Webdelics Podcast
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Webdelics Podcast episodes

  • The Future of Psychedelics | Science, Challenges & Legacy with Dr. David Nichols
    In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of Dr. David Nichols, a pioneer in psychedelic research and pharmacology. From his early curiosity in chemistry to navigating the challenges of the drug war, this conversation uncovers his incredible journey and groundbreaking contributions to science. 🧪✨
    00:00-Welcome to the Web Deluxe Podcast
    01:01-Introducing Dr. David Nichols
    03:56-Dr. Nichols' Early Interest in Chemistry
    05:24-First Encounters with Psychedelics
    08:07-Academic Pursuits and Challenges
    08:57-Graduate School and Early Research
    21:24-Postdoctoral Fellowship and Pharmacology
    25:18-Navigating the War on Drugs
    27:30-Explosive Beginnings: Childhood Antics
    28:36-Psychedelic Revelations: LSD and Mescaline
    30:11-Navigating the Drug War: Nixon's Era
    30:40-Academic Pursuits: From Graduate to Postdoc
    30:57-Funding Breakthroughs: NIDA and Beyond
    32:47-Clinical Trials: The Early Challenges
    33:57-Innovative Research: Rat and Mouse Studies
    37:08-Founding Hefter Research Institute
    40:44-Pioneering Clinical Studies
    44:31-Regulatory Hurdles and Successes
    48:10-Reflecting on a Legacy
    52:02-Future Frontiers: Psychedelic Potential
    54:16-Final Thoughts and Takeaways
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    57 min
  • Embarking on the Psychedelic Journey | Insights with Dennis McKenna
    Join host Scott Mason as he sits down with renowned ethno pharmacologist and psychedelic advocate, Dennis McKenna, on this eye-opening episode of the Webdelics Podcast. Dennis shares profound insights into the nature of reality and consciousness, drawing from both scientific and indigenous perspectives on psychedelics. With discussions ranging from personal transformative experiences to the therapeutic benefits of plant medicines, this episode promises to be both enlightening and thought-provoking. Don't miss this deep dive into how psychedelics challenge and expand our understanding of the world around us.
    Chapters:
    00:00-Introduction and Host's Takeaway
    00:58-Meet Dennis McKenna: Psychedelic Pioneer
    02:35-The Reality Hallucination
    05:19-The Brain's Role in Perception
    12:12-Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelics
    32:18-The Importance of Set and Setting
    46:10-Rituals and Indigenous Traditions
    47:28-Exploring the Potential of Psilocybin
    48:28-Caution and Skepticism in Psychedelic Use
    50:03-Microdosing: Benefits and Risks
    51:23-LSD vs. Psilocybin: A Safety Comparison
    54:45-The Importance of Being Informed
    57:32-Rituals and Historical Context of Psychedelics
    01:01:26-Reality and Perception: A Philosophical Dive
    01:13:43-Science, Myth, and Religion
    01:19:09-Future of Psychedelic Research and Culture
    01:21:46-Closing Thoughts and Resources
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    1 hr 27 min
  • Reconnecting with Family Through Psilocybin | the Journey of Josh Halu
    In this emotionally powerful episode of the Webdelics podcast, we delve deep into the transformative journey of Josh Halu—war veteran, West Point graduate, and CEO of Psychex and Sacred Soldier Retreats. Join us as Josh shares his moving story of using psychedelics like psilocybin to heal deep family rifts, reconnect with his estranged mother, and address intergenerational trauma. His journey from childhood trauma to profound emotional healing is filled with lessons on the power of vulnerability, compassion, and the incredible potential of plant medicine.
    Chapters:
    0:00 – Introduction
    2:30 – Josh’s Childhood and Family Struggles
    10:00 – First Psilocybin Experience: Reaching Out to His Mother
    17:45 – Breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma
    25:15 – The Hiking Incident: A Turning Point
    32:40 – Reflections on His Father’s Death by Suicide
    40:00 – Military Experience and PTSD
    48:30 – Mental Health Journey and Psilocybin Exploration
    1:02:00 – Final Reflections and Insights
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    1 hr 4 min
  • Cannabis, Psychedelics & Safe Use | Unraveling the Stigma of Dr. Peter Grinspoon
