Shows
Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersNew research on LSD for generalized anxiety and what’s helpful about a psilocybin experienceSend us a textIn today’s episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast we discuss a paper recently published in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) entitled, “Single Treatment With MM120 (Lysergide) in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” This is a report on the results from Mind Medicine’s phase 2b clinical trial that Reid and I both had the pleasure of working on at Numinus Network’s clinical trial site, Cedar Clinical Research. We discuss what GAD is, a brief history of LSD, why LSD might be helpful for anxiety, the study design, th...
2025-09-2350 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersZen Master Genpo Roshi | Zen practice meets Western psychotherapy, enlightenment, and psychedelic awakeningsSend us a textIn today’s episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, we’re talking with Zen Master, Genpo Roshi. Roshi has been one of the pioneers of Zen throughout the U.S. and Europe. He’s known for his development of the Big Mind process, a method that combines Zen practice with Western psychological principles to facilitate personal transformation and insight. We discuss his early life experiences that set him on this path, the concepts of awakening and enlightenment, the nature of the mind, human being vs. doing, the judicious use of psychedelic tools, and th...
2025-06-031h 06Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersCounterintuitive truths and paradoxes about healingSend us a textIn today’s episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, we’re talking about a few counterintuitive ideas or paradoxes that one might encounter on their personal growth or healing journey. Due to their paradoxical nature, these ideas can be difficult to accept. Ideas like, “only when I accept myself as I am do I then have the freedom to change” can be confusing at first glance. Reid and I attempt to clarify a few of the most common and important paradoxes in today’s episode and we hope you find it useful. For tho...
2025-04-0844 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersAdult development | Waking up vs growing up, enlightenment, and the midlife crisis (Rebroadcast)Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss adult development. That’s right, folks. Developmental stages aren’t just for the kids. Reid and Steve explore different theories on adult development, particularly Ken Wilber’s integral theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. They talk a bit about their own approaches to personal development and how they help clients on this journey. They also discuss the phenomenon of the so-called midlife crisis, waking up vs growing up, how to zero in on your values and live...
2025-02-111h 10Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersGrist for the mill: Ram Dass Legacy Retreat report with Jeremy Robison and John PattersonSend us a textReid has recently returned from the Ram Das Legacy Retreat in Maui run by the Love Serve Remember Foundation. In today’s episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast we sat down for a trip report with Reid’s brother, Jeremy Robison, and our friend, John Patterson, who also attended the retreat. We discuss the theme of the retreat (“grist for the mill”), their motives for going, their experiences at the retreat, the healing power of music, aversions to gurus, how life’s challenges can become our guru, the life of Ram Dass, psychedeli...
2024-12-261h 00Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersPsychedelic studies, interpreting results, and the future of psychedelic researchSend us a textThere is a lot of exciting research going on right now in the world of psychedelic medicine. So much, in fact, that it can be difficult to keep track of it all. Where do you go for reliable information? How do you interpret results? How is it that studies with similar hypotheses can have contradictory findings? In today’s episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, we’re going to discuss these questions while we walk you through a few studies that Reid and I found interesting. Expect to learn what psilocybin does to t...
2024-07-231h 09Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersWhat is shadow work?Send us a textHas there ever been a time when you didn’t feel like yourself? Maybe somebody did or said something to you and you overreacted in a way that left you feeling embarrassed or confused? Well, today we’re going to examine experiences like this through the lens of what Swiss psychotherapist, Carl Jung, called the shadow. You’re listening to Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers–the podcast devoted to exploring the frontiers of psychedelic medicine and what it takes to cultivate a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers is brought to you by Numinus...
2024-07-1752 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersKnow thyself: Unlock the power of self-awarenessSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison talk about the importance and power of self-awareness. The phrase “know thyself” is often attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates, but the invitation to examine one’s self is found in many wisdom traditions. Reid and Steve explore the concept from a few angles today. They discuss what the “self” is that we’re seeking to know, various methods of self-inquiry, how psychedelics can be used as a tool for self-exploration, some challenges of developing self-awareness, and much mor...
2024-01-1659 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersDealing with uncertaintySend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss the challenge of dealing with uncertainty. This is a challenge we all deal with to some extent and is a source of existential dread for many. Reid and Steve discuss the constant and unavoidable nature of uncertainty, sources of uncertainty, what actions people tend to take to rid themselves of uncertainty and the pros/cons of those actions, how to embrace and cope with uncertainty, and much more. Learn more about our podcast at ht...
2023-12-2653 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersAdult development | Waking up vs growing up, enlightenment, and the midlife crisisSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss adult development. That’s right, folks. Developmental stages aren’t just for the kids. Reid and Steve explore different theories on adult development, particularly Ken Wilber’s integral theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. They talk a bit about their own approaches to personal development and how they help clients on this journey. They also discuss the phenomenon of the so-called midlife crisis, waking up vs growing up, how to zero in on your values and live...
2023-11-281h 10Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersPsychedelics and the pursuit of human flourishing with Jonathan RosembergSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison are joined by Jonathan Rosemberg to discuss his recent paper entitled, “Psychedelics and the Pursuit of Human Flourishing: An Examination of Research and Potential Psychological Mechanisms”. Jon is a consultant for Numinus and recently defended this paper as his capstone project for his masters of applied positive psychology at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania. Jon helps Reid and Steve explore the concept of human flourishing, self-transcendence, self-distancing, spiritual intelligence, meaning-making, compassion, beginner’s mind, and several other topics...
2023-09-261h 13Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersPeople-pleasing, attachment styles, and making yourself a prioritySend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss the topic of people-pleasing. Reid and Steve confess their own struggles with people-pleasing and what they’ve done to mitigate it. They explore the relationship between people-pleasing and attachment style, why being nice isn’t always so nice, how to set better boundaries, how self-compassion can help heal the wounds that lead to maladaptive people-pleasing, why selfishness can be a good thing, and much more.Learn more about our podcast at https://numinusnetwork.com/lear...
2023-09-121h 05Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersParts work, IFS, and working with parts in psychedelic therapySend us a textIn today’s episode of Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss the concept of parts work, particularly through the lens of internal family systems or IFS. They explore the concept of internal parts, how this so-called symphony of selves operates, how parts work can help us live well and flourish, how parts manifest during psychedelic experiences, and much more.Come and attend the MAPS Psychedelic Science 2023 conference, Numinus is offering an exclusive 20% discount code to our PTF Podcast listeners. To get 20% off the registration price, click thi...
2023-06-1349 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersAttachment styles and using psychedelics to heal attachment woundsSend us a textIn today’s episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss attachment styles and how psychedelic therapy might be used to address issues related to attachment wounding.Come and attend the MAPS Psychedelic Science 2023 conference, Numinus is offering an exclusive 20% discount code to our PTF Podcast listeners. To get 20% off the registration price, click this link (https://bit.ly/3kzoofk) and use the code NWI20 at checkout.Learn more about our psychedelic training programs at HERE and use code PTF10 at...
2023-05-1650 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersHow to hold space for others, yourself, and in psychedelic therapySend us a textOn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison talk about holding space. They discuss what it means to hold space for others, why holding space is a gift when done well, how to hold space for yourself, and they explore the power that skillful space-holding has in a psychedelic therapy session.Come and attend the MAPS Psychedelic Science 2023 conference, Numinus is offering an exclusive 20% discount code to our PTF Podcast listeners. To get 20% off the registration price, click this link (https://bit.ly/3k...
2023-04-1847 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersWhat is happiness?Send us a textOn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison ask the question, “what is happiness?”. They try to define the term, explore ancient wisdom and modern research on happiness, and talk about why the pursuit of happiness kind of defeats the purpose. They also dip into how psychedelic experiences effect happiness, and even reveal some of the details behind their own personal struggles with happiness.Come and attend the MAPS Psychedelic Science 2023 conference, Numinus is offering an exclusive 20% discount code to our PTF Podcast list...
2023-04-111h 00Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersPerfectionism isn't what you think it isSend us a textOn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison talk about "perfectionism". They discuss the light and shadow sides of perfectionism, talk about the difference between obsessive compulsive disorder and obsessive compulsive personality disorder, how to address perfectionism from an internal parts or IFS perspective, the value of failure, and much much more. (3:07) SXSW psychedelic panel recap(5:17) Rick Doblin legality panel recap(9:01) MAPS success(13:24) Steve intros perfectionism(18:34) The NEO Personality Inventory Test(20:17) Examples of perfectionism(30:03) Enoughness(33:17) From a...
2023-04-0456 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersGrit, resilience, and learning from failureSend us a textOn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss grit, resilience, and learning from failure. They explore the difference between growth and fixed mindsets, how attribution style affects resiliency, tips on how to reduce your fear of failure, and much more. (1:33) How Batman deals with failure(3:59) How our beliefs about failure affect how we cope with it(7:23) Explanatory/attribution styles and fixed vs growth mindsets(10:15) Mindset, by Carol Dweck(11:44) How to develop a growth mindset(16:38) How to expand...
2023-02-1439 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersWho am I? Authenticity, honesty, and living your truthSend us a textOn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss authenticity. They talk about what it means to live one’s truth, the relationship between values and authenticity, what congruence has to do with it, why being authentic can be risky, and much more. (1:34) Les Miserables (4:28) What does it mean to be authentic?(6:46) Authenticity vs transparency, prosocial lies vs antisocial lies(9:58) Are Reid and Steve authentic on the podcast?(13:22) The components of authenticity (14:48) The fluidity of who you "really are"
2023-02-0747 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersParenting, attachment, and not screwing up our kidsSend us a textOn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss parenting. They talk about how difficult parenting is, how parenting styles affect childhood and later adult attachment styles, being an emotion coach as a parent, how to raise resilient kids, genetics, and much more.(1:33) Parenting is hard(6:20) Spanking (7:00) Good Inside, by Dr. Becky Kennedy and being "home base" for your child(10:03) The value of consistency(11:55) Generational differences and improving on the parenting you received (14:02) Repairs and apologies (16:13) The W...
2023-01-3155 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersWhat's love got to do with it?Send us a textOn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss the many facets of love. They explore what love is, how it’s extended and received, the concept of unconditional positive regard, why it’s so important to feel seen and understood, the role feelings of love play in psychedelic medicine…and much more.(1:22) The core need of being seen(3:29) Unconditional positive regard and Carl Rogers(4:58) The first duty of love is to listen(7:11) Love in parenting(9:31) Validate before reassuring or fix...
2023-01-2533 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersThe shadow side of psychedelic therapy with Dr. Chantelle ThomasSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer, Dr. Reid Robison, and Dr. Joe Flanders welcome clinical psychologist, clinical trial researcher, and psychedelic therapist, Dr. Chantelle Thomas to the show for an important conversation about the shadow side of psychedelic therapy. They discuss how therapists harm their clients, the high bar of competence and self-awareness that psychedelic therapists need to clear in order to do this work, the limitations and potential pitfalls of psychedelic therapy training programs, the importance of good supervision and being open to feedback, the dangers...
2023-01-171h 42Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersNew Year's intentions, discipline, self-compassion, and the middle waySend us a textOn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss setting intentions for the new year. They explore how to set values-based intentions vs goals, the struggle of walking the middle path between ambition and contentment, the value of journaling, and much more. (2:00) New Year's resolutions and how our values change(3:41) Essentialism by Greg McKeown and setting an essential intent for the year(4:57) The backlash against "hustle culture" and balancing on the middle way(9:12) Discipline, self-compassion, and play(12:00) Giving yourself "...
2023-01-1046 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersWhat you need to know about ketamine-assisted therapySend us a textOn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss what you need to know about ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. (1:43) Ram Dass's family dinner (4:27) What is ketamine?(7:05) What does ketamine feel like?(11:29) Ketamine as a psychotomimetic (12:53) Ego dissociation as a therapy (14:54) The limitations of ketamine therapy(16:00) The different approaches to ketamine therapy(23:10) Ketamine dosing strategies (27:05) Psychedelic, psycholytic, and psychiatric uses of ketamine (28:30) The advantages of combining ketamine and psychotherapy(33:17) Typical course of ketamine treatment (37:20) Spravato and the...
2023-01-0346 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersManifesting, the placebo effect, and how beliefs shape your lifeSend us a textOn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss the power of belief, the placebo effect, manifesting and the law of attraction, and how these things are relevant for psychedelic-assisted therapy and life. (0:52) Childhood fears and scary movies (4:00) The conflict between rational thought and felt sense(5:08) Why do people believe what they believe?(7:22) How beliefs are related to mental illness (9:45) Cognitive biases and the scientific method(13:45) Evolutionary basis of beliefs(16:36) The placebo effect(27:30) Manifesting and the law...
2022-12-2050 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersControl vs surrender in psychedelic therapy and in lifeSend us a textOn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss the paradox of control and surrender in psychedelic assisted therapy and in life. (1:45) A poem about control vs surrender written by an AI chat bot(4:24) The Serenity Prayer(5:50) Avoidance and our attachments to control are at the root of many types of suffering(9:29) Allowing and the wisdom to know when to stop(13:29) Radical Acceptance, by Tara Brach (14:19) Acceptance, the comfort zone, and struggle(17:41) Ceremony as a way to...
2022-12-1351 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersHow to set boundaries for better relationships and better mental healthSend us a textOn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss how to set healthy boundaries so your relationships can be energizing and your mental health can flourish. (2:00) Boundaries are important in many facets of life(4:00) Our basic need for belonging(4:40) Transcend, by Scott Barry Kaufman(7:21) Don't take on what isn't yours(10:25) Setting boundaries isn't the same as selfishness (13:55) Boundaries allow you to be generous (15:51) The challenges of changing your boundaries (21:08) Types of boundaries(22:55) Borderline personality disorder
2022-11-2957 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersSelf-care strategies for the psychedelic therapistSend us a textOn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss self-care strategies for the psychedelic therapist. (1:30) Self-care vs self-indulgence (3:02) Why is self-care a necessity for therapists(6:05) The therapist is an important part of the setting(8:45) Managing the long sessions typical of psychedelic therapy sessions(11:40) How much of this work can a therapist handle?(13:18) Staying attuned when the client is still and quiet(15:00) Modeling good self-care for clients(17:45) Logistical support for the psychedelic therapist (19:19) What Reid and S...
2022-11-2243 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersMusic as medicineSend us a textOn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer, Dr. Reid Robison, and Dr. Joe Flanders discuss the healing power of music. They share their personal journeys with and connections to music, childhood piano lessons, the powerful effect music has on emotion, how they use music in psychedelic therapy, and much, much more. (1:55) Reid's music journey(4:00) Steve's music journey(7:05) Joe's music journey(10:00) Why we pair music with psychedelic therapy(13:52) What kind of music pairs well with psychedelic therapy(16:20) East Forest and Trevor Hall...
2022-11-1556 min
The Mindspace Podcast: Inspiring WellbeingJon Hopkins on Music for Psychedelic Therapy“As if in each of us
There once was a fire
And for some of us
There seem as if there are only ashes now
But when we dig in the ashes
We find one ember
And very gently we fan that ember
Blow on it
It gets brighter
And from that ember we rebuild the fire
Only thing that's important is that ember
That's what you and I are here to celebrate”
Ram Dass quote, lyri...
2022-11-081h 06Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersHow to prepare for a psychedelic journeySend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss how to prepare for a psychedelic journey.(2:35) Terminology: harm reduction vs. conscious preparation(4:00) Preparation might be the most overlooked aspect of the psychedelic experience(4:30) Importance of long-term, intermediate, and short-term prep(6:45) Physical preparation: contraindications, the potential need to taper off medications, nutrition…(8:00) Reid’s story of the Buddha doing yoga before starting on his path in order to be able to sit still long enough to actually attain enlightened states...
2022-10-2545 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersCan psychedelics make you more psychologically flexible?Send us a textIn this episode of Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison explore how psychedelic medicine might make one more psychologically flexible. They discuss what psychological or cognitive flexibility means, how it’s implicated in mental health, how psychedelics influence it, the concept of entropy applied to the brain, and much more. (1:29) Strength and flexibility (3:29) The REBUS model and entropic brain theory (4:04) Neuroplasticity (8:38) The transdiagnostic benefits of psychedelics (9:28) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)(11:14) Mindfulness and equanimity (17:14) Resistance leads to suffering(19:20) Living Untethered, by...
2022-10-1935 min
Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersMescaline: history, uses, and researchSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison talk about the history, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic applications of the psychedelic Mescaline. (4:11) Introduction to the topic(7:35) Why we started the podcast(8:05) Yoga tangent (12:30) What is mescaline?(14:25) History of mescaline(16:02) Psychedelic dog study(28:29) Mescaline research(36:23) Aldous Huxley's trip description(38:48) Subjective effects survey(42:51) Humans are evolutionally wired for survival Email us questions and feedback at psychfrontiers@novamind.ca Learn more about our podcast at ht...
2022-09-2748 min
Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersMDMA-Assisted Therapy: indications, research, and practiceSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss MDMA-assisted therapy. They explore the following topics: (2:00) Making this year the best year yet(3:57) The early history of MDMA with Alexander "Sasha" Shulgin and Merck (7:00) The pioneering work of Sasha and Ann Shulgin(9:32) Why MDMA became illegal and the repercussions (10:23) MDMA study with couples(11:00) Chemical structure and mechanisms of action in the brain(13:20) Why does MDMA help with PTSD and post-traumatic growth(19:40) Is MDMA the same as ecst...
2022-09-2052 min
Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersIbogaine: psychedelic treatment for substance use disorders with Dr. Bruno RasmussenSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison are joined by Dr. Bruno Rasmussen MD to talk about the psychedelic, ibogaine. Bruno is an internal medicine physician, gastroenterologist, and the CMO of Beneva Clinics in São Paulo, Brazil. Bruno has spent the last 20 years working with ibogaine to treat substance use disorders with incredible success.Beneva Clinics website: https://clinicabeneva.com/en/Beneva Clinics Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benevaclinics/(1:55) Bruno introduces himself and to how ibogaine is used i...
2022-09-131h 10
Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersQ&A Episode with Steve and ReidSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison answer your questions! This is the first of what will be many Q&A episodes, so if you like the show and want Reid and Steve to answer your questions, email them to psychfrontiers@novamind.ca (1:54) Introduction to the topic(4:36) What are the pros and cons of legalizing psychedelic therapy?(13:22) Is there a preferred therapy modality to use with psychedelic therapy?(17:58) Episode on the essential qualities of a psychedelic therapist(21:46) What...
2022-09-0659 min
Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersAyahuasca, psychedelic ceremony, and the value of surrenderSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison the ancient Amazonian psychedelic brew, ayahuasca. They explore its medicinal, ceremonial, and psychospiritual uses, modern research, and Reid even shares some personal experiences navigating the ayahuasca experience. (3:45) Introduction to the topic(5:30) Paul Simon's song about ayahuasca, Spirit Voices(7:21) Jack Kornfield on respecting the psychedelic experience (8:28) After the Ecstasy, the Laundry, by Jack Kornfield(9:00) Integrating a psychedelic experience and the hero's journey(12:16) The role of purging in the ayahuasca experience(14:21...
2022-08-3056 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersGrief and finding hope in loss with Dr. Sherry Walling, Ph.D.Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison are joined by Dr. Sherry Walling. Sherry is a clinical psychologist, speaker, podcaster, author, and mental health advocate. Her company, ZenFounder, helps entrepreneurs and leaders navigate among other things transition, rapid growth, and loss. She hosts the ZenFounder Podcast, which has been called a “must listen” by both Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine and has been downloaded more than 1,000,000 times. She was also the host of Mind Curious, a podcast series exploring innovations in mental health care via psyc...
2022-08-2351 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersPsilocybin: history, uses, and researchSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss the most fantastic of fungi, psilocybin mushrooms. They we explore ancient and modern history, therapeutic and ceremonial uses, current research, and more. Whether you’re new to psychedelics or an experienced psychonaut, there’s’ something in this episode for you. (1:00) Maria Sabina(4:02) Gordon and Valentina Wasson(5:37) How To Change Your Mind on Netflix(6:30) Hapé podcast episode(7:12) Fantastic Fungi and Paul Stamets(8:16) How To Change Your Mind, by Michael Pollan(9...
2022-08-161h 01Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersWhat is Hapé? The ceremonial tobacco snuffSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss the origins and uses of hapé, the tobacco snuff used by the indigenous cultures of the amazon basin for thousands of years.(1:27) Steve's and Reid's hapé meditations(4:41) What is hapé?(6:35) Historical use hapé(7:17) How hapé is prepared(9:15) The varieties of the hapé experience (17:45) Waking Up Course, with Sam Harris(19:13) Dosage considerations(20:56) The ordeal (22:20) LSD episode (24:30) Tobacco snuff usage in the post-colonial era (27:25) Sourcing, nicotine concerns...
2022-08-0948 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersLSD, creativity, and insanitySend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison LSD research, phenomenology, and the future of LSD-assisted psychotherapy. (1:03) Albert Hofmann's description of the first LSD experience on "bicycle day" (4:13) Alex Grey artwork (5:38) The stigma against LSD(8:51) LSD as a treatment for alcoholism (9:50) Big pharma(12:15) Hofmann's letter to Steve Jobs (13:44) LSD and creativity (16:23) Default Mode Network (17:51) LSD for anxiety disorders(20:25) LSD is a "promiscuous" molecule (22:00) The connection between creative genus and mental chaos(24:37) LSD...
2022-08-0245 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersGoal-setting, motivation, and self-actualizationSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss the concepts of motivation, drive, goal-setting and living a self-actualized life.(1:17) Is goal-setting stupid?(3:53) Goals compared to intention-setting in psychedelic therapy(7:07) Abraham Maslow and the book Transcend, by Scott Barry Kaufman(14:54) Native American medicine wheel(17:04) Big picture thinking and checking goals against your values(21:42) Goals, habits, and tuning your instrument(25:17) Self-compassion and being ready for change(29:12) The driving forces in Reid's life(34:32) Perspective granted by psychedelic...
2022-07-2648 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersDMT, 5-MeO, and psychedelic entity encountersSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss the psychedelic Dimethyltryptamine (DMT). DMT and similar psychedelics have been used by indigenous peoples for healing, development, and spiritual purposes for thousands of years. Western science is now exploring how this molecule might be used to treat modern mental health conditions. (1:24) Terence McKenna (3:35) What is DMT?(5:41) Ayahuasca (6:36) Similarities between the DMT and psilocybin experience(7:45) Hamilton Morris and Dr. Mark Plotkin on The Tim Ferriss Show(8:18) 5-MeO-DMT and the Sonoran D...
2022-07-1957 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersIs cannabis a psychedelic?Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss whether or not cannabis is considered a psychedelic and how it might be used for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.(1:57) Is cannabis a psychedelic? (2:53) Hallucinations, by Oliver Sacks(7:23) Cannabis as a tool(11:10) Potential risks of cannabis use(14:18) The set and setting factors for a cannabis experience(17:26) Is cannabis a "non-specific amplifier" like other psychedelics?(23:45) Steve's first cannabis experience(28:30) Approved psychiatric uses for cannabis in Utah(30:22) Cannabis variants, THC concentration...
2022-07-1254 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersMicrodosing, community, and coaching with The Third Wave founder, Paul AustinSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison joined by Paul Austin. Paul is the CEO and Founder of The Third Wave, author of Microdosing Psychedelics: A Practical Guide to Upgrade Your Life, a public speaker, and a coach. (1:44) Paul introduces himself and tells his story (6:20) Psychedelic experiences calling people to the work(8:14) Integrating psychedelic experiences using collective, community support(21:10) Altered states can lead to altered traits(23:28) We need to be wiser to avoid catastrophe(26:17) Initiation and rites of...
2022-07-0557 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersWhen therapists go to therapy with Hannah Cross, LCSWSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison joined again by Hannah Cross, LCSW. Hannah is a licensed clinical social worker, excellent therapist, reiki master, yoga teacher, ecstatic dance facilitator, and an expert at using psychedelic medicines to enhance the psychotherapy process. Like many therapists, Reid, Hannah, and Steve have benefited tremendously from receiving their own therapy and coaching over the years. In this episode, they discuss some of those experiences in an effort to normalize seeking help, especially for those of you who are...
2022-06-281h 02Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersHabits: you are what you repeatedly doSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss how habits shape our lives, both for good and for not so good. (0:58) Batman Begins(2:25) Habit inventory(6:30) Atomic Habits, by James Clear(11:22) Steve's dad, Douglas H. Thayer(12:22) Is it harder to establish a healthy habit or break an unhealthy one(14:11) Mental illness and addiction through the lens of habit(18:19) How practice relates to habit formation(22:00) The Tools, by Phil Stutz(23:29) How to establish healthy habits(32:00...
2022-06-2159 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersThe neuroscience of psychedelics and mental healthSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss the neuroscience of psychedelics and mental health. Introduce basic neurochemistry, discuss the major neurotransmitters implicated in mental health, explore how psychotropic medicines affect neural circuits, and talk about how psychedelics affect neural circuitry. (0:54) Positive review for the podcast(2:07) The story of Phineas Gage(7:15) Are we just meat machines? Biological reductionism (12:13) Reid and Steve discuss their professional and personal journeys with psychedelics(18:11) How to Change Your Mind, by Michael Pollan(19:07...
2022-06-141h 26Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersImposter syndrome, self-esteem, and being unapologetically youSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss imposter syndrome--its origins, the many ways it manifests, and what to do about it. If you know someone who struggles with this, then send them this episode. (1:14) Imposter syndrome quiz(2:32) Defining imposter syndrome(4:07) Over-pathologizing (6:26) Could imposter feelings be good for you?(12:35) Reid helps Steve with his own imposter syndrome (16:55) Your Life Without Ed, by Jenni Schaefer(18:58) Societal impacts on imposter syndrome (21:50) Can be worse for marginalized groups
2022-06-0741 min
Psychedelics TodayPT323 – Dr. Reid Robison & Steve Thayer, Ph.D. – Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Therapist Burnout, and LSD for AnxietyIn this episode of the podcast, Kyle interviews Dr. Reid Robison and Steve Thayer, Ph.D.: CMO (Robison) and Clinical Director of Education & Training (Thayer) at Novamind, and hosts of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast. www.psychedelicstoday.com
2022-05-311h 05Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersPsychedelic breathwork and unleashing your inner healerSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss breathwork. Breathwork is all the rage in the wellness community right now, but humans have been using the power of the breath to heal and transform for thousands of years. We discuss a variety of breathwork practices and explore the similarities between certain of those practices and psychedelic medicine experiences.(1:11) Intro to the topic(2:28) Poem about a practice of breathing meditation(4:51) The breath is the bridge between the mind and the body a...
