Shows
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine as Therapy Multiplier?
In episode 53, we move out of the sterile lab and into the messy real world, examining a large naturalistic study of 224 patients from an Austin clinic. The paper by Kosted and colleagues compares standard “infusion-only” ketamine treatment against Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT) to answer a costly question: is paying for a therapist to be in the room actually worth it?
The average results were shocking: across the entire sample, the therapy group didn’t fare any better than the infusion-only group. But when researchers sliced the data by age and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), a much more complex story...
2026-02-1915 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine as Therapy Multiplier?In episode 53, we move out of the sterile lab and into the messy real world, examining a large naturalistic study of 224 patients from an Austin clinic. The paper by Kosted and colleagues compares standard "infusion-only" ketamine treatment against Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT) to answer a costly question: is paying for a therapist to be in the room actually worth it?The average results were shocking: across the entire sample, the therapy group didn't fare any better than the infusion-only group. But when researchers sliced the data by age and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), a much more complex story...
2026-02-1915 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and Diabetes
Patients with diabetes often face a brutal “syndemic”—a tangled web of chronic illness, Relentless nerve pain (neuropathy), and severe depression, all fueled by a common biological enemy: metabolic inflammation and Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs). In this episode, we explore why ketamine, with its rapid antidepressant and non-opioid painkilling properties, looks like the perfect “two birds, one stone” solution on paper.
But in practice, it requires walking a high-stakes “metabolic tightrope.” We dive into the complex risks:
The Glucose Rollercoaster: Ketamine can trigger a stress response that spikes blood sugar (hyperglycemia), yet in Type 1 diabetics, it has also been...
2026-01-1511 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and Diabetes – The Metabolic TightropePatients with diabetes often face a brutal "syndemic"—a tangled web of chronic illness, Relentless nerve pain (neuropathy), and severe depression, all fueled by a common biological enemy: metabolic inflammation and Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs). In this episode, we explore why ketamine, with its rapid antidepressant and non-opioid painkilling properties, looks like the perfect "two birds, one stone" solution on paper.But in practice, it requires walking a high-stakes "metabolic tightrope." We dive into the complex risks:The Glucose Rollercoaster: Ketamine can trigger a stress response that spikes blood sugar (hyperglycemia), yet in Type 1 diabetics, it...
2026-01-1511 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine Reimagined
For decades, ketamine has been viewed primarily through two lenses: a safe anesthetic or a rapid-acting antidepressant “reset button.” But a new paper by Sophie Holland argues we may be missing half the picture. This episode challenges the binary view of ketamine by exploring two distinct therapeutic pathways defined essentially by dose: the Psychedelic and the Psycholytic.
The Psychedelic Path (High Dose): We examine the “reset button” model—intense, dissociative experiences driven by a massive glutamatergic burst. The goal here is ego dissolution, allowing patients with severe, treatment-resistant depression or PTSD to emotionally decouple from trauma and achieve rapid symp...
2025-12-1909 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine ReimaginedFor decades, ketamine has been viewed primarily through two lenses: a safe anesthetic or a rapid-acting antidepressant "reset button." But a new paper by Sophie Holland argues we may be missing half the picture. This episode challenges the binary view of ketamine by exploring two distinct therapeutic pathways defined essentially by dose: the Psychedelic and the Psycholytic.The Psychedelic Path (High Dose): We examine the "reset button" model—intense, dissociative experiences driven by a massive glutamatergic burst. The goal here is ego dissolution, allowing patients with severe, treatment-resistant depression or PTSD to emotionally decouple from trauma and ac...
2025-12-1909 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and Sickle Cell Disease - Timing is Everything
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) pain crises are the leading cause of hospitalization for affected children, causing excruciating vaso-occlusive episodes where misshapen blood cells block oxygen flow to tissues. For decades, the standard treatment has been high-dose opioids, but this often leads to tolerance, inadequate relief, and the dangerous paradox of opioid-induced hyperalgesia—where the treatment actually makes the nervous system more sensitive to pain.
In this episode, we analyze a massive cross-sectional study from 44 U.S. children’s hospitals involving over 74,000 admissions. The study asks a critical question: Can ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist that “turns down the vo...
2025-12-1210 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and Sickle Cell DiseaseSickle Cell Disease (SCD) pain crises are the leading cause of hospitalization for affected children, causing excruciating vaso-occlusive episodes where misshapen blood cells block oxygen flow to tissues. For decades, the standard treatment has been high-dose opioids, but this often leads to tolerance, inadequate relief, and the dangerous paradox of opioid-induced hyperalgesia—where the treatment actually makes the nervous system more sensitive to pain.In this episode, we analyze a massive cross-sectional study from 44 U.S. children’s hospitals involving over 74,000 admissions. The study asks a critical question: Can ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist that "turns down the...
2025-12-1210 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastWill Ketamine Work for Me?
“Will this actually work for me?” It is the most critical question patients ask before investing time, money, and hope into ketamine therapy. In this episode, we analyze a massive body of research—including a systematic review of 112 studies and a real-world analysis of 77 patients —to find actionable predictors of success.
The results are reassuringly broad: factors like age, sex, depression severity, trauma history, and even the intensity of dissociation do not predict whether ketamine will work. However, the data reveals two powerful signals that every patient should know:
The “Line in the Sand”: The strongest ne...
2025-12-0509 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastWill Ketamine Work for Me?"Will this actually work for me?" It is the most critical question patients ask before investing time, money, and hope into ketamine therapy. In this episode, we analyze a massive body of research—including a systematic review of 112 studies and a real-world analysis of 77 patients —to find actionable predictors of success.The results are reassuringly broad: factors like age, sex, depression severity, trauma history, and even the intensity of dissociation do not predict whether ketamine will work. However, the data reveals two powerful signals that every patient should know:The...
2025-12-0409 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine, Sleep, and Oral Bacteria – A Microbial Mystery
Surgery is a trauma that wrecks sleep, and for vulnerable patients, Post-Operative Sleep Disturbance (PSD) is a serious complication linked to delirium, increased pain, and slowed recovery. In this episode, we dive into a fascinating study that connects three seemingly unrelated dots: ketamine, sleep, and the oral microbiome.
Researchers treated 130 high-risk surgical patients with a continuous low-dose infusion of esketamine. The clinical results were striking: the rate of PSD dropped from 65% in the control group to just 43% in the esketamine group. Patients reported significantly better sleep quality and required far fewer opioids like hydromorphone.
But...
2025-11-3008 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine for Catatonia – Unlocking the Frozen Brain
Catatonia is often misunderstood as simple immobility, but it is a terrifying, life-threatening syndrome of stupor, mutism, and extreme negativism—a state where the brain is essentially “frozen.” For decades, the standard protocol has been to step on the “brake pedal” using GABA-ergic drugs like lorazepam, followed by Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) if medication fails. But what happens when the brakes don’t work, and ECT is medically unsafe or unavailable?
This episode analyzes a new systematic review of 10 unique case reports that suggests NMDA receptor antagonists like ketamine and esketamine could be the “skeleton key” for these desperate scenar...
2025-11-2115 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine for Catatonia – Unlocking the Frozen BrainCatatonia is often misunderstood as simple immobility, but it is a terrifying, life-threatening syndrome of stupor, mutism, and extreme negativism—a state where the brain is essentially "frozen." For decades, the standard protocol has been to step on the "brake pedal" using GABA-ergic drugs like lorazepam, followed by Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) if medication fails. But what happens when the brakes don't work, and ECT is medically unsafe or unavailable?This episode analyzes a new systematic review of 10 unique case reports that suggests NMDA receptor antagonists like ketamine and esketamine could be the "skeleton key" for these desperate sc...
2025-11-2115 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
We move beyond depression and anesthesia to examine ketamine’s role in fighting one of the most severe types of chronic pain imaginable: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This condition is marked by wildly disproportionate and persistent pain , exemplified by the case of a 15-year-old athlete whose simple hand fracture healed, but whose nervous system got stuck in a pathological pain loop.
The core problem in CRPS is central sensitization—the brain and spinal cord jamming the “volume knob” for pain on maximum, where a light touch (allodynia) is interpreted as excruciating.
Traditional treatments fail because...
2025-11-1308 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)We move beyond depression and anesthesia to examine ketamine's role in fighting one of the most severe types of chronic pain imaginable: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This condition is marked by wildly disproportionate and persistent pain , exemplified by the case of a 15-year-old athlete whose simple hand fracture healed, but whose nervous system got stuck in a pathological pain loop.The core problem in CRPS is central sensitization—the brain and spinal cord jamming the "volume knob" for pain on maximum, where a light touch (allodynia) is interpreted as excruciating.Traditional treatments fail because th...
2025-11-1308 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and Longevity
Chronic mental illnesses like severe MDD (major depressive disorder) and PTSD are alarms, not just for the mind, but for the body. This episode explores the fact that ongoing trauma and depression accelerate biological aging, leading to reduced health span and higher risks for chronic diseases. But can rapid, effective psychiatric treatment actually reverse this damage?
We dive into a compelling pilot study that gave a series of six sub-anesthetic ketamine infusions to 20 participants with treatment-resistant depression or PTSD. The researchers used second-generation epigenetic clocks to measure biological age—the actual cellular wear and tear, separate from ch...
2025-11-0614 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and Longevity
Chronic mental illnesses like severe MDD (major depressive disorder) and PTSD are alarms, not just for the mind, but for the body. This episode explores the fact that ongoing trauma and depression accelerate biological aging, leading to reduced health span and higher risks for chronic diseases. But can rapid, effective psychiatric treatment actually reverse this damage?
We dive into a compelling pilot study that gave a series of six sub-anesthetic ketamine infusions to 20 participants with treatment-resistant depression or PTSD. The researchers used second-generation epigenetic clocks to measure biological age—the actual cellular wear and tear, separate from ch...
2025-11-0614 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and LongevityChronic mental illnesses like severe MDD (major depressive disorder) and PTSD are alarms, not just for the mind, but for the body. This episode explores the fact that ongoing trauma and depression accelerate biological aging, leading to reduced health span and higher risks for chronic diseases. But can rapid, effective psychiatric treatment actually reverse this damage?We dive into a compelling pilot study that gave a series of six sub-anesthetic ketamine infusions to 20 participants with treatment-resistant depression or PTSD. The researchers used second-generation epigenetic clocks to measure biological age—the actual cellular wear and tear, separate from ch...
2025-11-0614 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastA Flawed Ketamine Trial?
The KARMA-Dep2 trial delivered a shocking headline: up to eight serial ketamine infusions were no better than the midazolam placebo for hospitalized adults with moderate to severe depression. In an era of intense hope for ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects, this result demands a closer look.
This episode critically dissects why this large, pragmatic trial may have failed to show a significant difference, focusing on a central challenge in ketamine research: blinding.
The Active Placebo Problem: The trial used midazolam as an active placebo to mimic the transient side effects (like sedation and disorientation) of ketamine. Ho...
2025-10-3000 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastA Flawed Ketamine Trial?The KARMA-Dep2 trial delivered a shocking headline: up to eight serial ketamine infusions were no better than the midazolam placebo for hospitalized adults with moderate to severe depression. In an era of intense hope for ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects, this result demands a closer look.This episode critically dissects why this large, pragmatic trial may have failed to show a significant difference, focusing on a central challenge in ketamine research: blinding.The Active Placebo Problem: The trial used midazolam as an active placebo to mimic the transient side effects...
2025-10-3011 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and Liver Damage?
For years, the most recognized physical risk of chronic ketamine abuse has been bladder damage, but a new clinical puzzle is emerging: severe injury to the liver and bile ducts, known as Ketamine-induced Sclerosing Cholangitis (K-SC). This episode dives into a recent case series detailing patients—including older and female European users—broadening the picture of who is at risk.
Sclerosing cholangitis is a progressive condition where chronic inflammation leads to severe scarring and narrowing of the bile ducts. This obstruction causes bile backup (cholestasis), which, if unchecked, can result in irreversible cirrhosis—often making a liver transp...
2025-10-2312 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and Liver Damage?
For years, the most recognized physical risk of chronic ketamine abuse has been bladder damage, but a new clinical puzzle is emerging: severe injury to the liver and bile ducts, known as Ketamine-induced Sclerosing Cholangitis (K-SC). This episode dives into a recent case series detailing patients—including older and female European users—broadening the picture of who is at risk.
Sclerosing cholangitis is a progressive condition where chronic inflammation leads to severe scarring and narrowing of the bile ducts. This obstruction causes bile backup (cholestasis), which, if unchecked, can result in irreversible cirrhosis—often making a liver transp...
2025-10-2312 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and Liver Damage?For years, the most recognized physical risk of chronic ketamine abuse has been bladder damage, but a new clinical puzzle is emerging: severe injury to the liver and bile ducts, known as Ketamine-induced Sclerosing Cholangitis (K-SC). This episode dives into a recent case series detailing patients—including older and female European users—broadening the picture of who is at risk.Sclerosing cholangitis is a progressive condition where chronic inflammation leads to severe scarring and narrowing of the bile ducts. This obstruction causes bile backup (cholestasis), which, if unchecked, can result in irreversible cirrhosis—often making a liver transp...
2025-10-2312 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastThe Electrodynamics of Ketamine
This episode breaks down a truly radical theory of consciousness: The General Resonance Theory (GRT). Forget the traditional idea that consciousness comes from synapses firing—GRT proposes that it emerges from near-instantaneous, resonant electromagnetic field interactions within the brain, moving information up to 40,000 times faster than slow neuronal spikes. This electrical “field” is the true substrate of our unified sense of reality.
We use this theory to answer the biggest question in psychedelic science: Why does ketamine cause dissociation? While classic psychedelics are seen as “field resonance enhancers” that create feelings of unity and global synchronization, ketamine does the p...
2025-10-1711 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastThe Electrodynamics of-Ketamine
This episode breaks down a truly radical theory of consciousness: The General Resonance Theory (GRT). Forget the traditional idea that consciousness comes from synapses firing—GRT proposes that it emerges from near-instantaneous, resonant electromagnetic field interactions within the brain, moving information up to 40,000 times faster than slow neuronal spikes. This electrical “field” is the true substrate of our unified sense of reality.
We use this theory to answer the biggest question in psychedelic science: Why does ketamine cause dissociation? While classic psychedelics are seen as “field resonance enhancers” that create feelings of unity and global synchronization, ketamine does the p...
