6.9 Ibogaine, Psychedelics, and Big Ass Self; Neural Healing w/ Mystical Experience6.9 Ibogaine, Psychedelics, and Big Ass Self; Neural Healing w/ Mystical Experience
CPTSD Recovery: We Are Traumatized Motherfuckers
An irreverent yet research-heavy breakdown of how ibogaine and other psychedelics might shift brain activity, soften rigid trauma patterns, and reveal a “big-ass Self” beneath CPTSD. The host also hints at sober, body-based ways to reach similar states of safety, connection, and post-traumatic growth.
23:29•30 Sept 2026
Ibogaine, Big-Ass Self, and Rewiring a Trauma-Fried Brain
Episode Overview
- Research on ibogaine and other psychedelics suggests strong links between mystical-type experiences and reductions in PTSD symptoms, including hyperarousal.
- Peak alpha and high beta brain activities are tied to overactive, rigid trauma states; psychedelic use appears to reduce and reorganise these patterns.
- Mystical experiences can create a sense of safety and connection that allows traumatic memories to be revisited and core beliefs to be edited.
- Shifting from top-down, over-controlling thinking to more bottom-up, sensory-led awareness opens space for new behaviours and post-traumatic growth.
- Accessing the “big-ass Self” is presented as possible through both psychedelic experiences and sober, body-based approaches.
“Psychedelics appear to temporarily free you from the small-s self, and what I call the self-sickness created by trauma, and instead allow you to tap into the big-s self.”
What can we learn from those who have battled addiction and trauma using unusual tools like ibogaine and DMT? This episode zooms in on psychedelic-assisted healing for CPTSD, with a heavy focus on what’s happening in the brain during so‑called mystical experiences. The host breaks down complex neuroscience in plain language, linking peak alpha and high beta brain waves with classic trauma symptoms like hypervigilance, intrusive memories, and rigid self-beliefs.
You’ll hear how ibogaine therapy in veterans reportedly led to strong reductions in PTSD symptoms, with many calling it “one of the most meaningful experiences of their life.” The conversation stays grounded in research papers, yet never loses the irreverent, sweary TMFR tone. A core thread here is the contrast between the “small-s self” – the traumatised identity stuck in overthinking and fear – and the “big-ass Self,” described as an inner, untouched core that feels safe, connected, and present.
As the host puts it, “psychedelics appear to temporarily free you from the small-s self … and instead allow you to tap into the big-s self.” You’ll get a tour through EEG findings showing how psychedelics may dampen overactive control centres in the brain and light up sensory regions, helping people shift from top-down, over-controlling thinking to more bottom-up, body-led experience.
That shift is tied to editing harsh core beliefs, easing hyperarousal, and opening space for new behaviours and post-traumatic growth. The episode also teases a sober route to that big Self, hinting at practices that work through the body without any substances. It’s nerdy, blunt, funny in places, and aimed squarely at trauma survivors, especially those with CPTSD who feel trapped in their own minds and are curious about both psychedelic and non-drug paths to deep change.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your brain can stop running your life like a hostile manager, this one might get you asking some big questions about what healing could look like for you.
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