Mike Safo

Joined today by psychiatrist, researcher, and author, Dr. Rick Strassman. Rick shares his fascinating journey, from growing up in California during the '60s to developing a lifelong passion for chemistry, ultimately leading him to become known as the "Father of DMT." He discusses his groundbreaking book DMT: The Spirit Molecule and his latest work, My Altered States, along with a deep dive into the mysteries of DMT—what it is, how our bodies produce it, and what happens when it’s released.Rick and my brother explore the effects of DMT, touching on experiences of "tripping out," out-of-body phenomena, and why so many people report encounters with "beings" after taking the substance. We also discuss the potential benefits and risks of psychedelics, including their use in treating depression, PTSD, and anxiety, while acknowledging the dangers of excessive use.Dr. Strassman opens up about his groundbreaking research on DMT in the '90s, shedding light on his goals, the government grants he received, and the unexpected surprises that came from his studies. The conversation also touches on the stigma surrounding psychedelics, the possibilities of changing how these substances are classified, and what has sparked the recent resurgence of interest in them.From his experiences with Joe Rogan to predicting plot twists in The White Lotus, Dr. Strassman delivers both knowledge and entertainment in this captivating episode.Follow Rick Strassman here and purchase his new book, My Altered States: A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Trauma, Psychedelics, and Spiritual Growth https://www.rickstrassman.com/

Joined today by American long-distance runner and Olympic hopeful, CJ Albertson. We dive into his upbringing in Clovis, California, including his childhood playing on a stacked little league baseball team and when he decided to fully dedicate himself to running. CJ shares his journey to Arizona State, the other schools he was considering, and the memorable (and awkward) story of how he first asked his now-wife on a date. We also discuss his transition from college to professional running, setting records in the steeplechase, and the decision to focus on marathon racing. CJ opens up about his training strategies, his process for selecting races, and how he landed a deal with Brooks. We also compare our experiences at the NYC Marathon and talk about how he specifically prepared for that race, alongside his broader goals for major events. CJ shares insights into his rigorous training regimen, diet, and how he balances running, parenthood, and teaching. From his unique approach to healthy eating and running with heat lamps to his commitment to the 2028 Olympics, CJ’s story is full of fascinating moments. Plus, hear how he managed to lose Jon Rahm's phone number and survived running over 200 laps on an indoor track. It’s a packed episode with a one-of-a-kind guest. Enjoy the conversation!

Join us today for an engaging conversation with author and investigative journalist, Alex Cuadros. Alex shares his personal journey, from growing up in New Mexico to moving to New York for college, and ultimately making the bold decision to leave his job and immerse himself in the heart of Latin and South America as a journalist. Alex is the author of the fascinating new book "When We Sold God's Eye: Diamonds, Murder, and a Clash of Worlds in the Amazon"". In this episode, Alex recounts the moment he first learned about the uncontacted Cinta Larga tribe—why the story captivated him, and how he managed to establish communication with them. He also delves into the tribe’s fascinating history, from their first contact with the outside world in the 1960s to the tumultuous challenges they've faced ever since. We discuss the devastating impact of disease, the tribe's unintended involvement in the mahogany trade, and their eventual entanglement in the dangerous and secretive world of diamond mining. Alex sheds light on the horrific 2004 massacre that claimed the lives of 29 Cinta Larga members, and we explore how the legacy of this tragic event is remembered today in Brazil. Finally, Alex shares his thoughts on uncontacted tribes and what steps can be taken to protect their heritage. All this and more. Enjoy

Joined today by the number two competitive food eater in the world and the 2024 Nathan‘s hot dog eating champion, Patrick Bartolo. Patrick talks about growing up in Chicago, going to culinary school and opening up his restaurant Taco In a Bag. We go over how his love of food and eating got him into the world of competitive food eating. We chat about his time on America’s Got Talent where he ate 120 raw eggs and he shares some of his world records, such as eating 20 pounds of blueberries in eight minutes 11 pounds of Key lime pie in eight minutes and 34 dozen oysters in eight minutes. From his training regimen to win the mustard belt, to his friendship with Joey Chestnut and how his life has changed after winning the legendary food eating contest in the world. All this and more with one of the most hungriest people I’ve had on the.

