• Liberation through Eros and Altered States
    Apr 3 2025

    In this episode of Journey into the Mystic, host Rachel Pelletier delves into the powerful connections between mystical states and Eros with guest Erica Siegel, LCSW, a psychedelic-assisted psychotherapist. They explore themes of liberation, healing, and connection, discussing practices and philosophies that unlock new dimensions of being. The conversation touches on the implications of altered states for healing and wellbeing, the ethics and safety regarding psychedelics and consent, and personal journeys with mystical practices. Erica shares her professional experience with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and harm reduction, while Rachel reflects on her own extensive background in erotic practice and mystical exploration.


    00:00 Introduction to Journey into the Mystic

    01:14 Meet Your Host: Rachel Pier

    01:56 Introducing Erica Siegel

    04:54 Diving into Mystical States and Consent

    07:59 Erica's Journey with Psychedelics

    12:02 The Intersection of Hospitality and Psychedelics

    14:15 From Social Work to Psychedelic Therapy

    25:05 Challenges in Psychedelic Research

    28:58 The Role of a Facilitator

    29:30 Medicalization of Psychedelics

    31:29 Mystical States and Connection

    33:31 Ethical Considerations in Psychedelic Use

    35:38 Balancing Modern Life and Ethical Choices

    37:55 Exploring Mystical States in Religion

    42:50 Personal Journey and Identity

    47:39 Challenges in Psychedelic Integration

    52:37 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

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    53 mins
  • Exceptional Experiences: From Psychedelics to Dream Yoga
    Apr 1 2025

    In this episode of 'Journey into the Mystic', host Rachel Pelletier welcomes Dr. David Luke, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Greenwich and Perrier Warwick, Senior researcher at Trinity College, Cambridge. They dive deep into the intersections of mystical states and Eros, exploring themes of liberation, healing, and connection. Rachel, an erotic practitioner with over 18 years of experience, discusses her exploration of mystical states through Orgasmic Meditation (OM) and psychedelics. Dr. Luke shares his research on transpersonal experiences, psychedelics, and altered states of consciousness, emphasizing the profound and often transformative impact of these experiences on mental health and wellbeing. They discuss the potential of psychedelics in therapeutic settings, the significance of mystical experiences in addiction recovery, and the broader implications for personal and societal growth.


    00:00 Introduction to the Mystic and Eros

    01:54 Introducing Dr. David Luke

    03:32 The Intersection of Psychedelics and Mystical States

    03:59 Orgasmic Meditation and Mystical Experiences

    06:40 David Luke's Journey and Research

    17:26 Exploring Lucid Dreaming and Precognition

    20:19 Intuition and Non-Ordinary Perception

    24:55 Exploring the Mystical Experience

    26:39 Impact of DMT on Spiritual Orientation

    27:37 Research Insights on DMT

    28:52 The Astonishing Nature of DMT Experiences

    30:06 Mapping the DMT Landscape

    32:34 Nature Connectedness and Psychedelics

    35:08 The Future of Psychedelics in Medicine

    44:40 Personal Reflections and Future Directions

    46:25 Conclusion and Farewell

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    47 mins
  • Exploring the Interconnections of Eros and Mysticism
    Feb 5 2025

    In this episode of 'Journey into the Mystic,' host Rachel Pelletier invites Dr. Andrew Newberg, a renowned neuroscientist, to discuss the intersections between mystical experiences, meditation, and Orgasmic Meditation (OM). The conversation delves into the brain's role in mystical states, highlighting changes in brain regions like the parietal and frontal lobes. Dr. Newberg explains how practices such as meditation and OM can alter brain activities, leading to profound experiences of unity, clarity, surrender, and transformation. They explore the nuances of partnered practices versus individual ones, the role of sexuality in spiritual experiences, and how empathy can be cultivated through these practices. The episode concludes with reflections on the potential of sexuality as a legitimate path to mystical states and spiritual understanding.


