In this episode of Voices with Vervaeke, Dr. John Vervaeke and guest Alexander Beiner, a leading voice in the world of psychedelics, discuss psychedelics' role in contemporary society. They tackle complex topics like the dangers and potentials of mixing politics with psychedelics, the mechanics of mystical experiences, and the modern meaning crisis. The duo also delves into the risks and rewards of commodifying psychedelic experiences. They explore the latest scientific studies, personal accounts, and anecdotal evidence, weaving them into an intricate narrative that invites listeners to consider psychedelics beyond recreational use. From trials at Imperial College London to DMT injections and the exploration of meta-cognitive skills, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in the intricacies of the human mind, altered states, and the possibility of a collective conscious awakening.
Alexander Beiner (@AlexanderBeiner) is an author, journalist, and facilitator who is dedicated to bringing countercultural perspectives into mainstream conversation. With an approach that blends writing and experiential transformation, he's committed to helping us navigate the complex era we find ourselves. Alexander is the author of 'The Bigger Picture: How Psychedelics Can Help Us Make Sense of the World'' and also pens a popular Substack with the same name. He serves as an executive director for Breaking Convention, Europe's seminal conference on psychedelic medicine and culture. Additionally, he co-created and co-facilitates Regenerative Stewardship, a legal psilocybin retreat. A pioneer in alternative media, he was one of the founders of Rebel Wisdom, a platform that delved into the realms of systems change and cultural sensemaking.
Resources:
Alexander Beiner: Website | Substack | X
John Vervaeke: Website | Facebook | X
The Vervaeke Foundation
Rebel Wisdom — YouTube:
Psychedelic Capitalism and The Sacred
John Vervaeke — YouTube:
John Vervaeke: Artificial Intelligence, The Meaning Crisis, & The Future of Humanity
Conversation with John Vervaeke - AI edition - Jordan Hall
Regenerative Stewardship
Breaking Convention
Challenging Psychedelic Experiences Project
‘I took part in a radical psychedelic clinical trial and it changed my life forever’
'Why Socrates was a Monster' with John Vervaeke
We Will Call It Pala
Books:
The Bigger Picture: How Psychedelics Can Help Us Make Sense of the World - Alexander Beiner
How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence - Michael Pollan
Cosmic Serpent: DNA and the Origins of Knowledge - Jeremy Narby
The Razor's Edge - W. Somerset Maugham
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values - Robert M Pirsig
Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being: Relation as Ontological Ground - James Filler
Mentoring the Machines: Orientation - Part One: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow - John Vervaeke, Shawn Coyne
Publications:
Dose-Response Study of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine in Humans: II. Subjective Effects and Preliminary Results of a New Rating Scale - Rick J. Strassman MD; Clifford R. Qualls PhD; Eberhard H. Uhlenhuth MD; Robert Kellner MD, PhD
A Model for the Application of Target-Controlled Intravenous Infusion for a Prolonged Immersive DMT Psychedelic Experience - Andrew R. Gallimor, Rick J. Strassman
On Revelations and Revolutions: Drinking Ayahuasca Among Palestinians Under Israeli Occupation - Leor Roseman, Nadeem Karkabi
The Self-Organization of Insight: Entropy and Power Laws in Problem Solving - Damian G. Stephen, James A. Dixon
People:
Ram Dass
Timothy Leary
Terence McKenna
Marc Lewis
Ashleigh Murphy-Beiner
Robin Carhart-Harris
Juensung Kim
Michel Ferrari
Daniel Schmachtenberger
Iain McGilchrist
Émile Durkheim
Bernardo Kastrup
Nicholas of Cusa
Ben Sessa
Peter Gasser
Friederike Meckel
Aldous Huxley
Timecodes:
00:00:00 - Dr. John Vervaeke introduces his guest, Alexander Beiner, a founding figure of Rebel Wisdom.
00:03:22 - Beiner shares how the psychedelic counterculture influenced him and his exploration of the potential role of psychedelics in societal change.
00:06:50 - The conversation turns to the transformative possibilities offered by psychedelic experiences, highlighting both their enlightening and limiting aspects.
00:11:38 - Dr. Vervaeke probes the relationship between the duration of a DMT trip and its perceived intensity while contrasting mystical and visionary experiences.
00:18:00 - Delving into the sensory richness of psychedelic trips, Alexander expounds on the accompanying emotions like relevance, mystery, and familiarity.
00:23:00 - Skepticism and belief intersect as both speakers explore the advantages of an agnostic viewpoint when interpreting profound experiences.
00:26:40 - Dr. Vervaeke advocates for mindfulness as preparatory groundwork, cautioning against blindly conferring authority to psychedelic apparitions.
00:29:19 - Alexander talks about the research done by his wife, Ashleigh Murphy-Beiner, in the psychedelic world. He emphasizes the significance of leaning into what's coming up but also acknowledges the need to zoom out and take a step back.
00:34:00 - Vervaeke introduces the concept of overfitting and underfitting in machine learning, drawing parallels to our mental processes and how psychedelics can introduce noise to prevent overfitting.
00:40:43 - Reverence as a virtue is discussed, accompanied by reflections on the cultivation of epistemic virtue.
00:47:20 - Alexander suggests that even partial acceptance of panpsychism or idealism can enrich our perspectives in a meaningful way.
00:54:39 - John and Alexander discuss the dark side of AI and the manipulative potential of making things salient and opening people up to misinformation.
01:01:18 - Dr. John Vervaeke talks about the importance of the dialogical character of experiences and how they differ from traditional enlightenment experiences
01:09:51 - John describes the stages of Dialogos, including interpersonal intimacy, intimacy with the logos, and intimacy with the ground of being itself.
01:10:49 - John praises Alexander's book and his efforts to address the meaning crisis and explore the psychedelic renaissance.
Dr. John Vervaeke