2025-10-1711 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastThe Electrodynamics of KetamineThis episode breaks down a truly radical theory of consciousness: The General Resonance Theory (GRT). Forget the traditional idea that consciousness comes from synapses firing—GRT proposes that it emerges from near-instantaneous, resonant electromagnetic field interactions within the brain, moving information up to 40,000 times faster than slow neuronal spikes. This electrical "field" is the true substrate of our unified sense of reality.We use this theory to answer the biggest question in psychedelic science: Why does ketamine cause dissociation? While classic psychedelics are seen as "field resonance enhancers" that create feelings of unity and gl...
2025-10-1611 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and Stroke Recovery
When stroke strikes, the damage doesn’t stop once the blood flow is restored. This episode dives into the dark side of recovery: the Ischemia-Reperfusion (IR) Injury, a devastating “second wave” of damage that causes lasting neurological deficits.
We explore a fascinating preclinical study on esketamine, the S-enantiomer of ketamine. Researchers hypothesized that this powerful NMDA receptor antagonist could stop IR injury, which is fueled by excessive excitotoxicity. We reveal how esketamine, when administered immediately after blood flow is restored, actively helps the brain fight back.
The findings are compelling: esketamine significantly reduced markers of cell m...
2025-10-0910 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and Stroke Recovery
When stroke strikes, the damage doesn’t stop once the blood flow is restored. This episode dives into the dark side of recovery: the Ischemia-Reperfusion (IR) Injury, a devastating “second wave” of damage that causes lasting neurological deficits.
We explore a fascinating preclinical study on esketamine, the S-enantiomer of ketamine. Researchers hypothesized that this powerful NMDA receptor antagonist could stop IR injury, which is fueled by excessive excitotoxicity. We reveal how esketamine, when administered immediately after blood flow is restored, actively helps the brain fight back.
The findings are compelling: esketamine significantly reduced markers of cell m...
2025-10-0910 minTalking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and the Aging Brain
When traditional antidepressants fail older adults with treatment-resistant depression, where can they turn? Standard therapies, built on the monoamine hypothesis, often fall short in aging brains or those affected by neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, as the pathways they rely on may be dysfunctional.
This episode dives deep into a systematic review exploring a paradigm-shifting alternative: ketamine and its derivatives, esketamine and arketamine. These compounds sidestep conventional mechanisms, instead targeting the NMDA receptor to promote widespread neuroplasticity. We uncover the powerful clinical findings, revealing that ketamine provides rapid, robust relief and is equally effective in geriatric and no...
2025-10-0314 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and the Aging Brain
When traditional antidepressants fail older adults with treatment-resistant depression, where can they turn? Standard therapies, built on the monoamine hypothesis, often fall short in aging brains or those affected by neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, as the pathways they rely on may be dysfunctional.
This episode dives deep into a systematic review exploring a paradigm-shifting alternative: ketamine and its derivatives, esketamine and arketamine. These compounds sidestep conventional mechanisms, instead targeting the NMDA receptor to promote widespread neuroplasticity. We uncover the powerful clinical findings, revealing that ketamine provides rapid, robust relief and is equally effective in geriatric and no...
2025-10-0314 minTalking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and the Aging BrainWhen traditional antidepressants fail older adults with treatment-resistant depression, where can they turn? Standard therapies, built on the monoamine hypothesis, often fall short in aging brains or those affected by neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, as the pathways they rely on may be dysfunctional.This episode dives deep into a systematic review exploring a paradigm-shifting alternative: ketamine and its derivatives, esketamine and arketamine. These compounds sidestep conventional mechanisms, instead targeting the NMDA receptor to promote widespread neuroplasticity. We uncover the powerful clinical findings, revealing that ketamine provides rapid, robust relief and is equally effective in geriatric and non-geriatric...
2025-10-0214 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine vs Cervical Cancer
Ketamine is known for its powerful effects on the mind and body, but could one of its most profound secrets be the ability to fight cancer? In this episode, we explore groundbreaking new research that reveals an unexpected link between ketamine and cervical cancer cells.
Discover the fascinating mechanism at play: ketamine appears to target the “power plants” (mitochondria) inside cancer cells, forcing them to shatter in a process called fission. This triggers a massive energy crisis, effectively stopping the cells in their tracks and pushing them toward self-destruction. We break down the specific molecular “switch” that research...
2025-09-2609 minTalking Ketamine PodcastKetamine vs Cervical Cancer
Ketamine is known for its powerful effects on the mind and body, but could one of its most profound secrets be the ability to fight cancer? In this episode, we explore groundbreaking new research that reveals an unexpected link between ketamine and cervical cancer cells.
Discover the fascinating mechanism at play: ketamine appears to target the “power plants” (mitochondria) inside cancer cells, forcing them to shatter in a process called fission. This triggers a massive energy crisis, effectively stopping the cells in their tracks and pushing them toward self-destruction. We break down the specific molecular “switch” that research...
2025-09-2609 minTalking Ketamine PodcastKetamine vs Cervical CancerKetamine is known for its powerful effects on the mind and body, but could one of its most profound secrets be the ability to fight cancer? In this episode, we explore groundbreaking new research that reveals an unexpected link between ketamine and cervical cancer cells. Discover the fascinating mechanism at play: ketamine appears to target the "power plants" (mitochondria) inside cancer cells, forcing them to shatter in a process called fission. This triggers a massive energy crisis, effectively stopping the cells in their tracks and pushing them toward self-destruction. We break down the specific molecular "switch" that r...
2025-09-2509 minTalking Ketamine PodcastKetamine vs Inflammation
Why does ketamine provide miraculous relief for some people with severe depression but leave others behind? This episode unpacks a groundbreaking study that points to a surprising answer: hidden inflammation.
Join us as we explore a pioneering 2025 paper that uses a novel method called Intron Retention (IR) to re-examine the biology of ketamine treatment. Researchers discovered that, even before treatment, those who don’t respond to ketamine often show signs of a highly active immune system, as if their body is fighting a persistent viral infection.
Here’s the stunning twist: the study reveals that keta...
2025-09-1913 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine vs Inflammation
Why does ketamine provide miraculous relief for some people with severe depression but leave others behind? This episode unpacks a groundbreaking study that points to a surprising answer: hidden inflammation.
Join us as we explore a pioneering 2025 paper that uses a novel method called Intron Retention (IR) to re-examine the biology of ketamine treatment. Researchers discovered that, even before treatment, those who don’t respond to ketamine often show signs of a highly active immune system, as if their body is fighting a persistent viral infection.
Here’s the stunning twist: the study reveals that keta...
2025-09-1913 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine vs InflammationWhy does ketamine provide miraculous relief for some people with severe depression but leave others behind? This episode unpacks a groundbreaking study that points to a surprising answer: hidden inflammation.Join us as we explore a pioneering 2025 paper that uses a novel method called Intron Retention (IR) to re-examine the biology of ketamine treatment. Researchers discovered that, even before treatment, those who don't respond to ketamine often show signs of a highly active immune system, as if their body is fighting a persistent viral infection. Here's the stunning twist: the study reveals that ketamine has...
2025-09-1813 minTalking Ketamine PodcastDeepening the Ketamine ExperienceKetamine is known for its rapid antidepressant effects, but what if the experience itself could be made more profound and therapeutic? In this episode, we explore new research investigating whether a combination of mindfulness training, music, and an eye mask could enhance the ketamine journey for individuals with clinical depression.While the study found that adding these sensory elements did not significantly change ketamine's effect on depression scores, it did profoundly enrich the subjective experience for participants. Listen to learn how the combined intervention group reported:Greater engagement with the experience A stronger connection to reality...
