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Plus Three

99 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago -

Plus Three dives deep into the world of drugs, from local decriminalization and emerging psychedelic corporations to leftist politics and mass incarceration. Each week the team and guests attempt to make sense of the complex connections between drugs, science, capitalism, policy, and culture.

The podcast is co-hosted by Psymposia co-founder Brian Normand, psychedelics research and bio-ethicist Nese Devenot, evolutionary ecologist Brian Pace, and underground researcher David Nickles.

Society & Culture Education drugs capitalism decriminalization medicalization politics psychedelics science
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Episodes

#58: MAPS Psychedelic Science Contract Muzzles Speakers

June 21, 2023 17:20 - 1 hour - 66.4 MB

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 Hausfel...

#57: Greg Lake: The Church of Psilomethoxin interview

May 09, 2023 19:32 - 37 minutes - 29.6 MB

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/6435...

#56 - Travis Kitchens: The M-Scale and the Occult Roots of the JHU Psychedelic Research Program

January 19, 2023 20:49 - 1 hour - 71.6 MB

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/ps...

#55 - Sasha Sisko: On the Ground at Wonderland Miami

November 24, 2022 00:04 - 28 minutes - 25.6 MB

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-mead...

#54 - #Wonderbanned

November 23, 2022 23:52 - 2 hours - 114 MB

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 ...

#53 - We’re back! News Recap and Updates from the Team

November 02, 2022 17:48 - 48 minutes - 66.6 MB

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 a...

#52 - Right-Wing Psychedelia at University of Madison-Wisconsin

June 27, 2022 18:11 - 1 hour - 122 MB

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 wide...

#51 - Part Three: Jordan Peterson's Psychedelic Hierarchy, ft. Thought Slime

June 02, 2022 17:11 - 1 hour - 58.4 MB

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 sex...

#50 - Part Two: Jordan Peterson's Psychedelic Hierarchy, ft. Thought Slime

May 26, 2022 16:13 - 1 hour - 64.8 MB

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 se...

#49 - Part One: Jordan Peterson's Psychedelic Hierarchy, ft. Thought Slime

May 19, 2022 15:26 - 1 hour - 56.2 MB

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 se...

Power Tripping #9: The Complainers Group

April 04, 2022 05:55 - 1 hour - 68.1 MB

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 Cov...

Power Tripping #8: Who Am I Fooling?

March 20, 2022 00:30 - 1 hour - 73.3 MB

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: htt...

Power Tripping #7: Political Science

March 13, 2022 20:29 - 1 hour - 93.7 MB

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...

Power Tripping #6: Open Heart Surgery

March 06, 2022 18:29 - 1 hour - 83.5 MB

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 f...

#48 - Drugs and Anti-Capitalism with Hilary Agro

February 07, 2022 16:24 - 1 hour - 83.5 MB

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...

#47 - Part Two: Right Wing Psychedelia

January 18, 2022 18:14 - 1 hour - 105 MB

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 ps...

#47 - Part Two: Right-Wing Psychedelia

January 18, 2022 18:14 - 1 hour - 105 MB

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 psyc...

#46 - Part One: Right-Wing Psychedelia

January 10, 2022 20:50 - 46 minutes - 63.7 MB

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 shif...

#46 - Part One: Right Wing Psychedelia

January 10, 2022 20:50 - 46 minutes - 63.7 MB

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 sh...

Power Tripping #5: House Full of Sh*t

January 02, 2022 23:25 - 1 hour - 86.5 MB

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 enco...

What's a year of Psymposia worth to you?

December 29, 2021 22:17 - 47 seconds - 1.06 MB

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 fo...

Power Tripping #4: Bad Hug

December 26, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 177 MB

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 par...

Power Tripping #3: I Am the Wolf

December 19, 2021 19:30 - 57 minutes - 80.1 MB

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 Powe...

Power Tripping #2: That's an Old Story

December 12, 2021 16:30 - 1 hour - 61.3 MB

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 harmf...

