Episode 38

Is Ayahuasca For Everyone? Preparing My Experience, Fears, Intentions, and Healing in Costa Rica

Published on: 29th September, 2025

Welcome back to Rise, Shine & Redefine! It’s just me—Caryn—in today’s solo episode, and I’m finally sharing something I’ve been holding close to my heart for a long time: my journey to Costa Rica for an Ayahuasca retreat.

This experience has been calling me for years… and now, I’m taking you behind the scenes of everything that led up to it.

Before I even stepped into the ceremony space, there was a lot to navigate—emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

From choosing the right retreat and facing deep-seated health anxieties, to having tough conversations with my family and committing to the pre-ceremony diet (yes, goodbye coffee and sugar!), this journey stretched me before it even began.

I also open up about the fears that came up traveling solo, what it felt like to leave my comfort zone behind, and the powerful intentions I set around healing generational trauma, reconnecting with soul-aligned energy, and stepping into my feminine power in a deeper way.

This episode is raw, honest, and personal—and it’s just the beginning.

It kicks off a multi-part series where I’ll be walking you through the full arc of my plant medicine journey: not just the ceremonies themselves, but all the inner work that made them possible.

If you’ve ever been curious about ayahuasca, soul growth, or what it really takes to answer a spiritual calling, this one’s for you.

Hit play—and let’s rise, shine, and redefine—together.

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Ayahuasca Journey in Costa Rica

05:16 Ayahuasca Journey and Personal Transformation

09:32 Non-Refundable Spiritual Retreat Experience

11:03 Pre-Tea Cleanse Insights

16:15 Facing Fear Through Journaling

17:46 Transitioning Fear to Calm

22:26 Co-Ed Shuttle Wait Experience

24:18 Struggling with Authenticity and People-Pleasing

28:13 "Breathwork Challenges Before Ceremony"

31:13 "Hunger Ends Ceremony”

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About the Podcast

Rise, Shine, and Redefine
Welcome to the 'Rise, Shine, and Redefine,' podcast where we embark on a journey together towards self-discovery, growth, and transformation. I'm Caryn Meininger, your host and ally on this journey.
In our world, we'll delve into the heart of what it means to persevere personally, nurture relationships, uphold boundaries, and cultivate both mental and physical spaces that inspire. This is a place where your true beauty isn't just seen—it's celebrated.
Are you ready to be understood, to unveil the finest version of yourself, and to nurture thriving children? Then, you're in the right spot. Imagine, for a moment, if our childhoods were steeped in lessons of personal growth. Where might we be now? It's a thought that guides our conversations here.
As your BFF for Mindset Mastery, I'm here to bring a touch of magic and motivation to your everyday journey. We'll navigate the complexities of personal growth, family dynamics, and self-discovery together. Expect laughter, tears, and lots of 'aha' moments as we explore the power of mindset in transforming our lives and relationships..
This is more than a podcast. It's a community where you learn to love who you're becoming and cherish the journey – both yours and your children's. It's time to shed the weight of people-pleasing and step into your authentic power. To love yourself fiercely, to embrace your unique path, and to redefine what it means to live beautifully.
So, join me. Let's rise, shine, and redefine together."

About your host

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Caryn Meininger

I left my family job to pursue my passion. Leaving behind the comfort of my conventional 9-5 job to embark on a journey fully aligned with my passions was a pivotal moment. The birth of personal growth wasn’t just about pursuing my dreams; it was a message to my son, Wesley, that he possesses the boundless potential to accomplish anything he sets his mind to. As I witnessed the profound transformation in Wesley’s life, along with the positive impact it had on our family, I knew I couldn’t keep it for myself. It became my mission to spread these empowering skills with all of you.