Barry Blechman Takes a Journey

Barry Blechman Takes a Journey

From Before We Go by Podcast Nation

October 9, 2025 · 35 min · Season 2 · Episode 4

About this episode

Barry Blechman discusses his journey with cancer and the use of psilocybin therapy for treatment.

Barry Blechman shares at least one thing in common with host Shoshana Ungerleider: cancer runs in their families. Barry was first diagnosed in 1980 and stayed cancer-free for nearly 30 years before it returned. This time, the physical battle was accompanied by deep anxiety and depression, and traditional treatments weren’t enough. That’s when he turned to psilocybin therapy. Psilocybin is the active ingredient in “magic” mushrooms, and Dr. Tony Back — one of the early researchers in medical aid in dying — has been studying the use of psilocybin in treating patients with cancer. To truly understand its potential, he did what most doctors wouldn’t: he tried it himself. Join us on Instagram  @beforewegopodcast  for more stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and reflections on living and dying. Thank you to our Sponsor: Quince: Visit  www.quince.com/beforewego  for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. This podcast is brought to you by Podcast Nation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

People in this episode

Host: Shoshana Ungerleider

Guest: Barry Blechman

Topics covered

  • cancer
  • psilocybin therapy
  • mental health
  • traditional treatments
  • medical research

Keywords

  • cancer
  • psilocybin
  • therapy
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • treatment
  • medical aid in dying

Sponsors

Quince

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Podcast Nation

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