Inside the Front Lines of Psychedelic Journalism
From Brainforest Café by SpectreVision Radio
June 1, 2026 · 1h 13m · Season 1 · Episode 61
About this episode
Dennis McKenna interviews journalist Mattha Busby about the evolving landscape of psychedelics and the role of journalism in this field.
Dennis McKenna sits down with journalist Mattha Busby to discuss the evolving world of psychedelics, including ayahuasca, ibogaine, 5-MeO-DMT, coca policy, drug reform, and the risks and realities behind psychedelic retreats and clinics. Mattha shares stories from the front lines of psychedelic journalism and reflects on the cultural, scientific, and political forces shaping the future of consciousness research. - - - Mattha Busby is a freelance journalist who has covered drug policy, psychedelics, culture and society for VICE, WIRED, Rolling Stone, The Guardian, LA Times and Esquire. He is the author of two slim volume books, Should All Drugs Be Legalized? (Thames & Hudson, 2022) and Psychedelics: A Pocket Primer (Hoxton Mini Press, 2025). He is represented by literary agents Aevitas Creative and is currently working on his first novel. He has also given keynotes on psychedelic culture on both sides of the Atlantic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People in this episode
Host: Dennis McKenna
Guest: Mattha Busby
Topics covered
- psychedelics
- drug policy
- consciousness research
- cultural forces
- journalism
- drug reform
Keywords
- psychedelics
- ayahuasca
- ibogaine
- 5-MeO-DMT
- drug reform
- psychedelic retreats
- journalism
- coca policy
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: VICE, WIRED, Rolling Stone, The Guardian, LA Times, Esquire, Aevitas Creative
Books & works: Should All Drugs Be Legalized?, Psychedelics: A Pocket Primer
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