Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves..Today, we’re speaking with Reed Finlay, a visionary designer and the founder of Set and Setting Design, a company dedicated to creating transformative spaces for healing and human connection.Reed’s journey began in traditional architecture, where he spent over 25 years designing everything from high-end homes to sustainable, off-grid buildings. But his career took a radical turn after a life-changing plant medicine experience that revealed the profound impact of the environment on human consciousness.Since then, Reed has focused on designing spaces specifically intended to support healing, growth, and transformation. From psychedelic ceremony rooms to retreat centers and even the Temple at Burning Man, Reed's work transcends conventional architecture by weaving together elements of nature, mysticism, and human psychology.In this conversation, we discuss:* The power of set and setting in shaping psychedelic experiences* How sacred space design can deepen emotional healing* His transformative experience that inspired his career shift* The role of architecture in the emerging field of psychedelic therapy* How principles from Donald Winnicott’s "holding environment" influence his designs* The intersection of spirituality, community, and space in modern culture* And much more.And now, I bring you my conversation with Reed Finlay.Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.Credits:* Hosted by Zach Haigney* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari* Find us at thetripreport.com* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube* Theme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves.Today, we’re speaking with Josh White, the founder and executive director of Fireside Project, an innovative nonprofit that offers psychedelic coaching and real-time peer support for people navigating psychedelic experiences.After a career as a lawyer representing the city and county of San Francisco, he shifted his focus to the mental health space and ultimately combined his two passions—psychedelics and crisis support—into Fireside Project.Fireside Project is best known for its free, confidential psychedelic support line, offering assistance to people during and after their experiences. Since launching in 2021, the hotline has facilitated over 30,000 conversations, helping individuals process everything from mystical awakenings to difficult trips. Now, Josh and his team are expanding their work through Fireside Certified Psychedelic Coaching, a service designed to provide long-term, nonclinical support to those integrating profound psychedelic insights into their daily lives.In this conversation, we discuss:* The origins of Fireside Project and its mission* How the support line works and the types of calls they receive* The launch of Fireside’s coaching program and the growing need for structured psychedelic guidance* The difference between harm reduction and transformational support* How psychedelic support fits into the future of mental health care* And much more.And now, I bring you my conversation with Josh White.Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.Credits:* Hosted by Zach Haigney* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari* Find us at thetripreport.com* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTubeTheme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves.Today, we’re speaking with Tom Morgan, a writer, thinker, and founder of Leading Edge, a community dedicated to exploring human transformation and the evolution of intelligence.Tom’s journey began on the trading floors of Wall Street, where he built a successful career in finance before experiencing a profound and disorienting shift in consciousness—a spontaneous spiritual awakening that forced him to reconsider everything he knew about reality, mental health, and human intelligence.His work synthesizes ideas from complexity theory, depth psychology, neuroscience, and spiritual traditions to explore how individuals and society at large can transition toward what he calls attractor intelligence—a hidden force guiding us toward wholeness and complexity.In this conversation, we discuss:* The role of spontaneous spiritual experiences in modern life* The overlap between mental illness and spiritual crisis* The risks of meditation, psychedelics, and other psychotechnologies* His experience with the "Dark Night of the Soul" and how he emerged stronger* The founding of Leading Edge and its mission to support high-agency individuals in personal transformation* How the left and right hemispheres of the brain influence culture, capitalism, and our understanding of intelligence* And much more.And now, I bring you my conversation with Tom Morgan.Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.Credits:* Hosted by Zach Haigney* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari* Find us at thetripreport.com* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube* Theme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves.Today, I am speaking with Gabe Charalambides, a former aerospace engineer turned mental health and psychedelic entrepreneur.Gabe is the founder of Odyssey, a pioneering organization offering psilocybin-assisted retreats and private sessions under Oregon’s psilocybin legalization framework.Gabe’s journey began in the world of aerospace engineering, where he spent years designing cutting-edge technology. However, his personal experiences with meditation, Buddhism, and psychedelics opened a new path—one focused on exploring the human mind and fostering healing through intentional psychedelic experiences.With Odyssey, Gabe has created a platform that combines deep respect for tradition with an evidence-based, accessible approach to psilocybin therapy.In this conversation, we discuss:* Gabe’s evolution from aerospace engineer to mental health entrepreneur* The founding story and ethos behind Odyssey* Insights into running psilocybin-assisted retreats in Oregon under its novel legislative framework* The interplay between psychedelics, meditation, and neuroplasticity* The unique challenges and opportunities in tailoring retreats for specific needs, from bereavement to leadership development* And much more.And now, I bring you my conversation with Gabe Charalambides.Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.Credits:* Hosted by Zach Haigney* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari* Find us at thetripreport.com* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTubeTheme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com

