Middle Eastern Medicine Musician Yehoo Shalem frames life as a psychedelic experience, tracing how sound, prayer, and mindfulness can create intimacy with the divine. This week on Set & Setting, Madison and Yehoo explore: The meaning and dream symbol of “The White Donkey” Studying Middle Eastern Music at Maqamat Academy Tzfat in northern Israel, the historic hub of Kabbalah Music as a form of prayer and intimacy with God Seeing life as a psychedelic experience The intention behind creating m...
May 21, 2026•50 min•Ep. 43
Artist Boaz Ronan joins Madison to explore how Jewish mysticism and disciplined practice shape his creative process, framing art as a gateway to the unconscious. In this episode, Madison and Boaz discuss: Seeing beyond color and form when painting Experiencing the mystical in daily life How Boaz’s experience with military PTSD influenced his artistry Art as a mirror to the unconscious The land of Israel as a microcosmos How Jewish mysticism influences Boaz’s artwork The story of how Boaz met his...
Apr 23, 2026•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 42
In this exploration of divine connection and emotional awareness, Madison Margolin and communication coach Tsiporah Gottesman Bortz frame communication as a sacred practice for healing and self-expression. Learn more about Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and its developer here . This time on Set & Setting, Madison and Tsiporah have a conversation about: Tsiporah’s connection to Ram Dass after his death, and asking his spirit for guidance How spiritual teachers make themselves known in auspici...
Mar 31, 2026•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 41
Madison Margolin reignites Set & Setting for an energizing conversation on becoming your own medicine with somatic practitioner Rivky Gross. This time on Set & Setting, Madison and her guest talk about: Letting go of the ego in order to accept feedback Bottom-up therapy and focusing on root causes rather than behaviors Quantum energy healing work and the fractal universe we all live in Seeing ourselves as our own healers, our own potent medicine Accessing our inner power and intuition Re...
Mar 06, 2026•58 min•Ep. 40
In a conversation on the healing power of ketamine, David Romanelli and Madison Margolin discuss re-wiring the brain and overcoming trauma. This time on Set and Setting, Madison and David dive talk about: David’s journey with yoga The healing power of psychedelic therapy David’s work with Daytrip, a spa-like ketamine experience Birdsong psychedelic retreat center Re-wiring the brain through psychedelics David’s connection to the Grateful Dead Working with psychedelics to treat Trauma, PTSD, and ...
Mar 01, 2024•52 min•Ep. 39
Discussing the connective role of psychedelic societies, Colin Pugh describes how using psychedelics can help soften the heart. In this episode, Madison and Colin Pugh dive into these topics: Patience and compassion stemming from an MDMA trip Psychedelics as a path to softening the heart The potential of psychedelics to help with mental health Colin’s involvement with the Brooklyn Psychedelic Society Community based healing and a space for psychedelic magical thinking The western emphasis on ind...
Feb 09, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 38
Discussing psychedelic preparation, Dr. Ido Cohen and Madison expand on the idea of setting to include geopolitics and the unconscious. This time on Set and Setting, Madison and Dr. Ido explore : Psychedelic Integration Noticing where we have attraction and repulsion Going into psychedelics with as much curiosity as possible Using walking meditation for integration Preparation before using psychedelics and tools we can use Geopolitical and spiritual settings that affect our consciousness Psyched...
Jan 09, 2024•59 min•Ep. 37
Soaking in the divine feminine energy found in Judaism, Rabbi Rishe Groner and Madison Margolin explore the blessings of ecstatic embodiment. “The soul, deep down, really still wants to utilize the body to achieve a higher level of soul by taking all of those physical things and elevating them and making them something that is embodied divinity.” – Rishe Groner In this episode, Madison chats with Rishe Groner about: Jewish community building Rishe’s journey back to Judaism through therapy and pl...
Nov 02, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 36
Neuropsychopharmacologist, Zeus Tipado, chats with Madison Margolin about the ways that belief effects altered states. “It’s safe to say that the psychedelic experience pushes the brain to a much more complex state that can not be achieved with traditional meditation.” – Zeus Tipado This time on Set and Setting, Madison converses Zeus Tipado on: Zeus’s upbringing and history with voodoo Using religion to understand a Psilocybin trip Religion versus spirituality The power of the brain to induce e...
Oct 06, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 35
Presidential candidate Marianne Williamson joins Madison Margolin to bridge the gap between spirituality and politics. This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow In this interview, Madison and Marianne Williamson discuss: - The collective nature of politics - Environmental awareness and loving our planet - Internal and external change - How dealing with individual trauma can change the...
Sep 13, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 34
Hasidic musician Moshe Reuven finds the Bhakti in Judaisim with Madison Margolin as they discuss music, mysticism, and divine destiny. This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow In this interview, Madison and Moshe discuss: The impact of music on society Moshe’s journey to music from poetry to songwriting Near death experiences and the meaning of life Death motifs in the psychedelic ex...
