This episode explores the bio-psycho-social (plus) nuances that go into traumatic experiences.  Luke Montgomery joins us to discuss his latest documentary that asks the questions: What is trauma?  What factors go into the vast responses human beings have to traumatic experiences?  As well as, how can we turn traumatic experiences into opportunities for growth and enhanced resiliency in the face of chaos?

There are many different forms of traumatic experiences.  Some seem to mostly breed unnecessary suffering (sexual assaults, abuse, neglect, etc.) while others have the potential to create heroic traits and promote individuation that leads to success.  It is important to remember that trauma is not the incident or experience in itself, but our relationship to that experience that makes it either shocking, or awe-inspiring.  Our minds, bodies, and nervous systems are built to manage stress better when we have the resources, supports, and capacity to face the challenges in our lives.

Instagram:

@jake_flightofthoughts

Facebook:

The Psychedelic Society of First Responders and Emergency Workers

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This podcast is uncensored and covers many topics considered “taboo” or difficult for some individuals. We do not condone any illegal activities, as this is a platform for harm reduction and open dialogue.  Although the ideas are mostly evidence-based some thoughts or comments from the host and guests may be “off the cuff”...this is your trigger warning!

Charlie the Paramedic joins us again to talk with me about how he has been coping while working on the frontlines of this pandemic.  We share stories about how the ongoing pandemic and increase in positive cases cause major strain on our healthcare system and emergency services.  We also share some funny stories to lighten the mood. 

We both have seen many preventable deaths due to increased emergency wait times and overwhelmed hospitals.  You will hear some stories that highlight the challenges first responders and healthcare workers are facing in the fight to keep patients alive.  We also share what measures we take to maintain resilience despite the increase in stress.

We discuss the complex misinformation and fear of loss of control that leads to vaccine hesitancy.  It is a normal human reaction to deny facts when it challenges your point of view in times of overwhelming stress.  Over 90% of ICU admissions and deaths from Covid-19 are in the unvaccinated, while hospitals in areas with high case numbers are beyond overwhelmed.  It is also well known that a large portion of survivors (even asymptomatic) may have long term damage to several organ systems.  Charlie and I are lucky enough to have been taught the skill of evidence-based research appraisal, as well as built clinical practice experience that help inform our understanding on this topic.

With everything we know about this virus, vaccines, and infectious diseases we still see individuals who lean towards conspiracy thinking instead of professional guidance.  This is due to a failure to cope from fear of uncertainty, loss of usual comfort routines, lack of rounded understanding, and lack of effort put into educating the public effectively to make the right choices. 

It was been over 18 months since the pandemic began.  All of you listening have been through your own personal challenges to overcome.  Stay informed with credible sources, take good care of YOUR needs, and keep track of the bio-psycho-social factors that influence your wellbeing.  We are all in this together and we will get through this!  Enjoy the episode.

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Instagram:

@jake_flightofthoughts

Facebook:

The Psychedelic Society of First Responders and Emergency Workers

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This podcast is uncensored and covers many topics considered “taboo” or difficult for some individuals. We do not condone any illegal activities, as this is a platform for harm reduction and open dialogue.  Although the ideas are mostly evidence-based some thoughts or comments from the host and guests may be “off the cuff”...this is your trigger warning!

Carlos Plazola (Decriminalize Nature Chair) and Larry Norris (Co-founder of Decriminalize Nature) join me to discuss their campaign and the state of decriminalization in North America.  Decriminalize Nature is an organization that aims to help human beings access psychedelic/entheogenic plants while applying harm reduction and community-based principles.  We discuss the framework needed to restore a meaningful connection to these plants and avoid the need of unnecessary barriers.  They and others like them are advocating, educating, and shifting political perspectives.  We also discuss the need for accountability through a trauma-informed and community minded lens, while expanding access to plants with entheogenic and/or psychedelic properties.  This includes personal cultivation, providing healing services, and other topics surrounding decriminalization.

 

Follow Decriminalize Nature at decriminalizenature.org and...

twitter: decrimnature Instagram and FB: decriminalizenature crypto donations: https://bitpay.com/31323/donate

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Flight of Thoughts

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Instagram:

@jake_flightofthoughts

Facebook:

The Psychedelic Society of First Responders and Emergency Workers

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This podcast is uncensored and covers many topics considered “taboo” or difficult for some individuals. We do not condone any illegal activities, as this is a platform for harm reduction and open dialogue.  Although the ideas are mostly evidence-based some thoughts or comments from the host and guests may be “off the cuff”...this is your trigger warning!

Join the Executive Director of the Montreal Psychedelic Society (Roxanne Hallal) in her discussion with me about the basics of trip sitting and harm reduction!  Folks who joined the livestream were able to ask questions and learn more about why we trip sit, how to know if you're ready to do so, and what to talk about with the people that will be tripping.   We also cover what emergencies can arise, and how to respond to them. Research has shown that harm reduction and education allow individuals to avoid risks when using various substances. This webinar can be beneficial for the average person curious about psychedelics, first responders/healthcare workers providing care, harm reduction workers, public event volunteers, and more!   The pandemic has shown an increase need in this type of education, so this will be recorded to be made available for future access. We include a Naloxone/Narcan training near the end as well!   Follow the Montreal Psychedelic Society and the Psychedelic Society of First Responders and Emergency Workers on Facebook!  

Flight of Thoughts

Website:

flightofthoughts.blog

Instagram:

@jake_flightofthoughts

Facebook:

The Psychedelic Society of First Responders and Emergency Workers

This podcast is uncensored and covers many topics considered “taboo” or difficult for some individuals. We do not condone any illegal activities, as this is a platform for harm reduction and open dialogue.  Although the ideas are mostly evidence-based some thoughts or comments from the host and guests may be “off the cuff”...this is your trigger warning!

 

I recorded this workshop with The Foundation of International Medical Graduates to provide some tools and resources for maintaining mental health resiliency during stressful challenges.  In addition to residency applications, research and overall being a competitive medical graduate, we need to remember to take care of ourselves and especially our mental health.  This workshop applies to students, healthcare professionals, and first responders.  Here is the recording of our full workshop for you! Come hang and relax!

Foundation of IMG (Website)

https://foundationofimg.org/

Flight of Thoughts

Website:

flightofthoughts.blog

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Instagram:

@jake_flightofthoughts

Facebook:

The Psychedelic Society of First Responders and Emergency Workers

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This podcast is uncensored and covers many topics considered “taboo” or difficult for some individuals. We do not condone any illegal activities, as this is a platform for harm reduction and open dialogue.  Although the ideas are mostly evidence-based some thoughts or comments from the host and guests may be “off the cuff”...this is your trigger warning!

This special episode features Firefighter, Rob Leathen, and former Police Officer/Founder of Boots On The Ground, Dave McLennan.  The three of us discuss the struggles shared amongst all first responders.  We talk about some of the differences and common struggles faced by Paramedics, Police, Fire Fighters, Corrections Officers, and others.  This highlights the power and importance of having peer support available.

I ask Dave and Rob about their experiences with mental health through their careers and what makes Boots On The Ground an important resource for all first responders to have in their toolkit.

It is well understood that trauma, burnout, and other common mental health problems are heightened among first responders and frontline workers.  There are PHYSICAL, MENTAL, SOCIAL, and EMOTIONAL aspects to growth and resiliency in the face of chronic stress.  Whether you are in need of expanding your resources or are not sure where to start, Boots On The Ground has specially trained peers that you can reach out to.

Dave, Rob, and myself share the strengths and the areas where the culture is shifting in emergency services.  We talk about the good and bad decisions made by those who do not have their needs met.  To be strong and grow from what we experience we must be aware of the limitations of being human.  Further, it is important for us to learn to integrate our mind, body, and nervous system to process challenging experiences.  To do this it is important to build up strong self care routines that strengthen you physically, psychologically, and socially to remain grounded.

Visit www.bootsontheground.ca  to find out what resources are available to first responders. Most people have no idea what a First Responder goes through, though they try. Even among our own, it can be hard to talk about "work".

That’s why we started Boots On The Ground. It’s an anonymous Ontario-based helpline where First Responders can talk to someone who’s been through it. We’re not therapists. We’re here to listen. No call display. No judgment. 

Whether you are a retired or serving, sworn or civilian:

• Firefighter
• Police Officer
• Paramedic
• Nurse
• Corrections Officer
• Emergency Dispatch Operator

We’re here to be your first call, when you’re ready. 1-833-677-2668 (anonymous and available 24/7).

Jake's Websites:
jakemitchellservices.ca

flightofthoughts.blog  

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Instagram:

@jake_flightofthoughts

Facebook:

The Psychedelic Society of First Responders and Emergency Workers

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This podcast is uncensored and covers many topics considered “taboo” or difficult for some individuals. We do not condone any illegal activities, as this is a platform for harm reduction and open dialogue.  Although the ideas are mostly evidence-based some thoughts or comments from the host and guests may be “off the cuff”...this is your trigger warning!

Chad Bartalone is a Firefighter/Paramedic from the United States and host of the Abiders Urban Achiever Podcast.  We discuss our experiences working on the frontline of the Covid-19 pandemic as first responders.  The topic of de-escalating individuals who are aggressive or confrontational is addressed from our first-hand experiences.  Where does anger come from during crisis?

Chad brings up how this pandemic is similar to a difficult psychedelic experience that is teaching each of us personalized lessons about ourselves that we have never been forced to face before.  This is where we tie it in to managing your stress response during challenging times, where your needs may not be fully met day-to-day.  We share what we do to remain optimal physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally during the last few months (at work and at home).  Check out The Abiders Urban Achievers Podcast on

Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-abiders-urban-achiever-podcast/id1466004118

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NMUKnSSbKYx43Q8keY13f

...and other podcasting platforms!
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Flight Of Thoughts

Instagram:

@jake_flightofthoughts

Facebook:

The Psychedelic Society of First Responders and Emergency Workers

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This podcast is uncensored and covers many topics considered “taboo” or difficult for some individuals. We do not condone any illegal activities, as this is a platform for harm reduction and open dialogue.  Although the ideas are mostly evidence-based and honest, the lines of reality and comedy may be blurred at times...this is your trigger warning!

I share some emergency situations as examples of how radical acceptance helps the mind stay in control to make the best decisions.  As human beings we are programmed to resist feeling a lack of control, while submitting to the fact that we are not in control of all aspects of our environments is often the best way to remain calm and think critically.  Practicing mindfulness, breathing, and grounding techniques can help you train your mind and nervous system to default to this survival response.  I also talk about how we can monitor ourselves for when we are reacting to situations with anger or defensiveness.  This often stems from an unregulated sense of fear, confusion, hopelessness, or sadness attached to the situation we are reacting to.

 

Two tandem tools that work well together when responding to or supporting someone in crisis. Whether they are reacting with anger, inconsolable sadness, shutting down communication, or other responses it is important to remember where it is coming from. They may have many reasons for experiencing those feelings that may be chronically unresolved or overwhelming in the moment. Use your OARS (motivational interviewing technique) to help build connection and understanding. This also works well when exploring the source of difficult psychedelic experiences and cannabis-induced anxiety. Both of which are likely rooted in unresolved sadness, hopelessness, pain, confusion, or fear that has been brought to the surface.

Website:

flightofthoughts.blog

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Instagram:

@jake_flightofthoughts

Facebook:

The Psychedelic Society of First Responders and Emergency Workers

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This podcast is uncensored and covers many topics considered “taboo” or difficult for some individuals. We do not condone any illegal activities, as this is a platform for harm reduction and open dialogue.  Although the ideas are mostly evidence-based and honest, the lines of reality and comedy may be blurred at times...this is your trigger warning!

