Intonicated

About Intonicated

Hosted by Ken Tupper, Intonicated is a podcast that explores how altered states of consciousness can function as tools for healing, learning and well-being. Drawing on decades of experience in public health, interdisciplinary education, and psychedelic research, Kenneth speaks with thinkers, practitioners, and storytellers shaping the future of this field. Intonicated is a neologism that contrasts with intoxicated, providing a term to denote the experience of being inwardly attuned, cognitively expanded, and oriented towards clarity, vitality and integration. If you’re curious about evidence, ideas, and insights that connect ancient wisdom with contemporary science, you’re in the right place. Subscribe for thoughtful, grounded dialogue about the frontiers of mind and meaning.

Publisher

Kenneth Tupper

Category

education · health & fitness · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Jan 2026

Latest episode

29 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

7 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Jul 2026

   The History behind the Psychedelic Renaissance – A Conversation with Erika Dyck

   In this episode of Intonicated, Kenneth Tupper sits down with historian and Canada Research Chair Dr. Erika Dyck to explore some of the history of psychedelic research and its enduring influence on today’s psychedelic renaissance. Their conversation traces the pioneering work of Humphry Osmond, Abram Hoffer, Duncan Blewett, and Tommy Douglas in Saskatchewan during the 1950s, where groundbreaking research on LSD, alcoholism, and psychiatric care helped establish Canada as an international leader in psychedelic medicine. Erika also discusses the colorful story of Al Hubbard and Hollywood Hospital in British Columbia, the rise and decline of psychedelic research, Cold War politics, and the ethical controversies surrounding CIA-funded mind control experiments. Looking beyond the past, Kenneth and Erika reflect on what history can teach us about the future of psychedelic care. They discuss Indigenous knowledge systems, the Native American Church in Canada, harm reduction at festivals and in community settings, and the importance of preserving overlooked histories from around the world. Together, they consider how historical scholarship can inform more ethical, equitable, and culturally grounded approaches to psychedelics in the decades ahead. Time Stamps 01:00 – Introduction 02:42 – Saskatchewan and Premier Tommy Douglas 04:59 – Humphrey Osmond 08:03 – LSD Research for Alcoholism 10:33 – Al Hubbard & Hollywood Hospital 18:07 – Why Mid-20th Century Psychedelic Research Ended 21:49 – Sidney Gottlieb and CIA Mind Control Research 26:51 – Erika’s Journey into Psychedelic History 29:30 – New Directions in Psychedelic Research 39:19 – Global Psychedelic Histories 43:21 – The Future of Psychedelic Scholarship Guest: Dr. Erika Dyck is a Professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in the History of Health and Social Justice at the University of Saskatchewan. An internationally recognized historian of medicine, her research explores the history of psychiatry, psychedelics, mental health, and medical experimentation in Canada and beyond. She is the author and co-editor of numerous books, including Psychedelic Psychiatry, The Acid Room, and Psychedelics: A Visual Odyssey, and serves as President of the Alcohol and Drugs History Society. Links: Erika Dyck’s Wikipedia bio – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erika_Dyck (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erika_Dyck ) Private Member’s Bill C-286 (to amend Canada’s federal drug laws to allow the medical use of psilocybin) https://www.parl.ca/documentviewer/en/45-1/bill/C-286/first-reading (https://www.parl.ca/documentviewer/en/45-1/bill/C-286/first-reading ) Erika Dyck’s book - Psychedelic Psychiatry: LSD on the Canadian Prairies https://uofmpress.ca/books/psychedelic-psychiatry (https://uofmpress.ca/books/psychedelic-psychiatry ) Brad Holden’s biography of Al Hubbard – Seattle Mystic Alfred M. Hubbard: Inventor, Bootlegger & Psychedelic Pioneer https://bookshop.org/p/books/seattle-mystic-alfred-m-hubbard-inventor-bootlegger-psychedelic-pioneer-bradley-holden/22773e2a09615a9e (https://bookshop.org/p/books/seattle-mystic-alfred-m-hubbard-inventor-bootlegger-psychedelic-pioneer-bradley-holden/22773e2a09615a9e ) Erika Dyck’s book (co-authored with Jesse Donaldson) – The Acid Room: The Psychedelic Trials and Tribulations of Hollywood Hospital https://www.anvilpress.com/books/the-acid-room-the-psychedelic-trials-and-tribulations-of-hollywood-hospital (https://www.anvilpress.com/books/the-acid-room-the-psychedelic-trials-and-tribulations-of-hollywood-hospital ) Stephen Kinzer’s book – Poisoner in Chief: Sidney Gottlieb and the CIA Search for Mind Control https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poisoner_in_Chief (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poisoner_in_Chief ) Fannie Kahan’s book – A Culture’s Catalyst: Historical Encounters with Peyote and the Native American Church in Canada https://uofmpress.ca/books/a-cultures-catalyst (https://uofmpress.ca/books/a-cultures-catalyst ) Erika Dyck’s book (co-edited with Chris Elcock) – Expanding Mindscapes: A Global History of Psychedelics https://direct.mit.edu/books/oa-edited-volume/5697/Expanding-MindscapesA-Global-History-of (https://direct.mit.edu/books/oa-edited-volume/5697/Expanding-MindscapesA-Global-History-of ) In The Sleep Room – Book by Anne Collins (and Canadian television docudrama mini-series) based on the CIA-funded mind-control experiments in Montreal https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sleep_Room (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sleep_Room ) Host: Kenneth Tupper is a public health researcher, drug policy expert, and educator whose work focuses on psychedelics, learning, and wellbeing. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Psychedelics are powerful substances with known risks and are illegal in many jurisdictions. Always consult qualified medical professionals and follow applicable laws.

