The Psychedelic Skeptic

In this episode of The Psychedelic Skeptic, we speak with Dori Lewis and Dr. Shannon Hughes, co-founders of Elemental Psychedelics, one of Colorado's first state-approved psilocybin facilitator training programs.

Key Topics:

• Colorado's regulated psilocybin access model following the passage of Prop 122
• The tension between medicalization and honoring the whole-mushroom experience
• What to expect from a psilocybin session in a licensed healing center
• The unique approach of their facilitator training program
• Transitioning from underground practice to the regulated space
• Pricing and accessibility concerns in the regulated model
• The importance of developing a relationship with the medicine before becoming a facilitator

About Our Guests:Dori Lewis, MA, MEd, LPC-S, brings her expertise as a therapist and owns Reflective Healing, recently approved as Colorado's second licensed healing center. Dr. Shannon Hughes, MSW, PhD, contributed to Colorado's rulemaking process as a participant in the training and licensing subcommittee and previously researched underground practitioners as a faculty member at Colorado State University.

Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction05:15 - Concerns about extractivist approaches to psilocybin08:30 - Overview of Colorado's regulated access program14:45 - What makes their facilitator training program unique18:20 - What to expect as a client seeking psilocybin services23:45 - Anticipated demand and accessibility issues28:15 - The underground community's response to regulation34:30 - Looking ahead: Milestones to watch for37:15 - What's missing from psychedelic discourse: Decolonial perspectives and drug exceptionalism

Resources:

• Elemental Psychedelics: https://www.elementalpsychedelics.com/
• Reflective Healing: https://www.reflectivehealing.com/
• Colorado Natural Medicine Health

This episode was recorded in April 2025, shortly before the launch of Colorado's first licensed psilocybin healing centers. To get in touch, visit https://annemetz.com/ or https://downstreambilling.com/

In this episode of The Psychedelic Skeptic, Dr. Anne Metz speaks with Dr. Daniel Moseley, Assistant Professor of Bioethics at East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine. Dr. Moseley brings his unique background spanning philosophy and psychiatry to explore the ethical dimensions of psychedelics through the lens of human enhancement.

Episode Highlights:

• Dr. Moseley discusses his journey from philosophy to bioethics and his work on human enhancement for the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
• The distinction between therapeutic treatments versus enhancement uses of medical technologies
• How psychedelics differ from other enhancement technologies by affecting the whole person rather than specific capacities
• The ethical debates around personal freedom versus paternalism in regulating enhancement technologies
• Exploration of ego dissolution experiences and different philosophical interpretations
• Discussion of the current challenges in psychedelic research, including placebo effects and exogenous factors
• Concerns about how political and healthcare system changes might impact psychedelic therapies

Resources Mentioned:

• Jonathan Lear's work on the parallels between ancient Greek ethics and psychotherapy, particularly his book "The Concept of Irony"
• Peter Kramer's book "Listening to Prozac"

Follow Dr. Daniel Moseley's work at danieldmoseley.com and his blog "Dispatches from the Blood-Brain Barrier."

The Psychedelic Skeptic is available on all major podcast platforms. For more information visit annemetz.com or follow @doctormetz on Instagram. Have a question or guest suggestion? Visit https://annemetz.com/ or https://downstreambilling.com/

Dr. Béalleka Makau, cultural consultant and educator, joins The Psychedelic Skeptic to discuss the critical intersection of cultural awareness, power dynamics, and psychedelic healing.

As a Kenyan-born, Black queer scholar who left academia after experiencing systemic inequities, Dr. Makau shares her transformative REDE (Radical Empathy Disrupts Entitlement) framework and its adaptation for psychedelic spaces. She reveals how psychedelic experiences can either reinforce harmful dynamics or catalyze profound societal change depending on our willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.

Through candid personal stories of experiencing harm in predominantly white psychedelic circles, Dr. Makau illustrates why preparation work that examines our cultural narratives and entitlement is essential before engaging with these powerful medicines. She challenges practitioners and clients alike to recognize how historical power dynamics continue to shape our relationships, and offers practical approaches to decolonizing our minds for more ethical healing work.

