Jay Michaelson, a journalist, meditation teacher, and professor, delves into the intriguing world of psychedelics. He discusses their potential benefits for mental health, particularly anxiety and PTSD. Listeners learn about the intricate connection between psychedelics and meditation, and the importance of mindset during these experiences. Michaelson also addresses the cultural and spiritual implications of various psychedelics, providing insights on personal transformation and responsible usage. This enlightening conversation sheds light on the evolving landscape of these substances.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
First Psychedelic Experience
Jay Michaelson's first psychedelic experience was in 1991 at Columbia University.
It was not a positive experience due to mindset, setting, and lack of guidance.
insights INSIGHT
Early Views on Psychedelics
Michaelson initially saw psychedelics as unlikely to gain wide acceptance.
He found more healing and liberation through meditation, especially during long retreats.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Shift to Psychedelics
Due to parenting responsibilities, Michaelson's access to long meditation retreats decreased.
Psychedelics filled the void left by less frequent deep meditation work.
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What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence
Michael Pollan
In this book, Michael Pollan delves into the history of psychedelic drugs, from their rise in the 1960s to their current resurgence in medical research. He combines historical and scientific analysis with personal narratives of his own experiences with psychedelics, such as LSD and psilocybin. The book explores how these substances are being used to treat conditions like depression, addiction, and anxiety, and discusses their potential to revolutionize our understanding of the human mind and consciousness. Pollan's work is a blend of science, memoir, and travel writing, offering a nuanced and engaging look at the therapeutic and spiritual benefits of psychedelics[1][2][4].
Zig Zag Zen
Buddhism and Psychedelics
Stephen Batchelor
Alex Grey
Huston Smith
Allan Badiner
Zig Zag Zen is a collection of essays and interviews that delve into the commonalities and potential synergies between Buddhist practices and psychedelic experiences. It features contributions from prominent figures in both fields, offering diverse perspectives on whether psychedelics can enhance or hinder spiritual growth. The book is accompanied by stunning visionary artwork.
A really good day
Ayelet Waldman
In 'A Really Good Day,' Ayelet Waldman chronicles her 30-day experiment with microdosing LSD to manage her severe mood storms. The book delves into her personal struggles with mood disorders, the history and mythology of LSD, and the current research on its therapeutic benefits. Waldman, drawing from her experiences as a federal public defender and a mother, provides a multifaceted exploration of the drug's impact on her life, her family, and the broader societal context of drug policy and mental health treatment.
Featuring a meditation teacher, author, professor, and dedicated experimenter with these molecules.
Jay Michaelson is a journalist, meditation teacher, rabbi, and professor of religious studies whose work for the last several years has been focused on psychedelics, meditation, and spirituality.
Jay is a field scholar at Emory University’s Center for Psychedelics and Spirituality, and a fellow at Harvard Law School’s project on Psychedelic Use, Law, and Spiritual Experience. He is currently a visiting professor at Harvard Law School, teaching courses on psychedelics, law, and religion.
In this episode we talk about:
Everything you should know about psychedelics if you’re wondering whether to give them a try
What the research shows thus far
The differences among various compounds
The overlap between meditation and psychedelics
The difference between spirituality and healing
The dizzying question of whether these medicines have a separate consciousness
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