Psychedelics Today

In this candid, practice-focused conversation, Joe is joined by Norwegian psychologist and researcher Ivar Goksøyr to explore how therapists’ own healing journeys can measurably improve client outcomes—and why MDMA-assisted experiences, used thoughtfully, may be a uniquely powerful catalyst for professional development. Ivar shares lessons from Norway’s psychedelic research team (PTSD and the world’s first MDMA-for-depression trial), his clinic Psykologvirke in Oslo, and his online course, “The Wounded Healer,” which uses authentic footage from his FDA-approved MAPS volunteer MDMA sessions to illuminate real clinical processes, countertransference, and the “inner healing intelligence” as a working metaphor rather than dogma. The discussion ranges from implementation realities (laws, ethics, and conservative regulatory cultures) to the pragmatic: how an MDMA experience helped Ivar resolve chronic anxiety reactions in the therapy chair, reduced burn-out, increased receptivity, and improved attunement—changes h

Joe and Kyle debrief a hometown Dreamshadow Transpersonal Breathwork weekend in Breckenridge, then sketch the next chapter for Psychedelics Today: a community-centric model (Navigators) that bundles education, live streams, book and film clubs, and small-group access. They kick around the big “creativity + psychedelics” question, contrast subjective “I feel creative” with objective task performance, and highlight new research—from DMT’s potential in stroke recovery to breathwork’s measurable effects. They wrap with quick hits on MAPS leadership, state policy moves, and what’s coming up at PT this fall. Highlights & takeaways Breathwork > substance? A reminder that profound states are accessible without drugs; benefits of facilitating at home (rested facilitators = safer, better containers). What is “shamanism,” really? A functional frame: non-ordinary states, interaction with the unseen, and service (healing/divination). Community > one-off courses: PT is shifting toward a monthly membership model t

Episode summary Joe and Mary dive into how platform censorship and shifting algorithms have reshaped psychedelic media, why DoubleBlind moved to a “newsletter-first” model, and what that’s revealed about true audience engagement. They reflect on the post-2024 MDMA decision headwinds, state-level policy moves (wins and losses), and how funding, politics, and culture continue to reconfigure the field. They also explore alternatives to alcohol, chronic pain research, reciprocity around iboga/ibogaine, and lessons from PS25 (MAPS’ Psychedelic Science 2025). Highlights & themes From platforms to inboxes: Social and search suppression (IG/FB/Google) throttled harm-reduction journalism; DoubleBlind’s pivot to email dramatically improved reach and engagement. Post-MDMA decision reality: Investment cooled; Mary frames it as painful but necessary growth—an ecosystem “airing out” rather than a catastrophic pop. Policy pulse: Mixed year—some state measures stalled (e.g., MA), others advanced (e.g., NM; ongoing

Joe and Kyle celebrate Vital Cohort 4 and reflect on why Vital is more than a 12-month psychedelic-informed training—it’s a living community (alumni webinars, discussion groups, cross-cohort meetups). Many grads aren’t rushing to facilitate; they’re choosing integration, harm reduction, education, and local community building. Next cohort dates are TBD —applications and email sign-ups are open. Breathwork in Breckenridge (this weekend) Dreamshadow Transpersonal Breathwork returns Fri–Sun. The last workshop reinforced how powerful the format is for bonding, somatic processing, and ongoing peer support. Music & tech: fail-safe playbook Keep redundant sources: primary laptop with WAV/FLAC (VLC/Mixxx), secondary device/phone, and a small Bluetooth speaker as last resort. Redundant mixers/interfaces, tested cables, simple signal flow. Pre-flight the exact rig; monitor for digital artifacts/grounding noise. Use offline playlists + Do Not Disturb (actually test it). Why community matters now With AI

Joe Moore sits down with Greg Shanken (Colorado Psychedelic Society, Collaborence Psychedelic Business Association; founder, Higher Frequency Network) for a wide-ranging conversation about building community infrastructure, navigating censorship, and creating accessible, ethical pathways into psychedelic healing. Greg shares his personal arc from lifelong depression to ayahuasca, ketamine, and Bufo; why he launched a vetted affiliate/partner network for our space; and how Oregon–Colorado collaboration can widen access while honoring reciprocity and conservation. Key themes Collaborence: a two-day CO/OR event (online + in-person) connecting facilitators, professionals, and the public with pay-what-you-can access options. Access & affordability: how to widen entry points (microdosing, breathwork, scholarships/funds) within and beyond regulated service/healing centers. Censorship & platform risk: why repeated Meta account shutdowns pushed Greg to build community-based distribution outside big ad n

