Ketamine Connections

Anna Krishtal
  • 4.5 (17)
  • 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. 6d ago

    Episode 110 | Think Ketamine Is Just for Depression? Think Again.

    When you think about who ketamine therapy is for, you might picture someone struggling with severe depression, PTSD, anxiety, or treatment-resistant mental health challenges. And yes—that person is absolutely part of the picture. But they are far from the whole picture. In this episode of Ketamine Connections, I’m walking you through four very different types of people I see doing this work with ketamine—from people seeking mental health healing, to high-achieving leaders who feel stuck inside the lives they’ve built, to biohackers interested in neuroplasticity, to people in their 60s, 70s, and 80s who are discovering that it is absolutely not too late to change their brains. Because ketamine isn’t just for the person in crisis. In this episode, we talk about: Ketamine for depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, and treatment-resistant mental health conditionsWhy leaders and high achievers may use ketamine as a pattern interrupt when they feel stuckWhat biohackers and optimizers may get wrong about ketamine—and why surrender mattersKetamine, aging, and neuroplasticityWhy you don’t need a diagnosis to want more out of your own mindThe point isn’t that there are exactly four kinds of people who use ketamine. It’s that the actual range of people doing this work with ketamine is so much wider than the person in crisis. And somewhere in that wide range, there’s room for you too. Because it’s not ketamine that creates the transformation. It’s you. Ketamine opens the door, and it’s up to you to walk through it. 🧠 KETAMINE RESOURCES Ketamine Starter Portal (KSP) New to ketamine or curious about whether it might be right for you? Start here for free resources to help you learn more about ketamine and how to approach the experience intentionally. 👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/free Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) Ready to go deeper? KPP is my full preparation framework, developed from more than five years of working one-on-one with clients and guiding them through ketamine preparation and integration. 👉 https://www.annakrishtal.com/kpp 📚 REFERENCES + RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Episode 56: From Workaholic to Whole Self: Ketamine’s Role in Breaking Patterns with Nathania Stambouli A conversation about reaching high levels of success, getting unstuck, and Nathania’s experience using ketamine to break old patterns. Episode 99: “My Depression Is Gone.” What Happened After Just 10 Days of Ketamine with Brett Olson Brett Olson shares his experience with ketamine, success, depression, and what changed for him after just 10 days. Episode 95: Neuroplasticity and What's Actually Happening in Your Brain During Ketamine A deeper dive into neuroplasticity, including the difference between gripping and surrender—and why surrender is something you practice rather than force or white-knuckle. Stealing Fire by Steven Kotler and Jamie Wheal A book exploring how high performers, innovators, scientists, and groups like the Navy SEALs have used altered states and non-ordinary ways of thinking to move beyond ordinary patterns.

  2. Sep 2

    Episode 109 | How to Get Your Mom to Try Ketamine

    Do you want your mom to try ketamine? Yeah… me too. When ketamine has helped you experience healing, freedom, or transformation, it’s incredibly normal to want the people you love to experience it too. But there’s a big difference between opening the door to ketamine therapy and trying to drag someone through it. And apparently, I got to learn this lesson firsthand with my own mom. In this episode of Ketamine Connections, I’m sharing what happened when I finally told my mom, “I would honestly love for you to try ketamine sometime”—and the questions, fears, and concerns that came next. We’re talking about: ✨ Why you DON’T want to become a ketamine or psychedelic evangelist ✨ How to talk to a loved one who’s curious—but apprehensive—about ketamine ✨ What ketamine actually feels like compared to alcohol or cannabis ✨ The fear of losing control, saying something you regret, or “not being yourself” ✨ Ketamine and memory loss: what can actually happen during a session ✨ Why your loved one’s questions are sacred—even when they sound fear-based ✨ How safety, curiosity, and moving slowly can keep the conversation open Because here’s the thing: the goal isn’t necessarily getting them to say yes. The win might simply be creating enough safety that they keep asking questions. If you’re wondering how to talk to your mom, partner, friend, or loved one about ketamine therapy without pushing them away, this episode is for you. Get inside the FREE Ketamine Starter Portal: https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/free This is where all of our free resources from 100+ episodes of Ketamine Connections live, including the companion resource for this episode. Want to get the most out of your ketamine experience? Explore the Ketamine Preparation Protocol: https://www.annakrishtal.com/kpp 🎧 LISTEN NEXT Episode 70: Should You Tell Your Family You’re Doing Ketamine? A Guide to Sharing (or Not Sharing) Your Journey This is the perfect companion episode if you’re trying to figure out whether to tell your family or friends about your own ketamine experience, how much to share, and how to protect something that may still feel tender and new.

  3. Aug 26

    Episode 108 | New to Ketamine? 3 Things to Know Before You Start

    If you're new to ketamine therapy or Spravato (esketamine), figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming. How do you choose the right ketamine clinic or treatment provider? How should you prepare for a ketamine or Spravato session? And what should you do afterward to support the changes you're hoping to create? With more than 100 episodes of Ketamine Connections, there’s a lot you could listen to—but in this episode, Anna Kristall, your Ketamine Coach, boils it down to the three foundational episodes every ketamine beginner should hear. These principles can also be valuable if you're receiving Spravato treatment for depression and want to take a more intentional role in what happens before, during, and after your appointments. Because getting more out of ketamine isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about preparing adequately and learning how to work with your treatment instead of simply showing up and hoping for the best. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to choose a ketamine clinic or provider and what questions to ask before beginning treatmentHow to advocate for yourself within a ketamine or Spravato treatment settingWhy your preparation begins before ketamine or esketamine ever enters your systemHow to prepare for a ketamine or Spravato session more intentionallyWhat to avoid before treatment, including heavy input, emotional chaos, and unnecessary stressWhat to prioritize instead: space, gentle movement, introspection, intention, meditation, journaling, or hypnosisWhy the hours immediately after ketamine can be such an important part of the processHow to be intentional about your environment and inputs after a ketamine or Spravato treatmentWhy you don't need to immediately interpret everything that happened during your experienceWhat to do if you've already started ketamine therapy or Spravato without intentionally preparing beforehandThe 3 foundational Ketamine Connections episodes: Episode 36 — How to Choose a Ketamine Clinic Learn what to look for in a ketamine provider, which questions to ask before booking, and how to advocate for the support you need throughout treatment. Episode 48 — The Hours Before Ketamine Your experience begins before the medicine ever enters your body. Learn how to prepare your mind, environment, and subconscious before a ketamine session. Many of these preparation principles can also be applied when preparing for a Spravato appointment. Episode 33 — The Hours After Ketamine Learn how to be intentional with the period following your session, capture what surfaced, and create conditions that support meaningful change rather than immediately returning to your usual inputs and routines. And if you've already started ketamine therapy or Spravato treatments without doing any of this? It isn't too late. Preparation and intention are practices you can begin with your very next session. Sometimes changing what happens around your treatments is exactly what helps you engage with the process differently. If you're exploring ketamine therapy, IV ketamine, ketamine-assisted therapy, or Spravato (esketamine), preparing for your first treatment, or wondering how to get more out of sessions you've already started, consider this your starting point. Free Ketamine & Spravato Resources Get the free Ketamine Starter Portal: https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/free Inside, you'll find resources to help you understand ketamine treatment, prepare for your sessions, and approach the experience more intentionally. Go deeper with the Ketamine Preparation Protocol: https://www.annakrishtal.com/kpp The Ketamine Preparation Protocol helps you prepare your subconscious mind, clarify your intentions, and create the conditions for meaningful transformation before, during, and after ketamine. Whether you're beginning ketamine infusions, at-home ketamine, ketamine-assisted therapy, or Spravato treatment, Ketamine Connections is here to help you better understand the process and become an active participant in your experience. Follow Ketamine Connections wherever you listen so you never miss an episode—and send this episode to someone who just discovered ketamine or Spravato and has no idea where to begin.

