Tripsitter Podcast

Topics covered: Mexican pharmaceuticals, Adderall, ADHD medication, Opioids, Tramadol, counterfeit medications, wild drug stories, investigative journalism, drug testing J Gordon Curtis, and Rowan Zeoli speak with Keri Blakinger about her year-long investigation with the LA Times into the counterfeit pharmaceutical industry in Mexico. We’ll bring you the details (spoiler alert: Adderall is illegal in Mexico, and you’re probably actually getting Meth). Get ready for discussions of shady conversations in sunny tourist destinations. Stay tuned for new episode releases by following us on Substack, Twitter, Bluesky, and Instagram. Follow Keri: Keri’s Twitter Account Her most recent reporting on the LA Sherriff’s office Keri’s profile for the LA Times The New Yorker Article on Dungeons and Dragon’s on Death Row Corrections in Ink (Memoir)

Topics covered: Psychedelic-assisted therapy, psychedelic medicine work, traumatic healing, somatic therapy, psychedelic retreats, ketamine, GHB, DMT, political movements, hate groups, social change, superficial healing, spiritual bypassing Shannon Duncan stops by to talk about the difficult path using psychedelics to heal trauma with Justin Cooke, J Gordon Curtis, and Rowan Zeoli. We’ll break down the misconceptions, what it takes to bring on real healing, and more. Stay tuned for new episode releases by following us on Substack, Twitter, Bluesky, and Instagram. Follow Shannon: Coming Full Circle: Healing Trauma Using Psychedelics (Book) Present Moment Awareness: A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide to Living in the Now (Book/Workbook) The Focus Tool (Mindfulness App) Shannon’s Website Shannon Duncan on LinkedIn Further Reading on Tripsitter.com | Topics Discussed: Can Psychedelics Help Heal Trauma How Much Does Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Cost (And Is It Worth It)? GHB: A Definitive Guide and Safety Information What is Ketamine Therapy? How to Make A Psychedelic Integration Workbook: Tips, Tricks, & Templates How to Become a Psychedelic Integration Coach

Topics covered: Alcohol pharmacology, alcohol-use disorder, Kava, cannabis, the NMDA receptors, ketamine, benzodiazepines, harm reduction, self-discovery, our personal journeys with drugs, and how we wound up doing the work we do now. Justin Cooke, J Gordon Curtis, and Rowan Zeoli sit down SANS GUEST to discuss alcohol. This fun chat walks through our personal journeys with America’s favorite drug and all the drugs we find more enjoyable. Stay tuned for new episode releases by following us on Substack, Twitter, Bluesky, and Instagram.

Topics covered: Canna-bonsai (cannabis bonsai) and other psychedelic bonsai species, tips to avoid forcing the ego on our creative endeavors, and the role of bonsai cultivation as a journey of self-discovery and mindfulness. Plantsman and bonsai pro, Owen Reich, joins Justin Cooke, J Gordon Curtis, and Rowan Zeoli to discuss what he’s learned from his close relationship with nature. First discovering the art form while studying Horticulture at The University of Georgia, Owen has spent decades of his life studying the needs of trees and plants. Along the way, we’ll hear of his traditional apprenticeship in Japan, incredible achievements, and devastating losses. Owen joins J in person for this conversation, which Rowan insists feels like a deep meditation (she’s not wrong). Stay tuned for new episode releases by following us on Substack, Twitter, Bluesky, and Instagram. Follow Owen: Check out Owen’s work and current projects on his website Visit his Youtube channel, Plant Alchemy, for more soothing bonsai tips Follow Owen on Instagram for updates on his beautiful works of art Further Reading | Topics Discussed: The Book of Tea: A Japanese Harmony of Art, Culture, and the Simple Life (1906) by Okakura Kakuzō (Book PDF) Cannabonsai: A Beginners Guide (Book) Photos from the 2023 Kokufu-ten bonsai exhibit in Japan (Bonsainut.com) Other bonsai professionals discussed include Eisei-en Bonsai (Bjorn Bjorholm), Bonsai Mirai (Ryan Neil), and Michael Hagedorn (Youtube)

Psychedelic researcher from the Netherlands, Zeus Tipado, joins Justin Cooke, J Gordon Curtis, and Rowan Zeoli to discuss his scientific journey. Born into a family of voodoo practitioners, Tipado found himself in search of a provable, undeniable truth as a teenager and clung to science. Along the way, he’s managed to take large doses of psychedelics on camera (for Snoop Dogg, by the way) at E3 and Ru Paul’s Drag con. And just wait until you hear about these first few trips Zeus went on… Visit our Substack Post for a full list of the research we cover in this episode. Catch up on Zeus' current work through his Linktree and make sure to check out his amazing videos for Healing Maps and Super High Score. Stay tuned for new episode releases by following us on Substack, Twitter, Bluesky, and Instagram.

Join Justin Cooke, J Gordon Curtis, and Rowan Zeoli as we break down the importance of Miriam Field’s unsanctioned harm reduction work in Nashville, Tennessee. Read James’ recent article in Filter about her mission and don’t forget to check her out on Tik Tok and donate to Mainline’s Mission We’ll discuss the mainstream whitewashing of harm reduction and why the policies lauded for their progressiveness strangle the ability of organizations like hers to meet the people who use drugs where they are — literally and metaphorically. Stay tuned for new episode releases by following us on Substack, Twitter, Bluesky, and Instagram.

Join Justin Cooke and Rowan Zeoli in a delightful chat with Mags Tanev — a Colombia-based freelance journalist dedicated to the study of indigenous plant medicines. You can also read her interview with a Colombian Taita and an intro to Mambe & Ambil. We’ll talk about what to look for in a psychedelic retreat center (along with what to avoid), what the process for becoming a facilitator might look like, and how to respectfully approach the gift of partaking in another culture’s ceremony. Stay tuned for new episode releases by following us on Substack, Twitter, Bluesky, and Instagram.

Justin Cooke, Rowan Zeoli, and J Gordon Curtis sit down with our good friend (and prolific psychedelic author), Sofie Mikhaylova. This Halloween bonus episode dives into the ancient folklore around witches and how their practices intertwine with the realm of psychedelics.  We discuss 5 infamous herbs and elixirs witches in middle-age Europe used in their alleged rituals and potions, debunk some common misconceptions, and dig into the true identity of these mysterious women. Sofie recently gave a talk on psychedelics and witchcraft at Soho House and wrote yesterday's piece on Herbs, Hexes, & Hallucinogens: Inside the Witches' Apothecary. We hope you enjoy this candid conversation with one of our favorite psychonauts. Stay tuned for new episode releases by following us on Substack, Twitter, Bluesky, and Instagram.

Join Justin Cooke, Rowan Zeoli, and J Gordon Curtis and special guest Dr. Neşe Devenot to discuss groundbreaking new Study: TESCREAL hallucinations: Psychedelic and AI hype as inequality engines. We’ll break down the potential problems looming over our psychedelic future, what it says about our society as a whole, and whether there’s a better path forward.  Join us for this candid conversation and follow us on Substack, Twitter, Bluesky, or Instagram. Looking for more? Check out their talk at the Breaking Convention Conference: You Can Be Both Pro-Psychedelics and Anti-Hype Read their writing for Psymposia as the Medicine, Society, & Culture Research Fellow here Find Dr. Devenot on Twitter & Bluesky Read all their research on Research Gate Follow Tripsitter on Substack⁠, ⁠Twitter, Bluesky, & Instagram⁠

Join Justin Cooke and J Gordon Curtis as we sit down with Katherine MacLean, Ph.D., renowned neuroscientist and author of "Midnight Water: A Psychedelic Memoir." Katherine offers a deeply personal look into the interplay of psychedelics, grief, and death, drawing from her own poignant experience after her sister's passing. As a seasoned neuroscientist, her insights on dealing with mortality and the healing potentials of psychedelics are compelling and invaluable. Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions about sensitive subjects, including terminal illness, death, assisted suicide, and cancer. Listener discretion is advised. Join Katherine at the Psychedelic Sangha Bardo Bath on Saturday, November 4, at the Tibet House US in New York City (Get Tickets) Find Katherine MacLean on Twitter & Bluesky You can find her book at KatherineMacLean.org Follow Tripsitter on Substack⁠, ⁠Twitter, Bluesky, & Instagram⁠

Justin, Ro, and James sit down to talk about one of the most misunderstood plants of our era — tobacco. We explore its history, examine the differences between traditional and modern uses, and question its controversial reputation.  We also unpack the science of nicotine and touch on related plants like datura, mandrake, and boracherro.  Is tobacco inherently bad, or is it just a victim of commercial exploitation? Join us for this candid conversation and follow us on Substack, Twitter, Bluesky, & Instagram

Justin, Ro, and James sit down with Zeus Tipado, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Maastricht investigating the brain, VR, and something called “Cross-Reality Information Transmission" (Don't ask us) Zeus fills us in on some insider information about some fascinating research and blows all of our minds. Check out some of Zeus’ findings at his Linktree or head over to our interview with him on our Substack if you want to learn more!

Justin and James sit down with Dr. Erika Dyck in this episode to explore the psychedelic history in Canada, the cultural shifts surrounding these substances, and their implications for the future. Dr. Dyck is a professor and the Canadian Research Chair for the History of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, and her knowledge is unbelievably vast and rich with insight — you're gonna wanna buckle up for this one. A full list of the (literally uncountable) accomplishments of Dr. Dyck can be found here. Don't forget to follow her on Twitter and check out her latest book: The Acid Room: The Psychedelic Trials and Tribulations of Hollywood Hospital. Don't forget to subscribe to our premium substack for more exclusive content and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky.

Vincent Rado - a self-proclaimed Drug Epistemologist - joins us to talk about how a salt tax 4 thousand years ago in ancient China created a domino of effects culminating in our modern war on drugs. (Don't worry, he'll also explain what the hell a "drug epistemologist" is.) Vincent walks us delicately through 4000 years of drug policy to show how, at its core, it's all about how people treat other people. Along the way, we discuss the influence of drug policy on the French and American revolutions and our "cultural amnesia" of lessons we should have learned long ago. Subscribe to our premium substack for more exclusive content and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky. Follow Vincent on Substack, Twitter, and Bluesky, and check out his intensely-detailed book, Drugism, where he breaks these topics down fully.

Today, the booming psychedelic scene welcomes a new generation of psychedelic guides and coaches  —  ranging from qualified psychotherapists to underground “guides” in sketchy settings. In this rapidly changing space, there are often more questions than answers: Who is really benefiting from these certification programs? Do we really need them? What makes a guide underground? What makes a guide at all? In our first episode, we sit down with psychedelic journalist Sofie Mikaylova to discuss her experience with a "guided" DMT experience, what went wrong, and some lessons for listeners to take away when considering their own guided psychedelic experiences. Read the full article on our substack, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky. Follow Sofie on Substack, Twitter, and Instagram