Psychedelics Today is the planetary leader in psychedelic education, media, and advocacy. Covering up-to-the-minute developments and diving deep into crucial to...
Army Ranger to consultant to leading one of the most respected psychedelic retreat organizations, detailing how meditation and psychedelic therapy helped him heal from trauma. The conversation covers: Neal’s military background and his path to psychedelics The mission and structure of Beckley Retreats, an offshoot of the Beckley Foundation How their retreats integrate meditation, preparation, and integration for long-lasting benefits The legal landscape of psilocybin in Jamaica and the Netherlands Challenges and lessons from running a psychedelic retreat business The future of psychedelics, from global access to potential federal policy shifts Whether you're curious about immersive psychedelic retreats, the intersection of mental health and psychedelics, or the evolving legal landscape, this episode is packed with insight. Learn more about Beckley Retreats here. Hear more from Neil on Psychedelics Today here.
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PT 587 - Paul Austin - The Third Wave
In this episode, Joe Moore of Psychedelics Today sits down with Paul Austin, founder of The Third Wave, to dive deep into the evolution of microdosing and its growing role in psychedelic culture. Paul shares how his journey with microdosing LSD led him to launch The Third Wave in 2015 to make psychedelics more accessible through education. The conversation explores the latest research on microdosing, including clinical trials demonstrating its potential benefits for depression, mental clarity, and creativity. Paul and Joe discuss the nuances of different microdosing protocols, the role of psychedelics in performance optimization, and the impact of these substances on neuroplasticity. They also tackle key challenges, such as the lack of robust clinical research due to regulatory hurdles and the perceived risks associated with overuse. Beyond microdosing, they touch on the broader psychedelic landscape—regulatory shifts, emerging coaching models, and the future of psychedelic-assisted transformation. The discussion even ventures into intriguing intersections between psychedelics, AI, and the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on where microdosing fits into the larger psychedelic resurgence.
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PT 586 - Louis Dorian - Psychedelist
In this episode of Psychedelics Today, Joe Moore sits down with Louis Dorian, the visionary behind Psychedelist, a groundbreaking global platform designed to support the emerging psychedelic movement. Described as a “cyber city” for all things psychedelic, Psychedelist connects individuals with treatment providers, educators, facilitators, legal experts, and even vetted product vendors in an effort to enhance accessibility and safety in this evolving space. Louis shares his journey into psychedelics, from early rave days to a transformative encounter with high-dose LSD and psilocybin that shaped his worldview. He opens up about the struggles of navigating trauma, loss, and the shortcomings of Western psychiatric care, leading him to develop his own trauma-processing techniques blending meditation, breathwork, and psychedelics. The conversation also dives deep into the broader implications of drug prohibition, harm reduction, and the role of skill-building in responsible psychedelic use. Whether you're a seeker, a skeptic, or a professional in the field, this episode offers a compelling exploration of the psychedelic landscape and the power of intentional community building. Resources: Visit Psychedelist Follow Louis Dorian on Instagram: @psychedelist More from Psychedelics Today: Website Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on the future of psychedelics, regulation, and self-exploration!
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PT 585 - Neeka Levy and Zach Skiles - Healing Ukraine Trauma
In this episode of Psychedelics Today, Joe Moore is joined by Neeka Levy and Zach Skiles of Heal Ukraine Trauma, a nonprofit bringing psychedelic-assisted therapy to veterans and civilians affected by war. They discuss the organization’s origins, the impact of intergenerational trauma in Ukraine, and the evolving role of psychedelic treatments in a war-torn nation. Nika, a first-generation Ukrainian-American and neuroscience-trained psychiatric nurse practitioner, and Zach, a Marine veteran turned psychologist, share their journey into this work, highlighting the importance of group ketamine therapy as a scalable, culturally aligned solution. They explore Ukraine’s complex regulatory landscape, the need for rigorous research, and the challenges of working in a war zone. They also touch on the role of psychedelics in processing moral injury, the importance of including family members in healing, and how Ukraine’s collectivist culture influences therapeutic approaches. With insights on historical trauma, ethical considerations, and the potential future of MDMA and psilocybin therapy in Ukraine, this conversation sheds light on a vital, evolving effort.
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PT584 – How Psychedelics Impact the Mind: Mysticism, Mental Health, and the Future of Psychedelic Research, with Josh Lipson
In this episode, Joe interviews Josh Lipson, a Ph.D. candidate in clinical psychology at Columbia University, whose research explores the relationship between psychedelics, mystical experiences, and mental health. He discusses the complexities of studying psychedelics in real-world settings, the role of metaphysical perspectives in research, and why different individuals respond to psychedelics in such varied ways. Lipson shares his personal journey into psychedelic research, the challenges of interdepartmental collaboration, and the evolving landscape of modern psychedelic science. He also talks about: The importance of integration after psychedelic experience Why mystical experiences may not be the only path to healin The balance between stability and the chaos psychedelics can introduc The need for diverse perspectives and ways of knowing in psychedelic researc How psychedelics have shaped global consciousness and cultural perspectives and more! For links, head to the show notes page.
Psychedelics Today is the planetary leader in psychedelic education, media, and advocacy. Covering up-to-the-minute developments and diving deep into crucial topics bridging the scientific, academic, philosophical, societal, and cultural, Psychedelics Today is leading the discussion in this rapidly evolving ecosystem.
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