Ep289 Psychedelics Won't Save You, (but they can help) with Bio Chemist Shawn Wells

Transformative Power of Psychedelics with bio chemist, dietician and best selling author, Shawn Wells 

Shawn Wells MPH, LDN, RD, CISSN, FISSN is the world’s leading nutritional biochemist and expert on Health Optimization. He has formulated over 1000 supplements, food, beverages, and cosmeceuticals and patented 25 novel ingredients and is now known as the Ingredientologist - the scientist of ingredients. Formerly a Chief Clinical Dietitian with over a decade of clinical experience, he has counseled thousands of people on natural health solutions such as keto, paleo, fasting, and supplements. He has also personally overcome various health issues including Epstein-Barr Virus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, depression, insomnia, obesity, and a pituitary tumor. As a world-renowned thought-leader on mitochondrial health, he has been paid to speak on five different continents. His insights have been prominently featured in documentaries, nationally syndicated radio programs and regularly on morning television. His expertise can help any health-conscious individual to better manage stress and experience higher performance and more energy through utilizing his practical wholistic solutions.

Shawn shares his personal journey from battling imposter syndrome and suicidal thoughts to discovering self-love through psychedelic experiences.

The episode explores the importance of safety, integration, and the impact of psychedelics on personal and professional growth. Shawn offers insights into optimizing brain health, supplements, and creating an environment conducive to healing and growth.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Reflections

00:22 Welcome to the Psychedelic Coach Podcast

01:10 Meet Shawn Wells: Accomplishments and Identity

02:44 The Turning Point: Embracing Psychedelics

07:55 The First Psychedelic Experience

09:37 Realizations and Integration

13:03 The Journey of Healing and Growth

24:37 The Importance of Safety in Psychedelic Spaces

28:52 Exploring Parazanthine and Brain Health

48:32 Exploring Mitochondrial Health

52:29 Understanding Neuroplasticity and Microdosing

56:59 The Power of Echo Dosing

01:03:06 Navigating Emotional States 

01:07:35 The Truth About Supplements

01:12:29 Parazanthine: The New Energy Booster

01:14:37 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Overcoming the Past: The Weight of Achievements

Shawn candidly opens up about his past, marked by trauma and an excessive drive for achievement. Despite a successful career, with numerous patented ingredients and a bestselling biohacking book, Shawn reveals that his accomplishments were once tied to conditional love and recognition. It was during his first psychedelic journey that he realized he was worthy of unconditional love. This epiphany became the cornerstone of his transformation.

The Turning Point: Embracing Psychedelics

Inspired by thought leaders like Tim Ferriss and Dave Asprey, Ben Greenfield Shawn ventured into the psychedelic realm. His first experience, facilitated by Tah and Kole, was both terrifying and enlightening. Surrounded by warmth and acceptance, Shawn experienced a profound shift—learning he could be loved simply for being himself.

Integration: The Ongoing Process

The psychedelic experience was a catalyst, but Shawn emphasizes the importance of integration. Post-ceremony efforts involved distancing from unsupportive relationships, embracing conscious uncoupling, and reevaluating career choices. These changes, along with ongoing self-work and facilitated sessions, helped Shawn develop deeper relationships and inner peace.

Science Meets Spirituality: Enhancing Experiences

As a formulator, Shawn began exploring how supplements could augment psychedelic journeys. By focusing on brain health and neuroplasticity, he developed stacks that aid in pre and post-journey integration. Parazanthine, a caffeine metabolite, is one such compound that supports cognitive function and energy without the typical side effects of caffeine.

Creating Safe Spaces: The Role of a Facilitator

Shawn's journey highlights the value of skilled facilitation in processing trauma and enhancing psychedelic experiences. He stresses the need for facilitators to create environments that promote safety and acceptance, allowing participants to explore their inner depths without fear.

Evolving the Path: The Echo Dosing Concept

Shawn introduces the concept of echo dosing—microdosing with elements of past transformative experiences to reinforce the gains made. By integrating sensory triggers like music and aromas from the original journey, individuals can deepen their integration and continue personal growth in their daily lives.