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Welcome to the Healing Our Politics Podcast!
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Guest:
Bryan Hubbard is a visionary leader in psychedelic medicine reform and one of the most influential voices in America’s fight against the opioid crisis. He’s the former Chairman and Executive Director of the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission, Special Counsel for Kentucky’s Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Commission, a board member of the Commonwealth Center for Fathers and Families, and a commissioner for both the Mental Health and Recovery-Ready Communities Commissions—where he brings his prodigious intellect and force of nature to the work of healing others.
As Director of the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Commission, Bryan secured $42 million in opioid settlement funds for ibogaine research and treatment—making Kentucky the first state to publicly pursue psychedelic therapy as a solution to opioid addiction. That bold move placed him in collaboration with an eclectic mix of national leaders—from Rick Doblin and Rick Perry to Senator Kyrsten Sinema—while igniting a rare, bipartisan conversation about what true healing in America might look like.
Now, as Executive Director of the American Ibogaine Initiative at the REID Foundation, Bryan is coordinating efforts across more than 20 states to build ethical, science-backed systems for healing trauma, addiction, and despair. Through big wins and big setbacks, he’s remained rooted in his mission: restoring dignity, health, and hope.
About the Episode:
In this episode, we explore Bryan Hubbard’s journey from rural Appalachia—the son of two coal-mining families steeped in generational poverty—to the front lines of America’s opioid crisis. Bryan shares what it was like to watch loved ones, including family members, die from the slow collapse into apathy, fear, and hopelessness. We talk about the reality of living with a spouse suffering from mental illness, the national tragedy of addiction, and the possibility of real, lasting healing. We examine how the myth of difference and division—fueled by political parties and the media—distorts our sense of shared humanity, and we offer a toolkit to reclaim it. We dive deep into faith, God, and purpose, and how we are more than isolated individuals—we are part of a sacred, interconnected whole. Bryan speaks to how medicines like ibogaine can help reconnect us to the divine, however we understand it. Bryan walks us through his approach to doing hard things—like taking on a politically unthinkable cause—and breaks down the playbook so you can bring forward something you care deeply about, even if others don’t yet understand. Bryan Hubbard is one of the most passionate, eloquent, and insightful men I’ve ever met. He challenges my assumptions, softens my judgments, and gives me hope—for myself, for us, and for what’s possible.
In this episode, we explore Bryan Hubbard’s journey from rural Appalachia—the son of two coal-mining families steeped in generational poverty—to the front lines of America’s opioid crisis. Bryan shares what it was like to watch loved ones, including family members, die from the slow collapse into apathy, fear, and hopelessness. We talk about the reality of living with a spouse suffering from mental illness, the national tragedy of addiction, and the possibility of real, lasting healing. We examine how the myth of difference and division—fueled by political parties and the media—distorts our sense of shared humanity, and we offer a toolkit to reclaim it. We dive deep into faith, God, and purpose, and how we are more than isolated individuals—we are part of a sacred, interconnected whole. Bryan speaks to how medicines like ibogaine can help reconnect us to the divine, however we understand it. Bryan walks us through his approach to doing hard things—like taking on a politically unthinkable cause—and breaks down the playbook so you can bring forward something you care deeply about, even if others don’t yet understand. Bryan Hubbard is one of the most passionate, eloquent, and insightful men I’ve ever met. He challenges my assumptions, softens my judgments, and gives me hope—for myself, for us, and for what’s possible.
I hope he does the same for you. Please enjoy this powerful, healing, and reverent conversation with Bryan Hubbard.
Key Topics Discussed:
· [00:02:40] Guest/Episode Introduction
· [00:10:30] On the Human Level: Jo Alice and Bryan’s Experience
· [00:17:00] Logic and Choice Were Not Options
· [00:18:35] The Ibogaine Journey begins
· [00:21:18] Childhood Trained Me to be Her Husband
· [00:22:40] SSRI Free for 5 days
· [00:26:00] Jo Alice’s LAST Celexa and Compounded Transformation
· [00:27:22] An Answered Prayer, An Affirmation of Love
· [00:28:50] Three Words From Before : Fear, Grief, Hope
· [00:29:29] Three Words From After: Gratitude, Joy… Rapturous (ie: “Right Carnal”)
· [00:31:52] The “C” Word is in the Realm of Possible
· [00:32:50] Ibogaine’s 3rd Piece & the Disease of Despair
· [00:34:17] The Opioid Epidemic: Engineered Catastrophe
· [00:36:07] The 2 Parts of Purdue Pharma
· [00:37:08] Where Oxycontin was Detonated
· [00:37:40] The Host Conditions of Addiction
· [00:38:47] Brief History of WV and KY’s Appalachian Communities
· [00:44:45] Killing the Pain & Public Systems Failures
· [00:47:20] Misunderstanding the Conditions
· [00:49:46] Owning Your Contribution to the Problem
· [00:50:30] Spiritual Pain as Physical Pain
· [00:51:35] The Need for Spiritual Recognition
· [00:54:25] The Power of Sanctuary, Loving Relationships and Spiritual Affirmations
· [00:56:40] SPONSOR: Skyrun Vacation Rentals: Use Code HOP15
· [01:00:00] The Scale of Suffering Today
· [01:04:54] Skippy in North Korea!?
