Episode 12: The Essential Guide to Ego Death and Growth: Mastering Your Mind

The Evolved Caveman Podcast w/ Dr. John Schinnerer

**Ego Death & Psychedelic Rebirth — with AJ Murillo**

Here is another mind-bending episode of *The Evolved Caveman Podcast*. This week, Dr. John sits down with AJ Murillo — author, psychonaut, and expert navigator of the inner cosmos — to talk all things *ego death*.

What the hell *is* ego death? And why should you care? Because it might just be the wake-up call your soul, your heart and your mind have been begging for.

AJ takes us through her deeply personal journey — from divine moments as a kid to full-on ego obliteration via psychedelics as an adult. We talk about prepping your mind and spirit for the plunge, managing emotional chaos mid-trip, and dodging the landmines on the path to inner transformation.

We also dive into:

- What happens *after* ego death — and why reintegration is the real test

- How psychedelics can amplify self-awareness (if you’re ready to face the truth)

- Why the mind-body connection is your best ally — or your worst enemy

• And how letting go of who you *think* you are can lead to who you *actually* are

Why Ego Death Matters To You

1. Insecurity and Fear of Failure – When identity is tied to achievements or external validation, failure feels like a personal attack rather than a learning experience.

2. Relationship Struggles – A strong ego can lead to defensiveness, an inability to admit mistakes, and difficulty empathizing with others, causing conflict in romantic and social relationships.

3. Lack of Growth – Over-identification with a fixed self-image makes it hard to embrace change, take risks, or learn from feedback.

4. Perfectionism and Stress – A fragile ego fears imperfection, leading to anxiety, burnout, and chronic dissatisfaction.

5. Inauthenticity – The need to maintain an idealized self-image can cause people to suppress their true thoughts, emotions, or desires.

6. Victim Mentality – An ego that feels attacked easily can lead to blame-shifting and a refusal to take responsibility for personal actions.

7. Resistance to Vulnerability – Overattachment to ego creates a fear of being seen as weak, making emotional intimacy difficult.

8. Spiritual and Existential Disconnection – When the ego dominates, people may struggle to find deeper meaning, purpose, or a sense of interconnectedness.

This episode is part mystical download, part grounded coaching, and 100% real. So if you're ready to challenge your identity, expand your consciousness, and explore the cosmic ballet that is *you* — buckle up.

Let’s crack the shell of the ego and see what’s on the other side.

Wanna Go Deeper Down the Rabbit Hole? Here’s Where to Stalk Us (Respectfully):

👔 For Dr. John’s work helping execs and high performers stop silently imploding:

👉 [GuideToSelf.com](https://GuideToSelf.com)

💔 Curious about the couples counseling magic John’s doing with the amazing Joree Rose, LMFT

👉 [LoveIsntEnough.net](https://LoveIsntEnough.net)

(*Spoiler: Love isn’t enough, but skills, self-awareness, and maybe a glass of wine are.*)

🎙️ For all things caveman evolution, podcast-style:

👉 [TheEvolvedCaveman.com](https://TheEvolvedCaveman.com)