We sit down with Thomas B. Roberts, a prominent professor in the field of Psychedelic Studies, to continue our series on the profound potential of psychedelics in end-of-life healing – including how they can ease our fears and anxieties surrounding death. Roberts discusses the four stages of the Psychedelic Renaissance and how he got into this field, despite the risk to his career before diving deep into death and dying research.Join us as we explore the place of psychedelics in end-of-life healing and discuss the current research being conducted in this field. Don't miss it!“I hope people will try to use organizations that exist to have sessions and [start] talking about psychedelics”Thomas B. Roberts, PhD, an accomplished scholar and educator in the field of educational psychology. Dr. Roberts is widely recognized as the originator of the celebration of Bicycle Day, an annual event commemorating the first intentional LSD trip taken by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann in 1943.Starting in 1981, Roberts taught Psychedelic Studies, predominantly as a seminar in NIU’s Honors Program, making it the world’s first such course. He has also authored several influential publications, including "Psychedelic Sacramentals," "Psychedelic Horizons," "The Psychedelic Future of the Mind," and "MindApps: Multistate Theory and Tools for Mind Design."In addition to his academic pursuits, Thomas B. Roberts has served as the co-archivist of "Huxley to Huston Psychedelic Sacrament Quotations" and maintained a private psychedelic email list since 1994. He has delivered lectures and speeches on psychedelics and related topics in several countries worldwide. Listeners can find out more about Roberts' work and background on his Amazon author page, NIU academia page, and Inner Traditions author page.Show notes:* The academic field that could have killed his academic career* The four stages of the Psychedelic Renaissance* Placebo ability and the power to consciously heal* The place of psychedelics in end of life healing* Comparing Near Death, Ego Death and Physical Death Experiences* Does religion create a fear of death?* How psychedelics can ease our end-of-life fears* Why psilocybin over LSD?* The current research being conducted on psychedelics and healingLinks and references:* Psychedelic Wisdom* Psychedelic Medicine* The Symington Study* Ligare* Heffter Videos* Harvard Divinity School Videos* California Institute of Integral StudiesWant the episode transcript and video? Join our Tribe!Mind Body Health & Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. https://www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/subscribe

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Our guest, Gisele Fernandes-Osterhold, has an impressive background in psychotherapy and a deep commitment to helping people navigate end-of-life fears. Her extensive experience in this field has given her a unique perspective on the ways in which we can find meaning and healing in the process of dying. In her role as Director of Facilitation for Psychedelic Therapy Studies at UCSF, Gisele is at the forefront of exploring the potential of psychedelic medicine to alleviate anxiety and depression associated with chronic illness and death. Her work is leading the way in this emerging field, and she is passionate about sharing her insights with others.Despite the fact that our culture tends to shy away from discussions about death, Gisele believes that these conversations are crucial for our well-being and growth. By embracing a more open and honest approach to this important topic, we can better understand the true meaning of life and find greater peace and acceptance in the face of mortality.“The theme of death always brings me in touch with how we're living.”Gisele Fernandes-Osterhold is a psychotherapist, the director of facilitation for psychedelic therapy studies at the University of California San Francisco, a faculty member at the California Institute of Integral Studies, a mentor at the Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research and a clinical supervisor at the Alchemy Institute. Active in the mental health field for over 25 years, Gisele is specialized in the treatment of trauma, using an integrative approach rooted in Somatic, Humanistic-Existential and Transpersonal psychologies. Her vision for healing and wholeness is also informed by embodied spirituality, yoga, dance and traditions of her native Brazil. Being an immigrant to the United States and a woman of color, Gisele holds a deep dedication to diversity and inclusion processes and education.Show notes:* Living fully and mindfully* The benefits of working with death at a young age* Confronting Death: Awakening to Life's Meaning* We are a death phobic culture, but what does that mean?* Easing the transition of death and conversations had with those who are dying* The role psychedelics can play in easing the fear and anxiety around death* A new study involving psilocybin treatment with people with Parkinson’s * Believe in the power of healing, and that lies inside of each of us* “If the concrete physical death can destroy us, the topic of death can save us”* Psychedelics and our relationship with chronic pain* If you can walk, you can danceLinks and references:* Psychedelic Wisdom* Psychedelic Medicine* USCF Translational Psychedelic Research Program* Talking about People through DanceThank you for reading Mind Body Health & Politics. This post is public so feel free to share it.Want the episode transcript and video? Join our Tribe!Have a Healing Story to Share?We’d love to hear from you on political and health issues, and are currently soliciting stories from individuals, couples, and families who would like to share their healing stories with psychedelics.Mind Body Health & Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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We take another deep dive into the world of psychedelic research with our guest, Brian Anderson, this week. Is there a place for group therapy with psychedelic medicine and treatment? Brian just concluded a clinical trial to study just that. Working with HIV/AIDS survivors, Brian and his team focused on the efficacy of group therapy following psychedelic treatment. The outcome was generally positive, not just for the trial participants but also for Brian and his fellow researchers, who have a renewed curiosity and optimism about what we can offer those seeking help from past trauma. The burning question on everyone's mind: will the government allow psychedelic research and trials to continue? Tune in to find out!“I'm certainly more optimistic about how we can find ways to make psychedelic healing fit into conventional settings and do that in respectful and safe ways.”Brian Anderson, MD MSc, is a psychiatrist and assistant clinical professor in the UCSF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. He is affiliated with the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics and UCSF Neuroscape. In 2018 he led a pilot clinical trial of psilocybin-assisted group therapy for demoralized long-term AIDS survivors. His research includes clinical trials as well as observational methods to assess the safety, clinical implementation, and regulation of the uses of psychedelics and other controlled substances.Show notes:* How Brian Anderson got involved with Psychedelic research* Why research focuses on Psilocybin rather than LSD* Is psychedelic group therapy in the near future?* Brian’s study with HIV/AIDS survivors* The impact dosage and preparatory work has on trail participants* Some unwanted consequences to psilocybin treatments* The headline of his trail* Will the government allow psychedelic research and trails to continue?Links and references:* Psychedelic Wisdom* Psychedelic Medicine* So You Want to be a Psychedelic Researcher?* clinicaltrials.gov* Pragmatic Trial of Psilocybin Therapy in Palliative CareWant the episode transcript and video? Join our Tribe!Mind Body Health & Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.https://www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/subscribe

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Are you curious about palliative care? Do you know what it is or when to ask for it? Palliative care is a field that seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals facing serious illnesses or nearing the end of their lives. In this episode, we explore the world of palliative care with a leading expert in the field, Dr. Ira Byock, M.D. From the evolution of palliative care to the use of psychedelics, this episode will challenge your perceptions and offer new insights into how we can provide the best care possible for those facing life's most challenging moments.“The potential for people to be well as they die should be the next big thing in American culture!”Ira Byock, M.D. is a leading medical authority and public advocate for improving care through the end of life. Dr. Byock is an active emeritus professor of medicine and community & family medicine at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine and has been involved in hospice and palliative care since 1978. His research has contributed to conceptual frameworks for the lived experience of illness; measures for subjective quality of life during illness; and counseling methods for life completion. He is a past president of the Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.From 1996 to 2006 Dr. Byock directed a national grant project of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that developed prototypes for concurrent palliative care within mainstream health care. From 2003 to mid-2013, he led the palliative care program at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and the Dartmouth health system based in Lebanon, N.H. Dr. Byock has authored numerous articles in academic journals, and his first book, Dying Well, has become a standard in the field of hospice and palliative care. The Four Things That Matter Most is widely used as a counseling tool within palliative care as well as pastoral care. The Best Care Possible presents the potential for health care transformation. Dr. Byock lectures nationally and internationally.Show notes:* What is Palliative Care?* How palliative care has evolved* Treating Sharon who had Cystic Fibrosis* When Richard was hit by a Winnebago* Why treating the whole person is so important* The cost of palliative care is less than you would think* When can you ask for palliative care?* The use of psychedelics in palliative care* The fundamental nature of health and illness is not medical – It's personalLinks and references:* Psychedelic Wisdom* Psychedelic Medicine* The Best Care Possible* Taking Psychedelics SeriouslyWant the episode transcript and video? Join our Tribe!Mind Body Health & Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.https://www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/subscribe

