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The Life Stylist

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.
01:49:47

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Zach Leary shares his journey through addiction and homelessness, highlighting the transformative power of psychedelics and spiritual teachings for recovery.
  • The conversation contrasts the evolving spiritual approaches of Timothy Leary and Ram Dass, illustrating their differing perspectives on psychedelics and personal growth.

Deep dives

Personal Experience of Loss

The speaker shares a deeply personal account of being present during their father's passing, highlighting the emotional and spiritual layers of that experience. They recount sitting in a hospital room, meditating with their brother, as their father took his last breaths. In an attempt to find solace amidst the heavy atmosphere, the speaker turned to a podcast featuring Ram Dass, whose teachings on death and dying provided comfort. This moment exemplifies how significant relationships and teachings can influence one’s understanding of life and mortality.

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