Maps Podcast

Episode 55 - Teodor Gorbunov - Mushrooms, Magic and Russia This episode of the MAPS Podcast features an all new interview with Teodor who shares his story of discovering psychedelics in the coldness of the Russian politcal system, how he left Russia and went on to spread his knowlegde and love of psychedelic healing around the world.  Teodor Gorbunov is natural facilitator of psychedelic transformation. Born in Russia, he lived through the times of chaos and turmoil that followed the fall of Soviet Union, experienced traumatizing, life-altering hardships. After discovering the therapeutic qualities of psilocybin, he used it for personal healing and restructuring his personality, which was followed by a natural desire to share the medicine with humanity and establishing underground psychedelic therapy practice in Siberia. After years of operation, he decided to endorse methods of psychedelic transformation and healing to public, just to discover that Russian society isn’t ready for such advanced technologies a

Episode 54 - Victor Cabral, Psychedelics - Inequalities and Hope Victor sits down with Zach Leary to discuss psychedelic therapy and the need to address policy and awareness with the BIPOC community. Victor's personal story and expertise in plant medicines, indigenous origin stories and public policy can illuminate us all into how to be better stewards of the psychedelic movement for generations to come.  Victor is a collaborative and strategic leader who is making an impact on historical inequalities in his community and across the United States. Victor is the Founder of Dreamers of the Day LLC. and serves as the Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs for Fluence International Inc., a company that provides evidence-based training in psychedelic therapy and integration services to clinicians across the globe. Before joining Fluence, Victor served as Deputy Director for the Pennsylvania Governor's Office of Advocacy and Reform where he co-led the implementation of the Trauma-Informed PA Plan, helped establi

Episode 53 - Oteil Burbridge - Music, Mystics and Magic This all new episode of the MAPS Podcast features an all new wild, magical and deep interview with the great Oteil Burbridge. One of the great bass players of the modern era, Oteil shares lessons on life, the death of his father, finding magic in music and re-introducing psychedelics into his life upon taking initation into the Grateful Dead legacy. This was one of the most exciting interviews for me to do and I hope you get a taste of what makes Oteil such a special human. being.  Two-time Grammy winning bassist Oteil Burbridge has been in the music business touring and recording for over three decades. His first step into the national spotlight came in 1991 when he became a founding member of the Aquarium Rescue Unit featuring Col. Bruce Hampton, a cult classic that has stood the test of time. That led to his membership in the classic rock group The Allman Brothers Band. Since 1997, his work with the band has earned him two Grammy nominations for best

Episode 52 - Juan Pablo Cappello - Rethinking The Future of Psychedelics JP from Nue Life stokes the fires in this all new interview to get us thinking about how the future of psychedelics needs adapt in order to serve all populations by not getting stuck in the status quo. JP is as sharp as he is thoughtful, this one is not to be missed. Juan Pablo utilizes his diverse background as a company builder, active tech investor, and lawyer to lead Nue Life’s team building and regulatory efforts. Juan Pablo co-founded The LAB Miami, Miami Angels, and PAG Law PLLC, and as an attorney, he practiced corporate law, focusing on derivatives and futures and mergers and acquisitions.

Episode 51 - Vince Kadlubek, Co-Founder of Meow Wolf This episode of the MAPS Podcast features an all new interview with creativity visionary Vince Kadlubek. As a co-founder of Meow Wolf, Vince will push your mind into new ways of thinking about the creative process and the future of story telling. Vince Kadlubek is a Founder of Meow Wolf, an art collective that has transformed into an award winning Art and Entertainment Production Company that specializes in immersive, open-world walk through experiences. Vince acted as leader and CEO for Meow Wolf though its formidable years, having created the business plan for Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return and leading the team towards the project's completion in March of 2016    

Episode 50 - Dr. Greg Fonzo, Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy at Dell Med This is the first time on the MAPS podcast that we've had an academic centers lead that is studying psycheelic research come on the show the very onset of their research center. Dr. Fonzo shares his visions, curiousity and hopes for what the new Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy at Dell Med will bring. This interview brings a mind opening perspective into psychedelic research and its implications for mental health. Greg Fonzo, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School.  He is also Co-Director of UT's newly launched Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy.  He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Georgia Honors Program in 2005 with a dual bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology in 2013 from the San Diego State University/University of California-San Diego Joint Doctoral

Episode 49 - Dr. Carl Hart, Exploring America's Complicated Relationship with Drugs This espiode of the MAPS Podcast features an all new interview with Dr. Carl Hart, author of the book "Drug Use For Grown Ups - Chasing Liberty in the Land of Fear." Forget everything that you think you know about the War on Drugs and open your mind to Dr. Hart's inspiring and provoactive point of view on the drug war, social justice, racism and modern scientific drug research. Dr. Hart's decades long experience and passion will inpire you in so many ways you thought were not possible! Carl L. Hart, PhD, is a neuroscientist and psychologist studying the behavioral and neuropharmacological effects of psychoactive drugs in humans. Specifically, he aims to understand the factors that mediate drug use behaviors to develop more effective treatments for substance-dependent individuals. Hart is the chair of the department of psychology at Columbia University and a Dirk Ziff professor of psychology and psychiatry.

