Psychedelic Healing

In the realm of mental health and well-being, the use of psychedelic-assisted therapies has emerged as a groundbreaking approach to healing. These therapies, which involve the controlled and supervised use of substances like psilocybin and MDMA, have shown remarkable potential in treating individuals suffering from treatment-resistant mental illnesses. One organization at the forefront of this movement is Mind Medicine Australia, a registered charity dedicated to expanding treatment options for Australians through the safe and effective use of psychedelic-assisted therapies.

In this thought-provoking interview, we had the privilege of speaking with Tania de Jong, the co-founder and executive director of Mind Medicine Australia. Tania is a trailblazing Australian soprano, global speaker, and award-winning social entrepreneur. Her journey from being told she couldn't sing to becoming an accomplished soprano is a testament to the power of resilience and self-belief. Tania's personal experiences with psychedelics have further fueled her passion for creating positive change in the world.

Dr. Michael Mckenzie, a board-certified family physician and cannabis specialist, discusses the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and the importance of understanding the different components of the plant. He explains that cannabis is not a single agent like traditional medications, but rather a complex plant with various cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that work together to produce different effects. 

Dr. Mckenzie emphasizes the need to consider the terpene profile of a cannabis product, as different terpenes can have different effects on the body. He also discusses the use of cannabis in treating specific conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, and chronic pain. Dr. Mckenzie highlights the importance of communication between patients and their healthcare providers and the need for further research to fully understand the potential benefits of cannabis.

One area where cannabis has shown remarkable promise is in the treatment of epilepsy. Dr. Mckenzie explains that the combination of THC and CBD is often necessary to control seizures effectively. While CBD alone may provide initial relief, breakthrough seizures can occur, requiring the addition of THC or THCA to the regimen. The specific terpenes and cannabinoids found in cannabis interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, dialing down overactive immune cells and reducing inflammation, which can contribute to seizure activity.

Another surprising application of cannabis is in the treatment of chronic pain. Dr. Mckenzie takes a holistic approach, considering not only the pain itself but also associated conditions like insomnia or depression. By tailoring the terpene profile of a cannabis product to address these specific needs, patients can experience significant relief. Dr. Mckenzie also mentions the use of transdermal patches, which bypass liver metabolism and provide a steady dose of cannabinoids, making them an excellent option for pain management.

In this episode, we interview John Giordano, an addiction specialist, traumatologist, and mental health advocate with over 35 years of experience in addiction treatment. We discuss the stigma and pushback against utilizing ketamine and other psychedelics in mental health and addiction treatment. John also emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to mental health, addressing medical conditions and behaviors that contribute to depression and anxiety.

John's journey in addiction treatment began with a deep dissatisfaction with the quality of care and the one-sided view of traditional treatment. His experience in the field led him to realize that there was a need for a more holistic approach to healing addiction.

John's interest in psychedelics and ketamine treatment began in 1996 when he attended a neuroscience conference in Taipei. He initially had reservations about ketamine due to its association with addiction, but his research and conversations with people who had undergone ketamine treatment convinced him of its potential benefits.

Phoebe McPherson and George Moulton, owners of Function, join us to discuss their nature-inspired wellness brand and the benefits of functional mushrooms. They explain that their brand, Fungtion, offers two main elixirs: the Kanna Elixir, which contains the plant Kanna and other mushrooms like chaga and reishi, and the Mushroom Elixir, which includes lion's mane, cordyceps, and other herbs and plants. 

They emphasize the importance of taste in their products and the bioavailability of the nutrients. Phoebe and George also tease upcoming products, including an alternative to alcohol and a legal form of MDMA.

Phoebe McPherson is an educator, herbalist, gatherer, and the head of the brand and education for Fungtion. She has extensive knowledge of medicinal mushrooms, psychedelics, and plants, with a passion for sharing Kanna with the world.

George Moulton is an entrepreneur, creator, and lifelong athlete. He is the founder and CEO of Fungtion, a nature-inspired wellness brand that creates mushroom and plant-centric products. He is also an advocate for psychedelic legalization and open access through nonprofits and educational events.

Ana Sa is a psychedelic facilitator and integration coach, using a unique approach that combines quantum healing, hypnosis, Amazonian flower essences, and neurolinguistics programming. Ana shares her journey with ayahuasca and how it led her to become a holistic and integration coach. She discusses the intergenerational trauma in her family and how her grandmother's experiences with ayahuasca were passed down through the generations. Ana explains her experience with the Santo Daime doctrine, a Brazilian religious doctrine that uses ayahuasca as a sacrament. 

