The Ketamine StartUp Podcast

Ketamine StartUp
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Welcome to the Ketamine StartUp Podcast! This is the FIRST podcast dedicated to entrepreneurial medical professionals who want to learn more about providing ketamine therapy, run a business, marketing, and more. We are Sam and Kim Ko, two board certified physicians who have ventured into the ketamine therapy world. We’ve learned a lot of lessons, taught many clinicians like yourself, and luckily made a few friends along the way. In this podcast we share our experience and knowledge, plus that of the ketamine industry pioneers and leaders in our interviews. If you’re ready to boldly go where a few medical professionals have gone before, download and listen to our podcast today

  1. Episode 056 - Breaking: Four Major Developments Reshaping Ketamine and Psychedelic Therapy

    MAY 5

    Episode 056 - Breaking: Four Major Developments Reshaping Ketamine and Psychedelic Therapy

    In this news roundup episode, we're covering four major developments that have emerged in recent months, all pointing toward increased accountability and oversight in the ketamine and psychedelic therapy space. This isn't our typical interview content - it's breaking news analysis that every provider in this community needs to understand. We start with the final chapter of the Matthew Perry case, where Jasveen Sangha, known as the "Ketamine Queen," received a 15-year federal prison sentence, while Dr. Salvador Plasencia was sentenced to 30 months for distributing ketamine outside proper medical supervision.  Then we cover France becoming the first country to formally authorize IV racemic ketamine for adults in severe suicidal crisis, with rigorous hospital-based protocols that raise the bar for clinical standards globally. We continue with updates on Texas Medical Board's proposed ketamine regulations moving toward mandatory clinic registration and stricter oversight, followed by analysis of President Trump's executive order accelerating psychedelic research and creating new federal pathways for investigational compounds.  We wrap up by connecting all four stories to show how legal consequences, international standards, state regulations, and federal policy are collectively signaling that oversight conversations are now happening at the highest levels of government and the field is entering a new era of accountability. What You'll Learn in This Episode · Legal accountability implications - How the Matthew Perry case sentencing creates new precedents for physician responsibility when ketamine treatment moves outside supervised clinical settings · International standards development - France's groundbreaking authorization of IV racemic ketamine for suicidal crisis and what their rigorous hospital-based protocols mean for global treatment standards · State regulatory evolution - Current status of Texas Medical Board's proposed ketamine regulations, including mandatory clinic registration and enhanced oversight requirements moving toward a June 2026 vote · Federal policy landscape changes - Analysis of Trump's executive order accelerating psychedelic research access and what new federal pathways mean for the broader psychedelic therapy field · Clinical framework implications - How France's high-surveillance psychiatric intervention model differs from wellness-oriented approaches and why this distinction matters for field credibility · Oversight trends analysis - Why legal consequences, international standards, state regulations, and federal policy are all pointing toward increased accountability requirements for providers · Risk assessment insights - Understanding where legitimate treatment can break down and how unmonitored use creates legal and ethical liability that traces back to prescribing physicians · Future preparation strategies - What these four developments collectively signal about where field standards are heading and how providers can prepare for increased scrutiny Episode 56 show notes: 00:06 Episode Introduction 01:28 Matthew Perry Case: The Final Sentence 03:47 France Authorizes IV Ketamine for Suicidal Crisis 07:03 Texas Medical Board Update: PKT Rules Still Pending 08:37 Trump Executive Order: Federal Fast-Track for Psychedelic Therapy 10:43 The REMS Advantage: What Regulatory-Ready Looks Like 12:34 Final Thoughts Thanks for listening Selected Links From the Episode: 📖Prefer to read? Check out our related blog post: Ketamine Therapy Regulations Spring 2026: Perry Sentencing, Texas Rules, France Authorization, and Federal Policy Shifts 🎧Listen to the full story about what’s about to happen in Texas: Episode 049 - Texas Medical Board Proposes Comprehensive Ketamine Therapy Regulations - What It Means for the Industry 📋Episode references and sources 📝 Complete show notes with resources and links, please visit https://www.ketaminestartup.com/podcast/episode-056 Follow us on Linkedin Ketamine StartUp Website YouTube 🚀Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.

