Psychedelics and the Texas Trip
Part 1: Unlikely Allies [ Listen on Texas Public Radio | Apple Podcasts | Spotify ]

Episode one, “Unlikely Allies,” of a three-part podcast series, Psychedelics and the Texas Trip, explores the winding road in 2021 that brought a bill — HB 1802 — to fund a clinical trial of psilocybin for Veterans with PTSD to the Texas Legislature.

…

The story begins with Marcus Capone, a U.S. Navy SEAL Veteran who considered suicide. Testifying in support of HB 1802, Capone describes how was deployed on multiple combat missions over 13 years. But it was life after service that was overwhelming to him. Capone endured traumatic brain injuries, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. None of the traditional treatments were helping.

Afraid of losing her husband, Amber Capone searched for alternative treatments outside the American health care system. That’s when she discovered psychedelic therapies.

Amber encouraged Marcus to try it. He was skeptical. But with little left to lose, he traveled to Mexico to undergo ibogaine therapy.

Marcus says it saved his life.

Beyond the Capones’ story, we also hear from people who crafted the psilocybin research bill, HB 1802.

Former state Representative Alex Dominguez (D-Brownsville) and Legislative Director Logan Davidson explain how they built a bipartisan coalition, including a surprising ally.

The self-proclaimed “knuckle-dragging” former Republican Governor from the State of Texas, Rick Perry shares why he supported HB 1802 and has become an outspoken advocate for psychedelics-as-medicine.

This special series is supported by a Ferriss — UC Berkeley Psychedelic Journalism Fellowship.