We are excited to host Raffaello Manacorda on this episode of the Mangu.tv podcast series.

Raffaello is an international Tantra teacher and practitioner with over 15 years of experience. He has undergone intensive training in various styles of Yoga. After completing a Master’s degree in Philosophy, Raffaello spent more than twelve years living in alternative communities, experimenting with radically alternative lifestyles. During this period, he encountered Tantra, which developed into a lifelong practice. He serves as lead faculty at the International School of Temple Arts (ISTA) and teaches and lectures worldwide. Raffaello is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Wisdom Studies at Ubiquity University in California. He is also the co-creator of the ISTA Practitioner Training, a program for coaches and practitioners in the field of conscious sexuality.

Raffaello discusses conscious sexuality, from his perspective, breaking down the three parts within us from a scientific, political and spiritual framework as well as sharing his perspective on unconscious sexuality. He looks at the origins, necessity and problematic nature of polarity in sexuality.

Giancarlo and Raffaello discuss to what extent conscious sexuality can be a transpersonal practice. They speak about some of the most controversial sexual practices, and polarities of non-consensual enlightenment vs. a hyper-individualised society and cult of consent. Furthermore, at which point an individual is a set of habits, beliefs and preconceptions, with experiences informed by discomfort and ego, etc. They share a need for a happy medium, over the tendency to lean towards extremes.

We are delighted to host Jorge Ferrer for a third episode on the ⁠Mangu.tv⁠ podcast series.

Jorge Ferrer PhD, is a Spanish-American psychologist, renowned for his pioneering work in transpersonal psychology and the integration of spirituality and sexuality. A former professor at the California Institute of Integral Studies, he developed a participatory approach emphasizing embodied relational and pluralistic understandings of spiritual and sexual experiences. Ferrer coined the term Novogomy to describe relational models that transcend the traditional monogamy polyamory binary, promoting more inclusive and authentic connections. His notable works include Love and Freedom and Novogamia, where he explores the intersection of love, freedom, and spiritual intimacy. Through his international counselling practice, Ferrer supports individuals and couples in navigating infidelity, jealousy, sexual incompatibilities, and open relationships, aiming to foster conscious and fulfilling intimate lives.

Jorge supports in unpacking a recent tantra retreat, in which Giancarlo was asked to leave during his level two training. They discuss the catalyst of this decision, Jorge shares from his perspective why it may have been uncomfortable for him and for the school.

Jorge and Giancarlo discuss sustaining a monogamous relationship through sexual encounters without orgasm. Jorge speaks about abuse of power, sexual repression and sexual deconditioning. He shares his views on a society that's increasingly in the mind and acting in an addictive, compulsive way, and the importance of integration of instinctual wisdom with our consciousness and the values of the heart.

We are excited to host Stephanie and Giancarlo Canavesio on this episode of the ⁠Mangu.tv⁠ podcast, interviewed by long-term friend and poet, Alexcia Panay.

 Stephanie is a psychotherapist devoted to deep healing and conscious transformation. Through her work with presence embodied, she weaves compassionate inquiry with meditative practices to support clients in cultivating self-awareness and authentic expression. Trained by Dr. Gabor Mate, Stephanie brings a trauma-informed lens to her work, specialising in trauma, emotional patterns, and addiction. She empowers individuals to reconnect with their inner truth and vitality. Stephanie's presence is intuitive and grounded, making her a quiet but powerful force for lasting change.

Giancarlo is a multidisciplinary entrepreneur focused on meaningful impact. He produced Neurons to Nirvana and 2012: Time for Change, through Mangusta Productions, exploring psychedelics and sustainability. He co-founded Terra Viva, a regenerative farm and founded Difuso Ibiza, revitalising historic Sa Penya homes into spaces for community and transformation. Giancarlo, bridge's media, land stewardship and regenerative living, combining creativity, discipline, and purpose. His ventures foster innovation, conscious living, and resilience. He's not just building businesses, but nurturing cultural and ecological renewal.

Giancarlo and Stephanie delve into their story, the things they most admire about each other, tools for a healthy relationship, and how they alchemised difficult moments in their marriage to grow both together and individually. They discuss ISTA, Compassionate Inquiry, and other modalities, and how these approaches have enabled them to expand in their relationship and as parents.

We are delighted to host Michèle Barocchi on this episode of the Mangu.tv podcast series.

​​Michèle Anne Barocchi, MPH, PhD, is a scientist and healing practitioner. She began her public health career in Brazil before joining Novartis, where she led molecular epidemiology and discovered a key immunity biomarker. With over 45 peer-reviewed publications, she has supported the WHO initiatives and the UN Sustainable Development goals. In 2024, she co-founded and now leads MAPS Italy, the official Italian affiliate of MAPS. After a 2015 accident that resulted in the loss of her left leg, Michèle deepened her path in integrative healing. She's a certified breathwork facilitator, yoga instructor, and trained in psychedelic-assisted therapies with MAPS and Polaris Insight Centre.

Michèle speaks about her upbringing and turbulent times as a young girl, her involuntary move to America and rebellious teenage years. Michele talks about her difficult relationships and a life-changing accident, which, through healing practices like breathwork, Ayahuasca, and ketamine therapy, she found recovery and purpose.
In their conversation, Giancarlo and Michèle delve into mental health and the transformative power of love and breath. They discuss attachment theories, the impact of traumatic upbringings on adult relationships, and Michèle's experiences with healing modalities. Michèle shares her journey from studying yoga to becoming a breath facilitator and her involvement with MAPS in Italy. They speak about the importance of companionship, healing practices, and the resilience that has shaped Michèle's path towards self-discovery and healing.