2022-05-311h 04Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersMaking life sacred through ceremony and ritualSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss making life sacred through ceremony and ritual. Post-enlightenment and certainly post-industrial life in the west has become increasingly more profane. Reid and Steve explore the potential problems with this and the value of adding ritual and ceremony to your life if it isn’t already there. (1:21) Chanting and toning(2:23) PTF episode on setting intentions (3:18) What is sacred?(3:43) What are rituals and ceremonies for?(7:24) The 6 attributes of ritual(11:10) Rite of pass...
2022-05-2447 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersHow to set intentions for psychedelic therapy…and for life!Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss intention-setting. We believe this is a crucial part of getting the most out of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and….out of life. We talk about our favorite ways to help clients set intentions and how we are personally trying to live lives calibrated to our highest purpose.(1:23) Introduction to the topic(2:19) The relationship between intention and attention (4:07) Values and rituals around intentions (6:39) The deliberate work of intention-setting(9:23) Manifesting(15:12) Making intentions simple an...
2022-05-1747 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersHow to make love stay in relationships with Hannah Cross, LCSWSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison joined by Hannah Cross. Hannah is a regular guest on the show and today we’re doing our 2nd installment in our series on relationships. Hannah is a licensed clinical social worker, expert therapist, reiki master, yoga teacher, ecstatic dance facilitator, and an expert at using psychedelic medicines to enhance the psychotherapy process. In this episode we explore the concept of love and how to make it last in relationships. We hope you find it useful.
2022-05-1059 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersKetamine treatment for opioid use disorder & MORE with Dr. Eric GarlandSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison joined by Dr. Eric Garland. Dr. Garland is the Distinguished Endowed Chair in Research, Distinguished Professor, and Associate Dean for Research in the University of Utah College of Social Work, Director of the Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention Development (C-MIIND), Associate Director of Integrative Medicine in Supportive Oncology and Survivorship at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, and Research Health Scientist in Whole Health at the Salt Lake Veterans Administration Medical Center. Dr. Garland the most prolific...
2022-05-0357 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersWe are Gods with amnesia with Demetri VallejosSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison are joined by Demetri Vallejos. Demetri has dedicated his life to helping find optimal wellness and productivity by remembering a long-forgotten truth: that we are all gods. He has experience and skill with plant medicine, meditation, psychedelic integration, astrology, and something he calls quantum bionetic coaching. His website is https://www.rawdimension.com/ (2:10) Demetri tells his story(6:08) Tool: Lateralus and Alex Grey artwork(8:36) The nature of consciousness and "nous"(12:26) Corpus Hermeticum(16:08...
2022-04-261h 04Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersHow does therapy actually work?Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison try to answer the provocative question, "How does therapy actually work?" They discuss how mental illness is defined, different therapy approaches, aspects common to all therapy approaches, how psychedelics might accelerate progress in therapy, whether or not AI therapists will steal our jobs, and much more!(2:15) Does psychotherapy work?(3:11) How do we define mental health problem?(7:00) What do we work on in therapy?(12:07) Therapist using their humanity as a therapeutic tool(16:00...
2022-04-191h 06Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersPsychedelic clinical trials (psilocybin, LSD, etc) with Dr. Paul ThielkingSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison are joined again by Dr. Paul Thielking. Paul is a psychiatrist, palliative care physician, zen practitioner, and the chief scientific officer at Novamind. Paul joins the show to talk about psychedelic clinical trials. (2:15) Introduction to the topic(4:11) Cedar Clinical Research(4:45) What is a clinical trial?(10:42) The unique challenges of psychedelic clinical trials and regulating psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy(15:09) Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS)(18:06) The therapy part of psychedelic-assisted therapy(24:13) How i...
2022-04-121h 06Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersCommunication is everything!Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison have a conversation about communication. Clear, effective communication is so important in this episode we do our best to explore why. We talk about communication styles, how to navigate conflict, the power of deep listening, the difference between empathy and compassion, and so much more!(1:23) Introduction to the topic(4:11) Stories behind conflict and the Gottmans(6:54) Communication is everything and the many ways we communicate(9:49) The importance of listening(11:52) Empathy and compassion
2022-04-051h 08Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersAwakening, enlightenment, and self-actualizationSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison explore the concept of psychological and spiritual awakening. Is awakening the same as enlightenment or self-actualization? Does it happen gradually or all at once? How does one know if and when you're enlightened? What role can psychedelic medicine play in the process of awakening or enlightenment? We discuss these questions and so much more in today’s episode:(1:54) Are awakening and enlightenment the same thing? (3:22) Sam Harris(5:29) Effective altruism (6:25) The illusion of se...
2022-03-291h 12Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersMicrobiome, gut-brain connection, & mental health with Dr. Amy de la GarzaSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison are joined for the second time on the show by Dr. Amy de la Garza to talk about the gut microbiome and the gut-brain connection. Amy is a board-certified family practice physician who provides specialized care for patients with behavioral health and SUD diagnoses. She uses an integrative approach sometimes called “lifestyle medicine”, which addresses nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management and social connection. Amy is also the Medical Director of the Novamind Salt Lake City, UT clinic. They...
2022-03-221h 11Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersTRIGGERED! Now what?Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison explore how you can use those moments when you are triggered as opportunities for personal exploration, insight, and growth. They discuss the following topics:(1:35) Introduction to the topic(4:44) Why avoidance of triggers is not a useful strategy (8:50) What is spiritual bypassing?(10:48) The Science of Enlightenment, by Shinzen Young(13:12) Triggers show us the work we need to do(14:45) Triggers and meditation (17:37) Trigger warnings(21:21) Sometimes you need to retreat from...
2022-03-1559 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersWhat is ADHD and what can we do about it?Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison explore the causes of, symptoms of, and treatment options for ADHD. They discuss the following topics:(3:00) Introduction to the topic(5:47) What is ADHD? What are the symptoms?(8:38) Executive functioning and ADHD(11:02) Emotional dysregulation in ADHD(18:50) Thinking of ADHD on a spectrum of functioning(21:11) Pros and cons of the ADHD label(24:46) Possible causes of ADHD(27:13) The role that trauma plays in the development of ADHD(28:58) Differing manifestation of...
2022-03-081h 26Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersHannah Cross, LCSW, on Sex, Tantra, Psychedelics, and making relationships workSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison are joined for the third time on the show by Hannah Cross to discuss sex, tantra, psychedelics, and making relationships work. Hannah is a licensed clinical social worker, expert therapist, reiki master, yoga teacher, ecstatic dance facilitator, and super cool. They discuss the following topics:(1:45) Introduction to the topic(2:58) What is tantra? (5:30) Reserving and channeling sexual energy and "no fap"(9:57) Non-monogamy and polyamory (13:03) David Deida(15:34) Relationship to self and synchronizing y...
2022-03-0152 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersDr. Erica Baiden on the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychedelic medicineSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison are joined by Dr. Erica Baiden, MD. Erica is a family medicine physician who is passionate about providing evidence-based care using an integrative, patient-centered approach. They explore issues related to diversity, equity, representation, and inclusion in mental healthcare broadly and in psychedelic medicine specifically. They discuss the following topics:(2:36) Erica introduces herself(4:32) Serving underserved populations and the need for diverse representation among medical/mental healthcare professionals(5:30) How Erica developed her passion for safe...
2022-02-2247 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersKyle Buller from Psychedelics Today on NDEs, breathwork, & training psychedelic therapistsSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison are joined by Kyle Buller from Psychedelics Today. Kyle is a mental health counselor, transpersonal breathwork instructor, and psychedelic therapy educator. Co-founded by Kyle and Joe Moore, Psychedelics Today is an education platform committed to exploring and discussing the field of psychedelics and non-ordinary states of consciousness. They discuss the following topics:(1:47) Introductions and how Kyle got interested in transpersonal psychology(3:32) Kyle's near-death experience (9:16) DMT: The Spirit Molecule: A Doctor's Revolutionary Research into t...
2022-02-151h 21Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersCultivating stillness in a chaotic worldSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison explore what it takes to cultivate stillness in our chaotic modern world. They discuss the following topics:(1:12) Blaise Pascal and the challenge of being alone with oneself (7:32) Bad habits, the monkey mind, and cognitive-behavioral therapy(10:54) Be Here Now, by Ram Dass(10:55) The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle(12:00) Yoga Sutras of Patanjali(14:47) Meditation research on open vs focused practices(16:59) Waking Up meditation app with Sam Harris(17:38) Staying present
2022-02-0851 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersAnger issuesSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison explore the the many facets of anger. They discuss the following topics:(1:44) Steve's story of coping with anger(7:47) What is the function of anger?(9:00) When the Body Says No, by Gabor Mate (10:13) The problem with being too "nice"(11:24) Emotions have a bodily felt sense(12:23) Bodily maps of emotions(13:13) Emotions are connected to an underlying need(14:39) Conditioning affects how we process emotions like anger(17:01) Primary, secondary, and instrumental...
2022-02-011h 06Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersWhat causes depression and can psychedelics help?Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison explore the topic of depression and whether or not psychedelic medicine can help treat it. They discuss the following topics:(4:20) PTF Podcast Episode on anxiety(4:50) Defining depression. What it is and what it isn't.(7:55) DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder(10:08) Depression manifests in many different ways(10:43) Depression as an "illness" or "brain disease"(14:45) PTF Podcast Episode on personality and psychedelics (16:09) Depression and suicidal ideation (18:08) Biological causes of d...
2022-01-2559 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersCan psychedelics change your personality?Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison explore whether or not a psychedelic medicine can change your personality. They discuss the following topics:(2:24) Alter states for altered traits (3:03) Nature vs Nurture (7:00) Difference between personality and temperament (9:00) Jerome Kagan's, PhD, work on the link between temperament and personality development(9:40) Personality theories of the early psychoanalysts, Freud, Jung, and Adler(14:04) "Ego" and how psychedelic medicine can lead to personality changes(18:05) Why personality changes are so difficult (21:20) The c...
2022-01-1855 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersModern technology and mental healthSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison explore the current state of modern technology as it interfaces with mental health and mental healthcare. They discuss the following topics:(1:30) Reid's experience with COVID-19(4:09) Genetic testing and Dr. Rhonda Patrick at Found My Fitness (5:48) GenoPalate and DNA Fit genetic reports(6:50) Digital phenotype and the quantified self(8:45) Sleep tracking devices like the Oura Ring(9:02) The Quantified Scientist YouTube channel (10:45) Eight Sleep mattress (12:50) Medium article: In VR, You Can...
2022-01-111h 03Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersWhat is integrative medicine with Dr. Amy de la GarzaSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison are joined by Dr. Amy de la Garza. Amy is the Substance Use Disorder Program Director at Novamind and the Medical Director of the Salt Lake City clinic. Amy is a board-certified family practice physician who for the last 10 years has been providing specialized integrative healthcare for behavioral health, substance use, and a variety of other conditions. They discuss the following topics:(2:11) The various terms used for integrative medicine(3:00) What's the difference with integrative...
2022-01-041h 09Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersEssential qualities and skills of the psychedelic therapistSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss qualities and skills they think are essential for therapists who provide psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. They cover the following topics:(1:15) Introduction to the topic(3:21) The art and science of psychedelic trip-sitting episode(3:44) The value of the podcast media platform (6:27) Women Food and God: An Unexpected Path to Almost Everything, by Geneen Roth(7:14) Being present and attentive(10:17) Transference, countertransference, and awareness of your triggers(10:50) Strategic use of silence(12:55) The art...
2021-12-2847 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersHorizons: Perspectives on Psychedelics conference recapSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison give a report on their recent trip to the Horizons: Perspectives on Psychedelics conference in New York. They discuss the following topics:(1:40) Horizons: Perspectives on Psychedelics(1:52) MeetDelic conference (6:00) The diverse ways in which psychedelic medicine is being research and brought to the people(8:33) MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (10:42) Proposed REMS for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD(16:33) Oregon Psilocybin Services Act ballot measure 109(18:19) The challenges of combing ancient practices with modern medicine an...
2021-12-2157 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersPsychedelic-inspired work-life balance with Jeremiah RobisonSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison are joined by Jeremiah Robison to talk about work-life balance. Jeremiah is the Founder and CEO of Shroom Beach, a psychedelic-inspired clothing company that donates 10% of its profits to fund psychedelic medicine research. They discuss the following topics:(1:40) Introduction to the topic(3:41) Beloved Shirts, Flex Living, and Shroom Beach(7:50) Entrepreneurship and "hustle culture"(11:53) Finding your purpose episode (11:54) Balancing between effort and ease(14:08) The middle way episode(16:38) Attention, intention, action
2021-12-1440 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersAnxiety: Why we worry and what to do about itSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison explore anxiety. They discuss the following topics:(1:39) Introduction to the topic(3:27) What is an anxiety disorder?(5:45) Distress vs. Eustress (7:10) Functional vs. Dysfunctional procrastination (8:55) The role of avoidance in perpetuating dysfunctional anxiety(12:56) Anxiety management skills (18:00) Evolutionary perspectives on anxiety (21:43) Cognitive distortions (25:10) Somatic grounding techniques (27:15) Exposure therapy for anxiety(34:27) MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD(36:35) The role of medicines in treating anxiety(42:00) How is psychedelic medicine different than c...
