In this transformative episode of The Psychedelic Couch, sound healing pioneer Nikki Slade shares her remarkable journey from addiction to connection through the practice of chanting. With over 30 years of experience, Nikki reveals the profound impact of sacred sound on mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

She delves into the ancient roots of chanting, explaining its ability to heal, uplift, and reconnect individuals with their true selves. Nikki highlights the therapeutic applications of chanting, including her work in addiction treatment centres, where it fosters emotional release and unity consciousness.

Listeners will gain insights into various chanting traditions, physiological benefits, and the transformative power of community. This inspiring episode invites you to explore your inner voice and embrace a deeper connection with the world through sound. Tune in to uncover the healing potential of chanting and sacred sound.

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Nikki Slade is a leading pioneer in the field of chanting, core voice and sound work in the UK for over 30 yrs. Nikki has inspired thousands of individuals to chant and has led chanting and voice workshops in a wide variety of settings including companies such as M&C Saatchi, Deutsche Bank and Cisco. She has been resident Kirtan leader at triyoga London for 20 years and has also taken her cutting-edge approach to working with the voice into Wandsworth men’s prison. She was the resident voice and sound facilitator at the Priory Hospital in North London for 20 years where she has, through her work, supported the recovery of people on the addiction treatment programme.

For the past 10 years she has been facilitating chanting and voice workshops at the half-way recovery house Start 2 Stop in central London. Nikki has worked extensively, privately with sound and voice work for leaders in their fields including Business leaders, Therapists, Yoga teachers, School teachers, Writers and Performing artists. She has released 4 successful mantra and chanting recordings including: Nectarine, Monsoon, Soundscape and the double album Epiphany.

She is also author of her popular book ‘The Healing Power of Chanting’. In recent years she has pioneered Kirtan in the mainstream areas of Glastonbury Festival and Latitude Festival and The World Yoga Festival. She has shared her work overseas in California, Singapore, NYC, Mexico City, Brussels and Melbourne. On 11.11.11 at Mind, Body, Spirit show she led a chant for the opening ceremony for over 2000 people and once again at the 12.12.12 Oneness ceremony at the London Hilton. Nikki is the founder of the first in the UK 200hr Learn To Lead Kirtan Foundation Training, accredited by The Yoga Alliance Professionals in 2016. She completed leading the 6th training her in the UK in November 2023

Follow Nikki Slade : @nikkisladeuk

www.nikkislade.com

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In this episode, Will William delves into the transformative power meditation, emphasising its role in drawing individuals into deep, transcendent states. He discusses the physiological benefits of meditation and contrasts traditional top-down approaches to meditation, which focus on clearing the mind, with his preferred method that harmonises with modern lifestyles and offers significant impact with less effort. He emphasises the importance of adapting meditation practices to contemporary life, incorporating additional techniques to ensure they remain effective in today's fast-paced world.

He stresses the need for grounding practices in the modern context, where people are constantly stimulated and distracted by screens and other external factors. The discussion touches on Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapeutic approach that views individuals as composed of multiple parts formed at different life stages. Will acknowledges the value of this model, noting its alignment with his observations in meditation. The conversation explores the intricate relationship between physical sensations, emotions, and memory. Will highlights how unresolved emotional wounds can manifest as physical sensations and attract certain experiences, reinforcing negative patterns. He underscores the importance of addressing these wounds through meditation and other practices to break these patterns and promote healing.

Will also discusses the interplay between sexuality and spirituality, advocating for a balanced approach that integrates both aspects. He highlights how residing in higher chakras can lead to more fulfilling and loving sexual experiences, while cautioning against indulging in lower chakra-driven behaviours, which can reinforce shadow elements and addictive tendencies.

Will concludes by emphasising the significance of internal experiences in shaping our perceptions and interactions with the world. He encourages listeners to engage in practices that promote self-awareness and healing, ultimately leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

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Will Williams is a meditation and mindfulness coach, who has worked with some of the world’s leading companies, including: Google DeepMind, Apple, HSBC, Spotify and Universal. Will is also the wellbeing advisor to the OECD for the Education 2030 project, an initiative which aims to help countries find what knowledge, skills and values are needed to help today’s students thrive. He is also founder of World Meditation Day and the author of ‘The Effortless Mind’. Learn more about Will's current project at www.beejameditation.com.

Follow Will: @beejameditation and at www.beejameditation.com

Follow The Psychedelic Couch: @thepsychedelicouch

In this episode of "The Psychedelic Couch," Melissa Barker discusses her journey of healing from sexual trauma using psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Melissa shares her harrowing yet transformative story, beginning with childhood trauma, compounded by an assault at 17, and subsequent traumatic relationships throughout her 20s and early 30s. Despite these challenges, Melissa embarked on a profound healing journey in her late

20s, engaging in therapies such as EMDR, EFT, breath work, and Kundalini yoga, ultimately being diagnosed with complex PTSD due to the extensive trauma she endured.

A significant turning point in her healing journey came with the intentional use of psychedelics. Initially exploring these substances alone, Melissa describes a pivotal MDMA journey in December 2022, facilitated by a trusted guide. This experience allowed her to release deeply held trauma, access repressed parts of herself, and foster a deeper sense of trust and safety.

Melissa also recounts the challenges of integrating these profound experiences, emphasising the importance of working with protector parts within the Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework.

She highlights the delicate balance between accessing traumatic memories and ensuring these protective aspects of the psyche feel secure and supported.

The episode further explores the complexities of navigating the psychedelic space, including the potential risks of working with less ethical practitioners. Melissa's story underscores the necessity of finding trustworthy guides and the transformative potential of psychedelics when used responsibly and with proper support.

Overall, this episode offers a compelling narrative of resilience, healing, and the profound impact of psychedelics in trauma therapy, providing valuable insights for listeners interested in the therapeutic potential of these substances.

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Dr. Melissa Barker, EdD is an entrepreneur, activist, and emerging voice in the growing psychedelics movement. Dr. Barker is the founder of The Phoenix Project, a community-led mental health tech platform that’s now in the process of developing AI-assisted support for trauma survivors who are utilizing psychedelic therapy.

Her experiences with ketamine, MDMA/MDA, psilocybin, and LSD (alongside her work helping other survivors) spurred her into a deeper understanding of what healing from sexual trauma, abuse and violence means for women, particularly in today’s current climate.

Dr. Barker has appeared on The Psychedelic Podcast by Third Wave, Sex Love Psychedelics, and many others. She recently co-anchored the panel “MDMA Saved My Life: Psychedelics & Healing from Sexual Trauma” at SXSW 2024 alongside Sutton King, Dr. Sunny Strasburg, and Dr. Cat Meyer.

Follow Melissa: @drmelissabarker and at www.iamphoenixproject.com

Follow The Psychedelic Couch: @thepsychedelicouch

In this episode, the guest, Chiara Baldini, delves into the role of festivals as spaces for countercultural expression and personal transformation. Chiara discusses the dual nature of festivals as both entertainment venues and sites for deeper societal change, where participants can recharge and become more aware of ways to improve reality. She explores the historical context of countercultural festivals like Woodstock, which were pivotal in promoting revolutionary ideas and values.

Chiara reflects on the 1960s counterculture movements, their political and spiritual dimensions, and their lasting impact on contemporary festival culture. She provides insights into the evolution of these movements and their ongoing influence on modern-day festivals like Boom Festival.

Additionally, Chiara touches on the historical significance of the Dionysian cults in ancient Greece and their techniques of ecstasy, which included dance, music, and psychotropic substances. She discusses how these practices were led by women and maintained certain traditions despite the patriarchal context of their times.

This episode offers a rich exploration of the transformative potential of festivals, the intersection of spirituality and politics, and the ongoing relevance of ancient ecstatic practices in contemporary culture.

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Chiara Baldini is a raver, researcher, author, and freelance curator from Florence (Italy). She investigates the evolution of the ecstatic cult in the West, particularly in Minoan Crete, ancient Greece and Rome, contributing to anthologies, psychedelic conferences and festivals. She was the program curator of Boom Festival’s cultural area Liminal Village from 2010 to 2023. In 2015 and 2016 she also set up and curated ConTent, the first cultural area in Fusion Festival, Germany. She has recently co-curated an anthology called “Psychedelic Mysteries of the Feminine” investigating the intersection between the feminine principle and altered states of consciousness. She is currently a PhD candidate at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in the Philosophy, Cosmology and Consciousness program. She lives between Italy and Portugal and she expresses her deep love for music by often playing as DJ Clandestina.

