Ketamine Connections

Anna Krishtal
  • 4.6 (14)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The only podcast dedicated to demystifying ketamine therapy. Hosted by hypnotherapist and ketamine coach Anna Krishtal, Ketamine Connections explores how this breakthrough medicine rewires the subconscious mind for lasting change. Each week, discover science-backed insights, expert interviews, and real stories of transformation. Learn how to prepare for your journey, integrate your experiences, and reconnect with your truest self. Start your journey now with the free Ketamine Starter Portal → YourKetamineCoach.com/free Subscribe to Ketamine Connections and join a community redefining mental health through curiosity, compassion, and consciousness.

  1. 3H AGO

    Episode 83 l Why Ketamine Didn’t Work for You: The Missing Piece No One Talks About

    If you tried ketamine therapy and it didn’t change your life the way you hoped… this episode is for you. And if your biggest fear is spending the time, money, and hope on ketamine only to feel disappointed? This conversation will change how you see the entire process. In this episode of Ketamine Connections, I break down one of the most misunderstood truths about ketamine therapy: 👉 The glimpse is not the transformation. Ketamine doesn’t “fix” you. It disrupts old patterns. It opens a neuroplastic window. It quiets the default mode network and gives you access to a new perspective. But what you do with that window determines whether your life actually changes. We talk about: Why ketamine therapy may feel like it “worked” — and then fadedThe difference between a psychedelic glimpse and true transformationHow the subconscious mind runs old programming (like an outdated iOS)Why your brain defaults back to familiar patterns — even when they make you miserableThe critical role of preparation and integrationHow to use ketamine’s neuroplastic window so results actually stickIf you’re wondering: “Did ketamine fail me?”“Was that experience real?”“Why did I go back to my old patterns?”“Is ketamine therapy worth it?”This episode will help you reframe disappointment as feedback — and show you what actually makes ketamine work long-term. Because here’s the truth: Ketamine is the spark.  You are the variable. With the right preparation, support, and integration, ketamine can absolutely accelerate healing for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and emotional patterns — but transformation requires participation. If you want to learn how to prepare your subconscious mind properly and use that neuroplastic window intentionally, explore: ✨ The Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP)- https://www.annakrishtal.com/kpp  ✨ 1:1 Ketamine Coaching - https://www.annakrishtal.com/coaching-info

    25 min

  2. FEB 25

    Episode 82 l What Is the Ego? Ketamine, Integration & Neuroplasticity (Part 2 with Dr. James Leathem)

    In Part Two of my in-person conversation with Dr. James Leathem, we pick up exactly where we left off: defining the ego. In psychedelic work, “ego dissolution” is a phrase we hear constantly — but what is the ego, really? Dr. James defines it not as arrogance, but as the learned identity of self, meaning the accumulated conditioning, patterns, and protective mechanisms that shape how we experience the world. From there, we move into the technical depth of ketamine therapy. We discuss mode of administration (IV vs IM vs nasal), dosage considerations, and why steady-state IV infusions create a different arc of experience. We unpack high-threshold nervous systems, tolerance, and why needing a higher dose is a nervous system conversation, not a moral one. We also explore music as medicine and the original shamanic tool that guides the journey where language cannot reach. And at the core of this episode is the most important equation: Ketamine + daily integration practice = transformation. Ketamine alone is not the line in the sand. It opens a neuroplastic window. What you do during that window determines whether you reinforce old patterns or build new ones. We talk about: • Positive vs negative neuroplasticity  • Using substances for insight vs using substances to numb  • The difference between escaping yourself and moving toward yourself  • Why the best integration is discovering that the answers were within you all along We also reference Casey Dubrovic’s book Psychedeliciatry (Episode 68 of this show), including his powerful framework: Name it to tame it. Feel it to heal it. Reframe it to reclaim it. You can find his book linked below, along with Dr. James’ Genius Network talk on transformational medicine. And in true Dr. James fashion — this episode ends with not one, but two raps, so make sure to listen through to the end. 🔗 Resources Mentioned 👉Dr. James Leathem – Genius Network Talk  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BamUlV5KPB8 👉Casey Dubrovic, Psychedeliciatry https://www.amazon.com/-/he/PSYCHEDELICIATRY-Methodology-CASEY-DUBRAVCIC-PMHNP/dp/1966212925 👉Episode 68 – Casey Dubrovic on Ketamine Connections 👉Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) www.annakrishtal.com/kpp

    50 min

  3. FEB 18

    Episode 81 | Rejection is Protection: Dr. James Leathem on Ketamine, Persistence & Transformational Medicine (Part 1)

