Psychedelics Today

In this episode, Joe interviews Angie Roullier: longtime veteran of the cannabis industry and author of the book, Pot for the People: The Plant, the People, and the Shop Policies of Cannabis. Diagnosed with the neurological disorder, Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), Roullier tells the story of how cannabis replaced all her medications, which led to a personal journey and career centered on cannabis education. She talks about the challenges patients face in today’s rapidly evolving cannabis markets, misconceptions surrounding cannabis, the ignorance of many budtenders, and how not knowing enough can lead to an underwhelming high. She discusses how she educated people in shops and how her book was written to teach people how to ask the right questions to not only ensure a safe and effective experience, but to also give them the experience they’re looking for. She talks about: -The early days of Michigan’s medical program and the state’s current attempt to essentially combine medical and recreational markets -Cannabis culture and an emerging “I can take more milligrams than you” bravado -Why understanding terpenes and the entourage effect can be game-changing toward finding a preferred strain -The rise of hemp-derived THC products, the regulatory loopholes they exploit, and their potential risks -Why home growers and caregivers are essential to the cannabis ecosystem and more! For links, head to the show notes page.

In this episode, Kyle interviews Tommy Aceto: former Navy Seal and trauma medic, and now, ambassador for the Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition and advisor at Beond Ibogaine. He talks about how much the psychedelic space focuses on healing and mental health, but doesn’t talk enough about the overall wellness that can come from a consistent practice: that the more you become aware of your body, emotions, and breath, the more robust your neural pathways will become – and that you can actually change your neurochemistry and build a more energetically powerful system. With these pathways being opened, fewer psychedelic experiences are necessary, and with practice, these mind states can be achieved simply through meditation or breathwork. The idea of surrender and entering a state of receivership is scary, but he believes the most important skill to begin that transformation is to learn how to truly let go. He also talks about: What the psychedelic scene is like in Nashville and the south His work with the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission and what happened with the bill to grant 42 million for ibogaine research His most powerful 5-MeO-DMT experience and how it reconnected him with the divine The science and practice of gratitude: how reframing painful experiences can actually rewire the brain How cold exposure (notably ice baths) can prepare your system for a psychedelic experience and more! Happy New Year from all of us at Psychedelics Today. Let's hope for big psychedelic wins in 2025! For links, head to the show notes page.

In this episode, Joe interviews Melanie Curtis: world record professional skydiver, keynote speaker, coach, co-host of the Trust the Journey podcast, and author of How to Fly: Life Lessons From a Professional Skydiver. Curtis shares her journey from taking her first transformative leap out of an airplane to becoming a leader in skydiving, public speaking, and now, the integration of psychedelics into personal growth. She discusses the parallels between skydiving and working with psychedelics – most notably in the idea of leaping into the unknown, trusting the universe, and in the potential that can be unlocked after you’ve come back down to earth. While relatively new to the psychedelic space, she stresses the importance of sharing your story and opening up dialogues, no matter how small you think your voice may be. She talks about: Her early psilocybin journeys and recent ayahuasca experiences How she came out of the psychedelic closet to her Mother, and learning of the power of small steps and trusting the universe Realizing how her Father’s behavior affected her, and how it has made her more connected to her femininity and other women The power of confidence and how much better we’d all be if the fear of humiliation wasn’t so prominent in our lives and more! For links, head to the show notes page. 

In this episode, Joe interviews Dan Ronken: licensed professional counselor and addiction counselor with a private practice in Boulder, CO, called Inclusion Recovery, and lead trainer and facilitator for the Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI). He tells his story of going from a sponsored BMX racer to three stints in rehab before the age of 14, and what he’s learned from his experiences in recovery over the years: that there is a wide range of what ‘in recovery’ actually means, that abstinence-only and 12-step models don’t work for many, that connection and community – and consistency in both – are enormous parts of what actually leads to overcoming an addiction, and more. As recovery communities cautiously begin to talk about psychedelics, he highlights the importance of nuance in understanding addiction, the need for open-mindedness toward new therapeutic approaches, and the need for diverse support networks that welcome discussions around psychedelics. He talks about: Inducing alcohol cravings before an intramuscular ketamine shot as a way of using neuroplasticity to rewire the brain’s relationship with alcohol How Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, benefitted greatly from LSD in the 50s, and how Ronken originally scoffed at such a concept The growing visibility of psychedelics in popular media, as seen in shows like “Loudermilk” and “Ted Lasso” The benefits of sober communities coming together for active and healthy activities and more! For links, head to the show notes page.