Episode 36: Psychedelics, Integration & Ethics in Eating Disorder Research & More | Dr Elena Koning

January 6th, 2026  |  39 mins 54 secs

Psychedelics, Integration & Ethics in Eating Disorder Research & More | Dr Elena Koning

In this episode, Dr. Elena Koning, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Psychiatry at Dalhousie University and MAPS Canada volunteer, joins MAPS Canada Podcast host Osheen Dayal to explore the emerging science of psilocybin-assisted therapy, with a particular focus on eating disorders, mental health, and ethical responsibility.

We discuss why psychedelics are not a magic pill, the critical role of integration in creating lasting change, and why healthy skepticism is essential in psychedelic research. Dr. Koning also addresses the risks of sensationalized media narratives, the limits of current evidence, and the ethical challenges facing scientists and clinicians in this rapidly evolving field.

Topics covered:
• Psilocybin & eating disorder research
• Psychedelic therapy vs traditional psychotherapy
• Integration and long-term outcomes
• Ethics, access, and cultural responsibility

Episode 35: The Relationship Between Psilocybin & Freedom of Thought in Canada with Paul Lewin

December 23rd, 2025  |  52 mins 54 secs

Kyle Sittek-Lumsden speaks with the Toronto based lawyer Paul Lewin about a recent criminal case in London, Ontario and his argument that psilocybin is a freedom of thought tool that is protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. For inquiries on how to make a donation to fund the appeal in a higher court, please contact paullewin@lewinsagara.ca

Episode 34: Rehearsing Death: Psychedelics and the Art of Letting Go with Susan Wright

December 21st, 2025  |  40 mins 28 secs

Rielle Capler hosts this episode of the MAPS Canada podcast for a conversation with Susan Wright to explore how psychedelics can transform our understanding of life and death. In this deep and intimate conversation, Susan shares her own visionary experiences — from glimpses of other realms to encounters with loved ones — and reflects on how these journeys can serve as rehearsals for the great mystery beyond. Together, they discuss the courage to face what we cannot see, and how exploring consciousness opens us to new dimensions of being.

Episode 33: Discussing MAiD & psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy with Dr. James Downar

November 28th, 2025  |  1 hr 9 mins

In this episode, MAPS Canada Policy & Advocacy Team member
Kyle Sittek-Lumsden speaks with Dr. James Downar to explore medical assistance in dying, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and how the two complex topics intersect in Canadian law and medical practice.

Dr. Downar shares his expertise as both a palliative care physician and psychedelic researcher to provide background and insight in both MAiD & psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. He helps to clear up some common misconceptions and provide a deeper understanding on these two highly debated issues.

Join us on this podcast to explore how a novel medical intervention could significantly improve the lives of Canadians suffering from mental health conditions and end of life distress.

Episode 31: Psychedelics and Veterans: A New Hope with Gordon Hurley

November 16th, 2025  |  43 mins 53 secs

In this episode, MAPS Canada Podcast host Osheen Dayal speaks with Gordon Hurley — a veteran whose story sheds light on how psychedelics and cannabis can support healing after trauma.

Gordon shares how his military experience shaped his risk tolerance and acceptance, and how psychedelic therapy can be a game-changer for mental health. From viewing psychedelics as medicine to exploring the role of creativity, community, and new neural pathways in recovery — this conversation highlights the transformative potential of these therapies.

MAPSCanadaPodcast #VeteransDay #MentalHealthAwareness #PsychedelicResearch

Episode 32: Psychedelics & First Responders: Jonathan A Hill on Psychedelics Clinical Trial for First Responders

November 16th, 2025  |  27 mins 20 secs

In this episode of the MAPS Canada Podcast, Osheen Dayal hosts Jonathan Alexander Hill, co-founder of Empower Psychedelics. 🌿🎙️

Jonathan shares the mission behind Empower Psychedelics: advancing research, breaking stigma, and creating access to psychedelic therapy — especially for first responders. He discusses their Health Canada–approved clinical trial focused on firefighters, the unique benefits of group therapy, and the global interest among first responders in psychedelic healing.