This thought-provoking conversation explores cultural humility as more than just a supplement to psychedelic therapy but as fundamental to its ethical practice. Dr. Makau invites listeners to imagine what revolutionary change might be possible if we harness the psychedelic renaissance to dismantle oppressive systems and move toward collective liberation.

To learn more about Dr. Béalleka Makau's work with Radical Empathy Disrupts Entitlement (REDE), her cultural consulting services, and her "REDE for Psychedelics" program, visit her website at www.bealleka.com. There you can explore her writing on "peculiar intimacy," learn about the Peculiar Intimacy Healing Institute (PI High), and discover 8 Star Sanctuary, her healing space inspired by the literary legacy of Octavia Butler. For organizations interested in REDE training or individuals seeking coaching on cultural literacy and liberation practices, you can reach Dr. Makau through her website to schedule a consultation.

The Psychedelic Skeptic is available on all major podcast platforms. For more information visit annemetz.com or follow @doctormetz on Instagram. Have a question or guest suggestion? Visit https://annemetz.com/ or https://downstreambilling.com/

In 2018, 22-year-old Brandon Begley lost his life after participating in ayahuasca ceremonies at SoulQuest Church in Orlando, Florida. In this powerful episode, Brandon's father John Paul Begley and attorney William Chapman discuss their successful $15 million wrongful death lawsuit against SoulQuest and its founder Chris Young.

Brandon, a joyful young man passionate about music and sports, attended SoulQuest seeking spiritual growth. During his second retreat, he developed severe acute hyponatremia (low blood sodium) after combining ayahuasca ceremonies with kambo. Despite showing clear signs of medical distress, SoulQuest staff delayed calling emergency services for over three hours. Brandon passed away days later.

Key revelations include:

• SoulQuest earned over $13 million between 2019-2020 while operating as a tax-free church
• The facility lacked proper medical protocols and oversight
• Young attempted to deflect blame by falsely claiming Brandon had concealed a medical condition
• Recent legal developments have forced SoulQuest's closure, though similar operations continue emerging

This case raises crucial questions about safety standards and accountability in psychedelic churches. While Brandon believed in psychedelic medicine's potential, his death highlights the dangers of unregulated ceremonies and the urgent need for proper medical screening, protocols, and emergency response procedures.

The episode concludes with John Paul's ongoing fight for justice and his mission to prevent similar tragedies through increased oversight of psychedelic churches. His message: "Love one another. Take care of each other."

Warning: This episode contains discussion of death and medical emergencies that some listeners may find distressing.

The Psychedelic Skeptic is available on all major podcast platforms. For more information visit annemetz.com or follow @doctormetz on Instagram. Have a question or guest suggestion? Visit https://annemetz.com/ or https://downstreambilling.com/

After Matthew Perry's tragic death raised new questions about ketamine therapy, Sam Mandel, CEO of Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles, joins us to separate fact from fiction. With over 30,000 infusions administered and an 83% success rate, KCLA is at the forefront of mental health innovation. Sam breaks down:

• The crucial differences between recreational use and clinical treatment
• Why ketamine remains the fastest-acting antidepressant available
• How supervised infusion therapy actually works
• The future of ketamine alongside other psychedelic treatments
• Common misconceptions and stigma around ketamine therapy

This episode offers a clear-eyed look at ketamine's therapeutic potential while acknowledging valid concerns about its use. Whether you're considering treatment or just curious about developments in mental health care, this conversation provides essential context from one of the field's leading voices.

The Psychedelic Skeptic is available on all major podcast platforms. For more information visit annemetz.com or follow @doctormetz on Instagram. Have a question or guest suggestion? Visit https://annemetz.com/ or https://downstreambilling.com/

In this episode of 'The Psychedelic Skeptic,' Dr. Anne Metz discusses the impact of the psychedelic renaissance on indigenous communities with Dr. Melissa Frost, a Spanish professor at the University of Virginia. They delve into the historical and contemporary use of psychoactive substances like psilocybin mushrooms and peyote, particularly focusing on the Mazatec and Wirarika communities. They also address the complexities of cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation and the importance of indigenous reciprocity in advancing psychedelic therapy.00:00 Introduction to the Psychedelic Skeptic00:28 Impact of Psychedelic Renaissance on Indigenous Communities01:42 Guest Introduction: Dr. Melissa Frost02:32 Historical Context of Psychedelics in Colonial Mexico10:31 Traditional Use of Psychedelics in Indigenous Communities16:35 Modern Psychedelic Practices and Indigenous Reciprocity33:31 Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation44:24 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLearn more about Dr. Frost: https://spanitalport.as.virginia.edu/people/melissa-frost

