Psychedelics Today

Sarko Gergerian, a police officer and MDMA-assisted psychotherapist, joins Rick Doblin, founder of MAPS, and Diane Goldstein, former lieutenant at LEAP, to discuss the evolution of law enforcement's relationship with psychedelics. They explore how psychedelics can transform crisis response training for officers, enhance mental health support, and heal trauma among first responders. The conversation highlights the urgent need for progressive policies to promote therapeutic models and shift societal narratives around drug use.

In this episode Kyle Buller and Joe Moore speak to Zach Leary about his new book "Your Extraordinary Mind: Psychedelics in the 21st Century and How to Use Them". Kyle and Joe join Zach in person for this recording. Zach has lots of hard earned wisdom and gracefully shares it with us and with his readers. We discuss MAPS PS25, Psychedelic Churches, psychedelic overuse and much more. Join us to learn more.

In this episode, Joe Moore welcomes LP Giobbi, an internationally famous DJ, electronic music producer, and jazz pianist. LP shares the story behind Dead House, her project blending Grateful Dead samples with house music. What started as a tribute to her parents during pandemic live streams has become a celebrated musical movement. Joe and LP explore the deeper connection between music and psychedelics. They talk about Bicycle Day, the story of Albert Hofmann’s famous LSD bike ride, and how psychedelics can support creativity and personal growth. LP opens up about her own experiences with psychedelics, touring burnout, and how she’s learning to reconnect with her body through music and intention. The conversation also highlights LP’s work with Fem House, an educational platform that empowers women and gender-expansive individuals in music production. She explains how representation, access, and support are key to shifting the music industry. This is a warm, inspiring, candid episode about breaking barriers, finding your voice, and leading purposefully. If you’re in Denver, catch Dead House live at Meow Wolf on Bicycle Day!

In this episode, Kyle Buller speaks with Kayse Geheret, founder of Microdosing for Healing and instructor for Psychedelics Today’s Vital program. They explore what it means to be a modern guide in the world of psychedelics. Kayse shares how microdosing has become a key entry point for many and highlights the importance of training, community, and personal growth. They discuss how not all psychedelic work involves facilitation. Some guides support through integration, education, or community organizing. The conversation covers what makes a great guide—qualities like groundedness, empathy, curiosity, and the ability to hold space. They also talk about the growing need for psychedelic-literate professionals in all fields, not just therapy. Kayse and Kyle reflect on the importance of finding the right training—whether for coaching, integration, or peer support. With more people entering the space, education and connection are more important than ever. Whether you’re curious about microdosing, thinking of becoming a guide, or simply want to better support your community, this episode offers valuable insight. 🎧 Learn more at microdosingforhealing.com 🌱 Discover Vital at vitalpsychedelictraining.com

Joe Moore sits down with UK-based artist Harry Pack, whose vibrant, surreal, and often psychedelic art has captured the attention of dreamers, psychonauts, and seekers worldwide. Known for channeling the aesthetic of altered states rather than simply replicating them, Harry discusses his journey from childhood doodles to being a full-time artist working digitally in Procreate. He shares stories of deep inspiration from figures like Ott—whose album Hiraeth he recently illustrated—and how art has helped him integrate mystical experiences, recovery, and even potential alien contact. The conversation explores the therapeutic potential of art, the role of storytelling in visionary creativity, and the emergence of recurring themes in Harry’s work—most notably, the enigmatic “Purple UFO.” We also get into the importance of community, nature, and play in feeding the creative spirit, and Harry’s aspirations to build spaces for collective art-making and integration. Follow Harry on Instagram @harrypackart and @thepurpleufo, and explore his work at harrypackart.com.

In this episode of Psychedelics Today, Joe Moore sits down with South African ethnobotanist and healer Jean-François Sobiecki to explore the rich and largely underrecognized world of African psychoactive plants. With over two decades of fieldwork and research, Jean-François sheds light on the traditional use of these plants in healing, divination, and spiritual practices across Southern Africa. Topics covered include: Jean-François’s early inspirations and the ancestral roots of his herbal knowledge His discovery and documentation of 306 African psychoactive plant species The ritual use of Ubuwalu (dream-enhancing emetic infusions) and their role in personal transformation How vomiting, dietary restrictions, and sensory isolation are used as part of initiation processes Cross-cultural parallels between Southern African and Amazonian plant healing traditions The underexplored use of psychoactive plants to treat mental health conditions like schizophrenia and hysteria Ethical fieldwork, indigenous knowledge protection, and the dangers of overharvesting sacred plants Visions for healing and conservation gardens in Africa and the role these plants could play in global mental health Jean-François shares moving stories of his 15-year mentorship with a Northern Sotho diviner and healer, Letti Ponnya, and how she introduced him to African “plant teacher” medicines. His message is clear: Africa has a deep, sophisticated, and scientifically underappreciated tradition of psychoactive plant use that deserves recognition, respect, and further study. 📘 Get the book: African Psychoactive Plants: Journeys in Phytoalchemy 🌐 Learn more at: phytoalchemy.co.za 📝 Related reading: ➡️ African Psychoactive Plants: Journeys in Phytoalchemy – Chacruna

