Today, Jesse Gould, the founder of Heroic Hearts Project, is here to share his story... Jesse is a former Army Ranger with a background in finance. After struggling with mental health issues stemming from his military career and finding little support at home, Jesse left it all behind and went to Peru. Hoping to find the answers he was searching for, Jesse discovered the therapeutic uses of ayahuasca.   Jesse describes how his search for help eventually pointed him towards ayahuasca. While in Peru, Jesse spent a week at an ayahuasca retreat. He found that, although he was nervous and the process was difficult, the therapeutic supports throughout helped bring a new sense of clarity. In the end, Jesse found that the whole experience gave him useful tools for handling the anxiety that he previously found crippling. Once he came home, Jesse was inspired to share this experience with others like him. He started the Heroic Hearts Project with the intention of helping other veterans connect with reputable ayahuasca retreats and support their path towards healing. Over the past few years, Jesse has worked with many veterans who have experienced profound results from ayahuasca therapies.   In this episode: The struggles that Jesse experienced as a veteran seeking mental health support  What to expect from a week-long ayahuasca retreat The lessons of learning to surrender and give over control Helping veterans take advantage of ayahuasca therapies What many veterans are saying about the use of psychedelics to help treat PTSD   Quotes: “I knew it was a big change. I knew the small changes I was making weren’t having an impact. I might as well try something and I’m glad I did.” [8:51] “You just come to the realization that you are not in control and that’s okay.” [11:13] “The psychedelic process can bring profound changes and some answers. But the person still has to implement these changes and make some hard life decisions for it to fully take effect.” [22:35]   Links: Save 20% at Proper Hemp Co with the code “plant medicine”. Heroic Hearts Project Follow Heroic Hearts Project on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Check out the full episode post Keep up with everything Plant Medicine related here Porangui

On today’s history and legality of LSD episode, we’re joined by Dr. Erika Dyck. As a professor in the Department of History at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Dyck focuses her research on 20th Century medical history with a particular interest in psychedelics, psychiatry, eugenics, and population control. Her books include Psychedelic Psychiatry: LSD from Clinic to Campus. She is also editor of A Culture’s Catalyst and Psychadelic Prophets. Dr. Dyck begins by explaining how LSD was first synthesized in 1938. By the end of the 1950s, LSD had been widely studied by numerous researchers who were interested in what this new compound might offer as a model psychosis or for treatment of alcohol addiction. During the mid-20th Century, it was used in multiple settings to help treat numerous conditions. It was even studied by the US military in a failed attempt to create a truth serum. During the 1960s, LSD found its way out of the labs and into the counter-culture of the era. Dr. Dyck tells the story of how this was largely due to the efforts of Timothy Leary who advocated for its widespread use. At this point, LSD had irreversibly left the clinical medical setting and became firmly entrenched in the world of illicit drug use. With a look to the future, Dr. Dyck examines recent changes in attitudes and laws surrounding LSD and other psychedelics. For the first time in over a generation, extensive research is being conducted into the potential therapeutic uses of these drugs. This is a significant shift that leaves open new possibilities for their future legal status.   In this episode: What led to the original creation of LSD The early uses of LSD to treat and understand certain psychoses The origin of the term “psychedelic” How LSD became part of the counter-culture movement in the 1960s The use of LSD in secret military experiments What led to the criminalization of LSD in the United States and Canada What has changed in recent years surrounding attitudes towards the use of psychedelics   Quotes: “One of these experiences of LSD was later described as worth ten years of psychotherapy.” [11:43] “Historians have tried to understand the relationship between the rising tide of social unease and frustration and civil rights protests that start to challenge the government and how the government responded by criminalizing these drugs.” [22:10] “Things have really changed in the last decade. There’s a return to questions around whether Schedule 1 is, in fact, the appropriate place for these.” [27:23] “This is a moment where there is a desire to think about those colonial tensions that have shaped our history. That might be another feature that will help us to reconcile, or at least appreciate, a different kind of relationship going forward.” [35:16]   Links: Save 20% at Proper Hemp Co with the code “plant medicine”. Psychedelic Psychiatry: LSD from Clinic to Campus A Culture’s Catalyst Psychadelic Prophets The Search for the Manchurian Candidate The Trials of Psychadelic Therapy Episode: Psilocybin Research with Dr. Garcia-Romeu Check out the full episode post Keep up with everything Plant Medicine related here Porangui

In today’s special bonus episode, we’re talking with the co-founders of Decriminalize Nature, Carlos Plazola and Larry Norris. Their mission is to promote human health and wellbeing by decriminalizing and expanding access to entheogenic plants and fungi. By utilizing political and community organizing, education, and advocacy, they are closer than ever to their goal. Carlos and Larry discuss how their organization began as an effort to help people reconnect with nature by way of using plants for their healing properties. This naturally led to them advocating for the removal of plants from their Schedule 1 status so that people can once again rediscover and utilize them as medicine. For anyone who is interested in organizing change in their community, Carlos and Larry share their advice on how to get started. It begins by gathering a small group of like-minded community members and developing a resolution. From there, it can be shared with a broader coalition of people from various parts of the community. Once it has gained wider support, it can be brought before the local government.  As this movement increasingly spreads around the country, more and more organizations and individuals are getting involved. We talk about recent changes in attitudes that have taken place to make this possible and how this might lead to further developments in the near future.   In this episode: The grassroots mission of Decriminalize Nature and how it has spread all over the country How Carlos and Larry became involved in advocating for decriminalization efforts Practical advice on how to organize for decriminalization at the community level What decriminalization means on the local and federal levels How the decriminalization movement has spread to cities around the United States Lessons learned from the decriminalization of cannabis How the decriminalization movement has become more diverse than ever   Quotes: “This is a moment when we can stand up and say that these are important for us to be able to work with, on a personal level, a spiritual level, and healing level. And now the science is showing that.” [3:51] “This is not a fear-based movement. This is a movement about liberation, equitable access, and remembering our connection to nature.” [12:17] “The more news that comes out, the more people see that it’s possible. The more people see the support, then everyone gets excited to jump on it. It feels safe.” [26:25] “This is a non-political issue. It’s very much a human issue.” [32:49]   Links: Decriminalize Nature Follow Decriminalize Nature on Facebook | Instagram MAPS ERIE Applying the Lessons of Legal Cannabis to Psychedelics Decriminalization VIDEO: Decriminalize Nature Addresses the Berkeley City Council Check out the full episode post Keep up with everything Plant Medicine related here Porangui

Dr. Katrin Preller has worked for the University of Zurich where she investigated the neurobiological long-term effects of cocaine, MDMA, and heroin use. She also investigated the use of psychedelics on self-perception and social cognition at the neuro-psychopharmacology and brain imaging lab. She was appointed as the junior group leader at the University of Zurich and holds a position as a visiting assistant professor at Yale University. In today’s scientific research episode, Dr. Preller breaks down what is known about LSD and discusses her clinical studies. Because of its complicated molecular structure, LSD stimulates more serotonin and dopamine production than many other psychedelics. Dr. Preller describes what past and ongoing studies have discovered concerning LSD’s effect on different receptors on the subjective-behavioral and neurological levels. While Dr. Preller’s research examines the neurological effects of LSD, it also focusses on social cognition. Her findings indicate that certain psychedelics can reduce feelings of social exclusion and increase empathy. This has significant implications for possible use in treating depression. Dr. Preller also discusses how various doses of LSD may affect a person’s creativity as well as certain aspects of brain connectivity.   In this episode: The implications of LSD’s molecular structure and chemical composition What the research says about the lack of addictive potential of LSD Possible effects of psychedelics on social cognition The links between LSD and working memory The difference between micro-dosing and regular-dosing on stimulating creativity   Quotes: “It is basically impossible to get addicted to LSD just because you can’t use it on a daily basis.” [6:05] “We are very interested in how psychedelics can modify social cognition. It is a big part of human life in general. It is also a key criterium for psychiatric diagnosis.” [9:42] “What we have seen with LSD is that there is a blurring between the perception of oneself and the perception of other people.” [17:02] “Research on these compounds has reemerged recently. There are still very few studies out there. We definitely need more studies to be able to answer all these open questions.” [32:24]    Links: Save 20% at Proper Hemp Co with the code “plant medicine”. Check out the full episode post Keep up with everything Plant Medicine related here Porangui

