Living Medicine

Dr. Sandy Newes
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This is the Living Medicine podcast where we talk about ethical, medical use of psychedelic psychotherapy- teaching skills, examining the issues, and interviewing interesting people.

  1. FEB 19

    Honoring Ancient Wisdom and Guarding Against Harm: What Practitioners Should Know

    Dana Lerman, MD, is the Founder of Skylight Psychedelics, a company that trains therapists in psychedelic‑assisted therapy and provides medically supervised ketamine and psychedelic interventions. As a physician trained in internal medicine and infectious diseases, she was the Co-founder of The COVID Consultants, a national COVID-19 consulting and testing firm. Dr. Lerman has received certifications in psychedelic therapy, Internal Family Systems, trauma, and ecotherapy. In addition to Skylight Psychedelics, she co‑founded Starlight Clinical Research and volunteers with harm‑reduction and psychedelic supportive care projects like The Zendo Project. In this episode… As psychedelics become more integrated into mainstream therapy, the challenges of preserving tradition while ensuring safety and effectiveness remain at the forefront of this evolving field. How can professionals bridge this gap? Physician turned psychedelic therapy practitioner Dana Lerman, MD, suggests blending indigenous wisdom with modern therapeutic practices. She emphasizes the importance of proper preparation and informed consent for psychedelic experiences, ensuring that participants understand both the potential benefits and risks. Safety, trust, and a deep respect for the medicine are key components of a transformative psychedelic journey. By honoring these traditions and fostering a sense of community, practitioners can create healing environments that respect the individuals and the medicines. In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes sits down with Dana Lerman, MD, to talk about the integration of indigenous practices into psychedelic therapy. Dr. Lerman shares her thoughts on the importance of preparation in psychedelic work, the role of indigenous wisdom in modern therapy, and the need for a strong community during psychedelic experiences.

    52 min

  2. FEB 12

    Psychedelic Oncology - Can Psychedelics Offer Support for Cancer Patients?

    Jason Konner, MD, is the Co‑founder of Psychedelic Oncology, an initiative exploring the intersection of psychedelic‑assisted healing and cancer care. As a medical oncologist, he spent over two decades treating patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Konner integrates relational and existential support into oncology to expand clinicians' understanding of how these therapies might ease existential distress in people facing serious illness. In this episode… Cancer care is not just about fighting the disease — it's about addressing the profound emotional and existential challenges patients face. How can healthcare providers support patients' mental and emotional needs while navigating these difficult journeys?  According to psychedelic oncologist Dr. Jason Konner, psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, can offer profound emotional relief to cancer patients by helping them address existential distress — something often overlooked in traditional oncology care. He emphasizes the importance of self-care for healthcare providers, suggesting that personal experiences with psychedelics can help combat burnout and improve the quality of care. By focusing on emotional and spiritual healing, doctors can support their patients through difficult diagnoses. In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes sits down with Jason Konner, MD, Co-founder of Psychedelic Oncology, to discuss the intersection of oncology and psychedelics. Dr. Konner explains how psychedelics help cancer patients confront existential fears, the need for psychedelic literacy among healthcare providers, and how providers can avoid burnout through personal healing practices.

    53 min

  3. JAN 15

    From Experience to Evidence: How Data-Driven Ketamine Treatment Is Combatting Depression

    Nicolas Grundmann is the Co-founder and CEO of Ember Health, which provides IV ketamine treatments for depression. As a board-certified emergency medicine physician, he launched Ember Health to create more effective, patient-centered treatment options. Nicolas is also a faculty member at the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists and Practitioners, and is the Co-founder of Chenla Children's Healthcare, which improves pediatric care in Cambodia.  In this episode… Mental health treatment is evolving as clinicians search for options that outperform traditional approaches. From data-driven care to treating trauma, anxiety, and depression together, how can clinicians create evidence-based ketamine treatments? According to emergency medicine physician Nicolas Grundmann, effective ketamine treatment starts with rigorous evidence, longitudinal data, and close care coordination. He emphasizes symptom-driven dosing, regular measurement using validated tools, and proactive follow-up to catch relapses early. Clinicians should also integrate outside therapists, help patients relearn emotional regulation after depression lifts, and avoid one-size-fits-all models.  In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes talks with Nicolas Grundmann, Co-founder and CEO of Ember Health, about evidence-based ketamine treatment for depression. Nicolas talks about using real-world data to guide care, treating depression with comorbid PTSD and anxiety, and whether to include therapy during ketamine sessions.

