In this episode, Melanie sits down with Patrick and Michelle Fishley, co-founders of Soul Reflections, to unpack what Ibogaine and the Iboga plant are, why people seek them out for addiction interruption, trauma, PTSD, and brain health, and why screening, safety protocols, and long-term integration matter just as much as the ceremony itself.
Patrick and Michelle share their background as nurses, how they began this work in 2012, the difference between Ibogaine (one alkaloid) and Iboga (the full plant with many alkaloids), and what they wish more people understood before pursuing any retreat or clinic.
Guest BioPatrick & Michelle Fishley are the co-founders of Soul Reflections, offering preparation and integration support, retreats, and education around Iboga and Ibogaine. With nursing backgrounds and years in this work, they emphasize ethical facilitation, client safety, and the importance of long-term integration.
What You'll Learn-
The difference between Ibogaine and the full Iboga plant
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Why cardiac screening matters and what "QT prolongation" means in plain language
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How medication interactions can increase risk and why tapering windows matter
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Why they call Ibogaine an "interruption," not a cure
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What "expectation" vs "intention" looks like in medicine work
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Why integration can take months (even up to a year) and what that support can look like
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What to ask when choosing a retreat or clinic (and why "cheap" can be a red flag)
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00:00 Melanie introduces Ibogaine/Iboga + guests Patrick & Michelle Fishley
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02:05 How Patrick first got involved; from ICU nursing to medicine work
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04:20 Why medical supervision matters (heart component)
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06:43 QT prolongation explained + medication interaction risks
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08:38 Their mission: bridging gaps in mental health and holistic care
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12:58 Brain health, TBI/concussions, neurogenesis + what the research is exploring
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13:27 Ibogaine vs Iboga: one alkaloid vs 100+ alkaloids
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18:10 Comparing Iboga with other psychedelics and why integration time matters
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20:19 What addiction is rooted in (coping, nervous system, unmet needs)
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24:51 Physical symptoms: inflammation, gut, nervous system support (and why outcomes vary)
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33:01 Misinformation + oversimplification from podcasts/documentaries
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36:52 How to access it safely + what questions to ask any provider
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40:10 Their community + retreat structure (typically 8 days, two ceremonies)
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41:59 Legality "gray area" in Canada + why education and regulation matter
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47:47 Their involvement in Dosed and why hope matters
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49:40 Final advice: slow down, do your homework, prioritize safety + integration
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Safety is not optional. Screening, supervision, and protocols matter more than hype.
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Ibogaine can interrupt addiction physiology, but long-term change needs participation, environment shifts, and support.
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Iboga/Ibogaine isn't a "one-size-fits-all" experience. Comparisons create disappointment and blind spots.
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Integration is the real work. The retreat is the beginning, not the finish line.
Episode References:
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Guest Links:
@soulreflectionsiboga (IG and FB and Youtube)
April 23-30 and May 2-10 Traditional Iboga retreats in Baja Serenity(Cabo Pulmo) Mx, Aug 9- Sacred Roots Microdosing Masterclass
Connect with Melanie:
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@activateandilluminatewithmel
Website: https://activateandilluminate.com/
Contact Us: pr@melaniewakelin.com
Melanie's Businesses:
LifeVantage Representative: http://protandimcanada.lifevantage.com/