2025-09-1114 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastDeepening the Ketamine Experience
Ketamine is known for its rapid antidepressant effects, but what if the experience itself could be made more profound and therapeutic? In this episode, we explore new research investigating whether a combination of mindfulness training, music, and an eye mask could enhance the ketamine journey for individuals with clinical depression.
While the study found that adding these sensory elements did not significantly change ketamine’s effect on depression scores, it did profoundly enrich the subjective experience for participants. Listen to learn how the combined intervention group reported:
Greater engagement with the experience
A stronger connection to re...
2025-09-1114 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastDeepening the Ketamine Experience
Ketamine is known for its rapid antidepressant effects, but what if the experience itself could be made more profound and therapeutic? In this episode, we explore new research investigating whether a combination of mindfulness training, music, and an eye mask could enhance the ketamine journey for individuals with clinical depression.
While the study found that adding these sensory elements did not significantly change ketamine’s effect on depression scores, it did profoundly enrich the subjective experience for participants. Listen to learn how the combined intervention group reported:
Greater engagement with the experience
A stronger connection to re...
2025-09-1114 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine vs Cancer
Can a drug known for pain and mental health treatments also be a weapon against cancer? In this episode of Talking Ketamine, hosts Helios and Selene delve into a surprising new area of research: ketamine and its potential role in fighting cancer.
The episode explores a 2024 study on “perioperative ketamine and cancer recurrence” and the complex science behind it. You’ll learn how ketamine’s well-known anti-inflammatory effects could be crucial, as chronic inflammation is a key factor in tumor growth and metastasis. Helios and Selene discuss compelling evidence, including a randomized trial of over 100 colorectal surgery patients...
2025-09-0410 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine vs CancerCan a drug known for pain and mental health treatments also be a weapon against cancer? In this episode of Talking Ketamine, hosts Helios and Selene delve into a surprising new area of research: ketamine and its potential role in fighting cancer.The episode explores a 2024 study on “perioperative ketamine and cancer recurrence” and the complex science behind it. You’ll learn how ketamine’s well-known anti-inflammatory effects could be crucial, as chronic inflammation is a key factor in tumor growth and metastasis. Helios and Selene discuss compelling evidence, including a randomized trial of over 100 colorectal surgery...
2025-09-0410 minTalking Ketamine PodcastKetamine vs CancerCan a drug known for pain and mental health treatments also be a weapon against cancer? In this episode of Talking Ketamine, hosts Helios and Selene delve into a surprising new area of research: ketamine and its potential role in fighting cancer.The episode explores a 2024 study on "perioperative ketamine and cancer recurrence" and the complex science behind it. You'll learn how ketamine's well-known anti-inflammatory effects could be crucial, as chronic inflammation is a key factor in tumor growth and metastasis. Helios and Selene discuss compelling evidence, including a randomized trial of over 100 colorectal surgery patients, where...
2025-09-0410 minTalking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and the Paradox of HopeDive into the profound and complex world of ketamine therapy in this episode of the Talking Ketamine podcast, where we explore "The Paradox of Hope". We unpack a powerful qualitative study, "Lived Futures in Ketamine Therapy: A Qualitative Study of Hope and Temporality in Treatment Resistant Depression" , which gives us a raw, unfiltered look into the lives of individuals battling severe treatment-resistant depression.Discover the deep-seated hopelessness that years of failed treatments can create. You'll hear about the "therapeutic burden" that chips away at a person's spirit, leaving them with an "active, almost protective disbelief" in the...
2025-08-2914 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and the Paradox of Hope
Dive into the profound and complex world of ketamine therapy in this episode of the Talking Ketamine podcast, where we explore “The Paradox of Hope”. We unpack a powerful qualitative study, “Lived Futures in Ketamine Therapy: A Qualitative Study of Hope and Temporality in Treatment Resistant Depression” , which gives us a raw, unfiltered look into the lives of individuals battling severe treatment-resistant depression.
Discover the deep-seated hopelessness that years of failed treatments can create. You’ll hear about the “therapeutic burden” that chips away at a person’s spirit, leaving them with an “active, almost protective disbelief” in the possibility o...
2025-08-2814 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and the Paradox of Hope
Dive into the profound and complex world of ketamine therapy in this episode of the Talking Ketamine podcast, where we explore “The Paradox of Hope”. We unpack a powerful qualitative study, “Lived Futures in Ketamine Therapy: A Qualitative Study of Hope and Temporality in Treatment Resistant Depression” , which gives us a raw, unfiltered look into the lives of individuals battling severe treatment-resistant depression.
Discover the deep-seated hopelessness that years of failed treatments can create. You’ll hear about the “therapeutic burden” that chips away at a person’s spirit, leaving them with an “active, almost protective disbelief” in the possibility o...
2025-08-2814 minTalking Ketamine PodcastKetamine's Real World EffectivenessKetamine can lift the fog of severe depression in hours, but what happens when that relief fades just as quickly? This has been the biggest hurdle in using it as a long-term solution for those battling the most persistent and treatment-resistant forms of depression.This episode examines a brand-new 2025 study that explores the groundbreaking strategy of maintenance ketamine infusions. We unpack compelling real-world evidence from a community clinic, looking at how regular, spaced-out IV treatments could be the key to sustained wellness. The findings are significant: researchers saw lasting improvements in patients with both treatment-resistant major depressive...
2025-08-2111 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine's Real World Effectiveness
Ketamine can lift the fog of severe depression in hours, but what happens when that relief fades just as quickly? This has been the biggest hurdle in using it as a long-term solution for those battling the most persistent and treatment-resistant forms of depression.
This episode examines a brand-new 2025 study that explores the groundbreaking strategy of maintenance ketamine infusions. We unpack compelling real-world evidence from a community clinic, looking at how regular, spaced-out IV treatments could be the key to sustained wellness. The findings are significant: researchers saw lasting improvements in patients with both treatment-resistant major depressive...
2025-08-2111 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine vs Alcohol Use Disorder
In this episode, we tackle the complex challenge of co-occurring Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Traditional treatments often fall short, leaving many seeking new hope.
This episode unpacks a groundbreaking study by Yoon, Crystal, and colleagues from VA Connecticut and Yale. They explored ketamine’s efficacy in a rigorous, three-arm, double-blind trial with 65 adults struggling with both MDD and AUD.
While initial depression relief was seen across all groups, ketamine’s antidepressant effects proved significantly more durable. Surprisingly, naltrexone, an opioid blocker, didn’t diminish ketamine’s mood benefits, challenging existing theories...
2025-08-1414 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine vs Alcohol Use Disorder
In this episode, we tackle the complex challenge of co-occurring Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Traditional treatments often fall short, leaving many seeking new hope.
This episode unpacks a groundbreaking study by Yoon, Crystal, and colleagues from VA Connecticut and Yale. They explored ketamine’s efficacy in a rigorous, three-arm, double-blind trial with 65 adults struggling with both MDD and AUD.
While initial depression relief was seen across all groups, ketamine’s antidepressant effects proved significantly more durable. Surprisingly, naltrexone, an opioid blocker, didn’t diminish ketamine’s mood benefits, challenging existing theories...
2025-08-1414 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine Research Sentiment
Welcome to Talking Ketamine, Episode 26, where we’re delving into a fascinating and often overlooked aspect of psychedelic research: the very tone of scientific conversation itself! You know that ketamine and psilocybin are generating immense buzz for their therapeutic potential, especially for tough conditions like treatment-resistant depression. But is the academic literature a unified voice of optimism? Not at all. It’s a complex tapestry woven with threads of cautious optimism and critical concern about abuse and risk.
In this episode, we unpack groundbreaking research from a Master’s thesis by Oksana Abramova, which employs cutting-edge AI to map...
2025-08-0811 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine Research Sentiment
Welcome to Talking Ketamine, Episode 26, where we’re delving into a fascinating and often overlooked aspect of psychedelic research: the very tone of scientific conversation itself! You know that ketamine and psilocybin are generating immense buzz for their therapeutic potential, especially for tough conditions like treatment-resistant depression. But is the academic literature a unified voice of optimism? Not at all. It’s a complex tapestry woven with threads of cautious optimism and critical concern about abuse and risk.
In this episode, we unpack groundbreaking research from a Master’s thesis by Oksana Abramova, which employs cutting-edge AI to map...
2025-08-0711 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine vs Fear Memories
Imagine a future where the grip of traumatic experiences could truly be lessened, not just managed. In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research on how ketamine might influence our fear memories, offering a profound potential for PTSD treatment and trauma recovery.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition marked by intrusive memories, flashbacks, and constant hypervigilance after traumatic events. Standard treatments like psychotherapy (e.g., prolonged exposure) and medication often fall short, with high dropout and low response rates, highlighting a desperate need for better options.
Our discussion centers on “fear memory extinction” – a crucia...
2025-08-0413 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine vs Fear Memories
Imagine a future where the grip of traumatic experiences could truly be lessened, not just managed. In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research on how ketamine might influence our fear memories, offering a profound potential for PTSD treatment and trauma recovery.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition marked by intrusive memories, flashbacks, and constant hypervigilance after traumatic events. Standard treatments like psychotherapy (e.g., prolonged exposure) and medication often fall short, with high dropout and low response rates, highlighting a desperate need for better options.
Our discussion centers on “fear memory extinction” – a crucia...
2025-07-3113 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine Dosing Strategies
Dive into Ketamine’s incredible versatility! This episode explores how tailoring ketamine dosing strategies is key to unlocking its potential across a surprisingly wide range of conditions, from severe depression to pain management. Learn why it’s considered a “reset button” for disrupted brain pathways due to its unique action on NMDA receptors, leading to rapid anti-depressant effects often within hours.
The episode highlights the crucial need for individualized treatment plans, emphasizing that the optimal dose and delivery method — whether intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous — vary greatly depending on the patient’s age, weight, other medical conditions, and even co-occurr...
2025-07-2815 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine Dosing Strategies
Dive into Ketamine’s incredible versatility! This episode explores how tailoring ketamine dosing strategies is key to unlocking its potential across a surprisingly wide range of conditions, from severe depression to pain management. Learn why it’s considered a “reset button” for disrupted brain pathways due to its unique action on NMDA receptors, leading to rapid anti-depressant effects often within hours.
The episode highlights the crucial need for individualized treatment plans, emphasizing that the optimal dose and delivery method — whether intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous — vary greatly depending on the patient’s age, weight, other medical conditions, and even co-occurr...
2025-07-2415 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine & Neuroethics
We delve into how ketamine’s unique altered states of consciousness, like ego dissolution and dissociation, could serve as a blueprint for future brain-computer interfaces. This episode reveals how neurochemistry might inspire technology to design new modes of consciousness, going beyond simply repairing the brain to potentially enhancing or redesigning consciousness itself.
Learn more from the study discussed:
Wilson, J. A., Johnson, S. E., & Price, D. J. (2023). Neurochemical Horizons: Elon Musk, Ketamine, and the Future of Neural Interface Design. ResearchGate. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.20903.05287
The post Ketamine & Neuroethics appeared first on Talking Ketamine Po...
2025-07-2109 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine & Neuroethics
We delve into how ketamine’s unique altered states of consciousness, like ego dissolution and dissociation, could serve as a blueprint for future brain-computer interfaces. This episode reveals how neurochemistry might inspire technology to design new modes of consciousness, going beyond simply repairing the brain to potentially enhancing or redesigning consciousness itself.
Learn more from the study discussed:
Wilson, J. A., Johnson, S. E., & Price, D. J. (2023). Neurochemical Horizons: Elon Musk, Ketamine, and the Future of Neural Interface Design. ResearchGate. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.20903.05287
The post Ketamine & Neuroethics appeared first on Talking Ketamine Po...
2025-07-1709 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastSublingual Ketamine
Dive into a fascinating single case study that spotlights the potential of sublingual ketamine troches for those battling tough mental health challenges. Discover how one patient with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and social anxiety disorder found significant relief and was able to reduce multiple medications. This episode unpacks a compelling real-world story, offering insights into ketamine’s promise as a less invasive, accessible option for complex cases.
Find the study discussed in this episode here:
Wilson, J. A., Johnson, S. E., & Price, D. J. (2023). Symptom Reduction and Deprescribing in a Patient With Treatment-Resistant Depression Using Sublingual Ke...
2025-07-1208 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastSublingual Ketamine
Dive into a fascinating single case study that spotlights the potential of sublingual ketamine troches for those battling tough mental health challenges. Discover how one patient with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and social anxiety disorder found significant relief and was able to reduce multiple medications. This episode unpacks a compelling real-world story, offering insights into ketamine’s promise as a less invasive, accessible option for complex cases.
Find the study discussed in this episode here:
Wilson, J. A., Johnson, S. E., & Price, D. J. (2023). Symptom Reduction and Deprescribing in a Patient With Treatment-Resistant Depression Using Sublingual Ke...
2025-07-1008 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine for Opioid Addiction
In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research on a formidable clinical challenge: co-occurring major depressive disorder (MDD) and opioid use disorder (OUD). A new randomized clinical trial compared adjunctive ketamine and buprenorphine, revealing significant reductions in both anxiety symptoms and craving intensity for patients with these co-occurring conditions. The study found that ketamine demonstrated a rapid reduction in anxiety and a pronounced decline in opioid craving within hours of administration. In contrast, buprenorphine was associated with a more gradual but sustained improvement in anxiety symptoms over several days, along with a modest initial reduction in opioid craving followed by...
2025-06-2719 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine for Opioid Addiction
In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research on a formidable clinical challenge: co-occurring major depressive disorder (MDD) and opioid use disorder (OUD). A new randomized clinical trial compared adjunctive ketamine and buprenorphine, revealing significant reductions in both anxiety symptoms and craving intensity for patients with these co-occurring conditions. The study found that ketamine demonstrated a rapid reduction in anxiety and a pronounced decline in opioid craving within hours of administration. In contrast, buprenorphine was associated with a more gradual but sustained improvement in anxiety symptoms over several days, along with a modest initial reduction in opioid craving followed by...
2025-06-2619 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastSubcutaneous Ketamine
This episode tackles the profound challenge of treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a severe mental illness affecting 280 million people globally. While low-dose subanesthetic intravenous ketamine treatment has shown rapid improvement for TRD, its effects are often transient, lasting only days to weeks, and IV administration can be impractical and expensive for long-term use.
We shift focus to a novel, more accessible approach: very low-dose subcutaneous ketamine. Drawing on a unique case report, we explore its potential as a maintenance option for severe TRD. This method is highlighted for being less invasive, more cost-effective, practical, and accessible, potentially offering a...