2. 

   30 Jun 2026

   Beyond Therapy: Why Psychedelics Matter for Public Health – A Conversation with Heather Kuiper

   In this episode of Intonicated, Kenneth speaks with Heather Kuiper, co-founder and Director of the Center for Psychedelic Public Health, about the emerging field of psychedelic public health and its potential to reshape how society understands these powerful substances. Their conversation explores why psychedelics should be considered through a public health lens, not only as therapeutic tools for individuals, but as catalysts for community wellbeing, education, health promotion, and systems change. They discuss harm reduction, psychedelic exceptionalism, Indigenous knowledge and reciprocity, the importance of language, and how public health principles can help maximize benefits while minimizing harms. Heather also shares the vision behind the Center for Psychedelic Public Health and its efforts to build a new interdisciplinary field that bridges research, policy, education, and community practice. Whether you’re interested in psychedelics, public health, or the future of collective wellbeing, this conversation offers a thoughtful exploration of how these worlds can come together to support healthier people and communities. Time Stamps 0:53 – Introduction 2:08 – What Is Public Health? 4:32 – Why Psychedelics Need Public Health 6:49 – Research on Psychedelics in Schools of Public Health 10:33 – Building the Field of Psychedelic Public Health 13:39 – Harm Reduction and Psychedelics 17:59 – Psychedelic Exceptionalism 22:23 – Indigenous Principles in Psychedelic Public Health 26:41 – The Power of Language 31:38 – Psychedelics, Education & Consciousness 37:03 – Ritual vs. Recreation 39:30 – Building the Future of Psychedelic Public Health 47:30 – Final Thoughts Guest: Heather Kuiper, DrPH is Founder and Director of the Center for Psychedelic Public Health. A public health leader with expertise in health equity, environmental justice, and community wellbeing, she has led initiatives spanning maternal health, environmental health, and systems change. Her current work focuses on advancing psychedelic public health through global collaboration, Indigenous partnerships, and population-level approaches to health and wellbeing. Links: https://www.psychedelicpublichealth.org/ (https://www.psychedelicpublichealth.org/) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953624005872 (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953624005872 ) https://www.cpha.ca/discussion-document-public-health-perspectives-future-psychedelics (https://www.cpha.ca/discussion-document-public-health-perspectives-future-psychedelics ) https://realworldpsychedelics.com/ Host: Kenneth Tupper is a public health researcher, drug policy expert, and educator whose work focuses on psychedelics, learning, and wellbeing. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Psychedelics are powerful substances with known risks and are illegal in many jurisdictions. Always consult qualified medical professionals and follow applicable laws.

3. 

   16 May 2026

   Finding the Work: A Therapist’s Path into Psychedelics – A Conversation with Cody Callon

