The Psychedelic Therapy Podcast

If there was ever a people who understand the importance of evidence-based healthcare, it’s the Germans, and they are starting to get very interested in psychedelic medicine. Today our guest is Dr. Andrea Jungaberle, co-founder of the MIND Foundation, a research center and nonprofit advocacy group for psychedelics in Berlin. On the show we discuss the current landscape of psychedelic-assisted therapy in Germany. Andrea shares about the importance of evidence-based care and the forthcoming 144 person psilocybin study EPIsoDe on which the MIND Foundation is a collaborating partner. She details MINDS’ Augmented Psychotherapy Program and Insight Conference. Finally Andrea speaks about her book “Yoga, Tea, and LSD,” and her passion for using psychedelics to work with end-of-life anxiety. Andrea is a co-founder and board member of the MIND Foundation. She also serves as OVID Health Systems’ Medical Director and MIND’s Director of Collaboration and Media. She is a clinical specialist in anesthesia and emergency medicine and currently training in cognitive behavioral psychotherapy. She is a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher, has participated in several accredited trainings in psychedelic therapy, and is part of the EPIsoDe study team, preparing to treat patients at Charité hospital in Germany’s first modern clinical trial involving psilocybin. Links The MIND Foundation Timestamps :04 - Andrea’s journey from inquisitive child to leading a psychedelic foundation :13 - The landscape in Germany for psychedelic-assisted therapy :17 - Evidence-based care and the EPIsoDe teams 144 person psilocybin study :26 - How psychedelic healthcare is beginning to be accepted in mainstream medicine in Germany :32 - The Mind Foundation’s Augmented Psychotherapy Program focuses on the science of classic psychedelics, breath work, and ketamine assisted therapy. :38 - The Insight Conference focusing on new ideas in psychedelics that conform to the scientific worldview :42 - Andrea’s book “Yoga, Tea, and LSD” and her interest in psychedelics and death

Equal access to psychedelic medicine is a huge issue in this burgeoning field. Today’s guest, Genesee Herzberg has prioritized ethics in founding Sage Institute, a sliding scale clinic that offers psychotherapy and psychedelic-assisted therapy and is also supporting the proliferation of ethical clinics through a new consulting group, Forth Road Health. On the show, we discuss how Sage Institute uses the community mental health clinic model to provide greater access to psychedelic-assisted therapy. We talk about Sage’s protocols as well as its training and research components. We discuss the efficacy of different molecules for treatment as well as the psycholytic vs psychedelic approach to Ketamine-assisted therapy. Finally we discuss Forth Road, a forthcoming Strategic Consulting Company, that supports academic medical institutions, healthcare systems, independent practitioners and therapy providers exploring psychedelic-assisted therapy. Genesee is an individual, couple and family therapist. She trained in MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD with MAPS and Ketamine-assisted therapy with the KRIYA Institute. She is the co-founder and Executive Director of both Sage Integrative Health, and Sage Institute both located in the California Bay Area. This podcast is brought to you by Maya, a software platform designed to help psychedelic practitioners manage, measure, and illustrate health outcomes We are currently working with Ketamine practitioners, including today’s guests Genesee, in the development of the platform through our Council of Guides. If you are interested in being a part of this group, helping to co-create the Maya platform, please visit: bit.ly/mayacouncil Notes Sage Institute Sage Integrative Health Sage Institute Training (applications for Fall 2021 close on February 12th) Forth Road Health Genesse’s email: genesee@sageinst.org Maya’s Council of Guides Timestamps :04 - Genesee’s early interest in psychedelics and her world with CIIS. :13 - The Sage Institute nonprofit business model and efforts to promote accessibility for psychedelic medicine :21 - Sage Institute’s training and research components :24 - Ketamine vs MDMA vs psilocybin and psycholytic approach vs the psychedelic approach :31 - The Sage protocol for ketamine-assisted therapy :35 - Forth Road support for folks starting their own independent clinics :48 - Genesee speaks directly to psychedelics practitioners

