Audio and Video Archive

May 14, 2013

Report From Psychedelic Science 2013 Conference

Brad Burge of MAPS is interviewed on the Burt Cohen Show about the success of Psychedelic Science 2013, describing what happened when almost 2,000 attendees gathered together to learn about psychedelic research from over 100 speakers. Burge explains the process of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research in detail while also covering other successful psychedelic research currently taking place around the world.

May 14, 2013

SeekersWay Interview with Brad Burge of MAPS

SeekersWay interviews MAPS Director of Communication Brad Burge in Oakland at Psychedelic Science 2013, focusing on the success of the event, the connection between psychedelics and spirituality, and how new psychedelic research is providing innovative treatment methods for a variety of serious medical conditions.

May 3, 2013

Dr. Sue Sisley Talks About Medical Marijuana, PTSD and Scientific Freedom

Dr. Sue Sisley tells Medical Marijuana 411 about why she believes medical marijuana can help people suffering from PTSD, and how NIDA and the DEA are preventing clinical research into the healing potential of marijuana.

May 2, 2013

Psychedelic Experience: Healing, Growth and Discovery

Sofia University hosts a live discussion between psychedelic researcher James Fadiman, Ph.D., and Brad Burge of MAPS about the potential for psychedelics to be used as tools for healing, growth, and discovery.

April 30, 2013

Interview with Philippe Lucas, MA - Ayahuasca Use in Drug Addiction

The Dr. Future Show interviews Philippe Lucas, MA at Psychedelic Science 2013 about scientific research into ayahuasca, cannabis, and other substances.

April 26, 2013

The 180 - Psychedelic Medicine

CBC interviews ayahuasca researcher Gerald Thomas about his recently completed Canadian MAPS-sponsored study of ayahuasca. Thomas educates the CBC audience about the benefits of ayahuasca, sharing early reactions from his study.

April 25, 2013

Drug Truth Network Interviews Brad Burge

Drug Truth Network interviews MAPS Director of Communications Brad Burge in a podcast focusing on Psychedelic Science 2013. Burge underscores the success of the conference while speaking about conference events and the large turnout of researchers and attendees interested in the science surrounding psychedelic substances.

April 23, 2013

Study Looks at How Ecstasy Can Possibly Treat PTSD

WDTV provides coverage of current research into treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, educating their audience about how psychedelic therapy can help people overcome medical conditions.

April 19, 2013

Psychedelic Science Conference Explores Medical and Therapeutic Value of LSD, Ecstasy and Psilocybin

Southern California Public Radio explores Psychedelic Science 2013. Scientists are presenting massive amounts of research results indicating that psychedelics such as LSD, MDMA, psilocybin, ayahuasca, and more can provide benefits to people suffering from serious medical conditions.

March 27, 2013

Alexander Ward Speaks About Shamanism and Psychedelics

Hosts Jason and Matt Abbott of The Intellectual Gentlemen’s Club Podcast speak with Alexander Ward about ayahuasca, shamanism, MDMA, psilocybin, MAPS, and much more.

February 22, 2013

Decades-Old Club Drug Sees Resurgence

Bay Area television channel KTVU provides insight into the recent rise in popularity of MDMA, citing numerous references in music and other outlets.

February 21, 2013

UMass Professor Blocked From Growing Marijuana For Medical Research

Boston’s NPR News Station WBUR 90.9 FM interviews Rick Doblin, Ph.D., of MAPS and Professor Lyle Craker about the federal government’s medical marijuana blockade and how it is affecting proposed scientific research.

February 19, 2013

Easing End-of-Life Anxiety With Psychedelic Drugs

AirTalk, a KPCC Southern California Public Radio program, educates their audience about how research into the benefits of psychedelics is creating new, effective treatment methods for a variety of serious medical conditions. KPCC interviews researchers Anthony P. Bossis, Ph.D. and Charles Grob, M.D. about the resurgence of studying psychedelics.

February 6, 2013

Shooting Of ‘American Sniper’ Raises Questions About PTSD Treatment

Quil Lawrence of NPR delivers a story about posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for the program All Things Considered, providing a brief spotlight on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a PTSD treatment.

February 4, 2013

Take Ecstasy to Save Your Marriage?

Kevin Pereira and Ana Kasparian host a segment on The Young Turks focusing on the history of MDMA, describing MDMA as “the perfect therapy drug.”

February 4, 2013

Mt. Pleasant Doctor Using Ecstasy to Treat PTSD in veterans

ABC News Charleston provides coverage of MAPS’ research MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for PTSD, featuring interviews with Clinical Investigator Michael Mithoefer, M.D., and Ret. Maj. Ricky Smith, a veteran who participated in the study.

