Psymposia is a 501(c)(3) research non-profit with a mission to educate the public on psychedelic science and harm reduction. We offer critical perspectives on drugs, politics, and culture. The podcast is co-hosted by Psymposia co-founder Brian Normand, psychedelics researcher and ethicist Neşe Devenot, evolutionary ecologist Brian Pace, and journalist Russell Hausfeld.
SUPPORT: https://www.patreon.com/psymposia FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ https://x.com/psymposia https://bsky.app/profile/psymposia.bsky.social Normie, Neşe, Russell, and James dive into the telehealth supplement play behind the Enhanced Games, dissect the Secretary of Homeland Security's significant stake in Botanic Tonics, unpack the dangerous rhetoric of the MAHA movement and its real-world impact on mental health policy and infant mortality, and examine the key figure pushing ibogaine from fringe psychedelic to centerpiece of a broader Christian nationalist movement. Footnotes: The Enhanced Games Explained: Inside the $1.2 Billion Bet on Doping in Sports (Huddle Up) https://huddleup.substack.com/p/the-enhanced-games-explained-inside How a kratom giant got what it wanted from RFK and new Homeland Security chief (Kansas City Star) https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/david-hudnall/article315593616.html RFK Jr. launches plan to address 'overuse' of psychiatric medications (CNN) https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/05/health/rfk-jr-overprescribing-psychiatric-drugs-wellness Babies Are Bleeding to Death as Parents Reject a Vitamin Shot Given at Birth (Propublica) https://www.propublica.org/article/more-parents-decline-vitamin-k-shot-newborns The Man Behind the Trump Administration's Favorite Psychedelic (The Atlantic) https://www.theatlantic.com/health/2026/05/psychedelics-ibogaine-bryan-hubbard-republican/687281/
6/3/26 • 105:40
We have made some changes to our Patreon and wanted to let you know what to expect from your subscription moving forward! Simplified Tiers. We simplified our tiers so there will only be three offerings: a $5, $10, and $50 level The $2 tier is going away July 1, but any current $2 members will be grandfathered in at that price. Early Access. All of our paid members will receive early access to ad-free podcast episodes, generally released twice a month. Additionally, Patreon members will receive around 20-45 minutes of post-episode bonus content with each release! Group Chat. All paid members also now have access to a community group chat and a chat where you can suggest stories for us to cover in upcoming episodes. Live Chat. Our $10 tier offers the chance to join us for live "Shitpostia" doomscroll sessions, where we will discuss our social feeds and answer audience questions. Extra Offerings for Annual Subscribers. If you subscribe annually at either the $5 or $10 level, you will receive merchandise including buttons ($5+$10 tier), stickers ($5+$10 tier), and blotter art ($10 tier).
5/25/26 • 01:42
This clip from our Patreon bonus content breaks down the so-called "pentastack" behind looksmaxxer streams: a combinations of stimulants, dissociatives, performance drugs, and psychiatric medications. We also examine the disturbing response from the people around Clavicular during his livestreamed overdose.
5/24/26 • 08:29
Russell, Normie, Pace and James debut a new podcast format covering the latest developments in psychedelics, drug policy, and politics. Today, they review the latest Church of Sacred Synthesis lawsuit news, misperceptions of the "psychedelic Left", Purdue Pharma's collapse, the Trump administration's cuts to fentanyl test strip funding, vaccine and ivermectin discourse, and worsening conditions in veterans' mental healthcare. Footnotes: Michelle Lhooq — "We Have Entered the Era of Conservative Psychedelia" https://ravenewworld.substack.com/p/we-have-entered-the-era-of-conservative Associated Press — "OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma to dissolve in opioid settlement" https://apnews.com/article/oxycontin-purdue-pharma-criminal-sentence-settlement-b8aa94eaab3d9d8efed520f272f6d810 Vocal Politics — On Jake Lang being arrested for psychedelic mushrooms https://www.instagram.com/p/DYNljTRjdRI/?igsh=OXpkeGVxMDQ0OGo3 The New York Times — "Trump Administration Restricts Funding for Fentanyl Test Strips" https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/27/health/trump-fentanyl-test-strips.html The New York Times — "FDA Delays Publication of Vaccine Safety Research" https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/05/us/politics/fda-covid-vaccine-studies.html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur ProPublica — "Veterans Who Depend on Mental Health Care Keep Losing Their Therapists Under Trump" https://www.propublica.org/article/veterans-affairs-mental-health-therapists-quit-trump Drug Policy Alliance — Harm Reduction Form Letter https://engage.drugpolicy.org/secure/take-action-protect-funding-treatment-overdose-prevention-lifesaving-services
5/20/26 • 91:35
Psymposia board member Dr. Neşe Devenot's presentation at the Ohio State University "Religion and Psychedelics" conference, recorded March 28, 2026. In this talk, Dr. Devenot presents their research on the reliance on unscientific telepathic attunement in many popular schools of psychedelic therapy.