Hailey Gilmore, a public health scientist and founder of Luminous Research Consulting, delves into the intricate world of psychedelic therapy. She discusses the regulatory challenges of introducing MDMA-assisted therapy to the market, navigating complex legal landscapes, and the role politics play in shaping policy. Hailey also draws fascinating parallels between HIV research and psychedelics, highlighting innovative treatment pathways. With a cautious yet optimistic lens, she explores the future of psychedelic science and its potential to revolutionize mental health care.

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves.Today, we are speaking with Dr. James Cooke, neuroscientist, philosopher, and author of the recently released book, Dawn of Mind: How Matter Became Conscious and Alive.This groundbreaking work offers a bold new perspective on the nature of consciousness, bridging the gap between science and spirituality, and challenging conventional paradigms about mind, matter, and the fabric of experience itself.In Dawn of Mind, James explores the "hard problem" of consciousness through the lens of his Living Mirror Theory, which proposes that consciousness arises as a relational process intrinsic to all living systems.The book deftly synthesizes insights from neuroscience, philosophy, and contemplative traditions to offer a compelling framework for understanding subjective experience, suffering, and the relief of suffering. It also challenges readers to reconsider the boundaries between self and world and between the physical and experiential realms.Our conversation today is a tour through:* The Living Mirror Theory and its implications for understanding consciousness as a fundamental aspect of life.* The journey behind Dawn of Mind, including how James’ spontaneous mystical experience at age 13 catalyzed his lifelong inquiry into the nature of reality.* How somatic practices align with his theory and provide a direct pathway to healing and insight.* The synthesis of modern neuroscience and ancient contemplative traditions, creating a holistic view of the mind and its place in the universe.* And much more.And now, I bring you my conversation with James Cooke.Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.Credits:* Hosted by Zach Haigney* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari* Find us at thetripreport.com* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTubeTheme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com

Before we dive in, please fill out the below brief reader survey—it takes 60 seconds—to help us better understand what you like and would like to see more of from The Trip Report in 2025!Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves.Today, I am speaking with Dillan DiNardo, CEO of Mindstate Design Labs, an innovative drug development company taking a unique approach to developing next-generation psychedelic medicines.Mindstate's approach builds on the legacy of Sasha and Ann Shulgin, the pioneering chemists often referred to as the godparents of psychedelics. The company's scientific foundation comes from Dr. Tom Ray, a polymath scientist and friend and collaborator of the Shulgins.What makes Mindstate's approach unique is its systematic analysis of both pharmacological and phenomenological data—studying not just how drugs interact with receptors in the brain, but also the subjective experiences they produce. This builds on decades of carefully documented experiences from psychonauts around the world.The company is developing what they call a "primer-probe" approach, using carefully selected combinations of compounds to achieve specific experiential effects. Their lead candidate, Moxie (MSD-1), recently received FDA clearance to begin human trials.Dillan comes to this work with a background in biotech venture capital, bringing a pragmatic approach to drug development while embracing the complexity and potential of psychedelic medicines.In this conversation, we discuss:* The origin story of Mindstate and their novel approach to drug development* How they analyze and quantify subjective psychedelic experiences* Their "primer-probe" methodology using drug combinations* The concept of "psychedelic tofu" - compounds that can amplify or modify other psychedelic effects* Their vision for precision-designed altered states of consciousness* The regulatory pathway for combination psychedelic medicines* The broader implications of their research for understanding consciousnessAnd now, I bring you my conversation with Dillan DiNardo.Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.Credits:* Hosted by Zach Haigney* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari* Find us at thetripreport.com* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTubeTheme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com

