The Trip Report

Hosted by Beckley Waves

Business Entrepreneurship ScienceInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Feb 2025

Language

About the show

The Trip Report is a podcast and newsletter about the business, science, and policy developments of the evolving psychedelic field. While the main organizing theme is psychedelics, it is really about the many different domains that are converging to bring about this field and the assembly of what many believe to be a “New Paradigm” in science, medicine, and our understanding of the human experience. Our goal is to foster an educated and informed psychedelic ecosystem, and to do that, we will feature in-depth conversations with scientists, entrepreneurs, investors and stakeholders at the forefront of the psychedelic renaissance. www.thetripreport.com

Listen to episodes

46 recent

February 20, 202555 min

#42 Reed Finlay: Designing Spaces for Healing and Transformation

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves..Today, we’re speaking with Reed Finlay, a visionary designer and the founder of Set and Setting Design, a company dedicated to creating transformative spaces for healing and human connection.Reed’s journey began in traditional architecture, where he spent over 25 years designing everything from high-end homes to sustainable, off-grid buildings. But his career took a radical turn after a life-changing plant medicine experience that revealed the profound impact of the environment on human consciousness.Since then, Reed has focused on designing spaces specifically intended to support healing, growth, and transformation. From psychedelic ceremony rooms to retreat centers and even the Temple at Burning Man, Reed's work transcends conventional architecture by weaving together elements of nature, mysticism, and human psychology.In this conversation, we discuss:* The power of set and setting in shaping psychedelic experiences* How sacred space design can deepen emotional healing* His transformative experience that inspired his career shift* The role of architecture in the emerging field of psychedelic therapy* How principles from Donald Winnicott’s "holding environment" influence his designs* The intersection of spirituality, community, and space in modern culture* And much more.And now, I bring you my conversation with Reed Finlay.Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.Credits:* Hosted by Zach Haigney* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari* Find us at thetripreport.com* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube* Theme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com

February 6, 202550 min

#41 Josh White: Support & Coaching for Psychedelic Experiences

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves.Today, we’re speaking with Josh White, the founder and executive director of Fireside Project, an innovative nonprofit that offers psychedelic coaching and real-time peer support for people navigating psychedelic experiences.After a career as a lawyer representing the city and county of San Francisco, he shifted his focus to the mental health space and ultimately combined his two passions—psychedelics and crisis support—into Fireside Project.Fireside Project is best known for its free, confidential psychedelic support line, offering assistance to people during and after their experiences. Since launching in 2021, the hotline has facilitated over 30,000 conversations, helping individuals process everything from mystical awakenings to difficult trips. Now, Josh and his team are expanding their work through Fireside Certified Psychedelic Coaching, a service designed to provide long-term, nonclinical support to those integrating profound psychedelic insights into their daily lives.In this conversation, we discuss:* The origins of Fireside Project and its mission* How the support line works and the types of calls they receive* The launch of Fireside’s coaching program and the growing need for structured psychedelic guidance* The difference between harm reduction and transformational support* How psychedelic support fits into the future of mental health care* And much more.And now, I bring you my conversation with Josh White.Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.Credits:* Hosted by Zach Haigney* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari* Find us at thetripreport.com* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTubeTheme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com

January 23, 202557 min

#40 Tom Morgan: Dark Night of the Soul and the Future of Intelligence

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves.Today, we’re speaking with Tom Morgan, a writer, thinker, and founder of Leading Edge, a community dedicated to exploring human transformation and the evolution of intelligence.Tom’s journey began on the trading floors of Wall Street, where he built a successful career in finance before experiencing a profound and disorienting shift in consciousness—a spontaneous spiritual awakening that forced him to reconsider everything he knew about reality, mental health, and human intelligence.His work synthesizes ideas from complexity theory, depth psychology, neuroscience, and spiritual traditions to explore how individuals and society at large can transition toward what he calls attractor intelligence—a hidden force guiding us toward wholeness and complexity.In this conversation, we discuss:* The role of spontaneous spiritual experiences in modern life* The overlap between mental illness and spiritual crisis* The risks of meditation, psychedelics, and other psychotechnologies* His experience with the "Dark Night of the Soul" and how he emerged stronger* The founding of Leading Edge and its mission to support high-agency individuals in personal transformation* How the left and right hemispheres of the brain influence culture, capitalism, and our understanding of intelligence* And much more.And now, I bring you my conversation with Tom Morgan.Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.Credits:* Hosted by Zach Haigney* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari* Find us at thetripreport.com* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube* Theme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com