5/10/26 • 40:55
Professor Dave is a well-known science communicator and prolific debunker of pseudoscience. Despite building his platform on combatting misinformation, he continues joining conversations that promote false claims about the FDA's rejection of MDMA-assisted therapy — one of which he republished on his own channel. In this episode, Psymposia responds to the latest of these conversations on the Danny Jones Podcast. We encourage Professor Dave to do his homework on the psychedelic industry before aligning himself with the very pseudoscience promoters he's built his career opposing.
5/2/26 • 23:38
Three psychedelic companies received vouchers for expedited FDA review: Usona, Compass Pathways, and Otsuka—NOT Resilient Pharmaceuticals. This voucher announcement is yet another vindication of our reporting on major problems and pseudoscience within Lykos'/Resilient's trials. Update to episode #68.
4/24/26 • 01:48
Psychedelics are the next front in Big Tech's dystopia. Psymposia developed this primer for leftists in response to Donald Trump's April 18 Executive Order, which accelerates review of psychedelic drugs deemed "Breakthrough Therapies" and makes Schedule 1 drugs more accessible under Right to Try laws. This announcement made a splash in psychedelic media, where praise for the Trump administration mixes with false claims about an "end to prohibition." In this discussion, we provide important context about this Executive Order and the people who engineered this moment behind the scenes. We highlight concerns about how this initiative will be rolled out by the Trump administration, which has been accused of pay-to-play tactics at the FDA and stacking the Department of Health and Human Services with psychedelic industry evangelists. This move represents a crystallization of far-right interest in the psychedelic industry and step towards oligarch monopolization of psychedelic medicine by figures including Peter Thiel and Musk lieutenant Antonio Gracias. We end by discussing the risks of elite control over drugs that have been developed to shift identity — especially when those elites are simultaneously devoted to killing the so-called "woke mind virus" and remaking the global order in Palantir's image. Foot Notes: Executive Order (White House): https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/04/accelerating-medical-treatments-for-serious-mental-illness/ President Trump Signs Executive Order to Accelerate Psychedelic Research and Access (Psychedelic Alpha): https://psychedelicalpha.com/news/president-trump-signs-executive-order-to-accelerate-psychedelic-research-and-access/ Over-the-top psychedelic promos could undermine the field's drug development efforts (STAT): https://www.statnews.com/2026/03/31/psychedelic-biotech-promotion-scrutinized-helus-atai-influencer-marketing/ Archived: https://archive.is/bv1oU Pharma lobbyists focus on a surprising new target: the FDA (STAT): https://www.statnews.com/2026/02/23/fda-lobbying-efforts-grow-under-trump-administration/ Archived: https://archive.is/wQav7 Wohin treibt die Renaissance von LSD & Co.? (WOZ) https://www.woz.ch/2609/psychedelika/wohin-treibt-die-renaissance-von-lsd-co/!NBCC4R4K3E06
4/20/26 • 63:04
It has become a problematic standard practice in the psychedelic therapy industry to increase drug dosages after patients display red flag symptoms. Psymposia discusses a recent Wall Street Journal article about these practices as they manifest in the ketamine industry; the psychedelic industry's historic normalization of these practices; and recent attempts to convince lawmakers to protect psychedelic providers from liability for standard forms of medical malpractice. Together, these developments highlight why allowing a therapy cult to influence the norms of psychedelic medicine puts the public at risk. Footnotes: She Hoped Ketamine Would Rewire Her Brain. She Didn't Live to See It Work. (WSJ): Live link: https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/ketamine-telehealth-dangers-4a7bc8da Archive link: https://archive.is/qLxwO The Psychedelic Syndicate (Psymposia): https://www.psymposia.com/psychedelic-syndicate-executive-summary-silicon-valley-maps-lykos-mdma-fda-billionaires/ Hamilton's Pharma Cope Series (Psymposia): https://www.psymposia.com/hamiltons-pharma-cope/ Colorado has a chance to get ibogaine policy right (Colorado Newsline): https://coloradonewsline.com/2026/02/17/colorado-get-ibogaine-policy-right/
4/13/26 • 30:16
In this final episode, we explore the attempts made by Hamilton Morris to attack the work, integrity, and character of our team.
3/16/26 • 56:02
Psymposia discusses Hamilton Morris's misinformation about their funding, his relationship with Compass Pathways, his claims that the nonprofit Usona has planted protestors at conferences to make him look bad, and claims that Psymposia encouraged terrorism.
3/15/26 • 50:52
Psymposia discusses their history with the Church of Psilomethoxin and addresses Hamilton Morris's misinformation about their funding and the alleged elder abuse of psychedelic funder George Sarlo by MAPS Board Chair Vicky Dulai.
3/14/26 • 38:02
Psymposia addresses Hamilton Morris's misinformation, including his speculation that they are DEA informants, their behavior at the FDA advisory committee for Lykos' Therapeutics' MDMA application, and more.
3/13/26 • 37:22
Psymposia discusses more notable psychedelic figures who have turned up in the Epstein files — including Paul Krassner, Rupert and Merlin Sheldrake, Paul Daley, and more. 2:06: Kimbal Musk updates 4:48: Ken Jordan/Alchemist Kitchen updates 8:32: Rupert Sheldrake 20:00: Merlin Sheldrake 29:00 Cortes Island 34:20: Paul Krassner 41:05: Paul Daley Footnotes: Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein story (Miami Herald): https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article312152427.html New batch of Epstein files unmasks a 1970s Scientology spy — and he talked to us! (The Underground Bunker): https://tonyortega.substack.com/p/new-batch-of-epstein-files-unmasks Epstein engineered intimate relationship for Tesla's Kimbal Musk, emails show (The Guardian): https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/10/jeffrey-epstein-tesla-kimbal-musk Epstein offered $100,000 to bestselling British mushroom expert (The Times): https://www.thetimes.com/article/merlin-sheldrake-author-epstein-files-56jfkr6lv
2/20/26 • 49:16
Psymposia discusses notable psychedelic figures who have turned up in the Epstein files — including major funders and investors Austin Hearst, Steve Jurvetson, and Kimbal Musk. 02:31: Austin Hearst 10:18: Steve Jurvetson 15:00: Kimbal Musk 22:58: Deepak Copra / Ken Jordan / Alchemist Kitchen Footnotes: 1) The Psychedelic Syndicate (Psymposia): www.psymposia.com/psychedelic-syndicate-executive-summary-silicon-valley-maps-lykos-mdma-fda-billionaires/ 2) Open Letter to the Burning Man Project about Kimbal Musk: www.removekimbal.org/ 3) Elon's bro quits Burning Man board amid outrage over Epstein connection (San Fransisco Standard): www.sfstandard.com/2026/02/04/kimbal-musk-burning-man-board-of-directors/
2/10/26 • 33:15
Psymposia discusses flaws in Andrew Callaghan's journalism, his response to sexual abuse allegations, and how it relates to our experience as the subjects of targeted reporting from Channel 5. 1) Two Women Accuse Documentary Filmmaker Andrew Callaghan of R***, [SA] (The Stranger): https://www.thestranger.com/news/2023/02/28/78881322/two-women-accuse-documentary-filmmaker-andrew-callaghan-of-rape-sexual-assault 2) More Women Accuse YouTuber Andrew Callaghan of Sexual Misconduct and Assault (The Stranger): https://www.thestranger.com/news/2023/01/13/78812714/more-women-accuse-youtuber-andrew-callaghan-of-sexual-misconduct-and-assault 3) How Elon Musk's billionaire Doge lieutenant took over the US's biggest MDMA company (The Guardian): https://www.theguardian.com/technology/ng-interactive/2025/aug/28/elon-musk-antonio-gracias-mdma-psychedelics-company 4) The Psychedelic Syndicate (Psymposia): https://www.psymposia.com/psychedelic-syndicate-executive-summary-silicon-valley-maps-lykos-mdma-fda-billionaires/ 5) The Psychedelic Alt-Right Pipeline, Part 1: Lessons for the psychedelic left from Hasan Piker's "Collargate" (Chemical Poetics): https://chemicalpoetics.substack.com/p/the-psychedelic-alt-right-pipeline
1/30/26 • 41:40
Psymposia senior writer Russell Hausfeld sits down with author Bitter Karella to discuss their debut novel "Moonflow," their micro-fiction and text adventure projects, psychedelic mushrooms, writing queer and trans horror stories, ritual magic and more. Video of this interview is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=einhwPk3K2Y Footnotes: - Midnight Pals Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/midnightpals.bsky.social - Bitter Karella's itch.io page: https://bitterkarella.itch.io/ - Our Opinions Are Correct podcast: https://www.ouropinionsarecorrect.com/