Can psychedelics be considered a “neurological contact lens” for those on the Autism spectrum? Today’s guests Aaron Paul Orsini and Justine Lee are determined to find out and are sharing their findings with the world. On the podcast, we discuss how experimenting with LSD helped Aaron understand and appreciate his Autism as a kind of altered state and led to his book Autism on Acid. We cover seven key takeaways for using psychedelics to work with autistic populations. Justine shares how connectivity works in neurodiverse brains. Finally we talk about the weekly gathering, the Autistic Psychedelic Community, and how psychedelic therapists can get involved. Aaron and Justine are cofounders of the Autistic Psychedelic Community, a peer support group for neurodivergent individuals interested in discussing psychedelics. Aaron is the author of Autism On Acid: How LSD Helped Me Understand, Navigate, Alter & Appreciate My Autistic Perceptions and is currently editing his second book, a neurodiversity-minded anthology of psychedelic essays that is now available for preorder. Justine is a graduate student in pharmacology at University of California, Irvine. She is investigating the therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds with respect to autism and other neurological conditions. Links Autistic Psychedelic Community Autism on Acid: How LSD Helped Me Understand, Navigate, Alter & Appreciate My Autistic Perceptions Preorder the book 7 Essential Takeaways for using psychedelics to work with Autistic populations NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity Timestamps :04 - How experimenting with LSD awakened Aaron to interoception and led to him writing the book Autism on Acid :16 - What is Autism and how does that express for Aaron :24 - 7 Essential takeaways for using psychedelics to work with autistic populations :39 - Justine describes the connectivity in neurodiverse brains :46 - Aaron suggests a peer-supported retreat or ceremony model for working with autistic populations with psychedelics :57 - The Autistic Psychedelic Community and how psychedelic practitioners can get involved 1:09 - Aaron and Justine speak directly to psychedelic practitioners

While 2020 has been difficult in so many ways, this year brought psychedelic medicine further ahead by leaps and bounds. At Maya, we were honored to share the wisdom of 25 healers and leaders in the psychedelic world through this podcast. Today we are sharing their advice to practitioners. On the show, our guests offer advice and perspectives to the therapists doing this important work. Their wisdom is at times simple, profound, and even controversial or contradictory. They speak of how to approach clients of specific demographics, how therapists might relate to themselves in this work, and what our collective responsibility is to the psychedelic movement as a whole. Most of all, across the board, our guests have expressed their gratitude. Thank you, thank you, thank you, psychedelic therapists! You can hear more from each of our guests in a full episode at mayahealth.com/podcast. Timestamps :02 - David Rabin :07 - Irina Alexander :09 - Tony Moss :11 - Erica Siegal :13 - Dick Schwartz :14 - Akoni Anthony :18 - Maria Theresa Chavez :20 - Charles Flores :24 - Kevin Franciotti :25 - Bia Labate :29 - Lauren Taus :31 - Bessel van der Kolk :33 - Jesse Gould :34 - Florie St. Aime :37 - Belinda Eriacho :39 - Lynn Marie Morisky :41 - Deanne Adamson :47 - Veronika Gold :49 - Jessica Cadoch :51 - Darragh Stewart :52 - Ronan Levy :53 - Jonathan de Potter :56 - Molly Maloof 1:00 - Jonathan Sabbagh

Jonathan Sabbagh is building a space and solution for independent therapists who want to provide Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) by offering a prescription service, a medically supervised location, and a community. On the show, we talk about Jonathan’s startup Journey and the tools he is creating to democratize access for independent psychedelic practitioners. We discuss set and setting and the Journey space. We talk about vetting and training psychedelic therapist and how Journey endeavors can create community. We also go over concerns around the medicalization of psychedelics. Jonathan is the Co-founder and CEO of Journey Clinical Inc and is currently studying to be a psychedelic therapist himself at The New School. After 20 years in finance and entrepreneurship, he is bringing his skills and passion into the psychedelic community with the support of his own deep medicine work. As the adoption of psychedelic therapy grows worldwide, support services for independent practitioners, like Journey, will be invaluable. Links Journey Jonathan Sabbagh Fluence - Psychedelic Training Timestamps :03 - How Jonathan went from working in finance to going to school to become a psychedelic therapist :11 - How Journey is creating the spaces and tools for independent psychedelic therapists to thrive. :18 - The set and setting of the Journey space will be designed as a crystal :23 - Therapist vetting and training :28- Democratizing access for independent practitioners :31 - Concerns about the medicalization of psychedelic medicine :42 - How Journey plans to foster community for psychedelic practitioners

