Today's podcast is with the Neurosurgeon (yes, Neurosurgeon) Dr Alex Koefman . Alex has undertaken specialist training in neurosurgery throughout Australia, including The Canberra Hospital, the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in Perth, and the Princess Alexandra, Royal Brisbane, and Lady Cilento Children’s Hospitals in Brisbane. 

During this time, Alex was trained and mentored by many of Australia's most senior subspecialty neurosurgeons and today we discuss his journey to Neurosurgery and what it's like opening up peoples' brains!

Today&apos;s podcast is with the Neurosurgeon (yes, Neurosurgeon) Dr Alex Koefman . Alex has undertaken specialist training in neurosurgery throughout Australia, including The Canberra Hospital, the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in Perth, and the Princess Alexandra, Royal Brisbane, and Lady Cilento Children’s Hospitals in Brisbane.  During this time, Alex was trained and mentored by many of Australia&apos;s most senior subspecialty neurosurgeons and today we discuss his journey to Neurosurgery and what it&apos;s like opening up peoples&apos; brains!

Host Paul Taylor, a Neuroscientist, Exercise Physiologist, Nutritionist and PhD student in Psychology, interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving your mind, body and brain to become your best self.

The Paul Taylor Podcast

Host Paul Taylor, a Neuroscientist, Exercise Physiologist, Nutritionist and PhD student in Psychology, interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving your mind, body and brain to become your best self.

The Brain & Nervous System with Neurosurgeon Dr Alex Koefman

Many people start an exercise program in an attempt to lose weight, and end up disheartened when the scales don't move. New research shows that even without weight loss, exercise can have profound impact on how your fat cells behave, which in turn improves your metabolic health.

The take-home message - prioritise fitness, rather than the scales.

Many people start an exercise program in an attempt to lose weight, and end up disheartened when the scales don't move. New research shows that even without weight loss, exercise can have profound impact on how your fat cells behave, which in turn improves your metabolic health.
The take-home message - prioritise fitness, rather than the scales.

Wisdom Wednesdays: Ground-Breaking Research On How Exercise Changes How You Fat Cells Behave To Improve Your Metabolic Health - Even Without Weight Loss

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/a5860189-99fb-4214-bb4c-b1f500a2e279/transcript

In this episode of Mojo Monday, Carly explores the relationship between character strengths (or virtues) and values and how understanding the difference and applying them can move you towards are more meaningful and fulfilling life.

In this episode of Mojo Monday, Carly explores the relationship between character strengths (or virtues) and values and how understanding the difference and applying them can move you towards are more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Mojo Monday - How Values and Virtues Move us Towards a Meaningful Life

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/47915b07-44b8-430f-b372-b1f3004055cc/transcript

In this groundbreaking episode, we explore the rapidly evolving field of psychedelic-assisted therapy with Dr. Paul Liknaitzky, a leading researcher at the forefront of this innovative approach to mental health treatment. From the original and sometimes controversial studies of the 1960s to cutting-edge clinical trials today, we explore how substances once associated with counterculture are now at the forefront of mental health treatment. Dr. Liknaitzky reveals the fascinating synergy between psychedelics and psychotherapy, explaining why this combination holds such promise for treating depression, PTSD, and other mental health disorders. He discusses the latest findings on psilocybin, DMT, and MDMA, examining their unique properties and the scientific rationale behind their use in clinical settings.

Through a blend of scientific evidence, real-world examples, and thoughtful analysis, we navigate the complex landscape of regulatory challenges, brain imaging advancements, and the future directions of psychedelic studies. Dr. Liknaitzky also addresses common misconceptions, emphasising the importance of controlled environments and professional guidance in this field.

Whether you're a healthcare professional seeking to understand emerging treatments, someone curious about alternative approaches to mental health, or simply interested in the latest developments in psychology, this episode offers a balanced, informative look at a field that could significantly impact our approach to mental health care in the coming years.

Key Topics:


Historical context: Psychedelic studies from the 1960s to present


The synergy of psychedelics and psychotherapy in treatment


Importance of combining psychedelics with therapy for effective treatment


Regulatory challenges: Recent FDA decisions on psychedelic treatments


Ongoing research: Focus on psilocybin and future studies


Exploring DMT: Differences from traditional formulations


Promising psychedelics for treating depression


Brain imaging in psychedelic research: Using fMRI to track changes


Future directions in psychedelic studies


Potential impact of psychedelic therapy on relationships and family dynamics

Actionable Takeaways:


The effect of psychedelics is intensified by psychotherapy through a psychotherapeutic process. 


A productive and successful psychotherapy requires deep trust between patient and therapist.


Having your own psychedelic experience potentially improves your competency to be a good psychedelic therapist.


We should try to remain in conversation with reality. The critical thing to remain in a relationship with is the reality of real people's lives as we treat them after we treat them.


Psilocybin is a promising drug for psychedelic treatment of depression.


MDMA is an empathogen that massively increases tolerance for distress and allows you to feel incredibly comfortable.


Neuroimaging studies with Psilocybin and LSD cause our default mode network to get quiet.

Connect with Paul Liknaitzky:
Website: https://www.monash.edu/psychedelics
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-liknaitzky-phd-6a2681aa/


Support the Podcast:
If you found this episode valuable, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more people with important conversations like this one.

Share this episode with someone who might benefit from hearing it—emotional eating is more common than we think, and this conversation could make a difference in someone's life.

In this groundbreaking episode, we explore the rapidly evolving field of psychedelic-assisted therapy with Dr. Paul Liknaitzky, a leading researcher at the forefront of this innovative approach to mental health treatment. From the original and sometimes controversial studies of the 1960s to cutting-edge clinical trials today, we explore how substances once associated with counterculture are now at the forefront of mental health treatment. Dr. Liknaitzky reveals the fascinating synergy between psychedelics and psychotherapy, explaining why this combination holds such promise for treating depression, PTSD, and other mental health disorders. He discusses the latest findings on psilocybin, DMT, and MDMA, examining their unique properties and the scientific rationale behind their use in clinical settings.
Through a blend of scientific evidence, real-world examples, and thoughtful analysis, we navigate the complex landscape of regulatory challenges, brain imaging advancements, and the future directions of psychedelic studies. Dr. Liknaitzky also addresses common misconceptions, emphasising the importance of controlled environments and professional guidance in this field.
Whether you're a healthcare professional seeking to understand emerging treatments, someone curious about alternative approaches to mental health, or simply interested in the latest developments in psychology, this episode offers a balanced, informative look at a field that could significantly impact our approach to mental health care in the coming years.
Key Topics:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Historical context: Psychedelic studies from the 1960s to present
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
The synergy of psychedelics and psychotherapy in treatment
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Importance of combining psychedelics with therapy for effective treatment
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Regulatory challenges: Recent FDA decisions on psychedelic treatments
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Ongoing research: Focus on psilocybin and future studies
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Exploring DMT: Differences from traditional formulations
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Promising psychedelics for treating depression
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Brain imaging in psychedelic research: Using fMRI to track changes
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Future directions in psychedelic studies
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Potential impact of psychedelic therapy on relationships and family dynamics
</li>
</ul>
Actionable Takeaways:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
The effect of psychedelics is intensified by psychotherapy through a psychotherapeutic process. 
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
A productive and successful psychotherapy requires deep trust between patient and therapist.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Having your own psychedelic experience potentially improves your competency to be a good psychedelic therapist.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
We should try to remain in conversation with reality. The critical thing to remain in a relationship with is the reality of real people's lives as we treat them after we treat them.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Psilocybin is a promising drug for psychedelic treatment of depression.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
MDMA is an empathogen that massively increases tolerance for distress and allows you to feel incredibly comfortable.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Neuroimaging studies with Psilocybin and LSD cause our default mode network to get quiet.
</li>
</ul>
Connect with Paul Liknaitzky:
<ul>
<li>Website: <a href="https://www.monash.edu/psychedelics">https://www.monash.edu/psychedelics</a></li>
<li>LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellehlim/"> </a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-liknaitzky-phd-6a2681aa/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-liknaitzky-phd-6a2681aa/</a></li>
</ul>
 Support the Podcast: If you found this episode valuable, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more people with important conversations like this one.
Share this episode with someone who might benefit from hearing it—emotional eating is more common than we think, and this conversation could make a difference in someone's life.

Navigate the Future of Mental Health Care with Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy with Paul Liknaitzky

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/6d83e48b-2720-4332-a19b-b1f100ddc45e/transcript

The Brain & Nervous System with Neurosurgeon Dr Alex Koefman

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