Love, Loss & Hallucinations with Scott Schumaker

In this episode, join me as Rachel Zurer, a somatic and leadership coach, shares her deep healing experiences with the plant medicine Iboga. If you are curious about what it’s like working with iboga, which can cause psychedelic journeys lasting up to 30 hours, then this episode is a must listen. Spoiler: It’s not about quick fixes (obviously), but profound, lasting transformations that can reshape your entire view of life, grief, love, and humanity. Consuming iboga is “not sexy,” as Rachel says, but what’s a little bit of dry mouth and a day of possible discomfort in exchange for long-lasting, positive changes in your life? Tune in to see if you’re ready to surf your own waves of transformation.
You'll discover:👉The deep, slow journey of working with full root bark iboga and what it really feels like to surf waves of emotion for a day and a half👉How iboga helps you see your mental cages and unlock your true power👉The unexpected, life-shifting lessons on grief, ancestral trauma, and trusting the unknown that Rachel learned from her profound experiences👉Why this plant medicine is more than a psychedelic trip — it’s a portal to deeper love, presence, and spiritual trust
RACHEL'S LINKS:Website | Instagram | Linkedin
The Way meditation app
Books: Prayers of Honor and Grief by Pixie Lighthouse, The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Frances Weller, The Smell of Rain on Dust by Martine Prechtel
SCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 
 

In this thought-provoking episode, Shann Ray, a clinical psychologist, genocide researcher and prolific author, shares his profound insights from decades of research and personal experience on authentic love, forgiveness, and the union of masculine and feminine energies. We delve into how ancient wisdom, current scientific findings, and simple but valuable daily practices can transform our relationships and inner worlds. Perhaps most importantly, we discuss the power of forgiveness, how it can improve your love life and relationships, your health, and, ultimately, even prevent and help heal from genocide. If nothing else, this stimulating and deep episode will have you kissing your partner longer on a daily basis!  
We discuss:👉 The golden age of research on love and its elusive nature👉 The sacred balance of masculine and feminine energies in relationships👉 Practical daily habits to foster genuine connection and forgiveness👉 The impact of trauma, generational patterns, and societal cycles on love👉 The transformative power of asking for forgiveness and making amends👉 The role of light, love, and humility in spiritual and relational growth👉How genocides can ultimately be traced to the breakdown of one-to-one relationships👉Fascism’s link to the fracture of the masculine and feminine within a society👉 Insights from scientific studies like the Gottman Institute on relationship dynamics👉 How cultural narratives and personal shadow work influence our capacity to love👉 The importance of mentoring, community, and ongoing practice for authentic love👉 Personal reflections on overcoming fear, loss, and embracing wholeness
SHANN's LINKS:Website | Instagram
Unsolicited Press The Gottman Institute 
SCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 

In this episode, Jaime Flairs, an author, transformational guide, and the founder of Whale Song Creative, joins me to share her profound journey through divorce, spiritual awakening, and reclaiming her authentic self. Together, we explore the power of ritual, community, nature as a healing and stabilizing force, the importance of discovering and staying aligned with your soul’s purpose, and how inner work can transform pain into purpose. Jaime’s vulnerability as she talks about multiple losses in her life invites listeners to reflect on their own thresholds and the transformative power inherent in life’s challenges. We end by discussing how she brings all of this wisdom to the writers that she coaches and how tell your story is both both and revolutionary!
JAIME’S LINKS:
Website | Instagram
SCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 

In this episode, music and psychedelic entrepreneur Brandon Deroche, founder and CEO of Propeller and Portal, shares how transformative plant medicine journeys have influenced him and his career path. Wanting to have a meaningful career from a young age, and influenced by his grandfather’s death, insights from psychedelics and Ram Dass, Brandon and I discuss how he’s has pursued positive social change with his businesses. This is a path that has also created opportunities for him to work with the likes of Chappelle Roan, Justin Isbell, Lorde, ODESZA, Boygenius, and many more. We also get into how and why he, along with Justin Boreta, formerly of The Glitch Mob, created Portal, a non-profit and community dedicated to destigmatizing the responsible use of psychedelics, educating about their benefits, and advocating for accessibility. If you’re wanting to start a business in the psychedelic, non-profit or music space, you’ll want to tune into this one!
BRANDON'S LINKS:Propeller | Propeller IG  Portal | Portal IGPersonal IG 
SCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 
 
 

