#2002 - Amanda Feilding cover

#2002 - Amanda Feilding

NaN minutesEpisode #2002

Amanda is an award-winning psychedelics researcher, policy advocate, and artist;  advancing psychedelic research for over 50 years.  Founder & Director of the Beckley Foundation, a UK-based think-tank and NGO, aiming to further our understanding of consciousness and how changes in cerebral circulation and neuronal activity underlie the effects of various psychoactive substances. Amanda’s work lies at the cutting edge of psychedelic scientific research, she initiated the study which generated the world’s first images of the brain on LSD.

Categories

Key Takeaways

Mystical experiences shape personal growth and worldview.

These experiences can lead to profound insights and spiritual awakenings.

Isolation and unconventional upbringing contribute to unique perspectives.

Such environments encourage exploration of alternate philosophies and spirituality.

Psychedelics may play a role in spiritual experiences.

This insight suggests a historical intertwining of psychedelics and religion.

Personal experiences with cannabis can enhance creativity and spirituality.

Such experiences indicate the potential transformative power of substances in personal development.

Psychedelics can enhance human connectivity and perception.

This suggests potential therapeutic uses in mental health and spirituality.

Episode Timestamps

  • Exploring Mystical Experiences and Early Life Influences

    • Discussion focuses on mystical experiences and their impact on personal development.
    • The speaker reflects on an unconventional upbringing and spiritual influences.
    • Significant influences include family, isolation, and early encounters with Buddhism.
  • Exploring Psychedelics and Spiritual Experiences in Religion

    • Discussion highlights the connection between psychedelics and religious practices.
    • Personal anecdotes illustrate early experiences with cannabis and music.
    • Mention of John Marco Allegro's work on psychedelics and Christianity.
  • Exploring Psychedelics and Human Evolutionary Consciousness

    • Psychedelics are seen as tools for expanding consciousness and understanding ego.
    • The evolution of upright posture impacts blood flow and brain function in humans.
    • Art from early human cultures reflects a deep connection to spiritual experiences.
  • Exploring the Healing Potential of Psychedelics in Therapy

    • Psychedelics like psilocybin are being studied for mental health treatment.
    • Historical context shows how drug policies impacted psychedelic research and usage.
    • Current studies indicate psychedelics may aid recovery from PTSD and other conditions.
  • Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelics and Cannabis

    • Microdosing LSD and cannabis can benefit individuals with autism and Alzheimer's.
    • Research supports psychedelics for improving mental health and neuroplasticity.
    • Legal barriers hinder the exploration of psychedelics' therapeutic applications.
  • Psychedelics and Human Evolution: Key Insights from the Discussion

    • The importance of psychedelics in the evolution of Homo sapiens is discussed.
    • Terrence McKenna's theories on psychedelics and consciousness are explored.
    • The impact of societal repression of psychedelics on human culture is emphasized.
  • Exploring Trepanation: Historical Practices and Modern Implications

    • Trepanation is an ancient practice linked to various cultural beliefs and health benefits.
    • Research indicates potential links between trepanation and increased cerebral circulation.
    • Historical and modern perspectives on trepanation open discussions on mental health treatment.
  • Exploring Trepanation and Consciousness Altering Techniques

    • Discussion on trepanation as a method for alleviating headaches and enhancing brain function.
    • Insights into the use of psychedelics and meditation for achieving altered states of consciousness.
    • Personal anecdotes highlight the impact of lifestyle choices on mental health and addiction.
  • Exploring Trepanation and Psychedelics in Modern Medicine

    • Discussion on trepanation and its perceived benefits on mental health.
    • Challenges faced in researching psychedelics for drug policy reform.
    • Personal anecdotes highlight the risks and motivations behind medical experimentation.
  • Exploring Artistic Expression and Personal Experiences in Film

    • Discussion on unreleased films highlights the complexity of artistic sharing.
    • Personal reflections reveal the connection between energy and mental health.
    • Art exhibitions are described as spaces of communal experience and learning.
  • Exploring Trepanation and Consciousness Expansion

    • Trepanation is linked to both historical practices and modern consciousness exploration.
    • Discussion highlights the need for ethical research on trepanation and psychedelics.
    • Connections are made between trepanation, spirituality, and the quest for altered states.
  • Exploring the Complex Relationship Between Psychedelics and Creativity

    • Psychedelics can enhance creativity and brain connectivity in unique ways.
    • Historical events like the Salem witch trials highlight misconceptions about psychoactive substances.
    • Discipline in using psychedelics is essential for maximizing their benefits.
  • Exploring the Intersection of Psychedelics, Cannabis, and Society

    • Discussion on the benefits and dangers of THC and CBD in cannabis.
    • Conversations around the societal stigma of psychedelics and altered states of consciousness.
    • Emphasis on the importance of education regarding drug use among youth.
  • Exploring the Intersection of Psychedelics and Creativity in Design

    • Automobile design from 1965-1970 is revered for its beauty and creativity.
    • Psychedelics are linked to enhanced creativity and perception in various fields.
    • Research using advanced MRI technology aims to explore mystical experiences associated with psychedelics.
  • Exploring the Role of Psychedelics in Medical Research

    • Discussion on the effects of psychedelics on spider web construction.
    • Research on potential benefits of psychedelics for Alzheimer's and other conditions.
    • Challenges faced in obtaining ethical approval for psychedelic research.
  • Exploring the Future of Psychedelics in Healthcare

    • Discussion on using microdosing to enhance nursing home experiences.
    • Near-death experiences linked to psychedelic compounds like DMT and LSD.
    • Potential for creating clinics to deliver psychedelic treatments safely.
  • Exploring Psychedelics and Their Impact on Consciousness

    • Psychedelics can lead to profound experiences, both positive and negative.
    • Entities encountered during psychedelic experiences may reflect subconscious obsessions.
    • Memory retention of bad experiences can shape future psychedelic encounters.
  • Exploration of Telepathy and Human Consciousness in Connection to Loss

    • Discussion centers on the emotional connection to a deceased pet named Buddy.
    • Telepathy is examined as an emergent property of human consciousness.
    • The conversation reflects on human intuition and its potential to sense danger.
  • Exploring the Benefits of Psychedelics in Research and Society

    • Psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA enhance empathy and personal relationships.
    • Research on psychedelics can democratize mental health treatment for all socio-economic classes.
    • Governments are starting to fund psychedelic research for mental health advancements.
  • Exploring the Role of Psychedelics in Human Elevation

    • Discussion highlights the potential of psychedelics in treating conditions like Alzheimer's.
    • Importance of philanthropy in supporting psychedelic research is emphasized.
    • The Beckley Foundation is recommended for those interested in psychedelic studies.

People Mentioned

Unnamed Speaker

Psychedelic researcher or enthusiast, Creative Enthusiast, Discussant, Spiritual Explorer, Educator, Researcher

John Marco Allegro

Religious scholar, Expert in ancient languages

Brian Murrow

Lawyer, Researcher

Terrence McKenna

Philosopher, Ethnobotanist

Chauvet

Archaeologist

Barlow

Friend and advocate for trepanation research

Albert Hoffman

Scientist

Colin Blakemore

Neuroscientist

Andy Warhol

Artist

Unknown

Podcast Speaker

Peter Thiel

Entrepreneur, Investor

Doc Ellis

Former MLB pitcher

Donald Oxford

Researcher

Jordi Riva

Scientist

Places Mentioned

Chauvet Caves

Archaeological site

Japan

Country

Mexico

Country

+1 more

Egypt

Country involved in trepanation discussion

Harley Street

Medical Location

Mongolia

Country

Salem

Historical location

Jamaica

Geographical location

California

State

Denver

City

Books Mentioned

Sacred Mushroom and the Cross

John Marco Allegro

The Immortality Key

Brian Murrow

Autism LSD

Unnamed author

Notable Quotes

"I grew up in a rather unusual setting with a passion for altered states."

Describing their background and spiritual explorations.

"I left school at 16 to educate myself."

Reflecting on the decision to pursue knowledge outside of formal education.

"Spiritually, wonderful. absolutely see originally host psychedelic experience."

Discussing the spiritual dimensions of the Eucharist and psychedelics.

"believed origins Christianity consumption psychedelic mushrooms fertility rituals."

Referring to John Marco Allegro's theories on Christianity.

"Psychedelics release boundaries."

Discussing the effects of psychedelics on human consciousness.

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