In this episode of Psychedelics Today, Joe Moore sits down with Dr. Cat Meyer, licensed psychotherapist, sex therapist, and host of Sex, Love, Psychedelics. Together, they explore the deep intersections of sexuality, trauma healing, psychedelics, and the role of play in human connection. Dr. Meyer shares her journey from growing up in rural Missouri and navigating early trauma to becoming a leading voice in sex therapy and psychedelic integration. She opens up about her personal healing path, her work with ketamine-assisted therapy, and how tantra, BDSM, and art have shaped her approach to erotic wellness. Topics Covered Defining the Erotic: Beyond sex, eroticism as vibrancy, life force, and connection to the senses. Personal Story: Dr. Meyer’s early struggles, academic path in marriage and family therapy, and her discovery of tantra and BDSM as transformative practices. Psychedelics and Healing: Her first experiences with MDMA-assisted therapy, ketamine retreats for women, and how these tools can r

Joe Moore interviews Dee Dee Goldpaugh, LCSW about their new book Embrace Pleasure: How Psychedelics Can Heal Our Sexuality. The discussion covers the book’s reception, critiques of over-medicalization, personal healing experiences, definitions of erotic energy and pleasure, historical repression of substances, and contemporary ethical concerns. Key topics Conversion therapy: historical use of psychedelics in conversion practices, risks today, and need for professional consensus to ban psychedelic-assisted conversion therapy. Motivation: reaction to dominance of the clinical/medical model in psychedelics. Author background: clinical social worker, ketamine-assisted therapy provider, sexual abuse survivor, early psychedelic integration work. Personal healing: ayahuasca and San Pedro (Wachuma) experiences leading to embodied healing and pleasure. Concepts defined: erotic energy as life force; distinction between healing pleasure and leisure. Political framing: pleasure as anti-capitalist resistance; sustaining

From the Rave Scene to Psychedelic Therapy In this episode, Kyle Buller speaks with Matt Xavier, DJ, therapist, and author. The conversation took place live at Psychedelic Science. Matt recalls his early years in the rave culture of 1990s New York. He ran record labels, hosted psychedelic trance events, and lived through the intensity of that scene. Why Music Is Medicine Matt believes music should be treated as medicine. He explains how playlists can align with the stages of a psychedelic journey—onset, climb, peak, and descent. He encourages people to listen with intention and to categorize tracks by emotion, energy, and therapeutic impact. Psychedelic Soundtracking Instead of relying only on fixed playlists, Matt performs live mixing during sessions. This method keeps him fully engaged and responsive. He calls the approach “psychedelic soundtracking.” In his view, the guide becomes a tuning fork, adjusting the soundscape to match the client’s process. Key Themes in the Conversation The evo

In this episode, Joe Moore sits down with Dr. Case Newsom, an emergency room physician in Denver and Medical Director for both Zendo Project and Stadium Medical. They explore how psychedelic harm reduction is merging with event medicine at concerts, festivals, and large-scale gatherings. Dr. Newsom shares his path from osteopathic medical training to bridging emergency medicine with psychedelic peer support. He explains how the Zendo Project has expanded beyond Burning Man, and why collaboration with medical teams matters. The discussion highlights new triage protocols, cultural shifts in Colorado, and the legal challenges that still stand in the way of safer events. Topics Covered The role of the Zendo Project: Peer support, harm reduction, and creating grounded spaces in chaotic environments. Stadium Medical’s model: Covering Denver’s biggest venues and connecting emergency care with psychedelic peer support. Developing medical triage protocols: A simple system that reduces unnecessary ER transpor

In this episode, Joe Moore is joined by Kat Murti, Executive Director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), the largest youth-led network working to end the war on drugs. SSDP organizes at the campus, local, state, federal, and international levels, with more than 100 chapters across the U.S. and sister organizations worldwide. Kat shares her personal journey into drug policy reform, from witnessing DEA raids on AIDS patients in the 1990s to fighting for civil liberties as a student at UC Berkeley. She explains how SSDP empowers young people to challenge outdated laws and promote policies rooted in compassion, scientific evidence, and human rights. Topics Discussed The War on Drugs as a War on Us: Kat’s early realizations about the drug war’s racism, injustice, and destruction of civil liberties. Her Path to SSDP: From working on California’s Prop 19 cannabis campaign to serving on SSDP’s board and eventually becoming Executive Director. Meta Censorship Campaign: Why Meta’s restrictions on drug e

In this episode, Joe Moore is joined by Mareesa Stertz and Tania Abdul, the visionaries behind Sphinx Gate, one of Burning Man 2025’s most ambitious and mythic art installations. Inspired by The NeverEnding Story, Sphinx Gate features two towering 34-foot sphinxes and a fully immersive, transformative art experience designed to help participants gain a deeper understanding of themselves. The trio explores how art and play can catalyze personal and collective transformation—without the need for psychedelics—by helping people reframe inner challenges as quests for growth. They discuss the project's mythic inspiration, how it has evolved into a “transmersive” self-discovery journey, and how community co-creation has made this dream real. With rituals, interactive stations, laser-eyed sphinxes, and an oracle offering personalized missions, Sphinx Gate blends storytelling, inner work, and spectacle. They also touch on the deeper intention: shifting culture by normalizing integration, peer support, and emotional ex

In this episode of Psychedelics Today, Joe Moore sits down with Chad Charles — educator, mentor, and practitioner specializing in 5-MeO-DMT therapy. Chad shares his decade-long journey working with 5-MeO-DMT, emphasizing the importance of: Practitioner training and mentorship Personalized, therapeutic alliances The nuanced understanding of dissociative states Ethics in standardized clinical dosing A trauma-informed approach to psychedelic care He also introduces his upcoming research project, analyzing 500+ one-on-one sessions to illuminate best practices and ethical frameworks in the 5-MeO-DMT space. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about harm reduction, responsible facilitation, and the future of psychedelic therapy.

In this episode of Psychedelics Today, Joe Moore sits down with Alan Davis, Associate Professor at Ohio State University, to explore the evolving landscape of Ibogaine research and its therapeutic potential. Alan offers a deep dive into the Iboga Patient Survey, a groundbreaking initiative collecting real-world data on the safety and efficacy of Ibogaine—particularly for those struggling with substance use disorders and mental health challenges. The conversation sheds light on the need for rigorous, community-informed research that could pave the way toward FDA approval and increased access for patients, including veterans dealing with trauma. They also discuss the complexities of clinical trials, the tension between state and federal regulations, and the growing influence of corporate interests in psychedelic research. Alan emphasizes the importance of ethical transparency, community collaboration, and maintaining scientific integrity as the field grows. If you're curious about the intersection of psychedeli

In this engaging episode of the Psychedelics Today podcast, host Joe Moore sits down with Karina Bashir, an attorney working at the intersection of law, business ethics, and psychedelics. Karina, of counsel with Antithesis Law and an active member of the psychedelic community, shares her unique journey from human rights advocacy into the evolving field of psychedelic law. The conversation explores her presentation at Harvard on psychedelics and monotheistic religions, and her efforts to bridge the gap between Islamic communities and psychedelic-assisted healing. She discusses the legal frameworks she navigates to support clients in the psychedelic ecosystem, the spiritual depth of Sufism, and the expansive tradition of Islamic philosophy and mysticism. If you’re intrigued by the intersections of religion, law, and psychedelic healing, this episode offers deep insights and hopeful perspectives.

In this deeply important episode of Psychedelics Today, Joe Moore is joined by Kristen Nash, MPH, and returning guest Erica Siegel, LCSW, for a nuanced conversation about risk reduction, harm prevention, and ethical education in the psychedelic space. Kristen shares the powerful and heartbreaking story of losing her 21-year-old son after a tragic psychedelic-related incident. Motivated by this loss and her background in public health, she founded the Coalition for Psychedelic Safety and Education and launched the Before You Trip campaign—an educational initiative piloting in Colorado aimed at helping Gen Z users assess their readiness and safety before engaging with psychedelics. Erica contributes her extensive experience from Nest Harm Reduction and Shine Collective, emphasizing the need for peer-based support, non-abstinence frameworks, and trauma-informed approaches. She highlights common pitfalls such as untrained facilitators, predatory behavior, and the pervasive issue of gaslighting in psychedelic com