    14 min
  2. Episode 055 - Career Reinvention Success: Why Going Backwards Made Dr. Ruchir Gupta Advance

    APR 28

    Episode 055 - Career Reinvention Success: Why Going Backwards Made Dr. Ruchir Gupta Advance

    In this conversation, Dr. Ruchir Gupta shares his unconventional journey from established anesthesiologist to successful pain medicine entrepreneur. After 10 years of practicing anesthesia, he made the bold decision to return for a pain fellowship at Mayo Clinic, where he was older than most of his attendings. Dr. Gupta's story shows how strategic career reinvention can create competitive advantages in medicine. By combining his decade of anesthesia experience with pain medicine fellowship training, he identified a market opportunity that others overlooked: IV ketamine therapy for chronic pain patients. While other pain physicians were hesitant to offer ketamine infusions due to unfamiliarity with anesthetic protocols, Dr. Gupta's background made him uniquely qualified to bridge this gap. You'll hear about how his specialized fibromyalgia protocols achieves 80% success rates, his insights about monitoring standards including the "fifth vital sign" of proper patient follow up, and practical business advice about overcoming analysis paralysis. Dr. Gupta's journey from zero to building Mountain View Headache and Spine Institute offers valuable lessons for any medical professional considering practice ownership or career reinvention. His approach challenges common physician assumptions about entrepreneurship and shows how leveraging existing skills can lead to practice success. What You'll Learn in This Episode · Career reinvention strategy: how Dr. Gupta leveraged his anesthesia background to differentiate his pain practice and why returning to fellowship training became a competitive advantage rather than a setback · Physician entrepreneurship barriers: why medical professionals create mental obstacles around private practice that dentists, chiropractors, and other healthcare providers don't experience, and how to overcome this mindset · Clinical monitoring standards: detailed recommendations for ketamine infusion monitoring, including the importance of continuous EKG, pulse oximetry, and blood pressure monitoring for longer pain protocols · The "fifth vital sign" concept: why proper patient follow up and outcome measurement are essential for maintaining medical credibility and avoiding the "med spa" trap in ketamine therapy · Business development approach: practical strategies for practice growth including LinkedIn networking, physician education sessions, and building referral relationships with skeptical providers · Cross-disciplinary medicine benefits: why Dr. Gupta believes future physicians should combine multiple specialties or degrees to offer integrated approaches and differentiated services · Pain and mood disorder integration: clinical insights about treating patients with concurrent chronic pain and depression, including combination Spravato and ketamine protocols 📋 Professional Education Disclaimer: Content for licensed healthcare providers for educational purposes only. Does not constitute medical, legal, or business advice. Always consult qualified professionals for specific clinical and practice decisions. Key Takeaways · Reinvention requires strategic thinking, not just courage. Dr. Gupta's success came from identifying how his anesthesia background created competitive advantages in pain medicine, particularly with ketamine therapy that other providers avoided. · Physician mindset creates artificial entrepreneurship barriers. Unlike dentists and chiropractors who routinely start private practices, physicians have developed cultural resistance to entrepreneurship that isn't based on actual capability or market realities. · Clinical differentiation drives practice success. By offering IV ketamine when other pain doctors wouldn't, Dr. Gupta created a unique market position that generated demand for both ketamine services and traditional pain procedures. · Fibromyalgia responds differently than other conditions. His 80% success rate comes from recognizing that fibromyalgia requires different protocols than CRPS or depression, using shorter duration but potentially higher dose infusions. · Safety standards must match treatment complexity. Longer pain infusions require more comprehensive monitoring than depression protocols, including but not limited to continuous EKG and regular blood pressure checks every 15 minutes. · The "fifth vital sign" prevents med spa perception. Proper patient follow up with objective outcome measures maintains medical credibility and guides treatment decisions. · Cross-training creates competitive advantages. Combining anesthesia experience with pain medicine training allowed Dr. Gupta to offer services that single-specialty providers couldn't safely provide. · Business planning overcomes analysis paralysis. The hardest step is going from zero to one. Once you start a business plan, even imperfectly, the momentum builds and subsequent decisions become easier. · Multiple marketing channels compound results. Success came from combining LinkedIn professional networking, direct physician outreach, literature sharing, and educational presentations rather than relying on single strategies. Episode 55 show notes: 00:00:00 - Teaser: The Physician Mindset Problem 00:00:31 - Episode Introduction 00:02:14 - Dr. Gupta's Background 00:02:34 - Education: From Political Science to Choosing Anesthesia 00:06:14 - The Decision to Pursue Pain Fellowship 00:08:23 - Fellowship Experience: Being Older Than Attendings 00:09:51 - Turning Setback into Asset: The Ketamine Opportunity 00:13:21 - Starting Mountain View Headache and Spine 00:16:59 - The Physician Entrepreneurship Mindset Problem 00:21:37 - Building Referral Relationships and Practice Growth 00:25:18 - Pain Fellowship Training: What's Missing 00:29:35 - Fibromyalgia Protocols and Success Rates 00:34:27 - Pain vs Mood Disorder Treatment Approaches 00:36:17 - The "Fifth Vital Sign" and Medical Standards 00:40:45 - Monitoring Standards and Safety Considerations 00:50:06 - Business Planning: From Zero to One 00:54:17 - Marketing Strategies That Actually Work 00:56:05 - Rapid Fire Questions: What's on Your Desk 00:57:42 - Relaxation and Pickleball with His Son 00:58:04 - Hidden Talent: Writing Historical Fiction 00:59:22 - Time Travel: Ancient Rome 01:01:04 - Alternative Career: Finance and Building Businesses 01:01:28 - Contact Information 01:02:04 - Final Thoughts and Show Resources Thanks for listening 📝 Complete show notes with resources and links, please visit https://www.ketaminestartup.com/podcast/episode-055 Follow us on Linkedin Ketamine StartUp Website YouTube 🚀Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.

