Dr. Alex Belser, clinical scientist and psychologist formerly at NYU and Yale, reveals why 98% of psychedelic therapy happens underground—and the dark history the field doesn't want you to know. Guest Bio: Dr. Alexander Belser is a clinical scientist, psychologist, and psychedelic researcher. Author of EMBARK Psychedelic Therapy for Depression (Oxford University Press) and Queering Psychedelics: From Oppression to Liberation, he has been a leader for LGBTQIA+ advocacy in psychedelic spaces. Key Topics:

The economics forcing psychedelic therapy underground Hidden history of conversion therapy with LSD Current threats to LGBTQ+ research Solutions for accessible psychedelic healing

TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] Cold Open Montage [01:20] Welcome & the return to tribal living [02:24] Dr. Belser introduction - Brooklyn, NY [04:13] The future of community psychedelic medicine [06:02] Johnson & Johnson's $32,000/year ketamine vs. generic [07:42] Why 98% of psychedelic therapy is underground [09:21] Harm reduction approach to underground therapy [12:51] The economics don't add up - $5,000 minimum per session [15:02] Why FDA requires two therapists in the room [21:43] The hidden history of LGBTQ oppression with psychedelics [22:14] "Tim Leary said LSD is a specific cure for homosexuality" [23:44] Teenage conversion therapy - 800μg doses [25:15] "The transcripts are terrifying" [26:07] Living male-female dyad requirements [27:29] "There's a war on trans folks in the United States" [28:59] All LGBTQ research being shut down [31:54] Intersectional violence in NYC [35:50] The masculinity crisis and violence [37:17] Post-traumatic sexual stress disorder theory [41:41] Embrace Pleasure book - reclaiming psychedelic sexuality [43:29] Unwanted complications vs. adverse effects [45:29] Sexual boundary violations in psychedelic therapy [48:15] Why silence enables abuse [50:15] The small percentage of predators [54:43] Empowerment model for participants [57:44] Mandatory disclosure laws proposal [59:59] Who should avoid psychedelics [01:04:59] Should therapists have psychedelic experience? [01:12:13] Final thoughts: "The future is unwritten" Resources:

EMBARK Psychedelic Therapy Queering Psychedelics NYU Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine Dance Safe (harm reduction) The Fireside Project (peer support)

Connect with Dr. Belser: Email: alex.belser@gmail.com Subscribe for weekly interviews: mindbodyhealthpolitics.org

Discover how scientific self-experimentation went from heroic standard practice to career-ending stigma—and what we lost about consciousness research in the process.

Why 19th-century scientists routinely self-experimented with psychoactive substances

How the 1962 FDA amendments changed scientific culture forever

The underground networks continuing psychedelic research outside institutions

What the MDMA therapy rejection reveals about modern scientific politics

Links & Resources:

"Psychonauts" by Mike Jay

"Free Radicals: How a Group of Romantic Experimenters Gave Birth to Psychedelic Science"

Full interview available on Mind Body Health & Politics podcast

Imperial College London psychedelic research

Native American Church peyote ceremonies

Timestamped Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction: The Scholar's Privilege (02:00) - When Self-Experimentation Was Standard Practice(05:00) - Humphrey Davy and the Birth of Psychedelic Science (11:00) - Freud, Cocaine, and Neurasthenia (15:00) - William James and the Stream of Consciousness (20:00) - Barry Marshall: The Last Nobel Prize Self-Experimenter (25:00) - How the FDA Changed Everything in 1962 (30:00) - UK Government vs. Psychedelic Research (35:00) - MDMA Therapy and Medical Double Standards (40:00) - The Underground Networks Filling the Gap

In this illuminating conversation, Dr. Richard Miller speaks with Satya, a Portuguese healer and former professional surfer, about the vital importance of self-care for those in helping professions. From the healing power of small communities to the ongoing work of trauma integration, this discussion offers practical wisdom for sustaining oneself while serving others.

About Our Guest

Satya is a 47-year-old healer based in Portugal who transitioned from professional surfing to founding the Awareness Facilitator School, which combines psychotherapy, meditation, quantum physics, ancient philosophies, and bodywork. Her approach emphasizes helping clients "rise in consciousness" rather than treating them as patients.

Key Topics & Timestamps

02:10 - Life in a small Portuguese surfer village and the healing power of community

10:23 - Satya's journey from professional surfer to healer

13:42 - The profound impact of ayahuasca on healing deep trauma

17:33 - Dr. Miller's parallel journey creating Wilbur Hot Springs as a nature sanctuary

22:26 - The importance of self-care for healers and caregivers

26:56 - Practical approaches to maintaining well-being: silence, rest, and food

30:15 - Satya's personal healing journey with childhood sexual abuse

35:12 - Dr. Miller shares his own experience with childhood sexual trauma

39:46 - The Awareness Facilitator School and its approach to healing

43:04 - Nutrition practices for optimal health and healing

48:06 - Important health information about breast cancer detection

51:26 - The importance of strength training as we age

55:41 - Final message: "Don't abandon yourself"