The Psymposia Podcast

Psymposia dives into the recent Rolling Stone article — "Reggie Watts Is a Prominent Ketamine Advocate. Was It His Ex's 'Undoing'?" — and explores how the dynamics at play in that article are pervasive within the psychedelic advocacy scene.  Footnotes: Reggie Watts Is a Prominent Ketamine Advocate. Was It His Ex's 'Undoing'? (Rolling Stone): https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/reggie-watts-ketamine-drug-advocate-1235607828/ Ending The Silence Around Psychedelic Therapy Abuse (Mad In America): https://www.madinamerica.com/2021/09/ending-silence-psychedelic-therapy-abuse/ Cover Story: Power Trip (Psymposia): https://www.psymposia.com/powertrip-2/ The Psychedelic Syndicate (Psymposia): https://www.psymposia.com/psychedelic-syndicate-executive-summary-silicon-valley-maps-lykos-mdma-fda-billionaires/index.html

Psymposia interviews YouTube documentarian  @Alex-Novell  about his experience with Andrew Callaghan and Channel 5, drug legalization, and creating documentary films. Thumbnail terminator image provided by Alex Novell.

Psymposia discusses takeaways from their "Psychedelic Conversion Therapy" series and reflects on the ten year anniversary of their "Coming Out of the Psychedelic Closet" series.

The crew discusses two recent news stories — a recently published New Yorker article on right-wing psychedelia and the news that Resilient Pharmaceuticals resubmitted its MDMA for PTSD application without the new Phase 3 study that was requested during its 2024 rejection. We have an interview Zenab Ahmed, who wrote the story "Israel's Rave Music Drowns Out the Sound of its Victims" for Current Affairs. And we wrap up the episode wraps up with a second interview with Jane Migliara Brigham and Artemis T. Douglas from The Needle, discussing their story "How a Hate Group Funded and Controlled Research from McMaster University." Footnotes: "How a Hate Group Funded and Controlled Research from McMaster University" (The Needle):  https://theneedlenews.com/2026/08/how-a-hate-group-funded-and-controlled-research-from-mcmaster-university/  "Israel's Rave Music Drowns Out the Sound of its Victims" (Current Affairs): https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/israels-rave-music-drowns-out-the-sound-of-its-victims  "Two Years After Rejection, Resilient Quietly Refiles MDMA for PTSD Application" (Psychedelia Alpha): https://psychedelicalpha.com/news/two-years-after-rejection-resilient-quietly-refiles-mdma-for-ptsd-application/  "Are Psychedelics Right-Wing Now?" (The New Yorker): https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/are-psychedelics-right-wing-now  

Neşe and Russell speak with Kaleb Graves about his reporting on the growing links between psychedelic therapy and conversion therapy movements. Drawing from his article — "Psychedelic Conversion Therapy: How Christian Nationalism Is Co-Opting a Movement Once Reserved for Hippies" — they discuss how right-wing religious and political ideologies are increasingly intersecting with the psychedelic space. They discuss figures like Wendi Rees, who is a strong advocate of both transphobic ideologies and psychedelic therapies, and what it means for a movement that claims to center healing. They also explore the broader implications of welcoming conversion therapy and anti-abortion advocates, including Rick Perry, into psychedelic circles. Chapters: 0:00:00 Intro 0:01:58 Kaleb Graves background 0:05:20 Graves' "Good Faith Media" article, "A Christian's Guide to Psychedelics" 0:08:02 Rick Perry & Bryan Hubbard Promoting Wendi Rees, "Christian's Guide" on Joe Rogan 0:09:44 Wendi Rees background and conversion therapy in her book 0:16:00 Research on psychedelics for identity shift 0:24:55 Wendi Rees's views on homosexuality and dissuading her children from same-sex attraction 0:28:45 Rees believes it is wrong to encourage a "lifestyle of homosexuality"/"a lifestyle of sin" 0:38:40 Rees's claims about "trans age" 0:46:00 Rees wonders "at what point" murderers will stop identifying as "murderers" if trans rights are allowed 0:47:20 Rees expresses hope that she can inflict violence on a trans person in a bathroom 0:51:00 Misguided ideas that psychedelics can "trojan horse" progressive ideology into right-wing spaces 0:54:30 Fundamentalism and homophobia 0:58:00 Graves's experience at a Bicycle Day event with Bryan Hubbard and Wendi Rees 1:04:45 Post-interview updates on Rees's psychedelic retreats and Joe Welker's review of "Christian's Guide to Psychedelics" Footnotes: "Psychedelic Conversion Therapy: How Christian Nationalism is Co-Opting a Movement Once Reserved for Hippies" (Good Faith Media): https://goodfaithmedia.org/psychedelic-conversion-therapy-how-christian-nationalism-is-co-opting-a-movement-once-reserved-for-hippies/ Psychedelic Theology podcast: https://www.psychedelictheology.com/ "Reviewing 'The Christian's Guide to Psychedelics'" (Psychedelic Candor): https://www.psychedeliccandor.org/p/reviewing-the-christians-guide-to "A Leftist Primer on the Right-Wing Psychedelic Takeover" (Psymposia): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI2GMUDT-ig&t=1s  

Neşe and Russell examine the rise of modern right-wing influencers who simultaneously advocate for the dismantling of "woke" ideologies, express support for conversion therapy frameworks, and promote the use of psychedelic therapy. Focusing on figures like Elon Musk and Jordan Peterson, they explore how these seemingly contradictory positions intersect. Both Musk and Peterson have had a notable influence within psychedelic culture, shaping conversations around mental health, identity, and the future of therapy. This video unpacks their broader ideologies, particularly how they approach questions of gender and sexuality, and how those views could inform the ways psychedelics are applied in therapeutic or cultural contexts. As psychedelics move further into the mainstream, the frameworks guiding their use become increasingly important. Neşe and Russell examine the risks of these substances being deployed not for liberation or healing, but as tools to enforce conformity. Chapters: 0:00:00 Intro 0:03:00 Jordan Peterson background 0:05:10 Jordan Peterson hypes psychedelics to Dave Rubin and Ben Shapiro 0:08:35 Peterson's Double Standards on Evidence, Psychedelics vs. Gender Affirming Care 0:11:40 Peterson and Shapiro discuss conversion therapy 0:13:00 Right-wing focus on queerness as the "face" of "woke" ideology is a red herring 0:17:04 Peterson as the prototypical "psychedelic fascist" 0:19:15 Peterson and Peter Thiel's "Power Law" 0:21:00 Peterson and pathological framing of ideologies 0:23:20 Peterson's conversations with psychedelic researchers (Roland Griffiths, Robin Carhart-Harris) 0:44:00 Chloe Cole psychedelic detransition claims 0:47:00 Detrans rhetoric used for neurodivergence 0:51:00 Elon Musk's connections to the psychedelic industry 0:56:00 Elon Musk's war against the "Woke Mind Virus" Footnotes: "Medical Association Statements in Support of Health Care for Transgender People and Youth" (GLAAD): https://glaad.org/medical-association-statements-supporting-trans-youth-healthcare-and-against-discriminatory/ "Fact Sheet: Evidence-Based Health Care for Transgender People and Youth" (GLAAD): https://glaad.org/factsheet-evidence-based-healthcare-transgender-people-and-youth/ "American Psychiatric Association Responds to Executive Order on Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness" (APA): https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/apa-responds-to-executive-order-on-psychedelics "Jordan Peterson's Psychedelic Hierarchy, ft. Thought Slime" (Psymposia): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBejCu8MnfQ Threads about Robin Carhart-Harris's conversation with Jordan Peterson: https://x.com/NeseLSD/status/1603457980779081728 https://x.com/NeseLSD/status/1635067729555361792  https://x.com/brian_pace/status/1369462746790715399 "QAnon Shaman, Chloe Cole, and Laura Becker Promote LSD Use as Alternative to Transition" (Assigned Media): https://assignedmedia.org/breaking-news/qanon-shaman-chloe-cole-laura-becker-promote-lsd/ "The Human Cost of DOGE's War on U.S.A.I.D." (New Yorker): https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-new-yorker-interview/the-human-cost-of-doges-war-on-usaid "Researchers Estimate USAID Cuts Have Already Led to 700,000 Deaths Worldwide" (Latin Times): https://www.latintimes.com/researchers-estimate-usaid-cuts-have-already-led-700000-deaths-worldwide-598208 "The Psychedelic Syndicate" (Psymposia): https://www.psymposia.com/psychedelic-syndicate-executive-summary-silicon-valley-maps-lykos-mdma-fda-billionaires/ "Elon Musk on Racism, Bailing Out Trump, Hate Speech, and More" (The Don Lemon Show): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhsfjBpKiTw&t=1s  

