From Addiction to Awakening: Paul Karasik on the Power of Psychedelics

In Episode 19 of the Let R Rip Podcast, Jake Sirokman and Mikey Getz sit down with Paul Karasik, founder and CEO of the Psychedelic Institute of Los Angeles, for a raw and eye-opening conversation about psychedelics, addiction, microdosing, trauma, consciousness, and the future of healing. Paul founded the Psychedelic Institute of Los Angeles in 2020 as a nonprofit organization focused on education, safe access, and community for people exploring higher consciousness. With decades of experience dating back to the psychedelic movement of the 1960s, Paul brings a rare perspective that blends lived experience, recovery, leadership, spirituality, science, and modern psychedelic education. This episode dives deep into the psychedelic renaissance and the growing conversation around plant medicine, LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, DMT, ayahuasca, mescaline, ketamine, microdosing, addiction recovery, trauma healing, anxiety, depression, and spiritual awakening. Paul breaks down why psychedelics are not simply about “getting high,” but about creating space from the ego, interrupting destructive mental patterns, and opening the door to deeper self-awareness. The conversation explores the default mode network, neuroplasticity, integration, safe use, intentional preparation, and why the experience itself means nothing without real-life change afterward. Jake also opens up about his own past with drugs, alcohol, cocaine, mushrooms, LSD, MDMA, and microdosing, sharing how intentional psychedelic experiences with his wife have helped create deeper connection, emotional awareness, and spiritual clarity. Mikey brings a grounded perspective from the lens of addiction, fear, sobriety, and the concern around people using psychedelics without proper guidance or intention. This is not a surface-level conversation about psychedelics. This is a real discussion about suffering, addiction, healing, consciousness, spiritual bypassing, ego death, safe access, and the responsibility that comes with using powerful tools. If you are curious about microdosing, psychedelic therapy, trauma recovery, plant medicine, addiction, higher consciousness, or the future of mental health, this episode is for you. Topics covered in this episode: Paul Karasik’s journey from the 1960s psychedelic movement to founding PILA The mission of the Psychedelic Institute of Los Angeles Why psychedelics are becoming part of modern healing conversations Microdosing LSD, mushrooms, San Pedro, and other plant medicines Addiction, alcohol, cocaine, and breaking destructive cycles The difference between using psychedelics and abusing substances Why integration matters more than the trip itself Default mode network, neuroplasticity, and rewiring the brain Spiritual awakening, ego death, and higher consciousness The dangers of unqualified shamans and spiritual bypassing How couples can use intentional medicine experiences for deeper connection Why psychedelics must be approached with preparation, humility, and respect The future of safe access and psychedelic education Follow Paul Karasik and the Psychedelic Institute: Instagram: @psychedelic_awakening Follow Let R Rip Podcast: Hosted by Jake Sirokman and Mikey Getz No filters. No scripts. No surface-level bullshit. Just real conversations with people doing the work. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing discussed is medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. Psychedelics remain regulated substances in many places. Always follow applicable laws and consult qualified professionals.