On today’s episode, we are talking about the use of ‘magic mushrooms’, in the context of psychedelic therapy. Psychedelic therapy uses psychedelic plant compounds, such as LSD and psilocybin from “so-called magic mushrooms”, to de-stress, help with fear, worry, sadness and potentially improve quality of life.And we’re in for a real treat.Our guest on the show, Dr. Lauren MacDonald is not only going to talk about her professional experience as a clinical trial doctor at Imperial College London, but she is also going to tell us about the profound effect using psilocybin had on her and how that has changed the entire course of her career as a doctor. Lauren shares with us her incredible story of healing from stage 4 cancer, and will explain to us:How does psilocybin work?Are magic mushrooms legal?How can I access psychedelic therapy?What does healing mean?“My biggest lesson during my own experience with illness was the understanding that you can be declared cured without being healed just as you can experience healing without being cured.” Dr. Lauren MacDonaldYou can find Dr. MacDonald here https://drlaurenmacdonald.com/my-journeyHere is more info about the research in the UK:https://www.imperial.ac.uk/psychedelic-research-centre/The Imperial Centre for Psychedelic Research are leading psychedelic research in the United Kingdom, building on over a decade of pioneering work in this area carried out at Imperial College London, including a clinical trial that has kick-started global efforts to develop psilocybin therapy into a licensed treatment for depression. About Dani:The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me. There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences. I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field. And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.More educated, better informed and less alone.Connect with Dani:Instagram @healthywholeme  Facebook: @healthywholeme  Website: menopauseandcancer.org Join Dani’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathubFor oodles of inspiration, healthy recipes, yoga classes and all round positivity go to her website: