Sex, Drugs, & Soul

76. Psychedelics, Finding Purpose in Pain, & The Creative Process: Alex Ruiz on Art as Alchemy

Kristin Birdwell Season 3 Episode 13

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What if the darkest night of your soul (ego) was actually a canvas? Emmy award-winning artist Alex Ruiz joins me for a raw, riveting ride through depression, psychedelics, and creative resurrection.

From The Simpsons and Beauty and the Beast to sacred ceremonies with peyote, Alex shares how he went from burnout and suicidal ideation to finding purpose and birthing a body of work that channels mysticism, mythology, and multidimensional muses. We explore how visionary art becomes a mirror, a medicine, and a means of becoming.

Inside this episode…
🍄 Psychedelics & the art of becoming
🖤 The tortured artist & letting go of the darkness
🎭 Horned women, third eyes & mythic characters
📉 AI vs human soul in art
🔥 From hiding in the art cave to teaching with purpose
🧠 Journaling, visualization, & the neo-renaissance

He also gives us a sneak peek at Delicate Delirium, his upcoming art show in Austin on June 28th, and shares how creating his own fantasy world (language and all) became a portal to reconnection, authenticity, and healing.

If you’ve ever wondered how to alchemize pain into purpose, are looking to rebuild your relationship with art, or if you’re just here for horny forest creatures and psychedelic chats, this episode is pure soul nectar. 🌀💫

Connect with Alex:
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Website

Connect with Kristin:
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