Episode 66

In this episode, Kevin Cannella, a psychotherapist and passionate psychonaut, discusses his personal journey into the psychedelic space and his role as the co-founder and executive director of Thank You Life. a nonprofit organization that aims to expand the accessibility of psychedelic therapy by eliminating financial barriers for those seeking treatment. Thank You Life targets communities like the BIPOC, LGBTQ, and Veteran population, providing cost-effective group healing sessions. 

Kevin shares details about the experience of working with these communities and the positive impact psychedelics have had on their mental wellbeing. Kevin and Michaela discuss the legalization, effectiveness, safety, and nuances of psychedelic medicines, particularly ketamine. Kevin also highlights the importance of guided psychedelic experiences, emphasizing the value of safe, professional containers, and speaks about eventual longitudinal studies and potential partnerships to expand Thank You Life’s service to a broader audience.

A mystic at heart, psychotherapist by trade, entrepreneur by calling and a psychonaut in spirit. Kevin Cannella is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Thank You Life, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that exists to expand access to psychedelic therapy by eliminating financial barriers to treatment. By providing grants for people who would otherwise not have access to treatment, Thank You Life is on a mission to revolutionize mental healthcare and participate in helping the world to heal.

Kevin spent his 20s searching for truth, purpose, and methods to alleviate suffering. After many years of deep inquiry and spiritual practice, he returned to the world and entered into graduate school at Naropa University in Boulder, CO to study Mindfulness-based Transpersonal Counseling. Kevin has been working in private practice as a psychotherapist since 2018, specializing in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.

Episode Highlights

• Discussing the mission of 'Thank You Life'

• Understanding the true cost of psychedelic therapies

• Exploring the legal aspects of ketamine

• The therapeutic approach to ketamine

• The benefits and potential risks of ketamine

• Comparing ketamine to other psychedelics

• Personal experiences and reflections on ketamine

• The power of compassion in psychedelic facilitation

• Kevin’s journey to self-discovery and spiritual awakening

• Overcoming personal challenges and embracing his life's purpose

• The role of psychedelics in personal transformation

• Unpacking core wounds and healing through psychedelics

• The birth of 'Thank You Life' and its mission

• Impressive results from Thank You Life’s psychedelic offerings

• Promoting health equity and expanding access to psychedelic treatments

• The future of 'Thank You Life' and how to support its mission

Kevin Cannella’s Links 

• Website: www.thankyoulife.org

• Instagram: @thankyoulife_fund

• Facebook: Thank You Life

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• Book: A Dose of Hope: A Story of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy by Dr. Dan Engle 

• Transformational Coaching & Training: Being True To You 

• Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy: Polaris Insight Center 

• Nonprofit Community: Psychedelic Research and Training Institute (PRATI) 

• Oregon-based Psychedelic Training & Education Program: Alma Institute  

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Special thanks to Jeremy Colbert (Taragápe) for the original podcast theme music.

You can find out more about Jeremey’s work here:
taragape.com and @taragape