The Psychedelic Scene Podcast

Can healing change the way people use power? In this episode of The Psychedelic Scene Podcast , Jill Sitnick sits down with psychedelic facilitator and award-winning author Diana Colleen to discuss the ideas behind her novel, They Could Be Saviors . Together, they explore whether unresolved trauma may shape how people pursue wealth, power, and control, and why healing might lead to greater connect...

What happens in the brain during and after a psychedelic experience? In this episode, Jill sits down with physician Fred Grover, MD, to explore neuroplasticity, BDNF, trauma recovery, brain health, aging, and emerging research surrounding psychedelic therapies. Together, they discuss the relationship between emotional healing and cognitive health, why integration matters, and how lifestyle factors...

In this episode of the Psychedelic Scene Podcast, we take a grounded, educational look at psilocybin experiences and why results can vary so widely. This conversation covers what most people overlook: preparation, sourcing, integration, and the role of structure in creating lasting change. If you’ve been curious about this space, or trying to understand why some experiences lead to meaningful shif...

This episode explores how hormonal cycles and stress systems may shape women’s emotional experiences. We discuss emerging conversations around mental flexibility, mood changes, and why women’s health has historically been under-researched. This is a grounded, educational discussion focused on awareness and context. http://www.jenniferchesak.com https://www.instagram.com/jenchesak/ https://www.jenc...

In this episode of the Psychedelic Scene podcast, Jill Sitnick sits down with Dr. Kathy Gruver to explore psychedelic coaching, Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness, emotional triggers, trauma patterns, and the importance of integration work. Kathy shares her background in coaching, hypnosis, Reiki, bodywork, executive coaching, and meditation, along with reflections from a recent ayahuasca...

Amanita muscaria is one of the most recognizable and misunderstood mushrooms in the world. In this episode of Psychedelic Scene , Jill sits down with Christian Rasmussen to explore its historical context, growing curiosity, common misconceptions, and the importance of education when public wellness conversations begin expanding. This is a grounded conversation about nuance, awareness, and responsi...

In this episode, Jill Sitnick speaks with Cesar Marin, a former CNN producer who now focuses on educating adults over 50 about microdosing and intentional personal growth. Cesar shares how his perspective shifted after exploring psychedelics later in life, and why many people in midlife transitions are becoming curious about tools that support reflection and awareness. The conversation explores in...

In this conversation with Kimberly Chew, Senior Counsel, we explore the regulatory and practical side of emerging mental health treatments. Topics include:  Clinical trial phases   FDA approval process   REMS programs and safety requirements   Cost and infrastructure   Insurance considerations   Rescheduling and access Find Kimberly: kimberly.chew@huschblackwell.com and https://www.huschblackwell....

In this episode, Jill Sitnick speaks with Paige Alexandra West about iboga, ibogaine, and what this work actually involves. They explore:  The difference between plant-based iboga and extracted ibogaine   Why clinical environments use isolated compounds   The structure of an iboga retreat   Safety protocols and preparation   How this work applies to trauma, addiction, and personal growth  This is...

This episode focuses on a major gap in the current model: what happens between sessions. Sabba Nazhand shares how his AI-powered platform helps practitioners track client progress, identify patterns, and provide more effective support during integration. The conversation explores how technology can enhance care without replacing the human relationship. sabba@joinsafar.com https://www.linkedin.com/...

This episode explores how psychedelic-assisted therapy is being used in end-of-life care and why it matters. Jill Sitnick, Host of Psychedelic Scene Podcast, speaks with John Gilchrist from TheraPsil about real patient experiences, current access challenges, and what often gets misunderstood about this work. The conversation focuses on education, awareness, and real-world application. therapsil.ca...

In this episode of the Psychedelic Scene Podcast, we explore what creates change after a powerful experience. Most people focus on the experience itself, but real transformation comes from preparation and integration. We discuss how internal patterns are formed, why they repeat, and how to begin working with them in a more intentional way. This conversation breaks down complex ideas into simple, p...

