The Psychedelic Skeptic

In this episode of The Psychedelic Skeptic, host Dr. Anne Metz sits down with Paul Miller, aka DJ Spooky, to explore the intersection of psychedelics, music, and environmental activism. Paul shares his journey from DJing in Antarctica to becoming a vocal advocate for climate literacy through the arts. The conversation meanders through the role of psychedelics in addressing the climate crisis, Paul's experiences with outdoor adventures, and his deep thoughts on the cultural and psychological impacts of music, art, and technology on society. Anne and Paul delve into the intricacies of psychedelics as tools for critical thinking, their potential in therapy, and the cultural significance of musical genres. This insightful discussion not only shines a light on Paul's multifaceted career but also invites listeners to consider the broader implications of psychedelics on environmental awareness and creative expression.  

PSYCA event in NYC

https://www.facebook.com/events/1647888475962624/ 

Psychedelics for Climate Action (PSYCA)https://www.psyca.org/

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 deep into the world of psilocybin-assisted therapy retreats with Justin Townsend, CEO of MycoMeditations in Jamaica. MycoMeditations is one of the most established and respected psilocybin retreat centers, known for their high-dose protocols and impressive results in treating depression, PTSD, anxiety and more.Justin shares fascinating insights into the intensive therapeutic processes that take place during their retreats. He discusses their rigorous facilitator training program, extensive safety measures, and the profound experiences guests undergo as they navigate powerful catharsis and emotional healing.While acknowledging the challenges and risks involved, Justin argues for the transformative potential of skilfully administered psilocybin journeys in a carefully designed setting. He emphasizes the importance of the authentic relationship between facilitator and guest, predicting high demand for psychedelic therapy as it becomes more accessible. MycoMeditations.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/

Join us as we explore the controversial world of psychedelic churches and the legal battles they face, focusing on the Church of Ambrosia and its founder, Dave Hodges. We'll discuss the church's use of psilocybin mushrooms as a sacrament, the ongoing fight for legalization, and the complex issues surrounding religious freedom and drug policy. Stay tuned for an exclusive upcoming interview with Sean McAllister, lead counsel for the Church of the Eagle and Condor, who recently won the right to import ayahuasca for religious purposes.

https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/church-of-ambrosia-magic-mushroom-19372526.php

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 explores the newly proposed regulations for Colorado's upcoming legal psilocybin services program. She delves into the challenges and potential benefits of becoming a certified psilocybin facilitator in Colorado, highlighting the impact on mental health professionals and the accessibility of psychedelic therapy. Join Dr. Metz and Psychedelic Spaceman as they discuss the implications of these regulations and share their insights on the evolving landscape of psychedelic therapy.

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/

So why the psychedelic skeptic? Well, skeptics play an essential role in any discussion surrounding psychedelics. While there are those who embrace the potential benefits and transformative experiences that psychedelics offer, there are also skeptics who approach these substances with caution and skepticism. They raise valid concerns and questions that deserve to be explored and addressed.

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/

Note to listeners, I remixed this episode to include our new theme music by Wes Swing. Dr. Rachel Harris, author of 'Swimming in the Sacred,' discusses her research on underground guides and the importance of their wisdom in the field of psychedelics. She distinguishes between ceremonial work and research, highlighting the transformative focus of the former. Dr. Harris emphasizes the need for researchers to consult experts and learn from the experiences of underground guides. She explores the historical context of the psychedelic underground and the challenge of holding these medicines in the modern world. The conversation also delves into the role of gender, the importance of personal work, and the future of psychedelics and integration.

Takeaways

• Underground guides offer a unique perspective on psychedelics, focusing on transformation and spiritual development rather than diagnoses and symptom reduction.
• Researchers should consult underground guides and experts to inform their studies and design appropriate research methodologies.
• The psychedelic underground has a rich historical context, and it is important to consider how these medicines have been held in sacred ways in indigenous cultures for centuries.
• Personal work and training are crucial for therapists and guides working with psychedelics, and therapists should have their own therapy experiences to better understand the psychedelic journey.
• The future of psychedelics requires careful consideration of how these medicines are held and integrated into different contexts, including therapeutic, ceremonial, and personal growth settings.