    1h 4m
  3. Episode 054 - The Public Perception Reality Check: Psychedelic Culture and Ketamine Therapy with Comedian Shane Mauss

    APR 14

    Episode 054 - The Public Perception Reality Check: Psychedelic Culture and Ketamine Therapy with Comedian Shane Mauss

    🚨 Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about mental health challenges including suicidal ideation, psychedelic substances from cultural and therapeutic perspectives, and occasional strong language. Listener discretion is advised, as some content may not be suitable for all audiences. Please prioritize your well-being while listening. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7. Call or text 9-8-8 to connect with trained crisis counselors. In this unique episode, we step outside our usual clinical focus to gain a cultural insider's perspective on how psychedelic therapy is perceived in the broader public consciousness. Comedian Shane Mauss brings an invaluable viewpoint as someone who has been immersed in psychedelic culture since 2016, touring extensively and observing how public attitudes have evolved around these treatments. Shane offers a cultural timeline of how psychedelic perception shifted from 2004 when even mentioning mushrooms on stage was taboo, through the Michael Pollan watershed moment in 2017, to today's complex landscape where ketamine therapy exists alongside telehealth services, recreational use, and the lingering effects of celebrity deaths on public perception. Drawing from his years of cultural immersion and personal experience, he provides insights that help clinicians understand the broader context their patients are navigating. This conversation covers the cultural challenges ketamine providers face in a world where recreational and therapeutic ketamine coexist, where anesthesiologists are questioned about their legitimacy in the therapy space, and where the Matthew Perry tragedy continues to influence public perception. Shane shares his personal ketamine treatment experience and explains his perspective on why ketamine serves as the best "first psychedelic experience" for most people. Perhaps most valuable for providers, Shane offers crucial insights about maintaining scientific rigor in an industry increasingly influenced by wellness culture hype, emphasizing the critical difference between evidence-based practitioners who hedge their bets and wellness influencers who make unfounded claims. What You'll Learn in This Episode · Cultural evolution timeline - Shane's firsthand observations of how psychedelic perception shifted from 2004 taboo through Michael Pollan's 2017 cultural impact to today's medicalization era · Public perception landscape - The complex cultural context your patients navigate, from recreational associations to celebrity death fears to wellness industry hype · Recreational vs clinical disconnect - How street users avoiding K-holes while clinicians may seek deep therapeutic experiences can create public confusion about treatment goals · Shane's personal ketamine journey - His first clinical session and why it surprised him after 21 years of psychedelic experience · Industry disruption insights - How telehealth ketamine services changed the landscape around 2022-2023 and created new competitive dynamics · Celebrity death impact analysis - Shane's perspective on how the Matthew Perry tragedy creates disproportionate fear around statistically safe treatments · Science vs wellness culture - The crucial distinction between evidence-based practitioners and influencers, and why scientific humility builds long-term trust · Rapid intervention advantages - How ketamine's acute treatment capability makes it valuable for interrupting emerging mental health episodes · Evolutionary psychology perspectives - Shane's exploration of why modern isolation amplifies ancestral mental health mechanisms and creates therapeutic opportunities Episode 54 Show Notes 00:00:00 - Teaser: Science vs Wellness Hype 00:00:40 - Introduction and Content Warning 00:02:27 - Shane's Background and Comedy Journey 00:05:30 - The Evolution of Standup Comedy 00:08:00 - Psychedelic Culture Timeline: 2004-2026 00:13:00 - Michael Pollan's Cultural Impact 00:18:00 - Current Public Perception of Ketamine Therapy 00:24:22 - Shane's Personal Ketamine Experience 00:35:06 - Ketamine vs Classical Psychedelics 00:38:00 - Default Mode Network and Suicidal Ideation 00:46:33 - Evolution of Depression and Modern Society 00:54:32 - Advice for Clinicians: Education and Ethics 01:02:24 - Rapid Fire Questions 01:09:30 - Evolutionary Purpose of Altered States 01:14:30 - Shane's Projects and Where to Find Him 01:20:14 - Episode Wrap-up and Resources Thanks for listening Connect With Shane Mauss: · Shane’s Website - check for a live show near you! · Here We Are Podcast · Instagram · Youtube Trips Comedy Specials: · First Dose (Full Comedy Special) · Second part of Trips 4/19 Youtube May 19th 📝 Complete show notes with resources and links, please visit www.ketaminestartup.com/episode-54 Follow us on LinkedIn Ketamine StartUp Website YouTube 🚀Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.

