Polyvagal Theory, which according to Dr. Porges is not a theory but a description of the nervous system, has revolutionized our view of how humans work, relate, heal, and grow. This theory has radically changed how many therapists conduct psychotherapy today. It has also changed the way many people think about who we are and how we work, providing a conceptual framework that can greatly accelerate one’s personal journey towards full self-acceptance. This podcast covers many of Dr. Porges central concepts. We also briefly talk about the relationship between Polyvagal Theory and MDMA-Assisted Therapy.

The video available @ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBdp_cDwgNx6veom8_lJ6CbZVP-G1eAUt

Rick Doblin, legendary founder of MAPS, discusses his views on the recent unexpected decision by the FDA to delay the approval of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for broad clinical use. In this interview, Rick clarifies each point raised against MDMA therapy in the recent controversy, then counters and dispels most of the criticism that was raised against the studies. We also explore the strange turns in recent history, starting with the unfortunate Power Trip Podcast, which itself turned out to be a power trip. Rick also talks about the psychotherapy method used in the FDA research, and shared this article on the topic: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2824481.  

After several suicide attempts, a US veteran found MDMA Assisted Therapy, which he claims not only saved his life but also cured him of PTSD. Listen to Jonathan’s remarkable story.

Dr. Matthew Baggot (a neuroscientist and expert on both the neurophysiology and phenomenology of MDMA and on the FDA drug approval process) shares a number of very interesting, unique, and nuanced insights about the FDA Expert Panel meeting regarding MDMA-Assisted Therapy.

TheraPsil is a Canadian West Coast non-profit, best known for their pioneering work with Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for end-of-life anxiety, as well as their incredible national advocacy efforts. Recently, TheraPsil added MDMA-Assisted Therapy Training to their roster of offerings. Join us for a conversation with Yasmeen de Rosenroll, TheraPsil’s Director of Training and Operations. 

Rachel Nuwer is a science journalist. Her new book “I Feel Love” is to-date the most comprehensive account of the history of MDMA. Rachel paints numerous stories about various colorful people related to the history of MDMA. Her thorough coverage of turning points, issues, and controversies makes this book a must-read for anyone in the field of MDMA-Assisted Therapy and beyond. We talk about the early therapeutic use of MDMA, it’s toxicity, risks, safety, and tolerance, the past politicization of science, and of course the Ferry to Sausalito. 

Dr. Pamela Kryskow is a powerful force reshaping the Canadian psychedelic scene. In this episode, she talks about various psychedelic initiatives she helped co-create, including a progressive non-profit Roots to Thrive Psychedelic Assisted Therapy, the Psychedelic Association of Canada, the first Canadian post-graduate certificate in psychedelic therapies, and the largest-ever psilocybin microdosing study with over 33,000 participants. Among many other topics, we talk about the great value of group therapy.

In this third part of the MDMA-Assisted Therapy series, Dr. Darek Dawda reviews numerous topics related to safety. He argues that, given the nature of this therapy, extra emphasis on safety is of utmost importance, and that some aspects of safety, such as what happens after the dosing sessions, require much more attention than they have received to date. The importance of extended Informed Consent is emphasized. 

Darek Dawda in conversation with Rick Doblin, a legendary visionary who founded MAPS, and who is just about to make one of the most effective known psychotherapies legally available for medical therapeutic use. Rick talks about his journey, the power of MDMA-Assisted Therapy, his thoughts on the future of humankind, and much more.

In this second part of the MDMA-Assisted Therapy series, Dr. Darek Dawda discusses some key concepts related to the process of integration.