Business Trip

In this engaging discussion, Josh Hardman, founder and editor of Psychedelic Alpha, tackles the FDA's recent rejection of MDMA for PTSD therapy. He explores the complexities of the FDA advisory process and highlights the challenges in data gaps and potential biases in clinical trials. Hardman delves into the future of psychedelic treatments and the rising importance of non-hallucinogenic therapies. The conversation also touches on the implications for insurance coverage and regulatory pathways, painting a vivid picture of the evolving landscape in mental health treatment.

At a live panel at SXSW, experts discuss investing in mental health tech, including AI tools, enerceuticals, psychedelics, and gut health. They explore the hype vs reality of psychedelics, innovative mental health financing, and delivery methods. The podcast delves into opportunities for investing in mental health and neuroscience technologies.

Matias hosted a panel at The Battery SF with renowned psychedelics experts, Nolan Williams, Allison Feduccia, Matt Baggott.Nolan is a Stanford professor currently researching ibogaine among other areas in psychiatry and radiology, and he's a founder of TMS company Magnus Medical. Allison is the founder of Psychedelic Support, a platform providing psychedelic education, community and a provider directory. And Matt is founder and CEO of Tactogen, a biotech company developing compounds similar to MDMA.In this episode, we discuss…The effects and mechanisms of different psychedelics (MDMA, psilocybin, ibogaine)The role of therapy/support during psychedelic experiencesScalability, accessibility, and optimal therapeutic useDigital solutions, new care models, and policy changes Credits:Created by Greg Kubin and Matias SerebrinskyHost: Matias Serebrinsky & Greg KubinProduced by Jonathan A. Davis,  Nico V. Rey & Caitlin NerFind us at businesstrip.fm and psymed.venturesFollow us on Instagram and Twitter!Theme music by Dorian LoveAdditional Music: Distant Daze by Zack Frank

Lili Brillstein, a healthcare pioneer, discusses what payers prioritize, effective communication strategies for startups, transitioning to value-based agreements, merging diagnostics with care delivery, advancing precision psychiatry, and the future of fee-for-service vs. value-based care in healthcare. The episode offers valuable insights on navigating the complex healthcare system.

Ed Boyden, a pioneer in synthetic neurobiology from MIT, joins the conversation to explore the brain's complexities and their relevance to mental health. He shares insights on groundbreaking tools like optogenetics and expansion microscopy. The discussion contrasts academia with startups in advancing neuroscience, emphasizing data’s role in developing innovative treatments. Boyden also reflects on integrating science with storytelling and the significance of fostering accessibility in health technologies. His engaging perspective bridges neuroscience with human well-being.

Greg and Matias interview Steve Rio about 5-MeO-DMT and its potential role in mental healthcare. Steve is a social impact cofounder, transformational coach, and practitioner at the Enfold Institute, one of the most reputable aboveground retreat centers working with 5-MeO-DMT. He shared many insights from his hands-on experience guiding hundreds of people through the medicine.In this episode, we discuss…5-MeO-DMT’s distinct psychedelic experienceEnfold’s protocol of screening, preparation and integrationWhy high doses may not fit into the mainstream medical model5-MeO's intense somatic release and non-dual experienceThe future of 5-MeO research and drug developmentMore information on Enfold Institute here: enfold.orgCredits:Created by Greg Kubin and Matias SerebrinskyHost: Matias Serebrinsky & Greg KubinProduced by Jonathan A. Davis,  Nico V. Rey & Caitlin NerFind us at businesstrip.fm and psymed.venturesFollow us on Instagram and Twitter!Theme music by Dorian LoveAdditional Music: Distant Daze by Zack Frank

Tom Insel is an entrepreneur and former director of the US National Institute of Mental Health, the lead US agency supporting mental health research with a $2 billion budget. Since his time at the NIMH, Tom has built mental health technology, first at Verily and Mindstrong Health, and more recently founded Vanna Health, an online healthcare provider for serious mental illness.In his book "Healing", he talks about the importance of the 3 P's for solving the US mental health crisis: People, Place, and Purpose. Greg & Matias interview Tom on Business Trip to discuss the 4th "P": Payment. "We have to figure out how to pay for this", he says.In this episode, we discuss…Psychedelics in the healthcare systemAre antidepressants overprescribed? AI in mental healthTom’s learnings from almost starting a VC fundCredits:Created by Greg Kubin and Matias SerebrinskyHost: Matias Serebrinsky & Greg KubinProduced by Jonathan A. Davis,  Nico V. Rey & Caitlin NerFind us at businesstrip.fm and psymed.venturesFollow us on Instagram and Twitter!Theme music by Dorian LoveAdditional Music: Distant Daze by Zack Frank

What if your next antidepressant was a clam or spinach?Greg & Matias invite Dr. Drew Ramsey to explore nutritional psychiatry - a field exploring how the food we eat can be as powerful as medication in treating mental illnesses like depression and anxiety.Dr. Drew Ramsey is a psychiatrist, entrepreneur and author focusing on nutritional interventions for mental wellbeing. Drew shares scientific research to make a business case for nutritional psychiatry - how customized food interventions could reduce healthcare costs for conditions like depression and anxiety. We debunk common myths around nutrition and mental health and envision a future where psychedelics and fermented foods may be first-line treatments. Ramsey offers simple diet tweaks you can make today for improved mental fitness.In this episode, we discuss…How nutritional psychiatry can be a cost-effective mental health treatmentWhy doctors need more nutritional education to prescribe food as medicine What startups and opportunities there are in this space What foods and nutrients are best for your mental healthTune into the episode to learn more!Credits: Created by Greg Kubin and Matias SerebrinskyHost: Matias Serebrinsky & Greg KubinProduced by Jonathan A. Davis,  Nico V. Rey & Caitlin NerFind us at businesstrip.fm and psymed.venturesFollow us on Instagram and Twitter!Theme music by Dorian LoveAdditional Music: Distant Daze by Zack Frank

Advocate Jan Baszucki discusses using ketogenic diets and fasting for mental health conditions like bipolar disorder. Topics include personal stories, science behind metabolic psychiatry, misconceptions about mental health and diets, challenges to adoption, and business opportunities in metabolic interventions.

Advancements in neuroscience, AI, and bioengineering are unlocking new possibilities for neurotechnologies. Investors are paying attention.Alex Morgan of Khosla Ventures is an MD, PhD, physicist, and one of the most active investors in neurotech startups. He's backed companies harnessing neuromodulation for varied applications - from sleep (Somnee) to depression (Flow) to motor recovery (Syncron). In this episode, Alex shares an insider's overview of the neurotech landscape. We discuss when neurotech solutions make more sense than traditional pharma. Alex reveals which brain technologies excite him most, and why.We also unpack key business strategy questions. When should startups pursue the consumer route versus FDA approval? What does Alex look for in neurotech founders on the cutting edge?This episode is for founders, investors, clinicians, and researchers interested in understanding the cutting edge of neurotech and how it will become an integral part to the future of our mental health.