Love, Loss & Hallucinations with Scott Schumaker

WTF! A Wild Love with John Steward (Ep44)

Most of us are blind to the startling truth: 96% of land animal biomass is us and what we eat, while wild creatures make up just 4%. Yet, the fight to restore the wild is a battle for our own future, and it needs to happen now.
John Stewart, driven by simple acts, fierce love and unwavering hope, is someone who heard the call and is leading that battle. Fueled by a moment of anger, he left behind a life in advertising to dedicate himself to saving wildlife, co-founding Wild Tomorrow Fund (WTF). What began with buying a set of tires for wildlife rangers has turned into creating wildlife corridors spanning thousands of acres, rescuing threatened species, reviving habitats and providing sustainable income and education for local communities. 
In this episode, John shares the raw, emotional journey from heartbreak over habitat loss to triumph in land restoration. You'll discover how a small team bought land, knocked down fences, and created corridors for animals to roam free. This is a feel-good conservation story, but it is also a wake-up call. The future depends on what we do today. John reveals how you can start with small, meaningful steps to combat habitat loss caused by our insatiable use of resources.
This episode is perfect for nature lovers, activists, and anyone feeling the weight of ecological grief but yearning for hope and action.
In this episode:
👉How a childhood memory sparked a lifelong love for animals 🐱
👉The pivotal moment that inspired a career change from ads to conservation 💡
👉Building Wild Tomorrow Fund from a dream into protecting over 5,000 acres 🌍
👉The power of community, partnerships, and innovative land restoration 🤝
👉Tackling habitat loss by altering our eating habits 🍽️
👉The hallucination we live in—believing humans are separate from nature 🌱
👉Practical steps anyone can take to heal the earth and reconnect with nature 🌿
 
JOHN'S LINKS:Website | Instagram | Facebook 
SCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 
 

RISE: Wisdom from a Son’s Death, Marriage, Music & 🪴 Medicine with Melissa Etheridge (Ep43)

Get ready to dive deep into a journey of love, deep grief, cancer, creativity and a life-altering experience involving cookies with music icon, Melissa Etheridge. If you’ve ever wondered how grief transforms into hope and a deeper love or how her music is created that touches the soul, this episode reveals it all.
You’ll discover how Melissa’s accidental hero’s dose of cannabis sparked a spiritual awakening, revealing, in part, that peace isn’t the absence of chaos but embracing life’s contrast. She shares raw stories behind her latest album RISE, a powerful reflection of loss hope, and love, including her son Beckett’s tragic death from fentanyl. Her candid insights on love, healing, and the current research into using plant medicine to overcome addiction will challenge what you thought you knew about consciousness and the mind. She also dives deep into her groundbreaking work with The Etheridge Foundation, which funds various psychedelic research, from ibogaine to psilocybin, with the goal of defeating opioid addiction.
In this episode:👉Melissa’s new album "Rise" and her inspiration behind it👉The spiritual insights gained from an accidental heroic dose of plant medicine, and how it changed her life👉The story behind The Etheridge Foundation and its support of plant medicine research to overcome opioid addiction👉What she has learned about love from her long-term relationships, and her current marriage👉Lessons from profound loss of her son Beckett and her reflections on death and eternity👉Her candid and powerful advice on living authentically despite rejection👉How the power of love and self-acceptance can shift relationships and societal barriers👉The science and hope around psychedelics like Ibogaine in combating opioid addiction
MELISSA'S LINKS:Website | New Album, RISE | The Etheridge Foundation 
SCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 

Unlocking Inner Healing: Take a Deep Guided Journey with Marisa Radha Weppner (Ep 42)

Many people don’t realize how much pain, joy, and transformation is locked inside their bodies. Imagine gently connecting with a deep, inner wound, healing it, and finding more peace without ever leaving your home or using plant medicine! This episode reveals the power of somatic-based therapy in crafting a life of resilience, wholeness, and love. Sit in as Marisa Radha Weppner takes the host, Scott Schumaker, somewhere completely unexpected, but wholly worth the journey.
Marisa is a seasoned somatic and psychedelic therapist, guiding her clients through the unseen layers of trauma and self-discovery. In this episode, she also shares her own quest for a deeper understanding of consciousness and self, which started with an LSD trip at 15, and how that lead to her groundbreaking work with ketamine therapy and body-centric healing methods. As Radha states (and Scott experiences), this work will help you heal and integrate forgotten parts of yourself you, parts you forgot were hurt. You’ll will:👉Discover how body sensations reveal what your mind might deny.👉Witness Radha expertly take Scott on a non-psychedelic journey to a deep and unexpected place within himself (even through a Zoom screen) and confront what he finds in a gentle, healing way.👉Learn some of the surprising ways trauma is stored in muscle memory and how to gently release it👉Discover how Radha’s approach weaves together somatic experiencing, inner child healing, internal family systems, and shadow work.👉Learn about Radha’s journey from childhood trauma to spiritual healer👉Discover the importance of vulnerability in therapy and life👉Witness how visualizations can move someone through collective and personal grief👉Learn about Radha’s upcoming retreat in Mexico
MARISA'S LINKS:Patreon | Website | Instagram | Podcast 
SCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 

BREAKING OPEN: How a Marathon Swimmer & Mayor Stopped Swimming Away, Broke Open and Found True Love (Ep41)

How did a driven, world-record holding, 30-something overachiever who has swum the English Channel learn to embrace vulnerability, hire a matchmaker and find her soul mate? In this episode, Melissa Blaustein—the youngest mayor in Sausalito’s history, a global policy advocate, and open water swimmer— shares her deeply personal journey of “breaking open,” and how that helped her find true, authentic love. She opens up about confronting childhood wounds and imposter syndrome, hallucinating Olympic athletes during long swims, and discovering the power of community in both the water and politics. Melissa breaks down the importance of honest communication, spiritual growth, and embracing discomfort as the pathway to fulfillment. This episode is about the profound transformation that happens when you let go of perfection, shed the need to constantly achieve, and lean into the vulnerability that makes us human. 
Whether you’re battling self-doubt, seeking courage to love again, or craving real community, Melissa’s truth will stir your soul and challenge your perspective. 
MELISSA'S LINKS:Instagram | TikTok | Calling in "The One" by Katherine Woodard Thomas 
SCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 
 

Challenging the War on Drugs with Freedom, Responsibility and Compassion: Ethan Nadelmann (Ep 40)

Prepare to have your thinking around drugs and drug policy challenged! Uncover the radical truth about drugs, harm reduction, and the power of compassion in this electrifying conversation with drug policy pioneer Ethan Nadelmann, whom Rolling Stone magazine once dubbed “the real drug czar.” Forget the fear-mongering and outdated myths, Ethan shares what you really need to know about how science, empathy, and smart policies can transform society. He boldly reveals how decades of prohibition, racism and xenophobia, and ill-guided policies have fueled harm and been an economic drain on society. In addition, he recounts compelling stories of hope that will shift your perspective about “the war on drugs”. This episode will give you plenty of food for thought!
You'll discover:👉Why the war on drugs has caused more harm than good—costly, ineffective, and rooted in racist fears.👉The groundbreaking, cost-effective solutions like needle exchanges, overdose centers, and medical marijuana that save lives and money.👉How altered states through psychedelics have helped him and others heal trauma, deepen love, and foster empathy across divides that once seemed insurmountable.👉The transformative power of compassion, responsibility, and understanding—whether amid a courtroom, a community, or on the international stage.👉This episode is a rallying cry for anyone fed up with the injustice of the drug war, and an urgent call to reimagine policies based on science and human rights. Ethan isn’t just talking—he’s demonstrating how a coalition of love, truth, and bold action can change the world.
Perfect for activists, policymakers, or anyone yearning for a more compassionate, effective approach to drugs and human connection. Ready to rethink your stance? Hit play.
ETHAN'S LINKS:Psychoactive podcast | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
SCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 

Wisdom and Healing from the Amazon to Your Backyard with Onánya Nicho Nutu (Ep39)

Feel stuck? Lost in the chaos of modern life? Want to witness Scott receiving a round of hapé up his nose? Nicho Nutu, a Shipibo healer and musician, reveals the profound lessons plants and sacred ceremonies have gifted him — lessons that can transform your relationships, your clarity, and your soul. 
From the depths of the Amazon to Northern California’s forests, Nicho shares how ayahuasca, specific plant diets (psychedelic and non-psychedelic), and the power of sound revealed to him to a love so wide that it heals old wounds and connects us all to the divine. You'll discover how these medicines teach forgiveness, compassion, and humility — and how you, too, can tap into this limitless source of love without ever leaving home or taking a psychedelic. 
In this episode:👉Nicho shares how he found his calling in the Amazon, starting from curiosity and snake fascination to becoming a traditional healer.👉Nicho’s journey from a skeptic who grew up in Massachusetts to a revered maestro with a sacred mission—how plants transformed his entire life perspective.👉Nicho gives Scott the mystical experience of hapé and an icaro live on camera👉The dieta ritual: what it is, how long it lasts, and why it’s essential for opening your connection to plants and their teachings.👉The power of icaro songs, and how Nicho’s voice became a vessel for healing—who knew singing could be so sacred?👉The role of non-hallucinogenic plants like tobacco, rose, tulsi and Chiric Sinango in trauma, forgiveness, love and strengthening spirit.👉Why love and compassion are the true lessons plants have to teach us and how they help us navigate loss and grief with grace.
NICHO'S LINKS:
Website 
SCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 

Unlocking Long-Term Love and Connection: A Conversation with Ellen Boeder (Ep38)

If you’re like most people, you want to find lasting love and true connection. Ellen Boeder, a passionate psychotherapist and relationship expert, shares insights gained over two decades of study, practice, and life experience on how we can cultivate long-term bonds that thrive through life's inevitable ups and downs. This episode dives into the art of repair after conflict, the importance of mutual co-creation in a relationship, and how self-awareness fuels what Boeder has coined “relational longevity.”
Why does this matter? Because the research is clear: the quality of your relationships in midlife shapes your health, happiness, and vitality in old age, and fostering a caring, authentic, deep relationship with your partner takes time, often years. So, starting to develop these skills in your younger years will pay big dividends. Neglecting this part of life is like skipping routine maintenance on your health—risky and costly. But by embedding simple, intentional practices today, you unlock a lifetime of joy, resilience, and growth with those who matter most.
In this episode:👉Ellen reveals what relational longevity means and why it’s vital for our health.👉The science linking midlife relationship quality to overall well-being in old age.👉How to develop the skills to repair ruptures and build trust after conflicts.👉Why self-reflection is the cornerstone of healthier relationships.👉The differences and similarities in co-creating with partners versus children.👉Exploring the impact of attachment styles on relationship sustainability.👉The power of daily small acts, like greeting each other, in creating ongoing connection.👉Balancing masculine and feminine energies in partnership.👉Practical steps to align your relationship goals and increase mutual satisfaction.👉How societal narratives influence our roles and our long-term relational growth.
ELLEN'S LINKS:Website | Substack | Instagram | The Couples Podcast - Attachment | Masculine & Feminine
SCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 

Creating Enduring Love and Art in Chaotic Times with Tiffany Shlain (Ep37)

