Psychedelics and Women's Health: Pioneering Research & Promising Opportunities with Dr. Grace Blest-Hopley

There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that working with psychedelic substances can greatly improve women's health conditions and symptoms related to PMDD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other women's health concerns, but sadly - there is NOT a great deal of data-driven evidence (yet) to back this up. Thankfully, this is changing and one of the catalysts driving this change is the group known as Hystelica and its founder Dr. Grace Blest-Hopley. During this podcast interview, you’ll meet Dr. Grace and learn about some key info such as: How psychedelics appear to be helping women dealing with health concerns and challenging symptoms related to PMDD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more Why hasn't there been more "clinical, data-driven" research into these important areas, and why this have to change How Hystelica and similar groups have an opportunity to change the future of women's health not just for us but for many generations of women to come How you can play a simple, easy but pivotal role in how seriously the establishment takes  "psychedelics" and "women's health" going forward and make a serious contribution to future generations of women's health and well-being Click here to learn about the pioneering research happening through Hystelica, and click here to take part in their initial survey focusing on the impact of psychedelics on women's health. This is your opportunity to contribute and support research that can help to change the future of treatments available for issues related to PMDD, menopause, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. Meet Our Guest Grace Blest-Hopley PhD. is a psychedelic researcher with an extensive background in the neurochemical and neurofunctional underpinnings of cannabis, cannabinoids, and psychedelics. She serves as Chief Scientific Officer at NW Pharma Tech, where she leads clinical trials in order to bring natural molecules in advanced delivery methods to licensing. She also works extensively with Heroic Hearts, where she conducts research based on the therapeutic potentials of psychedelic substances alongside the charities' mission to treat those with adverse mental health outcomes from combat trauma. Grace is also extremely passionate about women's health issues. She founded Hystelica, which is leading pioneering research examining the impact of psychedelic substances on conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, PMDD, and menopause. Connect with Blest-Hopley PhD. on LinkedIn here. The information shared through the "Celebrating Women in Psychedelics" podcast is meant for educational and career development purposes only and is not meant as an endorsement of the use of illegal or controlled substances. Celebrating Women in Psychedelics is a podcast and online community that helps women create successful careers and leadership opportunities in the psychedelic space. We help women connect through a global network, discover job posting and career opportunities, get access to training, tools and mentoring and work together to ensure women have as much influence as possible in the future of psychedelic therapy. Join our free community to get instant access to hundreds of women from 40+ countries already working in this field, as well as invaluable resources to support you on your own career journey. Click here to learn more and get started: https://community.celebratingwomeninpsychedelics.com/share/2srrM9pLkbi2gWOB?utm_sou rce=manual

How can psychedelic experiences impact how you see yourself through the lens of gender identity? That's what we explore in this edition of the podcast, featuring G.Luca Oake. Luca is a strategic advisor and mentor who works with individuals and organizations interested in growth, and someone we've been wanting to feature in the podcast for some time. In this episode, we dive deeper into some important considerations surrounding the question of gender identity, including: What led to Luca's PTSD diagnosis, and what lessons she learned from her 16 different psychedelic therapy sessions that helped her integrate her gender identity. How doing this deep work has shaped how she shows up in the world, her unique perspectives and the work that she does in the psychedelic space. How many of us unintentionally communicate in ways that can be challenging for non-binary gender individuals, and how even a small shift in our communication can make a real difference in supporting others. What mental health professionals can learn about the intersection of psychedelics and gender identity and ways to support those struggling with these issues. How creating more awareness about gender identity can help all of us deepen our connections with others and evolve as human beings. This session is an important one for anyone wanting to better understand gender identity and expand our effectiveness in working with others. It's especially important for mental health professionals working in psychedelic therapy, who will likely encounter patients and clients working through these experiences. Meet Our Guest G. Luca Oake is a creative, advisor, and coach based on Monterey, California, who works with professionals around the globe. As a gay, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming woman of color, Luca is a passionate advocate and guide for people grappling with a wide range of obstacles and barriers. From overcoming mental health challenges to stepping into personal and creative power, Luca supports all kinds of humans and organizations with becoming stronger, brighter versions of themselves. Luca's life mission is to bring betterment and a little more beauty into this world. Learn more about Luca and her consulting and mentoring work on LinkedIn here https://www.linkedin.com/in/heylucaoake/, or email her at [email protected] information shared through the "Celebrating Women in Psychedelics" podcast is meant for educational and career development purposes only and is not meant as an endorsement of the use of illegal or controlled substances. Celebrating Women in Psychedelics is a podcast and online community that helps women create successful careers and leadership opportunities in the psychedelic space. We help women connect through a global network, discover job posting and career opportunities, get access to training, tools and mentoring and work together to ensure women have as much influence as possible in the future of psychedelic therapy. Join our free community to get instant access to hundreds of women from 40+ countries already working in this field, as well as invaluable resources to support you on your own career journey. Click here to learn more and get started: https://community.celebratingwomeninpsychedelics.com/share/2srrM9pLkbi2gWOB?utm_sou rce=manual

Many women would love to create a psychedelic retreat space to provide deep healing for others, but what does it really take to build, support and lead in this type of sacred setting? That's what you'll learn in this upcoming community call with special guest Alexandra Pallas, Co-Founder and SVP of programs at Beckley Retreats, one of the world's most respected and quickly growing psychedelic retreat providers. (They are also a sister organization of the Beckley Foundation, founded by the legendary psychedelic advocate and researcher, Amanda Feilding). During this session, you'll learn: Alexandra's fascinating background and the pivotal experiences that led her to Beckley Retreats What you need to know about the “wild west” environment of the psychedelic retreat space, including legal, ethical, and regulatory issues If you’re considering attending a psychedelic retreat – discover how to assess the quality of the work offered, including the important red flags that indicate it’s not a safe or effective environment We’ll also discuss Beckley's unique "multidisciplinary approach" to psychedelic retreat leadership and program design, and how this supports their clients to deeply prepare for and integrate their experience What special issues and opportunities exist for WOMEN as leaders/facilitators and participants of psychedelic retreats (and how we can take advantage of this to deepen our own healing and leadership opportunities for working in psychedelics)Whether you’re interested in attending a psychedelic retreat – or launching one of your own – this is a must listen session full of invaluable and detailed information Meet Our Guest Alexandra Pallas is a co-founder and SVP of Programs at Beckley Retreats. She is passionate about facilitating transformational experiences that support people in aligning with their purpose, passion, and potential. A former ed tech leader and Deloitte management consultant, she specializes in organizational learning strategy, leadership development, human capital management, and program design. Alexandra has studied, practiced, and taught holistic wellbeing modalities and ancient wisdom traditions for 20 years. She is currently completing an M.A. in Mindful Leadership. Connect with Alexandra Pallas on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrapallas/ Learn more about Beckley Retreats here: https://www.beckleyretreats.com/The information shared through the "Celebrating Women in Psychedelics" podcast is meant for educational and career development purposes only and is not meant as an endorsement of the use of illegal or controlled substances. Celebrating Women in Psychedelics is a podcast and online community that helps women create successful careers and leadership opportunities in the psychedelic space. We help women connect through a global network, discover job posting and career opportunities, get access to training, tools and mentoring and work together to ensure women have as much influence as possible in the future of psychedelic therapy. Join our free community to get instant access to hundreds of women from 40+ countries already working in this field, as well as invaluable resources to support you on your own career journey. Click here to learn more and get started: https://community.celebratingwomeninpsychedelics.com/share/2srrM9pLkbi2gWOB?utm_sou rce=manual

As traditional plant medicine and psychedelic practices are starting to merge with our medical and corporate culture, there are many ethical issues coming to light that must be addressed to preserve the integrity of this work and allow for it to be supported in its full potential. Our guest for this episode has dedicated her career to confronting and resolving ethical issues in the psychedelic space. In this episode, we’re discussing some very current and critical questions, including: What are main ethical issues facing the emerging psychedelic space, and what’s needed to resolve them? What skills are needed to be able to effectively work through some of the issues and divisiveness arising between different psychedelic stakeholders and communities? How can we ethically navigate the issue of money in psychedelics? What can we do to ensure women are paid well for the value they create? Why is female leadership so needed to resolve ethical issues, and how can more of us get involved? Join us and our inspiring guest as explore the very complicated but important area of ethics and psychedelics. Meet Our Guest Dr. Sandra Dreisbach, MA, PhD in Philosophy, is an Ethics Advisor active in Psychedelic Integration, Education and Advocacy as well as a Psychedelic community leader of the Santa Cruz Psychedelic Society and EPIC (Ethical Psychedelic International Community). Learn more about Dr. Sandra Dreisback and her work  on her website here: http://www.sandradreisbach.com Follow Dr. Sandra Dreisbach on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandradreisbach/ Learn more and support EPIC (Ethical Psychedelic International Community) here: https://www.epicpsychedelic.com/ The information shared through the "Celebrating Women in Psychedelics" podcast is meant for educational and career development purposes only and is not meant as an endorsement of the use of illegal or controlled substances. Celebrating Women in Psychedelics is a podcast and online community that helps women create successful careers and leadership opportunities in the psychedelic space. We help women connect through a global network, discover job posting and career opportunities, get access to training, tools and mentoring and work together to ensure women have as much influence as possible in the future of psychedelic therapy. Join our free community to get instant access to hundreds of women from 40+ countries already working in this field, as well as invaluable resources to support you on your own career journey. Click here to learn more and get started: https://community.celebratingwomeninpsychedelics.com/share/2srrM9pLkbi2gWOB?utm_sou rce=manual

The increasing media coverage on the benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy is also creating a sharp increase in the numbers of people interested in creating a career in the emerging psychedelic marketplace. As more people learn about how innovative and helpful this space will be, more are interested to find a new job or career within it. In this episode, you’ll meet two inspiring women who’ve done just that. Both have parlayed more traditional business skills into an exciting career opportunity in psychedelics, and they’re sharing exactly how they did it. You’ll learn: The various types of careers and job opportunities opening up in the psychedelic sector Why female talent is so needed and wanted in this space The best ways to network and make helpful connections in the psychedelic community Specific steps you can take to transfer your existing skills and expertise into a fulfilling and lucrative career in psychedelics By the end of this interview, you’ll feel inspired about new possibilities and have a better sense of the specific steps to take to create rewarding work for yourself within this exciting new sector. Meet Our Guests This episode features Victoria Dekker and Alexa Jesse - two women who've parlayed traditional experience and business skills into a successful and fulfilling career in the psychedelic field. Victoria Dekker, Director of Corporate Communications, Psychedelics Today. Follow Victoria Dekker on LinkedIn Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriadekker/  Email Alexa at [email protected] Alexa Jesse, Director of Sales and Strategic Partnerships - Psychedelics Today. Visit Alexa’s website Here. Follow Alexa Jesse on Linkedin Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexajesse/ Email Alexa at [email protected] Learn and enroll in the Vital psychedelic-assisted therapy training program and/or support their diversity scholarship program here.The information shared through the "Celebrating Women in Psychedelics" podcast is meant for educational and career development purposes only and is not meant as an endorsement of the use of illegal or controlled substances. Celebrating Women in Psychedelics is a podcast and online community that helps women create successful careers and leadership opportunities in the psychedelic space. We help women connect through a global network, discover job posting and career opportunities, get access to training, tools and mentoring and work together to ensure women have as much influence as possible in the future of psychedelic therapy. Join our free community to get instant access to hundreds of women from 40+ countries already working in this field, as well as invaluable resources to support you on your own career journey. Click here to learn more and get started: https://community.celebratingwomeninpsychedelics.com/share/2srrM9pLkbi2gWOB?utm_sou rce=manual

For centuries women have made huge contributions to the use and advancement of psychedelics and plant medicines. Even so, many of these important women aren’t well know – or in some cases, don’t want to be known. Our guest is the perfect person to share about the role of women in psychedelics and plant medicines. She’s invested many years in researching and writing about some of the lesser known history related to psychedelics in Canada, the United States and globally. In this show she shares: Fascinating details about the history of psychedelics n Canada, including women’s roles and how the use of LSD in an asylum in Canada led to promising research showing the effectiveness of LSD based therapy in treatment of alcoholism What she learned from interviewing the wives and partners of well known psychedelic leaders, and how these women have made quiet but extremely important contributions to psychedelic/plant medicine use and research Why women have often gone unacknowledged in the psychedelic space, and why some have purposefully hidden their roles and influence from the public eye The history of psychedelics from a global perspective, including the involvement of women in the harvesting of ergot to support LSD production in the earlier days of Sandoz Labs in Switzerland No doubt by the end of this interview, you’ll have even greater appreciation for the ways in which women have influenced and hopefully will continue to influence the use of psychedelics and plant medicines around the world. Meet Our Guest: Dr. Erika Dyck is a Professor and a Canada Research Chair in the History of Health & Social Justice. Her interdisciplinary research brings social sciences and humanities perspectives to scientific and medical subjects. Her work has been published in medical, legal, economic, literary, philosophical, anthropological and historical venues. To know more about Dr. Erika Dyck go to this link: https://artsandscience.usask.ca/profile/EDyck Follow Dr. Erika Dyke on Linkedin Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-dyck-a9010430/The information shared through the "Celebrating Women in Psychedelics" podcast is meant for educational and career development purposes only and is not meant as an endorsement of the use of illegal or controlled substances. Celebrating Women in Psychedelics is a podcast and online community that helps women create successful careers and leadership opportunities in the psychedelic space. We help women connect through a global network, discover job posting and career opportunities, get access to training, tools and mentoring and work together to ensure women have as much influence as possible in the future of psychedelic therapy. Join our free community to get instant access to hundreds of women from 40+ countries already working in this field, as well as invaluable resources to support you on your own career journey. Click here to learn more and get started: https://community.celebratingwomeninpsychedelics.com/share/2srrM9pLkbi2gWOB?utm_sou rce=manual

As psychedelic-assisted therapy is poised to “go mainstream” most of the focus and opportunity is aimed at MD’s, therapists and others who will be “legally approved” to offer this kind of support through a medical model. This raises some big concerns about the impact of the medicalization of psychedelics on the “underground” - those brave and skilled coaches, guides, practitioners and others who’ve been quietly offering psychedelic support in the grey market, in some cases for decades. In this episode, we explore some interesting points on this topic, including: How the changing laws can create more opportunity – and more potential liability for people offering psychedelic support outside of the emerging medical model Where are underground practitioners most at risk regarding legal liability, and what can they do to minimize this An emerging form of insurance that could be extremely beneficial to the underground How practitioners can get access to numerous free resources to help them better serve their current clients and expand their practice going forward Meet Our Guest: Aviva Rabinovici has a 15+ year pedigree working in psychedelic circles, along with proven experience helping organizations in the psychedelic industry refine and reach their missions For more information on the Guides Collective go here: https://guidescollective.com Follow Aviva Rabinovici on LinkedIn Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avivarabinovici/The information shared through the "Celebrating Women in Psychedelics" podcast is meant for educational and career development purposes only and is not meant as an endorsement of the use of illegal or controlled substances. Celebrating Women in Psychedelics is a podcast and online community that helps women create successful careers and leadership opportunities in the psychedelic space. We help women connect through a global network, discover job posting and career opportunities, get access to training, tools and mentoring and work together to ensure women have as much influence as possible in the future of psychedelic therapy. Join our free community to get instant access to hundreds of women from 40+ countries already working in this field, as well as invaluable resources to support you on your own career journey. Click here to learn more and get started: https://community.celebratingwomeninpsychedelics.com/share/2srrM9pLkbi2gWOB?utm_sou rce=manual

Since as early as the 1950’s, psychedelics like LSD were showing real benefits in the treatment of alcoholism and other disorders. Currently, there are several psychedelic trials being conducted in leading institutions around the world, further proving the effectiveness of psychedelic-assisted therapy for smoking cessation, alcohol and drug dependency and other substance abuse disorders. In this episode, we’re going to examine: The fascinating history and current ways in which psychedelics are being used to treat substance abuse disorders The connection between AA and psychedelics, and why founder Bill W wanted to include psychedelic therapy as one of the official 12 steps The specific benefits – as well as the limitations of this innovative treatment for people in recovery Some important tips to keep in mind if you want to introduce psychedelic-assisted therapy to friends or family members you feel can benefit from these treatments And you’ll also hear how one specific real life “bad trip” led to a life-changing breakthrough of my guest. Although this is a new area under a lot of study, the potential for psychedelic-assisted therapy to help people suffering from addiction is extremely promising, and one of the most interesting application of clinical trials and psychedelic research being conducted in the psychedelic sector. Meet Our Guest Lauren Cabaldon, LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and clinic manager at Field Trip Health in San Diego. Follow Lauren Cabaldon on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-cabaldon-m-a-lmft-1815672b/ Check out the Field Trip San Diego clinic here: https://learn.fieldtriphealth.com/san-diego-health-center?utm_source=google_search&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=15356914032&utm_clinic=san_diego&utm_content=135783280971&utm_term=field%20trip%20health%20san%20diego&utm_location=9001467&utm_device=c&gclid=Cj0KCQiAw8OeBhCeARIsAGxWtUyAzy_Fg7j8JBVk2nFl-EBIrMp5cEE1chfhUIASIar-CRqSUOcQq5YaAqNhEALw_wcBThe information shared through the "Celebrating Women in Psychedelics" podcast is meant for educational and career development purposes only and is not meant as an endorsement of the use of illegal or controlled substances. Celebrating Women in Psychedelics is a podcast and online community that helps women create successful careers and leadership opportunities in the psychedelic space. We help women connect through a global network, discover job posting and career opportunities, get access to training, tools and mentoring and work together to ensure women have as much influence as possible in the future of psychedelic therapy. Join our free community to get instant access to hundreds of women from 40+ countries already working in this field, as well as invaluable resources to support you on your own career journey. Click here to learn more and get started: https://community.celebratingwomeninpsychedelics.com/share/2srrM9pLkbi2gWOB?utm_sou rce=manual

