Know More Know Less Psychedelic Therapy: Promises, Perils, and Real-World Practice w/ Shai Hipperson (#81)
In this episode, I sit down with Shai Hipperson, a clinical psychologist and principal psychedelic-assisted therapist at the Conscious Mind Centre in Queensland, Australia. Shai is on the front lines of Australia’s groundbreaking move to legalize MDMA and psilocybin for treatment-resistant mental health conditions—and she brings a wealth of knowledge, caution, and clarity to the conversation.
We dive into how psychedelic therapy is practiced, what “integration” really means, and the very real risks of underground sessions that aren’t supported by clinical safety protocols. We also talk about ketamine use, dosing regulations, and why Australia’s strict screening process has, so far, resulted in zero adverse reactions.
I also open up about my own experiences—both positive and difficult—with MDMA and psilocybin, including how one MDMA session helped me mourn the loss of my grandparents and reshaped how I understand love. We explore why these treatments can be so profound—and why they should never be taken lightly.
Some themes we cover:
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What it means to safely “let go” during a session—and why that’s not easy for everyone
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Why men are often emotionally closed off, and how MDMA might help
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Microdosing, SSRIs, and the painfully slow evolution of mental health treatment
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What you need to know before stepping into a psychedelic retreat (especially if it’s underground)
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What makes integration just as important as the journey itself
If you’re curious, skeptical, or cautiously hopeful about psychedelic therapy, this conversation doesn’t promise miracles—but it does offer insight, honesty, and some hard-won perspective.
🔗 Resources mentioned:-
How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan: Book | Netflix Series
KNOW MORE KNOW LESS PODCAST: For other platforms: Listen here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/know-more-know-less/id1652659219 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fxCXp5AlfajmcTgvSWSGl?si=87be920940534299 For full episodes and clips: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN4wkMATGEXMTU4Xrw-YZTA