Kanna, Empathogens & Nervous System Healing | Stephanie Wang

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In this conversation, I’m joined by Stephanie Wang, founder of KA! Empathogenics, to explore kanna, an ancient plant medicine traditionally used by indigenous communities in southern Africa to support emotional resilience, connection, and nervous system balance.

We talk about empathogens, how kanna works on serotonin and inflammation pathways, and why emotional regulation and nervous system health are foundational to healing. Stephanie also shares her own journey from finance and burnout to plant medicine, along with the importance of ethical sourcing, reciprocity with indigenous communities, and using daily practices to support mental and emotional wellbeing.

This episode is a grounded, thoughtful look at how subtle, plant-based tools can help us move out of survival mode and back into connection, clarity, and resilience.

A few of my favorite things we cover in this episode: 

• What empathogens are and how they differ from psychedelics and pharmaceuticals
• Kanna’s traditional use by Indigenous South African communities and why context matters
• How kanna interacts with serotonin pathways without numbing emotional range
• The difference between “peak experiences” and true emotional regulation
• Nervous system dysregulation, chronic stress, and emotional suppression in modern life
• Why subtle, consistent tools often outperform extreme wellness interventions
• Integration, presence, and why healing requires relationship, not escape
• Ethical sourcing, reciprocity, and honoring plant medicine origins
• Stephanie’s personal journey from burnout and disconnection to plant medicine
• Using empathogens as a support tool rather than a replacement for inner work

Products Mentioned:  

• KA! Kanna Chews
• KA! Kanna Tincture

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Happy listening and we hope you learned a little bit more on the art of being well!

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In Health,

Dr. Will Cole