In this episode, we get deep. We laugh. There are tears. 
I’m joined by Tiffany Shlain, a pioneer in tech, a documentary filmmaker and an artist. In a disconnect, chaotic world, Tiffany has fought to stay connected. The positive sides of tech still excite her, but she has learned how to shut off the digital invasion in ways that benefit her marriage, her family and friends, and her creativity. She recounts how these boundaries have helped foster her transformative art that interweaves feminism, neuroscience, and nature, leading to her current exhibition with her husband, Ken Goldberg, titled Ancient Wisdom for a Future Ecology: Trees, Time and Technology. 
Tiffany’s raw honesty about deepening her 30-year relationship with her husband, the death of her father, battling depression, creating art and finding hope despite the state of will inspire you. This episode isn’t just a story. It’s a blueprint to living more mindfully, loving more deeply, and creating a legacy rooted in truth and connection. 
You'll discover:👉How her groundbreaking work launching the Webby Awards launched her into the wild west of technology.👉The profound impact of her weekly “tech Shabbat”👉The art of navigating love and loss: from losing her father to healing through creative expression.👉Why she now leads with “attention” as the greatest gift in relationships.👉Her fascinating projects merging neuroscience, nature and feminist history.
TIFFANY'S LINKS:Website |Ancient Wisdom for a Future Ecology: Trees, Time and Technology | Instagram
SCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 
 
 

Hip Hop, Mindfulness, and Greyhound Bus Dharma: Walking Thru the Jeweled Doorway w/ Born I (Ep36)

Join Scott in a profound conversation with Ofosu Jones-Quartey, aka Born I, a meditation teacher, hip hop artist, and author, as they explore the intersection of music, mindfulness, and radical self-compassion. From the streets of Washington D.C. and his Ghana roots to discovering dharma on a Greyhound bus, Ofosu’s journey through hip hop, Buddhism, and mental health challenges offers transformative insights into interconnectedness, healing, and authentic self-expression. Ofosu shares raw, deeply human stories of growth, loss, and love—showing that liberation comes when we accept ourselves fully, shadows and all. This episode is perfect for seekers, artists, mental health warriors, and anyone courageous enough to look within.
You’ll discover: 👉 how an ancient Buddhist text, the Heart Sutra, illuminated his path during a bus ride and transformed his worldview👉 Using music as a tool for healing and social change👉 Navigating mental health challenges, including OCD, with grace and resilience👉 The importance of inner friendship and simple daily practices for well-being👉 how hip hop, rebellion, and spirituality collide to create a new kind of mindfulness 👉 why embracing your fallibility, not denying it, is a key to living with courage, love, and authenticity. 
OFOSU/BORN I's LINKS:Website | Instagram | Ayanna video | Komorebi album 
SCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 
 

Own Your Stuff! Stop Your B.S.! And Consider Psychedelics with Melanie Spring (Ep35)

In this animated conversation, Melanie Spring, a fierce muse and seasoned healer, and I look at radical truths around love, self-identity and transformation. Melanie explodes the myth that you need to be perfect or have your act together to thrive. Instead, she shows you the power in owning your stuff, embracing your wildness, and continually evolving.
Melanie shares her unapologetic journey from perfectionism to sovereignty, and from inherited trauma to radical honesty. She reveals how psychedelics cracked her open to new realms of healing. This is not woo-woo—it’s real, raw, and transformative. She also dives into her no-nonsense approach to boundaries, money, love, and self-expression—reminding us all that true power lies in owning your shadow and stepping into your wild, sovereign self. If you’re ready to tear down inner walls and radically love yourself, then this episode is the spark you need.
In this episode:👉Melanie’s unique take on coaching vs muse—guiding inward, not fixing outward👉The radical roots of her core values: love, honesty, accountability, collaboration, creativity👉Raw stories of her putting her marriage on pause, psychedelics, and deep healing👉The power of boundaries, sovereignty, and owning your truth in love and life👉How vulnerability is the greatest gift for growth and authentic connection👉Practical steps to ask for mentorship without money, finding your village👉Lessons from her “identity detox” and the importance of loving yourself fully👉The reframe: “Own your stuff” — the ultimate act of freedom
(This content is for educational and harm-reduction purposes. We do not promote or support illegal activity, the sale or use of restricted substances, or the use of associated tools or accessories. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for health decisions.)
MELANIE'S LINKS:Website | Instagram
SCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)”