Using Psychedelics to Die with Dignity, with Guest Christine Caldwell

What if psychedelics could help people face death without fear—and even with peace, connection, and spiritual insight? In this transformative episode of Medicine with the Metals, host Michelle welcomes back Christine Caldwell, founder of End of Life Psychedelic Care (EOLPC), for a wide-ranging discussion on using psychedelics like psilocybin, ketamine, MDMA, and 5-MeO-DMT to support people with terminal illnesses.Christine shares how these medicines, when administered with proper preparation and trained facilitators, can reduce end-of-life anxiety, ease physical and emotional pain, repair family relationships, and offer a glimpse of what may lie beyond. Grounded in science, spirituality, and real-world case studies, this episode explores the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted dying and what it means to have “a good death.”What You'll Learn:Why psychedelics offer a unique path to relieve death anxiety, fear of separation, and spiritual distressHow different medicines (MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and 5-MeO-DMT) can be used for forgiveness, peace, and transcendenceHow trained facilitators, proper dosing, and informed consent shape safe, meaningful end-of-life experiencesThe growing shift in Western medicine toward embracing psychedelics for palliative careWhat Christine’s research with end-of-life doulas, physicians, chaplains, and therapists reveals about the future of psychedelic death workChapters:03:22 – Christine’s path from Silicon Valley exec to psychedelic end-of-life advocate07:45 – What psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine, and 5-MeO-DMT each offer for terminal patients15:00 – How psychedelic journeys help patients release guilt, reconnect with family, and face death22:14 – The role of spiritual experiences vs. medical models in psychedelic care30:29 – Why ketamine is often the most accessible and safe option at end of life35:03 – Stories of real patients and their healing experiences with psychedelics42:18 – The importance of trained facilitators, family support, and medical clearance50:11 – Christine’s vision: group microdosing for grief, caregiver inclusion, and community modelsAbout The Guest:Christine Caldwell is the Founder and Executive Director of End of Life Psychedelic Care (EOLPC), a nonprofit advancing the use of psychedelics to support patients with terminal illness. Christine’s work spans education, practitioner connection, and advocacy, and she is a leading voice in building legal, safe, and compassionate access to psychedelic therapies at the end of life.Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:End of Life Psychedelic Care (EOLPC) ecosystem model“Start low, go slow” psychedelic dosing frameworkPsychedelic Death Worker Survey (100 responses, 36 interviews)Models inspired by Theracil (Canada) and Roots to Thrive (British Columbia)Group microdosing for grief and family reconciliationClosing Insight:“All psychedelics are death work, and all death work is psychedelic.” As the veil thins, Christine reminds us that psychedelics aren’t just about reducing fear—they’re about reconnecting to purpose, nature, family, and spirit.Visit eolpc.org to learn more, or email Christine at [email protected] if you’re ready to explore training, partnerships, or advocacy opportunities.For the best in microdosing products and education, visit Mama DoseSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: Connect with us on FacebookConnect with us on Instagram Connect with us on LinkedIn