12/20/25 • 119:52
On June 6, Psymposia reported on the presenter contract for MAPS' Psychedelic Science 2023. The contract includes clauses that limit when and where presenters can speak, and a "MAPS Reputation" clause that warns speakers to not "tarnish" the organization's "reputation and goodwill." After our reporting, MAPS announced that all presenters would be released from the radius clause of the contract. Concerns with the "MAPS reputation" clause were not acknowledged. We also discuss Russell Hausfeld's reporting on Kentucky's recent decision to use opioid settlement money on ibogaine research. Read more: Psychedelic Science 2023 Contract Muzzles Speakers: Two Clauses Dictate What Presenters Can and Can't Say by Russell Hausfeld $42M for psychedelics research is not how Kentucky should be fighting opioid addiction by Russell Hausfeld State of Kentucky Sets aside $42 Million for Psychedelic Research, with Focus on Ibogaine by Psychedelic Alpha The Ibogaine Conversation by Psymposia Support the show: ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/ Follow: ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/
6/21/23 • 72:34
In this episode, Psymposia Senior Writer Russell Hausfeld interviews Church of Psilomethoxin co-founder Greg Lake. Hausfeld and Lake discuss recent chemical analysis of the Church's sacrament which indicates that it is not the drug the Church has claimed. Footnotes: Fungi Fiction: Analytical Investigation into the Church Of Psilomethoxin's Alleged Novel Compound Using UPLC-HRMS by Samuel Williamson and Alexander Sherwood https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/64358de9736114c96352edf9 Psychedelic Capitalism, Scientific Integrity, and a Wider Look Into Current Events; Response to USONA Article by The Church of Psilomethoxinhttps://web.archive.org/web/20230413174458/https://psilomethoxin.com/psychedelic_capitalism/ Church of Psilomethoxin, Part 1: Sacramental Skepticism. Is the Church in Denial? by David Nickles https://www.psymposia.com/magazine/church-of-psilomethoxin-part-1-sacramental-skepticism-is-the-church-in-denial-church-of-the-sacred-synthesis/ The Church of Psilomethoxin Part 2: Unraveling the Sacred Chemistry https://www.psymposia.com/magazine/the-church-of-psilomethoxin-part-2-unraveling-the-chemistry-of-canned-peas-with-david-nichols/ Support the show: ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/ Follow: ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/
5/9/23 • 37:23
In this episode, the Psymposia team speaks with writer Travis Kitchens about his recent piece "A Channel for Magic: Ralph Hood's Mysticism Scale and the Occult Roots of the Johns Hopkins Psychedelic Research Program" Watch: https://youtu.be/Ued8NNIraFs Support the show: ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/ Follow: ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/
1/19/23 • 78:11
In this episode, Psymposia senior writer Russell Hausfeld interviews independent reporter Sasha Sisko about being kicked out of Wonderland Miami 2022. Sisko discusses their history with conference organizer Microdose Psychedelic Insights, appearing on stage at Wonderland Miami 2021, and being removed from Wonderland Miami 2022. Footnotes: Rick Perry Texts: https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/25/politics/rick-perry-mark-meadows-text https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2022/04/mark-meadows-trump-chief-of-staff-strangest-texts.html Sasha Sisko's thread about being removed from Wonderland 2022: https://twitter.com/SashaSisko/status/1588172019409076224 Support the show: ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/ Follow: ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/
11/24/22 • 28:00