    1h 22m
  4. Episode 053 - The Collective Lie in Ketamine Therapy (Part 2): MSKIT Protocol and the Future of Ketamine Therapy

    MAR 24

    Episode 053 - The Collective Lie in Ketamine Therapy (Part 2): MSKIT Protocol and the Future of Ketamine Therapy

    In Part 2 of our conversation with Charles Miller from Scenic City Neurotherapy, we get into the practical side of his controversial "collective lie" thesis from Part 1. Charles walks through his MSKIT (Minimally Stimulated Ketamine Infusion Therapy) approach, explaining when he believes therapeutic integration should actually happen: weeks after treatment during the neuroplasticity window, not during altered states. He addresses how he manages patient expectations around epiphanies and insights, arguing these are retrospective brain noise rather than therapeutic mechanisms. You'll hear Charles use memorable analogies—from cheese obsessions to rollercoaster highs—to explain why he believes the psychedelic experience itself isn't doing the heavy lifting. He makes the case that ketamine is upgrading synaptic function, not providing mystical cures, and that the real work happens when patients are sober and doing therapy afterward. Through detailed audio sidebars, we explore the crucial relationship between BDNF and sleep (and why post-treatment rest matters more than most clinics acknowledge), and examine the metabolite pathway that creates ketamine's addiction potential. Charles also shares his vision for the future of ketamine therapy, advocating for greater scientific rigor and proper medical oversight while critiquing the growing trend of unqualified providers administering ketamine. If you're questioning whether the approaches many of us have been using actually serve our patients best, this conversation will give you a lot to think about. What You'll Learn in This Episode · Patient education strategies - How to remove performance pressure by explaining "you can't make this work better or worse" and framing treatment as physiology, not psychology · Managing epiphanies and insights - Charles's perspective on why experiences are retrospective brain noise rather than therapeutic mechanisms, and how to validate without overemphasizing · BDNF and sleep optimization - The critical relationship between post-treatment sleep quality and neuroplasticity consolidation that many clinics overlook · Ketamine's addiction pathway - Understanding the hydroxynorketamine metabolite mechanism and why "more is not better" with dosing protocols · Pain protocol applications - How he incorporates NAD, lidocaine, magnesium, and anti-inflammatories for comprehensive chronic pain treatment · Future field vision - Charles's call for greater scientific rigor, proper medical oversight, and evidence-based protocols over speculative experiential approaches Key Takeaways · Therapeutic integration may be more effective up to weeks after ketamine treatment when the neuroplasticity window is active, rather than during altered states when processing capacity is diminished · Patient education could focus on removing performance pressure by explaining ketamine as physiological process rather than psychological work, helping patients understand "you can't mess this up" · Ketamine experiences might be retrospective rather than revelatory, reflecting existing knowledge without noise rather than generating new insights, which suggests focusing on post-treatment integration work · Sleep quality in days following ketamine treatment could significantly impact neuroplasticity consolidation, as BDNF release during rest helps lock in synaptic changes initiated by treatment · Ketamine's addiction potential may stem from the hydroxynorketamine metabolite binding to opioid receptors at high doses, supporting protocols that emphasize "more is not better" dosing approaches · Mental health symptoms might represent accurate emotional responses to synaptic dysfunction rather than diseases themselves, with ketamine enhancing processing speed and accuracy rather than changing brain content · Providers could benefit from understanding ketamine's "dirty drug" pharmacology, including sodium channel blocking effects that contribute to dissociation and can be addressed with targeted adjuncts like lidocaine Episode 53 show notes: 00:00:00 - Teaser: This Is Not Magic, This Is Science 00:00:17 - Introduction and Part 2 Setup 00:01:54 - When Therapy Should Actually Happen: Physical Therapy Doesn't Occur During Surgery 00:02:48 - Optimal Timing for Therapeutic Integration: The Weeks That Follow Treatment 00:05:31 - The Science Behind Post-Treatment Rest: BDNF Release and Sleep 00:07:25 - Audio Sidebar: BDNF and Sleep Connection 00:09:29 - Managing Patient Epiphanies: The Cheese Story and Brain Noise 00:13:30 - Mental Health as Synaptic Processing Speed 00:16:45 - Why Experience-Driven Treatment Would Require Daily Ketamine 00:18:04 - MSKIT Protocol: Minimally Stimulated Ketamine Infusion Therapy 00:22:12 - Minimally Stimulating Environment: Binaural Beats and Brain Noise 00:25:30 - Pain Protocols and the "Dirty Drug" Concept 00:26:57 - Audio Sidebar: Ketamine's Metabolite Addiction Pathway 00:30:31 - Future Vision: Greater Rigor and Medical Oversight 00:34:56 - Rapid Fire Personal Questions 00:42:55 - Final Thoughts and Episode Wrap-up Thanks for listening 📋 Professional Education Disclaimer: Content for licensed healthcare providers for educational purposes only. Does not constitute medical, legal, or business advice. Always consult qualified professionals for specific clinical and practice decisions. Connect with Charles Miller & Scenic City Neurotherapy: Website Instagram LinkedIn 📝 Complete show notes with resources and  links, please visit www.ketaminestartup.com/podcast/episode-053 Follow us on LinkedIn Ketamine StartUp Website YouTube 🚀Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.

