A clinical psychologist from Imperial College describes how Magic Mushrooms (Psilocybin), when used in a therapeutic setting, have been found to be a very effective treatment for depression. In this talk she draws on her experiences as working as a therapist on the groundbreaking Psilocybin for Depression study, and introduces us to some of the patients and their stories of transformation. Dr Rosalind Watts completed her clinical psychology training at University College London. After six years of practicing psychotherapy in the NHS, she joined a clinical trial at Imperial College, investigating psilocybin (magic mushrooms) as a treatment for depression. Her research explores patients’ positive views of this intriguing therapy.
Microdosing: Psychedelics for Leadership Development and Workflow Optimization
Prominent visionaries, thought-leaders, and scientists have attributed aspects of their professional success to the use of psychedelic substances. Examples include Steve Jobs, Aldous Huxley, and Francis Crick, co-discoverer of the DNA molecule.
More recently, renowned thought-leader and Silicon Valley investor Tim Ferriss said he knows many successful entrepreneurs who use psychedelics:
“The billionaires I know, almost without exception, use hallucinogens on a regular basis. [They’re] trying to be very disruptive and look at the problems in the world … and ask completely new questions.”
Enter micro-dosing.
As an entrepreneur, you have likely witnessed the meteoric rise of interest in the consumption of low-doses of psychedelics for creativity and personal wellness. Tech media outlets like Wired, the Verge, and the Hustle have covered this growing phenomenon, and how high-functioning members of entrepreneurial communities leverage it for improved mental acuity and reductions in anxiety.
In his talk, Paul details how micro-dosing is more accessible than high-level doses on a day to day basis, and how technologists and entrepreneurs can leverage its potential to work more efficient, not longer, hours. Outlining the potential benefits of micro-dosing from the standpoints of productivity, mental wellness/clarity, and personal development, and how enhancements in these spheres naturally foster growth towards social entrepreneurship, community building, and the strengthening of relationships founded on trust rather than contracts. He also details practicalities and protocols of micro-dosing while debunking myths of a decades-long taboo around psychedelic substances.
Paul is committed to changing the cultural conversation about psychedelics through his platform, The Third Wave.
Part social entrepreneur, part psychedelic advocate, Paul pushes accepted norms to develop more effective systems in which we live. Considered an expert on the burgeoning topic of microdosing, he has hosted seminars for hundreds of people in places like Berlin, Amsterdam, Portland, and New York City.
For three years, Paul built and ran a remote online teaching business while living in Thailand, Portugal, and Mexico. He is currently in the process of establishing a Public Benefit Corporation focused on responsibly re-integrating psychedelics into Western society.
Leading psychopharmacologist Roland Griffiths discloses the ways that psychedelic drugs can be used to create spiritually meaningful, personally transformative experiences for all patients, especially the terminally ill.
This guys is absolutely incredible. Yes, the interview is just over 2 hours, but man there are some many mind-blowing things discussed here it’s unreal. This is probably one of my single favorite JRE podcasts. I’ve included a couple of shorter clips below the main video to show some highlights.
This is a selection of some of my favorite Terence McKenna Lectures. For those that dont know Terence was an expert on ethenogens such as Psilocybin, LSD, DMT, etc. and is one of the famous psychonauts of our time. I have listened to hours upon hours of his lectures, which are available for free on youtube. His knowledge has been both an inspiration and a guide in my own spiritual and shamanic work.