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Viewing recommendations:

Chiara Baldini - Countercultural Festivals; Then & Now at Breaking Convention 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npah4vQCrb0

Dionysus: Ritual, Rave & Revolution

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjKkmvDmI67RidARHR0-r0sbh2Z8FbjFt

Follow Chiara:

Academia: https://independent.academia.edu/chiarabaldini

Instagram: @iamalwayschiara

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chiara.baldini.9862

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/clandestina-2-0

Book: https://www.innertraditions.com/books/psychedelic-mysteries-of-the-feminine

Follow The Psychedelic Couch: @thepsychedelicouch

In this episode of The Psychedelic Couch, host Clare Faulkner is joined by Joe and Kyle, the co-founders of Psychedelics Today, to discuss the rapidly evolving world of psychedelic therapy. The conversation focuses on the growing importance of proper safety protocols, education, and comprehensive training for facilitators working with psychedelic substances such as MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine. Joe and Kyle emphasise how vital it is for facilitators, whether in underground or legal settings, to be thoroughly prepared to ensure both safety and effective therapeutic outcomes for their clients.

A key theme in the discussion is the ongoing legal and medical advancements surrounding psychedelics in the U.S. The episode touches on the groundbreaking steps being taken in places like Oregon, where psychedelics have been fully legalised, and the upcoming FDA decision on MDMA-assisted therapy. Joe and Kyle highlight how this shifting landscape requires innovative training approaches that integrate both traditional therapy methods and newer, more flexible models that embrace non-directive frameworks.

The podcast also delves into the challenges of the current lack of standardised accreditation for psychedelic therapists. With new state regulations beginning to take shape, there is hope that these standards will provide clearer guidelines for training future facilitators. Throughout the conversation, Joe and Kyle stress the importance of ongoing personal development and community support for those guiding others through psychedelic experiences. Facilitators must engage in their own inner work, cultivate patience, and seek mentorship to ensure ethical responsibility and trauma-informed care.

Ultimately, the episode underscores the complexity of psychedelic therapy and the need for facilitators to be not only skilled in therapeutic techniques but also deeply aware of the broader cultural and ethical implications of working with psychedelics. For those interested in pursuing a career in this field, the episode provides information about Psychedelics Today’s training programs, including their comprehensive 12-month course.

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Joe Moore co-founded Psychedelics Today in 2016 with Kyle Buller. As CEO, Joe has co-created one of the planet's best-known psychedelic podcasts and training platforms. He combines over 20 years of avid psychedelic study and training with over 20 years of experience in software and multinational project management. Joe is a leading expert in transpersonal breathwork, a board member of the Psychedelic and Pain Association and the Psychedelic Medicine Coalition, and a sought-after international speaker on the intersecting subjects of psychedelic medicine and healing, breathwork, drug policy, medical innovation, international justice, and environmentalism.

Kyle's interest in exploring non-ordinary states of consciousness began at the age of 16 when he suffered a traumatic snowboarding accident. After this near-death experience, Kyle’s life changed dramatically. Kyle subsequently earned his B.A. in Transpersonal Psychology from Burlington College, where he focused on studying the healing potential of non-ordinary states of consciousness by exploring shamanism, Reiki, local medicinal plants and plant medicine, Holotropic Breathwork, and psychedelic psychotherapy. Kyle has been studying Dreamshadow Transpersonal breathwork with Lenny and Elizabeth since October 2010.Kyle earned his M.S. in clinical mental health counselling with an emphasis in somatic psychology from Prescott College. Kyle is a Licensed Associate Counsellor and offers psychotherapy services specializing in psychedelic integration, spiritual emergence, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Kyle’s clinical background in mental health consists of working with at-risk teenagers in crisis and with individuals experiencing an early episode of psychosis and providing counselling to undergraduate/graduate students in a university setting.

Follow Psychedelics Today: www.psychedelicstoday.com

@psychedelicstoday

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In this episode of "The Psychedelic Couch," Sarah Tilley delves into the expanding world of psychedelic-assisted therapy, with a special focus on its applications for couples. She discusses the growing interest and the increasing medical acceptance of psilocybin, describing how this powerful substance is being used to enhance intimacy and connection in relationships. Sarah shares her experiences and insights from collaborating with Imperial College on pioneering research into psilocybin-assisted couples therapy, shedding light on the transformative potential of these therapies.

Sarah also addresses common misconceptions about psychedelic therapy and emphasises the need for responsible, well-supported therapeutic practices. Drawing from her diverse background in natural and plant medicine, she highlights the importance of creating holistic healing programs that integrate body, mind, and spirit. Her reflections offer a compelling vision of how psychedelics can be safely and effectively used to foster deeper human connections and promote overall well-being.

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Sarah is a psychedelic guide, educator, holistic therapist, musician, mother, and founder and CEO of Beautiful Space, a Dutch based legal psychedelic-assisted therapy program for couples and individuals focusing on female empowerment and relationship sexual wellbeing.

Sarah’s background working with couples, families, individuals and groups originates in complementary medicine, plant medicine and expanded states of consciousness and spans 20 years of holistic and clinical practice.

Sarah has been studying with Esther Perel Sessions online program for the past 6 years and Betty Martin’s Wheel of consent.

Creator of the Beautiful Space Method, this is an inclusive program for non-binary modern relationships, with a 12-week directional journey based on MAPS protocol with psychedelic interventions. Sarah facilitates couples from disconnect back to connection, addressing family of origin, childhood story and trauma.

Beautiful Space is currently in research collaboration with Imperial College London investigating psilocybin and relationship wellbeing with psychological support.

Follow Sarah: @beautifulspace__ @sarah.tilley.wellness and at

www.beautifulspace.org

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Book recommendations and recourses:

Recapture the Rapture: Rethinking God, Sex, and Death in a World That's Lost Its Mind by Jamie Wheal

In this episode Clare sits down with Cesar Marin, a former CNN journalist turned advocate for microdosing and plant medicine. Cesar shares his transformative journey from a demanding career and cannabis dependency to discovering the profound benefits of psilocybin mushrooms. At the age of 55, Cesar began microdosing as a tool for personal growth, overcoming addiction, and enhancing creativity and empathy.

He discusses the science and protocols of microdosing, emphasising its potential to create new neural pathways, foster emotional clarity, and build resilience. Cesar highlights the importance of education, intention-setting, and integration, advocating for responsible use. He also introduces his initiatives, including the website Microdosing Over 50and his apparel brand Cultivating Wisdom, aimed at normalising discussions around psychedelics.

Cesar’s inspiring story underscores the potential of psychedelics to empower individuals at any stage of life to reinvent themselves and build meaningful connections. Whether you're curious about microdosing or seeking tools for self-improvement, this episode is a heartfelt guide to embracing the present moment.

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Cesar Marin is a former CNN producer turned entrepreneur, author, and mentor. He is the founder of Cultivating Wisdom, an inclusive psychedelic lifestyle and apparel brand designed to inspire meaningful conversations and personal transformation for people of all backgrounds. Within this umbrella, Cesar created Microdosing Over 50, a platform dedicated to helping those over 50 unlock their potential through microdosing, biohacking, and personal growth. With a passion for storytelling and a deep commitment to fostering wisdom, creativity, and community, Cesar brings a unique and diverse perspective to the psychedelic space, empowering others to embrace the second chapter of life with curiosity and purpose.

Follow Cesar Marin: @cultivating.wisdom

www.microdosingover50.com

https://cultivatingwisdom.net

Follow The Psychedelic Couch: @thepsychedelicouch

For a 20% discount of Cesar’s apparel brand us code voucher: Couch20

In this episode of "The Psychedelic Couch," our host Clare Faulkner speaks with Matthew Bruce, who shares his transformative journey from an Australian soldier to a healer in the microdosing space. Matthew discusses his experiences with PTSD, sexual dysfunction, and the profound impact of childhood experiences on adult sexuality and emotional regulation. The episode explores the importance of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the healing potential of psychedelics. Matthew emphasises the significance of setting personal goals, understanding the effects of diet on mental health, and fostering healthy male sexuality for broader societal healing. The conversation also offers valuable insights into personal growth and community well-being.

Matthew Bruce has worked in the somatic healing space for eight years and is a trained facilitator across multiple somatic modalities. Over the years, he has studied and taught as a somatic sexologist with New Paradigm Intimacy, including serving as a male-bodied facilitator for 55 women in a 12-month somatic sexologist training. Matt loves exploring the intersection of dysfunction and embodiment and will share valuable tips on how modern herbs and the removal of certain substances can support sexual evolution through nervous system regulation.

Matthew's career highlights include collaborations with Microsoft, becoming an Amazon bestseller, and appearances on Nova Radio and Channel Seven, insight timer and more. Originally from Yorta Yorta land in Victoria, he’s excited to return home to share his journey, including how he overcame personal sexual challenges after serving in Afghanistan and ten years of active service in the Australian military and special forces.

Follow Psychedelics Matthew Bruce: @matthewbruce.official

Follow The Psychedelic Couch: @thepsychedelicouch