    44 min
  5. Episode 052 -The Collective Lie in Ketamine Therapy (Part 1): Why the Experience Isn't the Treatment

    MAR 16

    Episode 052 -The Collective Lie in Ketamine Therapy (Part 1): Why the Experience Isn't the Treatment

    In this first part of what became a two-part conversation, we sat down with anesthesia provider Charles Miller from Scenic City Neurotherapy for a discussion that challenged so many assumptions about ketamine therapy. Charles presents what he calls the "collective lie" in ketamine therapy - the argument that the obsession with psychedelic experiences and mystical insights for a growing segment of providers in our industry is not just misguided, but actually making our patients worse.  He walks through the neurobiological evidence showing that the real therapeutic action happens days after treatment during the neuroplasticity window, not during those profound moments when patients feel like they're talking to God or having life-changing realizations. You'll hear Charles critique the research methodologies that seem to support ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, explaining why group averages can mask poor individual outcomes and why the frequently cited KAP studies may actually show lower success rates than standard ketamine protocols. He also shares refreshingly honest advice about starting a clinic - including his decision to open with folding chairs rather than go into debt for impressive furniture. We're also trying something new with this episode: audio sidebars. As we talk, we’ll pause to provide additional context about complex concepts like psychoplastogens, research study limitations, and the cutting-edge science behind separating therapeutic effects from psychedelic experiences. Think of these as educational moments designed to help you fully understand and enjoy the episode. This conversation will make you question whether the approaches many of us have been using actually serve our patients - or if we've been chasing the wrong mechanisms entirely. What You'll Learn in This Episode · Charles's entrepreneurial journey - How he started Scenic City Neurotherapy with minimal capital and his advice for keeping overhead low during startup · The "collective lie" concept - Why Charles believes the field's emphasis on ketamine experiences actually reduces treatment success rates · Neuroplasticity mechanisms - Detailed explanation of the NMDA-glutamate-BDNF pathway and why the therapeutic window occurs after, not during, ketamine administration · Psychoplastogens vs psychedelics - Understanding David E. Olson's groundbreaking research on compounds that promote neuroplasticity without hallucinogenic effects · Research methodology critique - Analysis of popular KAP studies and why methodological flaws may be masking poor individual patient outcomes · Evidence-based positioning - How to counter the "ketamine is just anesthesia" criticism with solid neurobiological science · Experience vs neuroplasticity - Why Charles argues that focusing on insights and visions during treatment may be counterproductive Key Takeaways · Ketamine may function primarily as a psychoplastogen rather than a classic psychedelic, blocking NMDA receptors to trigger neuroplasticity cascades instead of flooding serotonin receptors like traditional psychedelics · The therapeutic neuroplasticity window occur days to weeks after ketamine administration, when BDNF-driven synaptic remodeling takes place, not necessarily during the acute dissociative experience · Research comparing ketamine-assisted psychotherapy to standard protocols could show mixed results, with some studies reporting lower individual response rates despite promising group averages · Providers who overfocus on experiential components during treatment may inadvertently create performance pressure that could reduce patient outcomes and increase perceived treatment failure rates · Startup ketamine clinics might benefit from beginning embarrassingly small with minimal overhead, focusing resources on essential clinical equipment rather than impressive lobbies or furniture · David E. Olson's psychoplastogen research suggests that neuroplastic benefits might be separable from psychedelic experiences, supporting approaches that prioritize physiological mechanisms over experiential components Episode 52 show notes: 00:00:00 - Teaser: When Patients Feel They Failed 00:00:17 - Introduction and Episode Setup 00:02:06 - Charles's Journey into Ketamine Therapy 00:04:30 - The Entrepreneurial Leap 00:06:00 - Startup Advice: Think Embarrassingly Small 00:08:30 - Evolution of the Ketamine Field 00:10:00 - The "Collective Lie" Concept Introduction 00:12:30 - Neurobiological Mechanisms 00:16:30 - Psychoplastogens vs. Psychedelics 00:24:00 - David E. Olson's Revolutionary Research 00:27:27 - Audio Sidebar: Psychoplastogens & David E. Olson 00:30:00 - Research Critique: KAP Study vs Real-World IV Ketamine Data 00:34:27 - Episode Wrap-up Thanks for listening 📋 Professional Education Disclaimer: Content for licensed healthcare providers for educational purposes only. Does not constitute medical, legal, or business advice. Always consult qualified professionals for specific clinical and practice decisions. Connect with Charles Miller & Scenic City Neurotherapy: Website Instagram LinkedIn 📝 Complete show notes with resources and  links, please visit www.ketaminestartup.com/podcast/episode-052 Follow us on Linkedin Ketamine StartUp Website YouTube 🚀Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.

    36 min
  6. Episode 051 - The 4 Ketamine Clinic Business Stages: How to Know Where You Are and What to Do Next

    FEB 24

    Episode 051 - The 4 Ketamine Clinic Business Stages: How to Know Where You Are and What to Do Next

    Every ketamine clinic goes through predictable life cycle stages, just like human development. And understanding which stage you're in changes everything about how you make decisions. In this episode, we introduce a framework for understanding the four distinct phases every ketamine clinic experiences: infancy (startup survival), teenage years (identity formation), prime adult years (optimization and scaling), and midlife and beyond (legacy and transition planning). We walk you through what to expect at each stage and the questions to ask yourself to identify where your clinic is right now. This helps you make strategic decisions aligned with your values rather than reactive choices based on fear or pressure. Whether you're contemplating opening a clinic, surviving startup chaos, establishing systems, or considering your exit strategy, this framework helps you anticipate what's coming next and prepare accordingly.. This isn't theoretical business advice. We've experienced several of these stages firsthand with our own clinic and have supported many providers as they navigate phases we're still approaching ourselves.  What You'll Learn: 🔹 The 4 predictable life cycle stages: how to identify which phase your ketamine clinic is currently in and what's normal for each stage 🔹 Stage specific challenges and solutions: understanding whether your current struggles are typical growing pains or signs of deeper issues requiring attention 🔹 Value based decision making framework: how to make strategic choices aligned with your goals rather than reactive decisions based on fear or external pressure 🔹 The "sane survival" concept: how to navigate the intensive infancy stage without burning out or sacrificing what matters most to you 🔹 Community and support strategies: why having the right network is crucial at every stage and how to build relationships that support your growth Key Takeaways ・Every ketamine clinic goes through four predictable business stages, though timing varies based on your circumstances and external factors ・The "sane survival" approach during the infancy stage helps prevent burnout by making proactive decisions about what you're willing to sacrifice versus preserve ・Understanding your current stage helps you distinguish between normal growing pains and actual problems that need different solutions ・Value-based decision making works best when you clearly identify both your current stage and your long-term goals ・Community support networks are essential at every stage, just like parents rely on extended family and experienced caregivers ・Starting a ketamine clinic transforms you personally, not just creates a business entity - as we say, "clinics make entrepreneurs" ・Stage timing varies significantly between practices - some owners stay in infancy longer while others move quickly through all phases Episode 51 show notes: 00:00:00 - Teaser - Clinics Make Entrepreneurs 00:00:12 - Episode Introduction 00:01:35 - Introduction to the Stages Concept 00:03:38 - The Four Stages Overview 00:04:03 - Stage 1: Infancy Stage 00:08:01 - Stage 0: Pre-Opening Contemplation 00:20:55 - Mid-Episode CTA 00:21:43 - Stage 2: Teenage Years (Identity Formation) 00:23:00 - Stage 1.5: Early Childhood Foundation Years 00:28:27 - Stage 3: Prime Adult Years (Strategic Growth) 00:32:42 - The Four Seasons Metaphor 00:33:36 - Stage 4: Midlife and Beyond 00:38:00 - How to Use the Life Cycle Framework 00:39:56 - Step 1: Identify Your Stage 00:42:29 - Step 2: Clarify What You Want 00:43:17 - Step 3: Make Stage-Appropriate, Value-Based Decisions 00:45:27 - Stages Recap and Community Importance 00:46:37 - Ending and Resources Thanks for listening Prefer to Read? This episode covers similar content as our comprehensive blog post, which includes infographics and quick reference tables showing key indicators, challenges, and decisions for each life cycle phase—perfect for quickly assessing where your clinic currently stands. Read the full guide with visual frameworks: What Stage Is Your Ketamine Clinic In? A Complete Guide 📝 Complete show notes with resources and  links, please visit www.ketaminestartup.com/podcast/episode-051 Follow us on Linkedin Ketamine StartUp Website YouTube 🚀Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.

    47 min
  7. Episode 050 - Beyond Cookie-Cutter Protocols: Inna Zelikman's Comprehensive Approach to Ketamine and Psilocybin Therapy

    FEB 12

    Episode 050 - Beyond Cookie-Cutter Protocols: Inna Zelikman's Comprehensive Approach to Ketamine and Psilocybin Therapy

    What happens when a 20 year mental health veteran has her own existential crisis then undergoes her own psychedelic therapy? In Inna Zelikman's case, it completely transformed how she practices medicine. Inna Zelikman, RN, MS, ANP, PMH-NP, is the Director of Integrative Mental Health at Recovery Without Walls and a MAPS certified MDMA practitioner. Five years ago, her own psychedelic healing journey changed everything about how she sees and treats patients. Now she's challenging the cookie cutter protocols that dominate our field in favor of what she calls an "organic" approach to treatment. In this conversation, Inna shares her comprehensive patient assessment strategies, the medication categories that secretly block healing (even though they're not contraindications), and why some patients have profound psychedelic experiences but can still struggle. From consulting with psilocybin centers in Oregon to treating ketamine addiction, Inna offers a nuanced perspective on the complexities of psychedelic medicine and why proper preparation, support, and integration actually matter for lasting results. What You'll Learn: 🔹 Why doing your own healing work changes how you practice: Inna's personal journey and how it transformed her ability to truly see patient needs 🔹 Comprehensive assessment before treatment: evaluating family dynamics, support systems, and trajectory of care 🔹 The hidden medication barries: CNS depressants that don't contraindicate psychedelics but stall healing and integration 🔹 Set and setting beyond the treatment room: why the therapeutic container includes entire support systems 🔹 Real world psilocybin consulting: challenges and solutions for complex patients seeking therapy in Oregon 🔹 Psychedelics in recovery landscape - Understanding the historical bias in traditional recovery communities and emerging shifts toward acceptance of psychedelic therapy as legitimate treatment Key Takeaways: ・Healthcare providers who address their own trauma may provide more effective patient care ・Ketamine therapy dosed based on individual patient response could benefit patients who don't improve with standard twice-weekly protocols ・Sleeping pills and benzodiazepines may prevent psychedelic therapy success even when not contraindicated ・Patients may need 1-4 weeks of integration support during the neuroplasticity window for optimal results ・Comprehensive patient assessment including family dynamics and support systems may improve treatment outcomes ・Traditional recovery communities may be slowly shifting attitudes toward psychedelic therapy, though bias still exists against viewing these treatments as legitimate healing tools rather than drug substitution Episode 50 show notes: 00:00 Teaser - How Healing Informed Patient Care 00:28 Episode Introduction 02:16 What Drew Inna to Psychedelic Medicine 04:38 The Problems with Modern Psychiatry 07:38  Inna's Personal Transformation Story 11:53 The Hero's Journey to Healer's Journey 16:02  How Personal Healing Transformed Patient Care 17:08 Comprehensive Assessment Process 20:20 Beyond Cookie-Cutter Protocols 22:32 Ketamine Therapy Dosing Philosophy 26:00 Psilocybin Work and Vision Story 28:52 Oregon Psilocybin Industry Challenges 31:33 Set and Setting Beyond the Room 33:07 Patient Screening and Assessment Criteria 35:17 The Hidden Medication Problem 42:31 Managing Complicated Cases  49:33 Patient Examples 55:43 Psychedelics in Recovery and AA 1:00:04 Rapid Fire Personal Questions 1:03:18 Contact Information and Services 1:04:49 Closing Thoughts 1:05:56 Resources Thanks for listening 📋 Educational Disclaimer: Content for licensed healthcare professionals only. Does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified professionals for specific patient care decisions and regulatory requirements. Connect with Inna Zelikman RN, MS, ANP, PMH-NP: info@innazelikmanhealth.com www.innazelikmanhealth.com Recovery Without Walls 📝 Complete show notes with resources and  links, please visit www.ketaminestartup.com/podcast/episode-050 Follow us on Linkedin Ketamine StartUp Website YouTube 🚀Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.

