Furthure

Maria Bǎlǎeț, PhD is a cognitive neuroscientist who has explored how the use of psychedelics “in the wild” might impact both cognition and mental health.She discusses her experiences with the Great British Intelligence Test and her research on the mental health resilience of psychedelic users during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she uncovered some unexpected results.We also talk about the influence of public discourse on the effects of psychedelic experiences, particularly highlighting the nocebo effect. Additionally, we explore what effective science communication looks like, what the public can teach scientists about psychedelics, and the discrepancies between what is researched and what is actually relevant to people.We also touch on a topic that many might find even more surprising than psychedelic-induced states—childbirth as a pleasant, mushroom-like altered state of consciousness. This idea is based on Maria’s recent case report, and she shares where she hopes this line of research will lead.Interestingly, this conversation evolves into a broader discussion about how set and setting apply to all aspects of life, not just psychedelic use.Maria’s social media account: X: @emmsskyyyPapers we discuss:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371598104_Associations_between_the_use_of_psychedelics_and_other_recreational_drugs_with_mental_health_and_resilience_during_the_COVID-19_pandemichttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/380509147_Considering_the_nocebo_effect_in_the_psychedelic_discoursehttps://akjournals.com/view/journals/2054/aop/article-10.1556-2054.2025.00362/article-10.1556-2054.2025.00362.xmlhttps://osf.io/preprints/osf/g3xau_v1Book I mention with aspects of a nocebo experience: The Varieties of Psychedelic Experience by Robert Masters and Jean Houston Nocebo-like temporary effects are described on page 20 of the pdf - https://psychonautdocs.com/docs/thevarieties.pdfFurthure now has a Patreon page! Check it out if you want to help support the podcast!patreon.com/Futhure_HDourronLike the show? Please rate the podcast & subscribe ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️Instagram: furthure707X: Furthure707

Julie Holland, MD is launching a groundbreaking trial on the safety of MDMA in people with schizophrenia—something she has been working toward for nearly 40 years. She shares what first sparked her interest in studying psychedelics and psychosis and discusses her book, Good Chemistry, which explores the science of connection, both through psychedelics, and more everyday experiences. Learn more about Dr. Julie Hollandhttps://drholland.com/Instagram: juliehollandmdX: BellevueDocFurthure now has a Patreon page! Check it out if you want to help support the podcast!patreon.com/Futhure_HDourronLike the show? Please rate the podcast & subscribe ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️Instagram: furthure707X: Furthure707🎶 Music by Gaej - The Forest of Angels 🎶

Danny Goler is in the process of making a documentary about his discoveries involving DMT and lasers and what this might mean for simulation theory. His work is rapidly gaining interest within the psychedelic community, with figures such as Andrew Gallimore, PhD discussing and critiquing his theories.At first glance, many might assume these ideas are “crazy.” However, I believe it’s important to understand people’s experiences, especially when they find them deeply meaningful. Dismissing an idea outright without giving it any thought leans towards authoritarian scientism. I’ll be honest—when I first saw the documentary trailer, I actually started laughing. It seemed so outlandish. But then a colleague of mine, also a researcher, said, “What if he’s right? You don’t know.” And you know what? I don’t.Many people believe in things that don’t entirely make sense. Religion is unverifiable, yet it shapes countless lives. For more secular people, some search for meaning by believing in aliens. This doesn’t make them psychotic. There are functional members of society who also believe in complex, far fetched new religious movements (cough cough, Tom Cruise - scientology).With that in mind, I’m here with Danny to learn more about his projects, what led him to his beliefs, and how, if at all, these beliefs bring meaning to his life.I will not be assessing the validity of what he claims, but rather I am trying to understand what he believes and why and what it says about broader psychedelic culture and beliefs.Danny’s website: https://www.codeofreality.com/Danny's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dangothoughtsRelated Interviews: Danny Jones Podcasthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJp2rASRKMc&t=2899sAndrew Gallimore Reaction to Danny Jones Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Hz6fab5NiELike the show? Please rate the podcast & subscribe ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️Instagram: furthure707X: Furthure707🎶 Music by Gaej - The Forest of Angels 🎶

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy did not get approved by the FDA. This shocked many, and the critiques surrounding the trial varied substantially in their constructiveness.Still, it is essential to remember that there are real people out there who benefited from their participation in the trial. So, I decided to let Becca Kacanda, a MAPS MDMA-assisted psychotherapy trial participant, tell us about her experience in the study, the good and the bad, and what she hopes future MDMA therapists, critics, and journalists can learn from the trial.If you enjoy the show, please subscribe! Follow Furthure @furthure707 on instagram and X.Bluesky: beccakacanda@bsky.socialX: @becca_kacandaNOTE: Becca stated she phased out of the trial two years ago in the audio, but it was actually three years ago.

Ever wonder what it would be like to go on a mission to Mars? 🚀 In this episode, Dr. Carli Domenico tells us about her experience as a participant in NASA's Human Exploration Research Analog study, which simulates a 45 day flight to Mars. We discuss everything from how NASA selects a team of people to stay in a small box for 45 days to the best space snacks and what pseudo-astronauts listen to. Carli also explains the unexpected parallels between mediation retreats and simulated missions to Mars.Learn more about Dr. Domenico: https://www.carlifrequency.com/HERA: https://www.nasa.gov/mission/hera/Like the show? Please rate the podcast & subscribe ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️This will help the show reach more people⚡️X: Furthure707Instagram: furthure707🎶 Music by Gaej - The Forest of Angels 🎶