Minds on Mushrooms

Unlocking the Critical Learning Period: How to Transform Your Mind & Life

Welcome to a new segment of Maggie on Mushrooms! I’m excited to bring you these shorter, focused episodes where we dive into powerful concepts designed to help you on your healing and transformation journey. This segment is all about sharing practical insights and tools that you can immediately apply to your life.
 
In this video, I dive into a powerful concept that can change your life—The Critical Learning Period. It’s that special window of time when your mind and body are incredibly open to transformation, ready to create new connections, habits, and perspectives. This heightened state of learning is often associated with psychedelics like psilocybin, but it can also be accessed through meditation, breathwork, creative flow states, emotional breakthroughs, and even deep somatic therapy.
 
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have been studying how psilocybin can enhance neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize and create new neural pathways. Their studies show that when psychedelics are used with intention and integration, the brain’s capacity for change and healing is amplified. But here’s the catch: The magic isn’t just in the breakthrough itself; it’s in the integration. It's about turning insight into true embodiment, creating lasting change, and transforming how you show up in the world.
 
💡 What You’ll Learn:
 
• What the Critical Learning Period is and how it works.
 
• Powerful ways to activate this window of transformation (psychedelics, meditation, breathwork, creativity, and more).
 
• Why integration is EVERYTHING and how to do it effectively.
 
• How I can help you tap into your Critical Learning Period to create real, sustainable change.
 
If this speaks to you, trust that feeling. Book an alignment call with me here: https://www.mindsonmushrooms.com/calendly-1
Let’s work together to make your transformation a lasting reality.
 
✨ Have you experienced a Critical Learning Period recently? Drop a comment below! I’d love to hear your story.
 
#CriticalLearningPeriod #Transformation #Psychedelics #Psilocybin #Neuroplasticity #Integration #HealingJourney #PersonalGrowth #Consciousness #Breathwork #Meditation #JohnsHopkinsStudy #MaggieOnMushrooms

Can Microdosing Help Seniors? Aging & Awakening with Robert Hildreth

In this episode of Minds on Mushrooms, I sit down with Robert Hildreth, a passionate advocate for teaching seniors the skill of microdosing. With years of experience in psychedelic medicine—including ayahuasca, psilocybin, and wachuma ceremonies—Robert brings hard-earned wisdom from his own trials and tribulations with these powerful substances.
His journey hasn’t been without challenges. After an unnerving LSD experience where set, setting, and personal circumstances led to an overwhelming and disorienting trip, Robert questioned whether he would ever take psychedelics again.
It wasn’t until 2017 that he reapproached psilocybin and LSD with a new perspective, gaining a deeper understanding of preparation, integration, and responsible use. Now, he’s committed to sharing his lessons, helping seniors safely explore microdosing as a tool for clarity, healing, and personal growth.
We recorded this conversation fresh off an immersive experience at the Psychedelic Coaching Institute Intensive in Costa Rica—one of the most transformative journeys of our lives. Together, we reflect on what we learned, how psychedelics continue to shape our personal evolution, and why microdosing can be a powerful bridge to well-being at any stage of life.
🔊 Tune in for wisdom, personal revelations, and a conversation that bridges generations through the power of plant medicine.
🎧 Minds On Mushrooms is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify!
For more information on Robert and his services please visit: https://paperbell.me/robert-hildreth https://www.instagram.com/roberthildre/

Minnesota’s First Kava Lounge: How Psychedelics Inspired a Sanctuary for Human Connection

In this episode, I sit down with Navid Amini, the visionary behind Zen Room Kava Lounge—the first kava lounge in Minnesota. Navid made a bold and unexpected leap, walking away from his career as a medical coroner(!) and his deep work in an AI-driven, healthcare startup to create a space for healing, storytelling, and community. At Zen Room, guests gather in an energy-filled sanctuary to share meaningful conversations over a warm, soothing cup of kava—a plant medicine known for its stress-relieving, anxiety-reducing, and socially connective properties. Navid opens up about how psilocybin and ayahuasca helped him see beyond the corporate world and into his true purpose: building something that serves people on a deeper level. This is a conversation about transformation, listening to your intuition, and taking the leap toward a more fulfilling life. If you're curious about kava, the power of plant medicines, or creating intentional community spaces, this episode is for you! 🌿✨
🎧 Listen now on Minds on Mushrooms!
Here's more on Minnesota's first Kava Lounge: https://www.zenroomkava.com/ https://www.instagram.com/zenroomkava/

Transmuting Pain Into Beauty: Mary Bue’s Journey Through Music and Medicine

It's Season Two of Minds On Mushrooms! Get ready for a soulful, inspiring ride with the fabulous Mary Bue! 🎶 This singer, songwriter, yoga teacher, and retreat creator knows how to turn life’s curveballs into music that moves the soul. We dive into Mary’s transformative journeys, her raw honesty about self-love struggles, and how she channels it all into art that’s equal parts magic and medicine. Oh, and her 9th album, The Wildness of Living and Dying, drops February 7th—don’t miss the scoop on her epic album release party! Stick around for a special treat: Mary closes the episode with a live performance of her song “The Wait” from her home piano. This one’s got heart, healing, and a whole lot of fun! 💫
More on Mary Bue: www.marybue.com
Tickets to Parkway Theater Album Release Party 2.16.25!
Support Mary on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/marybue
IG: https://www.instagram.com/marybuemusic/?hl=en
 
🌟🌟🌟 “Minds on Mushrooms” is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify 🌟🌟🌟
Please visit www.mindsonmushrooms.com for more information.

Bloom & Bliss with Zoe Klimek: Floral Essences & Healing Soundscapes

In this heartwarming episode of Minds on Mushrooms, join us for a journey through the gentle, healing energies of the gifted Zoe Klimek. Zoe is a spiritual artist who brings a unique perspective to plant medicine, reaching beyond psychedelics into the ancient world of floral essences and the magic of sound healing. Through her sweet and sentimental journey, Zoe has helped countless people find peace, calm, and connection in our chaotic world. Together, we dive into her story, her work with sacred plant wisdom, and the healing frequencies of sound. Close your eyes and relax as we wrap up with a special sound bath and meditation, designed to bring you tranquility and joy. Tune in, let go, and discover a moment of light and calm in your day! Zoë Klimek, owner of Emerald Heart Collective LLC is a Master Clinical and Community Herbalist, Placenta Encapsulator, Artist, and Intutive Energy Worker. She loves all things nature and plants and feels it’s so valuable to live a life in connection with Mother Earth’s cycles. She also enjoys creating spaces for people to gather in community and support one another along their journey.
IG: https://www.instagram.com/emeraldheartcollective_/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080376345081
www.emeraldheartcollective.com
🌟🌟🌟 “Minds on Mushrooms” is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify 🌟🌟🌟
Please visit www.mindsonmushrooms.com for more information.

Awakening Freedom: Chuchu’s Path from Control to Consciousness

In this episode of Minds on Mushrooms, we are joined by Chuchu, co-founder of Ceremonia, a legal, non-profit psilocybin and ayahuasca transformational healing center in Colorado. Chuchu shares her incredible journey—from escaping a life of control in China to achieving multi-million dollar business success in America, only to find herself sad and unfulfilled. Through psychedelics, she discovered her true calling and now helps high-level leaders awaken, heal, and manifest through creativity and connection. Ceremonia’s programs combine Eastern philosophy with cutting-edge advancements in psychology, neuroscience, and even AI. Tune in to explore Chuchu’s powerful story of freedom, transformation, and leading a life rooted in love, effortlessness, and impact.
Learn more about Ceremonia here: https://www.ceremoniacircle.org/
Discover more about Chuchu on Instagram!
Book time with Chuchu here!
#ceremonia #ceremoniacircle #psilocybinhealing #psilocybinsaves #transformation #colorado #consciousness #freedom #freedomfromcontrol #connection #connectingwiththeuniverse #universe #goinward
 

Mushrooms & Mojo: Sex, Love, and Cultivation with Sauce B

Ready to turn up the heat? In this bold episode of Minds on Mushrooms, Maggie and guest Sauce B get real about the electrifying mix of sex and psychedelics. Tune in as Sauce B spills the secrets on how mushrooms can amplify intimacy, unlock deeper emotional connections, and elevate your love life. Plus, learn the art of cultivating your own magic mushrooms from a true expert. This episode is all about passion, pleasure, and growth—both in and out of the bedroom!
 
Look for Sauce B on:
YouTube and Instagram
 
For more information on Minds On Mushrooms, please visit www.mindsonmushrooms.com
 
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From Rock Bottom to Rebirth: Michou Olivera on the Healing Power of Mushrooms

In this powerful episode of Minds on Mushrooms, we sit down with Michou Olivera, a psychedelic facilitator, researcher, advisor, public speaker, mentor, activist, and mycologist. Michou’s journey with mushrooms began at a pivotal time in her life—when she was facing homelessness and battling decades of alcohol abuse and self-destructive behaviors. Her profound transformation led her to establish Michou Olivera Psychedelic Guidance and Integration, where she now helps individuals across the country heal from trauma and addiction, uncover deep-seated wounds, and reach spiritual ascension. A passionate advocate for plant medicine, Michou shares her extensive knowledge on mushroom varieties, their effects, dosing protocols, and the vital importance of journey preparation. Through her work, Michou helps others experience the same life-changing personal and spiritual growth, healing, and conscious expansion that saved her life. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the gifts of self-realization, spirituality, and personal evolution through psychedelic healing.
Learn more about Michou Olivera and connect with her here: https://michouolivera.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michou413/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michou.olivera
🌟🌟🌟 “Minds on Mushrooms” is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify 🌟🌟🌟
Please visit www.mindsonmushrooms.com for more information

Emotional Intelligence, Healing, and Psychedelics with Sara Mueller

In this special episode of Minds on Mushrooms, host Maggie Kirkwood is joined by her longtime friend and college classmate, Sara Mueller. An emotional intelligence coach, speaker, and author of The Balanced Life Blueprint: Revive Your Marriage, Parent With Presence, and Create Feel-Good Success at Work + Home, Sara travels the country inspiring corporate leaders to embrace EQ in their professional and personal lives.
Maggie, deeply inspired by Sara’s ever-evolving healing journey, dedicates this episode to celebrating her incredible accomplishments and exploring the transformative power of emotional intelligence in navigating life’s challenges.
Together, they explore the potential of psychedelics as a new self-discovery tool that Sara is considering integrating into her work. Tune in for an empowering conversation about balance, resilience, and the power of inner growth.
Learn more about Sara and connect with her here: https://www.joydiscovered.com/
Buy her book, The Balanced Life Blueprint: Revive Your Marriage, Parent With Presence, and Create Feel-Good Success at Work + Home:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRJ6F8N9?kuid=819b38f3-ae94-41f6-a79b-8809f01b41d3&kref=qP05NwKE1SCp
For more information about Minds On Mushrooms, please visit: www.mindsonmushrooms.com
 

From Skeptic to Advocate: A Psychedelic Awakening with Karin Calde

Welcome back to another episode of Minds on Mushroom! Today, we sit down with Karin Calde, a licensed psilocybin facilitator from Portland, Oregon as she shares her personal journey into the world of psychedelics.
 
Beginning with her first guided psilocybin experience during a challenging period of her life, Karin reflects on how the experience helped her rediscover a sense of spiritual connection and self-love. She also discusses the differences between psilocybin and MDMA, noting how each substance contributed to her healing process and deepened her therapy work, especially with Internal Family Systems (IFS).
 
Karin, a former therapist, realized she needed to undergo her own deep healing before she could truly help others. With an insatiable drive for love and personal growth, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery through psychedelics and alternative therapies. These experiences transformed her, leaving her in a much stronger position to guide and support others on their own healing paths.
 
If you’re curious about how psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA can help with emotional healing, self-discovery, or relationship challenges, don’t miss this enlightening episode with Karin Calde.
 
Connect with Karin here:
Web: https://drcalde.com/psilocybin/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/wildwoodfacilitation/
 
Listen to her podcast: https://apple.co/4dmqxAn
 
Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro and more about Karin Calde
(1:18) Karin’s first experience with psychedelics and Michael Pollan's influence
(4:40) Spiritual connection through psilocybin
(7:37) Setting intentions in psychedelic experiences
(12:45) IFS and how psychedelics facilitated Karin’s deeper therapy work
(22:55) Psilocybin and where it comes from
(26:13) What a facilitation session look like for Karin
(34:51) Where to find more resources about Karin
(36:23) Impact of psychedelics on relationships and communication
(40:28) Outro