High On Healthy

Hugh Flynn, an award-winning journalist and playwright, about his recently published memoir, Something Special Be. This memoir chronicles Flynn's personal experience of becoming his brother Aaron's conservator. Aaron, who had Down syndrome, was a significant figure in Flynn's life, and the book delves into their relationship, Aaron's unique personality, and his positive impact on others.Flynn shared the challenges and complexities of navigating the legal processes involved in conservatorship, which became necessary after their mother's stroke. He highlighted the immense amount of paperwork and the steep learning curve he faced. The discussion also touched upon the broader topic of conservatorship in the United States, emphasizing that it affects a large number of people beyond those with disabilities.

Richard Zwicky interviewed Fraser Johnston of Enthotech Clinic, a multidisciplinary clinic offering treatments for chronic pain and mental health conditions.The clinic uses intramuscular ketamine as its primary treatment modality, along with sublingual ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA (under Health Canada's Special Access Program).  They also offer pain treatments and mind-body practices such as breathwork, meditation, and yoga to support nervous system regulationThey discussed the holistic approach to chronic pain and mental health treatment using psychedelics and integrative therapies, including ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA. 

Richard Zwicky speaks with Jill Sitnick, a psychedelic integration coach, who shares their experiences with MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. The discussion delves into the effectiveness of MDMA therapy compared to traditional methods, the ongoing FDA approval delays, and the vital research being conducted by veterans associations. Sitnick also sheds light on the bureaucratic hurdles hindering approval and the anticipation for future clinical trials.Beyond therapy, the conversation explores Sitnick's advocacy efforts, including their YouTube channel, "The Journey Sage," which aims to educate and offer realistic perspectives on psychedelic-assisted therapy. The importance of preparation, support, and integration in the healing process is emphasized. The complex nature of trauma and how psychedelic therapy helps process past events, allowing individuals to gain distance and reframe their beliefs, is also discussed.Sitnick also shares their plans to offer psilocybin and iboga retreats in Canada and Mex

Susan Schwartz, Ph.D., and Richard Zwicky engage in a rich discussion exploring the multifaceted nature of imposter syndrome. They delve into its psychological origins, tracing it back to unmet emotional needs during childhood and the development of a performance-based sense of self-worth. The conversation highlights how high-achieving individuals often struggle with feelings of fraudulence, masking their insecurities behind external success.They discuss strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome, emphasizing self-discovery, honesty, and the importance of building trust in oneself and relationships. They describe this process as a journey of peeling back layers of pretense to uncover one's authentic self. The discussion also touches on identifying signs of imposter syndrome, such as disturbing dreams, challenging relationships, and persistent gut feelings.Furthermore, the conversation broadens to examine the societal impact of imposter syndrome, noting how it can manifest in larger contexts, such as the

Richard Zwicky delves into the unique approach of Andrew Ecker, who seamlessly blends ancestral heritage with contemporary mental health practices.Ecker begins by sharing their rich family history, including indigenous and European roots, illustrating how this background informs their therapeutic philosophy. They explain how incorporating ancestral traditions and archetypes can cultivate self-compassion, build strong support systems, and nurture the inner child.The conversation also addresses the critical issues of generational trauma and substance abuse, emphasizing the power of empathy, peer support, and creating safe spaces for healing.Discover how Ecker utilizes the transformative power of drum circles and sound medicine journeys to foster community, emotional expression, and a sense of control, ultimately promoting inclusion and well-being. Learn about the accessibility of Ecker's work and find resources on Facebook at thesacred7 and drummingsounds.

Richard Zwicky explores the transformative journey of retirement with behavioral scientist and author, Sharon Rolph. Known as the "Queen of Courage," Sharon shares her insights on finding purpose and rediscovering yourself after leaving the workforce. In this episode, we delve into the concept of "golden nuggets"—the invisible assets and unique qualities within each individual. Sharon discusses how to identify your values, passions, and guiding principles to create a fulfilling and vibrant retirement. Learn practical tips on structuring your days, overcoming the loss of identity tied to your job, and embracing a new chapter of life filled with curiosity and contribution. Whether you're approaching retirement or already there, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on unlocking your potential and living with effortless vitality.

Richard Zwicky interviewed Terry Tucker, author of Sustainable Excellence, focusing on the core themes of his book. Tucker delved into the motivations behind writing Sustainable Excellence, which stemmed from conversations about life advice and personal success. Key topics explored included finding and living one's purpose, the critical role of values and beliefs in defining that purpose, and strategies for overcoming obstacles through hope and perseverance.The interview highlighted the "40% rule," a concept suggesting individuals often underestimate their potential and stop at what they perceive as their limit, which is only about 40% of their true capacity. Tucker emphasized the importance of self-assessment and pushing beyond perceived limitations.The conversation also touched upon modeling desired behaviors to foster a positive team culture and the idea that one's purpose can evolve over time. A central takeaway from the book, as discussed, is that fear and insecurity frequently hinder per

This discussion with Tom Feegel, founder of Beond, explores their personal journey with opioid addiction and their family member's recovery using ibogaine treatment in Mexico. This experience inspired the creation of Beond, a facility that integrates plant medicine treatments, specifically ibogaine, with comprehensive clinical care, therapeutic support, and a focus on creating a supportive and comfortable environment. Feegel's narrative underscores the power of ibogaine in addressing not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the underlying trauma that often fuels it.Feegel detailed the ibogaine treatment process at Beond, highlighting its holistic approach. The journey begins with remote coaching, preparing individuals for the experience. This is followed by thorough clinical evaluations to ensure safety and suitability for ibogaine treatment. The treatment itself involves administering primary and supplementary doses of ibogaine under strict medical supervision. A crucial component of Beond

This discussion between Richard Zwicky and AJ Murillo delves into the complex concept of ego death, exploring its definition, the role of psychedelics, the process of guiding others through the experience, and the personal journey involved. Murillo, author of "The Beginner's Guide to Ego Death," defines ego death as a profound understanding of one's own psyche and how it shapes and often limits our perception of reality. This understanding can lead to a powerful realization that there is more to life than what we typically perceive. The conversation highlights the connection between ego death and personal growth, emphasizing that overcoming trauma and other challenges often requires a deep process of self-discovery, which ego death can facilitate.The discussion explored the controversial role of psychedelics in achieving ego death. Murillo suggests that while not essential, psychedelics can be a tool to simultaneously understand the physical, mental, and emotional layers of oneself, thus poten

Scott McLean, creator of the Visual Color Timer, detailed the unique features of his product, emphasizing its bright green colors and front and back LED lights for a 360-degree color display. He explained its value for families and groups, particularly in managing routines and screen time, and how it facilitates smooth transitions between tasks. The timer includes volume adjustment, rechargeability, and a shock-proof case. McLean discussed the design, noting that 65% of people are visual learners, and the timer uses color changes to provide proactive warnings. It transitions from green to yellow at 25% of the set time, offering a clear visual cue. The design incorporates neuroscience principles, focusing on visual learning and executive function. The timer has received positive feedback, especially regarding its benefits for individuals with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, and became a top-selling new timer on Amazon. McLean highlighted how the color shifts guide focus and transitions, making time feel more tangi

Dr. Jonathan Fields, a distinguished integrative doctor, author, martial arts instructor, keynote speaker, and plant medicine advocate, discusses his multifaceted approach to health, encompassing functional medicine, acupuncture, sports medicine, and specialized areas like autoimmune and mental health. He is the co-founder of CRA Health in Boca Raton, Florida, and will be the Chief Medical Officer of New Path Mind and Wellness in Delray Beach, Florida. Dr. Fields has lectured at universities and Fortune 500 companies, and has worked with elite professional athletes and celebrities.In this discussion, Dr. Fields highlights the intriguing connection between cannabis and metabolic health, referencing his work in the American Journal of Endocannabinoid Medicine. He notes observational studies suggesting that cannabis users, despite potentially higher caloric intake, exhibit lower BMIs and reduced rates of obesity, as well as fewer instances of high cholesterol and fatty liver. While the exact mechanisms are still

Inspire Health Retreats was born from the shared passion and expertise of Dr. Karen Flannery and Dr. Elizabeth Jenkins, long-time friends and colleagues committed to promoting mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Located in the lush and biodiverse landscapes of Costa Rica, these retreats offer a holistic and transformative approach to health, serving as a launchpad for individuals seeking meaningful, lasting improvements in their overall quality of life.Karen and Beth drew on their extensive experience at the Palm Beach Wellness Institute, where they provide a physician-led, team-based approach to recovery and wellness. Recognizing the increasing need for deeper mental health support following the pandemic, they expanded their work to include the wellness division and Inspire Health Retreats. This initiative focuses on addressing root causes of health challenges while empowering participants to prioritize self-care in a mindful and intentional way.The retreats are designed to guide participants on a jo

Samantha Harte, a physical therapist and author, discussed her journey to sobriety and the publication of her memoir, "Breaking the Circuit." She shared her experience of losing her sister to a drug overdose and how it inspired her to write a prescriptive book on resilience and emotional freedom. Samantha emphasized the importance of integrating mind and body approaches in therapy, drawing from her 15 years of sobriety and the 12-step program. She also highlighted her upcoming webinar on maintaining physical and spiritual health during the holidays. Samantha's practice focuses on helping women overcome inner critics and trauma, leveraging her personal experiences to guide others.

Christian Rasmussen, owner of Minnesota Nice Ethnobotanicals, the largest Amanita muscaria retailer, wholesaler and importer, discussed the potential benefits and challenges of Amanita muscaria. Christian highlighted its therapeutic and medicinal properties, particularly its effectiveness as a topical for nerve pain and its potential uses for mental issues such as anxiety, depression, OCD, and ADHD. Rasmussen also addressed challenges faced in the Amanita muscaria industry, including sales and distribution hurdles, difficulties in sourcing and testing, and concerns about product contamination. He emphasized the need for further research and data to fully understand the compound's effects, and mentioned ongoing talks with universities to potentially conduct comprehensive studies.

Chris Terzakos shares his inspiring story of transitioning from the construction industry to wellness advocacy, motivated by personal losses and a quest for self-belonging. He highlights the significance of a positive mindset, self-care, and distancing oneself from negativity. Chris also provides insights into his methods for naturally boosting testosterone, including a diet focused on organic foods, vitamin D, and avoiding sugar. With his diverse background as an entrepreneur, investor, marketing agency co-owner, coach, and author of three books, Chris is a testament to the power of transformation and self-discovery.

Holly Teegarden, Owner of MoodRXtreats, The Moodment, Moodporium and Cannamood Apparel shares her transformative journey from marketing maven to cannabis connoisseur, driven by a passion for plant medicine and self-care. She curates cannabis-centric retreats that cater to women over 40, providing a supportive space to explore therapeutic applications, alleviate anxiety, and rediscover inner peace. With a focus on chakra-based healing and personalized wellness experiences, these retreats offer a unique blend of education, relaxation, and community building. By incorporating cannabis into a holistic approach, Moodrx Treats empowers women to reclaim their well-being and cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and others.

Toni, a registered nurse and advocate for cannabis wellness, discussed her involvement in the industry. Running two businesses promoting holistic wellness and working on her first book, she aims to eliminate the stigma around cannabis use. Set to speak at the upcoming Black Cannabis Expo in Chicago, Toni will address the role of cannabis in wellness. Introduced as a "cannabis nurse, wellness advisor, and educator," Toni's contributions to the field were highly appreciated.Redefining Cannabis: From Stigma to Wellness ToolToni emphasized the need to redefine the stigma surrounding cannabis, promoting it as a wellness tool beyond medical use. Concerned about the lack of education and sustainable resources, she highlighted the potential for increased research following cannabis rescheduling. Toni stressed maintaining a focus on wellness alongside medical applications, expressing hope for future research.Exploring Cannabis Research and Personal ExperiencesToni discussed the importance of prioritizing w

Ricard Zwicky welcomes Steve Rio, Owner and Facilitator at Enfold. Steve, an expert in technology and software, joined the team and shared his background with the group. He discussed his experience with building software, managing data for large non-profits and foundations, and working with many notable organizations such as the Ford Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation. The team also learned that Steve was working on a project related to mental health, and he was joined by Richard, who focuses on mental health and is developing a technology platform in this field. The team was ready to begin their discussions, with Richard inviting Steve to share more about his work.Steve described their psycho-spiritual model for healing and personal growth, which involves the use of psychedelic medicines, coaching, semantic work, and community connection. He highlighted that they have been working with 5-MeO-DMT for over five years and consider it to be their primary focus due to its unique experience and effectiveness. S

Richard Zwicky interviews Chris DeVol, founder of MM411, about her journey into the medical cannabis industry. Inspired by personal experiences and the need for better cannabis education and prescribing guidelines, Chris co-founded MM411 in 2009 after witnessing cannabis relieve Greg’s grandmother’s suffering. Their science-based approach, supported by research and patient stories, attracted a global audience, leading to significant growth, including over a million Facebook followers by 2014. Chris and her husband moved to Washington to benefit from new certification requirements for budtenders and medically endorsed dispensaries, addressing the gap in physician training.Chris and Richard discussed the lack of education on the endocannabinoid system in medical schools, which hinders healthcare professionals from recommending cannabis. Chris highlighted a partnership with Dr. Ethan Russo and Credo Science to preserve and share Russo’s research. They addressed the challenges of rescheduling cannabis, emphasizin

Will Johnson with The Institute for Embodiment Learning discusses embodiment training, discussing formal practice, meditation, and letting go of cultural biases. Topics included the role of cannabis in spirituality, gender roles, relationships, and personal power through embodiment. Concepts of feminine empowerment, mind-body unity, and overcoming somatophobia were explored, along with practices like Rumi-inspired gazing exercises and eye contact speed dating for genuine connections. Recommendations for further exploration were provided through resources like embodiment.net and embodimentmatters.com for holistic well-being.