Podcast Spotlight: A Skeptic’s Guide to Enlightenment

I feel like we continue to say this at Discover Pods — but we continue being introduced to more creative and imaginative podcasts — the podcast medium enables some of the most innovative work of any medium. Today, we’re spotlighting A Skeptic’s Guide to Enlightenment, an audio documentary exploring and discussing an Ayahuasca experience through Peru.

A Skeptic’s Guide to Enlightenment is an excellent podcast for me, someone who has never been to Peru nor had the urge to try Ayahuasca. It allows me to travel (albeit in my head) to a new place in a new state of mind. Host, David McNee, does an excellent job narrating and allowing the listener to put themselves in the situation.

We had a chance to discuss the podcast with McNee and how he thinks about the podcast, his recording set up, and future plans. Read below for the full interview.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | YouTube

Discover Pods: How’d you get into podcasting?

McNEE: It first started years ago by doing a lot of non fiction writing. At the same time I was also involved with recording bands and writing lyrics. With those combined experiences podcasting seemed like a natural next step for me. Little did I know of the work involved but ultimately I find the experience really rewarding. And really addictive.

DP: In your own words, why should listeners tune in to A Skeptic’s Guide to Enlightenment?

McNEE: I believe its a unique journey that I certainly wasn’t expecting,  I am still not sure how to process it all or even what to believe at this point. When I arrived in Peru I had no idea the extent of how it would change my perception of things. That being said I make no claims that these ceremonies are for everyone, I really just tried to document what I experienced and let the listener decide for themselves the validity of my experience.

DP: Your show straddles the line of podcast and documentary. How do you define and describe it?

McNEE: It believe it would fall under “documentary short” however I do plan on making a series out of the concept. Exploring new places and ideas in every episode.

DP: Obviously chronicling your Ayahuasca experience in Peru is going to pique a lot of interests. Is there a quick anecdote or lesson you learned from it?

McNEE: Ayahuasca ceremonies are all about learning lessons, For an example, during one of the ceremonies I felt like I was transported to an empty space where there were 1000 TV monitors floating in front of me. Each one showing moments from my life where i could have handled a situation better. The next evening, in a different ceremony I was shown scenes with an older future me interacting with people in a nicer more empathetic way. Showing me a path i could follow if i chose to. There is a saying,  Mother Ayahuasca shows you what you need, not what you want.

DP: Describe your recording set up? What equipment are you using? 

McNEE: I did quite a bit of field recording using a Tascam DR-05 and when I got back everything was imported to a Macbook Pro using Logic to put it all together. The voice over was recorded directly into Logic using a Blue Yeti USB Microphone.

DP: Where do you want to take your podcast?

McNEE: I’m really looking for people to experience what I went through without actually having to take part in it. And for those who are interested I believe that this documentary will answer a lot of questions regarding what goes on at these retreats.

DP: What other podcasts are you listening to now?

McNEE: I try and listen to a variety of podcasts, “The Joe Rogan Experience” There is always talk of Ayahuasca going on it at some point it seems,  “Blank Check with Griffin and David” a great behind the scenes look at the film industry, “The Third Wave” discussing modern day psychedelics, and “WTF with Mark Maron” and “This American Life” They both tend to put a smile on my face.

DP: Anything else you’d like to add?

McNEE: Thanks for Listening!