#384: Trading Ego For EMBODIMENT: Unlocking Deep Healing with Psilocybin & Ayahuasca | From Startup Hustle to Spiritual Awakening (with Austin Mao)
Today, I’m joined by Austin Mao, a serial entrepreneur whose personal journey with plant medicine led him from the high-pressure, Instagram-perfect startup world to founding Ceremonia—one of the leading psychedelic organizations in the U.S. In this candid conversation, Austin shares how a transformative psilocybin ceremony unraveled the layers of ego, revealing new depths of presence, embodiment, and emotional healing.
Together, we dive into the science and spirituality behind psilocybin and ayahuasca, exploring how these ancient medicines can help modern humans find their center amidst the chaos of busy lives. Austin opens up about his own path—from recreational psychedelic use to intentional ceremony—and details how profound, guided experiences helped him unlock suppressed childhood traumas and reshape his direction in life.
If you’re curious about how plant medicine can catalyze lasting transformation, bolster mental health, and create healing far beyond the retreat, this episode is full of insight, practical guidance, and inspiration. Get ready to learn how integration, presence, and the right support can make psychedelic journeys an enduring resource for longevity and well-being.
Learn more from Austin Mao below:
Website: https://www.austinmao.com/
Ceremonia: https://www.ceremoniacircle.org/testimonials
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinmao/
What We Discuss:
Austin’s first plant medicine ceremony: ego, healing, and memories ... 00:06:28
Uncovering childhood trauma and learning presence ... 00:08:34
Motivations for plant medicine: curiosity, networking, and pride ... 00:13:46
Core lessons: ego, external vs. internal fulfillment ... 00:14:57
Comparing ayahuasca and psilocybin: safety, access, and tradition ... 00:18:27
Facilitator training and role in psychedelic experiences ... 00:24:48
Purging, meaning-making, and emotional release in ceremony ... 00:27:39
Psychedelics and mental health: impact and effectiveness ... 00:31:27
Retreat model: psilocybin first, ayahuasca later ... 00:37:20
The crucial role of integration post-ceremony ... 00:41:00
Ceremonia’s offerings: retreats, online integration, and microdosing ... 00:47:59
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