Living Medicine

Jorge Camil Starr is the Founder of ENOVA, a Mexican social enterprise that develops, implements, and manages educational centers to expand access to technology-based learning. A Mexican-American social entrepreneur recognized as an Ashoka Fellow and Endeavor Entrepreneur, he has focused his career on innovation, technology, education, and social impact. Jorge is also the CEO and Founder of Entheogyn, a vertically integrated legal psychedelic ecosystem that includes mushroom cultivation, healing sessions, ceremony, integration, research, and education.

Psychedelic medicine is opening new conversations about healing, consciousness, and the relationship between modern care models and ancient wisdom. As this field grows, how can practitioners, entrepreneurs, and communities honor the sacred roots of these medicines while building safe, ethical systems for the future?

Jorge Camil Starr emphasizes respect, humility, and intentionality. As a social entrepreneur working at the intersection of innovation, psychedelics, and social impact, he maintains that psychedelic work should not impose an agenda or interpretation on participants, but instead create a supportive container where people can access their own insights. Jorge suggests integrating ritual thoughtfully, meeting people where they are, learning from indigenous wisdom without appropriating it, and building strong safeguards around preparation, facilitation, and integration.

In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes sits down with Jorge Camil Starr, Founder of ENOVA and CEO and Founder of Entheogyn, to discuss ethical psychedelic care rooted in indigenous wisdom. Jorge explains Entheogyn's vertically integrated model, the role of ritual and intention, and how legal systems can support safety, respect, and harm reduction.

Gina Giorgio is the Director of Strategy and Development at Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), the largest youth-led network working to end the War on Drugs through evidence-based, compassionate, and human rights-aligned policies. In her role, she helps lead federal and state efforts in psychedelic and cannabis policy reform, promotes drug education, and creates career-building opportunities for young people interested in advocacy. Gina is also the Founder of Carolinas for Care, which expands access to psychedelic medicines for veterans and others disproportionately impacted by trauma.

Psychedelic medicine is moving into serious conversations about research, policy, and clinical care. As access expands, how can states, clinicians, and advocates prepare responsibly while prioritizing safety, training, and equity?

Gina Giorgio's answer is to build the infrastructure before approval arrives. As a psychedelic policy and advocacy expert, she emphasizes the need for relationship-based advocacy, state-level engagement, and thoughtful implementation. Gina recommends contacting legislators and tracking funding opportunities as policy continues to evolve. Central to her guidance, she also emphasizes preparing clinicians through better training pathways, prioritizing insurance and Medicaid coverage, and ensuring therapists and medical professionals help shape regulations rather than reacting to them later. The path forward requires both urgency and care.

In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes sits down with Gina Giorgio, Director of Strategy and Development at Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) and Founder of Carolinas for Care, to discuss psychedelic policy reform. Gina shares how veteran mental health shaped her advocacy, what the recent executive order means for psychedelic treatment access, and the importance of clinician training and state-level action.

Roman Palitsky, PhD, is the Director of Research Projects for Emory Spiritual Health and a Research Psychologist for Emory University School of Medicine. His research examines how culture, spirituality, and health interact, focusing on the biological, psychological, and social pathways that shape health outcomes. Dr. Palitsky is also an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University and conducts research to make behavioral and psychedelic therapies more culturally responsive and effective.

He leads the Post-Psychedelic Challenges study. If you or someone you know has experienced difficulties after taking a psychedelic, consider participating in this paid study: Post-Psychedelic Challenges Study

Psychedelic therapies are often framed as breakthroughs — but what happens when the experience doesn't go as expected? As these treatments gain popularity, a more complex reality is emerging: Profound healing can coexist with confusion, distress, or even lasting challenges. How can clinicians and patients navigate the full spectrum of psychedelic experiences?

Roman Palitsky, PhD, a research psychologist specializing in the intersection of spirituality and mental health, emphasizes that both benefits and harms can arise from the same experience — and both deserve careful attention. He encourages clinicians to validate patients' narratives rather than forcing meaning too quickly, focusing first on stabilization before interpretation. Dr. Palitsky also recommends preparing clients thoroughly, monitoring readiness, and recognizing when difficult reactions signal the need to pause or adjust care. His guidance centers on curiosity, humility, and using a broad clinical toolkit to support recovery and growth.

In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes talks with Roman Palitsky, PhD, Director of Research Projects for Emory Spiritual Health and Research Psychologist for the Emory University School of Medicine, about adverse effects in psychedelic therapy. Dr. Palitsky explains how psychedelics reveal key questions about the mind, why adverse experiences must be studied alongside benefits, and how clinicians can support patients through challenging outcomes.

Eric Sienknecht, PsyD, is the Co-founder and Psychologist at Polaris Insight Center, a ketamine-assisted psychotherapy clinic and training center. As a licensed clinical psychologist, he has experience treating trauma, mood disorders, and chronic pain by integrating psychedelic experiences into therapeutic care. Eric has received advanced training in KAP through the Ketamine Training Center and in MDMA-Assisted Therapy through the LYKOS MDMA Therapy Training Program.

As psychedelic therapy gains momentum, clinicians are grappling with how to balance structure, safety, and trust in a client's inner process. How can therapists support deep psychological healing in altered states of consciousness?

According to KAP clinical psychologist Eric Sienknecht, effective therapy begins with trusting the client's inner healing intelligence. He emphasizes the importance of presence, attunement, and relinquishing the urge to direct or interpret too quickly. Rather than leading, therapists can use simple, open-ended prompts like "What are you noticing?" while staying attuned across verbal, somatic, and emotional levels. Eric also highlights the value of personal therapeutic work and self-awareness to avoid imposing agendas, ultimately supporting a more authentic and client-led healing process.

In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes talks with Eric Sienknecht, PsyD, Co-founder and Psychologist at Polaris Insight Center, to discuss supporting clients during psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Eric shares his psychedelic healing journey, the role of inner-directed therapy, and how therapists can attune to clients across multiple levels of experience.

Peter Corbett, LICSW, is the Founder and Executive Director of Kapstone Clinics, a network of mental health clinics focused on integrative and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy services. He is a seasoned clinical social worker and psychotherapist with more than 30 years of experience across private practice, hospitals, and community mental health settings. As a leader in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, Peter serves as a trainer, faculty member, and co-director of related clinical and educational programs.

The key to lasting psychological change isn't about fixing what's broken — it's about expanding what's possible. Many people find themselves stuck in deeply ingrained emotional and behavioral patterns, unable to break free despite years of effort. How can alternative approaches offer a more effective path forward?

Seasoned clinical social worker and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy expert Peter Corbett maintains that genuine transformation begins by loosening rigid neural patterns and creating space for new ways of thinking and living. He recommends combining ketamine experiences with intentional integration, encouraging clients to rewrite themselves by clarifying who they want to become. Peter also highlights the value of mindfulness practices, supportive therapeutic relationships, and safe, structured environments to sustain change. Lasting growth comes from combining expanded awareness with deliberate action.

In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes sits down with Peter Corbett, LICSW, Founder and Executive Director of Kapstone Clinics, to discuss ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for mental health. Peter explains how ketamine disrupts rigid mental patterns, the importance of integration and identity transformation, and why multidisciplinary care models are essential for safe and effective treatment.

Marcela Ot'alora is a Psychotherapist, Artist, and Researcher at Memoru, a nonprofit organization focused on psychedelic education, clinical care, training, and research. For over 25 years, she has treated trauma and PTSD using MDMA-assisted therapy. Previously, Marcela was a Principal Investigator and Trainer at MAPS, where she conducted Phase II and III clinical trials for the use of MDMA in treating PTSD.

Healing from trauma isn't about erasing the past — it's about changing your relationship with it. How can therapists be present in their clients' journeys without losing themselves in the process? What anchors practitioners and participants in wisdom and safety?

According to MDMA clinical trial investigator Marcela Ot'alora, healing begins with discovering the part of ourselves that is not traumatized. Rather than trying to eliminate pain, she encourages learning to live alongside it differently. For practitioners, Marcela emphasizes deep self-awareness, integrating one's own history, and cultivating attunement through embodied presence rather than intellectual analysis. When therapists do their own integration work, they can meet clients with steadiness and authenticity.

In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes talks with Marcela Ot'alora, Psychotherapist, Artist, and Researcher at Memoru, about healing, attunement, and psychedelic therapy. They explore how MDMA transformed her relationship with trauma, the differences between MDMA and psilocybin experiences, and why integrated presence is essential for ethical, effective practice.

Dana Lerman, MD, is the Founder of Skylight Psychedelics, a company that trains therapists in psychedelic‑assisted therapy and provides medically supervised ketamine and psychedelic interventions. As a physician trained in internal medicine and infectious diseases, she was the Co-founder of The COVID Consultants, a national COVID-19 consulting and testing firm. Dr. Lerman has received certifications in psychedelic therapy, Internal Family Systems, trauma, and ecotherapy. In addition to Skylight Psychedelics, she co‑founded Starlight Clinical Research and volunteers with harm‑reduction and psychedelic supportive care projects like The Zendo Project.

