In this episode, we explore the world of mushrooms and their profound impact on both the human mind and the planet. Our conversation with Dr. Victoria Sterkin, a distinguished behavior analyst, and Rome Shadanloo, an experienced psychedelic therapist, starts with their personal journeys, delving into how they were initially drawn to the transformative power of mushrooms. We also discuss the diverse network of Mycology's practitioners, the importance of integration and what it really means, macro vs microdosing, and the potential benefits of microdosing. Tune in for this beautiful conversation to optimize your mind, body and soul.
Victoria Sterkin, PhD is a behavior analyst focused on therapeutic learning with individuals, couples, families and organizations. Learners are given the skills and modalities to move through the world in a more conscious and functional way. There is a focus on regulation, clarity, flexibility, play, collaboration, curiosity and sustainability to shift away from fragmentation and instead reinforce interpersonal and intrapersonal integration. Victoria’s directive is to dissect one’s patterns while comprehensively effecting change at the root. From there she and the Learner develop new ways of accessing resources and facilitating progress, such that positive emotion is woven into new behaviors, allowing old patterns to dissipate. She is recommended for anyone who not only needs to be heard but also understood. Dr. Victoria Sterkin, is a behavior analyst focused on therapeutic learning with individuals, couples, families and organizations. Victoria graduated from Teachers College, Columbia University with a PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis. She is a native New Yorker currently residing in the Santa Cruz mountains in CA with a private practice, consultancy, and is Co-Owner and COO of Mycology Psychology. Victoria spent over a decade in the field of education where she was teaching and conducting research as a behavior analyst. Victoria's basis for understanding human behavior stems from the behavioral science of learning but has since coupled with her deep interest in neurobiology, entheogens, energetic patterning and yogic traditions. She has worked with people of all ages, from babies to elders, of varied neurotypes, emotional needs including deep trauma and grief, addiction, and other medical (chronic and temporary) conditions. Victoria graduated from Teachers College, Columbia University with a PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis. She is a native New Yorker currently residing in the Santa Cruz mountains in CA with a private practice, consultancy, and is Co-Owner and COO of Mycology Psychology.
Rome Shadanloo is a psychedelic therapist specializing in CPTSD and attachment injury. She studied holistic psychology and has a focus in psychoneuroimmunology working to ease chronic pain rooted in the emotional life of the mind. Rome's practice includes the various modalities of internal family systems, reparenting work, quantum healing and she is a certified death doula. Her unique empathy for the individuality of each nervous system laid the ground for her practice which supports the healing of the individual not just from their psychology outward but through a fully embodied approach to the restoration of a healthy life. Her desire to be of service led her to a life in mental health and from an early age Rome found herself called to be in connection with those in struggle. Rome majored in holistic psychology at Lesley University and went on to do extensive work in the field in a variety of roles at Proposition 36 rehab facilities that specifically serve the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated, including on the spot counseling for those in urgent crisis. Rome was born in Tehran, Iran and fled the tragic conflicts there for the US at the age of 2. Her family settled in Los Angeles where she currently resides and practices. She has a deep interest in the multi-faceted groundbreaking modalities that are currently changing the way we view and treat mental health. She works with people of all ages in various stages of need.
SHOW NOTES:
0:51 Welcome to the show!
1:52 Today’s episode
5:33 Dr. Victoria Sterkin’s Bio
5:57 Rome Shadanloo’s Bio
6:30 Welcome them to the podcast!
7:42 Rome’s call to mushrooms
10:54 Victoria’s call to mushrooms
16:33 Getting out of our own way
17:30 Pattern-making
18:15 Our brain on mushrooms
22:15 Research vs Citizen Science
23:01 Mycology Menopausal Study
25:22 The role of mushrooms on the planet
28:02 The diverse ecosystem of Mycology’s Practitioner Network
30:39 A multi-pronged approach
32:20 *Stress Guardian*
33:32 Community Integration
38:30 We are the sum of the 5 closest people
39:39 Renee’s story about sensing energy
41:08 Presence and ignoring impulses
44:20 Lauren’s aversion to multi-tasking
46:50 Seeing opportunity when we’re ready
49:06 Macro vs Microdosing
52:17 Benefits of challenging journeys
53:46 Catching red flags
56:10 Making new choices
59:10 Benefits of Microdosing
1:04:08 When a protocol isn’t working
1:13:24 What to know about sourcing
1:15:50 Their final piece of advice
1:17:05 Thanks for tuning in!
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