In today’s LSD patient experience episode, Arash tells the story of how he has interacted with this particular drug. He describes what led him to his decision to try LSD for the first time and the events that helped get him into the proper mindset to proceed with it. Arash explains what type of effect it had on him and why he decided to continue using LSD afterward. LSD experiences have helped Arash make sense of many things that he had previously ignored or took for granted. He explains the insight that this compound has given him and how it has brought him to what he feels is a greater understanding of human behavior and his own identity. Having been using LSD for some time now, Arash reflects on how it has changed his perspective on many things. He has created stronger inter-personal bonds that he feels he was not capable of before. Furthermore, LSD has also lent him new insight into many things that he feels most adults fail to see.    In this episode: Arash describes why he first decided to use LSD The helpfulness of having someone to guide an LSD experience How an LSD experience helped Arash have more confidence in social situations The bonding power of psychedelic experiences How LSD has allowed Arash to see old things with new eyes   Quotes: “The little ego-check was what I needed so that I went into LSD having relaxed some of my guard and I went in with more of a clear slate.” [9:12] “Before my trip, I was in this more insecure, scared, and vulnerable place. And then I felt completely confident in my body. I felt strong and experienced. I was finding myself taking more of a leadership role in interactions with people.” [21:17] “The assistance of psychedelics took my spirituality from a dial-up modem and upgraded it to highspeed cable wifi.” [36:22]   Links: The Burner Podcast Follow Arash on Instagram Check out the full episode post Keep up with everything Plant Medicine related here Porangui

Today we have another bonus episode so that you can hear from the founders of the #ThankYouPlantMedicine movement. David Griot and Jonathan Glazer are two of the leaders of this movement which aims to remove the stigma around the use of plant medicine. On February 20, 2020, there will be an important event for people who have been affected by the power of plant medicines to come out and let the world know of their experiences. David and Jonathan strongly believe that, like so many other social movements, this can be instrumental in leading to progressive change. David and Jonathan believe that this is a crucial time for this movement because it seems that more people are using plant medicines than ever. However, the legal and pharmaceutical landscape still doesn’t support this. To that end, we talk about how to delicately approach this topic in circles where it might not be totally accepted. David and Jonathan explain the phases of their project and how many different people are coming together to make it happen. They are bringing in individuals and organizations from all around the world to make this a truly grassroots movement that reflects the diversity of all plant medicine users.   In this episode: What the #ThankYouPlantMedicine movement is The implications of the gap between pharmaceuticals and psychedelics The connection between plant medicine and spiritual development The power of pant medicines to unite people around the world Addressing the need for discretion when discussing the use of plant medicine How people can get involved in this movement   Quotes: “It’s time for the communities to unite and get out of the hidden spots and just tell the truth as it is.” [10:16] “The real underlying why in this for me is to create a change in consciousness on a global level to try to create a more collaborative, joyful, and pleasant world.” [17:26] “There’s no pressure -- it’s an invitation. Only people who feel comfortable with it and are not in legal risk should participate. This is going to be the beginning of what we hope to be a multi-year movement until we reach the point where people are not jeopardized by talking about it.” [22:34]   Links: Find Thank You Plant Medicine online Find Thank You Plant Medicine on Facebook | Instagram The 5 Most Common Mistakes People Make when Trying Plant and Psychadelic Medicines World Ayahuasca Conference Chacruna Envision Festival Global Drug Survey Check out the full episode post Keep up with everything Plant Medicine related here Porangui

Natalie Ginsberg is the director of policy and advocacy at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychadelic Studies (MAPS). She works hard to disentangle science from political partisanship on Capitol Hill, the United Nations, and beyond. Today, she is joining us to discuss the history and current legality of MDMA. Unlike many other psychedelics, MDMA was actually legal in the United States for quite some time. It was originally developed in 1912 in an attempt by pharmaceuticals to create a blood-clotting agent. Later on, MDMA was redeveloped with attention paid to its potential therapeutic effects. Consequently, throughout the 1970s, MDMA was widely in therapy, particularly to address phobias and in couples therapy. This all changed in the early 1980s when MDMA found its way into the club scene. With the War on Drugs in full swing, the federal government, despite lobbying efforts by therapists, religious leaders, and activists, classified it as a Schedule 1 drug. There are now efforts underway by MAPS and other organizations to get MDMA back on a pathway for legalization. By citing government studies, collecting anecdotes, and running phase 1 and phase 2 studies, MAPS has shown that there is great potential for a rescheduling of this drug.   In this episode: How MDMA was first used in a therapeutic setting The history of how MDMA became criminalized Current efforts to reclassify MDMA as a medicine Evidence that MDMA can be used to successfully treat PTSD What may happen to the legal status of MDMA if it is rescheduled Ways in which psychedelics are used in conflict resolution settings   Quotes: “Throughout the 70s, MDMA was actually used across the US and the world in therapy.” [3:20] “Something that we were able to do was use the abundance of MDMA research that governments had sponsored to try to demonstrate harm but had actually demonstrated safety.”  [12:20] “Everyone who we interviewed had a very clear intention with the process of taking it for self-healing. They weren’t going to save the world to do conflict resolution.” [25:43]   Links: MAPS Follow Natalie on Instagram  Check out the full episode post Keep up with everything Plant Medicine related here Porangui

Shannon Carlin is the associate director of training and supervision at the MAPS Public Benefit Corp. In this role, she oversees the development and implementation of the programs that prepare mental health and medical professionals to deliver MDMA assisted psychotherapy in approved clinical settings.   Today Shannon is sharing what the clinical and legal landscape currently is for MDMA trials. The discussions with the FDA are currently evolving, but Shannon is very optimistic about the direction things are going in. She also talks about the current model of trials that they are conducting and how this promises to yield innovative and tangible results. Shannon describes how these trials are conducted and what participants can expect throughout the process. Shannon acknowledges that its a complex and tedious process, but stresses that everything is done to ensure both the safety of the participants and the proper scientific gathering of data. To that end, she explains how they are currently running tests and how they are preparing to change once approval for expanded trials happens.   In this episode: The current FDA regulations of MDMA The types of practitioners who are participating in ongoing studies What trial participants can expect as they prepare for an MDMA trial What takes place during a clinical trial with MDMA  The importance of mindset for both the practitioners and the clinicians during trails How dosing is determined during clinical studies   Quotes: “I really enjoy being in the therapy room with somebody who doesn’t have my same professional background because it broadens the competence that the two of us have together.” [7:21] “To me, it really does feel ceremonial. There is a certain amount of ritual or sacredness about it.” [13:25] “There’s a symbolic gesture. It’s subtle, but we don’t give the medicine, we don’t administer the medicine, we offer the medicine.” [19:13]   Links: MAPS MDMA Therapy Training Program Check out the full episode post Keep up with everything Plant Medicine related here Porangui

Marcus and Amber Capone are founders of a nonprofit organization, VETS, Inc., which provides resources, research, and advocacy for U.S. veterans seeking psychedelic-assisted therapies. Marcus served 13 years as a Navy SEAL, and when the post-military challenges became seemingly insurmountable, Amber became intent to save him by pursuing unconventional treatment modalities. Marcus attributes psychedelic-assisted therapies to saving his life, and now the couple is determined to drive profound change in the veteran healthcare system as a whole. Marcus and Amber describe how they came about finding their way into getting Marcus into Ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT treatment and the immense changes that have come about as a result of that therapy, both in Marcus’s own healing journey and now in their desire to help other veterans through their foundation, Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS). In this episode: How traumatic brain injury was leading to neurologic symptoms that were treatment-resistant The experience of undergoing an Ibogaine session What it was like to do 5-MeO-DMT after the Ibogaine and why that sequence was helpful How Marcus keeps his symptoms at bay How the VETS nonprofit is aiming to spread the healing

Marcela Ot'alora G is a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience working with trauma, specifically PTSD. Having dedicated her professional life to teaching and research, Marcela has served as principle investigator and therapist on various phase-II and phase-III MDMA assisted psychotherapy studies. In today’s MDMA scientific research episode, Marcela describes some of the history of the research into the uses and effects of MDMA. Before it became a Schedule I substance, MDMA was widely used in various therapeutic settings, particularly in couple’s therapy. That changed with its classification as a Schedule I drug in the mid-1980s. However, the research into MDMA’s potential uses in therapy continues. With her particular focus in treating PTSD, Marcela explains some of the neurochemistry behind MDMA’s use in treating this disorder. Research has shown that MDMA activates parts of the brain that are suppressed as a result of trauma and helps people suffering from it make healing connections that they previously were unable to. As an active researcher in MDMA, Marcela describes what has been gleaned from various recent and ongoing clinical studies.   In this episode: Some of the early uses of MDMA in therapy The effects of MDMA in treating PTSD The results of recent phase-II and phase-III trial into the therapeutic possibilities of MDMA What it means to have breakthrough therapy status What the research says about how addictive MDMA actually is Potential adverse effects of using MDMA   Quotes: “It was so powerful that I decided that I really wanted to advocate for this work and try to bring it to more people.”[1:25] “They are a grounding place for you to be able to access these traumatic memories that are very difficult or painful.” [7:44] “More research is needed and definitely more will be done. PTSD is just the focus at the moment.” [26:50]   Links: Find Marcela Ot’alora G online MAPS ClinicalTrials.gov MDMA/PTSD Check out the full episode post Keep up with everything Plant Medicine related here Porangui