The Psychedelic Path to Healing with Neil Markey
About this episode
This episode explores the powerful intersection of psychedelics, healing, and conscious leadership with Neil Markey—CEO of Beckley Retreats and former U.S. Army Captain in Special Operations. In conversation with host Cate Stillman, Neil opens up about his personal journey from the battlefield to deep inner work, and how plant medicine, mindfulness, and intentional community have shaped his path to leadership grounded in presence and empathy.
From psilocybin and ayahuasca to meditation and breathwork, Neil shares how these tools can help rewire trauma, regulate the nervous system, and create lasting change—when paired with proper integration practices. Whether you’re curious about psychedelic therapy, leadership development, or trauma healing, this conversation offers insight into how ancient wisdom and modern science can work together for personal and collective transformation.
Key Takeaways
From Combat to Consciousness:
Neil’s military career brought intense experiences of stress and trauma, culminating in PTSD. His turning point came through discovering mindfulness and later psychedelics, which opened a path to healing and purpose beyond his former life in the military and corporate world.
The Power of Psychedelics in Healing Trauma:
When approached with respect, intention, and guidance, psychedelics like psilocybin and ayahuasca can create neuroplastic changes that help people process and release deeply embedded trauma.
Integration is the Real Work:
Neil emphasizes that transformation doesn’t happen in the ceremony alone—it’s the daily practices after the experience that make the difference. Breathwork, meditation, journaling, and community support help anchor the insights gained in expanded states.
Chronic Pain and the Nervous System:
Emerging research shows psychedelics may have potential for treating chronic pain by calming overactive nervous system pathways. Neil highlights organizations like Cluster Busters, which are studying these effects and drawing parallels to how meditation shifts brainwave states.
Leadership from Presence, Not Control:
In both corporate and personal contexts, Neil encourages a shift from fear-based, productivity-driven leadership toward leadership rooted in self-awareness, empathy, and connection. Psychedelics can help leaders break free from old patterns and move into authentic influence.
Ancient Tools for Modern Challenges:
By combining indigenous plant medicine traditions with modern therapeutic practices and scientific research, Beckley Retreats creates immersive programs that support deep healing and sustainable personal growth.
Resources and Links
🌐 Beckley Retreats → https://www.beckleyretreats.com
📘 Uninflamed by Cate Stillman → https://amzn.to/3UUBgJ2
🌿 Join Club Thrive → https://clubthrive.global
🧘 Yogahealer Website → https://www.yogahealer.com
📚 Cate’s Books: Body Thrive, Master of You, Primal Habits
About Neil Markey
Neil Markey is the CEO of Beckley Retreats, an organization offering immersive psilocybin retreats that integrate meditation, mindfulness, and wellness practices. His journey from combat veteran to conscious leader has been shaped by his own healing process with plant medicine and dedicated spiritual practice. Neil’s work bridges psychedelic research, indigenous traditions, and modern leadership development.
About Cate Stillman
Cate Stillman is an Ayurvedic practitioner, behavior change expert, and founder of Yogahealer and Club Thrive. With over 20 years of guiding wellness professionals and conscious seekers, she empowers people to unlock deep healing, body intelligence, and aligned leadership. Cate is the author of Uninflamed, Body Thrive, Master of You, and Primal Habits.
Author of:
📗 Primal Habits → https://amzn.to/3OvfPOx
📘 Uninflamed → https://amzn.to/3UUBgJ2
📙 Body Thrive → https://amzn.to/3udNFR0
📕 Master of YOU → https://amzn.to/3OlfoGn
🎧 Tune in and reflect:
What’s one insight or practice from Neil’s journey that you’re inspired to integrate into your own healing or leadership path?