What if different psilocybin strains create completely different emotional and therapeutic experiences? In this episode of Psychedelic Scene, Jill Sitnick sits down with Rhonda DeSantis, founder of Psylutions and one of Colorado’s first licensed psilocybin cultivators, manufacturers, and distributors. Together, they explore:  Why different mushroom strains matter   The role of alkaloid profiles an...

n this episode of the Psychedelic Scene Podcast, Jill Sitnick sits down with Magdalena Grace, founder of Lotus Throne Coaching and Healing Sanctuary, to talk candidly about safety in the psychedelic space. As interest in psychedelic-assisted work grows, so do risks. Not every facilitator is equally trained. Not every ceremony includes proper preparation or integration. And not every powerful exper...

This episode explores the history, safety considerations, and personal growth aspects associated with iboga and ibogaine. We discuss traditional ceremonial contexts, clinical settings for addiction interruption, and the importance of preparation, screening, and integration for meaningful outcomes. Key Topics Origins of iboga traditions Root bark vs alkaloid extraction Safety screening and harm red...

In this episode, Jill Sitnick speaks with former psychotherapist and author Jonathan Robinson about MDMA-assisted therapy and how remote sessions are expanding access. They explore how MDMA reduces fear, why conversation matters in therapy, and how couples use MDMA to reconnect or gain clarity. This episode focuses on education and real-world application, not hype or speculation. Find Jonathan: ht...

In this episode of the Psychedelic Scene Podcast, Jill Sitnick talks with author and speaker Stuart Preston about grief, loss, and the role psychedelics played in his healing journey. After losing his son to suicide, Stuart turned to careful, intentional psychedelic use. The conversation explores grief as an ongoing process, how Western culture avoids it, and why altered states may offer space for...

In this episode, Jill Sitnick speaks with Will Burkhart, a former Marine Corps intelligence officer and psychedelic coach, about trauma, PTSD, and healing among veterans. They discuss moral injury, agency, dosing, and why psychedelic work must be approached carefully and responsibly. This conversation focuses on education, lived experience, and long-term integration rather than quick fixes. Find W...

Powerful experiences can change how we see ourselves. The real work is what happens afterward. In this episode of the Psychedelic Scene Podcast, Jill Sitnick speaks with psychotherapist Curt Kearney about healing through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS). They explore why insight alone is rarely enough, how IFS helps people build lasting change, and what real integration looks like in ever...

In this episode of The Psychedelic Scene Podcast, Jill Sitnick speaks with Holly Crawford, lead editor of Reality Sandwich, about community, creativity, and conscious exploration. Reality Sandwich is an independent platform dedicated to storytelling, music, art, and shared experiences at the intersection of psychedelics, culture, and consciousness. Holly shares her journey from the cannabis indust...

In this episode of the Psychedelic Scene Podcast, host Jill Sitnick speaks with Alex Detmering , founder of the Parable Foundation, about the parts of psychedelic therapy that rarely get talked about. Rather than focusing on peak moments or simplified success stories, this conversation explores what happens in the middle: confusion, fear, identity disruption, and the long process of integration th...

In this episode of the Psychedelic Scene Podcast , host Jill Sitnick speaks with Carlos Tanner , Director of the Ayahuasca Foundation, about how PTSD outcomes are often misunderstood, especially when statistics are shared without context. Carlos discusses follow-up data from a retreat program for veterans and explains what it actually means when someone no longer meets the diagnostic criteria for...

In this episode, host Jill Sitnick speaks with New Mexico firefighter and advocate Paul Walton , executive director of Firefighters for Plant Medicine . Paul has spent more than seventeen years on the front lines. Like many first responders, he carried a heavy mix of trauma, insomnia, and chronic pain. After an injury and surgery, he turned to medical cannabis as an alternative to opioids and foun...

In this episode, we speak with David Esselman from the Fireside Project (firesideproject.org) about an AI training companion for facilitators, called Lucy. We explore how this tool supports trauma-informed listening practices for facilitators, not by offering advice, but by providing a safe simulation space to rehearse empathy, presence, and ethical decision-making. 📌 Guest: David Esselman, Senio...

In this episode, Jill Sitnick speaks with Stephan Kerby (aka “Kerby”), founder of the Mindscape Institute and developer of the first structured low-dose integration protocol for working with 5 (5-MeO). Together, they explore how trauma-informed facilitation, nervous system regulation, and a 6-month embodiment model are helping reshape the future of psychedelic healing. We discuss: Why full-release...