Psychedelics Today

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.

In this discussion, Angie Roullier, a seasoned expert in the cannabis industry and author of "Pot for the People," shares her transformative journey after substituting cannabis for her medications. She dives into the challenges consumers face, including misconceptions and the importance of informed choices. Roullier explains the significance of terpenes and the entourage effect, the emergence of hemp-derived THC products, and the crucial role of home growers. Her insights illuminate the need for education in navigating the evolving cannabis landscape.

Tommy Aceto, a former Navy SEAL and trauma medic, now advocates for veteran mental health. In a captivating discussion, he reveals how psychedelics can enhance overall wellness beyond just healing. He emphasizes body awareness and breathwork as tools for personal growth, sharing his transformative 5-MeO-DMT experience that deepened his connection with the divine. Aceto also discusses the importance of surrendering to change, the significance of gratitude in rewiring the brain, and how cold exposure can prepare one for profound psychedelic journeys.