
"Dear Humanity," a Lovecast with Laura Dawn
My name is Laura Dawn and welcome to my new podcast series
Dear Humanity, exploring the wisdom and science of human flourishing
“Dear Humanity” bridges ancient, earth based traditions, mythology and philosophy with cutting-edge fields like psychedelics, creativity, neuroscience, cognitive science, and ecology to address the modern meaning crisis.
In times of profound change and uncertainty, this show delves into the heart of what makes us human, asking:
How do we lead deeply fulfilling, purposeful and inspired lives – built on the foundation of love, connection, belonging, and altruism – amidst political division, ecological devastation, systemic crises, and the existential threats confronting humanity?
Through transformative conversations with the world’s most influential change-makers, innovators, elders and visionary leaders from all walks of life —"Dear Humanity" helps us rediscover what it means to be fully human, unlock our extraordinary capacities, and remember the unbreakable and sacred bond we share with one another and the natural, living world.
Latest episodes

Nov 16, 2021 • 1h 32min
Community, Boundaries & Deep Liberation with Langston Kahn - 39
Langston Kahn is a Shamanic healer that supports people through what’s called the Deep Liberation Process, a body-based approach that allows us to radically transform the range of fear-based stories we each hold in ourselves: from traumatic experiences, internalized oppression, and habitual emotional patterns rooted in old beliefs that hold us back from healing, transforming, and freeing our authenticity and unique genius. Bridging the shamanic wisdom of ancient spirituality with the needs and demands of modern-day life, Kahn offers concrete skills to cultivate deep grounding, skillful boundaries, and a healthy energy body; methods for authentic shadow work and healing our triggers; and tools for effectively tending personal and collective well-being in community.Core themes explored in this episode: Community Defining deep liberationEstablishing healthy boundariesWorking with triggersEmbodiment Calling in your ancestors and helping SpiritsRituals for processing griefResources MentionedClick here to access the full episode transcript and list of resourcesRead Deep Liberation by Langston KahnFree 8-Day Microdosing Course4 Music Playlists for Psychedelic Journey’s & BeyondMusic to Move YouThis episode features a song called "Sitting in a Circle" by Avasa & Matty Love, featuring Ryan Dilmore.

Oct 27, 2021 • 1h 19min
Dennis McKenna: Improve Creative Thinking with Psychedelics as Tools for Learning - 38
Dr. Dennis Mckenna calls psychedelics “tools for learning how to think.” In this episode, Laura Dawn speaks with Dennis Mckenna about how psychedelics can help us think more creatively. As Chase Jarvis says: “Our species and our planet face a new set of challenges that only creativity can solve.” We are living through a time of rapid change where creative thinking and creative problem solving are now being called the most important skillsets for the 21st century. Many of us weren’t taught creative thinking skills in school and need to find new ways to tap into our creative potential. As it turns out, psychedelics might be able to offer us the kind of help and support we need to adapt to these times of increasing uncertainty and unprecedented challenges. As Dennis explains in this episode: “psychedelics allow you to see connections that you usually don’t see. Then you have an opportunity to come up with not only funny ideas, but great ideas.” Dennis McKenna has a Master's in Botany and a PhD in Botanical Sciences and has been conducting research in ethnopharmacology for over 40 years. Dennis believes that “the entire biospheric community of species is conscious, and seeks to advance the evolution of consciousness through collaboration and symbiosis.” One might argue that they are collaborating with us by teaching us how to expand the boundaries of what we believe is possible by teaching us how to think outside the box. Resources MentionedClick here to access the full episode transcript and list of resourcesJoin Laura Dawn at MeetDelic conference in Vegas this November 6-7th. She is presenting on the intersection between creative problem solving and psychedelics. Use code "dawnnaut" at checkout for 20% off your ticket. Access 4 Free Music Playlists for Psychedelic Journey's & Beyond.Access a free 8-day microdosing course. Books MentionedSimon Powell: The Psilocybin Solution: The Role of Sacred Mushrooms in the Quest for MeaningMusic To Move YouThis episode features a song called Heal This Land by Tina Malia. Purchase Heal This Land on BandcampList On Spotify Follow Tina Malia on IG