On November 3rd, the "Wonderland Miami" psychedelic conference banned the entire Psymposia team from the event. Compass Pathways consultant Hamilton Morris then took to the stage to distort and misrepresent our research. This podcast was edited for clarity from a YouTube livestream recorded on November 15, 2022. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/ckxKJQedx1c If you're not terminally online, here's a bit more context: Psymposia's Twitter rundown Dr. Brian Pace's Twitter rundown Wonderland Miami Exposes Growing Rift in Psychedelic Community, by James Kent Support the show: ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/ Follow: ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/
11/23/22 • 124:10
We're back…mostly. In this episode we ramble about the Psychedemia conference, the serpent handler researcher who helped legitimize Johns Hopkins' psychedelic research, Steve Jobs' guru "Toxic Bob", hot psilocybin patent garbage, Mind Medicine Australia's utterly cringe appearance on ABC's Four Corners documentary "Psyched Up", popping psychedelic hype bubbles, and Dave's new studio that's covered in fractal horses. References A Channel for Magic: Ralph Hood's Mysticism Scale and the Occult Roots of the Johns Hopkins Psychedelic Research Program Psychologist Ralph Hood's study of serpent handling and mysticism helped legitimize the study of psychedelics. So why doesn't he want them approved for medical use? The Misadventures Of "Toxic Bob"Throughout his lifetime, Robert Friedland has evolved from Steve Jobs' psychedelic guru to mining guru, leaving a trail of environmental destruction in his wake. On Drugs Substack: Hot Psilocybin Patent Garbage How to invalidate a psychedelic patent in 30 minutes on a Sunday afternoon. On Drugs Substack: Three Fever Thoughts As the World Turnbulls ABC Four Corners: Psyched Up In Australia and overseas there's a push to make psychedelic drugs part of mainstream medicine for the treatment of trauma and other mental health conditions. Results from clinical trials are promising for PTSD sufferers where conventional treatments have failed. Reporter Elise Worthington also investigates the dark side of this form of therapy where disturbing cases of abuse and malpractice are emerging in both clinical trials and the underground. There's now pressure in the industry to downplay the negative stories by those who stand to profit from the business of psychedelics. Preparing for the Bursting of the Psychedelic Hype Bubble Is the Psychedelic Therapy Bubble About to Burst? Support the show: ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/ Follow: ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/
11/2/22 • 48:30
This talk was presented live by Dr. Brian Pace and Dr. Neşe Devenot at the UW–Madison Transdisciplinary Center for Research in Psychoactive Substances. This talk was presented on April 28 as part of the "Psychedelic Humanities" speaker series, organized by Dr. Lucas Richert. Public discourse concerning psychedelics and the emerging industry in psychedelic-assisted therapy has extended beyond the potential benefits of novel treatments for specific mental health disorders to claims that widespread psychedelic use may tilt social relations towards more egalitarian norms. Researchers and media outlets have pointed to several recent studies which present data asserting that classical psychedelics can reduce authoritarianism, increase liberal views, and deepen nature-relatedness. Taken together, these studies are cited to promote a vision of drug-assisted social progress. Yet counter examples abound of psychedelic-experienced individuals expressing views explicitly opposed to egalitarianism and liberal politics. Moreover, acceptance of psychedelics by institutions and aspirational business and celebrity figures has only increased right-wing psychedelic interest in recent years. This presentation highlights the numerous contemporary and historical cases where the use of psychedelics failed to reduce authoritarian tendencies in users, or even facilitated adoption of authoritarian views. We demonstrate that psychedelics can catalyze change in political or religious belief, but not in a consistent direction. Instead, we propose that many transformative experiences—including those induced by psychedelics—can challenge and radically shift a person's worldview, and that extra-pharmacological factors influence the character of change in ideology or political belief. Watch: https://youtu.be/GkOjwIe3hE4 Support: ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/ Follow: ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/
