
Modern Enlightenment by Ceremonia
Welcome to “Modern Enlightenment,” a podcast for those curious about the intersection of modern science and ancient wisdom to accelerate well-being. While enlightenment once demanded isolation, today, we have an array of tools—from neuroscience and psychedelics to mindfulness and psychotherapy—that offer a new path to conscious living. Join Ceremonia co-founders Austin Mao and Chuchu Wang as they interview experts in neuroscience, psychotherapy, spirituality, and more. Check out our Modern Enlightenment membership on our website, featuring free courses and an online community platform.
Latest episodes

May 28, 2025 • 42min
Bridging Two Worlds: How Dr. Anna Yusim Combines Science and Spirituality for Mental Health
What happens when science meets spirituality? Dr. Anna Yusim, an internationally recognized, award-winning Psychiatrist, Executive Coach, Bestseller Author, and Co-Founder of the forthcoming Yale Mental Health and Spirituality Center, takes us on her journey from a strictly scientific worldview to embracing the transformative power of psychedelics and spiritual practices. She opens up about her experiences with ayahuasca, sharing how surrendering to the process unlocked new dimensions of her consciousness. It’s a conversation about healing, growth, and the incredible ways ancient wisdom is reshaping modern mental health.Dr. Anna shares how spiritual practices go beyond personal growth—they can actually improve mental health and lower suicide rates. She also talks about the powerful role of community in supporting emotional well-being, reminding us that we’re never alone on this journey. There’s something so grounding about hearing how science backs what many of us feel intuitively—that connection and purpose are essential for thriving.We also get into the exciting, uncharted territory of psychedelics and their place in healing today. From integrating indigenous traditions to navigating their growing presence in modern medicine, Dr. Anna shares thoughtful insights that feel deeply personal and practical. If you’ve been curious about how spirituality and science can work together to transform lives, this episode is packed with perspectives you’ll want to sit with.Key Takeaways:[00:03:57] Surrender and spirituality connection.[00:08:08] Divine timing and surrender.[00:12:15] Spirituality and personal surrender.[00:14:13] Safety versus feeling safe.[00:16:30] Spirituality and personal integration.[00:22:23] Spirituality's impact on suicide rates.[00:23:37] Spirituality and well-being benefits.[00:28:43] Spirituality and scientific evidence.[00:33:02] Psychedelics and sacred wisdom traditions.[00:33:25] Psychedelics and cultural integration.[00:38:42] Building mental health facilities.Memorable Quotes:"It was only later on, as I got older that I realized it was actually your intuition that's key to knowing yourself and to your soul and to your spiritual life that I started to reenter that part of myself." [00:18:47] – Dr. Anna Yusim"It's really like a compass. There's nothing, no other experiences I've had and no other medicines or plant medicines with which I've worked that have had that kind of compass guiding capacity." [00:15:50] – Dr. Anna YusimConnect with Dr. Anna Yusim:Website: https://annayusim.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annayusim/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annayusimmd/X/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/DrAnnaYusimYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@annayusimmdConnect with Modern Enlightenment:Website: https://www.ceremoniacircle.org/podcast/modern-enlightenmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceremoniacircleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ceremoniacircleYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ceremoniacircleApply to be a guest on the show: https://airtable.com/appiLHnhKJH01qCNe/pageThPHAjQNNaJNY/formProduced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

May 14, 2025 • 53min
Evolutionary Mismatch & the Conscious Path Forward with Eric Edmeades
Why are mental health struggles rising—even as life gets objectively easier?In this episode of Modern Enlightenment, Austin Mao sits down with Eric Edmeades – a globally recognized keynote speaker, prolific entrepreneur, and recognized authority inhealth, practical psychology, and behavioral transformation to explore why modern humans are more anxious, disconnected, and emotionally unwell than ever, despite living in the safest, most comfortable conditions in history.Eric introduces the concept of evolutionary mismatch—the idea that our ancient biology is out of sync with today’s hyper-optimized, overstimulating world. The conversation traces how we ended up here—and what it’s going to take to navigate forward with more ease, presence, and resilience. Eric challenges listeners to rethink what it actually means to thrive. Consciousness, he argues, isn’t just a spiritual luxury—it’s a practical necessity in a world that constantly pulls us out of alignment.This episode doesn’t offer easy answers. But it does open up real, grounded questions about how to live well in a world our nervous systems weren’t designed for. If you’ve ever felt like something’s off—even when everything “should” be fine—this one’s for you.Key Timestamps0:00:00 Introduction0:06:51 The Evolutionary Mismatch Theory0:11:55 The wrong instinctual response and the challenge of it. 0:15:19 Consciousness – the exhaustible resource. 