Colorado Psychedelic Church Podcast

Teopixqui Dez and Threadkeeper Sara sit down in the communal space while folding educational pamphlets and talk candidly about something every real community eventually faces… criticism, misunderstanding, and the need to protect what's being built. What starts as a conversation about online reviews turns into a bigger reflection on boundaries, generosity, access, and the difference between a movement built on healing and an industry built on profit. Dez and Sara speak openly about a hostile online comment that showed up in response to one of the church's public event posts, and use it as a springboard to talk about what the Colorado Psychedelic Church is actually trying to create. They explore the idea of energy exchange in the community… why volunteer work, art cards, mutual aid, and shared effort matter… and why access does not have to be purely financial to be meaningful. They also talk about the ethics of leadership, the importance of creating multiple paths into healing, and the reality that when you're doing visible good, not everyone will celebrate it. This conversation is a reminder that meaningful community is not passive. Gardens do not stay healthy on their own. They are tended. Protected. Nourished. And sometimes that means refusing to let weeds take root. At the heart of it all is a simple truth: the church is not here to compete, to exploit, or to cash in. It is here to create access, support healing, and build a space where people can show up as they are and grow into who they're becoming. Timeline 00:02 – Welcome from the communal space Teopixqui Dez and Threadkeeper Sara introduce the conversation while working on community pamphlets. 00:48 – Reviews, visibility, and why public voices matter Sara shares how she discovered the church had online reviews and why they help people find the community. 01:51 – A rough start to the morning Dez explains the hostile online comment that sparked the conversation. 02:24 – Good work attracts criticism Why healing-centered spaces often provoke backlash from profit-driven or exclusionary mindsets. 03:07 – Gardens, weeds, and boundaries The importance of protecting the community from malice while remaining open to growth. 04:30 – Reddit, outreach, and visibility How people discover the church and why showing up publicly matters. 05:17 – Vitriol vs. real feedback Distinguishing between bad-faith attacks and meaningful critique. 07:17 – What "energy exchange" really means Sara explains volunteerism, art cards, and non-financial ways of contributing. 08:18 – Investment creates transformation Why having "skin in the game" often leads to deeper healing. 09:19 – Access for everyone Dez makes clear that financial struggle is never a barrier to receiving support. 10:16 – The reality of sustaining the mission Balancing altruism with the practical need to keep the community running. 11:22 – Time, labor, and clergy support The real investment behind ceremonies and holding space. 14:02 – Movement vs. industry Why the church focuses on access and healing instead of profit. 14:54 – Different paths into healing Retreats, communal experiences, and meeting people where they are. 16:29 – Why your voice matters Encouraging listeners to share honest experiences to counter misinformation. 17:51 – Communication over assumption The importance of direct conversation within community. 19:33 – Standing firm without arguing Dez shares the principle: "Never argue when you're right." 20:20 – Closing reflections A reminder that the work continues, and the focus remains on healing. Contact Us To learn more about the Colorado Psychedelic Church, upcoming events, open hours, and ways to connect: ColoradoPsychedelicChurch.com If you've attended an event or been impacted by the community, consider sharing your experience. Your voice helps others find a place to heal and belong.

Oracle Richard and Threadkeeper Sarah sit down for a deeply personal conversation about growing up in two very different Christian traditions… Sarah in a culturally and religiously Catholic world on the East Coast, and Richard in a homeschooled evangelical Pentecostal environment that functioned almost like a complete social bubble. What unfolds is a thoughtful, funny, and at times heavy reflection on what it means to be shaped by religion long before you ever choose it for yourself. They talk about the stark differences between Catholicism and Protestant evangelicalism… from authority, prayer, and iconography to gender roles, shame, social control, and what it meant to live inside traditions that often looked similar from the outside but felt entirely different on the inside. They also explore how deconstruction happened long before either of them found entheogens… and how psychedelic experiences did not pull them back into old dogma so much as help them recognize deeper truths about themselves, suffering, divinity, and healing. Along the way, they reflect on what religion gave them, what it took from them, and what pieces still remain worth carrying forward. This is a conversation about religious trauma, longing, symbolism, community, and the difference between inherited belief and chosen practice. It is also a reminder that two people can come from "Christian" backgrounds and still feel like they were raised in entirely different worlds. Timeline 00:01 – Welcome and setup Oracle Richard and Threadkeeper Sarah introduce the conversation and the contrast between their Christian upbringings. 00:35 – Catholic vs. Pentecostal worlds Sarah describes growing up in a deeply Catholic New Jersey culture, while Richard reflects on his evangelical Pentecostal upbringing and homeschooling. 02:51 – Deconstruction before psychedelics Both share how questioning faith began long before entheogens entered the picture. 04:43 – Searching for faith vs. searching for peace Sarah talks about studying religion formally while trying to understand why faith never came naturally to her. 06:00 – Early psychedelic experiences and old faith Richard reflects on how prior deconstruction shaped his first mushroom experiences. 08:00 – Religious imagery in revelry Sarah shares a powerful mushroom experience that brought up the phrase "child of God," and how she continues to interpret it. 12:21 – Fear, danger, and stepping outside religion Both discuss the fear built into their traditions… and what it meant to question or leave them. 15:00 – Mental health and prayer culture A look at how anxiety, depression, and suffering were often answered with "pray more" instead of real support. 19:53 – Direct prayer vs. mediated prayer A striking contrast between evangelical personal relationship with God and Catholic priest-mediated access to scripture and meaning. 23:16 – Favorite religious holidays growing up Richard and Sarah compare Easter traditions, symbolism, and the emotional weight of ritual and pageantry. 29:23 – Female imagery and Mary Sarah reflects on how Mary gave her an early feminine point of spiritual contact… and later became a source of tension too. 35:34 – What they still carry forward Richard shares the principle of "eat the meat, spit out the bones." Sarah reflects on service, action, and the value of faith in motion. 38:23 – Closing reflections A final appreciation for the conversation, the learning, and the chance to revisit old foundations with honesty. Key Themes Catholic and evangelical Pentecostal upbringings are not interchangeable Deconstruction can begin long before psychedelics Religious trauma often hides under duty, shame, and obedience Psychedelic experiences do not always reinforce inherited religion Prayer, faith, and service can be redefined outside old systems Symbolism can remain meaningful even after belief changes Community matters… especially after leaving rigid traditions Contact Us To learn more about the Colorado Psychedelic Church, upcoming gatherings, sermons, ceremonies, and community events, visit: ColoradoPsychedelicChurch.com You can also use the website to reach out directly, ask questions, and find ways to connect with the community.

After speaking at PsyCon in Denver, Teopixqui Dez brings that message back home and expands on a subject that sits at the heart of the Colorado Psychedelic Church… how do we build modern spirituality around timeless entheogens and sacred compounds in a way that is sincere, ethical, and healing? This talk explores the idea of perennialism… the belief that the world's religions and spiritual traditions share recurring universal truths. From there, Teopixqui Dez walks through what many traditions already seem to agree on: that we are more than our bodies… that these medicines are not merely substances but kin… that intention and integration matter… that healing is communal… and that none of this can be approached responsibly without honoring those who paid the price before us. At the center of this message is a challenge: carry the history, not the culture. That means learning who suffered, who was displaced, who was criminalized, and who was pushed out of their own traditions… without stealing their ceremonies, aesthetics, or identities. It means building something honest where you are, with reverence, intention, and accountability. Teopixqui Dez also lays out practical foundations for creating sacred space… from acknowledgment and sacrifice to intention, setting, support, and integration. The result is both philosophical and deeply grounded: a reminder that sacred healing does not require spectacle… but it does require responsibility. And maybe most powerfully… this message insists that sacred space is not limited to temples, churches, or forests. It can be created in a basement. Around a fire. In a bathroom mirror before ceremony. In a living room where people are finally honest with one another. If healing is real, then the sacred can be made real too. This is a conversation about ethics, history, community, healing… and the possibility that you, too, can become a lighthouse for someone else. Streamlined Timeline 00:00 – Opening and PsyCon reflection Teopixqui Dez shares what it meant to finally speak at PsyCon after once attending with the hope of doing exactly that. 02:00 – Why this topic matters A look at why building modern spirituality around entheogens deserves careful, honest reflection. 