Episodes

  • Ep. 118 - Survive to Thrive: Healing Through Multi-Modal Wellness with Dr. Lance Cutsforth
    Jan 21 2025

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lance Cutsforth, an Army veteran, double board-certified Functional Medicine practitioner, and co-founder of Mons Sana, a healing community in Colorado. With decades of experience in mental wellness and optimization, Lance shares his personal and professional journey of addressing trauma, suicidal ideation, addiction, and TBI through a multi-modal approach. We dive into his work with alternative therapies and the transformative potential of entheogenic medicines. Lance’s story of lived experience and his commitment to helping military, first responders, and their families transition from surviving to thriving will inspire and challenge how you think about healing. Don’t miss this powerful conversation.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Episode 117: From the Battlefield to Healing: Jay Kopelman's Journey with Psychedelics
    Dec 31 2024

    In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Whiz sits down with retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Jay Kopelman to explore his harrowing journey from the horrors of combat to the depths of trauma and PTSD. Jay shares his story of survival, including an unsuccessful suicide attempt, and his life-changing experiences with psychedelic medicine—ibogaine and Bufo (toad)—that not only saved his life but healed his soul. These treatments helped him understand his relationship with his son, conquer his struggles with alcohol, and find a renewed purpose. Now, as the Executive Director of Mission Within Foundation, Jay is dedicated to helping other veterans and first responders find the same healing and transformation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking hope, resilience, and inspiration.

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Ep. 116 - MAX Afterburner Episode 116: Healing, Highways, and Horizons
    Dec 24 2024

    In this special solo episode, Whiz takes listeners on a high-energy journey through the latest breakthroughs and milestones for the No Fallen Heroes Foundation. From the VA's long-awaited decision to fund psychedelic research (though limited in scope and funding) to unforgettable fundraisers at Trump National and Mar-a-Lago alongside partner veteran and first responder charities, Whiz leaves no stone unturned. He shares an awe-inspiring moment from the NFHF jet, flying over a healing retreat in Colorado where three grant recipients were deep in their journey with plant medicine. Wrapping up with an exciting preview of the 2025 launch of the No Fallen Heroes: Extraction docuseries, Whiz punctuates the episode with his signature rants and powerful calls to action. Buckle up for this must-listen installment!

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    55 mins
  • Ep. 115 - Transforming Trauma: Neil Markey's Journey from Battlefield to Mindfulness and Psychedelics
    Nov 19 2024

    In this episode of MAX Afterburner, Whiz sits down with Neil Markey, co-founder and CEO of Beckley Retreats. Neil shares his journey from serving as a Captain in the US Army Special Operations 2nd Ranger Battalion, with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, to overcoming depression and PTSD during his time as a Columbia University graduate student. This struggle sparked a profound healing journey through mindfulness and psychedelics, which Neil now champions as tools for holistic well-being. Neil talks about finding a meditation practice which led to psychedelic assisted therapy. As a passionate advocate for plant-based therapies, Neil discusses the mission of Beckley Retreats to integrate science-backed psychedelic practices with contemplative traditions. His unique path also includes roles at McKinsey & Co, where he co-led a mindfulness program, and as Chief Growth Officer of a $450M private equity portfolio company. In this insightful conversation with Whiz, he explores the intersection of science, spirituality, and the transformative potential of psychedelics, inspiring listeners to embrace the miraculous in life.

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Ep. 114 - Conquering the Battle Within: How Mental Joe is Transforming Veteran Mental Health
    Nov 5 2024

    In this episode, Whiz sits down with Chad McLean, an Army veteran who transformed his life after overcoming childhood and military trauma. Chad, driven to the brink by depression and anxiety, turned to Ketamine and plant medicine treatments following a life-altering suicide attempt in 2020. Through a powerful vision during his healing journey, he founded Mental Joe — an apparel company dedicated to raising mental health awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding alternative treatments.

    Mental Joe’s mission is bold and clear: to spark essential conversations about mental health, provide resources to veterans and others in need, and help fund alternative healing options that transform lives. Recently, Chad’s gear, created for the No Fallen Heroes Foundation, made its debut at the Stanley Cup finals, symbolizing the power of support, healing, and resilience.

    Tune in to hear Chad’s inspiring story, learn about the impact of Mental Joe, and discover how veterans and mental health advocates are pioneering a new path to healing. Check out https://mentaljoe.com/

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    49 mins
  • Ep. 113 - Healing Through Ayahuasca: Unveiling Trauma and Rediscovering Love
    Oct 1 2024
    In this compelling episode of Max Afterburner, guest host Susie Buckley welcomes life coach Elise Morgan for a deeply personal conversation about healing through ayahuasca ceremonies. Together, they explore Elise’s journey through plant medicine, her struggles with trauma from miscarriages and divorce, and the powerful emotional breakthroughs that helped her reconnect with her children and herself. From navigating her first ayahuasca experience to finding peace and clarity, Elise shares insights on healing, self-discovery, and the transformative power of plant medicine. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on emotional release, spiritual growth, and how these ancient practices can lead to profound personal change.







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    58 mins
  • Ep. 112 - Mother Finds Healing After Loss of Son with Plant Medicine
    Sep 24 2024
    This week, Suzi sits down with Donna Samaha to delve into her transformative psilocybin journey. Donna lost her son to an overdose and in a chance conversation with Whiz a couple years ago, she learned about potentially healing trauma with psychedelic assisted therapy. Her son was a day away from sitting with the medicine. They discuss the valuable lessons she learned and how the experience reshaped her entire outlook on life. Donna emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and the ongoing growth and learning she embraces, even years after her experience with the medicine.
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    48 mins
  • Ep. 111 - Gold Star Brother Andrew Glasscock Puts the Ladder Down to Help Other Families Heal
    Sep 17 2024
    In this moving episode Whiz speaks with Gold Star sibling Andrew Glasscock. Andrew’s brother Chad was a naval aviator, flying helicopters in Guam, when he was lost a year ago. Andrew details the devasting loss of his brother and the process families go through. He tells of the lack of support for siblings and how he founded a nonprofit – Flags From Chad – to help other Gold Star siblings with their grief. A man of faith, Andrew speaks of wanting to sit with the medicine as part of his healing journey. The No Fallen Heroes Foundation provides healing grants to Gold Star family members – they served too and deserve to heal.
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    51 mins