For decades, Dr. Charles Grob has been researching applications of MDMA, psilocybin, and ayahuasca for a variety of human conditions including end of life anxiety, PTSD, depression, addiction, and more. His contributions have significantly shaped what we know about psychedelics today and how much of an impact it has on our patients.

In today's episode, we hear about the early challenges in psychedelic research, and learn about Dr. Grob's perspectives about what elements of a psychedelic-assisted therapy session are essential. We explore the exciting new developments at the intersection between the medical and the spiritual dimensions of healing.

Show notes:

• Early Fascination in Psychedelics - 03:00
• Rediscovering Psychedelics - 10:22
• Struggling for Approval with The IRB - 14:14
• A Look into What Psychedelics Brings - 20:04
• Easy Accessibility of Psychedelics in The Future - 25:53
• Set and Setting is Critical - 28:35

To learn more about Dr. Charles Grob:

• https://psychedelicreview.com/person/charles-grob/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-grob-515b369a
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Grob
• https://www.psychiatryinstitute.com/psychedelic

*** How you can help others in a big way... If you enjoy the Higher Practice Podcast, please leave a quick review on the Apple Podcast app. It makes a big difference in getting the word out to other people who will benefit from this podcast. Simply, click on the show on your podcast app>scroll down to the bottom of all the episodes>in the ratings and reviews section tap stars to rate>click write a review.

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Psychedelic research is gaining momentum, and Robin Carhart-Harris with his team at Imperial College, London is one of the most prolific groups pushing the science forward. In May 2021, the New England Journal of Medicine published their head to head depression study of an SSRI vs. psilocybin.

In today's episode, we are joined by a pioneering neuroscientist, Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris. We dive into conversations around the effects of psychedelics on brain networks, the nuances of ego, self, and other, and exciting developments within the research.

Show notes:

• Revealing the depths of the unconscious mind - 02:49
• The default mode network and what role it plays in mental health - 11:35
• What the future holds for psychedelics and psychotherapy - 18:31
• Where are we in psilocybin and clinical research? - 22:41
• Understanding what the psychedelic experience is - 28:37
• Dissociation, presence, and how psychedelics ties in - 35:13

To learn more about Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris:

• https://time.com/collection/time100-next-2021/5937720/robin-carhart-harris/
• https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/r.carhart-harris
• https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=7_MD_w0AAAAJ&hl=en

*** How you can help others in a big way... If you enjoy the Higher Practice Podcast, please leave a quick review on the Apple Podcast app. It makes a big difference in getting the word out to other people who will benefit from this podcast. Simply, click on the show on your podcast app>scroll down to the bottom of all the episodes>in the ratings and reviews section tap stars to rate>click write a review.

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For patient care reach out to: [email protected]

The stress response impacts every aspect of health, not only mental health. The vagus nerve is a major connector between mind and body and a big part of the parasympathetic nervous system.

In today's episode, we are honored to welcome Dr. Stephen Porges, the author and mind behind Polyvagal Theory. Dr. Porges has committed decades of research to uncover the various aspects of how the vagus nerve is involved in trauma responses. Join us as he shares his wisdom and insights about the polyvagal theory, and ways that trauma therapy can make use of the vagus nerve.

Show notes:

• Understanding Polyvagal Theory - 03:18
• Vagus Physiology - 09:10
• Polyvagal Theory and Downregulating Threat - 13:17
• Physical Pain and Cues Of Threat - 18:10
• Interesting Insights on Social Behaviour and Self Regulation - 20:16
• The State of the Medicine Today - 34:34
• Technology Coming Into Play - 45:03

To learn more about Dr. Stephen Porges:

• https://www.stephenporges.com/
• https://www.stephenporges.com/bio
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Porges

*** How you can help others in a big way... If you enjoy the Higher Practice Podcast, please leave a quick review on the Apple Podcast app. It makes a big difference in getting the word out to other people who will benefit from this podcast. Simply, click on the show on your podcast app>scroll down to the bottom of all the episodes>in the ratings and reviews section tap stars to rate>click write a review.

Want more? For show notes and more information, visit https://psychiatryinstitute.com/podcast/

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For provider education reach out to: [email protected]

For patient care reach out to: [email protected]

What is art and where does it come from? How can art provide a window into the divine nature of reality? In this episode, we take a deep dive into answering these questions along with an exploration into broader mystical experiences, transcendence and the role of psychedelics.

We are honored to host Alex and Allyson Grey, two of the most respected visionary artists in the world. They share some great stories from the early days of the psychedelic revolution, how their marriage has fostered the support they needed to produce their artwork, and the role that art plays in the healing process.

Show notes:

• Understanding art, its purpose and origin - 02:08
• Healing, spirituality and visionary art with psychedelics - 07:35
• The role of mystical experiences - 22:24
• Unlocking a different worldview with psychedelics - 30:50
• Identity metamorphosis - 37:02
• Changing the conversation about psychedelics - 40:10

To learn more about Alex Grey and Allyson Grey:

• https://www.alexgrey.com/
• https://www.allysongrey.com/
• https://www.alexgrey.com/art/paintings/sacred-mirrors

***

How you can help others in a big way... If you enjoy the Higher Practice Podcast, please leave a quick review on the Apple Podcast app. It makes a big difference in getting the word out to other people who will benefit from this podcast. Simply, click on the show on your podcast app>scroll down to the bottom of all the episodes>in the ratings and reviews section tap stars to rate>click write a review.

Want more? For show notes and more information, visit https://psychiatryinstitute.com/podcast/ Sign up for our newsletter and to receive ongoing information for optimal mental health: email.psychiatryinstitute.com

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For patient care reach out to: [email protected]

To make it to the top of professional sports takes a lot of hard work, mental toughness, and physical discipline, and to always be one step ahead of the game. What happens to athletes when they pivot and walk away from a lifetime of commitment and immersion in their sport? What experiences, challenges and psychological difficulties do they go through, and how do they cope?

In this episode, we're excited to explore this existential moment with a former NFL football player and the founder and CEO of the HART collective, Joe Hawley. He shares his interesting story about his time in the NFL, insights and his effort to support former athletes who have since left their sport to find deep purpose.

Show notes:

• Factors that led to leaving the NFL - 02:46
• NFL on the inside: Paying it forward - 07:40
• It's all about teamwork - 10:46
• Every player's story of overcoming adversity - 12:36
• Discovering myself after leaving the NFL - 18:11
• The HART collective - 26:56

To learn more about Joe Hawley:

• https://www.joe-hawley.com/
• https://www.thehartcollective.com/about

*** How you can help others in a big way... If you enjoy the Higher Practice Podcast, please leave a quick review on the Apple Podcast app. It makes a big difference in getting the word out to other people who will benefit from this podcast. Simply, click on the show on your podcast app>scroll down to the bottom of all the episodes>in the ratings and reviews section tap stars to rate>click write a review.

Want more? For show notes and more information, visit https://psychiatryinstitute.com/podcast/ Sign up for our newsletter and to receive ongoing information for optimal mental health: email.psychiatryinstitute.com

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For patient care reach out to: [email protected]

Psychedelics have been used to heal people for thousands of years in traditional indigenous ceremonial contexts. Psychiatric research is showing very promising results for psychedelic therapy. But can psychiatry address the spiritual dimensions of healing with psychedelics?

In today's episode, we are joined by Dr. Joe Tafur, author, speaker and an integrative medicine doctor at the Ocotillo Center for Integrative Medicine. Dr. Tafur discusses the role of spirituality in psychedelic healing, shamanism, and his exciting new research on epigenetic findings in people who recovered from PTSD with MDMA therapy in MAPS trials.

Show notes:

• Dr. Joe Tafur's background - 03:16
• Offering another lens of proof - 05:41
• All about epigenetics - 16:10
• A profound healing - 17:32
• A historical connection with old trauma - 24:54
• Opening up to mystical experiences - 26:30
• An inability to process grief - 31:45

To learn more about Dr. Joe Tafur:

• https://www.drjoetafur.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/drjoetafur/

*** How you can help others in a big way... If you enjoy the Higher Practice Podcast, please leave a quick review on the Apple Podcast app. It makes a big difference in getting the word out to other people who will benefit from this podcast. Simply, click on the show on your podcast app>scroll down to the bottom of all the episodes>in the ratings and reviews section tap stars to rate>click write a review.

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Mental illness stigmatization remains one of the biggest issues in the battle against the global mental health crisis. It's very taboo to openly and publicly discuss our mental health, and the struggles that we all face from time to time. #Same Here founder Eric Kussin is on a mission to change that by bringing together personalities from the MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA/WNBA, MLS, Pro Boxing, Pro Volleyball, international sportsmen and women, announcers, actors, performers and musicians who are willing to tell their stories about mental health struggles.

In today's episode, #Same Here founder, Eric Kussin shares his personal story of fighting against a severe mental health crisis, how he was misdiagnosed for years, the missing part of the equation, and what led him to founding a global mental health movement.