She highlights the difference between the Santo Daime church and the Peruvian Shamanic traditions, emphasizing that in the Santo Daime doctrine, every individual is their own healer. Ana also mentions the inclusive nature of the doctrine, which incorporates elements of Christianity, native tribes, and the Yoruba culture.

Ana Sa is a holistic coach and mentor who is passionate about plant medicine, nature, and the journey of self-study. Ana is also a Ketamine Integration coach at the Ketamine & Wellness Clinic in Miami Beach.

Segal Trials is the first to offer psychedelic research in Florida and is pioneering the way for advancements in medicine for the entire country. They offer a full-service center dedicated to Psychedelic Research. The doctors and staff are experts in the field of psychedelics.

Segal Trials has a proven record of 23 years as private research experts changing the treatment paradigm for psychiatric, neurological, and women’s health disorders.

Sonia speaks with the author of Midnight Water: A Psychedelic Memoir, Katherine MacLean, Ph.D. This book is the first psychedelic memoir from a young female scientist and mother. Dr. MacLean’s story begins during her first year on the faculty at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine when her path takes a sudden and unexpected detour following the death of her younger sister from cancer. After leaving her faculty job, MacLean travels the world – bringing medical and humanitarian aid to remote Himalayan villages and creating sanctuary spaces for psychedelic support – until she finally settles on an organic farm.

While birthing and raising her two children, leading workshops and psychedelic retreats, and training to become an MDMA therapist, MacLean’s traumatic past and the loss of her sister continue to haunt her. When her father’s lung cancer finally invades his brain, MacLean realizes that she must dive straight into the heart of her own labyrinth in order to forgive her dad before he dies.

Midnight Water is not only a compelling personal story of psychedelic healing but an inspired vision for a psychedelic future that positions women and family caregivers at the center of home-based healing, from birth through death. “It is possible to survive–and even thrive–after the loss of your most important person, and it is possible to understand and forgive the most difficult person in your life,” Dr. MacLean says. https://www.katherinemaclean.org/

Daron Babin, co-founder of Cannabis Radio, joins host Sonia to discuss the importance of setting intentions when embarking on a psychedelic journey. Daron shares his personal experience with a 10-gram mushroom journey and how he spent 12-18 months preparing for it. 

He emphasizes the need for a safe and supportive environment, as well as the importance of conscious integration after the journey. Daron's journey led him to uncover a childhood trauma that had been holding him back, and he shares the profound impact it had on his life.

Daron Babin is the co-founder of Cannabis Radio, the world's largest podcast network for all things cannabis and psychedelics. With over 20 years of experience in podcasting, Daron has been at the forefront of the industry and has witnessed the explosive growth of the cannabis and psychedelics space.

Many people have heard of sacred plant medicine in recent years through media coverage, but few know the true power of these Master Plants. Major academic institutions around the world are now publishing research on these ancient remedies for an array of conditions, including some that are untreatable with conventional approaches.

In The Master Plant Experience, Dr. Maya Shetreat explores the science, safety, and sacred practice of psychedelic therapy. Dr. Maya dives into the latest research about psychedelics for mental and physical well-being while sharing ancient and indigenous practices for engaging with plant medicines and integrating them into your life.

The Master Plant Experience is designed for readers who are determined to leave anxiety, depression, and trauma behind and heal from chronic physical or mental illness, as well as those who help others on their healing journeys.

Sam Mandel, co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, is a lifelong mental health advocate and entrepreneur. Sam cofounded Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles (KCLA) with his father, Dr. Steven L. Mandel, in 2014 and currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer. He has grown KCLA to be one of the most successful and well-respected Ketamine Infusion Therapy clinics in the world.

Sam is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles and manages its growing staff of executives, doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, administrators, and other office personnel. He oversees all non-clinical functions of the company, including patient satisfaction, human resources, vendor relations, marketing and publicity, financials, technology, legal and compliance, construction and interior design, and business development.

Sam has been active in the Ketamine Infusion Therapy community since its formative days and works to ensure the accurate and ethical sharing of facts and information regarding using ketamine to treat mental health disorders. He regularly innovates management systems, technologies, and methodologies to maintain the leadership position of Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles. He is an advocate for best practices in mental health care.