Psychedelics Today

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: Joe and Mattha also reflect on the resurgence of psychedelic use in Texas, the legacy of the Stark Club, and how Christian libertarianism and military trauma might influence unexpected policy changes. This conversation is bold, honest, funny, and thoughtful—exactly the kind of cultural critique the movement needs right now. Find Mattha on Instagram at @matthamundo and on LinkedIn at Mattha Busby. His new pocketbook on drug policy is available now.

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. Dylan also breaks down what makes Mindbloom’s outcomes stand out, why they recently added injectable ketamine, and how their safety data challenges popular misconceptions. Joe and Dylan also touch on the potential future of at-home MDMA therapy, regulatory hurdles, and what it will take to scale these powerful treatments to millions of people in need. If you're in the psychedelic field, considering ketamine therapy, or curious about the ethics and economics of psychedelic medicine, this episode offers a powerful look behind the curtain. Resources: Mindbloom.com Vital Psychedelic Training

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 infrastructure for psychedelic regulation. She also touches on the ethical and cultural implications of this transition, including protections for spiritual and religious use. If you’re wondering what psychedelic policy will look like in the years ahead, this episode offers an insightful and hopeful roadmap. Link to CATO article

Joe Moore and Anne Philippi are hosts of the PS25 Morning Show! This one features Dee Dee Goldpaugh, LCSW and Tomasso Barba, PhDC! We talk about all things Sex and Psychedelics!

n this episode of Psychedelics Today, kicking of Psychedelic Science 2025 week in Denver, we sit down with Jonathan Dicksinson, Chief Executive Officer, and Trevor Millar, Chief Operations Officer of Ambio Life Sciences – one of the world’s leading ibogaine clinics – to explore the potential of ibogaine for addiction, neuroregeneration, and how ethics, honoring experience, and sustainability will be key to delivering ibogaine at scale. Trevor shares his early work supporting marginalized populations in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, which led to the founding of Liberty Root, one of Canada’s first ibogaine clinics. Jonathan reflects on his apprenticeship in Mexican clinics, years of international advocacy with the Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance, and drafting the first set of clinical guidelines for ibogaine detoxification. Together with paramedic and ibogaine safety protocols expert Jose Inzunza, they co-founded Ambio in Tijuana in 2021. They discuss: The unique safety standards Ambio has pioneered – including industry-wide clinical protocols and magnesium therapy to mitigate cardiac risk. Their scale: over 3,000 patients treated, with 100+ clients per month across five dedicated houses in Baja California. Ambio’s groundbreaking neuroregenerative program for Parkinson’s, MS, and traumatic brain injury – which has already drawn patients like Brett Favre and Clay Walker. How ibogaine appears to drive profound physiological change – including evidence of TBI reversal as shown in Stanford’s 2024 study on Special Forces veterans. Why ibogaine isn’t just a molecule – it opens a long-lasting “critical period” of neuroplasticity that must be supported with preparation, integration, and holistic care. The deeper story of sourcing: through his company Terragnosis, Jonathan is the only person with a legal export license for Tabernanthe iboga from Gabon, and Ambio is setting a precedent for reciprocal and ethical global supply chains. Their cautionary perspective on Texas’ $50M push toward ibogaine clinical trials – and why the traditional “one drug, one indication” model misses the complexity and promise of psychedelic healing. They also make a compelling case that Ambio is already modeling what the future of psychedelic care should look like – not a single drug in a sterile clinical setting, but a comprehensive, integrated protocol combining preparation, medical oversight, and deep integration. “Start with the end in mind,” Trevor urges – Ambio isn’t just part of the movement; it’s the blueprint for how ibogaine could be delivered worldwide. Links: Ambio Website: https://ambio.life/ Significant lesion reduction and neural structural changes following ibogaine treatments for multiple sclerosis (Frontiers in Immunology, Feb 2025) Magnesium–ibogaine therapy in veterans with traumatic brain injuries (Nature Medicine, Jan 2024) Ibogaine reduced severe neuropathic pain associated with a case of brachial plexus nerve root avulsion (Frontiers in Pain Research, Aug 2023) Novel treatment of opioid use disorder using ibogaine and iboga in two adults (Journal of Psychedelic Studies, Jan 2020) Clinical Guidelines for Ibogaine-Assisted Detoxification Ambio Life Sciences Launches World's First Clinical Ibogaine Program for Patients With Neurodegenerative Conditions Bios: Jonathan Dickinson is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Ambio Life Sciences. One of the world’s leading experts on ibogaine, Jonathan brings over 15 years of experience in clinical care, traditional practice, and psychedelic research to his leadership at Ambio. A Mexico-licensed psychologist and former Executive Director of the Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance, he authored the field’s foundational safety guidelines and has published widely on ibogaine’s therapeutic, cultural, and ecological significance. He holds the only active export license for Tabernanthe iboga root, led the first Nagoya-compliant export from Gabon, and was initiated...

In this episode of Psychedelics Today, hosts sit down with Jeff Breau from Harvard Divinity School's Center for the Study of World Religions. Key themes include the intersection of psychedelics and religion, harm reduction practices, and the burgeoning psychedelic church movement. Jeff brings insights from his ethnographic research on psychedelic churches and discusses the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for advancing understanding in this field. He also delves into the role of music in psychedelic therapy, critiques of the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ), and the potential for psychedelic chaplaincy. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on the evolving landscape of psychedelics in society and spirituality. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:18 Music in Psychedelic Therapy 02:13 Cultural Context of Music in Therapy 06:08 Personal Journey into Psychedelics and Religion 08:40 Living at an Ashram and Spiritual Practices 15:52 Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ) 33:01 Psychedelic Churches and Legal Challenges 46:11 The Intersection of Law and Religion 46:34 Emergence of Psychedelic Churches 48:41 The Democratization of Mystical Experiences 49:49 Technologies of Revelation 51:10 Novel Rituals and Spiritual Practices 53:49 Humor and Irreverence in Religion 56:44 Reevaluating the Term 'Cult' 01:10:11 Psychedelic Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care 01:18:44 Burning Man as a Model for Religiosity 01:22:43 The Rise of Iboga in American Christianity 01:25:56 Conclusion and Future Directions Links https://cswr.hds.harvard.edu/people/jeffrey-breau

In this episode, Joe Moore sits down with Paul Gillis-Smith from The Center for the Study of World Religions to discuss a range of fascinating topics. They begin by discussing the Harvard Divinity School and the CSWR’s mission and history. The conversation delves into the work and legacy of Lisa Bieberman, a pivotal figure in the 1960s psychedelic harm reduction movement. It explores her contributions to the field through her Psychedelic Information Center. They also touch on the Quaker traditions and their intersection with LSD use, showing how spirituality and psychedelics can coalesce. Paul also talks about upcoming psychedelic and chaplaincy workshops, emphasizing the importance of spiritual care in psychedelic experiences. This episode is rich with historical insights and contemporary applications, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in psychedelics and spirituality. Paul Gillis-Smith @ CSWR Center for the Study of World Religions Psychometric brahman, psychedelic science: Walter Stace, transnational Vedanta, and the Mystical Experience Questionnaire 00:00 Introduction and Initial Setup 00:34 Meeting at Penn's Psychedelic Conference 01:14 Postdoctoral Presentations and Indigenous Plant Medicine 03:27 Understanding CSWR and Its Evolution 07:21 Harvard's Study of Psychedelics in Society and Culture 09:11 Personal Academic Journey and Interest in Psychedelics 11:58 Role at CSWR and Ongoing Projects 18:59 Lisa Bieberman: A Pioneer in Psychedelic Education 40:53 Quaker Theology of LSD 41:58 Meeting Structure and Frequency 42:46 Profound Simple Truths 45:41 Transition to Quakerism 48:45 The New Jerusalem Prophecy 53:02 Quakerism and Its Influence 01:11:25 Clinical Chaplaincy and Psychedelics 01:18:39 Conclusion and Future Projects

In this episode of Psychedelics Today, Joe Moore speaks with Dr. Simon Ruffell, a London-based psychiatrist, researcher, and curandero-in-training in the López Maler lineage of the Shipibo tradition. Dr. Ruffell shares how his early fascination with psychiatry eventually led to a deep disillusionment with the limitations of conventional treatments—and a surprising pivot toward the Amazon. Now working at the intersection of Indigenous healing and clinical research, Ruffell describes his journey from medical school to shamanic apprenticeship. He offers insight into the Shipibo understanding of illness across three planes—spiritual, psychological, and physical—and how these ideas challenge Western frameworks. The conversation explores critical questions about the psychedelic renaissance: Are current clinical models missing the energetic and spiritual dimensions of healing? What are the risks of poorly held psychedelic sessions, and how can Indigenous knowledge guide safer practices? Dr. Ruffell advocates for deep training, cross-cultural respect, and collaborative models—such as pairing Indigenous healers with psychiatrists in clinical settings. He also discusses his work with Onaya Science and Onaya.io, organizations that partner with Indigenous communities to study the effects of ayahuasca, particularly in treating PTSD among military veterans. Early findings from their five-year study show that 84% of participants no longer meet PTSD criteria six months after retreat—a promising signal for integrative approaches. This episode offers a rare look at how science and spirituality can coexist. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, or someone seeking deeper healing, Dr. Ruffell’s story invites us to question our assumptions and expand our understanding of what true medicine can be.