Jamison Rambharose joins me to discuss a range of topics in the psychedelic community.  He has facilitated psychedelic experiences, has been very active in the community, and has harnessed tools like float tanks and Lucia Light technology.  We cover how we can all better hold space for those having psychedelic experiences or in altered states of consciousness.  This will include harm reduction tips, mental health first aid tools, preparation and integration ideas based on various factors.
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There is a big picture approach to substance use that we address.  We must take into account all biological, psychological, social, emotional, and other factors that contribute to how substances affect us differently.  Why can some use opioids and not form a problematic relationship with them?  How can some drink alcohol, while others become alcoholics?  How can some use cannabis all day and not become impaired, while some exacerbate stress with their use?  I share what I've learned as an Addictions and Mental Health Worker, Harm Reduction Worker, and Paramedic to inform how we can navigate these factors more effectively.

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Of course, we address coping with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and changes that come with it.  How do we enhance our well-being and avoid mental health decline.  How do we turn this into an opportunity for growth and resiliency?  Lets figure it out together!

Here are some links to the groups and organizations we spoke about:

MAPS (Multi-disciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies)
https://maps.org/ 

Zendo Project (Festival Trip Sitting and Harm Reduction Training)
https://zendoproject.org/ 

Lucia Lighthouse (Toronto, Canada)
https://www.lucialighthouse.com/?fbclid=IwAR2v5nvlXQZ6O6xzZFEXFnOoN9f5C7Z2iad37lRqni0Z5tb9LrJSH_qRj6A 

Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge-Guelph Psychedelic Society
https://www.kwcgpsychedelicsociety.com/?fbclid=IwAR2Op4UG_I0RHE4rznCacfmjAhQo0NVlR9rtDfTlT9rE3YTVdtVTEVDVuqI 

Psychedelic Society of First Responders and Emergency Workers
https://www.facebook.com/PsychedelicFirstRespondersAndEmergencyWorkers

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Website:

flightofthoughts.blog

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Instagram:

@jake_flightofthoughts

Facebook:

The Psychedelic Society of First Responders and Emergency Workers

*

This podcast is uncensored and covers many topics considered “taboo” or difficult for some individuals. We do not condone any illegal activities, as this is a platform for harm reduction and open dialogue.  Although the ideas are mostly evidence-based and honest, the lines of reality and comedy may be blurred at times...this is your trigger warning!

Ben of The Tantra Punk podcast, joins me virtually to discuss a lot of deep topics that have been resurfacing more recently such as how to be a modern survivalist, prepared to handle daily challenges of a pandemic and uncertain economy.  With the riots happening in North America, including the storming of the US Capitol Building it is more important to be prepared for adversity.  We bring up healing from psychological trauma and the various modalities that western medicine hasn't fully embraced yet.  We bring together the ideas of Eastern philosophies with the scientific understandings of neurobiology and endocrinology, to break the stigma of alternate healing pathways.

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Ben shares his experiences and understandings of harm reduction in regards to substance use and sex.  It is important to make harm reduction information as low-barrier and accessible as possible for everyone to stay safe.  Ben busts some myths about Tantric Healing and Tantra work, which he practices alongside his Tantra Punk website (www.tantrapunk.com).  He strives to help others on their journey with an effort to increase regulation and safety to prevent manipulation and negative intentions of gurus.  Many Healers and practitioners of alternative modalities are regulated or held to a high standard, while other manipulate the system and put others at risk.  We talk about "spiritual narcissism" and how to avoid those who fall into its trap.  Psychedelics, mind/body awareness, and other tools can be used to enhance the work you do to improve your health and wellness.  Check out Ben's podcast and website to find out more of what he brings to the field!
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Instagram:

@jake_flightofthoughts

Facebook:

The Psychedelic Society of First Responders and Emergency Workers

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This podcast is uncensored and covers many topics considered “taboo” or difficult for some individuals. We do not condone any illegal activities, as this is a platform for harm reduction and open dialogue.  Although the ideas are mostly evidence-based and honest, the lines of reality and comedy may be blurred at times...this is your trigger warning!