Today on the podcast, I'm speaking to Dr. Molly Maloof, a concierge and lifestyle medicine practitioner who has developed a comprehensive protocol for Ketamine-assisted therapy. On the show, we talk about Molly’s professional journey from burning out in residency to concierge medicine to Stanford professor and Ketamine practitioner. We discuss her protocol in detail and why one shouldn’t try to treat their own depression with street Ketamine. Finally, Dr. Molly gives her advice to new practitioners especially regarding creating a brand in the psychedelic space. Dr. Molly is a physician, an entrepreneur a medical advisor, a Ketamine practitioner, and a Stanford lecturer. She has advised over 42 companies throughout the world and has lectured extensively. You can catch her with Dr. David Rabin on the Psychedelic News Hour on Fridays on ClubHouse or in the Apple Store as a podcast in January. Healing is holistic, and it seems like Dr. Molly has thought of everything. NOTES Dr Molly’s Website Dr Molly on Instagram Dr Molly on Linkedin Dr. Molly on Twitter The Psychedelic News Hour The Ketamine Papers Third Wave Psychedelic Support Website TIMESTAMPS :07 - Dr. Molly’s first experience with psychedelics and her professional journey :23 - Incorporating spirituality into a medical practice :30 - Dr. Molly’s ketamine protocol :41 - Why shouldn’t people use street ketamine to treat their own depression? :48 - Dr Molly’s advice to upcoming practitioners :53 - Providing equal access to psychedelic medicine and other issues and opportunities in the Psychedelic Renaissance

Today on the he Psychedelic Therapy Podcast I’m speaking to a man who is changing the narrative around plant medicine in Asia. Jonathan de Potter, founder of Behold Retreats has big visions for the region and it starts with helping business leaders awaken. On the show, we talk about the challenges of addressing mental health issues in Asia. Jonathan shares his perspective of what makes a great psychedelic practitioner from his own experiences. We discuss Behold Retreats and why Jonathan is focusing on healing leaders in the business world. We also review medical screening and onboarding of patients. Finally Jonathan shares his predictions for the future of plant medicine in Asia. Prior to launching Behold Retreats in March, Jonathan directed business strategy for Accenture in Hong Kong. His personal experience with plant medicine radically altered the course of his life, and he spent 5 years working with medicine before launching his retreat company. Behold has held retreats in Mexico, Ecuador, and Costa Rica, and is planning to expand to Peru, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. Before we get started, a word from Maya, the platform designed to help psychedelic practitioners track, measure, and illustrate the health outcomes of their work and the organization that makes this podcast possible. Maya is currently working with individual ketamine practitioners in its pilot program called the Council of Guides. If you are interested in being a part of this group, helping to co-create the Maya platform and getting first access, please visit the Council of Guides page on the Maya website at https://www.mayahealth.com/council. LINKS Behold Retreats Behold Retreats on Facebook Behold Retreats on Instagram Jonathan de Potter on Linkedin TIMESTAMPS :06 - How Jonathan is changing the narrative about plant medicine in Asia :13 - How does a westerner bridge the gap around psychedelics and mental health in Asia :21 - What makes a great psychedelic partitioner :25 - The structure of Behold Retreats and why Jonathan focuses on clients from the business world :31 - How Jonathan tracks the impact his retreats are having in the world. :36 - Medical screening and patient onboarding at Behold Retreats :48 - Jonathan’s predictions for plant medicine in Asia.

Today I’m interviewing Ronan Levy, co-founder of the psychedelic healthcare company Field Trip. The company includes Field Trip Health Centers for ketamine-assisted therapy, Field Trip Digital (including the apps Trip and Portal), and Field Trip Discovery, which amongst other pursuits is developing the novel psychedelic FT - 104. On the show we talk about Ronan’s experiences with psychedelics and meditation and the business of Field Trip in detail. Ronan shares his perspective on the modernization and industrialization of psychedelics and addresses the concerns of the existing psychedelic community on the impact of big business on the community. We also talk about the role of therapists, equal access to medicine, and whether it would be a good thing to get mental health benefits without the trip. As one of a few large organizations hoping to industrialize psychedelic medicine, Field Trip is controversial within the psychedelic community. While Maya Health and I personally don’t endorse all aspects of the Field Trip model, Ronan is a thoughtful person and was gracious in inviting a nuanced conversation about these issues. During the interview, we discuss the North Star psychedelic ethics pledge, of which Maya is a signatory, and the cautionary fable We Will Call It Pala about unforeseen consequences in the rush to psychedelic medicalization, which I would recommend reading prior to listening to this conversation. Ronan is the Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Field Trip. He is also a partner at Grassfed Ventures, a cannabis and biotech VC firm, and Chief Strategy Officer for Trait Biosciences. He co-founded Canadian Cannabis Clinics as well as CanvasRx Inc. Originally a lawyer, Ronan holds a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto. You can hear Ronan on The Field Tripping Podcast, a place for epic personal, spiritual and business journeys on — and in — psychedelics. Links Field Trip Website The Field Tripping Podcast Field Trip Instagram Field Trip Twitter Field Trip Facebook Ronan on Instagram Ronan on Twitter We Will Call It Pala North Star Pledge Timestamps: :05 - Ronan’s describes his first experience with psychedelics and his meditation practice :12 - Ronan describes Field Trip Health Centers and Field Trip Digital :19 - Ronan describes Field Trip Discovery, including the development of a novel psychedelic molecule called FT-104 :23 - Ronan shares his perspective on the industrialization and corporatization of psychedelics and Field Trip’s place in that process :33 - How Field Trip approaches the therapists who work at their clinic :37 - Field Trip has not signed the North Star psychedelic ethics pledge but they did apply for B-Corp status :44 - I suggest Ronan get input for Field Trip by sitting in a traditional ayahuasca ceremony :51 - Would it be good thing to get mental health benefits without the trip? :58 - The question of equal access to psychedelics 1:08 - Ronan speak to psychedelic therapists

Before today’s conversation I didn’t know much about Celtic Shamanism. Today’s guest, Darragh Stewart is a shining beacon of knowledge and joy. As a PhD in plant molecular biology, he has gone all in on plant medicine to support his psychedelic Irish brothers and everyone else who needs to break through the blockages in their lives. On the show, we talk about how Darragh blends science and spirituality. We get into the origin and structure of Inwardbound Psychedelic Retreats, which take place legally in the Netherlands. We talk about Darragh’s passion for men’s work including the integration group he co-founded called the "Psychedelic Brothers of Ireland." Finally, we get into Celtic Shamanism and efforts to heal the broken lineage of holistic and ancestral healing in Ireland. One important note: At Inwardbound, all clients go through a strict pre-screening process. In order to attend the retreats, participants cannot have a diagnosed psychiatric illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar, clinical depression or a personality disorder. Similarly, Inwardbound is not able to  accommodate participants dealing with serious addiction, substance abuse issues, or who have a personal or family history of psychosis. If this is the case for you, it is recommended that you apply for a clinical research trial. Links Inwardbound Retreats Darragh Steward on Instagram Email Darragh: Darragh@inwardbound.nl Timestamps :06 - How Darragh came to plant medicine from a scientific background :14 - The origin and structure of Inward Bound retreats :27 - Men's work with the Psychedelic Brothers of Ireland :33 - Typical male wounds that come up in psychedelic healing :41 - Celtic Shamanism and healing broken lineages on the Emerald Isle. :55 - Darragh speaks to psychedelic therapists

Today on the Psychedelic Therapy Podcast, I am interviewing my colleague at Maya, Jessica Cadoch, our Research Manager for Public Health.  On the show, we discuss Jessica’s master's research in psychedelics and addiction. We talk about the paradigm shift in care she sees between the concept of the "powerless addict" and the idea of the empowered inner healer. We also discuss psychedelic societies, of which Jessica is an Executive Director in Montreal. Finally we touch on psychedelic ethics, a passion Jessica and I share. Jessica is currently completing her master's degree in Medical Anthropology at McGill University. She is the Executive Director of the Montreal Psychedelic Society, and is our Research Manager at Maya. Her master’s research explores the implications involved in a shifting paradigm around psychedelic substances, particularly relating to twelve-step-based models of recovery from addiction. LINKS Montreal Psychedelic Society: https://www.montrealpsychedelicsociety.org/ TIMESTAMPS :08 - How did friends’ issues with addiction brought Jessica to study psychedelic medicine from the perspective of medical anthropology. :15- Jessica’s research around addiction and psychedelics :26 - A paradigm shift in addiction treatment :31 - Psychedelic societies :38 - Considerations for psychedelic ethics :43 - Jessica shares her gratitude with psychedelic healers