The Psychedelic Mind with Rick Doblin

About This Episode

Do psychedelics reveal a different objective reality? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice learn about psychedelic drugs, treating PTSD, and other mind-bending research with President of Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Rick Doblin.

How do psychedelics work? What makes a drug psychedelic? Learn about the history of psychedelics in the United States and the different hurdles to overcome when researching illicit substances. Was the government too quick to criminalize these drugs? We explore MDMA and its prosocial effects in octopuses and the effects of psychedelic use. What is the difference between recreational and therapeutic uses?

How have psychedelics been helpful in the therapeutic treatment of PTSD? We discuss how psychedelics could do to the field of psychology what the telescope did for astronomy. What does MDMA do to the brain in PTSD patients? Learn about the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and why ecstasy might not be the best name for MDMA. 

Learn how the “fallen Mormon” study helped uncover the effects of ecstasy. Is microdosing an effective use of these types of drugs? Discover an experiment where they gave psychedelic drugs to religious leaders. We discuss objective versus subject reality and why delusions associated with tripping feel so mystical. Do psychedelics unlock a deeper truth?

Thanks to our Patrons Mark Rosenthal, David Aulwes, Alissa Mc Cormick, Gavin Bamber, Lester Teichner, Chase Kimes, and Cindy Barrick for supporting us this week.

NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free.