The Trip Report

#24 Manesh Girn Ph.D. - Exploring the Psychedelic Brain and Human Potential

May 30, 2024

Prominent researcher Manesh Girn discusses his journey with psychedelics, the default mode network, and neurophenomenology. They explore brain prediction, perception, and challenges in psychedelic research collaboration. The potential of psychedelics for therapy and brain stimulation is also highlighted.

50:13

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Manesh Girn

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Quick takeaways

The intersection of meditation, psychedelics, and the default mode network shapes Manesh's academic and research career.

Neurophenomenology links subjective experiences with brain dynamics in psychedelic research for a comprehensive understanding.

UCSF's ambitious project on psychedelic brain imaging aims to analyze brain responses during high-dose psilocybin experiences.

Deep dives

Psychedelics and Brain Functioning

The discussion revolves around the impact of psychedelics on brain functioning, focusing on how psychedelics affect brain networks like the default mode network. The conversation touches on the complexity of mystical states and their emotional and identity-altering aspects, highlighting the challenges in linking mystical experiences to specific brain patterns.

The Impact of Meditation and Psychedelics on Perception

01:30

Synesthesia and Perception Distortion

01:11

Excitement for Psychedelics in Catalyzing Innovation

01:11

Realities and Optimism in the Psychedelics Industry

01:34

Introduction

3min

Exploring Psychedelic Journeys and Educational Initiatives

10min

Exploring the Default Mode Network in the Brain

6min

Exploring the Brain's Predictive Coding and Active Inference

3min

Psychedelics and Brain Perception

6min

Exploring Neurophenomenology and Subjective Reporting in Brain Research

2min

Navigating Challenges in Psychedelic Research and Collaboration

18min

Exploring the Potential of Psychedelics and Brain Stimulation for Therapy

3min

Welcome back to The Trip Report Podcast, a production of Beckley Waves, a Psychedelic Venture Studio.

Today, I am speaking with Manesh Girn, Ph.D, a prominent researcher and science communicator in the field of psychedelics and neuroscience.

Manesh is a postdoctoral researcher at UCSF in Robin Carhart-Harris's lab. His fascinating background bridges psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience.

Manesh's journey into the world of psychedelics began in his late teens through an interest in meditation and spirituality.

A profound experience with psilocybin during his undergraduate years ignited his passion for exploring the therapeutic and cognitive potentials of psychedelics.

His work has taken him from the University of British Columbia to McGill University, where he completed his PhD focusing on the default mode network and its role in human cognition and behavior.

In this conversation, we discuss:

* Manesh's introduction to psychedelics and how his early experiences shaped his academic and research career.

* The intersection of meditation, psychedelics, and the default mode network

* His extensive research on the default mode network and how psychedelics affect it.

* The concept of neurophenomenology and its significance in linking subjective experiences with brain dynamics.

* The ambitious projects at UCSF, including the most comprehensive psychedelic brain imaging study to date.

* His involvement in a large-scale international psychedelic brain imaging data-sharing consortium.

* The future of psychedelics in enhancing human potential and creativity, particularly through the work of the Center for MINDS.

Manesh is passionate about leveraging psychedelics to help people not just recover from mental health issues but also to thrive and reach their fullest potential.

And now, I bring you my conversation with Manesh Girn.

Listen to the episode on Substack, Spotify, Google or Apple.

Credits:

* Hosted by Zach Haigney

* Produced by Zach Haigney, Erin Greenhouse, and Katelin Jabbari

* Find us at thetripreport.com

* Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube

Theme music by MANCHO Sounds, Mixed and Mastered by Rollin Weary

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thetripreport.com