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Daniel Carcillo - Brain Injury & Psychedelic Medicine: An NHL Champion's Mission

The Psychedelic Podcast

Release Date: 02/03/2025

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In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Daniel Carcillo, former NHL player and two-time Stanley Cup champion, about his remarkable journey from professional hockey to becoming a pioneer in psychedelic therapy for traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-289/?ref=278

Daniel shares his powerful story of using psilocybin to heal from multiple concussions and severe post-concussion syndrome, which led him to establish treatment centers helping others with similar conditions. He discusses the scientific basis for psilocybin's effectiveness in treating TBI, his current work running legal psilocybin retreats in Oregon, and his vision for expanding access to natural medicine healing modalities. The conversation explores the intersection of professional sports, brain health, and psychedelic medicine, while addressing the broader implications for healthcare and policy.

Daniel Carcillo is a former NHL player and two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Chicago Blackhawks. Known as "Car Bomb" during his professional hockey career, he has transformed his experience with multiple concussions and traumatic brain injury into pioneering work in psychedelic medicine. After spending years seeking conventional treatment for post-concussion syndrome, he discovered the healing potential of psilocybin mushrooms. Since his recovery, Daniel has become a leading advocate for natural medicine approaches to brain injury and mental health. He founded treatment centers focused on psilocybin therapy and is currently operating legal retreats in Oregon, specifically designed to help others suffering from TBI and related conditions. His work combines scientific research with practical therapeutic applications, aiming to transform treatment options for those affected by brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.

Highlights:

  • Life as an NHL enforcer and winning Stanley Cups
  • Early hockey career and development of "Car Bomb" persona 
  • Journey through addiction and discovering meditation 
  • Multiple concussions and struggles with traditional treatment 
  • First encounter with psilocybin research
  • Transformative healing experience with mushrooms
  • Establishing legal psilocybin retreats in Oregon
  • Protocol development and integration support
  • Future vision for psychedelic therapy

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