<p>Imagine you’re in the middle of a psychedelic journey—things are getting intense, and you just need someone to talk to. That’s where<strong>Fireside Project</strong> comes in. As the world’s first psychedelic peer support line, Fireside is redefining how we care for each other in altered states, offering a space where anyone can find guidance, validation, and a steady voice in uncertain moments. But beyond the helpline, Fireside is also an incredible entry point for those looking to work in the field of psychedelic support. If you’re a practitioner, facilitator, or simply curious about holding space for others, this conversation is for you.</p><p>In this episode, Fireside Executive Director Joshua White breaks down the essential skills for psychedelic peer support, from understanding the differences between coaching, therapy, and crisis intervention to mastering the<strong>art of presence</strong>. We explore why<strong>validation is often more powerful than de-escalation</strong>, the growing importance of<strong>integration coaching</strong>, and the pitfalls of<strong>self-abandonment in the psychedelic industry</strong>. Plus, we dig into what it really means to<strong>heal the wounded healer</strong>—the emotional labor of this work and how to care for yourself while caring for others.</p><p>Joshua White is the Founder and Executive Director of Fireside Project, a nonprofit dedicated to making psychedelic support accessible and culturally attuned at scale. Through its<strong>Psychedelic Support Line</strong>, Fireside provides real-time help for those navigating challenging experiences, while its<strong>Fireside-Certified Psychedelic Coaching Program</strong> offers deeper, long-term integration support. Before founding Fireside, Joshua was a Deputy City Attorney for San Francisco, where he fought against businesses exploiting vulnerable communities and co-taught a nationally recognized Yale Law School clinic. Now, he’s bringing his passion for advocacy, harm reduction, and healing to the psychedelic space—reshaping how we support one another on these journeys.</p><p><br></p><p>Timetamps</p><ul><li>(04:38) Joshua White&#39;s Personal Journey</li><li>(09:00) The Art of Presence</li><li>(11:48) Distinguishing Peer Support, Coaching, and Psychotherapy</li><li>(21:07) Fireside Project&#39;s Approach to Support</li><li>(35:46) The Future of Psychedelic Support and AI</li><li>(41:41) The Need for Long-Term Support in Psychedelic Therapy</li><li>(47:07) Challenges in the Psychedelic  Industry</li><li>(52:37) Balancing Personal Well-being and Professional Commitment</li><li>(59:12) The Importance of Peer Support</li><li>(01:08:16) Joshua White&#39;s Transition Announcement</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Links</p><ul><li><a href="https://firesideproject.org/">Fireside Project: Psychedelic Coaching &amp; Peer Support Line</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/firesideproject/?hl=en">Fireside Project (@firesideproject)</a></li><li><a href="https://firesideproject.org/join-our-team" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Curious about becoming Fireside’s new ED?</a></li></ul><p><br></p>