I’m not high in this picture, despite my appearance.
DISCLAIMER: DO NOT USE ANY DRUGS OR SUBSTANCES WITHOUT CONSULTING A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. THIS IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
JAMES FADIMAN, Ph.D., did his undergraduate work at Harvard and his graduate work at Stanford, doing research with the Harvard Group, the West Coast Research Group in Menlo Park, and Ken Kesey. He is the author of The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide.
Called “America’s wisest and most respected authority on psychedelics and their use,” Jim Fadiman has been involved with psychedelic research since the 1960s. In this episode, we discuss the immediate and long-term effects of psychedelics when used for spiritual purposes (high dose), therapeutic purposes (moderate dose), and problem-solving purposes (low dose). Fadiman outlines best practices for safe “entheogenic” voyages learned through his more than 40 years of experience–from the benefits of having a sensitive guide during a session (and how to be one) to the importance of the setting and pre-session intention.
We also discuss potential “training” using lucid dreaming techniques, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Cautioning that psychedelics are not for everyone, Jim dispels the myths and misperceptions. He explains how — in his opinion — psychedelics, used properly, can lead not only to healing but also to scientific breakthroughs and spiritual epiphanies.
You can find the transcript of this episode here. Transcripts of all episodes can be found here.
- Listen to this episode on iTunes.
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Plus, a bonus you might have missed — Sam Harris, PhD, on meditation, neuroscience, and psychedelics (stream below or right-click here to download):
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QUESTION(S) OF THE DAY: If you couldn’t use drugs and wanted to experience some of the benefits discussed in this episode, what tools might you use? Please share and explore answers in the comments here.
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SHOW NOTES
These show notes were kindly provided by readers Spencer and Greg. Thanks, guys! There are two different versions, both pasted below. Be sure to also see the comments, which have great additional resources and links…
The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide
2:45 what is micro-dosing
3:20 Albert Hofmann: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Hofmann
4:45 LSD dose sizing
7:00 psychedelics are “anti-addictive”
8:25 duration of some psychedelics and micro-dosing
12:00 James Fadiman’s background
12:00 Richard Alpert AKA Ram Dass:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ram_Dass
18:20 Fadiman’s thesis at Stanford: behavioral change after psychedelic experiences
23:20 aspects of psychedelics that can contribute to overcoming addictions
23:35 ibogaine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibogaine
27:00 applications/similarities of different psychedelics
30:00 Alexander Shulgin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Shulgin
and his books: PiHKAL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PiHKAL
TiHKAL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TiHKAL
33:00 psychedelics and “integrating” the experience into life
35:30 The Psychedelic Explorers Guide:http://www.amazon.com/Psychedelic-Explorers-Guide-Therapeutic-Journeys/dp/1594774021/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308850343&sr=8-1
37:45 guidelines for “safe and successful psychedelic experience”
41:25 qualities of a “guide” or “sitter”
44:00 revisiting “integrating” psychedelic experience into life
46:45 Kennett Roshi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houn_Jiyu-Kennett
48:20 service people and psychedelic impact
52:00 Bill Wilson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_W.
52:00 Bill Wilson, AA, and psychedelics
55:40 problem solving and psychedelics
1:03:00 pattern recognition and psychedelics
1:07:50 lucid dreaming and dreaming in color
1:08:50 David Brown
1:09:45 stuttering and psychedelics
1:12:20 choice of one psychedelic versus another
1:13:50 MDMA and PTSD
1:15:45 “Reefer Madness”: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reefer_Madness
1:18:00 depression and micro-dosing
1:19:00 ketamine
1:23:00 advancing research
1:23:50 MAPS: Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies:http://www.maps.org/
1:27:10 “The Trip Treatment” by Michael Pollan:http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/02/09/trip-treatment
1:30:30 Burning Man: http://burningman.org/
1:31:00 Kary Mullis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kary_Mullis
1:34:00 Roland Griffiths:http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/results/directory/profile/1311852/roland-griffiths
###
James Fadiman:
Main Site: http://jamesfadiman.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jfadiman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Psychedelic-Explorers-Guide/184770801541184
Publisher: Inner Traditions http://www.innertraditions.com/
Additional Books from publisher
Psychedelic Drugs
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychedelic_drug
Levels of Dosage when considering LSD (micrograms)
400 – Transcendental experience, a guide is needed
200 – Used for psychotherapy and self exploration
100 – Can be used for problem solving situations (situations explained in podcast)
50 – “museum” or “concert” level
10/15 – Micro dose
Micro dosing – low enough dose that is “sub – perceptible” – you don’t notice the direct effects – “the rocks don’t glitter”. Could be a replacement for existing cognitive enhancers such as Adderall or Ritalin.
Organizations currently doing research on Psychedelics.
MAPS – http://www.maps.org/
Heffter – http://www.heffter.org/
Articles About Psychelics:
New Yorker Michael Pollan –http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/02/09/trip-treatment
Dr. Roland Griffiths – http://janetkornblum.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Stevenson_Mag_SprSmr2011_Griffiths-1.pdf
Alexander Theodore Shulgin aka Sasha Shulgin “godfather of Psychedelics”
Wikipedia- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Shulgin
Pihkal – http://www.amazon.com/Pihkal-A-Chemical-Love-Story/dp/0963009605
Bill Wilson – founder of AA, experienced LSDhttp://www.theguardian.com/science/2012/aug/23/lsd-help-alcoholics-theory
The Tim Ferriss Show is one of the most popular podcasts in the world with more than one billion downloads. It has been selected for "Best of Apple Podcasts" three times, it is often the #1 interview podcast across all of Apple Podcasts, and it's been ranked #1 out of 400,000+ podcasts on many occasions. To listen to any of the past episodes for free, check out this page.
Comment Rules: Remember what Fonzie was like? Cool. That’s how we’re gonna be — cool. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, we’ll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation! (Thanks to Brian Oberkirch for the inspiration.)
Hello Tim, big fan-have all the 4-hour books. I have written twice before in regards to your interview with Pavel Tsatsouline. He did not support lift to failure and you had no comment. I am bit confused, can you please clarify. I know your MO but I would really appreciate a reply. Thank you.
Pavel does not lift to the point of maximal mechanical straining (failure). In doing so he is trying to minimize muscular damage (both positive and negative thing) and is trying to prevent injury. When pushed to failure your form generally weakens which can increase injuries. But not pushing yourself to the breaking point (failure) you are able to train more often. I believe there was an statement about Pavel in the 4 hour body about how he hasn’t taken a day off of training for years. He is able to gradually push himself higher with less risks because he doesn’t train till failure.
yo terrance .
reason why tim suggest to lift to failure is for muscle mass (size of the muscle)
why pavel suggest not to failure is for strength (how much weight you can lift)
hope you get the idea
Of all the podcasts I listen to, I am most excited when I see that you have a new episode. I save it for a time where I will be uninterrupted so I can enjoy it fully. It is Sunday here in New Zealand, I feel that this latest episode may go well with a workout…cheers Tim.
About fucking time. I wonder if this means Tim would do an appearance on the show “Getting Doug with High”- I’d love to do an episode with him (you, Tim!), and I might have a good enough hook to get him on (kickstarter promotion for a project that addresses- possibly cures- digital piracy).
Anyway, looks great, but I’ll listen before I comment more. Keep it up Tim.
2:45 what is micro-dosing
3:20 Albert Hofmann: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Hofmann
4:45 LSD dose sizing
7:00 psychedelics are “anti-addictive”
8:25 duration of some psychedelics and micro-dosing
12:00 James Fadiman’s background
12:00 Richard Alpert AKA Ram Dass: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ram_Dass
18:20 Fadiman’s thesis at Stanford: behavioral change after psychedelic experiences
23:20 aspects of psychedelics that can contribute to overcoming addictions
23:35 ibogaine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibogaine
27:00 applications/similarities of different psychedelics
30:00 Alexander Shulgin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Shulgin
and his books: PiHKAL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PiHKAL
TiHKAL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TiHKAL
33:00 psychedelics and “integrating” the experience into life
35:30 The Psychedelic Explorers Guide: http://www.amazon.com/Psychedelic-Explorers-Guide-Therapeutic-Journeys/dp/1594774021/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308850343&sr=8-1
37:45 guidelines for “safe and successful psychedelic experience”
41:25 qualities of a “guide” or “sitter”
44:00 revisiting “integrating” psychedelic experience into life
46:45 Kennett Roshi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houn_Jiyu-Kennett
48:20 service people and psychedelic impact
52:00 Bill Wilson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_W.
52:00 Bill Wilson, AA, and psychedelics
55:40 problem solving and psychedelics
1:03:00 pattern recognition and psychedelics
1:07:50 lucid dreaming and dreaming in color
1:08:50 David Brown
1:09:45 stuttering and psychedelics
1:12:20 choice of one psychedelic versus another
1:13:50 MDMA and PTSD
1:15:45 “Reefer Madness”: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reefer_Madness
1:18:00 depression and micro-dosing
1:19:00 ketamine
1:23:00 advancing research
1:23:50 MAPS: Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies: http://www.maps.org/
1:27:10 “The Trip Treatment” by Michael Pollan: http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/02/09/trip-treatment
1:30:30 Burning Man: http://burningman.org/
1:31:00 Kary Mullis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kary_Mullis
1:34:00 Roland Griffiths: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/results/directory/profile/1311852/roland-griffiths
http://jamesfadiman.com/
to complement dr. fadiman’s work, i would probably read through the relevant trip reports on https://www.erowid.org/psychoactives/psychoactives.shtml
see this interview with earth & fire who run the ship: http://www.nylon.com/articles/erowid-interview
Great stuff. Always a pleasure to plug into the info flow you arrange Tim. The risk of this stuff? Not doing it. Life opens up pretty awesomely when you can see how it’s made. 😀
Although I still want to try psychedelics, here’s a way to change your behaviors without them.
“Someone recently showed me the annual prospectus of a large spiritual organization. When I looked through it, I was impressed by the
wide choice of interesting seminars and workshops. It reminded me of a
smorgasbord, on of those Scandinavian buffets where you can take your pick
from a huge variety of enticing dishes. The person asked me whether I could
recommend one or two courses. “I don’t know,” I said. “They all look so
interesting. But I do know this,” I added. “Be aware of your breathing as
often as you are able, whenever you remember. Do that for one year, and it
will be more powerfully transformative than attending all of these courses.
And it’s free.”
– “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle
Hello Tim! Here are some show notes from your podcast (everything here like your podcast is for informational purposes only – consult medical professionals before using any sort of drug/substance)
James Fadiman:
Main Site: http://jamesfadiman.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jfadiman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Psychedelic-Explorers-Guide/184770801541184
Book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594774021/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1594774021&linkCode=as2&tag=offsitoftimfe-20&linkId=7VIQDTWH6S5VU6VC
Publisher: Inner Traditions http://www.innertraditions.com/
Additional Books from publisher
Psychedelic Drugs
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychedelic_drug
Levels of Dosage when considering LSD (micrograms)
400 – Transcendental experience, a guide is needed
200 – Used for psychotherapy and self exploration
100 – Can be used for problem solving situations (situations explained in podcast)
50 – “museum” or “concert” level
10/15 – Micro dose
Micro dosing – low enough dose that is “sub – perceptible” – you don’t notice the direct effects – “the rocks don’t glitter”. Could be a replacement for existing cognitive enhancers such as Adderall or Ritalin.
Organizations currently doing research on Psychedelics.
MAPS – http://www.maps.org/
Heffter – http://www.heffter.org/
Articles About Psychelics:
New Yorker Michael Pollan – http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/02/09/trip-treatment
Dr. Roland Griffiths – http://janetkornblum.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Stevenson_Mag_SprSmr2011_Griffiths-1.pdf
Alexander Theodore Shulgin aka Sasha Shulgin “godfather of Psychedelics”
Wikipedia- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Shulgin
Pihkal – http://www.amazon.com/Pihkal-A-Chemical-Love-Story/dp/0963009605
Tihkal – http://www.amazon.com/Tihkal-The-Continuation-Alexander-Shulgin/dp/0963009699/ref=pd_sim_b_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0XDHXY2AMTR7W21PJMY0
Bill Wilson – founder of AA, experienced LSD http://www.theguardian.com/science/2012/aug/23/lsd-help-alcoholics-theory
Are there equivalent dosage levels when using psilocybin vs. LSD? Thanks.
Show Notes
-A concert dose and glittering rocks.
-What is a transidental experience, and what are its benefits?
-Difference between psilocybin and LSD.
-Psycadelics and getting past addictions.
-Guidelines for safe and effective psycadelic experiences.
-What makes a good and even great sitter.
-How to integrate after an experience.
-What is the connection between Alcoholics Anonymous and Psycadelics?
-LSD and complex problem solving.
-Track record of MDMA and post traumatic stress syndrome.
-Who Jim believes should and shouldn’t take Psycadelics.
Links
-http://www.amazon.com/Pihkal-A-Chemical-Love-Story/dp/0963009605
-http://www.amazon.com/The-Psychedelic-Explorers-Guide-Therapeutic/dp/1594774021
-jimfadiman.com
Good interview, although I often feel I am hearing the same information over and over again…and the real new information comes from the experiences themselves. Personally after significant psychedelic use, I would agree that microdosing is one of the most interesting areas to explore. I would take .1-.2 gram edible cannabis in combination with a pinch of psilocybe and allow the imagination to open up in wonderful, yet manageable ways, my mood to improve and my spirit to run smoothly…I think MDMA for PTSD is great and MAPS has done an amazing job…all of these organizations, MAPS, Rick Doblin, Charles Grob, Roland Griffiths, Heftner Foundation, psilocybe work being done at Johns Hopkins, Dennis McKenna, and countless others have done amazing work in this area. Tim, I think instead of going over Niagra Falls with the shrooms, you could experiment with problem solving and microdosing. For sure language learning would improve…faster learning would occur, and would be more enjoyable. Also, I’m suprised you haven’t heard of TIHKAL and PIHKAL…you would enjoy these books as well by Sasha Shulgin. Thanks for a great podcast Tim, and happy travels.
hey tim, again wonderful episode and topics touched.
to me one of the best discoveries was using spine corrector. my girlfriend got it fight slouching; i found it very effective for improving blood circulation.
What spine corrector do you use?
Micro dosing with psychedelics (sub-perceptual) “The rocks don’t glitter, even a little. And the flowers don’t turn and watch you.”
Albert Hoffman invented LSD. Micro-dosed 1-2 weekly the last few years of his life.
Defining “microdosing”. “Everything is just a little bit better.”
Psychedelics are anti-addictive.
Fadiman doesn’t do psychedelic “research” only “search”.
Futility of “double-blind” studies using psychedelics.
Estimated 26 million Americans have taken LSD since it became illegal.
Describing Fadiman’s background from schooling through present including first experience with psychedelics & subsequent grad school research during Vietnam.
Describes what he does day to day.
Describes being unpopular in high school despite being student body president & tennis team captain.
Describes writing his dissertation on “Behavior change following taking psychedelics” while attending classes during the day and conducting research at night.
Defines transcendental experience of taking psychedelics.
How alcoholics respond to psychedelics. Using psychedelics to combat addiction.
Differences between various psychedelics.
Sasha Shulgin inventing LSD.
Story of the elephant that died from psychedelic overdose during research.
Entheogen – http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FEntheogen&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHH070IKRHS2z4YgM8iCsgvTG-PSw
the divine within. Using psychedelics as a spiritual tool. Enthiogenic experience.
Importance of having a controlled experience when trying psychedelics.
The purpose of Fadiman’s book http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psychedelicexplorersguide.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGhWuuTc9LqiySoEtlcLcmspGbmcQ
was so people could have safe, pleasant, spiritual experiences.
Covers the guidelines of safe and successful experiences. Defines “set”, “setting”, “substance”, “situation”, “sitter”.
Story of a rodeo & stumbling across aborigines coming out of a bar. Compares it to experiencing psychedelics without a guide.
What makes a great sitter (guide)? Trust vs love vs no expectation.
The laughter of “how could I have forgotten who I am.
The proper way to integrate after a psychedelic session.
Why culture shock is a good comparison to experiencing psychedelics without a guide to help integrate.
MDMA http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FMDMA&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHm_MqDKTBCwXLloFeTKWqhk1VZOg
can release people from
PTSD https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FPosttraumatic_stress_disorder&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFR_qSVIffU5dJC1xVYUtjDE-nOoQ
combined with preparation with a psychotherapist as well as experienced guides.
Comparing students taking psychedelics at UC Santa Cruz vs Yale. Affects on religious beliefs of students who’ve experienced psychedelics.
Story of Bill Wilson, founder of AA https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FAlcoholics_Anonymous&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFtagNRrh_Bn0G8gPHHejWBP9P_Hgexperiencing psychedelics and the reaction of AA members.
