Psychedelic Source

Dr. Sandra Dreisbach

Join Dr. Sandra Dreisbach on Psychedelic Source, your trusted connection to the psychedelic community and the evolving landscape of psychedelic medicine. Each episode features expert discussions on ethical practice, business development, and community building in the psychedelic ecosystem. Whether you're establishing your practice, seeking professional growth, or deepening your understanding of psychedelic medicine, this show serves as a source of community perspectives and practical resources to thrive in this dynamic space.

  1. Ep15 Benjamin Malcolm - The Pharmacology of Healing: How Psychedelics Are Transforming Mental Health Treatment

    JUN 1

    Ep15 Benjamin Malcolm - The Pharmacology of Healing: How Psychedelics Are Transforming Mental Health Treatment

    Most people think psychedelics are about tripping, but what if our "safe" approach is actually hurting people? In this episode of Psychedelic Source, Dr. Sandra Dreisbach sits down with Ben Malcolm, a psychiatric pharmacist and consultant at spiritpharmacist.com, to discuss the complex world of psychedelic use, harm reduction, and the surprising gaps in our understanding. Ben shares his personal story of how a fascination with psychoactive substances as a teenager led him down a path of intellectual curiosity and eventually to specialize in psychiatric pharmacy. He explains how his early experiences made him question established public health policies and drug regulation. Sandra brings her expertise as well, questioning Ben on his professional ethics, and how he navigates helping people in a grounded way, within the means of his profession and maybe outside. Sandra and Ben then talk about: - Why the "one-size-fits-all" approach to psychedelics is failing people. - How current drug policies create more harm than good. - The surprising dangers of mixing psychedelics with certain medications. - Practical harm reduction strategies for people with bipolar disorder. - Why the psychedelic space needs to be more informed and less puritanical. Ben also shares some advice to people considering working with psychedelics in the environment we find ourselves in right now. Ben challenges the common belief that all prescription medications are bad and all "natural" substances are good, pointing out the hypocrisy in the psychedelic community's approach to harm reduction. Tune in to hear Dr. Sandra Dreisbach and Ben Malcolm challenge conventional wisdom and provide a fresh perspective on how we can approach psychedelics in a more informed and responsible way. Ready to expand your mind and challenge your assumptions? Subscribe to Psychedelic Source now and join the conversation! Visit spiritpharmacist.com for more resources from Ben Malcolm. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.psychedelicsourcepodcast.com/15 **Disclaimer**The information shared on this podcast, our website, and other platforms may be triggering for some viewers and readers and is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or therapeutic advice.While we explore topics related to altered states of consciousness, we do not endorse or encourage illegal activities or substance use. Always research your local laws and consult qualified professionals for guidance.The content provided is "as is," and we are not liable for any actions taken based on the information shared. Stay supported and informed, act responsibly, and enjoy the podcast!

    59 min
  2. Ep14 Sergio Rodriguez-Castillo - Psychedelics: Are We Missing the Point? One Therapist's Bold Take

    MAY 27

    Ep14 Sergio Rodriguez-Castillo - Psychedelics: Are We Missing the Point? One Therapist's Bold Take

