MAPS Podcast

Episode 57 - Neil Woods, The Real Story Behind The War on Drugs

The mighty, wise and brilliant Neil Woods joins Zach on this all new episode of the MAPS Podcast. Neil discusses his insights when he spent 13 years as an undercover drugs operative in the UK and how his experiences led to an awakening to course correct and lead the charge in fighting the war on drugs. Neil is a wonderfully eloquent speaker and story teller, you won't want to miss his one of a kind insight into a global war that has failed nearly everyone involved. 

Neil is a former UK police officer and undercover drugs operative. Now he’s an active member of the international drug policy reform movement. He worked undercover between 1993 and 2007 befriending and gaining the trust of some of the most violent, unpredictable criminals in Britain. 

With the insight that can only come from having fought on its front lines, Neil came to see the true futility of the War on Drugs - that it demonises those who need help, and empowers the very worst elements in society. 

Neil is a board member of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP) in the USA, and in the U.K. (LEAP UK).

Episode 56 - Charlotte James and Dre Wright - The Ancestor Project

This all new episode of the MAPS Podcast dives deep with Charlotte and Dre from the Ancestor Project. Their mission statement is to integrate ancestral Sacred Earth Medicine wisdom into the modern journeyers’ experience to reduce harm and expand consciousness. We believe that Sacred Earth Medicine is key in liberating all oppressed peoples. The conversation with Zach explores the roots of how the psychedelic movement hasn't addressed the needs of BIPOC communities and what we can do to address that, keeping the traditions of indigneous cultures alive while also adapting for the modern world and how to provide equal barriers of entry for all those in need of healing through psychedelics. 

Charlotte has been a harm reductionist and psychedelic explorer for over 10 years, but her path through this work has certainly not been linear. After leaving harm reduction years ago because of rapid burn out, she is returning to this work with a new energy - thanks to the power of healing with Sacred Earth Medicines.

Undrea has been working to heal himself with sacred medicines for over 15 years. He is a cannabis entrepreneur that was instrumental in the decriminalization and medical bill passed in Maryland. He focuses on equity and inclusion in all healing work and communities.

Episode 55 - Teodor Gorbunov - Mushrooms, Magic and Russia

This episode of the MAPS Podcast features an all new interview with Teodor who shares his story of discovering psychedelics in the coldness of the Russian politcal system, how he left Russia and went on to spread his knowlegde and love of psychedelic healing around the world. 

Teodor Gorbunov is natural facilitator of psychedelic transformation. Born in Russia, he lived through the times of chaos and turmoil that followed the fall of Soviet Union, experienced traumatizing, life-altering hardships. After discovering the therapeutic qualities of psilocybin, he used it for personal healing and restructuring his personality, which was followed by a natural desire to share the medicine with humanity and establishing underground psychedelic therapy practice in Siberia. After years of operation, he decided to endorse methods of psychedelic transformation and healing to public, just to discover that Russian society isn’t ready for such advanced technologies and joined Evolution Retreats team.

Teodor is an expert in complementary preparation/integration psychedelic practices. He found the narrow road to personal healing and transformation without any guidance, and now he is passionate about providing guidance to others – so that the people can have best experience with psilocybin and life in general. Please visit evoretreats.com for more information.

Episode 54 - Victor Cabral, Psychedelics - Inequalities and Hope

Victor sits down with Zach Leary to discuss psychedelic therapy and the need to address policy and awareness with the BIPOC community. Victor's personal story and expertise in plant medicines, indigenous origin stories and public policy can illuminate us all into how to be better stewards of the psychedelic movement for generations to come. 

Victor is a collaborative and strategic leader who is making an impact on historical inequalities in his community and across the United States. Victor is the Founder of Dreamers of the Day LLC. and serves as the Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs for Fluence International Inc., a company that provides evidence-based training in psychedelic therapy and integration services to clinicians across the globe. Before joining Fluence, Victor served as Deputy Director for the Pennsylvania Governor's Office of Advocacy and Reform where he co-led the implementation of the Trauma-Informed PA Plan, helped establish the first Racial Day of Healing in Pennsylvania history, and developed free trauma trainings for Pennsylvanians in collaboration with internationally recognized experts. He has expertise in policy and advocacy, BIPOC mental health, racial and communal trauma, and psychedelic medicine. He is a Licensed Social Worker and practicing psychotherapist in Pennsylvania with training in Internal Family Systems, Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy and Psychedelic Integration.

Episode 53 - Oteil Burbridge - Music, Mystics and Magic

This all new episode of the MAPS Podcast features an all new wild, magical and deep interview with the great Oteil Burbridge. One of the great bass players of the modern era, Oteil shares lessons on life, the death of his father, finding magic in music and re-introducing psychedelics into his life upon taking initation into the Grateful Dead legacy. This was one of the most exciting interviews for me to do and I hope you get a taste of what makes Oteil such a special human. being. 

Two-time Grammy winning bassist Oteil Burbridge has been in the music business touring and recording for over three decades. His first step into the national spotlight came in 1991 when he became a founding member of the Aquarium Rescue Unit featuring Col. Bruce Hampton, a cult classic that has stood the test of time. That led to his membership in the classic rock group The Allman Brothers Band. Since 1997, his work with the band has earned him two Grammy nominations for best rock instrumental, in 2003 and in 2004. Over the years, Oteil has shared the stage with rock and blues legends such as Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Levon Helm, Taj Mahal, Buddy Guy, Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, Billy Gibbons, Chuck Leavell, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Johnny Winter, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow and Trey Anastasio. In 2012, Oteil received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his 15 year contribution to the Allman Brothers Band as the longest running bassist in the band’s history.

Episode 52 - Juan Pablo Cappello - Rethinking The Future of Psychedelics

JP from Nue Life stokes the fires in this all new interview to get us thinking about how the future of psychedelics needs adapt in order to serve all populations by not getting stuck in the status quo. JP is as sharp as he is thoughtful, this one is not to be missed.

Juan Pablo utilizes his diverse background as a company builder, active tech investor, and lawyer to lead Nue Life’s team building and regulatory efforts. Juan Pablo co-founded The LAB Miami, Miami Angels, and PAG Law PLLC, and as an attorney, he practiced corporate law, focusing on derivatives and futures and mergers and acquisitions.

Episode 51 - Vince Kadlubek, Co-Founder of Meow Wolf

This episode of the MAPS Podcast features an all new interview with creativity visionary Vince Kadlubek. As a co-founder of Meow Wolf, Vince will push your mind into new ways of thinking about the creative process and the future of story telling.

Vince Kadlubek is a Founder of Meow Wolf, an art collective that has transformed into an award winning Art and Entertainment Production Company that specializes in immersive, open-world walk through experiences. Vince acted as leader and CEO for Meow Wolf though its formidable years, having created the business plan for Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return and leading the team towards the project's completion in March of 2016

Episode 50 - Dr. Greg Fonzo, Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy at Dell Med

This is the first time on the MAPS podcast that we've had an academic centers lead that is studying psycheelic research come on the show the very onset of their research center. Dr. Fonzo shares his visions, curiousity and hopes for what the new Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy at Dell Med will bring. This interview brings a mind opening perspective into psychedelic research and its implications for mental health.

Greg Fonzo, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School.  He is also Co-Director of UT's newly launched Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy.  He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Georgia Honors Program in 2005 with a dual bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology in 2013 from the San Diego State University/University of California-San Diego Joint Doctoral Program. He completed his postdoctoral research fellowship at the Stanford University School of Medicine.  Dr. Fonzo’s research focuses broadly on utilizing non-invasive neuroscience tools to understand mechanisms of affective disorder psychopathology and treatment and leveraging this understanding to improve clinical care and patient outcomes with neuromodulatory, psychotherapeutic, and psychedelic approaches.