    In this enlightening episode of the Webdelics podcast, Dr. Peter Grinspoon joins Scott Mason to delve into the truths about cannabis and psychedelics, emphasizing their safe use, decriminalization, and the breaking down of stigmas. Dr. Grinspoon, a primary care doctor and Harvard Medical School instructor, shares personal anecdotes, discusses his books, and advocates for proper education and regulation. Tune in for deep insights into plant medicines, safe consumption practices, and the potential for personal growth through these substances.
    Chapters:
    0:00 – Introduction
    2:15 - Guest Introduction: Dr. Peter Grinspoon's Background
    4:30 - Importance of Safety in Psychedelics and Cannabis Use
    7:10 - Advocating for Decriminalization and Legalization
    9:45 - Legal Implications and Understanding Dosage
    12:00 - Ensuring Quality and Supportive Use Environments
    14:25 - Dr. Grinspoon's New Book: "Seeing through the Smoke"
    16:40 - Training as a Psychedelic Therapist
    18:00 - Personal Anecdote: The "Java Use Disorder"
    19:45 - The Impact of the War on Drugs
    22:00 - Cannabis as a Psychedelic
    25:10 - Explanation of Receptors and Their Effects
    28:00 - Cannabis, Creativity, and Personal Development
    30:40 - The Potential of Combining Cannabis and Psychedelics
    34:15 - Methods and Risks of Cannabis Consumption
    37:50 - Harm Reduction and Safe Experimentation
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    39 min
  • Unspoken Traumas, True Heroism | the Psychedelic Healing Journey with Garret Biss
    In this powerful episode of the Webdelics podcast, host Scott Mason speaks with Garrett Biss, a Marine Corps veteran and TEDx speaker, about his enlightening journey through self-acceptance, the challenges faced by veterans, and the transformative power of psychedelics. Garrett shares personal stories of his pivotal moments, including his first Ayahuasca experience in Costa Rica and his TEDx talk on the unspoken traumas that veterans endure during their transition to civilian life. Dive deep into the themes of validation, identity, and personal growth. Learn more about Garrett's program, The Warrior Reset, and engage with his insightful conversation on achieving inner change and true heroism. Watch the full episode to uncover the impactful lessons and inspirational messages Garrett has to share.
    Chapters
    0:00 - Introduction
    2:00 - Guest Background
    7:00 - "False Heroism"
    15:00 - Psychedelics as a Tool for Awareness and Healing
    25:00 - Relatable Experiences and Validation
    32:00 - Burden of Expectations and Personal Growth
    42:00 - The Warrior Reset and Final Reflections
    44:30 - Inner Change vs. Outer Achievements
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    Get the Newsletter
    https://theguide-newsletter-webdelics...
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    Send Us A Message - [email protected]
    48 min
  • The Power of Vulnerability | Plant Medicine & Entrepreneurship with Gretchen Jones
    What is the connection between creative entrepreneurship and personal transformation—and how can plant medicine inspire resilience and flow state in our pursuits?
    Join host Scott Mason and guest Gretchen Jones on Webdelics as they dive into Gretchen's fascinating journey from Project Runway fame to becoming a mentor for creative entrepreneurs. Listen as Gretchen shares her profound insights on flow state, resilience, and the power of letting go. Whether you're curious about plant medicine or looking for inspiration to navigate the challenging world of creative industries, this episode is a must-watch!
    Webdelics
    https://www.webdelics.com/
    / webdelics
    / webdelics
    / @webdelics
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    Chapters
    0:00 - Introduction
    2:05 - Gretchen’s Fashion Career: A Glass Castle on Sand
    5:45 - Role at Pendleton Woolen Mills
    8:30 - Transition to Consulting and MBA Journey
    12:15 - Scott Mason’s Parallel Struggles
    15:00 - Flow State and Plant Medicine
    19:40 - The Concept of Letting Go
    23:50 - Host’s Reflection: Ambition and Happiness
    27:30 - Trauma and Survival Mode
    31:20 - Armor and Vulnerability
    35:00 - Gretchen’s Hubris and Mythology Insight
    39:10 - Post-Project Runway Journey
    43:30 - Letting Go and New Creativity
    47:50 - Future Episodes and Closing Remarks
    1 hr 5 min
  • Physical Health, Mental Health, & Psychedelics: 3 Pillars of Wellness

    When you look at chronic illness, obesity or overweight and mental illness, almost the entire population of the United States is unwell in some way, and the systems currently in place are not equipped to handle it. In this episode of the Webdelics Podcast, host Scott Mason and guest Dr. Jonathan Fields look at the relationship between physical health, mental health, and the role of psychedelics and plant medicine in healing. They explore the nuances of balancing traditional Eastern medicine with modern approaches, addressing the myths, and shedding light on how these practices, along with a healthy diet and exercise, can transform our approach to health and healing. Join them today, as they navigate the intersections of lifestyle choices, societal health challenges, and the potential of holistic medicine to revolutionize personal well-being.


    Dr. Jonathan Fields is the visionary behind the CR8 Health and Integrative Medicine US clinics in South Florida. With expertise in acupuncture, Eastern medicine, and functional medicine, Dr. Fields is a board-certified herbalist and acupuncturist dedicated to holistic healing. His personal health journey, marked by overcoming chronic illness, has fueled his passion for integrating traditional and modern therapies. Dr. Fields is also an advocate for psychedelic research, deeply exploring its potential in transforming healthcare and personal wellness.

    Highlights from the conversation:

    • "Most of us in this country have it easier than our grandparents did.” Dr. Fields thinks we have it too easy, and relying on pills to fix symptoms does little to bring about real health. “We need to take personal responsibility” he says.
    • The interconnection of physical health, mental health, and psychedelics forms a crucial part of holistic wellness. Dr. Fields emphasizes, "60% of Americans have at least one chronic disease... and 20% of us suffer from mental health issues... they overlap a lot."
    • Dr. Jonathan Fields is speaking from experience, and recounts his personal health crisis and recovery. He shares, "I was sleeping 12, 13 hours a day... I knew I had one option. Now is my time to actually make not only the lifestyle change but a whole career change."
    • "Your mental health is directly linked to your gut health... You can't remove the two." Dr. Fields says. The role of diet in mental and physical health is a critical one.
    • We have enough science now, showing that these plant medicines, these psychedelics, have a role to play." Dr. Fields makes the argument that these tools have been used for millennia, and are often dismissed simply because they weren’t recorded using the modern scientific method – but that doesn’t invalidate them.
    • The significance of patient expectations in treatment outcomes something more of the medical profession should be paying attention to. Scott Mason points out, "It's not necessarily something that you read a lot when the scientific literature is discussed."
    • Dr. Fields addresses the challenges in the current medical system and the need for a holistic approach. He states, "The medical system is broken, the education system is broken, and our attitudes are broken."
    • "Never give up. And if one experience doesn't work out for you... find somebody else. Do not give up on yourself." Dr. Fields urges.

    Resources

    Dr. Jonathan Fields On the web | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Facebook

    Webdelics On the web | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

    54 min
  • Psychedelics: Bridging Business and the Sacred

    “Business, life, it's all one thing. We're humans here having a human experience.”  - Stephanie Trager

    On this episode of the Webdelics Podcast, host Scott Mason sits down with Stephanie Traeger to unravel the tapestry of plant medicines and psychedelics within the realms of business and the sacred. Two former attorneys, Scott and Stephanie explore the paths that led them away from the legal profession and towards a different understanding of life, and discuss how similar changes are happening on a global scale. Stephanie shares her insights into the non-linear nature of plant medicine and the importance of intention and integrity in its use. These substances can influence not just personal transformation, but also global systems change.

    Stephanie Trager is an activist, speaker, healer, the host of the Catalyst Talks podcast and a multifaceted coach and advisor, specializing in helping analytical soul seekers unlock their true potential. With her background as an attorney, author, and advocate for evolutionary consciousness, she serves as a bridge between different realms, focusing on dismantling biases and shifting worldviews. Stephanie has also been involved in various social justice initiatives, such as Holocaust reparations and Indigenous land repatriation.

    Highlights from the Episode:

    • Scott points out that being an attorney is not necessarily the most sacred of professions, and Stephanie talks about how leaving the legal profession wasn’t giving anything up - but rather gaining her life. 
    • How we frame things matter, and can change the outcomes.
    • Stephanie believes “in our sovereign right to do the right thing.” A lot of laws and mandates don’t support that. This belief led her towards being an entrepreneur and a healer, finding a freedom in coaching to integrate all of her skills and abilities and beliefs.
    • “What are the roads to awakening consciousness that will snap us out of [the] sleepwalk?” Stephanie discusses the role of plant spirit medicine in shaking people out of their complacency. 
    • Stephanie asks us to consider how extraction is a symptom of disconnection from nature, and Scott points out that “sues like racism, poverty, abuse, mistreatment of others, casual cruelty all occur because on some level or another, we're able to extract the humanity of others from our own humanity.”
    • “Plant medicine is not linear, and you can't expect to have a linear experience. There’s nothing linear about it.”
    • Legalization, regulation and mass production can have a degrading impact on the spirit of medicinal plants, but they still grow in the wild, and authentic spiritual connections with them can still be made.
    • Scott and Stephanie discuss sacred versus non-sacred spaces and experiences, and Stephanie recommends doing abundant research and talking to people, knowing that eventually someone will point you in the right direction. “It becomes a journey of trusting yourself. You’re already on the journey.”
    • Scott wonders whether our current economic model could sustain a shift into a larger consciousness, bridging business and the sacred, and Stephanie points out that it’s already happening, but it’s hard to see because it’s so non-linear.
    • Psychedelics and plant medicine have often been in the realm of the creative, and many came back with new ideas and philosophies or ways of seeing, but Stephanie reminds us that for all of those benefits, “there are a lot of people who never came back. Your soul can get lost. You need to be careful.”
    • “There are so many different paths we can go on to access that truth and that healing.” Stephanie says the most important thing is to do your inner work first, so you’re prepared for the experience.

    Resources

    Stephanie Trager on the web | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X | LinkedIn

    Webdelics On the web | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

    1 hr 7 min
  • Aligning the Brain and Heart

    Content note. This episodes contains a mention of an attempted death by suicide. If you would rather not hear or see that, please skip from 15:15 to 15:45.

    “When we're stuck in our heads, we don't make advancements. We're not happy. We can't move forward. We're basically fighting all of society when we try to go the opposite direction and say, what's up with my heart?” - Steven Kuhn

    This week on the Webdelics Podcast, host Scott Mason sits down with the Steven Kuhn, a decorated combat veteran with a fascinating outlook on psychedelics, to dismantle the myths surrounding the alignment of the heart and mind in personal and professional growth. Steven shares his transformative journey through plant medicine and how it reshaped his approach to life's challenges. They discuss the power of intention setting during psychedelic experiences and the profound impact of integrating masculine and feminine energies for holistic development. Steven's unique perspective bridges the gap between the spiritual and the corporate, offering insights on how psychedelics like ayahuasca and San Pedro can catalyze breakthroughs, not just personally but also for leaders in high-stakes environments. 

    Steven is a decorated U.S. Military combat veteran who has been hand-picked to consult with some of the most influential people in the world (rock stars, singers, actors, business leaders, and politicians) about how to expand their brand, build value and loyalty and develop strategies for increasing beneficial relationships and achieving true Quality of Life. He is also the author of Unleash Your Humble Alpha: Own Your Presence in Life and Become the Epic Leader You Are Meant to Be

    Highlights from the Episode:

    • "In our society, the mind is stronger than the heart." Scott and Steven start the conversation with the challenge of aligning a brain that doesn’t feel and heart that doesn’t think.
    • When you are signed, you attract people on the same frequency. This isn’t just a spiritual idea, but a physiological phenomenon.
    • Plant medicine has a lot of stereotypes associated with them, “loopy Aunt Betty from the outskirts of San Francisco…” for example, and that can be a hard bridge for more business-oriented people to cross. Scott asks Steven how he brings spirituality and psychedelics into a business space.
    • Steven’s journey with plant medicine began at a very low point, when he confided in a friend who took him on an ayahuasca journey. The following morning, Steve awoke feeling like a completely blank slate, ready for a reset. He also learned how important it is to have very clear intentions for a plant medicine journey.
    • Humans, animals and plants are all masculine and feminine, including plant medicine. While ayahuasca is a feminine plant, its counterpart is the masculine San Pedro. Steve says: “ if you're not following [Ayahuasca] the next morning with Pedro, you're missing out. Because it's the yin and the yang.”
    • Men and women will have different kinds of experiences taking ayahuasca and san pedro because they’re engaging with different kinds of energies.
    • On whether or not people should go on plant medicine journeys: “You’ve got to be called. If you're scared to do it, don't do it. If you have to think about it, don't do it. It will call you. When the time comes, you'll know.” Steve points out that you will have a breakthrough, it will change your life, and you need to be ready for that. 
    • Plant medicine tourism is becoming increasingly popular, and Steven shares some advice for how to make sure you work with a credible practitioner. The environment in which you go on your journey matters. 
    • Steve’s final thought is that you create what happens to you. Even when we create difficult situations or experiences, Steve reminds us that we must be pretty powerful, and pretty incredible to create this mess. “Incredible can be good or bad. Just make it good.”