Covering the problem solving potential of LSD and psychedelics in general. Story of research study he conducted using psychedelics to solve a hard problem with 48 reputable scientists as the participants.
Psychedelics as an architectural tool.
You can run real world tests to prove that it’s working.
Enhances focus-running experiments in your mind (running Einsteinian thought experiments).
Scientists must know enough to find the answer.
Matrix algebra http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FMatrix-Algebra-Introduction-Quantitative-Applications%2Fdp%2F0803920520&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFiSLyHGzNEUfaC4UUpjOEDN-6BHQ
Micro-dose psychedelics lead to enhanced pattern recognition.
Can be used for learning music or languages.
Interesting studies in academia.
Lucid dreaming. https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FLucid_dream&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEaXlfGo1hYIM3Gbz2rIP5-ZDkL8w
People dream more in color after using psychedelics.
Examples of overcoming stutters.
Different medications for different problems.
Single best way to overcome intractable post-traumatic stress disorder.
Studies for those with (incurable) PTSD for 20+ years, improved dramatically.
Depression: MDMA-not good for depression
Mushrooms-micro-dose may be helpful
Ketamine https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FKetamine&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE8uZ8z9cCzoQ04rPOctKVWF9ZNqwovercomes depression, but can easily be overused
Making psychedelics available for physicians and research community.
MAPS Association-funding research.
Discussing use as a tool for spiritual experience.
Most important elements: spiritual experience, science, self-exploration
Michael Pollan is interested in psychedelics.
Changes in society-sophisticated research, people who’ve had psychedelic experience.
Legislators have little experience with psychedelics.
Psychedelics as tools
Roland Griffiths, Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Neurosciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Psychedelics throughout history and religions
People Mentioned
B.F. Skinner https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FB._F._Skinner&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEAZjtWEScyU9ho_FUmsEhVfLX9vg
Tim Leary https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FTimothy_Leary&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE8UZ5bwcfvNh94487AwB_tSirc6w
Dr. Richard Harper http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fhealth.usnews.com%2Fdoctors%2Frichard-harper-9716&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHO2b1y46LZP7YWJzDDL7VSylzMuw
Albert Hoffman https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FAlbert_Hofmann&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE8iggJ_z-J7P-RWc-TiAMBxDna7Q
Bill Wilson-AA founder https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FBill_W.&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEiSjhrbRLeCImia42xAvEbuBrOhw
Zen Roshi
Sasha Shulgin http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FAlexander_Shulgin&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHTDpjMBiHpfb-CtJs_M9qtgfutCg
Don Lattin https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FDon_Lattin&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH7GG-ejDAurJULlCrn8y8dJa4w0Q
Alan Watts https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FAlan_Watts&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEnE1TFYdBxjSy1KfuSjJYa6dku1A
Lewis Harmon-professor electrical engineering Stanford
Michael Pollan https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FMichael_Pollan&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFoIYuuI-ijaCvcq5nmYAugAReYWQ
Roland Griffiths http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftedxtalks.ted.com%2Fvideo%2FTEDxMidAtlantic-Roland-Griffith&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHEjvFo3W7PmD8mndf90qQ2yb_DmA
Books Mentioned
PiHKAL http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FPiHKAL&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGYsGqCVCGVuh0vM8b01Lnjc6cQBg
TiHKAL http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FTiHKAL&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF-ZYNQMfhdQxrAnXJ8OfXrhzlWsQ
Here are some show notes I came up with. Great episode!
Show Notes:
What is micro-dosing? [2:45]
Micro-dose effect twp day period [8:38]
James Fadiman’s favorite teacher [12:35]
Being unpopular in high school [17:28]
Dissertation on behavior change after psychedelics [18:20]
Drinking alcohol after a transcendental experience [22:00]
Ibogaine – fighting addiction with psychedelics [23:50]
Application differences between psilocybin and LSD [26:58]
Common misuse of psychedelic drugs [28:39]
Having a guide for a psychedelic experience [39:36]
Integrating after a psychedelic experience [44:07]
Treating PTSD with MDMA [46:17]
Founder of AA psychedelic proponent [52:18]
Psychedelics for problem solving [55:47]
College student micro-dosing w/ sugar cube [1:04:30]
Dreaming and psychedelics [1:07:56]
Curing stuttering with psychedelics [1:09:47]
Various uses of various psychedelics [1:11:59]
MDMA for PTSD more in-depth [1:13:46]
Dealing with depression – Ketamine [1:18:22]
Most things are good in moderation – MDMA and raves [1:20:28]
Organizations and people working towards getting psychedelics researched [1:23:04]
Talking about psychedelics on right-wing radio [1:26:00]
100 people to have try psychedelics [1:28:49]
Where to learn more about James Fadiman [1:31:14]
Psychedelics as tools [1:33:14]
Links:
The psychedelic explorer’s guide – http://www.amazon.com/The-Psychedelic-Explorers-Guide-Therapeutic/dp/1594774021
James Fadiman’s website – http://www.jamesfadiman.com/
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) – http://www.maps.org/
Heffter Institute – http://www.heffter.org/
How Psychedelic Drugs can help people face death – http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/magazine/how-psychedelic-drugs-can-help-patients-face-death.html?_r=0
Burning Man – http://burningman.org/
Pikhal – http://www.amazon.com/Pihkal-A-Chemical-Love-Story/dp/0963009605
Tikhal – http://www.amazon.com/Tihkal-The-Continuation-Alexander-Shulgin/dp/0963009699
People Mentioned:
Albert Hoffman – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Hofmann
Tim Leary – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_Leary
Aldous Huxley – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldous_Huxley
Richard Alpert (Ram Dass) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ram_Dass
Gerald Heard – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Heard
Paul Stamets – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Stamets
Kary Mullis – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kary_Mullis
Roland Griffiths – http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/results/directory/profile/1311852/roland-griffiths
Alexander Shulgin – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Shulgin
Hey Tim and Tim-Inspireres,
I really got into psychedelics recently because of Joe Rogan, Aubrey Marcus, Dunken Trussell, Amber Lyon and so on. I never done drugs before but I had my first mushroom trip about 2 month ago and there are no word to describe it. Just magical and I saw so many colorful images… Never felt so connected to the universes. This really showed me that there is so much more out there we can not even imagine. Now I’m planing on doing an Ayahuasca ceremony in Peru. I challenge the reader to not judge drugs as one bad category as I did in the past because my mom and the media told me so I challenge you to be open minded and listen to some Joe Rogan podcasts. It really changed my life and I’m not afraid of dying anymore. If you read this Tim I would love to hear a Podcast where you talk about your psychedelic experiences, you mentioned it at another podcast that you are experimenting with it so please tell us your point of view.
Hi Tim, Always was curious about your choosing to remain in bachelorhood till date. Can you write a blog about this decision. Is it something related with your being so enormously successful financially and in many ways?
Young men across North America are afraid of marrying these days due to this permanent alimony thing. Whats your opinion about it? Are you exactly a happy bachelor as this forum makes out to be.
https://happybachelors.wordpress.com/
I’m so happy things like podcast are being made and that myself and others can be opened to new possibilities.
God Bless the Internet. And Tim Ferris. Although I’m sure you’ll hate me saying that Tim.
I found both this and Sam Harriss’ podcasts really fascinating and hope to hear more from one, or both (maybe even in the same interview?) in the future.
Keep up the good work.
Does anyone remember the author/book title doc Fadiman referred to while speaking about lucid dreaming?
Might have been “Exploring The World of Lucid Dreaming.” If you search “Lucid Dreaming 101” on this blog, I also have a post on this.
Thanks, Tim! I decided to listen again, and the author is David Jay Brown, but the book hasn’t been finished yet. Brown has however written other interesting books!
LOVED the well duh, laissez faire demeanor of Dr. Fadiman’s approach to freedom. “No more research…just search.” His admirable work points to the central implication of our existence; inextricable connectedness,unity and deep empathy for all forms and species.
I wanted to ask questions throughout about the ordinary (eat, move, think, feel, sleep well) practices that up regulate our already endowed super systems toward this end. The analogue might be Stan Groff’s Holotropic Breathing w/o the psychotropics or sensory deprivation tanking. I seem to have the “hyper” experiences daily (with practice) with just oxygen and consciousness, et al. WE have the technology…
And the piece/discussion on addiction which was spectacularly inspiring, but once again implied a slam dunk approach to a mind-body-spirit disorder which requires an integrated, mind-body-spirit approach for long-term, successful outcomes.
How can we attract fine mind-bodies like Dr. F. and Tim Ferris to help create multidisciplinary HEALTH care facilities to actually deal with our nation’s number one public health challenge: Addiction? How can we incorporate the burgeoning entrepreneurial approaches using these holistic techniques (cognitive up-regulating) to ACTUALLY and PRACTICALLY affect change in these burdensome social issues? I hear and read much rhetoric about it’s no longer about the money, but about the heart of the money. How can we mobilize the wealth and wisdom in this once-in-a-Holographic Universe place called the Bay Area to REALLY make a difference?
Thank you for this wonderful interview, Tim.
I have used breath work combined with bodywork to access some amazing states of consciousness and have facilitated many people who had previously used psychedelics who reported that the breathwork/bodywork combo was more profound that their drug experiences. I think having a grounded intuitive facilitator as witness is part of the reason for that. This post points to why that may help with addiction as well – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/johann-hari/the-real-cause-of-addicti_b_6506936.html
Right on, Charles. My experience too and to the point that we have the inherent faculties to find these states in every day experience. How about every day practices? WHY are we not Stoked about that? After all, the purpose of “recovery” is…well, recovering awareness about the full measure of our mind-body-spirit existence. Micro dose that, right?
Hey Charles, I don’t disagree with you at all. I agree about having a very gifted and grounded facilitator or healer in any modality will make ALL the difference. I’ve had a different experience re healing/awakening though.
I’ve spent 14 years doing every imaginable type of personal development, including a lot of meditation, body work & body based psychotherapy. I’ve found I can access specific states of consciousness – connection to source, one-ness etc. in certain meditative states, but nothing has ever come close to the degree of healing, connection and awakening I’ve experienced through plant medicines.
I’d never felt particularly interested in using something most people refer to as “drugs” to access healing or as an awakening tool or technique. But after venturing down this path, the ones I have chosen have honestly left every other thing I’ve ever done for dead…there is just no comparison. I don’t ever recommend that anyone else should necessarily follow the path I’m following, I am certain it’s not for everyone. But for me, certain plant medicines have been the most accelerated healing and awakening technique/tool I’ve so far encountered and I love that my life has taken me down this path 🙂
Hey Tim,
I’m in the middle of reading the 4-Hour Workweek & I also have the 4-Hour Body. In time I will get the third book, I think you do great work & I really appreciate your grounded writing style. I would like to suggest a future podcast with Deepak Chopra, I think that would make a really interesting interview. Best of wishes & keep up the great work.
-RG
You cannot discuss this topic without mention of cycling through Basel and milk as an antidote to LSD. Read LSD: my problem child by Albert Hofmann. For ongoing studies, refer to PubMed and read about David Nicols at Purdue for a modern day Hofmann or Shulgin.
There are few things that are more irresponsible than promoting drug usage. As a heroin epidemic has begun, for any adult to present the use of any drug as an “experience” which will benefit is ridiculous beyond compare (although whether Ferriss’ perpetual pursuit of the “next” self-indulgent “experience” or “fulfillment” is the sign of an adult is highly debatable, or not). It’s always fun to consider that the self-destruction of Hunter Thompson, as entertainment, is a disgrace for anyone who believes in their responsibility toward their fellow human beings. There are few of us who do not know someone, friend or family, who has had their life destroyed by drugs, or one sort or another.
So to, any promotion in any way of drugs is indicative of a soulless, catastrophically devolved human being. The attempt to mitigate the presentation by stating one should “check with one’s doctor, et al” is meaningless, since Ferriss has again and again promoted his own use of drugs, particularly his “shrooms,” thereby validating their usage. How many days before brain surgery would Ferriss agree to have a brain surgeon do “shrooms” before operating on his child?
Just more blah blah blah from the belly-button staring crowd, of whom Ferris is one, who believe that all experiences must rotate around them. Our responsibility to our fellow human beings is to “first do no harm.” Ferriss has no idea whether or not some person who listens to this will be harmed by it. As such, his act of promotion, no matter how much denied or obfusicated with “check with your doctor” and other rubbish statements, is an act of destruction.
Disagree, JY. I am the grandson and son of suicide through addiction accompanied by 4 other suicides in the immediate family. I am a man in long-term recovery and don’t take this work as a personal affront to my way of life. On the contrary, I have found hyper lucid states of being the exception rather than the rule after stopping anesthetizing myself with poor lifestyle habits, drugs and alcohol and think Tim and Dr. F. were discussing another way to achieve it–albeit not my way.
Earth medicines are part and parcel of all holistic cultures. Mine just happen to be oxygen, consciousness, eating, moving, thinking, feeling and sleeping well. Dr. Fadiman’s work remains controversial and cutting edge, but one of the cutting edges required to get back to what we are; an interdependent ecosystem. Let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water.
*I meant to write, the rule rather than the exception regarding hyper-lucid states in long-term recovery…
People do not have their lives destroyed by drugs, drugs are simply tools in their destruction, just as they are tools for enlightenment. The weilder of the gun chooses its trajectory. It was repeatedly pointed out througout the episode that Tim himself was hesitant to take some substances based off information he had. Everyone must take responsibility for their own bodies and minds, and more information can never be a bad thing. Just because Dr. Fadiman is obviously a proponent of many of their effects does not mean everyone should rush out to experience them. What it does aid with is people taking a more open view of the world than a blanket statement like “drugs are bad” and thus having more information to work off of.
It is absolutely true drugs can be dangerous. But it is also absolutely true they can be enlightening and even life-saving. The true irresponsibility is blanketing all substances as “bad” (as current law and popular thought does for most drugs) rather than admitting their uses. You could lock yourself in a room for your whole life claiming those who describe what its like outside to be irresponsible since some people get hurt out there, but everyone must decide for themselves whether the door holds enough promise to walk through it. Shouting at them will do nothing but deter them from your point of view.
Addiction and compulsive disorders are meso-limbic brain disorders. Early education and awareness can help the 20% of us who are predisposed to addiction et al, to navigate through the formative years in a more holistic approach. Having mental health professionals steeped in this work where and when indicated could help millions get to the core of their soul work EARLY ON. Here’s to the reason for our mondo huge neocortices: MORE AWARENESS.
Some additional reading, if you’re interested:
Profile of James Fadiman in The Morning News, “The Heretic” by Tim Doody http://www.themorningnews.org/article/the-heretic
“Travels in the New Psychedelic Bazaar” by Vanessa Grigoriadis http://nymag.com/news/features/synthetic-drugs-2013-4/ about some of the new compounds being developed, some of which are much, much more potent than LSD.
http://erowid.org tales from the explorer’s club.
I hope one of the next guest will be Kary Mullis (talked about in this episode)…nobel prize, surfer and more!
Notes in question
People Mentioned
Albert Hoffman (Scientist, best known for inventing LSD) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Hofmann
Terence Kemp McKenna (American philosopher, psychonaut, and author ) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terence_McKenna
Christopher Columbus (Italian explorer) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Columbus
Ram Dass (born Richard Alpert) (spiritual teacher and author of the seminal book Be Here Now http://www.amazon.com/Be-Here-Now-Enhanced-Edition-ebook/dp/B005R9HK8O )
Burrhus Frederic (B. F.) Skinner (American psychologist, behaviorist, author, inventor, and social philosopher) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B._F._Skinner
Timothy Francis Leary (American psychologist and writer) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_Leary
Alexander Theodore “Sasha” Shulgin (American medicinal chemist) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Shulgin
Houn Jiyu-Kennett (Born Peggy Teresa Nancy Kennett) is a British Rōshi who is famous for having been the first female to be sanctioned by the Soto School of Japan to teach in the West. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houn_Jiyu-Kennett
William Griffith Wilson (co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_W.
