Episode description

Imagine you’re in the middle of a psychedelic journey—things are getting intense, and you just need someone to talk to. That’s whereFireside Project comes in. As the world’s first psychedelic peer support line, Fireside is redefining how we care for each other in altered states, offering a space where anyone can find guidance, validation, and a steady voice in uncertain moments. But beyond the helpline, Fireside is also an incredible entry point for those looking to work in the field of psychedelic support. If you’re a practitioner, facilitator, or simply curious about holding space for others, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, Fireside Executive Director Joshua White breaks down the essential skills for psychedelic peer support, from understanding the differences between coaching, therapy, and crisis intervention to mastering theart of presence. We explore whyvalidation is often more powerful than de-escalation, the growing importance ofintegration coaching, and the pitfalls ofself-abandonment in the psychedelic industry. Plus, we dig into what it really means toheal the wounded healer—the emotional labor of this work and how to care for yourself while caring for others.

Joshua White is the Founder and Executive Director of Fireside Project, a nonprofit dedicated to making psychedelic support accessible and culturally attuned at scale. Through itsPsychedelic Support Line, Fireside provides real-time help for those navigating challenging experiences, while itsFireside-Certified Psychedelic Coaching Program offers deeper, long-term integration support. Before founding Fireside, Joshua was a Deputy City Attorney for San Francisco, where he fought against businesses exploiting vulnerable communities and co-taught a nationally recognized Yale Law School clinic. Now, he’s bringing his passion for advocacy, harm reduction, and healing to the psychedelic space—reshaping how we support one another on these journeys.

Timetamps

• (04:38) Joshua White's Personal Journey
• (09:00) The Art of Presence
• (11:48) Distinguishing Peer Support, Coaching, and Psychotherapy
• (21:07) Fireside Project's Approach to Support
• (35:46) The Future of Psychedelic Support and AI
• (41:41) The Need for Long-Term Support in Psychedelic Therapy
• (47:07) Challenges in the Psychedelic  Industry
• (52:37) Balancing Personal Well-being and Professional Commitment
• (59:12) The Importance of Peer Support
• (01:08:16) Joshua White's Transition Announcement

Links

• Fireside Project: Psychedelic Coaching & Peer Support Line
• Fireside Project (@firesideproject)
• Curious about becoming Fireside’s new ED?