Not Too Tight, Not Too Loose

Clinical psychologist Dr. Steve Thayer shares what he has learned from years of psychedelic therapy and clinical trials, including his work co-founding Inner Space Research. Hosts Joe Flanders and Andrew explore how trials balance scientific rigor with human support, what makes psychedelic sessions unpredictable, and how practitioners can care for participants and themselves. In this episode: Thay...

Joe Flanders reunites with his former cognitive science professor, John Vervaeke, to examine what artificial intelligence reveals about human intelligence, consciousness, wisdom, and the meaning crisis. Joined by Andrew, they explore why current AI models remain dependent on human relevance judgments, how meditation and psychedelics reshape cognition, and whether a future “Silicon Sage” could help...

Season Two Launch: How Do You Play a Paradigm? Andrew and Joe Flanders launch season two by reflecting on the major ideas that shaped the first season of Not Too Tight, Not Too Loose . They connect experiential therapy, predictive processing, trauma, AI, psychedelics, community, and the podcast’s central philosophy: finding a workable middle ground without becoming rigid or resigned. In this episo...

In this episode, Jules Evans shares his unique journey from researching philosophy and therapy to uncovering the complex world of psychedelic experiences and AI. We dive into the challenges of post-psychedelic difficulties, the impact of digital culture, and the emerging risks and opportunities in psychedelic and AI technology. Whether you're interested in mental health, harm reduction, or the...

In this episode, experiential therapist Tori Olds explores how understanding the brain's memory reconsolidation process can unlock profound healing. Discover how experiential therapies offer deep and efficient ways to shift entrenched patterns and heal trauma. Tori shares science-backed techniques like imagery and prediction error exercises that help bring unconscious beliefs into awareness, enabl...

In this episode, Andrew and Joe delve into the transformative potential and the profound risks of integrating AI into mental health practice. Join them as they explore the science, stories, and frameworks shaping the future of AI-assisted psychotherapy, with insights grounded in recent research and ancient philosophies. Key Topics: The emergence of AI tools in therapy, including note-taking, thera...

In this episode, Andrew and Joe welcome Jonas Maggo, a cognitive neuroscientist and meditation teacher, to discuss the intersection of neuroscience and contemplative practices. They explore Jhana meditation, the role of attention in shaping perception, and the implications of these practices for well-being. The conversation also delves into the potential of AI in mental health, the ethical conside...

In this episode, Sarah Bergenfield, a certified IFS practitioner and author, discusses her work on autism and the predictive processing framework. She shares insights into the challenges and misconceptions surrounding autism, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in understanding it as a condition of surplus rather than deficit. The conversation explores the intersection of autism, neurodiverg...

In this conversation, Dr. Joe Flanders and Professor Rob Coplan explore the nuanced relationship between solitude and loneliness, emphasizing the importance of understanding solitude as a positive experience distinct from loneliness. They discuss the balance needed between social interaction and solitude, the concept of 'aloneliness', and the impact of technology on our ability to experien...

In this conversation, Dr. Devon Christie shares her journey from traditional medicine to the innovative field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. She discusses the founding of the Center for Medicine-Assisted Therapy (CMAT), describing the challenges posed by regulatory frameworks in Canada, particularly regarding the approval of MDMA and psilocybin therapies. Devon highlights the need for education...

In this conversation, Dr. Kyle Greenway discusses his work in psychedelic-assisted therapy, particularly focusing on the Montreal model of ketamine therapy. He emphasizes the importance of integrating conventional psychiatry with psychedelic approaches, the role of set and setting in therapy outcomes, and the significance of music in enhancing therapeutic effects. Dr. Greenway also addresses the c...

In this conversation, Dr. Joe Flanders interviews Giuliano Biagioni, who shares his profound journey through trauma and healing via MDMA-assisted therapy. Giuliano recounts his traumatic experience of being a victim of gunshot violence, the subsequent PTSD, and his struggles with traditional therapies. He describes how MDMA therapy opened new pathways for emotional healing, allowing him to confron...

In this introductory episode of the podcast, hosts Dr. Joe Flanders and Andrew Rose explore the themes of mental health, psychedelics, mindfulness, and trauma. They introduce the guiding principle of 'Not Too Tight, Not Too Loose' as a framework for understanding well-being. The conversation delves into the complexities of trauma, the role of meditation, and the importance of finding balan...