniverseWithinYouTube join & perks: https://bit.ly/YTPerksPayPal, donate: https://paypal.me/jasongrechanikWebsite: https://UniverseWithinPodcast.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/UniverseWithinPodcastFacebook: https://facebook.com/UniverseWithinPodcastMusic: Nuno Moreno: https://m.soundcloud.com/groove_a_zen_sound & https://nahira-ziwa.bandcamp.com & Stefan Kasapovski’s Santero Project: https://spoti.fi/3y5Rd4H
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Apr 30, 2025 • 3h 31min

Ep. 157 - Todd Roberts & Lacey Ann Luna - The Medicine Path: Ayahuasca & Shipibo Lineage

Todd Roberts and Lacey Ann Luna, co-founders of Intertwining Medicines, share their deep-rooted experiences in the Shipibo ayahuasca tradition. They explore transformative journeys of healing, particularly during the COVID pandemic, and highlight the challenges of facilitating ceremonies. The duo discusses the balance between genuine spiritual callings and ego-driven desires, the complexities of morality, and the significance of integrity in healing practices. Their insights into plant intelligence and cultural respect offer a profound perspective on the evolving landscape of ayahuasca retreats.
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Apr 16, 2025 • 1h 43min

Ep. 156 - Melissa Osorio - Ayahuasca, Trauma, Abuse, & Healing

Hey everybody! Episode 156 of the show is out. In this episode, I spoke with Melissa Osorio. Melissa has a really interesting, difficult, and inspiring story. We spoke about her early years growing up in Venezuela, the death of first her sibling and then her father, the impact his had, her journey to the US to pursue and achieve the American Dream, her discontent, her journey with ayahuasca, the revelations of early childhood sexual abuse at the hands of her father, and how that led her on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Melissa has an inspiring story and a lot of wisdom to teach and I trust you all will find this a deep and helpful conversation. As always, to support this podcast, get early access to shows, bonus material, check out my Patreon page below. Enjoy!To learn more about Melissa, visit her website: https://melissa-osorio.comTo learn more about our work, visit our website: https://NicotianaRustica.orgTo view the recent documentary, Sacred Tobacco, about my work, visit: https://youtu.be/KB0JEQALI_wIf you enjoy the show, it would be a big help if you could share it with your own audiences via social media or word of mouth. And please Subscribe or Follow and if you can go on Apple Podcasts and leave a starred-rating and a short review. That would be super helpful with the algorithms and getting this show out to more people. Thank you in advance!I will be guiding our next plant medicine dietas with my colleague Merav Artzi (who I interviewed in episode 28) in April/May in Porto Covo, Portugal, and July in Westport, Ireland. If you would like more information about joining us and the work I do, visit my site at: https://NicotianaRustica.orgIntegration/Consultation call: https://jasongrechanik.setmore.comPatreon: https://patreon.com/UniverseWithinYouTube join & perks: https://bit.ly/YTPerksPayPal, donate: https://paypal.me/jasongrechanikWebsite: https://UniverseWithinPodcast.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/UniverseWithinPodcastFacebook: https://facebook.com/UniverseWithinPodcastMusic: Nuno Moreno: https://m.soundcloud.com/groove_a_zen_sound & https://nahira-ziwa.bandcamp.com & Stefan Kasapovski’s Santero Project: https://spoti.fi/3y5Rd4H
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Apr 4, 2025 • 1h 48min

Ep. 155 - Merav Artzi, Jason Grechanik, & Tara Muirghein - Tobacco & European Tree Wisdom

Hey everybody! Here is a special 155 episode of the show. This episode is an interview that I did with my colleague Merav Artzi and our friend Tara Muirghein of Fire Tree Alchemy. Tara invited us on to speak about our story, our work with connecting to the wisdom of plants, our lineage from the Amazon, how we work with tobacco and trees, and how we have begun to bridge this technology with connecting people with the wisdom of their own indigenous lands and trees. It was lovely to share with Tara, thank you to her for having us on, and we hope you enjoy this episode. As always, to support this podcast, check out my Patreon page below. Enjoy!*Disclaimer: this channel and its host/guests do not dispute or contradict health authority guidance by denying the addictive or harmful properties of nicotine or tobacco.*To learn more about our work, visit our website: https://NicotianaRustica.orgTo learn more about Tara's work, visit her website: https://firetreealchemy.comTo view the recent documentary, Sacred Tobacco, about my work, visit: https://youtu.be/KB0JEQALI_wIf you enjoy the show, it would be a big help if you could share it with your own audiences via social media or word of mouth. And please Subscribe or Follow and if you can go on Apple Podcasts and leave a starred-rating and a short review. That would be super helpful with the algorithms and getting this show out to more people. Thank you in advance!I will be guiding our next plant medicine dietas with my colleague Merav Artzi (who I interviewed in episode 28) in April/May in Porto Covo, Portugal, and July in Westport, Ireland. If you would like more information about joining us and the work I do, visit my site at: https://NicotianaRustica.orgIntegration/Consultation call: https://jasongrechanik.setmore.comPatreon: https://patreon.com/UniverseWithinYouTube join & perks: https://bit.ly/YTPerksPayPal, donate: https://paypal.me/jasongrechanikWebsite: https://UniverseWithinPodcast.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/UniverseWithinPodcastFacebook: https://facebook.com/UniverseWithinPodcastMusic: Nuno Moreno: https://m.soundcloud.com/groove_a_zen_sound & https://nahira-ziwa.bandcamp.com & Stefan Kasapovski’s Santero Project: https://spoti.fi/3y5Rd4HDisclaimer:We do NOT buy, sell, trade, or distribute:• Tobacco or nicotine products of any kind.• Products that simulate smoking, including all types of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) such as e-cigarettes, vapes, nicotine-free vapes, cigars, herbal cigarettes, e-liquids, or tobacco-related production equipment.We are not a medical facility and no health care is practiced under our direction. We do not offer:• Medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, prescription, or any form of health-related service, whether paid or unpaid• Tests or information intended to support or substitute for any of the aboveAll content is for educational and informational purposes only, rooted in traditional knowledge and cultural practices.
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Apr 2, 2025 • 2h 8min

Ep. 154 - Dr. Moshe Daniel Block - Naturopathy, Alchemy, Chronic Illness, & Mind-Body Connection

Hey everybody! Episode 154 of the show is out. In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Moshe Daniel Block. Moshe is a really interesting guy and is a Naturopathic doctor. We spoke about his background, naturopathic medicine, the mind-body connection, chronic illnesses, auto-immune conditions, the limits of the Western materialist medical model, the soul, alchemy, the mind and the power of belief systems in illness, Hermeticism and Truth, and many other topics. It was a joy to speak with Moshe and have him share in his holistic wisdom and I trust you all will gain much from this interview. As always, to support this podcast, check out my Patreon page below. Enjoy!This episode is sponsored by Real Mushrooms (https://realmushrooms.com) As listeners, enjoy a discount of 25% off your first order at checkout using the Discount code: UNIVERSETo learn more about Moshe, visit his website: https://dr-moshe.comTo learn more about our work, visit our website: https://NicotianaRustica.orgTo view the recent documentary, Sacred Tobacco, about my work, visit: https://youtu.be/KB0JEQALI_wIf you enjoy the show, it would be a big help if you could share it with your own audiences via social media or word of mouth. And please Subscribe or Follow and if you can go on Apple Podcasts and leave a starred-rating and a short review. That would be super helpful with the algorithms and getting this show out to more people. Thank you in advance!I will be guiding our next plant medicine dietas with my colleague Merav Artzi (who I interviewed in episode 28) in April/May in Porto Covo, Portugal, and July in Westport, Ireland. If you would like more information about joining us and the work I do, visit my site at: https://NicotianaRustica.orgIntegration/Consultation call: https://jasongrechanik.setmore.comPatreon: https://patreon.com/UniverseWithinYouTube join & perks: https://bit.ly/YTPerksPayPal, donate: https://paypal.me/jasongrechanikWebsite: https://UniverseWithinPodcast.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/UniverseWithinPodcastFacebook: https://facebook.com/UniverseWithinPodcastMusic: Nuno Moreno: https://m.soundcloud.com/groove_a_zen_sound & https://nahira-ziwa.bandcamp.com & Stefan Kasapovski’s Santero Project: https://spoti.fi/3y5Rd4H
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Mar 19, 2025 • 2h

Ep. 153 - Satya - Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Modern Psychedelic Therapy

Hey everybody! Episode 153 of the show is out. In this episode, I spoke with Satya. This was my second time speaking with her. I have had the chance to get to know Satya and her work more since the first interview and I was very impressed with her ability to bridge different modalities together to create cathartic experiences for her guests and to help them to learn tools to do this work better. In this episode we spoke about this, about diagnosing and the felt-sense and presence that that involves, about ayahuasca, psychology and the bridging of ancient wisdom with more modern therapeutic ways of working with sacraments, and many other topics. I trust you all will gain much from this episode and the wisdom that Satya has to share. As always, to support this podcast, check out my Patreon page below. Enjoy!To learn more about Satya, visit her website: https://www.workingwithsatya.com/To learn more about our work, visit our website: https://NicotianaRustica.org To view the recent documentary, Sacred Tobacco, about my work, visit: https://youtu.be/KB0JEQALI_wIf you enjoy the show, it would be a big help if you could share it with your own audiences via social media or word of mouth. And please Subscribe or Follow and if you can go on Apple Podcasts and leave a starred-rating and a short review. That would be super helpful with the algorithms and getting this show out to more people. Thank you in advance!I will be guiding our next plant medicine dietas with my colleague Merav Artzi (who I interviewed in episode 28) in April/May in Porto Covo, Portugal, and July in Westport, Ireland. If you would like more information about joining us and the work I do, visit my site at: https://NicotianaRustica.orgIntegration/Consultation call: https://jasongrechanik.setmore.comPatreon: https://patreon.com/UniverseWithinYouTube join & perks: https://bit.ly/YTPerksPayPal, donate: https://paypal.me/jasongrechanikWebsite: https://UniverseWithinPodcast.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/UniverseWithinPodcastFacebook: https://facebook.com/UniverseWithinPodcastMusic: Nuno Moreno: https://m.soundcloud.com/groove_a_zen_sound & https://nahira-ziwa.bandcamp.com & Stefan Kasapovski’s Santero Project: https://spoti.fi/3y5Rd4H
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Mar 5, 2025 • 1h 50min

Ep. 152 - Manda Scott - Shamanism, Dreams, & Post-Capitalism Regenerative Economics

Hey everybody! Episode 152 of the show is out. In this episode, I spoke with Manda Scott. Manda is an author, podcasters, shamanic dreaming practitioner, and works on a number of regenerative projects. I really enjoyed sitting down and speaking with her about these subjects as well as what she describes as a trauma culture from the Roman conquest and what more indigenous societies can teach us about ways forward. Manda has spent a lot of time with these subjects and questions and her knowledge is apparent in how she beautifully shares. I trust you all will get much from this episode. As always, to support this podcast, get early access to shows, bonus material, and Q&As, check out my Patreon page below. Enjoy!To learn more about Manda, visit her website: https://mandascott.co.uk/To view the recent documentary, Sacred Tobacco, about my work, visit: https://youtu.be/KB0JEQALI_wIf you enjoy the show, it would be a big help if you could share it with your own audiences via social media or word of mouth. And please Subscribe or Follow and if you can go on Apple Podcasts and leave a starred-rating and a short review. That would be super helpful with the algorithms and getting this show out to more people. Thank you in advance!I will be guiding our next plant medicine dietas with my colleague Merav Artzi (who I interviewed in episode 28) in April/May in Porto Covo, Portugal, and July in Westport, Ireland. If you would like more information about joining us and the work I do, visit my site at: https://NicotianaRustica.org Integration/Consultation call: https://jasongrechanik.setmore.comPatreon: https://patreon.com/UniverseWithin YouTube join & perks: https://bit.ly/YTPerksPayPal, donate: https://paypal.me/jasongrechanik Website: https://UniverseWithinPodcast.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/UniverseWithinPodcastFacebook: https://facebook.com/UniverseWithinPodcast Music: Nuno Moreno: https://m.soundcloud.com/groove_a_zen_sound & https://nahira-ziwa.bandcamp.com & Stefan Kasapovski’s Santero Project: https://spoti.fi/3y5Rd4H
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Feb 19, 2025 • 2h 23min

Ep. 151 - Brian James - Traumadelic: How a Western Model Limits the Wholeness of Shamanism

Hey everybody! Episode 151 of the show is out. In this episode, I spoke with my friend Brian James. Brian now has the distinction of being the first guest to be featured three times on this podcast. I brought Brian on to speak about his new book, Traumadelic. I was really happy to have Brian on again to speak about how he sees the overemphasis on trauma, and the more Western psychological model as whole, is potentially taking away from the richness and vastness of the more traditional shamanic experience. As plant medicine work moves in the Western mainstream, it is understandable that it will adapt and be incorporated into Western ways and cosmovisions. However, this does not come without cost, often severely limiting in scope and potentiality the benefits of both plant medicines and the traditional ways of working with them. This may be a controversial topic to some, as much of this has become a new dogma, but, as we speak about, heresy is rarely accepted with open arms and ultimately a pursuit of truth, however uncomfortable, is to be valued. I trust this conversation will be enlightening and shift some views that we may hold or not even realize that we are holding. As always, to support this podcast, get early access to shows, and bonus material, 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/universeTo learn more about or contact Brian, including his book, visit his website at: brianjames.caTo view the recent documentary, Sacred Tobacco, about my work, visit: https://youtu.be/KB0JEQALI_wIf you enjoy the show, it would be a big help if you could share it with your own audiences via social media or word of mouth. And please Subscribe or Follow and if you can go on Apple Podcasts and leave a starred-rating and a short review. That would be super helpful with the algorithms and getting this show out to more people. Thank you in advance!I will be guiding our next plant medicine dietas with my colleague Merav Artzi (who I interviewed in episode 28) in April/May in Porto Covo, Portugal, and July in Westport, Ireland. If you would like more information about joining us and the work I do, visit my site at: https://NicotianaRustica.orgIntegration/Consultation call: https://jasongrechanik.setmore.comPatreon: https://patreon.com/UniverseWithinYouTube join & perks: https://bit.ly/YTPerksPayPal, donate: https://paypal.me/jasongrechanikWebsite: https://UniverseWithinPodcast.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/UniverseWithinPodcastFacebook: https://facebook.com/UniverseWithinPodcastMusic: Nuno Moreno: https://m.soundcloud.com/groove_a_zen_sound & https://nahira-ziwa.bandcamp.com & Stefan Kasapovski’s Santero Project: https://spoti.fi/3y5Rd4H
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Feb 5, 2025 • 2h 8min

Ep. 150 - Martha Carlin - Gut Microbiome, Chronic Disease, & Holistic Health

Hey everybody! Episode 150 of the show is out. In this episode, I spoke with Martha Carlin. Martha has a fascinating story. After her husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, she quit her job and dedicated her life to better understanding the root of the disease. She began to discover that the Western medical system didn’t have a lot of answers and in her research she discovered the importance of the gut microbiome, both in Parkinsons and chronic diseases at large. It was a pleasure to speak with Martha and have her share in her decades of work and knowledge. We spoke about disease, the gut microbiome, the deleterious consequences of many Western lifestyle practices, holistic approaches to healing, the mind-body connection, and many other topics. I think Martha is a true scientist in the real meaning of that word and her insights and wisdom should be valuable to anyone interested in health and the human condition. As always, to support this podcast, get early access to shows, bonus material, and Q&As, check out my Patreon page below. Enjoy!To learn more about Martha or contact her, there are links to her projects:www.biotiquest.comwww.thebiocollective.comTo view the recent documentary, Sacred Tobacco, about my work, visit: https://youtu.be/KB0JEQALI_wIf you enjoy the show, it would be a big help if you could share it with your own audiences via social media or word of mouth. And please Subscribe or Follow and if you can go on Apple Podcasts and leave a starred-rating and a short review. That would be super helpful with the algorithms and getting this show out to more people. Thank you in advance!I will be guiding our next plant medicine dietas with my colleague Merav Artzi (who I interviewed in episode 28) in the Sacred Valley of Peru in February (almost SOLD OUT), April/May in Porto Covo, Portugal, and July in Westport, Ireland. If you would like more information about joining us and the work I do, visit my site at: https://NicotianaRustica.org Integration/Consultation call: https://jasongrechanik.setmore.comPatreon: https://patreon.com/UniverseWithin YouTube join & perks: https://bit.ly/YTPerksPayPal, donate: https://paypal.me/jasongrechanik Website: https://UniverseWithinPodcast.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/UniverseWithinPodcastFacebook: https://facebook.com/UniverseWithinPodcast Music: Nuno Moreno: https://m.soundcloud.com/groove_a_zen_sound & https://nahira-ziwa.bandcamp.com & Stefan Kasapovski’s Santero Project: https://spoti.fi/3y5Rd4H

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