PT 612 - Mattha Busby: Power, Pleasure, and the Psychedelic Movement’s Reckoning

In this wide-ranging conversation, journalist Mattha Busby joins Joe Moore to reflect on the shifting tone of the psychedelic movement in the wake of Psychedelic Science 2025. Based in Vancouver, Mattha has written for The Guardian, VICE, Esquire, TIME, and Wired, bringing a uniquely embedded yet critical lens to the space.

They discuss the post-conference mood and the sense that the industry is sobering up—less hype, more introspection. Mattha reflects on the growing division between underground practitioners, activists, and biotech startups, and the importance of vision, ethics, and scrutiny in the midst of this cultural moment.

Other topics include:

• Ketamine overuse and dependence, especially in social and parenting contexts
• The future of psychedelic nightlife, harm reduction, and mocktail bars
• Gender and sexual fluidity as uncovered through psychedelics
• Questions of IP, underground wisdom, and psychedelic ownership
• Psychedelics as tools for peacebuilding, especially in conflict zones
• The shadow side of spiritual experiences and how to spot bad actors
• The value of pleasure, intimacy, and human connection in the psychedelic journey

Joe and Mattha also reflect on the resurgence of psychedelic use in Texas, the legacy of the Stark Club, and how Christian libertarianism and military trauma might influence unexpected policy changes.

This conversation is bold, honest, funny, and thoughtful—exactly the kind of cultural critique the movement needs right now.

Find Mattha on Instagram at @matthamundo and on LinkedIn at Mattha Busby. His new pocketbook on drug policy is available now.