Power Tripping #1: I See a Sh*tshow

December 05, 2021 19:47 - 42 minutes - 58.8 MB

Power Tripping is Psymposia's weekly deep-dive into New York Magazine's Cover Story: Power Trip podcast, co-produced with Psymposia. This week, Lily Kay Ross introduces the Psymposia team, all of whom have been working on a variety of projects in addition to supporting the research and release of Power Trip. The team tries to avoid spoilers and give a brief sense of who we are, what we do.   For full episodes, transcripts, supporting documents, and more, visit: https://psymposia.com/...

#45 - Part Two: Digital Capitalism on Psychedelics with Emma Stamm

September 08, 2021 18:27 - 1 hour - 108 MB

In part two of our conversation with Villanova visiting professor of philosophy Emma Stamm, we discuss the "psychedelic industry's" increasing fixation on digital capitalism. Looking at apps like MyDelica and hardware like Kernel's brain-scanning helmet, we discuss how the social implications of this technology extend well beyond psychedelia. Co-hosts: Neşe Devenot, Brian Normand, David Nickles, Brian Pace. Editor: Matt Payne Support: If you like the show please support us on Patreon or ...

#44 - Part One: Talking Acid Communism with Emma Stamm

August 12, 2021 23:13 - 1 hour - 80.2 MB

In part one of our conversation with Villanova visiting professor of philosophy Emma Stamm, we discuss Mark Fisher’s Acid Communism, leftist thought in psychedelia, Jacques Derrida’s hauntology, and Byung-Chul Han’s Psychopolitics: Neoliberalism and New Technologies of Power. Co-hosts: Neşe Devenot, Brian Normand, David Nickles, Brian Pace. Editor: Matt Payne Watch: https://youtu.be/-68rSz1BePE  Support: If you like the show please support us on Patreon or make a tax-deductible donati...

#43 - Part Two: Dave Rubin Courts Right-Wing Psychedelic Billionaire Christian Angermayer

August 05, 2021 20:14 - 1 hour - 74.1 MB

In Part Two, the crew continues their break down of Atai Life Sciences' founder and COMPASS Pathways investor Christian Angermayer's recent appearance on right-wing YouTuber Dave Rubin's "The Rubin Report." Co-hosts: Brian Normand, Neşe Devenot, David Nickles, Brian Pace, Russell Hausfeld, Sarvesh Ramprakash. Editor: Matt Payne Watch: https://youtu.be/Rts3vgy_zkU Support: If you like the show please support us on Patreon or make a tax-deductible donation. **Thank you to our Patreon p...

#42 - Part One: Dave Rubin Courts Right-Wing Psychedelic Billionaire Christian Angermayer

July 29, 2021 17:57 - 1 hour - 73 MB

In Part One, the crew breaks down Atai Life Sciences' founder and COMPASS Pathways investor Christian Angermayer's recent appearance on right-wing YouTuber Dave Rubin's "The Rubin Report." Co-hosts: Brian Normand, Neşe Devenot, David Nickles, Brian Pace, Russell Hausfeld, Sarvesh Ramprakash. Editor: Matt Payne Watch: https://youtu.be/Rts3vgy_zkU Support: If you like the show please support us on Patreon or make a tax-deductible donation. **Thank you to our Patreon podcast and video s...

#41 - We (Still) Hope Michael Pollan Changes His Mind

July 22, 2021 16:11 - 1 hour - 81.3 MB

The crew reviews Michael Pollan’s recent New York Times Op-Ed "How Should We Do Drugs Now?”   Co-hosts: Neşe Devenot, Brian Normand, David Nickles, Brian Pace. Editor: Matt Payne   Additional links:    Michael Pollan: Not So Fast on Psychedelic Mushrooms | New York Times   #1 - We Hope Michael Pollan Changes His Mind | Plus Three podcast   Michael Pollan worries we don't know enough to legalise psychedelic drugs | The Guardian   Support: If you like the show pleas...

