Altered States

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.

A former Navy SEAL named Craig deployed nine times over nearly three decades in the military. When he left the service, he felt lucky to have all his limbs, toes and fingers. But he found himself struggling with language and memory and rising frustration. One day he forgot his wife’s name and couldn’t remember it for hours. His wife Gretchen started looking for help online and found information about a Stanford University research study on ibogaine and veterans. Craig volunteered. For a transcript of this episode, please visit this link.

Adriana Rodriguez, a dedicated reporter, shares her insights on peyote conservation efforts at the Native American Church conference. She discusses Indigenous leaders' urgent push for federal protections before the election. The conversation explores the shrinking peyote supply, the legal history around its use, and contemporary threats like poaching and environmental pressures. Youth engagement in preserving peyote traditions also takes center stage, highlighting a commitment to cultural continuity and activism. Rodriguez's narrative captures the intertwined fate of a sacred plant and its community.

Anna Silman, a journalist exploring the dual nature of ketamine, shares her findings on its rising popularity in both therapy and nightlife. She reveals alarming trends of dependency through the personal story of Olivia, a former user recently out of rehab. They discuss how societal attitudes and marketing influence recreational use, warning that the U.S. may be underestimating addiction risks. With comparisons to the opioid crisis, they emphasize the need for a balanced view on ketamine’s therapeutic potential versus its dangers.

Graham Boyd is an attorney and drug policy strategist, instrumental in shaping state-level cannabis and psychedelic initiatives. Alongside journalist Damiano Marchetti, they delve into Oregon's psilocybin journey, contrasting successes and setbacks with Measure 110. Boyd shares insights from the cannabis campaign, including the importance of gradual, regulated rollouts to avoid backlash and how to effectively frame psychedelics within a mental health context. They explore the potential future of psychedelics, including the risks and therapeutic focus that could differentiate it from cannabis.

Ernesto Londoño, a national correspondent and former war reporter, opens up about his transformative journey through ayahuasca retreats across Latin America. He shares how his traumatic experiences from war zones drove him to seek healing and self-discovery. The conversation dives into the interplay between personal healing and psychedelics, discussing the emotional revelations faced during ceremonies. Ernesto also addresses the complexities of integrating psychedelic practices in modern mental health and the implications for indigenous cultures, providing profound insights on personal growth.