Innovating Healing: Psychedelic Medicine, Ibogaine, and PTSD with Dr. Charlie Powell
- S4E91
- 1:11:07
- October 13th 2025
In this powerful and deeply moving episode, host Donna Hoffmeyer sits down with Dr. Charlie Powell, a decorated Navy veteran, trauma surgeon, innovator, and mental health advocate to explore his extraordinary path from military service to medical entrepreneurship and personal healing.
Dr. Powell opens up about his battle with PTSD, offering rare insight into the experience of high-functioning individuals who struggle silently. The conversation bravely tackles the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within veteran and first responder communities, and explores the transformative potential of psychedelic medicine, focusing on Dr. Powell’s profound experience with ibogaine treatment.
Listeners will hear about the creation of “Healing Heroes,” a new documentary that follows veterans and first responders on their journeys to recovery through innovative therapies and shared storytelling. Dr. Powell’s message is one of hope, community, vulnerability, and self-forgiveness and a reminder that healing is possible for everyone.
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Beyond The Frontline
Beyond the Frontline is a podcast focused on one of the most critical and overlooked missions in military life: the transition from the Frontline to the Homefront. Hosted by retired Air Force nurse and seasoned transition mentor Donna Hoffmeyer, this show offers real conversations, practical guidance, and expert insights for service members, Veterans, and their families as they navigate life beyond uniform.
With over two decades of military service including roles in nursing, flight medicine, education, and policy. Donna brings firsthand knowledge and deep compassion to every episode. She holds a master’s degree in Sport Science, is co-author of Warrior to Patriot Citizen, and runs REBel LLC, a company dedicated to Veteran mentorship, consulting, and publishing.
Through interviews and shared experiences, Beyond the Frontline dives into the emotional, logistical, and cultural aspects of transition, from preparing early to finding purpose after service. Donna also draws from her blog Taking Off The Armor, offering thoughtful commentary on the challenges and growth that come before, during, and after military retirement.
If you're ready to turn experience into empowerment and uncertainty into a plan, this podcast is your next step.
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Donna is a 21-year retired Air Force nurse; with a career that spanned from nursing, flight nursing, education, training, readiness, and policy. Donna has a master’s degree in Sport Science and has co-authored her first book, Warrior to Patriot Citizen; focusing on ensuring service members are prepared for transition well before transition occurs. She also has her own blog, Taking Off The Armor, focused on all issues before, during and after transition and after retirement, as well as, a multifaceted business, REBel LLC, focused on veteran transition mentorship, consulting, and publishing her own work.