Curious to Serious

In this episode, I talk with Gina Gratza, who specializes in psychedelic-assisted facilitation. In our conversation, Gina tells us about the many different organizations she is involved in and the work she does with them, including psychedelic integration and coaching, being an Oregon Psilocybin Facilitator, working with the Social Neuroscience and Psychotherapy Lab, and serving as Program Coordinator and Lead Educator at InnerTrek. Gina also highlights many of the influential experiences and trainings that inform the work she does from an internship at a treatment center for eating disorders to trainings in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS),  sensory psychotherapy, and Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). Gina also shares how she came to psychedelics after attending Burning Man and having an enlightening experience. This leads our conversation to recognize the infinite paths one can take to finding their place in the psychedelic field as well as exploring consciousness. We also touch on the importance of recognizing our shadow selves and the shadow side of psychedelics. Finally, Gina reflects on the future of psychedelics and her hope for the Oregon Psilocybin Facilitation program to inform future programs in other states and the vision for psychedelics to promote deeper community healing. Time Stamps: (4:21) Gina's involvement in various organizations within the psychedelic field (7:51) The importance of working with women and creating community spaces for identity expression in psychedelic integration and support (25:14) How psychedelics play a role in Gina's work: doing your own work with psychedelics and consciousness and logistics of having two businesses while being a licensed therapist (46:27) Internships and trainings that influence Gina's work (57:27) Advice on how to find trainings and grow your skillset (1:08:40) How Gina became curious about psychedelics: Burning Man, integrating into the underground nightlife  in Los Angeles, and recognizing the different ways to engage in plan medicines and psychedelics (1:19:04) The shadow side of psychedelics: navigating psychedelic hype, managing expectations, the variety of modalities for healing trauma and exploring consciousness (1:41:12) Future of the psychedelic field and Gina's work (1:49:47) Gina's last piece of advice: remember to play Links: Social Neuroscience and Psychotherapy Lab [https://www.chrisstauffermd.com/] Cora Center [https://www.coracenter.org/] Chariot [https://www.chariotspace.com/] InnerTrek [https://www.innertrek.org/] Oregon's Legal Psilocybin Website [https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/preventionwellness/pages/oregon-psilocybin-services.aspx]: Trainings: EMDR [https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/] Sensory psychotherapy [https://sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org/] Somatic experiencing [https://www.somaticexperiencing.com/somatic-experiencing] IFS [https://ifs-institute.com/] Grief work [https://www.francisweller.net/] Connect with Gina: Website: www.ginagratza.com [http://www.ginagratza.com/] LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-gratza-704a621b4] Instagram: @gina.gratza To learn more about Psychedelic Grad or to join our newsletter, go to https://www.psychedelicgrad.com/ To donate and support Psychedelic Grad: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/psygrad Music by: https://www.alexkahnmusic.com/ Presented by Psychedelic Grad.

In this episode, I talk with Jonathan Robinson, the author of 14 books and a marriage and family therapist located in California. In our conversation, Jonathan tells us about his work in bringing together MDMA experiences and therapy. He discusses how his protocol is unique to other work being done with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy by emphasizing therapeutic modalities. We also talk about Jonathan's online course on MDMA facilitation and how he created it for anyone passionate about helping others heal. Additionally, we talk about Jonathan's newest book,  Ecstasy as Medicine, a valuable resource filled with 40 years of knowledge and experience to aid others in healing and self-discovery. We cover Jonathan's journey to finding meditation and psychedelics in pursuit of healing his trauma from growing up in a dysfunctional family and his masters thesis research on MDMA therapy in the 1980s. Throughout our conversation, we highlight valuable advice from Jonathan, like 5 second methods for gratitude and happiness and finding supportive communities to help ourselves strengthen our weaknesses. Finally, Jonathan reflects on the future of psychedelics and how he plans to continue to provide accessible knowledge and education to those interested in helping others. Time Stamps: (4:44) Jonathan's work as a marriage and family therapist and how he integrates MDMA into his practice and how he keeps his work legal (8:46) The value of doing MDMA therapy over zoom and how to manage safety and challenging experiences in a virtual therapy session (17:51) What makes Jonathan's protocol of MDMA therapy different from the MAPS protocol (24:04) Jonathan's online MDMA facilitation course - what is it and who is it for? (32:21) Perspectives on therapists and sitters having experience with psychedelics when working with patients or clients (34:58) Jonathan's newest book - Ecstasy as Medicine (44:10) The beauty of Jonathan's parents trying MDMA (47:04) How Jonathan found psychedelics - healing trauma from a dysfunctional family to studying psychology at the University of California Santa Barbara (51:23) A 5 second method  for gratitude (59:02) Jonathan's master's thesis on MDMA therapy  (1:00:18) Additional education and the value of experiential learning - undergraduate degree in Psychology and a non-accredited PhD in recreational pharmacology (1:03:30) Advice on finding a balance between experiential knowledge and formal education - finding supportive communities to strengthen your weaknesses (1:09:05) The future of psychedelics and Jonathan's desire to continue educating others (1:16:55) Jonathan's last advice - keep exploring Links: Healing with MDMA Course: https://dandelion.events/e/mdmacourse Book Ecstasy as Medicine: https://ecstasyasmedicine.com/ Website: XTCasmedicine.com [http://XTCasmedicine.com] Podcast - Awareness Explorers: https://www.awarenessexplorers.com/ Website: https://findinghappiness.com/ To learn more about Psychedelic Grad or to join our newsletter, go to https://www.psychedelicgrad.com/ To donate and support Psychedelic Grad: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/psygrad Music by: https://www.alexkahnmusic.com/ Presented by Psychedelic Grad.

In this episode, I talk with Christi Meyers, the Founder and CEO of Flow Integrative, a ketamine infusion clinic in San Diego, California. In our conversation, Christi tells us about Flow Integrative as a form of practicing medicine that provides ketamine infusion therapy, as well as Flow Institute as an educational platform. She discusses the characteristics that make Flow Integrative unique, including its holistic wellness model in bringing together the mind, body, and spirit. We also talk about how Christi's diverse background in fire jumping, emergency medicine, and teaching led her down a path to learning about ketamine as a tool to "help the help," which birthed the idea of Flow Integrative. Throughout our conversation, we highlight valuable advice from Christi, like the importance of sitting with ketamine for those interested in providing it to patients. Finally, Christi reflects on the future of psychedelics and her hope for the continued evolution of ourselves so we can better serve the greater good of humanity. Time Stamps: (5:45) What is Flow Integrative and how it is shifting the practice of healthcare by connection the mind, body and spirit with oneness (9:13) The importance of IV ketamine infusions as a modality of administration (14:06) What is it like to be a patient of Flow Integrative? - meeting patients where they are at so they can heal themselves (22:25) Ketamine regulation and insurance in California and employee-driven benefits through Dr. Bronners (30:46) The set and setting of ketamine therapy at Flow Integrative (34:56) Christi's journey in fire jumping, emergency medicine, and teaching that led her to ketamine as therapy (50:20) Working with other plant medicines in therapy and the ability for them to deprogram and evolve human consciousness (59:05) Tapping into yourself to find your path and purpose through medication, fasting, and sitting with the medicine (1:5:07) The future of the psychedelic field - continuously evolve, find your tribe, and "If it doesn't resonate with you, you don't have to stay there to find your people"  (1:28:53) Additional insights for listeners - Flow Integrative is working on opportunities for volunteering and internships for those interested in working with the medicine (1:31:22) Contact information Links: Flow Integrative: https://flowintegrativeketamine.com/ Flow Integrative for Physicians: https://flowintegrative.org/our-team Direct Line to Flow Integrative: 909-735-FLOW (3569) Forces of Habit: https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674010031 To learn more about Psychedelic Grad or to join our newsletter, go to https://www.psychedelicgrad.com/ To donate and support Psychedelic Grad: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/psygrad Music by: https://www.alexkahnmusic.com/ Presented by Psychedelic Grad.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Howard Lipp and Ena Vie. Dr. Howard Lipp and Ena Vie have been working as underground facilitators of plant medicine for several years. In our conversation, they speak about how they were called to plant medicine and found each other through music. We also talk about opening up about facilitating plant medicine ceremonies and the challenge and importance of it. Ena shares her experiences from studying Indigenous Science at Naropa University and how walking the Red Road shapes her plant medicine work now. Dr. Howard Lipp discusses the value of exploring his experiences in facilitation during his PhD program in Metaphysical Humanistic Science. We also cover topics of integration, community, and the sentient role of plants. Finally, Howard and Ena reflect on their future in the psychedelic field as continuing to provide integrative support for others. Time Stamps: (04:11) How Howard was called to plant medicine, found his way to Ena through music, and introduced Ena to plant medicine (06:18) How Ena's experience with walking the Red Road and plant medicine provided her an opportunity for rebirth and a sense of peace after leaving the structured framework of religion (20:01) The essential role of integration in bringing the Devine moments of psychedelic experiences into everyday life (35:21) Coming out about underground ceremonial facilitation - why now and why is it important to Howard and Ena (46:06) Howard and Ena's website, book, and podcast (49:55) Community and the need for connection as a basis for integration (01:02:03) The sentient nature of plants to teach us (01:16:15) Ena's education at Naropa University, earning a Master's Degree in Indigenous Science, and learning from indigenous elders in France while walking the Red Road (01:21:03) Howard's PhD in Metaphysical Humanistic Science - how this unique program allowed him to integrate his experiences with plant medicine facilitation with academic inquiry (01:28:57) Howard and Ena's future in continuing ongoing integrative support for other facilitators and participants in the psychedelic field (01:35:39) Where to find Howard and Ena's music (01:37:18) Last piece of advice - breath through the experience and recognize how each experience is a square of a mosaic that informs every other experience  Links: Website: https://enaandhoward.com/ Contact Form: https://enaandhoward.com/contact/ Music links: https://enaandhoward.com/music/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EnaandHoward Facebook: facebook.com/enaandhoward [http://facebook.com/enaandhoward] Instagram: instagram.com/enaandhoward [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3NEUTNWVFc3V3pwMTgzd2hQQTduRHBBbWJqZ3xBQ3Jtc0tscEx1SkgzaEd4UnRzOFhuYWtRR284bUFZNmhKdVhJaERfWkVNcDdIR1dNMHBVNU11TFgtMENaM1RTT0djYjlaanFBamhZU1p5M28tLV9GNGJ5bkF4Z1k5WmFIUHZiNXEycnJudkVyNFlvNWFHZ1Nncw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fenaandhoward%2F] To learn more about Psychedelic Grad or to join our newsletter, go to https://www.psychedelicgrad.com/ To donate and support Psychedelic Grad: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/psygrad Music by: ht< [https://www.alexkahnmusic.com/]

In this episode, I talk with Mariya Punay. Mariya is working towards becoming a licensed psychotherapist in California. In our conversation, Mariya speaks to the meticulous process of working on becoming licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) and the many challenges she's faced throughout the process. She also speaks to the essential need for BIPOC representation in mainstream therapy and mental health treatment to create more accessible treatments for everyone. Mariya shares how psychedelics found her and guided her to do therapeutic work. We talk about what transpersonal psychology is, how she landed at Sofia University studying for her PhD and how she brings together the mind, body, and spirit in her practice of Associative Marriage and Family Therapy (AMFT). Finally, Mariya reflects on what her future of practicing Transpersonal therapy looks while serving her community and provides some much-needed advice on loving ourselves and others and reconnecting with nature. Time Stamps: (05:31) Valuable organizations to Mariya's experience - Process Therapy Institute, her company One Brilliance (07:44) An overview of becoming licensed through the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to practice psychotherapy legally in California  (25:10) The essential need for BIPOC representation in the therapy community and how her identity coming from a military family and animistic cultural background influences her therapeutic practices (46:58) How psychedelics found Mariya and guided her from studying geography to psychotherapy and pursuing a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology (concentration in AMFT) and then a Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia University (1:07:08) What is Transpersonal Psychology and how Mariya sees it coming together with counseling and therapy (1:24:57) Mariya's future in psychedelic therapy - serving her God children and her community (1:31:43) Mariya's final advice - "you have to keep it going, keep it flowing" Links: Crown and Chakra Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/613FdzlTX7ytd8Rl4M2mSO?si=3f8f8b2bee674ed0 Sofia University PhD Transpersonal Psychology: https://www.sofia.edu/courses/phd-in-transpersonal-psychology/ Website and Socials: https://linktr.ee/themariyakatrinabeing Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com/mariyakatrina Email: MariyaKatrinaPunay@gmail.com To learn more about Psychedelic Grad or to join our newsletter, go to https://www.psychedelicgrad.com/ To donate and support Psychedelic Grad: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/psygrad Music by: https://www.alexkahnmusic.com/ Presented by Psychedelic Grad.

In this episode, I talk with Gina Giorgio. Gina wears many hats within the psychedelic space as founder of the North Carolina Psychedelic Policy Coalition, the Director of the Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) Mentorship Pipeline, a Communications and Policy Specialist for NisonCo, a contributing writer for Psychedelic Spotlight, and the Founder and CEO of the Mushroom Lifestyle brand Smush. Our conversation covers topics like finding the balance between working in the psychedelic space and graduate school and how Gina started her own company by tapping into academic networks and resources. Gina also shares her journey from studying Psychology at High Point University to diving into her psychedelic interests with Hamilton's Pharmacopeia. We also discuss the ins and outs of policy related to psychedelics and cannabis, looking at what makes them similar yet unique. Throughout our conversation, Gina offers gems of advice for anyone interested in policy or communications work in the field. Finally, Gina reflects on her role in the psychedelic field and her interests in public education, policy development, and building her company, Smush. Time Stamps: (05:10) An overview of each of the companies Gina is involved with and her role at each of them (Students for Sensible Drug Policy, NisonCo, Psychedelic Spotlight, the North Carolina Psychedelic Policy Coalition) (10:52) How being a part of each organization has helped her reach her goal of working in the psychedelic field (16:05) Finding balance working in the psychedelic field and being a graduate student (21:10) The adventure of starting her own company, Smush and tapping into university resources (32:07) SSDP's Psychedelic Mentorship Pipeline (38:32) Fostering Gina's psychedelic interests from Hamilton's Pharmacopeia and the intricacies of psychedelic interests while in college (54:15) Cannabis work with NisonCo and similarities and differences with psychedelic policy development (1:07:58) Contemplating Gina's future academic routes and the value and challenges of getting a PhD (1:16:59) Final advice - mentorship (1:20:34) Gina's hopes for the future in public education and communication and building Smush Links: SSDP Mentorship Pipeline: https://ssdp.org/our-work/psychedelic-pipeline/ Curious to Serious with Vilmarie Fraguada Narloch: Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5mWKxM4bwW77drOtW4IVNY?si=f98245b4be6d43e8], Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/curious-to-serious/id1564341814?i=1000528732339], Google [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xNzQwMjI2LnJzcw/episode/QnV6enNwcm91dC04ODMyNzky?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwiI0_Dr_fiAAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQNg] North Carolina Psychedelic Policy Coalition: https://healingpolicy.org/ Gina's Work at Psychedelic Spotlight: Rest and Restore: A Journey Into the Legal Entheogenic Ceremony Space in the U.S.: https://psychedelicspotlight.com/rest-and-restore-a-journey-into-the-legal-entheogenic-ceremony-space-in-the-u-s/ 5 Psychedelia Books Our Staff Loves: https://psychedelicspotlight.com/best-psychedelic-books-our-staff-loves/ Smush: https://www.sm< [https://www.smushmushrooms.com/]

In this episode, I talk with Sapha. He is a practicing Cuarandero and a Recovery Consultant at Sacred Rebels Recovery, a peer-led addiction recovery program for men housed at the Nihue Rao Spiritual Center in the Peruvian Amazon. In our conversation, Sapha highlights the uniqueness of Sacred Rebels in providing alternative recovery options for people who feel unsupported by standard recovery programs. We also discuss the importance of learning about plant medicine practices from indigenous practitioners and addiction recovery from those who experience it. Sapha takes us on a journey, telling us how he went from working in Canada's oil and gas industry and living with addiction to how an LSD experience drastically changed his life perspective, influencing him to seek treatment and eventually find his way to psychedelics.  He also spent two years studying Social Work at Vancouver Island University while organizing harm reduction efforts before moving to the Amazon to train as a traditional curandero in the Shipibo tradition under his teacher Maestro Ricardo Amaringo. Sapha highlights the value of formal university education and lived experience with addiction, recovery, and traditional training in his work. Finally, we finish our discussion with a look data Sapha's concerns and vision for the future of the psychedelic field, including making psychedelic treatment ethical, affordable, and accessible. Time Stamps: (5:06) Sacred Rebels - a peer-led addiction recovery program for men in the Amazon teaching about ayahuasca in the Shipibo tradition (12:51) Sacred Rebels success rate so far (25:11) Where does the Sacred Rebels name come from and the importance of paying respect to indigenous cultures and practices in plant medicine and psychedelics (35:37) How Sacred Rebels is working to make the recovery program accessible to people who might not otherwise have access to it (40:07) The partnership between Sacred Rebels and Nihue Rao - a community-based relationship of reciprocity (49:54) How others can become involved in Sacred Rebels, people in recovery, or other indigenous healing and practices (58:09) Sapha's journey from addiction to recovery and the value of obtaining knowledge through lived experience (1:26:00) Studying Social Work at Vancouver Island University - going back to school, exploring psychedelic topics in the classroom, and supportive mentors (1:37:41) The future of the psychedelic field and psychedelic addiction treatment - striving for ethics, affordability, and accessibility (1:44:06) Final advice - seek community and mentorship in the space you want to work in (1:48:07) Contact information Links: Sacred Rebels: https://sacredrebelsrecovery.com/ Nihue Rao: https://nihuerao.com/ Email: hello@sacredrebelsrecovery.com Email: sapha@sacredrebelsrecovery.com Instagram: @sacredrebelsrecovery Third Wave Psychedelic Retreats Directory: https://thethirdwave.co/directory/ Sacred Rebels, Iquitos, Peru, opens doors to men in recovery: https://www.growopportunity.ca/sacred-rebels-iquitos-peru-opens-doors-to-men-in-recovery/ Why Connecting to the Earth May Be a Vital Part of Psychedelic Healing:

This episode is the second in our occasional "About Us" series, where we feature members of the Psychedelic Grad team.   In this episode, Gabby sits down with Andrew Mcmillian, the Community Meetings Organizer at Psychedelic Grad.   We talk about Andrew's experiences in research labs at the University of South Florida (USF) while earning his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology.     We reflect on some lessons he learned from transcribing interviews and handing out flyers for Gabby's (Psychedelic Grad co-founder and Curious to Serious co-host) dissertation research.   Finally, we discuss Andrew's future in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and his interest in working with indigenous populations in Alaska.   Time Stamps:   (2:40) Andrew's role at the Community Meetings Organizer at Psychedelic Grad   (3:35) Research experiences at USF    (9:55) Working towards a career in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy   (16:14) Additional training as an EMT to bridge the time between his undergraduate degree and graduate degrees   (21:24) Last thoughts for listeners: Look into studying psychedelics in Alaska with Andrew   (22:08) Contact information   Links:   Crisis Center of Tampa Bay EMT Apprenticeship Program: https://www.crisiscenter.com/transcare-uma/   Insta: mac_millan   Email: amcmillan789@gmail.com   To learn more about Psychedelic Grad or to join our newsletter, go to https://www.psychedelicgrad.com/   To donate and support Psychedelic Grad: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/psygrad   Music by: https://www.alexkahnmusic.com/   Presented by Psychedelic Grad.

In this episode, I talk with Hadas Alterman.   She is the Director of Government Affairs at the American Psychedelic Practitioners Association (APPA), which is working to build accessibility in clinical psychedelic therapy by establishing standards for training therapists to do this work.   In our conversations, we talk about Hadas' work with the Psychedelic Bar Association, which links communities with stakeholders like lawyers and policymakers related to psychedelics, and her role in co-founding the Plant Medicine Law Group.   We discuss Hadas' academic and educational journey from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) to the University of California Santa Cruz and how her life experiences, including being arrested during a protest, influenced her to study law.   Hadas demonstrates the value of formal education along with life experience in gaining skills and knowledge.   She also offers exceptional advice throughout our conversation on the value of a solid and supportive community and being your true authentic self.   Finally, Hadas reflects on the future of the psychedelic field and her desire to serve others and hopes for advancing psychedelic therapies while reducing their criminality.   Time Stamps:   (3:05) What is the American Psychedelic Practitioners Association (APPA)?   (15:13) What students would benefit from joining APPA, and what are the benefits of joining?   (21:08) Psychedelic Bar Association   (45:27) The Plan Medicine Law Group   (1:00:10) Advice: finding balance in life   (1:07:17) Advice: be your true authentic self   (1:14:12) Hadas' educational journey started at UCLA and then she moved to UC Santa Cruz. At one point she gets arrested during a protest which influenced her to go to law school. This highlights the value of formal education and life experience   (1:35:52) Advice – the value of a support system in growth and development   (1:42:34) Advice – finding alignment between the body, mind, and spirit   (1:44:59) The future of psychedelics and Hadas' role in it   (1:51: 44) Last piece of advice – find a supportive friend group   (1:54:24) Contact information     Links:   American Psychedelic Practitioners Association: https://www.thepsychedelicassociation.org [https://www.thepsychedelicassociation.org/]   Psychedelic Bar Association: https://thepsychedelicbar.org [https://thepsychedelicbar.org/]   The Plant Medicine Law Group: https://www.plantmedicinelaw.com [https://www.plantmedicinelaw.com/]   Email: hadas@thepsychedelicassociation.org   To learn more about Psychedelic Grad or to join our newsletter, go to https://www.psychedelicgrad.com/   To donate and support Psychedelic Grad: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/psygrad   Music by: https://www.alexkahnmusic.com/   Presented by Psychedelic Grad.

