Michael Pollan on the New Science of Psychedelics and Consciousness

Michael Pollan is a writer whose books have topped the New York Times bestseller list time and time again. He teaches writing at Harvard and The University of California Berkley. In 2010, Time magazine name Michael Pollan one of the most influential people in the world. His books and essays have historically focused on our interaction with nature and this new book takes that theme to a whole other level. Its title gives you a great idea of what it's about: How to Change your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence. No matter how many interviews you've heard of Michael Pollan talking about his new book, our interview will offer you a fresh perspective, things he has not previously discussed and things that you may not have previously considered. The very last concept discussed in Eric's conversation with Michael Pollan will for sure leave you thinking anew.  Visit oneyoufeed.net/transform to learn more about our personal transformation program.  Our sponsor this week is Casper Mattress visit  www.casper.com/oneyoufeed and use the promo code theoneyoufeed for $50 off your purchase  In This Interview, Michael Pollan and I Discuss...His book, How to Change your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and TranscendenceHow fear is a big motivator in people's action and inactionThat your obstacles are all between your earsHow consciousness is a big mysteryWhat the newest science tells us about psychedelicsThe way psychedelics affect us by allowing us to look at normal, everyday consciousness in new waysThe default mode network going quiet during a psychedelic tripThe ego, idea of self in the brain and our lifePsychedelics impact on the sense of selfThe experience of the dissolution of the egoThe mind-expanding power of mystical experienceThe theory of the entropic brainHow the brain works to reduce uncertainty and surpriseThe narrowing of consciousness by rigid thinkingThe stories our brains tell usInsufficient entropy in the brain perhaps leading to mental illnessesPsychedelics disordering the brainThe similarities between a tripping brain on psychedelics and a meditative brainAn ego-free state of consciousness through the use of psychedelicsThe mistake of seeing spirituality as the opposite of materialismThe opposite of spiritual being egotisticalThe ego keeps us from having a deep connection with everything around usHow psychedelics are "wasted on the young"That those in the 2nd half of their lives may benefit most from the use of psychedelicsThe importance of breaking the rigidity that growing older bringsHow psychedelics can help us make peace with our deathPsilocybin benefiting those facing imminent death with great fearHow psychedelics and a psychodynamic approach are not opposites"Psychedelic assisted psychotherapy"Positive trauma in the brainAdministering an experience rather than a drugThe importance of set and setting when taking a psychedelicHow a spiritual experience alone doesn't make a spiritual lifeThat ego is nothing but a contraction   Please Support The Show with a Donation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.