In this powerful conversation, I sit down with my dear friend Theo Fotopoulos — psychosomatic coach, plant medicine facilitator, and men’s work leader — to explore the depths of shadow work, initiation, and the mysteries of consciousness.
Theo has lived a life on the edge: near-death experiences, years of men’s coaching, dozens of plant medicine ceremonies, and relentless initiations into both shadow and light. What he’s discovered along the way is a path of radical honesty, embodiment, and service.
Together, we dive into:
- Theo’s near-death experiences and how they shattered his identity.
- The turning point that led him from PTSD into plant medicine.
- Why integration is the work — and why chasing ceremonies misses the point.
- How the body’s nervous system is the true gatekeeper for psychedelic depth.
- The vital importance of rites of passage and initiation for modern men.
- Cannabis as the “dark feminine” and how to work with her consciously.
- Bufo, Ayahuasca, Kambo, and the initiations that broke Theo open.
- The danger of spiritual bypassing and the shadow of “love and light.”
- The future of humanity: collective shadow work, split realities, and the return to wholeness.
- Why you will find your light by going into your darkness
- The lesson Theo would leave to the next generation
This episode is for anyone walking the path of initiation — seekers, leaders, facilitators, and those who know there is more to life than meets the eye.
Resources & Mentions:
- King, Warrior, Magician, Lover by Robert Moore
- Joseph Campbell — “Follow your bliss”
- The Cosmic Matrix Podcast (Bernhard Guenther & Laura Matsue)
Connect with Theo
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The James Xander Trip explores the intersection of psychedelics, personal growth, and spirituality. Subscribe for more conversations that inspire transformation and alignment. Visit jamesxandertrip.com to join the newsletter.
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The James Xander Trip explores the intersection of psychedelics, personal growth, and spirituality. Subscribe for more conversations that inspire transformation and alignment. Visit jamesxandertrip.com to join the newsletter.
Support the podcast:
• Share this episode with a friend 🙏
• Rate, review, and follow the podcast
• Subscribe to the YouTube channel
• Subscribe to the Telegram channel
RESOURCES:
• Follow my YouTube channel
• Download The Mushroom Trip Checklist
• Access The Mushroom Playlists
• Join my free newsletter
• Dive deeper with Unlock God Mode
• Guidance: Work with me 1:1
• Join the free Telegram channel
Connect with James Xander:
• YouTube
• Newsletter
• Official Site
• Telegram
1:1 GUIDANCE
• Book a consultation call with James
★ Join my cosmic newsletter ★