03:00 – Perennialism Introducing the idea that many religious and spiritual traditions point toward recurring universal truths. 05:00 – Universal truths across traditions How shared ideas like reverence, community, and provision show up again and again. 06:30 – Honor the people who came before us Why it is a responsibility to know who suffered, bled, and died for these medicines to be discussed openly today. 08:00 – Carry the history, not the culture A distinction between honoring lineage and appropriating ceremony. 10:00 – The "who" inside the "what" The idea that we are a soul or self inhabiting a body… and how that belief echoes across traditions. 12:00 – The medicines as kin Examples from different cultures that treat these plants and compounds not as objects, but as family. 15:00 – Intention and integration before they had names How sacrifice, preparation, and post-ceremony integration have always been part of meaningful healing. 18:00 – Why casual use and sacred use are not the same A look at how these medicines can be used casually… but are not inherently casual in nature. 20:00 – Community as a necessary part of healing Why so many traditions center healing in shared experience rather than isolation. 22:00 – Healing current pain and generational harm How entheogenic practice can support both personal healing and healing that ripples outward through community. 24:00 – Appropriation as poisoned medicine Why copying rituals, aesthetics, and cultural forms without permission damages what should be sacred. 27:00 – Can something sacred be created anywhere? Teopixqui Dez answers the challenge directly… yes, sacred space can be created in a basement, a home, or anywhere healing is made possible. 30:00 – Making your own space sacred Simple, personal examples of how intention, gratitude, and reverence can transform an ordinary place. 33:00 – How to build bigger, shared sacred space Moving from personal ritual to meaningful group healing. 35:00 – Five foundations for creating sacred practice Acknowledgment, sacrifice, intention, adaptable setting, and integration. 42:00 – Support matters Why people do not need to go through these experiences alone… even if they are physically by themselves. 45:00 – Integration as an ethical responsibility If someone offers sacrament without time, care, or support for integration… something essential is missing. 48:00 – A call to create healing where you are Teopixqui Dez offers encouragement to listeners who feel called to make healing more possible for the people around them. 51:00 – Closing: become the lighthouse A final reminder that shared time, shared intention, and shared courage can save lives. Contact Us To learn more about the Colorado Psychedelic Church, upcoming gatherings, ceremonies, and community offerings, visit: ColoradoPsychedelicChurch.com You can also use the website to reach out directly, explore the church's teachings, and find ways to connect with the community in Colorado Springs.

What does it look like to go from agoraphobia… panic attacks… and years inside the mental health system… …to finding a place where you feel safe enough to stay? In this conversation, Oracle Richard sits down with community member Cartag, whose journey into the Colorado Psychedelic Church began not with curiosity… …but necessity. After years of struggling with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and what he later recognized as autistic burnout, Cartag reached a point where something had to change. Traditional approaches weren't working. Progress had stalled. So he searched. What he found was a community — not built on dogma or pressure — but on acceptance, accessibility, and shared healing. Cartag shares what it was like to walk through the doors for the first time… physically shaking from anxiety… unsure of what he had just stepped into. And what happened next changed everything. From a powerful first DMT experience where he connected with his younger self… to slowly learning he didn't need to stay in a constant state of defense… …to something as simple — and profound — as realizing: he didn't need to keep his shoes by the door anymore. This conversation isn't just about psychedelics. It's about: feeling safe in your own body finding people who meet you where you are and rediscovering what "community" actually means Even for someone who never thought they'd be part of a "church." ⏱ Timeline of Topics 00:01 – Introduction Richard introduces Cartag and sets the stage 00:30 – Leaving Kansas & Starting Over Loss, job changes, and moving to Colorado 01:30 – Career & Mental Health Journey Call center problem-solving → peer support specialist Autistic burnout and repeated breakdowns 02:30 – Being Replaced by AI Career disruption and transition into new paths 03:30 – Childhood & Neurodivergence Small-town upbringing Pressure, masking, and early struggles 04:40 – Agoraphobia & Isolation Difficulty leaving home and engaging socially 05:30 – Discovering the Church Interest in psychedelics for depression Finding the church through Google 07:00 – First Visit (Pre-Ceremony) Severe anxiety… but immediate sense of safety 08:00 – First DMT Experience Conversation with "Child Self" Letting go of lifelong defense mechanisms 09:00 – Breaking Assumptions From "this might be a cult" → genuine community 10:20 – Accessibility & Inclusion Neurodivergent-friendly spiritual text Small details… big impact 11:50 – Beginning a Relationship with Psychedelics Scientific curiosity + reverence Microdosing vs traditional medications 13:30 – Rapid Growth (In 9 Months) From panic and stimming… to confidence and presence 15:20 – What Makes This Community Different Intentional acceptance Community for its own sake — not utility 17:00 – Redefining "Church" Atheism + spirituality Finding meaning without dogma 18:40 – Defining "Divinity" Personally Star Trek/Data analogy Personhood as sacredness 19:50 – Practical Integration Prayer as action Directing energy into meaningful change 21:40 – A Defining Moment Feeling safe enough to have a panic attack… and stay 23:30 – Growth Indicators No fidget toys… shoes away from the door Less need for escape strategies 24:00 – Open Reflections Geek identity, belonging, and shared curiosity 25:00 – Message to Listeners "If you're on the fence… just come." 26:00 – Finding Your Place Not every event is for everyone — and that's okay 27:00 – Closing Reflections Growth, future potential, and gratitude ⛪ About the Church The Colorado Psychedelic Church is a community focused on healing, growth, and connection through: Psychedelic-assisted self-exploration Open, judgment-free discussion Peer support and shared experience What stands out: Deep emphasis on accessibility (including neurodivergent-friendly materials) No pressure to participate in sacrament Pluralistic environment — atheists, spiritual seekers, and everyone in between Real-world integration — applying insights to everyday life At its core, this is a place where people don't just come to experience something… They come to change… and be supported while doing it. 📬 Contact & Community Info Interested in checking it out for yourself? 🌐 Website: coloradopsychedelicchurch.com 📍 Location: Colorado Springs, CO (shared after connecting) 📅 Weekly Gathering: Tuesday evenings 🎟 Additional Events: 20+ monthly gatherings (classes, socials, discussions) If you're unsure… you don't have to jump in. Come sit. Come observe. Come meet people. That's where most people start.

What happens when someone who identifies as an atheist… and someone who leads a psychedelic church… sit down and actually listen to each other? In this conversation, ThreadKeeper Sarah is joined by community member Rob K., who shares his journey from isolation, anxiety, and persistent shame… into something quieter, lighter, and more grounded. Before finding the Colorado Psychedelic Church, Rob describes living in a constant mental loop — replaying guilt, anticipating conflict, and feeling stuck in what he calls "ruts" of thought. Despite years of self-study and introspection, relief felt just out of reach. That began to shift when he stepped — cautiously — into community. What he found wasn't pressure, dogma, or forced belief… but something simpler: people, presence, and permission to explore. Rob shares his first powerful DMT experience — a moment of panic that turned into support… and ultimately into a realization that would stick: the weight he carried wasn't who he was… it was something he could set down. They explore how psychedelics can help people: create distance from anxious thoughts recognize patterns that no longer serve them and develop new ways of responding — even without substances Along the way, the conversation highlights something deeper than psychedelics themselves: community without conformity. Rob remains firmly anti-theist… and fully welcomed. Sarah leads within a spiritual framework… and embraces pluralism. And somehow, that works. Because at its core, this space isn't about agreement — it's about growth, safety, and shared humanity. ⏱ Timeline of Topics 00:02 – Introduction Sarah introduces Rob K. and the setting before a weekly gathering 00:45 – Life Before the Community Atheism, self-study, and harsh self-judgment Persistent guilt, anxiety, and isolation 03:00 – The Need for Connection Recognizing depression and the need for community 04:00 – Finding the Church (via Reddit) Initial hesitation… fear of what it might be 06:30 – From Escaping to Healing Reframing psychedelics as tools for growth 07:00 – First DMT Experience Overwhelming intensity… panic… and support 08:45 – Aftereffects Quiet mind… reduced anxiety… presence 10:00 – "The Backpack" Insight Realizing anxiety isn't identity… it's something you carry 11:00 – Integration Tools Grounding techniques and staying present 12:00 – Mental Ruts Breaking repetitive thought patterns 13:40 – A Physicalist Perspective Benefits without needing spiritual belief 14:30 – Who Is This For? Not for escapism… but for honest self-work 16:30 – Why We're Wired for Anxiety Evolution, pattern recognition, and fear 17:30 – Who Might Not Fit Rigid belief systems vs. openness 18:00 – Pluralism in Action Different beliefs… shared space 20:30 – Community Culture Relaxed, human, connection-focused 21:00 – First-Time Visitors No pressure… come observe… build trust 22:00 – Closing Connection over conformity ⛪ About the Church The Colorado Psychedelic Church is a community-centered space exploring healing, connection, and personal growth through entheogenic practices and open dialogue. No pressure to believe anything No requirement to participate in sacrament Strong emphasis on safety, consent, and integration Welcomes people from all belief systems — including none This is a space for curiosity… not conformity. 📬 Contact & Community Info Interested in learning more or attending a gathering? 🌐 Website: coloradopsychedelicchurch.com 📍 Location: Colorado Springs, CO (shared upon connection) 📅 Weekly Gatherings: Tuesday evenings You're welcome to come, observe, ask questions… or simply sit and listen. No pressure. No expectations. Just community.

In this deeply personal conversation, Bahn Fasa Maya sits down with Olaz, Chief Mycologist of the Colorado Psychedelic Church, to trace the long and painful road that brought him to the medicine. What begins as a story about curiosity and early psychedelic exploration quickly becomes something much heavier. Olaz shares how LSD first opened the door to wonder, how mushrooms remained elusive for years, and how a single catastrophic high-dose mushroom experience changed everything. What he expected to be enlightenment became terror, confusion, trauma, and years of fear around the medicine that had once shown him beauty. But that is not where the story ends. After years of struggling, searching, and trying to make sense of what happened, Olaz eventually found the right support… a therapist who understood both trauma and psychedelics, and who helped him rebuild a safe relationship with mushrooms. That healing process did more than restore trust. It gave him purpose. Today, he grows sacrament with extraordinary care, reverence, and intention… not just to produce mushrooms, but to help ensure others never have to go through what he went through alone. This is a story about danger, survival, reverence, and calling. It is also a reminder that these medicines are powerful, sacred, and deserving of preparation, support, and respect. Timeline of Topics 00:01 – 01:27 Bahn Fasa Maya introduces Olaz, Chief Mycologist of the Colorado Psychedelic Church, and asks what drew him so deeply into mycology over the last year. 01:28 – 03:25 Olaz shares his early psychedelic history… beginning with alcohol, then LSD, and the sense of wonder and expanded perception that first drew him in. 03:26 – 04:48 His first mushroom experiences were beautiful, affirming, and self-loving… but mushrooms were hard to find, and early attempts to grow them were frustrating and unsuccessful. 04:49 – 07:06 After becoming fascinated with the idea of "ego death," Olaz prepared for a major mushroom journey without truly understanding how different mushrooms were from LSD. 07:07 – 12:29 He describes taking an initial 5 grams, then impulsively consuming another 9 grams as the trip intensified… leading to panic, disorientation, and complete loss of control. 12:30 – 21:52 The experience spiraled into a full traumatic event: running for miles, reliving past trauma, and entering what he describes as his own personal hell… followed by a profound, maternal, loving presence that shifted everything. 21:53 – 29:32 Coming back from the trip without proper support made the aftermath even harder. Shame, misunderstanding, and judgment compounded the trauma, and his relationship with mushrooms was damaged for years. 29:33 – 37:50 A later car accident and resulting crisis became the turning point that led him toward real healing. Through acupuncture, somatic therapy, and eventually a guided mushroom session with the right practitioner, he began to repair what had been broken. 37:51 – 43:55 Olaz explains how mushrooms became medicine again… and how that healing eventually led him to growing sacrament with skill, devotion, and spiritual intention. 43:56 – 50:40 He reflects on what it means to serve the community now: using mountain water, premium grains, music, affirmations, crystals, and conscious care in the cultivation process. The conversation closes with the Universal Truth that speaks most strongly to him: The Universe Provides. About the Colorado Psychedelic Church The Colorado Psychedelic Church is a Colorado Springs-based spiritual community centered on two core forms of resonance: connection with sacred medicines and connection with one another. The church teaches that healing is not meant to happen in isolation, and that community itself is part of the sacrament. The church's spiritual framework includes the Three Universal Truths: Revere the self Embrace the communal experience The universe provides Gatherings include sermons, lounge nights, community conversations, art-based events, demographic-specific groups, and guided opportunities to approach natural medicine with intention, safety, and reverence. The church also emphasizes harm reduction, spiritual responsibility, and building a real-world community where people can find support, belonging, and meaningful healing. Olaz serves as Chief Mycologist, helping cultivate sacrament for the community with an emphasis on quality, consistency, and spiritual intention. Contact & Learn More Colorado Psychedelic Church Colorado Springs, Colorado Website: coloradopsychedelicchurch.com Through the website, you can: Learn more about the church View upcoming events Reach out with questions Connect through the Discord community Subscribe & Share If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who needs a more honest view of what these medicines can be… not just the beauty, but the responsibility. And if you've ever struggled to make sense of a difficult experience, this story is a powerful reminder that the right support can change everything.