Aspen Psychedelic Symposium 2024 – Hosted by Kevin Franciotti This powerful panel explores the healing potential and complex responsibilities that come with working with Ibogaine, a potent plant-based psychedelic. Moderator Kevin Franciotti guides a heartfelt and informative conversation with Talia Eisenberg, Tom Feegel, and Dr. Lola "Dr. O" Hoba, highlighting personal transformation, medical protocols, and the importance of honoring traditional knowledge. Personal Journeys with Ibogaine Talia Eisenberg shares her recovery from opioid addiction and the founding of BEOND Ibogaine, a medical treatment center in Cancun, Mexico. Her story illustrates the plant’s unique power to interrupt addiction and awaken purpose. Tom Feegel, co-founder and CEO of BEOND, shares how his own trauma and long-term sobriety inspired a vision for a safe, respectful, and medically supervised environment for deep healing. Clinical and Cultural Wisdom Dr. Lola Hoba offers insights as a pharmacist and Yoruba herbalist, bridging traditional plant medicine knowledge with modern pharmacology. She describes how iboga works on multiple brain receptors and why it holds so much promise for treating addiction, depression, and trauma. She also cautions about its cardiac risks and calls for respectful, trained facilitation. Safety, Access, and Sustainability Panelists discuss the rigorous safety protocols at BEOND, including ICU-level care, psychiatric screening, and pre-treatment evaluations. They also explore broader questions: How can this medicine be offered responsibly? What does reciprocity mean in practice? BEOND supports Blessings of the Forest, a nonprofit in Gabon that works to stop poaching and protect Indigenous access to the sacred root. A Call for Balance and Respect This conversation highlights the importance of blending science, spirit, and social justice. From trauma healing to sustainable sourcing, each panelist emphasizes the need for compassion, caution, and connection. As laws change and access grows, the panel urges all involved to move forward with care—for the medicine, the people it serves, and the cultures that have stewarded it for generations.

A panel discussion with Jim Harris, Rachel Zoeller, DPT, David W. McMillan, Ph.D., and Manesh Girn, Ph.D. Recorded live at the Aspen Psychedelic Symposium In this riveting and deeply personal conversation, moderator Jim Harris is joined by three pioneers at the intersection of neuroscience, psychedelics, and disability: Dr. Rachel Zoeller (Doctor of Physical Therapy and spinal cord injury survivor), Dr. David McMillan (Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery at the University of Miami), and Dr. Manesh Girn (neuroscientist and postdoctoral researcher with Robin Carhart-Harris at UCSF). Together, they explore how psychedelics may do far more than treat depression or catalyze mystical experiences—they may also support healing and regeneration in the nervous system. The discussion opens with an acknowledgment that our cultural understanding of psychedelics has mostly focused on their psychological and spiritual effects. But as these experts reveal, the somatic potential of psychedelics is vast and understudied. They delve into promising areas like central and peripheral neuroplasticity, the anti-inflammatory effects of psychedelics, and how these mechanisms might play a role in healing from spinal cord injuries or paralysis. Dr. Girn breaks down the science behind psilocybin's interaction with 5-HT2A serotonin receptors, not only in the brain but also in the spinal cord. These receptors, when activated, may increase neuronal excitability and even help restore lost signaling in damaged motor pathways. He suggests that psychedelics could reopen “critical periods” for neuroplasticity—windows of opportunity for the nervous system to rewire and heal. Rachel Zoeller shares her powerful lived experience as both a physical therapist and a spinal cord injury patient. Her story brings the science to life, particularly her observation that psychedelic experiences help her reconnect to parts of her body affected by paralysis. Psychedelics, she suggests, have allowed her to rebuild mind-body communication and foster compassion toward her own physical limitations. She also underscores the need for patients to cultivate body awareness, meditation, and breathwork as essential tools for safe and effective psychedelic use. Dr. McMillan, who leads outreach at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, provides a clinical and safety-oriented perspective. While optimistic about the potential, he urges caution—especially with individuals who have high-level spinal cord injuries and are vulnerable to serious complications like autonomic dysreflexia. He stresses that before we can bring these treatments into clinical settings, we must carefully assess physiological risk, develop precise pharmacological protocols, and prioritize patient safety. The panel also addresses cultural and spiritual interpretations of spasticity. Drawing on both shamanic and somatic perspectives, they propose that these involuntary muscle contractions could be reinterpreted not as dysfunction, but as potential portals for healing, integration, or neurological feedback. The idea that such spasms might help the brain remap muscle groups is discussed as a provocative and hopeful reframe. The conversation wraps with a call to action: to bring together indigenous wisdom, embodied knowledge, rigorous science, and community storytelling in order to chart a new frontier in psychedelic medicine—one that does not leave the disabled community behind. As McMillan puts it, "There’s a lesson to psychedelia from paralysis.” It’s a reminder that neuropharmacology must consider not just molecules and mechanisms, but people and possibilities. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, patient, or curious explorer, this panel is a moving and illuminating look at how psychedelics could transform not only minds—but bodies. Thanks to Aspen Public Radio, Aspen Psychedelic Resource Center, Healing Advocacy Fund and Aspen Psychedelic Symposium for allowing us to share this...

In this special panel, Joe Moore of Psychedelics Today is joined by Sandor Iron Rope, Lakota spiritual leader and peyote practitioner, and Zach Leary, writer and advocate for psychedelic culture. Together, they explore the critical importance of respecting the cultural, spiritual, and ecological roots of plant medicines. Sandor shares powerful reflections on the Lakota worldview, the trauma of colonization, and the deep spiritual kinship indigenous peoples hold with medicinal plants. Zach reflects on the American counterculture's relationship with psychedelics, highlighting the need to preserve mysticism and community over commercialization. The panel dives into challenges around synthetic versus natural medicines, the risks of spiritual harm when practices are rushed or disconnected from tradition, and the urgent need for indigenous voices at the table as psychedelic policy evolves. Throughout, a theme emerges: slow down, honor kinship, and build right relationship with nature, culture, and spirit. This conversation offers a rare and necessary bridge between indigenous wisdom and the psychedelic resurgence, calling for respect, collaboration, and a return to deep roots to guide future generations. Learn more at ipci.life and psychedelicstoday.com.

This podcast comes from the Aspen Psychedelic Symposium from last summer. It features Diane Goldstein who is the executive director of Law Enforcement Action Partnership, Sarko Gergerian a police officer from Winthrop, Mass and Rick Doblin from MAPS. This panel was introduced by Zach Leary and was a highlight of our trip to Aspen's conference last year. We discuss new ways in which police should or could consider psychedelics and drugs more generally. Thanks to Aspen Public Radio and Aspen Psychedelic Symposium for allowing us to share this podcast.

In this episode Kyle Buller and Joe Moore speak to Zach Leary about his new book "Your Extraordinary Mind: Psychedelics in the 21st Century and How to Use Them". Kyle and Joe join Zach in person for this recording. Zach has lots of hard earned wisdom and gracefully shares it with us and with his readers. We discuss MAPS PS25, Psychedelic Churches, psychedelic overuse and much more. Join us to learn more.

In this episode, Joe Moore welcomes LP Giobbi, an internationally famous DJ, electronic music producer, and jazz pianist. LP shares the story behind Dead House, her project blending Grateful Dead samples with house music. What started as a tribute to her parents during pandemic live streams has become a celebrated musical movement. Joe and LP explore the deeper connection between music and psychedelics. They talk about Bicycle Day, the story of Albert Hofmann’s famous LSD bike ride, and how psychedelics can support creativity and personal growth. LP opens up about her own experiences with psychedelics, touring burnout, and how she’s learning to reconnect with her body through music and intention. The conversation also highlights LP’s work with Fem House, an educational platform that empowers women and gender-expansive individuals in music production. She explains how representation, access, and support are key to shifting the music industry. This is a warm, inspiring, candid episode about breaking barriers, finding your voice, and leading purposefully. If you’re in Denver, catch Dead House live at Meow Wolf on Bicycle Day!

