The internet has made ayahuasca more accessible than ever; bringing the promise of spiritual awakening and deep healing to people worldwide. But in doing so, has it commodified a sacred practice, leading to a rise in unqualified facilitators and a disregard for cultural traditions?

Joining us is Bia Labate, a Brazilian anthropologist, founder and Executive Director of The Chacruna Institute of Psychedelic Plant Medicines, and one of the world’s leading ayahuasca experts.

http://www.bialabate.net https://chacruna.net/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC22F9iOhoGVWPiVlO9ueN0Q/featured https://www.instagram.com/labatebia/ https://chacruna.net/the-commodification-of-ayahuasca-how-can-we-do-better/

In this episode, Bia joins us to explore the profound impact of the internet and social media on the world of ayahuasca. We discuss the accessibility of ayahuasca, the rise of unqualified facilitators, and the ethical challenges of marketing spiritual experiences.

We also look at the risks involved in seeking ayahuasca ceremonies and the positive outcomes of increased global interest in this traditional practice, as well as the need for education, harm reduction, and ethical collaboration with indigenous communities to ensure the integrity of ayahuasca experiences.

00:00 Introduction to Ayahuasca and the Internet's Impact

02:51 Personal Experiences with Ayahuasca and Digital Evolution

06:02 The Role of Social Media in Ayahuasca Ceremonies

08:49 Marketing Challenges and Ethical Considerations

11:52 Authenticity and Misrepresentation in Ayahuasca Practices

14:45 The Rise of Unqualified Facilitators

18:00 Navigating Risks in Ayahuasca Ceremonies

21:05 Positive Outcomes of Ayahuasca's Global Exposure

24:10 Future Directions for Ayahuasca Practices

26:48 Advice for Prospective Ayahuasca Participants

If you like what you hear, please follow the show, leave a review, or let us know what else you’d like us to look into at ⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠

The internet promised a place where people from diverse backgrounds could find connection and understanding. But has it instead become a deeply polarised medium where echo chambers and ideological extremism make meaningful connection harder than ever?

To help us understand what’s happening, we’re joined by Dr. Andres Reiljan, a political scientist at the European University Institute.

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=uBEitnwAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao https://x.com/AReiljan https://www.facebook.com/andres.reiljan https://bsky.app/profile/areiljan.bsky.social

In this episode, Andres joins us to explore the complexities of polarisation in the digital age. We discuss the concept of affective polarisation, the role of algorithms in amplifying divisive sentiments, and the psychological toll of constant exposure to conflict.

We also look at the importance of finding common ground and the potential for technology to help bridge divides, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by misinformation and emotional polarisation.

00:00 The Promise and Peril of the Internet

05:04 Understanding Affective Polarisation

09:59 The Role of Algorithms in Polarisation

15:07 Factual Belief Polarisation and Misinformation

19:56 The Impact of Polarisation on Society

25:04 Finding Common Ground in a Polarised World

29:54 The Psychological Toll of Polarisation

35:03 Using Technology to Combat Polarisation

If you like what you hear, please follow the show, leave a review, or let us know what else you’d like us to look into at ⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠

The internet was supposed to empower brands to build relationships based on authenticity and shared values. But for so many of us, does it now just feel like surveillance capitalism, exploiting and manipulating our attention, leading to mass brand distrust and marketing cynicism?

Joining us today is Nick Richtsmeier, a growth consultant and Founder of CultureCraft, who works directly with business and non-profits to solve the issue of trust decay in the marketplace.

https://www.damnsgiven.com/
https://culturecraft.com/
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2365925
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickrichtsmeier/

In this episode, Nick joins us to explore the decline of brand trust in the digital age, focusing on the impact of surveillance capitalism, the concept of enshittification, and the role of algorithms in shaping consumer perceptions. We discuss the shift towards community-based growth strategies and the importance of authenticity in marketing, while also addressing the challenges posed by large tech platforms.

We also look at the dynamics of social movements, the role of brands in societal change, the challenges of building trust in the digital age, and the importance of human connection amidst the overwhelming influence of technology and the internet.

00:00 The Internet's Impact on Brand Trust

05:03 Understanding Enshittification and Its Effects

10:05 The Role of Algorithms in Brand Perception

15:03 The Shift Towards Community and Authenticity

19:58 Navigating the Future of Business Relationships

24:43 The Ticking Clock of Social Movements

29:00 The Role of Brands in Social Change

35:09 Navigating Trust in the Digital Age

39:55 The Illusion of Internet Trust

46:58 The Human Spirit and Digital Reality

If you like what you hear, please follow the show, leave a review, or let us know what else you’d like us to look into at ⁠https://www.ruinedbytheinternet.com/⁠