We are delighted to host Sarah Tilley on the Mangu.tv podcast.

Sarah is a healthcare entrepreneur, psychedelic guide and founder of a Dutch-based legal psychedelic company, Beautiful Space. She is the creator of the Beautiful Space Method of Relational Therapy, a new model of psychedelic-assisted therapy, resetting couples and individuals addressing loss of desire in romantic relationships. A mother, healer, educator and musician, Sarah has been working with plant medicine and altered states for over 20 years. Originally trained in alternative medicine, she most recently studied with Esther Perel and Betty Martin.

An advocate for healthcare equality and safe psychedelics, Sarah continues to build a legacy of research, ethics, therapy and training programs contributing to the emerging field of psychedelic wellness. Beautiful Space is in collaboration with Imperial College London on the first study on psilocybin, couples and relationship wellbeing with psychological support.

Sarah shares the story of her upbringing in the greenbelt of the UK, where music provided solace amidst a challenging environment. She speaks about her early curiosity in spirituality, lucid dreaming and philosophy, and her journey into the world of plant medicine. Sarah shares the struggles of her divorce and the effects of divorce on children, as well as her work in psychedelic-assisted therapy for relationships and as an alternative to divorce.

Giancarlo and Sarah discuss sexuality, pleasure, and Sarah’s introduction to working with sexuality. They discuss psychedelic-assisted therapy for couples, they delve into consent, non-monogamy and the intricacies of both in the modern-day world.

We are excited to host Tommaso Barba for this episode on the Mangu.tv podcast series.

Tommaso Barba is a PhD candidate at the Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, exploring the brain effects of short-acting psychedelics such as DMT and 5-MeO-DMT. Under the supervision of Dr. David Erritzoe, Prof. David Nutt and Dr. Chris Timmermann, his work focuses on the potential to treat depression and enhance well-being. He authored the first scientific paper on psychedelics on sexual functioning, published in Nature Scientific Reports and compared psilocybin to antidepressants. With a background in neuroscience and psychoanalysis from Maastricht University, Tommaso also investigates psychedelics' impact on romantic intimacy. A passionate science communicator, he engages audiences via LinkedIn and X.

Tommaso shares the story of his upbringing in Bologna, Italy. He speaks about his fascination with psychoanalysis from a young age, his early confusion with sexuality, and rise in popularity due to his social media presence. He speaks about his disenchantment with the world he was in, and the superficiality of some of his relationships, as well as the cathartic moment, and subsequent fascination in mind and altered states.

Giancarlo and Tommaso discuss expanded states and the mind's capacity to go beyond the subconscious. They speak about holotropic breathwork, the internal family system, and the varying acceptance of wisdom and madness depending on perspective and place. Tommaso shares upcoming and current projects, and speaks about his various trials with psychedelics, relationships and the mind, at Imperial College London.

We are delighted to welcome Swan Dao back for the second of his two-part episode on the ⁠Mangu.tv⁠ podcast series.

Giancarlo and Swan pick up from where they left off in part one. They have a heartfelt conversation covering communal living, personal growth, creativity, sexuality, BDSM and spirituality. Swan shares his insights on communal living and the value of sustained effort and open communication for growth. They speak about the healing potential of tantra and BDSM, and Swan offers his perspective on the value of power dynamics involved with BDSM, which is often stigmatised. He speaks about his disenchantment with the hetronormativity in the sacred sexuality world, and the value of expressing desires and boundaries in an intimate setting, as well as deconstructing societal norms, and the empowerment of social liberation.

Giancarlo and Swan speak about inspirations and passions. Swan shares his love for medicinal, edible plants and polyphonic singing. He speaks about upcoming retreats, including a singing tour in Georgia. Swan highlights the importance of experiential approaches to understanding consciousness and spirituality, focusing on experiences and practices. Finally, Giancarlo and Swan discuss collective growth as opposed to personal growth and the value of recognising the interconnectedness of all beings.

We are excited to host Swan Dao on this two-part episode on the Mangu.tv podcast.

Swan Dao is on a mission to transform millions of lives through creative expression. With over 15 years of experience teaching and guiding individuals and groups, Swan’s work integrates the human and social sciences, mind-body practices, and the performing arts to inspire deeper engagement with the human experience. As the founder and director of The Institute of Devotional Arts, they lead a global network of artists, therapists, and educators who use art, creativity, and imagination as catalysts for self-discovery, collective healing, and authentic connection.Swan holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge. They studied and taught philosophy, theology, psychology, and theatre in Chicago, Melbourne, Paris, and Oxford.

The podcast features a series of discussions between Giancarlo and Swan, focusing on Swan's journey of self-discovery and spiritual exploration. Swan reflects on his upbringing, his grandfather, a pioneer of Caodaism, his time in Catholic schools and experiences of feeling like an outsider, and his evolving interest in spirituality. He shares insights on embodying human qualities, cultivating empathy, and nurturing meaningful relationships as fundamental components of spiritual development.

Giancarlo and Swan speak about communication practices, Swan’s disillusionment with conventional beliefs, and the transformative influence of community living on personal growth and interpersonal connections. They discuss the intricacies of seeking answers, attaining fulfilment, and navigating the intersections of philosophy, spirituality, and activism in shaping one's identity and worldview.