Warrior Tribe Podcast | Ep.8 w/ Scott Berendes: Shifting Perspectives with Psychedelic Therapy

12/20/23 • 168 min

How does a former reconnaissance Marine, grappling with the demons of self-doubt, depression, and alcoholism, find his way back to love, hope, and self-acceptance? On this episode, Scott Berendes shares his inspiring journey from self-degradation to self-embrace. Scott opens up about his struggles, his experiences in the Military, his downward spiral into negativity, and how he courageously transformed his life through methods as diverse as conventional therapy to the use of ancestral plant medicines.
In this episode, we explore Scott's childhood memories, the impact of his time in the Military and deployment, and his experiences in Military contracting. Hear about the burden of combat experience, the misunderstood nature of anger in Veterans' mental health treatment, and the disconnect between veterans and mental health providers. This conversation also illuminates Scott's use of natural plant medicines in his fight against substance abuse, his journey from fear to surrender in addiction recovery, and the profound role of love and connection in his transformation.
Join us in advocating for change in Veterans' mental health treatment, highlighting the need for understanding, compassion, and alternative methods of healing. Be a part of our discussion on the effects of alcohol on mental health, the power of personal growth, and the essential role of a supportive community. This episode is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the transformative power of love and healing. You won't want to miss it.

This program would not be possible without our partners and sponsors, VAHA and TeleLeaf. For those on the healing path, please visit the links below to learn more.

https://www.vahahealth.com

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This program would not be possible without our partners and sponsors, VAHA and TeleLeaf. For those on the healing path, please visit the links below to learn more.

https://www.vahahealth.com

Previous Episode

Warrior Tribe Podcast | Ep.7 w/ Adrienne Jezick: Cold Plunging Her Way to Better Health

Welcome to the Warrior Tribe Podcast. This week, our host Gary Hess is joined by Adrienne Jezick, co-founder of Morozko Forge and creator of The Morozko Method. Join us as they explore the intricate dance between psychological trauma and physiological response, and how the cold plunge can help your body control the fight or flight stress response in a controlled environment.
In This Episode:
Adrienne opens up about her personal battle with past trauma and how it induced a persistent fight-or-flight response, leading to a disconnection between her mind and body. This internal struggle resulted in an amplified sensitivity to ordinary sensations—turning foods, smells and emotions into adversaries. We dissect how this misunderstood response often sends individuals on a quest for medical diagnoses, searching for clarity and a solution within a system that may lead to temporary relief but potentially overlooks the root cause. Adrienne shares her odyssey through the healthcare system, the momentary solace in diagnosis, and the complex layers of treatment that sometimes cloud the underlying issues. She highlights how true healing often demands more than medication—it requires an introspective journey through past trauma and an active reprogramming of the stress response.
Transitioning to the healing powers of The Morozko Method, Adrienne explains on how deliberate cold exposure, through the cold plunge, serves as a catalyst for change. This method is not merely about enduring the cold but using it as a therapeutic tool to regain command over the primal fight-or-flight responses. It's a form of therapy that offers a controlled environment to re-engage with and ultimately master one's physiological reactions.
The birth of Morozko Forge came from necessity and innovation. Adrienne, a staunch advocate of the benefits of cold plunging, faced a recurring challenge: the impracticality and expense of procuring 200 pounds of ice for each ice bath session. To address this, her then-husband began tinkering with refrigerator parts, aiming to devise a more sustainable and efficient solution. Through trial, error, and a spark of ingenuity, they developed a prototype that bypassed the need for continual ice purchase. This prototype was not just a makeshift fix but the seedling of what would grow into Morozko Forge. With time, the design was refined, the technology advanced, and what started in a domestic setting evolved into a high-end brand synonymous with premium ice baths and cold plunges. Morozko Forge now stands as a testament to the power of personal healing turning into a venture that provides accessibility and ease to cold therapy enthusiasts.

This program would not be possible without our partners and sponsors, VAHA and TeleLeaf. For those on the healing path, please visit the links below to learn more.

https://www.vahahealth.com

Next Episode

Warrior Tribe Podcast | Ep.9 Frédéric Cherri: Exploring Shamanic Practices and Entheogenic Healing

Frédéric, a shamanic practitioner deeply versed in ancestral medicines, osteopathy, and transpersonal psychology, invites us to understand the ceremonial significance and holistic approaches to well-being. Frédéric, along with our host, Gary Hess, share stories that weave together the traditions of shamanism with the precision of modern therapy, revealing how these practices have enriched our lives and deepened our understanding of the therapeutic process.
This episode uncovers the potent effects of gentle touch therapy in addressing trauma, perinatal care, and immune deficiencies, revealing a pathway to healing that honors both the body's wisdom and the biodynamic forces at play. Frédéric discusses the embrace of intuition, the guiding power of dreams, and the ways in which shamanism has infused therapeutic practices with a richness that must be felt to be believed.
The conversation takes a close look ethical landscapes of entheogens, the importance of navigating resistance in the healing process, and the formation of Spirit Rivers, an organization dedicated to fostering safe and ethical healing retreats. We provide a deep look into the meticulous preparation of Ancestral Plant and Animal Medicines for ceremonies and reflect on the challenges and triumphs of translating ancestral wisdom for Western minds. By the end of this episode, you'll have traversed a landscape where traditional wisdom meets modern therapy, exploring the vast terrains of the soul. Join us for this tapestry of healing practices and personal transformation.

This program would not be possible without our partners and sponsors, VAHA and TeleLeaf. For those on the healing path, please visit the links below to learn more.

https://www.vahahealth.com