Microdosing Skepticism Revisited

Dr. Jaster jumps into the anecdotal side of psychedelic microdosing with special guest Arkayla TH. Arkayla TH is a writer, communications consultant, People of Color Psychedelic Collective Board Member, St. Louis community organizer, and psychedelic advocate who uses the power of stories to build stronger communities. Most of her work is grounded in social justice and liberatory practices. In addition, living with a traumatic brain injury has deepened her commitment to exploring community-centered approaches to wellness, and she advocates for equitable access to psychedelic education, research, and healing opportunities—particularly for communities historically excluded from these conversations. Arkayla is the author of If Feelings Could Speak, her first poetry collection, and facilitates journaling workshops that help people harness the power of reflection and creativity for emotional well-being. Whether through writing, organizing, or advocacy, she believes our stories can be catalysts for personal healing and collective liberation. Together, Dr. J and Arkayla discuss the duality of psychedelic microdosing, the challenges of surviving concussions and violence, losing yourself and finding it again through microdosing, and harnessing creativity. For more info:POCPC website: https://www.pocpc.org/  Purchase If Feelings Could Speak: https://tr.ee/dCUruq4oI0 Link to join Arkayla's monthly newsletter: https://tr.ee/JidSNXpBsT 

It's been 3 years since the last microdosing review...and 20+ papers have come out since making it necessary to revisit the microdosing scientific literature and check-in with Dr. Jaster. Is she still a microdosing skeptic? Listen to this rapid fire breakdown of some the key themes from the microdosing literature and follow along by accessing the papers in the link below:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QB3CMUrbern3tgS5QPp6tZ9ixNmq5_0X?usp=sharing

Dr. Jaster attended the FDA hearing on "Considerations for Potential Future Therapeutic Use of Psychedelic Drugs," and sat down only hours after to give you her unfiltered thoughts. The hearing took place on September 14, 2026 from 12:30 to 4:30ET. There were two sessions of public comments that featured approximately 80 speakers. The first session focused on provider training, credentialing and patient safety. The second session was focused on access, data collection and standardization.While the hearing is over, the written public comment period is open until 11:59 ET on October 5th. To submit, visit https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/14/2026-14155/considerations-for-potential-future-therapeutic-use-of-psychedelic-drugs-public-hearing-request-for

Psychedelic policy is moving faster than most people realize - and the next 12 months could decide which therapies reach patients first. On the Season 6 premiere of Psychedelic Brain Science, Dr. Alaina Jaster is joined by Josh Hardman, Founder of Psychedelic Alpha. Together they break down the regulatory sprint, the companies closest to the finish line, and why "approval" may not mean access as quickly as you think.They also get into the broader policy picture: where decriminalization appears to be slowing, how medicalized models are taking hold why the psychedelics conversation is increasingly about more than one pathway, including the growing role of non-hallucinogenic neuroplastogens. To learn more and explore the various trackers at Psychedelic Alpha visit: https://psychedelicalpha.com/

In this episode, Dr. J is joined by Dr. Leah Salinsky, a postdoctoral researcher at University of Washington. They discuss the role of serotonin in addiction, the importance of drug discrimination models, and the unique interactions between psychedelics and opioids. Leah shares insights from her current research on polysubstance use, some unpublished findings, and the potential of psychedelics to reverse social deficits associated with substance use disorders.For her recent publications discussed in this episode:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12OI64pebeQ8Hj2zhxn-zdPj1DEAVZSJS?usp=sharing

In this episode of Psychedelic Brain Science, Dr. J is joined by Victoria Cvitanovic, a lawyer at Rudick Law Group with a focus on psychedelic medicine, cannabis and healthcare. Throughout the episode they discuss the evolving landscape of drug policy with an emphasis on the importance of understanding the consequences of drug laws on individuals and communities. Victoria also shares her own experiences as a prosecutor, lawyer, and someone with a disability, and how that has shaped her own practice and advocacy. Check out links below for more resources!Rudick Law Group: https://www.rudicklawgroup.com/National Bail Fund: https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/en/nbfn-directoryResources on Disability Justice:https://transgenderlawcenter.org/programs/disability-project/Resources on scientific advocacy: https://www.psychedelicbrainscience.com/post/so-you-want-to-be-an-advocate

In this episode, Dr. J is joined by Dimitri Mugianis, who has previously been featured on This American Life, Psychedelics Today and stars in the documentary I’m Dangerous With Love, which chronicles his work and life.Through the podcast, they discuss the darker side of addiction, recovery through the use of Ibogaine and how Dimitri has come full circle to helping create space to meet people where they are. Topics covered may not be suitable for everyone as we discuss suicide, IV drug use and more.He discusses his experiences in the underground treatment community, the cultural significance of Ibogaine, and the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces for healing. Dimitri emphasizes the need for radical hospitality and the needed shift of the field to recognize what frameworks are harmful in the psychedelic and psychiatric spaces, advocating for a more compassionate approach to addiction recovery and community support.His company, Cardea aims to create unique and artistic spaces that allow people to experience full expressions of themselves. Through experimentation with sound, art, and comfort at all levels, they provide a psychedelic therapy that is atypical. Cardea is also partnering with community members across the globe to inspire radical change through the Furthur Fund. Check out more on https://cardea.net/.

In this episode, Dr. Jaster is joined by Andrew Ferns, a PhD Candidate at University North Texas, to discuss his unique journey from a chef struggling with addiction to clandestine chemist to PhD researching the effects of psychedelics on cognitive decline. Andrew's current research focuses on the role of psychedelics in aging and cognitive decline, exploring innovative methods to study these effects. For some background reading on his research topics check out: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12bgnxnH3Eod_oGcz-jml1bBIfiy3Fjas?usp=sharing

This episode, Dr. Jaster is joined by Samantha Bumgardaner, MS, who is currently studying substance use disorders and psychedelics for her PhD at Saint Louis University.Her work employs mixed-method approaches to study the influence of state and trait factors on substance use and mental health outcomes in psychedelic therapies. They discuss everything from qualitative vs. quantitative research, therapeutic outcomes, accessibility to psychedelics, behavioral vs. physiological addiction + more!

This special episode of Psychedelic Brain Science is a collaboration with Psychedelic State(s) of America. Here, Dr. Jaster is joined by Julie Barron of Michigan Psychedelic Society and MI State Rep. Mike McFall to discuss the evolving landscape of psychedelic advocacy in Michigan, recent legislative efforts, and the importance of events like the Entheo Cup. For information about Rep. McFall + legislation: https://housedems.com/mike-mcfall/https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1900001For information about MI Psychedelic Society and Julie: https://mipsychedelicsociety.org/For coverage on MI Community + Legislation:https://www.lucid.news/michigans-psychedelic-advocates-persist/https://www.lucid.news/michigan-psychedelic-community-entheogens-and-activism/