Michael Pollan: Could Psychedelics Solve the Mental Health Crisis?

CAUTION ADVISED: this podcast contains swearing

Many of you will know Michael Pollan as a world-renowned food writer but now he has written a book that brings psychedelic drugs into mainstream consciousness. But why? Long before they gained a bad reputation, it seemed to researchers, scientists and doctors as though psychedelics were going to be the new wonder drugs for mental illnesses. They promised to treat conditions like alcoholism, depression and anxiety without the side effects associated with conventional drugs. But unfortunately, in the 1960’s, there was a backlash against the counter-culture who had embraced psychedelics and all further research was banned. Now, decades later, the world is in the grip of a mental health crisis. But thankfully, there is a glimmer of hope – research has recently begun again on the amazing potential of LSD, DMT and psilocybin.

This week, I sit down with Michael Pollan to take a deep dive into this extraordinary world. We explore the remarkable history of psychedelics, the findings of the current research in this area and Michael shares his own personal experiences with psychedelics under the guidance of therapists. Whilst larger scale studies are still needed, we talk about how therapist-guided psychedelic drug therapy could potentially change the way healthcare is delivered for mental illnesses – perhaps meaning a resolution of not only symptoms for patients, but also in many cases, the fundamental root causes. Finally, we discuss the potential wider use of psychedelics as a tool for social change. This really is a gripping and eye-opening conversation – I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Disclaimer: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.*

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Find out more about Michael:

Website     Twitter     Instagram

Michael’s books:



How to Change Your Mind: The New Science of PsychedelicsCooked: A Natural History of TransformationFood Rules: An Eater’s ManualIn Defence of Food: The Myth of Nutrition and the Pleasures of Eating: An Eater’s ManifestoThe Omnivore’s Dilemma: The Search for a Perfect Meal in a Fast-Food WorldThe Botany of Desire: A Plant’s-eye View of the World



Further learning:



michaelpollan.com – Articles from Michael Pollan Find out more on Psychedelics from Dr Robin Carhart-Harris Video – Brain Imaging Studies with Psilocybin and MDMA  Audio – Dr Thomas Insel: Our Mental Health System is Badly BrokenPsychopharmacology publication – Psilocybin occasioned mystical-type experiences: immediate and persisting dose-related effects Imperial College London – Imperial launches world’s first centre for Psychedelics Research Kings College London – Psilocybin trials The Guardian – They broke my mental shackles: could magic mushrooms be the answer to depression?Independent – Magic mushrooms could replace anti-depressants within five years



Dr Chatterjee’s resources:



Podcast – How To Be Well with Dr
Frank LipmanPodcast – How
to Open Your Mind and Change Your Life with Dr Tara SwartFind Dr Chatterjee’s 4 Pillar of Health in The 4 Pillar PlanAvailable in the US & Canada with the title How to Make Disease DisappearOrder Dr Chatterjee’s latest book The Stress Solution.

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*DISCLAIMER: Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

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