Personal growth and transformation come in many forms, almost all of them challenging. Having a guide to help you navigate these journeys can be extremely helpful. In this episode, nature-based transformational guide Jade Sherer shares 20+ years of wisdom gleaned from assisting people through such trials and towards more authentic, soul-fulfilling lives. This includes 10-day nature retreats, one-on-one conversations over Zoom, and helping clients interpret powerful dreams. Together, Jade and I explore the profound impact of nature-based transformational processes—vision quests, for example—on personal growth and discovering one's true self. We delve into the challenges and rewards of such journeys, including Jade's personal battle with ovarian cancer, and how it all has shaped her understanding of life and death, purpose and connection, and grief and joy. This episode is full of wisdom. Tune in.
JADE'S LINK:
itsournature.net
SCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Stephen Kellogg joins Scott in this episode of the Love, Loss & Hallucinations podcast to discuss the wisdom he has gained around grief, success, anxiety and integrity during his 25-year journey as an artist. Stephen talks about the challenges and triumphs that have shaped his life and career, and we both share our evolving understanding of love. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about creativity, relationships, and finding peace in the midst of life's complexities. Finally, don't miss Stephen's new stand-up comedy show on Amazon Prime, Maybe This Will Work.
(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.)
STEPHEN'S LINKS:Website | Spotify | Apple | Instagram | Maybe This Will Work comedy special 
SCOTT’S LINKS: Monday Meditation newsletter | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 

In this special 25th episode of "Love, Loss and Hallucinations," Scott welcomes back his first guest and his wife, Tiffanie DeBartolo, to share her profound journey with plant medicine the day before. Together, they explore the depths of human existence, the mysteries of identity, the spiritual revelations that come from embracing discomfort, source or god, and her revelation of what awaits us after death. Tiffanie's candid reflections on her intense mushroom experience reveals a unique perspective on life, love, and the interconnectedness of all things. Join us for an enlightening conversation that challenges perceptions and celebrates the transformative power of plant medicine.
(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.)
TIFFANIE'S LINKS: Instagram | website | Bright Antenna Records | Bookshop | Amazon | Dream for an Insomniac 
SCOTT’S LINKS: Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 
 

“I’ve found I can do about two years of therapy in a single day,” says this week’s guest, psychotherapist Jonathan Robinson, about using MDMA with clients. Starting in the 1970s, therapists began using MDMA to treat patients. But, by the late 80s, this empathogen became the rave drug of choice, and its therapeutic uses were sidelined when the DEA classified it as a schedule 1 controlled substance. Recently, it has resurfaced in therapeutic circles, most notably for a MAPS* study testing it to treat PTSD. Robinson, also a best-selling author, joins me in this week’s episode to share his extensive experience of treating over 800 clients with MDMA, addressing issues from trauma, anxiety and depression, to dramatically improving couple’s relationships after just one guided MDMA session. We also discuss the history of MDMA, its impact on therapy, how his MDMA protocol differs from the MAPS protocol, and his unique approach to using MDMA in both in-person and Zoom sessions. And you won’t want to miss the story of what happened when his conservative parents tried it!
*Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies 
(This content is for educational and harm-reduction purposes only.)
JONATHAN'S LINKS:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Books 
SCOTT’S LINKS:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 
 

In this deep and funny episode, I’m joined by Kyle Nicolaides,lead singer/songwriter/guitarist for the band Beware of Darkness, to explore his transformative journey from depression to healing. Kyle opens up about his struggles with mental health, the pivotal role of ayahuasca in his recovery, insights from his book (Thank God for Depression), tapping into and protecting creativity as an artist, and the devious nature of co-dependency. There is so much insightful wisdom in this one that I had a hard time picking highlight clips. Also, Kyle is f’ing hilarious. 
KYLE'S LINKS:Website | Instagram | Book | Beware of Darkness Music | Solo & Ceremony Music 
SCOTT’S LINKS:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 

In this episode, Christine Rosen joins me to discuss the many critical human skills we’re in the process of losing due to technology. Rosen, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, is the author of "The Extinction of Experience." Together, we explore the impact of technology on human connection, the importance of face-to-face interactions, the value of boredom and the challenges of raising children in a digital age. Christine shares insights from her book, including how we are losing authentic experiences and the need for skepticism in adopting new technologies. Tune in for a deep dive into how we can preserve meaningful human connections with each other and the natural world in an increasingly mediated world.
THE EXTINCTION OF EXPERIENCE Links:
Bookshop | Amazon
SCOTT’S LINKS:
website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)”