Episode 026 - Dying on Ayahuasca

This book explores the revolution in high performance driven by four accelerating forces: psychology, neurobiology, technology, and pharmacology. It delves into how trailblazers like Eric Schmidt, Elon Musk, Navy SEALs, and maverick scientists are harnessing rare and controversial states of consciousness to solve critical challenges and enhance their lives. The authors, Steven Kotler and Jamie Wheal, spent four years investigating these leading edges, from Silicon Valley to the Navy SEALs, and present a provocative examination of what is possible and how to radically upgrade one's life.

In this book, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma reshapes both the body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores various treatments, including neurofeedback, meditation, sports, drama, and yoga, which activate the brain’s natural neuroplasticity to aid in recovery. The book emphasizes the power of relationships in both causing and healing trauma and offers hope through descriptions of novel approaches to treatment. It is based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists in the field.

This book, written by Dr. John E. Sarno, presents a groundbreaking approach to understanding and treating chronic back pain. Dr. Sarno's research on Tension Myoneural Syndrome (TMS) suggests that stress, anxiety, and other psychological factors, rather than structural abnormalities, are the root cause of chronic pain. The book explains how repressed emotions trigger tension in the body, depriving muscles and nerves of oxygen, and provides guidance on recognizing the emotional roots of TMS and severing the connection between mental and physical pain. It also advises on how to accept negative emotions, resume physical activity, and change the brain's behavior to heal shoulder, neck, and lower back pain without drugs, surgery, or physical therapy.