Episode 41: Vilca Afterglow: How Psychedelic Beer Shaped the Wari Empire with Justin Jennings

January 30th, 2026  |  59 mins 31 secs

In this episode of the MAPS Canada podcast, host Warren Jane sits down with Justin Jennings, Senior Curator of the Archaeology of the Americas at the Royal Ontario Museum and leading expert on Andean civilizations, to discuss the ancient role of psychedelics in empire-building, exploring how vilca—a powerful plant-based hallucinogen—may have influenced social cohesion and governance in the pre-Inca Wari Empire of the Andes (600–1000 CE).

They examine how vilca seeds, mixed into ceremonial beer, likely produced not just immediate visionary experiences but enduring neuroplastic “afterglow” effects—fostering greater empathy, openness, and pro-social bonds that helped integrate disrupted communities amid imperial expansion.

Episode 40: Ayahuasca, Shamanism and the Religious Exemption That Never Was with Allan Finney

January 26th, 2026  |  55 mins 42 secs

This episode of the MAPS Canada podcast explores the living lineage of ayahuasca—from its Indigenous ceremonial roots to contemporary struggles for religious freedom and cultural recognition in Canada.

Host Warren Jane sits down with Allan Finney of the Companionship of the Sacred Vine to discuss the sacred role of the medicine, the importance of ceremony, integration, and community, and the complex legal landscape facing entheogenic spiritual practices today. Together, they unpack how tradition, spirituality, and modern policy collide—and what’s at stake for healing, culture, and conscience.

You can find more on Allan's work at:
https://sacredvinecompanionship.com
https://ayahuascacanada.com
https://www.youtube.com/@ayahuascacanada4763

Episode 39: The Medicine Within | Ep. 1: Reframing Psychedelics - Healing, Risk & Responsibility with Mark Haden

January 15th, 2026  |  1 hr 5 mins

The Medicine Within is a 7-part MAPS Canada series hosted by Osheen Dayal, exploring the evolving landscape of psychedelic medicine, mental health, and embodied healing. Through grounded conversations with experts, practitioners, and voices of lived experience, this series explores how inner healing is cultivated through intention, integration, community, and care — beyond substances alone.

In the opening episode of The Medicine Within, Mark Haden joins Osheen Dayal for a wide-ranging conversation on psychedelics — from shifting drug policy and public perception to neuroplasticity, intention setting, community use, and integration. Together, they unpack common myths, real risks, and the broader cultural and environmental implications of psychedelic healing, while emphasizing responsibility, preparation, and advocacy.

Episode 38: Denied Psilocybin, Approved for MAiD: A Doctor’s Fight for Common Sense

January 14th, 2026  |  45 mins 2 secs

In this episode of the MAPS Canada podcast, policy and advocacy team member Kyle Sittek-Lumsden speaks with Dr. Blake Pearson about his father Pete Pearson's experience with existential distress as well as the application process for psychedelic-assisted therapy and medical assistance in dying. They talk about the personal difficulties related to a terminal diagnosis and how Pete's SAP application was denied after an 11 month waiting period while his MAiD request was accepted within 30 days. Join us for this moving and emotional discussion on how these two policy issues intersect in a real-world case. If you would like to show support for Pete's case to receive compassionate access to psychedelic-assisted therapy through a section 56. exemption, please email the Minister of Health at https://bit.ly/3Zbu67D

Episode 37: Exploring Hidden Paths of Mental Health Using Ibogaine with Jonathan Dickinson, Ambio Life Sciences

January 13th, 2026  |  49 mins 39 secs

What happens when an ancient plant medicine meets cutting‑edge neuroscience and careful clinical protocols?

This episode of the MAPS Canada podcast traces Ibogaine’s path from traditional Tabernanth iboga ceremonies to medically supervised treatment for people navigating addiction, PTSD, and other mental health challenges.

Jonathan Dickinson, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Ambio Life Sciences and podcast host Osheen Dayal talk about cardiac safety, exclusion criteria, neuroplasticity, and how community, culture, and integration shape the long‑term impact of the experience.

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