Oct 13, 2021 • 48min
Leaping with Trust: A Blueprint for TRUST 2.0 When Facing Change Is Scary & Emotionally Painful with Laura Dawn - 37
TRUST 2.0 When the Going Gets Tough. There is a grand restructuring unfolding on the planet right now. This is a time where we are being called to face our personal truth. When we choose to step into deeper alignment with this truth, whatever that may be, it often requires facing big changes as we let go of who we thought we were and step forward into who we are choosing to be. Facing these changes can require an enormous amount of letting go and often bring with them a lot of upheaval. As many of us find ourselves on the precipice peering into the great unknown, we need to learn how to trust the deeper levels of restructuring that are unfolding for us both individually and collectively. And that's what this episode is all about; learning to trust in the great unknown. I share my perspective on what it means to move from trust 1.0 to trust 2.0 and how this impacts the way we live and the way we lead. Follow Laura Dawn on Instagram.Join me at the Psychedelic Conference MeetDelic November 6-7th in Vegas! Get 20% off your ticket with coupon code "dawnnaut"Free Resources:Click here to access the full episode transcript and list of resources4 Music Playlists for Psychedelic Journey’s & BeyondFree 8-Day Microdosing CourseBrene Brown's BRAVING TRUST outline for Teams.Music to Move YouThis episode features a powerful mantra song called "I Release Control" by Alexa Sunshine Rose.

Sep 23, 2021 • 1h 57min
Prophecy, Prayer, Truth & Authenticity with Spiritual Teacher and Vision Keeper, Grandmother Jyoti - 36
These are trying times. According to the Kogi prophecy, we are collectively moving through 13 years they call the great cleanse. The Kogi’s say that the great ending will fall into the beginning in 2026. In this episode renowned spiritual teacher and vision keeper, Grandmother Jyoti shares remarkable stories that help us understand the wisdom within these prophecies and the power of walking in prayer and points to the necessity of stepping into alignment with our authenticity as this is a time of reckoning with our personal truth. Jyoti was one of the founders of the Center for Sacred Studies - and was also the founding member and convener of the Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers. Jyoti considers herself to be a vision keeper and a seed keeper, which she talks more about. And she shares that after the council of 13 grandmothers took on a life of its own, she received a new vision, a new seed that has led her to launching a project called the Fountain and its mission is to restore an economic model that is based on reciprocity and collaboration guided by Nature and the Sacred. Jyoti is founder of the Center for Sacred StudiesShe is the founder of The Fountain Its mission is to restore an economic model that is based on reciprocity and collaboration guided by Nature and the Sacred.Watch and listen to this powerful prayer by Jyoti called “Walk On” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J4qbnuuUYE Recommended books: Read How Do You Pray?: Inspiring Responses from Religious Leaders, Spiritual Guides, Healers, Activists and Other Lovers of HumanityPsychedelicLeadership Resources Click here to access the full episode transcript and list of resourcesPsychedelics, Sacred Medicines, Purpose & Business Use code "DAWNNAUT" for a discount to MEET DELIC conference 4 Music Playlists for Psychedelic Journey’s & BeyondFree 8-Day Microdosing CourseFeatured MusicEpisode #36 features a song called La Medicina by Elah & AusierraListen to La Medicina here

Sep 14, 2021 • 1h 42min
Using Creativity to Find Humor Amidst Our Collective Crisis with James McCrea - 35
James McCrae is an author, poet, creative guide, and meme-artist based in Austin, Texas. He is the creative genius behind the popular Instagram account @WordsAreVibrations And is author of Sh#t Your Ego Says and soon to be released: How to Laugh in Ironic Amusement During Your Existential Crisis; the first-ever book published featuring memes and poetry. In his writing and art, he applies the principles of mindfulness and Eastern philosophy to modern life with humor and candor.In this episode, we talk about the yin and yang of creativity, psychedelics, the necessity of humor and laughter, ritual, eastern philosophy, surrender, leadership, and letting go. Jame Mccrea's Website Pre-order How to Laugh in Ironic Amusement During Your Existential CrisisFollow James McCrea on Instagram PsychedelicLeadership Resources Click here to access the full episode transcript and list of resourcesUse code "DAWNNAUT" for a discount to MEET DELIC conference 4 Music Playlists for Psychedelic Journey’s & BeyondFree 8-Day Microdosing CourseFeatured MusicEpisode #35 features a song called Portal333 by Lavva, FR33SOL, Earf.Listen to Portal333 here

4 snips
Sep 3, 2021 • 1h 57min
Becoming an Addiction Recovery & Psychedelic Integration Coach with founder of Being True to You, Deanne Adamson - 34
Deanne Adamson, founder of Being True to You, discusses the role of a psychedelic integration coach and the core competencies required. She emphasizes the importance of personal development and shares insights on addiction, presence, and transformational recovery. The podcast also explores controversies in the psychedelic space and the language used within the industry. The episode concludes with a call for support and gratitude.

Aug 25, 2021 • 7min
My Instagram Account was Deleted: Please Help Me Get It Back
Hi Friends, My Instagram account @LiveFreeLauraD has been deleted and down for almost 2 weeks now, and I'd love your support in getting it back. I don't know why it's been taken down, but I do know censorship is on the rise. One of my last posts just happened to be about how they've now banned #microdosing hashtag. (Which I think is ridiculous.) Please follow these instructions to help me get my instagram account back:On your personal IG account go to settingsThen help report a problemThen something isn't workingThen write @livefreelaurad account got taken down and this is a mistake. I would so appreciate your help with this! Live Free, Laura D

Aug 10, 2021 • 1h 2min
What it Takes to Lead & Launch an Unprecedented Venture In the Psychedelic Space with Joshua White - 33
Holding a vision for something that doesn’t yet exist and taking inspired action to transmute that inner vision into reality is true creative leadership. Joshua White had an idea to launch the first-ever Psychedelic Peer Support Phone Line in the US and dedicated himself to making that vision a reality. He is now the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Fireside Project, which operates the first-ever national peer support line specifically aimed at helping people navigate psychedelic experiences. Fireside has now been featured in major publications like the Rolling Stones Magazine, Forbes, and has prominent people like Michael Pollen tweeting about his support for the project. Joshua deeply believes in the power of peer support and in the role of support lines as key components of an equitable community mental health ecosystem. In this candid conversation, Joshua shares what it takes as a leader to launch an unprecedented project and the key importance of holding a “bigger than you” vision to get you through the tougher times. Fireside Project Download Fireside Project app Dial 62-Fireside for psychedelic peer support PsychedelicLeadership Resources Click here to access the full episode transcript and list of resourcesUse code "DAWNNAUT" for a discount to MEET DELIC conference 4 Music Playlists for Psychedelic Journey’s & BeyondFree 8-Day Microdosing CourseFeatured MusicEpisode #33 features a song called Thank you for the people by Riverbear MedicineConnect with Riverbear Medicine here

Jul 27, 2021 • 1h 5min
Ayahuasca, Epigenetics, Mental Health and the Healing of Trauma with Dr. Simon Ruffell - 32
In collaboration with the Ayahuasca Foundation, Dr. Simon Ruffell and his team are conducting epigenetic research on the effects of ayahuasca and the healing of mental health disorders and trauma. In this episode, Dr. Simon Ruffle shares the remarkable research findings that were recently published in Frontiers of Psychiatry. Ayahuasca may impact the genetic expression of our DNA, relieve suffering from depression, and may be able to decrease the emotional charge around trauma by helping us rewrite our narratives around what happened and perceive our traumas in a less negative way. Learn more about the scientific research happening in collaboration with the Ayahuasca Foundation. Ceremonial Ayahuasca in Amazonian Retreats—Mental Health and Epigenetic Outcomes From a Six-Month Naturalistic StudyPsychedelicLeadership Resources Click here to access the full episode transcript and list of resourcesUse code "DAWNNAUT" for a discount to MEET DELIC conference 4 Music Playlists for Psychedelic Journey’s & BeyondFree 8-Day Microdosing CourseFeatured MusicEpisode #32 features a song called Q'antataita by Puentes.Connect with Puentes here

Jul 8, 2021 • 1h 47min
Life is Happening For You Not to You with Drew McManus from SATSANG - 31
In this conversation, I drop in with the lead singer of Satsang Drew McManus to get to know the man behind the music. We talk about the role that psychedelics and plant medicines have played in Drew’s life. We talk about creativity, inspiration, and what it means to dedicate ourselves to our purpose with discipline and devotion yet levity, lightheartedness, and humor. Drew shares his upbringing in an abusive house and the journey of re-writing the narrative of trauma, and we talk about how plant medicines can help us reframe these deeply challenging experiences from the narrative that they are happening to us into a new narrative that they happen for us. Drew shares his perspective on this time of division, some challenging experiences he went through online, and how the answer through these times is kindness, compassion, and non-judgment. Satsang MovementClick here to access the full episode transcript Psychedelic Leadership Resources Click here to access the full episode transcript and list of resourcesUse code "DAWNNAUT" for a discount to MEET DELIC conference 4 Music Playlists for Psychedelic Journey’s & BeyondFree 8-Day Microdosing CourseFeatured MusicThis episode features a song called Remember Jah by Satsang With clips of, This place, Back around, From and I go, and Thrill of it all.Purchase Remember Jah on Bandcamp Connect with Satsang
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