Carl L. Hart, PhD, is a neuroscientist and psychologist studying the behavioral and neuropharmacological effects of psychoactive drugs in humans. Specifically, he aims to understand the factors that mediate drug use behaviors to develop more effective treatments for substance-dependent individuals. Hart is the chair of the department of psychology at Columbia University and a Dirk Ziff professor of psychology and psychiatry.

Episode 48 - Dr. Dan Engle

Hardware and Software: Psychedelics, Wellness and More

In this all new episode of the MAPS Podcast, Zach facilitates a discussion with Dr. Dan Engle as he takes us on an amazingly informative, insightful and useful walk through the many conditions that present all of us in this journey of being human. Dan's knowledge of both "hardware and software" in relationship to the human condition rises to the level of a true master in the fields of wellness, psychedelic application, integrative medicine and so much more. 

Dan Engle, MD, is a psychiatrist with a clinical practice that combines aspects of regenerative medicine, psychedelic research, integrative spirituality, and peak performance. 

Dr. Engle is an international consultant to several global healing centers facilitating the use of long-standing indigenous plant medicines for healing and awakening.  He is the Founder and Medical Director of Kuya Institute for Transformational Medicine in Austin, Texas; Full Spectrum Medicine, a psychedelic integration and educational platform; and Thank You Life, a non-profit funding stream supporting access to psychedelic therapies. 

Dr. Engle is the author of The Concussion Repair Manual: A Practical Guide to Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injuries, as well as his new book, A Dose of Hope: A Story of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy.

Episode 47 - Considerations for the Mainstreaming of Psychedelics

Psychedelic Science Summit: Austin, Texas (November 1-3, 2019)

Speakers: Allison Feduccia, Ph.D., George Greer, M.D., Mellody Hayes, M.D., Brent Turnipseed, M.D., Bia Labate, Ph.D. (Moderator)

We dig into the vast MAPS archives to bring this panel which explores considerations for the responsible integration of psychedelic medicines into society.  Many of the issues discussed in this panel are essential for all members of the psychedelic community to consider when discussing the evolution of psychedelic research. 

Please visit maps.org to stay up to date on what MAPS is doing and to make a donation. 

Episode 46 - Michael Pollan

This episode of the MAPS podcast features an all new interview between Zach Leary and Michael Pollan, the wise and insightful author of the new book 'This Is Your Mind on Plants'. The conversation explores the books core investigation into our cultures relationship with caffeine, opium and mescaline. Michael's knowledge and knack for story telling takes us on a wild ride into these compounds and sheds light on our sometimes controversial relationship with them. 

For more than thirty years, Michael Pollan has been writing books and articles about the places where the human and natural worlds intersect: on our plates, in our farms and gardens, and in our minds. Pollan is the author of eight books, six of which have been New York Times bestsellers; three of them (including his latest, How to Change Your Mind) were immediate #1 New York Times bestsellers.

Episode 45 - Betty Aldworth

Psychedelic Exceptionalism - Why It Matters

The topic of psychedelic exceptionalism is often misunderstood, controversial and quite frankly not talked about enough. As the modern psychedelic movement progresses it's so important that we, as a community, stop and talk about the bigger picture of where psychedelics fit into the larger conversation of drug policy. This episode of the MAPS podcast explores this in detail thanks to the wisdom and knowledge of Betty Aldworth. 

Prior to becoming Director of Communications and Events at MAPS in 2020, Betty Aldworth was the Executive Director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy where she led and supported tens of thousands of students and young people united to build a more sensible future through reforming drug policies to be rooted in safety, justice, and education. Beginning in 2014, Betty led the organization through its most substantial growth period and in 2020 left the organization in its most stable and sustainable position in its year history. Since 1999, Betty has specialized in community engagement, public relations, advocacy, and policy reform for nonprofit organizations and, twice, businesses including as spokesperson and advocacy director for the successful 2012 Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, the collaborative committee responsible for legalizing, taxing and regulating marijuana for adults in Colorado. An activist and advocate since her first anti-nukes demonstration as a child, Betty organized her first action at 13 and learned her first hard lessons in coalition building when it was attended only by her mom. Betty fights to end the drug war to end mass incarceration, reengage citizens in the political process, and build racial and economic justice.

Episode 44 - Rachel Harris, PhD

Listening to Ayahuasca

This all new episode of the MAPS Podcast features an interview between Rachel Harris and host Zach Leary. Rachel's kindness, wisdom and dedication to the expansion of knowledge in Ayahuasca's potential for helping those discover their own dormant mysticism and for the treatment of PTSD.

You can support the work that MAPS does by visiting maps.org to sign up for their newsletter and to make a regular donation.

Psychologist Rachel Harris, PhD, has been in private practice for thirty-five years.  She has received a National Institutes of Health New Investigators Award, published more than forty scientific studies in peer-reviewed journals, and worked as a psychological consultant to Fortune 500 companies. She is author of the book 'Listening to Ayahuasca - New Hope for Depression, Addition, PTSD and Anxiety'. 

Episode 43 - Dr. Tony Bossis 

Meeting the End of Life with Psychedelics

In this all new episode of the MAPS Podcast, Zach Leary sits down with NYU's Dr. Tony Bossis to talk about a single dose of psilocybin can provide an entirely new perspective in dealing with death and dying. Dr. Bossis shares so much wisdom, knowledge and unique understanding on his work and the future of psychedelic research. 

Anthony P. Bossis, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine conducting FDA-approved research with the psychedelic compound psilocybin since 2009. Dr. Bossis was director of palliative care research and co-principal investigator on a clinical trial demonstrating a reduction in emotional distress from a single psilocybin session in persons with cancer and is study director on a clinical trial evaluating psilocybin-generated mystical experience upon religious leaders. Dr. Bossis is a training supervisor of psychotherapy at NYU-Bellevue Hospital Center and co-founder and former co-director of the Bellevue Hospital Palliative Care Service. He has a long-standing interest in comparative religion, mystical experience and the interface of psychology and spirituality. He maintains a private psychotherapy and consulting practice in NYC.

Episode 42 - Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris

This all new episode of the MAPS Podcast features an interview with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, a psychologist and neuroscientist and Head of the Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine at Imperial College London.

Dr. Carhart-Harris takes us through the near exhaustive psychedelic research that he's personally overseen as well as sharing his thoughts on the future of psychedelics and their influence on science, therapy and our culture at large.

Robin Carhart-Harris is a psychologist and neuroscientist and Head of the Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine at Imperial College London. He coordinated the first clinical study of psilocybin in the UK and the first clinical study of a classic psychedelic drug in the UK for over 40 years.

After being awarded an MA in Psychoanalysis at Brunel University, London, Carhart-Harris completed his PhD in psychopharmacology at the University of Bristol. In 2009, under the mentorship of Professor David Nutt, he relocated to Imperial College London to continue his fMRI research with the classic psychedelic psilocybin. In conjunction with David Nutt, he built up a program of psychedelic research that includes fMR and MEG imaging with psilocybin, fMR imaging with MDMA, and plans for an MRC-sponsored clinical trial to assess the efficacy of psilocybin as a treatment for major depression. 

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Podcast is hosted by Zach Leary and aims to bring you discussions with some of the leaders in the new age of psychedelic research and culture. 

The MAPS Podcast returns with a new episode featuring Aubrey Marcus, the founder and CEO of ONNIT. 

Aubrey Marcus is the founder of Onnit, a lifestyle brand based on a holistic health philosophy he calls Total Human Optimization. Since its founding, Onnit has become an Inc. 500 company and industry leader with over 250 products ranging from peak performance supplements to foods, fitness equipment, and apparel.

