Imagine a world where generosity and giving to others is more valued than accumulating wealth and profit. Imagine a world where all life, and all of nature’s elements, including the water we drink and the air we breathe is equally valued. This is not only a deeply held prayer and a vision for the future, it is how indigenous cultures have lived in balance with the earth since the dawn of time, guided by Original Principles. According to Indigenous Otemi-Toltec Elder, Mindahi Bastisa, A world guided by Original Principles is not just possible – it is inevitable. In this episode, I invited Grandmother Jyoti and Mindahi Bastisa to share their wisdom and teachings surrounding the Original Principles they speak of.Resources Mentioned Crowd-funding campaign: Original Principles: A New North Star for BusinessOriginal Principles Video on Instagramhttps://thefountain.earth/ Featured MusicEpisode #56 of the Psychedelic Leadership Podcast features a song called "The Offering" by Aea Luz.Listen to the Offering on SpotifyListen to Offering on BandcampRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love Laura Dawn and The Psychedelic Leadership Podcast.” <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- expand what they believe is possible. DM me on Instagram after you leave a review and I’d be happy to give you a shoutout on my stories! I’d love to connect with you on Instagram: @livefreelaurad

In this quick bonus episode, I share some personal updates and news.

From being kidnapped in Mexico for his human rights work, to advising the largest organizations across the world and allying with the Union of Indigenous Yagé Medics of the Colombian Amazon and advocating for indigenous movements, Ricardo Vitale has had an extraordinary path. As a self-defined 'liberation anthropologist', based in Colombia. He earned a PhD from Cambridge University with a thesis about the Zapatista movement in Chiapas, Mexico. His expertise covers human rights, anthropology in armed conflict, social movements, indigenous politics, gender relations within social movements, sustainable development, resilience, climate change adaptations and indigenous practices of yagé medicine, spirituality, and resistance. He is a former adviser of a plethora of international humanitarian and development bodies such as: Oxfam America, the UNHCR, the Norwegian Refugee Council, ICG and GIZ, amongst others. Since 2016 Riccardo works as a full-time adviser for the Union of Indigenous Yagé Medics of the Colombian Amazon (UMIYAC). His tasks within UMIYAC range from fundraising to advocacy, to capacity strengthening, and non-extractive (“the-other-way-around”) anthropological research, aimed at “reinforcing indigenous communities, rather than taking from them”.In this episode, we expand the conversation around plant medicine conservation and include the context of the symbiotic relationship between people, sacred territories, land, community, culture, and that there are people that are facing extinction who also hold knowledge. And when those cultures go extinct. Loss of knowledge is embedded in that. Part of supporting plant medicine conservation is supporting biocultural diversity. Not because we want to ensure that we can replant what we need to consume to ensure our future needs are met. But because we actually want to live in a world where indigenous peoples can be living on the land that is their birthright.Resources Mentioned UMIYACGrow Medicine4 Free Playlists For Psychedelic Journeys & BeyondFree 8 Day Microdosing CourseFollow @LiveFreeLauraD on InstagramClick here to access this episode's page complete with a full transcript, more about the author, and complete list of resources.Episode #55 of the Psychedelic Leadership Podcast features a song called "Silent Voices" by Ayla Shafer .Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love Laura Dawn and The Psychedelic Leadership Podcast.” <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- expand what they believe is possible. DM me on Instagram after you leave a review and I’d be happy to give you a shoutout on my stories! I’d love to connect with you on Instagram: @livefreelaurad

As the world comes to embrace the healing potential of sacred medicines, how do we ensure the original stewards of these medicines are uplifted, honored, and supported in this search for our collective healing? If we envision a future where indigenous peoples, their medicines, & traditional knowledge are honored, respected, and supported to thrive for generations to come then what specific actions can we take to do no harm, to truly be in right-relationship with these cultures? On today’s episode I speak with Miriam Volat and Cody Swift of The Riverstyx Foundation and the Indigenous Medicine Conservation Fund about it’s origin story, the Native American and other indigenous communities around the world it supports, plant medicine conservation & how to begin to be in right relationship with indigenous cultures.This is an extremely complex topic, and these two emphasize that they are still LEARNING, and LISTENING, and part of what you’ll hear and learn on this episode, is about the serious biocultural crisis happening across the planet for these traditional knowledge holding communities as they lose access to land, plant medicine, and even their own language. We answer questions like, what does “right relationship” mean? What does “do-no-harm” mean? What is a bioculture? What does “solidarity-based support” mean? We get into the details of how are funds utilized and organized, how are assessments conducted in these indigenous communities and how are their voices being amplified?  In this episode we all expand our perception and outlook on what it means to support indigenous communities and the sacred medicines of the planet, and to remind us that we are all one family sharing the sacred responsibility and commitment to thrive on Earth together.4 Free Playlists For Psychedelic Journeys & BeyondFree 8 Day Microdosing CourseFollow @LiveFreeLauraD on InstagramResources Mentioned https://www.IPC.fundhttps://growmedicine.com/Native American Rights Fund - NARF Click here to access this episode's page complete with a full transcript, more about the author, and complete list of resources.Featured MusicEpisode #54 of the Psychedelic Leadership Podcast features a song called "Power of Kindness" by Mamus.Listen to Power of Kindness on SpotifyListen to Power of Kindness on Bandcamp

Creativity and specifically creative thinking is being called the most important skillset to cultivate for leaders of our time. When I first started coming across statements like this, I started asking myself, what exactly is creative thinking, how do we define it and how do we learn to cultivate it? And does research show that psychedelics can help us to think more creatively? It turns out that there’s very little research that has been done exploring psychedelics and creativity. There have been a couple of published papers that have influenced my thinking around this topic, including Natasha Mason, Ph.D., who’s my guest on the show today, and the paper is titled Spontaneous and deliberate creative cognition during and after psilocybin exposure - which is one of the first double-blind, placebo-controlled studies directly exploring psychedelic and creative cognition. Natasha Mason Ph.D., is a post-doc at Maastricht University, Dept of Psychopharmacology. She has a background in (neuro)psychology and pharmacy. Utilizing multimodal study designs, her current research assesses drug-induced neuroadaptations and their influence on affect, behavior, and cognition.As you listen to our conversation I just want to encourage you to remember that you are creative by definition of being alive. And that being creative is your birthright. And a lot of people still have old beliefs, these are old myths about creativity, and right now we are being called to think bigger - because as Einstein said we can’t solve our problems at the same level of thinking that created them. Featured MusicEpisode #53 of the Psychedelic Leadership Podcast features a song called "Be Like Water" by Mary IsisListen to "Be Like Water" on SpotifyListen to "Be Like Water" on BandcampResources Mentioned Updating the dynamic framework of thought: Creativity and psychedelics Spontaneous and deliberate creative cognition during and after psilocybin exposure Psychedelics as potential catalysts of scientific creativity and insight Click here to access this episode's page complete with a full transcript, more about the author, and complete list of resources.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love Laura Dawn and The Psychedelic Leadership Podcast.” <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- expand what they believe is possible. DM me on Instagram after you leave a review and I’d be happy to give you a shoutout on my stories! I’d love to connect with you on Instagram: @livefreelaurad

How do we as leaders cultivate a deeply caring, resilient, just/equitable, and loving community? Perhaps the answer lies in “sacred activism”. I brought on sacred activist, Hanifa Nayo Washington who has been working at the forefront of mindfulness, place-making, and social justice to cultivate organizations, gatherings, spaces, and experiences rooted in the values of beloved community. As the Co-founder and Organizing Principle of One Village Healing, an online BIPOC centered healing, resilience, and psychedelic wellness space, and the Fireside Project, a nonprofit that is creating systemic change in the field of psychedelics in three key domains: safety, diversity, and equitable access, Hanifa knows how to lead courageously with her heart in collaboration with plant medicine, inner guidance, and her community.In this episode I ask Hanifa about how to embody sacred activism and spiritual resilience. You will learn how to truly be there for someone else through deep and reflective listening. We explore our relationship with power, how to utilize our energy in conscious co-creation, and how to work with rage in a healthy way. Hanifa is the Co-founder and Chief of Strategy at Through their Psychedelic Peer Support Line, Fireside Project has created a nationwide safety net that has substantially decreased 911 calls and hospitalizations while democratizing access to free high-quality care. The line has supported thousands of callers since launching in April of 2021.  Key TakeawaysUnderstanding our relationship to power is vital in creating a just and equitable society.Gratitude is a great place to start becoming aware of our relationship with power. Then where is the pain? We have to start with self inquiry.Being with another, in their full expression is real peer-support and is a deep practice of ally-ship, without trying to fix or heal them, nor move them away from their present experience.  4 Free Playlists For Psychedelic Journeys & BeyondFree 8 Day Microdosing CourseFollow @LiveFreeLauraD on InstagramResources Mentioned Hanifa’s WebsiteBeyond Diversity Workshops…more resources on my website at www.lauradawn.co/52Featured MusicEpisode #44 of the Psychedelic Leadership Podcast features a song called "River" by Hanifa Nayo Washington.Listen on SpotifyListen on Apple MusicRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love Laura Dawn and The Psychedelic Leadership Podcast.” <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- expand what they believe is possible. DM me on Instagram after you leave a review and I’d be happy to give you a shoutout on my stories! I’d love to connect with you on Instagram: @livefreelaurad

How do we as leaders manage the overwhelming stress, anxiety, and burnout that is commonly associated with performing at a high level, starting and running organizations, and doing the deep spiritual work that is required of us? Breathwork is one of the most powerful ways we can take control of our own state and set ourselves up for success. On today’s episode I sit down with Robbie Bent, the Co-Founder of Othership. Othership is an on-demand Breathwork platform that helps you manage the daily ups and downs in life through the power of your own breath. Breathwork is the #1 tool for leaders to cope with the challenges that we face. Tune into the episode and follow along as Robbie guides me through several valuable breathing exercises, breaks down what exactly is going on in our body when we do breathwork, and shares his journey founding and leading multiple companies.Key TakeawaysThe easiest and most simple habit you can add to your day is under 5 minutes of breathwork, which can positively change your state of being.Othership is the app I use every day as part of my self-care routine.Breathwork is so effective because it controls our autonomic nervous system, and gives us the ability to self-regulate. Resources Mentioned Download the Othership App4 Free Playlists For Psychedelic Journeys & BeyondFree 8 Day Microdosing CourseFollow @LiveFreeLauraD on InstagramClick here to access this episode's page complete with a full transcript, more about the author, and complete list of resources.Featured MusicEpisode #51 of the Psychedelic Leadership Podcast features a guided meditation called Heart Beat Breath available on the Othership app

How can we learn to effectively navigate our thoughts, emotions, and the difficult circumstances that we encounter in life so we can take action that is in alignment with what we value and what we care about? Combining ancient mindfulness practices and philosophies, and the most modern psychological research, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) provides a model for growth, wellness, and deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. My guest today Dr. Rosalind Watts is a clinical psychologist and the founder of ACER Integration, that goes beyond simply focusing on psychedelic integration, but provides an insightful model for understanding humanity. As the former clinical lead on the Psilocybin for Depression trial at Imperial College London, Dr. Watts led a clinical team that facilitated over a hundred psilocybin treatment sessions. Having recognized that safe and effective use of psychedelics requires substantial integration support, Rosalind co-founded the UK's first psychedelic integration group, and is now launching a global online integration community, ‘Accept, Connect, Embody, Restore’ (ACER) where members will follow a 12-month process together, in community. Her contributions to the field of psychedelic therapy are numerous and include the development of the Watts Connectedness Scale, which is a psychometric tool for measuring outcomes of psychedelic therapy. The end of this episode explores Dr. Watt’s ACER Model through the lens of leadership and dives into the importance of female leadership in the psychedelic space. -----I'm so thrilled and honored to be the headlining keynote speaker at Arise Music festival at the end of May in Boon Colorado! I'll be speaking about the intersection between psychedelics, creativity and visionary leadership.​Use code ARISE15 to get 15% off festival and camping passes. This code expires April 30th! Click here to get your tickets. ------Key TakeawaysThe 6 stage model for ACT called a Hexiflex gives us a model to understand humanity.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) provides a model for growth, wellness, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. The ACER Model developed by Dr. Rosalind Watts is a way to help people make sense of their deep psychedelic journey, and take the learning to integrate findings into their daily life.Resources Mentioned ACT Made SimpleFree Guide for Psychedelic IntegrationARISE music festival where I will be speaking (Use CODE: …Click here to access this episode's page complete with a full transcript, more about the author, and complete list of resources.Featured MusicEpisode #50 of the Psychedelic Leadership Podcast features a song called "Stand Like An Oak" by Rising Appalachia. Listen to the Stand Like An Oak on SpotifyListen to the Stand Like An Oak on Apple MusicRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love Laura Dawn and The Psychedelic Leadership Podcast.” <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- expand what they believe is possible. DM me on Instagram after you leave a review and I’d be happy to give you a shoutout on my stories! I’d love to connect with you on Instagram: @livefreelaurad

From the depths of opioid dependency, incarceration, and a near-death experience at the hands of an unsafe and unregulated ibogaine provider, Juliana Mulligan is a testament to how even during the most challenging, darkest of times, we can find a pinhole of light that leads to our purpose. Juliana shares her amazing yet harrowing journey through recovery, into healing, and how she found her calling to help others in their path to healing with plant medicine. She has become an expert in Ibogaine and harm reduction, trained under leaders in the space, and worked in clinics around the country assisting others in preparing for, working with, and integrating this immensely powerful compound found in the African shrub known as Tabernanthe iboga. Juliana lays out the essential information that you need to know if you are considering working with this powerful and potentially life-threatening medicine, such as three of the main red flags you should consider before working with anyone administering this medicine. She speaks to the unfortunate yet common tendency for people with the deepest wounds She speaks to the traditional use of Iboga by the practitioners of Bwiti in Gabon Africa, and the much-needed conservation work that is going on to fight the illegal poaching and western demand for Ibogaine.Follow Juliana Mulligan on InstagramResources Mentioned Access full list of resources here.The Center for Optimal LivingThe Root Ibogaine CollectiveWorking with Psychedelics to Treat Substance Use Issues - 8 part seriesGuide to Finding a Safe Ibogaine ClinicMusic to Move YouThis episode features a song called There's a Light by my dear medicine sister Claraty. Listen on Spotify. Purchase on Bandcamp.

Psychedelic neuroscience expert Laura Dawn discusses leveraging psychedelic experiences to catalyze meaningful change. The podcast explores the role of psychedelics as catalysts for personal transformation and delves into behavior-driven change vs identity-driven change. It also discusses how psychedelics disrupt the default mode network in the brain and the importance of leveraging models of reality for personal transformation.