Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode, Dr. Sharon Niv discusses her work at Joyus, a public benefit company focused on revolutionizing mental health care through personalized at-home microdose ketamine treatments.
Dr. Sharon explains the history of ketamine as a treatment for mental health, its mechanisms of action, and the importance of community support in the healing process.
Nick asks Dr. Sharon questions that address common concerns and stigma surrounding ketamine treatment, emphasizing its low risk and potential benefits.
Their conversation also explores the role of neuroplasticity in mental health recovery and the future of AI in therapy.
Dr. Sharon provides insights into personalized treatment protocols and encourages both patients and therapists to consider the benefits of ketamine therapy.
Key Takeaways:
Dr. Sharon Niv is a cognitive psychologist bridging neuroscience and therapy.
Joyus offers personalized at-home microdose ketamine treatments.
Ketamine was first synthesized in the 1950s and is used safely in medical settings.
The drug has shown promise in treating severe depression and suicidality.
Ketamine works primarily on the glutamate system, unlike traditional psychedelics.
Lower doses of ketamine can provide therapeutic benefits without destabilizing experiences.
Community support is crucial for individuals undergoing ketamine treatment.
Neuroplasticity allows the brain to change and adapt, which is enhanced by ketamine.
Personalized treatment protocols are essential for effective ketamine therapy.
AI has potential in mental health but should not replace human therapists.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Sharone Niv and Her Work
02:58 The Journey to Psychology and Entrepreneurship
05:47 The History and Safety of Ketamine
08:45 Ketamine as a Treatment for Mental Health
11:36 Understanding Ketamine's Mechanism and Effects
14:44 The Psycholytic State and Its Benefits
17:40 Addressing Stigma and Concerns Around Psychedelics
20:48 The Joyus Approach to Microdosing Ketamine
23:24 Personal Experiences and Emotional Release
26:45 The Importance of Connection and Exploration
27:14 Exploring Psychoactive Substances and Their Impact
28:14 The Tragic Story of Matthew Perry
32:56 Neuroscience and Mental Health: The Role of Neuroplasticity
39:45 Personalized Treatment Protocols for Mental Health
45:22 Community Support in Mental Health Treatment
47:48 The Future of AI in Therapy
53:07 The Dark Side of AI in Mental Health
54:37 Innovative Uses of AI in Therapy
56:09 Training Therapists for New Technologies
59:43 The Journey of Integrating Ketamine Treatment
01:02:09 Encouragement for Patients and Therapists
01:04:22 Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Ketamine
01:09:52 Navigating the Decision to Try Ketamine
01:12:08 Practical Considerations for Microdosing Ketamine
Find Dr. Sharon Niv here:
Instagram: instagram.com/joyous.team
Facebook: facebook.com/joyous.friends
Website: https://www.joyous.team/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharon-niv | linkedin.com/company/joyousteam
Find Nick Thompson here:
Instagram: instagram.com/nthompson513 | instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation
YouTube: youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13
UCAN Foundation: theucanfoundation.org
Website: engagewithnick.com
In this episode, Dr. Sharon Niv discusses her work at Joyus, a public benefit company focused on revolutionizing mental health care through personalized at-home microdose ketamine treatments.
Dr. Sharon explains the history of ketamine as a treatment for mental health, its mechanisms of action, and the importance of community support in the healing process.
Nick asks Dr. Sharon questions that address common concerns and stigma surrounding ketamine treatment, emphasizing its low risk and potential benefits.
Their conversation also explores the role of neuroplasticity in mental health recovery and the future of AI in therapy.
Dr. Sharon provides insights into personalized treatment protocols and encourages both patients and therapists to consider the benefits of ketamine therapy.
Key Takeaways:
Dr. Sharon Niv is a cognitive psychologist bridging neuroscience and therapy.
Joyus offers personalized at-home microdose ketamine treatments.
Ketamine was first synthesized in the 1950s and is used safely in medical settings.
The drug has shown promise in treating severe depression and suicidality.
Ketamine works primarily on the glutamate system, unlike traditional psychedelics.
Lower doses of ketamine can provide therapeutic benefits without destabilizing experiences.
Community support is crucial for individuals undergoing ketamine treatment.
Neuroplasticity allows the brain to change and adapt, which is enhanced by ketamine.
Personalized treatment protocols are essential for effective ketamine therapy.
AI has potential in mental health but should not replace human therapists.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Sharone Niv and Her Work
02:58 The Journey to Psychology and Entrepreneurship
05:47 The History and Safety of Ketamine
08:45 Ketamine as a Treatment for Mental Health
11:36 Understanding Ketamine's Mechanism and Effects
14:44 The Psycholytic State and Its Benefits
17:40 Addressing Stigma and Concerns Around Psychedelics
20:48 The Joyus Approach to Microdosing Ketamine
23:24 Personal Experiences and Emotional Release
26:45 The Importance of Connection and Exploration
27:14 Exploring Psychoactive Substances and Their Impact
28:14 The Tragic Story of Matthew Perry
32:56 Neuroscience and Mental Health: The Role of Neuroplasticity
39:45 Personalized Treatment Protocols for Mental Health
45:22 Community Support in Mental Health Treatment
47:48 The Future of AI in Therapy
53:07 The Dark Side of AI in Mental Health
54:37 Innovative Uses of AI in Therapy
56:09 Training Therapists for New Technologies
59:43 The Journey of Integrating Ketamine Treatment
01:02:09 Encouragement for Patients and Therapists
01:04:22 Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Ketamine
01:09:52 Navigating the Decision to Try Ketamine
01:12:08 Practical Considerations for Microdosing Ketamine
Find Dr. Sharon Niv here:
Instagram: instagram.com/joyous.team
Facebook: facebook.com/joyous.friends
Website: https://www.joyous.team/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharon-niv | linkedin.com/company/joyousteam
Find Nick Thompson here:
Instagram: instagram.com/nthompson513 | instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation
YouTube: youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13
UCAN Foundation: theucanfoundation.org
Website: engagewithnick.com
