Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves.Today's conversation is with Shamil Chandaria, and as I alluded to in last week’s newsletter introducing computational neuroscience—it is the longest and most technical conversation we’ve had to date.I have wanted to speak with Shamil since I watched his lecture at Oxford titled The Bayesian Brain and Meditation.Shamil is a former advisor to Google DeepMind, co-foudner and research fellow at Imperial College London Centre for Psychedelic Research and Oxford University’s Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, and a co-author with Robin Carhart-Harris and the Imperial team of the influential 2023 paper titled Canalization and Plasticity in Psychopathology, Importantly for this conversation, Shamil is also a longtime meditation practitioner, and his current work is dedicated to exploring contemplative practices, spiritual awakening, and psychedelics through the lens of computational neuroscience. At the heart of the conversation is the Free Energy Principle, a relatively new concept in cognitive neuroscience that conceives of the brain as a prediction machine constantly updating its internal models to minimize prediction errors. This framework along with the Bayesian Brain Hypothesis show how the brain optimally processes sensory data through inference, which has profound implications for how we perceive and experience the world.We discuss:* The brain as a prediction machine* The convergence of ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience.* Defining human flourishing beyond the absence of suffering to include meaning, love, joy, connection, and psychological resilience.* The role of body sensations, emotions, and somatic practices in psychotherapy and how they tie into the brain's predictive coding mechanisms.* Spiritual awakening, liberation and human flourishing through a neurocomputational lens* The potential for integrating free energy principle-based models into the field of psychiatry, improving therapeutic approaches and mental health care.* And much moreMy takeaway from this conversation is that we are, in fact, in the midst of a paradigm shift—one that bridges the fields of meditation, psychology, psychedelics, phenomenology, psychiatry, and even artificial intelligence. This new understanding, grounded in the free energy principle, offers a unified theory that links ancient wisdom with modern neuroscience, reshaping how we think about consciousness, well-being, and what it means to be sentient.And now, I bring you my conversation with Shamil Chandaria.I want to highlight our friends at the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation (TBD), who have just announced their latest Request for Proposals for scientific studies of the Perception Box.Tiny Blue Dot Foundation strives to help people understand that they live in their own unique Perception Box whose walls can be expanded to minimize suffering, increase acceptance of self and others, and view trauma and other challenges as opportunities for growth.TBD has allocated $9,000,000 to fund up to 10 rigorous research projects related to The Science of the Perception Box. TBD ran similar RFPs over the last two years and funded a total of 23 projects thus far. Information about these projects can be found here and here.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

Rock Feilding-Mellen, co-founder of Beckley Waves, shares insights into the future of psychedelic therapy. He discusses his personal journey with psychedelic-assisted therapy and its integration into mainstream healthcare. The conversation highlights the importance of supportive care, the evolution of psychedelic treatments, and the challenges of gaining regulatory acceptance. Rock also touches on the role of neuroplasticity in healing and the mission of Beckley Waves in reshaping mental health paradigms, emphasizing innovation and community support.

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves, a Psychedelic Venture Studio.Today, I am speaking with Dr. Rachelle Sampson and Dr. Bennet Zelner, the primary investigators of The Connected Leadership Study.Rachelle and Bennet are both faculty at the Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland and share a deep interest in how psychedelics might catalyze systems change in leadership and business organizations.Rachelle’s career began as a corporate attorney, but she soon pivoted and earned her PhD in business economics, focusing on environmental sustainability and corporate strategy. Bennett, on the other hand, began his career studying traditional economics, but his work felt increasingly disconnected from real-world applications. In psychedelic circles, Bennett is known for the Pollination Approach— a model for delivering psychedelic-assisted mental healthcare that draws inspiration from ecological principles.Together, Rachelle and Bennett are exploring how psychedelics can impact leadership decisions and foster deeper alignment with more sustainable and regenerative business practices.In this conversation that took place in July, we discuss:* How psychedelics sparked both Rachelle and Bennett’s interest in systems change.* The challenges and potential of integrating psychedelics into leadership development.* Their ongoing research in the Connected Leadership Study, examining how psychedelics influence decision-making, creativity, and leadership.* Insights from their pilot cohort of leaders who participated in a psilocybin retreat.* And much more.And now, I bring you my conversation with Rachelle Sampson and Bennett Zelner.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, a Psychedelic Venture Studio.Today’s conversation is a unique one as I am speaking with Rebecca Kronman, a licensed therapist and the founder of Plant Parenthood, a digital community exploring the intersection of psychedelics and family life.Rebecca and Plant Parenthood have been at the forefront of conversations about plant medicines and psychedelics in a family context—something that might seem controversial at first glance. However, the work is rooted in providing a safe, non-stigmatized space for parents to explore these topics as they look for alternative solutions to complex family dynamics, mental health struggles, and personal healing.During our conversation, we explore:* The rise of psychedelics in parenting, including how Rebecca has seen these tools impact family systems.* The potential therapeutic use of psychedelics with children, and how this reflects global cultural practices.* The importance of set and setting, especially for adolescents, and how Rebecca’s work is helping to build education and support systems for families engaging with these substances.If you’re a parent or simply curious about how psychedelics are reshaping conversations about family, mental health, and community, this episode is for you.And now, here’s my conversation with Rebecca Kronman.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

Nick Gillespie, Editor at Large of Reason Magazine, joins psychiatrist Dr. Carlene MacMillan to dissect the FDA's recent rejection of MDMA-assisted therapy. They explore the regulatory landscape, questioning the adequacy of current systems for evaluating innovative treatments. Gillespie critiques the FDA's role in maintaining existing power structures rather than prioritizing public health. They also discuss the biases in drug approval processes and advocate for reform, highlighting the potential of psychedelics for personal growth beyond trauma healing.

