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What does it mean to receive healing from sacred medicine—and what responsibilities come with it? In this episode of Cura Medicina, Derek Dodds welcomes Alison Eakin for a thoughtful, heartfelt conversation about ayahuasca, prayer, Indigenous wisdom, and the importance of reciprocity. Alison shares how her first encounter with ayahuasca in the Ecuadorian jungle, where she sought help for a visual impairment, became a turning point in her life. She reflects on the long pause before returning to the medicine, and on how hardship, healing, and spiritual practice have shaped her path. Alison also speaks about her relationship with an intertribal community and its sweat lodge and vision quest traditions. With care and humility, she discusses the value of learning within a lineage, respecting tradition boundaries, and recognizing that Indigenous ceremonial practices vary. The conversation then turns to the 2026 Ayahuasca Forum in Spain. Alison describes a gathering of around 1,700 people, including more than 100 Indigenous delegates representing 35 tribes. She shares why Indigenous leadership and knowledge must have a meaningful place in conversations about ayahuasca’s future—from scientific research and pharmaceutical interest to ceremony, safety, and the danger of reducing sacred traditions to commodities. Together, Derek and Alison explore what reciprocity can look like in practice: supporting Indigenous communities, protecting the Amazon rainforest, and remembering the people and living traditions behind the medicines many seek for healing. Alison’s stories of planting fruit trees, praying for relatives after an accident, and turning toward service offer a moving reminder that healing can lead us beyond ourselves. Key Discussion Points Alison’s first ayahuasca experience in Ecuador and the profound healing that set her on a new path. How living with a visual impairment became a source of learning, purpose, and spiritual direction. Returning to the medicine after more than a decade—and the role of trust, safety, and timing. Alison’s experience with sweat lodge and vision quest, and the importance of learning through relationship with elders and community. Why the 2026 Ayahuasca Forum in Spain marked a meaningful shift toward Indigenous leadership and representation. The meeting of Indigenous knowledge and Western scientific research, including concerns about separating ayahuasca from its ceremonial context Reciprocity in practice: supporting Indigenous communities & protecting the Amazon - - - Connect with Derek - - - ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/cura_medicina_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ​derek {@} ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - - - Derek's Books on Amazon. - - - ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Animal Spirit Guides: A Practical Shamanic Path of Relationship, Ritual, and Healing⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Ayahuasca: A Beginner's Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sacred Geometry and Patterns of Divine Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hapé Sacred Tobacco: Plant Medicine Ally From The Amazon Rainforest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe & Review: Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on your favorite platform. See all ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platforms⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My Vision & Prayer May all beings be happy. May all beings be free. May all beings find their way home. ~ Om Mani Padme Hum TAGS: Alison Eakin, Derek Dodds, Cura Medicina, ayahuasca, ayahuasca ceremony, Indigenous wisdom, Indigenous leadership, Amazon rainforest, plant medicine, sacred medicine, spiritual healing, prayer, reciprocity, Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, vision quest, sweat lodge, ceremonial traditions, ceremony safety, ayahuasca integration, ayahuasca forum Spain, traditional knowledge, psychedelic research, commercialization of plant medicine, Nomanawa people

In this episode of Cura Medicina, Derek Dodds speaks with acclaimed vocalist, teacher, and author Machan Taylor about healing early trauma through intentional, guided psychedelic work. Machan shares the story behind her memoir, Naked Out Loud—from growing up as a Japanese-American child navigating displacement, identity, and family hardship, to building an extraordinary music career alongside artists including Pink Floyd, Sting, Pat Benatar, George Benson, and Hiroshima. Beneath the outward success, however, she carried a profound sense of not belonging. She reflects on the MDMA-assisted session that helped her reconnect with the younger self she felt had been left behind when her family moved from Japan to America. Together, Derek and Machan explore integration, self-compassion, the healing power of music and mantra, and why reverence, intention, and skilled guidance matter so deeply in medicine work. A warm, vulnerable conversation: Machan Taylor’s early life in Japan and her family’s move to the United States after World War II Growing up biracial, experiencing displacement, and carrying a deep sense of not belonging A celebrated career in music—and the private wounds that remained beneath outward success Why years of traditional talk therapy did not fully reach the roots of early trauma Finding a trained, spiritually grounded facilitator for MDMA-assisted therapy Machan’s first medicine journey: returning to her childhood with a whale as her guide Reconnecting with and integrating the “little girl” who felt left behind The difference between MDMA and psilocybin in a therapeutic setting Integration, self-compassion, empathy, and healing the heart Music, chanting, mantra, and the voice as pathways of transformation Machan’s experience with Buddhist chanting and the life changes it helped initiate Naked Out Loud: vulnerability, truth-telling, and releasing shame The importance of approaching psychedelic work with intention, respect, and qualified guidance Machan’s curiosity about ayahuasca and the importance of traditional, sacred containers Machan Taylor is an acclaimed vocalist, teacher, and author whose career includes work with Pink Floyd, Sting, Pat Benatar, George Benson, Hiroshima, and many others. Her memoir, Naked Out Loud, shares her journey through trauma, music, healing, and psychedelic-assisted self-discovery. Find Naked Out Loud online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Connect with Machan: https://www.machantaylor.com/ Ig: https://www.instagram.com/machantaylorofficial - - - Connect with Derek - - - ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/cura_medicina_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ​derek {@} ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - - - Derek's Books on Amazon. - - - ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Animal Spirit Guides: A Practical Shamanic Path of Relationship, Ritual, and Healing⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Ayahuasca: A Beginner's Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sacred Geometry and Patterns of Divine Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hapé Sacred Tobacco: Plant Medicine Ally From The Amazon Rainforest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe & Review: Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on your favorite platform. See all ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platforms⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My Vision & Prayer May all beings be happy. May all beings be free. May all beings find their way home. ~ Om Mani Padme Hum TAGS: Machan Taylor, Cura Medicina, psychedelic healing, MDMA-assisted therapy, MDMA therapy, psilocybin therapy, psychedelic integration, trauma healing, childhood trauma, inner child healing, healing journey, emotional healing, psychedelic medicine, intentional medicine work, sacred medicine, therapeutic psychedelics, guided psychedelic therapy, spiritual healing, memoir, Naked Out Loud, Buddhist practice, trauma and shame, personal transformation, women’s healing, psychedelic podcast, plant medicine

The advice most people get about psychedelics is backward: more ceremony, more intensity, more visions. James makes the case for the opposite - more preparation, more discipline, and more reverence. If you want deeper, safer, and more lasting results from medicine work, this conversation will change how you approach it. Derek opens with high praise for James's book, calling it one of the best he has read in the space, and from there the conversation goes straight into the real foundations of medicine work: why intention matters, why out-of-ceremony practice is non-negotiable, and why the mind has far more power over the experience than most people realize. James shares the long road that took him from early psychedelic curiosity to self-guided study to formal apprenticeship and service in Costa Rica and Gabon. You'll discover: Why James believes meditation and spiritual practice are the true foundation, not an optional add-onHow to tell the difference between genuine insight and ego-driven fantasy after ceremonyThe "blessing" practice he says can completely shift the energy of a difficult momentWhy iboga is, in his view, more of a regenerative and sobriety-supporting medicine than a visionary oneWhat his years of apprenticeship in the Bwiti tradition taught him about sensitivity, dosing, protection, and humilityJames also breaks down the role of emotional coherence, the danger of spiritual bypassing, and why many people get stuck because they never actually integrate what the medicine shows them. Derek and James compare notes on Buddhist practice, prayer, equanimity, and the difference between seeing visions and doing the real work of transformation. They also get into the commercialized psychedelic movement, the risks of reducing sacred medicines to lab experiments, and why the future may depend on building a new culture that preserves the essence of these traditions instead of stripping the soul out of them. James is the author of a widely praised book, Healing with Psychedelics, on plant medicine, prepared through years of direct experience, apprenticeship, and work with more than a thousand people through ceremony. He serves plant medicine at a healing center in Costa Rica and speaks from lived experience, not theory. Essential listening if you're in the psychedelic space, preparing for ceremony, integrating a powerful experience, or trying to build a more grounded relationship with plant medicine, spirit, and the mind itself. Connect With James https://www.instagram.com/raw_ziel/ James's Book: Healing with Psychedelics Retreat Center: Summit Garden - - - Connect with Derek - - - ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/cura_medicina_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ​derek {@} ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - - - Derek's Books on Amazon. - - - ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Animal Spirit Guides: A Practical Shamanic Path of Relationship, Ritual, and Healing⁠ ⁠Ayahuasca: A Beginner's Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sacred Geometry and Patterns of Divine Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hapé Sacred Tobacco: Plant Medicine Ally From The Amazon Rainforest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe & Review: Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on your favorite platform. See all ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platforms⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My Vision & Prayer May all beings be happy. May all beings be free. May all beings find their way home. ~ Om Mani Padme Hum TAGS: boga, Ibogaine, Bwiti teachings, Cura Medicina podcast, Plant medicine integration, Plant Medicine, Ayahuasca vs Iboga, Psychedelic preparation & safety, Ceremonial reverence, Spiritual bypassing, Mindful attention & meditation, Bodhicitta, Sincere blessings

In this episode of Cura Medicina, host Derek sits down with Elisabeth, founder of the Beacon, NY wellness space Gift Me Soul, to explore her profound journey of transformation. Elisabeth shares how facing major life shifts—including a divorce and navigating her mother’s late-stage Alzheimer’s diagnosis—led her from a high-speed corporate retail career in Manhattan to plant medicine. She opens up about her initial plant medicine journeys, in which she reconnected with her ancestors to heal intergenerational patterns, unpacked feelings of unworthiness, and learned how the medicine provided the emotional resilience needed to support her mother with grace. Elisabeth also discusses stepping into the role of an apprentice under her late shamama, honoring lineage, and bridging her professional background and spiritual practice by launching Gift Me Soul and offering modalities such as the Morpheus Journey Lounge Chair. Connect & Resources: Learn more about GiftMeSoul Follow Elisabeth Noel Jones on Instagram: ⁠@elisabethnoeljones@giftmesoul Derek’s new book on Animal Spirit Guides is launching next month! As a thank you to the Cura Medicina community, he is offering it absolutely free. Click the link in the show notes below to drop your email and join the exclusive release list. Join The Launch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://derekdodds.com/animal-spirit-guides-summer-26-book-launch/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - - - Connect with Derek - - - ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/cura_medicina_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ​derek {@} ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - - - Derek's Books on Amazon. - - - ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Animal Spirit Guides: A Practical Shamanic Path of Relationship, Ritual, and Healing Ayahuasca: A Beginner's Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sacred Geometry and Patterns of Divine Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hapé Sacred Tobacco: Plant Medicine Ally From The Amazon Rainforest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe & Review: Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on your favorite platform. See all ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platforms⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My Vision & Prayer May all beings be happy. May all beings be free. May all beings find their way home. ~ Om Mani Padme Hum TAGS: plant medicine, ancestral healing, epigenetics, emotional genealogy, spiritual awakening, Cura Medicina, psychedelic integration, Gift Me Soul, 5-MeO-DMT, psilocybin, ayahuasca, San Pedro, Beacon NY, Morpheus Chair, grief, service, Elisabeth Noel Jones