    00:00 Introduction to Journey into the Mystic

    00:38 Exploring Mystical States

    01:29 Meet Your Host, Rachel Pelletier

    02:17 Introducing Dr. Andrew Newberg

    03:54 Understanding Mystical Experiences

    08:18 The Brain and Mystical States

    11:31 Orgasmic Meditation and Brain Research

    26:35 Sexuality and Spirituality

    37:12 The Role of Empathy in Mystical Practices


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    39 mins
  • Eros, Enlightenment, and Eudaimonia- with Bob Roth
    Oct 14 2024

    This podcast episode, hosted by Rachel Pelletier, delves into the intersections of mystical experiences and the concept of eudaimonia, or human flourishing. Pelletier discusses her journey from addiction to finding a deeper connection with life through experiential learning and meditation. Her guest, renowned meditation teacher Bob Roth, shares insights from his extensive experience in teaching Transcendental Meditation. They explore the idea of living a life aligned with one's true nature and discuss how mystical states induced by meditation and other practices can guide personal growth and well-being. The conversation touches on the power of Eros and creativity, the role of institutional change, and the natural alignment with one's purpose. Roth shares the significance of eudaimonia within Transcendental Meditation, and Pelletier reflects on her life's work of liberating Eros and the challenges faced in doing so. The dialogue underscores the transformative power of mystical states and the aspiration for a society where these inner resources are fully accessed and realized.


    00:31 Welcome to Journey into the Mystic

    02:20 Meet Bob Roth: Meditation Expert

    04:07 Exploring Eudaimonia: Human Flourishing

    09:06 The Essence of Eros and Connection

    13:21 Rachel's Personal Journey and Insights

    25:26 A Journey into Politics and Meditation

    26:38 The Dark Times and the Light of Meditation

    26:54 Rituals, Rites, and Mental Health

    29:00 The Concept of Tumescence

    32:03 Eudaimonia and Personal Growth

    33:25 Childhood Memories and ADHD

    35:56 Harnessing Eros and Creativity

    43:16 The Power of Mystical States

    46:27 Final Thoughts and Reflections



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    48 mins
  • Ibogaine & Transformation: Dimitri Mugianis' Story
    Oct 10 2024

    This podcast episode of 'Journey into the Mystic' delves into the intersection of mystical states and healing practices, featuring Dimitri Moujiannis, a harm reduction advocate and psychedelic practitioner. The discussion covers the transformative potential of mystical states achieved through psychedelics, meditation, and other practices, and their role in personal growth, healing, and societal transformation. Dimitri, known for his work with Ibogaine to treat heroin addiction, shares his journey and insights from over 500 Ibogaine ceremonies, including his own battle with addiction. The conversation also critiques the reductionist approach of modern psychiatry and emphasizes the importance of agency, spiritual experiences, and community-oriented healing frameworks. The episode illustrates how ceremonial practices from various cultures and the arts can create meaningful spaces for personal and communal healing.


    00:00 Introduction to the Mystic and Eros

    01:36 Guest Introduction: Dimitri Moujiannis

    04:01 Dimitri's Journey with Ibogaine

    05:01 Personal Struggles and Transformation

    09:30 Ibogaine Experience and Recovery

    19:53 Return to Greece and Ancestral Connection

    25:14 Initiation and Practice in Gabon

    32:23 The Medicalized Lie and Integration

    33:25 The Medical Gaze and Different Perspectives

    35:39 Healing Narratives and Mystical States

    38:18 The Christ Story and Mystical Healing

    41:30 Challenging Corrosive Systems with Psychedelics

    43:49 Creating a New Cultural Container for Healing

    52:42 The Importance of Contribution and Community

    56:23 Science, Mysticism, and the Role of Research

    01:05:41 Final Thoughts and Reflections


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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Exploring the Sacred Mushroom: Insights from Lama Mike Crowley
    Aug 24 2024

    In this episode of 'Journey into the Mystic,' host Rachel Pelletier delves into the realms of the mystical and the erotic with guest Lama Mike Crowley, also known as the Psychedelic Lama. Lama Mike brings his extensive experience in Tibetan Buddhism and psychedelics to the discussion, exploring the symbolism of various deities, the intersection of mystical states with psychoactive substances like Amanita muscaria and Psilocybe cubensis, and the profound traditions within Vajrayana Buddhism. The conversation spans historical, mythological, and symbolic dimensions of mystical practices, offering deep insights into the spiritual and transcendent experiences fostered by these potent intersections. The conversation also touches on ancient Vedic texts, the mythology of Soma, and the historical similarities between the stories of Mahavira and the Buddha.



