Content Warning: This episode contains a conversation about an act of childhood sexual assault.

MDMA — also known as the pure form of Ecstasy or Molly — is a psychoactive substance that increases serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin in the brain. It’s illegal, mainly because the U.S. government classified it in the ’80s as a Schedule I drug. But like many political decisions made 30+ years ago, it’s definitely worth another look.

These days, most people know MDMA from the party scene... raves, festivals...where it’s known to make people feed really good - it also heightens empathy, connection, and emotional openness. Doesn’t sound too bad, right?

MDMA can also be a powerful tool for healing trauma.

My friend, screenwriter Serena Turner, is sharing how MDMA therapy completely changed her life. Through it, she finally was able to process and release a deep wound from childhood, a moment in third grade when a teacher did something so awful, it stayed buried in her body for decades.

So if there’s a medicine that can support us in our healing, help us release trauma, release fear, feel unstuck, and reconnect to ourselves, why wouldn’t we, safely and intentionally, in a therapeutic setting, use it? Serena is advocating for exactly that.

About Serena
Serena Turner is a writer and producer who lives in New York City. As a writer, she recently had a personal essay about her experience with MDMA therapy published in Marie Claire’s September issue. She’s currently writing a screenplay based on the essay, and also recently completed three original feature scripts and a TV pilot. As a producer, Serena sold a scripted drama series to a major streamer earlier this year. Notable producing projects also include a dark comedy series with Mark Gordon Pictures and Ley Line Entertainment; a romantic comedy with Burn Later Productions and Milana Vayntrub (starring opposite Ryan Gosling in the upcoming Project Hail Mary) set to direct; a police procedural based on Tom Turner’s Palm Beach mysteries, and two documentaries -- one about the best parties of all time with XTR and a true crime series with Hot Snakes Media.

Follow Serena on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sturneround

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Laura Scarpati is an Award-Winning filmmaker and producer. After a life-changing NDE (Near Death Experience), Laura launched Chelsea Park Films, a boutique production house creating and supporting projects that spread light and encourage healing on all sides of the frame. By re-framing her trauma as an opportunity, Laura is now using her unique skillset to explore all the unseen energies of the universe and mapping how this magic helps support us all on The Woo Report Podcast.

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