    Resources

    Steven Kuhn on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

    Humble Alpha

    Quality of Life Enterprises

    Webdelics On the web | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

    44 min
  • How Psychedelics Can Create Great Leadership with Diego Ugalde

    “Leadership means inspiring and motivating others around you … to get them to do things that they ultimately want to do...” - Diego Ugalde
     

    “Are you telling me that in order to be a great leader you need to have done psychedelics?” host Scott Mason asks Diego Ugalde, former Navy SEAL now CEO of the Trident Approach and psychedelic integration coach. In this episode of Webdelics, they explore the counterintuitive connection between psychedelics and leadership. Diego shares how plant medicine aligns individuals with truth and transforms leadership in unexpected ways. They challenge taboos, question the essence of leadership, and explore the impact psychedelics can have on every facet of life. 

    Diego Ugalde is a former Navy SEAL with over 15 years of military service, including three combat tours in Iraq and participation in over 250 classified operations. He has been decorated with four Navy Commendation Medals, three Navy Achievement Medals, and a Combat Action Ribbon. Diego now serves as the CEO and founder of the Trident Approach, a leadership consultancy firm. Beyond his military achievements, Diego has ventured into the realm of psychedelics, becoming a psychedelic integration coach. 

    Highlights from the conversation:

    • Psychedelics don't automatically make you a better leader but can align you with truth, which Diego sees as important for leadership. He says, “I don't think that psychedelics are right for everybody. …However, just like everything else with psychedelics, it's not teaching you anything special, it's just aligning you closer to truth. And so really psychedelics I think can have a really huge impact on everything you do in life…” 
    • Leadership should aim to inspire people to achieve their potential by understanding and empowering their talents.  “Leadership means inspiring and motivating others around you … to get them to do things that they ultimately want to do that maybe they didn't necessarily know they could do without you. …sometimes we all …need help and we need a little pushing, a little extra motivation. And so really that's what leadership is. So leadership is like almost every interaction in life,” Diego explains.
    • Diego sees the ego not as inherently bad but as something that shows your limits to help you grow. Psychedelics helped him deeply understand his own ego.  
    • During his first 5-MeO-DMT session, Diego realized he was still clinging to things he thought he'd moved past and learned what deep letting go means. “My first time with 5-MeO, it showed me that the things that I had thought that I had let go of and kind of dropped and just moved on with my life, were right with me,” he tells Scott. “...So what it showed me was what it actually meant to actually let something go beyond this conscious decision to just from …a cellular level of just setting the bags down, thanking it for what it was and moving on free.” 
    • Psychedelics can help leaders understand how to create psychological safety for others to thrive. “Being able to see somebody who's not healed and helping them and assisting them through an actual healing process is probably one of the biggest gifts you can actually give anybody,” he comments.
    • Diego sees curiosity as more constructive than "knowing", which psychedelics helped reveal to him. “One of the big lessons that I got from psychedelics is converting myself from a place of knowing to a place of curiosity,” he says. This openness also enables leadership.  
    • Leaders should focus first on understanding and bettering themselves before trying to lead others: "Heal the self, empower the self, …develop the self and you'll see the aftermath of what happens to the world around you when you start from that place."
    • Diego recommends focusing on personal growth and healing when entering the psychedelic space rather than trying to achieve external goals like career advancement.
    • “We're not meant to do this alone. If you are on this journey, whatever it is, whether it be healing or you just want to learn and grow and develop, doing it by yourself, there's so much that can be missed. So do this with somebody you know you love and you trust and you'll see sort of the returns coming back several times over,” Diego advises listeners.
       

    Resources

    Diego Ugalde on LinkedIn | Email

    The Trident Approach | Heroic Hearts Project

    Webdelics On the web | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

    55 min

About Webdelics Podcast

From the publisher's feed

The Webdelics Podcast is a space where we destigmatize plant medicine by having open conversations around the stories and science of psychedelics. These substances have touched people from all walks of life, and we seek to convey that in the diversity of you all, our guests: From doctors to students; skeptics to shaman; and athletes to high-performance businesspeople.