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The Psychedelic Podcast

Norman Ohler - LSD's Secret History: From Swiss Labs to Government Control

Mar 31, 2025
46:06

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes New York Times bestselling author Norman Ohler.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-297/?ref=278

Norman shares his deep research into the hidden history of LSD, revealing the untold connections between Arthur Stoll (CEO of Sandoz), Nazi Germany, and the CIA's MKUltra program. He explains how LSD's development as a mental health medicine was derailed by intelligence agencies seeking a "truth drug" for interrogations, and how the substance traveled from Swiss laboratories to Nazi concentration camps and eventually to American universities. Norman also discusses his personal connection to psychedelics through his mother's Alzheimer's treatment with microdosing, and offers thoughtful reflections on the current psychedelic renaissance.

Norman Ohler is one of Germany's best living writers: a New York Times Bestselling author, translated into over 30 languages. His books include "Blitzed", "The Bohemians", and "Tripped". He has 2 children and lives in Berlin.

Highlights:

  • Welcome & introduction
  • Who is Arthur Stoll, the grandfather of psychedelics?
  • The Nazi Germany and LSD connection
  • Albert Hoffman's complicated relationship with LSD
  • The pharmaceutical politics behind psychedelic suppression
  • Reflections on the modern psychedelic renaissance
  • The challenges of psychedelics in a globalized society
  • From "Blitzed" to "Tripped": Norman's research journey
  • Norman's personal connection: Microdosing for Alzheimer's
  • The mysterious story of JFK and LSD

Episode Links:

These show links may contain affiliate links. Third Wave receives a small percentage of the product price if you purchase through the above affiliate links.

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