597. Psychedelic Salvation: The Long, Strange Trip from Addiction to Dharma w/ Zach Leary

Apr 15, 2025

Zach Leary, a teacher, speaker, and spiritual explorer, shares his transformative journey from addiction to recovery. As the son of Timothy Leary, he discusses how Ram Dass's teachings and psychedelics played a pivotal role in his spiritual awakening. The conversation delves into the intersection of psychedelics and the 12-Step recovery system, the communal versus solitary approaches to psychedelic practices, and the historical context of their use in addiction recovery. Zach emphasizes the need for intentionality and reflection in the healing process.

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INSIGHT

Psychedelics and 12-Step Alignment

The 12-step culture traditionally rejects all mind-altering substances, but many members use psychiatric medications, illustrating a hypocrisy.
Psychedelic experiences align with steps focusing on surrender and conscious contact with a higher power.

ADVICE

Surrender is Key in Psychedelics

In psychedelic sessions, surrender and trust are crucial; fighting the experience causes distress and bad trips.
Turning your will over mirrors spiritual surrender and can guide healing and balance.

INSIGHT

Materialism Spurs Selfishness Over Service

Western culture's focus on material success fosters selfishness, which works against spiritual service.
Focusing only on personal achievements can negate genuine service and community connection.

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Zach Leary is a teacher, speaker, writer, and spiritual explorer with one of the most iconic legacies in psychedelic history—being the son of Timothy Leary. But our conversation goes far beyond lineage.

Zach and I dive into his personal story of addiction, homelessness, and recovery, as well as the spiritual awakening that helped him reframe his life through the teachings of Ram Dass and his own lived experience with psychedelics.

We examine the deeper meaning of surrender, how psychedelics intersect with the 12-Step path, and the modern resurgence of mind-altering medicine as both a healing tool and cultural movement. From DMT journeys to divine amends, this episode is a vulnerable exploration of what it means to truly change.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended for diagnosing or treating illnesses. The hosts disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects from using the information presented. Consult your healthcare provider before using referenced products. This podcast may include paid endorsements.

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MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

(00:00:00) Recovery, Relapse, and Finding Grace

(00:07:00) Growing Up Leary: Identity, Grief, and the Shadow of Legacy

(00:14:00) Ram Dass, Death, and the Illusion of Separation

(00:22:00) LSD, AA, and the Forgotten Psychedelic Origins of Recovery

(00:32:00) Psychedelics & the Limits of the Waking Mind

(00:41:00) Ritual, Setting, and the Power of Safe Ceremony

(00:50:00) The Individual vs. Collective Healing Debate

(01:00:00) Cultural Integration, Psychedelics, & the Western Dilemma

(01:10:00) Addiction, Recovery, and the Spiritual Practice of Being of Service

(01:18:00) Self-Love, Dharma, and Seeing Through the Illusion

Resources:

• Website: zachleary.net

• Instagram: @zachlearydrome

The Life Stylist is produced by Crate Media.