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Addiction, psychedelic medicine, legalization and the decriminalization of sex work… Our guest, Randy Hencken, is no stranger to big ideas and challenging the status quo. As we discuss the topic of psychedelic medicines, our conversation naturally transitions to the decriminalization of sex work. Randy's experience with advocacy and political strategy in both fields provides valuable insight into the differences and similarities between these two areas of reform, and how they can inform each other in the pursuit of greater social justice.“I learned that people aren't evil in most cases, that they just have different opinions they have different values”Randy Hencken, is a business strategist for Prisms AI and recently a political consultant for Decriminalize Sex Work. He was a co-founder of Blue Frontiers, an organization that aimed to build a floating city in French Polynesia, and previously served as the Executive Director of The Seasteading Institute. In addition, Randy was the Chairman of the Board for Students for Sensible Drug Policy and the Communication Director for the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), where he organized the first MAPS Psychedelic Science Conference in San Jose in 2011. He was also the Associate Director for the Ibogaine Association based in Mexico. Randy holds a Masters degree in Communication Studies and a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from San Diego State University. He is joining the show to discuss his successful overcoming of addiction to heroin and cocaine using the psychedelic medicine Ibogaine in 2001. Randy resides in Snowmass Village, Colorado with his wife and doodle, and spends as much time as he can outdoors, snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and white water rafting. He has led a camp at Burning Man for the past 20 years. He is also hosting two adventures bookending the Psychedelic Science conference in Denver this June, 2023. Learn more at about these excursions at www.ps23co.comShow notes:* Randy’s battle with Heroin* How Randy kicked the habit with Iboga* Is it time psychedelic freedom political party?* Psychedelics have become mainstream now* Adjusting post Ibogaine treatment* The Dangers of Ibogaine and a possible solution* A really clear path between wanting to legalize drugs and decriminalize sex work* Legalization vs. Decriminalization* A case study: New Zealand* Should sex workers be licensed?* The work Decriminalize Sex Work (DSW) does* Psychedelic Science 2023 Colorado Mountain AdventuresLinks and references:* Psychedelic Wisdom* Psychedelic Medicine* Psychedelic Science 2023 Colorado Mountain Adventures* Prisms.aiWant the episode transcript and video? Join our Tribe!Mind Body Health & Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.https://www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/subscribe

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What does the current state of the world and addiction treatment programs have to do with Whitehead's process philosophy? John Buchanan, president of the Helios Foundation, brings them all together. He joins us to explore his personal healing journey, the use of psychedelics with terminal patients, and the possibility of life after death. John emphasizes the importance of understanding interconnectedness and taking deliberate action, which he has learned throughout many pivotal moments in his life. Our thought-provoking conversation offers insights into the complexities of our world and the importance of developing a holistic perspective in order to make positive change. Don't miss this intriguing conversation that offers a unique perspective on the world and the universe we inhabit.“You know, we have a lot of choices in life and maybe there's choices in death too.”John H. Buchanan received his master’s degree in humanistic/transpersonal psychology from West Georgia College and his doctorate from the Graduate Institute of the Liberal Arts at Emory University. He has been trained and certified as a Holotropic Breathwork practitioner by Stan and Christina Grof. His book, "Processing Reality: Finding Meaning in Death, Psychedelics, and Sobriety", based upon his continuing interests in process philosophy and transpersonal psychology, was published in the fall of 2022. Buchanan has contributed a number of journal articles and book chapters on similar topics, and in 2020 was contributing co-editor for "Rethinking Consciousness: Extraordinary Challenges for Contemporary Science". Dr. Buchanan also serves as president of the Helios Foundation.Show notes:* We're living in a troubled world right now* Five pivotal events that shaped John’s thinking* John’s first psychedelic experience* Working with Whitehead’s process philosophy* Alternative modes of consciousness* The use of psychedelics with terminal patients* Ego Death VS. DyingLinks and references:* Psychedelic Wisdom by Dr. Richard L. Miller* Psychedelic Medicine by Dr. Richard L. Miller* Coke Enders Alcohol and Drug Program* Parapsychology, Philosophy, & Spirituality by David Griffin* Processing Reality: Finding Meaning in Death, Psychedelics, and Sobriety by John BuchananWant the episode transcript and video? Join our Tribe!Mind Body Health & Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.https://www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/subscribe