    Psychedelics are going mainstream, but are we losing the heart of what they offer? Join Dr. Sandra Dreisbach on Psychedelic Source as she sits down with Sergio Rodriguez-Castillo, a psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience in the psychedelic space. Sergio shares his personal story of finding his way back to his Mexican roots through psychedelic medicine, and challenges the Western view of psychedelics as simply a treatment for trauma. Sergio's story is one of unexpected turns. From his early interest sparked by Jim Morrison and The Doors, to his time at CIIS, and eventually becoming an apprentice to a Mexican healer, Sergio's journey is a testament to the power of the medicine to guide us where we need to go. Sandra brings her sharp insights, questioning the common beliefs about medicine and growth. She highlights the limitations of a Western, human-centered view, pushing Sergio to share his experiences with traditions and the importance of relationship with the plants themselves. Sergio emphasizes the need for well-trained guides, sharing insights from his dissertation research on training programs. He breaks down the key elements of proper training: - Intra-personal: Working on your own "stuff" before guiding others. - Interpersonal: The technical, legal, and ethical aspects of guiding. - Transpersonal: Connecting with spirit and understanding the spiritual aspects of psychedelics. Sergio shares stories of abuse and harm within psychedelic communities, stressing that ethical guidelines are useless without deep personal work. He also shares the traditions, where the focus is on relationship and balance. Sandra and Sergio touch on reciprocity, cultural sensitivity, and the need to honor traditions when working with plant medicine. They discuss the different ways people connect with the divine. Sergio leaves us with a powerful message: "You are okay just the way you are. You are loved beyond belief and things are unfolding exactly as they should." Ready to expand your mind and shift your perspective? Subscribe to Psychedelic Source and join the conversation! Tune in to hear Sandra and Sergio's discussion, and discover a fresh perspective on healing, growth, and the potential of psychedelic medicine. The dissertation that Sergio mentions in the episode: An Integral Blueprint for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy the Training of a General Practitioner of the Soul - ProQuest https://www.proquest.com/docview/3146016346 Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.psychedelicsourcepodcast.com/14 **Disclaimer**The information shared on this podcast, our website, and other platforms may be triggering for some viewers and readers and is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or therapeutic advice.While we explore topics related to altered states of consciousness, we do not endorse or encourage illegal activities or substance use. Always research your local laws and consult qualified professionals for guidance.The content provided is "as is," and we are not liable for any actions taken based on the information shared. Stay supported and informed, act responsibly, and enjoy the podcast!

    59 min
  3. Ep13 Branden Singletary - The Art of Creative Collaboration: How a Philosopher and Artist Designed a Transformative Oracle Deck

    MAY 7

    Ep13 Branden Singletary - The Art of Creative Collaboration: How a Philosopher and Artist Designed a Transformative Oracle Deck

    Ever wonder what happens when a deep thinker and a visual artist team up? In this episode of Psychedelic Source, Dr. Sandra Dreisbach sits down with artist Branden Singletary to talk about their amazing project: creating the Thyrsus Oracle Deck. Sandra, with her background in philosophy and her work in the transformational space, brought her ideas and initial sketches. Branden, an artist who sees the world in images and patterns, translated those concepts into powerful drawings. They share the story of how they met on LinkedIn and how their shared interest in philosophy sparked this collaboration. You'll hear about the back-and-forth process, the moments of challenge (like creating the "Choose" card with its seven facets!), and the joy of seeing concepts come to life visually. They discuss the evolution of cards like "Trust," starting from a simple idea and growing into a layered image. Branden talks about his process, drawing by hand digitally and how he aimed to capture the feel of traditional charcoal. Sandra highlights the depth and energy in his work, noting how even simple images feel alive. Learn about the later addition of "elemental" cards like "Rock" and "Fruit," and how these simpler images offer a different way to connect with the core ideas. Branden shares his favorite cards, including "Goddess," "Ascend," and "Source," and reflects on the unexpected gift of collaboration. Sandra expresses her deep appreciation for Branden's artistry and the transformative experience of working together on this project. This conversation is a beautiful look at how ideas, images, and collaboration can create something truly special. Tune in to hear the full story and get a glimpse into the making of this powerful deck. Subscribe to Psychedelic Source for more conversations that explore the depths of transformation and creativity. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.psychedelicsourcepodcast.com/13 **Disclaimer** The information shared on this podcast, our website, and other platforms may be triggering for some viewers and readers and is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. While we explore topics related to altered states of consciousness, we do not endorse or encourage illegal activities or substance use. Always research your local laws and consult qualified professionals for guidance. The content provided is "as is," and we are not liable for any actions taken based on the information shared. Stay supported and informed, act responsibly, and enjoy the podcast!

