The Ketamine StartUp Podcast

In this episode of the Ketamine StartUp Podcast, hosts Kim and Sam delve into the essential concepts of set, setting, and integration within the realm of ketamine therapy. 

Recorded during a live mastermind session with their course students, this discussion sheds light on the profound impact these elements have on the therapeutic environment and patient outcomes. 

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the field, you’ll gain valuable insights into optimizing patient care and enhancing their transformation.

Episode 20 Show Notes:

00:00 Episode Teaser - Setting the “GPS”

00:26 Introduction

01:23 Understanding Set and Setting in Ketamine Therapy

03:09 Preparing Patients for Ketamine Infusion

07:44 Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment

11:07 Integration: The Homework After Ketamine Treatment

17:51 The Four-Step Integration Process

21:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thanks for listening

✅ Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.

In this episode of the Ketamine Startup Podcast, we collaborate with Dr. Carl Bonnett, the founder of Klarisana and prior podcast guest, to explore the often misunderstood concept of ego death through the lens of Matthew Perry's experiences with ketamine therapy. 

The conversation also covers topics like the efficacy of ketamine in treating mental health conditions, near-death experiences induced by ketamine, and the crucial role of preparation and integration in ketamine therapy.

Listen for a nuanced discussion that challenges preconceptions and sheds light on the therapeutic potential of ketamine when used responsibly. 

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The Role of Media and Culture: How celebrity experiences can influence public interest and stigma surrounding psychedelic therapies.

• Safety and Ethics in Ketamine Therapy: The importance of setting and professional oversight in ketamine treatments.

• Personal Stories and Case Studies: Both Dr. Bonnett and Sam share anecdotes from their respective clinical practices, highlighting transformative experiences and common misconceptions.

Episode 19 show notes:

00:00 Episode Teaser - Ketamine & Near-Death Experiences

00:23 Introduction

00:31 Special Collaboration with Dr. Carl Bonnet

01:52 Discussion on Matthew Perry and Ego Death

02:36 Therapeutic Use of Ego Disruption

05:39 Patient Experiences and Integration

08:07 Safety and Responsible Use of Ketamine

12:36 Education and Public Perception

19:36 Concluding Thoughts and Final Remarks

21:10 Additional Insights on Near-Death Experiences With Sam

Thanks for listening - make sure to check out Dr. Bonnett’s YouTube Channel

Study mentioned in episode: Neurochemical models of near-death experiences: A large-scale study based on the semantic similarity of written reports. Martial C, et al. 

Learn more about the types of ketamine experiences:  The 4 Types of Non-Ordinary Experiences Your Ketamine Patients Can Have

Connect with Dr. Bonnett at:

Instagram: docbonnett_psychedelic

LinkedIn: /carlbonnett

YouTube: @docbonnett

⭐️ Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist

In this quick episode of the Ketamine Startup Podcast, Sam shares some updates in the psychedelic world, in particular the recent FDA decision on MDMA therapy and the developments in the investigation into Matthew Perry’s death. 

This episode covers the complexities of operating a ketamine clinic amidst recent controversies affecting the public perception of psychedelic therapies. Sam finishes the discussion, with the challenges and responsibilities of providing ketamine treatments responsibly and ethically in today's healthcare environment.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

• Public Perception and Media Impact: How recent news events shape public perception of ketamine and what clinics can do to educate and reassure their communities.

• Understanding Ketamine's Dual Nature: Learn about the therapeutic potential and risks associated with ketamine, emphasizing the importance of controlled and knowledgeable application in clinical settings.

• Opportunities and Alternatives: Discover what actions you can take and explore alternative treatments like the stellate ganglion block (SGB), and their role in treating PTSD and other conditions.

Episode 18 show notes:

00:00 Episode Teaser - Ketamine Can Be UnSafe 

00:58 FDA's Decision on MDMA Therapy

03:50 Checklist for Starting a Ketamine Clinic

04:43 Matthew Perry's Case Updates and Ketamine Safety

06:33 Responsible Ketamine Administration

10:28 MDMA Rejection and Alternative Treatments - Stellate Ganglion Blocks

13:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thanks for listening

Learn more about stellate ganglion blocks in episode 11 with Dr. Sara Herman

✅ Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist

In this episode of the Ketamine Startup Podcast, Sam sits down with Dr. James Leathem, co-founder of Advanced Wellness and Pain in Arizona. Dr. Leathem shares his unforeseen path into medicine and psychedelic experiences that shaped his career from anesthesiology to entrepreneurship. 

