#36 - Cipriana Quann and TK Wonder: How Twin Sisters Heal Childhood Trauma with Ibogaine

Dr. Joseph Barsuglia is a clinical and research psychologist, student and initiate of Bwiti, former Christian pastor,  and an advisor in psychedelic medicine and alternative healthcare. A co-investigator in the MAPS phase 2 MDMA trials for post-traumatic stress disorder, Dr. Barsuglia has also presented novel observational research on the use of ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT, and developed guidelines for their administration. Along with his partner and co-founder, Tricia Eastman (a previous Ibogaine Uncovered guest), he has co-led psychedelic retreats through Psychedelic Journeys since 2015. Beond co-founder Talia Eisenberg is a guest co-host on the show.What We Discuss How Dr. Barsuglia first came to know iboga What makes iboga such an effective tool for healing trauma The unique therapeutic benefits of working with ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT The biggest challenges affecting practitioners offering treatment with psychedelics The commonalities and differences between what Indigenous wisdom says and a modern medical approach to psychedelics Reconciling Dr. Barsuglia’s Bwiti present with his Christian past How Dr. Barsuglia’s spiritual work complements his psychology practiceWhy It’s ImportantFrom his work as a Christian pastor to becoming a Bwiti initiate and leader in psychedelic research, Dr. Barsuglia brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and deep spiritual insight to the podcast. He offers a rare perspective on how psychedelics like ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT can address trauma in ways modern medicine is only beginning to understand, while his journey highlights the potential for integrating spiritual beliefs with therapeutic practice, making this conversation especially meaningful for those exploring the intersection of modern psychology, spirituality, and Bwiti wisdom.Relevant Links Dr. Joseph Barsuglia’s website Psychedelic Journeys Dr. Barsuglia’s Observational Research Dr. Barsuglia’s Peer-Reviewed Work Dr. Barsuglia’s Blog Dr. Barsuglia on LinkedIn

30 Okt 20241h 21min

William Leonard Pickard is a former research associate in neurobiology at Harvard Medical School, Harvard fellow in drug policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and Deputy Director of the Drug Policy Analysis Program at UCLA. His 1996 prediction of the fentanyl epidemic was published by RAND in The Future of Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids. Also known as the Acid King, Pickard was the central figure in the largest LSD manufacturing case in history. Manufacturing tens of millions of doses with a partner, at its height, Pickard’s lab produced up to a kilogram of LSD approximately every five weeks. He was eventually found guilty at trial of conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and dispense ten grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and received two life sentences.On July 27, 2020, Pickard was granted compassionate release from federal prison 20 years into his sentence. In this episode, Beond co-founder Talia Eisenberg joins Ibogaine Uncovered as co-host.What We Discuss Leonard’s introduction to psychedelics The motivation behind manufacturing such vast amounts of LSD A different kind of trip: what life in a maximum security prison was like How Leonard’s time as an underground chemist influences his current work Predicting the fentanyl crisis before it began The state of ibogaine treatment: Leonard’s ongoing research Challenges facing the psychedelic treatment industryWhy It’s ImportantWilliam Leonard Pickard’s influence on the current psychedelic landscape cannot be overstated. His commitment to cognitive liberty is balanced with a conservative approach towards how psychedelics including ibogaine should be regulated and consumed. His life story encapsulates America’s fraught relationship with drugs, from his 1996 prediction of the fentanyl crisis, to serving 20 years in a maximum security prison for conspiring to manufacture LSD. This storied background lends to unparalleled insights on the use of psychedelics, and informs his ongoing research of ibogaine treatment centers and retreats.Relevant Links William Leonard Pickard’s Bio The “acid king” prognosticates: 5 Questions for William Leonard Pickard (The Microdose) The Future of Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids (2019 paper referencing Pickard’s work) The Acid King (Rolling Stone) DEA news release: Conviction for largest LSD lab seizure in history (2003) DEA news release: Pickard And Apperson Sentenced On LSD Charges (2003) Leonard’s book, The Rose of Paracelsus

11 Okt 202457min

Lori Losch is a certified addiction recovery and psychedelic integration coach, and a member of Beond’s therapeutic coaching team. She’s also a best-selling author, wellness advocate, adventure enthusiast, and self-proclaimed lifelong truth seeker who happens to have been my coach during my 2022 ibogaine journey at Beond. Lori has worked with several medicines including ayahuasca, ketamine, psilocybin, and 5-MeO-DMT, but says ibogaine holds a special place in her heart as it launched her into her own personal healing. As a coach, she helps clients with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, alcoholism, and consumerism. As Lori likes to say, coaching clients “from survival to soul-thrival” is her honor and privilege.What We Discuss Lori’s own personal journey: from real estate to addiction recovery and psychedelic integration Why ibogaine is such an important part of Lori’s healing journey, and how it’s compared to other medicines for her What happens when someone’s biggest mess becomes their biggest message: Lori’s experience with bulimia The most essential steps when preparing for a psychedelic journey How to support clients through integration when psychedelics bring up deeply rooted emotional and psychological issues Common misconceptions about using psychedelics in addiction recovery Helping clients find freedom with food and their bodies: key steps How coaching transforms lives Coaching coaches: Lori’s advice for people aspiring to work in the psychedelic communityWhy It’s ImportantOur conversation dives deep into the transformative power of psychedelics, particularly ibogaine, in the context of healing and personal growth. Lori’s unique perspective as both a coach and someone who has undergone her own intense journey with bulimia and recovery offers invaluable insights into the potential of these medicines to not only treat maladaptive coping mechanisms but also transform lives. Her expertise in guiding clients from the depths of survival to thriving provides a roadmap for those seeking freedom from anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and addiction. This discussion highlights the importance of proper preparation and integration in the psychedelic experience, debunks common misconceptions, and underscores the profound impact of coaching in the burgeoning field of psychedelic-assisted therapy.Relevant Links Books by Lori Losch

25 Sep 202449min

Brothers Naithon and Kris Cook, also known by their stage names, Holistic Meditation and Emcee Monkey D., are a dynamic hip hop duo you may have seen on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. They go by the Freedom Renegades, and they rap about consciousness, but in a hard-hitting style influenced by old-school legends like Rakim and Scarface. In their own words, they are “two brothers on the adventure of a lifetime, making beautiful music for beautiful people.” Well versed in the psychedelic realm, Nate and Kris recently returned from a trip to Beond where they took ibogaine for the first time. To end their 10-day stay, they played a concert for guests and staff. What We Disscuss What separates the Freedom Renegades from other hip hop artists What influences their music Looking at the lyrics of “One Last Ride” What it’s like to freestyle for 2 hours a day on TikTok Nate & Kris’ different expectations and experiences of ibogaine Being in the same room together during treatment How they are integrating their experience How ibogaine has influenced their creative processWhy It’s ImportantAs the Freedom Renegades, Nate and Kris write lyrics with the goal of uplifting and inspiring listeners, drawing on musical and spiritual influences alike to deliver a message that you won’t find on the latest Billboard chart. Though Nate and Kris are the first guests on this show to have been in the same room together during their treatment, they had very different journeys. Learning about their experiences with ibogaine provides insight into how distinctly personal an experience with this medicine can be, and how one’s creative process might be influenced by a deep psychedelic journey. Relevant Links Freedom Renegades official website Freedom Renegades on YouTube Holistic Meditation on TikTok Emcee Monkey D. on TikTok Holistic Meditation on Spotify Introducing The Freedom Renegades, a Rap Duo on the Rise

15 Aug 20241h 2min

Certified sex addiction therapist Gary Katz is back for a second episode following a recent men’s retreat at Beond. Gary is the founder for the Center for Intimacy Recovery in New York. He has been trained in a variety of modalities including sensorimotor psychotherapy and EMDR. Gary joins us again to dive back into the subject of sex addiction, this time answering questions we didn’t get to cover in our last discussion, and discussing the retreat for men suffering from sex addiction. Why Gary decided to become a sex therapist after 20 years in education Self-awareness: What are the signs that one’s sexual behaviors are becoming problematic? Denial as a result of shame and guilt The first line of treatment Talk therapy: How effective is it? Where does it lack? Men’s retreat: Why six men joined Gary at Beond in May Feedback post-ibogaine treatment The importance of preparation and integrationWhy it’s important:Where much of Gary’s last appearance on the show was dedicated to unpacking the “what” and “why” of sex addiction, this episode speaks to the “how”: how to identify it, and how to treat it. Gary discusses the experience of witnessing six men dealing with different levels of compulsive or destructive sexual or intimate behaviors, who traveled to Beond to receive ibogaine treatment and engage in twice-daily group therapy sessions. How did they come to a place of feeling better? Gary highlights the importance of honesty, accountability, preparation, and integration, and reminds us that when it comes to using psychedelics or engaging in healing work of any kind, we’re all starting at different places and moving at different paces. Relevant links: Ibogaine Uncovered: Episode 31: Ibogaine for Sex Addiction and Betrayal Trauma The Center for Intimacy Recovery About Gary Center for Intimacy Recovery: Men’s Retreat Statistics on Sex Addiction in America

7 Aug 202452min

Tom Feegel is an entrepreneur, founder and the CEO of Beond. When he and his partner Talia Eisenberg, who we’ve had on the show before, co-founded Beond in early 2022, Tom was the first person to undergo treatment. Since then, he’s witnessed thousands of ibogaine treatments under an ever-improving set of protocols and standards. What we discuss:  Three unique characteristics of ibogaine when compared to other psychedelics What “the intellectual’s psychedelic” means How Tom knew he was ready for ibogaine Unpacking Tom’s life review on ibogaine How Tom’s ibogaine experience – and all other subsequent treatments – have informed Beond’s treatment process The importance of preparation and integration Tom’s vital spiritual practices Reflecting on growth and looking ahead to emerging research Why it’s important: Tom offers a unique perspective – not just on Beond itself, but on the experience of ibogaine. Combined with his personal experience, the sheer volume of transformations he’s been able to witness provide him with an intimate understanding of how much has changed and improved in the nearly three years that Beond has been in operation. As he describes it, the team’s focus is not on being the best, but on “being the best at getting better.” Tom speaks from his heart, offering reflections on his own experience with ibogaine, spirituality, and fatherhood – and reminding us of some valuable life lessons that can only be taught by children. Relevant Links: The Cure to The Opioid Epidemic in America Psychedelics Treatment for Addiction and Emotional Trauma with Tom Feegel More on Tom Feegel via the Beond Blog

15 Jul 20241h 2min

Vinessa Antoine is an award-winning actress, filmmaker and writer. She has played roles in various Canadian and American television shows including The Resident, Interrogation, Ginny & Georgia, Heartland, and Being Erica. In 2018, Vinessa made history by becoming the first black Canadian person to lead a dramatic show in Canada. She recently finished shooting another leading role in the dramatic series Plan B, scheduled to air in fall of 2024. She is currently working on a groundbreaking documentary series that challenges viewers to unlearn conventional wisdom, embrace change, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. What we discuss:  Vinessa’s primary motivation for seeking out ibogaine treatment Expectations of the ibogaine journey The visual experience: what Vinessa was shown by ibogaine What it was like to share the experience with a family member Life pre-ibogaine vs. life now: impact on career, family, motherhood Vinessa’s experience with the healing and wellness space Red flags in the wellness industry Vinessa’s upcoming docuseries: what to expect Why it’s important: Vinessa experienced ibogaine treatment at Beond a few months ago, and was primarily motivated to go to supper her brother, who was seeking help with substance use. Her journey proved to be about much more than supporting her brother. Vinessa reflects on her experience, describing the intense visual journey she was taken on by ibogaine and the lessons she learned about herself along the way. She also explains how her treatment has impacted a docuseries that aims to inspire a movement for change and empower individuals to take charge of their own lives.  Relevant Links: Vinessa Antoine - IMDB Vinessa’s Instagram

2 Jul 202445min