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Episode 496: Michael Pollan

Jul 27, 2022
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INSIGHT

Journalist Becomes Advocate When Evidence Demands

  • Michael Pollan shifts from journalist to advocate when evidence compels him and narrative nonfiction allows opinion at the end of long pieces.
  • He distinguishes advocating for research and public education from evangelizing drug use.
ADVICE

Protect Independence When Engaging Publicly

  • Keep independence when moving from journalism into advocacy and avoid aligning too closely with single interests.
  • Consult trusted people (Pollan names his wife Judith) when deciding entanglements.
ANECDOTE

Building A Psychedelic Research Center

  • Pollan helped found a psychedelic research center at Berkeley and funds public education programs and fellowships.
  • He describes editing a twice-weekly newsletter and giving grants to support journalism in the field.
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