This episode is the first in our occasional "About Us" series, where we feature members of the Psychedelic Grad team.   In this episode, Emma talks with me, Gabby Lehigh, Psychedelic Grad Co-founder and Curious to Serious co-host.   We talk about my recent achievement of successfully defending my doctoral dissertation and getting my Ph.D. in Anthropology.   We explore how I came to study psychedelics for my dissertation research and why I chose transformative psychedelic experiences at music events.    We discuss how my positionality played a role in my data collection and analysis and some of the challenges in doing social science research at music festivals.   I also present a timeline of what the research process looked like for me and how I prepared for my defense.    Finally, I briefly cover two of the most exciting research findings.   Time Stamps:   (4:18) How Gabby come to study transformative psychedelic experiences at music events for her dissertation research   (12:22) The challenges of interviewing participants at music festivals   (18:00) The most challenging part of data collection   (19:48) How positionality impacted the data and analysis   (24:04) How were the defense questions from the committee informed or not informed by psychedelic experiences   (28:24) Ph.D. timeline   (31:02) Preparing for the defense   (37:18) Summary of two of the main research findings    Links:   Email: gabby@psychedelicgrad.com   Psychedelics Today's Vital Course: https://www.psychedeliceducationcenter.com/a/aff_9p71gl26/external?affcode=80460_0s5vb-xp   To learn more about Psychedelic Grad or to join our newsletter, go to https://www.psychedelicgrad.com/   To donate and support Psychedelic Grad: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/psygrad   Music by: https://www.alexkahnmusic.com/   Presented by Psychedelic Grad.

In this episode, I talk with Sam Banister.   He is the co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Psylo, a biotech company in Australia that develops different classes of pharmaceutical psychedelics to help treat patients with serious mental health disorders.   In our conversation, we talk about Sam's journey into psychedelics by learning about Albert Hoffman and Timothy Leary in his teenage years.   We discuss Sam's academic journey from an undergraduate degree in chemistry and pharmacology to a Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry to a postdoc at Stanford.   Sam offers valuable insight into the many roles of mentors and the value of building personal and professional networks.   He also speaks about how he transitioned from academia to the private sector by starting Psylo with Josh Ismin.   Finally, Sam reflects on Psylo's future in the psychedelic world and the importance of the for-profit and non-profit sectors in future developments.   Time Stamps:   (4:35) What is Psylo?   (4:57) What is a biotech company? What does Psylo do in the biotech industry?   (6:26) How Psylo is unique from other biotech companies by focusing on the deregulation of the serotonin signaling systems in the body and developing three distinctive classes of drugs for mental health treatment   (16:18) Sam's role at Psylo and what he does there   (20:53) How Sam became interested in drug development and psychedelics at a young age   (26:31) Sam's college career of studying chemistry and pharmacology in his undergraduate, medicinal chemistry in his Ph.D., and landing a postdoc at Stanford   (32:05) How the higher education system works in Australia   (40:21) Important advice, lessons, and challenges related to mentors   (57:48) How Sam was recruited back to Australia to run an academic lab and then decided to move to the private sector and co-found Psylo   (1:02:41) Sam's role in starting Psylo and adjustments he had to make to fit his new position   (1:12:00) The future of the psychedelic space - Psylo's role in it, the cost of drug development, the role of for-profit and non-profits in the space, creating equitability through biotech companies   (1:24:32) Last piece of advice: "Find something you're passionate about."   (1:26:25) Contact information   Links:   Psylo website: https://psylo.bio [https://psylo.bio/]   Psylo Merch: https://psylo.dasautomat.com [https://psylo.dasautomat.com/]   Psylo Twitter: https://twitter.com/psylo_bio   Psylo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/psylo/   Email: sam@psylo.bio   Sam's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sambanister/   Psychedelics Today's Vital Course: https://www.psychedeliceducationcenter.com/a/aff_9p71gl26/external?affcode=80460_0s5vb-xp   To learn more about Psychedelic Grad or to join our newsletter, go to https://www.psychedelicgrad.com/   To donate and support Psychedelic Grad: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/psygrad   Music by: https://www.alexkahnmusic.com/   Presented by Psychedelic Grad.

In this episode, we talk with Kaitlin Robertson. She is the CEO of Cacti Therapeutics, a biotech company developing FDA-approved psychedelic therapies for chronic pain and sexual dysfunction. Kaitlin received her Master's degree in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University and has professional experience in trauma care and business finance. We discuss Kaitlin's passion for helping people experience growth and transformation through the adversity of spiritual, sexual, or attachment traumas. Time Stamps: (2:10) What is Cacti Therapeutics (drug discovery, treating pain, Blackbox, the traditional preclinical drug candidate process, and *fundraising*) (19:00) Kaitlin Seamore Roberson and her network (how she met her co-founders at Harvard, the intellectual capital of your community, and what her current CEO position at Cacti entails) (29:00) Being a woman in a position of power within the biotech community and how her networking and communication skills have prepared her for this role. Kaitlin's advice: take the leap, apply for the job, volunteer at the lab, raise your hand at the conference, and always self-advocate. (32:00) (brief technical difficulty) finishing 27:00 timestamp topic and moving onto innovation. How do drug discovery biotechs like Cacti influence the broader psychedelic/biotech space? Can taking 2nd and 3rd generation psychedelic compounds to clinical trials and medicalization destigmatize the landscape for plant-based or 1st generation psychedelics? What possible impacts on equity, accessibility, and education do novel compounds have on the fundamental use and medical value of psychedelic medicine in western medical systems? (43:00) What limiting factors or obstacles are not addressed by introducing novel compounds into the psychedelic network? We discuss 1) the time needed for western indoctrination of psychedelic medicine, 2) the shortage of policy and providers for patient care, and 3) support systems for physiological and psychological manifestations of psychiatric ailment. (51:00) Kaitlin advises those entering the psychedelic space or any new field: set goals and shoot for the moon. We also discuss her learning experience with podcasts, conversations, and courses (like Psychedelic Today's VITAL program) (53:00) Contact information and closing messages Links: Cacti's website: www.cactitherapeutics.com [http://www.cactitherapeutics.com/] **For access to Cacti's executive summary, please email Emma at emma@psychedelicgrad.com ** Kaitlin's email: Kait@cactitx.com Kaitlin's Instagram: @KaitlinRoberson Kaitlin's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kaitlinroberson/ [http://linkedin.com/in/kaitlinroberson/] To learn more about Psychedelic Grad or to join our newsletter, go to https://www.psychedelicgrad.com/ To donate and support Psychedelic Grad: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/psygrad Music by: https://www.alexkahnmusic.com/ Presented by Psychedelic Grad.

