Discover how scientific self-experimentation went from heroic standard practice to career-ending stigma—and what we lost about consciousness research in the process.

Why 19th-century scientists routinely self-experimented with psychoactive substances

How the 1962 FDA amendments changed scientific culture forever

The underground networks continuing psychedelic research outside institutions

What the MDMA therapy rejection reveals about modern scientific politics

Links & Resources:

"Psychonauts" by Mike Jay

"Free Radicals: How a Group of Romantic Experimenters Gave Birth to Psychedelic Science"

Full interview available on Mind Body Health & Politics podcast

Imperial College London psychedelic research

Native American Church peyote ceremonies

Timestamped Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction: The Scholar's Privilege (02:00) - When Self-Experimentation Was Standard Practice(05:00) - Humphrey Davy and the Birth of Psychedelic Science (11:00) - Freud, Cocaine, and Neurasthenia (15:00) - William James and the Stream of Consciousness (20:00) - Barry Marshall: The Last Nobel Prize Self-Experimenter (25:00) - How the FDA Changed Everything in 1962 (30:00) - UK Government vs. Psychedelic Research (35:00) - MDMA Therapy and Medical Double Standards (40:00) - The Underground Networks Filling the Gap

In this illuminating conversation, Dr. Richard Miller speaks with Satya, a Portuguese healer and former professional surfer, about the vital importance of self-care for those in helping professions. From the healing power of small communities to the ongoing work of trauma integration, this discussion offers practical wisdom for sustaining oneself while serving others.

About Our Guest

Satya is a 47-year-old healer based in Portugal who transitioned from professional surfing to founding the Awareness Facilitator School, which combines psychotherapy, meditation, quantum physics, ancient philosophies, and bodywork. Her approach emphasizes helping clients "rise in consciousness" rather than treating them as patients.

Key Topics & Timestamps

02:10 - Life in a small Portuguese surfer village and the healing power of community

10:23 - Satya's journey from professional surfer to healer

13:42 - The profound impact of ayahuasca on healing deep trauma

17:33 - Dr. Miller's parallel journey creating Wilbur Hot Springs as a nature sanctuary

22:26 - The importance of self-care for healers and caregivers

26:56 - Practical approaches to maintaining well-being: silence, rest, and food

30:15 - Satya's personal healing journey with childhood sexual abuse

35:12 - Dr. Miller shares his own experience with childhood sexual trauma

39:46 - The Awareness Facilitator School and its approach to healing

43:04 - Nutrition practices for optimal health and healing

48:06 - Important health information about breast cancer detection

51:26 - The importance of strength training as we age

55:41 - Final message: "Don't abandon yourself"

Renowned psychologist Dr. Monnica Williams reveals how racial trauma affects people of color daily, and offers three practical actions anyone can take to create positive change.

How subtle, everyday racism leads to lasting psychological injury through "microaggressions"

Why many of us are conditioned not to see racism, even when it's happening right in front of us

The shocking study showing it took 80 phone calls for a Black man to find a therapist who would see him

Three practical steps everyone can take to combat racism and promote healing

Links & Resources

Healing the Wounds of Racial Trauma by Dr. Monnica Williams

Mind Body Health Politics Archives - Listen to our full 20-year archive free

The Kenneth Clark Doll Study - The landmark research mentioned in our conversation

American Psychological Association's Apology for Role in Promoting Racism

Timestamped Chapters

(00:00) - Introduction to Dr. Monnica Williams: Social Justice Royalty (01:00) - Growing Up with Civil Rights Activist Parents (03:00) - Understanding Racial Trauma: When Racism Becomes Injury (05:00) - The Shocking Truth About Finding Therapists for People of Color (08:00) - What Is a Microaggression? Small Acts with Major Impact (12:00) - The Academic Battle to Recognize Racial Trauma (15:00) - 2024 Election: Why Some People Vote Against Their Interests (17:00) - Personal Stories: Witnessing Racism Over Six Decades (26:00) - Police Encounters: From Traffic Stops to Trauma (31:00) - Self-Examination: Questions to Uncover Your Own Biases (34:00) - The Shortage of Therapists of Color: A Systemic Problem (39:00) - Study Reveals Most White People Never Stand Up Against Racism (43:00) - Three Things Anyone Can Do to Create Positive Change (47:00) - Closing Thoughts: The Ongoing Work of Building Justice

Suggested YouTube Title Options:

The Hidden Impact of Racial Trauma (And 3 Ways to Make a Difference)

"I Don't Want to See That Look" - How Racism Creates Lasting Trauma

Stop Ignoring These Microaggressions - They're Harming People Every Day