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Sex work is a complex and multifaceted topic that is often surrounded by stigma and misconceptions. For many people, the idea of selling sex is morally reprehensible, and they believe that it should be illegal. However, there is a growing movement that argues that current laws often do more harm than good. Our guest, Ariela Moscowitz, is a passionate advocate for the rights of those involved in consensual adult sex work. Her work for the organization Decriminalizing Sex Work (DSW) functions to create a better future for sex workers and end sex trafficking.This episode will provide an eye-opening exploration of the importance of decriminalizing sex work and its potential to improve the lives of countless individuals. We will have an open and honest discussion about the industry and the impact of current laws on sex workers and sex trafficking victims. Join us as we tackle this important topic. Together, we can work to make a safer, healthier, and better society for all.“Decriminalizing sex work does not lead to a proliferation of folks engaging in sex work or trafficking in any way. On the contrary, decriminalization promotes health and safety, and we need to be realistic about that.”Ariela Moscowitz is communications director at Decriminalize Sex Work (DSW), national organization pursuing a state-by-state strategy to end the prohibition of consensual adult prostitution in the United States. DSW works with local organizations, advocates, and lobbyists to build community support and convince legislators to decriminalize consensual adult sex work in an effort to end human trafficking, improve public health, and promote community safety. Ariela has a long history of working with marginalized groups and “a particular interest in working to promote access to justice for those who might otherwise be denied it.” She has worked at domestic violence shelters in Burlington, VT, and Miami, FL, in various capacities, and lived in Philadelphia, PA, for several years where she worked with unhoused women and children. She joined DSW from Americans for Immigrant Justice, a non-profit law firm based in Miami, dedicated to protecting the human and legal rights of immigrants. Ariela currently resides in Miami with her son.Show notes:* About the organization Decriminalize Sex Work* What is sex trafficking?* How decriminalization will help end sex trafficking* The problem with “supply and demand”* The entrapment and “end demand” models for laws* Progress against the war on sex* An acceptable form of discrimination in this country* Decriminalization to improve folks' livesLinks and references:* Psychedelic Wisdom* Psychedelic MedicineWant the episode transcript and video? Join our Tribe!Mind Body Health & Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.https://www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/subscribe

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What does it take to build community and connection at the end of our lives? In this episode, we sit down with our guest Charles Bush to discuss his experiences working with those nearing the end of their lives. Charles shares his insights on the ideal end-of-life experience, emphasizing the universal desire for connection and love, which is something we all could use more of in these times.Charles' insights and experiences working with seniors provide valuable lessons that we can all learn from. As we explore the positive effects of psychedelic medicines in promoting a good dying experience, Charles emphasizes the importance of intimacy in creating a safe and supportive environment. Join us for this enlightening conversation on the importance of community and connection, especially as we age and approach the end of our lives."Dying [should] become a real event for all of us instead of a tucked away secret that more often than not is marked by a certain kind of dismay and confusion"– Charles BushCharles Bush has lived on the Mendocino Coast for nearly four decades. Before coming to the Coast, he managed large residential service operations on college campuses. He co-founded Mendocino's successful and long-lived Community School. He retired from his position as director of Chamisa Mesa School near Taos, New Mexico, and became the Executive Director of the Redwood Coast Senior Center, where he served for several years.Show notes:* Serving lunches to seniors* The experience of working at a senior center* Creating community* The ideal end-of-life experience* The one thing almost everyone says before the go* The connection between good dying and good drug taking* Different psychedelic experiences which build community* A gentle caring and a touching intimacy* Do you think about dying?* Dying is nothing compared to grieving* Dying is rooted in psychedelic or sacramental experience* Would you take a psychedelic right as you died?Links and references:* Psychedelic Wisdom* Psychedelic MedicineWant the episode transcript and video? Join our Tribe!Mind Body Health & Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. https://www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/subscribe

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Last year, on the same day she graduated from her psychedelic Assisted psychotherapy program, our guest – Heather A. Lee – received a breast cancer diagnosis. Taking a dose of her own medicine, Heather has been on a unique healing journey with psilocybin as part of her psychospiritual healing. Heather's journey reflects on the transformative power of psychedelics and the importance of embracing mortality to truly live. Tune in to hear Heather's inspiring experience and insight as a psychedelic-assisted psychotherapist.“I'm completely in this place of faith and trust at my core. At my core, I don't have any fear around those things. It's like I've released them.”Heather Lee is one of the first certified psychedelic assisted psychotherapists. She has been leading mind/body wellness programs and retreats for over 30 years. Her clients have included such acclaimed clients at the Golden Door, Four Seasons and One & Only.Show notes:* Heather’s first job with planned parenthood* This incredible year of vagabonding* Cancer and psychedelics* Changing the fear based pattern of thinking* Becoming a Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapist*  The inward journey with psilocybin* The importance of integration* Psychedelics to enhance your marriage* Conquering the fear and anxiety around death* Reframing and affirmations* Medicine Woman Retreats and Heather's workLinks and references:* Psychedelic Wisdom* Psychedelic Medicine* Medicine Woman RetreatsWant the episode transcript and video? Join our Tribe!Subscribe now: https://www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/subscribe

