In this expansive conversation, Anna sits down with Alli Waddell, wellness expert and co-founder of Illumma, Austin’s leading ketamine infusion clinic. With two decades of experience in healing and over 14,000 ketamine infusions under her belt, Alli shares what she’s learned about who ketamine really works for, and who might not be ready.
Whether you’re considering ketamine therapy or supporting others on their psychedelic path, this episode breaks down the patterns that lead to success, the red flags of avoidance, and how to approach this work from a place of radical honesty, preparation, and deep self-trust.
You’ll hear:
If you’re feeling unsure, not-quite-ready, or just overwhelmed by all the options...you’re not alone. And you’re in the right place.
💊 Want to Feel Truly Ready for Ketamine?
The Ketamine Preparation Protocol was designed to help you prepare mentally, emotionally, and energetically for a life-changing ketamine journey.
Whether you’ve already booked your sessions or you’re still deciding if this path is for you, KPP will help you:
✅ Clarify your intention
✅ Understand what ketamine can (and can’t) do
✅ Rewire your subconscious patterns
✅ Avoid the most common mistakes
✅ Feel supported before, during, and after your sessions
🌀 Learn more: annakrishtal.com/kpp
🧠 About Alli Waddell
Alli Waddell is a respected wellness expert with 20+ years of experience and a fierce commitment to radical honesty and self-love as core components of healing. As co-founder and CEO of Illumma, she’s helped shape Austin’s most trusted ketamine infusion clinic. Her vision for the psychedelic space is rooted in ethical, sustainable, and consciously led business.
Connect with Alli:
🌐 illumma.com
📸 @alliwaddell
📸 @illummaclinic
🔗 Links + Resources
💬 Loved this episode?
Please leave a review, share it with a friend, or tag us on Instagram with your biggest takeaway!
And make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a moment of ketamine wisdom.
Relief, rewiring, and why the real work is never done.
Have you ever wondered if it’s okay to go back for another ketamine session, even if you’re no longer in crisis? Are you afraid that your relief is fading and that something went “wrong”? Or maybe you’re asking the big question: Did the ketamine even work if it didn’t last?
In this powerful listener-inspired episode, Anna answers a nuanced and common question:
“Is it okay to return to ketamine even if my depression is under control?”
This episode breaks down what it really means when ketamine “stops working,” and what you can do to deepen, sustain, and build on the relief you’ve already experienced.
You’ll learn:
✨ Plus: Anna shares personal stories of moving from white-knuckle survival to joyful permission, and reclaims the radical truth that feeling good is a legitimate reason.
🔗 Resources & Links
📘 Referenced Episodes:
🧠 Explore the Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP):
Ready to prepare deeply, or return to the medicine with clarity? KPP is for you.
→ Join the Ketamine Preparation Protocol: https://www.annakrishtal.com/kpp
📖 Book Mentioned:
Ever look back and realize just how far you’ve come… but at the time, you couldn’t see it at all?
That’s what we’re talking about today with the lovely Dr. Ashley Irizarry, functional medicine doctor, ketamine therapy advocate, and co-founder of New Wave Medicine up in the Seattle area in Burien and Renton, WA.
This episode is one big pep talk, and explains why that's important.
We talk about that oh-so-human habit of being so focused on the next goal that we forget to witness our own becoming, about how ketamine has a funny way of bringing us face-to-face with who we really are, and helping us build the courage to step toward it, one small, scared, beautiful step at a time.
Inside this conversation:
If you’re in a season of questioning, transitioning, or low-key wrestling with your comfort zone… this one’s for you.
🔗 Resources & Links
Ready to prepare for ketamine with intention? Learn about my signature guide: Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) https://www.annakrishtal.com/kpp
Welcome back to Ketamine Connections! 🎉 We're celebrating 51 episodes with a casual fireside-style chat about one of the most powerful forces shaping your life: your brain, aka your subconscious mind.
🧠 In this episode, Anna dives into:
✨ If you've ever wondered:
…this episode is for you.
🔥 Want more tools to work with your subconscious? Join the Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) to go deeper into subconscious reprogramming, psychedelic prep, and monthly live support.
✨ Join the Ketamine Preparation Protocol
Keywords for SEO: subconscious mind, rewire your brain, neuroplasticity, subconscious reprogramming, ketamine therapy, psychedelic preparation, ketamine coach, willpower vs subconscious, change beliefs, nervous system healing, KPP, Ketamine Preparation Protocol, belief rewiring
What if the thing you’ve been hoping for in your healing journey is actually possible?
In this rich and heart-centered conversation, I’m joined by Justin Lubin, founder of Perspective Wellness in Milwaukee, Wisconsin: a nonprofit ketamine clinic pioneering a low-and-slow facilitation model designed to make ketamine therapy more accessible, affordable, and effective.
We explore:
Whether you’re a practitioner, someone curious about ketamine therapy, or deep in your own healing process, this episode will leave you feeling more grounded, more human, and more hopeful.
🌐 Learn more about Perspective Wellness:
Perspective Wellness Ketamine Services
Facilitator Training Info
🌟 Want to do Ketamine right? Preparation is the key!
If you're new to the world of ketamine and feeling unsure where to start, my Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) was made for you. It’s a self-paced guide designed to help you reduce anxiety, set powerful intentions, and get the most out of your ketamine experience.
Whether you’re working with a clinic, using at-home ketamine, or exploring for the first time, KPP helps you prepare mentally, emotionally, and practically so ketamine isn't just another thing you try,but rather THE thing that transforms your life.
🎓 Learn more or enroll here → annakrishtal.com/kpp
🎧 Like what you heard? Leave a review or share this episode with a friend who’s curious about ketamine therapy.
In this episode of Ketamine Connections, Anna sits down with Melanie Yost, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Brain Health Coach, and co-owner of Complete Ketamine Solutions in Destin, FL, to explore what real transformation looks like—and why it might leave you literally unrecognizable.
Together, they dive into:
Whether you’re preparing for your first ketamine journey or guiding others through theirs, this episode will leave you feeling clearer, braver, and way more seen.
About the Guest:
Melanie Yost is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Personal Development Coach for stressed-out business owners and high achievers, and the owner of Be Well Solutions and Complete Ketamine Solutions in Destin, FL. She is a Certified Brain Health Coach and Certified HeartMath Practitioner with over 30 years of experience helping people identify the belief patterns keeping them stuck and empowering them with tools to reconnect with themselves and create lives on their own terms.
🔗 Website
📸 Instagram
📘 Facebook
Featured Resource:
The Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP)
This episode touches on one of the biggest truths in the ketamine space: ketamine is powerful—but only if you know how to work with it.
The Ketamine Preparation Protocol is your step-by-step guide to make sure ketamine actually works for you. Inside, you’ll get:
✨ Whether you're days away from your first treatment or supporting a loved one on their journey, KPP gives you the clarity and confidence to get the most out of your investment.
In this episode, Anna breaks down why your pre-journey environment, mindset, and nervous system state matter just as much as the medicine itself.
Whether it’s your first ketamine session or your fifteenth, this episode covers exactly what to avoid, what to do, and how to set yourself up for a powerful, grounded experience.
Plus, Anna shares lessons from the 2025 MAPS Psychedelic Science Conference and how prep is finally getting the spotlight it deserves.
🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn:
🌿 Resources Mentioned:
🎧 Love this episode? You might also enjoy:
🔗 Stay in the loop: Join Anna’s Email List to hear about live events, free calls, and upcoming workshops. (No social media? No problem.)
📩 Questions or thoughts about this episode? Email Anna directly via the contact form.
What if the quietest place on earth could unlock the loudest transformation of your life?
In this episode, Anna sits down with long-time friend and floatation therapy evangelist Alissa Bestwick, aka @floatgirlofficial, to explore how float tanks (aka sensory deprivation tanks) offer one of the most effective, overlooked tools for ketamine integration and subconscious healing.
You’ll hear how Alissa found floating during one of the hardest chapters of her life and how it became a portal for personal transformation, creativity, trauma resolution, and nervous system reset. If you’ve ever wondered what float tanks are, how they work, or why they matter for people healing through psychedelics, this one’s for you.
In this episode, we cover:
Guest Spotlight: Alissa Bestwick (@floatgirlofficial)
Alissa is a wellness enthusiast, writer, and the voice behind Float Girl, a platform dedicated to making floatation therapy more accessible and understood. Based in Austin, TX, she documents float spas across the country and uplifts the stories of transformation that emerge from these sacred saltwater spaces.
✨ Ready for Your Ketamine Journey?
Introducing the Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) your go-to guide for preparing your mind, body, and nervous system before your first (or next) ketamine experience.
🧠 Built by integration expert Anna Krishtal
💛 Designed to maximize transformation and minimize confusion
📅 Self-paced, structured, and accessible
🎧 Loved this episode? Then KPP is your next step.
👉 Join the Ketamine Preparation Protocol here
Links & Resources:
Try everything twice. Especially floating.
Let your body rest. Let your subconscious speak. Let the healing begin.
Most ketamine clinics talk about meds, diet, and sleep—but no one talks about this.
In this special two-part episode of Ketamine Connections, I (Anna, your favorite Ketamine Coach) reflect on one full year off social media, and what it has taught me about subconscious programming, nervous system regulation, and why your phone might be sabotaging your ketamine journey.
If you’re prepping for a psychedelic experience (ketamine or otherwise), this episode is a must-listen. I dive deep into how media, including apps like Instagram, TikTok, dating platforms, even Spotify can affect your subconscious mind, attention span, and ability to integrate your experience. And I share personal insights from both one month and one year off social media, including how it impacted my business, mental health, and connection to my purpose.
🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:
Whether you’re about to start ketamine therapy or already in it, this episode offers grounded insight, practical tips, and inspiration to help you get the most out of your journey.
✨ Resources mentioned:
🎧 Listen if you’ve ever thought:
💌 Stay Connected:
Want more behind-the-scenes stories, tools, and guidance? Join my email list for real talk and real support: Sign up here.
In this heartfelt and eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Victoria Webster, founder of Golden Afternoon, a stunning ketamine clinic in Los Angeles—and someone with one of the most powerful personal journeys I’ve ever heard.
From being a 19-year-old in inpatient rehab prescribed a cocktail of eight medications (including anti-psychotics)… to walking away from it all and finding her way through amino acids, meditation, and eventually ketamine—Victoria shares her story with unflinching honesty and compassion.
💡 This episode is especially for you if:
We also talk about:
🌿 Victoria is a mother of three, a former sitcom writer, and a somatic therapist who now runs a clinic where people come not just to feel better—but to feel transformed. And her insights? Truly medicine.
🔗 Links + Resources:
Have you ever been told you’re too sensitive, too emotional, or just too much? In this powerful episode of Ketamine Connections, I sit down with Kristen Ott, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of White Light Wellness, to explore how she turned that “too much” wound into a source of wisdom—and how her first ketamine journey helped rewire her relationship to it.
This conversation goes way beyond ketamine. We dive deep into the work that surrounds the journey: the repatterning of the subconscious mind, the intelligence of emotions, and what integration actually looks like in real life.
We talk about:
If you’re carrying stories of being “too much” or “not enough,” this episode is an invitation to soften, to trust yourself, and to meet your healing with curiosity and compassion.
🎧 Tune in and discover how integration isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing things differently.
👤 About Kristen Ott, MA, LMFT
Kristen Ott is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, the founder of White Light Wellness, LLC, and a Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapist at Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry. She specializes in trauma healing through a systemic, strength-based approach that blends somatic awareness with experiential practices. With 15 years of experience in clinical settings, Kristen’s work bridges psychotherapy, psychedelic integration, and group healing experiences.
She offers individual, couples, and family therapy, as well as Equine-Assisted Therapy, group integration circles, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) sessions—both 1:1 and in groups.
🔗 Website: whitelightwellnessllc.org
📍 Based in Devon, PA
📲 Social: linktr.ee/whitelightwellnes
🛠️ Special Offers from Kristen
🌿 Want to Feel Ready for Your Ketamine Journey?
Whether you’re preparing for your first session or looking for ways to better integrate what’s already come up—the Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) is here to support you. This 3-step process helps you feel grounded, clear, and confident so that your journey isn’t left up to chance.
If this episode resonated with you, and you're ready to prepare your mind, body, and subconscious for deep transformation, learn more and join us at:
👉 JOIN the Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP)
🌱 Mentioned in This Episode:
– Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP)
– The “Too Much” Wound
– IFS (Internal Family Systems)
– The subconscious mind + daily rituals
– The witch wound and intuitive reclamation
What happens when your ketamine provider has walked the same healing path you’re on? In this warm and eye-opening episode of Ketamine Connections, Anna speaks with Dr. Evan Husted—an emergency physician turned ketamine practitioner who combines deep clinical experience with personal insight into the psychedelic healing process.