0:22:25 When did we start needing consciousness?0:25:50 Skills to cultivate to start living a happier life.0:33:15 The existential challenge that we see prevailing today.0:35:26 The dilemma of people being lonelier than they’ve ever been. 0:40:51 We don’t need consciousness when things are easy.0:46:18 Are you truly suffering or just in pain? 0:47:44 Now is the perfect time to develop consciousness.0:48:56 Meet the current environment with ease through consciousness. Memorable Quotes: “You don’t need to develop consciousness when things areeasy.” -Eric Edmeades (40:51) “Suffering is that it’s only suffering if we aren’t receiving the message and doing something about it. Otherwise, it’s just pain.” -Eric Edmeades (46:19) Links mentioned in the episode: Evolutionary Mismatch Assessment: https://gapfinder.com Connect with Dr. Eric EdmeadesWebsite: https://ericedmeades.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericedmeadesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericedmeadesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EricEdmeadesConnect with Modern Enlightenment: Website: https://www.ceremoniacircle.org/podcast/modern-enlightenmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceremoniacircleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ceremoniacircleYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ceremoniacircleApply to be a guest on the show: https://airtable.com/appiLHnhKJH01qCNe/pageThPHAjQNNaJNY/formProduced by Evolved Podcasting: https://www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Apr 23, 2025 • 35min
The Inner Work of Leadership with Dr. Stefan and Pia Isabel Frädrich
Most leaders spend years chasing goals—until one day, they realize they’ve lost touch with why they were chasing them in the first place. That’s where this conversation with Dr. Stefan Frädrich and Pia Isabel Rössle-Frädrich gets really interesting. They’ve been guiding entrepreneurs and changemakers through deeply personal, often psychedeli (c-fueled journeys to help them reconnect with what really matters. Recorded on Necker Island, this talk goes into the raw, human side of leadership most people don’t see.Dr. Stefan—former Psychiatrist, Bestselling Author, and Founder of both Greator and Leaders Academy—shares how nothing he’s studied or practiced compares to the transformation he’s witnessed through psychedelics. And Pia Isabel, a Business Psychologist and longtime Retreat Guide, opens up about her own path and how she blends therapy, intuition, and body wisdom to help people break through. The way they talk about shame, guilt, authenticity, and emotional release—it’s not just powerful, it’s real. There’s no noise here, just the kind of depth that makes you pause and think.This episode shifts the lens on leadership—not as something you do, but as something you embody. It’s for anyone who’s ever questioned what success actually feels like, or wondered if there’s more to leadership than strategy and spreadsheets. What if the real work is about slowing down, getting honest, and letting yourself feel again? If that hits home, this one’s worth a listen.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction.[00:05:43] Is leadership all about dominance?[00:08:00] True leadership and authenticity.[00:09:48] Achievements and the feelings that surround it.00:11:42] Your reference experience.[00:13:33] The mission should be bigger than the ego.[00:14:41] Love is equals to safety + joy. [00:17:56] What are you willing to risk for freedom[00:22:08] Self-sabotage and childhood traumas.[00:24:28] There are only two choices – to feel good or to feel bad. [00:26:19] The illusion of separation.[00:29:53] Fear of living and growth.[00:32:21] The power of psychedelics.Memorable Quotes:"I think this is the main difference between the leader and an icon — icons are rooted in themselves. They know who they are. They don't do things in order to achieve something — they are the mission themselves." [00:07:55] – Dr. Stefan Frädrich"I think the most important thing is that we realize that all suffering in the world is just based on one wrong belief — and it's the illusion of separation." [00:26:19] – Pia Isabel Rössle-FrädrichConnect with Dr. Stefan Frädrich:Website: https://www.stefan-fraedrich.de/Psychedelic Leadership: https://psychedelic-leadership.com/Reality Upgrade: https://www.reality-upgrade.com/enReality Upgrade's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reality_upgrade_retreat/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefan_fraedrich/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.stefan.fraedrichYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sfraedConnect with Pia Isabel Rössle-Frädrich:Website: https://www.reality-upgrade.com/de & https://www.psychedelic-leadership.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pia_isabel__International Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/pia_isabel_int/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pia.isabel_coaching Connect with Modern Enlightenment:Website: https://www.ceremoniacircle.org/podcast/modern-enlightenmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceremoniacircleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ceremoniacircleYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ceremoniacircleApply to be a guest on the show: https://airtable.com/appiLHnhKJH01qCNe/pageThPHAjQNNaJNY/formProduced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Apr 9, 2025 • 51min
