Psychedelics Today

Podcast Show Notes: Psychedelics, Harm Reduction & Ethical Care with Erica Siegal In this episode of Psychedelics Today, Joe Moore sits down with Erica Siegal, founder of Nest Harm Reduction and Shine Collective, for a deep conversation on psychedelic harm reduction, ethical facilitation, and the evolving psychedelic landscape. Erica shares her journey from the Grateful Dead lot scene to festival harm reduction, social work, and leading initiatives to support survivors of psychedelic-related harm. The conversation covers: Erica’s background in hospitality, social work, and psychedelic harm reduction The mission of Nest Harm Reduction in offering psychedelic therapy, integration, and community education The work of Shine Collective, a nonprofit supporting survivors of psychedelic harm and abuse The challenges of ethical facilitation, power dynamics, and the importance of clear boundaries How the psychedelic community can better address harm, accountability, and survivor support The intersection of Jewish spiritual traditions and psychedelics through Shefa This episode is a must-listen for those passionate about harm reduction, ethical psychedelic practice, and building a safer, more accountable psychedelic culture.

Neil Markey, CEO of Beckley Retreats and former Army Ranger, shares his transformative journey from military life to founding a leading psychedelic retreat organization. He discusses how meditation and psychedelics aided his healing from trauma. The conversation dives into Beckley Retreats' integration of mindfulness into therapy, the evolving legal landscape of psilocybin in Jamaica and the Netherlands, and the challenges of running a retreat business. Markey also explores the future of psychedelics and their potential impact on mental health care.

In this episode, Joe Moore of Psychedelics Today sits down with Paul Austin, founder of The Third Wave, to dive deep into the evolution of microdosing and its growing role in psychedelic culture. Paul shares how his journey with microdosing LSD led him to launch The Third Wave in 2015 to make psychedelics more accessible through education. The conversation explores the latest research on microdosing, including clinical trials demonstrating its potential benefits for depression, mental clarity, and creativity. Paul and Joe discuss the nuances of different microdosing protocols, the role of psychedelics in performance optimization, and the impact of these substances on neuroplasticity. They also tackle key challenges, such as the lack of robust clinical research due to regulatory hurdles and the perceived risks associated with overuse. Beyond microdosing, they touch on the broader psychedelic landscape—regulatory shifts, emerging coaching models, and the future of psychedelic-assisted transformation. The discussion even ventures into intriguing intersections between psychedelics, AI, and the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on where microdosing fits into the larger psychedelic resurgence.

In a captivating conversation with Louis Dorian, visionary behind Psychedelist, listeners dive deep into the transformative potential of psychedelics. Louis shares his personal journey through trauma and grief, revealing innovative trauma-processing techniques he developed using psychedelics, meditation, and breathwork. The dialogue explores the intricacies of addiction, critiques drug policies, and emphasizes the significance of harm reduction and community support. This engaging discussion also touches on the role of personal agency in navigating the complexities of substance use.

Neeka Levy, a psychiatric nurse practitioner and neuroscience expert, and Zach Skiles, a Marine veteran turned psychologist, discuss their groundbreaking work with Heal Ukraine Trauma. They delve into the journey of introducing psychedelic-assisted therapy to war-affected individuals in Ukraine. The conversation highlights the profound impact of intergenerational trauma, the necessity of group ketamine therapy, and the complexities of operating within Ukraine's regulatory landscape. They also touch on how Ukraine's collectivist culture shapes healing approaches, emphasizing a holistic view on trauma recovery.

Josh Lipson, a Ph.D. candidate in clinical psychology at Columbia University, dives into the fascinating realm of psychedelics and their impact on mental health. He explores how mystical experiences can transform individual consciousness and well-being. Lipson discusses the complexities of studying psychedelics in real-world settings and emphasizes the importance of integration afterward. He challenges the dominance of modern scientism and advocates for diverse perspectives in research, shedding light on how psychedelics reshape global consciousness and cultural understanding.

Nico and Susan Simon, co-founders of JourneyŌM, share their insights on matching individuals with vetted psychedelic facilitators. Nico, who has personally experienced psychedelic healing, emphasizes the significance of trust and safety in these relationships. Susan brings attention to the critical need for community support for partners during psychedelic journeys. They discuss the importance of movement in healing, the challenges of supporting family members, and how their extensive vetting process ensures transformative experiences for seekers.

Hamilton Morris, a renowned chemist, filmmaker, and journalist, dives into the crucial issues surrounding the DEA's attempts to classify DOI and DOC as Schedule I substances. He shares his firsthand experiences from a DEA hearing, exposing the bureaucratic mess that stifles psychedelic research. Morris discusses the safety profiles of these compounds, the frustrating exclusion of expert testimonials in court, and the environmental concerns tied to Sonoran Desert toad venom use. This eye-opening conversation emphasizes the pressing need for improved drug policy and advocacy for scientific progress.

Jeremy Falk, a certified Kama Flight instructor, and Dr. David Rabin, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, dive deep into the world of somatic movement and healing. They explore the transformative power of Kama Flight, a fusion of yoga and contact improvisation that enhances trust and communication between partners. The duo highlights the importance of play, consent, and the joy found in mistakes, showcasing how these elements facilitate healing. They also discuss the benefits of switching roles in the practice and the significant growth clients experience over time.

Ariel Clark, an Anishinaabe attorney and co-founder of the Psychedelic Bar Association, dives into the ethical landscape of psychedelic law. She explores the intersection of cultural heritage and legal responsibilities, questioning how to align with Indigenous practices amidst increasing legalization. Ariel shares her personal healing journey with psychedelics and emphasizes the need for public education in future legislation. With a focus on community involvement, she calls for a shift from rights-based thinking to a model centered on responsibilities.