This conversation with Ash… also known as Maskiss… is about far more than art. It's about what happens when someone pours spirit into color, character, music, and creation… and then finds a community that actually sees it. Ash shares the long arc of being an artist from the very beginning of life, the strange and beautiful influences that shaped their style, and the way their inner world became populated with vivid beings, protectors, singers, painters, and living symbols of connection. That energy now lives inside the Colorado Psychedelic Church's art cards… not just as decoration, but as something intentional, relational, and deeply alive. The conversation also moves into Ash's healing journey. Cannabis became an early doorway to feeling, clarity, and self-recognition in the middle of abuse, fear, and isolation. Mushrooms later opened a different kind of space… one filled with overwhelming sensation, vision, vulnerability, and artistic fuel. Throughout it all, art remained the thread… the place where pain could become meaning, where confusion could become character, and where spirit could become visible. There's also a beautiful truth running underneath everything Ash says: Being seen matters. Being welcomed matters. And sometimes the first step toward healing is simply finding a space where your gifts are not only accepted… but needed. Key Themes & Moments Ash's lifelong relationship with drawing and visual storytelling A style shaped by vibrant color, creatures, fantasy, horror, and worldbuilding Pokémon, Silent Hill, and other early influences How Ash found the church while looking for a safe way to connect with mushrooms Why the website, Discord, and art channel immediately felt right Becoming the community's resident artist through the art card project The meaning behind Maskiss, Art the Painter, and Sample the Singer Creating art as a spiritual act… and characters as living companions Why physical creative space matters so much Painting With a Trip as a place of shared focus, energy, and belonging Cannabis as an early medicine for clarity, feeling, and survival The role cannabis played in helping Ash recognize and leave abuse Mushrooms as overwhelming, transformative, and creatively catalytic Art as the place where difficult experiences get metabolized and transformed The importance of being heard, being seen, and letting people prove they care About Ash Ash uses they/them pronouns and also goes by Maskiss. They are the Colorado Psychedelic Church's resident artist and the creator behind the current art card series used within the community. Their work blends color, creature design, painterly energy, spiritual symbolism, and deep emotional intention Ash also helps lead the creative spirit of the community through Painting With a Trip, where congregants gather to make art together in a shared, welcoming space. Contact & Learn More To see Ash's work, learn more about the church, or get connected with the community: Colorado Psychedelic Church Website: coloradopsychedelicchurch.com You can also join the Discord through the website to connect with the community and explore the art channel. If you're interested in Ash's work, commissions, or future art collaborations through the church, reaching out through the website is the best place to start. Subscribe & Share If this conversation stirred something in you… especially if you're an artist, a creator, or someone who has been waiting for a space where your sensitivity is a strength… share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you've been looking for a place where your voice, your vision, and your weirdness might actually belong… This might be it.

This conversation unfolds in two powerful movements… first, a behind-the-scenes look at Thaumaturgist Julian's journey into DMT work, and second, a firsthand account of the kind of healing that can emerge when someone steps fully into the experience. Dez sits down with Julian to explore how an intense and overwhelming early encounter with DMT became a turning point—not just personally, but in shaping how he now supports others. What began as disorientation and ego dissolution evolved into clarity, discipline, and a deep respect for the responsibility of facilitation. From there, the perspective shifts. Julian steps into the interviewer role as Sam shares a deeply emotional breakthrough following a multi-day journey. What starts as curiosity turns into something far more personal… an unexpected reunion with his late mother, offering closure, forgiveness, and a sense of peace that had been missing for over a year. Together, these two conversations reveal both sides of the work… the one who guides, and the one who receives. And in both cases, the same truth emerges: You don't always get what you're looking for… but you might get exactly what you need. Key Themes & Moments Part 1 — Dez & Thaumaturgist Julian Julian's first overwhelming DMT experience and ego dissolution How "too much" became an essential teacher Learning dosage, safety, and responsibility as a facilitator The difference between NN-DMT and 5-MeO-DMT Visual experiences vs. internal knowing Why DMT can feel more familiar than everyday reality Letting go of expectations before entering a journey Supporting others through unpredictable experiences Part 2 — Julian & Sam A three-day progression: reintroduction, deep immersion, breakthrough Comparing ayahuasca with smokable DMT experiences The shift from visual exploration to emotional healing A profound encounter with Sam's late mother Processing grief, forgiveness, and missed goodbyes The emotional weight of unexpected closure Why psychedelic experiences often deliver what's needed—not requested Integration and the lasting impact of a single moment Contact & Learn More Colorado Psychedelic Church Colorado Springs, Colorado Website: coloradopsychedelicchurch.com Subscribe & Share If this conversation gave you a new perspective on healing, grief, or the nature of consciousness… Share it with someone who's exploring their own path—or someone who might need to hear that healing can come in unexpected ways. Follow the podcast for more conversations with clergy and real stories from within the community. Because sometimes the most important journeys… are the ones you never planned to take.

