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Episode 40 - David Jay Brown, A Legend in Psychedelic Consciousness This episode of the MAPS podcast features a dynamic consciousness surfing conversation with author David Jay Brown. I've known David for over 30 years and have watched him dance with the legends of psychedelic culture, exchange ideas with them and then morph into a legend all his own. From John Lilly to Albert Hoffman to Tim Leary, David always managed to extract the best from these brilliant minds and then build off of it to form his own magnificent insights into alternative culture and trans-personal evolution. Our conversation ranged from revisiting history to today's psychedelic research and its mind expanding potentials. David Jay Brown is an American writer, interviewer and consciousness researcher. Brown has studied parapsychology, and the effects of psychoactive drugs. With parapsychologist Rupert Sheldrake, he studied pets and people who apparently anticipate events. Brown has served as a guest editor for the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), and he has published many interviews of prominent thinkers.

Episode 39 of the MAPS podcast features yet another exclusive interview with one of the great thinkers of the modern psychedelic revolution, James Oroc. Our conversation with James takes us on a journey through his highly evolved insights, opinions and experiences on topics ranging from 5-MEO DMT, the re-birth of LSD, Sasha Shulgin and the culture wars that are present throughout the 21st Century consciousness expansion movement. James is one of the most unique voices within the new wave of psychedelic consciousness and his wisdom, humor and conviction are a necessary ingredient for the future. Intro: Remembering Ralph Metzner James Oroc - Journalist, photographer, and artist James Oroc was born in the small South Pacific nation of Aotearoa. Since 1998 he has been pursuing and reporting on the cutting edge of extreme sports in more than 40 countries around the globe, his work appearing in magazines, films, and on MTV Sports. He has been a member of the Burning Man community since 1999, and he is also involved in the documentation and advancement of “Alternative Culture.” Oroc resides in the Dominican Republic. 

Episode 38: Dr. Andrew Weil, The New Science of Psychedelics for Mental Health. A MAPS Podcast Exclusive This episode of the show features an exclusive interview with the legendary Dr. Andrew Weil. The interview centers around the new science of psychedelics and why current research plays such an important role in crafting a new model for overall integrative medicine. Dr. Weil lends his insight and expertise into the areas of psychedelic research that go hand in hand with his decades long work into alternative medicine and overall well being. Dr. Weil has seen 50 years of psychedelic research go through many peaks and valleys and we're honored to have gotten his input for this amazing interview. Andrew Weil, M.D., is a world-renowned leader and pioneer in the field of integrative medicine, a healing oriented approach to health care which encompasses body, mind, and spirit. ---Special Announcement-- We are offering 2 exclusive free VIP tickets to the Psychedelic Evening Panel event at IMHC 2019, along with two signed copies of Michael Pollan’s book “How to Change your Mind.” This special event is part of the premier Integrative Mental Health Conference (imhc2019.com) and will be from 7-9pm, Wednesday, April 16th at the San Francisco Hilton Union Square. Panelists include Dr. Weil, Dr. Charles Raison (CNN’s mental health expert), Michael Pollan and will be moderated by Christine Whelan. You will learn about the new science of psychedelics and what this means for mental health care. Event check-in begins along with a Michael Pollan book signing between 5:30pm-6:30pm. … For a chance to win: Go to www.imhc2019.com/giveaway to enter. The winner will be announced on March 29th. Follow me on Instagram @zachlearydrome and use hash tag #mapsdrweil to receive an extra chance to win. We hope you will join us for the whole conference and register before April 1st for a reduced registration fee! Use code MAPS to save 10% off registration.  

Episode 37 - Dr. Gabor Mate: Jungle To Civilization - How Plant Medicines Can Promote Health In a Toxic Culture We dig into the MAPS archives again and go back to the 2017 Psychedelic Science conference for this inspired talk from luminary, Dr. Gabor Mate. Gabor takes us through the history of plant medicines in indigenous cultures and how their wisdom of sacred healing can be applied to life in the modern world. Toxic culture in the form of disease, addiction, communication and environment can be addressed by going beyond the symptoms and into the root cause of the issue. Rather than offering quick-fix solutions to these complex issues, Dr. Maté weaves together scientific research, case histories, and his own insights and experience to present a broad perspective that enlightens and empowers people to promote their own healing and that of those around them. Dr. Gabor Mate Dr. Maté has written several bestselling books including the award-winning In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction; When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress; and Scattered Minds: A New Look at the Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder, and co-authored Hold on to Your Kids. His works have been published internationally in twenty languages.

Episode 36 of the MAPS Podcast features Dr. Ben Sessa's talk from Psychedelic Science 2017 entitled MDMA Therapy - A Child Psychiatrist’s Perspective Ben's insightful, well researched talk examines MDMA's therapeutic potential relating to PTSD and how it goes far beyond what we see with adult veterans and goes deep into the realm of childhood trauma and abuse. This talk offers a fresh perspective on aspects of PTSD therapy that often go unrecognized in the modern psychedelic therapy conversation. Dr. Ben Sessa is a psychiatrist, writer and researcher based out of the UK. Please visit his site at: www.drsessa.com

Episode 35 of the MAPS Podcast features the mastermind and founder of MAPS, Rick Doblin. Rick joins Zach Leary for an extensive 2018 year in review of everything that's happened in the MAPS universe. The interview quickly moves passed the last year and morphs into an oral history of MAPS by weaving together Rick's inspiration that led him to it's 1986 creation. This podcast is a must for all psychedelic enthusiasts, explorers, researchers and cultural historians. Rick's tireless campaign to position MAPS as the leading crusader of legitimate psychedelic research has not only come to fruition but has also transcended those confines by making him one of the most influential figures in championing cognitive liberty. Rick Doblin Rick Doblin, Ph.D., is the founder and executive director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). He received his doctorate in Public Policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, where he wrote his dissertation on the regulation of the medical uses of psychedelics and marijuana and his Master's thesis on a survey of oncologists about smoked marijuana vs. the oral THC pill in nausea control for cancer patients. His undergraduate thesis at New College of Florida was a 25-year follow-up to the classic Good Friday Experiment, which evaluated the potential of psychedelic drugs to catalyze religious experiences.

Episode 34 of the MAPS Podcast is an all new interview with Tricia Eastman, a pioneer in the psychedelic renaissance. Our conversation takes a look at the inquisitive psychedelic work she does in the deep corners of what's left of the worlds indigenous cultures. Because her work covers the globe I especially wanted to see what wisdom she brings back is applicable to the American experience. Her tales of mind expanding explorations in these cultures is a beautiful juxtaposition against the life we take for granted. Tricia is a fresh yet wise voice in the psychedelic community. I hope you enjoy this podcast as much as I did. Intro topics: End of the year podcast with Rick Doblin, advertising on the MAPS podcast and psychedelic therapy career tracts. Tricia Eastman is a pioneer in the psychedelic renaissance. Eastman’s holistic approach incorporates eastern philosophy, bio-hacking, soul retrieval, archetypal mapping, meditation, somatic therapy, shamanism. As a medicine woman, she curates retreats in countries where use is legal working 5-MeO-DMT, from the Sonoran Desert Toad and Iboga. She has been initiated into Bwiti traditions of Mboumba Eyano and trained in the Missoko, as well as facilitated the psychospiritual iboga program for Crossroads Treatment Center in Mexico.  

Episode 33 of the MAPS Podcast digs deep into the archives, all the way back to Psychedelic Science 2013! Matthew Baggott discussed research on how MDMA and related drugs alter emotions and social functioning in people. Because the Phase 3 clinical trials moving full speed ahead it seemed appropriate to re-visit some of the core subject matter behind MDMA and why this research is so important. Matthew Baggott, PhD, is a neuroscientist who has been studying the perceptual and emotional effects of drugs like MDMA in healthy human volunteers for over 13 years. He was part of the first team to receive federal funding to administer MDMA to healthy people and he co-authored the first successful application to administer MDMA to people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He earned his PhD in neuroscience from the University of California, Berkeley and is currently a postdoctoral fellow at University of Chicago.

Episode 32 - Dr. Cole Marta and Shannon Clare Carlin A live panel moderated by Zach Leary - The State of the Psychedelic Union This episode of the MAPS Podcast was recorded live at the PsyFire festival in L.A. and is moderated by Zach Leary featuring Dr. Cole Marta and Shannon Clare Carlin. The discussion covers the current state of psychedelic research as it relates to the MDMA Phase 3 clinical trials and what those exactly look like, anti-depressant treatments with Ketamine, the Zendo Project and cognitive liberty for all of us. Listen and get informed by these two brilliant minds who are the front lines of psychedelic research on a day to day level by making it their lifes work and purpose. Shannon Clare Carlin Shannon is dedicated to working with people through addiction, trauma, relationship, and the body. She received her Master’s Degree in Integral Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies in 2014, including a practicum working with youth on moderation management for drug and alcohol use. Dr. Cole Marta Cole is the principal investigator at the Los Angeles site in the phase 3 trial of MDMA as a treatment for PTSD. We discuss Ketamine therapy, the synaptic cleft, and the strange and mysterious workings of the inner brain.        

The MAPS Podcast is back!! Episode 31 of the show trips the light fantastic with the brilliant, hilarious and insightful comedian - Shane Mauss. Shane discusses his new film Psychonautics - A Comedians Exploration of Psychedelics. Due out in March, the film explores Shane's first hand experiences with psychedelic use and their results on his life and work. Shane is a brave, honest and hilarious story teller who isn't afraid to be raw and transparent by sharing his personal ups and downs found within life's sometimes difficult but always hilarious journey. Sit back and settle into his brilliant mind and findings from the front row of psychonautics. Be sure to check out Shane's current stand up tour called Stand Up Science. Click here for dates and tickets.  

Episode 30 - LIVE from LAPSS: Transcending the Medical Frontiers, Exploring the Future of Psychedelic Drug Research Making up the panel is David Jay Brown, Daniel Pinchbeck, James Oroc, Ben Stewart and was moderated by Zach Leary. Taped live at the first ever Los Angeles based psychedelic symposium (LAPSS) the hour long conversation is a lively exploration into what lies beyond the medical applications of psychedelic drugs. Based on an article written by David Jay Brown the panel itself took on many of the core concepts originally presented in the piece. The science of pleasure, increased creativity, increased problem solving ability, ESP and psychic phenomena are just some of the potential psychedelia applications touched on by these incredible minds. Tune in to hear this engaging, funny and inspiring conversation that opens up the myriad of possibilities on the psychedelic horizon.

Episode 29 with Michael Pollan as he discusses his new book 'How to Change Your Mind - What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression and Transcendence'   Michael beams into the MAPS Podcast for an all new episode of the show. His iconic books on the nature and ethics of food have become staples within the zeitgeist of the modern diet and sustainable agriculture. Now, as evidenced in his new book and this podcast, he's taken on the world of psychedelic science and research with as much insight and objectivity as you would expect from him. Zach Leary's conversation with Michael dives into the importance of the research he studied while writing the book, the origins of his interest on the topic and his own personal experiences with psychedelic medicines. Michael Pollan - For more than thirty years, Michael Pollan has been writing books and articles about the places where nature and culture intersect: on our plates, in our farms and gardens, and in our minds. He is the author of the new book How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence and five New York Times bestsellers.

Episode 28 - Lex Pelger The inner workings of a drug writer as he shares his perspective, spirit and mind. Lex Pelger - the blazingly prolific writer, podcaster, traveling salon MC and psychedelic love warrior beams in for a candid interview recorded exclusively for the MAPS Podcast. As host of the Psychedelic Salon 2.0 podcast & the Greener Grass podcast, archivist of the Psychedelic History Project and organizer of the Blue-Dot psychedelic storytelling tour Lex has amassed a world view unlike anyone else. The podcast roams the various corners of Lex's well equipped mind as he shares his opinions and experiences on the state of psychedelic research, the current cannabis legal climate, the culture of psychonauts and tales from his own life as a professional "drug writer." Lex is a truly wonderful thinker, hilarious provocateur and gifted writer. Keep up on all his work at www.lexpelger.com

Episode 27 - Dieter Hagenbach, Albert Hofmann and His LSD April 2018 marks the 75th anniversary of the first experiences with LSD that Dr. Hofmann embarked on in Basel, Switzerland. It's the perfect occasion to revisit this talk by Dieter which relies heavily on this fantastic book, "Mystic Chemist: The life of AlbertHofmann and His LSD". Taken from the 2013 Psychedelic Science conference, Dieter Hagenbach gives an oral account of the life of AlbertHofmann and his discovery of LSD. The impact that LSD movement had on Western culture is so vast and wide that it marks its place in history as one of the most influential movements that mankind has ever experienced. If you don't know much about the history of Dr. Hofmann and the early days of LSD this podcast will present a wonderful tapestry of that. Additionally, head on over to maps.org to take part in the "Discovering LSD: 75 Years of LSD Experiences" web portal. You'll be glad you did!

Episode 26 - Duncan Trussell, The Psychedelic Evolution of a Comedian Mystic An all new original episode of the MAPS podcast! This one features the great, wise, funny and truly unique Duncan Trussell. Zach sat down with Duncan to discuss the world through the psychedelic lens as only Duncan can see it. We covered how better to integrate our experiences in a complex world, the future of psychedelic research and Duncan's own evolution as a psychonaut growing up in America. Breathe and Enjoy. Duncan Trussell is a comedian and host of The Duncan Trussell Family Hour podcast    

Roland Griffiths and the Johns Hopkins Psilocybin Project - Implications for Spirituality & Therapeutics Live from Psychedelic Science 2017 Roland Griffiths, Ph.D gives the definitive talk about the psilocybin project that's underway at Johns Hopkins. The implications for spirituality and therapeutics is presented from the early sets of data obtained from the study. The program at Johns Hopkins investigates the effects of the classic hallucinogen psilocybin that includes studies of psilocybin-occasioned mystical-type experiences in healthy volunteers, psilocybin-facilitated treatment of psychological distress in cancer patients, psilocybin-facilitated treatment of cigarette smoking cessation, psilocybin effects in beginning and long-term meditators, and psilocybin effects in religious leaders.  Roland Griffiths, Ph.D., is Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Neurosciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His principal research focus in both clinical and preclinical laboratories has been on the behavioral and subjective effects of mood-altering drugs. His research has been largely supported by grants from the National Institute on Health and he is author of over 360 journal articles and book chapters. He has been a consultant to the National Institutes of Health, and to numerous pharmaceutical companies in the development of new psychotropic drugs. He is also currently a member of the Expert Advisory Panel on Drug Dependence for the World Health Organization. He has conducted extensive research with sedative-hypnotics, caffeine, and novel mood-altering drugs.  

