Dr. Tony Back, University of Washington: Hope, Zen, and Psychedelics in Cancer

How do you cultivate hope that motivates you through cancer treatment without falling into magical thinking that prevents you from living in the present?

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Tony Back, palliative care physician, oncologist, psychedelic researcher and Zen practitioner. Tony explores the paradox of hope in cancer—how it can be essential for survival while simultaneously pulling us away from present-moment awareness. He offers both clinical and contemplative perspectives on healthy hope versus toxic positivity.

We also discuss Tony's strategic approach to social change, from training oncologists in difficult conversations to becoming the first physician to publicly share his psilocybin experience. His recent research on psychedelics among healthcare workers received 2,200 applications for 30 slots, revealing how psychedelic medicines might heal both patients and the doctors caring for them.

You can find us online at www.healingcancerjourneys.org and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Substack where our handle is healingcancerjourneys.