Intelligence Squared cover image

Intelligence Squared

Michael Pollan and Xand Van Tulleken on the Science of Psychedelics

Dec 6, 2023
Michael Pollan, author of 'How To Change Your Mind,' talks with Xand Van Tulleken about the science of psychedelics. They discuss the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in confronting death, their medical and therapeutic use, personal growth experiences, the power of psychedelics and music, and contemplating the existence of consciousness outside the mind.
48:02

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Psychedelic therapy shows promise in helping terminally ill patients confront their mortality and make behavioral changes.
  • Psychedelics have the potential to increase openness, reduce defensiveness, and lead to profound insights and behavior change.

Deep dives

The therapeutic potential of psychedelics in facing mortality

In this podcast episode, Michael Pollan discusses his book 'How to Change Your Mind' and the revival of research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. He explores how psychedelics, such as psilocybin, have been shown to help terminally ill patients deal with existential distress and fear surrounding death. The therapy involves carefully guided psychedelic trips, which have led to profound shifts in perspective and a redefinition of the boundaries of the self. This therapy shows promise in helping individuals confront their mortality and make significant behavioral changes.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode