Love, Loss & Hallucinations with Scott Schumaker

Ep24 - Jonathan Robinson: Using MDMA as a Therapeutic Swiss Army Knife

“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)” 
 

Ep23 - Kyle Nicolaides: Ayahuasca, Depression & Creativity

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)” 

Ep22 - Christine Rosen: A Conversation on THE EXTINCTION OF EXPERIENCE

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)” 

Ep21 - Siri Lindley: How a World Champion Triathlete & Leukemia Survivor Learned to Live Fearlessly

Listen and be uplifted! Siri Lindley joins me to dive into her extraordinary life. She was a world champion triathlete who didn’t know how to swim. She battled a rare, almost-always-deadly strand of leukemia and won. She weathered homophobia in her personal life and athletic career, learning how to live authentically along the way. She and her partner, Rebekah Keat, started a successful horse rescue with zero experience. Hers is a journey of self-discovery and resilience. She shares hard-earned lessons on how to live a fulfilling life with infectious enthusiasm. This is a story of triumph, love, and the transformation. Tune in for a super boost of inspiration and joy.
"Live fearlessly every day!" -Siri Lindley
*NOTE: The Tri Me documentary is not coming out in 2025.
 
SIRI’S LINKS:Instagram | websiteBelieve Ranch Horse RescueInstagram | FacebookTri Me documentaryInstagram
 
SCOTT’S LINKS:
website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 
 

Ep20 - Christy Turlington-Burns: Mortality, Marriage & Maternal Health

In this heartfelt episode of "Love, Loss, and Hallucinations," I welcome Christy Turlington-Burns, founder and president of Every Mother Counts. Together we dive into themes of love, loss and resilience as Christy shares touching moments from her dad’s passing when she was in her late 20s, what she learned from witnessing his death (and her grandmother's), how Eastern philosophy helped her understand it, and her dad’s unintentional lessons in feminism. We talk about the ins and outs of making a marriage work, the importance of giving yourself time to breath before substantial life changes, and how the biggest lessons can often be learned from the little things in life. Christy also shares her life-changing journey from international model to maternal health advocate, discussing the personal experiences that inspired her mission. Join us for an uplifting conversation that highlights the importance of empathy, connection, and advocacy in today's world.(*Correction: I reference COVID as a disease in this episode when I should have called it a virus.)
CHRISTY’S LINKS:Instagram | Every Mother Counts website | Every Mother Counts IG 
 
SCOTT’S LINKS:
website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 
 

Ep19 - Benjamin Forest: From 25 Years Military to the Trip of a Lifetime

In this profound episode, I welcome Benjamin Forest, a retired lieutenant colonel who has transformed his life into that of a psychedelic coach, speaker, and author. We dive into Benjamin's transformative journey from a military career to embracing the healing power of psychedelics, exploring themes of spirituality, personal growth, and the transformative impact of plant medicine. Benjamin shares how he escaped years of depression, as well as insights from his book 'Trip of a Lifetime,' an in-depth guidebook for those who are considering using plant medicine and for those wanting to take their journeys deeper.
(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.)
In this episode, you’ll hear about:👉Benjamin's transition from military to psychedelic coach.👉The impact of psychedelics on mental health.👉Tips and wisdom from 'Trip of a Lifetime'.👉The role of spirituality in healing.👉The importance of safe psychedelic experiences.👉Healing trauma with psychedelics.👉The concept of 'emotional constipation' as it relates to depression.👉The need to make the unconscious conscious.👉How inside the cave you fear to enter is the treasure you seek.👉How embarking on a medicine journey takes a certain level of badassery.👉The significance of community in healing.
BENJAMIN'S LINKS:website | Instagram | 'Trip of a Lifetime' book Dr. Rosalind Watts TedTalk 
RadioLab episode on Critical Periods 
 
SCOTT’S LINKS:
website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 

Ep18 - Jennifer Griffith: Messy Love, Moms & Memoir

In episode 18, I talk with Jennifer Griffith, author of the memoir "Both Sides of Then: Finding Love After Abandonment." Jennifer's memoir uniquely intertwines her life with her mother's, exploring themes of identity, loss, and the complexities of family dynamics.  We discuss her transition from a successful tech career to writing, inspired by her father’s death and a pivotal moment at a Tony Robbins event. We get into the transformative power of writing, the healing that comes from sharing one's story, and how Jennifer's writing process helped her find empathy, acceptance, and a deeper understanding of her family's legacy. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or someone who is wanting to better understand your family’s story, this episode will inspire you.
In this episode, you’ll hear:👉Jennifer’s journey and challenges of writing her debut memoir.👉An exploration of love and abandonment.👉Insights into the writing process and finding inspiration.👉The importance of storytelling in personal healing.👉The power of sharing your story and learning your parent’s stories.👉How Joni Mitchell influenced the book’s title👉The role of family in Jennifer's personal and professional life.👉Running as a metaphor for life.👉Jennifer's advice for aspiring writers and podcasters.👉The impact of personal experiences on creative expression.👉The need to embrace pain for growth
JENNIFER’S LINKSWebsite | Instagram | Facebook | Bookshop | Amazon 
SCOTT’S LINKS:Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” 