2021-12-0748 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersTaking the middle way in a polarized worldSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison explore the concept of the "middle way" and the need for balance in an increasingly polarized wold. They discuss the following topics:(1:23) Introduction to the topic(3:03) Egyptian weighing of the heart ceremony and letting go (6:03) Middle way between asceticism and indulgence (8:13) Self-harm (11:25) Dialectical Behavior Therapy and the middle way (11:58) Taoism and the perils of "do your best" (16:13) What you resist persists (23:20) Aristotle's "golden mean" and the concept of y...
2021-11-3047 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersNavigating spiritual emergencies with Hannah CrossSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison are joined for the second time by Hannah Cross to explore psycho-spiritual emergencies. Hannah is a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, reiki master, yoga teacher, and all-around awesome person. They discuss the following topics:(1:22) Disclaimer about this topic(3:52) Spiritual emergency defined(8:26) A course in miracles (10:46) The healing, expanding potential of a spiritual emergency (13:26) What does a spiritual emergency feel like? (15:18) Pain in the context of a spiritual emergency (19:45) Spiritual eme...
2021-11-2351 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersMeet Delic psychedelic conference recapSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison give a recap of their experience at the Meet Delic conference in Las Vegas. Meet Delic is an annual conference for psychedelic wellness and business industry professionals. They discuss the following topics:(1:30) What psychedelic industry conferences are like (3:45) Area 15 and Meow Wolf(5:50) inHarmony and BioAcoustic Mat(6:44) Tripp VR app(7:34) SoundSelf VR experience(9:19) Laura Dawn shamanic life coach talked about psychedelics and creative problem-solving(12:14) Dr. Molly Maloof talked about using p...
2021-11-1644 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersSleep, eat, and move your way to better mental healthSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss how sleep, nutrition, and physical fitness habits affect mental wellness. They discuss the following topics:(1:10) Introduction to the topic(3:10) The importance of good sleep for mental health(3:21) Why We Sleep, by Matthew Walker(4:27) Breath, by James Nestor(6:17) The Quantified Scientist, Rob ter Horst on YouTube(8:35) Tips for high quality sleep(9:50) Pros and cons of supplements and medications for sleep(16:10) Managing dopamine for motivation (drugs, sex, porn, video...
2021-11-091h 00Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersPsychedelic healing in life and business with HemplucidSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison are joined by both the CEO and VP of Hemplucid, Chase Hudson and Tayln Stratton. Hemplucid is a company specializing in hemp-basded wellness products. Chase and Tayln have built a passionate, humanistic, purpose-driven business culture. They discuss the following topics:(1:20) Chase and Tayln introduce themselves and Hemplucid (4:50) The psychedelic origin story of Hemplucid's purpose-driven culture(8:00) The healing potential of CBD and THC(11:24) Hemplucid's involvement in a Lamar Odom's documentary about his psychedelic...
2021-11-021h 13Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersShamanism and modern medicine with Dr. Alan DavisSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison are joined by Dr. Alan Davis, MD. Alan is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician and shamanic practitioner. They cover the following topics:(1:38) Alan introduces himself(2:38) What does "shamanism" mean?(4:55) Shamanic initiations (10:00) What is "Core Shamanism"?(12:38) The role of ceremony in shamanic practice(15:20) The importance of mindset and setting when going into a plant medicine ceremony(16:50) How to navigate the fear of purging in a plant medicine ceremony(21:48...
2021-10-261h 15Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersFinding your purpose in lifeSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss finding purpose, meaning, mental health stigma, and diagnostic labels. They cover the following topics:(2:44) The pressure to "find your purpose" (4:39) Perhaps the purpose of life is simply to "live"(7:51) Living in alignment with your truest self. Know yourself and follow your bliss. (10:15) Jonathan Fields and the "Sparketype" (12:40) Simon Sinek's TED talk on the "Start With Why" concept(14:05) The "negative" parts of your journey might be the most important parts
2021-10-1957 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersPsychedelics, mindfulness, and contemplative practicesSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison are joined for the second time by Dr. Paul Theilking, MD. Paul is a psychiatrist, zen practitioner, and Chief Scientific Officer at Novamind. They cover the following topics:(2:45) What is a contemplative practice? (4:38) Contemplative practices go by many names (e.g., "spiritual") (10:45) Mindfulness and the mystical experience(16:55) Paul discusses mindfulness form a Zen perspective (20:44) The Zen practice of Koan contemplation(24:00) What it means to "practice" mindfulness(27:25) The difference between res...
2021-10-121h 10Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersSelf-compassion, forgiveness, and judgment detoxSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss self-compassion, why it is so hard (but so important) to forgive, and how to detox from judgement. They cover the following topics:(1:29) The pitfalls of the self-esteem movement(3:47) Self-compassion vs. self-love/-esteem(6:49) Scrupulosity and OCD (9:09) The contributors to the development of the internal critic (12:05) The distinction between shame vs. guilt(15:55) The nature of human judgement(17:49) Stigma, biases, and judgement around psychedelics and other drugs(18:50) Dr. Carl Hart...
2021-10-0547 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersFear, suffering, and the value of struggleSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss fear, the difference between pain vs. suffering, and the value of struggle in life. They cover the following topics: (1:02) Steve recounts his recent experience with fear on a mountaineering trip(9:30) Steve tells the story of navigating a frightening cannabis experience (12:45) Fear is a warning signal. What we resist persists. The only way out is through. (15:45) Awareness and mindfulness allows us to navigate difficult emotions(17:05) Coping with fear using mindfulness is a...
2021-09-2854 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersBurnout and the wounded healerSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison are joined by Dr. Paul Theilking, MD. Paul is a psychiatrist, zen practitioner, and Chief Scientific Officer at Novamind. They discuss healthcare provider burnout and other unique challenges of being in the helping/healing professions. (1:20) Paul introduces himself (3:11) What is burnout? (10:00) Connection is key to preventing and/or coping with burnout(11:39) What does a psycholytic ketamine therapy session look like?(11:11) Reducing the stigma of seeking mental healthcare among healthcare workers(14:08...
2021-09-211h 06Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersWhat is psycholytic ketamine-assisted psychotherapy?Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison are joined by returning guest, Vhari Macbeth, CSW, to discuss psycholytic ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). They cover the following topics:(1:49) Some differences between psycholytic and psychedelic(4:26) Psychedelics assist the therapy process, but don't do the work for you(9:00) Different skills required for psycholytic vs psychedelic-assisted therapy and the importance of the therapeutic relationship(11:39) What does a psycholytic ketamine therapy session look like?(12:10) The advantages and power of group therapy(16:10) The Huberman...