6/27/22 • 106:11
In part two of this deep dive, Psymposia and Thought Slime analyze Jordan Peterson's fascination with psychedelics as an example of the reactionary, right-wing ideologies that have been developing within psychedelia in recent decades. Reacting to a 2021 podcast of Peterson's, we discuss the significance of Peterson's popularity among some prominent psychedelic researchers. As figures like Jordan Peterson and Ben Shapiro continue to advocate for harmful "conversion therapies" for minority sexual orientations and gender identities, we discuss the dangers of reactionary interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies, given that psychedelics are already associated with increased suggestibility and shifts in identity. Considering the fact that many scientists and CEOs in the psychedelic renaissance are lobbying right-wing donors and politicians, we highlight the risks inherent to reactionary forces developing frameworks for accessing psychedelics. Watch: https://youtu.be/SBejCu8MnfQ Support: ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/ Follow: ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/
6/2/22 • 63:48
In part two of this deep dive, Psymposia and Thought Slime analyze Jordan Peterson's fascination with psychedelics as an example of the reactionary, right-wing ideologies that have been developing within psychedelia in recent decades. Reacting to a 2021 podcast of Peterson's, we discuss the significance of Peterson's popularity among some prominent psychedelic researchers. As figures like Jordan Peterson and Ben Shapiro continue to advocate for harmful "conversion therapies" for minority sexual orientations and gender identities, we discuss the dangers of reactionary interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies, given that psychedelics are already associated with increased suggestibility and shifts in identity. Considering the fact that many scientists and CEOs in the psychedelic renaissance are lobbying right-wing donors and politicians, we highlight the risks inherent to reactionary forces developing frameworks for accessing psychedelics. Watch: https://youtu.be/SBejCu8MnfQ Support: ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/ Follow: ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/
5/26/22 • 70:47
In part one of this deep dive, Psymposia and Thought Slime analyze Jordan Peterson's fascination with psychedelics as an example of the reactionary, right-wing ideologies that have been developing within psychedelia in recent decades. Reacting to a 2021 podcast of Peterson's, we discuss the significance of Peterson's popularity among some prominent psychedelic researchers. As figures like Jordan Peterson and Ben Shapiro continue to advocate for harmful "conversion therapies" for minority sexual orientations and gender identities, we discuss the dangers of reactionary interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies, given that psychedelics are already associated with increased suggestibility and shifts in identity. Considering the fact that many scientists and CEOs in the psychedelic renaissance are lobbying right-wing donors and politicians, we highlight the risks inherent to reactionary forces developing frameworks for accessing psychedelics. Watch: https://youtu.be/ICLMiwdDUuE Read: The Trials of Rick Doblin He revolutionized the way we view MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. But what does the research actually show? Support: ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/ Follow: ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/
5/19/22 • 61:21