January 14, 2013

Trips Beyond Addiction

The Living Hero Radio Show showcases Trips Beyond Addiction, a new audio documentary focusing on how scientists are exploring psychedelics in the treatment of addiction, featuring interviews from Brad Burge of MAPS and other knowledgeable guests.

January 14, 2013

Cannabis Cuts: The Next Generation

Cannabis Cuts interviews Brad Burge, MAPS Director of Communications, about how psychedelic research is helping transforming medicine, inside and out.

January 12, 2013

TJ Dawe’s New Play “Medicine”

CBC interviews TJ Dawe about his new solo show called “Medicine,” which tells the story of Dawe and his experience joining a retreat led by famed addictions physician Dr. Gabor Maté.

January 11, 2013

Street Interviews: Treat PTSD with MDMA?!

The Lip TV interviews everyday people about what they think about treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, revealing outstanding levels of support as well as an emphasis on risk and responsible use.

December 26, 2012

Treating PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy Motion Graphic

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a devastating illness. Could MDMA-assisted psychotherapy offer hope? Learn more and find out how you can help by watching this motion graphic.

December 17, 2012

Blisshrooms

Radiolab interviews Dr. Roland Griffiths about his history of researching the effects of psilocybin mushrooms. He reports that over 75% of study participants describe their psilocybin experience as among the top five most significant moments in their lives.

December 17, 2012

MDMA & PTSD. Empowering Individuals to Heal Themselves

The Michael Ostrolenk Show hosts MAPS Founder Rick Doblin, interviewing him about the history of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy research and how current research into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy may provide hope for people diagnosed with PTSD

December 5, 2012

Patient Talks About Ecstasy Treatment for PTSD

Dr. Sanjay Gupta of CNN interviews Rachel Hope about her experience as a participant in our MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research. “I had all this access to my mind and I could control where I was thinking and going and look at things differently.”

November 30, 2012

Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Ecstasy as PTSD Treatment?

CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports on our research on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a PTSD treatment, featuring interviews with researchers, participants, and military experts.

Read Part 1, Part 2, & Part 3 of the CNN article accompanying this video.

November 27, 2012

Scientists to Test Ecstasy for PTSD Vets

NBC San Diego provides coverage of our MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research with a TV news report detailing how the new treatment can help people suffering from PTSD.

November 27, 2012

Company Says Ecstasy Helps Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

NBC Los Angeles covers MDMA-assisted psychotherapy on live television, educating the greater Los Angeles area with facts surrounding how the treatment can help people overcome PTSD.

November 24, 2012

Rick Doblin - Researching MDMA

MAPS Founder Rick Doblin speaks about creating a psychedelic research organization, conducting MDMA-assisted psychotherapy research, and much more.

November 21, 2012

MDMA as a Treatment For PTSD – Being Bipolar: Ep. 53

The Being Bipolar Podcast interviews MAPS Director of Communications Brad Burge about the recent publication of the results of our long-term follow-up study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for PTSD.

Listen to the podcast.

November 7, 2012

Phadroid Live at MAPS 25th Anniversary

Filmed live at Cartographie Psychedelica, MAPS’ 25th Anniversary Conference, on December 10, 2011. Special thanks to Android Jones (visuals), Phaedrana Jones (dance), The Human Experience (music), Illa Goldberg (live violin), Charles Shaw (photography), Andrew J. O’Keefe II (editing), and all who joined us in celebrating 25 years of cutting-edge science, education, and art.

October 20, 2012

Buddhism and Psychedelics: A Community Discussion with Kokyo Henkel and James Fadiman

Rev. Kokyo Henkel and James Fadiman, Ph.D., engage a diverse crowd in Santa Cruz with a discussion about the similarities between psychedelic and Buddhist experiences. Rev. Kokyo Henkel has been practicing Zen Buddhism since 1990 and James Fadiman, Ph.D., author of The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys has been teaching about, working with and doing research on psychedelic and entheogenic experience for decades.

Watch Buddhism and Psychedelics: A Community Discussion with Kokyo Henkel and James Fadiman

September 27, 2012

Researchers Discuss MDMA Science

Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris and Dr. David Erritzoe of Imperial College detail their research into MDMA using brain-imaging technology and explain why research into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treating PTSD and other mental illnesses may be beneficial.

September 18, 2012

Ecstasy to Treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Professor David Nutt discusses clinical research into MDMA, suggesting that the drug can be used in combination with psychotherapy as a treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder.

Listen to the the BBC Radio excerpt here.

July 24, 2012

Q&A: Psychedelics in 2012 - Charles Grob MD, James Fadiman

Terrence McNally speaks with psychiatrist Charles Grob, M.D., and psychologist James Fadiman, Ph.D. about their views on recent psychedelic research, in addition to discussing the ideas in Fadiman’s new book, Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys (available in the MAPS Store).

Listen to the discussion here.

July 3, 2012

Video: Dr. Julie Holland — Editor: “Ecstasy: The Complete Guide”

In this outtake from the upcoming documentary From Neurons to Nirvana, Dr. Julie Holland, M.D., speaks about the success of MDMA in a therapy session with a person who previously refused to acknowledge his past.

July 1, 2012

Science Weekly Podcast: David Nutt Reveals The Truth About Drugs

Professor David Nutt is featured on The Guardian’s Science Weekly podcast, discussing his new book and the potential of drugs to elevate our understanding of the brain. Nutt, author of Drugs – Without Hot Air: Minimizing the Harms of Legal and Illegal Drugs, has recently proposed research into using MDMA for treating PTSD.

Listen to the podcast here.

June 18, 2012

Veterans Petition State to Use Pot for PTSD

Colorado Public Radio hosts a discussion about a petition from combat veterans living in Colorado who have the goal of making medical marijuana a prescription treatment for people diagnosed with PTSD. The participants were MAPS Executive Director, Rick Doblin, Ph.D., veteran Joe Hatcher, Brian Vicente of Sensible Colorado, Professor Robert Friedman, and Ron Hyman of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

June 12, 2012

Ibogaine Trial “Worth the Risk”

MAPS’ observational study of ibogaine-assisted therapy for addiction treatment in New Zealand is the focus of a 10-minute segment on Television New Zealand. Study investigator Geoff Noller, Ph.D., explains how the study could help find better treatments for people suffering from substance abuse, and New Zealand Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS) Director Susanna Galea says that the benefits of the research significantly outweigh the risks.

June 1, 2012

San Francisco Veterans Affairs: Treating PTSD with MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy

On June 1, 2012, MAPS Founder & Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D. and Clinical Investigator Michael Mithoefer, M.D., spoke at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center about treating veterans suffering from PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.

May 31, 2012

MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy: Research, Results, and Potential

On May 31, 2012, MAPS hosted a free lecture and discussion focusing on the research results for treating PTSD with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.

The lecture was led by MAPS Founder & Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D. and Clinical Investigator Michael Mithoefer, M.D. The event took place at University of California, San Francisco Medical Center.

May 24, 2012

Rick Doblin at Entheogenesis Australis 2010: Developing Psychedelics Into Prescription Medicines

MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., spoke at Entheogenesis Australis 2010 about psychedelics and their potential as prescription medicines.

May 3, 2012

CNN: Psychedelic Therapy for Cancer Patients

CNN explores the use of psychedelic-assisted therapy to help cancer sufferers overcome their anxiety about illness.

April 26, 2012

Video: 2012 Bioethics Forum: Psychedelic Therapy, Death, and Dying

Videos are now available from Final Passages: Research on Near Death and the Experience of Dying, the 11th Annual International Bioethics Forum. The conference took place from April 26-27, 2012.

April 6, 2012

Video: James Fadiman on Psychedelic Education at MAPS First Friday Art Tour

On Friday, April 6, MAPS hosted an evening of art, music, and conversations about psychedelic science and medicine at our Santa Cruz, California headquarters. Professor James Fadiman, Ph.D., author of the Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide and co-founder of the Institute for Transpersonal Psychology, led an informative yet casual discussion about psychedelic research and creativity studies, and assessed the uses of psychedelics in therapeutic and clinical settings.

April 6, 2012

MAPS First Friday Art Tour - April 6, 2012

On April 6, 2012, MAPS hosted an event for Santa Cruz’s First Friday Art Tour, featuring breathtaking artwork, a psychedelic research discussion, live music, belly dancing, and much more. We displayed the work of six young artists who support our work by offering their art for sale at our events and online store. Visitors enjoyed live music performances by Cello Joe and Homunculus Rex, plus Balinese dance by Annika Johnson and belly dance by San Francisco-based Hasna Hip Flow. Special thanks go to MAPS intern Bryce Montgomery for filming and editing this video.

April 4, 2012

Ayahuasca: The Persecution of an Ancestral Culture

The International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service (ICEERS) releases a trailer from the first part of a cinematographic project about ayahuasca, a plant used in traditional ancestral ceremonies in the Amazon, and efforts to develop its therapeutic potential in North America and Europe.

