Ibogaine Uncovered Podcast

Can the psychedelic ibogaine really get to the root of trauma? In Ibogaine Uncovered, author and journalist Amanda Siebert explores the impact of this powerful medicine including what prompts people to seek it out and how their lives are often transformed through the teachings they receive.

Guests take an honest look at their healing journey, unpacking their lived experiences with substance use disorder, complex trauma, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and grief.

Expert guests also provide listeners with wisdom for their own healing journey. Join Siebert for powerful conversations that highlight the value of preparation, integration, and community in the world of ibogaine healing.

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Clayton Smith: An Ibogaine Program for Veterans

Today on the show, Beond’s Co-Founder, Talia Eisenberg interviews Clayton Smith, who has pioneered a groundbreaking veterans’ program at Beond, leveraging ibogaine to heal trauma and addiction.

Clayton Smith is a former U.S. Army Infantry Captain and Purple Heart recipient. After leaving the military in 2013, he battled the invisible wounds of traumatic brain injury and PTSD for over a decade before successfully completing Beond’s therapeutic protocol. He now collaborates with fellow veterans and their spouses to lead the Beond Service program.

Clayton discusses his own challenging experiences with trauma and alcoholism, highlighting how ibogaine significantly aided his recovery.

He outlines the comprehensive program he helped develop, covering pre-admission coaching, an intensive eight-day onsite experience at Beond, and continued post-treatment support, emphasizing its transformative impact on veterans and their families.


Timestamps:

(02:07) Clayton’s Military Experiences and Trauma
(08:55) Struggles with Alcoholism and Finding Ibogaine
(15:12) The Beond Experience: Pre-Admission to Arrival
(22:34) The Ibogaine Experience: Visuals and Insights
(33:04) Building the Beond Service Program

Related Post: Veteran’s Journey: How Ibogaine Therapy Addressed PTSD, TBI, and Opioid Dependency

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Eamon Armstrong: Rewiring Desire with Ibogaine

What if the key to healing wasn’t just in a single experience, but in a lifetime of exploration? On this episode of Ibogaine Uncovered, producer Eamon Armstrong takes us inside his deeply personal journey with Ibogaine.

From a decade of psychedelic healing to his personal story of addiction, fantasy, and dissociation, Eamon shares how this experience at Beond has reshaped his understanding of healing, pleasure, and presence.

On the show, Eamon discusses cognitive enhancement and how Ibogaine has helped him shift from deep psychological exploration to refining daily habits. He opens up about his struggles with addiction—not to substances, but to sexual fantasy and dissociation—and how his healing journey has transformed his relationship with pleasure and intimacy.

The conversation delves into the neuroscience of addiction, the connection between sex and substance abuse, and why Ibogaine may be an important tool for treating compulsive behaviors. Eamon also shares a profound encounter with another guest at Beond, highlighting the universal nature of the father wound in masculinity.

Eamon Armstrong is a writer, speaker, and the producer of Ibogaine Uncovered. He also hosts Life is a Festival, The Psychedelic Therapy Podcast, and You Like It, exploring themes of healing, consciousness, and personal transformation.

With a background in festival culture, masculinity, and psychedelic therapy, Eamon’s work is dedicated to breaking stigmas and fostering authentic conversations around mental health, addiction, and growth.

His upcoming book dives into his own healing journey, exploring sex addiction, fantasy, and the role of psychedelics in reclaiming masculinity.

“What brought me to Ibogaine? I’ve done a lot of psychedelic ceremonial medicine. I’ve done 35 ayahuasca ceremonies. I’ve done silent retreats… I’ve really done a lot of investigation over the past 10 years and that has been primarily guided by my particular relationship to addiction. My core wounds for which addiction has been a response to. And one of the things I love about Beond is just seeing the mirrors around me. Different substance, different things that people have an addictive relationship with but you know same compensations for these painful wounds.”

Episode Timestamps & Key Moments:

(01:43) Eamon’s Healing Journey
(06:01) Insights from Ibogaine
(07:33) Challenges of Sexual Addiction
(09:18) Cognitive Enhancement and Brain Rejuvenation
(16:58) The Universality of Addiction


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Ian McCall: UFC, TBI, and Ibogaine

Ian McCall is a former UFC fighter, retired MMA world champion, and psychedelic research advocate championing alternative treatments for athletes through his organization, Athletes Journey Home.

Ian’s journey with psychedelics has been driven by his battle with traumatic brain injury and addiction, which manifested after more than a decade of professional fighting. He credits psychedelics for his successful recovery from more than a decade of dependence on pain medication.

Today, Ian spends his time as a performance coach and mentor, often cornering other professional athletes and assisting them on their own path to healing.

In this episode, Ian also shares how a recent experience with ibogaine helped him overcome ketamine misuse, a problem affecting an increasing number of visitors to Beond.

What We Discuss

— Ian’s journey as a professional MMA fighter and the personal challenges he faced during his career
— Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and its impact on athletes in combat sports
— Ian’s transition from traditional treatments to exploring psychedelics for TBI and addiction recovery
— A deep dive into Ian’s Ibogaine experience, including its challenges and profound insights
— How Ibogaine works on the NMDA receptor and its role in repairing damage from ketamine misuse
— Ian’s personal realization about overcoming fear and embracing vulnerability during his healing journey
— The potential for psychedelics like Ibogaine to support neurogenesis and long-term recovery
— Ian’s approach to helping others with TBI, addiction, and trauma, including the tools and therapies he employs
— The challenges and barriers in treating TBI and supporting recovery in athletes and others
— Ian’s vision for the future of TBI treatment and the role of psychedelics in holistic healing

Why It’s Important

This episode offers an intimate look at Ian McCall’s transformation from a professional MMA fighter to a passionate advocate for psychedelic healing.

By addressing the complexities of Traumatic Brain Injury and addiction recovery, Ian shares invaluable insights into the potential of psychedelics like Ibogaine to foster profound healing.

Whether you’re an athlete, a healthcare professional, or someone interested in alternative therapies, this episode provides a compelling narrative on resilience, innovation, and the future of mental and physical recovery.

Tune in to learn how Ian’s experiences can inspire and guide others on their healing journeys.


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Georgia Sinclair: “The Week that Changed me Forever”

Georgia Sinclair is an international DJ, music producer, and podcaster. Known for her chart-topping collaborations, electrifying House tracks, and global DJ residencies, Georgia has made waves not only in the music industry but also as co-host of the acclaimed wellness podcast Eighty Twenty.

Her creativity and authenticity have earned her a loyal following across multiple industries. In this episode, Georgia shares her transformative experience with ibogaine—a journey that she describes as “the week that changed me as a person forever.”

What We Discuss

— How ibogaine helped Georgia reprogram a sense of safety
— Ibogaine as a “firm but compassionate” medicine
— How Georgia’s journey gave her insight into addiction
— ADHD and OCD relief: how Georgia is managing without her medication post-ibogaine
— Dealing with perfectionism and avoidance
— Addressing creative blocks in her music
— How Georgia is embracing a more mindful relationship with substances
— Georgia’s advice for others who are curious about ibogaine

Why It’s Important

From gaining clarity on lifelong struggles like ADHD, OCD, and perfectionism to reprogramming her sense of safety and embracing a more intentional relationship with substances, Georgia’s story shows us that there are no limits to the different ways ibogaine can transform a person’s life.

It’s a raw and inspiring testament of what ibogaine can do for us when we remain open and curious to the healing potential of this powerful medicine.

Whether you’re curious about ibogaine, personal growth, or the intersection of creativity and wellness, this conversation is packed with revelations and a message of hope.



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Stephane Lasme: Respecting and Investing in Iboga

Stephane Lasme is a retired professional basketball player from Gabon and the co-founder and managing director of Stedde Capital, an investment firm focusing on opportunities within the realms of sports ownership, infrastructure, technology, and plant medicine – including iboga and ibogaine – in the United States and Africa.

As a professional athlete, Stephane began his career in the NBA, and went on to play in the EuroLeague for Spain, Greece, and Turkey, among other teams.

Stephane is also the founder of the 13 Foundation, which provides opportunities for children and youth in his hometown of Port-Gentil, Gabon.

What We Discuss

— Defining moments, on and off the court
— The 13 Foundation – how it started and how it’s grown
— Growing up with iboga
— The importance of privacy and cultural respect when working with iboga
— How Stephane’s company is investing in the future iboga
— Stedde Capital, sustainability, and the overharvesting of iboga
— Harm Reduction: comparing ibogaine to conventional pharmaceuticals
— The healing potential of iboga: what we’re missing
— The future of ibogaine treatment in the face of rising popularity

Why It’s Important

Growing up in Gabon, iboga was a household medicine for Stephane Lasme and his family. After many years as a professional athlete – and away from his culture – Stephane’s reconnection with iboga has led to the creation of a company putting real money into research, right in Gabon.

We learn from Stephane that even though it has played an important role in his life, talking about iboga and his experiences with it isn’t always so important.

His passion lies in investing in the future of this medicine through meaningful research and investigation alongside those who’ve grown up with it too.



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Dr. Lola Ohonba: A Yoruba Herbalist Talks Ibogaine

Dr. Lola Ohonba is a clinical pharmacist, plant medicine pharmacology expert, counselor, professor, and lifelong herbalist.

She is also the founder and CEO of WCI Health, where she consults with people who are seeking guidance in using cannabis, psychedelics, and other plant medicines as a part of their health and wellness journey.

Dr. O is public speaker, the best-selling author of A Pharmacist’s Guide to Cannabis: Perspectives of a Non-Conformist Clinician and the host of the podcast, Let’s Talk Plant Medicine: Cannabis, Psychedelics and Pharmaceutics.

What We Discuss

— What makes Dr. O a “non-conformist” clinician
— How Dr. O became interested in the medicinal qualities of cannabis (and later psychedelics)
— Growing up with plant medicine as the norm as an Indigenous herbalist of the Yoruba people of West Africa
— How Dr. O’s experience as a counselor lends itself to her work as a pharmacist and consultant
— The notion of “plants over pills,” and why it’s an oversimplification
— Harm Reduction: Comparing ibogaine to conventional pharmaceuticals
— Voacanga africana: An important relative of Tabernanthe iboga
— Why we can’t treat ibogaine like other plant and fungi medicines
— The role of synthetic ibogaine
— PsychEntheo, Dr. O’s new consulting platform

Why It’s Important

Dr. Lola Ohonba brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and Indigenous wisdom to the conversation about ibogaine and psychedelics.

As a clinical pharmacist and lifelong herbalist from the Yoruba people of West Africa, Dr. O’s insights bridge the gap between conventional pharmaceuticals and traditional plant medicine.

Her non-conformist approach challenges mainstream perspectives, offering valuable reflections on harm reduction, the complexities of ibogaine, and the future of psychedelic medicine.


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Dr. Joseph Barsuglia: Ibogaine, 5-MeO-DMT, and the Future of Trauma Healing

Dr. Joseph Barsuglia is a clinical and research psychologist, student and initiate of Bwiti, former Christian pastor, and an advisor in psychedelic medicine and alternative healthcare.

A co-investigator in the MAPS phase 2 MDMA trials for post-traumatic stress disorder, Dr. Barsuglia has also presented novel observational research on the use of ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT, and developed guidelines for their administration.

Along with his partner and co-founder, Tricia Eastman (a previous Ibogaine Uncovered guest), he has co-led psychedelic retreats through Psychedelic Journeys since 2015. Beond co-founder Talia Eisenberg is a guest co-host on the show.

What We Discuss

— How Dr. Barsuglia first came to know iboga
— What makes iboga such an effective tool for healing trauma
— The unique therapeutic benefits of working with ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT
— The biggest challenges affecting practitioners offering treatment with psychedelics
— The commonalities and differences between what Indigenous wisdom says and a modern medical approach to psychedelics
— Reconciling Dr. Barsuglia’s Bwiti present with his Christian past
— How Dr. Barsuglia’s spiritual work complements his psychology practice

Why It’s Important

From his work as a Christian pastor to becoming a Bwiti initiate and leader in psychedelic research, Dr. Barsuglia brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and deep spiritual insight to the podcast.

He offers a rare perspective on how psychedelics like ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT can address trauma in ways modern medicine is only beginning to understand, while his journey highlights the potential for integrating spiritual beliefs with therapeutic practice, making this conversation especially meaningful for those exploring the intersection of modern psychology, spirituality, and Bwiti wisdom.


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William Leonard Pickard: The Rebel Scientist Who Predicted Fentanyl

William Leonard Pickard is a former research associate in neurobiology at Harvard Medical School, Harvard fellow in drug policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and Deputy Director of the Drug Policy Analysis Program at UCLA.

His 1996 prediction of the fentanyl epidemic was published by RAND in The Future of Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids.

Also known as the Acid King, Pickard was the central figure in the largest LSD manufacturing case in history. Manufacturing tens of millions of doses with a partner, at its height, Pickard’s lab produced up to a kilogram of LSD approximately every five weeks.

He was eventually found guilty at trial of conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and dispense ten grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and received two life sentences.

On July 27, 2020, Pickard was granted compassionate release from federal prison 20 years into his sentence. In this episode, Beond co-founder Talia Eisenberg joins Ibogaine Uncovered as co-host.

What We Discuss

— Leonard’s introduction to psychedelics

— The motivation behind manufacturing such vast amounts of LSD

— A different kind of trip: what life in a maximum security prison was like

— How Leonard’s time as an underground chemist influences his current work

— Predicting the fentanyl crisis before it began

— The state of ibogaine treatment: Leonard’s ongoing research

— Challenges facing the psychedelic treatment industry

Why It’s Important

William Leonard Pickard’s influence on the current psychedelic landscape cannot be overstated. His commitment to cognitive liberty is balanced with a conservative approach towards how psychedelics including ibogaine should be regulated and consumed.

His life story encapsulates America’s fraught relationship with drugs, from his 1996 prediction of the fentanyl crisis, to serving 20 years in a maximum security prison for conspiring to manufacture LSD. This storied background lends to unparalleled insights on the use of psychedelics, and informs his ongoing research of ibogaine treatment centers and retreats.


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Lori Losch: The Importance of Integration Coaching

Lori Losch is a certified addiction recovery and psychedelic integration coach, and a member of Beond’s therapeutic coaching team.

She’s also a best-selling author, wellness advocate, adventure enthusiast, and self-proclaimed lifelong truth seeker who happens to have been my coach during my 2022 ibogaine journey at Beond.

Lori has worked with several medicines including ayahuasca, ketamine, psilocybin, and 5-MeO-DMT, but says ibogaine holds a special place in her heart as it launched her into her own personal healing.

As a coach, she helps clients with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, alcoholism, and consumerism. As Lori likes to say, coaching clients “from survival to soul-thrival” is her honor and privilege.

What We Discuss

— Lori’s own personal journey: from real estate to addiction recovery and psychedelic integration
— Why ibogaine is such an important part of Lori’s healing journey, and how it’s compared to other medicines for her
— What happens when someone’s biggest mess becomes their biggest message: Lori’s experience with bulimia
— The most essential steps when preparing for a psychedelic journey
— How to support clients through integration when psychedelics bring up deeply rooted emotional and psychological issues
— Common misconceptions about using psychedelics in addiction recovery
— Helping clients find freedom with food and their bodies: key steps
— How coaching transforms lives
— Coaching coaches: Lori’s advice for people aspiring to work in the psychedelic community

Why It’s Important

Our conversation dives deep into the transformative power of psychedelics, particularly ibogaine, in the context of healing and personal growth. Lori’s unique perspective as both a coach and someone who has undergone her own intense journey with bulimia and recovery offers invaluable insights into the potential of these medicines to not only treat maladaptive coping mechanisms but also transform lives.

Her expertise in guiding clients from the depths of survival to thriving provides a roadmap for those seeking freedom from anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and addiction. This discussion highlights the importance of proper preparation and integration in the psychedelic experience, debunks common misconceptions, and underscores the profound impact of coaching in the burgeoning field of psychedelic-assisted therapy.



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Cipriana Quann and TK Wonder: How Twin Sisters Heal Childhood Trauma with Ibogaine

Identical twin sisters Cipriana Quann and TK Wonder have been using their platforms to speak on diversity, inclusivity, and the power of sisterhood for over a decade. Hosts of the Chew on Something podcast, Cipriana and TK are also the founders of Urban Bush Babes, a lifestyle website dedicated to supporting, encouraging and highlighting the multi-faceted lives of women of color.

While Cipriana is a former Vogue writer, TK Wonder is a rapper and singer who has opened for artists like Nas and Afrika Bambaataa. Together they have been featured in commercials and campaigns for Fendi, Valentino, Tiffany Co., and Sephora, just to name a few; and are the first two Black American sisters to be on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Netherlands.

As advocates for survivors of sexual, physical, and mental childhood abuse, Cipriana and TK have been very open with their audiences about their shared experience, and the health issues that stemmed from their trauma. Having used sugar as a way to cope, they have rewritten their relationships with food and health. Ibogaine has also been a valuable part of their healing journeys, together and individually.

What We Discuss

—Life as identical twins: similarities, differences, and how Cipriana and TK influence each other
—Transparency and authenticity: how Cipriana and TK decide what to share with their audience when it comes to trauma and healing
—What informed Cipriana and TK’s perspective of psychedelics before being introduced to them as a healing modality
—How psychedelics are perceived in the Black community
—How people in the psychedelic realm can work to ensure people of color not only have access to but are an active part of building the environment within which psychedelics are more widely available
—How they came to realize it was time to implement lifestyle changes around food
—How ibogaine has impacted TK’s relationship with sugar
—Loving nudges: how Cipriana and TK encourage each other
—Integration practices: breathwork, movement, music, and writing

Why It’s Important

As identical twins navigating life together, Cipriana and TK offer unique insights into the importance of transparency and authenticity in addressing personal and collective challenges.

Their candid discussions on childhood trauma, their evolving relationship with nutrition, and their transformative experiences with psychedelics, particularly ibogaine, shed light on the complexities of healing.

By sharing their journey, Cipriana and TK provide inspiration and practical advice on integrating holistic practices into day-to-day life. This conversation is essential for anyone interested in understanding the nuances of healing, the role of psychedelics in that process, and the critical need for inclusivity in the psychedelic realm.

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