In this special episode of the Colorado Psychedelic Church Podcast, Teopixqui Dez and Bondsmith Rich sit down with three rising leaders in the community — Bahn Fasa Maya, Bondsmith Rich, and Pa'Dré — to explore what brought them to the church, what healing they found here, and what it means to step into clergy. From depression and isolation to belonging and purpose, each story reveals a different path into the PACK Life community. Maya shares how mushrooms brought her through the door, but people brought her back. Rich reflects on finding safety, self-reverence, and home in community. Pa'Dré speaks about anxiety, cannabis, Brotherhood, and finally finding his place after years of searching. The episode also includes live audio from their ordinations at the church's two-year anniversary celebration, where each is formally recognized in the light of one of the Universal Truths. This is an episode about recognition, healing, and what happens when people stop trying to fit in — and start realizing they already have a seat at the table. In This Episode Bahn Fasa Maya Bringing mushrooms to the church as her first introduction Instantly recognizing she had found her tribe Living with major depressive disorder for decades Finding real relief through ketamine, then psilocybin Why community matters just as much as medicine Stepping into a clergy role as a steady, wise, gentle presence Helping lead Golden Teachers and Sisterhood Bringing momentum through projects like composting, gardening, and Pride outreach Bondsmith Rich Finding home the moment he fell asleep safely on the couch during lounge night Moving from introversion and social anxiety into real connection Discovering spirituality through the church community Healing through mushrooms after divorce Learning to revere the self and recognize his own divinity Becoming a steady, protective presence for the community Pa'Dré Finding the church through Brotherhood and Psychedelics after moving from Arizona Looking for connection, healing, and an alternative to antidepressants and anxiety meds Using cannabis to quiet anxiety and function socially Building deep friendship and chosen family through the church Helping start the Grow Bros cultivation work Embracing the third Universal Truth: the universe provides Included in This Episode Bahn Fasa Maya's ordination in the light of the Second Universal Truth Bondsmith Rich's ordination in the light of the First Universal Truth Pa'Dré's ordination in the light of the Third Universal Truth A glimpse into the church's second anniversary celebration Cake. Obviously. Contact & Learn More Colorado Psychedelic Church Colorado Springs, Colorado Website: coloradopsychedelicchurch.com Subscribe & Share If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs to be reminded that healing doesn't have to happen alone. Subscribe to the Colorado Psychedelic Church Podcast for sermons, clergy interviews, ordinations, and PACK Life stories from the community. And as always — The universe provides, and we revel within.

In this deeply personal episode, Oracle Richard sits down with Teopixqui Dez, spiritual director of the Colorado Psychedelic Church, to explore the story behind the person who helped build the community. From growing up gay in Texas with fiercely supportive parents, to struggles with depression and burnout, to discovering healing through entheogens, Dez shares the life experiences that ultimately shaped the creation of the church. This conversation dives into family, identity, polyamory, psychology, spirituality, and the moment that transformed curiosity into calling. Along the way, Dez reflects on the people who shaped his path — including veteran and early church member Harry Tuff, whose belief in the mission continues to influence the community today. More than just a biography, this episode explores the philosophy behind PACK Life: revering the self, embracing the communal experience, and recognizing the divinity within every person. If you've ever wondered who Dez is, where the church came from, or what fuels its momentum — this is the story. In This Episode Growing up queer in Texas with supportive parents The influence of Jewish and Mexican heritage School struggles, bullying, and formative family moments Life with siblings and discovering hidden family history Living polyamorously and redefining love Studying psychology and working in mental health Why the mental health system burned him out Life as a gig worker and traveling across the country The unexpected path through tea, chocolate, and entrepreneurship Discovering healing through psilocybin mushrooms The moment that sparked the creation of the church The powerful influence of veteran community member Harry Tuff The meaning behind the title Teopixqui Why the church emphasizes community over hierarchy The difference between sacred and recreational entheogen use Preventing ego and power from corrupting spiritual leadership How clergy are recognized and ordained within the church The hopes and fears for the church's future Why momentum — not buildings — is what truly sustains the mission Contact & Learn More Colorado Psychedelic Church Colorado Springs, Colorado Website: coloradopsychedelicchurch.com Subscribe & Share If this episode helped you understand the heart behind the Colorado Psychedelic Church, consider sharing it with someone who might be curious about the community. Subscribe to the podcast to hear sermons, clergy interviews, and stories from the PACK Life community. And as always — The universe provides, and we revel within.

