What is the root of your deepest trauma? What blockages are you holding physically and mentally that are preventing you from stepping into the next happiest, healthiest version of yourself? What kind of pains, experiences, and memories are you ready to let go of?    We all have our ups and downs, but how are YOU reacting to yours? What are they attached to? How are they affecting your relationships, your daily routines, and the passion within your pursuits?    For many years, I stuffed things away into the back of my mind hoping they would just disappear. On many different occasions, they boiled up into black-out rampages and deep pools of depression. I had no idea how to overcome these things that were crippling me. In reality, I didn’t even know what most of them were. We all experience suffering on a certain level, and no matter what level it is, it’s the hardest thing in the world for an individual when it hits.   My experiences with Ayahuasca and other types of Plant Medicine have been discussed before on this podcast. I am in awe with the love that these medicines represent as well as the deep healing wisdom of their teachings. When I was contacted by the crew behind the Documentary, From Shock to Awe, to potentially do a podcast, I was overcome with excitement and curiosity.    “There is really good news on this planet from the ground up, and not from the top down” - Dr. Janine Sagert   The general question being explored within From Shock to Awe is "How do we heal our deepest traumas and wounds?" Can this type of healing be facilitated through natural plant medicines and sacred journeys? Can these medicines help break up, re-pattern, and transform the deepest wounds that exist throughout this complex thing we call humanity?   PTSD, suicide, and chronic depression are some of the more notable issues that trauma can instigate. Within the film, these topics and questions are dissected throughout the exploratory and transformative journeys of a few deeply traumatized combat Veterans, as well as their loving and supportive, yet affected, families.    According to Wikipedia, the most recent report published by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 2016 analyzed that an average of 20 veterans a day die from suicide. The current support system in place isn’t working, and changes must be made. Can plant medicines help save lives?    Executive Producer Dr. Janine Sagert joins me on this episode for a cosmic exploration into the powerful transformations of Veterans Matt Kahl, Aimee Kahl, and Mike Cooley. We are also joined by Olivia Broughton, a very special guest who has extensive experience with plant medicine ceremonies and authentic relating within the prison system to heal trauma.    On top of the film discussion, we break down the root causes behind our broken community support systems and open up the discussion for how a massive planetary shift has to start within each individual first.    To date, From Shock to Awe has won the “Mangurama Award for Conscious Documentary Storytelling” at the Illuminate Film Festival and “Best Documentary” at the Psychedelic Film and Music Festival. And it has received positive reviews from critics, experts, and audiences alike.    An Overview of the Veterans and Family Members Discussed in From Shock to Awe   Matt Kahl Matt Kahl served in the 101st Airborne Division from 2007-2011. When an ambush blew up one of the convoys he was traveling with, instantly killing the driver and seriously injuring the others passengers, Matt’s life changed. After struggling with severe post-traumatic stress, his mission since has been to get off prescription medications entirely, first with the help of cannabis and, eventually, ayahuasca. His healing through Ayahuasca was so profoun