Have you ever considered childbirth as an altered state of consciousness, with striking similarities to a psychedelic trip?

In this episode, we are joined by Anna Catharin Heil, a birth doula, psychedelic facilitator, and mother of two based in the Netherlands. Anna works with psilocybin truffles in intimate 1:1 sessions, group ceremonies, and multi-day retreats. She also supports women as they prepare for and move through birth, holding space in one of life’s most vulnerable and transformative moments.

Anna shares her personal journey, the altered states that emerge during labor, and how both birth and psychedelics invite surrender, trust, and transformation. We talk about fear of “bad trips” and fear of birth, the importance of set & setting in both spaces, and how mothers can reclaim agency within a medicalised system.

We also dive into what preparation and integration looks like for birth, and how to better support and understand new parents as they step into this new phase of their lives.

Anna brings a rare perspective that blends an understanding of the scientific perspective including neuroscience and physiology, with her own professional and lived experience. Her insights will inspire you to rethink birth not as something to fear, but as a true rite of passage.

This conversation is for anyone curious about psychedelics, motherhood, birth, or the power of altered states.

Connect with Anna

• Anna on Instagram

• Anna’s Website

• Entheogenesis Retreats

  
  

Resources Mentioned

• ⁠Mothers of the Mushroom

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The Hosts

Sasha Silberberg

Entrepreneur and strategic communications specialist within the psychedelic field.

⁠LinkedIn⁠

Victoria Etherington

Psychedelic integration coach and facilitator working individuals, facilitators and organisations
⁠victoriastruth.com⁠ & co-founder ⁠Entheogenesis

In this heartfelt episode, we explore the intersection of Islam, Sufi mysticism, and psychedelics through the lens of faith, mental health, and representation.

Our guest, a passionate advocate rooted in her Muslim identity, reflects on the historical, spiritual, and public health dimensions of altered states within Islamic traditions. From the quiet erasure of Sufism’s Islamic roots to the lack of Muslim representation in psychedelic spaces, we dive into what it means to create culturally attuned healing frameworks, and why inclusivity must be foundational as access to psychedelic medicine grows.

This episode is an invitation to rethink assumptions, and expand narratives surrounding Islam and its role in the psychedelic world.

Our Guest

Karina Bashir is an accomplished attorney and thought leader specializing in the intersection of law, business ethics, and psychedelics, with a deep passion for exploring the convergence of Islamic principles and psychedelic healing. She seeks opportunities to explore how Islamic thought and psychedelic traditions intersect, believing that psychedelics can be a bridge for spiritual and psychological healing within Muslim communities.Her work and advocacy aim to integrate Islamic mysticism, or Sufism, with the psychedelic space, exploring how these ancient traditions can inform and shape healing practices within the broader wellness community.

Karina’s commitment to working in psychedelics stems from nearly a decade of experience in human rights, which has shaped her belief that psychedelic legalization should be recognized as a human rights issue due to its profound healing potential. As counsel with Antithesis Law, she provides guidance on a wide range of legal and business matters, including corporate formation, risk mitigation, contract drafting, compliance, dispute resolution, and best practices. In her role as Program Director at North Star, Karina is a leading advocate for regulatory issues, working closely with organizations to create dynamic, living breathing guidelines that promote industry standards and strengthen accountability.

Karina serves on the Board of the Psychedelic Bar Association and is a steward of the Religious Use Committee. A Fulbright and Gates Cambridge Scholar, Karina holds a J.D. from UC Berkeley and an M.Phil. from Cambridge.

www.karinabashir.com

www.ruhanispirit.org

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This episode is a little introduction into us, Sasha and Vicky, and this podcast series all about the psychedelic perspective (with and without substances).

Psychedelics Without Borders

This podcast series takes you on a journey through the people, places, and ideas driving the ever-evolving psychedelic renaissance. From the rise of ayahuasca churches and cutting-edge consciousness research to cyberdelics and cannabis-assisted psychotherapy, we dive into the weird, the wonderful, and the world-changing.

Whether you're a curious newcomer or a seasoned explorer, join us as we discover how this transformative movement is shaping culture, science, spirituality, and policy (often in unexpected ways).

Together, we will be exploring the unknown corners of the psychedelic experience across the globe and beyond!

The Hosts

Sasha Silberberg

Entrepreneur and strategic communications specialist within the psychedelic field.

LinkedIn

Victoria Etherington

Psychedelic integration coach and facilitator working individuals, facilitators and organisations.

victoriastruth.com & co-founder Entheogenesis