63 Alchemy of the Self: Xavier Dagba on Healing Through Shadow Work

In this powerful episode, Jon sits down with Jose Inzunza, co-founder of Ambio Life Sciences and former firefighter from Tijuana, Mexico. Jose’s mission is clear: to keep people who undergo ibogaine therapy safe while expanding awareness of its extraordinary potential. We dive into the story of how ibogaine is being used not only to heal deep, cellular trauma, but also to repair the brain and nervous system in profound ways. Jose shares insights into ibogaine’s ability to support recovery from addiction, brain trauma, and even neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. This is more than a conversation about plant medicine — it’s about the frontlines of healing, bridging safety, science, and spirituality to unlock the infinite potential within human biology. Tune in to explore how ibogaine is changing lives, and why Jose believes this medicine is a key to the future of trauma recovery and neurological healing. Contact for ambio life sciences:ambio.life

In this episode, Jon sits down with Ginny Rutherford, founder of Kambo International and a dedicated pattern coach in the Ren Xue framework. Ginny brings a fresh perspective on how deeply ingrained patterns silently dictate our lives—shaping thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.  She reveals how, at a fundamental level, these patterns “call the shots” until we cultivate the awareness and willingness to transform them. Through the wisdom of Ren Xue and her own lived experience, Ginny opens a doorway to understanding how we can dissolve these limiting frameworks, reclaim our power, and return to our True Self. Ren Xue (pronounced " ren shueh") founded by Yuan Tze, is a path of wisdom that helps you reconnect with your True Self and live in harmony with yourself, others, and the world around you.  Yuan Tze is a visionary who combines profound wisdom with genuine humility, Ren Xue brings ancient wisdom into modern life in a practical, accessible way. Yuan Tze developed this system through decades of deep study and his own transformative journey. This is a powerful conversation about lifting the veil of ignorance, stepping out of automatic living, and embracing the freedom of conscious transformation.

In this groundbreaking episode, we sit down with Dani Fontaine—a trailblazing ND, endocannabinoidologist, neurotherapist, researcher, and author—whose work is reshaping how we understand cannabis and the human body. Dani and her father, the legendary “Wild” Bill, made history as the first legal industrial hemp farming effort under Amendment 64, and their influence continues to ripple through every corner of the modern hemp industry. Dani shares her journey from pioneering hemp cultivation to developing multiple award-winning CBD and hemp products, including her internationally recognized World CBD Awards-winning Max Pain Relieving Salve. More than just products, her work is rooted in science and innovation: in this episode, she dives deep into the endocannabinoid receptors within the body, unpacking how this intricate system works with our natural physiology. We also explore the electric biofield—the body’s energetic framework—and how understanding its connection to our physical health opens doors for revolutionary approaches to pain relief, healing, and overall well-being. Whether you’re a health professional, cannabis advocate, or someone curious about cutting-edge science and holistic healing, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and the future of plant medicine.How to contact Dani:danifontaine.com naturesroot.com

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Charlie Brown, a dedicated engineer with the Glendale Fire Department and a passionate advocate for first responder mental health. Charlie runs a nonprofit organization that’s transforming lives by offering critical mental health support to firefighters, doctors, and nurses. Learn about their expanded services, including a 24/7 hotline for text and phone support, connecting those in need with professional care. Charlie shares how their nonprofit hosts fundraising events like the Fight for Mental Health boxing matches and leverages a peer support team to rally communities around this vital cause. Joined by insights into the inspiring work of Charlie’s teammate, Blake Stinnett, founder of Next Rung, we explore Blake’s personal mission driven by the tragic loss of a friend and co-worker to suicide. His love for the fire service fuels his commitment to making a lasting impact on those he serves alongside. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about resilience, community, and breaking the stigma around mental health for first responders.For more contacting Next Rung:www.nextrung.org

In this powerful episode of Grablives, firefighter and host Jonathan Vargas dives deep into the mental health struggles faced by first responders with guest Xavier Dagba, a self-described wordsmith and shadow work alchemist. Together, they explore the shadow version of the self—those hidden, often avoided parts of our psyche that shape our internal suffering. Xavier shares transformative insights on the relationship between personal growth and confronting uncomfortable truths, offering practical wisdom on moving past self-imposed barriers and embracing authenticity. From navigating the self as its own enemy to unlearning patterns that hinder healing, this episode is a heartfelt call to firefighters, cops, and military personnel to face unwanted truths and reclaim their wholeness for a sustainable career and life. Tune in for a raw, heart-centered conversation that bridges shadow work, emotional alchemy, and the path to higher consciousness.   Getting in contact with Xavier:www.xavierdagba.com

In this electrifying episode, Jason Latas unpacks the mystical and scientific dimensions of solar flares — what they are, how they work, and why they matter. From plasma bursts on the Sun’s surface to their energetic ripple effects on Earth’s atmosphere and human consciousness, Jason dives into the complexity of solar activity in a way that’s both grounded and expansive. Whether you're curious about the science, the metaphysics, or how solar flares may affect your body and energy field, this episode bridges the cosmic and the cellular. Tune in for a dynamic breakdown that brings light to the flares above — and what they awaken within.   Contact for Jason and his phenomenal work: Linktree/jasonlatas

In this heartfelt and honest episode, Jon sits down with his fiancée Haley to talk about the realities of managing a relationship when one partner is a firefighter — away from home a third of the time. Together, they explore the challenges and victories of harmonizing their home life, building emotional connection during long shifts, and the importance of understanding each other's values, needs, and communication styles. They discuss real strategies they use to stay grounded, present, and aligned — even when the job pulls Jon away — and how couples can honor their individual roles while building a unified foundation.

The 343 fund is a non profit organization in honor of a fallen FDNY firefighter Casey Skudin. Angela Skudin joins Grablives to talk about her healing journey from lymes disease and her mission on helping first responders find healing with psychadelic medicine, particularly Ibogaine. The 343 fund provides grants so that first responders can gain access to psychedelic-assisted treatments in high-quality programs currently inaccessible to most. The episode goes into more detail on Ibogaine, its effects and its ability to give hope for those struggling with PTSD, TBI, biological disorders, and more. The talk about ibogaine offers a glimpse of hope by using a fast track process in establishing a journey into the self, uncovering hidden traumas, and rewiring the brain in the process. The 343 fund partners with Ambio Life Sciences. Ambio’s clinics have become centers for research and the cultural introduction of ibogaine therapy. The founders have a combined 40+ years of experience leading the field in a variety of ways, from the programs, to training, and sustainable medicine sourcing. Ambio runs a variety of programs at several locations, and can address a wide range of concerns, including drug detoxification and addiction recovery, traumatic brain injuries and emotional trauma, neurodegenerative conditions, pain, and other concerns. Contacting 343 for donation and/or application for grant:343fund.org

Taylor Eyewalker is a doula for human transformation; as a kundalini yoga teacher, Master practitioner and Teacher of Kambo, creator of the Uncoil Method and energetic and biological medicine practitioner. Taylor’s healing work with Kambo focuses on the physical healing to the inner most spiritual. Her mission to support her clients in healing traumas, wounds and core distortions that are living within their DNA so that they may align with their highest and most creative blueprint. She focuses specifically on clearing lineage patterns on a soul level so her clients may be fully free to live within their highest abundance on all levels of existence. Her most unique gift is that she is a medical intuitive and sees the areas of blockage down to the root, creating the most precise treatment protocol for her clients care. Taylor and Jon discuss many avenues of her work in elevating the human biology and mental awareness. From NAD+ IV therapy, Ozone therapy, Kundalini yoga, kambo, and cultivating a new version of the self. If interested in contacting Taylor: tayloreyewalker.com

Morgan Englund is a retired Los Angeles City firefighter who is a keynote speaker and sound healing facilitator. Morgan shares his mental health healing journey with MDMA/Psilocybin along with sound. Morgan returns to grablives to discuss topics like shame and burnout. contact for Morgan and his services: http://morganenglund.com