Joined today by former UFC Champion and Founder/CEO of Wild Society Nutrition, T.J. Dillashaw. T.J. talks about growing up in California, wrestling as a child and his collegiate career at Cal State Fullerton. We go over the science of food, recovery and his amazing new company, Wild Society Nutrition. We hear about the process of creating protein powders, beef jerky and all his other products. T.J. takes us through the decision to become a professional fighter, the sacrifices he made by sleeping on a futon in a living room, and finally getting a chance by being on the Ultimate Fighter TV show. We discuss some of his controversial losses, stunning the fighting world by winning the title at UFC 173, and how he celebrated in Vegas. T.J. breaks down his legendary feud with Cody Garbrandt, the allure of fighting at Madison Square Garden (MSG), and becoming a worldwide name overnight. We chat about cutting weight despite all the injuries that his body has endured and the pain taking recovery he has gone through. All this plus awesome stories about having dinner with Hulk Hogan and much more Check out T.J.’s Instagram and company website here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/tjdillashaw/ Website to order: https://wildsocietynutrition.com/

Joined today, all the way from the Philippines, UFC alumni and current competitor in bare knuckle fighting, Rolando Dy. Rolando and I talk about growing up in the Philippines, being a girl dad, and some of his favorite foods. We then chat about his viral moment when he proposed to his girlfriend, after one of his fights, and we hear the funny story of how he met her, and their first date. He shares how Christmas in the Philippines is, and why he’s not decorating. We discuss his fighting career, any pressures following in his famous father‘s footsteps, why his family did not encourage him to box and how that led him into the world of mixed martial arts. We talk about why MMA is not popular in the Philippines, how he got invited to the UFC, and the feeling of winning his first title. From transitioning into bareknuckle fighting to his upcoming world championship out in Malaysia and more from the fighting Filipino Legend.

Joined today by New York Times Best-selling author, Caitlin Rother. Caitlin talks about growing up in La Jolla, attending Cal Berkley for psychology and then Northwestern for journalism. We go over her early career, working in Massachusetts, getting fired, being an investigative journalist in San Diego and finally making the move to be a full-time author. She reminisces about how she found out she was a New York Times best-selling author, kinda getting nominated for a Pulitzer and the stress, fatigues and injuries that comes with being such a hard working author. We discuss some of her memorable books, wild cases, and how she needs to disconnect from the true-crime world. Caitlin shares her upcoming crime novel series that is coming out in 2026, the pros of writing fiction and how she is hoping to parlay it into a tv series. She opens up about the nervousness of releasing a book, if she still reads reviews and some issues she has with her publishers. We chat about her band, shows she binge watches and her 2025 true crime book releases. All this and more with one of the best true crime writers in the game. Follow Caitlin and get all her books on her website: https://www.caitlinrother.com/

Joined today by reporter and author of the new book "The New York Game: Baseball and the Rise of a New City", Kevin Baker. Kevin shares about writing for the local newspaper at age 13, moving to NYC in the 70's and what the Big Apple was like back then. We chat about his new book, spanning from the Civil War - World War 2. The research that went into it, how he juggled writing about the city, the origins of baseball, and authors that influenced this book. We go over the first baseball superstar James Creighton, who played in the 1850's, the crazy life of John McGraw, and the career and passing of Christy Mathewson. Kevin imparts how NYC molded the game of baseball, the characters who influenced the game, and how the game was almost ruined by Hal Chase and the Black Sox scandal. We chat about Babe Ruth, how he saved baseball, how he's the greatest ever, and some stories about the Big Fella'. We go over racism in and out of the game in NYC, why the Dodgers left Brooklyn and the Giants left Harlem. Red Barber on the radio, Martin Dihigo being the Cuban Babe Ruth, Fred Merkle and more. All this plus talk about cool memorabilia, drunk texting Ken Burns, and the game Kevin wishes he could have witnessed live. All this and more with a true historian of New York City. Follow Kevin here: https://kevinbaker.info/