The Psychedelic Podcast

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Kevin Cannella, co-founder and executive director of Thank You Life, a nonprofit removing financial barriers to psychedelic therapy. Kevin shares his path from early mystical experiences and time at a Peruvian retreat center to becoming a licensed professional counselor and MAPS-trained therapist, then building a pay-it-forward fund that partners with clinics nationwide. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-325/?ref=278  Kevin explains how Thank You Life works with 120+ ketamine clinics, why group programs matter for cost and connection, and what’s realistic about insurance coverage today. He also explores integration support, community pods, and how state partnerships could expand access for veterans, first responders, and more. Kevin Cannella is the co-founder and executive director of Thank You Life, a 501(c)(3) psychedelic therapy access fund. A licensed professional counselor and MAPS-trained psychedelic therapist, Kevin founded the organization with Dr. Dan Engle to eliminate the financial barriers that prevent many from accessing psychedelic healing. Thank You Life partners with over 120 ketamine clinics in 35 states, offering financial assistance and group support programs to individuals in need. Rooted in his own transformative journey with meditation, intensive retreat work, and psychotherapy, Kevin is dedicated to advancing health equity, reciprocity, and compassionate care in the psychedelic field. Highlights: Service-driven path into psychedelic care Founding Thank You Life as a pay-it-forward fund Partnering with 120+ ketamine clinics nationwide Group ketamine care: cost and community benefits Insurance realities: Spravato vs. generic ketamine Integration support through clinics and community pods Scaling access via philanthropy and state partnerships Episode Sponsors: Golden Rule Mushrooms - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.

Fleet Maull, Ph.D., a meditation teacher and founder of HeartMind Institute, shares his transformative journey from federal prison to becoming a pioneer in Neuro-Somatic Mindfulness (NSM). He discusses how NSM offers a more embodied approach to mindfulness, emphasizing sensation over conceptual thought. Fleet explains the five brain networks NSM targets and how integrating psychedelics like ketamine and psilocybin enhances healing. His insights provide valuable guidance for those seeking deeper stability and transformation in psychedelic practices.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin sits down with medicine woman and transpersonal psychotherapist Lena Franklin to explore grief as a doorway to the sacred, bridging clinical training with embodied spirituality, and the ethics of honoring indigenous lineages in modern practice.  Find full show notes and links here: http://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-323?ref=278 Lena shares “The Method,” a 90-day psilocybin-supported program (three ceremonies + twelve sessions), and reflects on lessons learned from founding and composting EAST Institute. She also previews a new global initiative for advanced, root-cause healing centers and closes with an embodied playbook for leaders. Lena Franklin is a Medicine Woman, Transpersonal Psychotherapist, and transformational speaker bridging ancient medicine and modern technology for global healing. Raised in a Buddhist/Christian home, she integrates Eastern philosophy with Western neuroscience across meditation, energy medicine, longevity, human optimization, plant medicine, shamanism, and ecosystem consciousness. Formally trained in psychology (B.S.) and clinical social work (M.S.) at the University of Georgia, Lena weaves lineages from Mahayana Buddhism, Mopan Maya Ancient Medicine, Q’ero Peruvian shamanism, and Shipibo wisdom into ceremonial and teaching work worldwide. She founded The QUINTESSENCE Approach for activating Revolutionary Medicine Woman leadership, The BEING Method for mindfulness-based human potential, and The Meditation Membership of audio/video teachings. Her work has been featured in Vogue, The New York Times, Telegraph, and more.  Highlights: Grief as a sacred portal Clinician and mystic, not either/or Lineage stewardship and councils of elders “Harm reduction is bi-directional” Lessons from founding EAST Institute The 90-day, three-ceremony Method From psycho-emotional to psycho-spiritual Why assessment must stay rigorous Vision for root-cause healing centers Daily grounding for embodied leadership Episode Links: Lena’s website Lena on Instagram Episode Sponsor: The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute Golden Rule Mushrooms - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout

Sterling Cooley, a researcher and biotech entrepreneur, dives into the fascinating world of xenon, a noble gas with potential psychedelic-like effects. He shares how a personal health crisis led him to explore the therapeutic properties of xenon over other anesthetics like nitrous oxide and ketamine. Sterling explains its connection to microtubules and consciousness, discussing euphoria and visionary experiences reported by users. The conversation also touches on harm reduction and safe practices for exploring xenon’s unique effects.

Lana Pribic, an ICF Professional Coach and co-founder of Kanna Wellness, dives deep into the world of African medicinal plants, iboga and kanna. She emphasizes the importance of preparation and patience when working with these powerful substances. Lana shares her transformative experiences with iboga during retreats, highlighting its unique effects compared to traditional psychedelics. The conversation also touches on the cultural roots of these medicines and how kanna serves as a gentle ally for daily well-being.

Jonny Miller, founder of Nervous System Mastery and host of the Curious Humans podcast, dives deep into the transformative power of nervous system regulation. He shares his journey through grief and psychedelics, highlighting the importance of emotional fluidity and creating a safe space for healing. The conversation explores how high performers can shift from burnout to creativity and the significant role of relational health in this process. Jonny also discusses practical tools for self-regulation, blending insightful anecdotes with evidence-based practices.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Brian Tierney, a licensed somatic psychologist and neuroscience professor, explores the fascinating merger of somatics and neuroscience. He explains how trauma disrupts brain network coordination and emphasizes the importance of body work in healing. The conversation dives into the dangers of spiritual bypassing, the role of imagination in recovery, and reflects on the balance needed to navigate transformative psychedelic experiences. Tierney also shares insights on the intriguing connections between psychedelics, extraterrestrial archetypes, and personal transformation.

James Fadiman, Ph.D., the 'father of microdosing', and Jordan Gruber, J.D., a writer and former attorney, delve into the transformative potential of microdosing psychedelics. They explore how microdosing enhances mood, energy, and creativity while challenging traditional pharmaceutical approaches. The discussion covers personal experiences, healing benefits, and calls for increased research into microdosing's efficacy for mental health. Their work ignites curiosity about a holistic future where psychedelics could revolutionize our understanding of wellness.

Mariah Gannessa, founder of Four Visions and a dedicated plant medicine advocate, shares her transformative journey with the Inga tribe of Colombia. She discusses the ethics of cultural exchange versus appropriation in indigenous plant medicine. Mariah elaborates on the concept of sacred reciprocity, emphasizing how Four Visions reinvests in indigenous communities. The conversation also highlights the healing potential of traditional practices like Hapé, Mambé, and Ambil, fostering a profound respect for nature's interconnectedness and ancestral healing.

In a captivating discussion, Mike Jay, a British author and cultural historian, delves into the transformative history of nitrous oxide in psychedelic science. He reveals how 19th-century figures like Humphry Davy paved the way for modern psychedelic thought. The conversation navigates through indigenous traditions and colonial perceptions of psychedelics, highlighting the clash between grassroots healing and institutional control. Mike also examines the cultural revolution sparked by psychedelics, advocating for a balance between clinical and community-centered approaches to mental health.