Hi there,

When Jair told me he was traveling deep into the Colombian Amazon to interview a medicine man, I couldn't wait to hear what he'd discover.

I've always been fascinated by Ayahuasca's healing potential. Even as tech bros in Silicon Valley and creatives in Brooklyn lofts chase ceremonial experiences, there's something much deeper happening here that Instagram stories can't capture.

Jair, our Head of Content, wasn't after another trend piece. He was pursuing something most people miss completely – the connection between this ancient plant medicine and the wellspring of creativity itself.

The brew combines two plants that separately do little. Together? They create something extraordinary. They unlock DMT – the same compound our bodies produce during birth, death, and those rare moments when creativity feels like it's pouring through us from somewhere else.

Indigenous Amazonians have worked with this medicine for centuries. They weren't documenting their experiences for podcasts. They were developing relationships with plants that modern science is only beginning to understand.

Jair's journey led him to Taita Manuel Díaz – a medicine man with three decades of experience. "Taita" means Father in their tradition. Beyond ceremonies, he crafts instruments, composes music, and accesses creative dimensions that most of us only glimpse in our most inspired moments.

Together they've built Cantos de la Tierra in Mocoa-Putumayo, deep in the Amazon. What started as a healing center has evolved into something beautiful – an arts school teaching children to connect with creative forces that our educational systems completely ignore.

Their conversation explores something I've always suspected – that this medicine unlocks creative potential that remains accessible long after the ceremony ends. The locals call it Yagé, Remedio, Medicina – different names for the same profound healing force.

This isn't about escaping reality. It's about accessing more of it.

What follows might fundamentally change how you think about creativity and healing.

Taita Manuel Díaz, Traditional Colombian Medicine Man

Taita Manuel Díaz is a traditional Colombian medicine man from the Amazon with over 30 years of experience using this psychoactive brew. "Taita," meaning Father in the local tradition, is the title bestowed upon medicine men in the Amazon. Beyond his healing practices, Taita Manuel is also a passionate musician and luthier, dedicating decades to uncovering healing sounds and rhythms.

Tell us more about your first experiences with the plant and how they influenced your life.

I first approached Ayahuasca due to a specific health issue. It's a mystery because I was quite skeptical about this type of experience. I ended up participating in a ceremony with a friend, not because I had any information that it could help me. Yagé is truly a mystery, and I feel that some lineages come with you and somehow reconnect and call you back to your life mission at some point. So, I ended up taking the medicine in a very unplanned way, without any expectation that it would help me at all. It was really surprising and awakened my curiosity due to its healing effect on me.

I continued to join more ceremonies and began to realize its profound healing power. That was the first significant impact in my life—recognizing the plant as a medicine. Seeing that I started to heal from such complex health conditions, which clinically I had little hope of surviving, was life-changing.

This initial impact led me to experiences of reconnection with things we often overlook in our materialistic, everyday world. In daily life, we are heavily subjected to materialism and science, but Yagé induces a powerful effect that allowed me to sit and understand so many things about my life and nature beyond the obvious. We are made of nature and have been disconnected from that essence. This was my first introduction to the medicinal power of the plant.

How do Yagé and other medicinal plants influence your creative process in different disciplines? 

Well, in my case, I am quite passionate about studying. In this research and exploration of the plant, one receives certain information. One of these insights is understanding that most medicines, even if they come from a laboratory, originally come from nature. This realization opened a new portal to two different options, either accessing chemical medicines or receiving the medicines in a very natural way.

The research consisted of simply beginning to reconnect the information of the scientific studies about medicine and look for the plants that have similar properties. In truth, yagé medicine (Ayahuasca) has a very unique way of teaching you what the other plants are for. 

Then concerning art, the “Remedio” and its magic generate a motivation that is difficult to explain, but awakens an energy that inspires and makes one want to explore, create, and express oneself, to study deeper, whether it is music, painting, or other activities even sports. 

One feels the longing to express these insights through many arts, to express a certain understanding, a vision, and the feeling that came through the Yagé ceremony. It is easy to suddenly compose a piece, a lyric, or a song, it becomes easier to make them into a message. And, I feel it’s all about the gratitude that one is experiencing. 
It happens that the Medicina awakens a connection with art, a sense of inspiration, clarity, and a lot of faith. A very big positivity develops naturally.

Do you recall any particular experience that impacted your creativity deeply? 

Experiences? Oh, there are so many, aren't there? (laughs) I remember a moment in my life when I wasn’t available to continue with my usual daily activities like I used to, they didn’t feel true anymore. It was then, in a ceremony, in a moment of deep connection with the Medicina, that I reached out to the Great Spirit, the Divine Father, asking for guidance on my path. In response, I was shown a room filled with instruments and a chalkboard—I saw myself crafting instruments and teaching music.

You see, when you enter that space of inner connection, personal faith ignites, especially when you witness firsthand the healing power of the Medicina. Trusting in those visions is really important. Despite warnings that studying music or crafting guitars wouldn't be profitable or that I wasn’t going to get enough to pay the monthly bills (laughs again), seeing Yagé’s miraculous effects and the profound improvement in my health motivated me to pursue this path wholeheartedly.

Such visions I received through Yagé were transformative—they became one of the most profound experiences of my life. Witnessing others' healing journeys, just as I experienced my own healing through it, fills me with immense joy. The love, warmth, and gratitude people show towards me when they experience health improvements—it's indescribable.

These experiences have brought clarity and inspired me to dream bigger, like envisioning a school of music, arts, and sports for children. A place where harmony, peace, and health intertwine, as a way to give back for all the blessings I've received.

I believe it's important to share the results of one’s experiences—not to insist that others must take the Medicine to understand, but to find clarity in one's own journey first. To create spaces where that connection can be transmitted naturally. Understanding that the Medicina reaches those it's meant for, in its own time. That, to me, is the most genuine way to approach it, rather than imposing or pressuring someone to partake.

What role does the “Pinta” play in the creative process, in yours, and in what you have observed in the people who attend the ceremonies? 

Regarding the vision, in my case, everything has been very clear. The "pinta" (this is what natives called the visions and hallucinations one experiences under the effect of Ayahuasca) has conveyed a worldview that allows me to understand why things happen as they do. In the "pinta," the magic of the medicine is expressed, offering clear and profound reasons to share them through any artistic form.

What one does is “download” information and apply it to this context of life. We know these visions come from another, how to say, another energy, another space, so it's very special because it's something pure. They possess qualities that exceed what the mind can invent on a daily basis. I see them as gifts; "pintas" are gifts. They can reveal future moments and hopes to follow, and today in my life, I realize how enlightening and definitive these "pintas" are, how they manifest, I don't know, they come in the form of names, figures, sensations, colors—many things, but all very beautiful and significant.

"Pintas" are wonderful gifts, which is why it's important not to rush to receive them but to let them unfold naturally. As an artist, one almost becomes an observer and allows creation to flow through oneself freely.

How do you integrate the ideas and inspiration received during the ceremonies into your daily life?

As I mentioned, the "pintas" (visions experienced during the psychoactive experience) hold a mystery because they always point to something beyond what one can grasp in everyday life. One must decide, based on personal criteria and intellect, how to apply these insights to life. Through these visions, one gains a deeper understanding than what's typically accessible without Medicina, providing clear direction for one's actions.

We perceive only this third-dimensional plane we inhabit, but with the "Remedio," we ascend to other planes, realizing our connection to them, which is quite beautiful. Along this path of Medicina, one learns to direct energy toward specific ends, guided by the Remedio itself—an inner voice indicating when an action aligns with your true self. Sometimes, the Medicina and this connection prompt you to act from the heart in your life.

However, it remains a mystery; sometimes, despite being experienced with the Medicina, I ask questions and receive no answers, while other times, without asking, I gain more insight than expected (he laughs again).

Occasionally, Medicina may lead to experiences that initially seem unpleasant. Interestingly, these perceived negatives often turn out to be blessings and liberations in the long run. You never know.

What advice would you give to other artists and creatives looking to Ayahuasca as a tool to enhance their creative capacity and work?

Perhaps I haven't emphasized enough that embarking on this path requires great discipline and self-care. My first piece of advice: approach everything with dedication, love, and make time for it. When one achieves inner harmony and organizes oneself, the experience with Yagé becomes wonderful, facilitating creativity in all aspects. Initially, it helps organize your life, diet, attachments, and addictions—it's like organizing your house to establish a beautiful flow between the medicine and your creative heart.

That's my recommendation for anyone interested in this journey. While Yagé may provide insights beneficial to creativity, organizing one's life beforehand enhances direction, depth, and beauty. Take the time to organize many aspects of life, and Medicina will surely bring forth beautiful outcomes.

Promising immediate ideas upon taking the medicine may create false expectations; personal growth may be necessary first. Some people tidy up themselves after a few ceremonies, while others need many more. Once this foundation is set, everything flows naturally. When aligned with nature, music, or painting, inner connection activates everything, resonating with what truly ignites your heart.

How do you perceive the growing global interest in traditional Amazonian medicines like Yagé and its impact on consciousness levels?

Globally, properly directed ceremonies yield significant benefits, depending on the way they are shared. Some may share Yagé without clear intentions. In my view, I share the medicine to promote health and inner balance, establishing them as the main foundations for being. I think Yagé shouldn't be widely spread because not everyone is ready to receive it and this potentially could dilute its essence and magic.

I feel that the Medicina follows its own plan. Gradually, the universe, cosmos, divine presence—God's Great Spirit—whatever you want to call it, guides people toward it. Yet, I see positive emerging globally. Merely nurturing curiosity about plant medicines, making personal changes, and striving for self-improvement already signifies positive developments as a whole.

