Psychedelics Today

In this episode, Kyle interviews Geoff Bathje, Ph.D.: licensed psychologist, researcher, former Full Professor, and co-founder of Sana Healing Collective, a Chicago-based non-profit focusing on ketamine-assisted therapy and psychedelic integration. He talks about what he feels is one of the largest factors in our mental health crisis: the individualistic and neoliberal lens Western culture has placed on mental health and how it neglects the massive systemic and relational factors that are affecting us all. He digs into how we got so alienated and how psychedelics and non-ordinary states of consciousness can not only help us think critically and solve problems, but also move us out of this individualistic framework of healing and more into a collective one. How do we use psychedelics to fix our relationships and find our community? He discusses: The challenge of knowing when to work for relationships and when to just end them, especially in the afterglow of a big experience Group ketamine experience vs. individual, how groups can help facilitators find patterns, and how ketamine works with somatic therapy His paper, “Psychedelic integration: An analysis of the concept and its practice” and his visual model of integration showing the different domains of our personal experience What he thinks will happen next in drug development: Will therapy be left out after Lykos’ failure with MDMA? The importance of moving beyond aggressive criticism and moving into world building and more!  For links, head to the show notes page. 

Thomas Feegel, co-founder of Beond Ibogaine, shares insights on the complexities of ibogaine therapy at his facility in Cancun. He addresses safety concerns following a tragic incident in 2022, stressing the importance of thorough patient evaluations and data collection. Feegel critiques conventional addiction treatments and advocates for innovative approaches amidst rising overdose rates. He discusses creating a holistic healing environment and the evolving role of psychedelics in mental health, emphasizing the need for ethical standards in therapy.

Floris Wolswijk, a senior project manager at Delphi and founder of Blossom, explores the booming field of psychedelic research. He discusses the rapid growth of studies, the cultural context in the Netherlands where psilocybin truffles are legal, and the importance of real-world evidence in shaping public perception. Wolswijk delves into the economic implications of psychedelics, including future insurance conversations, and the potential of integrating psychedelics with coaching for mental health treatment, emphasizing harm reduction and ethical guidelines.

In this episode, Joe interviews Jessica Tracy: head of sales & partnerships at Enthea, a company that works with employers, unions, and employee assistance programs to be able to offer ketamine-assisted therapy (and psilocybin where it’s legal) to employees. She talks about her path to psychedelics and how the shifts in her life led her to want to help others, finding Enthea and using her 15 years of experience in healthcare to make an immediate difference. She explains how the process works for an employee of a company Enthea works with, and the importance of evidence-based medical policy and rigorous screening to make sure people are getting the best intervention possible. One of Enthea’s largest clients is Dr. Bronner’s, who reported incredible improvements after employees used the benefit, with a 65% improvement in depression scores and an 86% improvement in PTSD. She also discusses: How psychedelics bring awareness to what we need to work on Less-discussed treatment modalities, like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and stellate ganglion block (SGB) The inefficiency of traditional talk therapy: 50% of people only see really good benefits after 20 sessions The importance of viewing mental health as individualized care: What else can we offer to people who haven’t been helped by traditional methods? The research that she wants to see, like measures in how present or productive people are before and after experiences and more! For links, head to the show notes page. 

Joe and Kyle reintroduce their series by discussing Massachusetts' pivotal Question 4 on psychedelic legalization. They dive into the bill's supporters and opposition, including actress Eliza Dushku advocating for psychedelic facilitation after her own transformative experience. The duo explores psilocybin's therapeutic potential for chronic pain and the importance of experiential approaches in psychedelic research. They also reflect on the fusion of psychedelics, philosophy, and technology, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of consciousness.

Dr. Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes, a philosopher and lecturer at the University of Exeter, dives into the profound connections between philosophy and psychedelics. He reveals how William James influenced his exploration of metaphysics, emphasizing its importance for meaningful psychedelic experiences. The discussion touches on panpsychism, ethics in psychedelic research, and the limitations of scientific materialism. Sjöstedt-Hughes advocates for a philosophical approach to understanding consciousness, which could reshape our interactions with non-ordinary states.

In this discussion, Taylor Andrews Flatt, a pediatric nurse practitioner and co-founder of the Penn Psychedelics Collaborative, along with Victor Pablo Acero, a researcher on psychedelics, Jackie Tileston, a fine arts professor, and Michael Baime, director of mindfulness programs, converge in an enlightening conversation. They explore psychedelics' role in enhancing health beyond treatment, delve into the concept of psychoactive art, and share cutting-edge research, including using salvia for stroke recovery. Their collaborative insights highlight the power of interdisciplinary approaches in advancing psychedelic science.

Graham Moore, an advocate for the Massachusetts Natural Psychedelic Substances Act, shares his personal battle with OCD and how psilocybin transformed his life. Jamie Morey, the Community Engagement Director, discusses her advocacy rooted in family mental health struggles. They dive into Massachusetts’ initiative to decriminalize psychedelics, the hurdles faced in public support, and the need for informed discussions on mental health alternatives. Their compelling stories highlight the potential of psychedelics in healing, especially for veterans and those facing addiction.

Diana Quinn, a naturopathic doctor and healing justice practitioner, shares her journey into psychedelic education at the Naropa Center for Psychedelic Studies. She highlights the importance of equity and accessibility in training programs while emphasizing the need to respect cultural plant traditions. The conversation delves into the challenges of integrating non-ordinary states within Western frameworks and the impact of colonialism on healing practices. Diana also encourages an anti-capitalist perspective on using psychedelics in a world fraught with systemic injustices.

Rick Doblin, Ph.D., is the founder of MAPS and a pioneer in psychedelic research. In this discussion, he shares insights on the FDA's handling of MDMA trials, emphasizing miscommunications that led to setbacks for Lykos Therapeutics. Doblin argues that neglecting public perception was a critical mistake and explores the bias at the FDA. He also highlights the need for better public education and drug policy reform, contrasting U.S. and European regulatory approaches while discussing innovative international MDMA therapy initiatives.