Psychedelics in Research & Practice | James W. Jesso ~ ATTMind Podcast 200

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Psychedelics in Research & Practice | James W. Jesso

We have made it to episode 200 of Adventures Through The Mind, and with that I have something special to offer you: a full-length solo lecture mapping today’s psychedelic landscape.

That’s right. It’s just you and I for this episode!

We are going to explore the chemistry, pharmacology, phenomenology, history, and current research on Psilocybin, DMT, MDMA, Ketamine, and Ibogaine.

We start with some clear definitions—what “psychedelic” actually means—and then move molecule by molecule.

We discuss psilocybin’s default-mode-network effects, mystical-type experiences, and that striking surge in nature connectedness get unpacked with care.; DMT’s rocket-fast phenomenology, the weirdness of “entity encounters”, and why ayahuasca works for hours instead of minutes; MDMA’s entactogenic profile framed through relationship dynamics and the PTSD therapy debate; Ketamine’s accidental transformation of the field of depression treatment: and Ibogaine’s dreamlike closed-eye immersion and uniquely demanding physiology are addressed without romantic gloss.

Along the way we also discuss: the splitters-versus-lumpers taxonomy debate, legal shifts and the rise of the gray market, and a sober reminder that these tools behave more like fire than furniture—context makes the difference.

This is a long one. My longest ever. But, it is full of useful and interesting information (at least I think so!) and my hope is that it works as an accessible primer for new listeners and a satisfying, coherent review for longtime travellers.

Enjoy!

(Links to the other interviews I discuss during this episode can be found below, beneath the episode breakdown)

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Episode Breakdown

• (00:00) Opening
• (00:47) Introduction
• (08:07) Lecture Begins
• (13:30) What is a psychedelic
• (27:53) What makes psychedelics so interesting to research
• (37:18) Splitters vs Lumpers
• (39:01) Psilocybin (magic mushrooms)
• (59:50) DMT
• (1:07:08) Ayahuasca
• (1:13:21) MDMA
• (1:39:51) Patreon Thanks
• (1:44:24) Ketamine
• (2:04:58) Ibogaine (Iboga)
• (2:36:27) Outro

Relevant Links

• My only other “only me talking” episode (so far): Psilocybin and The Cultivation of Compassion – Episode 135
• I mentioned being featured on Fox New, you can watch me talk about it (or the interview itself) here.
• My thoughts on legalizing psychedelics
• During the psilocybin section, I mentioned Bob Wold and his work with using psychedelics as a treatment for cluster headaches. His interview is here.
• I also mentioned both Sky Otter and John Seed and their discussion on the role of psychedelics experiences in the cultivation of ecological identity. Their interviews are here (Otter) and here (Seed).
• During the section on Ayahuasca, I discussed the work of Leor Roseman and Antwan Saca studying the conflict resolution unfolding in mixed groups of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish people drinking ayahuasca together in The West Bank. That interview is here.
• During the session on DMT, I mention ethnobotanist Dennis McKenna. Here is my interview with him.
• During the session on DMT, I mentioned an interview with Christopher Timmerman, who is a leading researcher on DMT. That interview is here. 
• During my section on ibogaine, I discussed the work of Dr. Nolan Williams and ibogaine for treatment for traumatic brain injury. My interview with Dr. Williams on Ibogaine and TBI is here. 
• In discussing the mechanisms that psychedelics seem to share, I mentioned the book microdosing for health, healing, and enhanced performance by Jordan Gruber and Dr. James Fadiman. My interview with them is here.