Journey Through the Jungle: Lauren Tancredi’s Master Plant Dieta Experience
In This Episode:Host Kiera Hanselman sits down with co-host Lauren Tancredi for a deeply personal conversation about her recent Master Plant Dieta experience in the Peruvian jungle at Shamanflora. Lauren opens up about:🌿 What is a Master Plant Dieta? The ancient Amazonian practice of working with plants like Bobinsana and Ayahuasca for profound healing and transformation.🌿 Solitude and Self-Reflection: How spending eight days alone in the jungle with minimal distractions allowed her to connect deeply with her inner self.🌿 Grief, Healing, and Release: Facing suppressed emotions, processing grief, and finding unexpected peace in letting go.🌿 Plant Allies and Protection: The importance of building spiritual allies for both personal healing and holding space for others in ceremony.🌿 Integration: The challenge of returning to everyday life after a transformative experience and practical advice for integrating deep healing work.
Key Takeaways:✨ Healing often requires sitting with discomfort before transformation happens.✨ Solitude can be a powerful teacher if we allow ourselves to be fully present.✨ The psychoactive experiences of plant medicines can help dissolve limiting beliefs and expand consciousness.✨ Integration is just as important as the ceremony itself—it’s where real transformation happens.
Where to Find Lauren:
🌿 Instagram:@thezencurious
🌿 Website: One Healing Breath;The Zen Curious
Learn More About Shamanflora in Peru:
🌿 Instagram:@shamanflora
If you enjoyed this episode:💫 Share it with a friend💫 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify💫 Subscribe for more conversations on healing, plant medicine, and personal growth.
In This Episode:In this heartfelt episode of The Zen Curious, Kiera Hanselman sits down with sound healer Carol Christensen ofSound Resonance. Together, they explore:
Where to Find Carol:🌿 Wild Women Workshop Tickets:Eventbrite Link
Ximena Garcia is a dedicatedKambo practitioner, plant medicine facilitator, and the founder of Shaman Flora. With years of experience guiding individuals through profound healing journeys, she has committed her life to working with traditional Amazonian medicines likeKambo and Ayahuasca. Ximena helps people reconnect with theirbody, mind, and spirit, overcome trauma, and embrace self-healing as a lifelong practice. She is passionate about honoring indigenous traditions while making these transformative tools accessible for modern seekers.
🌱 In This Episode, We Explore:
✔️What is Kambo? The Amazonian frog secretion medicine & how it supports deep detoxification & energetic alignment.
✔️Healing Through Discomfort: Why leaning into pain and discomfort is the key to true transformation.
✔️Determining the Right Medicine for You: How to know if you should work with Kambo, Ayahuasca, or both.
✔️Spiritual Detox & Trauma Release: The connection between emotional trauma and physical illness—and how plant medicine can facilitate healing.
✔️A Miraculous Healing Story: A woman’s journey from being diagnosed with blood cancer to full healing through a dedicated Kambo practice.
✔️The Self-Healing Journey: How Ximena teaches people to take ownership of their healing through her training and mentorship.
✔️The Power of Intention in Healing: Why belief and trust play a crucial role in the effectiveness of plant medicine.
Want to learn more? You can connect with Ximena here:
🔗 VisitShaman Flora:shamanflora.com
📩Contact Ximena:info@shamanflora.com
📱Follow Ximena on Socials:Instagram
In this episode ofThe Zen Curious, I sit down withJohn Shaw, son of the lateMary Sparrowdancer, author ofThe Love Song of the Universe. Mary was a writer, visionary, and spiritual seeker whose book detailed hernear-death experience, encounters with Indigenous spirits and Jesus, and her belief that divine love is encoded in our DNA.
✨ Episode Highlights
📖The Love Song of the Universe – A book that transcends religion. How this book changed perspectives on spirituality and personal awakening.
🎶The Song in Our DNA – What does it mean that divine love is literally encoded in us? How does this concept align withquantum science, epigenetics, and sound healing?
💭Fluoride & Spiritual Suppression – Mary believed fluoride calcifies thepineal gland, blocking access to higher consciousness. We connect this toRFK Jr.’s concerns about fluoride’s impact on IQ and neurological function.
🧬Healing & Vibrational Energy – How modern science is catching up to ancient wisdom onsound frequencies, DNA reprogramming, and spiritual awakening.
⚖Living Outside the Mainstream – The challenges of walking an unconventional path, and what Mary’s journey can teach us aboutstaying true to our spiritual experiences.
📖The Love Song of the Universe (2001, Hampton Roads) –Read the Free PDF Here.
📜The Gospel of Judas, Barbelo & Long-Kept Secrets – Mary’s article on fluoride, hidden knowledge, and spiritual awakening.
🧠RFK Jr. on fluoride & cognitive function –
🔹2019 JAMA Pediatrics Study – Found that fluoride exposure during pregnancy correlates withlower IQ in children.
🔹National Toxicology Program Report – Confirmed fluoride as aneurotoxin affecting cognitive development.
In this powerful episode of The Zen Curious Podcast, we sit down with Omar M’Rabet Gomez, a renowned shaman, healer, and founder of Quantum Soul Journey. With decades of experience in plant medicine, sacred ceremonies, and spiritual healing, Omar shares his journey from cave diving and corporate law to becoming a guide for deep healing and transformation.
🌿 Topics Covered:
What peace truly means and how to cultivate it
The role of fear in our healing process and how to move beyond it
How Omar went from scuba diving 350 feet underwater to leading Ayahuasca ceremonies in the Amazon
The Seven Pillars of Ceremony and why setting, intention, and integration are key
The difference between healing with plant medicine vs. seeking a quick fix
How to choose the right facilitator and avoid unsafe practices in the plant medicine space
Why integration is the real work after a plant medicine experience
🌎 Connect with Omar & Quantum Soul Journey:
🔗 Website: thequantumsoul.love
📩 Email: hello@thequantumsoul.love
📖 Learn about the Seven Pillars of Ceremony → [Link to PDF]
💬 Have you explored plant medicine or spiritual healing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Welcome back to The Zen Curious Podcast! In this episode, we are diving deep into the power of breathwork, healing, and spiritual transformation with the incredible Melissa Terese.
Melissa shares her personal journey from feeling lost and disconnected to finding healing, empowerment, and purpose through breathwork and energy practices. From her life-changing experience at a Sedona retreat to discovering breath as a tool for transformation, Melissa brings so much wisdom and insight into how we can tap into our own innate power.
✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:🌬️ Melissa’s first powerful experience with breathwork—and how it healed her in ways she never imagined.🌎 The connection between breath, energy, and emotional healing—how we store emotions in our body and how to release them.💡 Why self-care is soul-care—and why taking care of yourself is the key to showing up for others.🔮 The role of spiritual tools like the medicine wheel, sound healing, and conscious awareness in navigating life's challenges.🧘♀️ How to use breathwork in daily life to create more peace, balance, and clarity.
Melissa also introduces Google Spirit—her approach to using technology as a spiritual tool for self-discovery and intuition. And we even touch on the role of AI and technology in spreading positive energy and wisdom!
🔥 Don’t miss this powerful conversation—your breath is a tool for transformation, and this episode will inspire you to use it! 🔥
Connect with Melissa:🌎 Website: breathworkworldwide.com📧 Email: Melissa@breathworkworldwide.com📲 Instagram & TikTok: @BreathWorkWorldwide
In this episode of The Zen Curious Podcast, Kiera and Lauren sit down with Staci Farrah, a movement expert, somatic coach, and breathwork practitioner, whose inspiring journey of healing and self-discovery has touched countless lives. From her early years as a dancer to co-founding Midtown Movement & Medicine, Staci shares her transformative story of finding peace within herself and creating pathways for others to do the same.
In this deeply insightful conversation, we explore:
The power of movement to process emotions and heal from past traumas.
How breathwork can unlock inner peace and alter states of consciousness.
Practical tools for emotional release and building a deeper connection with yourself.
The importance of embracing all parts of yourself, even the messy and uncomfortable ones.
Staci’s personal journey through loss, resilience, and building a community of healing.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, this episode is for you. Join us as we uncover the practices that can help you reconnect with your body, calm your mind, and invite peace into your life.
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Staci:Connect on InstagramMidtown Movement & Medicine
In this episode Kiera and Lauren welcome Lydia Riedell, an inspiring healer , sound practitioner and Reiki Master, to share her journey and the profound impact of Reiki on personal and collective transformation. Lydia opens up about her experiences with Reiki, the practice of energy healing, and how it meets individuals exactly where they are on their journey.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Lydia's first experience with Reiki and how it set her on a life-changing path.
What Reiki is and how it supports healing and personal growth.
Practical ways to integrate Reiki into your daily life.
How to find a Reiki practitioner or teacher and begin your own energy healing journey.
Lydia’s gentle wisdom and deep reverence for this healing practice will leave you inspired to explore your own path to peace. Whether you’re new to Reiki or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement.
In this special episode of The Zen Curious Podcast, Kiera Hanselman sits down with her 11-year-old son, Maximus, to explore the incredible world of emotions through the lens of a child. Together, they dive into what it means to navigate big feelings, handle challenges, and build emotional intelligence from a young age.
Max shares how he processes emotions like anger, sadness, and joy, how he finds balance in expressing his feelings, and what it means to take ownership of his experiences. This heartfelt conversation reminds us all of the power of emotional awareness and the importance of creating safe spaces to feel fully.
Key Moments in This Episode:
Max’s strategy for handling difficult emotions and moving through them.
The surprising wisdom behind how kids process and manage their feelings.
How emotional intelligence supports resilience and personal growth.
The role of self-compassion and curiosity in navigating emotions.
Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or simply someone who wants to reconnect with your own emotional awareness, this episode will leave you inspired to approach emotions with curiosity and grace.
Links and Resources:
Let us know your favorite part of the episode, and don’t forget to leave a review! We’re so grateful to have you here on this journey.
As we say goodbye to 2024, this episode is all about helping you reflect on the year behind you and intentionally plan for the year ahead. Kiera and Lauren share a simple 3-step exercise to guide you:
Reflect—Answer the questions to celebrate your wins and explore areas for growth.
Vision & Value Setting—Define how you want to show up in 2025.
Choose Your Values—Pick 3-5 words to serve as a guide for your decisions in the new year.
Remember, as life changes, you can always revisit this exercise to realign.
✨ Resources:
Brene Brown’s Values List
7-Day Awareness Challenge—Download here to kickstart your 2025 with clarity and mindfulness.
Thank you for being part of The Zen Curious family this year. Here’s to growth, alignment, and lots of curiosity in 2025!
In this engaging episode of The Zen Curious, we explore the often-overlooked yet transformative power of play and imagination in our lives. Kiera and Lauren delve deep into their personal challenges and breakthroughs around embracing play as adults. Together, they discuss how societal expectations can condition us to abandon joy, and why reconnecting with our inner child and allowing for silliness can bring about profound healing and authentic self-connection. Learn practical ways to bring more joy into your everyday life—from music and movement to creative exploration—and how play can fuel your creativity, self-worth, and genuine connections with others. This episode is a heartfelt reminder to fill your cup with moments of pure joy, for yourself and those around you.
In this episode of Zen Curious, we dive into a topic that resonates with so many of us—progress over perfection. Join us as we discuss how our obsession with perfection can hold us back and why embracing the journey is far more rewarding than reaching an elusive ideal. Through our own experiences, we share stories of overcoming perfectionist tendencies, learning from our mistakes, and finding value in growth, not just outcomes. From parenting and work to personal passions, discover how letting go of perfection can lead to greater joy, creativity, and authentic self-expression. We hope you’ll find encouragement to take those first imperfect steps toward your goals, wherever you are in your journey. Let’s embrace the beauty of imperfection together!
What I learned from 100 days of rejection | Jia Jiang | TED
In this episode of The Zen Curious, Kiera sits down with co-host Lauren Tancredi to dive deep into the world of plant medicine, ceremony, and personal transformation. They explore the historical roots and cultural traditions surrounding plant medicine, the differences between intentional ceremonial use and recreational experiences, and the role of facilitators in guiding safe and meaningful journeys.
Lauren shares her personal experiences with plant medicine and upcoming adventures in the Peruvian jungle, offering insights into the transformative process of pre-ceremony preparation, the ceremony itself, and post-ceremony integration. Together, they discuss how plant medicine can support healing, expanded consciousness, and a journey of remembrance back to one's true self. If you’ve ever been curious about the power and potential of plant medicine, this episode is a must-listen.
Resources:
https://rainforesthealingcenter.com/photos/
In this episode, Kiera and Lauren delve into the complex and often misunderstood world of emotions. They discuss how emotions are essentially energy in motion and stress the importance of allowing these energies to flow through the body without judgment or suppression. The conversation highlights the challenge many people face in naming and understanding their emotions, particularly when societal conditioning has taught them to avoid feelings like anger, sadness, or vulnerability. Kiera and Lauren share personal experiences and practical techniques for emotional processing, such as identifying triggers, setting emotional boundaries, and practicing self-compassion. They also discuss how deepening emotional awareness can help break patterns of reactivity and bring greater balance and peace into one's life.
In this episode, Kiera and Lauren discuss the profound impact that our thoughts have on shaping our experiences and realities. They explore the concept of the inner critic and the role of conditioned thinking in perpetuating limiting beliefs. Through personal stories and insights from practices like meditation and mindfulness, the hosts demonstrate how becoming an observer of one’s thoughts can help disrupt negative patterns and foster a healthier mindset. The discussion covers techniques for distinguishing between the egoic mind and the true self, reframing limiting thoughts, and using awareness practices to transform mental habits. The episode serves as a reminder that while thoughts can create powerful narratives, we have the ability to reshape those narratives through conscious awareness and intentional action.
This episode examines the role of judgment in our lives and how it often acts as a mirror for our own insecurities. Kiera and Lauren discuss how judgment towards others can be a reflection of internal struggles, such as self-criticism or fear of inadequacy. They share personal stories about how growing up in judgment-heavy environments shaped their views and discuss the negative effects of social comparison, especially in the age of social media. The hosts suggest shifting from judgment to curiosity as a more compassionate approach to understanding others, and they provide practical tips for becoming aware of judgmental thoughts and reframing them. The episode emphasizes that judgment can serve as an invitation to explore one’s own beliefs and conditioning, leading to deeper self-awareness and healing.
In this heartfelt episode, Kiera and Lauren explore the profound effects of cultivating a gratitude practice, particularly during challenging times. They discuss how gratitude acts as a powerful tool for shifting focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in life. The conversation addresses the natural tendency to get caught up in negative emotions, especially when facing stress, grief, or adversity. By sharing personal stories of using gratitude to navigate difficult moments, Kiera and Lauren illustrate how simple practices, such as writing in a gratitude journal or pausing to appreciate life’s small blessings, can have a lasting impact on emotional well-being. The episode encourages listeners to find their own ways to integrate gratitude into daily life, whether through journaling, meditation, or mindful appreciation of the present moment.
In this episode of The Zen Curious, Lauren is asking the questions and listeners are invited to get to know co-host Kiera Hanselman on a more personal level. Kiera shares her journey of self-discovery, discussing the concepts of radical responsibility and self-compassion. Through moments from her own life, Kiera reflects on how taking ownership of her actions and choices transformed her path, and she explores ways to ease self-criticism, redefine personal success, and live from a place of gratitude. This episode is a powerful reminder of the impact of self-awareness and kindness as foundational tools for personal empowerment.
In this episode of The Zen Curious, listeners get a closer look at co-host Lauren Tancredi’s journey toward self-discovery. Lauren opens up about reconnecting with her intuitive self and how embracing play has been a powerful pathway to growth. Together with Kiera, they explore the impact of societal expectations on our inner guidance, the role of food and lifestyle choices in nurturing intuition, and why play is essential for finding balance. Lauren’s personal stories, from moments of deep self-reflection to overcoming the pressures of productivity, inspire us to find joy and freedom beyond external expectations.
In this debut episode, hosts Kiera Hanselman and Lauren Tancredi introduce The Zen Curious and share their personal journeys of self-awareness and spiritual awakening. The episode sets the tone for the podcast by exploring the often overlooked gaps between mind, body, and spirit in our everyday lives, especially within the healthcare field where both hosts have significant experience. Kiera and Lauren discuss how living on autopilot left them feeling unfulfilled and disconnected, and they share the transformative power of tuning into one's "internal GPS" for guidance. The episode invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and encourages curiosity about the deeper aspects of existence beyond just external achievements and societal expectations. Key themes include the importance of mindfulness, the healing power of sound, and the role of personal stories in shaping our paths toward inner peace.