The Ibogaine Journey: Death Of The Old Self

Description

In this episode, Melanie sits down with Patrick and Michelle Fishley, co-founders of Soul Reflections, to unpack what Ibogaine and the Iboga plant are, why people seek them out for addiction interruption, trauma, PTSD, and brain health, and why screening, safety protocols, and long-term integration matter just as much as the ceremony itself.

Patrick and Michelle share their background as nurses, how they began this work in 2012, the difference between Ibogaine (one alkaloid) and Iboga (the full plant with many alkaloids), and what they wish more people understood before pursuing any retreat or clinic.

Guest Bio

Patrick & Michelle Fishley are the co-founders of Soul Reflections, offering preparation and integration support, retreats, and education around Iboga and Ibogaine. With nursing backgrounds and years in this work, they emphasize ethical facilitation, client safety, and the importance of long-term integration.

What You'll Learn

The difference between Ibogaine and the full Iboga plant
Why cardiac screening matters and what "QT prolongation" means in plain language
How medication interactions can increase risk and why tapering windows matter
Why they call Ibogaine an "interruption," not a cure
What "expectation" vs "intention" looks like in medicine work
Why integration can take months (even up to a year) and what that support can look like
What to ask when choosing a retreat or clinic (and why "cheap" can be a red flag)

Discussion Highlights (Timestamps)

00:00 Melanie introduces Ibogaine/Iboga + guests Patrick & Michelle Fishley
02:05 How Patrick first got involved; from ICU nursing to medicine work
04:20 Why medical supervision matters (heart component)
06:43 QT prolongation explained + medication interaction risks
08:38 Their mission: bridging gaps in mental health and holistic care
12:58 Brain health, TBI/concussions, neurogenesis + what the research is exploring
13:27 Ibogaine vs Iboga: one alkaloid vs 100+ alkaloids
18:10 Comparing Iboga with other psychedelics and why integration time matters
20:19 What addiction is rooted in (coping, nervous system, unmet needs)
24:51 Physical symptoms: inflammation, gut, nervous system support (and why outcomes vary)
33:01 Misinformation + oversimplification from podcasts/documentaries
36:52 How to access it safely + what questions to ask any provider
40:10 Their community + retreat structure (typically 8 days, two ceremonies)
41:59 Legality "gray area" in Canada + why education and regulation matter
47:47 Their involvement in Dosed and why hope matters
49:40 Final advice: slow down, do your homework, prioritize safety + integration

Key Takeaways

Safety is not optional. Screening, supervision, and protocols matter more than hype.
Ibogaine can interrupt addiction physiology, but long-term change needs participation, environment shifts, and support.
Iboga/Ibogaine isn't a "one-size-fits-all" experience. Comparisons create disappointment and blind spots.
Integration is the real work. The retreat is the beginning, not the finish line.