High On Healthy

Richard Zwicky welcomed Paige Bond, a licensed marriage and family therapist, who discussed psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and strategies for navigating complex relationship issues like jealousy, betrayal, and difficult conversations. Paige outlined red flags for when therapy may not be appropriate (e.g., physical violence, lack of trust) and green flags indicating readiness for healing (e.g., willingness to change, internal work).

Dee Dee Goldpaugh, a trauma and sex therapist, explained how her book, "Embrace Pleasure: How Psychedelics Can Heal Our Sexuality," offers a gentle critique of current psychedelic-assisted therapy, defining "pleasure" as a sensory experience of being alive, which, combined with psychedelics, helps individuals overcome trauma, trust themselves, and foster deeper connection. The conversation delved into the importance of preparation and integration for psychedelic journeys, the communal aspect of individual healing, the role of psychedelics in sexual flourishing, and how different psychedelic medicines offer unique benefits for healing and relationship depth.

Richard Zwicky introduced the concept that physical pain often has emotional roots, and has a discussion with Timothy Spriggs, a certified energy healer and founder of Revive Wellness Center in Albuquerque.Timothy Spriggs discussed the concept of physical pain having emotional roots, with Timothy Spriggs explaining that trapped emotions and energy imbalances create blockages that manifest as pain, and they aim to release these using intention and magnetic charge, often employing muscle testing. They clarified that their process typically results in patients feeling "lighter" and works in conjunction with traditional therapy by releasing the energetic charge of issues.

Richard Zwicky and Katie Luman discussed the importance of core values in forming secure attachments, the impact of early experiences on attachment styles, and therapeutic approaches including the potential role of psychedelics. They also explored strategies for identifying genuine values, managing the nervous system, overcoming hyper independence, addressing past hurts, and setting healthy boundaries.

Dr. Shannon Hughes from Elemental Psychedelics discussed Colorado's leading role in psychedelic policy, highlighting the tension between formal legalization and grassroots practices, as well as ethical considerations in mushroom work, such as myths around quick healing and potential facilitator ego inflation. She emphasized the importance of careful selection of therapeutic partners and thorough facilitator training to mitigate potential harm. Dr. Shannon Hughes also detailed Elemental Psychedelics' in-person training approach centered on embodied practice and community.

Richard Zwicky spoke with Dr. Joseph Tucker, CEO of Enveric Biosciences about their development of non-hallucinogenic neuroplastogens, inspired by psychedelic research, to stimulate neuroplasticity for therapeutic benefits. Dr. Tucker explained the distinction from psychedelics, the potential for regular use due to a shorter duration of effect, and the challenges in translating psychedelic treatments. They also discussed the application to PTSD, integration into the mental health landscape with potential for greater accessibility and cost-effectiveness, the timeline for clinical trials aiming for market availability in the early 2030s, and the future of mental health treatment where both approaches could coexist.

Richard Zwicky introduced Aleya Fraser, author of "Caribbean Herbalism," a book exploring traditional plant knowledge. Fraser emphasizes documenting oral traditions while respecting cultural contexts and intellectual property. She highlighted cacao's subtle psychoactive properties and advised listeners to reconnect with ancestral knowledge through observation and research. Fraser, an author and ethnobotanist, whose new book "Caribbean Herbalism, traditional wisdom and modern healing" explores her journey in discovering Caribbean healing traditions.

Richard Zwicky interviewed Cat Rambo about her work in alternative wellness and sacred medicine. Cat Rambo shared insights into her journey, the diverse modalities in their practice, and the applications of various sacred medicines such as Ayahuasca, psilocybin, and Bufo.A key emphasis was placed on the importance of ceremonial context and responsible leadership in these practices. Challenges in wider acceptance, the crucial role of integration, detailed preparation processes considering the body, mind, emotion, and spirit, and safeguards to ensure positive outcomes were also discussed.

Richard Zwicky talks to Ryan S. Sultan MD about psychedelic treatments in psychiatry, highlighting ketamine's role in treating depression and its potential to enhance psychotherapy, as well as discussing the promise and challenges of other psychedelics like psilocybin for various conditions. Ryan believes psychedelics provide access to deeper underlying issues, particularly trauma, making healing more effective plus acknowledged other methods like EMDR, psychoanalysis, and hypnosis that aim for similar outcomes but noted that psychedelics achieve this pharmacologically. 

Richard Zwicky introduced Estefana Johnson, who presented Critical Memory Integration (CMI) as a novel approach focusing on internal experiences and nervous system responses to facilitate healing, contrasting with purely cognitive methods. Estefana detailed CMI's core principles involving memory reconsolidation and addressing outdated attachment strategies, and she discussed her experience in psychedelic research and potential for augmenting CMI with other modalities for severe trauma. They also explored the crucial role of somatic experience in overcoming blocks to healing and the importance of body-based therapies

Richard Zwicky interviewed certified EMDR and Brainspotting psychotherapist Janet Bayramyan about her holistic approach to trauma therapy, which integrates ketamine-assisted EMDR, body awareness, and consideration of cultural and generational trauma. Bayramyan's approach, which integrates lifestyle and holistic factors into therapy. Bayramyan emphasized the importance of body awareness in trauma processing and the impact of cultural and generational trauma. They also touched upon the evolving landscape of mental health treatments, including psychedelics and AI, and the appropriate timing for EMDR therapy 

Richard Zwicky talks with Lincoln Stoller about a community-based approach to therapy. Stoller's presentation covered self-assessment, the role of failure in success, and emotional processing in therapy, particularly with psychedelics and high-performing clients. The conversation touched on the challenges therapists and clients face and the importance of confronting difficult experiences.Stoller offered insights on the future of psychedelics in therapy and cautioned against medicalizing psychedelics and emphasized the importance of preparation and goal setting before engaging in psychedelic experiences.  They stressed the need to understand the potential risks and benefits and to have a clear understanding of one's goals and intentions

Dorcy Pruter, founder of the Conscious Co-Parenting Institute and the Church of Soul Illumination, discussed her journey and work with host Richard Zwicky on the podcast High and Healthy. Pruter shared that her work began in 2006, motivated by personal experiences of parental alienation during her divorce and childhood. This led her to establish the Institute to address complex family dynamics. About five years ago, she founded the Church of Soul Illumination in Los Angeles, focusing on psychedelic-assisted healing, particularly with sacred mushrooms, to facilitate deeper psychological and spiritual transformation.Pruter emphasized the importance of integration over the ceremonial use of psychedelics. While ceremonies provide profound experiences, true healing occurs through integrating these insights into daily life. Her approach combines psychological and spiritual perspectives, addressing unresolved childhood traumas—micro or macro—that hinder personal growth. She views psychedelics as a tool to rewire neu

Richard Zwicky talks with Dr. Tirrell De Gannes about the ethical considerations and potential benefits of using AI in mental health, emphasizing the importance of informed consent and human connection in therapy. Dr. De Gannes highlighted the need for AI to complement, not replace, professional help. They also explored how AI could be used as a support tool to understand topics like attachment styles but stressed that it should not be the sole source of information.Dr. De Gannes also discussed their humanistic existential approach to therapy, focusing on meeting individuals where they are and helping them towards their ideal self.

Richard Zwicky speaks with Josie Castaneda about her kurandera practice, which combines traditional Mexican herbal healing with holistic approaches to address mental, physical, and lifestyle factors.Castaneda explained kuranderismo encompasses various healing practices, including herbalism (yervas), which is her specialty. She discussed her approach to healing, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mental, physical, and lifestyle factors, and how she typically begins by assessing a patient's diet before incorporating herbal remedies. Castaneda shared her personal journey into herbalism, influenced by her upbringing in Mexico City and her experiences in the corporate world. She also discussed her book, "Latin Herbalism," a DIY guide to plant-based medicine and traditional healing practices drawing on Taino, Toltec, and Mayan traditions.

Phyllis Leavitt discusses how family systems dynamics apply to national healing, focusing on ineffective communication and a "win-lose" paradigm as key factors in national division. She stresses the importance of individual healing through addressing personal trauma and societal injustices, and proposed communication techniques like reflective listening and accepting individuality to foster positive change.

Julian Wichmann, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Bloomwell Group, shared findings from a sleep disorder study involving over 1,000 patients. The study revealed that 80% of patients reported a significant reduction in symptoms when using medical cannabis. Additionally, patient satisfaction was high, with medical cannabis being rated more effective than both over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids and prescription medications. Patients also reported fewer side effects with medical cannabis compared to prescription options.The Bloomwell study utilized digital questionnaires with active patients to gather baseline data on their experiences. Future research plans include delving deeper into the specific impacts of different cannabinoids, exploring the entourage effect, and personalizing treatment approaches. Bloomwell Group aims to conduct larger, controlled studies and seeks collaborations with research institutions, prioritizing unbiased research to further validate the efficacy of medical cannabis for sleep disor

Dr. Mary Darden-Robinson, introduced by Richard Zwicky, engaged in a discussion regarding the concept of "toxic diversity deserts" in workplace environments. She highlighted the detrimental effects of these environments on professionals of color, detailing experiences of isolation, gaslighting, and the undermining of their work. Dr. Robinson emphasized the importance of recognizing these toxic situations and understanding their profound impact on individuals.In addition to identifying and defining "toxic diversity deserts," Dr. Robinson provided strategies for building resilience within such environments. These strategies included self-validation, accepting one's own experiences, and actively building supportive communities and finding allies. Dr. Robinson stressed that addressing workplace toxicity requires both individual resilience and a commitment to creating healthy, inclusive workplaces for mutual benefit.

Dr. Shila Patel discussed the pandemic's impact on mental health, emphasizing increased anxiety, depression, and societal fracturing due to social isolation. She highlighted the effects on children and older men specifically.Dr. Patel attributed increased anxiety, depression, and societal fracturing due to social isolation to the pandemic. She noted these issues particularly affected children and older men. Additionally, she linked rising depression among men aged 30-45 to evolving gender roles. She also stated that men aged 30-45 were experiencing rising depression.

Richard Zwicky interviewed Sabrina Trobak, a trauma recovery counselor, about her therapeutic model, which focuses on resolving core beliefs and past traumas to improve mental well-being, as well as coping mechanisms, the impact of past experiences, and the intergenerational transmission of trauma.Sabrina Trobak's book, "Not Good Enough," is a resource designed for individuals who cannot access counseling. It helps readers identify and understand their core beliefs, particularly the feeling of "not good enough," and how these beliefs connect to anxiety and other emotions. The book also offers tools for personal growth and healing.