Both underground and above-ground therapists and practitioners present their psychedelic services in service to "healing." Why, then, is it so hard to get them to acknowledge the harms taking place in their communities? Why do institutions seem more concerned with preserving their reputations than addressing the numerous harmful dynamics that have persisted for years? If the psychedelic movement intends to heal trauma, it must begin at home. This episode is Psymposia's reaction to Cover Story: Power Trip, Episode 9: The Complainers Group Cover Story is an investigative podcast from New York Magazine. The first season, Power Trip, uncovers the secrets and exposes the darkest corners of the psychedelic renaissance through a twisted, deeply personal tale at the intersection of mind, body, and control. Power Trip is a co-production of New York Magazine and Psymposia. Support: ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/ For full episodes, transcripts, supporting documents, and more, visit: https://psymposia.com/powertrip Follow: ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/
4/4/22 • 74:20
When it comes to psychedelics, there's a lot we don't know. The same is true of the practitioners, institutions, and communities that have sprung up around psychedelic therapy and guiding. We explore the intersecting professional and social relationships of a few different guides and institutions. We also discuss Michael Pollan's impact on the current psychedelic landscape. This episode is Psymposia's reaction to Cover Story: Power Trip, Episode 8: Who Am I Fooling? Watch: https://youtu.be/3HDoveb1jls Cover Story is a new investigative podcast from New York Magazine. The first season, Power Trip, uncovers the secrets and exposes the darkest corners of the psychedelic renaissance through a twisted, deeply personal tale at the intersection of mind, body, and control. Power Trip is a co-production of New York Magazine and Psymposia. Support: ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/ For full episodes, transcripts, supporting documents, and more, visit: https://psymposia.com/powertrip Follow: ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/ Thank you to our Patreon podcast supporters: Dave Hodges, James Hubbard, John Hanna, Dave Ayers, Tehseen Noorani, Myster Psoul, Samy Tammam, Amanda Alexander, Maryann Kehoe, Daniel McQueen, Annick McIntosh, Aaron Williams, Julia A, Christian Dawley, Dustin T, Leon Boroditsky, John Bannon, Atticus Kelbley, Daniel, Jason Gross, Clifford Hudson, Miller Hooks, Scott Martin, Sandra Dreisbach, zeph Tam, Rochella Martin, Gurpreet Saini, Jason Seidel, Will Petersen, Jeff Davis, Kanani Wolf
3/20/22 • 80:05
What's going on with the MAPS narratives? How is it possible that Mel, Leah, and Meaghan's experiences have been so at odds with the "standard story" we've heard about psychedelic clinical trials? Why can't we seem to get straight answers to simple questions? The Psymposia team drills down into the questions raised by the revelations in "Political Science" in an attempt to highlight some of the dynamics at the heart of psychedelic science. This episode is Psymposia's reaction to Cover Story: Power Trip, Episode 7: Political Science Watch: https://youtu.be/3HDoveb1jls Cover Story is a new investigative podcast from New York Magazine. The first season, Power Trip, uncovers the secrets and exposes the darkest corners of the psychedelic renaissance through a twisted, deeply personal tale at the intersection of mind, body, and control. Power Trip is a co-production of New York Magazine and Psymposia. Support: ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/ For full episodes, transcripts, supporting documents, and more, visit: https://psymposia.com/powertrip Follow: ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/ Thank you to our Patreon podcast supporters: Dave Hodges, James Hubbard, John Hanna, Dave Ayers, Tehseen Noorani, Myster Psoul, Samy Tammam, Amanda Alexander, Maryann Kehoe, Daniel McQueen, Annick McIntosh, Aaron Williams, Julia A, Christian Dawley, Dustin T, Leon Boroditsky, John Bannon, Atticus Kelbley, Daniel, Jason Gross, Clifford Hudson, Miller Hooks, Scott Martin, Sandra Dreisbach, zeph Tam, Rochella Martin, Gurpreet Saini, Jason Seidel, Will Petersen, Jeff Davis, Kanani Wolf
3/13/22 • 68:13