Don Lattin (Award-winning journalist and a reporter) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Lattin
Aldous Leonard Huxley (English writer and philosopher http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldous_Huxley
Henry FitzGerald ”Gerald” Heard (historian, science writer and philosopher) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Heard
Alan Wilson Watts (philosopher, writer, and speaker) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Watts
Willis Harman (engineer, social scientist, academic, writer and futurist) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Harman
David Jay Brown (writer, interviewer and consciousness researcher) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Jay_Brown
Paul Edward Stamets mycologist, author and advocate of bioremediation and medicinal mushrooms) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Stamets
Abraham Lincoln (16th President of the United States) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Lincoln
Michael Pollan (author, journalist, activist, and professor) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Pollan
Kenneth Elton “Ken” Kesey (American author, best known for his novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1962) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Kesey
John Sidney McCain III (United States Senator for Arizona) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McCain
Kary Banks Mullis (Nobel Prize-winning American biochemist) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kary_Mullis
Roland R. Griffiths (Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences) Listen to his Ted Talk Here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKm_mnbN9JY
Books Mentioned
The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys http://www.amazon.com/The-Psychedelic-Explorers-Guide-Therapeutic/dp/1594774021
Pihkal: A Chemical Love Story http://www.amazon.com/Pihkal-A-Chemical-Love-Story/dp/0963009605
Tihkal: The Continuation http://www.amazon.com/Tihkal-The-Continuation-Alexander-Shulgin/dp/0963009699
Lincoln: The Biography of a Writer http://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-Biography-Writer-Fred-Kaplan/dp/0060773367
Selected Links from the Episode
Microdosing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microdosing
Cognitive Enhancers (mostly derivatives of speed) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nootropic
Methylphenidate (central nervous system stimulant) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylphenidate
Adderall (psychostimulant drug) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adderall
Psilocybin mushrooms http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybin_mushroom
DMT (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N,N-Dimethyltryptamine
Mouse (computing) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mouse_%28computing%29
Word Processor http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Word_processor
Ayahuasca (psychedelic brew made from yajé vine) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayahuasca
Ibogaine (naturally occurring psychoactive substance) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibogaine
Bwiti (a spiritual discipline of the forest-dwelling people) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bwiti
Naltrexone (an opioid antagonist) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naltrexone
Methadone (a synthetic opioid) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methadone
Peyote (psychoactive cactus) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peyote
Mescaline (naturally occurring psychedelic) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mescaline
Salvia divinorum (psychoactive plant) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_divinorum
5-MeO-DMT http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5-MeO-DMT
Coca tea http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coca_tea
Cocaine (stimulant and appetite suppressant) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocaine
Crack cocaine (freebase form of cocaine) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crack_cocaine
Tryptamine http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tryptamine
Phenethylamine (psychoactive stimulant) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenethylamine
Entheogen http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entheogen
Cannabis (commonly known as marijuana is a psychoactive drug) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_%28drug%29
Rodeo http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodeo
Culture shock http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_shock
MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy is a psychoactive stimulant drug) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MDMA
Mount Shasta (potentially active volcano located in Siskiyou County, California) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Shasta
University of California, Santa Cruz http://www.ucsc.edu/
Yale University http://www.yale.edu/
Datura (poisonous vespertine flowering plant) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datura
Eucalyptus Tree http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucalyptus
Circuit design http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_design
Matrix Algebra http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matrix_%28mathematics%29
Embryology http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embryology
Reefer Madness (American propaganda exploitation drama film) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reefer_Madness
Ketamine (Medication used mainly for starting and maintaining anesthesia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketamine
Rave (a large party) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rave
Occam’s razor (a problem-solving principle) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occam%27s_razor
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (non-profit) http://www.maps.org/
Radioactive isotope (a nuclide that is radioactive) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radionuclide
Heffter Foundation (foundation that promotes for the research and practical use of psychedelics) http://www.heffter.org/
Off-label use (unapproved use of pharmaceutical drugs) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Off-label_use
Burning Man (a week-long annual event that takes its name from the ritual of burning a large wooden effigy) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burning_Man
http://jamesfadiman.com/
Bhikkhu ( a Buddhist monk) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhikkhu
San Pedro cactus (fast-growing columnar cactus native to the Andes Mountains) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinopsis_pachanoi
Recombinant DNA (DNA molecules formed by laboratory methods of genetic recombination (such as molecular cloning) to bring together genetic material from multiple sources, creating sequences that would not otherwise be found in biological organisms) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recombinant_DNA
Secret Drugs of Buddhism http://secretdrugs.net/
National Public Radio http://www.npr.org/
Time Stamps
James sets the stage for the conversation [2:51]
James talks about why microdosing is neglected and its promises and applications [3:39]
James discusses the importance of dosage levels of LSD [4:48]
James explains anti-addictive effects of psychedelics [7:07]
James’ protocol on psychedelic use of LSD [7:55]
James on his philosophy of “search” vs “research” [9:45]
Three places you can get almost any drug [11:40]
James discusses his background [12:17]
James on working with Richard Alpert [15:55]
The joys of being unpopular [17:30]
James’ experiences interviewing people who had transcendental experiences [19:30]
Effects of psychedelic use and alcoholism [22:05]
James on Ibogaine and how to effectively remove any addiction [23:56]
Salvia and its use [28:34]
James on problems with substance overdose [31:00]
Psychedelics as entheogens for spiritual use [33:00]
Effects psychedelics use solo vs with a supervisor [34:23]
What kills the most people per year. Peanuts?? Find out at [36:55]
James’ guidelines for safe psychedelic use [37:58]
Separation between good and bad guides [41:40]
Proper ways to integrate after sessions [44:11]
James Work with MDMA [46:14]
Kennett Rōshi on meditation and its practical application [46:50]
James on how psychedelic use has influenced people to make positive life changing decisions [49:04]
How the Co-Founder of AA became a proponent of psychedelic use [52:21]
Problem solving potential of LSD [55:50]
James explains the implications of psychedelic use involving music and language learning [1:03:57]
Story of how a student used an LSD sugar cube to get an A on an Embryology Final [1:04:28]
How two people cured themselves of stuttering using LSD [1:09:58]
The drugs of choice LSD, Mescaline or Psilocybin? [1:12:30]
James tells Tim how psychedelics allowed a woman to make a complete 180 in her life [1:13:16]
James elaborates on how research has proven that MDMA is the best cure for PTSD [1:13:57]
The risks and misuses of MDMA [1:17:39]
How Ketamine destroyed the existing beliefs and theories about depression [1:17:39]
Organizations people can look into to support psychedelic research [1:23:18]
People in the U.S that James would like to use LSD for an experiment [1:28:46]
Kary Mullis on psychedelics [1:33:21]
James and Tim on religious institutions and use of psychedelics [1:34:45]
If you’re looking for drug free options, I very highly recommend kundalini yoga and meditation. I started doing KY meditation in November of 2013 and it has totally changed my life. (Sounds cliched, I know, but that’s best way I can sum it up quickly.) The depression and anxiety I’ve had have decreased dramatically, but on the spiritual side, I have had some incredible experiences that I could probably best described as transcendental. It’s difficult to sum up in a quick little comment here, but KY meditation can absolutely help you in achieving a higher state of consciousness, get to know your divine self, and help you feel closer to God. It can also help you work through your mental/emotional/spiritual garbage, cleanse your psyche. While you can achieve an altered state of mind with substances, you don’t need to. Meditation helps you achieve higher states of consciousness by strengthening the pathways already in your brain so it can go there when you desire it to. Another option for a more directed approach for things like addiction and trauma is hypnotherapy. Again, you’re doing work in an altered state of consciousness (and there are similarities to lucid dreaming), so you’re able to start accessing things that have been “locked away” in your brain, including deep trauma, birth trauma, early childhood experiences, etc. I was pretty lucky, my KY teacher was also a hypnotherapist licensed to practice in California, so she brought a lot of great insights to both meditation and hypnotherapy.
Love the fact that you tried something different here Tim. Unlocking parts of the brain via micro-dosing sounds like the stuff of science fiction movies (‘Limitless’ springs to mind), and I found the whole interview very interesting.
Whilst I love all your podcasts, I found this one way more controversial than the other topics you’ve covered so far, and controversial makes for far more entertaining listening IMO! Thanks for taking the time to do this – I’m a big fan of your work.
Meher Baba had this to say on psychedelics. http://www.avatarmeherbaba.org/erics/godpill.html
Meher Baba was in comms with Richard Alpert (Ram Dass) and T. Leary on the subject of psychedelics. Ram Dass’s guru Neem Karoli Baba acknowledged Meher Baba as being far superior spiritually to himself
what’s your take on ayahuasca Tim? or who do you know that knows specifically about ayahuasca self exploration experience?
Tim… Man you’ve rockin the boat for me since 2007. It’s really good. I can’t say enough good things about what you’ve done for my life. Within the podcast, I can really relate to being the addictive self-help individual and then not applying what I learned in my life to better myself. I struggle with self acceptance and not being good enough even though I’ve been reasonably successful in real estate and sales. I struggle with the idea of taking LSD or Psilocybin. I have a little bit of a depressive mind (comes in waves) and am scared of having an extremely bad trip due to my state of mind at the time. Everytime one of my friends offers me mushrooms I refuse. However, I do wonder if I’m missing out on something really big that could change my thinking for the better even if it is a bad trip.
