In this episode of ALTERED STATES, we go deep with executive coach Joe Cohen on how psychedelic experiences help him in his executive coaching practice, and overcoming his past. Starting with a first plunge into 5-MeO-DMT, and later ketamine, psilocybin, and ayahuasca—these powerful plant medicines helped him unlock buried emotions, reconnect with spirituality, and rebuild a durable sense of self-love. All these skills have informed him as a leadership coach.

Alongside hosts Pat Murphy and Steven Tate, Joe breaks down the difference between seeking a shortcut and doing real preparation and integration, why ceremonies and intention matter, and how inner-child work can translate into better relationships, leadership, and purpose.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why years of traditional therapy sometimes aren’t enough—and how psychedelic work can surface what talk therapy can’t.

• What a carefully prepared ceremony looks like (set, setting, intention, facilitation) and why medical screening matters.

• How integrating insights (self-compassion, parts/inner-child work, spiritual connection) becomes fuel for growth, resilience, and leadership.

• Practical takeaways Joe uses with high-performing clients to turn insight into daily practice.

Join Hosts Pat Murphy and Steven Tate for ALTERED STATES by SOCIETAL MEDIA, where we question the headlines, test the narratives the algorithms feed us, and dig into the complicated realities of psychedelics, mental health, hidden history, and more.

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