Music & Psychedelic Therapy: A Clinical Masterclass with Author Steve Gelberg

Описание: In this episode of the Ketamine Startup Podcast, Sam interviews author and longtime spiritual seeker Steve Gelberg to discuss his groundbreaking work on the intersection of music and psychedelic therapy. Steve shares insights from his recent book, Tuning In, exploring how music can support healing, deepen emotional experiences, and guide patients through altered states of consciousness.

This episode is definitely for you if you’re a fan of Stan Grof, Alan Watts, or Aldous Huxley—or if you’re curious to learn from someone who’s spent years passionately exploring the intersection of music and psychedelics. Honestly, this feels like a masterclass in the power of sound for healing.

Whether you’re a clinician, therapist, or ketamine provider, this conversation offers valuable guidance on selecting music for therapy sessions—and why music is far more than just background sound.

Join us for a rich dialogue on art, science, and the therapeutic power of sound.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode
・How music shapes emotional and psychological experiences during ketamine therapy
・Practical guidelines for selecting music to support patients
・The surprising role of nature sounds and white noise in therapeutic settings

Episode 32 show notes:
00:00 Teaser - The Emotional Power of Music
00:30 Introduction to the Ketamine Startup Podcast
00:38 Interview with Steve Gelberg: Spirituality, Psychedelics, and Music
02:08 Steve Journey: From the Sixties Counterculture to Eastern Religions
07:39 The Role of Music in Psychedelic Therapy
10:37 Steve’s Academic Pursuits and the Krishna Movement
17:23 The Making of 'Tuning In': A Passion Project
30:17 The Synergy Between Music and Psychedelics
36:54 The Ancient Connection Between Music and Humanity
37:32 The Healing Power of Female Voices
38:34 Choosing the Right Music for Psychedelic Therapy
39:15 The Debate Over Classical Music in Therapy
40:29 The Importance of Non-Lyrical Music
41:13 The Role of Ambient and Neoclassical Music
43:24 Therapist vs. Client Music Selection
47:06 Alternative Sound Options: Nature and White Noise
52:23 The Primordial Connection to Sound
55:21 Steve's Spiritual Journey and Open-Mindedness
01:02:14 Steve's Personal Music Preferences
01:06:05 Recommended Reading in the Psychedelic Space
01:09:46 Steve's Musical Background and Other Interests
01:14:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


Thanks for watching

👉 Disclosure: Some of the links in these show notes are affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission—at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the podcast!

Connect with Steve Gelberg at:
Steve’s latest book: Tuning In: Experiencing Music in Psychedelic States
Steve’s fine art photography https://www.stevengelberg.com/
Steve’s Spotify Profile: https://open.spotify.com/user/steveng...



Playlists:
His specific playlists recommendations for ketamine therapy
Classical playlist "Peace, Serenity":
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2v1...


Ambient playlist "Spacious, Minimalist, Ethereal":
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0jS...


"Psychedelic Ambient": https://open.spotify.com/playlist/450...

Other selected playlists:
Main classical playlist: "Classical Music for Psychedelic States":
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1cI...

Marriage between classical and ambient: "Neo-Classical for Psychonauts":
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/16y...

"Healing Female Voices":
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1d8...

"High Vibes, Blissful Emotions":
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0nx...

"Nature's Own Music":
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/48O...

"White Noise: Organic/Natural":
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6DA...

Selected Links From the Episode:
Steve J Gelberg, India In a Mind’s Eye: Travels and Ruminations of an Ambivalent Pilgrim: https://www.blurb.com/b/12042672-indi...


Book Recommendations:
Aldous Huxley, The Doors of Perception and Heaven and Hell : https://amzn.to/42LQNkn
Alan Watts, The Joyous Cosmology: Adventures in the Chemistry of Consciousness: https://amzn.to/4it0bPw
Michael Pollan, How to Change Your Mind: https://amzn.to/4jij74R


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