In this week's episode, Greg and Matias take a moment to reflect on the opportunities and challenges they have faced while building the PsyMed Ventures syndicate and venture capital fund since starting the Business Trip podcast in 2020. Their ultimate goal is to support founders who are building ethical businesses in frontier mental health technologies with the aim of ending the suffering caused by mental illnesses. This conversation offers an honest insight into raising and deploying a venture ...
Apr 14, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In this week’s episode, Greg and Matias chat with Josh Hardman, the founder of Psychedelic Alpha . Josh is a leading writer and founder at Psychedelic Alpha, an online resource, newsletter, and community covering the intersection of psychedelics and business. He regularly collaborates and writes with experts in the psychedelic field including entrepreneurs, academic researchers, non-profits, and more to provide a comprehensive understanding of the latest developments in the industry. Psychedelic...
Feb 27, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 29
In this week’s special episode, Matias chats with Dr. Rachel Yehuda and Zach Haigney at Soho House in New York City. This is part 2 of a moderated panel recorded in front of a live audience, with part 1 released in June 2022. Dr. Yehuda has spent the last 30 years doing research on PTSD and trauma and is leading the MDMA-assisted therapy research at the US Veterans Affairs Medical Center and serves as Director at the Mental Health at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center. She is also the Directo...
Jan 18, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 28
This episode shares the story of Tactogen , a drug development company making new chemical entities inspired by MDMA. Co-founder Matt Baggott has been fascinated by MDMA and has studied it for 30 years. And while he believes that MDMA can be effective as a therapeutic, his company is developing an MDMA analogue that is designed to be gentler and safer, with the potential to be administered in an at-home setting. Links: Tactogen WeFunder: https://wefunder.com/tactogen Credits : Created by Greg Ku...
Dec 20, 2022•55 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this new episode of Business Trip, we interview one of the first clinics to offer a protocol that includes TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) and ketamine infusion. TMS is a non-invasive procedure that sends electric currents to specific regions in the brain, including areas linked to depression. It's FDA approved and has been gaining adoption as clinical studies demonstrate safety and efficacy in treating mood disorders. So why the combination? TMS takes a local approach while ketamine ...
Nov 29, 2022•50 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this week's episode, we chat with Christian Angermayer. Christian co-founded atai Life Sciences and was an early investor in Compass Pathways -- two of the first companies commercializing psychedelic medicine. Christian also launched a fund dedicated to mental and neurological health called re:Mind , is an investor through his family office Apeiron , and co-founded two longevity biotech companies. Credits : Created by Greg Kubin and Matias Serebrinsky Host: Greg Kubin and Matias Serebrinsky P...
Oct 27, 2022•43 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this week’s episode, we chat with Melissa Stangl, co-founder of Soltara Healing Center . Soltara is an ayahuasca retreat center whose ceremonies are lead by Shipibo healers, with locations in Peru and Costa Rica. The Shipibo people are from the Peruvian Amazon and are part of a tradition that has been drinking Ayahuasca for healing and spiritual purposes for thousands of years. In their ceremonies, the Shipibo serve ayahuasca and sing songs, called Icaros, which guide the healing process and ...
Sep 14, 2022•55 min•Season 1Ep. 24
This is final episode in our 3-part series on microdosing that explores the science, history, and clinical applications. In this episode, we discuss the path to FDA approval for microdosing. We chat with the chief medical officers from Diamond Therapeutics and MindMed about their microdosing clinical programs. Diamond's program uses synthetic psilocybin and is focused on anxiety disorders. Meanwhile, MindMed is focused using low doses of LSD to treat adult ADHD. Our guests are Dr. Michael McDonn...
Aug 16, 2022•58 min•Season 1Ep. 23
This is part 2 or our 3 part series on microdosing that explore the science, history, and clinical applications. In part 1 , we interviewed psychedelic researcher James Fadiman about the fundamentals of microdosing. In part 2, we wanted to understand the placebo effect. In particular, is it the microdose that makes people feel better or it is a placebo effect? We interviewed Balázs Szigeti PhD, who is a researcher associate at the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London. His t...
Aug 10, 2022•37 min•Season 1Ep. 22
In this 3-part series on microdosing, we explore the science, history, and its clinical potential. The anecdotal benefits of microdosing include better mood, creativity, and increased focus. But there are still many unanswered questions that remain. What is an effective dosing protocol? Is it safe in long term use? Does it even work or is it a placebo effect? In part 1, we chat with James Fadiman, Ph.D who has been researching psychedelics since the 1960’s. He's the author of several books, incl...