Neşe and Russell review the history and harms of conversion therapy practices in the broader medical landscape, as well as their persistence throughout the history of psychedelic research. In the first wave of psychedelic science, influential figures helped legitimize deeply harmful ideas about pharmaceutical assistance in shifting identity. Timothy Leary publicly suggested psychedelics could "cure" homosexuality. Richard Alpert (later Ram Dass) engaged in psychedelic-assisted conversion efforts with individuals who wrote to him seeking change. Stanislav Grof framed homosexuality as a pathology and explored psychedelic treatments aimed at altering sexual orientation. This history is often ignored or sanitized in contemporary discussions about psychedelics. But it is more relevant than ever as psychedelics gain support from many of the same political and cultural forces working to roll back protections against conversion therapy and of LGBTQ+ rights. Chapters: 0:00:00 Intro 0:04:54 Harms of conversion therapy and rollback of conversion therapy ban 0:15:55 Conversion therapy in historic psychedelic research 0:17:50 Andrea Ens research, Timothy Leary claims LSD can cure homosexuality 0:24:30 Archival letters and Ram Dass performing conversion therapy 0:28:45 Stan Grof conversion therapy writings and controversy Footnotes: "High dose shock therapy with LSD and mescaline: the experiments of a French doctor on two homosexual adolescents in the 1960s" by Zoë Dubus (Synergetic Press): https://hal.science/hal-03913920v1/document "A Specific Cure for Homosexuality: Postwar Psychedelic Conversion Therapies in the United States and Canada" by Andrea Ens (University of Wisconsin-Madison): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsI0LjMuL8g "'Wish I would be normal': LSD and Homosexuality at Hollywood Hospital, 1955-1973" by Andrea Ens (University of Saskatchewan Master's Thesis): https://harvest.usask.ca/items/0b737538-8322-4ba9-b62e-61e70869794e "The shameful history of psychedelic gay conversion therapy" (Plastic Brain): https://plasticbrainblog.com/2019/05/29/history-psychedelic-gay-conversion-therapy/ "Consensus Statement Condemning Psychedelic Conversion Therapy and Suggestions for Addressing Ongoing Harms Against LGBTQIA+ People in Psychedelic Research and Therapy": https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfsgdmGs0OxfvZyTP0cETBE-I4P3afwVblJ7cegrCetdmCrEg/viewform "An Open Letter Reply to Dr. Stan Grof" (Open Foundation): https://open-foundation.org/an-open-letter-reply-to-dr-stan-grof/ "Acknowledging the Past, Affirming Our Commitment to Healing For All" / Stan Grof letter (MAPS): https://maps.org/grof-letter/

The crew discusses AtaiBeckley's acquisition by Eli Lilly, The Wall Street Journal's mini-documentary on 5-MeO-DMT, and a recent death that occurred during a psychedelic retreat.

Psymposia sits down with Dr. Tyler Black to discuss debunking pseudoscience, a recent case study involving giving a woman with Alzheimer's psilocybin, psychedelic zealot mindsets, and his ketamine research. 

This is an excerpted interview from episode #74. Psymposia speaks with Jane Migliara Brigham of The Needle to discuss her recent article, "Ambetter Insurance, Centene denying hormones to trans patients across 19 states in push for MAHA Medicine."

James, Russell, and Normie chat about the Best in Grass competition before diving into a discussion of a lawsuit against OpenAI over alleged bad drug advice and the preservation of the Terence McKenna archive. Russell conducts an in-depth interview with Jane Migliara Brigham on the state of trans healthcare under Trump, unpacking the policy landscape and its real-world implications. In the back half of the episode, the crew is joined by Mike and Neşe to discuss billionaire investor Christian Angermayer — breaking down his psychedelic origin story, his concept of "Societal Adjustment Disorder," and his broader vision for the future, including techno-feudalism, dosing the water, and even his thoughts on extraterrestrials. SUPPORT: https://www.patreon.com/psymposia FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ https://x.com/psymposia  https://bsky.app/profile/psymposia.bsky.social Chapters: 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:00 Best in Grass competition 00:09:47 Suboxone clarification 00:12:14 OpenAI sued for bad drug advice 00:20:53 Terence Mckenna archive 00:33:53 Patreon Updates 00:36:00 Interview with Jane Migliara Brigham on trans healthcare under Trump 01:03:03 Psymposia shop updates 01:04:16 Christian Angermayer's psychedelic origin story 01:27:45 Christian Angermayer on "Societal Adjustment Disorder" 01:40:55 Christian Angermayer's techno-feudalist vision for the future 01:58:25 Christian Angermayer wants to does the water  02:06:51 Christian Angermayer's views on aliens Footnotes: Parents say ChatGPT got their son killed with bad advice on party drugs (The Verge) https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/928691/openai-chatgpt-wrongful-death-overdose Terence McKenna's Daughter Is Quietly Building The Archive A Generation Of Psychonauts Has Been Waiting For (High Times) https://hightimes.com/culture/terence-mckennas-daughter-has-been-paying-for-a-storage-unit-in-hawaii-for-25-years-she-just-opened-it/ Ambetter Insurance, Centene denying hormones to trans patients across 19 states in push for MAHA Medicine (The Needle) https://www.theneedle.media/2026/06/ambetter-insurance-centene-denying-hormones-to-trans-patients-across-19-states-in-push-for-maha-medicine/ Better Sex, Better Hair, Better Sleep: 'Humanmaxxing' Is Here (New York Times) https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/11/opinion/biotech-maxxing-christian-angermayer.html Enhanced Games Was Just the Start... (Fifter Years) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iDHaPz6kek  

SUPPORT: https://www.patreon.com/psymposia FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ https://x.com/psymposia https://bsky.app/profile/psymposia.bsky.social Normie, Neşe, Russell, and James dive into the telehealth supplement play behind the Enhanced Games, dissect the Secretary of Homeland Security's significant stake in Botanic Tonics, unpack the dangerous rhetoric of the MAHA movement and its real-world impact on mental health policy and infant mortality, and examine the key figure pushing ibogaine from fringe psychedelic to centerpiece of a broader Christian nationalist movement. Footnotes: The Enhanced Games Explained: Inside the $1.2 Billion Bet on Doping in Sports (Huddle Up) https://huddleup.substack.com/p/the-enhanced-games-explained-inside How a kratom giant got what it wanted from RFK and new Homeland Security chief (Kansas City Star) https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/david-hudnall/article315593616.html RFK Jr. launches plan to address 'overuse' of psychiatric medications (CNN) https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/05/health/rfk-jr-overprescribing-psychiatric-drugs-wellness Babies Are Bleeding to Death as Parents Reject a Vitamin Shot Given at Birth (Propublica)  https://www.propublica.org/article/more-parents-decline-vitamin-k-shot-newborns The Man Behind the Trump Administration's Favorite Psychedelic (The Atlantic)  https://www.theatlantic.com/health/2026/05/psychedelics-ibogaine-bryan-hubbard-republican/687281/  

We have made some changes to our Patreon and wanted to let you know what to expect from your subscription moving forward! Simplified Tiers. We simplified our tiers so there will only be three offerings: a $5, $10, and $50 level  The $2 tier is going away July 1, but any current $2 members will be grandfathered in at that price.  Early Access. All of our paid members will receive early access to ad-free podcast episodes, generally released twice a month. Additionally, Patreon members will receive around 20-45 minutes of post-episode bonus content with each release! Group Chat. All paid members also now have access to a community group chat and a chat where you can suggest stories for us to cover in upcoming episodes.  Live Chat. Our $10 tier offers the chance to join us for live "Shitpostia" doomscroll sessions, where we will discuss our social feeds and answer audience questions.  Extra Offerings for Annual Subscribers. If you subscribe annually at either the $5 or $10 level, you will receive merchandise including buttons ($5+$10 tier), stickers  ($5+$10 tier), and blotter art ($10 tier).

This clip from our Patreon bonus content breaks down the so-called "pentastack" behind looksmaxxer streams: a combinations of stimulants, dissociatives, performance drugs, and psychiatric medications. We also examine the disturbing response from the people around Clavicular during his livestreamed overdose.

Russell, Normie, Pace and James debut a new podcast format covering the latest developments in psychedelics, drug policy, and politics. Today, they review the latest Church of Sacred Synthesis lawsuit news, misperceptions of the "psychedelic Left", Purdue Pharma's collapse, the Trump administration's cuts to fentanyl test strip funding, vaccine and ivermectin discourse, and worsening conditions in veterans' mental healthcare.  Footnotes:  Michelle Lhooq — "We Have Entered the Era of Conservative Psychedelia" https://ravenewworld.substack.com/p/we-have-entered-the-era-of-conservative Associated Press — "OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma to dissolve in opioid settlement" https://apnews.com/article/oxycontin-purdue-pharma-criminal-sentence-settlement-b8aa94eaab3d9d8efed520f272f6d810 Vocal Politics — On Jake Lang being arrested for psychedelic mushrooms https://www.instagram.com/p/DYNljTRjdRI/?igsh=OXpkeGVxMDQ0OGo3 The New York Times — "Trump Administration Restricts Funding for Fentanyl Test Strips" https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/27/health/trump-fentanyl-test-strips.html The New York Times — "FDA Delays Publication of Vaccine Safety Research" https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/05/us/politics/fda-covid-vaccine-studies.html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur ProPublica — "Veterans Who Depend on Mental Health Care Keep Losing Their Therapists Under Trump" https://www.propublica.org/article/veterans-affairs-mental-health-therapists-quit-trump Drug Policy Alliance — Harm Reduction Form Letter https://engage.drugpolicy.org/secure/take-action-protect-funding-treatment-overdose-prevention-lifesaving-services  

Psymposia board member Dr. Neşe Devenot's presentation at the Ohio State University "Religion and Psychedelics" conference, recorded March 28, 2026. In this talk, Dr. Devenot presents their research on the reliance on unscientific telepathic attunement in many popular schools of psychedelic therapy.

Professor Dave is a well-known science communicator and prolific debunker of pseudoscience. Despite building his platform on combatting misinformation, he continues joining conversations that promote false claims about the FDA's rejection of MDMA-assisted therapy — one of which he republished on his own channel. In this episode, Psymposia responds to the latest of these conversations on the Danny Jones Podcast. We encourage Professor Dave to do his homework on the psychedelic industry before aligning himself with the very pseudoscience promoters he's built his career opposing.

Three psychedelic companies received vouchers for expedited FDA review: Usona, Compass Pathways, and Otsuka—NOT Resilient Pharmaceuticals. This voucher announcement is yet another vindication of our reporting on major problems and pseudoscience within Lykos'/Resilient's trials. Update to episode #68.

Psychedelics are the next front in Big Tech's dystopia. Psymposia developed this primer for leftists in response to Donald Trump's April 18 Executive Order, which accelerates review of psychedelic drugs deemed "Breakthrough Therapies" and makes Schedule 1 drugs more accessible under Right to Try laws. This announcement made a splash in psychedelic media, where praise for the Trump administration mixes with false claims about an "end to prohibition." In this discussion, we provide important context about this Executive Order and the people who engineered this moment behind the scenes. We highlight concerns about how this initiative will be rolled out by the Trump administration, which has been accused of pay-to-play tactics at the FDA and stacking the Department of Health and Human Services with psychedelic industry evangelists. This move represents a crystallization of far-right interest in the psychedelic industry and step towards oligarch monopolization of psychedelic medicine by figures including Peter Thiel and Musk lieutenant Antonio Gracias. We end by discussing the risks of elite control over drugs that have been developed to shift identity — especially when those elites are simultaneously devoted to killing the so-called "woke mind virus" and remaking the global order in Palantir's image. Foot Notes: Executive Order (White House): https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/04/accelerating-medical-treatments-for-serious-mental-illness/ President Trump Signs Executive Order to Accelerate Psychedelic Research and Access (Psychedelic Alpha): https://psychedelicalpha.com/news/president-trump-signs-executive-order-to-accelerate-psychedelic-research-and-access/ Over-the-top psychedelic promos could undermine the field's drug development efforts (STAT): https://www.statnews.com/2026/03/31/psychedelic-biotech-promotion-scrutinized-helus-atai-influencer-marketing/ Archived: https://archive.is/bv1oU Pharma lobbyists focus on a surprising new target: the FDA (STAT): https://www.statnews.com/2026/02/23/fda-lobbying-efforts-grow-under-trump-administration/ Archived: https://archive.is/wQav7 Wohin treibt die Renaissance von LSD & Co.? (WOZ) https://www.woz.ch/2609/psychedelika/wohin-treibt-die-renaissance-von-lsd-co/!NBCC4R4K3E06  

