The Psychedelic Skeptic

In this episode of The Psychedelic Skeptic, we speak with Dori Lewis and Dr. Shannon Hughes, co-founders of Elemental Psychedelics, one of Colorado's first state-approved psilocybin facilitator training programs. Key Topics: Colorado's regulated psilocybin access model following the passage of Prop 122 The tension between medicalization and honoring the whole-mushroom experience What to expect fro...

In this episode of The Psychedelic Skeptic, Dr. Anne Metz speaks with Dr. Daniel Moseley, Assistant Professor of Bioethics at East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine. Dr. Moseley brings his unique background spanning philosophy and psychiatry to explore the ethical dimensions of psychedelics through the lens of human enhancement. Episode Highlights: Dr. Moseley discusses his journe...

Dr. Béalleka Makau, cultural consultant and educator, joins The Psychedelic Skeptic to discuss the critical intersection of cultural awareness, power dynamics, and psychedelic healing. As a Kenyan-born, Black queer scholar who left academia after experiencing systemic inequities, Dr. Makau shares her transformative REDE (Radical Empathy Disrupts Entitlement) framework and its adaptation for psyche...

In 2018, 22-year-old Brandon Begley lost his life after participating in ayahuasca ceremonies at SoulQuest Church in Orlando, Florida. In this powerful episode, Brandon's father John Paul Begley and attorney William Chapman discuss their successful $15 million wrongful death lawsuit against SoulQuest and its founder Chris Young. Brandon, a joyful young man passionate about music and sports, at...

After Matthew Perry's tragic death raised new questions about ketamine therapy, Sam Mandel, CEO of Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles, joins us to separate fact from fiction. With over 30,000 infusions administered and an 83% success rate, KCLA is at the forefront of mental health innovation. Sam breaks down: The crucial differences between recreational use and clinical treatment Why ketamine remain...

In this episode of 'The Psychedelic Skeptic,' Dr. Anne Metz discusses the impact of the psychedelic renaissance on indigenous communities with Dr. Melissa Frost, a Spanish professor at the University of Virginia. They delve into the historical and contemporary use of psychoactive substances like psilocybin mushrooms and peyote, particularly focusing on the Mazatec and Wirarika communities....

In the second part of our conversation with Ed Prideaux, we explore the recovery process, research developments, and clinical implications of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). Ed shares: His personal recovery journey and coping strategies The importance of accepting the reality of one's condition The potential pitfalls of online HPPD communities Current research on HPPD, incl...

In this eye-opening first part of our conversation with Ed Prideaux, we explore the world of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). Ed, a researcher and someone who has personally experienced HPPD, provides a comprehensive explanation of this rare condition that can occur after psychedelic use. He discusses: The definition and symptoms of HPPD His personal journey with the condition T...

In this episode of *The Psychedelic Skeptic*, Dr. Anne Metz dives into the world of psychedelic churches with guest Sean McAllister. Sean, an attorney based in Colorado, has dedicated nearly 25 years to drug policy reform, making significant strides in the legal recognition of psychedelic practices. Join us as Sean shares his journey from cannabis legalization to defending the Church of the Eagle...

Dr. Anne Metz, a licensed and skeptical psychedelic therapist, dives into the intricacies of the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act with her guest Dr. Ryan Reese from Oregon State University. They discuss the requirements and training for becoming a licensed psilocybin facilitator, potential adverse experiences, and the accessibility of psilocybin services. Dr. Reese shares his process for client prep...

In this episode of The Psychedelic Skeptic, host Dr. Anne Metz sits down with Paul Miller, aka DJ Spooky, to explore the intersection of psychedelics, music, and environmental activism. Paul shares his journey from DJing in Antarctica to becoming a vocal advocate for climate literacy through the arts. The conversation meanders through the role of psychedelics in addressing the climate crisis, Paul...

In this episode of the Psychedelic Skeptic, Dr. Anne Metz dives deep into the world of psilocybin-assisted therapy retreats with Justin Townsend, CEO of MycoMeditations in Jamaica. MycoMeditations is one of the most established and respected psilocybin retreat centers, known for their high-dose protocols and impressive results in treating depression, PTSD, anxiety and more. Justin shares fascinati...

Join us as we explore the controversial world of psychedelic churches and the legal battles they face, focusing on the Church of Ambrosia and its founder, Dave Hodges. We'll discuss the church's use of psilocybin mushrooms as a sacrament, the ongoing fight for legalization, and the complex issues surrounding religious freedom and drug policy. Stay tuned for an exclusive upcoming interview...

In this episode of The Psychedelic Skeptic, Dr. Anne Metz explores the newly proposed regulations for Colorado's upcoming legal psilocybin services program. She delves into the challenges and potential benefits of becoming a certified psilocybin facilitator in Colorado, highlighting the impact on mental health professionals and the accessibility of psychedelic therapy. Join Dr. Metz and Psyche...

So why the psychedelic skeptic? Well, skeptics play an essential role in any discussion surrounding psychedelics. While there are those who embrace the potential benefits and transformative experiences that psychedelics offer, there are also skeptics who approach these substances with caution and skepticism. They raise valid concerns and questions that deserve to be explored and addressed.

Note to listeners, I remixed this episode to include our new theme music by Wes Swing. Dr. Rachel Harris, author of 'Swimming in the Sacred,' discusses her research on underground guides and the importance of their wisdom in the field of psychedelics. She distinguishes between ceremonial work and research, highlighting the transformative focus of the former. Dr. Harris emphasizes the need...

Dr. Katherine MacLean, a neuroscientist and expert in the effects of mindfulness meditation and psychedelics, discusses the future of psychedelics, addressing inequity and lack of access, preventing abuse in psychedelic therapy, navigating spiritual and recreational use, informed consent and risks, and the role of gender dynamics in psychedelic work. The conversation explores the importance of com...

This week's guest is Dr. Elizabeth Nielson. Dr. Nielson is a co-founder of Fluence and a psychologist with a focus on developing psychedelic medicines as empirically supported treatments for PTSD, substance use problems, and mood disorders. Dr. Nielson was a Site Co-Principal Investigator and therapist for an FDA-approved Phase 3 clinical trial of MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy for Post-Traumatic...

Hey everyone! I'm trying out a new format for the show. Let me know what you think. hello@annemetz.com Dr. Scott Shannon, a psychiatrist with a background in consciousness studies and holistic mental health, discusses various topics related to psychedelics and mental health. He shares his early interest in consciousness and psychedelics, compares the limitations of SSRIs and psychedelics, and...

Our guest today was Alleged to have produced "90% of the world's LSD," William Leonard Pickard is a former drug policy fellow at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, research associate in neurobiology at Harvard Medical School, and deputy director of the Drug Policy Analysis Program at UCLA. With two life sentences without parole, he served 20 years in maximum security federal...

In this inaugural episode of "Psychedelic Skeptic," we dive deep into the fascinating intersection of philosophy, skepticism, and the rapidly evolving world of psychedelic therapy. Our charming guest, Dr. Matthew Adams, a renowned philosophy professor from Indiana University, guides us through the intellectual tradition of skepticism and why it might be more crucial than ever as psychede...

Thank you for tuning in to this introductory episode of our podcast. Make sure to subscribe, as we have many exciting conversations lined up with experts and pioneers in the field. Stay curious, stay open-minded, and let's dive headfirst into the wonderful world of psychedelics.