In this episode, Kyle Buller speaks with Kayse Geheret, founder of Microdosing for Healing and instructor for Psychedelics Today’s Vital program. They explore what it means to be a modern guide in the world of psychedelics. Kayse shares how microdosing has become a key entry point for many and highlights the importance of training, community, and personal growth. They discuss how not all psychedelic work involves facilitation. Some guides support through integration, education, or community organizing. The conversation covers what makes a great guide—qualities like groundedness, empathy, curiosity, and the ability to hold space. They also talk about the growing need for psychedelic-literate professionals in all fields, not just therapy. Kayse and Kyle reflect on the importance of finding the right training—whether for coaching, integration, or peer support. With more people entering the space, education and connection are more important than ever. Whether you’re curious about microdosing, thinking of becoming a guide, or simply want to better support your community, this episode offers valuable insight. 🎧 Learn more at microdosingforhealing.com 🌱 Discover Vital at vitalpsychedelictraining.com

Joe Moore sits down with UK-based artist Harry Pack, whose vibrant, surreal, and often psychedelic art has captured the attention of dreamers, psychonauts, and seekers worldwide. Known for channeling the aesthetic of altered states rather than simply replicating them, Harry discusses his journey from childhood doodles to being a full-time artist working digitally in Procreate. He shares stories of deep inspiration from figures like Ott—whose album Hiraeth he recently illustrated—and how art has helped him integrate mystical experiences, recovery, and even potential alien contact. The conversation explores the therapeutic potential of art, the role of storytelling in visionary creativity, and the emergence of recurring themes in Harry’s work—most notably, the enigmatic “Purple UFO.” We also get into the importance of community, nature, and play in feeding the creative spirit, and Harry’s aspirations to build spaces for collective art-making and integration. Follow Harry on Instagram @harrypackart and @thepurpleufo, and explore his work at harrypackart.com.

In this episode of Psychedelics Today, Joe Moore sits down with South African ethnobotanist and healer Jean-François Sobiecki to explore the rich and largely underrecognized world of African psychoactive plants. With over two decades of fieldwork and research, Jean-François sheds light on the traditional use of these plants in healing, divination, and spiritual practices across Southern Africa. Topics covered include: 306 African psychoactive plant speciesUbuwaluhealing and conservation gardens Jean-François shares moving stories of his 15-year mentorship with a Northern Sotho diviner and healer, Letti Ponnya, and how she introduced him to African “plant teacher” medicines. His message is clear: Africa has a deep, sophisticated, and scientifically underappreciated tradition of psychoactive plant use that deserves recognition, respect, and further study. 📘 Get the book: African Psychoactive Plants: Journeys in Phytoalchemy 🌐 Learn more at: phytoalchemy.co.za 📝 Related reading: ➡️ African Psychoactive Plants: Journeys in Phytoalchemy – Chacruna

In this inspiring and far-reaching conversation, Joe Moore is joined by Vince Kadlubek, the founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Meow Wolf, the groundbreaking arts and entertainment company known for its massive, immersive art experiences. Together, they dive deep into Meow Wolf’s humble DIY origins, its evolution into a multi-city creative juggernaut, and how it intertwines with psychedelic culture and expanded states of consciousness. Vince shares the story of Meow Wolf’s formation in Santa Fe, the evolution from a group of passionate friends into a thousand-person company, and the power of belief, creativity, and visionary leadership. He reflects on raising funding from George R. R. Martin and major investors, navigating massive growth, and the challenge of keeping the creative spark alive in the face of institutionalization. They also discuss the upcoming Bicycle Day Portal Takeover at Meow Wolf Denver on April 19, which will feature performances, talks, and immersive experiences throughout the exhibition—with appearances from Reggie Watts, Duncan Trussell, Zach Leary, and more. From the imaginative to the esoteric, Vince and Joe explore the intersection of psychedelics and art, the nature of reality and the imaginal realm, and how to build beauty and wonder into the world around us. 🌀 Topics Covered Portal’s Bicycle Day event at Meow Wolf Denver Bicycle Day at Meow Wolf Denver – April 19 Hosted by Portal, this one-of-a-kind immersive celebration of Bicycle Day takes over the entire Meow Wolf Denver space. Expect DJs, speakers, psychedelic storytelling, ecstatic dance, art, and surprises around every corner. Featured Guests Include: 🌀 Plus: Pre-event Bicycle Day bike ride through Denver, curated by Portal. 📍 More Info Meow WolfPortal Events 📣 Support the Show If you love what we do, please share this episode, leave a review, and consider supporting us in our Navigators Program.