Celebrities on Drugs
Who are the role models?
Welcome to this Week's Edition of Red Things on Tuesday.
Celebrities on Drugs
I avoid current events, you know this. I once heard a teaching, "Don't mind the times, mind the eternities," and I really took that to heart. Good times and bad times come and go, and of course I try to do what I can on a local level, but I don't want to get to wrapped up in news that seems to be designed to manipulate my emotions, and I sure don't think it's useful for me to pass it on to you.
A subset of the news that I really don't care for is celebrity gossip. This has only increased as I've gotten older, because I don't even know who half these kids are. Remember when we recognized an SNL musical guest? Those days are long gone.
But sometimes someone famous goes and gets themselves into the news because of their drug use, good or bad.
Sometimes they get healed, sometimes they get hurt. Sometimes they die.
I'm thinking about this because of all the news that's been popping up around Elon Musk's use.
And this reminds me of Matthew Perry's death, Michael Kenneth Williams' death, and DMX's.
I think about Mike Tyson's toad medicine conversion and evangelism. Which is actually really interesting to me, and should be a topic of deeper exploration in another video.
I chuckle thinking about John Mulaney's recent comedy special, which was a hilariously harrowing account of his descent into addiction.
I wonder how all of these talking points inform our culture, and what people outside of our psychedelic bubble think.
Our culture is part of our collective psychedelic set and setting after all. In trip reports, people often report thinking about or having interdimensional interactions with famous people. I once spoke to a woman who was convinced that she had a deep psychic connection with Jared Leto. I asked her if it was possible that Leto was a manifestation of some subconscious process, and she rejected the notion. "Nope. It's really him. I know it."
It used to be just musicians and comedians who were the very specific mirror through which we saw our drug use. The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Cheech and Chong, George Carlin. It used to be just hippies, doing hippie stuff. It was attractive to some, anathema to others.
Today, there is a broad range of use across various celebrities, who utilize them in many different contexts. Depending on who's reporting on it, the bias will be different.
Who can we trust to be our role models? Who truly exemplifies the idea of 'better living through chemistry?'
Woody Harrelson? Willie Nelson? Paul McCartney sure did a ton of acid, and he turned out alright!
We know that isn't their responsibility, but we foist it on them anyway.
I watched a couple of episodes of a reality show called 'The Valley' last year. (Don't ask) One of the guys on the show partook in a psychedelic ceremony to help heal some big stuff he was dealing with. When he came home, he sat around a fire with his friends and they all shared deeply and supported each other, and I think there were tears. It was a far cry from most of the other episodes, where they get drunk and argue. A reality show based on integration circles is something I could get behind.
I'd like to believe that the narrative is changing, sometimes faster, sometimes slower.
As long as we remember that we're all imperfect people, and that our human problems don't disappear with wealth and fame.
We can practice compassion for folks whose substance use is on display.
We can be the example that we'd like to see.
After all, we want to leave this world a better place for Keith Richards.
Berkshire Mushroom Festival
Early Bird Pricing Ends Friday!
June 7+8, Lee, MA berkshiremushroom.com
It's my first in person event in a very long time!
What if fungi held the key to healing—ourselves, our communities, and our connection with the Earth?
That’s the vision behind the Berkshire Mushroom Festival, a vibrant, in-person gathering happening June 7–8, 2025 in the beautiful hills of Lee, Massachusetts. It’s hosted by Sweetgrass Botanicals in collaboration with Tam Integration. It’s a grassroots, community-powered celebration of fungi, healing, and earth connection. Come be part of it! 🍄💚
I’ll be speaking at the festival alongside an amazing lineup of foragers, scientists, artists, psychedelic practitioners, and community leaders. We’ll be exploring the ecological, culinary, therapeutic, and spiritual dimensions of mushrooms in all their magic and mystery.
Here’s your invitation to join us in person for this immersive experience, designed to nourish your curiosity and deepen your relationship with the wonderful world of mycology.
🌿 Berkshire Mushroom Festival 🗓️ June 7–8, 2025 📍 635 Laurel Street, Lee, MA 🎟️ Click here to RSVP or learn more
Coaching Training Info Session
Wednesday, May 28th, 7:30pm Eastern Time Join Here!
We would like to invite you to attend a friendly and casual conversation to share about the world of psychedelic integration coaching. This event is designed for individuals who are passionate about supporting others in their healing and growth and are interested in becoming highly skilled and competent coaches.