This conversation highlights the importance of public education, collaboration with MAPS Canada, and distinguishing clinical practice from underground use. Jonathan also reflects on the future of legalization and how psychedelic access may differ from the cannabis model.

Episode 30: Exploring Spiritual Care in Psychedelic Therapy with Sinéad, Dr. Blainey & Reverend Jeffrey

September 28th, 2025  |  1 hr 33 mins

Exploring Spiritual Care in Psychedelic Therapy with Sinéad Sullivan-Paul, Dr. Marc Blainey, Reverend Jeffrey Vidt

In this episode of the MAPS Canada Podcast, Osheen Dayal hosts a conversation on integrating spiritual care into psychedelic therapy — honouring Indigenous wisdom, navigating ethics in clinical trials, and redefining spirituality in this evolving field. 🌿
Takeaways:
-Spiritual care is essential in psychedelic therapy.
-Indigenous knowledge must be respected in psychedelic practices.
-Clinical ethics should integrate spiritual exploration.
-Spirituality can be defined in many personal ways.
-The Canadian Association for Spiritual Care promotes spiritual competencies.

MapsCanada #psychedelictherapy #spiritualcare #indigenouswisdom #healingjourneys

Episode 29: Psychedelics & Cross-Cultural Mysticism: Dr. Amod Lele on Philosophy & Self-Transcendence

September 22nd, 2025  |  51 mins 51 secs

In this episode, host Osheen sits down with Dr. Amod Sandhya Lele to explore the intersections of psychedelics, mysticism, and comparative philosophy.

Dr. Lele shares his journey into Buddhism and how it shaped his understanding of mystical experiences—highlighting self-transcendence, cultural influences, and the role of psychedelics in exploring mysticism.

Check out the podcast to learn more about cross-cultural philosophy, Buddhist thought, and the future of psychedelic mysticism research.

Episode 28: How Indigenous Peoples Keep Their Spirituality Alive Amid Ongoing Injustice | Otis Jasper

September 10th, 2025  |  10 mins 39 secs

On this panel, Otis Jasper shares powerful truths about Indigenous strength, ceremony, and cultural healing. Despite the deep harms of residential schools and ongoing injustice, Indigenous communities continue to lead with spirit, resilience, and connection.

Otis is Sto:lo from Soowahlie and Cheam Nations, a cultural leader, entrepreneur, and former Chief — deeply committed to preserving Indigenous healing for future generations.

Part of our CIHR-funded Café Scientifique series on psychedelics and health equity.

Episode 27: Cafe Scientifique on Psychedelics and Health Equity with Monnica T Williams

September 6th, 2025  |  19 mins 14 secs

In this talk, Dr. Monnica Williams calls out how marginalized communities have been left out of psychedelic research and clinical trials. Based at the University of Ottawa, she’s a leading voice in mental health + psychedelic therapy.

Episode 26: A Story of Queerness & Psychedelics | Amy Bartlett

September 5th, 2025  |  14 mins 29 secs

In this talk, Amy Bartlett shares why we need more queerness and diversity in psychedelic spaces. Queer youth face higher risks when it comes to mental health and systemic discrimination — and Amy’s research explores how community and connection can support healing through psychedelics She’s wrapping up her PhD at the University of Ottawa, focusing on integration, spirituality, and belonging.

For this CIHR-funded Cafe Scientifique we brought together a panel of leading researchers in Canada with expertise on psychedelics and health equity.

Psychedelics #Queerness #MentalHealth #MAPSCanada #Diversity

Episode 25: Psychedelic Diversity: Lessons from the past | Erika Dyck

September 3rd, 2025  |  12 mins 54 secs

In this talk, Dr. Erika Dyck dives into the hidden history of the psychedelic movement — shining a light on the women behind it and how different cultures have used psychedelics. She breaks down where “set and setting” really come from and shares ideas on how to make psychedelic research more inclusive and sustainable.

This talk was part of a CIHR-funded Cafe Scientifique where we brought together a panel of leading researchers in Canada with expertise on psychedelics and health equity.

LINK TO TALK IN BIO

MAPSCanada #PsychedelicHistory #PsychedelicResearch #CulturalHealing #WomenInPsychedelics #EquityAdvocacy