· [01:06:44] The 2008 Financial Crisis as a Catalyst
· [01:09:13] Suffering is EVERYONE’s Problem
· [01:11:01] Where do we from here?: “Spiritualize Humanity”
· [01:11:56] Opposites Arriving at the Same Conclusion
· [01:14:00] Tempering Optimism with Pragmatism: Ibogaine is the Beginning
· [01:15:40] “A Tough Row to Hoe”
· [01:16:00] Hunter S. Thompson Campaign
· [01:16:37] Months of Research and Critical Examination
· [01:18:16] The Brain’s Starvation caused by Opioid Dependency
· [01:19:05] Ibogaine’s RAPID Restoration of Dopamine and Serotonin
· [01:20:00] Persuading the Attorney General
· [01:20:45] Listening to the Public
· [01:23:35] Ibogaine’s Lack of Cultural Stigma Provided an Opening
· [01:25:50] Disconnection from Divine Love
· [01:26:15] Respecting the Free Will of Belief & Acknowledging our Connection
· [01:28:00] Plant Medicine An Overwhelming Feeling of Gratefulness
· [01:29:20] Who Would YOU Be?
· [01:31:27] Navigating Good-Faith Pushback
· [01:32:39] Meeting Opposition with a Question and Testimony
· [01:34:13] Opposition Motivated by Self Interest ($$$)
· [01:35:35] Expose, Confront and Hold Accountable
· [01:35:51] Relationship to Patience
· [01:39:04] Final Question: Your Love Can Break Fabricated Divisions
· [01:41:15] “The Leader’s Handbook” (https://www.healingourpolitics.com/#newsletter) Newsletter
· [01:42:27] SPONSOR: Skyrun Vacation Rental: Use Code HOP15
· [01:43:15] Sponsor: ELC (https://www.electedleaderscollective.com)
Key References and Resources Mentioned:
· [00:31:40] Rick Doblin, HOP Episode airs June 5th!
· [00:56:40] SPONSOR: Skyrun Vacation Rentals: Use Code HOP15
· [01:00:20] Gabor Maté
· [01:41:15] “The Leader’s Handbook” (https://www.healingourpolitics.com/#newsletter) Newsletter
· [01:42:27] SPONSOR: Skyrun Vacation Rentals: Use Code HOP15
· [01:43:15] SONSOR: ELC (https://www.electedleaderscollective.com
Where to Find Bryan Hubbard:
- X
- Bryan’s Website
- The REID Foundation
Where to Find Host Skippy Mesirow:
- Receive Support at the Elected Leaders Collective ElectedLeadersCollective.com
- Follow on Instagram www.instagam.com/skippymesirow
- Book a free Clarity Call https://calendly.com/skippymesirow/elc-clarity-call to see if coaching is right for you
Episode Sponsor:
Skyrun Vacation Rentals: Use code HOP15 for 15% off
Helping You Heal Our Politics
The Elected Leaders Collective (ELC) organization is the leading US-based provider of mental well-being training for public servants, conducted by public servants and the world's best mental health and human optimization professionals. With ELC Training, you will learn to rise above and become the political healer you were meant to be, improving your well-being in the process.
Contact the HOP Team:
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Contact our team at jesse@healingourpolitics.com
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Creators and Guests
Host
Skippy Mesirow
Skippy Mesirow is a prominent leader, certified Master Coach, and founder of the Elected Leaders Collective (ELC) and ELC Foundation. ELC leads the US in mental health and well-being training for public servants, recognized in The Apolitical Foundation's Mere Mortals report, and named as one of 26 worldwide political well-being "Trailblazer Organizations." A transformational leader in political innovation and wellness, Skippy serves on Gov. Polis’s Natural Medicine Advisory. Skippy’s work has been featured in numerous podcasts and publications, as well as main-stage speaking engagements for organizations NLC, YEO, CML, MT2030, Bridging Divides, and Fulcrum, highlighting his significant contributions to mental health, community, and policy reform. Alongside his professional achievements, Skippy lives in Aspen, CO. with his partner Jamie where he enjoys running ultra-marathons, road biking, motorcycling, international travel, culinary arts, Burning Man, and lifelong learning.
Producer
Aaron Calafato
Aaron’s stories are currently heard by millions around the globe on his award-winning Podcast 7 Minute Stories and on YouTube. Aaron is a co-host of Glassdoor's new podcast (The Lonely Office) and serves as a podcast consultant for some of the fastest-growing companies in the world.
Editor
Jesse Link
Jesse is a strategy, research and partnership consultant and podcast enthusiast. A 2x founder, former Goldman Sachs Vice President and advisor to 25+ businesses, Jesse brings a unique and diverse background to HoP, helping to elevate the range, depth and perspective of HoP's conversations and strategy.
What is Civic Courage Lab?
Hello,
I’m Skippy Mesirow, host of “Civic Courage Lab”, the show that shows you, the heart-centered public servants and political leaders, how to heal our politics by starting with the human in the mirror.
Civic Courage Lab, “CCL,” is a first-of-its-kind show that provides tools and practices for mental well-being, health, and balance, specifically for public servants so we can do good by feeling good and safe in our jobs.
CCL brings together experts, scientists, doctors, thought leaders, healers, and coaches to share their insights in practical, tactical, actionable ways specifically tailored to the public service experience for you to test and implement with yourself and your teams. Episodes feature intimate conversations with global leaders about their self-care practices and personal challenges, providing insights for a more holistic, connected approach to leadership. Whether you're a Mayor, teacher, police officer, or staffer, this podcast will guide you to be the best version of yourself in service to yourself and the world!
Sign up for our once-per-month Leader’s Handbook newsletter to receive an actionable toolkit of how-to guides on topics discussed on the podcast that month to test and implement in your life and with your team: https://leadershandbook.substack.com/