#40 - Part Two: Has Atai Taken the Psychedelic Throne from MAPS? (The Murderous Dictator Episode)

July 20, 2021 19:27 - 1 hour - 60.1 MB

In Part Two Normie, Dave, Russell, and Sarvesh continue their conversation about Atai Life Sciences and how the introduction of for-profit psychedelic pharmaceutical corporations have shifted capital away from non-profits. This episode gets extra wacky and dark as they dive into Atai Founder & Chairman Christian Angermayer's role on Rwandan president Paul Kagame's Advisory Council. According to Human Rights Watch, journalist Michela Wrong, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, various governments,...

#39 - Part One: Has Atai Life Sciences Taken the Psychedelic Throne From MAPS?

July 15, 2021 16:17 - 1 hour - 85.1 MB

Brian Normand, David Nickles, and Russell Hausfeld are joined by new team member, Sarvesh Ramprakash, to discuss Atai Life Sciences' recent IPO on Nasdaq. They also discuss and provide updates on Russell's previous 2020 report exploring how the introduction of for-profit psychedelic pharmaceutical corporations has shifted capital away from non-profits. Watch: https://youtu.be/zijXN5GCgsk Co-hosts: Brian Normand, David Nickles, Russell Hausfeld, Sarvesh Ramprakash. Editor: Matt Payne E...

#38 - Part Two: The Psychedelic Capitalism Debate That Wasn't

July 07, 2021 11:27 - 1 hour - 79.2 MB

In Part Two, the Psymposia crew continues to deconstruct a conversation between two self-described entrepreneurs who recently discussed psychedelics and medicalization during an event called Psychedelic Capitalism with Alexander Beiner [Rebel Wisdom] and Lars Wilde [COMPASS Pathways, Atai Life Sciences]— while studiously avoiding a debate of capitalism altogether. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNHX3OIO3-4 Co-hosts: Neşe Devenot, Brian Pace, Brian Normand, David Nickles. Editor: ...

#37 - Part One: The Psychedelic Capitalism Debate That Wasn't

July 01, 2021 16:55 - 1 hour - 70.8 MB

The Psymposia crew deconstructs a conversation between two self-described entrepreneurs who recently discussed psychedelics and medicalization during an event called Psychedelic Capitalism with Alexander Beiner [Rebel Wisdom] and Lars Wilde [COMPASS Pathways, Atai Life Sciences]— while studiously avoiding a debate of capitalism altogether. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNHX3OIO3-4 Read: https://newrepublic.com/article/159019/break-big-pharma-monopoly-covid-19-vaccine Co-hosts...

#36 - Part Two: Ioan Grillo - Blood Gun Money: How America Arms Gangs and Cartels

May 12, 2021 16:46 - 1 hour - 110 MB

Ioan Grillo is a journalist who has reported on the Mexican Drug War and cartel violence for the last 20 years. His books include "El Narco: Inside Mexico's Criminal Insurgency,” "Gangster Warlords: Drug Dollars, Killing Fields, and the New Politics of Latin America,” and "Blood Gun Money: How America Arms Gangs and Cartels.” In this episode we discuss his newest book, Blood Gun Money, which is a look at how the illegal gun and drug trades are intertwined, and how U.S. gun laws result in ...

#36 Part 2 - Ioan Grillo - Blood Gun Money: How America Arms Gangs and Cartels

May 12, 2021 16:46 - 1 hour - 109 MB

Ioan Grillo is a journalist who has reported on the Mexican Drug War and cartel violence for the last 20 years. His books include "El Narco: Inside Mexico's Criminal Insurgency,” "Gangster Warlords: Drug Dollars, Killing Fields, and the New Politics of Latin America,” and "Blood Gun Money: How America Arms Gangs and Cartels.” In this episode we discuss his newest book, Blood Gun Money, which is a look at how the illegal gun and drug trades are intertwined, and how U.S. gun laws result in ...

