Ayahuasca and the Power of Community with Jesse Gould of the Heroic Hearts Project

*Formerly Everyday Nonordinary The Podcast* Welcome to Integrating Psychedelics, featuring insights gleaned from psychedelic experiences and conversations around how to integrate this wisdom into our daily lives. I'm your host, Jenny Weinar, and in today's episode I'm speaking with Jesse Gould.

Jesse is a pioneer in psychedelic therapies. As Founder and President of the Heroic Hearts Project, he has spearheaded the research and acceptance of ayahuasca therapy programs for military veterans. Jesse has raised over $500,000 in scholarships from donors including Dr. Bronner’s, partnered with the world’s leading ayahuasca treatment centers, and is researching psychiatric applications with the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Georgia. His mission is to help military veterans struggling with mental trauma and spread awareness of the benefits that ayahuasca therapies offer as an alternative treatment to pharmaceuticals. Jesse has spoken globally about the benefits of psychedelics on mental health and has been featured in the New York Times and Rolling Stone Magazine and recognized as one of the most influential voices in psychedelics today.

I was fortunate to meet Jesse while training in Ketamine Assisted Therapy and I was thrilled to speak with him for the first episode of the podcast. In this episode we talk about:

• Jesse's perspective on the geopolitical situation in Afghanistan as an Army veteran there


• The warrior archetype and what happens when society or politicians take advantage of their soldiers


• How Jesse found himself one a plane with a one-way ticket to Peru for a week of Ayahuasca ceremonies


• The limits of traditional talk therapy as compared to psychedelic assisted healing


• Bad trips vs. challenging trips and the importance of preparation and integration


• How Jesse's experiences with psychedelics taught him the importance of community in everyday life


• How limiting one's emotional expression compounds trauma


• The role of psychedelics as heart openers


• ...and more!

You can connect with Jesse and support the Heroic Hearts Project at www.heroicheartsproject.org. Heroic Hearts Project is a 501(c)(3) and donations are tax deductible.

You can connect with me on Instagram, however I'm actually trying to transition away from social media a bit (not entirely) - so your best bet is to sign up for my newsletter where I'll share occasional reflections and updates on services I'm offering. You can also show this episode some love by subscribing, leaving a positive review and sharing.

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice. Please do your research about the legality and safety of any substance you are considering using and make the most informed choice possible for your unique situation and self.