Welcome to another Special Dispatch from The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves. Today, I am speaking with Matt Zorn, a litigator and partner at Yetter Coleman. With a practice spanning antitrust, competition, IP, and a deep focus on controlled substances and drug regulation, Matt brings a unique perspective to the shifting landscape of drug policy and health agency reform.What makes this discussion especially relevant today is the backdrop of the recent political realignment in the U.S., with RFK Jr.’s role within a Trump administration and the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative looming over the political landscape.As a result, we find ourselves at a unique inflection point to reassess drug policy and, perhaps, a pivotal moment of mental health, psychedelics, and regulatory processes.Matt’s insights don’t shy away from the complex history and challenges facing the psychedelic movement and broader healthcare reform. He argues that the FDA’s structure itself may not be fit for purpose in modern mental health treatment.In our conversation, we explore:* The origins and inefficiencies of current drug regulation processes.* Why the Controlled Substances Act and FDA efficacy requirements may hinder real-world applications.* How reforming clinical trial processes or even fundamentally changing statutory requirements could reshape the space.* Concrete ideas for reforming the system, including lessons drawn from MDMA’s recent regulatory struggles.* How drug development pathways intertwine with controlled substances law, patent incentives, and the broader economic landscape of pharmaceuticals.Without further ado, I bring you my conversation with Matt Zorn.Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.Credits:* Hosted by Zach Haigney * Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari* Find us at thetripreport.com* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTubeTheme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com

Welcome to a Special Dispatch of The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves. Today, I’m joined by Nick Gillespie, Editor-at-Large of Reason magazine, to discuss the results of the US election and specifically what it might mean for psychedelic policy, research, and drug development.  As a veteran observer of the intersection between politics, regulation, and civil liberties, Nick offers a unique lens through which to examine the evolving dynamics of psychedelics, the regulatory state, and how the incoming Trump administration might approach the matter.Our conversation focuses on the curious coalition between former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and President-Elect Donald Trump, who has said he will let Kennedy “go wild on health” through a yet-to-be-announced position in his administration. This partnership raises critical questions about the potential for sweeping changes to policy in the United States—particularly as it relates to psychedelics, alternative therapies, and broader health reforms.We explore the paradoxical nature of this political moment, in which historical stigmas are shifting, and new coalitions are forming. With drug policy historically defined by prohibition, could we now be on the verge of a psychedelic renaissance fueled by executive power and bipartisan pragmatism? We unpack the complexities of de-scheduling psychedelics, the implications of potential federal support for therapeutic use, and how the cultural, medical, and regulatory terrain could evolve.In typical fashion, Nick brings clarity and insight to a conversation that touches on the FDA's recent rejection of MDMA-assisted therapy, the mixed outcomes of state-level psychedelic ballot initiatives, and the broader cultural shifts that frame America's approach to mental health, addiction, and drug legalization.This is a moment where history, politics, and the psychedelic renaissance converge—an era brimming with opportunity and risk, with the potential for substantive change at hand.Without further ado, I bring you my conversation with Nick Gillespie.Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.Credits:* Hosted by Zach Haigney * Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari* Find us at thetripreport.com* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTubeTheme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com

Lucia Huang, Co-founder and CEO of Osmind, is transforming mental health care with her tech-driven approach to psychiatry. She discusses the challenges and promises of measurement-based care, including the integration of emerging therapies like ketamine and Spravato. Huang shares her vision for a future where precision medicine enhances treatment decisions, explores the role of biomarkers, and highlights the importance of supporting clinicians amid evolving mental health landscapes. Her insights reflect a hopeful direction in neuropsychiatry.