In this episode, Joe Moore sits down with Dr. Case Newsom, an emergency room physician in Denver and Medical Director for both Zendo Project and Stadium Medical. They explore how psychedelic harm reduction is merging with event medicine at concerts, festivals, and large-scale gatherings.
Dr. Newsom shares his path from osteopathic medical training to bridging emergency medicine with psychedelic peer support. He explains how the Zendo Project has expanded beyond Burning Man, and why collaboration with medical teams matters. The discussion highlights new triage protocols, cultural shifts in Colorado, and the legal challenges that still stand in the way of safer events.
Topics Covered
- The role of the Zendo Project: Peer support, harm reduction, and creating grounded spaces in chaotic environments.
- Stadium Medical’s model: Covering Denver’s biggest venues and connecting emergency care with psychedelic peer support.
- Developing medical triage protocols: A simple system that reduces unnecessary ER transports while ensuring sitter and guest safety.
- Colorado as a hub: Why Denver and Red Rocks are central to psychedelic culture and harm reduction innovation.
- Legal and regulatory challenges: The impact of the RAVE Act and limits on drug checking services.
- Research and data collection: Building stronger studies to show venues and first responders the value of harm reduction.
- Future concerns: Ibogaine’s cardiotoxic risks, the rise of AI-designed drugs, and why medical involvement is urgent.
- Ketamine in the ER: How ketamine provides pain relief and can create meaningful patient experiences when used with care.