    In this in-person episode of Ketamine Connections, I sit down with Dr. James Leathem — anesthesiologist turned psychedelic pioneer — to explore what transformational medicine actually means. We talk about rejection as redirection, trusting the process, and what it takes to build something meaningful — in medicine and in life. Dr. James shares his journey from failing into medical school twice to building a comprehensive ketamine clinic model rooted in safety, preparation, and integration. We break down what makes ketamine therapy effective for depression, PTSD, and anxiety — and what most people misunderstand. Neuroplasticity is neutral. Ketamine may open the door, but what you do afterward determines whether you reinforce old patterns or build new ones. It’s a tool, not a cure. We also explore safety as the foundation of healing, why ego is attachment to familiar suffering (not arrogance), and how anxiety can be reframed as “future awareness.” This episode ends on a cliffhanger as we begin defining ego — a conversation that continues in Part Two (come back next week!), where we dive deeper into clinical protocols and methodology. Dr. James has also spoken about transformational medicine and the future of ketamine care. If you’re considering ketamine therapy, or want to understand how to maximize its impact through preparation and integration, this episode is for you. This episode is educational and not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan. 🔗 Resources Mentioned • Advanced Wellness & Pain – Scottsdale & Gilbert, Arizona • Joe Dispenza (Neuroplasticity reference) • Inside Out 2 (Film) • Ketamine Preparation Protocol

    46 min

  4. FEB 15

    Sunday Sneak Peek Retirement

    CONNECT WITH US ON YOUTUBE  👉 https://www.youtube.com/@KetamineConnections I hope you had a beautiful, love-filled Valentine’s Day. 💛 In this final Sunday Sneak Peek, Anna officially retires the three-month experiment and shares why she’s refining the rhythm of Ketamine Connections. Sunday Sneak Peek was an experiment — a way to test whether two episodes a week created more connection. But this show has never been about maximizing output. It’s about serving and connecting with you. Instead of splitting energy, Anna is choosing to pour fully into one powerful, intentional Wednesday episode — the long-form conversations you’ve come to know and trust. At the same time, the show is expanding in new ways: Full video episodes on YouTubeMore short-form clipsNew ways to deepen connection in 2026Because the goal isn’t more content. It’s more connection. Inspired by the idea of “burning the forest you love to make space for something better,” this episode marks a refinement — not an ending. Join us Wednesdays for one strong, grounded episode each week. And come hang out on YouTube as the next chapter unfolds.

    3 min

  5. FEB 11

    Episode 80 | I Called Ketamine Clinics to Ask About Preparation & Integration. Here’s What I Learned

    In this episode of Ketamine Connections, I did something a little sneaky — I called ketamine clinics across the country as a “secret shopper.” Not as your ketamine coach. Not as someone who has worked in preparation and integration for years. Just as a curious first-time patient asking simple questions: What do you offer for preparation?  What support exists for integration? What I found was a mixed bag. Nearly every clinic immediately discussed medical clearance, fasting instructions, medication review, and transportation logistics. All of that matters. Safety is essential. But when I asked about mental and emotional preparation — things like intention setting, nervous system regulation, or how to navigate fear — the answers were inconsistent. Some clinics are beginning to offer intention-setting guides or pre-session conversations. Others confuse preparation with therapist-guided sessions or focus solely on the medical model. The field is evolving, but education around working with ketamine — not just administering it — is still catching up. Integration followed a similar pattern. Many clinics collaborate with therapists or recommend sessions within 24–72 hours of infusion. That’s progress. But integration is often labeled as optional or supplementary. And if someone doesn’t know they need integration support, will they seek it out? Probably not. Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window. Preparation sets the tone. Integration determines whether insights become lasting change. In this episode, I break down what proper preparation really means, why integration is the difference between “something I tried” and “something that changed my life,” and the exact questions you deserve to ask a ketamine clinic before starting treatment. This isn’t about shaming providers. It’s about elevating the field — and empowering you to advocate for your healing. Ketamine opens the door. You’re the one who walks through it. Resources Mentioned Ketamine Starter Portal 👉 www.yourketaminecoach.com/free Episode 28: Should You Journey Solo or With a Sitter? A full breakdown of whether you need a trip sitter or therapist-guided session, plus a companion quiz inside the Starter Portal. Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) 👉 www.annakrishtal.com/kpp  A comprehensive preparation program designed to help you: Understand how ketamine works on the brainLearn how the subconscious mind operatesSet powerful, effective intentionsRegulate your nervous system before sessionsNavigate difficult emotions if they ariseMake the most of the neuroplastic window afterward

    29 min

  6. FEB 8

    Sunday Sneak Peek: I Cold-Called Ketamine Clinics

    In this Sunday Sneak Peek episode of Ketamine Connections, Anna shares a preview of an upcoming episode that’s been in the making for over a year. For this episode, Anna cold-called ketamine clinics across the United States, not as a ketamine coach or professional in the field, but as a curious, anxious first-time patient. Her goal was simple: to understand what information clinics provide when patients ask about mode of administration, preparation, and integration, without being prompted by an expert. What emerged from these conversations wasn’t about individual clinics being “good” or “bad,” but about the patterns and themes that show up again and again when patients explore ketamine therapy. This sneak peek sets the stage for Wednesday’s full episode, where Anna shares clips from those calls and breaks down what she noticed, and what listeners should be paying attention to when choosing a clinic. If you’re in the exploration phase of ketamine therapy, these first conversations matter. How a clinic responds to your curiosity, anxiety, and questions is often your first indication of whether it’s the right fit for your nervous system. 🎧 Full episode drops Wednesday, February 11, featuring real call clips and Anna’s conclusions from these conversations. 🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Episode 36: How to Choose a Ketamine Clinic A full breakdown of essential questions to ask when evaluating ketamine providers.Ketamine Clinic Vetting Guide (PDF) is inside the Ketamine Starter Portal A downloadable list of questions pulled directly from Episode 36, designed to support you in choosing a clinic that feels aligned and supportive.👉www.yourketaminecoach.com/freeKetamine Starter Portal A free resource library with podcast-related guides, PDFs, and tools to support your ketamine education and preparation.👉www.yourketaminecoach.com/free

    3 min

  7. FEB 4

    Episode 79 l Finding True Happiness and Realizing There’s Nothing Wrong With You: An Interview with Anna Krishtal

    Have you ever felt like something was wrong with you, like you were a problem to be fixed, or that life would finally feel better after the next milestone? In this deeply vulnerable episode of Ketamine Connections, the tables are turned as Dr. Ashley Irizarry returns to the podcast to interview host Anna Krishtal. Anna shares her personal journey of starting therapy at age 11, living with suicidal ideation, cycling through years of ineffective talk therapy, and chasing external milestones in the hope that happiness would arrive “when.” She reflects on the moment she realized that nothing was wrong with her, and how true healing began when she stopped trying to fix herself and started working with her subconscious mind. This episode explores inner child work, the malleability of memory, self-talk, forgiveness, resilience, and why trauma-specific modalities like ketamine therapy and hypnotherapy can create change where traditional approaches often fall short. Together, Anna and Ashley unpack how ketamine provides access to the subconscious mind as a tool to help you rewire outdated beliefs and step back into the driver’s seat of your life. This conversation is about responsibility without shame, healing without bypassing, and the reminder that your subconscious mind has been trying to keep you safe all along. Resources Mentioned Ketamine Starter Portal – a free library of guides, tools, and resources discussed on the podcast👉 www.yourketaminecoach.com/free Share Your Story - Ketamine Connections is inviting more transformation stories in 2026. If you feel called to share your experience, you can submit your story here: 👉 https://www.annakrishtal.com/podcast

    56 min

  8. FEB 1

    Sunday Sneak Peek: ASKP Conference + Flipping the Guest Script

    In this Sunday Sneak Peek, Anna shares highlights from attending the ASKP Conference (American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists, and Practitioners) and reflects on how meaningful it felt to see the conversation expand beyond data and analysis into real human stories — the kind we center here on Ketamine Connections. She also shares the full-circle moment of meeting Dr. Ashley Irizarry in person and previews this week’s episode, where Dr. Irizarry interviews Anna on her own podcast. The conversation begins with the same question Anna asks every guest — and leads into a deeply vulnerable story about starting therapy at age 11, navigating self-harm and suicidal ideation, growing up without trauma-informed language, and living for years in the “I’ll be better when…” cycle. This upcoming episode explores inner child work, the malleability of memory, forgiveness and self-forgiveness, and what it really looks like to give yourself what you actually needed. Anna also invites listeners to share their own transformation stories as Ketamine Connections moves into 2026. 👉 Submit your story here:  https://form.jotform.com/251955687330667 Come back Wednesday for the full episode.

    5 min
See All (98)

Trailer

4.6
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

The only podcast dedicated to demystifying ketamine therapy. Hosted by hypnotherapist and ketamine coach Anna Krishtal, Ketamine Connections explores how this breakthrough medicine rewires the subconscious mind for lasting change. Each week, discover science-backed insights, expert interviews, and real stories of transformation. Learn how to prepare for your journey, integrate your experiences, and reconnect with your truest self. Start your journey now with the free Ketamine Starter Portal → YourKetamineCoach.com/free Subscribe to Ketamine Connections and join a community redefining mental health through curiosity, compassion, and consciousness.

Information

  • Creator
    Anna Krishtal
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    98
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Your Ketamine Coach
  • Show Website
    Ketamine Connections

You Might Also Like