I was talking to a friend of mine, after listing to the podcast, who raves about his trips and says that “going deep” is something he always remembers and cherishes. You haven’t felt alive, he says, until you’ve experienced psychedelics.
He also told me about his bad trips and what they meant to him at the time. They helped him realize how much a part of the world he is. And how real, fear in the mind, is.
We fear what we don’t know, and I wonder if psychedelics help to pull back the curtain on the ‘Wizard of Oz’ to give us a glimpse of what is really goin on in our minds?
Great stuff this week man! I continue to be inspired! Keep up the interesting and thought provoking work!
For me, the family history of mental illness keeps me from doing psychedelic drugs. However, there are energy healing modalities (Dr. Brandy Howell in Phoenix, AZ does Lightening Therapy) and yoga allow me to move beyond my mind into an expanded awareness without the fear of a “bad trip” getting in the way. I also don’t question if it were the drugs or my true experience because there are no drugs involved. Extreme athletes seem to have a similar experience. I think what is more fascinating for me ( a few years your elder- lol) is why YOU, Tim, are so fascinated by this. It seems to come up in your show, your blog. Are we truly a culture so disconnected from Source that we would do anything, including mind-altering substances, to reconnect? It makes me wonder what your heart is most deeply searching for in these experiences. Do tell. Inquiring minds want to know.
Dear Tim
I urgently need to contact you by phone or email.
I have a long story of situations I wanna share with you.
I am 1000% it will be of use to you and your audience. I also would like your opinion on a matter that is not on your present blog, it is more realted to work, career and personal finances.
Kind regards
GF
dancing is a drug for me. especially to techno and house music. the first time i experienced an amazing techno set (SHED from Germany), I realized you can achieve a sober-high on music as you could on MDMA; this experience changed my life!
Dance!
Tim I have recently become a great fan of your work and have been listening avidly to all your podcasts and even bought your books to read. I find your research and Outlook on things interesting and motivating. However, in this podcast and in a couple others I’ve listened to- where you have recorded outdoors, you have said that the sirens and traffic sounds are like ” sounds of Beirut in warfare”. I really debt this comment and i am not sure if you have ever been to lebanon, or you are just making this comment in passing, but as a lebanese national, having lived there for the earlier parts of my life, I find your comment propagates misconception, and is insensitive. Beirut does not sound of constant sirens or warfare, no more than any city in the US or otherwise. Actually I would argue that many US cities sound worse when it comes to traffic, sirens and whatever other crazy noises cities make. In Beirut you here the birds and the Mediterranean, and yes some traffic, but by no means enough to compare San Francisco to Beirut warfare. Wasn’t sure if you were aware of your wording and though I would point it out.
On a more positive note thanks for the great podcasts and the impeccable research into topics.
Brother Tim! I am a fan of psychedelic exploration, and about two years ago used it to try and combat health problems and low mood following some of the advice in Fadiman’s excellent book, The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide.
However, it did not work out well for me. I ended up with a severely negative experience on psilocybin that created a profound and lasting sense of despair that undermined my will to live. There are many possible explanations for why this may have happened – for the psilocybin experience I wasn’t able to use a sitter, though I had the remaining elements in place and was thoughtful in replicating the conditions Fadiman and others suggest – but it was quite horrible and to some extent the problems recur to this day. I wish I hadn’t done it. Just a note that us cautionary experiences exist and aren’t all fabricated by anti-drug fundamentalists.
I support MAPS and others working to bring critical research on psychedlics to the field of psychology that could save lives, as with PTSD, and would not discourage people from trying it or suggest these substances should be banned – they should definitely be available and regulated for safety.
Great podcast. For a non-drug tool that enhances mood (euphoric in small doses) -and dream enhancement try Sceletium tortuosum. Great for depression too.
Meanwhile in the UK: https://www.facebook.com/events/1574311512815551/
“The Psychedelic Society of London: first monthly social”
How about using sound to balance the left/right hemispheres of your brain? The Neurophone allows you to activate another sense of perception, meditate on a deeper level and facilitates enhanced memory retention/rapid learning. Would love to get you one to try Tim! [Moderator: link removed]
Hey Tim, very interesting conversation.
I have a couple of suggestions for future guests. I think it would be really interesting to hear you interview Neil deGrasse Tyson and Kevin Feige. Might take a fair bit of luck to book guys that busy, but I’d love to hear them respond to your style.
Thanks for continuing to work on these!
Tim,
Thank you for continuing to enrich us with these podcasts!
Dr. Fadiman talked about researchers invited to use micro doses of psychedelics to solve complex problems. He kept saying all that was needed was a desire to solve a problem.
Since you are into TM, I wonder is there is something similar to having intent on an issue and then practicing TM and the subconscious shows you the way to solve or achieve desires, intent. What are your thoughts?
Thank you again.
Dave
Hello:
Just a couple of comments to add to an excellent podcast.
1. Neurotoxicity of MDMA. Much of the literature about MDMA is still tainted by the flawed Ricaurte study http://www.salon.com/2014/09/21/the_colossal_dea_failure_that_prevented_a_potentially_major_medical_breakthrough/
Overall, the use of MDMA appears to be relatively safe
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/pure-ecstasy-can-be-safe-for-adults-health-official-says-1.1229517
2. Ibogaine and ayahuasca. While ibogaine can be useful in dealing with the physical withdrawal symptoms of opiates, Gabor Mate would be of the opinion (expressed at MAPS 2013) that that is only the initial step of dealing with the addiction. He would recommend following the ibogaine with an ayahuasca session to deal with the underlying issues leading to the addiction. Otherwise relapse is more common.
3. Ketamine holds great potential as an antidepressant, though its use is currently limited by psychoactive effects and the need to give it intravenously. The other issue is that the antidepressant action is only good for a few days to a week. Intranasal administration (via atomizer rather than lines) may help to deal with this and trials are underway.
My background: Emergency physician, Burner, cannabis prescriber/researcher
Interesting episode, I’m a bit surprised this wasn’t mentioned or delved into at all since it seems to be a great union of the typical subject of the show (peak performance) and psychedelic use: http://nypost.com/2014/08/31/pitcher-dock-ellis-dropped-acid-then-threw-a-no-hitter/
There is some speculation as to his claim that he was on LSD during the game, but it nonetheless would be an interesting topic as it is atypical of something the drug would typically be used for. If he did use it as he reports in this article (2 hits the night before and 2 hits the day of), the cumulative effect would be somewhat similar to microdosing on the day of, since as was mentioned in this episode tolerance spikes dramatically for a few days so dosing at the same amount on consecutive days would have had severely stunted the psychoactive effects.
I hope one day microdosing would be practical, alas access is not currently conducive to such a practice. But the very fact that this episode (and others like it) exists is an indication we’re headed in the right direction.
Looking forward to part 2 already 🙂 Such a fascinating subject which is gaining more exposure lately but still not being discussed/researched openly … there’s more work to be done here but I would like to sincerely thank both you and James for bringing this information to a whole new audience – keep up the great work!
Very interesting – I’d heard about this from some lawyer friends in NYC who’d worked with people that experimented with microdosing LSD and mushrooms. They swear it by it for getting through crunch times and say it’s changed how they approach prioritization of tasks when completely sober. Not for me, but as a psych major, fascinating nonetheless!
Thanks for this one Tim. I’m a recovering heroin addict of 5 years, and while using psychoactive drugs was not the route I took, it’s ALWAYS nice to hear another point of view. I wouldn’t touch psychedelics with a 10-foot pole now, but I always rush to their defense during the debate as they were the only drugs that had a positive impact on me — though I wouldn’t advise anyone to use them at age 14-16 like I was. You can do a lot of damage to a developing young mind that way. It’d be great if you could present a show with an opposing view, perhaps someone like Dr. Drew (I know he and Ryan Holiday have interacted a few times via his podcast) who has come out against iboga, and, might be a good subject for “deconstructing greatness”. Plus I feel it might make for an interesting interview. As always, thanks for the inspiration, love you and your work!
This was pure gold and came right on time as I just started reading the Psychedelics Explorer’s Guide last week, thank you so much 🙂
The ibogaine works in heroin addicts because the Ibogaine spirit enters your body, resets your heroin receptors and vomits all traces of heroin out. Then the spirit looks to make it’s new body fulfil its dreams. Cue nootropics/exercise/meditation posts that you see on Ibogaine forums.