As you may know, the use of psychedelics has increased in recent years and many people are seeking support in their integration process. As a result, there is a growing demand for trained professionals who can provide guidance and support. This event will provide you with the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the field and to gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful coach.
During the event, you will have the opportunity to hear from the director of the program, Daniel Shankin, who will share their knowledge and experience in the field. You will also have the chance to learn about the latest techniques and approaches used in psychedelic integration coaching.
We hope that you will take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn about psychedelic integration coaching and to connect with others who are passionate about supporting others in their healing and growth.
We look forward to seeing you there! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mt-tam-psychedelic-integration-coaching-training-info-call-tickets-1364671522259?aff=oddtdtcreator
Psychedelics and Ayurveda with Dr. Nibodhi - June 25th
Wednesday, June 25th at 8pm Eastern Time - $30 or free with Golden Road Register Here
Dr. Nibodhi is a practitioner and educator in Ayurveda, Yoga, Tantra, Jyotish and Naturopathy. He is certified in Vedic psychology/counseling and a practitioner of Compassionate Inquiry and Mindfulness. He is the author of six books on health and consciousness. Since 2004, he has run a 100% charitable, non-profit clinic in India Nibodhi’s practice is deeply rooted in compassion and a commitment to service. Whether you seek to address acute or chronic issues, enhance your vitality, or embark on a spiritual healing journey, Nibodhi provides a path to wellness rooted in ancient wisdom and modern insight.
Ayurveda & Psychedelic Healing: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Transformation In this talk I will explore how Ayurveda can be a powerful ally on the path of psychedelic healing and consciousness expansion. We will explore how aligning with our unique constitution (dosha), optimizing digestion (agni), and working with the subtle energies (prana, tejas, ojas) can create a resilient inner ecosystem for deep transformation. I can talk about how Vedic psychology, soma/somatic experiencing, breathwork and plant wisdom can help to integrate, stabilize the nervous system, and support sustainable health and consciousness.
Meditation for the Journey: Autumn Retreat in the Berkshires
September 26-27-28, Plainfield, MA Link to Register
Join a group of like minded explorers
for a weekend of transcendent practice and ceremony
~ Explore the guided somatic practices and visualizations that you can share with your clients.
~ Experience how mantra and sacred sound can deepen somatic awareness and release.
~ Enjoy ceremony in the gorgousness of New England Autumn
~ 15 people max.
What’s included:
Lodging
Delicious organic and locally-sourced meals
Meditation, yoga, dharma talks
Introduction to guiding Yoga Nidra to support come up anxiety
Chanting the chakras for somatic awareness and release
Cannabis ceremony with guided Yoga Nidra
Drum Journey Ceremony
Playing in nature/ nature walk
Hot Tub
Art making
Autumn Leaves!
This intensive is designed to create a powerful container for people with emerging spiritual visions. The sessions will offer group members an opportunity to deepen their practice and care for themselves, knowing that they will take what they learn and experience back to their clients and communities.
You will be offered a weekend designed to explore the depths of your body, mind, and consciousness with simple clarity. The curriculum is designed to make you a more centered being as well as a better guide.
We’ll open Friday with some sound healing, exploring how our voice can be used to express and release in ways that support catharsis while maintaining a regulated nervous system. This will lead into our drum led ceremony.
On Saturday, we’ll explore the intersection of visualization and somatics as a wonderful adjunct to a journey. Continuing the theme from Friday, we’ll look at how we support a calm inner environment in through our presence and guidance. This will culminate in our Saturday evening ceremony.
Sunday, as we integrate our experience, we’ll explore how our stories can convey deep universal truths, and how taking our seat as a teacher can provide deep value to our students.
Group Coaching and Mentorship- The Golden Road Collective
I have a group offering called The Golden Road Collective.
The Golden Road is a collective of psychonauts, healers, guides, and transformational change agents. We work together to create and embody the visions that have been gifted us in our ceremonies. We’re stepping into a shared future that is mindful, resilient, and committed to the versions of ourselves that we know we can be.
It's a chance to receive teaching, mentoring on your personal or professional practice, and group coaching with Daniel. There are also group meditations and monthly special guests. You can join at any time. Learn More Here
Links to All Integration Circles
All Donation-based Circles
https://tamintegration.com/psychedelic-integration/
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Disclaimer
Nothing in this email should be considered medical or legal advice. We're not suggesting that you break any laws or do anything dangerous. This email is offered as education and entertainment in the spirit of harm reduction. Consult medical and legal professionals if you have questions.
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