Mindscapes: The Mycelium Network

In this episode of the DAV Podcast, host Matt Saintsing sits down with Army veteran and full-time artist Sam Juan to explore the cutting edge of psychedelic-assisted healing and veteran mental health. Juan details her incredible military journey—from navigating her initial service prior to citizenship to operating as part of a pilot Cultural Support Team attached to Joint Special Operations Command and Navy SEAL teams in Afghanistan. Beneath her postwar artistic success, however, lay an unraveling reality of unresolved childhood trauma, deployment stress, and a severe dependence on prescription opiates. Juan shares a raw, unfiltered look at her turning point: a grueling 14-hour ibogaine treatment in Mexico that successfully broke her addiction. This episode goes beyond the typical "magic pill" narrative to tackle the crucial policy debates surrounding psychedelic medicine, emphasizing the profound need for ethical sourcing, trained integration services, and community connection—the literal "mycelium network"—to ensure veterans receive high-caliber, lifesaving care. Don't miss an episode of these vital veteran stories! If you found value in Sam's powerful journey, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below to help DAV amplify more voices from our veteran community.