In this episode, Joe Moore speaks with award-winning science journalist Erica Rex about her personal experience participating in psychedelic research, her upcoming book Seeing What Is There: My Search for Sanity in the Psychedelic Era, and the complex story behind the recently published Religious Leader Psilocybin Study from Johns Hopkins and NYU. They examine: Erica's firsthand experience as a participant in the original 2012 study that helped launch Roland Griffiths’ prominence in psychedelic science. The goals and outcomes of the Religious Leader Study, which sought to explore how psilocybin might impact religious leaders’ effectiveness and connection to their communities. The methodological and ethical problems that plagued the study. The influence of perennialist frameworks and the limitations of measures like the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ). Broader concerns about the infiltration of religious ideology and lack of rigor in psychedelic science. A deep critique of the institutional systems tha

In this expansive episode of Psychedelics Today, Joe Moore sits down with author and cultural theorist Daniel Pinchbeck to explore the evolving—and increasingly contested—role of psychedelics in society. From the hopeful spirit of transformation that animated earlier psychedelic movements to the sobering reality of biotech, branding, and political entanglement, Daniel offers a candid diagnosis of where we are—and where we might be headed. Reflecting on Psychedelic Science 2025, Daniel discusses the event’s stark shift toward commercialization and industry influence. He contrasts this with his earlier work on Evolver, a movement that sought to integrate psychedelics with permaculture, alternative economics, and cultural awakening. Together, Joe and Daniel examine how the field’s idealistic origins have been increasingly subjected to capitalist co-option. They also dive into deeper philosophical terrain—discussing monistic idealism, Rudolf Steiner, and the suppression of mystical and paranormal dimensions in th

In this wide-ranging conversation, journalist Mattha Busby joins Joe Moore to reflect on the shifting tone of the psychedelic movement in the wake of Psychedelic Science 2025. Based in Vancouver, Mattha has written for The Guardian, VICE, Esquire, TIME, and Wired, bringing a uniquely embedded yet critical lens to the space. They discuss the post-conference mood and the sense that the industry is sobering up—less hype, more introspection. Mattha reflects on the growing division between underground practitioners, activists, and biotech startups, and the importance of vision, ethics, and scrutiny in the midst of this cultural moment. Other topics include: Ketamine overuse and dependence, especially in social and parenting contexts The future of psychedelic nightlife, harm reduction, and mocktail bars Gender and sexual fluidity as uncovered through psychedelics Questions of IP, underground wisdom, and psychedelic ownership Psychedelics as tools for peacebuilding, especially in conflict zones The shad

Dylan Beynon: At-Home Ketamine Therapy, Big Pharma Pushback, and the Future of Psychedelic Accessibility In this episode, Joe Moore welcomes Dylan Beynon, CEO and Founder of Mindbloom, one of the largest providers of legal, at-home ketamine therapy in the U.S. Dylan shares the deeply personal story that led him to psychedelic medicine—including the tragic loss of his mother and sister to addiction and mental illness—and how these experiences continue to fuel his mission to make psychedelic therapy affordable and accessible for all. Mindbloom has now facilitated over 654,000 sessions across 38 states, offering both sublingual and subcutaneous (injectable) ketamine in a comprehensive treatment program that includes preparation, integration, music, journaling, and even generative AI art. The conversation dives into common criticisms of at-home ketamine, the benefits of guided treatment over IV infusions, and the disturbing influence of Big Pharma in media narratives—especially the growing PR push behind SPRAVATO

In this episode, we sit down with Victoria Litman, M.Div., J.D., LL.M., to discuss why the future of psychedelic access in the United States is being shaped not by federal agencies, but by the bold actions of individual states. As a legal scholar and writer focusing on drug policy, Victoria breaks down the significance of the FDA’s 2024 rejection of psychedelic-assisted therapy, and why that decision might be less of a setback than it seems. We explore how state-level initiatives like Oregon’s Psilocybin Services Act and Colorado’s Natural Medicine Health Act are setting the stage for a new model of access—one rooted in harm reduction, personal liberty, and existing regulatory infrastructure. Victoria discusses the importance of the Tenth Amendment and the Anti-Commandeering Doctrine, which allow states to move forward regardless of federal inaction. Rather than waiting for slow-moving federal institutions, Victoria argues that states can build safe, scalable systems now—especially by leveraging cannabis