Rick Doblin

Rick Doblin, Ph.D., is the founder of MAPS, which promotes evidence-based psychedelic therapy. He discusses the transformative power of MDMA-assisted therapy for veterans with PTSD and the ongoing legal battles for psychedelic access. The conversation dives into historical uses of psychedelics, the societal implications of drug laws, and the potential of psychedelics to foster empathy in a divided world. Doblin also shares insights from his global initiatives, emphasizing the need for community support in healing trauma.

When you look at the world, it can feel like we're in a precarious moment. If you’ve listened to past episodes, you know we call this the meta-crisis — an era of overlapping and interconnected crises like climate change, polarization, and the rise of decentralized technologies like synthetic biology. It can feel like we’re on a path to destroy ourselves.That's why we’re talking to Rick Doblin, the founder and executive director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, or MAPS. They’re a nonprofit focused on educating and researching the benefits of using psychedelic therapy to address PTSD and promote humane ways of relating worldwide.Doblin’s vision is for nothing less than a transformation of society through psychedelic-assisted therapy – not for the drugs themselves, but for their ability to help us react to one another with compassion, appreciate differences, and accept criticism.Given the perma-crisis we face, it’s provocative to think about a tool that, when prescribed and used safely, could help us overcome rivalrous dynamics out in the world and on social media. If we rescue our hijacked brains, we can heal from the constant trauma inflation we get online, and shrink the perception gap that splits us into tribes.Both MAPS and Center for Humane Technology want to understand what helps minds heal and be free. We invite you to keep an open mind about a different kind of humane technology as you listen to this episode. Correction: Doblin attributes a quote to Stan Grof about psychedelics helping your ego be “transparent to the transcendent.” In his book Pathways to Bliss, Joseph Campbell wrote, "When a deity serves as a model for you, your life becomes transparent to the transcendent as long as you realize the inspiring power of that deity. This means living not in the name of worldly success and achievement, but rather in the name of the transcendent, letting the energy manifest through you.” Grof was likely paraphrasing Campbell’s work and applying it to psychedelics. Additional credits:The episode contains an original musical composition by Jeff Sudakin. Used with permission. RECOMMENDED MEDIA Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)The non-profit founded by Rick Doblin in 1986 focused on developing medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and marijuana. MAPS has some open clinical trials; see details on their website. Rick Doblin’s TED talkIn this fascinating dive into the science of psychedelics, Doblin explains how drugs like LSD, psilocybin and MDMA affect your brain - and shows how, when paired with psychotherapy, they could change the way we treat PTSD, depression, substance abuse and more.How to Change Your Mind by Michael PollanPollan writes of his own consciousness-expanding experiments with psychedelic drugs, and makes the case for why shaking up the brain's old habits could be therapeutic for people facing addiction, depression, or death.How to Change Your Mind on NetflixThe docuseries version of Pollan’s bookBreath by James NestorThis popular science book provides a historical, scientific and personal account of breathing, with special focus on the differences between mouth breathing and nasal breathing.Insight timerA free app for sleep, anxiety, and stress RECOMMENDED YUA EPISODES You Will Never Breathe the Same Again with James Nestorhttps://www.humanetech.com/podcast/38-you-will-never-breathe-the-same-againTwo Million Years in Two Hours: A Conversation with Yuval Noah Harari https://www.humanetech.com/podcast/28-two-million-years-in-two-hours-a-conversation-with-yuval-noah-harariYour Undivided Attention is produced by the Center for Humane Technology. Follow us on Twitter: @HumaneTech_ 

Rick Doblin, founder of MAPS, shares his groundbreaking insights on MDMA, revealing its potential to revolutionize PTSD treatment. He dives into the molecule's history, the obstacles leading to its criminalization, and his passionate advocacy for its therapeutic use. The conversation dissects myths surrounding MDMA's safety and touches on the intricacies of current FDA trials for MDMA therapy. With compelling stories and a vision for a compassionate future, this dialogue underscores the importance of reevaluating drug classifications to embrace psychedelic healing.

Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice explore psychedelics and mind-bending research with Rick Doblin, President of Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). They discuss treating PTSD, the history of psychedelics, the impact of methamphetamine, and the potential benefits of psychedelics in therapy.

Rick Doblin, founder of MAPS and a leader in psychedelic research, dives into the transformative potential of psychedelics. He discusses how substances like MDMA and LSD can promote emotional healing and ego dissolution, drawing connections between personal experiences and scientific breakthroughs. Doblin also highlights the delicate balance between profit and purpose in psychedelic therapy advocacy, emphasizing the promise they hold for mental health improvements. The conversation reveals the evolving landscape of psychedelic research and its impact on society.

Rick Doblin, founder of MAPS, shares his 37-year journey advocating for MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. He discusses shifting perceptions of psychedelics from 'recreational' use to therapeutic potential. Doblin explains the intricacies of MDMA therapy, emphasizing its transformative impact on neuroplasticity and mental health. With humor and heart, he also reflects on his unconventional bond with a pet wolf, symbolizing deeper connections and healing. The conversation highlights both the rigorous research behind these therapies and the urgent need for societal change in mental health approaches.

Rick Doblin, the founder of MAPS and a key figure in the psychedelic movement, teams up with filmmaker Nirvan Mullick, who spent a decade documenting this journey. They delve into the transformative power of psychedelics and storytelling in shaping narratives for societal change. Rick shares personal experiences and challenges faced in the fight for MDMA's FDA approval, while Nirvan reflects on the importance of compelling narratives in promoting public understanding. Together, they explore how these elements can catalyze a global shift in consciousness.

Rick Doblin, Ph.D., is the founder of MAPS and a pioneer in psychedelic research. In this discussion, he shares insights on the FDA's handling of MDMA trials, emphasizing miscommunications that led to setbacks for Lykos Therapeutics. Doblin argues that neglecting public perception was a critical mistake and explores the bias at the FDA. He also highlights the need for better public education and drug policy reform, contrasting U.S. and European regulatory approaches while discussing innovative international MDMA therapy initiatives.

Original broadcast date: Friday, March 19, 2021. Our senses can only take us so far in understanding the world. But with the right tools, we can dig deeper. This hour, TED speakers take us through the looking glass, where we explore new frontiers. Guests include astrophysicist Emily Levesque, wildlife filmmaker Ariel Waldman, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapist Rick Doblin and science fiction author Charlie Jane Anders.TED Radio Hour+ subscribers now get access to bonus episodes, with more ideas from TED speakers and a behind the scenes look with our producers. A Plus subscription also lets you listen to regular episodes (like this one!) without sponsors. Sign-up at: plus.npr.org/ted Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Sarko Gergerian, a police officer and MDMA-assisted psychotherapist, joins Rick Doblin, founder of MAPS, and Diane Goldstein, former lieutenant at LEAP, to discuss the evolution of law enforcement's relationship with psychedelics. They explore how psychedelics can transform crisis response training for officers, enhance mental health support, and heal trauma among first responders. The conversation highlights the urgent need for progressive policies to promote therapeutic models and shift societal narratives around drug use.