Episode 48 - Dr. Dan Engle Hardware and Software: Psychedelics, Wellness and More In this all new episode of the MAPS Podcast, Zach facilitates a discussion with Dr. Dan Engle as he takes us on an amazingly informative, insightful and useful walk through the many conditions that present all of us in this journey of being human. Dan's knowledge of both "hardware and software" in relationship to the human condition rises to the level of a true master in the fields of wellness, psychedelic application, integrative medicine and so much more.  Dan Engle, MD, is a psychiatrist with a clinical practice that combines aspects of regenerative medicine, psychedelic research, integrative spirituality, and peak performance.  Dr. Engle is an international consultant to several global healing centers facilitating the use of long-standing indigenous plant medicines for healing and awakening.  He is the Founder and Medical Director of Kuya Institute for Transformational Medicine in Austin, Texas; Full Spectrum Medicine, a psy

Episode 47 - Considerations for the Mainstreaming of Psychedelics Psychedelic Science Summit: Austin, Texas (November 1-3, 2019) Speakers: Allison Feduccia, Ph.D., George Greer, M.D., Mellody Hayes, M.D., Brent Turnipseed, M.D., Bia Labate, Ph.D. (Moderator) We dig into the vast MAPS archives to bring this panel which explores considerations for the responsible integration of psychedelic medicines into society.  Many of the issues discussed in this panel are essential for all members of the psychedelic community to consider when discussing the evolution of psychedelic research.  Please visit maps.org to stay up to date on what MAPS is doing and to make a donation.   

Episode 46 - Michael Pollan This episode of the MAPS podcast features an all new interview between Zach Leary and Michael Pollan, the wise and insightful author of the new book 'This Is Your Mind on Plants'. The conversation explores the books core investigation into our cultures relationship with caffeine, opium and mescaline. Michael's knowledge and knack for story telling takes us on a wild ride into these compounds and sheds light on our sometimes controversial relationship with them.  For more than thirty years, Michael Pollan has been writing books and articles about the places where the human and natural worlds intersect: on our plates, in our farms and gardens, and in our minds. Pollan is the author of eight books, six of which have been New York Times bestsellers; three of them (including his latest, How to Change Your Mind) were immediate #1 New York Times bestsellers.

Episode 45 - Betty Aldworth Psychedelic Exceptionalism - Why It Matters The topic of psychedelic exceptionalism is often misunderstood, controversial and quite frankly not talked about enough. As the modern psychedelic movement progresses it's so important that we, as a community, stop and talk about the bigger picture of where psychedelics fit into the larger conversation of drug policy. This episode of the MAPS podcast explores this in detail thanks to the wisdom and knowledge of Betty Aldworth.  Prior to becoming Director of Communications and Events at MAPS in 2020, Betty Aldworth was the Executive Director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy where she led and supported tens of thousands of students and young people united to build a more sensible future through reforming drug policies to be rooted in safety, justice, and education. Beginning in 2014, Betty led the organization through its most substantial growth period and in 2020 left the organization in its most stable and sustainable position in its

Episode 44 - Rachel Harris, PhD Listening to Ayahuasca This all new episode of the MAPS Podcast features an interview between Rachel Harris and host Zach Leary. Rachel's kindness, wisdom and dedication to the expansion of knowledge in Ayahuasca's potential for helping those discover their own dormant mysticism and for the treatment of PTSD. You can support the work that MAPS does by visiting maps.org to sign up for their newsletter and to make a regular donation. Psychologist Rachel Harris, PhD, has been in private practice for thirty-five years.  She has received a National Institutes of Health New Investigators Award, published more than forty scientific studies in peer-reviewed journals, and worked as a psychological consultant to Fortune 500 companies. She is author of the book 'Listening to Ayahuasca - New Hope for Depression, Addition, PTSD and Anxiety'. 

Episode 43 - Dr. Tony Bossis  Meeting the End of Life with Psychedelics In this all new episode of the MAPS Podcast, Zach Leary sits down with NYU's Dr. Tony Bossis to talk about a single dose of psilocybin can provide an entirely new perspective in dealing with death and dying. Dr. Bossis shares so much wisdom, knowledge and unique understanding on his work and the future of psychedelic research.  Anthony P. Bossis, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine conducting FDA-approved research with the psychedelic compound psilocybin since 2009. Dr. Bossis was director of palliative care research and co-principal investigator on a clinical trial demonstrating a reduction in emotional distress from a single psilocybin session in persons with cancer and is study director on a clinical trial evaluating psilocybin-generated mystical experience upon religious leaders. Dr. Bossis is a training supervisor of psychotherapy at NYU-Bellevue Hospital Center and

Episode 42 - Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris This all new episode of the MAPS Podcast features an interview with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, a psychologist and neuroscientist and Head of the Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine at Imperial College London. Dr. Carhart-Harris takes us through the near exhaustive psychedelic research that he's personally overseen as well as sharing his thoughts on the future of psychedelics and their influence on science, therapy and our culture at large. Robin Carhart-Harris is a psychologist and neuroscientist and Head of the Centre for Psychedelic Research, Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine at Imperial College London. He coordinated the first clinical study of psilocybin in the UK and the first clinical study of a classic psychedelic drug in the UK for over 40 years. After being awarded an MA in Psychoanalysis at Brunel University, London, Carhart-Harris completed his PhD in psychopharmacology at the University of Bristol. In

The MAPS Podcast returns with a new episode featuring Aubrey Marcus, the founder and CEO of ONNIT.  Aubrey Marcus is the founder of Onnit, a lifestyle brand based on a holistic health philosophy he calls Total Human Optimization. Since its founding, Onnit has become an Inc. 500 company and industry leader with over 250 products ranging from peak performance supplements to foods, fitness equipment, and apparel. Aubrey discusses the effects psychedelics have on our mystical state of awareness as well as our physical holistic selves. He is candid and visionary in his approach to how psychedelics have informed all aspects of his life and our culture at large.  The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Podcast is hosted by Zach Leary and aims to bring you discussions with some of the leaders in the new age of psychedelic research and culture.   

Episode 40 - David Jay Brown, A Legend in Psychedelic Consciousness This episode of the MAPS podcast features a dynamic consciousness surfing conversation with author David Jay Brown. I've known David for over 30 years and have watched him dance with the legends of psychedelic culture, exchange ideas with them and then morph into a legend all his own. From John Lilly to Albert Hoffman to Tim Leary, David always managed to extract the best from these brilliant minds and then build off of it to form his own magnificent insights into alternative culture and trans-personal evolution. Our conversation ranged from revisiting history to today's psychedelic research and its mind expanding potentials. David Jay Brown is an American writer, interviewer and consciousness researcher. Brown has studied parapsychology, and the effects of psychoactive drugs. With parapsychologist Rupert Sheldrake, he studied pets and people who apparently anticipate events. Brown has served as a guest editor for the Multidisciplinary Associ

Episode 39 of the MAPS podcast features yet another exclusive interview with one of the great thinkers of the modern psychedelic revolution, James Oroc. Our conversation with James takes us on a journey through his highly evolved insights, opinions and experiences on topics ranging from 5-MEO DMT, the re-birth of LSD, Sasha Shulgin and the culture wars that are present throughout the 21st Century consciousness expansion movement. James is one of the most unique voices within the new wave of psychedelic consciousness and his wisdom, humor and conviction are a necessary ingredient for the future. Intro: Remembering Ralph Metzner James Oroc - Journalist, photographer, and artist James Oroc was born in the small South Pacific nation of Aotearoa. Since 1998 he has been pursuing and reporting on the cutting edge of extreme sports in more than 40 countries around the globe, his work appearing in magazines, films, and on MTV Sports. He has been a member of the Burning Man community since 1999, and he is also involved

Episode 38: Dr. Andrew Weil, The New Science of Psychedelics for Mental Health. A MAPS Podcast Exclusive This episode of the show features an exclusive interview with the legendary Dr. Andrew Weil. The interview centers around the new science of psychedelics and why current research plays such an important role in crafting a new model for overall integrative medicine. Dr. Weil lends his insight and expertise into the areas of psychedelic research that go hand in hand with his decades long work into alternative medicine and overall well being. Dr. Weil has seen 50 years of psychedelic research go through many peaks and valleys and we're honored to have gotten his input for this amazing interview. Andrew Weil, M.D., is a world-renowned leader and pioneer in the field of integrative medicine, a healing oriented approach to health care which encompasses body, mind, and spirit. ---Special Announcement-- We are offering 2 exclusive free VIP tickets to the Psychedelic Evening Panel event at IMHC 2019, along with two

Episode 37 - Dr. Gabor Mate: Jungle To Civilization - How Plant Medicines Can Promote Health In a Toxic Culture We dig into the MAPS archives again and go back to the 2017 Psychedelic Science conference for this inspired talk from luminary, Dr. Gabor Mate. Gabor takes us through the history of plant medicines in indigenous cultures and how their wisdom of sacred healing can be applied to life in the modern world. Toxic culture in the form of disease, addiction, communication and environment can be addressed by going beyond the symptoms and into the root cause of the issue. Rather than offering quick-fix solutions to these complex issues, Dr. Maté weaves together scientific research, case histories, and his own insights and experience to present a broad perspective that enlightens and empowers people to promote their own healing and that of those around them. Dr. Gabor Mate Dr. Maté has written several bestselling books including the award-winning In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction;

Episode 36 of the MAPS Podcast features Dr. Ben Sessa's talk from Psychedelic Science 2017 entitled MDMA Therapy - A Child Psychiatrist’s Perspective Ben's insightful, well researched talk examines MDMA's therapeutic potential relating to PTSD and how it goes far beyond what we see with adult veterans and goes deep into the realm of childhood trauma and abuse. This talk offers a fresh perspective on aspects of PTSD therapy that often go unrecognized in the modern psychedelic therapy conversation. Dr. Ben Sessa is a psychiatrist, writer and researcher based out of the UK. Please visit his site at: www.drsessa.com