The Trip Report

#42 Reed Finlay: Designing Spaces for Healing and Transformation

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves.. Today, we’re speaking with Reed Finlay [https://www.reedfinlaydesign.com/about], a visionary designer and the founder of Set and Setting Design [https://www.setsetting.com/], a company dedicated to creating transformative spaces for healing and human connection. Reed’s journey began in traditional architecture, where he spent over 25 years designing everything from high-end homes to sustainable, off-grid buildings. But his career took a radical turn after a life-changing plant medicine experience that revealed the profound impact of the environment on human consciousness. Since then, Reed has focused on designing spaces specifically intended to support healing, growth, and transformation. From psychedelic ceremony rooms to retreat centers and even the Temple at Burning Man [https://www.reedfinlaydesign.com/design/project-one-ephnc-ebdae-y5an2], Reed's work transcends conventional architecture by weaving together elements of nature, mysticism, and human psychology. In this conversation, we discuss: * The power of set and setting in shaping psychedelic experiences * How sacred space design can deepen emotional healing * His transformative experience that inspired his career shift * The role of architecture in the emerging field of psychedelic therapy * How principles from Donald Winnicott’s "holding environment" influence his designs * The intersection of spirituality, community, and space in modern culture * And much more. And now, I bring you my conversation with Reed Finlay. Listen to the episode on Substack [https://www.thetripreport.com/podcast], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4kVH84MmPKTPBkLeK8uoaO], Google [https://podcasts.google.com/u/2/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcGkuc3Vic3RhY2suY29tL2ZlZWQvcG9kY2FzdC85NzU0LnJzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwjgucmr3eGAAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ] or Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-trip-report/id1692414438]. Credits: * Hosted by Zach Haigney [https://twitter.com/zach_haigney] * Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlewakowski/], and Katelin Jabbari [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelinjabbari] * Find us at thetripreport.com [https://www.thetripreport.com/] * Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thetripreport_beckleywaves], Twitter [https://twitter.com/thetripreport1], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-trip-report/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thetripreportbybeckleywave6591] * Theme music by MANCHO Sounds [https://soundcloud.com/manchoyogasounds], Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary [https://www.deluxerecordingstudio.com/] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com [https://www.thetripreport.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#41 Josh White: Support & Coaching for Psychedelic Experiences

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves [https://beckleywaves.com/]. Today, we’re speaking with Josh White [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuasethwhite/], the founder and executive director of Fireside Project [https://firesideproject.org/], an innovative nonprofit that offers psychedelic coaching and real-time peer support for people navigating psychedelic experiences. After a career as a lawyer representing the city and county of San Francisco, he shifted his focus to the mental health space and ultimately combined his two passions—psychedelics and crisis support—into Fireside Project. Fireside Project is best known for its free, confidential psychedelic support line, offering assistance to people during and after their experiences. Since launching in 2021, the hotline has facilitated over 30,000 conversations, helping individuals process everything from mystical awakenings to difficult trips. Now, Josh and his team are expanding their work through Fireside Certified Psychedelic Coaching [https://firesideproject.org/], a service designed to provide long-term, nonclinical support to those integrating profound psychedelic insights into their daily lives. In this conversation, we discuss: * The origins of Fireside Project and its mission * How the support line works and the types of calls they receive * The launch of Fireside’s coaching program and the growing need for structured psychedelic guidance * The difference between harm reduction and transformational support * How psychedelic support fits into the future of mental health care * And much more. And now, I bring you my conversation with Josh White. Listen to the episode on Substack [https://www.thetripreport.com/podcast], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4kVH84MmPKTPBkLeK8uoaO], Google [https://podcasts.google.com/u/2/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcGkuc3Vic3RhY2suY29tL2ZlZWQvcG9kY2FzdC85NzU0LnJzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwjgucmr3eGAAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ] or Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-trip-report/id1692414438]. Credits: * Hosted by Zach Haigney [https://twitter.com/zach_haigney] * Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlewakowski/], and Katelin Jabbari [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelinjabbari] * Find us at thetripreport.com [https://www.thetripreport.com/] * Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thetripreport_beckleywaves], Twitter [https://twitter.com/thetripreport1], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-trip-report/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thetripreportbybeckleywave6591] Theme music by MANCHO Sounds [https://soundcloud.com/manchoyogasounds], Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary [https://www.deluxerecordingstudio.com/] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com [https://www.thetripreport.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#40 Tom Morgan: Dark Night of the Soul and the Future of Intelligence

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves. Today, we’re speaking with Tom Morgan [https://x.com/tomowenmorgan], a writer, thinker, and founder of Leading Edge [https://www.theleading-edge.org/], a community dedicated to exploring human transformation and the evolution of intelligence. Tom’s journey began on the trading floors of Wall Street, where he built a successful career in finance before experiencing a profound and disorienting shift in consciousness—a spontaneous spiritual awakening that forced him to reconsider everything he knew about reality, mental health, and human intelligence. His work synthesizes ideas from complexity theory, depth psychology, neuroscience, and spiritual traditions to explore how individuals and society at large can transition toward what he calls attractor intelligence—a hidden force guiding us toward wholeness and complexity. In this conversation, we discuss: * The role of spontaneous spiritual experiences in modern life * The overlap between mental illness and spiritual crisis * The risks of meditation, psychedelics, and other psychotechnologies * His experience with the "Dark Night of the Soul" and how he emerged stronger * The founding of Leading Edge and its mission to support high-agency individuals in personal transformation * How the left and right hemispheres of the brain influence culture, capitalism, and our understanding of intelligence * And much more. And now, I bring you my conversation with Tom Morgan. Listen to the episode on Substack [https://www.thetripreport.com/podcast], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4kVH84MmPKTPBkLeK8uoaO], Google [https://podcasts.google.com/u/2/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcGkuc3Vic3RhY2suY29tL2ZlZWQvcG9kY2FzdC85NzU0LnJzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwjgucmr3eGAAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ] or Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-trip-report/id1692414438]. Credits: * Hosted by Zach Haigney [https://twitter.com/zach_haigney] * Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlewakowski/], and Katelin Jabbari [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelinjabbari] * Find us at thetripreport.com [https://www.thetripreport.com/] * Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thetripreport_beckleywaves], Twitter [https://twitter.com/thetripreport1], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-trip-report/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thetripreportbybeckleywave6591] * Theme music by MANCHO Sounds [https://soundcloud.com/manchoyogasounds], Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary [https://www.deluxerecordingstudio.com/] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com [https://www.thetripreport.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#39 Gabe Charalambides: Psychedelic Entrepreneurship

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves [https://beckleywaves.com/]. Today, I am speaking with Gabe Charalambides [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gcharalambides], a former aerospace engineer turned mental health and psychedelic entrepreneur. Gabe is the founder of Odyssey [https://www.odysseypbc.com/], a pioneering organization offering psilocybin-assisted retreats and private sessions under Oregon’s psilocybin legalization framework. Gabe’s journey began in the world of aerospace engineering, where he spent years designing cutting-edge technology. However, his personal experiences with meditation, Buddhism, and psychedelics opened a new path—one focused on exploring the human mind and fostering healing through intentional psychedelic experiences. With Odyssey, Gabe has created a platform that combines deep respect for tradition with an evidence-based, accessible approach to psilocybin therapy. In this conversation, we discuss: * Gabe’s evolution from aerospace engineer to mental health entrepreneur * The founding story and ethos behind Odyssey * Insights into running psilocybin-assisted retreats in Oregon under its novel legislative framework * The interplay between psychedelics, meditation, and neuroplasticity * The unique challenges and opportunities in tailoring retreats for specific needs, from bereavement to leadership development * And much more. And now, I bring you my conversation with Gabe Charalambides. Listen to the episode on Substack [https://www.thetripreport.com/podcast], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4kVH84MmPKTPBkLeK8uoaO], Google [https://podcasts.google.com/u/2/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcGkuc3Vic3RhY2suY29tL2ZlZWQvcG9kY2FzdC85NzU0LnJzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwjgucmr3eGAAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ] or Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-trip-report/id1692414438]. Credits: * Hosted by Zach Haigney [https://twitter.com/zach_haigney] * Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlewakowski/], and Katelin Jabbari [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelinjabbari] * Find us at thetripreport.com [https://www.thetripreport.com/] * Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thetripreport_beckleywaves], Twitter [https://twitter.com/thetripreport1], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-trip-report/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thetripreportbybeckleywave6591] Theme music by MANCHO Sounds [https://soundcloud.com/manchoyogasounds], Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary [https://www.deluxerecordingstudio.com/] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com [https://www.thetripreport.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#38 Hailey Gilmore: The Complexity of Psychedelic Science

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves [https://www.beckleywaves.com/]. Today, I am speaking with Hailey Gilmore [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hailey-gilmore-mph-85a9869/], the former Medical Science Liason at MAPS PBC, Lykos Therapeutics, and founder of Luminous Research Consulting [https://www.luminousrcs.com/] Hailey joined MAPS in 2020, where she spearheaded their investigator-initiated trials (IIT) program, overseeing how MDMA-assisted therapy could address diverse clinical indications. Her role involved navigating complex regulatory landscapes, establishing protocols, and engaging with researchers worldwide. Today, as the founder of Luminous Research [https://www.luminousrcs.com/] she leverages her expertise to guide organizations in bringing psychedelics and other innovative therapies to market. Hailey is a public health scientist with a master’s degree in epidemiology and biostatistics from UC Berkeley. She has spent over 15 years in clinical trial management, initially in the HIV prevention field, where she contributed to groundbreaking studies such as the efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing HIV transmission. This conversation is a masterclass in understanding psychedelic therapy development's nuanced challenges and opportunities. Here’s what we cover: * The Landscape of Psychedelic Therapy: Hailey breaks down the logistical hurdles of bringing MDMA-assisted therapy to market, from FDA approvals to state-by-state legislative processes and the complex interplay of insurance, healthcare institutions, and drug rescheduling. * Insights from HIV Research: Drawing parallels with PrEP’s rollout, Hailey provides a framework for how psychedelics might navigate similar adoption barriers, including clinician training, insurance buy-in, and the balancing act between small, agile clinics and large academic centers. * The Role of Smaller Clinics vs. Academic Institutions: She reflects on how smaller clinics might be better positioned to implement MDMA-assisted therapy quickly, given their flexibility, while larger institutions struggle to turn their metaphorical cruise ships. * Systemic Challenges in the Psychedelic Field: From the intricacies of DEA licensing to the limitations of current research funding, Hailey outlines the systemic barriers that continue to slow progress in this field. * Optimism Amid Complexity: Despite the delays in MDMA-assisted therapy’s approval, Hailey believes that public-private partnerships and innovative trial designs could unlock new opportunities for psychedelic research and implementation. Finally, we explore the potential impact of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s potential appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Trump administration. Could this mark a turning point for federal policy on psychedelics? Hailey weighs the possibilities and shares her vision for how public health could guide this evolving conversation. And now, I bring you my conversation with Hailey Gilmore. Listen to the episode on Substack [https://www.thetripreport.com/podcast], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4kVH84MmPKTPBkLeK8uoaO], Google [https://podcasts.google.com/u/2/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcGkuc3Vic3RhY2suY29tL2ZlZWQvcG9kY2FzdC85NzU0LnJzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwjgucmr3eGAAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ] or Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-trip-report/id1692414438]. Credits: * Hosted by Zach Haigney [https://twitter.com/zach_haigney] * Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlewakowski/], and Katelin Jabbari [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelinjabbari] * Find us at thetripreport.com [https://www.thetripreport.com/] * Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thetripreport_beckleywaves], Twitter [https://twitter.com/thetripreport1], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-trip-report/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thetripreportbybeckleywave6591] Theme music by MANCHO Sounds [https://soundcloud.com/manchoyogasounds], Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary [https://www.deluxerecordingstudio.com/] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com [https://www.thetripreport.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]