Ep. 115 - Transforming Trauma: Neil Markey's Journey from Battlefield to Mindfulness and Psychedelics

In this episode of MAX Afterburner, Whiz sits down with Neil Markey, co-founder and CEO of Beckley Retreats. Neil shares his journey from serving as a Captain in the US Army Special Operations 2nd Ranger Battalion, with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, to overcoming depression and PTSD during his time as a Columbia University graduate student. This struggle sparked a profound healing journey through mindfulness and psychedelics, which Neil now champions as tools for holistic well-being. Neil talks about finding a meditation practice which led to psychedelic assisted therapy. As a passionate advocate for plant-based therapies, Neil discusses the mission of Beckley Retreats to integrate science-backed psychedelic practices with contemplative traditions. His unique path also includes roles at McKinsey & Co, where he co-led a mindfulness program, and as Chief Growth Officer of a $450M private equity portfolio company. In this insightful conversation with Whiz, he explores the intersection of science, spirituality, and the transformative potential of psychedelics, inspiring listeners to embrace the miraculous in life. In this episode of MAX Afterburner, Whiz sits down with Neil Markey, co-founder and CEO of Beckley Retreats. Neil shares his journey from serving as a Captain in the US Army Special Operations 2nd Ranger Battalion, with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, to overcoming depression and PTSD during his time as a Columbia University graduate student. This struggle sparked a profound healing journey through mindfulness and psychedelics, which Neil now champions as tools for holistic well-being. Neil talks about finding a meditation practice which led to psychedelic assisted therapy. As a passionate advocate for plant-based therapies, Neil discusses the mission of Beckley Retreats to integrate science-backed psychedelic practices with contemplative traditions. His unique path also includes roles at McKinsey & Co, where he co-led a mindfulness program, and as Chief Growth Officer of a $450M private equity portfolio company. In this insightful conversation with Whiz, he explores the intersection of science, spirituality, and the transformative potential of psychedelics, inspiring listeners to embrace the miraculous in life.