The Trip Report

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves.

Today's conversation is with Shamil Chandaria, and as I alluded to in last week’s newsletter introducing computational neuroscience—it is the longest and most technical conversation we’ve had to date.

I have wanted to speak with Shamil since I watched his lecture at Oxford titled The Bayesian Brain and Meditation.

Shamil is a former advisor to Google DeepMind, co-foudner and research fellow at Imperial College London Centre for Psychedelic Research and Oxford University’s Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, and a co-author with Robin Carhart-Harris and the Imperial team of the influential 2023 paper titled Canalization and Plasticity in Psychopathology, 

Importantly for this conversation, Shamil is also a longtime meditation practitioner, and his current work is dedicated to exploring contemplative practices, spiritual awakening, and psychedelics through the lens of computational neuroscience. 

At the heart of the conversation is the Free Energy Principle, a relatively new concept in cognitive neuroscience that conceives of the brain as a prediction machine constantly updating its internal models to minimize prediction errors. This framework along with the Bayesian Brain Hypothesis show how the brain optimally processes sensory data through inference, which has profound implications for how we perceive and experience the world.

We discuss:

* The brain as a prediction machine

* The convergence of ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience.

* Defining human flourishing beyond the absence of suffering to include meaning, love, joy, connection, and psychological resilience.

* The role of body sensations, emotions, and somatic practices in psychotherapy and how they tie into the brain's predictive coding mechanisms.

* Spiritual awakening, liberation and human flourishing through a neurocomputational lens

* The potential for integrating free energy principle-based models into the field of psychiatry, improving therapeutic approaches and mental health care.

* And much more

My takeaway from this conversation is that we are, in fact, in the midst of a paradigm shift—one that bridges the fields of meditation, psychology, psychedelics, phenomenology, psychiatry, and even artificial intelligence. 

This new understanding, grounded in the free energy principle, offers a unified theory that links ancient wisdom with modern neuroscience, reshaping how we think about consciousness, well-being, and what it means to be sentient.

And now, I bring you my conversation with Shamil Chandaria.

I want to highlight our friends at the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation (TBD), who have just announced their latest Request for Proposals for scientific studies of the Perception Box.

Tiny Blue Dot Foundation strives to help people understand that they live in their own unique Perception Box whose walls can be expanded to minimize suffering, increase acceptance of self and others, and view trauma and other challenges as opportunities for growth.

TBD has allocated $9,000,000 to fund up to 10 rigorous research projects related to The Science of the Perception Box. 

TBD ran similar RFPs over the last two years and funded a total of 23 projects thus far. Information about these projects can be found here and here.

Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.

Credits:

* Hosted by Zach Haigney 

* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari

* Find us at thetripreport.com

* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube

Theme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves, a Psychedelic Venture Studio.

Over the past year, we’ve spoken with researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and practitioners who are pioneering new paths in the world of psychedelics and mental health. 

After over thirty episodes of The Trip Report Podcast, I figured it was time to give a peek behind the scenes of Beckley Waves and our work to support the developing field.

To that end, today, I am speaking with Rock Feilding-Mellen, a co-founder and partner at Beckley Waves.

In this episode, we’ll pull back the curtain on our ongoing projects, the ups and downs of building in a young and misunderstood industry, and the vision that drives our work to create meaningful change in this emerging field.

In this conversation, we discuss:

* Amanda Feilding and her pioneering work to support psychedelic science and drug policy reform through the Beckley Foundation

* The origin story of Beckley Waves and its mission to develop a new paradigm of care delivery in the field of psychedelics.

* Rock's personal journey with psychedelic-assisted therapy and how it shaped his vision for integrating these practices into mainstream healthcare.

* The crucial role of supportive care in psychedelic therapy, emphasizing the importance of preparation, integration, and ongoing support.

* The Beckley Waves family of companies including Beckley Retreats, Beckley Academy, and the recent acquisition of Nue Life.

* The challenges and opportunities of building care delivery infrastructure for a future that includes psychedelics as a key tool for healing and thriving.

And now, I bring you my conversation with Rock Feilding-Mellen.

Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.

Credits:

* Hosted by Zach Haigney 

* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari

* Find us at thetripreport.com

* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube

Theme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves, a Psychedelic Venture Studio.

Today, I am speaking with Dr. Rachelle Sampson and Dr. Bennet Zelner, the primary investigators of The Connected Leadership Study.

Rachelle and Bennet are both faculty at the Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland and share a deep interest in how psychedelics might catalyze systems change in leadership and business organizations.

Rachelle’s career began as a corporate attorney, but she soon pivoted and earned her PhD in business economics, focusing on environmental sustainability and corporate strategy. 

Bennett, on the other hand, began his career studying traditional economics, but his work felt increasingly disconnected from real-world applications. In psychedelic circles, Bennett is known for the Pollination Approach— a model for delivering psychedelic-assisted mental healthcare that draws inspiration from ecological principles.

Together, Rachelle and Bennett are exploring how psychedelics can impact leadership decisions and foster deeper alignment with more sustainable and regenerative business practices.

In this conversation that took place in July, we discuss:

* How psychedelics sparked both Rachelle and Bennett’s interest in systems change.

* The challenges and potential of integrating psychedelics into leadership development.

* Their ongoing research in the Connected Leadership Study, examining how psychedelics influence decision-making, creativity, and leadership.

* Insights from their pilot cohort of leaders who participated in a psilocybin retreat.

* And much more.

And now, I bring you my conversation with Rachelle Sampson and Bennett Zelner.

Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.

Credits:

* Hosted by Zach Haigney 

* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari

* Find us at thetripreport.com

* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube

Theme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves, a Psychedelic Venture Studio.

Today’s conversation is a unique one as I am speaking with Rebecca Kronman, a licensed therapist and the founder of Plant Parenthood, a digital community exploring the intersection of psychedelics and family life.

Rebecca and Plant Parenthood have been at the forefront of conversations about plant medicines and psychedelics in a family context—something that might seem controversial at first glance. However, the work is rooted in providing a safe, non-stigmatized space for parents to explore these topics as they look for alternative solutions to complex family dynamics, mental health struggles, and personal healing.

During our conversation, we explore:

* The rise of psychedelics in parenting, including how Rebecca has seen these tools impact family systems.

* The potential therapeutic use of psychedelics with children, and how this reflects global cultural practices.

* The importance of set and setting, especially for adolescents, and how Rebecca’s work is helping to build education and support systems for families engaging with these substances.

If you’re a parent or simply curious about how psychedelics are reshaping conversations about family, mental health, and community, this episode is for you.

And now, here’s my conversation with Rebecca Kronman.

Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.

Credits:

* Hosted by Zach Haigney 

* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari

* Find us at thetripreport.com

* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube

Theme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary

Welcome to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves, a Psychedelic Venture Studio.

Last week on the podcast, I spoke with Dr. Carlene MacMillan, psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer of Osmind, about the FDA’s rejection of MDMA Assisted Therapy. 

That conversation focused on some of the problems with the application, including potentially missing data, inaccurate or unreported adverse events, and the general uncertainty that both the Advisory Committee and FDA itself had with the work Lykos submitted.

Today’s conversation addresses the matter from another perspective, namely the inadequacy of the current regulatory regime for evaluating treatments that challenge the current epistemological paradigm and come from “outsider” organizations.

To make sense of this, I asked Nick Gillespie, Editor at Large of Reason Magazine, to come on the podcast to discuss the matter. 

To say that Nick is critical of the FDA would be an understatement.

His position is that the latent mission of the FDA and other regulatory agencies is to maintain the existing power structures and commercial interests of the organizations they regulate rather than to protect public health, ensure public trust, or facilitate the availability of new treatments.

His views challenge mainstream narratives of both the right and the left, which makes him the perfect guest as we delve into the complexities of drug regulation, the FDA's role in approving psychedelic therapies, and the broader implications for personal autonomy in today’s world.

In this episode, we explore:

* The challenges of navigating the FDA's regulatory process for novel therapies like MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.

* The increasingly confusing political and ideological landscape

* Outdated and ossified regulatory institutions

* The prospect of individual states taking over regulatory responsibilities from the federal government

* The cultural and political dynamics that shape public opinion on psychedelics and other controlled substances.

* The evolving landscape of personal freedom in the context of healthcare and drug use.

* And much more.

And now, I bring you my conversation with Nick Gillespie.

Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.

Credits:

* Hosted by Zach Haigney 

* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari

* Find us at thetripreport.com

* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube

Theme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary

Welcome to a special episode of The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves, a Psychedelic Venture Studio.

Today, we’re dissecting the FDA’s rejection of Lykos Therapeutics MDMA Assisted Therapy with Dr. Carlene MacMillan MD, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer at Osmind.

In her role at Osmind, Dr. MacMillan has the unique experience of helping practices across the country adopt new treatment modalities like Ketamine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

And through her work with professional societies like the American Psychiatric Association and the Clinical TMS Society, she has been involved in developing policies, treatment codes, and access to new interventional psychiatric treatments. 

This background and experience made her a great person to speak with about the FDA decision, the most pivotal development this nascent field has seen.

In this special dispatch, we dive deep into the potential rationale and aftermath of the FDA’s decision, as well as the implications for the future of psychedelic therapies, research, and commercialization. 

In this conversation, we discuss:

* The allegations of research misconduct

* The difficulty the FDA and Advisory Committee had with the therapeutic component of the trial

* The complexities of psychiatric trial designs and the importance of reliable data.

* The role of real-world evidence and post-marketing data in evaluating new treatments.

* The challenges of integrating new therapies into mainstream healthcare.

* The future of psychiatric treatments, including neuromodulation and other emerging therapies.

* And much more.

And now, I bring you my conversation with Dr. Carlene MacMillan.

Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.

Credits:

* Hosted by Zach Haigney 

* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari

* Find us at thetripreport.com

* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube

* Theme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary

Today, we are speaking with Dr. Selma Holden, MD, a physician-therapist and director of the Riverbird Clinic, an innovative group psychotherapy and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy practice in Portland, Maine.

Before starting Riverbird, Dr. Holden practiced family medicine in rural Maine and received research training through the Integrative Medicine Research Fellowship at Harvard Medical School.

In this episode, we dive into the pivotal moment approaching for psychedelics: the FDA’s decision on MDMA-assisted therapy expected this week.

I wanted to bring Dr. Holden on because she has been trained in the MDMA Assisted Therapy protocol that Lykos submitted to the FDA for review and has been involved in psychedelic therapy and research for a long time.

Dr. Holden provides invaluable insights into the intricacies of clinical trials, the challenges faced, and the potential impact of the FDA's decision on the future of psychedelic therapy.

In this conversation, we discuss:

* Dr. Holden’s early experiences with psychedelics and their influence on her career

* Her innovative approaches to integrating psychedelics into family medicine

* The development and challenges of clinical trials for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy

* The anticipation and implications of the upcoming FDA decision on MDMA-assisted therapy

* The development of the Riverbird Clinic and its unique group therapy models

* The challenges and opportunities in the evolving field of psychedelic-assisted therapy

Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.

Credits:

* Hosted by Zach Haigney 

* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari

* Find us at thetripreport.com

* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube

Theme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves, a Psychedelic Venture Studio.

Today, we are speaking with East Forest, the renowned musician, producer, and ceremony guide, who is best known for his songs and soundtracks specifically created for psychedelic journeys.

He recently completed a feature narrative documentary called Music for Mushrooms, which aims to inspire people to do inner work and highlight its importance in their lives.

His journey into the intersection of music and psychedelics began over 15 years ago. His work started with small, private mushroom ceremonies and has since evolved into more significant public events and retreats.

His music is known for its ability to guide listeners through their own inner journeys, creating a safe and inspiring space for exploration and healing.

In this episode, we discuss:

* The making of his documentary Music for Mushrooms and its intention to inspire inner work.

* The film's narrative backbone follows his efforts to expand his work into different modalities and bring it to a broader audience.

* The importance of inner work and how his music supports and encourages this process.

* His insights on the often underappreciated role of music in the psychedelic experience, both historically and in contemporary scientific research.

* The current landscape of the psychedelic movement and its intersection with mainstream culture, legislation, and clinical practice.

East Forest shares insights from his personal journey and professional experiences, offering valuable perspectives on the intersection of music, psychedelics, and inner work.

And now, I bring you my conversation with East Forest.

Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.

Credits:

* Hosted by Zach Haigney 

* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari

* Find us at thetripreport.com

* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube

* Theme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves, a Psychedelic Venture Studio.

Today, I am speaking with Joanna Kempner, PhD, a medical sociologist with deep expertise in the healthcare system’s approach—and shortcomings—to treating chronic illness. 

Joanna is well known for her research on the social dynamics of medicine and has written extensively on the topic of migraines and chronic pain.

She also just published a fantastic book, Psychedelic Outlaws - The Movement Revolutionizing Modern Medicine, which tells the story of Clusterbusters, a patient support group of people suffering from cluster headaches, one of the most punishing and debilitating neurological disorders there is.

Clusterbusters pioneered the use of low-dose psychedelics as an effective treatment for  Cluster Headache.

Psychedelic Outlaws chronicles the group’s fight for access to lifesaving medication and their innovative approach to real-world research.

Joanna shares her journey into the field of medical sociology, inspired by her personal experiences and observations of gaps in the healthcare system. 

She discusses the challenges faced by patients with chronic illnesses, particularly those with chronic pain, and how these individuals often become experts in understanding what medicine doesn't know.

In this episode, we discuss:

* Joanna's background and her journey into medical sociology

* The challenges faced by patients with chronic pain and the concept of "ignorance" in medicine

* The story of Clusterbusters and their discovery of psychedelics as a treatment for cluster headaches

* The political and scientific hurdles in studying and legitimizing treatments for chronic pain

* The potential of psychedelics to push the boundaries of biomedical research and pain management

* And much more.

And now, I bring you my conversation with Joanna Kempner.

Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.

Credits:

* Hosted by Zach Haigney 

* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari

* Find us at thetripreport.com

* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube

* Theme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves, a Psychedelic Venture Studio.

Today, in honor of PTSD Awareness Month, we are speaking with filmmaker Brandon Kapelow, the writer and director of the short film titled An Act of Service which was published under the New York Times Op-Docs banner in the Spring of 2024.

This powerful documentary explores the journey of a fire captain from Idaho as he navigates life with PTSD and treatment through ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.

I reached out to Brandon because I was taken by the film’s beauty and impact.

In a field where hyperbole reigns, An Act of Service conveys the challenge of mental illness and the potential of recovery in a soft-spoken but powerful way.

Brandon's dedication to mental health advocacy is deeply personal. 

His path began with the loss of his father to suicide when he was just 12 years old. This set him on a course of mental health advocacy and, eventually, filmmaking. 

His work has appeared in prominent outlets such as Time Magazine where he highlighted the issue of suicide in the Western United States.

In this conversation, we discuss:

* The inspiration and development of Brandon's film An Act of Service

* The unique mental health challenges faced by first responders and the role of psychedelic therapy in their healing

* The intricacies of capturing real-life therapy on film while maintaining the integrity and privacy of the therapeutic process

* The broader implications of psychedelic therapy for mental health, especially in conservative and rural areas

* Brandon's personal journey with ketamine therapy and how it has informed his work and advocacy

Brandon's film not only sheds light on the transformative potential of psychedelic therapy but also provides a sober, nuanced portrayal of its impact on real lives. 

His thoughtful approach to storytelling offers a hopeful and optimistic view of the future of mental health treatment.

And now, I bring you my conversation with Brandon Kapelow.

Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.

Credits:

* Hosted by Zach Haigney 

* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari

* Find us at thetripreport.com

* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube

Theme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary