Kat Courtney: Ayahuasca, Ibogaine, and Learning to Be Human

I've interviewed over 100 people on this podcast, and this conversation hit me in a way none of the others have. It made me reflect deeply on my life and what is still holding me back. And if you've ever been curious about plant medicine, or want to learn anything about it, this is the episode to listen to. Part of what hit me may be timing. I'm taking my daughter, my last kid, to college the day before you hear this episode. One day I'm scared and in tears, and the next I feel a little free, hearing a voice say, "It's your time, Molly, to get back more of you, your marriage, your career." It's a hodgepodge of emotions, and Kat's reassuring, loving, and wise voice gave me real comfort in this time of transition. And oh my gosh, did this episode ever quench my thirst for answers about plant medicine! Content note: This episode includes a firsthand account of a suicide attempt, plus discussion of addiction, trauma, and death. Please listen with care. Kat is not only extensively trained in plant medicine, but she's also remarkably knowledgeable about its effects, its healing potential, and the laws surrounding it. She speaks to it medically, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, with a reported 1,000+ ayahuasca ceremonies behind her.  But I'd encourage anyone to listen, even if you're not interested in plant medicine, because she also talks about how to function in this world as a human. You'll hear morning and evening rituals, daily practices, and tips and tools to feel more balanced, joyful, and alive. About Kat Kat Courtney is a pioneer in the modern plant medicine space and a traditionally trained Ayahuasquera and Huachumera with over two decades of professional psychedelic experience. She apprenticed for 10+ years in the Shipibo-Conibo and Quechua-Lamista traditions, and she's the author of Plant Medicine Mystery School Vol 1. She leads Master Plant Diets in person and remotely, offers shamanic coaching, and is a certified death doula.  In this conversation, she shares the moment her life cracked open in her early 20s, how ayahuasca became the missing piece in her healing, and why she believes the hardest moments of our lives hold the greatest gifts. In this episode: Surviving a suicide attempt and choosing to go on “a mission to heal” Why your pain is valid, even when it doesn’t match your life story SSRIs as a life raft vs. plant medicines as a way to “close trauma loops” Ibogaine for addiction and trauma work The four Cs of shadow work: crisis, clinical, cultural, and chemical Kat’s Colorado arrest and the future of plant medicine legality Practices for everyone Morning: Take an hour before email and screens to check in with yourself and set an intention. Evening: Name your best win of the day and let your body release the rest. Ongoing: Catch the inner critic, work with your dreams, and ask, "Does this bring me joy and comfort?" Kat's four questions for any facilitator Who trained you, and for how long? What's the hardest thing you've been through, as a participant and a facilitator? How do you handle it when someone says they don't feel safe in your space? What's your protocol if someone has a psychotic break or a very hard experience? Taking my last kid to college is cracking open an old identity for me as a mom, and it's making me look at my life through a different lens. Listening to Kat reminded me that there are so many ways to do that deeper work: plant medicine, daily rituals, therapy, time in nature.  What stuck with me most is that I can't just wait for life to do it for me. I need to step in and do the reflection myself, so that my life is rich and full with or without my kids in the house. I hope this conversation leaves you feeling the same way, whatever transition you're in and whichever path feels right for you. xo Molly Promo Information: Work with Kat Plant Medicine Mystery School Vol. 1 (book): plantmedicinepeople.com Plant Medicine People retreats and programs: plantmedicinepeople.com Website + Social Website: plantmedicinepeople.com Ibogaine clinic: basseibogaine.com Instagram: @theafterlifecoach Instagram: @plantmedicinepeople YouTube: Kat Courtney Molly Carroll: Website | Instagram | Facebook Now accepting new therapy clients! Schedule Here This episode reflects the guest's personal experiences and opinions and is not medical advice. Plant medicines can interact dangerously with medications, including SSRIs, and many are illegal in the U.S. If you're struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or a crisis line such as 988 in the U.S.