Episode 390
Everyone seems to have an opinion about psychedelics these days.
Doctors and therapists see them as potential treatments for things like anxiety, depression and PTSD. Spiritual communities believe they open us up to the divine. Politicians debate whether they should be legal or illegal.
I have to admit that when I first heard people talking about them, I was scared.
I'm not a big fan of substance use of any kind, and the idea of a "drug" becoming mainstream concerned me.
But when some respected psychologists and colleagues of mine started talking about the healing power of psychedelics — people who were far from the 1960s "Summer of Love" stereotype — I knew the topic at least deserved my honest research.
As I dug deeper into the science behind psychedelics and understood how they worked in the mind, I began to realize they weren't about escaping but about going deeper into oneself by quieting the ego and opening the door to new parts of our consciousness.
But, I wanted to make sure my opinion was backed up by accurate, science-based, factual research. And there are few people who I've found better informed on this topic than Matt Zemon.
Matt was once a fellow skeptic like me who also became convinced through research and experience that psychedelics can play a positive role in therapeutic and medical settings.
He is one of the most grounded, scientific voices I've heard on this topic — perfect for anyone who simply wants to learn more and see what you think for yourself — and I am thrilled to have him share his wealth of knowledge in this episode.
Listen to discover:
If you like Podbriefly.com, please consider donating to support the ongoing development.
Donate