PODCAST · education
Ketamine Connections
by Anna Krishtal
The only podcast dedicated to demystifying ketamine therapy. Hosted by hypnotherapist and ketamine coach Anna Krishtal, Ketamine Connections explores how this breakthrough medicine rewires the subconscious mind for lasting change.Each week, discover science-backed insights, expert interviews, and real stories of transformation. Learn how to prepare for your journey, integrate your experiences, and reconnect with your truest self.Start your journey now with the free Ketamine Starter Portal → YourKetamineCoach.com/freeSubscribe to Ketamine Connections and join a community redefining mental health through curiosity, compassion, and consciousness.
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Episode 101 | Anxiety Is One Hell of a Drug (And It Might Be Preparing You for Ketamine)
Anxiety Before Ketamine? Why Your Anxiety Might Actually Be Preparing You for HealingIf you live with anxiety and you're considering ketamine therapy, you've probably wondered:"What if my anxiety ruins my ketamine experience?"It's one of the most common fears I hear from clients.But what if you've been looking at anxiety the wrong way?In this episode of Ketamine Connections, I share a perspective that completely changed how I understand anxiety after years of studying the subconscious mind and coaching ketamine clients.Instead of seeing anxiety as a liability, what if it's actually been preparing you?Through the story of one coaching client, "Casey," we explore why anxiety and ketamine have more in common than most people realize, how anxiety can become an unexpected strength during ketamine therapy, and why your anxious mind may be more prepared for this work than you think.We also dive into the Default Mode Network (DMN), neuroplasticity, and why preparation is one of the biggest predictors of lasting transformation.In This EpisodeWhy anxiety is so often misunderstoodThe biggest fear anxious clients have before ketamineHow anxiety may actually prepare you for a ketamine journeyThe surprising overlap between anxiety and altered states of consciousnessThe difference between personality and subconscious patternsHow ketamine quiets the Default Mode Network (DMN)What the neuroplastic window is—and why it mattersWhy preparation and integration create lasting changeResources Mentioned📝 Listener Surveyhttps://forms.gle/RZb29Ecwn9vRkQTC9💙 Submit Your Ketamine Transformation Story🚀 Ketamine Starter Portal (Free Resources)🧠 Ketamine Preparation ProtocolHelp Shape Future Episodes ❤️The listener survey takes less than three minutes and helps me understand:Where you are in your ketamine journeyWhat you're struggling withWhat questions you want answeredWhat episodes you'd love to hear nextYour responses directly shape the future of Ketamine Connections.📝 Listener Survey:https://forms.gle/RZb29Ecwn9vRkQTC9If This Episode Helped You...Please consider:Leaving a reviewSharing this episode with someone considering ketamine therapySending it to your therapist or clinicCompleting the listener surveyBecause psychedelic conversations are still restricted online, most new listeners find this show because someone shared it with them.Thank you for helping these conversations reach the people who need them most.
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Episode 100 | From Fear to 100 Episodes: What Building This Podcast Taught Me
Listener Survey https://forms.gle/RZb29Ecwn9vRkQTC9Submit Your Ketamine Transformation Story One hundred episodes.Honestly... I almost skipped celebrating this milestone.I had a completely different episode planned, but then I realized something: I'm only going to have one Episode 100.So today, instead of talking about ketamine preparation, psychedelic integration, or the subconscious mind (although those inevitably sneak into the conversation), I'm taking you behind the scenes of what it actually took to build Ketamine Connections.The truth? This podcast took me more than a year to launch.Not because I didn't know what I wanted to say, but because I had to overcome the beliefs that convinced me I wasn't qualified enough, wasn't ready enough, and wasn't "perfect" enough to speak publicly about the work I love.In this deeply personal episode, I share the fears that nearly kept this podcast from ever existing, the healing that allowed me to finally press publish, and the promise I made to myself before recording Episode 1:Show up every week. No matter what.One hundred weeks later... here we are.I also reflect on how dramatically the ketamine landscape has changed since I began coaching in 2021—from expanded access to ketamine therapy, to the growth of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), to the increasing number of therapists and clinicians seeking training in preparation, integration, and subconscious mind work.Most importantly, this episode is an invitation.I want to know who you are.Whether you're preparing for ketamine treatment, already in your healing journey, a therapist, clinic owner, or simply someone who's curious about the power of the subconscious mind, I want to create this show for you.Inside the show notes you'll find a short listener survey where you can tell me what you need, what you're struggling with, and what topics you'd love to hear in future episodes.After 100 episodes, this feels less like my podcast......and more like our community.Thank you for being here.Thank you for listening.Thank you for making these first 100 episodes possible.Here's to the next hundred.In This Episode Why it took over a year to launch Ketamine Connections The subconscious beliefs that almost stopped me from ever starting The mindset shift that changed everything: Give up the goal or give up the belief What 100 consecutive weekly episodes has taught me about healing, consistency, and courage How the ketamine therapy landscape has evolved since 2021 Why therapists have become one of the largest groups listening to the podcast My vision for future clinician training in ketamine preparation and integration Why asking for help has become one of my biggest growth edges How you can help shape the future of Ketamine ConnectionsResources Mentioned Listener Survey https://forms.gle/RZb29Ecwn9vRkQTC9 Submit Your Ketamine Transformation Story Ketamine Starter Portal (free resources) Ketamine Preparation Protocol Previous episode about taking a year off social media : Episode 46Help Shape the Next 100 Episodes ❤️If you've been listening to Ketamine Connections, I'd love your help.Please take just a few minutes to complete the listener survey. It helps me understand: Where you are in your ketamine journey Whether you're a client, therapist, or clinic owner What questions you still have What episodes you'd most love to hear next Your feedback directly shapes the future of this podcast. Listener Survey https://forms.gle/RZb29Ecwn9vRkQTC9If You Enjoyed This Episode...The biggest way you can support Ketamine Connections is completely free: Leave a review Share this episode with someone considering ketamine therapy Send it to your therapist, clinic, or provider Share it with someone who needs hope Complete the listener survey Because of restrictions around psychedelic content on social media, nearly every new listener discovers this show through word of mouth.Thank you for helping these conversations reach the people who need them most.
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Episode 99 | "My Depression Is Gone." What Happened After Just 10 Days of Ketamine with Brett Olson
What happens when you've built the life you've always wanted... but you can't feel it?In this deeply vulnerable episode of Ketamine Connections, entrepreneur, CEO, speaker, and six-time author Brett Olson shares what it was like to spend nearly a decade living with depression despite having everything he thought should make him happy. Married for 39 years, a father of six, grandfather of eleven, and the builder of a highly successful career, Brett couldn't understand why he felt disconnected from the very life he had worked so hard to create. The harder he worked to protect what he had built, the further he drifted from himself. Just ten days into his ketamine journey, Brett joins the podcast to share the breakthroughs that changed everything.He opens up about the business collapse that triggered years of scarcity and survival mode, the moment a ketamine provider helped him recognize that his fight-or-flight response had been stuck "on" for nearly a decade, and the profound relief of waking up one day to discover that the depression was simply gone. Together, we explore what it means to move from scarcity to abundance, why presence became more important than success, and how healing isn't about becoming someone new—it's about removing everything that's been standing between you and your authentic self. This conversation is especially powerful because Brett is still in the middle of his ketamine protocol. At the time of recording, he is only four infusions into treatment, offering a rare and honest glimpse into transformation while it's happening. In This Episode, We Discuss: Living with depression despite having a successful life How business trauma can create long-term survival mode The connection between scarcity, stress, and emotional disconnection What it feels like when the fight-or-flight response becomes chronic Brett's breakthrough realization during ketamine therapy Why abundance became one of his biggest lessons from treatment Learning to be present after years of feeling disconnected How ketamine helped him reconnect with joy, gratitude, and motivation The difference between achieving success and experiencing peace Why healing is often about returning to yourself rather than becoming someone new Resources Mentioned Ketamine Preparation & Integration Coaching 👉 https://www.annakrishtal.com/kpp The Ketamine Starter Portal 👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/free Feelings Chart Drama Triangle Framework Breathwork and Box Breathing Yoga and Mindfulness Practices Ready to share your story on the Ketamine Connections podcast? Use the form below to submit your interest (no commitment, just interest): 👉 https://forms.gle/LZp56i4NuBCbR2879
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Episode 98 | The Perfectionist’s Guide to Ketamine
One of the most common things I hear from people preparing for ketamine is:“I just want to make sure I’m doing this right.”And while that sounds completely reasonable, especially if you're someone who likes to be prepared, organized, and successful, it may actually be the very thing standing between you and the transformation you're looking for.In this episode of Ketamine Connections, we're talking about a surprising truth:The same part of you that helped you build a successful life may not be the part of you that needs to lead your ketamine journey.If you're a high achiever, a researcher, a planner, a note-taker, or someone who likes to optimize everything, this episode is for you.We'll explore why trying to "do ketamine right" can actually keep you stuck in the very patterns you're hoping to heal, how ketamine works with the Default Mode Network, and what it really means to approach ketamine with presence, curiosity, and receptivity.You'll also hear a powerful client story about a CEO who discovered that healing wasn't about building a better wellness plan—it was about putting the list down.In This Episode:✨ Why "doing ketamine right" is the wrong goal ✨ The hidden trap of perfectionism and optimization ✨ How high achievers accidentally bring burnout into healing ✨ What the Default Mode Network has to do with ketamine therapy ✨ Why ketamine works best when you stop trying to control the experience ✨ The difference between performing and receiving ✨ The role of curiosity in psychedelic healing ✨ How to prepare for ketamine without overthinking it ✨ What true readiness for ketamine actually looks likeMentioned in This Episode🎧 Episode 95: Five Things Seasoned Ketamine Journeyers Know That Newbies Haven't Learned Yet🎧 Episode 65 with Troy Leonard🎓 Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP)The self-paced course designed to help you prepare for ketamine, understand your subconscious mind, create a powerful intention, and make the most of the neuroplastic window.👉 https://www.annakrishtal.com/kppConnect With AnnaIf you're preparing for ketamine and want support before, during, or after your journey, you'll find resources, courses, and coaching opportunities in the links below.👉 https://www.annakrishtal.com/coaching-info
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Episode 97 l Can Chronic Pain Be Emotional? Exploring the Mind-Body Connection with Sean Hershey
Can chronic pain, IBS, migraines, fatigue, and other persistent symptoms be connected to your emotional life?In this episode of Ketamine Connections, I welcome back therapist and mind-body medicine practitioner Sean Hershey for a fascinating conversation about the connection between chronic symptoms, emotional health, and healing.Sean shares his personal journey from years of debilitating IBS, restrictive diets, medical appointments, and failed treatments to discovering a completely different paradigm—one that transformed both his health and his career. Together, we explore why so many people with chronic symptoms reach the end of the medical road still searching for answers, how emotions can manifest physically in the body, and why healing often requires looking beyond the symptom itself. We also discuss the role ketamine may play in helping people access emotional safety, reduce nervous system activation, and create the conditions for deeper healing through neuroplasticity. In This Episode:✨ Sean's personal experience with chronic IBS and years of unsuccessful treatments ✨ The surprising discovery that changed everything for his healing journey ✨ Why chronic symptoms aren't always caused by structural problems in the body ✨ The connection between emotional repression and physical symptoms ✨ How chronic pain can function as a danger signal within the mind-body system ✨ The role of neuroplasticity in healing chronic conditions ✨ Why some people improve when they address emotions rather than symptoms ✨ The overlap between ketamine therapy, nervous system regulation, and emotional healing ✨ Common chronic conditions that may have a mind-body component ✨ Why hope is often the most valuable resource people bring into healingResources Mentioned📚 Healing Back Pain by John Sarno📚 Mind Your Body by Nicole Sachs🎙️ Sean's Podcast: Mind Body Medicine for Chronic Pain🌐 Sean's Website: MindBodyMedicineForChronicPain.comConnect With AnnaIf you're preparing for ketamine and want support before, during, or after your journey, check out the resources below:🎧 Join the Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) 👉 https://www.annakrishtal.com/kpp🎧 Access the Free Ketamine Starter Portal 👉https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/free
