Episode 32 - Music & Psychedelics: A Clinical Masterclass with Steve Gelberg
Explore the role of music in psychedelic and ketamine therapy, including music selection strategies, historical insights, and practical tips for clinicians supporting therapeutic journeys.
In this episode of the Ketamine Startup Podcast, Sam interviews author and longtime spiritual seeker Steve Gelberg to discuss his groundbreaking work on the intersection of music and psychedelic therapy. Steve shares insights from his recent book, Tuning In, exploring how music can support healing, deepen emotional experiences, and guide patients through altered states of consciousness.
This episode is definitely for you if you’re a fan of Stan Grof, Alan Watts, or Aldous Huxley—or if you’re curious to learn from someone who’s spent years passionately exploring the intersection of music and psychedelics. Honestly, this feels like a masterclass in the power of sound for healing.
Whether you’re a clinician, therapist, or ketamine provider, this conversation offers valuable guidance on selecting music for therapy sessions—and why music is far more than just background sound.
Join us for a rich dialogue on art, science, and the therapeutic power of sound.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
How music shapes emotional and psychological experiences during ketamine therapy
Practical guidelines for selecting music to support patients
The surprising role of nature sounds and white noise in therapeutic settings
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or on your favorite podcast platform. Watch the discussion on YouTube here.
Episode 32 show notes:
00:00 Teaser - The Emotional Power of Music
00:30 Introduction to the Ketamine Startup Podcast
00:38 Interview with Steve Gelberg: Spirituality, Psychedelics, and Music
02:08 Steve Journey: From the Sixties Counterculture to Eastern Religions
07:39 The Role of Music in Psychedelic Therapy
10:37 Steve’s Academic Pursuits and the Krishna Movement
17:23 The Making of 'Tuning In': A Passion Project
30:17 The Synergy Between Music and Psychedelics
36:54 The Ancient Connection Between Music and Humanity
37:32 The Healing Power of Female Voices
38:34 Choosing the Right Music for Psychedelic Therapy
39:15 The Debate Over Classical Music in Therapy
40:29 The Importance of Non-Lyrical Music
41:13 The Role of Ambient and Neoclassical Music
43:24 Therapist vs. Client Music Selection
47:06 Alternative Sound Options: Nature and White Noise
52:23 The Primordial Connection to Sound
55:21 Steve's Spiritual Journey and Open-Mindedness
01:02:14 Steve's Personal Music Preferences
01:06:05 Recommended Reading in the Psychedelic Space
01:09:46 Steve's Musical Background and Other Interests
01:14:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
👉 Disclosure: Some of the links in these show notes are affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission—at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the podcast!
Connect with Steve at:
Book discussed in this episode: Tuning In: Experiencing Music in Psychedelic States
His fine art photography website
Links to Steve’s Spotify Playlists:
His specific playlists recommendations for ketamine therapy
Other selected playlists of Steve’s:
Main classical playlist "Classical Music for Psychedelic States"
Marriage between classical and ambient "Neo-Classical for Psychonauts"
Selected Links From the Episode:
Steve J Gelberg, India In a Mind’s Eye: Travels and Ruminations of an Ambivalent Pilgrim
Steve’s Book Recommendations: