Here’s what you’ll learn about:
Introduction and Purpose of the Meeting (0:15)
- Host Drew Deraney greets Alex Abraham and expresses pleasure in seeing him.
- Alex thanks Drew for having him and expresses excitement about the conversation.
- Drew mentions James Bracken, who introduced them, and discusses the concept of a linear life path.
- He introduces the idea of three types of men: one with blind spots, one who sees himself as a victim, and one who sees adversity as an opportunity.
Defining Moments and Personal Transformation (2:17)
- Drew asks Alex to recall his defining moment that led to personal transformation.
- Alex shares his experience with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in New York City, which helped him realize the extent of his Anxiety and anger.
- He explains how psychedelic medicines helped him rewire his perspective and become a new person.
- Drew inquires about the steps Alex took before trying psychedelics, leading Alex to discuss his pelvic floor problems and the medical journey he underwent.
Medical Journey and Psychedelic Therapy (4:01)
- Alex details his pelvic floor issues and the various treatments he tried, including invasive procedures and moving to New York for medical treatment.
- He describes how MDMA-assisted psychotherapy helped him uncover the root cause of his pelvic floor problems: childhood sexual abuse.
- Alex explains how psychedelics, combined with therapy, journaling, EMDR, and a men’s group, helped him heal from his trauma.
- Drew and Alex discuss the brain’s tendency to suppress traumatic memories and the role of MDMA in bringing those memories to the surface.
Understanding MDMA and Its Benefits (8:06)
- Alex explains how MDMA tricks the brain into feeling safe, allowing traumatic emotions to surface and be processed.
- He shares his personal experiences with MDMA, including physical improvements like better shoulder mobility.
- Drew mentions research indicating that 85% of physical ailments are due to unaddressed internal Stress.
- Alex discusses how he learned about psychedelics through resources like Tim Ferriss and Tucker Max, and mentions a book called “A Dose of Hope” by Dr. Dan Engle.
Maintaining Financial Stability and Healing (11:59)
- Alex talks about the financial challenges of healing, including the support from his parents and good investments.
- He highlights the high cost of therapy, EMDR, and other healing modalities.
- Drew shares his own experience with his autistic son using ketamine and the financial strain of paying for such treatments.
- Alex emphasizes the long-term benefits of his healing journey despite the initial financial strain.
Motivation Behind Writing the Book (13:49)
- Alex explains his motivations for writing his book, including therapeutic benefits, raising awareness about his abuser, and potential career opportunities.
- He shares that the book has been therapeutic and has helped others, but has not yet proven to be a career booster.
- Alex mentions the book’s title, “Trauma and Ecstasy,” and where it can be purchased on Amazon.
- Drew praises Alex for his vulnerability and authenticity in sharing his story.
Key Messages from the Book (16:47)
- Alex outlines the three key messages from his book: the healing potential of psychedelics, the prevalence and impact of childhood sexual abuse, and the potential for parents to redeem themselves.
- Alex shares a fourth message about the limitations of public schools and the rise of homeschooling.
- Drew and Alex discuss the importance of psychedelics in the right setting and the need for accountability in public schools.
- Alex emphasizes the need for awareness and support for those healing from trauma.
Advice to Younger Self (20:52)
- Alex advises his younger self to recognize the resilience built during difficult times and to believe that things will get better.
- He advises his younger business self to be patient and focus on the long-term journey rather than immediate success.
- Alex emphasizes the importance of doing the right things over time and enjoying the process.
- Drew and Alex discuss the importance of sharing one’s story to help others and heal from within.
Current Professional Aspirations (24:02)
- Alex shares his current professional interests, including sales or customer success roles in a fun startup.
- He mentions his openness to various opportunities in Technology and customer support.
- Drew expresses gratitude for Alex’s story and wishes him success in his future endeavors.
- Alex thanks Drew and the audience for their support and encouragement.
To learn more about Alex’s mission, go to his Instagram profile at https://www.instagram.com/alex.l.abraham/
or his website https://traumaandecstasy.com
Alex Abraham Bio
Alex Abraham has spent years researching, exploring, and experiencing firsthand the therapeutic treatment options for healing from childhood sexual abuse. Psychedelics and integration therapy forever changed his life. When not educating other survivors about the benefits of psychedelics, Alex enjoys traveling the world and experiencing new foods. A connoisseur of food truck fare, he lives in Austin, Texas.
About your host: I’m Drew Deraney, the proud father of three children. For most of my life I’ve been concerned with what people thought of me and how I was supposed to act. I learned not to be my authentic self and instead became a people pleaser, a man wearing a mask.
In a 9-month span a few years ago, I endured four faith-shaking life events that caused me to question my existence.
I became determined to find a better way to live. Through intense self-reflection and awareness, I realized that in order to be happy, I must adhere to my standards of honesty, integrity and truth and needed to break free from the belief system that was anchored in me for close to 50 years.
I believe that success happens when we find a better way and are willing and able to share it. HOW I do that is by challenging the status quo and thinking differently. Ultimately, WHAT I bring is a way to contribute and add value by having an impact on the lives of others.
My company, Profit Compassion LLC consists of 3 paths:
The Mindful Man Movement: men’s self-discovery coach, speaker, podcast host, author. For Men Seeking Answers Within: Imagine having crystal clear knowledge of your purpose in life where you make confident decisions, and are assertive, productive, and at peak Mental Health. Corporate executives hire me to guide them to tap into their natural power through self-discovery so they may write their own story and live the life they want to live.
The Caregiver Coach: coach for fathers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For Caregivers who are open to a conversation about how I can support you on your Caregiving journey: I help caregivers find balance, build resilience, and rediscover their own well-being. Through personalized Coaching, I provide practical strategies, emotional support, and the tools to reduce Burnout, strengthen Relationships, and navigate the challenges of caregiving with confidence. My goal is to empower you to care for yourself as compassionately as you care for your loved one.
Business Solutions: health/wellness and financial services to support individuals and businesses.
Join me in transforming challenges into opportunities for Growth. Let’s embark on this journey together.
HOW TO CONNECT WITH COACH DREW:
Website: https://profitcompassion.com/
Email: drew@profitcompassion.com
Book a discovery call: https://link.mavericksystems.online/widget/bookings/netweaving/connect30
Pick up a copy of Drew’s book: https://amzn.to/40dsbyR or https://bit.ly/BandNDrew
Drew Deraney now travels the world both to Live and Virtual Events showing mostly men the steps needed to strengthen self-identity and self-worth, to overcome self-limiting beliefs, and to build confidence while being authentic, maintaining boundaries and to transcend people pleasing skills to become the person they are destined to be. Drew challenges them to reach deep inside and make a lasting impact.
In a 9-month span, Drew experienced a grueling divorce, job loss, his son’s suicidal ideations, and his father’s death which devastated Drew emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. It is a commonality for men to consider any challenge as a weakness as well as to show emotion and ask for help. While writing his book, Drew realized he was not the only man suffering in silence. With more clarity of purpose than ever, he began asking for help. Drew Deraney’s mission is to help especially men, release their inner greatness by showing vulnerability, keeping in integrity of their power, and making a great impact on the people in their lives both personally and professionally.
Drew Deraney was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ where he still lives to this day caring for his elderly mom and his 3 adult children Matthew, Nicholas, and Emma. Drew earned his B.A. in Psychology, M.A. in Applied Psychology, and two psychology research publications while at Fairfield University; a scholarship from the Healthcare Financial Management Association; and his M.B.A. in Health Care Administration from Baruch College / Mount Sinai School of Medicine in NY. His hospital career spanned 24 years where he was co-chair of the Leadership Institute, spoke at JD Power, was one of three leaders interviewed by The Commonwealth Fund, received his Communicating with Empathy Trainer certification and is a Certified Patient Experience Professional. Four years ago, Drew founded Profit Compassion LLC, an entity to coach and empower mostly men to create resiliency and authenticity as Chief Resilience Officer. Drew is the podcast host of ‘From Caving in to Crushing It’ and recently became a best-selling author with his book ‘I’ll Have What She’s Having’ - Memoir of a reformed People Pleaser.