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Episode 96 | Neuroplasticity and What's Actually Happening in Your Brain During Ketamine
What if the most important part of ketamine therapy isn't the medicine itself?In this episode of Ketamine Connections, we're diving deep into one of the most misunderstood concepts in the ketamine space: the neuroplastic window.You've probably heard terms like neuroplasticity, Default Mode Network, and subconscious mind tossed around in conversations about ketamine therapy. But what do they actually mean? More importantly, what do they mean for you and your results?In this episode, I break down what happens in the brain during and after a ketamine session, why ketamine creates a unique opportunity for change, and why so many people unintentionally leave the most important part of the journey untouched.We'll explore:✨ What the neuroplastic window actually is ✨ How ketamine affects the Default Mode Network ✨ Why the subconscious mind matters so much in healing and transformation ✨ How long the neuroplastic window stays open after a session ✨ Why you can't "think" your way into lasting change ✨ The difference between conscious goals and subconsciously sound intentions ✨ What to do in the hours and days after ketamine to maximize your results ✨ Why ketamine is the door—not the transformation itselfIf you've done ketamine, are preparing for your first session, or you're wondering how to get more from the sessions you've already had, this episode is for you.Resources Mentioned🎧 Join the Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) 👉 https://www.annakrishtal.com/kpp🎧 Access the Free Ketamine Starter Portal 👉https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/free
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Episode 95 | New to Ketamine? 5 Lessons Seasoned Ketamine Patients Wish They Knew Sooner
What do experienced ketamine clients know that first-timers don't?After working with hundreds of ketamine clients, I've noticed a clear difference between people who are brand new to ketamine therapy and those who have spent months or years working with the medicine. And no—it isn't that seasoned clients are more enlightened, more evolved, or somehow "better" at ketamine.They've simply learned a few things through experience. In this episode, I break down the five biggest mindset shifts I see happen over time and why these lessons can dramatically change how you approach ketamine therapy, integration, and healing.If you're new to ketamine, this episode may help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls and frustrations. And if you've been working with ketamine for a while, you may recognize just how much you've grown through the process.In This Episode: Why you don't need every ketamine session to make sense The biggest mistake people make when trying to "figure out" their experiences Why every ketamine journey feels different—and why that's actually a good thing The difference between controlling a session and surrendering to it Why asking "Am I doing this right?" can keep you stuck on the surface How subconscious change often happens before you can see evidence of it The role of trust in psychedelic healing and ketamine integration Why some of the most powerful transformations begin with subtle shifts Key TakeawayThe biggest difference between new and experienced ketamine clients isn't knowledge—it's trust.Trust that not every session has to be dramatic.Trust that healing doesn't always happen on your timeline.Trust that the subconscious mind is working beneath the surface, even when you can't yet see the results.And most importantly, trust that transformation is unfolding, even when it doesn't look the way you expected it to. Resources Mentioned The Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) 👉 https://www.annakrishtal.com/kpp
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Episode 94 | Why Healing in Community Hits Different (And What Happened Inside the Live Round of KPP)
What happens when people stop trying to heal alone?In this deeply personal episode of Ketamine Connections, Anna Krishtal shares what unfolded during the recent live round of the Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) — and why healing in community can unlock something that solo work often cannot. This episode explores the power of group healing, vulnerability, subconscious transformation, and the unexpected magic that happens when real humans gather with a shared intention to heal. Anna reflects on the themes that emerged during the live KPP calls and explains why ketamine journeys may happen alone in the chair… but preparation and integration were never meant to be solo sports. Inside this episode: Why community accelerates healing The “group field” that forms in transformational spaces How witnessing someone else’s vulnerability can unlock your own Why live conversations create breakthroughs no self-paced course can replicate The neuroscience and subconscious impact of storytelling and connection The role of preparation and integration in ketamine therapy What liminal space actually is — and why discomfort is often part of transformation Why healing work deepens when it’s witnessed by others Anna also shares powerful moments from the live round of KPP, including participants uncovering long-held subconscious patterns, experiencing emotional breakthroughs, and discovering new levels of honesty, safety, and connection through shared healing experiences. One of the biggest takeaways from this episode: You do not have to do this alone.Whether you are preparing for ketamine therapy, integrating a psychedelic experience, or simply navigating personal transformation, this conversation is a reminder that community itself can become medicine. Topics covered in this episode: Ketamine preparation Psychedelic integration Healing in community The subconscious mind Group healing dynamics Vulnerability and transformation Liminal space and personal growth Neuroplasticity and connection Ketamine coaching Emotional healing and nervous system safety Resources + Links:Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) 👉https://www.annakrishtal.com/kppFree Ketamine Starter Portal 👉https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/freeIf this episode resonated with you, send it to someone who’s navigating ketamine therapy, psychedelic healing, or the messy middle of transformation. Sometimes hearing “you’re not alone” lands differently when it comes from someone walking the path too.
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Episode 93 | The Power of Intention in Ketamine Therapy with Sean Hershey
What if the thing that changes your ketamine experience isn’t the ketamine itself… but how you prepare for it?In this episode of Ketamine Connections, I sit down with therapist Sean Hershey to talk about his experience inside the Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP), what surprised him most about ketamine therapy, and how intentional preparation completely changed the way he approached the medicine. Sean shares how he came to ketamine after years of personal healing work and why he quickly realized that ketamine alone wasn’t the thing creating transformation. Instead, it was the combination of intention setting, subconscious awareness, integration, and participation in the healing process that shifted everything. We talk about: why ketamine is not a “magic pill” the importance of preparation before ketamine sessions subconscious healing and shadow work intention setting for ketamine therapy how Sean’s intentions evolved from “let go” to “allow” why trying too hard can block the healing process the difference between passive healing and active participation how ketamine accelerated emotional healing already in motion why people often misunderstand what ketamine actually does Sean also shares his fears before starting ketamine therapy, including concerns about “bad trips” due to previous experiences with cannabis, and how ketamine ended up feeling completely different than he expected. One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that ketamine can open the door to the subconscious mind — but lasting transformation happens through the choices, awareness, and actions that follow. If you’ve been wondering whether ketamine therapy is “worth it,” or why preparation and integration matter so much, this episode is going to completely change the way you think about the process.Resources & Links🌐 Sean Hershey Website🌐 Mind Body Medicine for Chronic Pain🌐 Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP)
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Episode 92 l Beyond Ketamine: How SoundSelf Is Transforming the Psychedelic Experience
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveThis episode was born out of the American Society of Ketamine Physicians Conference 2026 here in Austin, where I reconnected with Robin Arnette, founder of SoundSelf—and got to experience their work firsthand. And honestly… it opened up a conversation that I think this space really needs.Because most clinics understand that there’s something important about set, setting, and experience… but they don’t necessarily know how to create it.So what ends up happening?People take ketamine… and then just sit there waiting for something to happen.In this episode, we talk about what becomes possible when you move beyond that model and start thinking about ketamine as part of a full, immersive experience.We get into SoundSelf—an interactive, biofeedback-based technology that uses your voice, visuals, and sound to guide you into altered states of consciousness. Instead of passively receiving the experience, you’re actively creating it in real time.And that shift—from consumer to participant—is everything.We also talk about “Ketamine Plus,” which is essentially what we discuss on this podcast all the time:How do you take the neuroplastic window that ketamine opens… and actually use it?Because if you don’t?You go right back into the same patterns.This conversation explores: why the experiential side of ketamine is often overlooked how somatic and sensory practices deepen healing what it means to learn surrender before you’re in a psychedelic state and why getting out of your head—even briefly—can be a huge breakthrough One of the biggest takeaways for me was this:A lot of people aren’t struggling because nothing is happening…They’re struggling because they don’t know how to work with what’s happening.And that’s something we can learn.I also share my own experience trying SoundSelf at the conference—what it felt like to use my voice to shape the experience, and how surprisingly restorative it was after a full few days of being in that conference environment.We’re in a really interesting moment where ketamine is becoming more mainstream…But the art of how to use it?That’s still catching up.And this episode is a glimpse into what the future could look like when we start to bridge that gap.Resources + Links🌐 https://soundself.com 📍 https://soundself.com/near-me 🎵 Golden Ratio
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Episode 91 | Ketamine Experts Reveal What Actually Creates Transformation (ASKP Conference Insights)
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveWhat actually makes ketamine therapy work?At the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists and Practitioners conference, I asked 15 professionals—doctors, therapists, and providers—this exact question.Different backgrounds. Different practices.Same answer.👉 Preparation and integration are everything.🧠 Here’s the Truth Most People Don’t HearKetamine can open the door.But it doesn’t walk you through it.“The medicine opens the door… and it is up to you to walk through it.” Without intention, preparation, and integration…It becomes just another experience instead of real change.💡 In This EpisodeYou’ll hear directly from experts on: Best ketamine administration methods (IV, IM, lozenges, nasal) Why mindset going in matters more than you think What actually determines long-term results The role of integration in lasting transformation 🔥 If You’re Thinking About Ketamine…This is the difference:People who prepare → change their lives People who don’t → hope something happens🚀 Join the KPP Live RoundFor the first time in over a year, I’m running a live round of the Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP)This is where we: Set your intention (the right way) Prepare your subconscious mind Make sure the change you’re walking in for… actually happens 👉 Join the interest list: https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-live
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Episode 90 | The #1 Ketamine Prep Mistake: Setting the Wrong Intention
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveWatch on YouTube 👉 https://youtu.be/P3QRc_QwP1oIf you’re preparing for ketamine, there’s a very high chance you’re setting your intention wrong.And I say that with so much love — because almost no one is actually taught how to work with intention in a way that the subconscious mind understands.In this episode, we’re breaking down 3 of the most common mistakes people make when setting a ketamine intention — mistakes that can quietly sabotage your experience and leave you wondering why ketamine “isn’t working.”Because here’s the truth: Ketamine doesn’t fail. But without the right direction, your subconscious mind doesn’t know where to take you.We’ll talk about: Why vague intentions like “I just want to feel better” don’t work How being too specific or outcome-focused can actually block your process The hidden danger of expectation and attachment during your ketamine journey How your subconscious mind actually responds to intention (and why most people get this wrong) What it really means when you feel like “ketamine isn’t working” This episode is your invitation to shift from hoping something happens… to actually guiding your experience with clarity and intention.Because when your intention is subconsciously sound, ketamine becomes a completely different experience.
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Episode 89 | How to Use Ketamine to Reprogram Your Subconscious Mind (The Missing Piece Most Clinics Ignore)
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveWatch on YouTube 👉 https://youtu.be/P3QRc_QwP1oMost people walk into ketamine hoping it will change their life.And for many… it does—at least temporarily.But here’s what almost no one is talking about:Ketamine doesn’t create transformation on its own. It opens the door.What you do with that opening is what actually determines whether your life changes—or stays exactly the same.In this episode, we’re going deeper than surface-level preparation and into the real mechanism behind lasting results: your subconscious mind.Because if you don’t understand how to work with the 95% of your mind that’s running the show… you’re essentially trying to change your life using willpower alone.And that’s where most people get stuck.Inside this episode, I break down the exact framework I use with clients to turn ketamine from a temporary experience into real, embodied transformation—so you’re not just “trying something new,” but actually becoming someone new.🎧 In This Episode: Why ketamine alone isn’t what creates lasting change The role of the subconscious mind in psychedelic transformation (and why it’s everything) The biggest mistake people make when using ketamine—and how to avoid it How ketamine interacts with the Default Mode Network to access deeper programming The 7-step framework for turning ketamine into real, lasting change Why intention is your “GPS” (and why “I just want to feel better” isn’t enough) The difference between symptom relief vs. true life transformation Why integration is what actually changes your identity—not the session itself How to stop looping the same emotional and behavioral patterns 🌿 The Truth About KetamineKetamine opens a neuroplastic window.But without direction… that window closes without taking you anywhere new.Most people focus on logistics—when to eat, what to wear, how long the session lasts.But the real work?It’s happening underneath that.Inside your subconscious patterns. Your beliefs. Your identity.And if you’re not actively working with those… you’re missing the part that actually creates change. 🔗 Want to Do This the Right Way?If you’re listening to this and thinking:“Okay… I don’t want to just try ketamine. I want this to actually work.”I created something for you.For the first time in over a year, I’m running a live round of the Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP)—where I guide you through this process step-by-step.👉 Join the interest list: https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-live👉 Prefer to join KPP today and do the live round with us later?👉 https://www.annakrishtal.com/kppInside, you’ll get: All the details Dates + structure First access when doors open 💛 Already in KPP?Keep an eye on your inbox—you’ll be getting a special invitation to join this live round.
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Episode 88 l Before You Even Think About Trying Ketamine, Listen to This
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveKetamine is having a moment—and if you’re here, you’ve probably already felt the pull toward it.But here’s the truth that doesn’t get talked about enough:Most people are walking into ketamine completely unprepared.Not because they’re doing something wrong… But because no one ever showed them how to actually work with the experience.In this episode, I’m sharing what proper ketamine preparation really looks like—beyond logistics, beyond “don’t eat before your session,” beyond what your clinic is telling you.We’re talking about: how your subconscious mind plays a role in your results why intention setting is the difference between a meaningful experience and a missed opportunity what it actually takes to turn ketamine from “something you tried” into real, lasting change and why preparation is the bridge between the medicine and your transformation I also share something new I’m bringing back for the first time in over a year—a live, guided round of the Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP).This is a more connected, supported way to move through this work together… and honestly, something I didn’t realize how much I missed until recently.If you’ve been listening to this podcast and thinking: “Okay… I want to do this the right way,”This episode is for you.🎧 In This Episode: Why most ketamine experiences fall short (and it’s not the medicine) The real role of the subconscious mind in psychedelic healing What “proper preparation” actually means Why community + guidance changes everything Who the live KPP round is for (and who it’s not for) How to know if you’re ready to go deeper 🔗 Want to Join the Live Round?If you’re interested, you can join the interest list here: 👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveYou’ll get: all the details dates + structure first access when doors open 💛 Already in KPP?Keep an eye on your inbox— you’ll be getting a special invitation to join this live round.🌿 Final NoteKetamine opens the door. But you’re the one who walks through it. And you don’t have to do that alone.
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Episode 87 l Your Ketamine Clinic Isn’t Telling You This
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveIf you’ve ever gone into a ketamine session, sat in the chair, and thought, “wait… what am I actually supposed to do right now?”—this episode is for you.Because most clinics are doing exactly what they’re trained to do: monitoring your vitals, administering the medicine, and making sure you’re physically safe. And then… you’re left alone. No guidance, no framework—just you, the medicine, and a room. In this episode, we shift from passive patient to informed patient—the person who knows how to actually work with ketamine. Because while the clinic is focused on your body, your inner experience is yours to guide. We walk through the three most common moments in a clinical ketamine session—medical check-ins, pre-session small talk, and being left alone during the journey—and how to use each of them intentionally. From setting and speaking your intention (one of the most powerful ways to prime your subconscious), to understanding how your brain is being shaped in those moments right before and during the medicine, to making the most of the neuroplastic window instead of defaulting to distraction.We also get into one of the most overlooked parts of the experience: the recovery window. That period after the medicine wears off isn’t just downtime—it’s a fertile space where your brain is still open and impressionable. Capturing what came up, whether through journaling, voice notes, or reflection, is what turns insight into real change.The big takeaway? Your clinic has a checklist—and it’s the right one for what they’re trained to do. But it’s not the whole picture. That part is yours. And the more intentionally you show up to your sessions, the more you move from “something I tried” to something that actually changes your life. If you’re here, you’re already doing it differently. And that matters more than you think. 🔗 ResourcesKetamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) – Learn how to set powerful intentions, work with your subconscious mind, and get the most out of your ketamine sessions 👉 https://www.annakrishtal.com/kppKetamine Starter Portal (Free) – Access guides, checklists, and resources from the podcast all in one place 👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/free
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Episode 86 | Spravato Users: Here's What to Do In the Chair
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveMore insurance companies are now covering Spravato (esketamine nasal spray), which is increasing access to ketamine therapy in a powerful way.But increased access also means many patients are entering treatment without preparation, guidance, or integration support.In this practical and compassionate crash-course episode, ketamine coach and hypnotherapist Anna Krishtal shares 3 essential tips to help you make the most of your Spravato sessions — even if your clinic provides little instruction or a clinical environment that feels impersonal.If you’re currently receiving Spravato treatments — or considering starting — this episode will help you understand how to use the neuroplastic window intentionally so ketamine can create real, lasting change.✨ In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why scrolling on your phone during ketamine sessions can reduce therapeutic impact What to listen to during Spravato treatment for subconscious healing How to create a meaningful internal container even in a medical office What the neuroplastic window is — and why the hours after ketamine matter Simple integration practices to support transformation after each session How preparation and integration influence long-term outcomes with ketamine therapy 🌿 Resources MentionedStart with the free Ketamine Starter Portal → https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/freeLearn about the Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) → https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp💛 Loved This Episode?Share it with someone doing Spravato or considering ketamine therapy. Your share could help someone turn a confusing medical experience into a transformational one.
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Episode 85 | The Wish I Hold For Every Ketamine Client
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveHealing doesn’t happen in a straight line.In this deeply personal heart-to-heart episode of Ketamine Connections, ketamine coach and hypnotherapist Anna Krishtal shares what she has been witnessing in her clients lately — powerful transformation that looks sudden on the outside, but is actually the result of months (or years) of inner work.If you’re in the research phase… the fear phase… or the “I’ve tried everything and nothing is working” phase — this episode is for you.Anna talks about the reality of the messy middle in healing — the disorienting space where old patterns are dissolving but the new version of you hasn’t fully stabilized yet. It can feel like nothing is happening… like you’re scrubbing and soaking the same pan over and over again.But then one day, something shifts.Through client stories, compassionate insight, and a powerful spoken “wish” for listeners, Anna reminds you that transformation is not a miracle but rather the result of patience, integration, and continuing to show up for yourself even when progress feels invisible. If you’ve been wondering whether ketamine healing can really work for you… or whether you’re already closer than you think… this episode will meet you exactly where you are.In This Episode• What the “messy middle” of healing actually feels like • Why progress in ketamine work often looks slow before it looks sudden • Why your dream and desire for healing may still be alive — even after everythingResources Mentioned✨ Ketamine Starter Portal (free guides, tools, and resources) https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/free
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Episode 84 l Anna's Favorite Psychedelic
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveIn this episode of Ketamine Connections, Anna Krishtal—hypnotherapist, ketamine coach, and host of the show—makes a bold claim:Hypnosis might be the most powerful psychedelic tool available.In this episode, Anna explains why hypnosis works on many of the same mechanisms as psychedelics—quieting the Default Mode Network, opening a state of neuroplasticity, and allowing the subconscious mind to reorganize itself. You’ll also hear Anna’s personal story of discovering hypnosis years before psychedelics, and how the two modalities complement each other in powerful ways.If you’ve ever been curious about how to change your mind and befriend your mind actually works, this episode will open a whole new world.In This Episode• Why hypnosis could be considered a psychedelic tool • The real meaning of the word psychedelic (“mind manifesting”) • How hypnosis and psychedelics affect the Default Mode Network • Why alpha and theta brain states are key to subconscious change • How psychedelics amplify what’s already inside the mind • Why intention and preparation matter so much before psychedelic experiences • Anna’s journey into hypnosis before discovering psychedelicsEpisodes referenced:26: Breathwork is the First Legal Psychedelic with Liz Sanders81: Rejection is Protection: Dr. James Leathem on Ketamine, Persistance, and Transformational Medicine (Part 1)82: What is the Ego? Ketamine, Integration, and Neuroplasticity (Part 2 with Dr. James Leathem) 15: I Didn’t Expect This After My First Psychedelic Ceremony—Here’s What Happened67: Psychedelics Didn’t Change My Life—Here’s What DidThe Ketamine Preparation Protocol:If you want to learn how to prepare your subconscious mind properly and use that neuroplastic window intentionally, explore:✨ The Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP)- https://www.annakrishtal.com/kpp
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Episode 83 l Why Ketamine Didn’t Work for You: The Missing Piece No One Talks About
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveIf you tried ketamine therapy and it didn’t change your life the way you hoped… this episode is for you.And if your biggest fear is spending the time, money, and hope on ketamine only to feel disappointed? This conversation will change how you see the entire process.In this episode of Ketamine Connections, I break down one of the most misunderstood truths about ketamine therapy:👉 The glimpse is not the transformation.Ketamine doesn’t “fix” you. It disrupts old patterns. It opens a neuroplastic window. It quiets the default mode network and gives you access to a new perspective. But what you do with that window determines whether your life actually changes.We talk about:Why ketamine therapy may feel like it “worked” — and then fadedThe difference between a psychedelic glimpse and true transformationHow the subconscious mind runs old programming (like an outdated iOS)Why your brain defaults back to familiar patterns — even when they make you miserableThe critical role of preparation and integrationHow to use ketamine’s neuroplastic window so results actually stickIf you’re wondering:“Did ketamine fail me?”“Was that experience real?”“Why did I go back to my old patterns?”“Is ketamine therapy worth it?”This episode will help you reframe disappointment as feedback — and show you what actually makes ketamine work long-term.Because here’s the truth:Ketamine is the spark. You are the variable.With the right preparation, support, and integration, ketamine can absolutely accelerate healing for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and emotional patterns — but transformation requires participation.If you want to learn how to prepare your subconscious mind properly and use that neuroplastic window intentionally, explore:✨ The Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP)- https://www.annakrishtal.com/kpp ✨ 1:1 Ketamine Coaching - https://www.annakrishtal.com/coaching-info
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Episode 82 l What Is the Ego? Ketamine, Integration & Neuroplasticity (Part 2 with Dr. James Leathem)
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveIn Part Two of my in-person conversation with Dr. James Leathem, we pick up exactly where we left off: defining the ego.In psychedelic work, “ego dissolution” is a phrase we hear constantly — but what is the ego, really? Dr. James defines it not as arrogance, but as the learned identity of self, meaning the accumulated conditioning, patterns, and protective mechanisms that shape how we experience the world.From there, we move into the technical depth of ketamine therapy.We discuss mode of administration (IV vs IM vs nasal), dosage considerations, and why steady-state IV infusions create a different arc of experience. We unpack high-threshold nervous systems, tolerance, and why needing a higher dose is a nervous system conversation, not a moral one.We also explore music as medicine and the original shamanic tool that guides the journey where language cannot reach.And at the core of this episode is the most important equation:Ketamine + daily integration practice = transformation.Ketamine alone is not the line in the sand. It opens a neuroplastic window. What you do during that window determines whether you reinforce old patterns or build new ones.We talk about:• Positive vs negative neuroplasticity • Using substances for insight vs using substances to numb • The difference between escaping yourself and moving toward yourself • Why the best integration is discovering that the answers were within you all alongWe also reference Casey Dubrovic’s book Psychedeliciatry (Episode 68 of this show), including his powerful framework:Name it to tame it.Feel it to heal it.Reframe it to reclaim it.You can find his book linked below, along with Dr. James’ Genius Network talk on transformational medicine.And in true Dr. James fashion — this episode ends with not one, but two raps, so make sure to listen through to the end.🔗 Resources Mentioned👉Dr. James Leathem – Genius Network Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BamUlV5KPB8👉Casey Dubrovic, Psychedeliciatry https://www.amazon.com/-/he/PSYCHEDELICIATRY-Methodology-CASEY-DUBRAVCIC-PMHNP/dp/1966212925👉Episode 68 – Casey Dubrovic on Ketamine Connections👉Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) www.annakrishtal.com/kpp
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Episode 81 | Rejection is Protection: Dr. James Leathem on Ketamine, Persistence & Transformational Medicine (Part 1)
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveIn this in-person episode of Ketamine Connections, I sit down with Dr. James Leathem — anesthesiologist turned psychedelic pioneer — to explore what transformational medicine actually means.We talk about rejection as redirection, trusting the process, and what it takes to build something meaningful — in medicine and in life. Dr. James shares his journey from failing into medical school twice to building a comprehensive ketamine clinic model rooted in safety, preparation, and integration.We break down what makes ketamine therapy effective for depression, PTSD, and anxiety — and what most people misunderstand. Neuroplasticity is neutral. Ketamine may open the door, but what you do afterward determines whether you reinforce old patterns or build new ones. It’s a tool, not a cure.We also explore safety as the foundation of healing, why ego is attachment to familiar suffering (not arrogance), and how anxiety can be reframed as “future awareness.” This episode ends on a cliffhanger as we begin defining ego — a conversation that continues in Part Two (come back next week!), where we dive deeper into clinical protocols and methodology.Dr. James has also spoken about transformational medicine and the future of ketamine care.If you’re considering ketamine therapy, or want to understand how to maximize its impact through preparation and integration, this episode is for you.This episode is educational and not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan.🔗 Resources Mentioned• Advanced Wellness & Pain – Scottsdale & Gilbert, Arizona • Joe Dispenza (Neuroplasticity reference) • Inside Out 2 (Film) • Ketamine Preparation Protocol
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Sunday Sneak Peek Retirement
CONNECT WITH US ON YOUTUBE 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@KetamineConnectionsI hope you had a beautiful, love-filled Valentine’s Day. 💛In this final Sunday Sneak Peek, Anna officially retires the three-month experiment and shares why she’s refining the rhythm of Ketamine Connections.Sunday Sneak Peek was an experiment — a way to test whether two episodes a week created more connection. But this show has never been about maximizing output. It’s about serving and connecting with you.Instead of splitting energy, Anna is choosing to pour fully into one powerful, intentional Wednesday episode — the long-form conversations you’ve come to know and trust.At the same time, the show is expanding in new ways:Full video episodes on YouTubeMore short-form clipsNew ways to deepen connection in 2026Because the goal isn’t more content. It’s more connection.Inspired by the idea of “burning the forest you love to make space for something better,” this episode marks a refinement — not an ending.Join us Wednesdays for one strong, grounded episode each week. And come hang out on YouTube as the next chapter unfolds.