Aug 23, 2023•48 min•Ep. 33
David Bronner, CEO of Dr. Bronner’s, visits the Set & Setting podcast for an insightful conversation about how psychedelics and plant medicine can help us live healthier and more authentic lives. In this interview, Madison and David talk about: David’s life and journey embracing his authentic self The transformative potential of psychedelics and plant medicine Integrating psychedelics and plant medicine into a healthy lifestyle Prayer and being in dialog with yourself or a higher power “The ...
Jul 21, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 32
Reggie Harris joins Madison Margolin to talk about opening portals, connecting to ancestral roots, and the future of mushrooms. Reggie and Madison dive into: The psychedelic community spanning across different cultures Connecting with ancestors and receiving spiritual insights The personalities and traits of various mushrooms Reggie’s mushroom practice and how he journeys His thoughts on the ideal economic and political policy around psilocybin mushrooms Encounters with police “I knew internally...
Jun 26, 2023•45 min•Ep. 31
Facilitator and activist Maya Rimer joins Madison to talk about rethinking leadership and participation dynamics in psychedelic spaces and beyond. Maya Rimer and Madison are co-hosts and co-producers of the Jewish Psychedelic Summit at the MAPS 2023 Psychedelic Science Conference. In this episode, the two discuss the way that psychedelic consciousness informs and is affected by leadership structures. They explore how new approaches like, Open Space Technology, can change the way we share knowled...
Jun 06, 2023•53 min•Ep. 30
Through the lens of psychedelic plant medicine, therapist Shasta Winn joins Madison Margolin to discuss the transformative power of spiritual experiences. This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow In this episode Madison Margolin and Shasta Winn explore: Being a lifelong mystic and seeker Therapeutic work with Psilocybin The power of spiritual experience Journaling to communicate with...
May 03, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 29
Carolyn Garcia, one of The Merry Pranksters, chats with Madison Margolin about LSD, letting loose, and communal living. In this episode Madison Margolin and Carolyn Garcia discuss: Carolyn’s time as a psychedelic lab analyst at Stanford The Merry Pranksters Atmospheric parties and poetry How LSD can put you in touch with yourself Fun, Frolic, and Letting Loose Communal Living Carolyn and Ram Dass About Carolyn Garcia: Carolyn Elizabeth Garcia, also known as Mountain Girl, is an American Merry Pr...
Mar 27, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 28
Pioneer of Drug Policy Reform, Ethan Nadelmann, sits down with Madison Margolin to discuss destigmatizing substances. In this episode Madison Margolin and Ethan Nadelmann ponder: Drug policy reform Ethan Nadelmann’s spiritual background Connecting emotional and intellectual pursuits Oppression, stigmatization, and demonization The civil rights struggle of substance use This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist...
Feb 24, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 27
Madison is joined by Natalie Lyla Ginsberg to discuss how spirituality can act as a container for psychedelic explorations. Natalie Lyla Ginsberg co-founded the Jewish Psychedelic Summit with Madison Margolin this past spring. She is also the Director of Policy & Advocacy at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) . Here, she works to disentangle science from political partisanship, and to create safe, equitable and regulated access to psychedelics, and all criminali...
Nov 25, 2022•49 min•Ep. 26
Cannabis connoisseur Mary Jane Gibson joins Madison Margolin for a conversation on the balance between industry and psychedelics. Mary Jane Gibson is a prominent female voice in cannabis media. The former culture editor at High Times , Mary Jane has been tracking the legalization of medical marijuana, adult-use cannabis and CBD with integral public figures, brands and personalities since 2007. She wrote for High Times for over a decade, and now writes for a number of outlets including Rolling St...
Nov 09, 2022•44 min•Ep. 25
Madison Margolin and cannabis visionary Jesce Horton talk about the cannabis industry and changing the culture of cannabis use. Jesce Horton is Chief Executive Officer at LOWD, an award-winning cannabis company that embodies the art of urban craft cultivation. LOWD exists effortlessly at the intersection of urban culture and epic nature unique to the city and the Pacific Northwest. An engineer by education, energy management and automation expert through certification, and horticulturist by pass...
Oct 26, 2022•45 min•Ep. 24
This time on Set and Setting, Ben Belgrad joins Madison Margolin to talk about flow-states, glassblowing, and more. Ben Belgrad is a multi-media artist who specializes in glass flameworking. He began blowing glass over a decade ago while in college, and has spent the last ten years developing his skills and building his business. Through his company Drinking Vessels , Belgrad represents over 50 artists making handmade drinkware. His studio is based in the mountains of Colorado near Vail, where h...