The conversation explores the intricacies of ketamine therapy  and the challenges of operating a ketamine clinic, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic Dr. Leathem imparts his wisdom on the essentials of mindset, gratitude, authenticity, and community-building in healthcare. 

He also shares insights into the potential of MDMA therapy, the significance of creating meaningful experiences for patients, and concludes with a display of his hidden talent in freestyle rap.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Pathways in Psychedelic Medicine: Insights into how traditional paths in medicine can pivot towards innovative fields like psychedelic therapy, particularly ketamine treatment, to enhance mental health care.

• Entrepreneurship in Healthcare: Discover the real-world challenges and rewards of launching and managing a ketamine clinic, including navigating uncertainties and leveraging personal experiences to shape business practices.

• Holistic Patient Care: Learn about the importance of integrating personal growth, mindset, and patient-centric approaches in creating effective and empathetic healthcare environments.

Episode 17 show notes:

00:00 Episode Teaser - What’s Your Motivation?

00:28 Introduction to the Podcast

01:09 Dr. James Leathem's Medical Journey

01:19 The Impact and Challenges of Ketamine Clinics

01:48 Personal Stories and Serendipity

02:34 Facing Fear and Embracing Courage

02:47 The Philosophy of Ketamine Treatment

03:32 From Anesthesiology to Ketamine Therapy

07:59 The Birth of Advanced Wellness and Pain

16:17 Creating a Unique Ketamine Experience

26:51 Self-Care and Balancing Life

30:00 Burnout in Healthcare and the Importance of Self-Care

31:02 Daily Practices for Mental Well-being

31:15 The Role of Community and Connection

31:21 Foundations of Self-Actualization

33:43 The Three Archetypes in Business

34:44 Embracing Leadership and Personal Growth

37:32 The Future of Psychedelic Medicine & MDMA

44:05 Controversies and Safety in Ketamine Use

47:57 Advice for Aspiring Ketamine Clinic Owners

53:07 Fun Questions and Personal Insights

57:33 Freestyling Rap Time!

58:43 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Thanks for listening

Connect with Dr. Leathem  at:

Advance Wellness and Pain Clinic Website 

Advance Wellness and Pain Instagram

Advance Wellness and Pain Facebook

Advance Wellness and Pain Youtube

Advance Wellness and Pain Tiktok

Dr. Leathem’s LinkedIn

✅Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.

In this episode of the Ketamine Startup Podcast, Sam interviews Scarlett Mulligan, a physician assistant and founder of Novus Behavioral Health in Clarksville, Tennessee. Scarlett shares her journey from her transition from the Air Force to establishing a pioneering psychiatric practice. 

She discusses her challenges, from overcoming fears such as leaving the security of a salaried job to managing the complexities of running a practice. Scarlett also talks about the impact of ketamine treatments, the necessity of proactive management and mentoring, and her experiences with various medical and entrepreneurial endeavors.  

This conversation is filled with practical advice for medical professionals contemplating a similar leap into healthcare entrepreneurship and provides a deep understanding of the personal commitment required to make a meaningful impact.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Innovative Approaches in Psychiatry: How ketamine therapy is being integrated into traditional psychiatric practices to enhance patient care.

• Challenges of Healthcare Entrepreneurship: Key challenges faced when starting and scaling a medical practice, and strategies to overcome them.

• Building a Patient-Centric Practice: Insights into creating a practice that focuses deeply on patient needs and the therapeutic potential of new treatments like ketamine.

Episode 16 show notes:

00:00 Introduction

00:23 Meet Scarlett Mulligan

01:44 The Journey to Novus Behavioral Health

03:18 Overcoming Challenges and Shifting Mindsets

04:47 Personal Background and Connection to Psychiatry

14:30 Building Novus Behavioral Health

22:14 The Impact of Ketamine Therapy

25:35 Expanding Clinic Operations

26:19 Offering TMS and Spravato

26:52 Addressing Patient Travel Concerns

27:23 Considering Therapy and Neurofeedback

28:17 Launching a Ketamine Clinic

29:17 Challenges and Solutions in Practice

31:33 Systematizing Processes

34:36 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

36:32 Fun Rapid-Fire Questions

42:28 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Thanks for listening

Connect with Scarlett Mulligan at:

Novus Behavioral Health Website 

Novus Behavioral Health Instagram 

Novus Behavioral Health Facebook 

Scarlett Mulligan’s LinkedIn 

✅ Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.