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Episode 80 | I Called Ketamine Clinics to Ask About Preparation & Integration. Here’s What I Learned
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveIn this episode of Ketamine Connections, I did something a little sneaky — I called ketamine clinics across the country as a “secret shopper.”Not as your ketamine coach. Not as someone who has worked in preparation and integration for years. Just as a curious first-time patient asking simple questions:What do you offer for preparation? What support exists for integration?What I found was a mixed bag.Nearly every clinic immediately discussed medical clearance, fasting instructions, medication review, and transportation logistics. All of that matters. Safety is essential. But when I asked about mental and emotional preparation — things like intention setting, nervous system regulation, or how to navigate fear — the answers were inconsistent.Some clinics are beginning to offer intention-setting guides or pre-session conversations. Others confuse preparation with therapist-guided sessions or focus solely on the medical model. The field is evolving, but education around working with ketamine — not just administering it — is still catching up.Integration followed a similar pattern. Many clinics collaborate with therapists or recommend sessions within 24–72 hours of infusion. That’s progress. But integration is often labeled as optional or supplementary. And if someone doesn’t know they need integration support, will they seek it out?Probably not.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window. Preparation sets the tone. Integration determines whether insights become lasting change.In this episode, I break down what proper preparation really means, why integration is the difference between “something I tried” and “something that changed my life,” and the exact questions you deserve to ask a ketamine clinic before starting treatment.This isn’t about shaming providers. It’s about elevating the field — and empowering you to advocate for your healing.Ketamine opens the door.You’re the one who walks through it.Resources MentionedKetamine Starter Portal 👉 www.yourketaminecoach.com/freeEpisode 28: Should You Journey Solo or With a Sitter? A full breakdown of whether you need a trip sitter or therapist-guided session, plus a companion quiz inside the Starter Portal.Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP)👉 www.annakrishtal.com/kpp A comprehensive preparation program designed to help you:Understand how ketamine works on the brainLearn how the subconscious mind operatesSet powerful, effective intentionsRegulate your nervous system before sessionsNavigate difficult emotions if they ariseMake the most of the neuroplastic window afterward
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Sunday Sneak Peek: I Cold-Called Ketamine Clinics
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveIn this Sunday Sneak Peek episode of Ketamine Connections, Anna shares a preview of an upcoming episode that’s been in the making for over a year.For this episode, Anna cold-called ketamine clinics across the United States, not as a ketamine coach or professional in the field, but as a curious, anxious first-time patient. Her goal was simple: to understand what information clinics provide when patients ask about mode of administration, preparation, and integration, without being prompted by an expert.What emerged from these conversations wasn’t about individual clinics being “good” or “bad,” but about the patterns and themes that show up again and again when patients explore ketamine therapy. This sneak peek sets the stage for Wednesday’s full episode, where Anna shares clips from those calls and breaks down what she noticed, and what listeners should be paying attention to when choosing a clinic.If you’re in the exploration phase of ketamine therapy, these first conversations matter. How a clinic responds to your curiosity, anxiety, and questions is often your first indication of whether it’s the right fit for your nervous system.🎧 Full episode drops Wednesday, February 11, featuring real call clips and Anna’s conclusions from these conversations.🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEEpisode 36: How to Choose a Ketamine Clinic A full breakdown of essential questions to ask when evaluating ketamine providers.Ketamine Clinic Vetting Guide (PDF) is inside the Ketamine Starter Portal A downloadable list of questions pulled directly from Episode 36, designed to support you in choosing a clinic that feels aligned and supportive.👉www.yourketaminecoach.com/freeKetamine Starter Portal A free resource library with podcast-related guides, PDFs, and tools to support your ketamine education and preparation.👉www.yourketaminecoach.com/free
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Episode 79 l Finding True Happiness and Realizing There’s Nothing Wrong With You: An Interview with Anna Krishtal
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveHave you ever felt like something was wrong with you, like you were a problem to be fixed, or that life would finally feel better after the next milestone?In this deeply vulnerable episode of Ketamine Connections, the tables are turned as Dr. Ashley Irizarry returns to the podcast to interview host Anna Krishtal.Anna shares her personal journey of starting therapy at age 11, living with suicidal ideation, cycling through years of ineffective talk therapy, and chasing external milestones in the hope that happiness would arrive “when.” She reflects on the moment she realized that nothing was wrong with her, and how true healing began when she stopped trying to fix herself and started working with her subconscious mind.This episode explores inner child work, the malleability of memory, self-talk, forgiveness, resilience, and why trauma-specific modalities like ketamine therapy and hypnotherapy can create change where traditional approaches often fall short. Together, Anna and Ashley unpack how ketamine provides access to the subconscious mind as a tool to help you rewire outdated beliefs and step back into the driver’s seat of your life.This conversation is about responsibility without shame, healing without bypassing, and the reminder that your subconscious mind has been trying to keep you safe all along.Resources MentionedKetamine Starter Portal – a free library of guides, tools, and resources discussed on the podcast👉 www.yourketaminecoach.com/free Share Your Story - Ketamine Connections is inviting more transformation stories in 2026. If you feel called to share your experience, you can submit your story here: 👉 https://www.annakrishtal.com/podcast
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Sunday Sneak Peek: ASKP Conference + Flipping the Guest Script
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveIn this Sunday Sneak Peek, Anna shares highlights from attending the ASKP Conference (American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists, and Practitioners) and reflects on how meaningful it felt to see the conversation expand beyond data and analysis into real human stories — the kind we center here on Ketamine Connections.She also shares the full-circle moment of meeting Dr. Ashley Irizarry in person and previews this week’s episode, where Dr. Irizarry interviews Anna on her own podcast. The conversation begins with the same question Anna asks every guest — and leads into a deeply vulnerable story about starting therapy at age 11, navigating self-harm and suicidal ideation, growing up without trauma-informed language, and living for years in the “I’ll be better when…” cycle.This upcoming episode explores inner child work, the malleability of memory, forgiveness and self-forgiveness, and what it really looks like to give yourself what you actually needed.Anna also invites listeners to share their own transformation stories as Ketamine Connections moves into 2026.👉 Submit your story here: https://form.jotform.com/251955687330667Come back Wednesday for the full episode.
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Episode 78 | Can Ketamine Kill You? What the Headlines Get Wrong About Safety, Neuroplasticity, and Healing
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveAfter recent headlines linking ketamine to the deaths of Matthew Perry and Jim Irsay, fear-based reporting has resurfaced scaring an already vulnerable population away from a treatment that, when used correctly, can be profoundly supportive.So instead of asking “Can ketamine kill you?” we ask:Under what conditions is ketamine safe—and when is it not?This episode breaks down the missing context: the difference between clinical vs. recreational use, why the container matters just as much as the medicine, and how ketamine actually works as a catalyst for neuroplasticity, not a cure, not a miracle, and not a shortcut.If you’re considering ketamine for depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain, or you’re already working with it, this is essential listening.In This Episode, We Cover:Why fear-based headlines about ketamine are misleading—and dangerousThe difference between relief vs. resolution in ketamine therapyWhy ketamine is not a silver bullet (and never was)How ketamine opens a window of neuroplasticity—and why that window often closes without lasting changeThe critical role of medical oversight, preparation, and nervous system safetyWhy ketamine has been safely used for decades in hospitals, emergency rooms, and war zonesHow unsupervised or recreational use dramatically changes the risk profileWhy your health history, stress load, and nervous system state matter more than the medicine itselfWhat actually creates transformation: preparation, intention, and a safe healing containerKey Takeaway:Ketamine does not change your life. You do.Ketamine opens the door—but without safety, structure, and subconscious education, that door often closes without anything changing.Resources Mentioned in This Episode✨ Ketamine Starter Portal (Free) All of the free guides, resources, and education referenced on the podcast live here. This is the best place to start if you want to approach ketamine with intention and safety.👉www.yourketaminecoach.com/free✨ Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) For those who want to go deeper into preparation, subconscious safety, and making ketamine a true turning point, not just temporary relief.👉www.annakrishtal.com/kpp✨ Episode 7 – 3 Fun Facts About Ketamine If This Episode Supported YouPlease consider sharing it with someone who’s been confused, scared, or discouraged by recent ketamine headlines. Accurate education saves hope, and sometimes lives.
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Sunday Sneak Peek: Did Ketamine Kill Matthew Perry and Jim Irsay?
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveKetamine has been questioned as a cause of death in recent high-profile tragedies with Matthew Perry and Jim Irsay, and the headlines have left out crucial context.In this Wednesday's episode of Ketamine Connections, we slow the conversation way down and ask a better question than the media does:Not “Can ketamine kill you?” But “Under what conditions is ketamine safe — and when is it not?”We explore:why ketamine keeps becoming the scapegoat in fear-based headlineswhat the science actually says about ketamine’s safety profilehow decades of untreated trauma, substance use, and chronic stress impact the heart and nervous systemthe difference between temporary relief and real, lasting transformationThis episode is not about minimizing risk but rather it’s about telling the whole truth so people can make informed, grounded decisions.Ketamine is a catalyst, not a miracle.Your body and nervous system are the container.🎧 New episodes drop Wednesdays 📺 Ketamine Connections is back on YouTube so follow along for full episodes and clips https://www.youtube.com/@KetamineConnections
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Episode 77 | Ketamine, the Subconscious Mind, and Why the Peak Experience Isn’t the Healing
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveIn this episode of Ketamine Connections, Anna revisits a foundational question: Is the subconscious mind real, and why does it matter in ketamine therapy?Using the iceberg metaphor, Anna explains how roughly 95% of the mind operates beneath the surface, quietly running our patterns, emotions, and behaviors. Ketamine works by lowering the walls between different parts of the mind, creating access to this deeper layer and opening a window of neuroplasticity.She shares why many people feel a powerful sense of relief or possibility during ketamine—sometimes after years or decades of feeling stuck—but are left unsure what to do once the experience fades. Through the house and door analogy, Anna explains why the opening of the door is often mistaken for the healing, when in reality it’s just the beginning.This episode covers:How ketamine opens access to the subconscious mindWhy the peak experience isn’t the transformationThe role of neuroplasticity in creating changeWhy lasting healing requires subconscious skills, not more sessionsIf you want to understand how ketamine works and what actually turns insight into real change, this episode lays the groundwork.Ready to join The Ketamine Preparation Protocol?👉www.annakrishtal.com/kpp
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Sunday Sneak Peek: New Moon and the ONE Thing That Makes Ketamine Make Sense
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveThis week’s Sunday Sneak Peek lands under the first new moon of the year — a moment about foundation.New moons is a new beginning, and what a timely and auspicious this New Moon in Capricorn is today! In addition to the energy of the New Moon and some journal questions I'm pasting below, I also cue up Wednesday’s episode, which revisits the core teaching that makes ketamine finally make sense for so many people: the role of the subconscious mind.If ketamine has helped you feel better but hasn’t quite created lasting change… or if you’re new and want a clearer map before going further… this is the lens everything else builds on. I'm bringing this episode back as a "best of" series, and also adding a new segment to the episode, so come back Wednesday to check that out.As always, take what lands and let the rest pass. ✨ Journal Questions (from the episode)What am I devoting myself to?What do I want to build?What do I want to build in my life in a sustainable way?What am I actually committed to this year?What is my long-term goal, vision, or mission here?
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Episode 76 | Why Psychedelics Were Made Illegal (and What That Means for Your Mental Health Today)
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveWhy were psychedelics made illegal in the first place, and what does that history have to do with your mental health today?In this episode of Ketamine Connections, Anna explores the deeper roots of psychedelic prohibition, tracing it beyond the 1960s into colonialism, religion, and systems of control. We look at how ancient civilizations accessed the sacred directly through plants, movement, and ceremony, and why embodied, unmediated experiences of meaning have always made authority nervous.From ego dissolution and indigenous practices to the cultural upheaval of the 1960s, this episode unpacks what was actually happening socially and politically when the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 was passed. Anti-war resistance, Black liberation, women’s liberation, queer liberation, and communal psychedelic use weren’t isolated events, they were part of a broader cultural shift that challenged hierarchy, obedience, and imposed identities.We also explore the work of Terence McKenna, whose insights help explain why psychedelics were criminalized, not because they were dangerous, but because they dissolve conditioning and restore direct access to meaning and self-trust.Finally, we bring it back to the present moment: ketamine, modern mental health, and why preparation and integration matter just as much as the medicine itself.In This Episode, We Cover:Why psychedelics have been used safely for thousands of yearsHow colonialism, religion, and authority shaped psychedelic prohibitionWhat was happening in the 1960s that led to the CSA of 1970The role psychedelics played in anti-war and liberation movementsWhy ego dissolution challenges hierarchy and controlWho Terence McKenna was and why his work still mattersHow ketamine can restore inner authority when paired with integrationResources MentionedKetamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) A step-by-step preparation framework designed to help ketamine work when you do — by building subconscious safety, nervous system readiness, and intentional integration before and after sessions. 👉 www.annakrishtal.com/kppKetamine Starter Portal (KSP) A free resource hub with guides and education for anyone curious about ketamine or preparing for their first journey. 👉 www.yourketaminecoach.com/free
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Sunday Sneak Peek: Power, Control & the Final Month of the Snake
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveWe’re in the final month of the Year of the Snake (Chinese lunar calendar), a phase that isn’t about dramatic shedding any more than you have, but about consolidation.The old skin is mostly off. The new skin is still thickening.In this week’s upcoming Wednesday episode of Ketamine Connections, Anna explores why psychedelics were made illegal in the first place — from colonial religion to the 1960s to modern mental health systems — and why it was never truly about safety.At its core, psychedelic prohibition has always been about power and control.This Sunday Sneak Peek invites you to listen with a new lens: How altered states can return you to a felt sense of inner authority, especially for those living with disempowering mental health states like depression, anxiety, rumination, PTSD being prescribed ketamine for help.Tune in Wednesday for the full episode.
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Episode 75 | If You’re Considering Ketamine in 2026, Listen to This First
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveIf ketamine is floating around in your awareness — if a doctor mentioned it, a friend brought it up, or you’ve been quietly Googling it at night — this episode is for you.In this first episode of Ketamine Connections in 2026, Anna Krishtal invites you to slow down before booking ketamine and understand what actually creates lasting change.Ketamine is often framed as the thing that fixes anxiety, depression, or emotional pain. But ketamine doesn’t create the change — it creates the opening. What happens before and after the session is what determines whether ketamine becomes transformational or whether the effects fade.In this episode, we cover:Why ketamine symptom relief is common in the first session — and why that doesn’t mean it will automatically stickWhy every ketamine session feels different (and why that’s normal)The common dip that happens after initial relief — and why it’s not failureHow the subconscious mind surfaces root material once safety is establishedWhy your nervous system doesn’t care about trends, celebrities, or protocolsThe difference between using ketamine reactively vs intentionallyWhy preparation and integration matter more than dosage or frequencyAnna uses a simple metaphor to explain ketamine as a powerful tool — one that works best when you understand how to use it and follow the right order of steps. Ketamine opens the box, but without preparation and integration, the structure doesn’t hold.This episode is especially for you if:You’ve tried therapy, medication, or other healing modalities and still feel stuckYou felt relief once but watched it fadeYou’re afraid ketamine “won’t work for you”You want more than temporary symptom relief — you want emotional freedomKetamine isn’t here to fix you. It’s here to show you what’s possible — and ask you to participate.If 2026 is the year you work with ketamine, this episode will help you do it intentionally, safely, and with the full picture in mind.Relevant Links (Drop-In Ready)🔗 Ketamine Starter Portal Access all free guides, resources, and episode references in one place: 👉 www.yourketaminecoach.com/free
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Welcome to 2026: Our First Sunday Sneak Peak
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveWelcome to our first Sunday of 2026.New Year energy is real. Beginnings loosen patterns and make change feel more available... and at the same time, it’s very common for hesitation to show up if you’ve ridden this wave before and ended up disappointed.And that, my friend, is protection.In this Sunday Sneak Peek, I name both sides of this moment and set the tone for the year ahead. I also preview Wednesday’s episode, the first full episode of 2026, where I ask a really important question:If ketamine worked… how would you know?We talk about why ketamine isn’t the change itself, but rather it’s the tool, and how real, lasting transformation comes from preparation, order, and integration, not the medicine alone. I also share why early relief is real, why things can feel better and then harder, and how that’s often part of the process rather than a sign something went wrong.As always, all of the grounding tools and resources I mention are free inside the Ketamine Starter Portal, which is also the best way to stay connected beyond the podcast.👉www.yourketaminecoach.com/free
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Episode 74 l Self-Sabotage Isn’t Real, Please Know This Before You Try and Fix Yourself
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveNew Year’s Eve has a way of activating big questions:What needs to change? What needs to stop? What part of me am I trying to fix this year?In this special NYE episode, Anna offers a powerful reframe for resolution season — one that invites compassion instead of self-war, and understanding instead of “new year, new me” pressure.This episode explores why what we often call self-sabotage is actually self-protection, and how the subconscious mind isn’t your enemy — it’s your most loyal ally, still running old survival software that once kept you safe.You’ll hear:why the subconscious is protecting familiarity, not happinesshow internal conflict is created by fighting parts of yourselfwhy ketamine doesn’t override the subconscious — it reveals itand how healing begins when you build trust with the parts you’ve been trying to silenceAnna also shares a simple but profound practice to soften the inner war and shift from self-criticism to self-leadership... a grounding way to close the year and step into the next.✨ If you’re approaching ketamine (or life) hoping something will finally “fix” you, this episode offers a radically different, and deeply relieving, perspective.All of the holiday and New Year support mentioned in this episode, including free guides, grounding tools, and ways to connect more deeply, live inside the Ketamine Starter Portal.✨ Resources MentionedKetamine Starter Portal (free tools, guides, and newsletter): https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/freeJump on Anna's calendar and connect: https://tidycal.com/anna-krishtal/lets-catch-up-25As you ring in the new year, remember: Nothing about you is broken. Healing begins when you stop fighting yourself.Happy New Year. 💛
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Sunday Sneak Peek: New Year Energy & Sustainable Change
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveNew Year’s Eve carries a real wave of possibility, and there’s a subconscious reason for that. Beginnings loosen old patterns and make change feel more available.In this Sunday Sneak Peek, Anna names both sides of New Year energy:why moments like New Year’s, birthdays, and fresh starts genuinely support changeand why hesitation can show up if you’ve ridden that wave before… and wiped outThis episode sets the stage for the full episode that will release on NYE Wednesday where Anna dives deeper into one of the most misunderstood dynamics in healing: why what we often call self-sabotage is actually the subconscious trying to keep you safe, and how real transformation begins when you stop fighting that part of yourself.Stay until the end of this episode to hear Anna share her personal love for New Year’s — and why this moment has always mattered so much to her, and an invitation to connect.Book in to connect with Anna here: https://tidycal.com/anna-krishtal/lets-catch-up-25
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Episode 73 | Even Celebrities Are Using Ketamine: 3 Stories of Relief, Trauma, and Real Change
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveIf you’ve been curious about ketamine therapy, especially during a season when anxiety, depression, and old patterns can feel louder, this episode breaks down what actually makes ketamine work.In this Christmas Eve episode of Ketamine Connections, Anna Krishtal explores three well-known ketamine success stories: Trevor Noah, Kelly Osbourne, and Lamar Odom to show why ketamine isn’t a miracle cure, and why relief alone isn’t the transformation.Ketamine can create rapid symptom relief with 50–70% of people experiencing improvement in their first session but lasting change comes from what you do after. This episode explains the difference.✨ In This Episode, You’ll LearnWhy ketamine works differently than antidepressantsWhat rapid relief actually does (and doesn’t) meanHow ketamine creates space from mental looping, anxiety, and traumaWhy integration is the key to lasting changeWhat celebrity ketamine stories reveal, without the hypeWhy the holidays can amplify symptoms (and how to navigate them)🎄 Holiday Support (Free)🎧 Episode 69: Holiday Triggers + Why You’re Not Regressing🎧 Episode 70: Should You Tell Your Family You’re Doing Ketamine?🌿 Ketamine Starter Portal (FREE): Grounding tools, short audios, worksheets, and holiday support 👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/free🎙️ Share Your Ketamine Success StoryHave a ketamine transformation you want to share on the podcast?👉 Submit your story: https://form.jotform.com/251955687330667
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Sunday Sneak Peek: Intention Is Everything + Holiday Inspiration