2025-06-2319 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastSubcutaneous Ketamine
This episode tackles the profound challenge of treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a severe mental illness affecting 280 million people globally. While low-dose subanesthetic intravenous ketamine treatment has shown rapid improvement for TRD, its effects are often transient, lasting only days to weeks, and IV administration can be impractical and expensive for long-term use.
We shift focus to a novel, more accessible approach: very low-dose subcutaneous ketamine. Drawing on a unique case report, we explore its potential as a maintenance option for severe TRD. This method is highlighted for being less invasive, more cost-effective, practical, and accessible, potentially offering a...
2025-06-1919 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and Anorexia Nervosa
Explore a groundbreaking single case study from 2025 on ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) for the notoriously challenging anorexia nervosa (AN). Discover how KAP, coupled with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), potentially creates a “neuroplastic window” for change in rigid thought patterns. The case study reveals marked symptom reduction in AN pathology, depression, and anxiety, alongside improved quality of life for one patient. This unique case highlights the critical synergy between ketamine and therapy for sustained gains, while also navigating complexities like post-treatment weight loss and a subsequent psilocybin experience. It’s a powerful glimpse of hope for treatment-resistant conditions, demanding further rigoro...
2025-06-1326 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and Anorexia Nervosa
Explore a groundbreaking single case study from 2025 on ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) for the notoriously challenging anorexia nervosa (AN). Discover how KAP, coupled with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), potentially creates a “neuroplastic window” for change in rigid thought patterns. The case study reveals marked symptom reduction in AN pathology, depression, and anxiety, alongside improved quality of life for one patient. This unique case highlights the critical synergy between ketamine and therapy for sustained gains, while also navigating complexities like post-treatment weight loss and a subsequent psilocybin experience. It’s a powerful glimpse of hope for treatment-resistant conditions, demanding further rigoro...
2025-06-1226 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine's 9 Lives
Dive into the incredible, 60-year saga of ketamine! Our deep dive explores the fascinating journey of this molecule, originally known as CI-581, from its origins as an ‘older sibling’ to PCP (phencyclidine). Discover how it became the subject of the first-in-human study for a novel anesthetic. Learn about its unique status as the only “dissociative anesthetic”, noted for rapid onset, short duration, and minimal adverse cardiovascular or respiratory effects, yet also for its distinct psychic “syndrome” that led to the term “dissociative anesthesia”.
Explore how ketamine faced controversy and fell out of favor due to psychotomimetic effects and patient nigh...
2025-06-0727 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine's 9 Lives
Dive into the incredible, 60-year saga of ketamine! Our deep dive explores the fascinating journey of this molecule, originally known as CI-581, from its origins as an ‘older sibling’ to PCP (phencyclidine). Discover how it became the subject of the first-in-human study for a novel anesthetic. Learn about its unique status as the only “dissociative anesthetic”, noted for rapid onset, short duration, and minimal adverse cardiovascular or respiratory effects, yet also for its distinct psychic “syndrome” that led to the term “dissociative anesthesia”.
Explore how ketamine faced controversy and fell out of favor due to psychotomimetic effects and patient nigh...
2025-06-0527 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and Sexual Health
Uncover a crucial, rarely discussed topic on the potential effects of ketamine on sexual health. We delve into a 2023 systematic review by Pominville et al., which included four studies. These limited findings, primarily from studies of illicit, heavy, long-term ketamine use, suggest a potential correlation with sexual dysfunction. This episode critically highlights a significant research gap regarding medical ketamine use. Tune in to understand what the current, albeit limited, science indicates and why more research is urgently needed in clinical populations.
Link to the systematic review discussed:
Pominville, R., Loria, M., Fraiman, E., & Mishra, K. (2023...
2025-06-0312 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and Sexual Health
Uncover a crucial, rarely discussed topic on the potential effects of ketamine on sexual health. We delve into a 2023 systematic review by Pominville et al., which included four studies. These limited findings, primarily from studies of illicit, heavy, long-term ketamine use, suggest a potential correlation with sexual dysfunction. This episode critically highlights a significant research gap regarding medical ketamine use. Tune in to understand what the current, albeit limited, science indicates and why more research is urgently needed in clinical populations.
Link to the systematic review discussed:
Pominville, R., Loria, M., Fraiman, E., & Mishra, K. (2023...
2025-05-2912 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine Use Disorder Warning Signs
Ketamine therapy is increasingly explored for mental health, but what about the potential risks? In this crucial episode, we delve into the landscape of ketamine use disorder, drawing on insights from a significant 2025 study based on the direct experiences of 274 individuals with KUD.
Learn about the common physical warning signs reported by people with KUD, including prevalent bladder and nasal problems, and the intense ‘K-cramps’. Discover the challenging abstinence and withdrawal symptoms they experienced when trying to cut back or stop, such as intense cravings, low mood, and anxiety.
The episode also highlights a striking find...
2025-05-2410 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine Use Disorder Warning Signs
Ketamine therapy is increasingly explored for mental health, but what about the potential risks? In this crucial episode, we delve into the landscape of ketamine use disorder, drawing on insights from a significant 2025 study based on the direct experiences of 274 individuals with KUD.
Learn about the common physical warning signs reported by people with KUD, including prevalent bladder and nasal problems, and the intense ‘K-cramps’. Discover the challenging abstinence and withdrawal symptoms they experienced when trying to cut back or stop, such as intense cravings, low mood, and anxiety.
The episode also highlights a striking find...
2025-05-2210 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine Assisted Therapy
This episode dives into the real experiences and personal stories of individuals who have undergone ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT), exploring how this approach might differ from using ketamine alone. The discussion is based on a phenomenological study that conducted in-depth interviews with 10 people six or more months after they completed ketamine assisted psychotherapy (PAT/KAT/PAP).
Participants shared their motivations for seeking KAT, often after traditional therapies felt ineffective or insufficient for their deep-seated issues, sometimes complicated by physical health problems. The study sought the “real lived story” of what happens when ketamine is combined with therapy, what shif...
2025-05-1609 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine Assisted Therapy
This episode dives into the real experiences and personal stories of individuals who have undergone ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT), exploring how this approach might differ from using ketamine alone. The discussion is based on a phenomenological study that conducted in-depth interviews with 10 people six or more months after they completed ketamine assisted psychotherapy (PAT/KAT/PAP).
Participants shared their motivations for seeking KAT, often after traditional therapies felt ineffective or insufficient for their deep-seated issues, sometimes complicated by physical health problems. The study sought the “real lived story” of what happens when ketamine is combined with therapy, what shif...
2025-05-1509 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine vs Lung Cancer
Join us to explore a surprising link: Ketamine and lung cancer outcomes. Intraoperative Ketamine, used during surgery for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), is linked to a lower rate of cancer recurrence. This is unexpected for an anesthetic.
But here’s the paradox: a study found that weeks after surgery, the Ketamine group had more circulating rare events (CRE) – tumor-associated cells/fragments in the blood.
How can more of these potentially concerning events mean better long-term results (less recurrence)?
Researchers hypothesize Ketamine might disrupt the tumor environment, increasing shedding. The intriguing idea is that...
2025-04-2709 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine vs Lung Cancer
Join us to explore a surprising link: Ketamine and lung cancer outcomes. Intraoperative Ketamine, used during surgery for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), is linked to a lower rate of cancer recurrence. This is unexpected for an anesthetic.
But here’s the paradox: a study found that weeks after surgery, the Ketamine group had more circulating rare events (CRE) – tumor-associated cells/fragments in the blood.