The Psychedelic Skeptic is available on all major podcast platforms. For more information visit annemetz.com or follow @doctormetz on Instagram. Have a question or guest suggestion? Visit https://annemetz.com/ or https://downstreambilling.com/

In the second part of our conversation with Ed Prideaux, we explore the recovery process, research developments, and clinical implications of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). Ed shares:

1. His personal recovery journey and coping strategies
2. The importance of accepting the reality of one's condition
3. The potential pitfalls of online HPPD communities
4. Current research on HPPD, including studies on different psychedelics
5. The need for better diagnostic criteria and understanding among clinicians
6. The relationship between HPPD and other visual disorders like Visual Snow Syndrome
7. Insights on how therapists can better support individuals with HPPD

Ed also discusses the broader implications of HPPD in the context of increasing psychedelic use and legalization. This episode provides valuable information for clinicians, researchers, and anyone interested in the potential risks associated with psychedelic use.

The Psychedelic Skeptic is available on all major podcast platforms. For more information visit annemetz.com or follow @doctormetz on Instagram. Have a question or guest suggestion? Visit https://annemetz.com/ or https://downstreambilling.com/

In this eye-opening first part of our conversation with Ed Prideaux, we explore the world of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). Ed, a researcher and someone who has personally experienced HPPD, provides a comprehensive explanation of this rare condition that can occur after psychedelic use. He discusses:

1. The definition and symptoms of HPPD
2. His personal journey with the condition
3. The varying degrees of HPPD severity, from mild to debilitating
4. The potential link between adolescent psychedelic use and HPPD
5. The challenges of diagnosis and self-diagnosis
6. The intersection of HPPD with other conditions like depersonalization and derealization

Ed offers valuable insights into the complexities of HPPD, shedding light on a condition that is often misunderstood or overlooked in discussions about psychedelic use. Listener discretion advised.

The Psychedelic Skeptic is available on all major podcast platforms. For more information visit annemetz.com or follow @doctormetz on Instagram. Have a question or guest suggestion? Visit https://annemetz.com/ or https://downstreambilling.com/

In this episode of *The Psychedelic Skeptic*, Dr. Anne Metz dives into the world of psychedelic churches with guest Sean McAllister. Sean, an attorney based in Colorado, has dedicated nearly 25 years to drug policy reform, making significant strides in the legal recognition of psychedelic practices.Join us as Sean shares his journey from cannabis legalization to defending the Church of the Eagle and Condor in a landmark case. Discover the intricacies of religious freedom law, the potential of psychedelic churches for broader accessibility, and the challenges these communities face within the legal framework.We also explore the critical role of sincerity in religious practices, the definition of a church in the eyes of the law, and how these evolving legal landscapes can influence the future of psychedelics. Tune in for a conversation that not only highlights the victories in this movement but also addresses the skepticism and challenges that lie ahead.For more about Sean McAllister, visit McAllisterLawOffice.com.

The Psychedelic Skeptic is available on all major podcast platforms. For more information visit annemetz.com or follow @doctormetz on Instagram. Have a question or guest suggestion? Visit https://annemetz.com/ or https://downstreambilling.com/

Dr. Anne Metz, a licensed and skeptical psychedelic therapist, dives into the intricacies of the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act with her guest Dr. Ryan Reese from Oregon State University. They discuss the requirements and training for becoming a licensed psilocybin facilitator, potential adverse experiences, and the accessibility of psilocybin services. Dr. Reese shares his process for client preparation, dosing, and integration, emphasizes the importance of a holistic support system, and highlights the challenges and nuances of this growing field. The conversation also touches on broader implications for mental health and the integration of eco wellness into therapeutic practices.

https://www.questtherapeuticsinc.com/

The Psychedelic Skeptic is available on all major podcast platforms. For more information visit annemetz.com or follow @doctormetz on Instagram. Have a question or guest suggestion? Visit https://annemetz.com/ or https://downstreambilling.com/