Lauren Flax: Healing Through Music, Harm Reduction, and Ayahuasca
For me, what helped me when I just felt I couldn't get there... if you can empathize with somebody that really hurt you, that, to me, is huge.
Imagine finding solace in the pulsing beats of electronic music while battling deep-seated trauma. In this episode of 'Back 2 Life', DJ Milly Chowles sits down with the multi-talented Lauren Flax. Recently named 'Underground Hero' by DJ Mag, Lauren's story is as inspiring as it is raw.
From her work with the organization Last Night A DJ Saved My Life, which provides Narcan to prevent fentanyl overdoses, to her personal journey of sobriety and self-discovery, Lauren's path is nothing short of heroic. Lauren dives into her experiences of finding acceptance as a queer person in the rave scenes of Detroit and New York. She opens up about her creative process and how she channels her pain through music, turning it into a powerful healing tool.
Her journey hasn't been easy—Lauren candidly discusses her struggles with addiction and trauma, including childhood sexual abuse, and how these experiences have shaped her. A significant part of Lauren's healing has been through inner child work and ayahuasca ceremonies. She shares how these practices have helped her embrace self-compassion and authenticity, leading to a profound shift in her perspective.
As an advocate for harm reduction and drug policy reform, Lauren also talks about the progress made in recent years and her hopes for the future. This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of embracing one's true self. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of music, recovery, and activism.