In this episode of the Ketamine Startup Podcast, Sam interviews author and longtime spiritual seeker Steve Gelberg to discuss his groundbreaking work on the intersection of music and psychedelic therapy. Steve shares insights from his recent book, Tuning In, exploring how music can support healing, deepen emotional experiences, and guide patients through altered states of consciousness.

This episode is definitely for you if you’re a fan of Stan Grof, Alan Watts, or Aldous Huxley—or if you’re curious to learn from someone who’s spent years passionately exploring the intersection of music and psychedelics. Honestly, this feels like a masterclass in the power of sound for healing.

Whether you’re a clinician, therapist, or ketamine provider, this conversation offers valuable guidance on selecting music for therapy sessions—and why music is far more than just background sound. 

Join us for a rich dialogue on art, science, and the therapeutic power of sound.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

・How music shapes emotional and psychological experiences during ketamine therapy

・Practical guidelines for selecting music to support patients

・The surprising role of nature sounds and white noise in therapeutic settings

Episode 32 show notes:

00:00 Teaser - The Emotional Power of Music

00:30 Introduction to the Ketamine Startup Podcast

00:38 Interview with Steve Gelberg: Spirituality, Psychedelics, and Music

02:08 Steve Journey: From the Sixties Counterculture to Eastern Religions

07:39 The Role of Music in Psychedelic Therapy

10:37 Steve’s Academic Pursuits and the Krishna Movement

17:23 The Making of 'Tuning In': A Passion Project

30:17 The Synergy Between Music and Psychedelics

36:54 The Ancient Connection Between Music and Humanity

37:32 The Healing Power of Female Voices

38:34 Choosing the Right Music for Psychedelic Therapy

39:15 The Debate Over Classical Music in Therapy

40:29 The Importance of Non-Lyrical Music

41:13 The Role of Ambient and Neoclassical Music

43:24 Therapist vs. Client Music Selection

47:06 Alternative Sound Options: Nature and White Noise

52:23 The Primordial Connection to Sound

55:21 Steve's Spiritual Journey and Open-Mindedness

01:02:14 Steve's Personal Music Preferences

01:06:05 Recommended Reading in the Psychedelic Space

01:09:46 Steve's Musical Background and Other Interests

01:14:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thanks for listening

Connect with Steve at:

Book discussed in this episode: Tuning In: Experiencing Music in Psychedelic States

His fine art photography website

Steve’s Spotify Profile

Links to Steve’s Spotify Playlists:

His specific playlists recommendations for ketamine therapy

・Classical playlist "Peace, Serenity":

・Ambient playlist "Spacious, Minimalist, Ethereal":

・"Psychedelic Ambient"

Other selected playlists of Steve’s:

・Main classical playlist "Classical Music for Psychedelic States"

・Marriage between classical and ambient "Neo-Classical for Psychonauts"

・"Healing Female Voices"

・"High Vibes, Blissful Emotions"

・"Nature's Own Music"

・"White Noise: Organic/Natural"

Selected Links From the Episode:

Steve J Gelberg, India In a Mind’s Eye: Travels and Ruminations of an Ambivalent Pilgrim

Steve’s Book Recommendations:

・Aldous Huxley, The Doors of Perception and Heaven and Hell 

・Alan Watts, The Joyous Cosmology: Adventures in the Chemistry of Consciousness

・Michael Pollan, How to Change Your Mind. New York: Penguin Press, 2018.

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