Love, Loss & Hallucinations with Scott Schumaker
Welcome to Love, Loss and Hallucinations with Scott Schumaker — a podcast where we start with those three themes and see where the conversation takes us. This podcast is about the beauty and pain of being human, a podcast about finding strength and connection in vulnerability, a podcast to amplify the voices of those who have been through the ringer of life and have wisdom to share, and a podcast about the healing, evolution, and transformation that can happen when you’re willing to lean into the uncomfortable and the unknown.
I’ll be talking with therapists, coaches, world-class athletes, writers, musicians, artists, shamans, plant medicine guides, and everyday who’ve been touched by incredible moments of love, shattered by loss, or altered by the extraordinary.
If you’ve ever felt like your heart was going to explode from either love or loss; if you’re wanting deeper connection in this increasingly lonely world; if you’re curious about plant medicine, or you’ve experienced an out-of-the-ordinary vision...then you’ll feel at home here.
Listen on:
Episodes
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
In this episode, Eli Marienthal, co-founder of Back to Earth, a premier youth wilderness immersion and rites of passage organization, discusses the transformative power of nature and rites of passage for youth, particularly teenage boys. But, regardless of your age, this is an inspiring approach to connecting with oneself and those around you on a deeper level. Eli emphasizes the importance of connecting with wilderness, the heart, and community to foster personal growth and emotional healing. Through shared experiences and ceremonies, participants are encouraged to explore their unique purpose and cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
Eli and I also explore the challenges and transformations faced by today's youth, particularly in the context of wilderness therapy. We discuss generational disconnection, the importance of empathy and love in guiding young people, the need for understanding and support from adults as youth navigate their identities and relationships, and the profound lessons learned through shared experiences in nature. If you have or know someone with a challenging teen then this episode is not to be missed.
(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.)
ELI'S LINKS:
Back to Earth | Instagram
SCOTT'S LINKS
Website | Instagram | Tiktok | Facebook
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” - https://ffm.to/surefirepiano
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
02:58 Understanding Rites of Passage
06:06 The Importance of Nature in Development
09:08 Connecting with the Heart
11:55 Creating a Safe Space for Expression
15:03 The Threshold Moment: Solo Ceremony
18:00 The Power of Dreams and Personal Growth
20:55 The Journey of Self-Discovery
23:59 Reflections on Love and Service
35:28 Generational Disconnection and Understanding
39:10 The Role of Love and Compassion in Teaching
43:04 Rite of Passage and Personal Growth
48:43 Building Connections in Wilderness Programs
52:22 Loss and Transformation in Nature
56:42 Navigating Change and Family Dynamics
01:01:02 Exploring Consciousness and Adolescent Challenges
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
In this transformative episode, we delve into the journey of embracing vulnerability and escaping the chains of codependency. My guest, co-dependency counselor and ceremony guide, Erika Wright, shares her journey from codependency to embracing vulnerability, highlighting the importance of being true to oneself. She also discusses her profound experiences with plant medicine and ceremony, revealing how these practices have guided her towards living an authentic life. Discover how vulnerability and emotional honesty can lead to deeper connections and a more fulfilling life, and the role of plant medicine in fostering genuine self-discovery.
(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.)
ERIKA'S LINKS:Website | Instagram | Healing Codependency Podcast | Made of Stars
SCOTT'S LINKS
Website | Instagram | Tiktok | Facebook
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” - https://ffm.to/surefirepiano
00:00 Introduction01:05 Understanding Codependency02:53 Cultural Influences on Relationships08:06 Navigating Modern Relationships12:13 Intimacy and Authenticity14:19 The Curse of the Rom-Com16:55 Defining Moments in Codependency Counseling22:40 Lessons from San Pedro Medicine25:34 Love as a Portal of Liberation28:48 Asking for Help and Softening32:30 The Journey of Love and Learning34:31 Navigating Parenthood with Love36:58 The Challenge of Accepting Love38:38 Instilling Values in the Next Generation40:59 Confronting Racism and Truth44:08 Acceptance vs. Boundaries46:00 The Role of Loss in Love51:58 The Interconnection of Love and Loss58:58 The Power of Choice in Love
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
In this heartfelt and insightful episode, we delve into the profound intersection of love and loss, music and parenting, and the challenges of practicing selflessness and being present. Join us as Max Rainer, the lead singer of Wilderado, opens up about his journey of music, self-discovery and the challenges of prioritizing others while nurturing his own development. Through engaging dialogue, Max shares how his experiences in a band and family life have shaped his understanding of selflessness, revealing the lessons learned along the way. You won’t want to miss this thought-provoking discussion on how to grow as an individual while remaining connected to those we love.
Max's Links:Instagram | Surefire (piano) | Wilderado's Instagram Wilderado links
00:00 Introduction05:38 Musical Moments of Transcendence11:54 The Connection Between Music and Presence15:03 Music as a Teacher of Love23:51 Exploring Loss Through Music26:13 The Cost of Being a Musician29:06 The Journey of Parenting and Letting Go30:38 Embracing the Present: Life's Transitions31:15 Sharing Powerful Moments with Family34:12 Lessons Learned from Love37:22 The Bonds of Brotherhood in Music40:39 The Importance of Shared Experiences44:52 Navigating Loss and Its Impact55:35 Hallucinations of a Musician's Journey
Scott's Links: Instagram, Tiktok, FaceBook, website
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
In the inaugural episode of LOVE, LOSS & HALLUCINATIONS, host Scott Schumaker talks with award-winning novelist and indie record label owner Tiffanie DeBartolo, who also happens to be his wife, about the multifaceted nature of love, loss, and the experiences that shape our understanding of these concepts. They discuss the evolution of their perspectives on love, the balance between devotion and personal freedom, and the spiritual dimensions of their relationship. The conversation also delves into the challenges of navigating relationships, the impact and lessons of grief, loss and heartbreak, and the ongoing commitment required in relationships. Scott & Tiffanie also dive into the transformative experiences of plant medicine. They discuss the profound impact of psychedelics on personal growth and the misconceptions surrounding their use. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of intentionality in healing practices and the necessity of integrating experiences into daily life.
(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.)
TIFFANIE'S LINKS:Instagram | website | Bright Antenna Records |Dream for an Insomniac | Bookshop | Amazon
SCOTT'S LINKS
Website | Instagram | Tiktok | Facebook
MUSIC – Wilderado, “Surefire (piano)” - https://ffm.to/surefirepiano
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction 02:56 Exploring the Nature of Love05:53 The Evolution of Love Perspectives09:08 Defining Love: Reverence and Devotion11:58 The Balance of Freedom and Devotion in Love15:12 The Spiritual Dimension of Love17:54 Navigating Relationship Challenges21:03 Understanding Loss and Grief24:06 Lessons from Heartbreak and Death32:10 Exploring Love and Loss Through Plant Medicine39:40 The Healing Power of Psychedelics46:20 Misconceptions About Plant Medicine51:01 Navigating the Journey of Self-Discovery56:31 The Commitment of Love and Relationships
Monday Jul 28, 2025
Monday Jul 28, 2025
What is the Love, Loss & Hallucinations podcast all about? Host Scott Schumaker hopes to create a community for those who have experienced profound moments in life, exploring various types of love, what can be learned from loss, and the insights gained from hallucinations. These deep conversations will feature diverse guests sharing their wisdom and experiences, tragedies and triumphs. Check out the trailer to learn more!
Find Scott on Instagram, Tiktok, FaceBook and his website.