As psychedelics become more integrated into mainstream therapy, the challenges of preserving tradition while ensuring safety and effectiveness remain at the forefront of this evolving field. How can professionals bridge this gap?

Physician turned psychedelic therapy practitioner Dana Lerman, MD, suggests blending indigenous wisdom with modern therapeutic practices. She emphasizes the importance of proper preparation and informed consent for psychedelic experiences, ensuring that participants understand both the potential benefits and risks. Safety, trust, and a deep respect for the medicine are key components of a transformative psychedelic journey. By honoring these traditions and fostering a sense of community, practitioners can create healing environments that respect the individuals and the medicines.

In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes sits down with Dana Lerman, MD, to talk about the integration of indigenous practices into psychedelic therapy. Dr. Lerman shares her thoughts on the importance of preparation in psychedelic work, the role of indigenous wisdom in modern therapy, and the need for a strong community during psychedelic experiences.

Jason Konner, MD, is the Co‑founder of Psychedelic Oncology, an initiative exploring the intersection of psychedelic‑assisted healing and cancer care. As a medical oncologist, he spent over two decades treating patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Konner integrates relational and existential support into oncology to expand clinicians' understanding of how these therapies might ease existential distress in people facing serious illness.

Cancer care is not just about fighting the disease — it's about addressing the profound emotional and existential challenges patients face. How can healthcare providers support patients' mental and emotional needs while navigating these difficult journeys?

According to psychedelic oncologist Dr. Jason Konner, psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, can offer profound emotional relief to cancer patients by helping them address existential distress — something often overlooked in traditional oncology care. He emphasizes the importance of self-care for healthcare providers, suggesting that personal experiences with psychedelics can help combat burnout and improve the quality of care. By focusing on emotional and spiritual healing, doctors can support their patients through difficult diagnoses.

In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes sits down with Jason Konner, MD, Co-founder of Psychedelic Oncology, to discuss the intersection of oncology and psychedelics. Dr. Konner explains how psychedelics help cancer patients confront existential fears, the need for psychedelic literacy among healthcare providers, and how providers can avoid burnout through personal healing practices.

Nicolas Grundmann is the Co-founder and CEO of Ember Health, which provides IV ketamine treatments for depression. As a board-certified emergency medicine physician, he launched Ember Health to create more effective, patient-centered treatment options. Nicolas is also a faculty member at the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists and Practitioners, and is the Co-founder of Chenla Children's Healthcare, which improves pediatric care in Cambodia.

Mental health treatment is evolving as clinicians search for options that outperform traditional approaches. From data-driven care to treating trauma, anxiety, and depression together, how can clinicians create evidence-based ketamine treatments?

According to emergency medicine physician Nicolas Grundmann, effective ketamine treatment starts with rigorous evidence, longitudinal data, and close care coordination. He emphasizes symptom-driven dosing, regular measurement using validated tools, and proactive follow-up to catch relapses early. Clinicians should also integrate outside therapists, help patients relearn emotional regulation after depression lifts, and avoid one-size-fits-all models.

In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes talks with Nicolas Grundmann, Co-founder and CEO of Ember Health, about evidence-based ketamine treatment for depression. Nicolas talks about using real-world data to guide care, treating depression with comorbid PTSD and anxiety, and whether to include therapy during ketamine sessions.

Dr. Sandra Newes (Sandy) is a Licensed Psychologist with over 25 years of clinical experience. She is the Co-founder of the Living Medicine Institute, offering training and resources to therapists and medical professionals. A full-time KAP provider since 2019, she has facilitated more than 600 ketamine-assisted psychotherapy sessions. Her approach integrates evidence-based psychotherapy with trauma-informed, somatic, and experiential practices, bringing warmth, curiosity, and extensive clinical expertise to her work.

Many people exploring mental health treatments seek options that go deeper than traditional talk therapy. They want approaches that help them access, process, and move through the patterns that keep them stuck. How can you determine which tools support meaningful change?

According to psychologist and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy specialist Dr. Sandy Newes, the solution lies in combining medicine with skilled therapeutic guidance. Preparation, integration, and a strong relational container turn chemical experiences into transformation. Dr. Newes recommends working in a structured series of sessions, tracking the narrative and the body, and ensuring clients feel safe enough to explore difficult material. This process can open space for clarity, emotional release, and genuine healing.

In this episode of Living Medicine, Chad Franzen of Rise25 hosts Dr. Sandy Newes, Co-founder and Programming Director of Living Medicine Institute, to discuss ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for trauma care. Dr. Newes talks about its unique clinical utility, common misconceptions about dosing, and how trauma-informed care shapes the therapeutic experience.