Very interesting to hear such a scientifically minded, logical, non-hippy guy talk about the practical applications of psychedelics. Great episode.
Hi Tim!
Another Mind blowing/expanding podcast. Im a Forensic Audio Engineer by trade and would gladly volunteer my services to enhance your overall audio quality. I can remove things such as fan noise, AC noise, cars driving by, horns honking, big bumps in audio when someone nudges the mic, etc, quite easily. Giving a better experience. Not looking for anything in return but would love to support the cause of helping to spread this fantastic information you make available at the highest quality possible.
Darin
I’m a fan of the background noise but find the microphone sounds very distracting. It sounds like someone is scribbling notes while guests are talking. I thought it was Tim frantically taking copious notes until I heard it while he was speaking.
Head up in a plane for first skydiving jump with group of friends while listening to comedy of Bill Burr. Give friends helping hand out the plane while hugging kittens doused with vanilla and lavender. During dive bask in the sunlight on your face while dropping money (not coins) out of pocket and belting out Baba Nam Kevalam. On ground, run like heck from friends you “pushed” out of plane and finish with an”orgy” of laughter, tickling, copulation and all around revelry. In a nutshell, naturally release your hormones/neurotransmitters/endorphins . Anticipate, laugh, hug, share, give, meditate, exercise, and live in mindfulness. Be grateful
for this wonderful world.
Hi Tim..this is my 1st comment in 4 hrs..
and well its awesome about information you provided.. a lot of new stuff I learned..
thanks for that
Hey Tim, This talk made me think of the movie “Men who stare at goats” …you may want to check it out…not for everyone though.
Very interesting talk!
Hi Tim, this is yet another great podcast. Micro-dosing is a brand new concept to me. I wonder what your thoughts on using the method for piracetam? For me, if I use piracetam for a period time, a week or two, the effect seems to be diminishing. Stop for a while, it works again. The behavior, at least on my part, is quite similar to what James described for LSD. Many thanks, Longbow.
Great interview, have him on again. In particular I wish the micro dosage amounts for psilocybin were given using practical numbers (grams).
On the micro-dosing tip, education is the best tool prior to entering the subtle portal. I came across this Kickstarter Campaign called Fantastic Fungi: and the timing is notable with this podcast – MAY YOUR CURIOUS ADVENTURES CONTINUE TO ENRICH AND ENTERTAIN US ALL, THANKS TIM!
Hey Tim,
Really appreciate reading your articles as well, will you be doing any full length written blogs soon to compliment the podcasts?
Similar but different!
http://np.reddit.com/r/mdmatherapy/comments/309qub/after_witnessing_the_death_of_my_34_year_old/cpqktzu?context=3
Extremely interesting Interview. The performance-enhancing influences of LSD seem to be far more beneficial than the public is told.
Seems like an extremely important aspect for further investigation, especially the mood enhancing, non-addictive part.
Saludos,
Justin
It’s pretty awesome to see this being explored more, but at the same time: do you notice that this subject matter gets 70 comments, whereas other things, more “mainstream” ideas are full to the brim? This is totally illustrative of the sort of “reefer madness” culture I believe has hindered both this area of research a great deal but also, likely has ramifications when it comes to issues and concerns of legalization.
I talk like I write, if you heard it in a somewhat gerbil-tiny woman voice going rapid fire- you heard it right.
Anyway, for me this is a deeply personal issue and one I have found that people tend to give me this side ways look. This is usually because when asked how I finally broke through my PTSD- I sort of shrug, mumble about meditation and mindfulness, maybe say a little bit about lifestyle changes and then…”Oh, and shrooms. I did shrooms.” Even though there is evidence out there that this is on the right track: the stigma of so called “illicit drug use” still prevails. It’s interesting to see/hear this to me, because I’ve been researching on my own and trying to figure out exactly how that worked since before I tried it. At that time, I was so socially fearful I couldn’t go out in public at all.
A lot of people say that- but, my ex husband is all too happy to regale people with tales of “Tori flipping out while grocery shopping”, “Ugh, yeah, she didn’t take an ativan before and well…” and so forth. I’m not talking about “Oh, this is awkward and uncomfortable for me”, I’m talking about “I can’t fucking breathe, don’t talk to me, don’t look at me, everything’s loud and smells bad” weeping, and sometimes screaming at people bad. Eventually, I just said to hell with it and stopped going out in public, but I hated it and so, when I started seeing little bits and things- I thought, “Why the hell not?” (And I’ve since read quite a few reasons why not, it’s not that I’m saying “Hey, everyone with mental issues go eat some shroomed chocolate”- I’m not, this is just what happened.)
Anyway- this is a long comment but basically, yeah. I started doing some serious self work in tandem with psilocybin use. (Not heavy, not daily, just occasionally here and there while working out some issues) I’m not sitting here saying “Wow, my whole life changed and now I am a mega millionaire” because I’m not, I am a freelance writer just kinda limping along- but I am not afraid anymore like I was, and the issues I had prior: for the most part, gone. Little mild anxiety here and there but I definitely would not take it back.
That was a hell of a lot of words to just say “Oh, awesome, I was looking into some other stuff because I’m about to do some more self work and, hey, yeah! This is good stuff!” but there you go.
What I’d like to know is how can I get some? I did so much LSD in the 70s and my experiences were so heart and mind opening. I realize this is a rhetorical question that no one can disclose, yet the very topic makes me yearn to do psychedelics once again. My last trip was in Negril, Jamaica in 1994, where we did schroom tea.
Very insightful. Thank you.
Hey Tim – I’m way behind on the podcasts, but I was listening to a piece from a year ago in which you mention you don’t know anything about editing audio. Check out Audacity, it’s free software and you can learn enough to be dangerous in an hour. I’m open for any questions.
Hi Tim,
I am a longtime fan, you’ve positively influenced the quality of my life many times, thank you. I’ve not commented before. You may be interested in checking out Stan Grof, eastern Europe’s primary researcher on LSD in the ’50’s and on. After coming to US with his wife Christina developed a non-drug way to access the states he studied with LSD, Holotropic Breathwork. Very cool shit, no chemicals, pragmatic & academic approach, loving facilitation.
Tim,
I am very disappointed that this is a topic you would consider worthy of your attention. There are so many amazing things in the world that you could talk about but you chose to talk to some old drugged out hippie.
Instead you should be putting your energy into getting good at math. You should be trying to revolutionize education and make the world a better place, not encouraging people to try drugs.
Nah. Try to keep an open mind
Things need to change. Politics shouldn’t slow down human progress. I really enjoyed this conversation and believe more people should be informed about the reality of psychedelics and their potential positive impact on society and the individual. [Moderator: link removed.] Awesome episode Tim!
Very Informative. Thank you Tim
Tim this was my favorite episode. I would pay big bucks to read “the 4 hour psychedelic experience; a comprehensive guide to general microdosing as well as it’s application to lucid dreaming”
You’re my hero Tim
Hey Tim, Have you ever experimented with Ormes/Ormus alchemical products (m-state elements) like Etherium Gold, Widhorse Botanicals Star Drops; Cherekee Gold’s trap water; Ocean Alchemy’s White Dove-Golden Tear and Keith Perry’s Awesome Drops and 7/7 Buddha Purnima Eclipse batch water? It seems that they do have mind altering properties even though we do not know the mechanisms through which they are causing it. If you would; see from the 60 minute documentary: “All the gold you can eat”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1JbujW6jJU to see what I am talking about.
I would like if you could dig into these substances and report your personal opinion/experiences, plus do on yourself EEG brainwave measurements before and after you take them.
Hi Tim,
Great podcast!
As a recent fan I’d say this podcast and your interview with Pavel Tsatsoulin are the most interesting to me (so far). NEW TOPIC (because I’m too much of a technophobe to suggest this to you on Twitter or Facebook): CONSERVATION & The Rhino Charge – a crazy way to help protect rapidly diminishing populations of elephant and rhino in Kenya.
I’m sure you could find a wealth of information and very interesting individuals to possibly interview for this topic but basically there is an annual event called the Rhino Charge where teams of 4×4 off-roading lunatics participate in a race across insane territory but with a twist: the aim is not to finish fastest, but to finish in the shortest possible distance, XC. Leads to all manner of heroic bedlam. Each team is required to raise a minimum pledge and proceeds go towards some excellent conservation efforts. You might consider interviewing people like Dr Richard Leaky, for example, and help him draw much needed attention to the issues facing conservation of endangered species such as rhino and elephant in Africa.
Thank you for sharing your depression episode. It is amazing how much good sharing does. Not just for others, but also for yourself.