This episode of the MAPS podcast takes us on a journey way back into the archives of psychedelic lore by pulling some classic audio from a historic event in 1990. Tucked in the cozy enclave of Maryland many of the worlds great psychedelic luminaries gathered to reflect on the state of psychedelic research, culture and policy. Rick Doblin moderates a panel from this gathering entitled "Psychedelics and The Future" that features on one stage; Timothy Leary, Ram Dass, Terence McKenna, Ralph Metzner, Andy Weil, Emerson Jackson and Robert Zanger. Rick sets the tone by putting forth the question "Where do you see us in the year 2000? What will psychedelics look like in the 90's and where will it take us?" Listen for yourself to hear what these legendary thinkers had to say. Look out for a part two from this gathering because it's OH so good!

Episode 23: Ketamine’s Therapeutic Potential: Practical Considerations for Clinical Use John Hartberg, B.Sc., M.D. Candidate Ketamine is quickly gaining popularity for it's therapeutic value for it's use in treatment-resistant depression and PTSD therapy. This clinical interest has been accompanied by an impressive array of biological and behavioral studies corroborating its antidepressant properties. The first part of this presentation will look at the use of oral ketamine in an outpatient clinical practice in Brisbane, Australia, where a retrospective chart review was conducted on a cohort of patients who had been treated for diagnosed psychiatric conditions. In the second part of the presentation, we’ll examine the latest research on ketamine’s role in psychiatric treatment.  John Hartberg, B.S., is a medical student at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, where he is conducting research at a psychiatric practice using oral ketamine for treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. He holds a B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Minnesota. John previously served as study coordinator for the MAPS-sponsored MDMA therapy study in Marin County. Prior to that, he held an internship with MAPS and compiled data from ibogaine and MDMA studies. He has an interest in medicine in remote and underserved communities, having worked with underserved communities in the Peruvian Amazon, Cambodia, Standing Rock, and the South Pacific.

This episode of the MAPS Podcast is taken from the Psychedelic Science 2017 conference in Oakland, CA. The talk is by the legendary and luminous Kathleen Harrison, M.A. and is entitled "Cannabis and Spirituality - Exploring the Plant Human Spirit Relationship". Kat's decades of work as an ethnobotanist focussed largely on the deeply inter-connected history and relationship between human beings and cannabis. A relationship existing not just in a cultural setting but also a spiritual one. This talk explores the nuances of the relationship, cultural appropriation in respect to psychedelic mysticsm and a holistic blueprint for how one might approach spirituality with cannabis as a guide.  Kathleen (Kat) Harrison, M.A. is an ethnobotanist who loves to explore the relationship between plants, mushrooms and human beings—particularly in the realms that are often hidden: cultural beliefs, personification of species, rituals of healing and initiation, vision-seeking modalities, and artistic creations that illustrate the plant-human relationship. She also studies and teaches the deep history of humans in nature, encompassing both before and since the advent of agriculture. Kathleen founded Botanical Dimensions in 1985, with her then-husband, the late Terence McKenna.  Visit www.botanicaldimensions.org

Episode 21 with Amanda Reiman, PhD The Use of Cannabis as a Substitute for Opiate and Non-Opiate Pain Medication  This episode of the MAPS Podcast presents an alternative treatment method and all around discussion in respect to the opioid crisis facing America. Currently, there are over 20,000 overdose deaths each year as a result of prescribed opiate pain medication. It's a major epidemic that has many opinions and a myriad of possible remedies. Amanda Reiman has done extensive research into using cannabis as a substitute in the treatment of this affliction. This talk is from Psychedelic Science 2017 and includes a brief audience question and answer at the end. Enjoy. Intro: 5 essential psychedelic book recommendations for your library. Amanda Reiman is the California policy manager for the Drug Policy Alliance. Based in San Francisco, Reiman leads DPA’s marijuana reform work in California. Reiman has conducted numerous studies on medical marijuana dispensaries, patients and the use of marijuana as a treatment for addiction. Reiman served as the first chairwoman of the Medical Cannabis Commission for the City of Berkeley and has consulted with various cities and states on the development of medical marijuana policy. Reiman is currently a lecturer in the School of Social Welfare at the University of California-Berkeley, where she teaches Drug and Alcohol Policy, Substance Abuse Treatment, and Sexuality and Social Work.