    1h 7m
  8. Episode 049 - Texas Medical Board Proposes Comprehensive Ketamine Therapy Regulations - What It Means for the Industry

    JAN 27

    Episode 049 - Texas Medical Board Proposes Comprehensive Ketamine Therapy Regulations - What It Means for the Industry

    We're breaking into our regular schedule with urgent news that affects everyone in the ketamine therapy space, not just Texas providers. On January 2, 2026, the Texas Medical Board published proposed regulations in the Texas Register that could fundamentally change how ketamine therapy is delivered in the state. These would be the first comprehensive regulatory rules specifically for ketamine therapy clinics in Texas, and honestly, they could set a precedent for nationwide regulation. Why should you care if you're not in Texas? Because Texas is the second most populous state with one of the largest medical communities in the country. When Texas moves on healthcare regulation, other states often follow. These proposed rules cover mandatory clinic registration, onsite physician requirements, enhanced monitoring standards, a complete ban on take home parenteral ketamine, and enforcement mechanisms that would put ketamine clinics under the same scrutiny as pain management clinics. What You'll Learn: 🔹 Mandatory PKT clinic registration requirements: what Texas providers need to know about the new registration process and renewal deadlines🔹 The onsite physician mandate: why remote supervision models would no longer be acceptable under these proposed rules🔹 Enhanced monitoring and training standards: new equipment requirements and airway management training mandates🔹 Complete ban on take home parenteral ketamine: how this would eliminate certain treatment models entirely🔹 National implications: why every ketamine provider should pay attention regardless of location Episode 49 show notes: 00:00 Teaser - Remote Supervision Is Over 00:20 Episode Introduction 02:55 Mandatory Registration Requirements 03:51 The Onsite Physician Requirement 04:42 Enhanced Training and Monitoring Standards 05:49 Documentation and Safety Protocols 06:37 Complete Ban on Take-Home Parenteral Ketamine 06:57 Enforcement Framework 07:14 What This Means for Texas Clinics 08:10 The Broader Industry Implications 09:16 The Access vs. Safety Tension 10:01 Who This Favors and Who It Challenges 10:34 Public Comment Opportunity 10:56 What You Should Do Now 11:38 Final Thoughts 12:42 Where To Get Further Information Thanks for listening Links Relevant To The Episode: Is Your Ketamine Clinic Ready? Texas Proposes Mandatory Registration and What It Means for the Industry includes a Quick Reference Table Texas Register January 2, 2026 Volume: 51 Number: 1 Texas Medical Board Rule Changes Chapter 173, Office-Based Anesthesia Services, Subchapter B, concerning Parenteral Ketamine Therapy, §§173.6-173.15. Comments on the proposed rules may be submitted online or via email Follow us on Linkedin Ketamine StartUp Website YouTube 🚀 Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.

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About

Welcome to the Ketamine StartUp Podcast! This is the FIRST podcast dedicated to entrepreneurial medical professionals who want to learn more about providing ketamine therapy, run a business, marketing, and more. We are Sam and Kim Ko, two board certified physicians who have ventured into the ketamine therapy world. We’ve learned a lot of lessons, taught many clinicians like yourself, and luckily made a few friends along the way. In this podcast we share our experience and knowledge, plus that of the ketamine industry pioneers and leaders in our interviews. If you’re ready to boldly go where a few medical professionals have gone before, download and listen to our podcast today

Information

  • Creator
    Ketamine StartUp
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©️ 2024 Ketamine StartUp All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    The Ketamine StartUp Podcast

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