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Episode 47 - Considerations for the Mainstreaming of Psychedelics Psychedelic Science Summit: Austin, Texas (November 1-3, 2019) Speakers: Allison Feduccia, Ph.D., George Greer, M.D., Mellody Hayes, M.D., Brent Turnipseed, M.D., Bia Labate, Ph.D. (Moderator) We dig into the vast MAPS archives to bring this panel which explores considerations for the responsible integration of psychedelic medicines into society.  Many of the issues discussed in this panel are essential for all members of the psychedelic community to consider when discussing the evolution of psychedelic research.  Please visit maps.org to stay up to date on what MAPS is doing and to make a donation.   

Episode 46 - Michael Pollan This episode of the MAPS podcast features an all new interview between Zach Leary and Michael Pollan, the wise and insightful author of the new book 'This Is Your Mind on Plants'. The conversation explores the books core investigation into our cultures relationship with caffeine, opium and mescaline. Michael's knowledge and knack for story telling takes us on a wild ride into these compounds and sheds light on our sometimes controversial relationship with them.  For more than thirty years, Michael Pollan has been writing books and articles about the places where the human and natural worlds intersect: on our plates, in our farms and gardens, and in our minds. Pollan is the author of eight books, six of which have been New York Times bestsellers; three of them (including his latest, How to Change Your Mind) were immediate #1 New York Times bestsellers.

Episode 45 - Betty Aldworth Psychedelic Exceptionalism - Why It Matters The topic of psychedelic exceptionalism is often misunderstood, controversial and quite frankly not talked about enough. As the modern psychedelic movement progresses it's so important that we, as a community, stop and talk about the bigger picture of where psychedelics fit into the larger conversation of drug policy. This episode of the MAPS podcast explores this in detail thanks to the wisdom and knowledge of Betty Aldworth.  Prior to becoming Director of Communications and Events at MAPS in 2020, Betty Aldworth was the Executive Director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy where she led and supported tens of thousands of students and young people united to build a more sensible future through reforming drug policies to be rooted in safety, justice, and education. Beginning in 2014, Betty led the organization through its most substantial growth period and in 2020 left the organization in its most stable and sustainable position in its year history. Since 1999, Betty has specialized in community engagement, public relations, advocacy, and policy reform for nonprofit organizations and, twice, businesses including as spokesperson and advocacy director for the successful 2012 Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, the collaborative committee responsible for legalizing, taxing and regulating marijuana for adults in Colorado. An activist and advocate since her first anti-nukes demonstration as a child, Betty organized her first action at 13 and learned her first hard lessons in coalition building when it was attended only by her mom. Betty fights to end the drug war to end mass incarceration, reengage citizens in the political process, and build racial and economic justice.

Episode 44 - Rachel Harris, PhD Listening to Ayahuasca This all new episode of the MAPS Podcast features an interview between Rachel Harris and host Zach Leary. Rachel's kindness, wisdom and dedication to the expansion of knowledge in Ayahuasca's potential for helping those discover their own dormant mysticism and for the treatment of PTSD. You can support the work that MAPS does by visiting maps.org to sign up for their newsletter and to make a regular donation. Psychologist Rachel Harris, PhD, has been in private practice for thirty-five years.  She has received a National Institutes of Health New Investigators Award, published more than forty scientific studies in peer-reviewed journals, and worked as a psychological consultant to Fortune 500 companies. She is author of the book 'Listening to Ayahuasca - New Hope for Depression, Addition, PTSD and Anxiety'. 

Episode 43 - Dr. Tony Bossis  Meeting the End of Life with Psychedelics In this all new episode of the MAPS Podcast, Zach Leary sits down with NYU's Dr. Tony Bossis to talk about a single dose of psilocybin can provide an entirely new perspective in dealing with death and dying. Dr. Bossis shares so much wisdom, knowledge and unique understanding on his work and the future of psychedelic research.  Anthony P. Bossis, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine conducting FDA-approved research with the psychedelic compound psilocybin since 2009. Dr. Bossis was director of palliative care research and co-principal investigator on a clinical trial demonstrating a reduction in emotional distress from a single psilocybin session in persons with cancer and is study director on a clinical trial evaluating psilocybin-generated mystical experience upon religious leaders. Dr. Bossis is a training supervisor of psychotherapy at NYU-Bellevue Hospital Center and co-founder and former co-director of the Bellevue Hospital Palliative Care Service. He has a long-standing interest in comparative religion, mystical experience and the interface of psychology and spirituality. He maintains a private psychotherapy and consulting practice in NYC.

Episode 42 - Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris This all new episode of the MAPS Podcast features an interview with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, a psychologist and neuroscientist and Head of the Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine at Imperial College London. Dr. Carhart-Harris takes us through the near exhaustive psychedelic research that he's personally overseen as well as sharing his thoughts on the future of psychedelics and their influence on science, therapy and our culture at large. Robin Carhart-Harris is a psychologist and neuroscientist and Head of the Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine at Imperial College London. He coordinated the first clinical study of psilocybin in the UK and the first clinical study of a classic psychedelic drug in the UK for over 40 years. After being awarded an MA in Psychoanalysis at Brunel University, London, Carhart-Harris completed his PhD in psychopharmacology at the University of Bristol. In 2009, under the mentorship of Professor David Nutt, he relocated to Imperial College London to continue his fMRI research with the classic psychedelic psilocybin. In conjunction with David Nutt, he built up a program of psychedelic research that includes fMR and MEG imaging with psilocybin, fMR imaging with MDMA, and plans for an MRC-sponsored clinical trial to assess the efficacy of psilocybin as a treatment for major depression.  The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Podcast is hosted by Zach Leary and aims to bring you discussions with some of the leaders in the new age of psychedelic research and culture. 

The MAPS Podcast returns with a new episode featuring Aubrey Marcus, the founder and CEO of ONNIT.  Aubrey Marcus is the founder of Onnit, a lifestyle brand based on a holistic health philosophy he calls Total Human Optimization. Since its founding, Onnit has become an Inc. 500 company and industry leader with over 250 products ranging from peak performance supplements to foods, fitness equipment, and apparel. Aubrey discusses the effects psychedelics have on our mystical state of awareness as well as our physical holistic selves. He is candid and visionary in his approach to how psychedelics have informed all aspects of his life and our culture at large.  The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Podcast is hosted by Zach Leary and aims to bring you discussions with some of the leaders in the new age of psychedelic research and culture.   

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