    51 min

  4. 12/04/2025

    Trauma-Informed Ketamine Treatment: What Clinicians Need To Know

    Dr. Sandra (Sandy) Newes, PhD, is a licensed psychiatrist and the Co-founder and Programming Director of Living Medicine Institute, which offers psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy training programs. With over 25 years of clinical experience as a psychedelic-assisted psychotherapist, she specializes in anxiety, chronic stress, trauma, and recovery. Dr. Newes is also an educator and speaker offering workshops, events, and education on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and the intersection of nature connection, trauma, and mental health. In this episode… Many people exploring mental health treatments seek options that go deeper than traditional talk therapy. They want approaches that help them access, process, and move through the patterns that keep them stuck. How can you determine which tools support meaningful change? According to psychologist and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy specialist Dr. Sandy Newes, the solution lies in combining medicine with skilled therapeutic guidance. Preparation, integration, and a strong relational container turn chemical experiences into transformation. Dr. Newes recommends working in a structured series of sessions, tracking the narrative and the body, and ensuring clients feel safe enough to explore difficult material. This process can open space for clarity, emotional release, and genuine healing. In this episode of Living Medicine, Chad Franzen of Rise25 hosts Dr. Sandy Newes, Co-founder and Programming Director of Living Medicine Institute, to discuss ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for trauma care. Dr. Newes talks about its unique clinical utility, common misconceptions about dosing, and how trauma-informed care shapes the therapeutic experience.

    41 min

  5. 11/20/2025

    MDMA and Ketamine as Tools for Trauma Treatment: Reflections From an Expert in Both

    Dr. Raymond Turpin is the Clinical and Executive Director of The Pearl Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing trauma-informed care and psychedelic-assisted therapies. He has worked in psychiatric hospitals, psychiatric emergency units, residential treatment facilities, juvenile detention, schools, and community mental health clinics. Before The Pearl Institute, Dr. Turpin co-founded Jackson County Psychological Services, which provided free and reduced-cost mental health services to the students and families of the Jackson County Public School system. In this episode… Psychedelic-assisted therapy is reshaping how clinicians understand trauma, resilience, and healing. With veterans, first responders, and countless others still struggling despite traditional treatments, many are wondering whether a different therapeutic pathway is finally within reach. What happens when medicine, neuroscience, and expanded states of consciousness converge? How can clinicians bring innovative treatments to people who need them most? With decades of experience in trauma-focused psychology, Dr. Raymond Turpin believes that meaningful healing begins by accessing the deeper layers of the psyche that conventional talk therapy often can't reach. He emphasizes the importance of preparation, safety, and intentional integration, noting that even profound non-ordinary experiences require commitment and follow-through to create transformation. Relational support, skilled guidance, and a willingness to engage with inner material can catalyze healing. In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes talks with Dr. Raymond Turpin, Clinical and Executive Director of The Pearl Institute, about psychedelic-assisted trauma therapy. Dr. Turpin shares his path into MDMA research, how his team became an expanded access site treating four clients, and why his view of ketamine evolved through clinical experience.

    1h 4m

  6. 11/06/2025

    Trauma Focused Therapy Using Psychedelics: What Does It Take To Support Deep Healing?

    Karen Sprinkel is an individual and family trauma therapist with over 30 years of practice experience. As a licensed therapist in multiple states, she combines modalities, including EMDR, Brainspotting, Somatic Experiencing, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to support clients healing from complex trauma. Karen is also a continuing education provider and the author of The Thriving Self. In this episode… As more clinicians and healers turn to ketamine, MDMA, and other medicines to heal trauma, the line between therapeutic experiences and therapy often blurs. How can practitioners ensure that these experiences heal rather than harm? According to trauma clinician Karen Sprinkel, trauma healing requires both depth and discernment. She cites experiential training, client choice, and flexibility as the pillars of safe psychedelic work. Karen also encourages clinicians to recognize trauma across cognitive, somatic, and spiritual dimensions and to prioritize integration and humility in their practice. Effective healing is intentional, informed, and compassionate.  In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes sits down with individual and family trauma therapist Karen Sprinkel to talk about trauma-informed psychedelic care. Karen explains what defines a trauma specialist, how to safely prepare clients for psychedelic sessions, and the importance of flexibility and client agency in healing trauma.

    59 min

  7. 10/23/2025

    Psychedelic Healing for Veterans: Integration, Peer Support and the Role of a Therapist

    Ken Weingardt, PhD, is the Director of Training and Education and a Clinical Advisor at Heroic Hearts Project, which provides psychedelic psychotherapy for veterans. He has over 20 years of experience designing and implementing web and mobile health programs at the US Department of Veterans Affairs. As a licensed clinical psychologist, Ken provides psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy treatments to veterans.  In this episode… Psychedelic-assisted therapy is evolving from a fringe theory to a promising modality for healing trauma, particularly among veterans. As traditional treatments often fall short, many are wondering how these medicines can be integrated safely and effectively into clinical and community settings. What makes psychedelic work transformative, and what safeguards make it ethical? According to psychologist Ken Weingardt, the key lies in preparation, integration, and respect for each client's cultural and emotional context. He recommends understanding moral injury, survivor's guilt, and the unique reintegration challenges veterans face. Additionally, clinicians should pair evidence-based methods with peer support and recognize that healing begins after the medicine.  In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes sits down with Ken Weingardt, PhD, Director of Training and Education and a Clinical Advisor at Heroic Hearts Project, to discuss how psychedelics support veteran healing. He describes the use of MDMA therapy for trauma, the role of peer support in recovery, and why integration and community are essential for lasting transformation.

    50 min

  8. 10/09/2025

    Why Community and Spirituality Matter in Psychedelic Healing

    Matt Zemon is the Co-founder and CEO of HAPPŸŸ, a mental wellness company focused on psychedelic-assisted ketamine therapy. In his role, he leads the company's vision to expand access to safe, evidence-based psychedelic-assisted ketamine therapy through telemedicine. He also oversees clinical quality, technology innovation, and integrative care programs that blend neuroscience, mindfulness, and digital tools. He is the author of multiple books, including Psychedelics for Everyone, Beyond the Trip, and The Veteran's Guide to Psychedelics. As a leader in psychedelic wellness, Matt consults with clinicians and spiritual practitioners to integrate psychedelic protocols into thoughtful healing frameworks.  In this episode… Psychedelics are transitioning from underground traditions into mainstream clinical use, sparking both excitement and debate. How do these medicines hold psychosocial and spiritual significance that modern practices should embrace? Psychedelic wellness leader Matt Zemon argues that while clinical research is critical, the vast majority of psychedelic use occurs outside medical models. He highlights the role of community, integration, and spiritual connection in healing. Rather than relying on sterile clinical settings, Matt advocates for intentional, compassionate spaces that nurture meaningful transformation. He maintains that although these medicines are catalysts for change, they are not standalone cures.  In this episode of Living Medicine, Dr. Sandy Newes sits down with Matt Zemon, Co-founder and CEO of HAPPŸŸ, to discuss the intersection of science, spirituality, and community in psychedelic work. Matt shares how group settings reinforce interconnectedness, how psychedelics help people align with themselves, and how ketamine can foster transformation and spiritual experiences.

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

This is the Living Medicine podcast where we talk about ethical, medical use of psychedelic psychotherapy- teaching skills, examining the issues, and interviewing interesting people.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Sandy Newes
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Living Medicine (c) 2024
  • Show Website
    Living Medicine