Aug 03, 2022•33 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In this week’s episode, we chat with Matt Zorn , an attorney at Yetter Coleman with expertise in DEA law, especially regarding psychedelics. Matt is currently challenging the DEA’s decision to schedule 5 new tryptamines, he recently argued Kathryn Tucker’s psilocybin “Right To Try” case against the DEA, and previously co-led Sue Sisley’s DEA case related to cannabis scheduling. Matt also writes the drug policy newsletter On Drugs . Credits : Created by Greg Kubin and Matias Serebrinsky Host: Mat...
Jun 24, 2022•49 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this week’s special episode, Matias chats with Dr. Rachel Yehuda and Zach Haigney at Soho House in New York City. The episode was recorded in front of a live audience. Dr. Yehuda has spent the last 30 years doing research on PTSD and trauma and is leading the MDMA-assisted therapy research at the US Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She is the Director at the Mental Health Patient Care Center at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Director of the Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Tra...
Jun 05, 2022•46 min•Season 1Ep. 19
In Episode 18, we chat with Jonathan Sabbagh and Myriam Barthes, the co-founders of Journey Clinical , a platform that enables licensed therapists to offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). Journey Clinical provides licensed therapists with an on-demand KAP-trained medical team, customized treatments for each client, and a portal to connect with other therapists and educational resources. In this episode, we discuss: The journey from idea to 100+ therapist members How ketamine-assisted ther...
May 23, 2022•42 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In today’s episode, we chat with Lucia Huang , the CEO and co-founder of Osmind , an electronic health record software system for treatment resistant mental health practices that is already in over 300 clinics. In this episode, we discuss: How Osmind makes data-driven decisions Osmind’s quick growth in only 2 years What it will take for insurance to cover ketamine therapy, as well as other psychedelic therapies Created by Greg Kubin and Matias Serebrinsky Host: Matias Serebrinsky & Greg Kubi...
Apr 18, 2022•36 min•Season 1Ep. 17
In today’s episode, we chat with Tim Schlidt , a partner at Palo Santo. Palo Santo is a fund investing in psychedelic therapeutics. Palo Santo’s portfolio includes companies like Eleusis , Tactogen , and Journey Clinical . In this episode, we discuss: Tim’s background in healthcare finance Investing in classic psychedelic compounds vs. 2nd generation compounds Hallmarks of a good first meeting with a prospective investment Created by Greg Kubin and Matias Serebrinsky Host: Matias Serebrinsky &am...
Mar 21, 2022•48 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Today’s episode features Dillan Dinardo and Tom Ray , the co-founders of Mindstate Design Labs . Mindstate has a unique framework to design psychedelic compounds using what they call the “primer probe method.” This method involves combining a known psychedelic with a non-psychedelic compound. Mindstate just raised an $11.5M seed round. In this episode, we discuss: Tom and Dillan’s experience in YCombinator and raising an $11.5M seed round Tom’s friendship with the late psychedelic chemist Alexan...
Feb 10, 2022•57 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Today’s episode features Amy Emerson , the CEO of MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) , which is a fully owned subsidiary of MAPS , and its purpose is to commercialize MDMA-assisted therapy. We discuss the MAPS PBC and it’s business model for MDMA-assisted therapy. In this episode, we discuss: MAPS’ protocol and strategy behind FDA clinical trial for PTSD Amy’s views on the state of the industry, patents, and how to prioritize accessibility The unique business model between MAPS and MAPS PBC P...
Nov 24, 2021•52 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In today’s episode, we discuss what it’s like being a psychologist who owns a psychedelic clinic. Genesee Herzberg is the co-founder of Sage Integrative Health , an integrative clinic in Berkeley, CA that offers ketamine-assisted therapy (KAP), psychotherapy, somatic therapy, and acupuncture. Genesee discusses her holistic approach to healing, and shares her experience bootstrapping her clinic and setting up a non-profit to make KAP more affordable. In this episode, we discuss: Ketamine-assisted...
Oct 28, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In today’s episode, we explore the therapeutic application of DMT across a range of diseases and conditions including Alzheimer’s, stroke, and organ transplants. While much of the attention in psychedelic medicine has been on their ability to address neuropsychiatric indications, research suggests that psychedelics like DMT have a far wider therapeutic potential. The episode features three biotech companies developing DMT therapies: Algernon , Psilera , and Pharmadrug . In this episode, we discu...
Oct 06, 2021•42 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Episode 10 features Lars Wilde, co-founder and Chief Business Officer of Compass Pathways , a mental health company with an initial focus on psilocybin therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression. In this episode, we discuss: Lars’ experience overcoming Treatment-Resistant Depression with psilocybin The nuances of clinical trials and psilocybin dosing protocols Compass Pathways’ Intellectual Property strategy What additional indications and therapies Compass Pathways is interested in Links to top...
Aug 13, 2021•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 10
Today's episode features three experts, Josh Hardman , Michael Haichin , and Graham Pechenik as they analyze atai’s S-1 in advance of their IPO. In this episode, we discuss: How atai went from idea to IPO in 3 years An overview of atai’s drug development programs and enabling technologies The platform’s strategy and risks Links to topics in this episode: Atai life sciences Etifoxine Esketamine & arketamine Atai’s S-1 Psychedelic Pharmacist Association Calyx Law Psilocybin Alpha , Noetic Fund...
Jun 10, 2021•50 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Today's episode features Deborah Mash , founder and CEO of DemeRx , a clinical stage company developing ibogaine therapies to treat substance use disorders. In this episode, we discuss: The science, experience and the safety behind Ibogaine’s “neurochemical reset” Navigating US drug regulatory system and securing Intellectual Property Deborah’s 30 journey through Amsterdam, Miami and the Caribbean aiming to get Ibogaine therapy approved Partnership with ATAI Life Sciences Links to topics discuss...
May 04, 2021•45 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Today's episode features Zach Haigney , creator of The Trip Report , a newsletter about psychedelics, policy and business. In 2019, Zach started writing The Trip Report and quickly grew his readership by analyzing psychedelic news headlines from every angle. He’s able to break through all the noise and report with a sense of fairness. In this episode, we discuss: Origin story of The Trip Report The complexities of clinical trials Diversity, inclusion and reciprocity in psychedelic companies Link...
Mar 16, 2021•22 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Today's episode features Danny Motyka , founder of Psygen , a Canadian manufacturer of psychedelics, like MDMA, LSD, DMT, and synthetic psilocybin. Psygen makes pharmaceutical grade psychedelic medicines for clinical research and therapeutic applications. They have a license to be one of the first manufacturing facilities dedicated to the synthesis of psychedelic medicine. In this episode, we discuss: Behind the scenes of Psygen’s manufacturing process Natural vs Synthetic psychedelics Navigatin...
Feb 24, 2021•31 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Today's episode features Flor Bollini, founder of NANA , an online platform that guides patients on using psychedelic medicine for holistic healing. NANA provides personalized protocols based on an assessment of your mental, emotional and physical health. From there you are partnered with a Nana or guide who leads telemedicine therapy that incorporates ketamine, cannabis and CBD. Flor hopes these protocols will become best practices for patients, clinics, and the psychedelic medicine ecosystem. ...
Jan 05, 2021•33 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Today's episode features David Champion, CEO and co-founder of Maya , a software platform that helps practitioners and clinics manage psychedelic-assisted therapy practices. The data collected from treatments will help psychedelic stakeholders, from researchers to pharmaceutical companies, discover insights for safer and more effective treatments. In this episode, we discuss: Removing the guesswork from developing psychedelic therapy protocols Fundraising tips for psychedelic company founders Th...
Oct 19, 2020•29 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Today's episode features Ryan Zurrer, founder of Vine Ventures , one of the first venture capital funds investing in psychedelic medicine. Ryan has deep roots in psychedelics culture and understands the many cultures within the psychedelic space. His fund is aligned with those values. If you’re a founder, investor, or early hire at a psychedelic company, this episode is a must-listen! In this episode, we discuss: Which psychedelic business models are a good fit for venture capital? Why did Ryan ...
Sep 17, 2020•57 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Today’s episode features Shelby Hartman and Madison Margolin from DoubleBlind , a psychedelic magazine and media company founded in 2019 covering timely, untold stories about the expansion of psychedelics around the globe. Focused on how the industry can engage in sacred reciprocity and ethical psychedelic therapies, DoubleBlind is a for-profit company working on becoming a fully licensed certified B corporation. Links to topics discussed in this episode: What It’s Like to Have Sex on Different ...
Aug 13, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Today’s episode features Dylan Beynon from Mindbloom , a mental and wellbeing startup that is currently offering ketamine-assisted therapy to treat anxiety and depression. Mindbloom is opening clinics across the country and is using technology to lower the cost of treatment. Host Greg Kubin participates in a ketamine-assisted therapy session in the episode. And that ethereal track you hear during the ketamine session is called Happiness Frequency by Conscious Sounds 432hz . Created by Greg Kubin...
Jun 21, 2020•31 min•Season 1Ep. 1