January 10, 202552 min

#39 Gabe Charalambides: Psychedelic Entrepreneurship

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves.Today, I am speaking with Gabe Charalambides, a former aerospace engineer turned mental health and psychedelic entrepreneur.Gabe is the founder of Odyssey, a pioneering organization offering psilocybin-assisted retreats and private sessions under Oregon’s psilocybin legalization framework.Gabe’s journey began in the world of aerospace engineering, where he spent years designing cutting-edge technology. However, his personal experiences with meditation, Buddhism, and psychedelics opened a new path—one focused on exploring the human mind and fostering healing through intentional psychedelic experiences.With Odyssey, Gabe has created a platform that combines deep respect for tradition with an evidence-based, accessible approach to psilocybin therapy.In this conversation, we discuss:* Gabe’s evolution from aerospace engineer to mental health entrepreneur* The founding story and ethos behind Odyssey* Insights into running psilocybin-assisted retreats in Oregon under its novel legislative framework* The interplay between psychedelics, meditation, and neuroplasticity* The unique challenges and opportunities in tailoring retreats for specific needs, from bereavement to leadership development* And much more.And now, I bring you my conversation with Gabe Charalambides.Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.Credits:* Hosted by Zach Haigney* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari* Find us at thetripreport.com* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTubeTheme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com

December 20, 20241 hr 2 min

#38 Hailey Gilmore: The Complexity of Psychedelic Science

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves.Today, I am speaking with Hailey Gilmore, the former Medical Science Liason at MAPS PBC, Lykos Therapeutics, and founder of Luminous Research ConsultingHailey joined MAPS in 2020, where she spearheaded their investigator-initiated trials (IIT) program, overseeing how MDMA-assisted therapy could address diverse clinical indications. Her role involved navigating complex regulatory landscapes, establishing protocols, and engaging with researchers worldwide.Today, as the founder of Luminous Research she leverages her expertise to guide organizations in bringing psychedelics and other innovative therapies to market.Hailey is a public health scientist with a master’s degree in epidemiology and biostatistics from UC Berkeley. She has spent over 15 years in clinical trial management, initially in the HIV prevention field, where she contributed to groundbreaking studies such as the efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing HIV transmission.This conversation is a masterclass in understanding psychedelic therapy development's nuanced challenges and opportunities.Here’s what we cover:* The Landscape of Psychedelic Therapy: Hailey breaks down the logistical hurdles of bringing MDMA-assisted therapy to market, from FDA approvals to state-by-state legislative processes and the complex interplay of insurance, healthcare institutions, and drug rescheduling.* Insights from HIV Research: Drawing parallels with PrEP’s rollout, Hailey provides a framework for how psychedelics might navigate similar adoption barriers, including clinician training, insurance buy-in, and the balancing act between small, agile clinics and large academic centers.* The Role of Smaller Clinics vs. Academic Institutions: She reflects on how smaller clinics might be better positioned to implement MDMA-assisted therapy quickly, given their flexibility, while larger institutions struggle to turn their metaphorical cruise ships.* Systemic Challenges in the Psychedelic Field: From the intricacies of DEA licensing to the limitations of current research funding, Hailey outlines the systemic barriers that continue to slow progress in this field.* Optimism Amid Complexity: Despite the delays in MDMA-assisted therapy’s approval, Hailey believes that public-private partnerships and innovative trial designs could unlock new opportunities for psychedelic research and implementation.Finally, we explore the potential impact of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s potential appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Trump administration. Could this mark a turning point for federal policy on psychedelics? Hailey weighs the possibilities and shares her vision for how public health could guide this evolving conversation.And now, I bring you my conversation with Hailey Gilmore.Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.Credits:* Hosted by Zach Haigney* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari* Find us at thetripreport.com* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTubeTheme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com

