The Psychedelic Podcast

As one of the earliest researchers and advocates for ketamine’s use in healing pain, depression, and addiction, Jeffrey Becker, M.D., is on the forefront of harnessing ketamine’s massive untapped potential. In addition to his personal functional psychiatry practice, Jeff is the co-founder and CSO of Bexson Biomedical, which has created a subcutaneous ketamine infusion pump for safe, at-home pain management. In this episode, Jeff and Paul enjoy a wide-ranging discussion about responsible use of psychedelics, the connections between mysticism and science, and the fragile future of these powerful substances.

In the three years since Paul and Sean last spoke, there has been huge growth in the psychedelic space, from legal retreats and clinics to corporate interest to personal education and use. In this episode, recorded for Sean’s podcast and shared here as well, Paul and Sean discuss the revolutionary changes psychedelics are bringing to mental and physical healthcare, as well as exciting upheavals in industrial capitalism, religion, and our concept of a sovereign state.

We’re in the early stages of a many-layered worldwide shift: The paternalistic medical model is slowly falling away as we recognize that we’re our own best healers. With church affiliation dwindling, more and more of us are turning to different forms of community and spirituality. And as psychedelics continue to grow in mainstream awareness, support of their use in healing and personal growth is gaining unstoppable momentum. In this episode, Michael and Paul discuss some of the exciting possibilities of our psychedelic medical future, and how these substances have the power to heal not just ourselves, but our entire communities.

Entrepreneur and Bitcoin enthusiast Brandon Quittem discusses the parallels between psychedelics, mycelium networks, Bitcoin, and personal freedom. They explore the evolution of money, the impact of remote work, and the potential for a decentralized future. The conversation touches on historical shifts, individual autonomy, and the transformative power of psychedelics and Bitcoin.

Keith Kurlander has practiced integrative psychotherapy and coaching with individuals, couples and groups for over 15 years. After years of treating highly complex patients, as well as a personal journey of overcoming trauma and mental illness, he turned toward integrative psychiatric practices as a key component to achieving mental health and understanding the healing process. In this episode, he and Paul discuss the core areas to focus on when getting well, the role of psychedelics in healing mental illness and trauma, and the importance of a well-trained therapist and guide.

After a successful career in entrepreneurship and cryptocurrency, Ryan Zurrer turned his attention to the burgeoning psychedelic space. As he continued to learn more via research, attending conferences, and speaking with others, he became concerned about what he considers the “dystopian future” of psychedelic therapies - sterile doctors’ offices, $8000 treatments, synthetic drugs, no community or connection. Determined to help others harness the powerful benefits of plant medicines in traditional settings, he started Vine Ventures, a VC fund focusing on a future in which everyone who wants to access a psychedelic experience can do so safely, legally, and affordably. In this episode, Ryan and Paul discuss the importance of accessibility, Ryan’s criteria for investment, and the differences between a centralized and decentralized approach to therapy and legalization.

When Lynn Marie Morski, M.D., was first introduced to psychedelics at age 35, she had the kind of transformative experience that she knew would greatly help her patients at the VA. But with no legal way to recommend plant medicines, she decided to turn her attention to educating doctors about the benefits of psychedelics. Unsure of where her new venture would take her, Lynn Marie quit her job, started the Plant Medicine podcast, and created the Psychedelic Medicine Association. In this episode, Lynn Marie and Paul discuss bridging the gap between medical practitioners and the advances taking place in the psychedelic research world.

Psychoanalyst, executive coach, author, and Harvard-trained philosopher Peter Carnochan, Ph.D., has spent the last 30 years helping clients unknot problematic feelings, solve challenges, and develop more resilient and expansive modes of living. In this episode, Peter talks with Paul about the many ways philosophy and psychedelic experiences complement each other, the interconnectedness of everything in the universe, the freedom found within boundaries, and the power we have to change our own lives.

Author Brian Muraresku discusses the secret history of the religion with no name, the role of psychedelics in the origins of Western civilization, the significance of Carl Ruck in uncovering the ancient Greeks' use of psychedelics, the transition from beer to wine in religious rituals, the influence of psychedelics on the development of religion and their potential solution to humanity's existential crisis, the profiles and populations drawn to psychedelic experiences, and the author's ongoing search for ancient discoveries and mysteries.

One of the leading advocates in the kratom industry, Mac Haddow spent years working in US government relations, including acting as Chief of Staff at the US Department of Health and Human Services. Today, he is working tirelessly to protect the rights of kratom users and vendors, traveling throughout the US to promote nationwide adoption of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. In this episode, Mac and Paul discuss the responsible use of kratom—its benefits, risks, and concerns—and also touch on the topic of corruption within the FDA regulatory and approval process.