2021-09-1459 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersTreating trauma with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapySend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison are joined by Hannah Cross, LCSW, to discuss how psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is used to treat trauma. They cover the following topics:(1:00) Hannah introduces herself. Wild Sunflower Counseling (1:45) How is trauma defined? (3:25) "Little t" vs. "Big T" trauma(8:35) How trauma affects the mind, nervous system, and body. The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. (12:12) The three E's of trauma(12:28) Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement D...
2021-09-071h 03Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersTreating eating disorders with ketamine-assisted psychotherapySend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison discuss how ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is used to treat eating disorders. They cover the following topics:(1:00) The combination of nature and nurture that leads to the development of disordered eating and eating disorders (2:55) Holy Anorexia, by Rudolph M. Bell(4:00) Center for Change eating disorder clinic(4:41) "Manorexia"-- eating disorders in males are under-recognized (7:45) Biological underpinnings of eating disorders(11:26) Environmental pressures and unnatural foods contribute to disordered eating (14:20) The Molecule of M...
2021-08-3157 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersPairing ketamine with EMDR & other therapy methodsSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison are joined by Bob Mcnutt, LCSW, to discuss the how ketamine is combined with a variety of psychotherapy modalities, particularly EMDR. They cover the following topics:(1:50) Bob introduces himself and explains his interest in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. becoming a ketamine therapist. (4:20) What is psycholytic vs psychedelic psychotherapy?(9:25) An brief introduction to EMDR(11:03) EMDRIA training for EMDR(11:55) The role of exposure in EMDR(17:00) Somatic Experiencing by Peter Levine(18:45) Ketamine helps with t...
2021-08-241h 07Psychedelic Therapy FrontiersPsychedelics, psychosis, & the abuse potential of ketamineSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer and Dr. Reid Robison talk about the relationship between psychedelics and psychosis and discuss the abuse potential of ketamine. They cover the following topics:(0:51) Should we be worried that psychedelics will cause or exacerbate psychosis? (4:00) Psychedelic research is getting more comfortable studying psychedelic treatment for certain psychotic conditions (5:00) Differing views on the nature and needs of a psychotic episode from an ayahuasca ceremony (7:25) Ketamine treatment for dissociative identity disorder (9:38) More research is needed so that we c...
2021-08-1730 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersConsciousness, meaning, and the search for selfSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Steve Thayer, Dr. Reid Robison, and Vhari Macbeth, CSW, discuss the concept of the self, multiple "selves", and how we work with "selfhood" in psychedelic medicine. They cover the following topics:(1:50) The hosts talk about their personal quests for meaning and selfhood (4:10) Self-awareness from an evolutionary perspective (6:00) The fear associated with loss of or disconnection from sense of self(6:31) Similarities and differences between psychosis and psychedelic experience(7:41) How a "death" experience can lead to insight and self-awareness
2021-08-1036 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersThe art and science of psychedelic trip-sittingSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Reid Robison, Dr. Steve Thayer, and Derick Moody, PA-C, discuss the art and science of psychedelic trip-sitting. They cover the following topics:(1:24) The distinctions between psychedelic trip-sitting, guiding, and harm reduction. (2:48) Zendo Project (10:20) When you would want a psychedelic guide vs. a trip-sitter(12:45) Skillset for psychedelic guides and trip-sitters(14:46) Holding space and co-regulation(19:08) The Huberman Lab Podcast (21:00) You don't have to be perfect to be a trip-sitter, therapist, or guide.(21:48) Should trip-sitters, therapists, or g...
2021-07-2751 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersShadow work, unconscious contracts, & unearned wisdomSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Reid Robison and Dr. Steve Thayer explore several aspects of the unconscious mind. They cover the following topics:(1:00) What is the unconscious mind?(2:01) The shadow and unconscious contracts(2:50) How a person's growth can be disruptive to those around them(6:15) Intergenerational trauma, healing, and work with ayahuasca(10:42) Consciousness is like a 3-layered cake (The Science of Enlightenment: Teachings and Meditations for Awakening Through Self-Investigation, by Shinzen Young)(12:15) Carl Jung - "Bewared of unearned wisdom"(13:45) Working with...
2021-07-2023 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersYou have to feel it to heal itSend us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Reid Robison and Dr. Steve Thayer discuss the many facets of human emotion and how we work with it in psychotherapy. They cover the following topics:(1:14) What are feelings?(2:02) How emotions show up in the body.(2:43) Primary vs secondary emotions.(3:55) Are there bad emotions?(4:55) The repression of feelings.(5:15) Healthy expression of anger.(6:38) Emotional triggers are friends to follow.(8:00) When it's hysterical it's historical.(9:06) What to do when emotionally triggered. Learn more a...
2021-07-1312 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersIs the mystical experience necessary for psychedelic healing?Send us a textIn this episode of the Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers podcast, Dr. Reid Robison, Dr. Steve Thayer, and Derick Moody, PA-C discuss whether or not the mystical experience caused by many psychedelic medicines is a necessary factor for the healing they promote. They cover the following topics:(1:10) Nature article about non-psychoactive psychedelics.(4:00) What do we mean by "mystical experience"?(10:07) The entropic brain theory of mental illness (chaos vs order).(12:40) How psychedelics help a mind that is either too chaotic or too controlled.(13:35) The mystical experience and stages of change.
2021-07-0749 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersPsychedelics and the inner healing intelligenceSend us a textDr. Reid Robison and Dr. Steve Thayer are joined by Derick Moody, PA-C, to discuss the role that the inner healing intelligence plays in psychedelic medicine. They explore the following topics:What is the inner healing intelligence?The role of the clinician is to foster an ideal environment for the healing process to commence and to remove the obstacles that frustrate that processThe "monkey mind" as an obstacle to psychological healingWhy Zebras Don't Get Ulcers, by Robert ZapolskyPeter Levine and somatic experiencing therapy for traumaThe adaptability and resilience of the human organism Th...
2021-06-2847 minPsychedelic Therapy FrontiersSpirituality and the psychedelic renaissanceSend us a textDr. Reid Robison and Dr. Steve Thayer discuss the historically messy relationship between spirituality and modern psychiatry and the role that psychedelics are playing in a spiritual renaissance. They cover the following topics:Scientific American article by Harvard psychologist, David Rosmarin, about psychiatry and spirituality.Sigmund Freud's assertion that religion is a mass delusionPerhaps a spiritual renaissance is happening alongside the psychedelic one The relationship between mental health problems, spirituality, meaning, and purpose.How people are using psychedelics as a tool for spiritual inquiry The hosts share their personal experiences and thoughts ar...
2021-06-2842 min