In this inspiring and far-reaching conversation, Joe Moore is joined by Vince Kadlubek, the founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Meow Wolf, the groundbreaking arts and entertainment company known for its massive, immersive art experiences. Together, they dive deep into Meow Wolf’s humble DIY origins, its evolution into a multi-city creative juggernaut, and how it intertwines with psychedelic culture and expanded states of consciousness. Vince shares the story of Meow Wolf’s formation in Santa Fe, the evolution from a group of passionate friends into a thousand-person company, and the power of belief, creativity, and visionary leadership. He reflects on raising funding from George R. R. Martin and major investors, navigating massive growth, and the challenge of keeping the creative spark alive in the face of institutionalization. They also discuss the upcoming Bicycle Day Portal Takeover at Meow Wolf Denver on April 19, which will feature performances, talks, and immersive experiences throughout the exhibition—with appearances from Reggie Watts, Duncan Trussell, Zach Leary, and more. From the imaginative to the esoteric, Vince and Joe explore the intersection of psychedelics and art, the nature of reality and the imaginal realm, and how to build beauty and wonder into the world around us. 🌀 Topics Covered What Meow Wolf is and how it all began Growing from a DIY collective to a nationwide phenomenon Maintaining creative spirit through growth and structure Vision, belief, and the spiritual work of creating art Navigating private equity and big funding in the arts Santa Fe’s unique cultural and energetic imprint Portal’s Bicycle Day event at Meow Wolf Denver Fictional character sentience and AI in immersive worlds Art as a cultural response in times of uncertainty Psychedelics as tools for accessing the imaginal and creative realms Bicycle Day at Meow Wolf Denver – April 19 Hosted by Portal, this one-of-a-kind immersive celebration of Bicycle Day takes over the entire Meow Wolf Denver space. Expect DJs, speakers, psychedelic storytelling, ecstatic dance, art, and surprises around every corner. Featured Guests Include: Reggie Watts Duncan Trussell LP GIOBI (Dead House) Zach Leary David Satori (Dirtwire) Frick Frack Blackjack Dennis Walker Veronica Lightning Horse Perez …and many more to be announced! 🌀 Plus: Pre-event Bicycle Day bike ride through Denver, curated by Portal. 📍 More Info Learn more about Meow Wolf   Check out Portal Events for Bicycle Day details 📣 Support the Show If you love what we do, please share this episode, leave a review, and consider supporting us in our Navigators Program.

In this episode, Joe interviews Fayzan Rab, an MD candidate (when we recorded) at Emory University with a background in tech at Google and a focus on the intersection of psychedelics, spirituality, and public health. Fayzan shares Emory’s unique approach to psychedelic studies, emphasizing spiritual health and the lived religious and existential aspects of psychedelic experiences—what he and his team call “CERT.” The conversation explores Fayzan’s collaboration with health economist Elliot Marseille on economic modeling for psilocybin therapy, including their estimate that over 5 million Americans could be medically eligible. He shares insights into the policy challenges around payer systems and the importance of preparing implementation strategies before FDA approval. Fayzan also discusses his groundbreaking research on Muslim perspectives on psychedelics—revealing surprising openness, complex spiritual tensions, and a strong interest in integrating these substances into healing and faith-based frameworks. He highlights the need for inclusive infrastructure and upcoming work with clergy to deepen the conversation. Finally, they explore non-clinical psychedelic use among healthcare workers and entrepreneurs, discussing how psychedelics are being used to address burnout, identity, and life purpose. This is a powerful episode about interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and the potential for psychedelics to transform not just individuals—but systems. Links Science on Spiritual Health Symposium 2025 Center for Psychedelics and Spirituality - Emory University

Dr. Hannah McLane, a physician and founder of the SoundMind Center, shares her vital insights into the evolving world of psychedelics. She discusses the legislative progress for psilocybin in states like New Jersey and compares it to models in Oregon and Colorado. The duo delves into the essential qualities of effective psychedelic facilitators and the challenges of entrepreneurship in this arena. Dr. McLane also emphasizes the importance of community, curiosity, and the integration of playful experiences in healing, reflecting on the balance between personal and professional life.

In this powerful episode of Psychedelics Today, we sit down with the team behind Natural Medicine Alaska to discuss their groundbreaking efforts to bring psychedelic reform to the state. With some of the highest rates of depression, suicide, and substance use disorders in the nation, Alaska stands at a pivotal moment in the movement for mental health transformation. Joe Moore speaks with Gina, President of Natural Medicine Alaska; David Aloff, an Alaska Native advocate; and Noria Clark, Veterans Coordinator to explore the origins of their movement, the importance of traditional healing protections, and their 2026 ballot initiative to decriminalize plant medicines and establish a regulated therapeutic model. The discussion dives into: The personal journeys that led each guest to this work How Alaska’s libertarian spirit aligns with psychedelic reform The push to make Alaska the first state to include Ibogaine clinics in legislation The urgent need for veteran and first responder access to psychedelic therapy Fundraising and grassroots efforts to get the initiative on the ballot The role of Alaska’s natural landscape in healing and psychedelic integration With national psychedelic policy at a crossroads, Alaska has the opportunity to become the North Star of this movement. Listen in to learn how you can support this critical campaign! Support Natural Medicine Alaska: 💰 Donate: NaturalMedicineAlaska.org 📢 Share this episode to raise awareness! 📅 Attend Arctic Visions Psychedelic Conference in August 2025: arcticvisions.com 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.