CAUTION ADVISED: this podcast contains swearing

Many of you will know Michael Pollan as a world-renowned food writer, but now he has written a book that brings psychedelic drugs into mainstream consciousness. But why? Long before they gained a bad reputation, it seemed to researchers, scientists, and doctors as though psychedelics were going to be the new wonder drugs for mental illnesses. They promised to treat conditions like alcoholism, depression, and anxiety without the side effects associated with conventional drugs. But unfortunately, in the 1960s, there was a backlash against the counter-culture who had embraced psychedelics, and all further research was banned. Now, decades later, the world is in the grip of a mental health crisis. But thankfully, there is a glimmer of hope – research has recently begun again on the amazing potential of LSD, DMT, and psilocybin.

This week, I sit down with Michael Pollan to take a deep dive into this extraordinary world. We explore the remarkable history of psychedelics, the findings of the current research in this area, and Michael shares his own personal experiences with psychedelics under the guidance of therapists. While larger-scale studies are still needed, we talk about how therapist-guided psychedelic drug therapy could potentially change the way healthcare is delivered for mental illnesses – perhaps meaning a resolution of not only symptoms for patients but also, in many cases, the fundamental root causes. Finally, we discuss the potential wider use of psychedelics as a tool for social change. This really is a gripping and eye-opening conversation – I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Further learning:

• michaelpollan.com – Articles from Michael Pollan
• Find out more on Psychedelics from Dr Robin Carhart-Harris
• Video – Brain Imaging Studies with Psilocybin and MDMA
• Audio – Dr Thomas Insel: Our Mental Health System is Badly Broken
• Psychopharmacology publication – Psilocybin occasioned mystical-type experiences: immediate and persisting dose-related effects
• Imperial College London – Imperial launches world’s first centre for Psychedelics Research
• Kings College London – Psilocybin trials
• The Guardian – They broke my mental shackles: could magic mushrooms be the answer to depression?
• Independent – Magic mushrooms could replace anti-depressants within five years