They explore how lived experience shapes provider care, why preparation and integration are just as vital as the ketamine itself, and how anxiety and control often intersect in psychedelic journeys. From differentiating dosing styles to building therapeutic support beyond the medicine, this episode is rich with grounded wisdom and practical encouragement.
If you’ve ever wondered what real support in the ketamine space can look like—or what healing with integrity feels like—you’ll want to listen in.
🎧 Listen if you’re curious about:
👨⚕️ About Dr. Evan Husted:
Dr. Evan Husted, M.D., MPH, is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician and the founder of Mindstream Medicine in Philadelphia—a private practice providing psychedelic-assisted therapy through ketamine infusion and injection. With a BA in Psychology focused on Neuropharmacology, an MD from George Washington University, and an MPH from Jefferson College of Population Health, Dr. Husted brings both academic rigor and personal experience to his work. After years in emergency and urgent care, he now focuses on helping others find relief from anxiety and depression with the support of psychedelic medicine and intentional care.
📍Resources & Links:
Think preparation just means not eating before your ketamine appointment? Think again.
In this episode of Ketamine Connections, Anna breaks down 3 of the most common (and costly) mistakes people make when preparing for ketamine therapy—and how to avoid them. If you're looking for deeper transformation, stronger integration, and real results from your ketamine experience, this is the must-listen prep guide you didn't know you needed.
You'll learn:
Whether your first session is days away or you’re already a few journeys in, this episode gives you actionable tools to prepare your mind, body, and subconscious for deep, lasting change.
What You'll Learn
🔹 The difference between wishful thinking and a subconscious-anchored intention
🔹 Why preparation is not just logistical—it’s emotional, energetic, and spiritual
🔹 How ketamine activates neuroplasticity and why that matters for integration
🔹 The role of community and why solo prep may be holding you back
🔹 Real client stories of how post-facto preparation shifted their whole ketamine journey
Links + Resources
✨ Ready to prep the right way? Join the Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP)
If you’ve ever wondered whether ketamine therapy really works—or how to find a reputable clinic—this episode is your guide. Anna sits down with Sam Mandel, co-founder and CEO of Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles, one of the first IV ketamine clinics in the world. With over 35,000 infusions under their belt and an 83% treatment success rate, Sam shares the lessons he’s learned about healing, compassionate care, and what actually makes ketamine treatment effective.
Sam has been featured in Entrepreneur as one of the Top 10 Inspiring Healthcare Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2023, earned two 2024 Stevie Awards for Best Entrepreneur and Thought Leader, and continues to raise the bar in psychedelic-assisted mental health care.
We get into:
This is an honest, behind-the-scenes look at how ketamine treatment has evolved—and where it's going next. Whether you're preparing for your first infusion or exploring integration, you’ll walk away with powerful insights.
🧠 Resources & Mentions:
🎁 Special Offer from Sam: Mention Ketamine Connections to receive a free consultation + $400 off a series of ketamine infusions at Ketamine Clinics LA.
✨ Want to make the most of your ketamine journey?
The Ketamine Preparation Protocol is now available as a self-paced course—and we’re hosting a LIVE group call on May 22 to support you in integrating the material, asking questions, and connecting with others on the path.
🎁 When you enroll before May 22, you’ll get immediate access to the full course + a special invite to the call.
👉 www.annakrishtal.com/kpp
Keywords:
ketamine therapy, ketamine clinics, IV ketamine, ketamine for depression, ketamine for PTSD, ketamine infusion Los Angeles, Sam Mandel, Ketamine Clinics LA, psychedelic therapy, neuroplasticity, ketamine success rate, personalized ketamine protocol, ketamine preparation course, integration after ketamine
In this raw, heartfelt solo episode of Ketamine Connections, Anna shares a deeply personal reflection inspired by a recent peak experience—and how it ties into one of the most common (and nerve-wracking) questions she hears: What if ketamine is the best I'll ever feel?
We dive into:
Plus, Anna opens up about her own growth edge and shares actionable wisdom to keep you grounded in your ketamine journey (or any personal healing work).
✨ Ready to prepare your mind and body for ketamine therapy?
The Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) is live! This self-paced course is designed for anyone who wants ketamine to actually work—whether you’re just starting your journey or already in treatment. Learn how to set yourself up for success, work with your subconscious mind, and avoid common pitfalls that can limit ketamine’s potential.