In this episode of Cura Medicina, host Derek sits down with teacher, artist, and medicine practitioner Jordan Mockingbird to explore the deep wisdom, spiritual discipline, and healing potential of traditional master tree diets. Jordan shares his personal journey of transformation—from a high-stakes art career in Beijing overshadowed by severe substance abuse to a life of profound self-healing, animistic connection, and initiation alongside indigenous elders and wilderness master plants. Together, they dive into the nature of tree intelligence, the dynamics of relational connection to nature, and how trees act as master regulators and anchors within Earth's living bioweb. In this episode, we cover: The Journey of Self-Healing: How Jordan navigated recovery from severe self-abuse through monastic discipline, Taoist self-healing practices, and wilderness diets. Understanding Tree Diets: What it truly means to diet a master plant or teacher tree beyond just herbal medicine—accessing physical, etheric, and emotional healing. The Allies of the Northern Lineages: The unique characteristics, spiritual qualities, and complementary energies of White Birch (the Great Mother), Oak (the Sky Father/Authority), and Meta Sequoia (the ancient Dawn Redwood of deep memory and vision). The Sacred Order of Tobacco: Dispelling modern misconceptions about tobacco, understanding the "Tobacco Law," and using mapacho as a master opener, diplomat, and boundary keeper in ceremonial work. Surrender and Divine Intelligence: How deep nature immersion breaks down the skeptical ego, releases long-held depression, and reconnects us to natural law, sovereignty, and genuine service. Connect & Resources: Learn more about upcoming diets, retreats, and community work at Sacred Tree Keepers Follow Jordan Mockingbird on Instagram: @mknbrd Derek’s new book on Animal Spirit Guides is launching next month! As a thank you to the Cura Medicina community, he is offering it absolutely free. Click the link in the show notes below to drop your email and join the exclusive release list. Join The Launch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://derekdodds.com/animal-spirit-guides-summer-26-book-launch/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - - - Connect with Derek - - - ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/cura_medicina_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​derek {@} ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - - - Derek's Books on Amazon. - - - ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ayahuasca: A Beginner's Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sacred Geometry and Patterns of Divine Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hapé Sacred Tobacco: Plant Medicine Ally From The Amazon Rainforest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe & Review: Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on your favorite platform. See all ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platforms⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My Vision & Prayer May all beings be happy. May all beings be free. May all beings find their way home. ~ Om Mani Padme Hum TAGS: master tree diets, tree intelligence, sacred tobacco, mapacho, plant spirit medicine, psychedelic integration, shamanism, White Birch, Live Oak, Meta Sequoia, animism, nature connection, somatic healing, biocentric living, plant consciousness, Cura Medicina podcast, Jordan Mockingbird, spiritual transformation, wilderness retreat, self-healing, Taoist practices, sacred geometry, natural law

In this episode of Cura Medicina, Derek sits down with Erin Atkinson, a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and psychedelic integration specialist. Together, they explore what it truly means to integrate expanded states of consciousness into daily life—moving beyond the "hyper-individualized" approach to self-optimization and grounding healing into mind, body, spirit, community, and nature. Erin shares her personal evolution from clinical psychology into earth-based wisdom, plant medicine, and ancestral lineage work. She breaks down the science of neuroplasticity, how to navigate "bad trips," the nuance of microdosing, and how to discern genuine plant wisdom from personal projection. The 5 Domains of Integration: Why true integration must address the mind, body, spirit, community, and nature, rather than focusing solely on individual achievement. Ancestral Ties & Earth-Based Wisdom: Unpacking the shift from South American plant traditions to discovering earth wisdom within one's own lineage (Celtic/Germanic roots and Druidry). Neuroplasticity & The "Ski Slope" Metaphor: How psychedelics "shake up the snow globe" of the brain, and why intentional post-ceremony habits are required to forge new neural pathways. Reframing "Bad Trips": Viewing challenging journeys not as failures, but as opportunities for the body to feel and release suppressed emotions and pain. Partner Dynamics After Ceremony: What happens when one person undergoes a profound transformation while their partner remains on a different path, and how to bridge that gap with patience and space. Plant Intelligence vs. Projection: Navigating non-linear messages from medicines like Ayahuasca and mushrooms without making impulsive, radical life changes. Finding the Right Integration Support: Key questions to ask when vetting a psychedelic coach or therapist, and why lived experience with expanded states matters. Balancing Bypassing: Avoiding the trap of "everyone wants to do Ayahuasca, but nobody wants to do the dishes." - - - Connect with Erin - - - Website: Prism-Wellness.com (Check out their free monthly global integration circles) Instagram: @prismwellness.love / @prismwellness.us Derek’s new book on Animal Spirit Guides is launching next month! As a thank you to the Cura Medicina community, he is offering it absolutely free. Click the link in the show notes below to drop your email and join the exclusive release list. Join The Launch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://derekdodds.com/animal-spirit-guides-summer-26-book-launch/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - - - Connect with Derek - - - ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/cura_medicina_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​derek {@} ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - - - Derek's Books on Amazon. - - - ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ayahuasca: A Beginner's Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sacred Geometry and Patterns of Divine Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hapé Sacred Tobacco: Plant Medicine Ally From The Amazon Rainforest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe & Review: Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on your favorite platform. See all ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platforms⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My Vision & Prayer May all beings be happy. May all beings be free. May all beings find their way home. ~ Om Mani Padme Hum TAGS: plant medicine, psychedelic integration, plant medicine, integration coach, expanded consciousness, neuroplasticity, ancestral lineage, druidry, spiritual bypassing, integration therapy, microdosing, ayahuasca integration, psilocybin, somatic healing, mind body spirit, cura medicina, erin atkinson, derek dodds, holistic wellness, spiritual growth, mindfulness

In this episode of Cura Medicina, host Derek Dodds sits down with Neil Ryan Dumra—founder, cacao advocate, and creator of a heart-centered community hub and cacao lounge in Austin, Texas. Neil shares his personal healing journey, from overcoming physical trauma and severe caffeine sensitivity to discovering the grounding, heart-opening power of ceremonial cacao. Key Highlights & Takeaways & Mentions – The Physics & Spirit of Heart Opening: Neil explains how cacao physically, chemically, and sensorially softens tissue around the heart to help us move out of head-space and into feeling. – Neil’s Origin Story: Overcoming trauma, an accident, and severe reactions to caffeine—leading to a life-changing encounter with ceremonial cacao in Costa Rica. – What Is Cacao? Exploring the origins in South America, how pods fruit, and the transition of cacao from wild pods to currency and medicine. – Harvesting & Processing: Breakdown of the fruit pulp, husks, beans, sun-drying, and stone-grinding vs. standard commercial chocolate manufacturing. – Sourcing Integrity & Heavy Metals: Neil introduces the Cacao Flavonoid Index, regenerative farming practices, permaculture, and protecting both farms and consumers. – Indigenous Traditions & Cosmology: How tribes in Colombia live in continuous prayer, treat nature with reverence, and view ceremonial cacao as a bridge between cultures. – Elixir Crafting & Recipes: Recommended ways to prepare cacao at home—using adaptogens, mushrooms, Maldon salt, maple cream, cayenne, and Shilajit for vitality. – Creating a "Third Space": Neil details his Austin yoga center, cacao lounge, and neighboring macrobiotic village designed to release layers of compensation and host heart-centered community gatherings. – Protection & Spirit: Neil reflects on how the spirit of cacao has guided, protected, and transformed his business and life path. "There is no such thing as ceremonial cacao—there is ceremony, and there is cacao." The distinction lies in the intention, presence, and reverence brought to the space. Adaptogens Mentioned: Shilajit (fulvic/humic acid for vitality & blood flow), Lion's Mane, Chicory, Pine Pollen, Maca, Beetroot, and Madagascar Vanilla. Traditional Prep Ideas: Pairing pure stone-ground cacao paste with a touch of sea salt, cinnamon, cayenne, turmeric, or maple cream instead of heavy processing or refined sugars. - - - Connect with Niel - - - https://thirdeyecacao.com/ Derek’s new book on Animal Spirit Guides is launching next month! As a thank you to the Cura Medicina community, he is offering it absolutely free. Click the link in the show notes below to drop your email and join the exclusive release list. Join The Launch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://derekdodds.com/animal-spirit-guides-summer-26-book-launch/⁠⁠⁠⁠ - - - Connect with Derek - - - ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/cura_medicina_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​derek {@} ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - - - Derek's Books on Amazon. - - - ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ayahuasca: A Beginner's Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sacred Geometry and Patterns of Divine Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hapé Sacred Tobacco: Plant Medicine Ally From The Amazon Rainforest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Outroll music by Ninawa Huni Kuin ⁠source⁠ Subscribe & Review: Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on your favorite platform. See all ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platforms⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My Vision & Prayer May all beings be happy. May all beings be free. May all beings find their way home. ~ Om Mani Padme Hum TAGS: plant medicine, cacao, ceremonial cacao, Neil Ryan Dumra, Derek Dodds, Kuda Medicina, plant medicine, heart opening, South America, Colombia, Kogi tribe, Arawaco tribe, heavy metals in chocolate, Cacao Flavonoid Index, permaculture, regenerative cacao, adaptogens, Shilajit, Lion's Mane, third space

In this profound episode of Kuda Medicina, Derek sits down with medicine carrier Amir, co-founder of Jaguar Whisper, for a deep exploration into the heart of ancestral traditions, spiritual devotion, and the transformative power of nature’s live pharmacies and plant medicine. Amir shares his fascinating life trajectory, beginning with his upbringing by atheist parents in Israel and his mandatory military service, which sparked a radical quest for self-creation. From a life-altering two-year immersion in the mountains of India and the mid-90s psychedelic trance scene to a decade-long discipline under a Zen master, during which he walked a completely sober path, Amir’s journey is one of deep integration, patience, and divine alignment. The conversation dives deep into his introduction to the indigenous Huni Kuin tribe of Brazil. Amir recounts the powerful story behind his viral YouTube video, Amazon Calling, which connected millions of Westerners to tribal melodies, and discusses the raw beauty of living in a community anchored by mutual care, reverence for elders, and a deep connection to the forest. Finally, Derek and Amir pull back the curtain on the sacred tobacco medicine, Hape. Amir demystifies the spirit behind this ancient grounding tool, explaining how it acts as an energetic "reset button" for our modern lives, how it can harmonize relationships, and why the integrity, reverence, and cleanliness of the person making or serving the medicine changes everything. "Life is great. And whatever we take part in is just to connect us and remind us of that—not to get distracted by the challenges." — Amir Recreating the Self: How a one-way ticket to Southeast Asia dismantled societal conditioning. The Zen Interlude: Spending a decade in sobriety, finding that "the search is over," and how it prepared Amir to hold the intense power of plant medicines. Inside the Huni Kuin Tribe: Beautiful reflections on community life, stress-free child-rearing, and protecting an endangered culture. Hape Demystified: The composition of sacred tobacco and tree ash, and how different trees hold unique spiritual frequencies. The Modern Reset Button: Practical applications of Hape for bodyworkers, therapists, and couples to clear unwanted energy exchanges. The Power of Integrity: Why mass-commercialized medicine loses its spirit, and the vital importance of fair trade and direct indigenous relationships. - - - Connect with Amir - - - Jaguar Whisper (Hape products) - https://jaguarwhisper.com Amir's YouTube Channel - Amazon Calling - https://www.youtube.com/@AmazonCalling Derek’s new book on Animal Spirit Guides is launching next month! As a thank you to the Cura Medicina community, he is offering it absolutely free. Click the link in the show notes below to drop your email and join the exclusive release list. Join The Launch: ⁠⁠⁠https://derekdodds.com/animal-spirit-guides-summer-26-book-launch/⁠⁠⁠ - - - Connect with Derek - - - ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/cura_medicina_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​derek {@} ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - - - Derek's Books on Amazon. - - - ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ayahuasca: A Beginner's Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sacred Geometry and Patterns of Divine Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hapé Sacred Tobacco: Plant Medicine Ally From The Amazon Rainforest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Outroll music by Ninawa Huni Kuin source Subscribe & Review: Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on your favorite platform. See all ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platforms⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My Vision & Prayer May all beings be happy. May all beings be free. May all beings find their way home. ~ Om Mani Padme Hum TAGS: plant medicine, hape, ayahuasca, huni kuin, indigenous tribes, spirituality, spiritual journey, zen, sobriety, community, amazon rainforest, tobacco medicine, jaguar whisper, clearing energy, tribal wisdom, healing, integration

In this episode of Cura Medicina, host Derek sits down with Marc-John Brown, co-founder of the Native Wisdom Hub, author, and dedicated apprentice of the Shipibo-Konibo lineage. Marc-John shares his fascinating journey from a rugged council estate in Edinburgh to marrying into an indigenous Peruvian lineage and dedicating his life to bridging modern society with ancient indigenous cosmologies. Derek and Marc-John dive deep into the quantum nature of ceremonial spaces, unpacking how cultural cosmologies—from the Shipibo to Colombian traditions—directly shape our visionary experiences. They explore the sacred science of dieta, the grounding medicine of Sacred Tobacco (Mapacho), and the ultimate importance of remembering to just "be human" when integrating deep medicine work. - - - Key Topics Discussed - - - From Edinburgh to the Andes: Marc-John’s early life, blissful awakenings at age 19, and meeting his indigenous wife and partner, Erica. Yahe vs. Ayahuasca: Unveiling the physical, energetic, and chemical differences between these two powerful Amazonian brews. The Science of Dieta: How deep dietary and energetic restrictions open up channels for cellular connection, communication, and master plant spirit conversation. Navigating the Medicine Path: Why taking a restful break from ceremonies to sit with "normalcy" is sometimes the most profound integration step you can take. Tobacco—The Spine of the Path: How Mapacho, Hapé, and Ambil serve as the ultimate unifiers, pacifiers, and anchors for manifestation and prayer. Reviving Ancestral Cacao: An inside look at Marc-John and Erica’s current project protecting 10 hectares of cloud forest to revive local cacao traditions alongside indigenous communities, - - - Connect with Marc-John Brown - - - Website: Native Wisdom Hub (Check out their upcoming Earth Wisdom Healing Retreat in the Sacred Valley of Peru this December) Substack: Follow Marc-John’s live-serialized book, Reindigenization: Reclaiming Our Place in the Web of Life. Derek’s new book on Animal Spirit Guides is launching next month! As a thank you to the Cura Medicina community, he is offering it absolutely free. Click the link in the show notes below to drop your email and join the exclusive release list. Join The Launch: ⁠⁠https://derekdodds.com/animal-spirit-guides-summer-26-book-launch/⁠⁠ - - - Connect with Derek - - - ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/cura_medicina_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​derek {@} ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- - - Derek's Books on Amazon. - - - ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ayahuasca: A Beginner's Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sacred Geometry and Patterns of Divine Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hapé Sacred Tobacco: Plant Medicine Ally From The Amazon Rainforest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ outroll music by @brandycontreras_ ❤️ Subscribe & Review: Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on your favorite platform. See all ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platforms⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My Vision & Prayer May all beings be happy. May all beings be free. May all beings find their way home. ~ Om Mani Padme Hum TAGS: Ayahuasca, Plant Medicine, Tobacco, Plant Diets, spiritual curiosity, spirituality and wellness, spiritual practices, spirit communication, plant medicine integration, master plant dieta, indigenous wisdom, Amazonian shamanism, quantum cosmology, spiritual awakening journey, trauma healing modalities, sacred space holding, Shipibo-Konibo lineage, Mapacho sacred tobacco, ceremonial cacao, Hapé, Hosca, Seri, Ambil, Mambe, Yahe vs Ayahuasca, Huachuma, San Pedro cactus, Bobinsana medicine, Marc-John Brown, Native Wisdom Hub, Reindigenization book, Earth Wisdom Healing Retreat, Sacred Valley Peru, lucid dreaming practices, mental clarity and focus, fasting and vibration, relational mindfulness, emotional numbness healing

In this fascinating episode, host Derek sits down with psychic Dallisa Hocking, a fifth-generation psychic medium and the founder of Spirit and Spark. What does it truly take to unlock your intuition and connect with the unseen world? Dallisa shares her unexpected journey into the spiritual realm—which included a vivid childhood prediction by her grandmother that later manifested as a stage show in Las Vegas—and breaks down the literal science of spiritual communication. Dallisa explains that psychic abilities and your path as a medium are entirely dependent on vibrational energy and frequency. You will learn why most mediums can perform psychic readings and basic psychic work, but not all psychics possess the specific frequency to be a psychic medium. Throughout the conversation, she offers profound psychic insights into how anyone can begin their own psychic development, share their psychic experiences, and tap into their innate psychic powers and psychic intuition. As a gifted clairvoyant and empath, psychic Dallisa Hocking shares the practical "muscle-building" exercises she recommends to her students to safely raise their frequency, including journaling, binaural awareness meditations, tarot, and ethical community practice. This structured psychic guidance is designed to help listeners safely establish a deeper psychic connection with the other side. The conversation also dives deep into the profound mechanics of the afterlife, exploring the "life review" process from near-death experiences, why souls choose certain paths for spiritual evolution, and how themes like self-worth dictate the realities we create for ultimate healing. Finally, Dallisa pulls back the curtain on energetic safety, offering vital advice on how to recognize and clear negative entities using Archangel Michael, how to spot spiritual scams, and why maintaining clean energetic boundaries is the ultimate key to avoiding practitioner burnout. Whether you are fully immersed in your spiritual journey or just beginning to notice your own inner voice, this episode offers a grounded, empowering roadmap to understanding your highest potential. Connect with Dallisa Website: ⁠SpiritAndSpark.comInstagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dallisahocking⁠Youtube: Dallisa YoutubeDerek’s new book on Animal Spirit Guides is launching next month! As a thank you to the Cura Medicina community, he is offering it absolutely free. Click the link in the show notes below to drop your email and join the exclusive release list. Join The Launch: ⁠https://derekdodds.com/animal-spirit-guides-summer-26-book-launch/⁠ Connect with Derek: ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/cura_medicina_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​derek {@} ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Derek's Books on Amazon: ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ayahuasca: A Beginner's Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sacred Geometry and Patterns of Divine Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hapé Sacred Tobacco: Plant Medicine Ally From The Amazon Rainforest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe & Review: Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on your favorite platform. See all ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platforms⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My Vision & Prayer May all beings be happy. May all beings be free. May all beings find their way home. ~ Om Mani Padme Hum TAGS: Dallisa Hocking, psychic Dallisa Hocking, spiritual curiosity, spirituality and wellness, stories from healers, spiritual practices, spirit communication, psychic abilities, Las Vegas psychic, mediumship, medium, psychic training, how to become a psychic, learn to be psychic, medium Dallisa Hocking, psychic intuition, psychic powers, raise your vibration, empath, clairvoyant

In this episode of Cura Medicina, host Derek Dodds sits down with holistic health practitioner Kayla Ewing for a deeply intimate conversation about transitioning from the high-stress corporate world to a life aligned with mind, body, and spirit. Growing up in a traditional Catholic community in South Louisiana, Kayla’s path ran completely counter to the natural flow of her environment. She shares the pivotal moment a severe back injury at age 30 led her to step onto a yoga mat for the first time—sparking a 15-year healing journey that completely dismantled her worldview. Derek and Kayla dive deep into what it truly means to practice holistic health, treating the root causes of physical ailments rather than just the symptoms, and why doing the hard "inner work" is crucial before exploring alternative modalities. Kayla also pulls back the curtain on her profound, life-changing experiences with plant medicine—from her first blind therapeutic encounter with psilocybin to a deeply transformative Ayahuasca retreat with the Shipibo tribe at Soltara in Costa Rica. Tune in to discover: The Corporate Leap: How burning the candle at both ends in the banking and oil field industries led to a physical and spiritual wake-up call. Symptom vs. Root Cause: A live roleplay demonstrating how chronic physical issues like migraines and back pain are often tightly wound with past trauma and core belief systems. Navigating the Skepticism: Reconciling a growing alternative spiritual practice with traditional religious upbringings and family dynamics. The Power of Preparation: Why establishing a daily practice of meditation, breathwork, and clean eating completely alters and deepens a plant medicine experience. The Lesson of the Small Shift: Why sustainable healing relies on making one manageable, micro-commitment to yourself each day rather than chasing an overnight fix. Connect with Kayla Website: Holistic Health Integration Instagram: @holisticallyintegrated Derek’s new book on Animal Spirit Guides is launching next month! As a thank you to the Cura Medicina community, he is offering it absolutely free. Click the link in the show notes below to drop your email and join the exclusive release list. Join The Launch: https://derekdodds.com/animal-spirit-guides-summer-26-book-launch/ Connect with Derek: ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/cura_medicina_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​derek {@} ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Derek's Books on Amazon: ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ayahuasca: A Beginner's Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sacred Geometry and Patterns of Divine Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hapé Sacred Tobacco: Plant Medicine Ally From The Amazon Rainforest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe & Review: Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on your favorite platform. See all ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platforms⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My Vision & Prayer May all beings be happy. May all beings be free. May all beings find their way home. ~ Om Mani Padme Hum TAGS: ayahuasca, plant medicine, yoga, meditation, spiritual practice, astral plane, mindfulness, ancient lineages, consciousness, plant medicine

What happens when a deep student of Eastern spiritual traditions takes a sudden detour into the high-intensity world of Amazonian plant medicine? In this fascinating and deeply candid episode of Cura Medicina, host Derek sits down with academic and mystic Jensen to trace his intense, whirlwind journey through the astral planes and his profound ayahuasca experience and ayahuasca retreats. From getting a master’s degree in yoga studies and taking one-way tickets to India to suddenly finding himself sitting in a traditional ayahuasca retreat deep in the Amazon, Jensen shares the profound realizations—and the harrowing wake-up calls—that reshaped his spirituality. By participating in tribal Peyote, Yagé, Santo Daime, and Huni Kuin ceremonies, he developed a firsthand understanding of the indigenous technologies that govern the psychedelic space. Jensen pulls no punches as he discusses the hidden complexities of the medicine world, treating the potent effects of dmt and other plant teachers not as a cure-all candy, but as a high-stakes "payday loan" or "slot machine" of consciousness. He dives into the energetic risks of mixing distinct tribal cosmologies, the core traditions of shamanism, and how a visionary encounter with the ferocious Hindu deity Narasimha ultimately pulled him out of a spiritual burnout and back onto the path of foundational Eastern practice. In this episode, we explore: The Bridge Between East and West: How Eastern disciplines of sobriety and mantra work intersect—and sometimes collide—with the visceral, experiential nature of an ayahuasca ceremony. Ancestral Healing: Jensen’s powerful breakthroughs involving his lineage during an intense Mother’s Day Santo Daime work and a transformative Huni Kuin ritual that earned him the nickname "Chai Dragon." The Reality of "Spiritual Digestion": The energetic and psychological risks of taking shortcuts, overlapping different tribal lineages, and blowing high doses of Hapé directly into the third eye without proper integration. Plants as Facilitators, Not Gurus: Why preserving your spiritual sovereignty, honoring the sacred nature of the entheogen, and maintaining a daily, substance-free practice to "remember the infinite" is crucial to lasting transformation and true healing. The Future of Psychotropic Pathworking: Jensen’s shifting role as a PhD researcher in Berkeley, aiming to provide a "spiritual first-aid kit" for Westerners who fly top-speed into the psychological walls of the astral plane. Whether you are an experienced medicine carrier, a practitioner of the yogic paths, or someone trying to ground your own spiritual awakening, this episode offers a vital masterclass in discernment, respect for ancient wisdom, and personal responsibility. Connect With Jensen: https://www.instagram.com/jensen_sudarshan/ Connect with Derek: ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/cura_medicina_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​derek {@} ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Derek's Books on Amazon: ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ayahuasca: A Beginner's Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sacred Geometry and Patterns of Divine Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hapé Sacred Tobacco: Plant Medicine Ally From The Amazon Rainforest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe & Review: Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on your favorite platform. See all ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platforms⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My Vision & Prayer May all beings be happy. May all beings be free. May all beings find their way home. ~ Om Mani Padme Hum TAGS: ayahuasca, plant medicine, eastern mysticism, yoga studies, hapé, narasimha, huni kuin, santo daime, ancestral healing, yagé, shamanism, spiritual integration, cosmic debt, meditation, spiritual practice, astral plane, psychedelic integration, mindfulness, ancient lineages, consciousness, Paramahansa Yogananda, dmt, entheogens, spiritual sovereignty, Jensen Martin, ayahuasca, shamanism, plant medicine, psychedelic, healing, ayahuasca retreat, ayahuasca experience, dmt, entheogen, consciousness

In this rich and wide-ranging episode of Cura Medicina, Derek welcomes Cynthia Abulafia, author of Embodying the Goddess, advocate for goddess lineages, and longtime student of yoga, tantra, non-duality, Sanskrit, and sacred texts. Together, they explore the living presence of the Divine Feminine, the transformational force of Kundalini awakening, and the deeper meaning of Kali as both void and pulsation. Cynthia shares how a powerful Kundalini awakening and her personal transformation journeys in her twenties opened her into a long mystical process—one she later came to understand as the movement of the Goddess herself. She describes how Kali entered her life not as an abstract symbol, but as a specific, living doorway into both destruction and liberation. The conversation moves beyond simplified ideas of “the Goddess” and into the paradox of the particular and the universal. A central theme of the episode is non-duality through a Tantric lens. Cynthia challenges the idea that spiritual realization ends in the void, stillness, or transcendence. Drawing on Tantric Shaivism, Utpaladeva, Abhinavagupta, and the Kali traditions, she offers a profound reframing: true non-duality is not only the dissolution of self into emptiness but also the return into life, body, sensation, relationship, and sacred pulsation. Through the dedicated practice of kundalini yoga and intentional breathwork, seekers can begin to stir the metaphorical serpent at the base of the spine, initiating a profound kundalini awakening. This process is not merely about physical yoga; it is a deep spiritual journey of healing and transformation that clears the energy centers and aligns the chakras. By integrating meditation and mindfulness, you can learn to channel this rising energy to expand your consciousness and reclaim your inner power. Ultimately, this path leads to greater balance, enlightenment, and a heightened sense of presence, proving that a true kundalini experience is a gateway to the soul's highest evolution. Connect with Cynthia https://www.cynthiaabulafia.com/ https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaabulafiayoga/ 00:00 Introduction to the Divine Feminine Journey 04:10 Personal Awakening and the Goddess Connection 06:57 The Shift from Analytical to Spiritual Perspectives 09:56 Exploring Non-Duality and the Goddess 12:52 Faith, Curiosity, and the Nature of Reality 15:43 Understanding Kali and Her Many Forms 18:31 Non-Duality: Perspectives and Philosophies 21:12 The Intersection of Pulsation and Stillness 23:47 Tantra and the Dynamic Nature of Existence 33:37 The Power of Naming and Perception 34:31 The Journey of Spiritual Traditions 35:40 Death and Dying in Spiritual Practices 38:29 The Concept of Mahasamadhi 41:00 The Spiral of Existence 43:21 Kundalini Awakening Experiences 51:33 The Role of Sacred Texts 57:17 Devotional Practices and Rituals 01:06:32 End Clip Youtube.mp4 Connect with Derek: ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/cura_medicina_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​derek {@} ⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Derek's Books on Amazon: ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ayahuasca: A Beginner's Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sacred Geometry and Patterns of Divine Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hapé Sacred Tobacco: Plant Medicine Ally From The Amazon Rainforest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe & Review Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on your favorite platform. See all ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platforms⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My Vision & Prayer May all beings be happy. May all beings be free. May all beings find their way home. ~ Om Mani Padme Hum TAGS: transformative healing experiences, spiritual awakening, spirituality and wellness, kundalini, personal transformation journeys, kundalini yoga, wellness and spirituality podcast, spiritual curiosity, cynthia abulafia, cura medicina, kali, goddess, non duality, divine feminine, rituals, devotional practices, spiritual traditions, tantric, serpent, chakras, tantra

