The Psychedelic Skeptic

The Psychedelic Skeptic: Because nothing cures everything. Psychedelics offer promising options for relieving suffering, facilitating spiritual experiences, and healing from past traumas. However, I have concerns about scaling these treatments from small-scale research to mass-market mental health solutions. That's what this show is all about – exploring the potential and complexities of psychedelics -- with your host, Dr. Anne Metz.

The Psychedelic Skeptic is a health podcast hosted by annielmetz, with 22 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

annielmetz hosts The Psychedelic Skeptic, a health show with 22 episodes published.

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  Episode #5

  Beyond Extraction: Colorado's Psilocybin Revolution with Dori Lewis and Dr. Shannon Hughes

  May 23, 202543 minS3

  <p>In this episode of The Psychedelic Skeptic, we speak with Dori Lewis and Dr. Shannon Hughes, co-founders of Elemental Psychedelics, one of Colorado's first state-approved psilocybin facilitator training programs.</p><p>Key Topics:</p>Colorado's regulated psilocybin access model following the passage of Prop 122The tension between medicalization and honoring the whole-mushroom experienceWhat to expect from a psilocybin session in a licensed healing centerThe unique approach of their facilitator training programTransitioning from underground practice to the regulated spacePricing and accessibility concerns in the regulated modelThe importance of developing a relationship with the medicine before becoming a facilitator<p>About...

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  Episode #1

  Psychedelics as Human Enhancement: Philosophical Perspectives with Dr. Daniel Moseley

  Apr 25, 202532 minS3

  <p>In this episode of The Psychedelic Skeptic, Dr. Anne Metz speaks with Dr. Daniel Moseley, Assistant Professor of Bioethics at East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine. Dr. Moseley brings his unique background spanning philosophy and psychiatry to explore the ethical dimensions of psychedelics through the lens of human enhancement.</p><p>Episode Highlights:</p>Dr. Moseley discusses his journey from philosophy to bioethics and his work on human enhancement for the Stanford Encyclopedia of PhilosophyThe distinction between therapeutic treatments versus enhancement uses of medical technologiesHow psychedelics differ from other enhancement technologies by affecting the whole person rather than...

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  Episode #2

  Beyond Good Intentions: Power, Privilege and Psychedelics with Dr. Béalleka Makau

  Mar 21, 202547 minS3

  <p>Dr. Béalleka Makau, cultural consultant and educator, joins The Psychedelic Skeptic to discuss the critical intersection of cultural awareness, power dynamics, and psychedelic healing.</p><p>As a Kenyan-born, Black queer scholar who left academia after experiencing systemic inequities, Dr. Makau shares her transformative REDE (Radical Empathy Disrupts Entitlement) framework and its adaptation for psychedelic spaces. She reveals how psychedelic experiences can either reinforce harmful dynamics or catalyze profound societal change depending on our willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.</p><p>Through candid personal stories of experiencing harm in predominantly white psychedelic circles, Dr. Makau illustrates why preparation w...

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  Episode #2

  The Death of Brandon Begley: A Father's Fight for Justice After a Fatal Ayahuasca Ceremony

  Feb 21, 202559 minS3

  <p>In 2018, 22-year-old Brandon Begley lost his life after participating in ayahuasca ceremonies at SoulQuest Church in Orlando, Florida. In this powerful episode, Brandon's father John Paul Begley and attorney William Chapman discuss their successful $15 million wrongful death lawsuit against SoulQuest and its founder Chris Young.</p> <p>Brandon, a joyful young man passionate about music and sports, attended SoulQuest seeking spiritual growth. During his second retreat, he developed severe acute hyponatremia (low blood sodium) after combining ayahuasca ceremonies with kambo. Despite showing clear signs of medical distress, SoulQuest staff delayed calling emergency services for over three hours. Brandon passed...

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  Episode #1

  We Need to Talk About Ketamine: Separating Facts from Fear with Sam Mandel

  Jan 24, 202542 minS3

  <p>After Matthew Perry's tragic death raised new questions about ketamine therapy, Sam Mandel, CEO of Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles, joins us to separate fact from fiction. With over 30,000 infusions administered and an 83% success rate, KCLA is at the forefront of mental health innovation. Sam breaks down:</p> The crucial differences between recreational use and clinical treatment Why ketamine remains the fastest-acting antidepressant available How supervised infusion therapy actually works The future of ketamine alongside other psychedelic treatments Common misconceptions and stigma around ketamine therapy <p>This episode offers a clear-eyed look at ketamine's therapeutic potential while acknowledging valid concerns...

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