Ep17 - Michael Jospé: Becoming Your Authentic Self with Nature & Neuroscience

In this episode of "Love, Loss, and Hallucinations" you will discover how nature can serve as a guide and catalyst for change. Scott is joined by Michael Jospé, CEO of the Earth-Based Institute, and together they look at the transformative power of the outdoors. Michael shares his journey from wilderness adventures to founding a unique and powerful coaching program that integrates nature connection with personal growth. If you’re interested in coaching, having a coach, finding healing in nature, transformation, the importance of integration, processing grief, myth and storytelling, discovering your life’s purpose, or psychedelics, then this podcast is for you!
(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.)
FREE NATURE CONNECTION COURSE HEREUSE CODE: NATURE 
You’ll hear about:👉 Coaching is inherently transformational and focuses on personal growth.👉 Successful individuals often seek help from coaches to progress in their lives.👉 Nature plays a crucial role in the coaching process, providing a transformative experience.👉 Influences from mentors like Tom Brown Jr. and John Young shape the approach to nature connection.👉 Observation skills are essential for developing a relationship with nature.👉 Grief and loss are universal experiences that impact personal transformation.👉 Integrating grief into coaching helps deepen empathy and understanding.👉 Each person has a unique purpose that contributes to societal and environmental health.👉 Myth and storytelling can help resolve internal conflicts and guide personal growth.👉 Integration of experiences, including psychedelics, is vital for lasting transformation.
 
EARTH-BASED INSTITUTE LINKSWebsite | Instagram
SCOTT'S LINKS
Website | Instagram | Tiktok | Facebook    
MUSIC – Wilderado: “Surefire (piano)”  
 

Ep16 - Brittany Harris - FASCIA-nating: Your Fascia and Psychedelics

In this episode, Brittany Harris, a holistic wellness practitioner, joins Scott to take a deep look at a part of our body most of us ignore, our fascia. As a fascia expert, she discusses the important roles it plays for each of us, how it’s tied to our emotional, physical, and even spiritually well-being, and how it is connected to trauma and healing. Brittany also opens up about living with type 1 diabetes, the additional concerns around combining plant medicine journeys with diabetes, talking to her conservative family about her plant medicine path, and the challenges of self-love. Brittany, who is also a Reiki, sound healing and breathwork practitioner, highlights how important it was to her to find the right balance between Western medicine and alternative healing practices. 
(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.)
 
In this episode you’ll hear about:👉Fascia is a complex organ that holds emotional, physical, and spiritual elements.👉How trauma can be stored in the fascia, affecting physical and emotional health.👉How cannabis helped Brittany connect with her body and fascia, leading to healing.👉What Brittany's experiences with diabetes and psych#delics taught her about control and letting go.👉Learning what self-love means in terms accepting one's body and experiences.👉The importance of setting boundaries and finding personal sacred spaces.👉Brittany's journey to finding a balance between using Western and alternative medicine.
 
BRITTANY’S LINKS:Instagram | website
SCOTT'S LINKS
Website | Instagram | Tiktok | Facebook    
MUSIC – Wilderado: “Surefire (piano)”  

Ep15 - Zev Schiller: Finding Clarity in Life's Chaos

In this episode of Love, Loss and Hallucinations, executive coach and spiritual advisor Zev Schiller and I engage in a deep conversation with about the nuances of coaching, personal growth, the wisdom to be learned from loss, and the important benefits of men’s groups. Zev shares his journey from navigating personal challenges to helping others find clarity and purpose in their lives. We explore the differences between coaching and therapy, the importance of self-acceptance, and the transformative power of love and spirituality. Through personal anecdotes, Zev emphasizes the significance of gratitude and the continuous pursuit of a fulfilling life, even amidst adversity. Finally, we dive into how plant medicine can enhance spiritual journeys, as well as teach us valuable lessons about love and grief.
(This plant medicine content herein 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.)
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
👉The differences between coaching and therapy.
👉How plant medicine can enhance spiritual experiences and personal growth.
👉How loss can be a catalyst for profound change and self-discovery.
👉The ways men's groups can provide a unique space for emotional support and growth.
👉The importance of seeing the best in people.
👉How navigating interpersonal dynamics is key to personal and professional success.
👉How spirituality can be a personal journey and does not need to be dictated by traditional norms.
👉Why embracing vulnerability can improve your relationships.
👉How gratitude and presence can transform daily experiences.
 
ZEV’S LINKS:
Instagram | Facebook | TikTok 
SCOTT'S LINKS
Website | Instagram | Tiktok | Facebook    
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)”