Exploring Science, Spirituality, and Psychedelics with Dr. Dennis McKenna

Dr. Dennis McKenna has had such a profound influence on my understanding and relationship with sacred plants, so it was an honor to sit down with him to discuss some highlights from his 40-year career in ethnopharmacology.

In our conversation, Dennis takes us back to how he and his brother Terence discovered psychedelics in the late ‘60s and eventually went on to conduct transformative research in the field of psychoactive drugs. He reflects on early trips to South America and their quest to learn more about DMT, Ayahuasca, and psilocybin. It was during that time in La Chorrera, Colombia that he decided to pursue the study of botany, chemistry, and pharmacology of psychedelics.

We also talk about the intersection of science and spirituality, emphasizing the cultural context and indigenous nature of plant medicine. Dennis touches on the chemical and neuroscientific  side of things, and shares why psychological flexibility is a powerful tool for exploration and healing. We contemplate the joy of existence, the nature of reality, and the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic medicine. Plus, Dennis shares the exciting work and events happening at his non-profit, the McKenna Academy.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Topics Covered:

• The inherent transformative power of nature
• A look back at Dennis’s childhood with Terence McKenna and introduction to psychedelics
• Research and findings that blend indigenous knowledge with hard science
• The key insights that can come from psychedelics
• Reconnecting with the playfulness and wonderment of childhood
• How the McKenna Academy is working to advance the conversations and education around plant medicine

Resources Mentioned:

• The Experiment at La Chorrera: A 50-Year Retrospective 

Guest Info:

• Follow Dennis on Instagram: @dennismckenna_
• Learn more about the McKenna Academy: mckenna.academy
• Register for free to access ESPD55 event recordings:

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