    1h 7m
  4. Ep12 Mitchell Gomez - The Hidden Cost of Outdated Safety Policies

    MAR 22

    Ep12 Mitchell Gomez - The Hidden Cost of Outdated Safety Policies

    Mitchell Gomez shares how finding a psychedelic book at age 11 sparked a lifelong mission in drug safety education. In this powerful episode of Psychedelic Source, Dr. Sandra Dreisbach sits down with Mitchell Gomez, Executive Director of DanceSafe, for an honest discussion about drug safety, personal responsibility, and the ancient roots of psychedelic use. Mitchell opens up about his early exposure to psychedelics through literature and his first MDMA experience at 14. His story takes an important turn as he explains how losing many friends to unsafe substances drove his commitment to harm reduction. Dr. Dreisbach guides the conversation through fascinating territory, from Mitchell's collection of pre-Columbian psychedelic artifacts to the pressing issues in today's drug safety landscape. Together, they break down: • The critical importance of drug testing in today's market • How ancient cultures viewed and used psychedelics • The real story behind DanceSafe's leadership structure • Practical safety advice for modern psychedelic use Mitchell shares invaluable insights about drug testing, highlighting how current market conditions make it essential for safety. His expertise shines through as he explains the organization's peer education model and practical harm reduction strategies. The episode features an enlightening discussion about Mitchell's remarkable collection of ancient psychedelic artifacts, connecting past wisdom to present-day safety practices. Ready to learn more about responsible drug use and safety? Listen now and gain practical knowledge that could save lives. Follow Psychedelic Source for more conversations that matter. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.psychedelicsourcepodcast.com/12 **Disclaimer** The information shared on this podcast, our website, and other platforms may be triggering for some viewers and readers and is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. While we explore topics related to altered states of consciousness, we do not endorse or encourage illegal activities or substance use. Always research your local laws and consult qualified professionals for guidance. The content provided is "as is," and we are not liable for any actions taken based on the information shared. Stay supported and informed, act responsibly, and enjoy the podcast!

    58 min
  5. Ep11 Elizabeth Hoke & Julio Iniguez - Breaking the Addiction Cycle: A Revolutionary Approach to Recovery Through Connection

    MAR 13

    Ep11 Elizabeth Hoke & Julio Iniguez - Breaking the Addiction Cycle: A Revolutionary Approach to Recovery Through Connection

    Traditional recovery programs told them "no" - but these experts found a better way. In this powerful episode of Psychedelic Source, Dr. Sandra Dreisbach sits down with Elizabeth Hoke and Julio Iniguez, founders of Recovery's Remedy, to explore the complex intersection of psychedelics and addiction recovery. Elizabeth, a Portland-based therapist specializing in addiction recovery, shares her raw journey from working in bars at 16 to finding healing through both traditional programs and plant medicine. Her story highlights how psilocybin helped her find a spiritual connection she never thought possible. Julio brings his unique perspective as a marriage and family therapist, describing how his early experiences as a Mexican immigrant shaped his relationship with substances and eventually led him to create a new model of recovery support. Together, they challenge the rigid rules of traditional recovery programs while offering practical wisdom about: • Why shame-free spaces are essential for true healing • How to build healthy relationships with plant medicines • The importance of set, setting, and proper integration • Why connection matters more than abstinence • Creating recovery spaces that welcome your whole self Dr. Sandra guides this honest conversation with genuine curiosity, helping unpack complex topics like right relationship, the risks of solo practice, and finding balance between recovery and psychedelic work. This episode offers hope for anyone questioning traditional recovery paths or seeking to understand how psychedelics might fit into their healing journey. Want to be part of this important conversation? Subscribe now and join our growing community of seekers and healers working to transform addiction recovery. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.psychedelicsourcepodcast.com/11 **Disclaimer**The information shared on this podcast, our website, and other platforms may be triggering for some viewers and readers and is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or therapeutic advice.While we explore topics related to altered states of consciousness, we do not endorse or encourage illegal activities or substance use. Always research your local laws and consult qualified professionals for guidance.The content provided is "as is," and we are not liable for any actions taken based on the information shared. Stay supported and informed, act responsibly, and enjoy the podcast!

