#523: Dennis McKenna — The Depths of Ayahuasca: 500+ Sessions, Fundamentals, Advanced Topics, Science, Churches, Learnings, Warnings, and Beyond

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Jul 21, 2021

Dennis McKenna, a leading researcher in Amazonian ethnopharmacology, shares his incredible journey of over 40 years studying ayahuasca and its impact on human consciousness. He discusses the intricate relationship between traditional practices and modern scientific research while highlighting the unique ayahuasca rituals of the UDV church. McKenna also emphasizes the importance of ethical drug discovery and knowledge preservation of plant-based medicines. The conversation explores the balance between spirituality, science, and the implications of psychedelics on mental health.

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ANECDOTE

Meeting Schultes

Dennis McKenna first met Richard Evans Schultes at Harvard in 1974.
Schultes, a renowned ethnobotanist, advised McKenna to improve his chemistry and taxonomy skills.

ANECDOTE

Unexpected Benefits

After not getting into Harvard, McKenna studied chemistry and taxonomy at Colorado State.
He developed a method to grow psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, described in the Psilocybin Magic Mushroom Grower's Guide.

ANECDOTE

Shifting Focus

McKenna shifted his research focus from varrola to psilocybin mushrooms.
Schultes, whose specialty was higher plants, directed him to Dr. Alexander H. Smith at the University of Michigan.

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Brotherhood of the Screaming Abyss

My Life with Terence McKenna

Dennis McKenna

This book chronicles the McKenna brothers’ childhood in western Colorado during the 1950s and 1960s, including their adolescent adventures and first encounters with alcohol and drugs. It weaves personal narrative through philosophical ideas and tales of psychedelic experimentation, such as the 'Experiment at La Chorrera'. Dennis McKenna reflects on his early interests in cosmology and astrology, his sometimes rocky relationship with his older brother, and their diverging paths later in life. The book also includes accounts of their mother’s and Terence’s battles with cancer and Dennis’s reflections on scientific revelations, climate change, and social and political crises in the 10th Anniversary edition.

The teachings of Don Juan

A Yaqui Way of Knowledge

Carlos Castaneda

The book is divided into two sections: 'The Teachings' and 'A Structural Analysis'. It describes Castaneda's experiences with Don Juan Matus, a self-proclaimed Yaqui Indian Sorcerer, between 1960 and 1965. The narrative includes encounters with teaching spirits, divination, and transformations induced by the ingestion of peyote, jimson weed, and magic mushrooms. The book challenges traditional perceptions of reality, emphasizing the importance of shifting one's perception and consciousness to achieve true freedom. Despite its initial presentation as an anthropological work, it is now widely considered to be a work of fiction[1][4][5].

Psilocybin, magic mushroom grower's guide

O. N. Oeric

O. T. Oss

Food of the Gods

The Search for the Original Tree of Knowledge

Terence Mckenna

In 'Food of the Gods,' Terence McKenna delves into the ancient relationship between humans and psychoactive substances. The book explores how these substances have influenced human history, from prehistoric partnership societies to modern dominator cultures. McKenna discusses the roles of various substances such as spices, spirits, tobacco, tea, coffee, opium, and alcohol, and proposes a 'stoned ape' theory suggesting that psychedelics played a crucial role in human cognitive development. He argues for an 'archaic revival,' advocating for a return to a more shamanic understanding, community, reverence for nature, and increased self-awareness to address the problems of modern society.

Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!

Adventures of a Curious Character

Edward Hutchings

Richard Feynman

Ralph Leighton

This book is an edited collection of reminiscences by Richard Feynman, based on recorded audio conversations he had with his friend and drumming partner Ralph Leighton. It covers a variety of instances in Feynman's life, including his work on the Manhattan Project, his critique of the science education system in Brazil, and his various hobbies such as safe-cracking, painting, and playing the bongo drums. The book also includes his famous 'Cargo Cult Science' lecture, where he cautions against the superficial appearance of scientific investigation without a self-critical attitude. Feynman's stories are lighthearted yet insightful, reflecting his high intelligence, curiosity, and humor.

Ethnopharmacologic search for psychoactive drugs

Julio Mario Santo Domingo Collection

This publication documents a symposium held in San Francisco in 1967, exploring the ethnopharmacologic search for psychoactive drugs. It covers various aspects of psychoactive substances, including their cultural and scientific significance. The symposium was sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health.

Ethnopharmacologic Search for Psychoactive Drugs

50 Years of Research

Various Authors

This publication is a compilation of papers from the ESPD50 symposium, focusing on the ethnopharmacologic search for psychoactive drugs. It reflects on 50 years of research in this field, acknowledging the contributions of pioneers like Richard Evans Schultes. The book covers topics from ayahuasca to psychoactive Australian acacia species and their contributions to medicinal chemistry.