Living Mirrors with Dr. James Cooke

Sasha Sisko, a non-binary author and ethnopharmacology student, dives deep into the legal history of psychedelics in the U.S. They discuss the transformation from 1960s prohibition to today's acceptance within religious contexts, focusing on Indigenous practices and their fight for rights. The conversation uncovers the controversial legacy of Timothy Leary and the political motivations of Nixon's War on Drugs. Sisko emphasizes love and justice as essential to navigating the complex landscape of psychedelics and their therapeutic potential.

W. Keith Campbell, a leading expert on narcissism and professor at the University of Georgia, dives deep into the psychology of personality. He distinguishes between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, exploring their impacts on relationships. The discussion also touches on the nexus of narcissism and psychedelics, revealing the allure of guru-like personas. Campbell introduces the 'dark' and 'light' triads, advocating for compassion in personal growth while highlighting the societal implications of narcissism and the need for genuine connections.

In this enlightening conversation, Shinzen Young, a meditation teacher trained in various Buddhist and Native American traditions, shares his journey through spirituality and science. He explores the intricate ties between Buddhism and shamanism, shedding light on how practices like deity yoga adapt across cultures. Shinzen also recounts his transformative sweat lodge experience and discusses the profound intersection of science and humility, emphasizing how mindfulness can bridge belief systems and deepen our understanding of the human experience.

Sharon Salzberg is a meditation teacher and bestselling author. Her emphasis is on vipassanā, or insight meditation, and mettā, or loving-kindness meditation. In 1974, she co-founded the Insight Meditation Society with Jack Kornfield and Joseph Goldstein and she has been leading meditation retreats around the world for over three decades. Her books include Lovingkindness, A Heart as Wide as the World, Real Happiness, Real Love and, most recently, Real Change. Today we speak about mindfulness, loving kindness, and the power of love to heal and make change in the world.

Rob, the creator of Adeptus Psychonautica, dives deep into his transformative journey with psychedelics like DMT and ayahuasca. He shares how his focus shifted from recreational use to healing anxiety through intentional practice. The discussion highlights the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, the importance of community, and the need for responsible use. Rob also critiques the commercialization of psychedelic culture while emphasizing the delicate balance between surrendering to these experiences and staying grounded.

Suffering in society, domination & the US Capitol siege

Marcela Ot’alora G. is a psychedelic psychotherapist and artist, known for her work with MAPS on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. In this discussion, she emphasizes reframing trauma responses as valuable coping mechanisms. Marcela explains how MDMA fosters a sense of safety, allowing clients to process trauma without fear. She delves into the inner dynamics of self-recognition during therapy and the unique healing potential of MDMA compared to traditional methods, advocating for its therapeutic accessibility and the importance of supportive environments in the healing journey.

End of 2020 reflections

Lawrence Millman, an adventure-driven mycologist and author, dives deep into the fascinating world of Arctic mushroom shamanism. He shares insights on the cultural significance of the Amanita muscaria mushroom among the Chokchi people and its historical ties to the Santa Claus myth. Millman illuminates the transformation of shamanistic practices into modern folklore while discussing how laughter acts as a vital coping mechanism in northern cultures. His thrilling adventures in Arctic exploration reveal a unique blend of ecology, culture, and history.

Jerry B Brown is an anthropologist, activist and author. He received his doctorate in Anthropology from Cornell University in 1972 and, until 2014, served as founding professor of anthropology at Florida International University in Miami. Here, in 1975, he started offering a pioneering course in "Hallucinogens and Culture". More recently he has performed field work exploring the possibility that psychoactive mushrooms may have played a hidden role in Christianity and their use is depicted in Christian art. This is documented in his book The Psychedelic Gospels which is co-authored with his wife Julie and is what we talk about today. Links: Hallucinogens and Culture course syllabus: Hallucinogens and Culture course sign up: article about the course: