In this episode, I share something tender I’ve been sitting with—the shame I sometimes feel around being sad. In this episode, I explore where that shame comes from, how it ties into the belief that I need to “have it all together,” and what happens when I begin to challenge that story.

I also talk about the counterintuitive instinct to isolate when we’re depressed, and how that might actually be part of a deeper message—both personally and collectively. Drawing on wisdom from spiritual teachers, evolutionary psychology, and my own journal pages, I ask: What if everything—yes, even the sadness—is part of a larger plan calling us back to connection?

If you’ve ever felt ashamed of your sadness, like you’re doing something wrong by feeling low, or like you’re not allowed to struggle because others have it worse—this one’s for you.

In this short episode, I open up about what feels like a spiritual drought—those seasons when my once-vivid sense of connection and expansion feels distant. Reading from a recent journal entry, I wrestle with the tendency to judge where I am now against past mountaintop moments and the longing to return to a state of clarity and divine encounters.

Using the metaphor of trees and their seasonal cycles, I explore the importance of honoring times of dormancy, trusting that even in stillness, the roots are deepening. I reflect on my own habit of chasing spiritual highs, the need for integration, and the necessity of embracing the full spectrum of emotions.

This episode is an invitation to release self-judgment, lean into trust, and recognize that growth is happening, even when it’s unseen. If you’re navigating your own spiritual winter, I hope this perspective brings you reassurance that the seasons always turn, and the harvest will come again.

In this deeply reflective episode, I sit down with Hunt Priest, an Episcopal priest and founder of Ligare.org, to explore the transformative power of sacred plant medicines. Hunt shares his journey from traditional ministry to participating in a groundbreaking study on psilocybin at Johns Hopkins, where he experienced a profound spiritual awakening. Together, we dive into how these experiences reshaped his understanding of faith, spirituality, and even his relationships. We discuss the intersection of psychedelics with Christian mysticism, the potential for healing within the church, and what it means to live a fully integrated, awakened life. This conversation is full of vulnerability, wisdom, and hope as we envision a future where ancient practices and modern science come together for the healing of ourselves and the earth. Whether you’re curious about psychedelics, spiritual growth, or the evolving role of Christianity in today’s world, this episode will open your mind and heart.

Chapter 1: Introduction & Hunt Priest’s Background

Time Stamp: 00:00 - 05:30

In this section, Hunt shares his upbringing in a small Kentucky town, his spiritual roots in the Episcopal church, and his journey through seminary, setting the stage for his later involvement in the study on psilocybin at Johns Hopkins.

Chapter 2: Psilocybin and Spiritual Awakening

Time Stamp: 05:31 - 19:00

Hunt discusses his participation in the 2016 psilocybin study at Johns Hopkins and how this profound experience changed his understanding of his faith and spirituality, opening new doors to personal transformation.

Chapter 3: The Intersection of Psychedelics and Christianity

Time Stamp: 19:01 - 32:30

Here, Hunt and I explore the integration of psychedelic experiences with the Christian tradition, including how psilocybin can help individuals reconnect with their faith and how the church might respond to the growing interest in psychedelics for healing and spiritual growth.

Chapter 4: Ligare and Expanding Ministry Beyond the Church

Time Stamp: 32:31 - 45:00

Hunt shares the inspiration behind founding Ligare, an organization aimed at bridging the gap between Christian mysticism and the healing power of psychedelics. We discuss the future of spiritual communities and how sacred plant medicines can foster deeper connections within congregations.

Chapter 5: Personal Transformation and Relationships

Time Stamp: 45:01 - End

In the final chapter, Hunt reflects on the personal shifts in his life, from stepping away from traditional ministry to the evolution of his relationships and his own identity. We talk about the power of embracing vulnerability and authenticity on the spiritual path.

Related Links:

1. Ligare - Hunt Priest's Organization

Cited Mentions:

1. Johns Hopkins Psychedelic Research
2. Michael Pollan's "How to Change Your Mind"
3. Fantastic Fungi Documentary
4. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
5. Gabor Maté's Work