Join us for a profound conversation with Candace Oglesby, a licensed professional counselor and a leading voice in the burgeoning field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Candace, who has served as a program director for a ketamine-assisted psychotherapy certificate program and actively participates in research clinical trials, brings a unique blend of expertise as a trainer and a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant.

In this episode, Candace delves into the critical intersection of social justice and mental health within the context of psychedelic-assisted therapy. She bravely tackles the systemic barriers that prevent historically marginalized communities, particularly women of color navigating trauma, from accessing these innovative treatments.

Discover:

• What psychedelic-assisted therapy truly entails, beyond common misconceptions.

• The historical roots of plant medicines in Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities, challenging the Western medical model's narrative.

• The significant impact of representation, cost, misinformation, and historical mistrust on access to psychedelic therapies.

• Why the capitalist structures continue to impede equitable access and liberation.

• Candace's invaluable advice for therapists looking to enter this space, emphasizing the importance of culturally inclusive training, community, and personal relationship with the medicine.

• Candace also shares her personal journey and unwavering commitment to decolonizing mental health and advocating for voices that have historically been excluded. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of mental health, equity, and the transformative potential of psychedelic healing.

Candace Oglesby’s Contact:

Website - www.jurneewithcandace.com

Resources:

Liberation through Plants and Plates - https://jurneewithcandace.com/liberation-through-plants-and-plates/

The Afro Psych Card Deck - https://www.afropsych.life/

Continuing Education Courses - https://www.tmcinstitute.org/continuing-education/recorded-webinars

Enter “FRIENDS50” for 50% off CE courses!

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 by Clavier Clavier - Meditation ambient music

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest

Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure

In this episode, we feature Dr. Lana Holmes, a licensed psychologist specializing in sex positivity, BDSM, kink, ethical non-monogamy, and LGBTQ+ populations, as well as trauma experienced within marginalized, oppressed, and stigmatized communities. Dr. Holmes discusses her cultural approach to EBPs. We explore subcultures rooted in personal and collective freedom, self-expression, and breaking conventions. Dr. Holmes, an African-American Black psychologist, also delves into systematic ways to learn about cultural-responsive care, integrating heart, soul, body, and mind. We discuss the importance of building meaningful relationships across different racial and ethnic backgrounds and how societal segregation impacts this.

Episode Disclaimer:

This podcast episode is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Furthermore, it does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. The podcast host and guest are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast episode. Finally, if you are experiencing a mental health crisis/emergency, please call 988 or 911 immediately.

Dr. Lana Holmes’ Contact:

Email: inclusivetherapywellness@gmail.com

Website: https://www.inclusivetherapywellness.com/lana

Resources:

Continuing Education - Kink and Clinical Practice 101, instructed by Lana Holmes, Psy.D. - https://www.touchstoneinstitute.org/trainings/kink-and-clinical-practice-101-(self-paced)

Pettigrew, T. F., & Tropp, L. R. (2006). A meta-analytic test of intergroup contact theory. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 90(5), 751–783. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.90.5.751

Continuing Education Courses at The Multicultural Counseling Institute - https://www.tmcinstitute.org/continuing-education/recorded-webinars

Enter “FRIENDS50” for 50% off CE courses!

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 by Aleksandr Abrosimov - Fun punk rock

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest
Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure

In this episode, Dr. Lydia HaRim Ahn, an assistant professor at Arizona State University, discusses her recent research on racial identity, discrimination, and mental health, specifically focusing on AAPI families and racial socialization. Dr. Ahn delves into her recent publications exploring attachment security as a buffer to racism and the impact of racial socialization on intergenerational family conflict. She shares findings on how these factors relate to mental health outcomes in Asian American adolescents and college students. The conversation highlights the complexities of navigating racial issues within families and the importance of addressing macro-level factors affecting mental well-being.Dr. Lydia Harim Ahn’s Contact:

Email - lydiaahn@asu.edu

ResearchGate - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lydia-Harim-Ahn

Publications - https://www.raceandrelationshipslab.com/publications

Research Papers:

Ahn, L. H., & Atkin, A. L. (2025). Discrimination and racial socialization profiles: Associations with Asian American adolescent attachment, activism, and self-esteem. Journal of Family Psychology, 39(2), 229–239. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0001301

Ahn, L. H., & Atkin, A. L. (2024). Racism, attachment styles, and mental health among Asian American adolescents. The Counseling Psychologist, 52(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/00110000241291606

Continuing Education Courses - https://www.tmcinstitute.org/continuing-education/recorded-webinars

Enter “FRIENDS50” for 50% off CE courses!

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 by Andrii Poradovskyi - Tropical Summer Pop Music

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest

Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure

We feature Hoor Jangda, a Pakistani immigrant specializing in trauma treatment from a mind/body/spirit lens, EMDR and psychedelic assisted therapy for individuals in marginalized bodies, particularly immigrant and LGBTQIA+ bodies. Hoor discusses the values and practices that clinicians and the field of mental health need to embody to ensure a decolonized approach to psychedelic assisted therapy as Western psychology embarks on this shift. This conversation highlights the importance of unlearning white supremacist and capitalistic values not just in our own individual bodies and spirits but in the systems we build and interact with.

Hoor Jangda’s Contact:

Psychology Today - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/hoor-jangda-austin-tx/1384704

Resources:

• Professional Communities - Muslim Association for Psychological Services - Austin (MAPS): https://www.mapsnetwork.org/maps-austin

• For Queer & Trans Folx, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color seeking legal psychedelic therapies by Queer and BIPOC psychedelic providers: https://access2doorways.com/

• Sacred Land Collective: https://www.sacredlandcollective.org/

• Building Resilient Organizations (Article): https://forgeorganizing.org/article/building-resilient-organizations/

Continuing Education Courses - https://www.tmcinstitute.org/continuing-education/recorded-webinars

Enter “FRIENDS50” for 50% off CE courses!

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 by Viacheslav Starostin - Motivational Ambient Music 2 min

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest
Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure

In this episode, Cynthia Pong, an award-winning executive coach, discusses her work empowering women of color leaders. We discuss differences between “glass ceiling”, “concrete ceiling” and “bamboo ceiling” faced by women and women of color. Cynthia also shares a case study and emphasizes the importance of career insurance, networking, and strategic skill development for career advancement. She also reflects on her journey from public defender to executive coach, highlighting her commitment to racial justice and empowering marginalized groups.

Cynthia Pong’s Contact:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/embracechangenyc

Website - https://www.embracechange.nyc/

Forbes - https://www.forbes.com/sites/cynthiapong/

Facebook - https://facebook.com/cynthia.pong.7

Instagram - https://instagram.com/embracechangenyc/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/embracechangenyc

Tiktok - https://tiktok.com/@embracechangenyc

Resources:

Don’t Stay in Your Lane by Cynthia Pong

For Women of Color, the Glass Ceiling is Actually Made of Concrete by Jasmine Babers - https://www.aspeninstitute.org/blog-posts/for-women-of-color-the-glass-ceiling-is-actually-made-of-concrete/

Join the EC Collective Waitlist - https://www.embracechange.nyc/ec-collective-waitlist

Leadership Strategy by Cynthia Ponng - https://www.forbes.com/sites/cynthiapong/2024/11/10/a-leaders-6-week-strategic-roadmap-for-year-end/

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 by Ievgen Poltavskyi - Funk Funky Beat Music

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest

Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure

In this episode, we speak with Shinaz Ikonne, a licensed professional counselor, to discuss maternal mental health, specifically for women of color. Shinaz shares her own traumatic birthing experience and how it shifted her focus to advocating for birth equity and supporting women through their birthing journeys. She discusses issues like implicit bias in healthcare, microaggressions, and the importance of advocacy, providing valuable insights for both individuals, partners, and therapists. Shinaz also offers practical advice for therapists on how to support their clients during this vulnerable time and highlights resources available for further assistance.

Shanaz Ikonne’s Contact:

Email - hello@shanazikonne.com

Instagram.com/shanazlpc

YouTube.com/@shanazikonne

Facebook - facebook.com/shanazlpc

Tiktok - @shanazikonne

Resources:

Postpartum E-guide - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeIrqWvwJUJCh3dg2pHeTStocDf9kQBjbrNr9JpdCWxlblqxg/viewform

Mama Sana - https://www.msvwatx.org/

Support this Podcast:

Donate 1-time any amount - https://checkout.square.site/buy/DFUO7XYMQ27EZ6QVUL6PC6FA

Music Samples:

Intro 1 by Kalpesh Ajugia - Soft Rock Instrumental

Intro 2 by Mikhail Smusev - Heroic Quest

Outro by Alex Kizenkov - Inspirational Cinematic Adventure