Aubrey discusses the effects psychedelics have on our mystical state of awareness as well as our physical holistic selves. He is candid and visionary in his approach to how psychedelics have informed all aspects of his life and our culture at large. 

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Podcast is hosted by Zach Leary and aims to bring you discussions with some of the leaders in the new age of psychedelic research and culture. 

Episode 40 - David Jay Brown, A Legend in Psychedelic Consciousness

This episode of the MAPS podcast features a dynamic consciousness surfing conversation with author David Jay Brown. I've known David for over 30 years and have watched him dance with the legends of psychedelic culture, exchange ideas with them and then morph into a legend all his own. From John Lilly to Albert Hoffman to Tim Leary, David always managed to extract the best from these brilliant minds and then build off of it to form his own magnificent insights into alternative culture and trans-personal evolution. Our conversation ranged from revisiting history to today's psychedelic research and its mind expanding potentials.

David Jay Brown is an American writer, interviewer and consciousness researcher. Brown has studied parapsychology, and the effects of psychoactive drugs. With parapsychologist Rupert Sheldrake, he studied pets and people who apparently anticipate events. Brown has served as a guest editor for the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), and he has published many interviews of prominent thinkers.

Episode 39 of the MAPS podcast features yet another exclusive interview with one of the great thinkers of the modern psychedelic revolution, James Oroc.

Our conversation with James takes us on a journey through his highly evolved insights, opinions and experiences on topics ranging from 5-MEO DMT, the re-birth of LSD, Sasha Shulgin and the culture wars that are present throughout the 21st Century consciousness expansion movement. James is one of the most unique voices within the new wave of psychedelic consciousness and his wisdom, humor and conviction are a necessary ingredient for the future.

Intro: Remembering Ralph Metzner

James Oroc - Journalist, photographer, and artist James Oroc was born in the small South Pacific nation of Aotearoa. Since 1998 he has been pursuing and reporting on the cutting edge of extreme sports in more than 40 countries around the globe, his work appearing in magazines, films, and on MTV Sports. He has been a member of the Burning Man community since 1999, and he is also involved in the documentation and advancement of “Alternative Culture.” Oroc resides in the Dominican Republic. 

Episode 38: Dr. Andrew Weil, The New Science of Psychedelics for Mental Health. A MAPS Podcast Exclusive

This episode of the show features an exclusive interview with the legendary Dr. Andrew Weil. The interview centers around the new science of psychedelics and why current research plays such an important role in crafting a new model for overall integrative medicine. Dr. Weil lends his insight and expertise into the areas of psychedelic research that go hand in hand with his decades long work into alternative medicine and overall well being. Dr. Weil has seen 50 years of psychedelic research go through many peaks and valleys and we're honored to have gotten his input for this amazing interview.

Andrew Weil, M.D., is a world-renowned leader and pioneer in the field of integrative medicine, a healing oriented approach to health care which encompasses body, mind, and spirit.

---Special Announcement--

We are offering 2 exclusive free VIP tickets to the Psychedelic Evening Panel event at IMHC 2019, along with two signed copies of Michael Pollan’s book “How to Change your Mind.”

This special event is part of the premier Integrative Mental Health Conference (imhc2019.com) and will be from 7-9pm, Wednesday, April 16th at the San Francisco Hilton Union Square. Panelists include Dr. Weil, Dr. Charles Raison (CNN’s mental health expert), Michael Pollan and will be moderated by Christine Whelan. You will learn about the new science of psychedelics and what this means for mental health care. Event check-in begins along with a Michael Pollan book signing between 5:30pm-6:30pm. … For a chance to win: Go to www.imhc2019.com/giveaway to enter. The winner will be announced on March 29th. Follow me on Instagram @zachlearydrome and use hash tag #mapsdrweil to receive an extra chance to win. We hope you will join us for the whole conference and register before April 1st for a reduced registration fee! Use code MAPS to save 10% off registration.