Many of us are familiar with President Nixon’s so called “war on drugs” instituted in the 1970’s, which not only sidelined promising psychedelic research, but since then has disproportionately incarcerated mass numbers of people for simple drug use and possession, especially people of color. What you may not be as familiar with are the specific ways in which the family members of those targeted by the war on drugs have been impacted by these dated and unfair policies. In this episode, our guested shares from her personal experience the price that families pay when the people they love are incarcerated. In her own words, “What a parent goes to prison, their family and community goes as well” In this heart-felt interview, you’ll discover: · How her father’s incarceration impacted her family and community and shaped her from a young age · The role psychedelics have played in her healing journey · The “race problem” she sees in the psychedelic community, and what specific steps can lead to greater access and healing for people of color wanting to benefit from psychedelic therapy · How the “People of Color Psychedelic Alliance” is providing invaluable education regarding the risks / benefits of psychedelics and engaging people to help end the war on drugs You’ll leave this session with an expanded and perhaps more nuanced understanding of the true impact of the war on drugs in America. Meet Our Guest: Ifetayo Harvey is known for her sharp insights concerning the war on drugs’ impact on communities of color and is the founder of the People of Color Psychedelic Collective (POCPC), which provides education and workshops for people of color interested in psychedelics and ending the war on drugs. Read Ifetayo Harvey's full bio here: https://www.celebratingwomeninpsychedelics.com/guests/ifetayo-harvey To find out more and support the People of Color Psychedelic Collective visit https://www.pocpc.org Follow Ifetayo Harvey on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ifetayoharvey/The information shared through the "Celebrating Women in Psychedelics" podcast is meant for educational and career development purposes only and is not meant as an endorsement of the use of illegal or controlled substances. Celebrating Women in Psychedelics is a podcast and online community that helps women create successful careers and leadership opportunities in the psychedelic space. We help women connect through a global network, discover job posting and career opportunities, get access to training, tools and mentoring and work together to ensure women have as much influence as possible in the future of psychedelic therapy. Join our free community to get instant access to hundreds of women from 40+ countries already working in this field, as well as invaluable resources to support you on your own career journey. Click here to learn more and get started: https://community.celebratingwomeninpsychedelics.com/share/2srrM9pLkbi2gWOB?utm_sou rce=manual

When will we finally have legal access to psychedelic-assisted therapy, especially for people who are suffering from end of life anxiety, crippling PTSD and others who just can’t afford to wait? The legal landscape governing psychedelics is changing so quickly in North America, many people are having a tough time keeping up with the latest changes and the implications of new regulations. In this episode, you’ll hear from three influential women involved in shaping and enforcing psychedelic policy, who will help to demystify the latest legal changes. We’ll be covering the latest updates regarding: · The newest decriminalization changes and ballot initiatives re: psychedelic access in the United States as well as recent and future initiatives that could greatly accelerate access to psychedelic therapy in the next year or two… · How the current laws in Canada are shifting quickly, and what’s likely to happen regarding access to psychedelic-therapy in this country in the next year or two… · Important policy issues that need to be considered AFTER the laws are changed if we want to ensure that psychedelic regulations don’t mirror the issues created in the cannabis industry · Why having women’s voices and feminine leadership in this space is critical in the shaping of effective laws and regulations governing psychedelics. Meet Our Guests: This episode features Sherry Boodram, Courtney Barnes and Susan Chapelle - three women playing key roles in shaping and enforcing psychedelic policy, and who have some unique and important perspectives on how the laws around psychedelics are changing. Read Sherry Boodram's full bio here: https://www.celebratingwomeninpsychedelics.com/guests/sherry-boodram Read Courtney Barnes' full bio here: https://www.celebratingwomeninpsychedelics.com/guests/courtney-barnes Read Sherry Chapelle's full bio here: https://www.celebratingwomeninpsychedelics.com/guests/susan-chapelleThe information shared through the "Celebrating Women in Psychedelics" podcast is meant for educational and career development purposes only and is not meant as an endorsement of the use of illegal or controlled substances. Celebrating Women in Psychedelics is a podcast and online community that helps women create successful careers and leadership opportunities in the psychedelic space. We help women connect through a global network, discover job posting and career opportunities, get access to training, tools and mentoring and work together to ensure women have as much influence as possible in the future of psychedelic therapy. Join our free community to get instant access to hundreds of women from 40+ countries already working in this field, as well as invaluable resources to support you on your own career journey. Click here to learn more and get started: https://community.celebratingwomeninpsychedelics.com/share/2srrM9pLkbi2gWOB?utm_sou rce=manual