One day, depression will be regarded the same way as a broken leg: it can happen to everyone & with patience & the right attention, it can be cured.
To make this happen we all need to stand up and talk about it. So thank you again.
You’ve done a lot of good here Tim. Wise words I will share with my loved ones.
Respect Tim. For having the courage to write about depression.
once again Tim….your courage and honesty astound me. Been a huge fan of yours and your content since 2008. Posts like this are the reason. Thank you Tim from the bottom of this usually cynical heart.
Tim,
First, sorry for replying to the email sent out this morning. Second and more important, thank you for sharing that, it has me in tears even now. BTW, I love you brother. I really enjoy all you produce that helps me and others. Also enjoying your new iTunes project.
Hope to learn more from you.
Tim
I just wanted to comment on the e-mail today about suicide. I lost my sister a couple years ago by this, and it hurts every single day. My parents, her sons, her husband, and each of us who knew her will never be the same again. I wish I could have shared this with her to maybe somehow help her see that her storm would indeed pass.
Thanks for the resonating words. No matter how much they hurt.
This could not have come at a better time. I am in a “Dark night of the Soul” time in my life. I’m facing things in myself I don’t like and trying to keep my saboteur at bay. I’ve thought of ending things but won’t. I love this life and it is a beautiful place. I needed these words of yours to guide me forward. Thanks for sharing your light with me!
Thank you Tim. Though that part of my life is passed I have certainly fought the demons at the gate and almost lost that battle.
Truly I have no advice to share. There was no one moment that spurred a change. I simply just never got around to it. Then things just started getting better on their own.
Recently on your podcasts and interviews I have watched you have mentioned “the one thing that scares you is likely the thing you need to do most” I feel with suicide this is so very vastly, intrinsically, fundementally, true. Not meaning suicide is hard you should do it! But rather the path that is hard, life, you should do it. Face the hardest part and take it head on and stab it in the throat with a butter knife.
Thanks again Tim
As recommended by you, quick thank you (Tim) and your team for your emails and blog posts. They help me immensely.
Very well done. I have so much respect for you, for the vulnerability you offered to us to write this piece, and for extending your hand to help others. Thank you.
Hi Tim. I’m a big fan. I have all your three books. Your post on depression touched my soul. I have always perceived you as a super-human. I have now realised that you truly are. Well done on opening up and sharing with us with your vulnerabilities. It shows how noble and confident you are. I hope more public figures would be as brave as you…
Thank you Tim – I don’t even know you and this article made me weep and feel some hope because the timing is right when I ended up in the abyss.
Thank You
Thank you.
It takes tremendous courage to be this personal and I know you’ll help save some souls and loved ones from broken hearts.
Great Suicide blog Tim, amazing public service. I never thought about pulling the plug as a young man but now at age 54 I think about it, well, actually quite a bit. Every new wrinkle brings it closer to a possibility. I know I’m not your core audience nor am I looking for help. Frankly I think the Eskimos have it about right. When they can no longer contribute to the tribe they get into a kayak and row away. I can easily see myself doing that with no regrets, after all I’ve had a pretty great life. Do I really need to see myself wither away? A part of me really does think that those who leave a beautiful corpse, who live fast and die young…that maybe they got it right. I would love to hear what others think about that.
Thank you Tim for revealing your story. I just heard of you, and subscribed to you last week via hearing your webcast with Michael Covel. I subscribed, and the first blog I receive is “Some Practical Thoughts on Suicide”. I can only take it as a message from God. The timing cannot be accidental. It gave me strength and hope and inspiration. THANK YOU !!!
Wow. Just wow… I have been there (here) three times; wondering, planning, justifying.
Congratulations- great article- lifestyle so secondary. Well done.
Just read your latest email post on suicide and ways to handle the ups and downs of being a creative entrpreneurial type. I struggle with this myself and felt relieved to hear you do, too. One thing that works well for me is to have a morning routine that includes quiet time and then a long walk. Another that works for me is putting things into a calendar. That gives me some structure and helps prevent me from wandering runs the house wondering what I’m going to do that day. And finally the third thing that helps me is sharing my knowledge with others and helping them achieve things. I also find that email overwhelms me and I’ve started un subscribing or just plain deleting stuff without even opening it. I wish someone else would handle my email and then tell me what I need to pay attention to. Thanks again for the post! Good call on your part to write it.
I want to thank Tim management that you do on a daily basis. I think that this post hit you the target, many people State unconscious human, think that step back with their lives, this is according to my appreciation of much value people try to do this, I think is a good way to rekindle all that potential of a destructive moment and take it to an application (constructive, there is too much in this type of people who consent to the idea It would not be well to do so, man would be lost much, the world would lose people with that value), so finally thank you Tim for being sincere.
Thanks Tim for all you do! you will help so many suffering people with this one email.
Hey Tim,
Do you believe in synchronicity? This is exactly what I’m struggling with right now myself. I finally sat down to start writing the notes to people to say goodbye. Before I knew it I had so many I didn’t know what to do, so I started trying to make a through line for WHY I am going to do it, so everyone can understand. Then I realize: I would be a lot more helpful if I made it into a book so anyone else struggling with These feelings wouldn’t feel so alone. I’m actually entering it in a contest, and am going to publish it within the next two years.
It’s almost comedic, how tragedy can be turned into something positive if you are open to it.
I’ll send you a copy when it’s published, if you want.
Love,
Adam
I am very glad to see this kind of posts from you Tim. Sorely needed for your audience…
I am not sure if you can link to it here, but if you Google “Javier Marti depression cure online” you’ll find something that can help you guys with this problem. I am Javier, the author of the series and don’t want to come as spammy but people already told me those videos have been useful to them. I just put them online for the time being so the world can benefit. It’s my form of “charity”. They may be useful for anyone depresed right now reading this, and I’d love to give back to you Tim, since you have been an inspiration for a few years now, although I guess you’re not feeling down anymore.
Some years ago I bought two copies and gave to my brother your 4h book but he did not read it, so I asked him to give it back to me so I can give it to someone who’ll actually use the inspiration found there.
If you’re up for a chat sometime, would be great to talk.
Once again, well done for this honest post. Many young ones are struggling trying to make it, so it’s useful to know that their idols went through the same thing. Keep it up!
Thank you for this post and your generosity of spirit.
Been there too. I woke up the next morning and did not expect to. I just felt like everyone would be better off without me. Didn’t mention it until a good dew months later, to my mom. It is like she just blew it off tho. Lol. Everyone around me seem to wonder how i gave bigger problems than them. Woke up and drove mysekf yo the doctor i had taken an entire bottle of valium and what i had left of muscle relaxers. I know they worked and were not placebos. After the doctor, just went right back into my life. When i woke up something in me was asking, “what the hell did you do?!?!” Lol. Guess have a fighter in me after all.
Hi Tim: Thank you for your honest post. As we say in my 12-step program: “If you kill yourself, you will be killing the wrong person,” since the negative chatter in my brain is not me. Also, you are one of the most eloquent verbal people I’ve ever listened to. Thank you for all your great books, interviews and TV. You are also pretty handsome!
Damn great post, Tim. Looking forward to binge-watching the show!
Tim; Thanks for your courage and authenticity.
Our family has felt the grief of suicide and it’s a tragic unimaginable grief
I have spent time in psych wards, dealing with the fear and confusion of how did my handsome, funny and brilliant son get here- what did I do wrong or not do right. It’s was overwhelming.
It’s been over 4 since the first 5150 and I am grateful he is alive , has friend and family. And I am clear that he accomplished this milestone on his own accord. I am so proud of him that he chose life and does every day.
We all are going to die someday. I honor and respect everyone’s right to chose.
For those who have lost loved ones, friends and family to suicide – I wish peace and serenity to you and yours. Much love and respect.
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage…”
– Lao Tzu
That someone can also be you. Courage flows from inside and when it ebbs it touches others lives. Even if you are the last person on this earth… always back yourself up and stay by your side.
Thank you for quoting this gem.
Tim,
Thank you for sharing your struggles. I’m a long time fan that keeps fairly private, but this was a priceless post. My 17 year old daughter struggles with severe depression. We have survived suicide attempts and self harm for a few years. It has made our family stronger despite the hardship. I sent my daughter your post- told her she would like it as you are both courageous survivors. She did. She’s heading off to college. I’m scared. But, grateful she is the wonderful and sensitive person she is. Her brother’s name is also Silas. I take that as a positive connection. Beth
You have written a lot of great stuff, but this is the best. Thank you.