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We live in an exciting time for psychedelic research. While mental health is often the focus of these medicines, what about their use at the end of life? Our guest, Anthony (Tony) Bossis focuses specifically on those nearing end of life or in palliative care.Tony is clearly passionate about what he does as we delve into cutting-edge research being conducted on the use of high-dose psilocybin for inducing peak experiences and its potential in end-of-life care. He explores the role of psychedelics in fighting demoralization and the fear of death, how we can expand the reach of psychedelic therapies, and the current political state of psychedelic research. His interests and experience make this a captivating and thought-provoking listen for all.“It's always funny to be a scientist talking about love all the time, but I'm glad I am.”Anthony P. Bossis, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine, an adjunct professor of classics and religious studies at the University of Ottawa, and an investigator at The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation. Since 2006, he has been conducting FDA-approved clinical research with the psychedelic compound psilocybin. Dr. Bossis was director of palliative care research and co-principal investigator on the 2016 clinical trial demonstrating a significant reduction in emotional distress from a single psilocybin session in persons with cancer or near the end of life, specifically, a rapid decrease in depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and demoralization along with improvements in spiritual well-being and quality of life. He is the study director and lead therapist on an FDA-approved clinical trial investigating a psilocybin-generated mystical experience with religious leaders.Dr. Bossis is a training supervisor of psychotherapy at NYU-Bellevue Hospital and the co-founder and former co-director of the Bellevue Palliative Care Service. He is on the faculty of The Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research at the California Institute of Integral Studies and has a long-standing interest in comparative religion, mystical experience, and the interface of psychology and spirituality. His primary psychedelic research interests are the treatment of end-of-life existential distress and advancing our understanding of consciousness, meaning, and spirituality. Dr. Bossis is on the editorial board of the Journal of Humanistic Psychology and a guest editor (with Charles Grob, M.D.) for the journal’s Special Series on Psychedelics. He maintains a private psychotherapy and consulting practice in NYC.Show notes:* High dose psilocybin studies* Having a peak experience* The use of psychedelics with end of life* Fighting demoralization* A scientist speaking about love* Can we escape fear of death?* Work with near death experiences* The risks of psychedelic use* Research with psychedelics and Alzheimer's* How to expand psychedelic therapy* How Tony got into this work* The present political state of psychedelic research* This is a remarkable time in the worldLinks and references:* Psychedelic Wisdom* Psychedelic MedicineWant the episode transcript and video? Join our Tribe!Mind Body Health & Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. https://www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/subscribe

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Join us as we explore the work of a hospice nurse and peek behind the curtain on a truly rewarding profession. “The Hospice Nurse Julie” gives us a deeper understanding of what hospice is, and the difference it can make in the lives of patients and their loved ones. Julie McFadden, a former ICU nurse, shares the challenges she faces, how to respond to a patient's request for “Death with Dignity”, how this career changed her life, and the sometimes unexpected "surge and rally" at the end of life. It is easy to see why her videos went viral, Julie brings joy and passion to what is often seen as a dark topic. Her determination to make a difference in the lives of her patients shines through.“To me, hospice is about living. It provides you a space to live out the rest of your life.”Julie McFadden, BSN, RN has been a nurse for 15 years. Julie is an experienced ICU, and now Hospice/Palliative Nurse. Julie has been featured in Newsweek, USA today, The Atlantic, The Business Insider, Medscape, People, Buzz feed, and several other articles worldwide. Julie has been passionate about normalizing death through education to the masses using social media. Her tiktok has 1.1 M followers, and you can find her on all social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube) at Hospice Nurse Julie.You can find her on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.Show notes:* What caused Julie to move from ICU to hospice?* What Hospice Really Is* “Can you take me out?”* The surge and rally at end of life* What it means to “see spirits”* What percentage of people are in acceptance and ready to die gracefully?* Is it uncertainty that leads to fear?* The most challenging part of her work*  “I won't stop being a hospice nurse no matter what.”* Going Viral over death and dyingLinks and references:* Psychedelic Wisdom* Psychedelic Medicine* Follow Hospice Nurse Julie on TikTokWant the episode transcript and video? Join our Tribe!Mind Body Health & Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.https://www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/subscribe

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