Sterling Cooley, a researcher and biotech entrepreneur, dives into the fascinating world of xenon, a noble gas with potential psychedelic-like effects. He shares how a personal health crisis led him to explore the therapeutic properties of xenon over other anesthetics like nitrous oxide and ketamine. Sterling explains its connection to microtubules and consciousness, discussing euphoria and visionary experiences reported by users. The conversation also touches on harm reduction and safe practices for exploring xenon’s unique effects.
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insights INSIGHT
Xenon’s Surprising Potency
Xenon is a noble gas that paradoxically produces potent dissociative and psychedelic-like effects even at tiny doses.
Its potency challenges conventional expectations because it is chemically inert yet biologically active.
insights INSIGHT
Microtubules As Anesthetic Targets
Hameroff and colleagues model anesthetic binding and point to microtubules as key targets for consciousness-modulating drugs.
This suggests anesthetics may act deeper than synapses, possibly altering microtubule-related processes tied to awareness.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Health Crisis Sparked Xenon Interest
Sterling developed ulcerative colitis and used nitrous oxide to relieve severe pain when opioids felt unacceptable.
The nitrous experience produced vivid out-of-body imagery that sparked his deeper interest in gaseous anesthetics.
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In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes researcher and entrepreneur Sterling Cooley to explore xenon—the noble gas with surprising psychedelic-like effects. Sterling shares how his own health crisis led him from nitrous oxide to xenon, and why he believes gaseous anesthetics open a unique window into consciousness.
Sterling connects xenon to microtubule research (Orch OR), contrasts it with ketamine and nitrous, and discusses harm-reduction considerations, trip reports, and integration. The discussion bridges Sterling’s personal journey with emerging scientific theories, offering a thoughtful look at xenon’s potential role in consciousness and healing.
Guest Bio Sterling Cooley is a researcher and biotech entrepreneur working in ultrasound neuromodulation and noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation. Over the past decade, he has collaborated with Dr. Stuart Hameroff on microtubules, quantum consciousness, and novel anesthetics. Sterling is focused on xenon, a noble gas with both anesthetic and psychedelic-like properties. Through his community at Skool.com/Ultra, he supports safe, informed exploration of xenon’s therapeutic and consciousness-expanding potential.
Highlights:
What xenon is and why it fascinates researchers
Sterling’s personal health journey with gaseous anesthetics
Microtubules, Orch OR, and models of consciousness
Xenon vs. ketamine vs. nitrous: similarities and differences
Harm-reduction guidance for gaseous psychedelics
Visionary and higher-self experiences on xenon
Potential applications for pain and PTSD
Why microtubules may bridge mind, matter, and ideals
Disclaimer: Third Wave’s content is for educational and informational purposes only. We do not provide medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your mental or physical health. Nothing here is intended as encouragement to use any substance, and we do not advocate for illegal activity.
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