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

    5D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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.

    14 min
  6. Episode 048 - Does a Physician Need to Be Present During Ketamine Infusions?

    JAN 7

    Episode 048 - Does a Physician Need to Be Present During Ketamine Infusions?

    Welcome back to the Ketamine Startup Podcast! It's great to be back with you for our first new episode of 2026. After sharing a couple episodes from the vault in December, we are excited to dive back into fresh content. In this episode, we tackle the most frequently asked question we get: "Do I need to be present in the room during every ketamine infusion?" This isn't just about regulations. It's about balancing autonomy, patient safety, business scalability, and your personal values as you transition from traditional healthcare to private practice. We explore the complex regulatory landscape across different states, the tension between wanting professional freedom and providing exemplary patient care, and the practical considerations every clinic owner must navigate. We share our own philosophy and approach while acknowledging the legitimate business and personal factors that influence these critical decisions. What You'll Learn: ・The "loved one test" for making staffing decisions: a simple framework to determine your comfort level and standards ・State by state regulatory variations: why Texas, Utah, and California have different requirements and what that means for you ・The business reality of scaling vs. safety: how to balance growth aspirations with quality patient care ・Building reputation in a small community: why integrity matters more than short term profit in the ketamine field Episode 48 show notes: 00:00 Teaser - The most common question… 02:25 The "loved one test": What would you want for your family member receiving treatment? 04:23 Balancing autonomy vs. quality care: The tension clinicians face 06:32 Federal vs. state regulatory landscape: How regulations vary across different states 09:37 Scope of practice considerations and corporate practice of medicine laws 12:01 Philosophy behind practice decisions: What's right for you and your patients 13:28 Sam's approach: Why he's always present and recommends starting that way 16:56 Balancing physician wellbeing with high-quality patient care 19:26 State-specific research requirements: Medical board, legal, and insurance considerations 21:05 Malpractice insurance requirements and how they affect your practice decisions 23:03 Final recommendations: The decision framework based on your values 24:44 Closing thoughts: What would you want for your loved one? Thanks for listening Want to go deeper on some of these topics? Check out these related episodes: Episode 007 - Who Can Open A Ketamine Therapy Clinic? Episode 034 - Ketamine Clinic Insurance: Expert Insights with Canyon Clifton Follow us on Linkedin Ketamine StartUp Website YouTube 🚀 Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.

    27 min
  7. Episode 047 - What You Should Tell Your Ketamine Patients: 4 Things To Expect During Their Infusion (Episodes from the Vault)

    12/22/2025

    Episode 047 - What You Should Tell Your Ketamine Patients: 4 Things To Expect During Their Infusion (Episodes from the Vault)

    We're continuing our holiday break from regularly scheduled programming to bring you another foundational resource: the patient communication strategies that transform ketamine therapy from a clinical procedure into a truly healing experience. This episode originally came from one of our mastermind sessions with students from our Ketamine Startup 101 course, where we dove deep into patient preparation and emotional safety protocols. It's become one of our most popular episodes.. Whether you're building a ketamine practice, looking to elevate your current patient communication, or trying to understand what separates exceptional clinics from those that simply provide treatment, this episode gives you the complete framework.  This is part of our "Episodes from the Vault" series, bringing back content that continues to serve as the go-to resource for healthcare providers focused on patient experience excellence.  For those who may recall, this was originally released as Episode 33. The mastermind format allowed us to go deep on each communication strategy while keeping everything immediately actionable for real-world implementation. This episode is especially valuable if you're training staff members, standardizing patient communication protocols, or seeking to create the kind of trust and safety that enables true therapeutic transformation. The strategies we share bridge clinical excellence with emotional intelligence which is exactly what ketamine therapy demands. What You'll Learn in This Episode  • The four essential communications every ketamine patient needs before treatment • Specific language and techniques for normalizing anxiety and fostering trust • How to prepare patients for non-ordinary experiences while ensuring emotional safety Episode 47 show notes: 00:00 Teaser - Why presence matters 00:49 Episode introduction  01:59 The Patient Communication Framework - The four essential things patients need to know and why therapeutic experience begins before treatment 06:14 #1: Feeling Nervous is Normal - Acknowledging patient anxiety, pre-framing concepts, and diving board metaphor for first treatments 10:59 #2: They May See, Feel, or Realize Big Things - Preparing patients for non-ordinary states of consciousness and ensuring they understand experiences will end 15:08 #3: Physical Sensations May Happen - Managing nausea, dizziness, and physical side effects with proactive medical interventions 17:31 #4: Emotional Releases Are Possible - Creating safe space for tears, anger, and grief while normalizing emotional expression 27:31 Practical Implementation Tips - Team training strategies, consistent language protocols, and creating emotionally safe clinical environments 30:19 Episode wrap-up Selected Links From the Episode: This book link in these show notes is an Amazon affiliate link. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. 📗Book mentioned  - Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss  If you’re interested in learning more about creating a healing and therapeutic space definitely check out these other episodes: • Episode 20 - Unlocking Transformation: Exploring Set, Setting, and Integration in Ketamine Therapy • Episode 9 - Healing Journeys: Ayahuasca, Ketamine Therapy, & Spirituality With Dr. Joe Tafur Follow us on Linkedin Ketamine StartUp Website YouTube 🚀Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical or business advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for your specific situation.

    32 min
  8. Episode 046 - The Clinician's Guide to Ketamine Therapy (Episodes from the Vault)

    12/09/2025

    Episode 046 - The Clinician's Guide to Ketamine Therapy (Episodes from the Vault)

    We're taking a break from our regularly scheduled programming for the holidays to bring you something a bit different: a foundational episode that covers everything you need to know about ketamine therapy in one comprehensive resource. Sam originally delivered this presentation to the UCLA and Betty Ford Addiction Medicine Fellowship, and it's become one of those episodes that medical professionals, curious physicians, and anyone seriously exploring this field have come back to. It covers ketamine's complete story, from its fascinating medical history to current research and real-world implementation protocols. Whether you're considering ketamine therapy for your own practice, trying to understand this rapidly evolving field, or just want a solid clinical foundation, this is your starting point. We bridge the gap between academic research and practical clinical application, breaking down complex pharmacology and patient selection in a way that's actually accessible. This is part of our "Episodes from the Vault" series, bringing back content that continues to serve as a go-to resource for healthcare providers across specialties. For those who may recall, this was originally released as Episode 31. The presentation format lets us go deep on each topic while keeping everything practically relevant for actual clinical decision-making. This episode is especially valuable if you're evaluating ketamine therapy integration, seeking to understand the evidence base, or looking to enhance your patient education and staff training. What You'll Learn in This Episode ・Ketamine's journey from battlefield anesthetic to breakthrough mental health treatment ・Evidence-based mechanisms of action and clinical research findings ・Practical patient selection criteria, dosing protocols, and safety considerations for clinical practice Episode 46 show notes: 00:00 - Teaser - Mental health crisis statistics and ketamine's role 00:27 - Introduction to Episodes from the Vault series 01:19 - Sam's presentation introduction and off-label use disclosure 01:52 - Presentation Overview: Three-part structure: mental health/history, mechanisms/studies, patient selection/protocols 02:19 - Part 1: Current State of Mental Health - Depression, PTSD, anxiety statistics and the need for ketamine therapy 04:07 - The Need for More Treatment Options: Healthcare arsenal expansion with ketamine 04:20 - A Brief History of Ketamine: From phencyclidine to FDA approval and Vietnam War battlefield use 09:36 - Part 2: How Ketamine Works - NMDA receptor mechanisms and neuroplasticity effects 12:11 - Types of Patient Ketamine Experiences: Four levels of non-ordinary states of consciousness 14:49 - A Review of Scientific Studies: Yale study through recent research and meta-analyses 22:43 - Part 3: Ideal Patient Selection, Dosing & Scheduling: Contraindications, protocols, and safety considerations 32:33 - Episode wrap-up with YouTube resources, and more Thanks for listening Selected Related Links: ・For original Youtube version featuring slides during the presentation, go to https://youtu.be/u9XOQ2xnwsg ・For references and studies mentioned in this episode, go to www.ketaminestartup.com/podcast/episode-046 Follow us on Linkedin Ketamine StartUp Website YouTube 🚀Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.

    35 min
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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
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©️ 2024 Ketamine StartUp All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    The Ketamine StartUp Podcast

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