  4. Aug 12

    Episode 106 | Ketamine Doesn't Care How Badly You Want It to Work

    Wanting ketamine to work and actually being ready for ketamine therapy to change your life are two very different things. You can desperately want relief. You can be exhausted by depression, anxiety, or the patterns that have kept you stuck. You can walk into your first ketamine treatment hoping this is finally the thing that works. But ketamine isn’t magic—and the medicine can’t do all of the work for you. In this episode of Ketamine Connections, Ketamine Coach Anna Kristall explores what it actually means to be ready for ketamine therapy and why ketamine preparation, your nervous system, your subconscious mind, your support system, and your willingness to participate in your healing can matter just as much as the medicine itself. Using the metaphor of preparing soil before planting a seed, Anna explains why two people can receive the same ketamine dose from the same provider and walk away with completely different experiences—and why that doesn’t necessarily mean ketamine “worked” for one person and failed the other. In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between wanting relief and actually being ready for changeWhy ketamine is better understood as a catalyst, not a magic fixHow your nervous system’s capacity can affect your ability to integrate changeWhy Anna doesn’t love the idea of ketamine as a simple “six-session fix”How to think about ketamine healing as a season rather than a quick solutionWhy your subconscious mind can reinforce both helpful and unhelpful beliefsThe difference between being open to ketamine and being genuinely ready to participateWhy fear doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t ready for ketamineHow your relationships, environment, and support system can influence your ketamine experienceThree questions to ask yourself before beginning—or continuing—your ketamine journeyMost importantly, readiness isn’t a test you have to pass. You don’t need a perfect life, a perfectly regulated nervous system, or every piece of your healing figured out before you begin. The goal isn’t perfect conditions. It’s becoming ready enough to honestly engage with what comes up and participate in the changes you’re asking ketamine to help create. Before your next ketamine session, ask yourself: Am I actually prepared for my life to change? Not just your mood—but potentially your relationships, habits, thinking, and the stories you’ve been telling yourself about who you are. Then ask what support you have around you and whether you’re willing to actually do something with what emerges from your journeys. Because the more you participate in this work, the more you can get out of it. Mentioned in This Episode Episode 28 — Should You Go Solo or Have a Sitter? Pros and Cons of Ketamine Journeys Ketamine Starter Portal — Access free ketamine resources, including resources connected to Episode 28. 👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/free Ketamine Preparation Protocol — Anna’s comprehensive preparation program created from years of one-on-one work preparing clients for ketamine journeys. Learn how to prepare your subconscious mind, understand what you’re planting during the neuroplastic window, and become an active participant in your ketamine healing process. 👉 www.annakrishtal.com/kpp Topics Ketamine therapy, ketamine treatment, ketamine preparation, preparing for ketamine therapy, first ketamine session, ketamine integration, ketamine healing, ketamine for depression, ketamine for anxiety, psychedelic therapy, psychedelic integration, subconscious mind, nervous system regulation, neuroplasticity, ketamine coaching, at-home ketamine, ketamine-assisted therapy

  5. Aug 5

    Episode 105 | How to Know if Ketamine Is Working

    For years, maybe decades, you've been carrying emotional weight. The problem is... you probably don't even realize how heavy it is anymore. In this episode of Ketamine Connections, Anna Krishtal explains one of the most profound—and overlooked—experiences people have during ketamine therapy: realizing that depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other long-standing mental states may not actually be who you are. Using the metaphor of carrying a backpack filled with years of stress, trauma, coping mechanisms, and emotional survival strategies, Anna explores why ketamine can feel so life-changing even without dramatic visions or emotional breakthroughs. Because sometimes healing isn't about discovering something new. Sometimes it's simply remembering what it feels like to put the backpack down. You'll also learn why the contrast between your old baseline and a new experience of lightness may be one of the most powerful catalysts for lasting healing, how the brain's Default Mode Network keeps you locked into familiar patterns, and why small shifts often matter far more than the dramatic psychedelic experiences people expect. If you've ever wondered whether your ketamine session "worked," or worried that you didn't have a big enough breakthrough, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why depression, anxiety, and PTSD often become part of your identity  The backpack metaphor that explains emotional weight  How ketamine temporarily quiets the Default Mode Network  Why contrast—not catharsis—is often where healing begins  The surprising power of "small cracks" during psychedelic therapy  Why chasing a perfect ketamine experience can actually get in the way  How integration helps expand small moments of change into lasting transformation  What to notice after your ketamine session instead of asking, "Did it work?" Resources Mentioned 🎧 Episode 102: Why a Disappointing Ketamine Session Might Be the Most Important One You Ever Have 🧠 The Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) Learn how to prepare your subconscious mind before ketamine so you can get more out of every journey. 👉 https://www.annakrishtal.com/kpp 🤝 Work With Anna One-on-One Sometimes it's difficult to recognize your own patterns when you're living inside them. Personalized coaching helps you identify the "small cracks" that become lasting transformation. 👉 https://www.annakrishtal.com/coaching-info Loved this episode? If this conversation changed how you think about ketamine, depression, or healing, please: ⭐ Leave a review 📤 Share this episode with someone preparing for ketamine therapy 🎙️ Follow Ketamine Connections so you never miss an episode. Because sometimes the most important healing isn't the dramatic breakthrough. Sometimes it's simply discovering how light you were always meant to feel.

  6. Jul 29

    Episode 104 | Should I Do Ketamine or Another Psychedelic?

    If you've been wondering whether ketamine is the "beginner psychedelic," whether you should wait until you're "ready" for mushrooms or ayahuasca, or whether another psychedelic might work better... this episode is for you. In today's episode of Ketamine Connections, we're breaking down one of the biggest misconceptions in the psychedelic space: the idea that there's a hierarchy of psychedelics. Here's the truth: there is no "best" psychedelic. Ketamine isn't a lighter version of psilocybin. Mushrooms aren't a scarier version of ketamine. Ayahuasca isn't the "advanced level." Every psychedelic works differently in the brain, interacts with different receptors, and offers its own unique medicine. More importantly, comparing psychedelics often distracts you from the healing that's already available right in front of you. If you've ever worried that choosing ketamine somehow "doesn't count," or felt like you're taking the easy way out compared to someone else's psychedelic journey, this conversation will help you let go of that belief and fully trust the medicine you've chosen. In this episode, you'll learn: Why comparing ketamine to other psychedelics is like comparing apples and orangesThe biggest mistake people make when choosing a psychedelicWhy there is no hierarchy of psychedelicsHow comparison quietly sabotages your healingWhy trust matters more than the specific medicine you chooseHow to stop wondering if you're doing psychedelics "the right way"Why fully committing to your ketamine journey can create deeper transformationMentioned in this episode: 🧠 Episode 98: The Perfectionist's Guide to Ketamine Learn how perfectionism and ego can quietly interfere with your healing journey. 🎧 Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) Want to get more out of your ketamine treatments before you even begin? The Ketamine Preparation Protocol teaches you how to prepare your subconscious mind, set meaningful intentions, and maximize the neuroplastic window that ketamine creates. 👉 https://www.annakristhal.com/kpp If Ketamine Connections has helped you better understand ketamine therapy, psychedelic preparation, or integration, I'd be so grateful if you'd subscribe, leave a rating, or share this episode with someone who's trying to decide whether ketamine is the right path for them. Every share helps more people find trustworthy, evidence-informed education about ketamine and psychedelic healing. Until next time, stay curious, stay courageous, and I'll see you next week on Ketamine Connections.

