Psychedelics Today PT 588 - Neil Markey - Beckley Retreats
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Mar 4, 2025 Neil Markey, CEO of Beckley Retreats and former Army Ranger, shares his transformative journey from military life to founding a leading psychedelic retreat organization. He discusses how meditation and psychedelics aided his healing from trauma. The conversation dives into Beckley Retreats' integration of mindfulness into therapy, the evolving legal landscape of psilocybin in Jamaica and the Netherlands, and the challenges of running a retreat business. Markey also explores the future of psychedelics and their potential impact on mental health care.
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From Ranger to Retreats
- Neil Markey's journey began in the military, influenced by 9/11 and leading to deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan as an Army Ranger.
- After leaving the military, he experienced mental health challenges and found solace in meditation and professionally facilitated psychedelic experiences.
Meditation and Psychedelics
- Meditation is beneficial as a first step before trying psychedelics, and they complement each other.
- Both practices can positively influence mental and emotional well-being.
Context is King
- Context is crucial for psychedelic experiences, influencing outcomes, whether damaging, neutral, or healing.
- Set and setting, including environment and guidance, shape the experience significantly.