How can more of these potentially concerning events mean better long-term results (less recurrence)?
Researchers hypothesize Ketamine might disrupt the tumor environment, increasing shedding. The intriguing idea is that...
2025-04-2409 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastAutomated Training for Extending Ketamine's Benefits
Dive into episode 10 as we build upon our discussion of ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects from episode 9! This time, we explore a fascinating frontier: using automated tools and ketamine games to help those positive changes stick around longer.
Discover how researchers are investigating interactive computer programs, like apps, to engage the brain’s neuroplasticity and solidify the benefits of ketamine. We’ll delve into Rejoyn, an FDA-authorized prescription digital therapeutic that combines brain training exercises and therapy lessons for adults with depression on medication. While not specifically for use with ketamine, its approach of leveraging neuroplasticity to rebuil...
2025-04-1909 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastAutomated Training for Extending Ketamine's Benefits
Dive into episode 10 as we build upon our discussion of ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects from episode 9! This time, we explore a fascinating frontier: using automated tools and ketamine games to help those positive changes stick around longer.
Discover how researchers are investigating interactive computer programs, like apps, to engage the brain’s neuroplasticity and solidify the benefits of ketamine. We’ll delve into Rejoyn, an FDA-authorized prescription digital therapeutic that combines brain training exercises and therapy lessons for adults with depression on medication. While not specifically for use with ketamine, its approach of leveraging neuroplasticity to rebuil...
2025-04-1909 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastExtending the Benefits of Ketamine Treatment
This episode explores how to extend the rapid but short-lived benefits of ketamine treatment for depression. While ketamine can significantly improve mood within 24 hours, these effects often fade within one to two weeks.
The focus is on a study investigating whether combining a single ketamine infusion with Automated Self-Association Training (ASAT), a computer-based training targeting self-worth, could prolong the antidepressant effect. The idea is that ketamine might create a window of enhanced neuroplasticity, making the brain more receptive to learning.
This original study can be found here:
Price, R. B., Spotts, C., Panny...
2025-04-1221 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastExtending the Benefits of Ketamine Treatment
This episode explores how to extend the rapid but short-lived benefits of ketamine treatment for depression. While ketamine can significantly improve mood within 24 hours, these effects often fade within one to two weeks.
The focus is on a study investigating whether combining a single ketamine infusion with Automated Self-Association Training (ASAT), a computer-based training targeting self-worth, could prolong the antidepressant effect. The idea is that ketamine might create a window of enhanced neuroplasticity, making the brain more receptive to learning.
This original study can be found here:
Price, R. B., Spotts, C., Panny...
2025-04-1221 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastWhat to Expect with Ketamine Assisted Therapy
This podcast episode provides a brief overview of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT), a therapeutic approach that integrates ketamine medication with psychological work to help individuals facing health challenges. Listeners can expect to learn about how KAT differs from regular talk therapy through the involvement of ketamine, which can induce altered perceptions and feelings.
The episode outlines the structured process of KAT, including preparation sessions to understand the therapy and set intentions, the ketamine session itself in a comfortable setting often with music, and crucial integration sessions to process the experience. You’ll hear about the emphasis on “set and...
2025-03-1817 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastWhat to Expect with Ketamine Assisted Therapy
This podcast episode provides a brief overview of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT), a therapeutic approach that integrates ketamine medication with psychological work to help individuals facing health challenges. Listeners can expect to learn about how KAT differs from regular talk therapy through the involvement of ketamine, which can induce altered perceptions and feelings.
The episode outlines the structured process of KAT, including preparation sessions to understand the therapy and set intentions, the ketamine session itself in a comfortable setting often with music, and crucial integration sessions to process the experience. You’ll hear about the emphasis on “set and...
2025-03-1817 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and PTSD Rewiring the Brain
Episode 7 of Talking Ketamine explores the groundbreaking potential of ketamine as a treatment for PTSD. This episode examines a recent study on how a single dose of ketamine, combined with trauma-focused therapy, affects individuals with chronic PTSD. Discover how ketamine may promote flexibility in brain pathways, potentially rewiring the brain’s response to traumatic memories, and explore how these changes might feel for someone undergoing treatment. While highlighting that ketamine treatment for PTSD is still experimental, this offers a hopeful glimpse into the future of mental health treatment and the incredible ability of the brain to heal.
Th...
2025-03-0111 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and PTSD Rewiring the Brain
Episode 7 of Talking Ketamine explores the groundbreaking potential of ketamine as a treatment for PTSD. This episode examines a recent study on how a single dose of ketamine, combined with trauma-focused therapy, affects individuals with chronic PTSD. Discover how ketamine may promote flexibility in brain pathways, potentially rewiring the brain’s response to traumatic memories, and explore how these changes might feel for someone undergoing treatment. While highlighting that ketamine treatment for PTSD is still experimental, this offers a hopeful glimpse into the future of mental health treatment and the incredible ability of the brain to heal.
Th...
2025-03-0111 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastMusic and Ketamine Therapy
This podcast episode discusses ketamine therapy and the crucial role music plays in enhancing its effectiveness. The speakers explain the three phases of a ketamine session (pre-peak, peak, and post-peak) and how music with varying tempos and keys can support the emotional journey through each stage. They emphasize the importance of choosing music that matches the patient’s intentions and preferences, avoiding familiar songs with lyrics. Various musical genres are suggested, highlighting the collaborative process between therapist, patient, and music in achieving therapeutic goals.
The study in this episode can be found:
Chenette, C. I. (2024). Cl...
2025-01-2711 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastMusic and Ketamine Therapy
This podcast episode discusses ketamine therapy and the crucial role music plays in enhancing its effectiveness. The speakers explain the three phases of a ketamine session (pre-peak, peak, and post-peak) and how music with varying tempos and keys can support the emotional journey through each stage. They emphasize the importance of choosing music that matches the patient’s intentions and preferences, avoiding familiar songs with lyrics. Various musical genres are suggested, highlighting the collaborative process between therapist, patient, and music in achieving therapeutic goals.
The study in this episode can be found:
Chenette, C. I. (2024). Cl...
2025-01-2711 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastInsights from Ketamine EEGs
This podcast episode discusses a study investigating ketamine’s effects on brain activity in individuals with depression. The study used EEGs to observe changes in brainwave patterns, including a shift towards faster waves and alterations in fractal patterns, potentially explaining ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects. Researchers also explored the correlation between dissociative experiences and these brainwave changes, finding weak connections requiring further study. The episode emphasizes the need for more research to understand ketamine’s long-term effects and the importance of personalized treatment approaches. Ultimately, the discussion highlights ketamine’s potential to reshape our understanding of depression treatment by focusing...
2025-01-1714 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastInsights from Ketamine EEGs
This podcast episode discusses a study investigating ketamine’s effects on brain activity in individuals with depression. The study used EEGs to observe changes in brainwave patterns, including a shift towards faster waves and alterations in fractal patterns, potentially explaining ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects. Researchers also explored the correlation between dissociative experiences and these brainwave changes, finding weak connections requiring further study. The episode emphasizes the need for more research to understand ketamine’s long-term effects and the importance of personalized treatment approaches. Ultimately, the discussion highlights ketamine’s potential to reshape our understanding of depression treatment by focusing...
2025-01-1714 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine for Cocaine Use Disorder
This podcast episode discusses research on using ketamine to treat cocaine use disorder. The discussion highlights studies showing ketamine’s potential to reduce cocaine cravings and improve brain function in both animal models and human trials, by affecting neurotransmitters like dopamine and brain regions associated with reward and negative emotions. While acknowledging the need for further research, especially regarding sex differences in response, the speakers present ketamine as a promising new treatment option, contrasting its mechanisms with those of other medications currently used off-label for cocaine addiction. The podcast emphasizes a shift in addiction treatment paradigms, from solely focusing on...
2025-01-0416 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine for Cocaine Use Disorder
This podcast episode discusses research on using ketamine to treat cocaine use disorder. The discussion highlights studies showing ketamine’s potential to reduce cocaine cravings and improve brain function in both animal models and human trials, by affecting neurotransmitters like dopamine and brain regions associated with reward and negative emotions. While acknowledging the need for further research, especially regarding sex differences in response, the speakers present ketamine as a promising new treatment option, contrasting its mechanisms with those of other medications currently used off-label for cocaine addiction. The podcast emphasizes a shift in addiction treatment paradigms, from solely focusing on...
2025-01-0416 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastPotential for Self-Guided Dosing in Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Dive into the future of personalized mental healthcare! This episode explores a groundbreaking study on DMT published in Neuropsychopharmacology, revealing how self-guided dosing could revolutionize ketamine therapy. Discover how this approach, where participants adjusted their own dose, not only allowed them to reach deep psychedelic effects but also didn’t increase negative side effects, hinting at a future of safer, more effective, and empowering treatment experiences. Learn what this means for finding your “sweet spot” in healing and the incredible potential of patient control in psychedelic medicine.
Rudin, D., Erne, L., Vogt, S. B., Müller, L., Nuraj...
2024-12-2110 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastPotential for Self-Guided Dosing in Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Dive into the future of personalized mental healthcare! This episode explores a groundbreaking study on DMT published in Neuropsychopharmacology, revealing how self-guided dosing could revolutionize ketamine therapy. Discover how this approach, where participants adjusted their own dose, not only allowed them to reach deep psychedelic effects but also didn’t increase negative side effects, hinting at a future of safer, more effective, and empowering treatment experiences. Learn what this means for finding your “sweet spot” in healing and the incredible potential of patient control in psychedelic medicine.
Rudin, D., Erne, L., Vogt, S. B., Müller, L., Nuraj...
2024-12-2110 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and Neuroplasticity
Jump in to ketamine and neuroplasticity, exploring how this unique substance can boost the brain’s ability to change and adapt. Discover its potential to rewire connections for mental health healing, especially for conditions like depression and anxiety. This episode draws on insights from a key scientific review that explores these profound brain changes.
The podcast is based on this research:
Agnorelli, C., Spriggs, M., Godfrey, K., Sawicka, G., Bohl, B., Douglass, H., Fagiolini, A., Parastoo, H., Carhart-Harris, R., Nutt, D., & Erritzoe, D. (2024). Neuroplasticity and psychedelics: A comprehensive examination of classic and non-classic compounds in pr...
2024-12-0508 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine and Neuroplasticity
Jump in to ketamine and neuroplasticity, exploring how this unique substance can boost the brain’s ability to change and adapt. Discover its potential to rewire connections for mental health healing, especially for conditions like depression and anxiety. This episode draws on insights from a key scientific review that explores these profound brain changes.
The podcast is based on this research:
Agnorelli, C., Spriggs, M., Godfrey, K., Sawicka, G., Bohl, B., Douglass, H., Fagiolini, A., Parastoo, H., Carhart-Harris, R., Nutt, D., & Erritzoe, D. (2024). Neuroplasticity and psychedelics: A comprehensive examination of classic and non-classic compounds in pr...
2024-12-0508 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine Use Patterns by Regular Users in Italy
Step into a hidden, fascinating world on this deep dive! We explore a unique study from Italy focusing on functional ketamine users – individuals who regularly use the drug but have never sought addiction treatment. These aren’t the stereotypes; they’re students, professionals, and socially integrated individuals who have developed incredibly sophisticated, user-generated harm reduction strategies.
Discover their intricate unwritten rules for managing risks, from their close-knit, trust-based sourcing networks to ingenious DIY quality control methods involving sight, smell, and even observing others. You’ll learn about their precise guidelines on where, when, and with whom they use keta...
2024-11-1917 min
Talking Ketamine PodcastKetamine Use Patterns by Regular Users in Italy
Step into a hidden, fascinating world on this deep dive! We explore a unique study from Italy focusing on functional ketamine users – individuals who regularly use the drug but have never sought addiction treatment. These aren’t the stereotypes; they’re students, professionals, and socially integrated individuals who have developed incredibly sophisticated, user-generated harm reduction strategies.
Discover their intricate unwritten rules for managing risks, from their close-knit, trust-based sourcing networks to ingenious DIY quality control methods involving sight, smell, and even observing others. You’ll learn about their precise guidelines on where, when, and with whom they use keta...
2024-11-1917 min
Ketamine Wellness Centers PodcastFact or Fiction? Ketamine Infusions are Addictive.Fact or Fiction?
Topic: Ketamine Infusions are Addictive
Ketamine has several reputations: surgical anesthetic, life saving battlefield necessity, veterinary medicine, club drug, breakthrough depression treatment, etc.
Many medications present the potential for chemical addiction to take hold in individuals. We know that this can absolutely be the case for self-medicating and recreational of Ketamine, in moderate to high doses. But should we worry about addiction when applied to the clinical, therapeutic application of Ketamine via low-dose infusion?
Jonathan DelosSantos, Clinical Administrator at Ketamine Wellness Centers - Phoenix, answers the question of whether Ketamine under our clinical protocol is addictive or...
2019-02-1300 minKetamine Wellness Centers PodcastFact Or Fiction? There is a Harmful Interaction Between Ketamine & AntidepressantsFact or Fiction?
Topic: There Is A Harmful Interaction Between Ketamine And Prescribed Antidepressant Medications
When depression patients come to us seeking the therapeutic effects that Ketamine can provide, they are frequently prescribed to and utilizing antidepressant medications (SSRI,SNRI). A common question we get at KWC is whether there is a harmful interaction that may occur between the Ketamine and antidepressant medications. In other words, will the Ketamine be less effective? And are there harmful side effects to take into consideration for someone who is currently utilizing antidepressants?
Clinical Administrator, John DelosSantos, tackles these questions and clears the air...
2018-10-0900 minKetamine Wellness Centers PodcastFact or Fiction? Ketamine causes Seratonin Syndrome.Fact or Fiction?
Topic: Ketamine causes Serotonin Syndrome.
Serotonin syndrome occurs when one takes medications that cause high levels of the chemical serotonin to build up in one’s body. What is Ketamine’s effect on Serotonin and does this syndrome take hold with ketamine infusion?
Kevin Nicholson, CEO of Ketamine Wellness Centers, and Dr. Mark Murphy, Board Certified Anesthesiologist, discuss.
2018-02-2100 minKetamine Wellness Centers PodcastFact or Fiction? Ketamine is used as a horse tranquilizer.Fact or Fiction?
Topic: Ketamine is used as a horse tranquilizer. Fact or Fiction?
Ketamine has a number of uses in medical, surgical, dental, and veterinary practice. So, is Ketamine used to sedate horses? And why is this such a common reference when people talk about Ketamine?
Kevin Nicholson, CEO of Ketamine Wellness Centers, and Dr. Mark Murphy, Board Certified Anesthesiologist, break it down.
2018-02-2100 min