In this episode, I talk with Sa'ed Al-Olimat. He is the founder of PsiloHealth, co-founder and Board Director of the Psychedelic Pharmacists Association, and a community pharmacy manager at CVS.  In our conversation, we talk about Sa'ed's many roles in the psychedelic space, including founding Psilohealth, an organization dedicated to education, legislation, and integration of psilocybin-supported care and his role in the Psychedelic Pharmacists Association (PPA), while also being a community pharmacy manager. We discuss how Sa'ed's success in the field blossoms from past psychedelic experiences and the challenges to integrating them, and how it influenced his curiosity in psychedelics and led him to create and join many psychedelic organizations. Sa'ed gives us insight into his educational background in pharmacy at Duquesne University. Finally, Sa'ed reflects on the future role of specialty pharmacies in psychedelic care and the need for community systems of care.    Time Stamps: (3:35) PsiloHealth - an organization dedicated to education, legislation, and integration of psilocybin-supported care (5:04) What makes PsiloHealth unique from other organizations (6:08) PsiloHealth's Psilocybin Peer Supporter Certificate Program (17:56) The Psychedelic Pharmacists Association (PPA) – Sa'ed's role in creating it and a discussion on the role of pharmacists in psychedelic care (29:24) Sa'ed's everyday Clark Kent job – a pharmacy manager (35:51) Sa'ed's origin story – how he became interested in psychedelics through personal experience (55:15) Studying pharmacy at Duquesne University and teaching his family about psychedelics using religious and cultural frameworks (1:06:55) The role of specialty pharmacies in the future of care and the importance of community care systems (1:17:37) Contact information (1:18:23) Last piece of advice: "Let's do this together" Links: PsiloHealth website: https://www.psilohealth.co [https://www.psilohealth.co/] Psilocybin Peer Supporter Certificate Program: https://www.psilohealth.co/pps Discount code: psychedelicgrad Psychedelic Pharmacists Association: https://psychedelicpharmacist.org [https://psychedelicpharmacist.org/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alolimat/ To learn more about Psychedelic Grad or to join our newsletter, go to https://www.psychedelicgrad.com/ To donate and support Psychedelic Grad: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/psygrad Music by: https://www.alexkahnmusic.com/ Presented by Psychedelic Grad.

In this episode, I talk with Heather Wickman. She is the co-founder of Untethered with her husband, Colby. They offer unique integration services with horses and partner with organizations worldwide to offer plant medicine experiences for individual growth initiatives. In our conversation, we talk about Heather's work in the corporate world as an executive coach who works with CEOs and corporate executives to help them reach their full potential as leaders. We discuss how Heather left the corporate world and experienced ayahuasca which reconnected her to her passion for horses and drove her to create Untethered. Heather offers unique life lessons and experiences on education and entrepreneurship and also speaks to what it is like working with her husband in the psychedelic space. Finally, Heather reflects on the future of expanded integration services for those seeking plant medicine experiences while offering the advice to follow our hearts along our own path.  Time Stamps: (3:11) What is Untethered? (4:53) How horses are an integral part of the integration process (9:46) How Untethered works with plant medicine (11:42) What a full retreat looks like working with plant medicine and integration (14:17) The pre-peak stage (16:04) The plant medicine retreats (19:35) The integration process – Immunity to Change (27:09) Investment for participating in the Untethered program (30:03) Breaking out of identity belief systems – Heather's story from the "corporate climb" to redesigning a life she wanted to live (37:07) Heather's education  (44:05) Additional education and Earth School (47:34) Advice on education for others (53:09) Helpful resources from Heather's journey to Untethered (1:00:32) Working with her husband, Colby (1:06:09) The future of the psychedelic space (1:10:43) Last piece of advice – "Follow your heart" Links: Untethered Website: https://beuntethered.co [https://beuntethered.co/] Instagram: heatherwickmanphd [https://www.instagram.com/heatherwickmanphd/?hl=en] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherwickmanphd To learn more about Psychedelic Grad or to join our newsletter, go to https://www.psychedelicgrad.com/ To donate and support Psychedelic Grad: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/psygrad Music by: https://www.alexkahnmusic.com/ Presented by Psychedelic Grad.

In this episode, we talk with Steven Millar.   He is a recent master's graduate from Glasgow University and an aspiring psychedelic-assisted therapist.   In our conversation, we talk about Steven's academic experiences at Glasgow University, studying Philosophy and Spanish during his undergraduate and Psychology for his master's degree.   We also discuss Steven's qualitative research (interviews) on integration related to psychedelic experiences and the challenges he faced in his project.   Since graduating, Steven talks about finding a job as a psychosocial therapy support worker for the National Health Service in the UK.    Finally, Steven offers valuable advice to our listeners interested in getting started in the psychedelic world and reflects on his hope for the future of psychedelics.    Time Stamps:   (2:43) How Steven's interest in consciousness led him to study philosophy   (5:00) How philosophy connects to psychedelics   (13:08) Studying Psychology at Glasgow University   (16:02) Steven's qualitative research at Glasgow University on psychedelic integration while partnering with the Psychedelic Health Professionals Network   (24:48) The value of qualitative research (interviews, observations, narratives, non-numerical data) in relation to quantitative data (surveys, numerical data)   (33:06) Challenges of the master's program and doing research   (38:17) What's next: working as a psychosocial therapy support worker with the National Health Service in the UK   (43:27) The importance of networking and the Psychedelic Health Professionals Network in Scotland   (46:17) The process of finding a job after graduation   (49:29) Steven's ultimate goal in the psychedelic field   (51:03) Advice for others   (56:01) Steven's hopes for the future of the psychedelic field   (1:02:41) How to contact Steven   Links:   Psychedelic Health Professionals Network: https://psychedelicnetwork.org.uk [https://psychedelicnetwork.org.uk/]   You can connect with Steven through email at stevenjbmillar@icloud.com   To learn more about Psychedelic Grad or to join our newsletter, go to https://www.psychedelicgrad.com/   To donate and support Psychedelic Grad: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/psygrad   Music by: https://www.alexkahnmusic.com/   Presented by Psychedelic Grad.

