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Intelligence Squared

Michael Pollan and Xand Van Tulleken on the Science of Psychedelics

Dec 6, 2023
47:32
Snipd AI
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.
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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.

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