It has become a problematic standard practice in the psychedelic therapy industry to increase drug dosages after patients display red flag symptoms. Psymposia discusses a recent Wall Street Journal article about these practices as they manifest in the ketamine industry; the psychedelic industry's historic normalization of these practices; and recent attempts to convince lawmakers to protect psychedelic providers from liability for standard forms of medical malpractice. Together, these developments highlight why allowing a therapy cult to influence the norms of psychedelic medicine puts the public at risk. Footnotes: She Hoped Ketamine Would Rewire Her Brain. She Didn't Live to See It Work. (WSJ): Live link: https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/ketamine-telehealth-dangers-4a7bc8da Archive link: https://archive.is/qLxwO The Psychedelic Syndicate (Psymposia): https://www.psymposia.com/psychedelic-syndicate-executive-summary-silicon-valley-maps-lykos-mdma-fda-billionaires/ Hamilton's Pharma Cope Series (Psymposia): https://www.psymposia.com/hamiltons-pharma-cope/ Colorado has a chance to get ibogaine policy right (Colorado Newsline): https://coloradonewsline.com/2026/02/17/colorado-get-ibogaine-policy-right/  

In this final episode, we explore the attempts made by Hamilton Morris to attack the work, integrity, and character of our team.

Psymposia discusses Hamilton Morris's misinformation about their funding, his relationship with Compass Pathways, his claims that the nonprofit Usona has planted protestors at conferences to make him look bad, and claims that Psymposia encouraged terrorism.

Psymposia discusses their history with the Church of Psilomethoxin and addresses Hamilton Morris's misinformation about their funding and the alleged elder abuse of psychedelic funder George Sarlo by MAPS Board Chair Vicky Dulai.

Psymposia addresses Hamilton Morris's misinformation, including his speculation that they are DEA informants, their behavior at the FDA advisory committee for Lykos' Therapeutics' MDMA application, and more.

Psymposia discusses more notable psychedelic figures who have turned up in the Epstein files — including Paul Krassner, Rupert and Merlin Sheldrake, Paul Daley, and more. 2:06: Kimbal Musk updates 4:48: Ken Jordan/Alchemist Kitchen updates 8:32: Rupert Sheldrake 20:00: Merlin Sheldrake 29:00 Cortes Island 34:20: Paul Krassner 41:05: Paul Daley  Footnotes: Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein story (Miami Herald): https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article312152427.html New batch of Epstein files unmasks a 1970s Scientology spy — and he talked to us! (The Underground Bunker): https://tonyortega.substack.com/p/new-batch-of-epstein-files-unmasks Epstein engineered intimate relationship for Tesla's Kimbal Musk, emails show (The Guardian): https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/10/jeffrey-epstein-tesla-kimbal-musk Epstein offered $100,000 to bestselling British mushroom expert (The Times): https://www.thetimes.com/article/merlin-sheldrake-author-epstein-files-56jfkr6lv  

Psymposia discusses notable psychedelic figures who have turned up in the Epstein files — including major funders and investors Austin Hearst, Steve Jurvetson, and Kimbal Musk. 02:31: Austin Hearst 10:18: Steve Jurvetson 15:00: Kimbal Musk 22:58: Deepak Copra / Ken Jordan / Alchemist Kitchen Footnotes: 1) The Psychedelic Syndicate (Psymposia): www.psymposia.com/psychedelic-syndicate-executive-summary-silicon-valley-maps-lykos-mdma-fda-billionaires/ 2) Open Letter to the Burning Man Project about Kimbal Musk: www.removekimbal.org/ 3) Elon's bro quits Burning Man board amid outrage over Epstein connection (San Fransisco Standard): www.sfstandard.com/2026/02/04/kimbal-musk-burning-man-board-of-directors/  

Psymposia discusses flaws in Andrew Callaghan's journalism, his response to sexual abuse allegations, and how it relates to our experience as the subjects of targeted reporting from Channel 5. 1) Two Women Accuse Documentary Filmmaker Andrew Callaghan of R***, [SA] (The Stranger): https://www.thestranger.com/news/2023/02/28/78881322/two-women-accuse-documentary-filmmaker-andrew-callaghan-of-rape-sexual-assault 2) More Women Accuse YouTuber Andrew Callaghan of Sexual Misconduct and Assault (The Stranger): https://www.thestranger.com/news/2023/01/13/78812714/more-women-accuse-youtuber-andrew-callaghan-of-sexual-misconduct-and-assault 3) How Elon Musk's billionaire Doge lieutenant took over the US's biggest MDMA company (The Guardian): https://www.theguardian.com/technology/ng-interactive/2025/aug/28/elon-musk-antonio-gracias-mdma-psychedelics-company 4) The Psychedelic Syndicate (Psymposia): https://www.psymposia.com/psychedelic-syndicate-executive-summary-silicon-valley-maps-lykos-mdma-fda-billionaires/ 5) The Psychedelic Alt-Right Pipeline, Part 1: Lessons for the psychedelic left from Hasan Piker's "Collargate" (Chemical Poetics): https://chemicalpoetics.substack.com/p/the-psychedelic-alt-right-pipeline

Psymposia senior writer Russell Hausfeld sits down with author Bitter Karella to discuss their debut novel "Moonflow," their micro-fiction and text adventure projects, psychedelic mushrooms, writing queer and trans horror stories, ritual magic and more.   Video of this interview is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=einhwPk3K2Y    Footnotes:   - Midnight Pals Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/midnightpals.bsky.social    - Bitter Karella's itch.io page: https://bitterkarella.itch.io/   - Our Opinions Are Correct podcast: https://www.ouropinionsarecorrect.com/

On June 6, Psymposia reported on the presenter contract for MAPS' Psychedelic Science 2023. The contract includes clauses that limit when and where presenters can speak, and a "MAPS Reputation" clause that warns speakers to not "tarnish" the organization's "reputation and goodwill." After our reporting, MAPS announced that all presenters would be released from the radius clause of the contract. Concerns with the "MAPS reputation" clause were not acknowledged. We also discuss Russell Hausfeld's reporting on Kentucky's recent decision to use opioid settlement money on ibogaine research.     Read more:    Psychedelic Science 2023 Contract Muzzles Speakers: Two Clauses Dictate What Presenters Can and Can't Say by Russell Hausfeld      $42M for psychedelics research is not how Kentucky should be fighting opioid addiction by Russell Hausfeld     State of Kentucky Sets aside $42 Million for Psychedelic Research, with Focus on Ibogaine by Psychedelic Alpha     The Ibogaine Conversation by Psymposia    Support the show:   ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/         Follow:   ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/

In this episode, Psymposia Senior Writer Russell Hausfeld interviews Church of Psilomethoxin co-founder Greg Lake. Hausfeld and Lake discuss recent chemical analysis of the Church's sacrament which indicates that it is not the drug the Church has claimed.   Footnotes:   Fungi Fiction: Analytical Investigation into the Church Of Psilomethoxin's Alleged Novel Compound Using UPLC-HRMS by Samuel Williamson and Alexander Sherwood https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/64358de9736114c96352edf9   Psychedelic Capitalism, Scientific Integrity, and a Wider Look Into Current Events; Response to USONA Article by The Church of Psilomethoxinhttps://web.archive.org/web/20230413174458/https://psilomethoxin.com/psychedelic_capitalism/   Church of Psilomethoxin, Part 1: Sacramental Skepticism. Is the Church in Denial? by David Nickles https://www.psymposia.com/magazine/church-of-psilomethoxin-part-1-sacramental-skepticism-is-the-church-in-denial-church-of-the-sacred-synthesis/     The Church of Psilomethoxin Part 2: Unraveling the Sacred Chemistry  https://www.psymposia.com/magazine/the-church-of-psilomethoxin-part-2-unraveling-the-chemistry-of-canned-peas-with-david-nichols/     Support the show:   ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/         Follow:   ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/

In this episode, the Psymposia team speaks with writer Travis Kitchens about his recent piece "A Channel for Magic: Ralph Hood's Mysticism Scale and the Occult Roots of the Johns Hopkins Psychedelic Research Program"   Watch:  https://youtu.be/Ued8NNIraFs       Support the show:   ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/         Follow:   ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/  

In this episode, Psymposia senior writer Russell Hausfeld interviews independent reporter Sasha Sisko about being kicked out of Wonderland Miami 2022. Sisko discusses their history with conference organizer Microdose Psychedelic Insights, appearing on stage at Wonderland Miami 2021, and being removed from Wonderland Miami 2022.     Footnotes:  Rick Perry Texts: https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/25/politics/rick-perry-mark-meadows-text https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2022/04/mark-meadows-trump-chief-of-staff-strangest-texts.html   Sasha Sisko's thread about being removed from Wonderland 2022: https://twitter.com/SashaSisko/status/1588172019409076224       Support the show:   ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/         Follow:   ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/

On November 3rd, the "Wonderland Miami" psychedelic conference banned the entire Psymposia team from the event. Compass Pathways consultant Hamilton Morris then took to the stage to distort and misrepresent our research. This podcast was edited for clarity from a YouTube livestream recorded on November 15, 2022.   Watch it here: https://youtu.be/ckxKJQedx1c   If you're not terminally online, here's a bit more context: Psymposia's Twitter rundown Dr. Brian Pace's Twitter rundown Wonderland Miami Exposes Growing Rift in Psychedelic Community, by James Kent     Support the show:   ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/         Follow:   ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/

We're back…mostly. In this episode we ramble about the Psychedemia conference, the serpent handler researcher who helped legitimize Johns Hopkins' psychedelic research, Steve Jobs' guru "Toxic Bob", hot psilocybin patent garbage, Mind Medicine Australia's utterly cringe appearance on ABC's Four Corners documentary "Psyched Up", popping psychedelic hype bubbles, and Dave's new studio that's covered in fractal horses.    References   A Channel for Magic: Ralph Hood's Mysticism Scale and the Occult Roots of the Johns Hopkins Psychedelic Research Program Psychologist Ralph Hood's study of serpent handling and mysticism helped legitimize the study of psychedelics. So why doesn't he want them approved for medical use?   The Misadventures Of "Toxic Bob"Throughout his lifetime, Robert Friedland has evolved from Steve Jobs' psychedelic guru to mining guru, leaving a trail of environmental destruction in his wake.   On Drugs Substack: Hot Psilocybin Patent Garbage How to invalidate a psychedelic patent in 30 minutes on a Sunday afternoon. On Drugs Substack: Three Fever Thoughts As the World Turnbulls   ABC Four Corners: Psyched Up In Australia and overseas there's a push to make psychedelic drugs part of mainstream medicine for the treatment of trauma and other mental health conditions. Results from clinical trials are promising for PTSD sufferers where conventional treatments have failed. Reporter Elise Worthington also investigates the dark side of this form of therapy where disturbing cases of abuse and malpractice are emerging in both clinical trials and the underground. There's now pressure in the industry to downplay the negative stories by those who stand to profit from the business of psychedelics.   Preparing for the Bursting of the Psychedelic Hype Bubble     Is the Psychedelic Therapy Bubble About to Burst?     Support the show:   ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/         Follow:   ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/

This talk was presented live by Dr. Brian Pace and Dr. Neşe Devenot at the UW–Madison Transdisciplinary Center for Research in Psychoactive Substances. This talk was presented on April 28 as part of the "Psychedelic Humanities" speaker series, organized by Dr. Lucas Richert. Public discourse concerning psychedelics and the emerging industry in psychedelic-assisted therapy has extended beyond the potential benefits of novel treatments for specific mental health disorders to claims that widespread psychedelic use may tilt social relations towards more egalitarian norms. Researchers and media outlets have pointed to several recent studies which present data asserting that classical psychedelics can reduce authoritarianism, increase liberal views, and deepen nature-relatedness.   Taken together, these studies are cited to promote a vision of drug-assisted social progress. Yet counter examples abound of psychedelic-experienced individuals expressing views explicitly opposed to egalitarianism and liberal politics. Moreover, acceptance of psychedelics by institutions and aspirational business and celebrity figures has only increased right-wing psychedelic interest in recent years.    This presentation highlights the numerous contemporary and historical cases where the use of psychedelics failed to reduce authoritarian tendencies in users, or even facilitated adoption of authoritarian views. We demonstrate that psychedelics can catalyze change in political or religious belief, but not in a consistent direction. Instead, we propose that many transformative experiences—including those induced by psychedelics—can challenge and radically shift a person's worldview, and that extra-pharmacological factors influence the character of change in ideology or political belief.                 Watch: https://youtu.be/GkOjwIe3hE4            Support:   ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/         Follow:   ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/

In part two of this deep dive, Psymposia and Thought Slime analyze Jordan Peterson's fascination with psychedelics as an example of the reactionary, right-wing ideologies that have been developing within psychedelia in recent decades. Reacting to a 2021 podcast of Peterson's, we discuss the significance of Peterson's popularity among some prominent psychedelic researchers. As figures like Jordan Peterson and Ben Shapiro continue to advocate for harmful "conversion therapies" for minority sexual orientations and gender identities, we discuss the dangers of reactionary interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies, given that psychedelics are already associated with increased suggestibility and shifts in identity. Considering the fact that many scientists and CEOs in the psychedelic renaissance are lobbying right-wing donors and politicians, we highlight the risks inherent to reactionary forces developing frameworks for accessing psychedelics.              Watch: https://youtu.be/SBejCu8MnfQ           Support:   ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/         Follow:   ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/

In part two of this deep dive, Psymposia and Thought Slime analyze Jordan Peterson's fascination with psychedelics as an example of the reactionary, right-wing ideologies that have been developing within psychedelia in recent decades. Reacting to a 2021 podcast of Peterson's, we discuss the significance of Peterson's popularity among some prominent psychedelic researchers. As figures like Jordan Peterson and Ben Shapiro continue to advocate for harmful "conversion therapies" for minority sexual orientations and gender identities, we discuss the dangers of reactionary interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies, given that psychedelics are already associated with increased suggestibility and shifts in identity. Considering the fact that many scientists and CEOs in the psychedelic renaissance are lobbying right-wing donors and politicians, we highlight the risks inherent to reactionary forces developing frameworks for accessing psychedelics.              Watch: https://youtu.be/SBejCu8MnfQ           Support:   ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/         Follow:   ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/

In part one of this deep dive, Psymposia and Thought Slime analyze Jordan Peterson's fascination with psychedelics as an example of the reactionary, right-wing ideologies that have been developing within psychedelia in recent decades. Reacting to a 2021 podcast of Peterson's, we discuss the significance of Peterson's popularity among some prominent psychedelic researchers. As figures like Jordan Peterson and Ben Shapiro continue to advocate for harmful "conversion therapies" for minority sexual orientations and gender identities, we discuss the dangers of reactionary interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies, given that psychedelics are already associated with increased suggestibility and shifts in identity. Considering the fact that many scientists and CEOs in the psychedelic renaissance are lobbying right-wing donors and politicians, we highlight the risks inherent to reactionary forces developing frameworks for accessing psychedelics.        Watch: https://youtu.be/ICLMiwdDUuE       Read: The Trials of Rick Doblin He revolutionized the way we view MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. But what does the research actually show?     Support:   ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/       Follow:   ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/

Both underground and above-ground therapists and practitioners present their psychedelic services in service to "healing." Why, then, is it so hard to get them to acknowledge the harms taking place in their communities? Why do institutions seem more concerned with preserving their reputations than addressing the numerous harmful dynamics that have persisted for years? If the psychedelic movement intends to heal trauma, it must begin at home.   This episode is Psymposia's reaction to Cover Story: Power Trip, Episode 9: The Complainers Group   Cover Story is an investigative podcast from New York Magazine. The first season, Power Trip, uncovers the secrets and exposes the darkest corners of the psychedelic renaissance through a twisted, deeply personal tale at the intersection of mind, body, and control. Power Trip is a co-production of New York Magazine and Psymposia.   Support:   ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/   For full episodes, transcripts, supporting documents, and more, visit: https://psymposia.com/powertrip   Follow:   ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/

When it comes to psychedelics, there's a lot we don't know. The same is true of the practitioners, institutions, and communities that have sprung up around psychedelic therapy and guiding. We explore the intersecting professional and social relationships of a few different guides and institutions. We also discuss Michael Pollan's impact on the current psychedelic landscape.   This episode is Psymposia's reaction to Cover Story: Power Trip, Episode 8: Who Am I Fooling?   Watch: https://youtu.be/3HDoveb1jls   Cover Story is a new investigative podcast from New York Magazine. The first season, Power Trip, uncovers the secrets and exposes the darkest corners of the psychedelic renaissance through a twisted, deeply personal tale at the intersection of mind, body, and control. Power Trip is a co-production of New York Magazine and Psymposia.   Support:   ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/   For full episodes, transcripts, supporting documents, and more, visit: https://psymposia.com/powertrip   Follow:   ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/   Thank you to our Patreon podcast supporters:   Dave Hodges, James Hubbard, John Hanna, Dave Ayers, Tehseen Noorani, Myster Psoul, Samy Tammam, Amanda Alexander, Maryann Kehoe, Daniel McQueen, Annick McIntosh, Aaron Williams, Julia A, Christian Dawley, Dustin T, Leon Boroditsky, John Bannon, Atticus Kelbley, Daniel, Jason Gross, Clifford Hudson, Miller Hooks, Scott Martin, Sandra Dreisbach, zeph Tam, Rochella Martin, Gurpreet Saini, Jason Seidel, Will Petersen, Jeff Davis, Kanani Wolf  

What's going on with the MAPS narratives? How is it possible that Mel, Leah, and Meaghan's experiences have been so at odds with the "standard story" we've heard about psychedelic clinical trials? Why can't we seem to get straight answers to simple questions? The Psymposia team drills down into the questions raised by the revelations in "Political Science" in an attempt to highlight some of the dynamics at the heart of psychedelic science.   This episode is Psymposia's reaction to Cover Story: Power Trip, Episode 7: Political Science   Watch: https://youtu.be/3HDoveb1jls   Cover Story is a new investigative podcast from New York Magazine. The first season, Power Trip, uncovers the secrets and exposes the darkest corners of the psychedelic renaissance through a twisted, deeply personal tale at the intersection of mind, body, and control. Power Trip is a co-production of New York Magazine and Psymposia.   Support:   ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/   For full episodes, transcripts, supporting documents, and more, visit: https://psymposia.com/powertrip   Follow:   ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/   Thank you to our Patreon podcast supporters:   Dave Hodges, James Hubbard, John Hanna, Dave Ayers, Tehseen Noorani, Myster Psoul, Samy Tammam, Amanda Alexander, Maryann Kehoe, Daniel McQueen, Annick McIntosh, Aaron Williams, Julia A, Christian Dawley, Dustin T, Leon Boroditsky, John Bannon, Atticus Kelbley, Daniel, Jason Gross, Clifford Hudson, Miller Hooks, Scott Martin, Sandra Dreisbach, zeph Tam, Rochella Martin, Gurpreet Saini, Jason Seidel, Will Petersen, Jeff Davis, Kanani Wolf  

The Psymposia team discusses the reticence of psychedelic advocates to consider cases of unequivocal abuse and neglect of participants in MAPS clinical trials. We provide background on the gap between the public image of MAPS and the experiences shared by Meaghan, Mel, and Leah in New York Magazine's Cover Story Season 1, Power Trip.   Watch: https://youtu.be/EQRttVF7Dy8   Support:   ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/   For full episodes, transcripts, supporting documents, and more, visit: https://psymposia.com/powertrip   Follow:   ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/   Thank you to our Patreon podcast supporters:   Dave Hodges, James Hubbard, John Hanna, Dave Ayers, Tehseen Noorani, Myster Psoul, Samy Tammam, Amanda Alexander, Maryann Kehoe, Daniel McQueen, Annick McIntosh, Aaron Williams, Julia A, Christian Dawley, Dustin T, Leon Boroditsky, John Bannon, Atticus Kelbley, Daniel, Jason Gross, Clifford Hudson, Miller Hooks, Scott Martin, Sandra Dreisbach, zeph Tam, Rochella Martin, Gurpreet Saini, Jason Seidel, Will Petersen, Jeff Davis  

We talk drugs and anti-capitalism with anthropology PhD candidate, Hilary Agro. Ranging from prohibition to psychedelic clinical trials and beyond, we explore the overlaps and differences in our analyses of the current psychedelic (and broader drug policy) landscape.   Watch: https://youtu.be/s6Puq_8lBnM   Support: ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/   Thank you to our Patreon podcast supporters:   Dave Hodges, James Hubbard, John Hanna, Dave Ayers, Tehseen Noorani, Samy Tammam, Amanda Alexander, Maryann Kehoe, Daniel McQueen, Annick McIntosh, Aaron Williams, Julia A, Christian Dawley, Dustin T, Leon Boroditsky, Myster Psoul, John Bannon, Atticus Kelbley, Daniel, Jason Gross, Clifford Hudson, Miller Hooks, Scott Martin, Sandra Dreisbach, zeph Tam, Rochelle Martin, Gurpreet Saini, Jason Seidel, Will Petersen, Jeff Davis, Alexandra Adams, Daniel S, Joss Edwards

We continue our discussion about Brian Pace and Neşe Devenot's recently published paper: "Right-Wing Psychedelia: Case Studies in Cultural Plasticity and Political Pluripotency"    Abstract: Recent media advocacy for the nascent psychedelic medicine industry has emphasized the potential for psychedelics to improve society, pointing to research studies that have linked psychedelics to increased environmental concern and liberal politics. However, research supporting the hypothesis that psychedelics induce a shift in political beliefs must address the many historical and contemporary cases of psychedelic users who remained authoritarian in their views after taking psychedelics or became radicalized after extensive experience with them.   We propose that the common anecdotal accounts of psychedelics precipitating radical shifts in political or religious beliefs result from the contextual factors of set and setting, and have no particular directional basis on the axes of conservatism-liberalism or authoritarianism-egalitarianism. Instead, we argue that any experience which challenges a person's fundamental worldview—including a psychedelic experience—can precipitate shifts in any direction of political belief.   We suggest that the historical record supports the concept of psychedelics as "politically pluripotent," non-specific amplifiers of the political set and setting. Contrary to recent assertions, we show that conservative, hierarchy-based ideologies are able to assimilate psychedelic experiences of interconnection, as expressed by thought leaders like Jordan Peterson, corporadelic actors, and members of several neo-Nazi organizations.   Support:   ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/   Thank you to our Patreon podcast supporters:   Dave Hodges, James Hubbard, John Hanna, Dave Ayers, Tehseen Noorani, Samy Tammam, Amanda Alexander, Maryann Kehoe, Daniel McQueen, Annick McIntosh, Aaron Williams, Julia A, Christian Dawley, Dustin T, Leon Boroditsky, Myster Psoul, John Bannon, Atticus Kelbley, Daniel, Jason Gross, Clifford Hudson, Miller Hooks, Scott Martin, Sandra Dreisbach, zeph Tam, Rochelle Martin, Gurpreet Saini, Jason Seidel, Will Petersen, Jeff Davis, Alexandra Adams, Daniel S

We discuss Brian Pace and Neşe Devenot's recently published paper: "Right-Wing Psychedelia: Case Studies in Cultural Plasticity and Political Pluripotency"    Abstract: Recent media advocacy for the nascent psychedelic medicine industry has emphasized the potential for psychedelics to improve society, pointing to research studies that have linked psychedelics to increased environmental concern and liberal politics. However, research supporting the hypothesis that psychedelics induce a shift in political beliefs must address the many historical and contemporary cases of psychedelic users who remained authoritarian in their views after taking psychedelics or became radicalized after extensive experience with them.   We propose that the common anecdotal accounts of psychedelics precipitating radical shifts in political or religious beliefs result from the contextual factors of set and setting, and have no particular directional basis on the axes of conservatism-liberalism or authoritarianism-egalitarianism. Instead, we argue that any experience which challenges a person's fundamental worldview—including a psychedelic experience—can precipitate shifts in any direction of political belief.   We suggest that the historical record supports the concept of psychedelics as "politically pluripotent," non-specific amplifiers of the political set and setting. Contrary to recent assertions, we show that conservative, hierarchy-based ideologies are able to assimilate psychedelic experiences of interconnection, as expressed by thought leaders like Jordan Peterson, corporadelic actors, and members of several neo-Nazi organizations.   Read it here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.733185/full   Support:   ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/   Thank you to our Patreon podcast supporters:   Dave Hodges, James Hubbard, John Hanna, Dave Ayers, Tehseen Noorani, Myster Psoul, Samy Tammam, Amanda Alexander, Maryann Kehoe, Daniel McQueen, Annick McIntosh, Aaron Williams, Julia A, Christian Dawley, Dustin T, Leon Boroditsky, Myster Psoul, John Bannon, Atticus Kelbley, Daniel, Jason Gross, Clifford Hudson, Miller Hooks, Scott Martin, Sandra Dreisbach, zeph Tam, Rochella Martin, Gurpreet Saini, Jason Seidel, Will Petersen, Jeff Davis, Alexandra Adams

What the hell is going on in this house full of shit? And where do we go from here? We don't have answers, but we have ideas and plenty of questions to unfold. Power Trip 5 was a montage of stories that illustrate a bigger picture. This episode of Power Tripping offers a complementary platter of ideas. From the structural features of the psychedelic therapy marketplace, to the cognitive biases that encourage conformity and groupthink, we explore how the status quo of psychedelic therapy encourages bad behavior and complicity. What if shit's not a bug, but a feature?   Support:   ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/   For full episodes, transcripts, supporting documents, and more, visit: https://psymposia.com/powertrip   Follow:   ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/   Thank you to our Patreon podcast supporters:   Dave Hodges, James Hubbard, John Hanna, Dave Ayers, Tehseen Noorani, Myster Psoul, Samy Tammam, Amanda Alexander, Maryann Kehoe, Daniel McQueen, Annick McIntosh, Aaron Williams, Julia A, Christian Dawley, Dustin T, Leon Boroditsky, John Bannon, Atticus Kelbley, Daniel, Jason Gross, Clifford Hudson, Miller Hooks, Scott Martin, Sandra Dreisbach, zeph Tam, Rochella Martin, Gurpreet Saini, Jason Seidel, Will Petersen, Jeff Davis  

Dear Plus Three listeners,    Thanks so much for your continued support throughout the year. We couldn't do it without y'all. Psymposia is a small 501(c)(3) non-profit entirely funded by people who believe in our work. We're a volunteer organization and 100% of the funds we raise go into operating costs, which add up quickly. Please consider supporting us monthly on Patreon or making a one-time donation. All donations made by December 31st at midnight are tax-deductible.    Thanks for your support! (Read Psymposia's full 2021 Year in Review with selected stories here)   2021 was a watershed year for psychedelics, marked by both mainstream excitement about their potential benefits alongside warning signs about the risks of harm—to both individuals and society—caused by the people who wield them. What a wild ride it's been. Local organizers have continued to decriminalize psychedelics throughout the United States, new research centers have been announced almost monthly, and long-overdue conversations about ethics are gaining prominence. Despite these positive developments, there is cause for alarm. From a self-described "shaman" storming the Capitol to revelations about psychedelic therapist abuse, 2021 witnessed multiple bellwether events for psychedelic authoritarianism, which highlight the need for ongoing ideological harm reduction to protect against abuses of power. At the same time, special interests and corporations backed by right-wing funders are trying to grab the reins and control the psychedelic narrative. We're determined to even the playing field.   Through it all, Psymposia has provided unmatched reporting and analysis to challenge the polished pitches and press releases that have been disseminated by psychedelic pharma and the mainstream medicalization movements.  Our mission is not to simply deconstruct the logic of prohibition, but to democratize access to the information we need to build a post-prohibition world that works for all of us. While psychedelic decriminalization is a positive first step, Psymposia continues to advocate for complete drug decriminalization. Psymposia exists as a result of the relentless work that our volunteer staff pours into our projects—projects that have garnered national and international attention for our groundbreaking research and journalism. Now, more than ever, we believe in the necessity of our work, which is unfettered by the corporate payoffs, conflicts of interest, and sponsored content that have become commonplace in the field. Psymposia is a 100% independent non-profit media and research organization that is dedicated to challenging the narratives of the powerful and of the power-seeking on behalf of the public.   Through articles, podcasts, videos, and peer-reviewed research published in top academic journals, our team continues to impact the conversation about psychedelics and drug policy—despite repeated industry efforts to silence us and marginalize our work. But in order to do our work as a watchdog, your financial support is vital.Unlike other media outlets covering psychedelics and drug policy, we refuse to compromise our mission or create conflicts of interest by accepting funding from the corporations we are tasked with covering.  While other psychedelics organizations have blacklisted us and threatened to doxx our sources, we are unapologetic about our work and stand by our mission. We are sustained by people and communities who believe in the work we do. You can support us monthly on Patreon or make a one-time donation (and, until Friday at midnight, donations are still tax-deductible for 2021).  If you're unable to donate, you can support us in other ways, like sharing an article with a friend, leaving our podcasts a rating and review, or simply sending us a message. We appreciate the non-monetary support and solidarity we've received this year. It means a lot to us. Thank you for your continued support.  In solidarity,  The Psymposia team   Subscribe to the Psymposia email list here. 

Many people are familiar with MK-ULTRA, the CIA's illegal human experimentation program, which involved psychedelics and resulted in torture techniques that have since been used at CIA black sites around the world. What if someone tried to tell you these techniques were, in fact, a novel therapy that could revolutionize mental healthcare and transform dissidents into better citizens? In this episode, we discuss Dr. Salvador Roquet, a man who tortured people for the Mexican state and also parlayed those techniques to become an influential pioneer of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. What does it mean that Roquet's trainings and ideologies have influenced an untold number of present-day psychedelic practitioners?   Support:   ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/   For full episodes, transcripts, supporting documents, and more, visit: https://psymposia.com/powertrip   Additional reading:   Power Tripping supporting docs   "Bad TRIPS" may be the BEST TRIPS by Walter Houston Clark   Psychology and Destruction of the Psyche: the Professional use of Psychological Knowledge for Torture of Political Prisoners by David Pavón-Cuéllar   Undiscovering the Pueblo Mágico: Lessons from Huautla for the Psychedelic Renaissance by Ben Feinberg   What I Got Wrong in More Than Two: The Dark Night of the Soul by Eve Rickert   Mundo enfermo y tarado   The Unified Field Theory of Psychedelic Integration and Portugal Style Decriminalization by David Bronner   Sounding the Alarm on Compass's Interference with Oregon's Psilocybin Therapy Program by David Bronner   Additional Podcasts / Videos   #32 – It's All Red Flags: 5-MeO-DMT with Dr. Martin Ball   Jim Lehrman Covert Journeys, Visionary Summit, September 3 2016, Paonia, CO    Follow:   ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/   Thank you to our podcast and video tier Patreon supporters:   Reliable Spores, Houston Puck, Dave Hodges, Jon Hanna, James Hubbard, Lindsay Munson, Evan Freimuth, Abigail Bianchi, Meghan Kennedy, Dave Ayers, Darrell Duane, Tehseen Noorani, Tariqul Islam, Clifford Hudson, Daniel McQueen, Maryann Kehoe, Ben Yono, Nathan Espinosa, Annick McIntosh, Starbuck, Aaron Williams, Jenine Innes, Julia A, Jesse Liberty, Christian Dawley, Leon Boroditsky, Samy Tammam, Amanda Alexander, Jason Gross, Paige Hausfeld, John Bannon, Clifford Hudson, Sandra Dreisbach, Will Petersen, Jason Seidel, Gurpreet Saini  

Michael Pollan, Tim Ferriss, Gabor Maté, and a number of other "thought leaders" have offered glowing endorsements of Françoise Bourzat and her approach to training psychedelic guides. However, amidst the wave of allegations and revelations about Bourzat, her husband Aharon Grossbard, and their training program, many of these individuals have refrained from weighing in on these events, or even retracting their endorsements. In light of "Susan's" experiences, detailed in episode three of Power Trip, what does it mean to have such visible figures endorsing such questionable methodologies?   The Psymposia team, discusses how the "Psychedelic Community" responded to T's abuse of Lily in the Ecuadorian Amazon and her attempts to call attention to the wider issues around her experience. We recall our own experiences of Lily's efforts dating back to 2012, and consider a number of individuals and institutions we've experienced as insulating harmful people in psychedelic communities. It takes a village to enable and cover up ongoing harm; how many people in psychedelic communities are complicit?   For full episodes, transcripts, supporting documents, and more, visit: https://psymposia.com/powertrip   Psychedemia 2022 Conference: https://bit.ly/psychedemiaannounce    Support:   ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/   Follow:   ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/   Thank you to our podcast and video tier Patreon supporters:   Reliable Spores, Houston Puck, Dave Hodges, Jon Hanna, James Hubbard, Lindsay Munson, Evan Freimuth, Abigail Bianchi, Meghan Kennedy, Dave Ayers, Darrell Duane, Tehseen Noorani, Tariqul Islam, Clifford Hudson, Daniel McQueen, Maryann Kehoe, Ben Yono, Nathan Espinosa, Annick McIntosh, Starbuck, Aaron Williams, Jenine Innes, Julia A, Jesse Liberty, Christian Dawley, Leon Boroditsky, Samy Tammam, Amanda Alexander, Jason Gross, Paige Hausfeld, John Bannon, Clifford Hudson, Sandra Dreisbach, Will Petersen, Jason Seidel, Gurpreet Saini  

Power Tripping is Psymposia's weekly deep-dive into New York Magazine's Cover Story: Power Trip podcast, co-produced with Psymposia.   The Psymposia team, discusses how the "Psychedelic Community" responded to T's abuse of Lily in the Ecuadorian Amazon and her attempts to call attention to the wider issues around her experience. We recall our own experiences of Lily's efforts dating back to 2012, and consider a number of individuals and institutions we've experienced as insulating harmful people in psychedelic communities. It takes a village to enable and cover up ongoing harm; how many people in psychedelic communities are complicit?   For full episodes, transcripts, supporting documents, and more, visit: https://psymposia.com/powertrip   Psychedemia 2022 Conference: https://bit.ly/psychedemiaannounce    Support:   ☼Patreon: http://patreon.com/psymposia ☼Donate: https://www.psymposia.com/donate/   Follow:   ☼Twitter: https://twitter.com/psymposia ☼Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psymposia/ ☼Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psymposia ☼Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/psymposia ☼Website: https://www.psymposia.com ☼Podcast: https://www.psymposia.com/plusthree ☼Newsletter: https://www.psymposia.com/subscribe/   Thank you to our podcast and video tier Patreon supporters:   Reliable Spores, Houston Puck, Dave Hodges, Jon Hanna, James Hubbard, Lindsay Munson, Evan Freimuth, Abigail Bianchi, Meghan Kennedy, Dave Ayers, Darrell Duane, Tehseen Noorani, Tariqul Islam, Clifford Hudson, Daniel McQueen, Maryann Kehoe, Ben Yono, Nathan Espinosa, Annick McIntosh, Starbuck, Aaron Williams, Jenine Innes, Julia A, Jesse Liberty, Christian Dawley, Leon Boroditsky, Samy Tammam, Amanda Alexander, Jason Gross, Paige Hausfeld, John Bannon, Clifford Hudson, Sandra Dreisbach, Will Petersen, Jason Seidel