Exploring Psychedelic Care at the End of Life with Chris Caldwell | Ketamine, MDMA & Psilocybin in Palliative Care

In this meaningful and forward-looking conversation, I sit down with Chris Caldwell to explore the growing role of psychedelics in end-of-life and palliative care.Chris shares the story behind founding a nonprofit dedicated to education, advocacy, and expanding compassionate access to psychedelic therapies for individuals facing terminal illness. We discuss the very real need for emotional, spiritual, and relational healing at the end of life — and how substances like ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin may support that process when used thoughtfully and responsibly.In this episode, we explore:Why the nonprofit was created — and the clear need it addressesEducation as a foundational pillar of safe psychedelic careThe role of ketamine in pain relief and emotional processingMDMA’s potential to reduce guilt and repair relationshipsPsilocybin and profound spiritual experiences at end of lifeMicrodosing and cognitive/emotional benefitsOregon’s evolving non-medical model for psilocybin accessThe urgent need for more research in palliative careThe importance of individualized, trauma-informed integrationAdvocacy and legislative work to expand safe accessThis conversation centers on dignity, connection, and meeting people where they are — especially at one of life’s most vulnerable thresholds.Moments That Stuck With Me“There’s a clear need and it’s recognized.”“Education is really, really important.”“We want to go to where the people are.”Psychedelics as tools for relational repair at the end of lifeThe difference between symptom control and existential healingThe emerging policy landscape in OregonThe reminder that advocacy is as important as researchKey ThemesPsychedelics in palliative careKetamine for pain and depressionMDMA and relational healingPsilocybin and spiritual meaning-makingMicrodosingEducation and harm reductionOregon psilocybin policyResearch gaps in end-of-life careLegislative advocacyCompassionate, whole-person medicine