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 Leah shares insights from her current research on polysubstance use, some unpublished findings, and the potential of psychedelics to reverse social deficits associated with substance use disorders.For her recent publications discussed in this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/

This episode Dr. Jaster is joined by Dr. Jérémie Richard, a psychologist and Assistant Professor at University of Ottawa. At the time of recording, Dr. Richard was a Banting Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.This episode discusses a recent publication by Richard and colleagues titled, "Patterns of Internalizing Problems, Substance Use and Cognitive Flexibility Before and After Naturalistic Psilocybin Use: A Repeated Measures Latent Profile Analysis"We know that's a mouth full, but don't worry! As you listen you can follow along to the paper and the figure that Dr. Richard references available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zSIz4z4BM-EK7EHFi5dXEAJnjh1DbAGq?usp=sharing

In this special episode, Alaina discusses the ongoing fight for the rescheduling of psilocybin with Dr. Sunil Aggarwal and attorney Shane Pennington. They delve into the complexities of the rescheduling process, the legal challenges faced, and the importance of public advocacy in shaping drug policy. The conversation highlights the significance of psilocybin in therapeutic contexts, the right to try act, and the evolving landscape of drug regulation in the United States.For more information check out these links:AIMS Institute - IG @aimsinstituteseattlehttps://www.aimsinstitute.net/category/news/https://facebook.com/aimsinstitutepllcNational Psychedelics Association - https://yournpa.org/dea-petition/Dr. Sunil Aggarwal - IG @sunil1007 -Twitter ⁠x.com/humansunilCannabinologist.orghttps://Facebook.com/humansunilhttps://Facebook.com/Sunil.aggarwal1Shane Pennington - https://www.blankrome.com/people/shane-a-pennington

Dr. Alaina Jaster is joined by Brooke Sanders, MS, a translational neuroscientist focused on understanding epigenetic impacts of synthetic cannabinoids on the human genome. She is also a Content Advisor for Students for Sensible Drug Policy.They discuss a variety of projects Sanders is involved in including:Assessing social aspects of cannabis use in adolescentsMS project studying epigenetic changes following synthetic cannabis administrationHarm reduction and drug policy at the national and international level including her experience speaking at the United NationsIs Cannabis a Psychedelic Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ttrtyHJcwZbtkKkx3BvyN?si=W0i88lhyRmKZoSmb-104aQCannabis and California Sober ft. Dr. Grinspoon: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0MPaF0ru4ZF2QUztqAugCZ?si=30PG-m2FSDCX8wgPhXqiswPsyChild Database: https://www.psychild.info/Other resources related to the episode: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sp-BaLozZN6FCHuEYAyNdM5hiokiKtX-?usp=sharing

Welcome to the first Causal Friday! These short segments are all about chatting casually with friends, family or strangers and how the most random interests can intersect with science. They will air on a random Friday each month, so you have to subscribe to get the notification!The first guest of this segment is Dr. Jaster's husband and voice of the famous podcast disclaimer, Chris Wood. Here, they discuss raw denim jeans and the ethics of gene therapy. Let us know what you think and don't forget to like, subscribe, share and check out our patreon!