Dr. Carlene MacMillan, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer at Osmind, shares her insights on the recent FDA rejection of Lykos Therapeutics' MDMA-assisted therapy. She discusses the complexities of psychiatric trials, research misconduct allegations, and the role of reliable data in therapy approval. The conversation also highlights challenges in integrating innovative treatments into the healthcare system and the push for value-based care. Dr. MacMillan emphasizes the importance of collaboration and the future of psychedelic therapies in mental health.

Today, we are speaking with Dr. Selma Holden, MD, a physician-therapist and director of the Riverbird Clinic, an innovative group psychotherapy and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy practice in Portland, Maine.Before starting Riverbird, Dr. Holden practiced family medicine in rural Maine and received research training through the Integrative Medicine Research Fellowship at Harvard Medical School.In this episode, we dive into the pivotal moment approaching for psychedelics: the FDA’s decision on MDMA-assisted therapy expected this week.I wanted to bring Dr. Holden on because she has been trained in the MDMA Assisted Therapy protocol that Lykos submitted to the FDA for review and has been involved in psychedelic therapy and research for a long time.Dr. Holden provides invaluable insights into the intricacies of clinical trials, the challenges faced, and the potential impact of the FDA's decision on the future of psychedelic therapy.In this conversation, we discuss:* Dr. Holden’s early experiences with psychedelics and their influence on her career* Her innovative approaches to integrating psychedelics into family medicine* The development and challenges of clinical trials for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy* The anticipation and implications of the upcoming FDA decision on MDMA-assisted therapy* The development of the Riverbird Clinic and its unique group therapy models* The challenges and opportunities in the evolving field of psychedelic-assisted therapyListen 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, a Psychedelic Venture Studio.Today, we are speaking with East Forest, the renowned musician, producer, and ceremony guide, who is best known for his songs and soundtracks specifically created for psychedelic journeys.He recently completed a feature narrative documentary called Music for Mushrooms, which aims to inspire people to do inner work and highlight its importance in their lives.His journey into the intersection of music and psychedelics began over 15 years ago. His work started with small, private mushroom ceremonies and has since evolved into more significant public events and retreats.His music is known for its ability to guide listeners through their own inner journeys, creating a safe and inspiring space for exploration and healing.In this episode, we discuss:* The making of his documentary Music for Mushrooms and its intention to inspire inner work.* The film's narrative backbone follows his efforts to expand his work into different modalities and bring it to a broader audience.* The importance of inner work and how his music supports and encourages this process.* His insights on the often underappreciated role of music in the psychedelic experience, both historically and in contemporary scientific research.* The current landscape of the psychedelic movement and its intersection with mainstream culture, legislation, and clinical practice.East Forest shares insights from his personal journey and professional experiences, offering valuable perspectives on the intersection of music, psychedelics, and inner work.And now, I bring you my conversation with East Forest.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, a Psychedelic Venture Studio.Today, I am speaking with Joanna Kempner, PhD, a medical sociologist with deep expertise in the healthcare system’s approach—and shortcomings—to treating chronic illness. Joanna is well known for her research on the social dynamics of medicine and has written extensively on the topic of migraines and chronic pain.She also just published a fantastic book, Psychedelic Outlaws - The Movement Revolutionizing Modern Medicine, which tells the story of Clusterbusters, a patient support group of people suffering from cluster headaches, one of the most punishing and debilitating neurological disorders there is.Clusterbusters pioneered the use of low-dose psychedelics as an effective treatment for  Cluster Headache.Psychedelic Outlaws chronicles the group’s fight for access to lifesaving medication and their innovative approach to real-world research.Joanna shares her journey into the field of medical sociology, inspired by her personal experiences and observations of gaps in the healthcare system. She discusses the challenges faced by patients with chronic illnesses, particularly those with chronic pain, and how these individuals often become experts in understanding what medicine doesn't know.In this episode, we discuss:* Joanna's background and her journey into medical sociology* The challenges faced by patients with chronic pain and the concept of "ignorance" in medicine* The story of Clusterbusters and their discovery of psychedelics as a treatment for cluster headaches* The political and scientific hurdles in studying and legitimizing treatments for chronic pain* The potential of psychedelics to push the boundaries of biomedical research and pain management* And much more.And now, I bring you my conversation with Joanna Kempner.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

Filmmaker Brandon Kapelow discusses the inspiration behind 'An Act of Service', exploring PTSD and ketamine therapy for first responders. They touch on mental health stigmas, suicide rates in the Mountain West, pain perception, and challenges in film completion and distribution.