Compassion is Sexy with Joe Nucci
In this enlightening episode, Joe Nucci and I sit down to explore the deep connections between psychology, spirituality, and personal growth.Joe shares profound insights on how our belief systems shape who we become, why it’s crucial to look into how past trauma affects you in the present, and the power of mindset in navigating life’s challenges. We also dive into the importance of authenticity, the role of compassion in human connection, and why personal growth is essential for those guiding others.Whether you’re on a journey of self-discovery, seeking deeper connections, or curious about the intersection of science and spirituality, this conversation is packed with wisdom that will shift your perspective.✨ Don’t miss this powerful conversation thatmight just change the way you see yourself and the world around you.Key Timestamps:[00:00:00] Introduction.[00:02:43] How your belief systems shape who you are. [00:08:14] Past trauma and how it affects you in the present. [00:10:05] Growth vs. fixed mindset – which one are you[00:14:00] The connection between psychology and spirituality [00:17:51] Balancing the heart and the mind. [00:25:01] Being in the present and your imagination’s impact. [00:27:27] Why personal growth should matter for a facilitator. [00:32:36] Earning the right to truly connect with others[00:38:39] Authenticity is key to making true connections.[00:44:17] The complexity of human connection.[00:47:10] No one is beyond the reach of compassionMemorable Quotes: "I think there's a lot of value into aspiring to be at least one degree more self-aware than the most self-aware person that comes to see me—because if not, then how can I hope to help them or understand them or guide them." [00:30:18]– Joe Nucci "I think a good therapist, I actually think, has earned a lot of sex appeal because they're able to accept you and be compassionate and be attracted to you even in all of your flaws and filth." [00:40:31] – Joe NucciConnect with Joseph Nucci:Website: https://joenuccitherapy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joenuccitherapyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/joenuccitherapy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joenuccitherapyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joenuccitherapyConnect with Modern Enlightenment:Website: https://www.ceremoniacircle.org/podcast/modern-enlightenment Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceremoniacircleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ceremoniacircleYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ceremoniacircleApply to be a guest on the show: https://airtable.com/appiLHnhKJH01qCNe/pageThPHAjQNNaJNY/formProduced by Evolved Podcasting: https://www.evolvedpodcasting.com/

Feb 26, 2025 • 42min
How MDMA-Assisted Therapy is Changing Lives and Healing Wounds with Rachel Nuwer
MDMA-assisted therapy is making waves, and it’s not just hype—there’s real science and real stories behind it. In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Nuwer, a brilliant Freelance Science Journalist and Author of ‘I Feel Love: MDMA and the Quest for Connection in a Fractured World,’ and talk about how this treatment is changing lives and healing wounds. We dig into everything—from the challenges surrounding MDMA’s FDA approval, why MDMA works best when paired with professional guidance, and incredible stories of people finding hope and connection through this therapy, some heartwarming, others heartbreaking. It’s eye-opening stuff, especially if you’ve ever wondered how empathy and healing really work together. Rachel’s passion for this topic is contagious. Hearing about her journey in researching and writing this book feels like getting a behind-the-scenes pass to something groundbreaking. If you’re curious about what’s possible when science and compassion meet, this is the episode you’ll want to dive into.Key Timestamps:[00:00:00] Introduction[00:03:53] Writing a book about MDMA[00:05:53] Clarity of mind through MDMA[00:08:06] MDMA in couples’ therapy[00:10:50] MDMA's potential societal impact[00:15:45] Last hope for healing[00:18:10] The challenges with FDA approval for MDMA[00:23:00] Ethical considerations of MDMA therapy[00:25:33] Reopening of “critical periods" through MDMA[00:27:46] Efficacy of different therapies, therapists, and modalities[00:37:11] Benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy[00:39:23] MDMA-assisted therapy for creativityMemorable Quotes:"This molecule is worthy of its own story. You know, it's got its own unique history, its culture. the crazy politics surrounding the science. It really seemed to me to deserve a book-length treatment." [00:04:42] – Rachel Nuwer "MDMA and other psychedelics as well, when put in the right set and setting, reopen what's called a critical period. And that's just a phrase neuroscientists have for these finite windows of malleability when the brain is primed to learn new things." [00:25:39] – Rachel NuwerConnect with Rachel Nuwer:Email: rachelnuwer@gmail.comWebsite: https://www.rachelnuwer.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel_nuwer/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachellovenuwerTwitter/X: https://x.com/rachelnuwerConnect with Modern Enlightenment:Website: https://www.ceremoniacircle.org/podcast/modern-enlightenmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceremoniacircleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ceremoniacircleYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ceremoniacircleApply to be a guest on the show: https://airtable.com/appiLHnhKJH01qCNe/pageThPHAjQNNaJNY/formProduced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Feb 21, 2025 • 49min
The Changing Face of Psychedelics: Exploring Their Real Potential and Risks with Shaahin Cheyene
Psychedelics have come a long way—from underground parties to legit medicine—and Shaahin Cheyene has been in the thick of it for decades. He created Herbal Ecstasy inthe ‘90s, built a billion-dollar business, and rubbed shoulders with legends like Terence McKenna. But beyond the hype and controversy, what’s the real potential of these substances? Shaahin and I get into the evolution of psychedelics, the fine line between reverence and misuse, and the disadvantages and advantages surrounding the psychedelic renaissance. Shaahin tells us fascinating stories of his encounter with anuncontacted tribe and his experience taking a psychoactive substance with them along with his unexpected Ayahuasca journey. We also dig into the ethical side of whether everyone should be taking these substances.So, whether you're curious, skeptical, or already deep in this world, this episode will challenge the way you think about psychedelics, consciousness, and what it really means to explore the unknown. Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction.[00:02:43] Psychedelics as medicine and sacrament[00:05:41] Introduction of Salvia in the US and how it’s illegal now.[00:07:01] The evolution of psychedelics.[00:12:40] Ethics and morals of using substances without therapy.[00:14:56] Experiencing psychoactive substances and Ayahuasca in a tribal setting.[00:21:10] Psychedelic renaissance and the issue of moderation.[00:23:43] Healing through psychedelics and the importance of guides.[00:27:30] Spiritual experiences and how it’s very personal[00:31:54] Spiritual pursuits and humor(irreverent reverence)[00:36:13] Paradox of psychedelic medicines.[00:39:17] Risks of hallucinogenic experiences.[00:42:21] Psychedelics and societal control.[00:48:20] Modern science and spiritual wisdom.Memorable Quotes:"I think if something moves you forward in life and there's certain blocks, there are paths around that." [00:02:43] – Shaahin Cheyene"The experience is the experience. Why do you need to have an intermediary translating it for you?" [00:23:28] – ShaahinCheyeneConnect with Shaahin Cheyene:Website: https://www.shaahincheyenne.com/ & https://podcastcola.com/Amazon: Billion: How I Became King of the Thrill Pill Cult Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaahincheyene/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaahincheyeneTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/shaahincheyeneYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@businessstoryoftheweekConnect with Modern Enlightenment:Website: https://www.ceremoniacircle.org/podcast/modern-enlightenmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceremoniacircleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ceremoniacircleYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ceremoniacircleApply to be a guest on the show:https://airtable.com/appiLHnhKJH01qCNe/pageThPHAjQNNaJNY/formProduced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Jan 30, 2025 • 44min
Why Ceremony Matters: A Sacred Space or Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll?
In this special episode of Modern Enlightenment, Austin Mao of Ceremonia sits down with Matias De Stefano and Robert Edward Grant for a thought-provoking discussion on the profound impact of psychedelics when used in a ceremonial setting.
Recorded in Antarctica, this conversation explores how psychedelics—when approached with intention, structure, and reverence—can serve as powerful tools for psychological healing, spiritual awakening, and expanded consciousness. The guests share their personal journeys with plant medicines, reflecting on the difference between casual use and the depth of transformation that comes from a sacred container.
Matias recounts his first profound connection with mushrooms, where he received a message from the “neurons of the Earth,” while Robert shares how psilocybin expanded his mind and deepened his spiritual insights. Austin reflects on how ayahuasca unlocked forgotten childhood memories and catalyzed his path toward healing and service.
Beyond personal experiences, the conversation also examines the unique psychological and energetic properties of different psychedelics, including:
Psilocybin mushrooms – Enhancing connectivity, healing emotions, and expanding creative awareness
Ayahuasca (DMT) – A powerful teacher that reveals hidden trauma and deep inner truths
Iboga – A relentless guide forcing confrontation with repressed thoughts and behaviors
Bufo (5-MeO-DMT) – The ultimate ego-dissolution experience, merging the self with the infinite Ketamine – A dissociative state that can provide relief from trauma but lacks the depth of traditional plant medicines
The discussion also touches on the dangers of ungrounded facilitation, the risk of psychotic breaks in poorly held spaces, and the importance of safety, integration, and responsible use. The guests explore how different substances serve different roles—some aiding trauma healing, others facilitating spiritual expansion—and why approaching them in a ceremonial, intentional manner is essential for their true potential to be realized.
Join us for this fascinating exploration of psychedelics as sacred tools for transformation and learn why ceremony is the key to unlocking their deepest power.
Listen now and journey with us into the heart of psychedelic healing.
Key Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Introduction.
[00:02:58] Initial experience with psychedelics and its impact.
[00:08:36] Psilocybin as the more powerful gateway.
[00:12:30] The planet’s neural link.
[00:13:51] Ayahuasca and Acacia.
[00:16:31] What is the best psychedelic?
[00:18:18] Ketamine’s value and the blowbacks.
[00:28:10] Ketamine vs. other psychedelics.
[00:31:02] Ceremony – and why it’s important.
[00:33:34] Leaky containers and psychedelics.
[00:34:56] What are you doing psychedelics for?
[00:37:22] Facilitators are crucial.
[00:38:15] Iboga and bufo.
Memorable Quotes:
"I think it's got to be truly grounded with the intention because otherwise it's just drug, sex and rock'n'roll." [00:31:35] – Sir Robert Edward Grant
"It's actually a tool that can shift mind, that can shift body, that can transform everything." [00:13:41] – Matías De Stefano
Connect with Sir Robert Edward Grant:
Website: https://robertedwardgrant.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertedwardgrant/
Connect with Matías De Stefano:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/matiasgustavodestefano/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yosoy.network
Connect with Modern Enlightenment:
Website: https://www.ceremoniacircle.org/podcast/modern-enlightenment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceremoniacircle
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ceremoniacircle
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ceremoniacircle
Apply to be a guest on the show: https://airtable.com/appiLHnhKJH01qCNe/pageThPHAjQNNaJNY/form
Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Jan 15, 2025 • 34min
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:
Website: https://www.ceremoniacircle.org/podcast/modern-enlightenment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceremoniacircle
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ceremoniacircle
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ceremoniacircle
Apply to be a guest on the show: https://airtable.com/appiLHnhKJH01qCNe/pageThPHAjQNNaJNY/form
Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Jan 8, 2025 • 60min
Rewiring the Mind: How Psychedelics Are Transforming Mental Health with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris
Psychedelics are changing the way we think about healing and mental health. Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, the Ralph Metzner Distinguished Professor in Neurology and Psychiatry at UCSF and Founder of the Carhart-Harris Lab, and one of the most respected researchers in the field, shares fascinating insights from decades of groundbreaking studies—and his own personal experiences. From exploring how psilocybin and LSD interact with the brain to reshaping our understanding of emotional and spiritual growth, his work is opening up new possibilities for transformation. If you’ve ever been curious about the potential of these substances, this episode is full of eye-opening moments.
Dr. Robin doesn’t just study psychedelics—he’s lived the journey. He shares stories from his early experiences that sparked his passion for this work, blending science with deeply human moments. Together, we explore how psychedelics can unlock those profound realizations that change everything and their ability to create connections that go beyond traditional spirituality. This is a conversation about both research and real life, offering a relatable glimpse into a world of possibilities.
Curious but unsure where to start? Dr. Robin explains why preparation, mindset, and environment matter so much when it comes to these powerful experiences. His practical advice and thoughtful approach make this conversation perfect for anyone ready to learn more about the transformative potential of psychedelics—and maybe even see the world in a whole new way.
Key Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction.
[00:01:30] Psychedelics and mental health research.
00:05:20] Understanding psychedelic experiences.
[00:09:00] Conscious states and psychedelics.
[00:16:50] Spiritual experience vs. organized religion.
[00:25:08] Science and spirituality in psychedelics.
[00:31:08] Community support in psychedelic experiences.
[00:39:05] Psychedelic therapy response rates.
[00:42:33] The essence of mental health.
[00:45:14] Addiction and its underlying pain.
[00:49:02] Psychedelics and chaos in reality.
[00:55:12] Set and setting study.
[00:56:41] The role of therapy in microdosing.
Memorable Quotes:
"Better to recognize and embrace than ignore and avoid. Even if the recognition and the embracing and the confronting is very difficult and very painful, ultimately, it will foster a greater benefit from doing that work." [00:35:18] – Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris
"Psychedelics are very vulnerable to that projection, both lifting it up too high in terms of hype and smashing it down too hard in terms of alarmism and scaremongering. So great scope, great depth, and why? Because I believe there's something very telling in that, that it must be hitting a common denominator, more or less hitting the bullseye of the core of mental health." [00:41:41] – Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris
Connect with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris:
Website: https://www.carhartharrislab.com/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/RCarhartHarris
Connect with Modern Enlightenment:
Website: https://www.ceremoniacircle.org/podcast/modern-enlightenment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceremoniacircle
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ceremoniacircle
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ceremoniacircle
Apply to be a guest on the show: https://airtable.com/appiLHnhKJH01qCNe/pageThPHAjQNNaJNY/form
Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Dec 18, 2024 • 53min
Healing from Within: Science, Ancient Wisdom, and Feeling at Home in Your Body with Dr. Dave Rabin
What if science and ancient wisdom could team up to help you heal and feel more connected to yourself? Dr. David Rabin, Psychiatrist, Neuroscientist, and Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer of Apollo Neuroscience, gets into how we can use psychedelics, neuroscience, and even wearable tech to unlock emotional safety and healing. From his childhood curiosity about dreams to helping trauma survivors today, Dr. Rabin shares stories and insights that might just shift how you see mental health.
Dr. Rabin’s work takes us deep into what it means to truly heal, blending the power of self-awareness, the human need for touch, and the wisdom of ancient practices. You’ll hear about his work with veterans, why feeling safe is at the heart of mental wellness, and how the little things—like vibrations from the Apollo device—can have a big impact. It’s less about complicated science and more about how we can all use these tools in our everyday lives. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to feel whole again, this conversation is a must-listen.
So, how do we take groundbreaking research and turn it into something that actually helps people? Dr. Rabin makes it simple and relatable, breaking down how psychedelics and tech can bring calm, connection, and healing into our lives. Whether you’re curious about the mind-body connection or just looking for new ways to support your mental health, this episode offers actionable takeaways for everyone.
Key Timestamps:
[00:01:01] Transformative potential of psychedelics.
[00:05:15] Study of stress and dreams.
[00:08:40] Psychedelics and dream exploration.
[00:11:38] Subconscious and unconscious exploration.
[00:15:15] Present moment awareness and trauma.
[00:20:25] Healing through presence and connection.
[00:22:54] Wisdom through lived experience.
[00:26:39] Healing through facilitating others.
[00:30:35] Healing through helping others.
[00:34:04] Objectivity in therapeutic relationships.
[00:39:36] Indigenous wisdom in healing.
[00:46:03] Relearning safety in trauma healing.
[00:50:40] Technology for feeling safe.
[00:52:50] Intersection of science and spirituality.
Memorable Quotes:
"Wisdom is one of those things that we really can't get from Google or from information searches. You really have to live it. And it's applied knowledge." [00:23:09] – Dr. David Rabin
"The source of healing does not come from outside—it comes from always within the person who is seeking to be healed. It is us as clinicians that are guides to not heal that person, but to remind that person how to heal themselves." [00:38:46] – Dr. David Rabin
Connect with Dr. David Rabin:
Website: https://www.drdave.io/
Apollo: https://wearablehugs.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidrabin
Podcast: https://www.thepsychedelicreport.com/
Connect with Modern Enlightenment:
Website: https://www.ceremoniacircle.org/podcast/modern-enlightenment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceremoniacircle
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ceremoniacircle
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ceremoniacircle
Apply to be a guest on the show: https://airtable.com/appiLHnhKJH01qCNe/pageThPHAjQNNaJNY/form
Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com