#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. Episode Timestamps: 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 Our Amazing Sponsors: Nature's Marvels - Thymus & Pineal BioRegulators - The Thymus Bioregulator helps keep immune response balanced and small human studies in older adults link it with healthier immune markers and fewer seasonal respiratory issues. The Pineal Bioregulator supports your natural melatonin/circadian rhythm—key when schedules and daylight change—so you get the kind of sleep that underpins immune resilience. Head to profound-health.com and use code LONGEVITY15 for 15% off your first order. BTS2 Sunlamp by Mitolux - When your skin makes vitamin D from UVB light, it also creates natural companion molecules that help your body use it smarter—so you're not just boosting levels, you're activating your biology the way nature intended. Visit mitolux.com/NAT10. You'll receive 10% off! NAT10 will be automatically applied at checkout. NEW Timeline Gummies: Urolithin A supports muscle strength and cellular energy. It's about improving how your body functions at the source. Mitopure is the only clinically proven Urolithin A, giving you six times more than you'd get from a glass of pomegranate juice. Visit Timeline.com/nat20 and use code nat20 for 20% off your purchase. Timeline.com/nat20 Nat's Links: YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter Instagram Facebook Group