Dear listeners, For decades, psychedelics were taboo—demonized and pushed into the shadows by misguided policies. Though I began hosting radio programs on psychedelic science as early as 2005, at the time I felt largely alone in my advocacy. Just before one of my shows, as my guest—medical anthropologist Marcia Rosenbaum—and I prepared to discuss harm reduction on-air, my producer looked up at me and said that the White House was on the line. The White House? What could they want? It turned out ...
Jun 06, 2023•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org Show Notes: * Dr. George Greer talks about the most interesting and important thing happening in the psychedelic world right now: the Bipartisan Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus. This caucus aims to pass legislation for a carve-out from the NIH budget to support psychedelic research. (03:46) * Dr. Greer shares his pioneering research on MDMA-assisted couples therapy, which yie...
Jun 02, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Transcript available on Metacast This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org Dear listeners, Why is that conversations about the most important issues are always the hardest to have? Why do we struggle to have meaningful heart-to-hearts with our loved ones about life and death, pleasure and pain, sexuality and psychedelic medicines? In my own life, I’ve tried to be as open about these topics as possible, but I’ve often encountered resistance – both internal and external. Every on...
May 22, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Transcript available on Metacast This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org Dear listeners, Did you know that an estimated one billion people around the world suffer from some form of mental health issue? Who among us believes that our current system for treating such widespread anxiety and depression is adequate? Whenever I openly discuss psychedelic medicines with my guests on this broadcast, I am taking a risk. However, I believe it is important to shed as much light on this ...
May 16, 2023•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org Are you curious about the potential benefits and risks of using psychedelics in therapy, creativity, and personal development? Dennis McKenna, a renowned ethnopharmacologist and expert in psychedelic medicine, returns to our podcast to explore this fascinating and complex topic. Psychedelics have been used for centuries in traditional healing practices around the world, but their modern resurgence has br...
May 10, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Transcript available on Metacast Get ready to go on a wild ride with Denise Kaufman, a social justice activist, musician, and yoga teacher, as she takes us back to the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 70s. From her involvement in the free speech movement at UC Berkeley to her time with the notorious Merry Pranksters, Kaufman shares personal stories that will leave you spellbound. But that's not all! Kaufman also reveals the secret to a healthy spine and shares simple exercises that can alleviate back pain. This episode ...
May 02, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Are you curious about the potential benefits and risks of using psychedelics in therapy, creativity, and personal development? Dennis McKenna, a renowned ethnopharmacologist and expert in psychedelic medicine, returns to our podcast to explore this fascinating and complex topic. Psychedelics have been used for centuries in traditional healing practices around the world, but their modern resurgence has brought both excitement and concern. Research suggests that they may hold promise for treating ...
Apr 25, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast "We need optimism, because sooner or later, we will realize that we are all in this together. It doesn't matter which country we're in, we share one planet." Are you concerned about the future of our planet and the impact of climate change? In this episode we speak to Martin Wainstein, co-founder of Open Earth, about the challenges we face and how we can work together to create a sustainable future. From financial innovation to nature-based currency and the importance of collaboration, Wainstein...
Apr 19, 2023•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast We sit down with Thomas B. Roberts, a prominent professor in the field of Psychedelic Studies, to continue our series on the profound potential of psychedelics in end-of-life healing – including how they can ease our fears and anxieties surrounding death. Roberts discusses the four stages of the Psychedelic Renaissance and how he got into this field, despite the risk to his career before diving deep into death and dying research. Join us as we explore the place of psychedelics in end-of-life hea...
Apr 11, 2023•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast Our guest, Gisele Fernandes-Osterhold, has an impressive background in psychotherapy and a deep commitment to helping people navigate end-of-life fears. Her extensive experience in this field has given her a unique perspective on the ways in which we can find meaning and healing in the process of dying. In her role as Director of Facilitation for Psychedelic Therapy Studies at UCSF, Gisele is at the forefront of exploring the potential of psychedelic medicine to alleviate anxiety and depression ...