Oct 12, 2022•57 min•Ep. 23
Cannabis leader, Nadir Pearson, and Madison talk equity, mushrooms, indigenous wisdom, the entourage effect, Gen Z, mindfulness, the digital age, flow states, and counter culture. A pioneer in the cannabis industry, Nadir Pearson is an entrepreneur specializing in digital strategy and business development. Nadir is a Chief Innovation Officer at Hybrid. He serves as Deputy Director for NJ NORML, East Coast Project Lead for Cannaclusive and is founder of SMART (Student Marijuana Alliance for Resea...
Sep 29, 2022•54 min•Ep. 22
Madison Margolin and Govind Das talk about blending practice and psychedelics in this episode of Set and Setting. Support podcasts like this through the Be Here Now Network 6th-Anniversary Fundraiser Drive - win tickets to the Ram Dass Legacy retreat in Maui, shop limited edition BHNNxBrunofsky merch and more: beherenownetwork.com/fundraiser Govind Das is a California-based kirtan singer, yoga teacher and as his spiritual name suggests - "servant of the divine". He is the co-director/owner of Bh...
Sep 14, 2022•46 min•Ep. 21
This week on Set and Setting, Madison Margolin and Maytha Alhassen canvass the ways that colonization has affected religion. Learn more about how you can support Be Here Now Network podcasts like Set and Setting through our 6th-Anniversary Fundraiser Drive - win tickets to the Ram Dass Legacy retreat in Maui, shop limited edition BHNNxBrunofsky merch and more: beherenownetwork.com/fundraiser Maytha Alhassen, Ph.D. is a historian, journalist, social justice artist, and mending practitioner. Her w...
Sep 01, 2022•41 min•Ep. 20
In this episode of Set and Setting, Dr. Benjy Epstein and Madison Margolin explore Jewish Mysticism, psychedelic medicine, and embodying all as one. Learn more about how you can support Be Here Now Network podcasts like Set and Setting through our 6th-Anniversary Fundraiser Drive - win tickets to the Ram Dass Legacy retreat in Maui, shop limited edition BHNNxBrunofsky merch and more: beherenownetwork.com/fundraiser Rabbi Benjamin Epstein , Ph.D. is an experienced psychologist, author, and speake...
Aug 17, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 19
Madison Margolin and Jim Belushi connect for a conversation on how plant medicine can change the trajectory of our lives. Jim Belushi is an actor, comedian, musician, and proprietor of Belushi's Farm . The farm began as a meager 48 cannabis plants during Oregon's medical marijuana program in 2015 but, it now encompasses a sprawling and spiritual 93 acres in Southern Oregon's Banana Belt. Here, the sun, water and air make the perfect combination to sustain naturally powerful and beautiful cannabi...
Aug 02, 2022•48 min•Ep. 18
Dr. Sara Lewis joins Madison to discuss psychedelics, Buddhism, trauma-informed meditation, collective healing, and the importance of integration. Dr. Sara Lewis is an Associate Professor of Contemplative Psychotherapy and Buddhist Psychology and Faculty Co-Director for Psychedelic Studies at Naropa University . Her work sits at the intersection of culture, religion, and mental health with an emphasis on trauma and non-ordinary states. She is the author of Spacious Minds: Trauma and Resilience i...
Jul 21, 2022•52 min•Ep. 17
In this week’s episode of Set and Setting, Madison Margolin welcomes Psychology Professor, Dr. Carl Hart, to talk about the psychological effects of recreational drug use. Dr. Carl Hart is the Ziff Professor of Psychology in the Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry at Columbia University. He is also a Research Scientist at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. Professor Hart is one of the world’s preeminent experts on the effects of so-called recreational drugs on the human mind and body...
Jul 07, 2022•45 min•Ep. 16
Madison Margolin invites Erin Garant to Set and Setting for a chat about processing death and how psychedelics can lead to a path of freedom. Erin Granat is a writer, filmmaker, and photographer. She is originally from Gardnerville, Nevada and earned a Journalism degree in Reno. Her screenplays and short films have been selections of Austin Film Festival, ScreenCraft, Marfa Film Festival, Moonfaze Feminist Film, Atlanta Film Festival, and more. Her debut feature film as writer-director is a come...
Jun 22, 2022•46 min•Ep. 15
Plant medicine activist and educational entertainer Brooke Burgstahler joins Madison to talk cannabis, psychedelics, and daily wellness. Fully believing you can help uplift the world through conscious content, Brooke Burgstahler is a woman on a mission to spread enlightening information and good vibes! Brooke has appeared on MTV, ABC, AMC, Oxygen, TBS, and Covergirl, and is creator/producer of Prisoners of Prohibition docu-series cannabis advocate and activist, Brooke is currently a reporter/pro...
Jun 11, 2022•45 min•Ep. 14
