30. Psychedelic Confessions with Dennis McKenna

We are excited to host the legendary Dennis McKenna on the Mangu.tv podcast for an episode on Psychedelic Confessions. Dennis has conducted research in ethnopharmacology for over 45 years, with a primary focus on the interdisciplinary study of Amazonian ethnopharmacology. He was a key investigator on the Hoasca Project, the first biomedical investigation of ayahuasca and a part of the original Scientific Strategy Team at Shaman Pharmaceuticals in the early 1990s. In the spring of 2019, he incorporated a new non-profit organization, the McKenna Academy of Natural Philosophy. In collaboration he organized two landmark conferences in 2017 and 2022, the Ethnopharmacologic Search for Psychoactive Drugs. Dennis is the younger brother of another legend in the psychedelic world, Terence McKenna. Dennis and Giancarlo discuss six compounds in this episode - ayahuasca, psilocybin, DMT, 5-Meo-DMT, salvia and datura. We begin with Dennis’ primary lover, Ayahuasca. He shares details of his most important journeys with ayahuasca and magic mushrooms, as well as profound messages that have influenced his life and work. He also discusses DMT & 5 Meo-DMT, their similarities and differences, and how this compound influenced both his and Terence’s path in life. Finally we hear about his misadventures with datura and dysphoric experiences with salvia, and the importance of set and setting, careful dosing and choosing your medicine wisely. Last but not least, they discuss the impact that these medicines have on our society as we discover the lost connection and alliance between humans and psychedelics, as outlined in the Stoned Ape Theory.