>> [Join the Ketamine Preparation Protocol here] <<
🔗 Resources & Links:
If you’ve ever wondered how to hold onto the breakthroughs ketamine offers—or feared the crash that can come after a peak—this is your episode. 💫
If you've ever wondered what astrology has to do with ketamine—or why your sun, moon, and rising might actually help you make sense of your healing journey—this episode is going to blow your cosmic socks off.
In this conversation, I sit down with futurist, intuitive channel, and founder of Golden Age AI, Danielle Mercurio, to explore how astrology can be used as a real integration tool—especially after ketamine therapy.
Yes, we talk about your chart. Yes, we talk about transits. Yes, we talk about Mercury retrograde. But more importantly—we talk about how astrology helps you know yourself, how the transits help you navigate change, and how cosmic weather is a perfect metaphor for integrating your inner transformations with the outer world.
Inside this episode:
About our guest:
Danielle Mercurio is an intuitive channel, futurist, and astrology educator who helps visionary leaders activate their next timeline. With a deep background in astrology, metaphysical studies, and energetic recalibration, Danielle blends ancient wisdom with modern tech through her company Golden Age AI and The Danielle Mercurio Show podcast.
🌐 Website: www.daniellemercurio.com
📸 Instagram: @daniellemercurio
🎁 Download her AI + astrology guide: AI Ally
✨ Book a reading with 10% off using code PODCAST10
🌟 Special Invitation:
If you’re preparing for your first ketamine journey and you’re craving a grounded, practical, and soul-aligned roadmap…
The Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) is now LIVE.
This is your step-by-step guide to making ketamine therapy actually work—especially if you’re someone who overthinks, has anxiety, or just wants to be fully prepared before diving into the unknown.
🎧 Listen to this episode, then take the next step:
👉 Join KPP here
Bonus self-hypnosis course available until Friday, May 3!
🎙️ Ketamine Connections is the only podcast dedicated specifically to ketamine. If this episode spoke to you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, reach out -we love hearing your takeaways!
Ever heard of a two-hour ketamine infusion—personally titrated in real-time by a board-certified anesthesiologist? Yeah, neither had I. Until now.
In this episode of Ketamine Connections, I sit down with Dr. Austin Harris, founder of NeuroRelief Ketamine & Infusion Therapy in Sherman Oaks, CA. With 17+ years of experience in anesthesiology and a revolutionary, heart-centered approach to ketamine, Dr. Harris is redefining what’s possible in psychedelic care.
About Dr. Austin Harris
Dr. Harris is a board-certified cardiothoracic anesthesiologist with a background in psychology. After completing his fellowship at Keck Hospital of USC, he founded NeuroRelief Ketamine & Infusion Therapy, now serving clients worldwide. His work is deeply human and radically different—offering real-time titration during ketamine infusions, 7-day access to care, and a full integration strategy that prioritizes mindfulness, customized protocols, and conscious aftercare. In this episode, we explore:
This is a jam-packed, paradigm-shifting episode that weaves neuroscience, mindfulness, and humanity into a powerful framework for change. Special thanks to Dr. Harris for sharing his personal and professional insights—and for inviting me to experience this protocol firsthand. (More on that in a future episode!)
KETAMINE PREPARATION PROTOCOL IS LIVE!
Ready to actually make ketamine work for you? Whether you're new to ketamine or looking for a better outcome, the Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) is now available. It’s everything I’ve taught my 1:1 clients—now in a self-paced format to help you prepare mentally, emotionally, physically, and subconsciously for your journey. Enroll now → https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp
Bonus: Sign up before May 3 and receive a free course on Self-Hypnosis for Psychedelic Integration.
Episode Links & Resources:
Connect with Dr. Harris & NeuroRelief: Instagram: @neuroreliefketamine_la Facebook: NeuroRelief Ketamine LinkedIn: Company Page LISTEN & LEARN:
If you're exploring ketamine for mental health, chronic pain, or recovery—this episode is your invitation to expect more, ask for better, and experience what's truly possible when medicine meets mindfulness.
In this episode, Your Ketamine Coach Anna Krishtal is joined by clinical psychologist, Air Force veteran, & ketamine educator Dr. Emily Bullock, Psy.D. We dive into what actually creates healing—especially when you’re sick & tired of being sick & tired.
Dr. Bullock shares how her clinical practice evolved to include ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), why integration is essential, & how clinicians can build ethical, effective, trauma-informed ketamine protocols. We explore the power of preparation, sensory priming, & what it really means to “remember to remember.”
What We Cover in This Episode:
About Dr. Emily Bullock:
Dr. Emily Bullock, Psy.D. is a Utah-based Clinical Psychologist, entrepreneur, & founder of Great Salt Lake Wellness & Medical. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, she launched a multidisciplinary mental health & ketamine clinic, integrating therapies like EMDR, IFS, yoga, & functional medicine.
She specializes in treating the trauma underlying chronic mental health symptoms & is the creator of a comprehensive training course for clinicians looking to add ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) into their practice—ethically, legally, & holistically.
Resources & Links from This Episode:
Dr. Bullock’s Course:
Bringing Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy to Your Clinic
→ Buy the eBook on Amazon
→ 20% Off: Email dremilybullock@greatsaltlakewellness.com with subject line: K2C-ANNA
GreatSaltLakeWellness.com
GreatSaltLakeMedical.com
All Dr. Bullock’s Links
The Dr. Emily Show:
Spotify | Apple
Follow Dr. Bullock:
IG: @dremilybullock | TikTok: @dr.emilybullock
LinkedIn: Emily Bullock
Upcoming Events:
Ready to Prepare for Your Own Ketamine Journey?
If you’re preparing for your first ketamine experience, you don’t just need the medicine—you need the map. That’s why I created the Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP)—a guided, self-paced process to help you set powerful intentions, regulate your nervous system, & prime your subconscious for lasting change.
Perfect for people with anxiety or no prior psychedelic experience
Includes guided audios, exercises, & printable prep tools
Designed to make sure your ketamine journey actually transforms your life
Not all ketamine clinics are created equal—and your transformation deserves the right container. In this episode of Ketamine Connections, Anna breaks down exactly how to vet a ketamine clinic so you can feel safe, supported, and set up for success. Whether you’re just starting your journey or comparing clinics in your area, this episode will help you ask the right questions and trust your gut.
✨ You’ll learn:
📥 FREE RESOURCE: Download the Ketamine Clinic Vetting Checklist mentioned in the episode so you can follow along, take notes, and advocate for yourself confidently. Link here
🌿 Want expert support preparing for your journey?
Check out the Ketamine Prep Protocol (KPP)—a self-paced course designed to help you mentally, emotionally, and energetically prepare for your ketamine experience so you can get the most out of every session.
📌 Resources mentioned in this episode:
💬 Loved this episode?
Please rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s thinking about starting ketamine therapy. And don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss a new episode.
In this powerful episode of Ketamine Connections, we explore the deeply personal story of Kevin VanHeesch, who has lived with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) for nearly a decade. Kevin shares his experience navigating a labyrinth of treatments — including spinal cord stimulation and ketamine infusions — and how he ultimately found relief and transformation through psychedelic therapy.
Joining us in spirit is Kristen Johnson, founder of Ketamine Pain Center, the clinic that helped guide Kevin toward healing. Kristen has over 30 years of healthcare experience and founded Mountain View Clinical Research before opening one of Colorado’s most trusted ketamine clinics focused on neuropathic pain.
🎧 In this episode, we explore:
If you or someone you love is dealing with chronic pain, this episode offers hope, realness, and resources.
🌄 Featured Guest:
Kevin VanHeesch
CRPS warrior and ketamine therapy advocate
With Special Promotion for:
Kristen Johnson
Founder of Ketamine Pain Center – treating neuropathic pain through ketamine infusion therapy in Colorado.
Learn more: www.ketaminecolorado.com
🌀 Want to Feel This Kind of Support on Your Journey?
Whether it’s your first time exploring ketamine or you’ve already done a few sessions — how you prepare changes everything. That’s why I created the Ketamine Preparation Program (KPP) — a self-paced, powerful course that helps you get the most out of your ketamine experience.
Launching April 9, KPP gives you:
🎉 Learn more and get on the list here → [Insert Link]
Thank you for listening to Ketamine Connections. If this episode resonated, share it with someone who needs it. Healing is possible — and it doesn’t have to happen alone. 💛
🚨 Real quick… If you’re preparing for a ketamine journey and want to feel confident, grounded, and ready to actually create real change in your life…
🎉 You need to be on the Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) Priority List.
