Understand

Tim Hayward recounts his vivid experiences during a 14-day coma linked to the pandemic, sparking a deep dive into the world of psychedelics. He explores their therapeutic potential for conditions like depression and the challenges in integrating these therapies into practice. The podcast also delves into the mystical realms of DMT and its impact on belief systems. Additionally, it highlights the need for curiosity-driven funding for psychedelic research and the importance of diverse representation in studies. The quest for understanding consciousness continues!

Tim Hayward shares his vivid coma experience from the pandemic, leading to a deep dive into the psychedelic realm. He explores the burgeoning interest in psychedelics for mental health treatment and the ethical issues surrounding the commercialization of sacred plants. Indigenous voices raise alarms over cultural appropriation, reminiscent of historical injustices. The podcast also emphasizes the urgent need to acknowledge indigenous rights and integrate traditional wisdom with modern scientific practices for a brighter future.

Tim Hayward dives deep into the psychedelic landscape, recounting his vivid and surreal experiences during a coma. The conversation highlights the potential of psychedelics for mental health therapies, as research surges despite historical stigmas. Advocates push for policy changes to ease research barriers in the UK, while inspiring stories showcase how psilocybin aids in confronting existential crises. The episode also tackles recent legal advancements, reflecting on how societal attitudes are shifting toward acceptance in medicine.

Tim Hayward shares intriguing insights from his 14-day coma during the pandemic, filled with vivid hallucinations. He explores the history of psychedelics, from early research in the 18th century to their decline in the 1970s. Through discussions on cultural shifts and societal perceptions, the podcast tackles the controversial relationship between psychedelics and mental health. Key moments include Aldous Huxley’s experiences and the media’s role in shaping drug narratives. The exploration highlights both the fascination and the taboos surrounding altered states of consciousness.

Gül Dölen, a neuroscientist at UC Berkeley, dives into the remarkable intersection of psychedelics and human learning. She discusses how substances like LSD mimic serotonin and may reopen critical developmental periods in adulthood, potentially enhancing learning and recovery from neurological conditions. The conversation touches on the effects of psychedelics on social behaviors and the importance of the right support in integration. Dölen's research could unveil new avenues in therapy and our understanding of brain function.

Tim Hayward vividly recounts his two-week coma during the pandemic, setting the stage for a deep dive into psychedelics. He explores the historical journey of substances like cocaine and opium, revealing society's shifting perceptions. The podcast spotlights pioneering figures in psychedelic therapy, including groundbreaking research in the 1950s on LSD for addiction treatment. Tales from a nurse highlight the human connections formed during therapy sessions, shedding light on the evolving landscape of mental health and the quest to understand consciousness.

Tim Hayward explores the intriguing world of psychedelics and their potential for healing mental health issues. He shares the story of a paramedic's quest for alternative therapy, revealing insights from his own trauma and the impact on his well-being. The discussion spans psychedelic tourism, the experiences of participants in ayahuasca ceremonies, and the transformative power these substances can wield. With a blend of science and personal stories, the podcast uncovers the complex relationship between consciousness and altered states.

Dive into an intriguing exploration of DMT, a powerful psychedelic sparking interest for its clinical potential. Discover bizarre tales of encounters with hyper-intelligent entities and the mysterious toad-derived molecule, 5-MeO. Experts discuss how these experiences challenge our understanding of consciousness and reality, connecting science with spiritual dimensions. As Tim navigates personal testimonies and groundbreaking research, the complex relationship between psychedelics, mental health, and human awareness unfolds in captivating detail.

During the early weeks of the pandemic, Tim Hayward spent 14 days in a coma. He remembers this time vividly – his days and nights filled with strange, incandescent visions and hallucinations. That experience is something he would never choose to revisit but, around the world, large numbers of people are deliberately seeking out powerfully altered states. In this ten-part series, Tim sets out to better understand a group of substances that induce altered states: psychedelics. There’s been a surge of interest in their therapeutic potential for various mental health conditions - as well as a range of other clinical possibilities. As research around the world ramps up after years of taboo and prohibition he tries to get to grips with - or at least get a clearer sense of - how science, culture, politics and business might all interact in this changing psychedelic landscape, and what it all might mean. He also explores what might be happening in the brain during a trip and whether, by studying psychedelics, we might uncover more about consciousness, imagination and even the mysteries of reality itself.In this second episode Tim stares at a rose, encounters an inflatable head, and tries to get to grips with the anatomy of a trip.Contributors: Eugenia Bone, journalist and author of “How to Have a Good Trip” Steven A. Jones, filmmaker Katrin Preller, neuropsychologist and neuroimaging researcher, University of Zurich Presenter: Tim Hayward Series Producer: Richard Ward Executive Producer: Rosamund Jones Editor: Kirsten Lass Written by Tim Hayward and Richard Ward Sound Design and Mixing: Richard Ward Researcher: Grace Revill Voiceover Artist: Sandra-Mae Lux Commissioning Editor: Daniel Clarke A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4

During the early weeks of the pandemic, Tim Hayward spent 14 days in a coma. He remembers this time vividly – his days and nights filled with strange, incandescent visions and hallucinations. That experience is something he would never choose to revisit but, around the world, large numbers of people are deliberately seeking out powerfully altered states. In this ten-part series, Tim sets out to better understand a group of substances that induce altered states: psychedelics. There’s been a surge of interest in their therapeutic potential for various mental health conditions - as well as a range of other clinical possibilities. As research around the world ramps up after years of taboo and prohibition he tries to get to grips with - or at least get a clearer sense of - how science, culture, politics and business might all interact in this changing psychedelic landscape, and what it all might mean. He also explores what might be happening in the brain during a trip and whether, by studying psychedelics, we might uncover more about consciousness, imagination and even the mysteries of reality itself.In this first episode he discovers where psychedelics come from, gets terrified about ergot poisoning, and hears from a scientist at the forefront of clinical research looking at psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for treatment resistant depression.Contributors: Lucie Berkovitch, psychiatrist and neuroscientist, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences Erika Dyck, historian of psychedelics, University of Saskatchewan Mike Jay, author and cultural historian David Luke, psychologist and psychedelic researcher, University of GreenwichPresenter: Tim Hayward Series Producer: Richard Ward Executive Producer: Rosamund Jones Editor: Kirsten Lass Written by Tim Hayward and Richard Ward Sound Design and Mixing: Richard Ward Researcher: Grace Revill Voiceover Artist: Sandra-Mae Lux Commissioning Editor: Daniel Clarke A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4