In this Winter conversation, I'm joined by Christian Rasmussen, founder of Amentara (formerly MN Nice Botanicals), whose work with Amanita muscaria has impacted thousands of people around the world. If you’ve followed my podcast for a while, you know I rarely bring guests on—even though I receive constant pitches. I said an instant yes to this interview because I already knew Christian’s work, and I’ve actually been purchasing Amanita from his website for the last few years. His company was recommended to me originally by Amanita Dreamer, whose research guided my earliest explorations with this mushroom.

Amanita muscaria—also known as fly-agaric—is the “other” psychedelic mushroom. It is legal, ancient, and culturally famous (yes, the Mario mushroom emoji 🍄).

And it is deeply connected to the Winter season, the Yule mythos, and the origins of Santa Claus as a psychedelic shamanic figure.

Christian’s mission is to create a safe and healing bridge between humans, plants, fungi, and spirit—and to teach others how to cross it. In this episode, we explore the science, the history, the lore, and the lived, embodied experience of working with this mushroom.

We explore...

• Christian's origin story of benzo withdrawal recovery through Amanita, and how this can be a natural and miraculous recovery tool for benzo and opioid addiction and many other physical and mental health issues
• Our modern disconnection from Nature, our longing for ancestral pathways, and how mushrooms act as relational teachers
• The ancient factual use of Amanita throughout the world and throughout history
• The fun lore surrounding Santa, chimneys, flying reindeer, and more
• Is Amanita for everyone?
• The science and physiology of how Amanita actually interacts with the body and brain, and how it helps us
• The different ways to consume Amanita, a guide to dosing, and what experience is likely at different doses

And at the end, I'm reading out loud for you a journal entry of what I felt on a microdose, so you can get a feel for the way it might speak to you too.Mentioned in this episode:

• Amentara: Use code JESS10 for 10% off your order
• The Amanita Effect Podcast
• More psychedelic episodes from me: 242, 244, 245, 248, 249
• Christian's Facebook
• Amentara on YouTube
• Amentara on Instagram
• Amentara on Tiktok

Free Seasonal Resources For You Right Now

• ⁠How to Celebrate Yule: ⁠⁠this FREE instant access PDF will give you 10 easy and enjoyable ways to celebrate Yule + 12 journal prompts to help you reflect and process the inspiration of this season.
• You Did More Than You Think: Free Self-Gratitude Prompts To Close Your Year.⁠⁠ Perfect for self-reflection—or with others on holiday car rides or dinner table talks. Do them all at once, pick one a day, or whatever feels joyful & regenerative for you!

Let's Go Deeper Together

• Enroll in ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rewild Your Wellness⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (lifetime access online course)

• Learn more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠one-on-one coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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