This is the only program of its kind that gives you a step-by-step system to:
✅ Get clear on your intention
✅ Calm your nervous system (even if you’ve been anxious your whole life)
✅ Maximize your neuroplasticity window with science-backed tools
✅ Integrate your experience into your actual, day-to-day life
The beta round just wrapped, and here’s what participants had to say:
🗣️ “I wish I had this before my first session. It would’ve saved me so much confusion.”
🗣️ “This gave me a roadmap. I finally feel like I know what I’m doing.”
🗣️ “This work gave me permission to slow down and actually listen to myself.”
🎯 The full program is relaunching soon—get on the priority list now to be the first to know when doors open.
👉 Join The Waitlist and Sign Up Now!
In this week’s episode of Ketamine Connections, I’m joined by the deeply embodied and wildly insightful Joe Mach—a ketamine-assisted psychotherapist, Gestalt and IFS practitioner, musician, and retreat facilitator based in Austin, TX.
Joe shares his unexpected path from rock musician to trauma-informed guide, and we explore the inner architecture of healing, the power of slowing down, and why somatic awareness is key in the integration process.
We talk about:
💭 Joe’s initial resistance to ketamine—and how he reconciled it with his Vipassana meditation roots
🎵 What happens when you realize your need for applause can be met in a deeper, more authentic way
🌀 Why talk therapy isn’t always enough—and how Gestalt, IFS, and embodiment open up real transformation
🧘♂️ How to support clients who are afraid to slow down or feel their bodies
💡 What "making friends with your mind" actually looks like in practice
🌙 And yes—we even talk about the full moon and how it might be affecting your nervous system
This episode is packed with insight, humor, and grounded spiritual wisdom. Joe brings the perfect blend of presence and play to the psychedelic healing space, and I can’t wait for you to hear it.
🔗 Links & Resources:
🌿 Joe Mach’s Website: www.josephmach.com
📸 Follow Joe on Instagram: @innerworkatx
🧘♂️ Retreat – Make Friends With Your Mind (May 3, Kuya Wellness):
Check it out here
“What do I do with my hands?”—aka the most common ketamine question ever.
You’ve just had your ketamine session. Your brain is open, your body feels different, and you might be wondering… Now what? One of the main questions I receive as Your Ketamine Coach, is, “what do I do after ketamine?”
That’s exactly what we’re diving into today. The hours immediately after ketamine are crucial—this is when your brain is in peak neuroplasticity mode (aka soft, squishy Play-Doh). Whatever you do during this time? It’s getting imprinted.
In this episode, we’re covering:
✨ Why the post-ketamine window is sacred (and how it shapes your long-term transformation)
🚗 The #1 thing to consider before you even leave the clinic
🥗 The best ways to ground, nourish, and support your brain and body
🌀 How to honor your emotions without overanalyzing them
📝 Why journaling, voice notes, or creative expression can help anchor your insights
🛑 What not to do after ketamine (trust me on this one)
AND… we’re setting the record straight on rest as a productivity hack (because yes, taking the day off is doing something).
🚨 WE JUST WRAPPED THE KPP BETA… AND WOW. 🚨
If you're preparing for a ketamine journey and feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety—wondering how to make sure it actually works for you, how to avoid feeling out of control, and what to do before and after to get real, lasting results—you’re not alone.
This process can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, you can step into your journey with confidence, clarity, and a plan that supports YOU.
💥 We just finished the first-ever live beta round of my Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP), and here’s what participants had to say:
🗣️ "I did some research on my own, just Googled ‘how to prepare for ketamine,’ but the information out there is so generic. I wanted more. More of what to actually expect, how to navigate it, and not just generic tips."
🗣️ "I had no idea what the default mode network was before this. Now I get why I feel stuck—and how ketamine actually helps disrupt that pattern."
🗣️ "Some of the journaling prompts were hard—like, really hard. But they also made me see things I had never considered before."
🗣️ "The breathing exercises actually helped! I started doing them at night, and I think they’re making a difference."
🗣️ "I loved the analogy of the butterfly. Right now, I’m in the goo phase, but I know I’m transforming."
I took every single piece of feedback from our beta round, and I’m revamping, recording, and launching it soon—so if you want to be the first to know when it’s ready, join the priority list NOW.
💡 Join the Priority List →https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp💡
WHY GET ON THE LIST?
✅ Be the first to access the newly refined KPP program
✅ Lock in early access pricing before it goes up
✅ Get the structured roadmap to make the most of your ketamine journey—no confusion, no wasted sessions, no "I wish I had known this before" moments
🔗 Sign up here → https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp
✨ If this episode resonated, share it with a friend or tag me on social! I love hearing what insights landed for you.
Stay curious, stay present, and I’ll see you next week! 🌀💙
In this insightful conversation, Anna Krishtal sits down with Dr. Sarah Coakley, a seasoned anesthesiologist and ketamine provider, to discuss the profound impact of ketamine therapy on mental health and chronic pain. Dr. Coakley shares her journey from clinical anesthesia to ketamine infusion therapy, exploring how integrating holistic practices like therapy, nutrition, and movement can help unlock deep healing. They dive into the essential role of responsible treatment practices, collaboration between providers, and the importance of holistic support when using ketamine for transformation. The conversation also touches on the retreat model and how ketamine can be a tool for creating lasting change, not just during treatment but in every aspect of life. If you're interested in mental health and integrative healing, this episode will offer you valuable insights into how to make the most of ketamine therapy.
Key Takeaways:
Mentioned in the Episode:
Special Offers:
If you’re ready to take ketamine preparation seriously, the Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) is your step-by-step guide to ensuring the best possible experience. Join here: https://www.annakrishtal.com/kpp
Episode Description:
If you're planning for ketamine therapy—or even just considering it—one question is bound to come up: When should I start preparing? Some people think the night before is enough (spoiler: it’s not), while others wonder if they should start months in advance. In this episode, we're breaking down the ideal timeline for preparation, what really matters most in those crucial days before your session, and why your preparation determines the depth of your transformation.
And if you want to take the guesswork out of preparation? Join the live beta round of the Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP)! 👉https://www.annakrishtal.com/kpp
This step-by-step program is designed to make sure you go into your ketamine experience feeling calm, clear, and confident—without wondering if you did enough. This is the only program of its kind, and for a limited time, you get live coaching and direct access to me at a discounted beta rate. Don’t miss it!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Resources & Links:
📢 Join the Beta Round of KPP! If you’re serious about getting the most out of your ketamine experience, this is for you. Get direct coaching, a structured protocol, and all the tools you need to go into ketamine prepared. Spots are limited! https://www.annakrishtal.com/kpp
Loved this episode? Send it to a friend who’s considering ketamine therapy! Healing is more powerful in community, and this could be exactly what they need to hear. 🌿💜
See you next Wednesday for another episode of Ketamine Connections!
Are you wondering how to make sure ketamine therapy actually works for you? You’re not alone! In this episode of Ketamine Connections, we dive into the three most common mistakes people make in ketamine therapy—and how to avoid them to get the most out of your journey.
Whether you’re preparing for your first session or looking to deepen your experience, this episode offers practical tips, relatable client stories, and actionable steps to ensure you don’t just “try ketamine” but truly benefit from it.
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Ready to take your ketamine journey to the next level?
Introducing the Ketamine Prep Protocol (KPP) — a step-by-step roadmap designed to help you prepare, set powerful intentions, and integrate your experience for lasting transformation.
Why KPP? Built from hundreds of 1:1 client sessions since 2021 Beta round starts March 3rd — get in for a fraction of the full launch price! Participate in live calls, give direct feedback, and shape the program Walk away with clarity, peace, and tools that extend far beyond the medicine
Join KPP now: https://www.annakrishtal.com/kpp
(And don’t forget to share this with a friend—healing is better in community!)
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Craving more resources? Love the science? Check out Episode 24 for a deep dive into how ketamine works. Curious about having someone present during your session? Episode 28 explores your options. Want more on integration? Stay tuned—future episodes will cover this in depth!
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Let’s connect! Questions? Comments? Shoot us an email—we love hearing from you. Liked this episode? Rate, review, and share it to spread the word! Follow Ketamine Connections so you never miss an episode.
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Thanks for tuning in!
Your hope is precious. Let’s make sure you get the most out of it.
#KetamineTherapy #MentalHealth #Integration #PsychedelicHealing #KetaminePreparation #SelfGrowth #KPP #HealingJourney #AnxietyRelief #DepressionSupport