In this episode of the Ketamine Startup Podcast, Sam interviews Dr. William Bianchi, an emergency medicine physician and founder of Maverick Medicine in La Jolla, California. Dr. Bianchi shares his journey from the Navy to starting his ketamine clinic, discussing the challenges and rewards of entering this innovative healthcare field. 

Discover the nuanced approach to ketamine dosing, the significance of starting with 'why,' and Dr. Bianchi's unique take on patient care in mental health therapy. Tune in for practical advice and heartfelt stories that every medical professional interested in ketamine therapy will benefit from.

What You'll Gain in This Episode:

• Unique Pathways: Learn how a career in emergency medicine can evolve into a specialized ketamine practice.

• Overcoming Challenges: Discover the obstacles faced when venturing into the ketamine therapy space and how to navigate them.

• Evidence-Based Approaches: Understand the significance of grounding alternative treatments like ketamine in solid research to ensure safety and efficacy.

Episode 15 show notes:

00:00 Introduction to the Ketamine Startup Podcast

00:37 Meet Dr. William Bianchi

01:17 Dr. Bianchi's Military Background and Ketamine Journey

03:32 Challenges and Rewards of Starting a Ketamine Clinic

05:16 The Importance of Autonomy in Medical Practice

11:59 Dr. Bianchi's Medical Training and Transition to the Navy

20:37 Using Ketamine in Military and Emergency Medicine

24:18 Future of Psychedelic Therapy in Medicine

27:08 Ketamine and Clinical Research Insights

27:24 Challenges in Clinical Trials

28:15 MAPS and Research Protocols

29:52 Concierge Clinic Approach

31:05 Focusing on Treatment-Resistant Depression

32:37 Personalized Patient Care

41:31 Ketamine Dosing and Patient Experiences

47:30 Advice for Aspiring Clinic Owners

49:42 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts

53:37 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Thanks for listening

Connect with Dr. Bianchi at:

Maverick Medicine Website

Maverick Medicine Instagram

Dr. Bianchi’s LinkedIn

✅Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.

In this episode of the Ketamine Startup Podcast, Kim and Sam discuss the impact of media coverage on ketamine therapy with public figures like Elon Musk and the late Matthew Perry. You’ll explore the controversies and grasp the importance of responsible and ethical practices in ketamine clinics. Discover the critical roles of ethical practices, proper settings, and clear communication in managing a ketamine therapy clinic amidst media controversies. By the end of the conversation, you’ll understand the importance of responsible usage and education in combating stigma and misinformation.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Media Impact: The influence of the media on public perceptions of ketamine therapy.

• Ethical Considerations: The importance of ethical practices and patient education in ketamine therapy clinics.

• Business Challenges: How to manage and mitigate the impacts of media controversies on clinic operations.

Episode show notes:

00:00 Introduction to the Ketamine Startup Podcast

00:47 Elon Musk and Ketamine Therapy

03:38 Matthew Perry's Ketamine Controversy

06:38 Navigating Media and Public Relations

08:59 Ethical and Safe Use of Ketamine

10:06 Resources for Aspiring Ketamine Clinic Owners

12:49 Facing Challenges and Growth Opportunities

18:40 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

21:49 Conclusion and Call to Action

Thanks for listening

✅ Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.

In this episode of the Ketamine Startup Podcast, Sam interviews Kathryn 'Katie' Walker, CEO of Revitalist Wellness, which operates multiple ketamine clinics. Starting from her background in anesthesia and psychiatry, to launching Revitalist in 2018 and taking the company public in 2021, you’ll learn lessons from Katie as she shares her experiences from running the business side of a ketamine clinic. The conversation touches on the challenges and successes of expanding the business, the importance of understanding and navigating laws and regulations, and the transformative impact ketamine infusion therapy has on patients. 

You’ll also discover her innovative approaches, including integrating therapy into ketamine sessions and leveraging AI for education and outreach. This episode offers insights into the complexities of the healthcare industry, the potential of ketamine therapy, and the importance of community and ethical business practices in scaling a mission-driven healthcare service.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Insights into taking a healthcare company public and the motivations behind such a decision.

• The challenges of managing business aspects in healthcare, especially in a public company setting.

• Strategies for healthcare providers to navigate the business world effectively.

Episode show notes:

00:00 Introduction

00:16 Who is Kathryn Walker?