In this Sunday Sneak Peek, Anna reminds us that intention is the difference between going through the motions and creating real transformation—especially during the intensity of the holiday “fast-forward season.”She reflects on why intention changes the trajectory of everything: from how we eat, to how we move through the holidays, to how we work with ketamine as medicine rather than just a substance.You’ll hear why:intention is what gives ketamine directionsubstance alone doesn’t create healing (otherwise nightclubs would be full of enlightened beings)learning to work with the subconscious recruits 95% of the brainand why last week’s episode on intention is essential listening this time of yearAnna also highlights free holiday resources available inside the Ketamine Starter Portal, including:a powerful grounding practice from Episode 69tools for navigating family triggersguidance for difficult conversations from Episode 70and access to the weekly Energy Reads newsletterFinally, she previews this Wednesday’s episode (Episode 73)—a hope-filled conversation sharing three powerful ketamine success stories from Trevor Noah, Kelly Osbourne, and Lamar Odom, and why hearing real human stories expands what the subconscious believes is possible.✨ Resources MentionedKetamine Starter Portal (free grounding tools + holiday resources): https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/freeEpisode 72: How to Set a Subconsciously Sound IntentionEpisode 69: Holiday Triggers + Grounding PracticeEpisode 70: Navigating Conversations & Protecting Your Nervous System
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Episode 72 l 3 Ways You’re Setting Your Ketamine Intention Wrong
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveSetting an intention is often talked about as the most important part of a ketamine journey, and yet very few people are taught how to do it in a way that actually works with the subconscious mind.In this episode, Anna breaks down three common ways people unknowingly set your ketamine intentions up for failure, and how these mistakes can lead to frustration, disappointment, or the belief that “ketamine isn’t working.”Drawing from her own early psychedelic experiences, and years of working with ketamine clients, Anna explains why intention is meant to function as a North Star, not a rigid outcome or a test you pass or fail.You’ll learn:Why vague, directionless intentions often lead nowhereHow outcome-focused intentions quietly sabotage the processWhy getting upset when sessions don’t go “as planned” is usually a sign that ketamine is workingHow intention supports you through discomfort, agitation, and the messy middle of transformationWhat makes an intention subconsciously sound versus ego-drivenIf you’re preparing for ketamine, already in a protocol, or reflecting back on sessions that didn’t unfold the way you expected, this episode will help you re-orient toward the process, and use intention the way it’s meant to be used.✨ Need help setting your intention? 👉Join the Ketamine Preparation Protocol here: https://www.annakrishtal.com/kpp✨ Want direct feedback on your intention?Anna is currently offering 1:1 Ketamine Intention Audits—short, focused, strategic calls designed to refine the intention you already have and make sure it’s truly set up for success.👉 https://tidycal.com/anna-krishtal/intention-audit
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Sunday Sneak Peek: Fast-Forward Season, Grounding Tools & a Special Episode 72 Offer
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveThe holidays can feel like someone pressed fast-forward on life... schedules fill up, nervous systems run hot, and it’s easy to lose your center.In this Sunday Sneak Peek, Anna shares supportive resources for navigating the intensity of the season, including a powerful grounding practice from Episode 69 and free nervous-system tools available inside the Ketamine Starter Portal.She also reflects on this week’s Energy Read, exploring liminal space: the in-between phase of change where the old identity no longer fits, but the new one hasn’t stabilized yet, and why discomfort here is often a sign of real transformation.Plus, a preview of Episode 72, a solo conversation on ketamine intention:the three most common ways people unintentionally set their intention up to failhow to tell the difference between a subconsciously sound intention and a goal or wishwhy frustration during ketamine work often means the process is working✨ Special note: Episode 72 includes a limited opportunity to book a 1:1 intention audit with Anna. The booking link will be shared inside the episode and removed once spots are filled. Be sure to subscribe to the show to receive it first.Finally, a reminder that Mental Hygiene Moments, Anna’s free monthly group hypnosis for nervous-system support, is happening Monday, December 15th at 3:30 PM ET.👉 https://www.annakrishtal.com/mhm✨ Resources MentionedKetamine Starter Portal (Free grounding tools + weekly Energy Reads): https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/freeEpisode 69: Holiday grounding practice (EFT, breathwork, regulation)Episode 70: Additional holiday nervous-system support
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Episode 71 | The Liminal Space of Healing: How to Trust the Process When Everything Feels Uncertain with Kevin Cannella
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveWhat do you turn to in the darkest chapters of your life when the confusion, the uncertainty, the “am I doing this right?” moments hit? And how do you find faith when nothing feels stable beneath your feet?In today’s episode, I’m joined by Kevin Cannella, MAPS-trained psychedelic psychotherapist for a conversation that moves through 3D to 5D, the subconscious, liminal space, spiritual trust, and why our deepest transformations often begin in the moments where we feel the most lost.✨ What we cover:Why life moves in repeating themes, and what it means when the same lesson keeps circling backThe chrysalis stage of healing, aka the “in-between” where your old life is gone but the new one hasn’t arrived yetWhy your subconscious repeats familiar patterns (even the painful ones)Why friction is normal on the path of growth — and what it’s trying to show youHow to trust the process when your nervous system is screaming for certaintyHow psychedelic work (including ketamine) mirrors spiritual initiationsKevin’s windy path through psychotherapy, ayahuasca, Vipassana, Sufism, and faith-based healingThe role of intuitive nudges vs. fear-based conditioningHow to walk a spiritual path without bypassing your humanitThis is one of those conversations you’ll want to listen to more than once. Every time, you’ll hear something new, a phrase, a metaphor, a perspective that lands differently depending on where you are in your healing.📩 Want to go deeper together?Join the Ketamine Starter Portal for free! You’ll get invitations, tools, and insights I don’t share anywhere else.👉 Join here: https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/free
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Sunday Sneak Peek: Pendulum Swings, Pattern Recalibration, and a Peek at Episode 71
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveIn this Sunday Sneak Peek we dive into a theme from the week’s newsletter that so many of you are moving through: pendulum swings and overcorrection.When you finally break an old pattern, whether it's people-pleasing, over-giving, or anything else, the subconscious often swings hard in the opposite direction. It’s recalibration. It’s how your nervous system learns contrast so it can eventually find center.If you want more of these weekly subconscious teachings, join my email list through the Ketamine Starter Portal where you’ll also get access to the grounding practice from Episode 69 and tools to support your ketamine journey.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/free✨ Sneak Peek: Episode 71 (out Wednesday!)This week I sit down with Kevin Cannella, a MAPS-trained psychedelic psychotherapist whose story spans 15+ years of exploring altered states, spiritual growth, and deep transformation.We talk about: • liminal space (the in-between) • nonlinear healing & pressure as transformation • trusting the path when you can’t see the outcome • intuition and the next smallest step • how clarity only comes in hindsightIt’s one of those episodes that’s deeply human, validating, grounding, and full of perspective.See you Wednesday, friends, or inside the Ketamine Starter Portal.
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Episode 70 l Should You Tell Your Family You’re Doing Ketamine? A Guide to Sharing (or Not Sharing) Your Journey
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveThe holidays bring people together, and that means questions, conversations, curiosity, and sometimes… pressure to share more than you want to. If you’re healing with ketamine and wondering whether (or how) to tell your family, this episode is your roadmap.Today, Your Ketamine Coach Anna Krishtal is walking you through exactly how to decide who’s safe to share with, what to say, what NOT to say, and the three exit strategies you can use if the conversation starts going sideways. You’ll learn how to protect your nervous system, how to avoid the “psychedelic evangelist” trap, and how to let your transformation speak louder than any explanation ever could.This episode is packed with the exact process I teach inside my 1:1 coaching and in the Ketamine Preparation Protocol, including the body-based discernment tool, the wading-in warm-up questions, and the word-for-word scripts to use if you choose to share.Perfect for holiday gatherings, tricky family dynamics, or anyone navigating the early tender stages of their ketamine journey.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:✨ How to decide if you should share your ketamine therapy with family ✨ The two questions to ask yourself before telling anyone ✨ A simple, powerful body-based discernment process ✨ The “wading in lightly” warm-up questions to test someone’s openness ✨ 3 rules for sharing (and how to avoid oversharing) ✨ 3 exit strategies you can use anytime — with word-for-word scripts ✨ Why early ketamine healing is like a tiny baby bunny that needs protection ✨ How to avoid becoming a “psychedelic evangelist” ✨ Why letting your transformation speak is the most powerful strategy of allResources Mentioned🔗 Download the free worksheet for this episode Inside the Ketamine Starter Portal (FREE) https://yourketaminecoach.com/freeEpisode 69: Holiday Triggers + Why You’re Not Regressing🔗 SOS Nervous System Toolkit (10-minute audio) Free inside the Ketamine Starter Portal🔗 Join the Newsletter automatic when you join the Ketamine Starter Portal for free: https://yourketaminecoach.com/free
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Sunday Sneak Peek: Navigating Holiday Triggers, Episode 70 Preview, and Trauma Healing Analogies Continued
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveHappy Sunday and welcome back to a new Sunday Sneak Peek of Ketamine Connections! I hope this holiday weekend was nurturing, grounding, and, maybe a little refreshing. And if it wasn’t? If it brought things up, or felt tender, or stirred family dynamics even from afar… please know that’s completely normal. Family themes run strong this time of year, whether or not they’re physically present.If that resonates, make sure you check out Episode 69, where I talk about holiday triggers, why they do not mean you’re regressing, and how to understand what’s really happening beneath the surface. Don’t miss the last 10 minutes of that episode where I walk you through an SOS nervous system sequence you can use anytime you're activated or preparing to step into something activating.This week’s Energy Read (my weekly subconscious newsletter) continued the analogy of “scrubbing the pan” as a metaphor for ketamine healing. We dove into micro-wins: those tiny shifts your subconscious tries to hide, even though they’re the exact moments that move you out of old patterns and into identity-level change.If you want the longform version of that teaching (and deeper subconscious insights every Friday), join the Ketamine Starter Portal. That’s the easiest way to hop on my email list and get the weekly energy reads delivered straight to you.And one more thing… as I’m planning for 2026, I’m craving more touchpoints with you. More connection. More ways to hear what you want on the show. Stay tuned for an invitation soon where we get to connect more directly.Finally: This coming Wednesday, we’re continuing the theme of family with a an episode around the theme of, “Should You Tell Your Family You’re Doing Ketamine?” We’ll talk discernment, timing, protecting your subconscious, and how to share from a grounded place without slipping into psychedelic evangelist energy. Come back Wednesday for the full episode.Stay curious, and I’ll see you mid-week. 💛🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED▶️ Listen to Episode 69 (Holiday Triggers + SOS Toolkit)🌀 Join the Ketamine Starter Portal (Free Resources + Email List)https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/free🧠 Subscribe to the Weekly Energy Read NewsletterAutomatically included when you join the Ketamine Starter Portal.✨ Mental Hygiene Moments (if you want to include it)https://www.annakrishtal.com/mhm
