Katherine MacLean, Ph.D. is a neuroscientist with expertise in studying the effects of mindfulness meditation and psychedelics on cognitive performance, emotional well-being, spirituality, and brain function. As a postdoctoral research fellow and faculty member at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, she conducted clinical trials of psilocybin, the primary chemical found in “magic mushrooms,” and other psychedelic compounds.

Her groundbreaking research on psilocybin and personality change suggests that psychedelic medicines can enhance openness to new experiences and promote mental health and emotional well-being throughout the lifespan. Dr. MacLean co-founded and directed the first center for psychedelic education and training in New York, was featured in the New Yorker article entitled “The Trip Treatment" by Michael Pollan, and her TED Talk has been viewed nearly 50K times. Midnight Water is her first book.

Episode Highlights

▶ Katherine’s personal journey with substances, including alcohol, MDMA, and mushrooms during her college years

▶ Her path into the realm of psychedelic research and the scarcity of resources and support she faced there

▶ How Katherine discovered her natural gift for helping people navigate challenging experiences as a researcher and guide in psychedelic therapy sessions

▶ Concerns about the current direction of psychedelic research and development

▶ Possible alternative approaches, such as public supplies of purity-tested MDMA and more inclusive training programs for guides

▶ Why individuals should have autonomy in their own drug use

▶ Katherine’s personal journey of forgiveness and healing

▶ Katherine’s new memoir, Midnight Water

Katherine MacLean’s Links & Resources

▶ Website: https://www.katherinemaclean.org/

▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherine.maclean.phd/

▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katherinemacleanphd

▶ Twitter: https://twitter.com/thekmacdose

▶ Midnight Water: Pre-order: https://www.myvermontbookstore.com/book/9798986532479

• Info: https://greenwriterspress.com/book/midnight-water-a-psychedelic-memoir
• Media: https://www.katherinemaclean.org/media
• Newsletter: https://www.katherinemaclean.org/mystical-monday

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