The Awaken Podcast

Ayahuasca, NASA & the Origins of Life | Dr. Bruce Damer on Psychedelics, Science & Consciousness What if psychedelics aren’t just medicines for healing—but elixirs of discovery? In this boundary-breaking episode of The Awaken Podcast , Dr. Bruce Damer —astrophysicist, visionary researcher, and President of the Center for MINDS —joins Natasja Pelgrom for a groundbreaking conversation on psy...

Are You a Mushroom Having a Human Experience? | Darren Le Baron on Psychedelic Consciousness & African Wisdom In this enlightening episode of The Awaken Podcast, host Natasja Pelgrom is joined by Darren Le Baron—renowned mycologist, psychedelic educator, and speaker on ancient African plant medicine traditions. Recorded live at Breaking Convention 2025, this conversation explores the intersect...

Exploring consciousness, metaphysics, and psychedelic insight through the lens of Spinietzschean thought. In this mind-expanding episode of The Awaken Podcast , Natasja is joined by Dr. Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes , philosopher of mind, metaphysician, and lecturer at the University of Exeter. Renowned for bridging ancient philosophical questions with modern psychedelic insight, Peter invites us into a l...

‘Feminine Intelligence, Somatic Depth, and Expanded States’ In this timely and thought-provoking solo episode, Natasja Pelgrom opens Season 4 of The Awaken Podcast with a powerful call to remember the forgotten arc of transformation—one rooted not in the peaks of expanded states experience, but in the embodied return. Drawing from decades of space holding, ancient initiatory wisdom, and her own re...

"Life is not a destination—it’s a courageous journey of returning to what truly matters." In this rich and soul-stirring episode, Natasja sits down with a visionary entrepreneur whose journey began in Hong Kong and led them through the bustling streets of Amsterdam’s creative scene, where they co-founded iconic spaces like Doka, Canvas, Werkplaats, and Vrijland Festival. Together, they explore: ✨...

“No matter how much you prepare someone, it’s always a unique experience.” In this insightful and nuanced episode, Natasja welcomes Jeanine Souren , a clinical psychologist, sexologist, and co-founder of the Experiential Training Institute. Jeanine brings her extensive expertise in trauma, couples, and family therapy to the evolving field of psychedelic-assisted treatment—bridging the scientific w...

A special feature from the Stewards of the Sacred Conference What if the plants around you—yes, even the common ones—were not just botanical companions but profound spiritual teachers? In this special edition episode from the inaugural Stewards of the Sacred conference (October 2023), Natasja welcomes Pam Montgomery , a beloved Earth elder, international teacher, and pioneer in plant spirit healin...

Reconnect with Natasja in this solo episode as she returns to The Awaken Podcast, guiding you through a journey of introspection, self-discovery, and the transformative power of silence. After seasons of holding space, guiding others, and walking alongside transformation in its many forms, Natasja returns—more rooted, more tender, and more devoted to the still voice within. In this intimate solo e...

Navigating Transformation in an Ever-Changing World Imagine a world where every transition—birth, death, heartbreak, coming of age, leadership, spiritual awakening—was honored with deep intention, belonging, and community. That world is not lost. It lives in the echoes of our ancestors—and in the choices we make today. In this solo episode of The Awaken Podcast , Natasja invites you on a profound...

The work is rewarded by the gifts you receive in silence. The Awaken Podcast —a space for seekers, leaders, and visionaries ready to walk in deep alignment with self, spirit, and purpose. After a sacred pause, Natasja Pelgrom returns to the mic with fresh insights, a reawakened sense of purpose, and a powerful new season dedicated to exploring self-leadership, ritual, and stewardship in a time of...

“Stewardship and Leadership the way forward.” In this powerful and intimate episode, Natasja is joined by sacred medicine facilitator and cultural steward Marc-John, whose path has been shaped by over 15 years of study, practice, and deep relationships with indigenous communities across Latin America. Together, they explore the unseen layers of what it truly means to walk the path of sacred medici...