December 12, 20241 hr 18 min

#37 Dr. James Cooke: The Dawn of Mind: How Matter Became Conscious and Alive

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves.Today, we are speaking with Dr. James Cooke, neuroscientist, philosopher, and author of the recently released book, Dawn of Mind: How Matter Became Conscious and Alive.This groundbreaking work offers a bold new perspective on the nature of consciousness, bridging the gap between science and spirituality, and challenging conventional paradigms about mind, matter, and the fabric of experience itself.In Dawn of Mind, James explores the "hard problem" of consciousness through the lens of his Living Mirror Theory, which proposes that consciousness arises as a relational process intrinsic to all living systems.The book deftly synthesizes insights from neuroscience, philosophy, and contemplative traditions to offer a compelling framework for understanding subjective experience, suffering, and the relief of suffering. It also challenges readers to reconsider the boundaries between self and world and between the physical and experiential realms.Our conversation today is a tour through:* The Living Mirror Theory and its implications for understanding consciousness as a fundamental aspect of life.* The journey behind Dawn of Mind, including how James’ spontaneous mystical experience at age 13 catalyzed his lifelong inquiry into the nature of reality.* How somatic practices align with his theory and provide a direct pathway to healing and insight.* The synthesis of modern neuroscience and ancient contemplative traditions, creating a holistic view of the mind and its place in the universe.* And much more.And now, I bring you my conversation with James Cooke.Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.Credits:* Hosted by Zach Haigney* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari* Find us at thetripreport.com* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTubeTheme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com

November 29, 202440 min

#36 Dillan DiNardo: Engineering Consciousness with Psychedelics and AI

Before we dive in, please fill out the below brief reader survey—it takes 60 seconds—to help us better understand what you like and would like to see more of from The Trip Report in 2025!Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves.Today, I am speaking with Dillan DiNardo, CEO of Mindstate Design Labs, an innovative drug development company taking a unique approach to developing next-generation psychedelic medicines.Mindstate's approach builds on the legacy of Sasha and Ann Shulgin, the pioneering chemists often referred to as the godparents of psychedelics. The company's scientific foundation comes from Dr. Tom Ray, a polymath scientist and friend and collaborator of the Shulgins.What makes Mindstate's approach unique is its systematic analysis of both pharmacological and phenomenological data—studying not just how drugs interact with receptors in the brain, but also the subjective experiences they produce. This builds on decades of carefully documented experiences from psychonauts around the world.The company is developing what they call a "primer-probe" approach, using carefully selected combinations of compounds to achieve specific experiential effects. Their lead candidate, Moxie (MSD-1), recently received FDA clearance to begin human trials.Dillan comes to this work with a background in biotech venture capital, bringing a pragmatic approach to drug development while embracing the complexity and potential of psychedelic medicines.In this conversation, we discuss:* The origin story of Mindstate and their novel approach to drug development* How they analyze and quantify subjective psychedelic experiences* Their "primer-probe" methodology using drug combinations* The concept of "psychedelic tofu" - compounds that can amplify or modify other psychedelic effects* Their vision for precision-designed altered states of consciousness* The regulatory pathway for combination psychedelic medicines* The broader implications of their research for understanding consciousnessAnd now, I bring you my conversation with Dillan DiNardo.Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.Credits:* Hosted by Zach Haigney* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari* Find us at thetripreport.com* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTubeTheme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com

November 19, 20241 hr 0 min

Special Dispatch: Regulatory Plasticity with Matt Zorn

Welcome to another Special Dispatch from The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves. Today, I am speaking with Matt Zorn, a litigator and partner at Yetter Coleman. With a practice spanning antitrust, competition, IP, and a deep focus on controlled substances and drug regulation, Matt brings a unique perspective to the shifting landscape of drug policy and health agency reform.What makes this discussion especially relevant today is the backdrop of the recent political realignment in the U.S., with RFK Jr.’s role within a Trump administration and the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative looming over the political landscape.As a result, we find ourselves at a unique inflection point to reassess drug policy and, perhaps, a pivotal moment of mental health, psychedelics, and regulatory processes.Matt’s insights don’t shy away from the complex history and challenges facing the psychedelic movement and broader healthcare reform. He argues that the FDA’s structure itself may not be fit for purpose in modern mental health treatment.In our conversation, we explore:* The origins and inefficiencies of current drug regulation processes.* Why the Controlled Substances Act and FDA efficacy requirements may hinder real-world applications.* How reforming clinical trial processes or even fundamentally changing statutory requirements could reshape the space.* Concrete ideas for reforming the system, including lessons drawn from MDMA’s recent regulatory struggles.* How drug development pathways intertwine with controlled substances law, patent incentives, and the broader economic landscape of pharmaceuticals.Without further ado, I bring you my conversation with Matt Zorn.Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.Credits:* Hosted by Zach Haigney * Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari* Find us at thetripreport.com* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTubeTheme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com

November 13, 202441 min

Special Dispatch: An Election Retrospective with Nick Gillespie

Welcome to a Special Dispatch of The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves. Today, I’m joined by Nick Gillespie, Editor-at-Large of Reason magazine, to discuss the results of the US election and specifically what it might mean for psychedelic policy, research, and drug development. As a veteran observer of the intersection between politics, regulation, and civil liberties, Nick offers a unique lens through which to examine the evolving dynamics of psychedelics, the regulatory state, and how the incoming Trump administration might approach the matter.Our conversation focuses on the curious coalition between former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and President-Elect Donald Trump, who has said he will let Kennedy “go wild on health” through a yet-to-be-announced position in his administration. This partnership raises critical questions about the potential for sweeping changes to policy in the United States—particularly as it relates to psychedelics, alternative therapies, and broader health reforms.We explore the paradoxical nature of this political moment, in which historical stigmas are shifting, and new coalitions are forming. With drug policy historically defined by prohibition, could we now be on the verge of a psychedelic renaissance fueled by executive power and bipartisan pragmatism? We unpack the complexities of de-scheduling psychedelics, the implications of potential federal support for therapeutic use, and how the cultural, medical, and regulatory terrain could evolve.In typical fashion, Nick brings clarity and insight to a conversation that touches on the FDA's recent rejection of MDMA-assisted therapy, the mixed outcomes of state-level psychedelic ballot initiatives, and the broader cultural shifts that frame America's approach to mental health, addiction, and drug legalization.This is a moment where history, politics, and the psychedelic renaissance converge—an era brimming with opportunity and risk, with the potential for substantive change at hand.Without further ado, I bring you my conversation with Nick Gillespie.Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.Credits:* Hosted by Zach Haigney * Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari* Find us at thetripreport.com* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTubeTheme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com

October 31, 202447 min

#35 Lucia Huang: Innovative Solutions in Neuropsychiatry

Happy Halloween! 🎃Welcome back to The Trip Report, a production of Beckley Waves.In this episode, we’re joined by Lucia Huang, Co-Founder and CEO of Osmind, a mental health startup that seeks to transform psychiatry by supporting clinicians with a novel treatment and research platform that streamlines measurement-based care.Measurement-based care in mental health is a clinical approach that relies on systematically tracking and analyzing patient-reported outcomes and objective data to guide treatment decisions.In measurement-based care, symptoms, such as mood, sleep, and other physical health indicators, are monitored over time. This continuous feedback allows clinicians to personalize care, adjust treatments as needed, and make data-driven decisions to improve outcomes. However, streamlining this process has been a challenge. Osmind sees to make this process easier for the field of psychiatry as they adopt innovative treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Spravato, ketamine and other emerging tools.In our conversation, we explore:* The founding story of Osmind and the inspiration drawn from Lucia’s own life and career in healthcare* How interventional psychiatry is poised to change the landscape of mental health treatment* The promise and challenges of incorporating biomarkers and real-world evidence into psychiatric care* And her vision for a future where psychiatry embraces precision medicine and autonomy for cliniciansAnd now, I bring you my conversation with Lucia Huang.Interested in working with The Trip Report or Beckley Waves? Get in touch!We’re always looking for passionate individuals and organizations to collaborate.If you're interested in joining us on this journey, please contact us to explore potential partnerships, investment, and consulting opportunities or to learn more about our work.Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.Credits:* Hosted by Zach Haigney * Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari* Find us at thetripreport.com* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTubeTheme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com