Psychedelics Today

Psychedelics Today
Psychedelics Today

Psychedelics Today is the planetary leader in psychedelic education, media, and advocacy. Covering up-to-the-minute developments and diving deep into crucial topics bridging the scientific, academic, philosophical, societal, and cultural, Psychedelics Today is leading the discussion in this rapidly evolving ecosystem.

  1. PT 594 - Jean-Francois Sobiecki - African Psychoactive Plants & Phytoalchemy

    8 APR

    PT 594 - Jean-Francois Sobiecki - African Psychoactive Plants & Phytoalchemy

    In this episode of Psychedelics Today, Joe Moore sits down with South African ethnobotanist and healer Jean-François Sobiecki to explore the rich and largely underrecognized world of African psychoactive plants. With over two decades of fieldwork and research, Jean-François sheds light on the traditional use of these plants in healing, divination, and spiritual practices across Southern Africa. Topics covered include: Jean-François’s early inspirations and the ancestral roots of his herbal knowledge His discovery and documentation of 306 African psychoactive plant species The ritual use of Ubuwalu (dream-enhancing emetic infusions) and their role in personal transformation How vomiting, dietary restrictions, and sensory isolation are used as part of initiation processes Cross-cultural parallels between Southern African and Amazonian plant healing traditions The underexplored use of psychoactive plants to treat mental health conditions like schizophrenia and hysteria Ethical fieldwork, indigenous knowledge protection, and the dangers of overharvesting sacred plants Visions for healing and conservation gardens in Africa and the role these plants could play in global mental health Jean-François shares moving stories of his 15-year mentorship with a Northern Sotho diviner and healer, Letti Ponnya, and how she introduced him to African “plant teacher” medicines. His message is clear: Africa has a deep, sophisticated, and scientifically underappreciated tradition of psychoactive plant use that deserves recognition, respect, and further study. 📘 Get the book: African Psychoactive Plants: Journeys in Phytoalchemy 🌐 Learn more at: phytoalchemy.co.za 📝 Related reading: ➡️ African Psychoactive Plants: Journeys in Phytoalchemy – Chacruna

    1h 9m
  2. PT 593 - Vince Kadlubek - Meow Wolf & PORTAL

    4 APR

    PT 593 - Vince Kadlubek - Meow Wolf & PORTAL

    In this inspiring and far-reaching conversation, Joe Moore is joined by Vince Kadlubek, the founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Meow Wolf, the groundbreaking arts and entertainment company known for its massive, immersive art experiences. Together, they dive deep into Meow Wolf’s humble DIY origins, its evolution into a multi-city creative juggernaut, and how it intertwines with psychedelic culture and expanded states of consciousness. Vince shares the story of Meow Wolf’s formation in Santa Fe, the evolution from a group of passionate friends into a thousand-person company, and the power of belief, creativity, and visionary leadership. He reflects on raising funding from George R. R. Martin and major investors, navigating massive growth, and the challenge of keeping the creative spark alive in the face of institutionalization. They also discuss the upcoming Bicycle Day Portal Takeover at Meow Wolf Denver on April 19, which will feature performances, talks, and immersive experiences throughout the exhibition—with appearances from Reggie Watts, Duncan Trussell, Zach Leary, and more. From the imaginative to the esoteric, Vince and Joe explore the intersection of psychedelics and art, the nature of reality and the imaginal realm, and how to build beauty and wonder into the world around us. 🌀 Topics Covered What Meow Wolf is and how it all began Growing from a DIY collective to a nationwide phenomenon Maintaining creative spirit through growth and structure Vision, belief, and the spiritual work of creating art Navigating private equity and big funding in the arts Santa Fe’s unique cultural and energetic imprint Portal’s Bicycle Day event at Meow Wolf Denver Fictional character sentience and AI in immersive worlds Art as a cultural response in times of uncertainty Psychedelics as tools for accessing the imaginal and creative realms Bicycle Day at Meow Wolf Denver – April 19 Hosted by Portal, this one-of-a-kind immersive celebration of Bicycle Day takes over the entire Meow Wolf Denver space. Expect DJs, speakers, psychedelic storytelling, ecstatic dance, art, and surprises around every corner. Featured Guests Include: Reggie Watts Duncan Trussell LP GIOBI (Dead House) Zach Leary David Satori (Dirtwire) Frick Frack Blackjack Dennis Walker Veronica Lightning Horse Perez …and many more to be announced! 🌀 Plus: Pre-event Bicycle Day bike ride through Denver, curated by Portal. 📍 More Info Learn more about Meow Wolf   Check out Portal Events for Bicycle Day details 📣 Support the Show If you love what we do, please share this episode, leave a review, and consider supporting us in our Navigators Program.

    1h 6m
  3. PT 592 - Fayzan Rab - Emory University

    1 APR

    PT 592 - Fayzan Rab - Emory University

    In this episode, Joe interviews Fayzan Rab, an MD candidate (when we recorded) at Emory University with a background in tech at Google and a focus on the intersection of psychedelics, spirituality, and public health. Fayzan shares Emory’s unique approach to psychedelic studies, emphasizing spiritual health and the lived religious and existential aspects of psychedelic experiences—what he and his team call “CERT.” The conversation explores Fayzan’s collaboration with health economist Elliot Marseille on economic modeling for psilocybin therapy, including their estimate that over 5 million Americans could be medically eligible. He shares insights into the policy challenges around payer systems and the importance of preparing implementation strategies before FDA approval. Fayzan also discusses his groundbreaking research on Muslim perspectives on psychedelics—revealing surprising openness, complex spiritual tensions, and a strong interest in integrating these substances into healing and faith-based frameworks. He highlights the need for inclusive infrastructure and upcoming work with clergy to deepen the conversation. Finally, they explore non-clinical psychedelic use among healthcare workers and entrepreneurs, discussing how psychedelics are being used to address burnout, identity, and life purpose. This is a powerful episode about interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and the potential for psychedelics to transform not just individuals—but systems. Links Science on Spiritual Health Symposium 2025 Center for Psychedelics and Spirituality - Emory University

    1h 21m

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    Psychedelics Today is the planetary leader in psychedelic education, media, and advocacy. Covering up-to-the-minute developments and diving deep into crucial topics bridging the scientific, academic, philosophical, societal, and cultural, Psychedelics Today is leading the discussion in this rapidly evolving ecosystem.

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