What happens when a Marine veteran who has already faced the deepest corners of trauma decides to sit with Mother Ayahuasca? In this episode of I'm F.I.N.E., hosts Eric Peterson and Brad Stosiek welcome back Marine veteran and plant medicine advocate Chris James for a raw, honest, and deeply vulnerable conversation about his experience with Ayahuasca at the Pachamama Sanctuary through the Vines and Valor program.

From the hard science and indigenous history behind the "vine of the soul" to the brutal physical purges and unexpected emotional breakthroughs, Chris walks us through every step of his journey. He shares how a transformative breathwork session cracked open decade-old grief, how he navigated a terrifying first night to find a profound breakthrough on night two, and how Ayahuasca restored his ability to love his wife with his entire heart.

Whether you are curious about alternative mental health treatments for PTSD, plant medicine integration, or the power of veteran community support, this episode offers an unfiltered look into the reality of psychedelic-assisted healing.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

• What is Ayahuasca? The chemistry, indigenous roots of the Amazon, and scientific backing from institutions like Johns Hopkins.
• 14 Months Post-Ibogaine: Chris checks in on his ongoing sobriety from alcohol, mindset shifts, and emotional baseline.
• Vines and Valor & Pachamama Sanctuary: How Marine and Navy veterans are accessing fully funded retreats in Maine.
• The Reality of the Purge: Chris's tough first night—nausea, physical discomfort, and overcoming the urge to quit.
• The Power of Breathwork: How a guided breathwork session unlocked buried childhood trauma, self-love, and tears for fallen military brothers.
• Night Two Breakthrough: Becoming the music, experiencing motherly love from the medicine, and healing the subconscious wall in his marriage.
• The Secret Sauce of Integration: Why veteran group chats, weekly Zoom circles, and community support make or break the healing process.
• Advocating for Veteran Health: Local union fundraising (Local 265), sending vets to retreats, and pushing for broader legislative access to alternative therapies.

Disclaimer: What is shared in this episode is for educational and personal storytelling purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals before making any treatment decisions.