#35 - Part One: Ioan Grillo - Blood Gun Money: How America Arms Gangs and Cartels

May 12, 2021 16:44 - 1 hour - 99.9 MB

Ioan Grillo is a journalist who has reported on the Mexican Drug War and cartel violence for the last 20 years. His books include "El Narco: Inside Mexico's Criminal Insurgency,” "Gangster Warlords: Drug Dollars, Killing Fields, and the New Politics of Latin America,” and "Blood Gun Money: How America Arms Gangs and Cartels.” In this episode we discuss his newest book, Blood Gun Money, which is a look at how the illegal gun and drug trades are intertwined, and how U.S. gun laws result in ...

#35 Part 1 - Ioan Grillo - Blood Gun Money: How America Arms Gangs and Cartels

May 12, 2021 16:44 - 1 hour - 99.4 MB

Ioan Grillo is a journalist who has reported on the Mexican Drug War and cartel violence for the last 20 years. His books include "El Narco: Inside Mexico's Criminal Insurgency,” "Gangster Warlords: Drug Dollars, Killing Fields, and the New Politics of Latin America,” and "Blood Gun Money: How America Arms Gangs and Cartels.” In this episode we discuss his newest book, Blood Gun Money, which is a look at how the illegal gun and drug trades are intertwined, and how U.S. gun laws result in ...

#34 - Psychedelic Anarchy with Thought Slime

April 15, 2021 13:26 - 3 hours - 168 MB

Psymposia sits down with Thought Slime to chat about carving out a leftist space in psychedelia. Co-hosts: Neşe Devenot, David Nickles, Brian Pace, Russell Hausfeld. Editor: Matt Payne   Support us on Patreon or make a tax-deductible donation Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/NoIX8Gj30HQ Thought Slime’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThoughtSlime/   Contents of this podcast   Reasons for reaching out to Thought Slime "Making the world a harder place to have a...

#33 - Queering psychedelics and tripping out on gender with Jae Sevelius

March 24, 2021 22:36 - 1 hour - 92.2 MB

Psymposia advisory board member and psychedelic researcher, Jae Sevelius, joins us to talk about queer theory, psychedelic research with transgender and gender diverse people, and what happens when political assumptions go unexamined in both research contexts and the world at large. Drawing on the work of Dr. Sevelius, as well as Dr. Devenot and Dr. Ross, we discuss some of the ways that research and social relations reproduce the logic of mainstream culture, and how queering acts as barrier...

#32 - It's All Red Flags: 5-MeO-DMT with Dr. Martin Ball

March 18, 2021 20:21 - 2 hours - 284 MB

Psymposia editors discuss Dr. Martin Ball’s “session info” document that the retired 5-MeO-DMT practitioner sent to Psymposia. Dr. Ball has referenced the document in defense of his practices and cites it as evidence that his clients consented to him touching their genitals or vomiting on them while under the influence of 5-MeO-DMT. Our analysis shows that this isn’t actually a consent document. It sets the stage for what is considered normal, and positions Dr. Ball as the ultimate authori...

#31 - Alex Zaitchik on Degrowth and Big Pharma

February 11, 2021 21:23 - 1 hour - 115 MB

Psymposia Advisory Board member Alex Zaitchik drops in to chat about his work and experiences as an investigative journalist with a critical analysis of capitalism. Alex has covered topics ranging from the effects of extractive industry on Indigenous communities, to the existential need for degrowth, and the economics of vaccine development.   Check out Alex's writing here: https://www.zaitchik.com   Co-hosts: David Nickles, Brian Normand, Brian Pace. Editor: Matt Payne   Support...

#30 - Giving a F*ck About People Who Use Drugs with Yarelix Estrada

January 28, 2021 21:13 - 1 hour - 179 MB

In this episode, we're joined by our new advisory board member Yarelix Estrada to discuss her experiences with organizing psychedelic societies, psychedelic exceptionalism, and harm reduction on the streets of New York. Yarelix shares insights from her formal and practical training in public health as well as her interactions with frontline communities and her personal experiences. Co-hosts: Neşe Devenot, David Nickles, Brian Pace. Editor: Matt Payne Support us on Patreon or make a tax-d...