What does love actually mean? In this sermon, Teopixqui Dez reframes love as something far more accessible — and far more powerful — than romance or sentimentality. Love isn't rare. It isn't fragile. It isn't something to hoard. It's normal. It's active. It's thinking of someone when you have no reason to. It's protecting yourself from your own self-criticism. It's choosing to love yourself on the hard days, not just the easy ones. This episode also includes breakout group audio led by Bondsmith Rich and Threadkeeper Sara, where members of the community share raw stories of healing, forgiveness, addiction recovery, suicidal ideation, and learning what it truly means to revere the self. In This Episode: Sermon with Teopixqui Dez Creating safety by physically showing up for community "Love is thinking about you when I have no reason to" Why we pedestalize love and make it inaccessible Love as something meant to be shared, not hoarded Loving yourself on hard days — not just easy ones Divine intervention through everyday action Love beyond romance — intimacy within community Does your faith come from love? Breakout Audio: Bondsmith Rich (The Veil) Bondsmith Rich shares his journey from divorce, depression, and deep resentment to forgiveness and self-love through sacrament and community. The group explores: Healing emotional pain that traditional therapy couldn't fully resolve Alcohol recovery and breaking addiction cycles Letting go of suicidal ideation Rebuilding identity after loss Finding safety in community Speaking up and claiming space How sacrament helped reduce fear of death Raw, unfiltered testimony about transformation and resilience. Breakout Audio: Threadkeeper Sara (The Green Room) Threadkeeper Sara leads a powerful conversation on revering the self beyond surface-level self-care. Letting go of self-punishment disguised as morality Releasing perfectionism and unrealistic standards Learning to love yourself the way you love others Understanding that you are not "different" — you are human Everyday acts of embodied self-love Choosing intentional practices of reverence Homework: select an act of self-love and tell someone This discussion moves self-love from theory into daily practice. About the Colorado Psychedelic Church Website: coloradopsychedelicchurch.com Location: Colorado Springs Weekly sermons with Teopixqui Dez, clergy-led discussions, lounge nights, sacramental gatherings, and integration-centered community. Subscribe & Share Follow the Colorado Psychedelic Church Podcast for sermons, clergy stories, and PACK Life conversations. If this message resonated — especially if you're learning to love yourself on the hard days — share it with someone who needs to hear that love is not scarce… and it isn't reserved for romance. Love is normal. Practice it.

In this sermon, Teopixqui Dez introduces the newly published Book of PACK Life and explores what it means to move from personal spirituality into shared religion. Built on the foundation of the Universal Truths, this message unpacks the seven psyches that allow a community to thrive ... especially the difference between the Guardian and the Warden. Through humor, conviction, and clarity, this sermon challenges the idea of empty cooperation and calls for something stronger: love with a backbone, kindness with teeth, and a community rooted in both protection and accountability. In This Sermon: Why showing up matters — community is lived Introducing The Book of PACK Life as doctrine Spirituality leading into religion (not the other way around) The Three Universal Truths: Revere the self Embrace the communal experience The universe provides Why cooperation must be meaningful — not kumbaya complacency Naming harm without becoming hateful The origins of the "First Pack" The seven psyches that help communities thrive Guardian vs. Warden — passive and active protection Sword and shield as complementary roles Why personality traits matter in spiritual growth The danger of becoming the very thing we oppose Building strength without becoming warmongers About the Colorado Psychedelic Church Website: coloradopsychedelicchurch.com Location: Colorado Springs Weekly sermons, Full Moon gatherings, clergy-led discussions, and ceremonies The Book of PACK Life is now available on the website. Subscribe & Share Follow the Colorado Psychedelic Church Podcast for weekly sermons, clergy interviews, and PACK Life teachings. If this message resonated with you, share it with someone interested in community-building, spiritual growth, or understanding their role within a larger movement. Community is lived. Keep showing up.