Ian McCall is a former UFC fighter, retired MMA world champion, and psychedelic research advocate championing alternative treatments for athletes through his organization, Athletes Journey Home. Ian’s journey with psychedelics has been driven by his battle with traumatic brain injury and addiction, which manifested after more than a decade of professional fighting. He credits psychedelics for his successful recovery from more than a decade of dependence on pain medication. Today, Ian spends his time as a performance coach and mentor, often cornering other professional athletes and assisting them on their own path to healing. In this episode, Ian also shares how a recent experience with ibogaine helped him overcome ketamine misuse, a problem affecting an increasing number of visitors to Beond.
What We Discuss
Ian's journey as a professional MMA fighter and the personal challenges he faced during his career
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and its impact on athletes in combat sports
Ian's transition from traditional treatments to exploring psychedelics for TBI and addiction recovery
A deep dive into Ian's Ibogaine experience, including its challenges and profound insights
How Ibogaine works on the NMDA receptor and its role in repairing damage from ketamine misuse
Ian's personal realization about overcoming fear and embracing vulnerability during his healing journey
The potential for psychedelics like Ibogaine to support neurogenesis and long-term recovery
Ian's approach to helping others with TBI, addiction, and trauma, including the tools and therapies he employs
The challenges and barriers in treating TBI and supporting recovery in athletes and others
Ian's vision for the future of TBI treatment and the role of psychedelics in holistic healing
Why It’s Important
This episode offers an intimate look at Ian McCall's transformation from a professional MMA fighter to a passionate advocate for psychedelic healing. By addressing the complexities of Traumatic Brain Injury and addiction recovery, Ian shares invaluable insights into the potential of psychedelics like Ibogaine to foster profound healing. Whether you're an athlete, a healthcare professional, or someone interested in alternative therapies, this episode provides a compelling narrative on resilience, innovation, and the future of mental and physical recovery. Tune in to learn how Ian's experiences can inspire and guide others on their healing journeys.
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