    1h 1m
  6. Ep10 Dr. Nicholas Byron Powers - A New Vision for Social Change Through Psychedelics

    MAR 6

    Ep10 Dr. Nicholas Byron Powers - A New Vision for Social Change Through Psychedelics

    Dr. Sandra Dreisbach sits down with Dr. Nicholas Powers, an English professor, activist, and author of "Black Psychedelic Revolution" for a profound conversation about psychedelics' role in social transformation. Drawing from his personal history, Powers shares how his mother's experiences at Woodstock shaped his understanding of psychedelics as tools for liberation. He explains how these substances can help people break free from societal constraints and connect more deeply with others. Sandra guides the discussion through key insights about: • How psychedelics can heal both personal and collective trauma • The importance of creating safe, culturally-informed spaces for healing • Why revolutionary change might come through love rather than conflict • The power of storytelling in building bridges between communities Powers brings a fresh perspective on psychedelic therapy, weaving together his experiences as a poet, activist, and educator to show how these medicines can spark meaningful social change. His vision challenges traditional revolutionary thinking, suggesting that true transformation comes not through force, but through expanded awareness and human connection. This episode offers: - Practical insights for creating supportive psychedelic experiences - Stories about healing racial trauma - A new framework for social change - Deep wisdom about human connection Want to be part of this important conversation? Subscribe to Psychedelic Source and join our growing community of seekers and healers working toward positive change. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.psychedelicsourcepodcast.com/10 **Disclaimer** The information shared on this podcast, our website, and other platforms may be triggering for some viewers and readers and is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. While we explore topics related to altered states of consciousness, we do not endorse or encourage illegal activities or substance use. Always research your local laws and consult qualified professionals for guidance. The content provided is "as is," and we are not liable for any actions taken based on the information shared. Stay supported and informed, act responsibly, and enjoy the podcast!

    42 min
  7. Ep9 Julian Evans - The Missing Piece in Psychedelic Safety: Support After the Experience

    FEB 27

    Ep9 Julian Evans - The Missing Piece in Psychedelic Safety: Support After the Experience

    What happens when psychedelic experiences don't go as planned? In this raw and honest episode of Psychedelic Source, Dr. Sandra Dreisbach sits down with Jules Evans, founder of the Challenging Psychedelic Experiences Project. Jules shares his personal story, from his first psychedelic experience at age 15 to the challenging trip at 18 that changed his life path. Through his work, he's gathered data from over 600 people who faced difficulties after psychedelic use - some lasting years. Dr. Sandra and Jules break down the myths around "bad trips" and discuss what really helps people recover. They explore the current state of psychedelic culture, the need for better safety systems, and why having honest conversations about risks matters. Key Topics: - Results from groundbreaking research on post-psychedelic difficulties - Common challenges people face after psychedelic experiences - Why support systems matter more than we think - The balance between hope and realism in psychedelic therapy - Practical safety advice for those considering psychedelics This episode offers essential insights for anyone interested in psychedelics, mental health professionals, or those who've had their own challenging experiences. Listen in as two leading voices in psychedelic safety share what they've learned about making these powerful tools safer for everyone. Want to stay informed about psychedelic safety and integration? Subscribe to Psychedelic Source for more conversations that matter. Join our community of thoughtful explorers and professionals working to create better standards in psychedelic care. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.psychedelicsourcepodcast.com/9 **Disclaimer** The information shared on this podcast, our website, and other platforms may be triggering for some viewers and readers and is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. While we explore topics related to altered states of consciousness, we do not endorse or encourage illegal activities or substance use. Always research your local laws and consult qualified professionals for guidance. The content provided is "as is," and we are not liable for any actions taken based on the information shared. Stay supported and informed, act responsibly, and enjoy the podcast!

    56 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Join Dr. Sandra Dreisbach on Psychedelic Source, your trusted connection to the psychedelic community and the evolving landscape of psychedelic medicine. Each episode features expert discussions on ethical practice, business development, and community building in the psychedelic ecosystem. Whether you're establishing your practice, seeking professional growth, or deepening your understanding of psychedelic medicine, this show serves as a source of community perspectives and practical resources to thrive in this dynamic space.