Robin Carhart-Harris

Robin Carhart-Harris, a distinguished professor at UCSF, is a leading authority on psychedelics and their impact on mental health. In this discussion, he explores how compounds like psilocybin can reshape brain wiring and treat conditions such as depression and anorexia. He emphasizes the importance of safe therapeutic practices, including music and eye-masks, during journeys. The conversation also touches on microdosing versus macrodosing, the evolving legal landscape, and the transformative potential of psychedelics in enhancing brain connectivity and emotional resilience.

Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, a leading researcher in psychedelic science and Professor at UCSF, dives deep into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. He discusses how these substances can reshape our understanding of trauma and promote personal transformation. The conversation also touches on the interplay between chaos and order in creativity and consciousness, the importance of playfulness in therapy, and how urban living impacts mental well-being. Carhart-Harris emphasizes the need for innovative approaches in mental health care to enable true healing and growth.

Join neuroscientist Robin Carhart-Harris, a pioneer in psychedelic therapy, as he delves into how psychedelics can reshape mental health. He reveals how these compounds can boost brain plasticity, offering new avenues for treatment-resistant depression. The discussion covers the significance of set and setting for healing, the varying responses to psychedelic sessions, and the risks of self-medication. Carhart-Harris also explores the future of personalized treatments, merging psychedelics with AI to enhance recovery and understanding of consciousness.

Jeannie Fontana, MD-PhD, a trailblazer in healthcare and ALS research funding, joins Robin Carhart-Harris, the founder of the Center for Psychedelic Research. They explore the TREAT Initiative in California, aiming to secure vital funding for psychedelic treatments in mental health. The conversation covers the legal landscape for psychedelics, the importance of safe therapeutic practices, and ongoing advocacy efforts. They also delve into the neuroscience behind psychedelics, discussing their potential for treating conditions like PTSD and their impact on brain function.

Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, Ralph Metzner Distinguished Professor at UCSF, is a leading voice in psychedelic research. He discusses the brain's default mode network and its significance in consciousness. The conversation highlights the transformative potential of psychedelics compared to traditional medications, the complexities of therapeutic applications, and the need for a supportive framework during psychedelic experiences. He also shares insights into his groundbreaking studies on 5-MeO-DMT and the challenges in integrating psychedelics into modern healthcare.

Guests Amanda Feilding, a pioneer in psychedelic research, Robin Carhart-Harris, creator of the 'entropic brain' theory, and renowned neuroscientist Christof Koch delve deep into consciousness and psychedelics. They discuss psilocybin's transformative effects and how it can aid in healing trauma. Christof shares his journey exploring 5-MeO-DMT, while Amanda reflects on shifting societal perceptions of psychedelics. Together, they challenge conventional neuroscience, revealing the profound implications these substances have on understanding consciousness.

Can neuroscience explain what happens to the brain on psychedelics? And even if we map the brain while it’s tripping, does that tell us why these experiences can be so transformative?  We’ll talk with some of the pioneers in psychedelic research — from Amanda Feilding’s boundary-busting work to Robin Carhart-Harris’ theory of the "entropic brain." Also, renowned neuroscientist Christof Koch goes down the rabbit hole on 5-MeO-DMT, also known as toad venom.   Original Air Date: July 15, 2023 Interviews In This Hour: Exploring consciousness on toad venom — The godmother of the European psychedelic revival — How therapeutic psilocybin could help heal long-buried trauma — Magic mushrooms and the 'entropic brain' Guests: Christof Koch, Amanda Feilding, David Nutt, Robin Carhart-Harris Never want to miss an episode? Subscribe to the podcast. Want to hear more from us, including extended interviews and favorites from the archive? Subscribe to our newsletter.

Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris discusses psychedelics, plasticity, set and setting in research. Talks about origins, early LSD studies, potential for pain management, fibromyalgia, anorexia, and therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. Explores cultural impact of MDMA on nightclub culture.

Robin Carhart-Harris, a neuroscientist and psychopharmacologist at UCSF, dives into the fascinating world of psychedelics and their impact on the brain. He unpacks the 'entropic brain' hypothesis, revealing how psychedelics increase brain entropy, leading to heightened consciousness. The discussion covers the therapeutic potential of substances like psilocybin for conditions such as PTSD and depression, and critiques current regulatory hurdles. Insights into brain connectivity and the complexities of consciousness make this a thought-provoking exploration.

Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, a leading neuropharmacologist and professor at UCSF, dives into the brain's response to SSRIs versus psychedelics. He reveals how psychedelics like psilocybin can reboot emotional processing while SSRIs often blunt it. The discussion touches on groundbreaking studies showing psilocybin's potential to treat resistant depression. John Downs, a microdosing advocate, emphasizes policy reforms for broader microdosing access. They explore neuroplasticity and the intricate changes in the brain brought by these alternative therapies.