In this conversation, Dr. Richard Louis Miller and Dr. Daniel Kruger discuss the importance of community living for well-being, the adverse effects associated with psychedelic medicine, and the significance of harm reduction strategies. They explore the nature of psychedelic experiences, the role of guides, and the future of psychedelics in therapy. The conversation emphasizes the need for practical advice for first-time users and the importance of addressing misinformation surrounding psychedelics.

Takeaways

Living tribally enhances physical and emotional well-being.

Over 72% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, highlighting financial stress.

Many individuals experience adverse effects during psychedelic experiences, but these can vary in intensity.

Harm reduction strategies are essential for those choosing to use psychedelics.

A significant number of people have experimented with psychedelics, with estimates suggesting millions in the U.S.

Best practices for first-time users include mental preparation and creating a safe environment.

Testing substances for safety is crucial to prevent harmful experiences.

The therapeutic component of psychedelics is vital for maximizing benefits.

Misinformation about psychedelics can lead to distrust in legitimate research.

Community-sourced advice can provide trustworthy information for safe psychedelic use.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mind, Body, Health and Politics

01:42 The Importance of Community Living

02:00 Adverse Effects of Psychedelic Medicine

04:27 Understanding Adverse Experiences in Psychedelics

09:15 Harm Reduction and Psychedelic Use

12:06 Lifetime Usage of Psychedelics

13:38 Best Practices for First-Time Users

17:17 Accessing Harm Reduction Resources

20:02 The Role of Guides in Psychedelic Experiences

22:22 Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy vs. Self-Experimentation

26:58 The Future of Psychedelics in Therapy

29:46 Survey Insights on Adverse Effects

31:33 Cost-Benefit Analysis of Psychedelic Use

34:58 Misinformation and Trust in Psychedelic Research

38:30 Advice for Safe Psychedelic Use

40:19 Testing for Safety in Psychedelic Substances

41:36 Exploring Psychedelic Retreats

In this episode, Dr. Richard Louis Miller reflects on burnout through the lens of more than six decades in the helping professions.

He explores why burnout is not a personal failure, but a predictable outcome of caring without boundaries — and why learning to care for oneself is essential for sustaining care for others.

Drawing from clinical experience and personal stories, Dr. Miller speaks about the paradox of energy, the role of movement and connection in restoring vitality, and the importance of practicing what we teach.

This episode is a reminder that self-care is not indulgent, selfish, or optional — it is a responsibility.

In this episode, Dr. Miller discusses:

Why people in helping roles are especially vulnerable to burnout

How burnout develops when care flows in only one direction

The paradox of energy: when rest helps and when movement restores

Why exercise often increases energy rather than depleting it

How isolation worsens burnout and connection supports recovery

The importance of social support during periods of fatigue or stress

Why boundaries protect long-term generosity and service

How saying no allows us to continue saying yes in meaningful ways

This conversation is especially relevant for caregivers, clinicians, educators, parents, and anyone who gives deeply to others — and wants to remain well enough to continue doing so.

Why Exercise Changes More Than the BodyA reflection from Dr. Richard Louis Miller

In this solo episode, Dr. Richard Louis Miller reflects on the psychological, emotional, and physical impact of exercise — not as a fitness goal, but as a lifelong tool for emotional regulation, resilience, and well-being.

Drawing from personal experience and decades of clinical practice, Richard explains why movement remains one of the most reliable ways to support mental health at any age.

In this episode, Dr. Miller explores:

How aerobic exercise directly improves mood and reduces anxiety

Why even short bouts of movement can produce hours of emotional uplift

The science behind heart rate, adrenaline, and nervous system balance

Why starting small is more effective than waiting for motivation

How consistency matters more than intensity

The role of exercise in treating depression and emotional fatigue

Why movement supports healing during illness and recovery

How exercise builds confidence, agency, and self-trust over time

The importance of setting a regular time for movement

Why five minutes counts — and always has

Key takeaway

Exercise is not about performance or discipline.It is about supporting the nervous system, stabilizing mood, and choosing steady care over perfection.

This episode is an invitation to begin — wherever you are — and to remember that a little, practiced consistently, becomes something powerful.