Episode 32 - Music & Psychedelics: A Clinical Masterclass with Steve Gelberg

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 settingsEpisode 32 show notes:00:00 Teaser - The Emotional Power of Music00:30 Introduction to the Ketamine Startup Podcast00:38 Interview with Steve Gelberg: Spirituality, Psychedelics, and Music02:08 Steve Journey: From the Sixties Counterculture to Eastern Religions07:39 The Role of Music in Psychedelic Therapy10:37 Steve’s Academic Pursuits and the Krishna Movement17:23 The Making of 'Tuning In': A Passion Project30:17 The Synergy Between Music and Psychedelics36:54 The Ancient Connection Between Music and Humanity37:32 The Healing Power of Female Voices38:34 Choosing the Right Music for Psychedelic Therapy39:15 The Debate Over Classical Music in Therapy40:29 The Importance of Non-Lyrical Music41:13 The Role of Ambient and Neoclassical Music43:24 Therapist vs. Client Music Selection47:06 Alternative Sound Options: Nature and White Noise52:23 The Primordial Connection to Sound55:21 Steve's Spiritual Journey and Open-Mindedness01:02:14 Steve's Personal Music Preferences01:06:05 Recommended Reading in the Psychedelic Space01:09:46 Steve's Musical Background and Other Interests01:14:27 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThanks for listeningConnect with Steve at:Book discussed in this episode: Tuning In: Experiencing Music in Psychedelic StatesHis fine art photography websiteSteve’s Spotify ProfileLinks to Steve’s Spotify Playlists:His specific playlists recommendations for ketamine therapy・Classical playlist "Peace, Serenity":・Ambient playlist "Spacious, Minimalist, Ethereal":・"Psychedelic Ambient"Other selected playlists of Steve’s:・Main classical playlist "Classical Music for Psychedelic States"・Marriage between classical and ambient "Neo-Classical for Psychonauts"・"Healing Female Voices"・"High Vibes, Blissful Emotions"・"Nature's Own Music"・"White Noise: Organic/Natural"Selected Links From the Episode:Steve J Gelberg, India In a Mind’s Eye: Travels and Ruminations of an Ambivalent PilgrimSteve’s Book Recommendations:・Aldous Huxley, The Doors of Perception and Heaven and Hell ・Alan Watts, The Joyous Cosmology: Adventures in the Chemistry of Consciousness・Michael Pollan, How to Change Your Mind. New York: Penguin Press, 2018.🚀Want to fast track launching your ketamine clinic? If so, download our free checklist.Follow us onInstagramLinkedinKetamine StartUp WebsiteYouTube