EP 12 | Military Veteran Heals Americans with Entheogenic Medicines | Justin LaPree

Justin LaPree shares his journey from a decorated Marine veteran and firefighter struggling with severe mental health issues to becoming the founder of the Illuminating Collective, a non-profit dedicated to helping others heal through community and plant medicines. He discusses the impact of trauma on first responders, the limitations of traditional Western medicine, and the profound healing potential of entheogenic substances. Justin emphasizes the importance of self-love, vulnerability, and the need for a supportive community in the healing process. We explore the unique approach to healing through entheogenic medicine, emphasizing the importance of community support, thorough preparation, and integration processes. The discussion highlights the challenges veterans and first responders face in accessing these healing modalities, the significance of research in this field, and the introduction of various medicines like Ibogaine, Ayahuasca, Mushrooms, and more. Takeaways -Justin LaPree highlights the struggles of veterans and first responders with mental health issues. -The military and first responder community culture discourages conversation about mental health, so how can we change that? -Traditional Western medicine often focuses on symptom management rather than the root causes of mental health issues. -Trauma can compound over a lifetime, leading to severe mental health challenges. -Plant medicine can provide profound insights and healing when used in the right context. -Self-love is crucial for healing and connecting with others. -The gut plays a significant role in mental health, with 95% of serotonin produced there. -The current pharmaceutical approach to mental health is often ineffective and profit-driven. -Integration of experiences with plant medicine is essential for lasting change. -Creating supportive communities is vital for healing and transformation. -Healing programs must lead from the front to serve humanity. -A comprehensive preparation and integration program is essential. -Community support enhances healing outcomes. -Integration is crucial for lasting change after ceremonies. -Old habits must be addressed for true transformation. -Research on organic entheogenic medicines is vital. -Veterans and first responders need accessible healing options. -Financial support for healing programs is necessary. -Different medicines serve different stages of healing. -Education and self-research are key for potential participants. Chapters 00:00 Divorce, loneliness, su*cide attempt, grateful for survival. 05:16 Attempted su*cide led to holistic healing exploration. 11:18 Feeling heals trauma; address root causes holistically. 15:13 Address root causes of disconnection, not symptoms. 19:16 Mushrooms aided healing journey during difficult times. 22:58 Medicines offer insight; personal effort drives change. 26:30 From atheist to spiritual through challenging ibogaine experience. 30:21 Current retreat support is inadequate, needs improvement. 35:45 Preparation and integration crucial for plant medicine. 37:44 Comprehensive integration program supports holistic personal transformation. 43:47 Excited about mescaline research collaboration with universities. 47:46 Building connections, encouraging curiosity, reach out. 52:21 Ibogaine helps addiction, has cardiac risks. 55:18 Consider donating to this incredible organization. Find Justin LaPree IG: https://www.instagram.com/justinlapree/ [e-mail] Website https://www.theilluminating.co/ Find QNAMY ⁠IG: https://www.instagram.com/qnamy/ Amy is on the Board of Directors for ⁠Illuminating Heroes⁠, a non-profit organization that facilitates healing plant medicine retreats in Austin, Texas. Donate today to send a veteran or first responder through treatment at no cost to them: ⁠https://give.classy.org/QNAMY⁠ Amy is located in Los Angeles, CA. For collaborations, speaking inquiries,