Altered States

In South Africa, a former ballet dancer and horseback rider struggled for years with anorexia. After undergoing in-patient treatment and regular therapy, she tried psychedelics, and that’s when she got her first meaningful glimpse into what her mind would be like without anorexia. So is this actually a potential treatment? Early research suggests it could be. And now, at the University of California, San Francisco a new study is underway, exploring whether psilocybin might help young adults with severe anorexia. If you or someone you know are struggling with an eating disorder, help is available. Please call the National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline at 866-662-1235. And for 24/7 support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text “HOME” to 741741 to reach the crisis text line.

Adriana Rodriguez, a dedicated reporter, immerses herself in the peyote harvesting rituals of South Texas. She discusses her journey to document Indigenous practices alongside spiritual leader Sandor Ironrope and elder-relative Julius Not Afraid. They explore the cultural significance of peyote, the conservation efforts to protect this sacred plant, and how ceremonies reconnect youth with their language and identity. Adriana shares her personal experiences of harvest and her emotional journey home to her Lakota roots.

Clint Cannell is a neuroscientist focused on serotonin receptors and psychedelic compounds. He shares insights on how researchers determine if mice are experiencing psychedelics, notably through the curious head-twitch response. The conversation dives into the significance of this behavior in drug development and the link to human consciousness. They also explore whether mice have mystical experiences, the history of animal psychedelic research, and the implications of non-hallucinogenic therapeutics to aid mental health.

Curtis Fox, a seasoned reporter and producer, shares the compelling journey of a former Navy SEAL, Craig, who faced memory loss after nearly three decades in military service. They discuss Craig’s pivotal decision to seek ibogaine treatment in Mexico, sparked by rising cognitive issues. The podcast delves into Craig's intense experience during the session, leading to unexpected feelings of relief. Gretchen, Craig’s wife, offers insights into their family struggles, emphasizing that while ibogaine can initiate change, healing requires ongoing effort.

Julia Diaz-Carnero, an investigative reporter from Brazil, explores the intersection of spirituality and politics within the União do Vegetal, a prominent ayahuasca church. She discusses shocking allegations of political indoctrination and brainwashing during rituals. Former members reveal a connection to Brazil's political turmoil, including pro-Bolsonaro sentiment among influential figures. Julia highlights internal conflicts, legal challenges, and the struggles of LGBTQ members. Ultimately, she calls for reform while acknowledging the complexities of community attachment and the need for accountability.

Chief Yama Nomanawa, a guardian of the ayahuasca tradition from Brazil's Nomanawa/Nokekoi community, shares insights on the urgent need to protect the Amazon. He discusses the devastating impact of deforestation on the land and ancestral medicines like uni. Chief Yama explains the cultural importance of ayahuasca, its role in healing, and the responsibilities of pajé healers. He advocates for respectful engagement with this sacred plant and condemns its commercialization, emphasizing the need for collaboration with indigenous guardians to preserve their traditions.

Halima Shah, an investigative reporter and producer, delves into Eben Alexander's profound near-death experience during a coma. They explore whether his visions of the afterlife were genuine or simply the brain's DMT response. Halima discusses skepticism around NDEs, Rick Strassman's DMT research, and fascinating animal studies. Eben shares his transformation from a materialist scientist to a spiritual advocate, highlighting the limitations of scientific explanations for death. They ponder the cultural influences on these experiences and the ethical implications of using psychedelics as death preparation.

Bill Richards, a clinical psychologist and pioneer in psychedelic-assisted therapy, shares insights on the origins and evolution of the Johns Hopkins playlist, highlighting how music shapes different phases of psychedelic experiences. Fred Barrett, a cognitive neuroscientist, explores the intersection of memory and music during psychedelic sessions, revealing gaps in understanding this relationship. They discuss the need for cultural sensitivity in playlist design and ponder whether music alone can evoke psychedelic-like effects, leaving listeners intrigued by the science behind sound and the mind.

Join journalist Michael Pollan, who explores the intersection of psychedelics and spirituality, alongside Sugra Ahmed, a Muslim leader dedicated to integrating Islamic perspectives on psychedelics. They discuss how a groundbreaking study at Johns Hopkins examined psilocybin's impact on religious leaders, revealing profound mystical experiences and personal transformations. Sugra shares her initial hesitations about participation, while Pollan highlights the tensions between science and spirituality. Their insights illuminate the potential for psychedelics to foster genuine divine encounters and community building.

Over the next ten episodes we’re going to explore two distinct camps in the world of psychedelics. On one side there’s the realm of spiritualists, mystical experiences, and psychedelic churches. And on the other are scientists, clinical trials, animal studies and psychopharmacologists. These two camps are often far apart but when they get all tangled up together things get really interesting.