I'm grateful to welcome in Dr. Jeff McNairy to this episode of the Mindbend Podcast! Our discussion explores his path into clinical mental health and the experiences that shaped his approach to treating trauma and complex psychological struggles. Early in his career he worked in clinical and treatment settings where he witnessed patients arriving with deep unresolved trauma that often went inadequately addressed within conventional medical environments. Those experiences pushed him toward further transformational training and a commitment to improving how mental health care is practiced within clinical systems.

The episode looks closely at the therapeutic relationship itself. Dr. McNairy describes how trust between clinician and patient becomes the foundation for meaningful therapy, as evidenced by his life-changing work with Rhythmia founder, Gerard Powell. Dr. Jeff explains the psychodynamic frameworks that influenced his training, including object relations theory, and reflects on the emotional responsibility clinicians carry when they engage deeply with patients' psychological lives.

The conversation also touches on the complexities of building treatment programs and clinics that attempt to address trauma in more comprehensive, including psychedelic ways. Dr. McNairy talks about lessons learned from working inside large treatment programs like Rhythmia, managing teams of therapists, and developing systems of care that include integration and longer-term support after intensive therapeutic work. Throughout the episode he reflects on the challenges clinicians face when helping patients process trauma, rebuild trust in themselves, and reconnect with a more authentic sense of identity.

Connect with Dr. Jeff:

Jeff's Website

Rhythmia's Website

Follow MINDBEND IG: @mymindbend

Watch Full Episode on YouTube: @mymindbend

Website: www.mymindbend.org

This is an Operation Podcast production, connect with us @operationpodcast

#MindbendPodcast #JeffMcNairy #Psychiatry #MentalHealth #TraumaHealing #PsychodynamicTherapy #TherapyProcess #ClinicalPsychology #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealthCare #TherapistLife #HealingJourney #PsychologyConversation #MentalHealthAwareness #EmotionalHealing #TraumaWork #IntegrationWork #PodcastInterview #plantmedicine

I met the microdosing coach Atara Oven at the Awakening of Consciousness conference in Los Angeles, and I'm proud to be hosting her podcast premiere! Our conversation begins with a discussion about the growing reality of people microdosing while also navigating prescription medications such as SSRIs and benzodiazepines.

Atara is an experiential architect of sorts. She explains how intentional structure can dramatically shape someone's experience with microdosing. Atara stresses the importance of approaching the process with clear protocols, expectations, and personal reflection rather than treating it as a casual or trend-driven practice. She describes the role of a microdose coach and how thoughtful guidance, observation, and ongoing dialogue can help people better understand their responses and outcomes.

We cover the value of support systems, curiosity, and deliberate participation in the process. Rather than presenting microdosing as a shortcut, Atara frames it as something that benefits from planning, intention, and careful attention to the individual's circumstances. The result is a grounded, unsensational conversation about how people can approach microdosing more thoughtfully, responsibly, and ultimately effectively.

Connect with Atara Oven:

Journey State Website

Follow MINDBEND IG: @mymindbend

Watch Full Episode on YouTube: @mymindbend

Website: www.mymindbend.org

This is an Operation Podcast production, connect with us @operationpodcast

#MindbendPodcast #Microdosing #MicrodosingProtocol #MicrodoseCoaching #PsychedelicConversation #ConsciousnessExploration #MentalHealthConversation #SSRIs #MentalHealthSupport #IntentionalLiving #PsychedelicCommunity #AwakeningOfConsciousness #PodcastConversation #PersonalGrowth #SelfExploration

On EP.51 of the MindBend podcast, Mikaela de la Myco discusses how her early personal encounters with death and loss became the foundation for her spiritual worldview . She shares the significance of honoring ancestors through traditions like the ofrenda and storytelling, emphasizing that we keep those who have passed alive by remembering them and involving future generations in these sacred practices . Her perspective shifts the focus of memorialization from achieving immortality to maintaining an active, nourishing relationship with the "other side" .

Mikaela opens up about the dehumanizing nature of the modern hospice experience and the linguistic gaps we face when trying to discuss grief and the end of life . Drawing from her own family's struggles with terminal illness, she highlights the vital importance of how we care for and "send out" those who are passing . This personal history informs her deep appreciation for healers and elders who specialize in end-of-life care, particularly those integrating holistic and supportive practices into the dying process .

As a psychedelic practitioner, Mikaela views her work with psilocybin as a multi-generational healing journey that bridges the gap between ancestors and descendants . She describes her ceremonial practice as an intentional space where the stories of those who came before her are brought into the experience to ensure they feel the impact of the healing being done . Her approach is rooted in the belief that healing does not exist in a vacuum, but is a collective effort that honors both the past and the future

Follow Mikaela de la Myco:

Instagram: censored (visit her homepage)

Website: mushwomb.love

Follow MINDBEND IG: @mymindbend

Watch Full Episode on YouTube: @mymindbend

Website: www.mymindbend.org

This is an Operation Podcast production, connect with us @operationpodcast

#MindBendPodcast #MikaelaDeLaMyco #AncestralHealing #PsychedelicMotherhood #EndofLifeCare #GriefWork #DiaDeLosMuertos #Ofrenda #SpiritualWorldview #MushroomMedicine #PsilocybinCeremony #HolisticHealing #DeathDoula #ConsciousLiving #HealingJourney #MushWomb #IndigenousWisdom