Dr. Alex Belser, clinical scientist and psychologist formerly at NYU and Yale, reveals why 98% of psychedelic therapy happens underground—and the dark history the field doesn't want you to know. Guest Bio: Dr. Alexander Belser is a clinical scientist, psychologist, and psychedelic researcher. Author of EMBARK Psychedelic Therapy for Depression (Oxford University Press) and Queering Psychedelics: From Oppression to Liberation, he has been a leader for LGBTQIA+ advocacy in psychedelic spaces. Key Topics:

The economics forcing psychedelic therapy underground Hidden history of conversion therapy with LSD Current threats to LGBTQ+ research Solutions for accessible psychedelic healing

TIMESTAMPS: [00:00 ] Cold Open Montage [01:20 ] Welcome & the return to tribal living [02:24 ] Dr. Belser introduction - Brooklyn, NY [04:13 ] The future of community psychedelic medicine [06:02 ] Johnson & Johnson's $32,000/year ketamine vs. generic [07:42 ] Why 98% of psychedelic therapy is underground [09:21 ] Harm reduction approach to underground therapy [12:51 ] The economics don't add up - $5,000 minimum per session [15:02 ] Why FDA requires two therapists in the room [21:43 ] The hidden history of LGBTQ oppression with psychedelics [22:14 ] "Tim Leary said LSD is a specific cure for homosexuality" [23:44 ] Teenage conversion therapy - 800μg doses [25:15 ] "The transcripts are terrifying" [26:07 ] Living male-female dyad requirements [27:29 ] "There's a war on trans folks in the United States" [28:59 ] All LGBTQ research being shut down [31:54 ] Intersectional violence in NYC [35:50 ] The masculinity crisis and violence [37:17 ] Post-traumatic sexual stress disorder theory [41:41 ] Embrace Pleasure book - reclaiming psychedelic sexuality [43:29 ] Unwanted complications vs. adverse effects [45:29 ] Sexual boundary violations in psychedelic therapy [48:15 ] Why silence enables abuse [50:15 ] The small percentage of predators [54:43 ] Empowerment model for participants [57:44 ] Mandatory disclosure laws proposal [59:59 ] Who should avoid psychedelics [01:04:59 ] Should therapists have psychedelic experience? [01:12:13 ] Final thoughts: "The future is unwritten" Resources:

EMBARK Psychedelic Therapy Queering Psychedelics NYU Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine Dance Safe (harm reduction) The Fireside Project (peer support)

Connect with Dr. Belser: Email: alex.belser@gmail.com Subscribe for weekly interviews: mindbodyhealthpolitics.org

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