Joe Moore on the Future of Psychedelics: From Underground to Mainstream

Psychedelics are no longer the fringe—they’re reshaping medicine, culture, and consciousness itself.In this episode of Divergent States, 3L1T3 and Bryan sit down with Joe Moore, co-founder and CEO of Psychedelics Today, to explore the messy evolution of the movement: from the chaotic 1960s to today’s corporate clinics and grassroots revival.They trace Psychedelics Today’s origins, dive into the Vital training program, and discuss what it means to build trust in a scene that still distrusts institutions. Joe shares insight into the next decade of psychedelic science—AI-assisted molecule discovery, new drugs entering clinical trials, and the fading of old stigmas—and the risks of turning medicine into marketing.Along the way, they talk Leary and McKenna, ketamine cults, LSD alchemy, and the underground traditions worth preserving.The result is a grounded, forward-looking conversation about authenticity, ethics, and the future of altered states.Key Points Covered How Psychedelics Today started from the breathwork undergroundWhat the 1960s got wrong (and right) about psychedelics  The danger of idolizing substances and personalities — “don’t worship the drug” How overuse of ketamine mirrors past mistakes in psychedelic cultureThe future of psychedelic research and the AI-driven chemistry boomVital, the 12-month training program creating the next generation of psychedelic professionalsWhat it takes to run an ethical business in a scene that distrusts businessHarm reduction and why testing your substances matters more than ever The LSD Philosopher’s Stone — does the chemist’s energy shape the trip?  Why pleasure and integration must coexist in psychedelic healing 🎙️ Joe Moore joins r/Psychonaut for an AMA on October 9, 2025! 🎧 Support the show and hear the Patreon-only “Trip Stories & Cosmic Jokes” bonus segment at patreon.com/divergentstatesSpecial thanks to SndBagz for the music!00:00 – Intro / Bryan returns / Reggie Watts recap / Season 2 preview04:16 – Meeting Joe Moore / Origins of Psychedelics Today07:30 – Building a new media voice beyond academic monoculture08:46 – Lessons from the 1960s and the cult of personality12:00 – “Don’t Worship the Substance” – The Danger of Psychedelic Deification13:30 – Unsung Heroes: Shulgins, Dr. Z, Grof & Leonard Pickard15:00 – Repeating Old Mistakes: Ketamine Overuse and Media Myths17:40 – “Is Anyone Driving the Bus?” – Who Really Controls Psychedelics Today20:30 – Can Clinical Models Honor Mystical Experiences?23:00 – Psychedelic Journalism: Objectivity vs Calling Bullshit25:30 – Inside Vital – Redefining Psychedelic Training28:30 – Teaching Mysticism to Therapists31:00 – Building Trust in a Culture Skeptical of Business37:30 – The Next Decade – Five Psychedelics Likely to Be Legalized43:30 – Harm Reduction & Testing Culture46:00 – The LSD Philosopher’s Stone – Energy, Alchemy & Intention49:00 – Patreon Teaser – Trip Stories & Cosmic Humor55:00 – Wrap-Up w/ Bryan – Breathwork, Culture & Community59:00 – Closing – Future Guests, Patreon & Discord InviteSend us Fan MailFiresideProject.orgDownload the app or text/call 62-FIRESIDEZendo ProjectOur listeners get 10% off the Zendo Project SIT Program with the code DIVERGENTS10Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showSpecial Thanks to our Macrodosers, Super D and Mike, and our Thumbprint Tier member, Angie on Patreon!  https://linktr.ee/3L1T3Mod