02:10 The Journey of Taking a Ketamine Clinic Public

04:22 Learning from Business Challenges and Growth

12:31 The Transition from Healthcare to Business Leadership

16:59 Balancing Business, Health, and Personal Life

21:18 Advice for Aspiring Ketamine Clinic Owners

31:43 Transformative Therapy: A Life-Changing Story

33:28 Launching a Ketamine Clinic: A Guide for Aspiring Founders

34:26 The Challenges of Rapid Expansion and Investor Expectations

38:32 Navigating the Complexities of Managing Multiple Clinic Locations

40:13 The Importance of Team Dynamics and Accountability in Healthcare

49:43 Overcoming Industry Challenges with Innovation and Collaboration

55:54 Personal Insights and Future Visions in Healthcare

59:17 Connecting with Kathryn Walker

Thanks for listening

Connect with Kathryn Walker at:

Kathryn Walker’s Website

Revitalist Website

Revitalist Instagram

Revitalist Facebook

Revitalist Youtube

Kate Neuropsych AI Instagram

Kate Neuropsych AI LinkedIn

✅ Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.

In this episode of the Ketamine Startup Podcast, Kim and Sam discuss whether the legalization of MDMA and psilocybin therapy poses a threat to ketamine infusion clinics. You’ll learn about the differing mechanisms of action between these psychedelic substances and ketamine, the significance of set and setting in psychedelic therapy, and the scalability challenges associated with MDMA and psilocybin treatments. Rediscover the importance of flexibility and providing a range of therapeutic options for patients in the psychedelic mental health space. The episode encourages you—current and aspiring ketamine clinic founders— to stay informed and adaptable as the field of psychedelic therapy evolves.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Mechanisms of Action: Explore how ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin differ in their effects and implications for treatment.

• Scalability and Access: Insights into the logistical challenges of integrating MDMA and psilocybin into therapeutic practices.

• Foundational Role of Ketamine Therapy: Understand how existing ketamine clinics can serve as a foundation for integrating emerging psychedelic treatments.

Episode 12 show notes:

00:00 Introduction to the Ketamine Startup Podcast

00:34 The Impact of MDMA and Psilocybin Legalization

02:26 Challenges with MDMA and Psilocybin Therapy

03:45 Advantages of Ketamine Therapy

06:06 Future of Ketamine Clinics

08:26 Starting Your Own Ketamine Clinic

11:08 Comparing MDMA, Psilocybin, and Ketamine

15:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thanks for listening

✅ Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.

In this episode of the Ketamine Startup Podcast, Sam interviews Dr. Sara Herman, founder of Soft Reboot Wellness, about her journey from anesthesiology to operating a successful ketamine therapy clinic. You’ll learn about the challenges of starting a clinic during the pandemic, the unique aspects of ketamine therapy, and the impact of treatments like stellate ganglion blocks on patients with complex conditions. 

Dr. Herman shares her background in medicine, the switch to ketamine therapy, and highlights the essential role of setting, music, and intention in patient care. Through her compelling patient stories, you’ll discover the profound effects of ketamine therapy on individuals struggling with severe mental health issues and chronic pain. You’ll also learn about the business side of running a clinic, including dealing with insurance and scalability, emphasizing the personalized nature of ketamine therapy. We hope you enjoy!

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The motivations and challenges faced while transitioning from a traditional medical career in anesthesiology to pioneering a private practice

• Insights into managing the non-medical aspects of running a ketamine clinic, such as handling overhead, marketing, and navigating business decisions without a formal business education.

• The importance of set and setting in ketamine therapy and how Dr. Herman integrates mindfulness and intentionality into her treatment plans to enhance patient outcomes.

Episode show notes:

00:00 Introduction

00:15 Meet Dr. Sara Herman: From Anesthesiologist to Ketamine Therapy Practitioner

01:43 Dr. Herman's Journey: From Anesthesia to Ketamine Clinic Owner

03:41 The Personal and Professional Shift to Ketamine Therapy

09:48 Setting the Scene: The Importance of Environment in Ketamine Therapy

18:49 The Business Side of Running a Ketamine Clinic

27:25 Navigating Insurance and Financial Aspects of Ketamine Therapy

32:02 Navigating the Complexities of Ketamine Clinics

33:00 Personal Success Stories from the Clinic

36:23 The Importance of Patient Monitoring in Ketamine Therapy

40:12 Exploring Stellate Ganglion Blocks (SGBs) for Treatment

47:05 Challenges and Learnings in Ketamine Therapy Practice

53:26 Wrapping Up: Insights and Reflections

Thanks for listening

Connect with Dr. Herman at:

Soft Reboot Wellness website

Soft Reboot Wellness Instagram

Soft Reboot Wellness Facebook

Dr. Herman’s LinkedIn

✅ Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.