  7. Jul 22

    Episode 103 | The One Thing That Causes a Bad Ketamine Trip

    One of the biggest fears keeping people from trying ketamine therapy is the fear of having a bad trip. But what if the thing that actually makes a ketamine session "bad" isn't what comes up... but how we relate to what comes up? In this episode of Ketamine Connections, ketamine coach and hypnotherapist Anna Krishtal breaks down one of the most common concerns she hears from clients: "What if I have a bad ketamine trip?" Drawing on years of guiding clients through ketamine preparation and integration, Anna shares why fear often disguises itself as logic, how the subconscious mind accidentally rehearses the very experiences we're trying to avoid, and why surrender—not control—is one of the most important skills you can develop before treatment. You'll also learn the three ways fear commonly shows up before ketamine therapy, why hard sessions are often the most transformative, and how proper preparation can completely change your relationship with challenging experiences. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why fear of a bad ketamine trip is one of the biggest barriers to healing  The three ways fear shows up before ketamine therapy: bracing, white-knuckling, and fear of punishment Why "worrying is praying for what you don't want" from the perspective of the subconscious mind  How the subconscious mind processes fear differently than the conscious mind  Why resistance—not difficult content—is what creates a bad ketamine experience  The difference between a hard session and a bad session  How curiosity transforms challenging ketamine journeys  Why surrender is a skill you can practice before your treatment  How anxiety may actually prepare you for working with ketamine  Why preparation—not luck—is one of the biggest predictors of a meaningful ketamine experience Resources Mentioned 🧠 The Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) Prepare your subconscious—not just your body—for ketamine therapy. Learn the skills of surrender, intention-setting, nervous system regulation, and integration before you ever sit in the chair. https://www.annakrishtal.com/kpp 🌱 The FREE Ketamine Starter Portal Not ready for KPP? Start here with free ketamine education and resources. https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/free 💛 Submit Your Ketamine Transformation Story Have ketamine changed your life? I'd love to hear your story—and you may even be featured on a future episode of Ketamine Connections. https://forms.gle/9bVh2QHkJf4X6TqM8 📝 Listener Survey Help shape future episodes of the podcast by sharing what you'd like me to cover next. It takes less than three minutes. https://forms.gle/RZb29Ecwn9vRkQTC9 The fear of a bad trip doesn't have to stop you from healing. The medicine isn't judging you. It isn't punishing you. And difficult moments during ketamine therapy aren't signs that something has gone wrong. More often than not, they're invitations. The good news? Curiosity, surrender, and trust aren't personality traits—they're skills. And skills can be learned. If this episode helped you feel more prepared for your ketamine journey, I'd be so grateful if you'd leave a review and share it with someone who's been afraid to take the first step. Stay curious.

  8. Jul 15

    Episode 102 | Why Your "Disappointing" Ketamine Session Might Be Your Most Important

    Have you ever walked out of a ketamine session wondering... "Did it work?" Maybe your first journey felt profound, emotional, or even life-changing, and your second felt... ordinary. Or maybe you expected vivid visuals, deep insights, or an overwhelming breakthrough, but instead found yourself wondering if you did something wrong. In this episode of Ketamine Connections, we're exploring one of the most important truths in psychedelic healing: You get the trip you need—not necessarily the one you want. We'll talk about why every ketamine journey is different, why comparing sessions can actually hold you back, and how learning to trust the medicine can completely change your healing process. Using a real client story, I walk you through how expectations almost convinced one client that ketamine had "stopped working" after an incredible first session—and how looking one layer deeper revealed that his most valuable healing wasn't happening during the journey itself, but afterward. We'll also explore why so many people question whether the insights they receive are "real," what your Default Mode Network has to do with self-doubt, and how to recognize the difference between forcing meaning and allowing genuine insight to emerge. If you're preparing for ketamine therapy, already receiving ketamine treatments, or simply trying to get more from your psychedelic integration process, this episode will help you approach your sessions with greater trust, curiosity, and confidence. In this episode, we discuss:  Why every ketamine journey feels different  What "you get the trip you need" really means  Why expecting every session to feel profound can create disappointment  How comparing ketamine sessions keeps you from seeing what's actually happening  The difference between trust and control during psychedelic healing  A real client story about expectations, fear, and learning to listen to the medicine  How to tell the difference between genuine insight and overthinking  The role of the Default Mode Network in ketamine therapy  Why your body often recognizes truth before your mind does  How ketamine integration turns experiences into lasting change Resources Mentioned ✨ The Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) If you're preparing for ketamine—or want to get more from the treatments you're already doing—my signature framework walks you through exactly how to prepare your subconscious mind before treatment so you can maximize the neuroplastic window afterward. ➡️ https://www.annakrishtal.com/kpp ✨ Join the FREE Ketamine Starter Portal Inside you'll find free resources, recommended podcast episodes, preparation tools, and updates on upcoming integration offerings. ➡️ https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/free Submit Your Ketamine Transformation Story Has ketamine changed your life? I'm looking for listeners who are willing to share their stories on the podcast to inspire others who are just beginning their healing journey. Submit your story here: https://forms.gle/RZb29Ecwn9vRkQTC9 Enjoying the show? If this episode helped you feel more confident about your ketamine journey, I'd be so grateful if you'd subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who could use a little more hope today.

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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
    125
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Your Ketamine Coach
  • Show Website
    Ketamine Connections

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