In this episode, we talk with Daniel Tarockoff.   He is a partner at Vine Ventures; an early-stage venture fund focused on psychedelics.    In our conversation, we examine Daniel's work at Vine Ventures. We also talk about venture capital funds, Vine Ventures' reciprocity pledge, and their fundraising efforts for MAPS.   We also cover Daniel's journey from the Berkeley School of Business, his internship, and his eventual full-time position at Vine Ventures. Daniel offers lots of advice for networking, persistence, and finding your direction in the psychedelic space.   Finally, we end the conversation with a discussion on the future of the psychedelic field and Daniel's perspective on improved mental health treatment using a diversity of psychedelic and non-psychedelic modalities.   Time Stamps:   (3:06) Daniel's role at Vine Ventures   (4:31) What makes Vine Ventures different from other venture funds?   (8:51) General overview of venture capital   (11:12) Details on Vine Ventures' reciprocity pledge   (13:20) Fundraising for MAPS   (23:45) Daniel's journey to Vine Ventures   (29:40) Advice: finding what drives you and networking   (36:06) Persistence as a skill   (39:42) Resources for staying updated on psychedelic-related information and businesses   (42:34) The challenges and importance of finding the right working environment   (49:15) The future of the psychedelic field: improving medicines and treatment protocols, accessibility, developing psychedelic and non-psychedelic related treatments   (1:09:05) How to connect with Daniel   Links: Vine Ventures Website: https://vine.vc   You can connect with Daniel through email at dt@vine.vc   To learn more about Psychedelic Grad or to join our newsletter, go to https://www.psychedelicgrad.com/   To donate and support Psychedelic Grad: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/psygrad   Music by: https://www.alexkahnmusic.com/   Presented by Psychedelic Grad.

In this episode, we talk with Ryan "Ghenigho" Rich.  He is the Founder and Ceremony and Detox Lead at Root Healing Iboga Retreats and Detox. In our conversation, we explore Ryan's work at Root Healing. We talk about how Root Healing is unique by centering their Iboga retreats in Bwiti tradition while also exploring the scientific efficacy of Iboga. We also discuss how Ryan's life experiences motivated him to start Root Healing and how his background in business gave him the skills to get things started. Additionally, Ryan offers assistance and advice in finding connections within the plant medicine community. Finally, we end the conversation with a discussion on the future of the psychedelic field and Ryan's reflection on allowing traditional groups to control the procurement of sacred plant medicines. Time Stamps: 3:02 What is Root Healing? 3:35 What is Iboga? 8:22 Differences between psychospiritual and detox retreats 13:34 How Bwiti tradition, reciprocity, and equitable access make Root Healing unique 22:04 Key research on Iboga and its alkaloids in addiction treatment 30:34 Treating intergenerational trauma with Iboga 36:12 Bridging Western science and traditional science 37:26 The legality of Iboga retreats 41:19 A timeline of Root Healing retreats 54:33 Ryan's motivation and journey for starting Root Healing 1:07:38 Ryan's formal education in business and training in Bwiti tradition 1:10:13 Finding traditional knowledge 1:18:42 Overcoming challenges 1:21:25 Ryan's advice: Trust yourself 1:23:24 The future of psychedelics Links: Root Healing Website [https://roothealing.com/] Effects of Iboga Alkaloids [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0006899394909482?via%3Dihub] Iboga vs. Ibogaine [https://roothealing.com/iboga/why-is-iboga-better-than-ibogaine/] Iboga Science Resources [https://roothealing.com/learn/iboga-ibogaine-science-resources/] You can connect with Ryan through email at ghenigho@roothealing.com. To learn more about Psychedelic Grad or to join our newsletter, go to https://www.psychedelicgrad.com/ To donate and support Psychedelic Grad: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/psygrad Music by: https://www.alexkahnmusic.com/ Presented by Psychedelic Grad.

In this episode, we talk to Christine Ziemer.  Dr. Christine Ziemer is a professor of psychology at Missouri Western State University, faculty advisor of the SSDP Chapter, and excellent harm reductionist. Christine became interested in psychedelics and MAPS during her time in graduate school while working for her Ph.D. in psychology. Since then it has been an interest of hers, and over time she grew braver and more confident in her serious dedication to the field of psychedelics and transpersonal psychology. The mainstream growth of psychedelics catapulted her interest and led her to propose new courses to cover the optics of Transpersonal Psych and Psychedelics. These are now regularly offered psychedelic elective courses, and they have compounded interest over the years by the students at Missouri Western!  Christine is a healer, educator, and mindfulness leader. She is incredible, and I am so lucky to have had the chance to speak with her today.  Christine is actively seeking community in the psychedelic field. She wants to connect with and help other educators become harm reductionists in their respective high schools, college, or community center. That being said, she wants to connect with them through this podcast–– if that educator is you or someone you know…. Please reach out to her directly! Her email is cziemer@missouriwestern.edu  Hope you enjoy it! - Emma  Time Description:  4:53 Christine's Introduction + her academic background  15:18 Taking student interest and building the curriculum around it. How Christine academically aligns course topics and assignments to harm reduction skill-building 18:50 Identifying & overcoming stigma. Meeting students where they are at: creating the inclusive and exhaustive 'psychedelic' syllabus  28:13 Christine calls them "The Systems of Miseducation''–– how to overcome the obstacles like drug-abstinence models and shaming people who use drugs in order to undo the harms of The War on Drugs.  30:27 How can all of this information (current and historic indigenous psychedelic use, The War on Drugs, neurobiology, chemistry, modern drug policy and related discrimination, medicalization, legalization, psychotherapy…etc) be fit into one, 15-week semester? 39:10  Making the academic composition of Harm Reduction filled with fun, collaborative, inclusive, skill-building opportunities.   47:45 Introduction to Christine's transpersonal psychology course and the biopsychosocial-spiritual model and non-psychedelic means of arrival like lucid dreaming, meditation, ecstatic dance, birth, and death.  51:30 Why are psychedelics in the spotlight of scientific interest?  Discussing the benefits of controlling variables like dose that are unmeasurable within other transpersonal experiences. 53:58 Next Steps = Spreading HR within and outside the conventional college education systems. Brainstorming how to overcome barriers to entry.  1:01:10 Closing and Contact Resources:  Contact Christine:  cziemer@missouriwestern.edu  To learn more about Psychedelic Grad or to join the newsletter, go to (https://www.psychedelicgrad.com/) Music by Alex Hahn (https://www.alexkahnmusic.com/)

In this episode, we talk to Max C Wood. Max is a graduate student studying developmental neuroscience and psychopathology. Max spent last year studying at the Anna Freud Center in London, and is now currently at Yale - researching into the impact attachment styles have on a psychedelic treatment design. Broadly speaking, his passions lie in the integration of experiential and reductionist approaches - to help alleviate human suffering. He aspires to be a psychotherapist, and set up a holistic healing centre, drawing from multiple perspectives to personalize treatment - with a particular focus on psychedelic healing. This podcast interview focuses on pharmaceutical studies (including psychedelics) and highlights interpersonal factors within clinical trial design, from the perspective of a clinical researcher. Max's fluency in this topic is evident, and he strongly encourages listeners to reach out to him directly.  (Contact: Max.c.woody@gmail.com)! Time Description: 0:00 History of Anna Freud Research Center, From children's orphanage to University Central London Center 5:26 Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology Program and the history of Psychopathology and Psychoanalysis 10:46 1 year at UCL in academia and 1 year at Yale doing research. How UCL pairs students with mentor in a field of common interest. How Max found himself at Yale doing Ketamine research on patients suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder. 12:47 His responsibilities as a masters student on a double blind clinical trial with psychedelics, an active placebo, and psychotherapy. 16:19 Max describes what elements of his current clinical research has inspired his potential thesis that focuses on the symptom-relief in the placebo group. (Bonus: A great conversation with a placebo group participant). 29:48 Why did Max choose the Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology at UCL Masters of Research Program? Why understanding develop is foundational to understanding psychedelics and crucial to properly help treat adults. 37:38 How has the Masters of Research program so far informed Max's outlook on the future of the psychedelic field, and how neuroscience or psychodynamics may play key roles. How healing goes beyond the patient and to the systems that they operate within, understanding the healing potential of systemic therapy. 54:49 What's next for Max's clinical psychedelic research future? 57:42 Advice to the Audience! Resources: Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology Masters of Research Program at University of Central London (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught-degrees/developmental-neuroscience-and-psychopathology-mres) Anna Freud Biography & Center (https://psychoanalysis.org.uk/our-authors-and-theorists/anna-freud) (https://www.annafreud.org/ucl-postgraduate-study/ucl-postgraduate-programmes/) Internal Family Systems Institute (https://ifs-institute.com/) Peter Fonagy Biography (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/psychoanalysis/people/peter-fonagy) To learn more about Psychedelic Grad or to join our newsletter, go to https://www.psychedelicgrad.com/ Music by: https://www.alexkahnmusic.com/ Presented by Psychedelic Grad.

In this episode, we talk with David Drapkin. He is the Director of Operations and Strategic Growth at Psychedelics Today. In our conversation, we explore David's work at Psychedelics Today, including his role in creating Psychedelic Today's newest course, Vital. We discuss David's history in economics and how a near-death experience changed his path to psychotherapy and social work. Additionally, we talk about bridging the personal sphere with the professional sphere and what that can look like in practice. Further, we discuss how psychedelics influence our religious paths and what that means for our professional careers. David provides advice on skill-building, networking, and job hunting throughout our conversation. Finally, we end our conversation with a reflection on the future of the psychedelic field and David's desire to change the narrative around the War on Drugs. Time Stamps: 3:09 David's role at Psychedelics Today 5:23 Psychedelics Today's new program, Vial 19:08 Additional resources offered by Psychedelics Today 20:43 The journey from economics to social work 31:23 Merging the personal and professional sphere with psychedelics by doing our shadow work 43:19 Finding a job at Psychedelics Today and the role of networking 52:59 How working on our individual shadows allows us to address socially collective shadows 1:00:27 The role of music and the senses in the psychedelic experience 1:02:38 Psychedelics influence on spirituality 1:06:49 Changing the narrative on the War on Drugs 1:17:53 Advice on building skills 1:26:02 Future development of the psychedelic field 1:33:42 How to connect with David Links: Vital Psychedelic Training - https://www.psychedeliceducationcenter.com/a/aff_9p71gl26/external?affcode=80460_0s5vb-xp Psychedelics Today Website - https://psychedelicstoday.com/ You can connect with David through LinkedIn or email at info@psychedelicstoday.com To learn more about Psychedelic Grad or to join our newsletter, go to https://www.psychedelicgrad.com/ Music by: https://www.alexkahnmusic.com/ Presented by Psychedelic Grad.