In this in-person episode of Ketamine Connections, I sit down with Dr. James Leathem — anesthesiologist turned psychedelic pioneer — to explore what transformational medicine actually means.

We talk about rejection as redirection, trusting the process, and what it takes to build something meaningful — in medicine and in life. Dr. James shares his journey from failing into medical school twice to building a comprehensive ketamine clinic model rooted in safety, preparation, and integration.

We break down what makes ketamine therapy effective for depression, PTSD, and anxiety — and what most people misunderstand. Neuroplasticity is neutral. Ketamine may open the door, but what you do afterward determines whether you reinforce old patterns or build new ones. It’s a tool, not a cure.

We also explore safety as the foundation of healing, why ego is attachment to familiar suffering (not arrogance), and how anxiety can be reframed as “future awareness.” This episode ends on a cliffhanger as we begin defining ego — a conversation that continues in Part Two (come back next week!), where we dive deeper into clinical protocols and methodology.

Dr. James has also spoken about transformational medicine and the future of ketamine care.

If you’re considering ketamine therapy, or want to understand how to maximize its impact through preparation and integration, this episode is for you.

This episode is educational and not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

• Advanced Wellness & Pain – Scottsdale & Gilbert, Arizona
• Joe Dispenza (Neuroplasticity reference)
• Inside Out 2 (Film)
• Ketamine Preparation Protocol

CONNECT WITH US ON YOUTUBE

👉 https://www.youtube.com/@KetamineConnections

I hope you had a beautiful, love-filled Valentine’s Day. 💛

In this final Sunday Sneak Peek, Anna officially retires the three-month experiment and shares why she’s refining the rhythm of Ketamine Connections.

Sunday Sneak Peek was an experiment — a way to test whether two episodes a week created more connection. But this show has never been about maximizing output. It’s about serving and connecting with you.

Instead of splitting energy, Anna is choosing to pour fully into one powerful, intentional Wednesday episode — the long-form conversations you’ve come to know and trust.

At the same time, the show is expanding in new ways:

• Full video episodes on YouTube
• More short-form clips
• New ways to deepen connection in 2026

Because the goal isn’t more content. It’s more connection.

Inspired by the idea of “burning the forest you love to make space for something better,” this episode marks a refinement — not an ending.

Join us Wednesdays for one strong, grounded episode each week. And come hang out on YouTube as the next chapter unfolds.

In this episode of Ketamine Connections, I did something a little sneaky — I called ketamine clinics across the country as a “secret shopper.”

Not as your ketamine coach. Not as someone who has worked in preparation and integration for years. Just as a curious first-time patient asking simple questions:

What do you offer for preparation?
What support exists for integration?

What I found was a mixed bag.

Nearly every clinic immediately discussed medical clearance, fasting instructions, medication review, and transportation logistics. All of that matters. Safety is essential. But when I asked about mental and emotional preparation — things like intention setting, nervous system regulation, or how to navigate fear — the answers were inconsistent.

Some clinics are beginning to offer intention-setting guides or pre-session conversations. Others confuse preparation with therapist-guided sessions or focus solely on the medical model. The field is evolving, but education around working with ketamine — not just administering it — is still catching up.

Integration followed a similar pattern. Many clinics collaborate with therapists or recommend sessions within 24–72 hours of infusion. That’s progress. But integration is often labeled as optional or supplementary. And if someone doesn’t know they need integration support, will they seek it out?

Probably not.

Ketamine opens a neuroplastic window. Preparation sets the tone. Integration determines whether insights become lasting change.

In this episode, I break down what proper preparation really means, why integration is the difference between “something I tried” and “something that changed my life,” and the exact questions you deserve to ask a ketamine clinic before starting treatment.

This isn’t about shaming providers. It’s about elevating the field — and empowering you to advocate for your healing.

Ketamine opens the door.
You’re the one who walks through it.

Resources Mentioned

Ketamine Starter Portal
👉 www.yourketaminecoach.com/free

Episode 28: Should You Journey Solo or With a Sitter?
A full breakdown of whether you need a trip sitter or therapist-guided session, plus a companion quiz inside the Starter Portal.

Ketamine Preparation Protocol (KPP)

👉 www.annakrishtal.com/kpp

A comprehensive preparation program designed to help you:

• Understand how ketamine works on the brain
• Learn how the subconscious mind operates
• Set powerful, effective intentions
• Regulate your nervous system before sessions
• Navigate difficult emotions if they arise
• Make the most of the neuroplastic window afterward