Apr 05, 2023•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast We take another deep dive into the world of psychedelic research with our guest, Brian Anderson, this week. Is there a place for group therapy with psychedelic medicine and treatment? Brian just concluded a clinical trial to study just that. Working with HIV/AIDS survivors, Brian and his team focused on the efficacy of group therapy following psychedelic treatment. The outcome was generally positive, not just for the trial participants but also for Brian and his fellow researchers, who have a re...
Mar 28, 2023•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Are you curious about palliative care? Do you know what it is or when to ask for it? Palliative care is a field that seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals facing serious illnesses or nearing the end of their lives. In this episode, we explore the world of palliative care with a leading expert in the field, Dr. Ira Byock, M.D. From the evolution of palliative care to the use of psychedelics, this episode will challenge your perceptions and offer new insights into how we can provide...
Mar 22, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Addiction, psychedelic medicine, legalization and the decriminalization of sex work… Our guest, Randy Hencken, is no stranger to big ideas and challenging the status quo. As we discuss the topic of psychedelic medicines, our conversation naturally transitions to the decriminalization of sex work. Randy's experience with advocacy and political strategy in both fields provides valuable insight into the differences and similarities between these two areas of reform, and how they can inform each oth...
Mar 14, 2023•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast What does the current state of the world and addiction treatment programs have to do with Whitehead's process philosophy? John Buchanan, president of the Helios Foundation , brings them all together. He joins us to explore his personal healing journey, the use of psychedelics with terminal patients, and the possibility of life after death. John emphasizes the importance of understanding interconnectedness and taking deliberate action, which he has learned throughout many pivotal moments in his l...
Mar 07, 2023•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sex work is a complex and multifaceted topic that is often surrounded by stigma and misconceptions. For many people, the idea of selling sex is morally reprehensible, and they believe that it should be illegal. However, there is a growing movement that argues that current laws often do more harm than good. Our guest, Ariela Moscowitz, is a passionate advocate for the rights of those involved in consensual adult sex work. Her work for the organization Decriminalizing Sex Work (DSW) functions to c...
Feb 28, 2023•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast What does it take to build community and connection at the end of our lives? In this episode, we sit down with our guest Charles Bush to discuss his experiences working with those nearing the end of their lives. Charles shares his insights on the ideal end-of-life experience, emphasizing the universal desire for connection and love, which is something we all could use more of in these times. Charles' insights and experiences working with seniors provide valuable lessons that we can all learn fro...
Feb 21, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Transcript available on Metacast Last year, on the same day she graduated from her psychedelic Assisted psychotherapy program, our guest – Heather A. Lee – received a breast cancer diagnosis. Taking a dose of her own medicine, Heather has been on a unique healing journey with psilocybin as part of her psychospiritual healing. Heather's journey reflects on the transformative power of psychedelics and the importance of embracing mortality to truly live. Tune in to hear Heather's inspiring experience and insight as a psychedelic-a...
Feb 14, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast We live in an exciting time for psychedelic research. While mental health is often the focus of these medicines, what about their use at the end of life? Our guest, Anthony (Tony) Bossis focuses specifically on those nearing end of life or in palliative care. Tony is clearly passionate about what he does as we delve into cutting-edge research being conducted on the use of high-dose psilocybin for inducing peak experiences and its potential in end-of-life care. He explores the role of psychedelic...
Feb 07, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join us as we explore the work of a hospice nurse and peek behind the curtain on a truly rewarding profession. “The Hospice Nurse Julie” gives us a deeper understanding of what hospice is, and the difference it can make in the lives of patients and their loved ones. Julie McFadden, a former ICU nurse, shares the challenges she faces, how to respond to a patient's request for “Death with Dignity”, how this career changed her life, and the sometimes unexpected "surge and rally" at the end of life....
Jan 31, 2023•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast It is often fun to bounce ideas between good friends. This conversation with Creon Levit is no different. Creon’s interests are vast, but one thing is for certain, he is working towards a better future. Looking at psychedelic use beyond treatment for mental illness, Creon shares with us the notable tech giants, and their possible inspirations, as well as a glimpse into his daily diet and routine. “Your friendship is one of the highlights of my life. And so thank you for everything.” Creon Levit ...
Jan 24, 2023•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast “I'm the practical shaman, I want people to eat up the plate of food from this life.” Renee Baribeau, the Practical Shaman, is an author, Wind Whistler, inspirational mentor, respected business coach, dynamic spiritual teacher, and keynote speaker. Renee is well known for her no-nonsense, “tell it like it is” approach in her Shamanic Apprenticeship Program. Her Nautilus Gold, Award-winning Hay House book, Winds of Spirit: Ancient Wisdom Tools for Navigating Relationships, Health, and the Divine ...
Jan 17, 2023•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast It is human nature to seek a deeper understanding of our world and our connection to it. Often we look to philosophy or psychedelic experiences to find answers to life’s questions – what happens when the two intersect? Our guest, Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes, has dedicated his life to that very interaction. From exploring the philosophical history and the substances great philosophers may have used to how these principles apply in today’s world, Peter brings light to a field that is often overlooked in...
Jan 10, 2023•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast The book Changing Our Minds is an experiential tour through a social, spiritual, and scientific revolution that is redefining our culture’s often-confusing relationship with psychoactive substances. Its author (and my guest), Don Lattin, is well-researched and well spoken on the subject of psychedelic medicine. Speaking both from professional and personal experiences, he values these drugs for their healing potential, but cautions us – are psychedelics too popular now? Are we giving these powerf...
Jan 03, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this highly informative episode our guest, Jahan Khamsehzadeh, gives us the nitty gritty on the ingestion and use of Psilocybin (often referred to as the “magic mushroom”.) Jahan lays out his research in a way that is not only understandable but comprehensive. Our topics include: how the medicine affects consciousness, proper dosing and safety, frequency of experience, potential negative effects, who should not take the medicine, anxiety regarding end-of-life transitioning, effects on sexuali...
Dec 27, 2022•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Our guest, Andrew Penn, is a prominent researcher at the University of California-San Francisco, and he brings us up-to-date information on the clinical research happenings with psychedelic medicine. Andrew’s insights on the research being conducted, the risks and benefits of psilocybin and MDMA, and his first-hand experience as a psychedelic nurse create a compelling listen for anyone interested in these powerful substances. While it is clear that psychedelics hold a great deal of potential in ...
Dec 20, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast If you want to have a happy evening sitting around with friends or family, you don't talk about religion, sex, money, and politics. Another topic, perhaps, is death and dying. Death is a part of all of our lives and something that we should feel normal discussing. What if we had someone to walk alongside us and make the prospect of the end of life something less scary? That is exactly the role an end-of-life doula takes. My Guest, Catherine Durkin Robinson, works as a death doula – offering her ...
Dec 14, 2022•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Conversations about the end of life are hard and often uncomfortable – but needed. Have you talked with your loved ones about the topic; Where you would like to be? Who should be taking care of you? These are all questions our guest, Siobhan Greene, advocates for in her work. While death and dying is uncomfortable, it is a natural process that we all go through in life. It is Siobhan’s hope that if we talk about it, we may be better equipped, as a society, to have a deepened understanding of it....
Dec 06, 2022•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast Can you imagine your way to a better future? That is exactly what our guest, Sandy Turner, is hoping to achieve through his participation in Transition Towns. These areas are transitioning away from individualistic private property, huge corporations, and extreme inequality, and transitioning towards cooperation, regenerative systems, social and environmental justice, and community creativity. As this concept expands, we hope that together we can create stronger communities and a better society ...
Nov 30, 2022•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Our guest, Police Lieutenant Sarko Gergerian of the Winthrop Massachusetts Police Department, is fighting for change. Change in policy, change in the way drugs are classified, and a change in the way officers can reach out for help. He dreams of a day when first responders have access to the mental health care they need and the War on Drugs is over. Sarko is not only a peace officer in Massachusetts, he is also a psychotherapist, Karate Professor, and advocate for psychedelic medicines – having ...
Nov 22, 2022•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast What does it mean to reduce harm in treatment? For years we have had many methods to treat substance abuse; abstinence programs, as a disease… yet we have more drug overdoses today than ever before. There is a drive to embrace a new way of thinking, and that is in harm reduction. Our guest, Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, has dedicated his life to this epidemic and has developed an Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy treatment for drug and substance abuse. He meets people where they are, listens with ...
Nov 15, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