#29 - The Tesla of Mental Health?

January 20, 2021 13:26 - 38 minutes - 53.9 MB

Brian Normand and David Nickles are joined by Psymposia Senior Writer Russell Hausfeld to discuss MindMed's CEO, Jamon Rahn's, recent claims that his company "may be creating effectively the Tesla of mental health,” and that the company is now a "$1B+ Unicorn.” Tesla, for those unaware, has been sued by (and settled with) the SEC for securities fraud, flaunted COVID-19 (and other) safety guidelines, and has experienced so many lawsuits and controversies even its wikipedia page acknowledg...

#28 - Qoup At The Qapitol: Q'mon Man

January 13, 2021 18:57 - 1 hour - 91.8 MB

In this episode, we discuss a prominent participant in the bumbling coup attempt of January 6: "QAnon Shaman" Jake Angeli. Along with a coalition of Donald Trump supporters and assorted right wing ideologues, Angeli stormed the Capitol following a speech by Trump. Featuring a dissection of an "Ascension Masterclass" that was hosted on Angeli's now-deleted Star Seed Academy Facebook page, we (once again) wade into the disturbing world of psychedelic authoritarianism. Support us on Patreon o...

#27 - The Thought Leader and the Critic

December 23, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 107 MB

This episode explores the rise of self-styled “thought leaders” within the psychedelic community, using Anand Giridharadas’ book “Winners Take All” as a jumping off point. Although people have been on the conference circuit for years, the recent explosion of capital investments means that there’s an unprecedented potential for money, celebrity, and status in the space. The thought leader proposes quick fixes that are palatable to the people who are in positions of power, who then seek to ...

Psymposia Livestream: The Gang Goes Non-Profit

December 03, 2020 14:40 - 2 hours - 231 MB

We kicked off the start of our ongoing livestreams with the announcement of Psymposia's 501(c)(3) non-profit status, discussions of corporadelic dynamics, fond memories of helping people learn how to extract psychedelic drugs during an Ivy League University's psychedelic conference, and a whole bunch of back and forth with the audience about the current state (and future) of psychedelia. Catch our next livestream on December 17 at 8pm ET and feel free to send questions our way in advance, ...

#26 - Livestream: The Gang Goes Non-Profit

December 03, 2020 14:40 - 2 hours - 231 MB

We kicked off the start of our ongoing livestreams with the announcement of Psymposia's 501(c)(3) non-profit status, discussions of corporadelic dynamics, fond memories of helping people learn how to extract psychedelic drugs during an Ivy League University's psychedelic conference, and a whole bunch of back and forth with the audience about the current state (and future) of psychedelia. Co-hosts: Brian Normand, Neşe Devenot, David Nickles, Brian Pace, Russell Hausfeld. Editor: Matt Payne ...

Press Release: Plus Three found to have neuroprotective effects against corporadelic BS

November 19, 2020 19:44 - 1 hour - 96.4 MB

In this episode we explore the myriad of problems that result from media outlets treating corporate press releases as though they're legitimate news sources, rather than advertisements. We examine "science by press release" cases ranging from psychedelic pharmaceutical firms who claim their barely-studied compounds are superior to (and safer than) psilocybin (one of the safest psychoactive compounds in the human pharmacopoeia), to students who claimed Oreos were as addictive as cocaine, to p...

#25 - Press Release: Plus Three found to have neuroprotective effects against corporadelic BS

November 19, 2020 19:44 - 1 hour - 96.4 MB

In this episode we explore the myriad of problems that result from media outlets treating corporate press releases as though they're legitimate news sources, rather than advertisements. We examine "science by press release" cases ranging from psychedelic pharmaceutical firms who claim their barely-studied compounds are superior to (and safer than) psilocybin (one of the safest psychoactive compounds in the human pharmacopoeia), to students who claimed Oreos were as addictive as cocaine, to...

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Michael Pollan
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