   In this episode of Intonicated, host Kenneth Tupper speaks with therapist Cody Callon about the evolving landscape of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Cody shares his path from harm reduction work in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside to becoming a clinician specializing in trauma and psychedelic therapies. He reflects on his first experiences with ayahuasca, the challenges of integration without community, and how these experiences gradually informed his professional direction. The conversation explores key themes in contemporary psychedelic practice, including the role of preparation and integration, the importance of therapeutic alliance, and why these substances are better understood as tools rather than standalone cures. Cody also offers insights into matching different medicines to individual needs, emphasizing a personalized, trauma-informed approach. They discuss real-world clinical experience with ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin, alongside the practical and regulatory barriers to access in Canada—particularly through Health Canada’s Special Access Program. The episode closes with a reflection on the paradox of limited therapeutic access despite increasing public availability, and what this means for the future of safe, effective psychedelic care. Time Stamps 01:09 – Introduction 02:21 – Social work career and drug policy interest 04:45 – Hearing about ayahuasca for first time 06:06 – Prior perception about psychedelics 07:36 – Learning about Gabor Mate’s work with ayahuasca and addiction treatment 10:19 – First time drinking ayahuasca 15:39 – Challenges with integration 19:38 – Getting opportunity to pursue psychedelic research 23:44 – Being trained to become a psychedelic therapist 26:18 – Early 2020s psychedelic bubble 30:44 – Getting experience offering ketamine- and MDMA-assisted therapy 34:24 – Patterned thinking and developmental trauma 38:54 – Preparation and integration support for clients 46:54 – Opportunities for greater access to psychedelic therapies 49:10 – Canada’s Special Access Program for psychedelics 53:46 – Mushroom dispensaries Guest: Cody Callon is a Vancouver-based therapist and registered social worker specializing in trauma, substance use, and psychedelic-assisted therapy. With nearly two decades of experience in mental health, harm reduction, and addictions research, he has worked in clinical, community, and research settings, including with the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use. Cody is trained in MDMA-, ketamine-, and psilocybin-assisted therapies and provides psychotherapy, psychedelic integration, education, and consulting services. Links: https://www.codycallon.com (https://www.codycallon.com) https://www.medicineassistedtherapy.ca (https://www.medicineassistedtherapy.ca) https://www.ciis.edu/continuing-education/center-for-psychedelic-therapies-and-research/about-the-certificate (https://www.ciis.edu/continuing-education/center-for-psychedelic-therapies-and-research/about-the-certificate) https://www.sabimind.com/blog/worldsfirstwellnesspsychedelicstudy (https://www.sabimind.com/blog/worldsfirstwellnesspsychedelicstudy) Host: Kenneth Tupper is a public health researcher, drug policy expert, and educator whose work focuses on psychedelics, learning, and wellbeing. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Psychedelics are powerful substances with known risks and are illegal in many jurisdictions. Always consult qualified medical professionals and follow applicable laws.

4. 

   3 Mar 2026

   Sacred Synthetics: The Science and Soul of Psychedelic Pharmaceuticals – A Conversation with Danny Motyka

   In this episode of Intonicated, Kenneth Tupper sits down with Danny Motyka, co-founder and CEO of Psygen Industries, to explore what it means to manufacture psychedelics in an era of rapid cultural and regulatory change. Drawing on his background in chemistry and early leadership in Canada’s medical cannabis industry, Danny traces his path into GMP psychedelic drug manufacturing and explains what “Good Manufacturing Practices” actually entail for compounds like psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, and ibogaine. The conversation moves beyond technical standards to examine deeper questions: What distinguishes synthetic from plant-derived medicines, not only chemically but experientially? Does a purified molecule carry the “spirit” of the plant? And when does a compound become a “medicine” in the eyes of the state? Ken and Danny also grapple with reciprocity, biopiracy, and the ethical tensions surrounding ibogaine supply chains in Africa, as well as the broader commercialization of psychedelic therapies. From stigma and medical tourism to community-led access models and the future of FDA approvals, this episode offers a grounded, candid look at where the psychedelic field may be heading, and what kind of cultural transformation it might yet enable. Time Stamps 1:57 – Danny’s background and pathway to becoming CEO of Psygen 4:14 – What is GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)? 7:49 – Difference between synthetic vs plant- or fungus-based medicines 12:20 – Conservation considerations for endangered species 14:03 – Psychedelics as tools of transformation 18:35 – Ibogaine and ethical sourcing of iboga 22:05 – Stigma and working in psychedelics 25:09 – Psychedelics, back-country skiing, and constructions of risk 27:58 – What is a “medicine”? 32:28 – Experience of “natural” vs “synthetic” psychedelic compounds 37:06 – Future of psychedelic therapy access Guest Danny Motyka is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Psygen Industries Ltd., a Calgary-based contract development and manufacturing organization focused on pharmaceutical-grade psychedelic compounds for clinical research and therapeutic use. With an academic background in chemistry and experience in operations and controlled substances regulation, he has positioned Psygen as one of Canada’s leading synthetic psychedelic API manufacturers, aiming to expand global access to evidence-based psychedelic medicines Links https://psygen.ca (https://psygen.ca) https://therapsil.ca/therapsil-in-loving-memory-of-thomas-hartle/ (https://therapsil.ca/therapsil-in-loving-memory-of-thomas-hartle/) https://rootstothrive.com/ (https://rootstothrive.com/) Host Kenneth Tupper is a public health researcher, drug policy expert, and educator whose work focuses on psychedelics, learning, and wellbeing. Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Psychedelics are powerful substances with known risks and are illegal in many jurisdictions. Always consult qualified medical professionals and follow applicable laws.

5. 

   15 Feb 2026

   Balancing Safety and Access: Tensions in Psychedelic Policy – A Conversation with Rielle Capler

   In this episode of Intonicated, Kenneth Tupper speaks with Rielle Capler, Executive Director of MAPS Canada and Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia’s School of Population and Public Health. Rielle reflects on her path from early interest in psychedelics, through leadership in the medical cannabis movement and the BC Compassion Club, to her current role shaping national conversations on psychedelic access and regulation. They discuss what it means to balance safety and access in emerging psychedelic policy, and what lessons cannabis legalization offers for designing regulatory frameworks that avoid monopolization and inequity. The conversation explores “psychedelic exceptionalism,” commercialization pressures, and the tension between intellectual property–driven drug development and equitable care. They also examine barriers within Canada’s Special Access Program, the role of public and population health perspectives, and the importance of preparation, integration, and harm reduction in minimizing risk while supporting therapeutic benefit. This episode moves beyond clinical trial headlines to consider broader systems questions: who benefits, who is excluded, and how to build policy that supports both safety and meaningful access. Time Stamps 1:13 – Rielle introduction 3:40 – Early cultural conditioning about psychedelics 6:29 – Interest in medical cannabis access 8:48 – MAPS Canada & global affiliation 10:50 – Cannabis and psychedelics – similarities/differences 14:24 – Psychedelic exceptionalism 17:28 – Equitable access to psychedelic therapies 19:05 – Commercialization of cannabis vs. psychedelics 24:33 – Vision of the future for psychedelics 26:37 – MAPS Canada and facilitation of clinical access to psychedelics 27:37 – Psychedelics and public health 30:04 – Psychedelics and harm reduction 32:57 – Importance of preparation for a psychedelic experience Guest: Rielle Capler is the Executive Director of MAPS Canada, where she focuses on advancing research, education, and equitable access in the field of psychedelic medicine. Rielle holds a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Master’s in Health Administration, and serves as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia. She previously led nonprofit organizations in the cannabis sector, and has contributed to government consultations and standards development in both the cannabis and psychedelic policy sectors. Links: https://www.mapscanada.org/ (https://www.mapscanada.org/) https://www.schoolofpsychedelics.org/ (https://www.schoolofpsychedelics.org/) https://www.psychedelicpublichealth.org/ (https://www.psychedelicpublichealth.org/) https://markhaden.com/?page_id=71 (https://markhaden.com/?page_id=71 ) https://www.alberta.ca/psychedelic-drug-treatment.aspx (https://www.alberta.ca/psychedelic-drug-treatment.aspx ) https://www.mapscanada.org/2023/02/27/maps-responds-to-alberta-regulation/ (https://www.mapscanada.org/2023/02/27/maps-responds-to-alberta-regulation/) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/That_Was_Then,_This_Is_Now (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/That_Was_Then,_This_Is_Now ) Host: Kenneth Tupper is a public health researcher, drug policy expert, and educator whose work focuses on psychedelics, learning, and wellbeing. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Psychedelics are powerful substances with known risks and are illegal in many jurisdictions. Always consult qualified medical professionals and follow applicable laws.

6. 

   1 Feb 2026

   Why Lived Experience Matters in Psychedelic Research & Therapy

   Episode Description In this episode of Intonicated, Kenneth Tupper is joined by Pedram Dara, founder of Psychedelic Lived Experiences, for a wide-ranging conversation on what psychedelic medicine looks like when viewed from the patient’s side of the table. Pedram recounts how he first encountered MDMA-assisted psychotherapy through a Canadian clinical trial for PTSD, at a moment when both the problem and the proposed solution appeared in his life at the same time. From there, the discussion moves beyond individual healing to systemic questions about how psychedelic research and care are designed. Together, they explore why “patient-centered care” often functions more as a slogan than a practice, and how lived experience is routinely excluded from decision-making in clinical trials, clinics, and regulatory processes. Pedram draws on his background in technology and product development to argue that healthcare, and psychedelic medicine in particular, lags far behind other fields in meaningfully incorporating user feedback. The conversation also addresses treatment resistance, non-responders, potential harms, and the risks of polarization in public narratives about psychedelics. Ultimately, this episode asks what it would take to build psychedelic systems that truly listen to the people they are meant to serve. Time stamps 01:04 – Introduction 05:32 – First learning about PTSD and MDMA at the same time 07:27 – Opportunity to be in MDMA trial to treat PTSD 08:51 – Background in tech and understanding importance of “user” experience 12:49 – Meeting other psychedelic clinical trial patients 14:47 – Tension between system-centred health care and patient-centred care 17:23 – Meaning of “lived experience” and “patient-centred” care 18:46 – Clinicians with lived experience 20:34 – Psychedelic therapy patients who don’t get the outcome they hoped for 23:27 – Talking about psychedelic therapy in a balanced way 26:32 – Designing psychedelic research and therapy clinics to be more patient-centred 29:14 – Importance of regulatory bodies in foregrounding patient-centred care 32:29 – Broadening lived experience input beyond medical research 35:34 – Interest in other psychedelics after MDMA-assisted therapy 37:42 – Objectivity and therapists’ own experiential training 40:44 – Different cultural perspectives on mental illness 44:49 – Future of psychedelic medicine and influence of patient lived experience 48:59 – Psychedelic Lived Experiences Summit Guest Pedram Dara is the founder and director of Psychedelic Lived Experiences, a patient-led initiative amplifying the voices of people who have participated in psychedelic therapies and clinical trials. Drawing on his own experience in an MDMA-assisted psychotherapy trial for PTSD and a background in technology and product development, he works to bridge gaps between patients, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers in psychedelic medicine. Links https://psychedeliclivedexperiences.com/ (https://psychedeliclivedexperiences.com/ ) https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/Crazy-Like-Us/Ethan-Watters/9781416587095 (https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/Crazy-Like-Us/Ethan-Watters/9781416587095 ) Host Kenneth Tupper is a public health researcher, drug policy expert, and educator whose work focuses on psychedelics, learning, and wellbeing. Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Psychedelics are powerful substances with known risks and are illegal in many jurisdictions. Always consult qualified medical professionals and follow applicable laws.

7. 

   15 Jan 2026

   Ibogaine: Safety, Ethics, and Emerging Neuroregenerative Science - A Conversation with Jonathan Dickinson (Ambio Life Sciences)

   Episode Description In this inaugural episode of Intonicated, host Kenneth Tupper speaks with Jonathan Dickinson, CEO of Ambio Life Sciences, about ibogaine, altered states of consciousness, and the evolving science and ethics of psychedelic medicine. Jonathan traces his personal journey into psychedelics, from early encounters with literature and antidepressants to transformative experiences with psilocybin and, eventually, ibogaine. The conversation explores ibogaine’s unique role in interrupting opioid dependence, its emerging potential for treating traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and neurodegenerative conditions, and the critical importance of safety protocols and cardiac risk mitigation. The discussion also dives into Jonathan’s leadership in developing clinical best-practice guidelines through the Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance, the ethical sourcing of iboga from Gabon via Terragnosis, and how increasing demand raises ecological and cultural sustainability concerns. This wide-ranging conversation offers a grounded, nuanced look at ibogaine not as a miracle cure, but as a powerful tool whose risks, benefits, and broader impacts must be carefully understood. Time Stamps 1:33 – Reflections on the term “intonicated” 2:34 – Personal experience 5:44 – Interest in drugs through literature 8:23 – Anti-depressants in high school 10:23 – First psychedelic experience with mushrooms 11:39 – Working for Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy 13:06 – First hearing about ibogaine as treatment for opioid addiction 15:07 – Getting connected and apprenticing at clinics in Mexico 16:56 – Early understandings of ibogaine risk 20:13 – First experience with ibogaine 22:20 – Founding of Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance (GITA) 26:51 – Refining risk reduction for ibogaine treatment 31:54 – Founding of Terragnosis 37:29 – Founding of Ambio Life Sciences and US Veteran interest 39:43 – Stanford study on ibogaine and Traumatic Brain Injury 42:57 – Ambio’s neurodegenerative program (Parkinson’s and MS treatments) Guest Jonathan Dickinson is the CEO of Ambio Life Sciences and a long-time leader in the global ibogaine community. He has worked for more than a decade in ibogaine treatment provision, safety guideline development, ethical supply-chain design, and emerging neuroregenerative research. Links www.ambio.life www.inwavesandwarfilm.com Host Kenneth Tupper is a public health researcher, drug policy expert, and educator whose work focuses on psychedelics, learning, and wellbeing. Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Ibogaine is a powerful substance with known risks and is illegal in many jurisdictions. Always consult qualified medical professionals and follow applicable laws.

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