    00:00 Introduction to the Mystic Journey

    01:50 Meet Lama Mike Crowley: The Psychedelic Lama

    03:34 Exploring Ramati and Symbolism in Tibetan Buddhism

    04:39 The Mystical Significance of Amanita Muscaria

    05:18 Vajrayogini and Other Deities

    07:30 Padmasambhava and Tibetan Legends

    21:04 The Churning of the Ocean: Hindu and Buddhist Myths

    30:25 The Symbolism of the Peacock Parasol

    31:56 The Mystical Properties of Mushrooms

    41:35 Comparing Jainism and Buddhism

    44:23 Conclusion and Future Discussions

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    45 mins
  • Exploring the Enigmatic Intersection: Mystical Buddhism and Psychedelics with Lama Mike Crowley
    Aug 16 2024

    In this episode of 'Journey into the Mystic,' host Rachel Pelletier delves into the profound connections between mystical experiences and the energy of Eros with Lama Mike Crowley, a pioneering figure in the intersection of Tibetan Buddhism and psychedelics. Crowley, known as the Psychedelic Lama, shares his experiences and insights on the use of psychoactive substances in spiritual practices, recounting his personal journey and interactions with renowned Buddhist figures. They discuss the historical and spiritual significance of substances like soma and amrita, and the impact of psychedelics on perception and meditation practices. The conversation also touches on the challenges and insights of integrating these experiences into personal growth and well-being. Join them for an exploration of liberation, healing, and the quest for deeper understanding.


    00:00 Introduction to Journey into the Mystic

    00:48 Exploring Mystical States

    01:43 Meet Lama Mike Crowley

    04:26 Lama Mike's Early Encounters with Psychedelics

    05:21 Trungpa Rinpoche and LSD

    10:39 Meeting Radha Chimi Rinpoche

    19:21 Vajrayogini Practice and Psychedelics

    25:29 The Concept of Amrita in Buddhism

    28:49 Reconstructing the Original Soma

    30:25 The Vedas and Soma

    31:33 Soma and Cannabis: Clarifications

    32:50 Different Types of Soma

    34:46 Amrita and Soma in Buddhist Context

    38:12 Psychedelics in Tibetan Buddhism

    42:43 Modern Use of Psychedelics in Buddhism

    54:32 The Impact of Psychedelics on the Mind

    56:20 The Search for Emptiness and Ending Suffering

    01:01:21 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions


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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Transcendental Meditation and Mystical States with Bob Roth
    Aug 16 2024

    In this episode of 'Journey into the Mystic,' host Rachel Pelletier speaks with Bob Roth, an experienced meditation teacher and executive director of the David Lynch Foundation. The podcast uncovers the intersections between mystical states and the energy force Eros. Bob shares his journey into Transcendental Meditation, its profound impact on his life, and its potential for broad societal benefits. Topics include the purpose of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in spreading TM, the significance of mystical states, scientific research on meditation, and personal stories highlighting the transformative power of meditation.


    00:00 Introduction to the Mystic and Eros

    01:36 Meet Your Host: Rachel Pelletier

    02:19 Introducing Bob Roth: Meditation Expert

    03:58 Bob Roth's Journey into Meditation

    04:53 The Impact of Transcendental Meditation

    06:06 Bob Roth's Early Life and Political Aspirations

    08:46 Discovering Transcendental Meditation

    12:58 The Science and Benefits of Meditation

    23:20 Personal Reflections on Meditation

    25:30 Embracing Oneness with the Universe

    26:08 The Power of Meditation in Daily Life

    27:01 Understanding Emptiness and Its Significance

    28:32 Addressing Misconceptions About Emptiness

    30:12 The Role of Meditation in Overcoming Fear

    32:20 Maharishi's Views on Psychedelics and Sexuality

    36:37 The Importance of Eudaimonia

    39:33 Meditation Programs and Their Impact

    43:20 A Heartfelt Story of Meditation's Power

    46:29 Closing Thoughts and Future Discussions


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    47 mins