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Episode 69 | Healing Isn’t Linear: Why You Feel “Triggered” Around Family (and Why It’s Not Regression)
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveWhy is it that you can feel grounded, peaceful, and genuinely good… and then one comment from a family member sends you spiraling back into an old emotional state?In this episode of Ketamine Connections, we explore the real reason triggers feel so intense around family, and why these moments don’t mean you’re regressing. Using the literal definition of a “trigger,” we break down how your family of origin installed your earliest emotional “buttons,” why healing isn’t linear, and how to move through these moments with power and grace. We also revisit one of my favorite teaching tools: the spiral staircase of healing. It's a reminder that even when an old pattern comes up, you’re meeting it from a higher vantage point in your growth. The version of you today is not the version of you who created that pattern, and that matters more than you think. At the end of the episode, I guide you through a short and powerful practice you can use anytime you’re activated, especially during the holiday season.Whether you adore your family or have complex, tender feelings around them… this episode will help you understand what’s happening inside your brain, your body, and your subconscious mind, and teach you how to meet it with compassion and skill.✨ What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy feeling “set off” around family isn’t a setback and what it actually reveals about your healingThe literal definition of a trigger (noun + verb) and how it applies to emotional activationHow your family “installed” your subconscious buttons, and why they can hit them with scary accuracy Why healing is not linear and how the spiral staircase model shows your true progressThe difference between trauma triggers and everyday emotional triggersHow to know when you’re experiencing old programming versus genuine regressionTools to stay grounded, centered, and in your truth even when others aren’tA guided practice you can save for the holidays (or any tough moment)✨ Resources MentionedJoin the Ketamine Starter Portal (+ Free Subliminal for Holiday Stress) https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/free
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Your Sunday Check-In: Scrubbing the Pan, Staying Grounded This Week, and Episode 69 sneak peek
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveWelcome back to our Sunday bonus drop of Ketamine Connections! These Sunday check-ins land between our regular Wednesday episodes to reconnect, stay in the loop, and share what’s coming before the next episode drops.Today, I’m sharing:✨ A quick recap of this week’s Energy Read for the Week, including the “scrubbing the pan” analogy that explains how healing actually works ✨ Why micro-shifts matter more than you think (and what next week’s newsletter will dive deeper into) ✨ A preview of Wednesday’s episode all about triggers, family-installed buttons, and why feeling “set back” is not regression ✨ An invitation to explore the Ketamine Starter Portal...especially if you want the free 10-minute subliminal to soften you through the holiday rushLinks from the show:Join my Newsletter & Get Free Hypnosis + the Starter Portal Subliminal 👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/freeIf you missed this week’s newsletter (Energy Read for the Week) 👉 Subscribe above so you get next week’s deep dive into why your micro-shifts matter
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Episode 68 | Ego Dissolution, Trauma, and the Truth About Ketamine Healing with Casey Dubravcic
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveIn this episode, Anna Krishtal is joined by P. Casey Dubravcic, PMHNP-BC—co-founder of Revitalize Ketamine Clinics and host of Mental Wealth Moves. We dive into what ketamine actually does, why ego dissolution matters, the four types of trauma, and how micro wins create lasting transformation long after the ketamine session ends.Casey’s perspective blends interventional psychiatry, trauma-informed care, and cautious optimism. If you want to understand ketamine beyond the hype—and what actually creates change—this conversation is full of gold, and you may want to listen to it twice.What We CoverWhat ego dissolution really meansKetamine as a catalyst (not a magic bullet)Intergenerational + societal traumaWhy some people get worse before they get betterMicro wins + sustainable integrationThe difference between symptom relief and life transformationConnect with CaseyRevitalize Ketamine Clinics: https://revitalizeketamine.com $29 Consultation for Listeners: https://revitalizeketamine.com Website: https://pcdubra.com Mental Wealth Moves Podcast: https://youtube.com/@MentalWealthMoves-t5q Instagram: https://instagram.com/pcdubra LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/caseydubravcic Facebook: https://facebook.com/casey.dubravcicConnect with Anna:Ketamine Preparation Protocol https://www.annakrishtal.com/kppOr join my email list for weekly tools, integration tips, and podcast updates: https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/free
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Sunday Sneak Peek: Episode 68 Preview, 7-Year Milestone, & Mental Hygiene Moments
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveWelcome to the first-ever Sunday bonus drop of Ketamine Connections! These Sunday check-ins will land between our regular Wednesday episodes to connect, get up-to-date, and share what to expect before Wednesday’s episode drops.Today, I’m sharing: ✨ A quick thanks of your support of my 7-year alcohol-free anniversary ✨ An invitation to our totally free Mental Hygiene Moments hypnosis meetup tomorrow✨ A preview of Episode 68 with Casey Dubravcic (dropping Wednesday!) ✨ Why listeners are loving this week’s Energy Read for the Week and how to join my weekly newsletter to go deeper into subconscious healingLinks from the show:Mental Hygiene Moments (Tomorrow!)My FAVORITE free monthly offering: A 30-minute Zoom meetup where we do group hypnosis for nervous system support, integration, and subconscious alignment.📅 Monday, Nov 17 @3:30PM ET 👉 Join here: www.annakrishtal.com/mhmJoin my Newsletter and receive Free Hypnosis Inside the Ketamine Starter Portal 👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/freeEpisodes mentioned:Episode 67: Psychedelics Didn’t Change My Life—Here’s What DidEpisode 15: My full story leading up to that transformational shift, I Didn't Expect This After My First Psychedelic Ceremony - Here's What Happened
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Episode 67 | Psychedelics Didn’t Change My Life—Here’s What Did
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveSeven years ago, psychedelics cracked Anna’s world wide open. In this deeply personal anniversary episode, she reflects on what’s unfolded since that first ceremony—quitting every addiction at once, rebuilding her identity from the ground up, and learning what true transformation really means.This episode isn’t about that experience (you can hear that story in Episode 15: I Didn’t Expect This After My First Psychedelic Ceremony—Here’s What Happened). Instead, it’s about everything that came after: the humbling, nonlinear, spiral staircase of healing that led to lasting change.Anna shares the lessons that seven years of integration have taught her about pacing, forgiveness, emotional healing, and how no ceremony (no matter how powerful) can replace the slow, sacred work of becoming who you’re meant to be.If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a psychedelic breakthrough into a lifelong transformation, this one’s for you.🔑 In This Episode:The truth about what really changes your life after psychedelicsWhy healing is cyclical, not linear (and why that’s good news)How the subconscious mind continues the work long after the medicine wears offThe humbling lessons of forgiveness and heart-openingWhy integration is a lifelong practice🧠 Listen if You’re Curious About:Ketamine integration and subconscious reprogrammingThe long-term process of psychedelic healingRecovery, emotional sobriety, and self-reinventionWhat happens when spiritual awakening meets real-world responsibility💛 Resources Mentioned:Episode 15: I Didn’t Expect This After My First Psychedelic Ceremony—Here’s What HappenedEpisode 65: Healing Through Tears with Troy Leonard of Valor MindsEpisode 66: How to Change Your MindThe Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP) — Anna’s signature process for preparing the mind and subconscious for transformation - https://www.annakrishtal.com/kppThe Ketamine Starter Portal — free resources, guides, and next steps for your journey - https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/free
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Episode 66 | How to Change Your Mind: Neuroplasticity, Ketamine, and the Subconscious
Most people prepare for ketamine the wrong way.They focus on logistics, and miss the part that actually creates change.Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window, but without direction, that window closes without taking you anywhere new.KPP is the framework for preparing your subconscious mind so that change is inevitable.For the first time in 2026, I'm running it live.👉 https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/kpp-liveWhat if you really could change your mind—literally? 🧠In this solo episode, Anna Krishtal, hypnotherapist and ketamine coach, unpacks the science of neuroplasticity and how ketamine therapy opens the door to your subconscious mind so you can reprogram limiting beliefs for lasting transformation.You’ll learn: ✨ What neuroplasticity actually is, and why it means your brain can change at any age ✨ How ketamine heightens neuroplasticity to make change easier (and sometimes even fun) ✨ Why symptom relief ≠ transformation, and how to move beyond quick fixes ✨ The role of the Default Mode Network (DMN) in keeping you stuck in old identity patterns ✨ A practical thought exercise to experience how deep-seated beliefs are formed, and how to rewrite them ✨ The difference between using ketamine and transforming with ketamineAnna explains how combining ketamine-enhanced neuroplasticity with subconscious reprogramming turns temporary insight into lifelong change. You’ll discover how to become the author of your story instead of the character on repeat, and why understanding your subconscious is the key to walking a brand-new trail in your brain.🎧 Listen if you’ve ever wondered: – Is it really possible to rewire my brain? – How does ketamine help me change long-held patterns? – What’s the difference between relief and real transformation?📘 Resources Mentioned → Join Anna’s free class: How to Use Ketamine to Transform Your Subconscious Mind: https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/ketamine-ready → Explore the Ketamine Starter Portal for free guides and tools to support your journey https://www.yourketaminecoach.com/free💬 About the Show Ketamine Connections is the first podcast dedicated entirely to ketamine healing. Hosted by Anna Krishtal, a hypnotherapist and psychedelic coach, the show demystifies ketamine therapy through science-based education, client stories, and subconscious tools for integration and transformation.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The only podcast dedicated to demystifying ketamine therapy. Hosted by hypnotherapist and ketamine coach Anna Krishtal, Ketamine Connections explores how this breakthrough medicine rewires the subconscious mind for lasting change.Each week, discover science-backed insights, expert interviews, and real stories of transformation. Learn how to prepare for your journey, integrate your experiences, and reconnect with your truest self.Start your journey now with the free Ketamine Starter Portal → YourKetamineCoach.com/freeSubscribe to Ketamine Connections and join a community redefining mental health through curiosity, compassion, and consciousness.
HOSTED BY
Anna Krishtal
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