As I mentioned before, sometimes experiences with Yagé may not be what you expect at first. They may seem wrong or bad, but in the long run, they promote internal healing and inner connection, ultimately contributing positively. Medicine continues to bring clarity, organizing what's necessary within oneself.

What message do you hope to convey through your art as a luthier, musician, and medicine man?

I find immense pleasure in sharing the joy of singing to life and nature daily. My aim is to spread this joy and the satisfaction of living fully, accepting things as they are. It's about reaching a place where you’re no longer bothered by or searching for anything but instead feel grateful for being alive. This includes appreciating simple aspects like health, family, friendships, and the small moments of daily life. Sharing this joy is at the heart of what I do.

Regarding art, creating music brings me immense satisfaction. I understand everyone has different tastes, yet some approach music competitively rather than with gratitude. As an artist who creates from the heart, I strive to convey feelings that, while perhaps not technically perfect, resonate perfectly in a cosmic sense. This liberates us from conventional norms, allowing us to share joy, gratitude, and hope, inspiring these emotions in others.

Therefore, my invitation to all is to continue feeling and dreaming. Ayahuasca offers a wonderful pathway to achieve this.

More than a plant, a healer, and a guide.

Jair, our Head of Content, has spent over eight years delving into the mysteries of Ayahuasca. There’s a common belief that you don’t come to Ayahuasca; the plant medicine calls and finds you first. In Jair’s case, just like with Manuel, this medicine entered his life when he was ill, suffering from Chikungunya—a mosquito-borne disease that left him bedridden with high fever and severe body pain for three weeks. Western medicine could only offer painkillers, but two Ayahuasca ceremonies healed him.

This sudden improvement sparked his curiosity, leading him to explore the medicine deeply. He discovered not only its healing power but also its ability to open doors to higher realms of reality and windows to the soul.

After experiencing the medicine with various shamans and witnessing both the best and worst aspects of the shamanic world, Jair met Manuel and lived with him for over two years. We asked Jair what he would recommend to people curious about Ayahuasca.

“I think the first step is to contemplate the intention before drinking Ayahuasca. Clarity about your intention is crucial for the ceremonies to be effective. Once that is clear, I would advise them to go to the jungle and experience it there. I believe plants work better when they’re in their natural habitat.

Then, choose your shaman wisely. Unfortunately, many people are sharing Ayahuasca these days without enough experience or values aligned with the sacredness of the plant. So, find an experienced shaman and, more importantly, a good human being who shares it authentically and with good intentions.”

Ad Vault: Guinness

Surfer (1999)

Yes, it’s a beer ad. But it’s also a spiritual trip.

Guinness’ iconic “Surfer” spot from 1999 isn’t about drinking. It’s about waiting. About release. About the almost-mystical tension between control and chaos. Set against pulsing drums and black-and-white waves, it shows a lone surfer holding steady as monstrous horses rise from the ocean.

It’s raw, intense, and strangely transcendent. Like a metaphor for ayahuasca, but more foam instead of purging….

Brand Wars: Goop vs. The Ordinary

Two wellness brands. Both obsessed with rituals, transformation, and what goes into your body (or on your skin). But that’s where the similarities end.

Goop: The Cult of Aspiration

Founded by Gwyneth Paltrow and powered by controversy, Goop is spiritual luxury wrapped in linen and Palo Santo. Goop isn’t trying to be relatable. That’s kind of the point. It’s aspirational, elitist, and fully aware of its own absurdity. Ayahuasca, jade eggs, infrared saunas—it’s wellness rebranded as a lifestyle upgrade. Think Vogue-meets-vision quest. If you're in, you're in. If you're not… well, you probably can’t afford to be

The Ordinary: Science, Not Sage Smoke

On the other end? The Ordinary. Affordable. Transparent. Blunt.
It’s stripped back, data-led, and anti-hype. Where Goop thrives on intuition and storytelling, The Ordinary is the brand for people who want results, not rituals. And it built a cult following by doing the exact opposite of Goop: being clear, cheap, and borderline clinical.

Goop asks you to explore your chakras.

The Ordinary tells you to read the label.

Lento Vibes

A bit of random inspo from around the grounds:

• The Wedding Roast You Didn’t Expect: Airtable skewers clunky tools in a sharp B2B spot where a bride and groom get called “inefficient” at the altar. Cringe comedy meets SaaS pitch. Watch It →

• Google’s AI Gets Dressed Up: Their new “try-on” feature lets you preview clothes on different body types using AI. Smart retail move, or the start of another uncanny valley? See the Tool →

• Meta’s AI Pitch? “Just Trust Us.”: Meta wants to automate your ad creative and targeting—completely. No visibility, no manual tweaks. The big question: will Amazon follow? Read More →

• Cannes Picks Are In: Adweek asked creatives what work they think will sweep this year’s Lions. Some crowd-pleasers, some outliers—solid shortlist if you're tracking trends. See the List →

• ASICS Signs a Dog: Meet the brand’s first canine ambassador. Not much to say except: good dog, great PR. Take a Look →