Show notes:

• The business side of the sports industry - 01:51
• The start of a mental health crisis - 07:04
• Battling mental illness - 16:15
• Discovering the solution- 20:34
• A revolutionary movement - 34:50
• Healing practices - 40:39

To learn more about Eric Kussin:

• https://samehereglobal.org/about-us/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-kussin-5010a37

*** How you can help others in a big way... If you enjoy the Higher Practice Podcast, please leave a quick review on the Apple Podcast app. It makes a big difference in getting the word out to other people who will benefit from this podcast. Simply, click on the show on your podcast app>scroll down to the bottom of all the episodes>in the ratings and reviews section tap stars to rate>click write a review.

Want more? For show notes and more information, visit https://psychiatryinstitute.com/podcast/

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Trauma causes pain that many people seek to alleviate by turning to substances. Many high achieving people have experienced trauma and addiction while somehow maintaining an extremely high level of performance in their chosen field.

In today's episode, we are fortunate to have former Olympic gold medalist, Stanley cup champion, speaker and author, Theo Fleury. Join us as we dive into his gripping personal story of trauma, addiction, and resiliency.

Show notes:

• Experiencing trauma in childhood - 03:06
• How trauma played an important part in my career - 09:31
• Mental illness and addiction - 12:54
• My spiritual journey - 18:48
• A positive relationship with trauma - 24:55
• Trauma, mental health and addiction - 27:18
• The enablers - 35:08

To learn more about Theo Fleury:

• https://theofleury.life/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theoren_Fleury
• https://olympics.com/en/athletes/theo-fleury

*** How you can help others in a big way... If you enjoy the Higher Practice Podcast, please leave a quick review on the Apple Podcast app. It makes a big difference in getting the word out to other people who will benefit from this podcast. Simply, click on the show on your podcast app>scroll down to the bottom of all the episodes>in the ratings and reviews section tap stars to rate>click write a review.

Want more? For show notes and more information, visit https://psychiatryinstitute.com/podcast/

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Interpersonal connection is essential for optimal mental and physical health, and even more challenged inside the social isolation brought on by this global pandemic. We don't often think of ourselves as walking chemistry sets. But, when we view the body under this lens, we can discover powerful insights into our connections with ourselves and others, and how to optimize them.

In today's episode, we welcome author, psychiatrist/psychopharmacologist, Julie Holland, MD to the show. Julie has been studying and writing about the chemistry of connections and psychedelics and their healing uses for years, as well as working with MAPS on several MDMA studies. She shares her insights into how as a culture, we can heal from societal trauma and what we need to consider for our patients in these tough times when there is greater amounts of social isolation and loss of connection.

Show notes:

• The importance of touch - 05:48
• The chemistry of mental health - 08:52
• The desire for connection - 14:02
• MDMA and hyper intuition - 22:24
• Healing intergenerational trauma with psychedelics - 25:26
• Psychedelics, culture and group work - 33:32

To learn more about Dr. Julie Holland:

• http://www.naturalmood.com/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julie_Holland
• https://www.amazon.com/Julie-Holland-M.D./e/B002G5S71Q%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

*** How you can help others in a big way... If you enjoy the Higher Practice Podcast, please leave a quick review on the Apple Podcast app. It makes a big difference in getting the word out to other people who will benefit from this podcast. Simply, click on the show on your podcast app>scroll down to the bottom of all the episodes>in the ratings and reviews section tap stars to rate>click write a review.

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Actor Kiko Ellsworth began his career thinking that acting was the last profession he would ever pursue. It wasn't until he got on stage that he realized how terrified he was to express his voice in the world. At that moment, he knew he needed to use acting as a vehicle for self-expression. But that was just the beginning. After years as a successful actor on TV and film, he decided to give it all up after hitting rock bottom and went on a search for a more fulfilling life. What he found is both simple and remarkable, and a testament to what's possible when we listen to ourselves.

Show notes:

• Fear of expression and acting on stage - 02:47
• Giving up acting and pursuing a spiritual practice - 06:23
• The power of my first marriage - 14:00
• Discovering self-love - 19:05
• Skewed perceptions and sanity - 23:31
• Routines that keep me sane - 28:23
• Evolving Men of Color Summit and racism in America - 34:25

To learn more about Kiko Ellsworth visit https://kikoellsworth.com/

*** How you can help others in a big way... If you enjoy the Higher Practice Podcast, please leave a quick review on the Apple Podcast app. It makes a big difference in getting the word out to other people who will benefit from this podcast. Simply, click on the show on your podcast app>scroll down to the bottom of all the episodes>in the ratings and reviews section tap stars to rate>click write a review.

Want more?

For show notes and more information, visit https://psychiatryinstitute.com/podcast/

Sign up for our newsletter and to receive ongoing information for optimal mental health: email.psychiatryinstitute.com

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For patient care reach out to: [email protected]