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. Katherine MacLean, a neuroscientist and expert in the effects of mindfulness meditation and psychedelics, discusses the future of psychedelics, addressing inequity and lack of access, preventing abuse in psychedelic therapy, navigating spiritual and recreational use, informed consent and risks, and the role of gender dynamics in psychedelic work. The conversation explores the importance of community-oriented healing environments. It also delves into the topic of gender in psychedelic therapy and the need for education on psychedelics for young people. https://www.katherinemaclean.org/Takeaways Greater access to MDMA therapy for PTSD can help improve mental health, but broader access beyond FDA-approved treatments is important. Psychedelics have the potential to enhance mental health and emotional well-being in healthy individuals, not just those with diagnoses. Creating safe spaces and involving multiple guides or loved ones can help prevent abuse and ensure a supportive environment during psychedelic experiences. Informed consent is crucial, and individuals should be aware of the potential risks and benefits of psychedelic experiences. Psychedelics can open up spiritual experiences and perspectives, and individuals should be prepared for the potential impact on their beliefs and worldview. Gender dynamics have played a role in the history of psychedelic work, and it is important to consider the experiences and perspectives of women in the field. Women are naturally inclined to hold multiple roles and responsibilities, making them well-suited for the complex work of psychedelic therapy. Psychedelic therapy is best conducted in a community-oriented healing environment, where the pressure on any one individual or relationship is reduced. Gender should not be the sole determining factor in choosing a psychedelic guide, but rather the focus should be on creating a supportive and inclusive environment. There is a need for better education on psychedelics for young people to ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of the risks and benefits.

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/

This week's guest is Dr. Elizabeth Nielson. Dr. Nielson is a co-founder of Fluence and a psychologist with a focus on developing psychedelic medicines as empirically supported treatments for PTSD, substance use problems, and mood disorders. Dr. Nielson was a Site Co-Principal Investigator and therapist for an FDA-approved Phase 3 clinical trial of MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. She has also served as a therapist on FDA-approved clinical trials of psilocybin-assisted treatment of alcohol use disorder, psilocybin-assisted treatment of treatment-resistant depression, and earlier phase 2 and 3 trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Through Fluence, she provides continuing education and training programs for therapists who wish to engage in the integration of psychedelic experiences in clinical settings.

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/

Hey everyone! I'm trying out a new format for the show. Let me know what you think. [email protected]

Dr. Scott Shannon, a psychiatrist with a background in consciousness studies and holistic mental health, discusses various topics related to psychedelics and mental health. He shares his early interest in consciousness and psychedelics, compares the limitations of SSRIs and psychedelics, and explores different paradigms in mental health. Dr. Shannon also discusses the role of the inner healing intelligence and the current societal context in the use of psychedelics. He emphasizes the individual response to psychedelics and the need for comprehensive support systems in mental health care.

TLDL:

• Psychedelics offer a transformative approach to mental health by honoring the healing power of the psyche.
• The diagnostic system in psychiatry is limited and does not capture the complexity of mental health conditions.
• Psychedelics are not a cure-all and should be used as part of a comprehensive system of support and treatment.
• The FDA approval process for psychedelics is ongoing, with MDMA likely to receive approval in the next few years.
• Microdosing psychedelics has risks and limited evidence of benefits, and caution should be exercised in its 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/

Our guest today was Alleged to have produced "90% of the world's LSD," William Leonard Pickard is a former drug policy fellow at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, research associate in neurobiology at Harvard Medical School, and deputy director of the Drug Policy Analysis Program at UCLA. With two life sentences without parole, he served 20 years in maximum security federal prisons, and was released in 2020. Currently, he is a senior advisor for JLS Fund II LP and the Fireside Project. He is a research affiliate with Harvard Law School, Petrie-Flom Center on Health Law Policy, Biotechnology and Bioethics, Program on Law and Regulation.

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/