Cacao as Ceremony

In this deeply rooted episode, Angela sits down with Laurence Tremblay, co-founder of Cacao Source, to explore cacao as more than a beverage—it is a bridge between cultures, a sacred medicine, and a daily ritual of connection. Speaking from her home in Guatemala, Laurence shares how Cacao Source was born through collaboration with Mayan women’s collectives, the ethics of regenerative cacao farming, and the emotional intelligence of this sacred plant.Thanks for reading Love of One! Subscribe to receive notifications of new episodes.You’ll learn the difference between ceremonial and culinary cacao, how to work with cacao intentionally, and why knowing the names of the farmers matters just as much as the flavor in the cup.Despite a few internet hiccups between Oregon and Guatemala, this conversation carries powerful resonance—centered in love, patience, and respect for the Earth.Topics include:* The story behind Cacao Source and its vision for social and environmental justice* How cacao is harvested, processed, and infused with intentionality* The role of Mayan women’s collectives and the pillars of ethical sourcing* What makes ceremonial cacao different (and why it matters)* How to work with cacao as a daily ritual and sacred mirror* Why honoring origin stories is part of healing colonial patternsGuest Bio:Laurence, originally from Canada, has been living in Guatemala for 5+ years. She is the vision keeper behind Cacao Source. Creator of the Social Business Design, she continues to elevate the ethics of Cacao Source to new levels. Today, she manages Cacao Source's business and develops Guatemala's regenerative movement network. She founded the NGO Give Back to the Source which has built an eco-artisan women's center in the Suchitepéquez region and now she is building a small-educational cacao farm on the Caribbean side of Guatemala. Heart led and earth based projects is at the core of her path. ✨ Learn more: www.sourcecacao.com 📸 @cacaosource on Instagram📲 Watch on YouTube, listen on all podcast platforms: www.LoveOfOne.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loveofone.substack.com