Are your pets surviving, or are they truly thriving? In this episode of Cura Medicina, host Derek Dodds sits down with renowned integrative veterinarian Dr. Judy Morgan to challenge the status quo of modern veterinary care. The pet food and pharmaceutical industries have heavily influenced veterinary education, often leading to a cycle of chronic illness, over-processed diets, and unnecessary over-vaccination. Dr. Morgan joins us to break down how to stop treating symptoms and start addressing the root causes of our animals' health issues. ​The Truth About Pet Food: Why 95% of pet owners are feeding their animals ultra-processed "filler" diets and how to transition to species-appropriate nutrition.​Vaccination Protocols: Why your pet might be over-vaccinated, the dangers of newer mRNA vaccines, and why you should be asking for titers instead of booster shots.​Natural Parasite Control: Expert tips for managing fleas and ticks without relying on harsh chemicals.​Hospice & Quality of Life: A compassionate look at managing terminal diagnoses, focusing on comfort and joy rather than just medical intervention.​The CBD Connection: Navigating the therapeutic use of CBD for anxious and ailing pets.Whether you have a cat with GI issues or a senior dog dealing with chronic illness, Dr. Morgan provides actionable, holistic advice that empowers pet parents to become the best advocates for their companions. Resources Mentioned: Learn more about natural pet health and access recipes at NaturallyHealthyPets.com and recieve 50% off Dr. Judy's books with code: CURAMEDICINA50 Connect with Derek: ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/cura_medicina_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠​derek {@} ⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠Derek's Books on Amazon: ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ayahuasca: A Beginner's Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sacred Geometry and Patterns of Divine Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hapé Sacred Tobacco: Plant Medicine Ally From The Amazon Rainforest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe & Review Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on your favorite platform. See all ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠platforms⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My Vision & Prayer May all beings be happy. May all beings be free. May all beings find their way home. ~ Om Mani Padme Hum

The Alchemy of Identity and Healing with Kinga Lis In this episode of Cura Medicina, Derek sits down with Kinga Lis, an integrative psychiatric nurse practitioner whose life is a masterclass in transformation and transformative healing experiences. From her childhood as a refugee fleeing communist Poland to her current path navigating a terminal cancer diagnosis, Kinga discusses how she "birthed" a new identity by integrating ancient wisdom into modern mental health practices. This conversation explores the profound intersection of Tibetan Buddhism, psychedelic therapy, and the body's cellular intelligence. Kinga shares her unconventional healing journey, reclaiming her empowerment through name changes, meditation, and a deep, non-dualistic relationship with her physical self. Whether you are seeking inner peace, self-discovery, or a holistic approach to wellness, Kinga’s insights offer a roadmap for personal development and profound growth. What We Cover: [00:00] The Meaning of "Kinga": Why she left her birth name behind to empower her "clan warrior" spirit and life force. [05:30] Reclaiming Power: The spiritual significance of names and how switching to "Kinga" served as a ceremony for self-healing. [08:43] From Refugee to Artist: Kinga’s transition from the New York art world to mindfulness-based health coaching and medicine. [17:20] The Cancer Diagnosis: Facing high-grade serous carcinoma and the "1% recovery" she attributes to combining Western chemo with self-care and naturopathic protocols. [30:00] The Buddhist Download: A spontaneous awakening during an Ayahuasca ceremony that introduced her to Tibetan Buddhist mudras without prior study. [36:00] The Intelligence of Cancer Cells: A deep dive into whether cancer possesses sentient awareness and how to bring "out of control" cells back into coherence. [44:00] Somatic Wisdom & Mudras: How daily yoga and intuitive hand gestures helped Kinga clear energy blockages and overcome neuropathy. [55:00] Healing as Expression: The philosophy that trauma is an "impression" on the body, and true healing requires the "expression" of the body’s innate wisdom. Notable Quotes & Resources "Patrice sounds like a deflating balloon to me now, and I’m just letting it go." "Why should a cancer cell have the skill, intelligence, and ability to change its genetic expression, and we—who think of ourselves as intelligent beings—not have that same degree of control?" "Any wisdom that arises is just a remembrance. It’s nothing new. It’s always been here." Links Mentioned Kinga’s Practice: Transcend Psychiatric – Integrative psychiatry and Ketamine-assisted therapy in Atwater Village, LA. Also see her upcoming YouTube and Art. Health & Culinary Roots: Clean Living Guide – Kinga’s earlier work on nutrition and healing. Book Recommendation: The Intelligence of Plants (referenced by Derek regarding cellular sentience). Lineage: The Yuthok Heart Essence (Tibetan Medicine and Buddhism tradition). Connect with Derek: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/cura_medicina_podcast⁠⁠⁠ derek {@} ⁠⁠curamedicina.com⁠⁠ Derek's Books on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ayahuasca: A Beginner's Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sacred Geometry and Patterns of Divine Design⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hapé Sacred Tobacco: Plant Medicine Ally From The Amazon Rainforest⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe & Review Please take a moment to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review on your favorite platform. See all ⁠⁠⁠⁠platforms⁠⁠⁠⁠. My Vision & Prayer May all beings be happy. May all beings be free. May all beings find their way home. ~ Om Mani Padme Hum TAGS: plant medicine, ayahuasca experiences, personal transformation journeys, spiritual awakening, transformative healing experiences, wellness and spirituality podcast, healing trauma with plant medicine, ayahuasca retreats, indigenous medicine, plant medicines, sacred plant medicine, psychedelic, plant medicine healing, healing with sacred plants, sacred plant journeys, ayahuasca, cancer healing, Buddhism, mudra