March 31, 2012

MAPS Founder Rick Doblin on Psychedelic vs. Medical Marijuana Research

MAPS Founder Rick Doblin, Ph.D., speaks to the Drug Truth Network about how psychedelic research charges forward while medical marijuana research continues to be blocked by the federal government. The interview was recorded at the 2012 Students for Sensible Drug Policy national conference in Denver, CO.

Listen to the interview online or download it here (mp3).

March 25, 2012

MAPS Executive Director Rick Doblin Gives Keynote Speech at 2012 SSDP Conference

On March 25, 2012, MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., gave a keynote speech about psychedelics, drug policy, and social change at the 2012 Students for Sensible Drug Policy Conference in Denver, Colorado. He received a standing ovation for his talk, which addressed how the responsible use of psychedelics can help promote positive social change.

March 16, 2012

How Psychedelics Can Help Heal Addiction

The second episode of the “My Plain Truth” podcast features an interview with Brad Burge about MAPS’ research into the therapeutic uses of psychedelics. The episode focuses on ibogaine, which seems to hold particular promise for those suffering from addiction.

March 9, 2012

LSD for Alcoholism

Norwegian researcher Teri Krebs explains to BBC World News how a recent reassessment of clinical trial data from decades ago shows that LSD given to alcoholics produced a clear and consistent beneficial effect on alcohol misuse lasting for at least six months after a single dose.

February 28, 2012

Video: Could MDMA Have Been Designed with Psychotherapy in Mind?

On February 28, 2012, UK psychiatrist Ben Sessa, M.D., gave an outstanding lecture on the topic of “MDMA: Could It Have Been Designed with Psychotherapy in Mind?” The talk was part of an ongoing Ecology, Cosmos, and Consciousness lecture series taking place at the October Gallery in London.

January 16, 2012

Dr. Julie Holland Interviewed on Women’s Voices Radio

Dr. Julie Holland is a Board-certified psychiatrist specializing in psychopharmacology. Dr. Holland received her medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine where she performed research on auditory hallucinations, extensively interviewing nearly one hundred psychotic patients. As Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the NYU School of Medicine, Dr. Holland spent her weekends running psychiatric emergency room at Bellevue Hospital for nine years; her book, Weekends at Bellevue: Lessons from the Psychiatric ER comes from that experience. She is considered a worldwide expert on street drugs, and has been quoted in Time, Harper’s, Slate, the Los Angeles Times, and the Wall Street Journal.

Dr. Holland is also the official medical monitor for MAPS’ MDMA-assisted psychotherapy studies, and author of Ecstasy: The Complete Guide and The Pot Book.

Listen to Dr. Holland’s interview on Women’s Voices Radio here (mp3).

January 13, 2012

British Columbia Medical Official Discusses MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy

British Columbia’s chief medical health officer, Dr. Perry Kendall, speaks on a province-wide call-in show on CBC Radio One. He starts off by talking about the medical potential of MDMA, its history as an adjunct to psychotherapy and current research on using it for treating PTSD. Listen to the 30-minute show (MP3).

January 9, 2012

RIck Doblin Interviewed on CKNW Radio Vancouver

MAPS Founder Rick Doblin speaks with CKNW in Vancouver about recent headlines surrounding the dangers of recreational Ecstasy use, the benefits of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, and MAPS’ efforts to conduct medical marijuana research.

Listen to the interview here (mp3).

January 8, 2012

Drugs, Inc.: Video of Real Underground MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy Session

“Ecstasy” (which aired Sunday, January 8) showed the social and environmental devastation caused by the criminal black market in Ecstasy pills, and explored what researchers know—and don’t know—about the pure ingredient, MDMA. The episode included a segment describing the possible therapeutic benefits of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Watch this video excerpt of a real underground MDMA-assisted psychotherapy session.

January 5, 2012

Psychedelic Science in the 21st Century

MAPS’ 2010 “Psychedelic Science in the 21st Century” conference brought together international experts to present on psychedelic research and psychedelic psychotherapy topics for the largest conference dedicated solely to psychedelics in the U.S. in 17 years. There were three full days of programming with concurrent tracks exploring clinical and spiritual applications, issues relevant to healthcare professionals, and social and cultural issues surrounding the therapeutic and recreational uses of psychedelics.

The Cinematic Syndicate has now released the following excellent video about the conference. With a successful 25th anniversary conference and celebration right behind us, we’re all looking forward to the next big event. Keep an eye out in 2013!

December 20, 2011

Psychedelia: Research and Advocacy at MAPS

Psychedelic drugs and marijuana get a bad rap and deserve serious research, says Brad Burge of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Join PsychTalk Radio in exploring why these drugs have picked up stigma and what research is revealing about them. Along the way learn about “the most dangerous man in America,” the failure of DARE, and what Steve Jobs thinks about all this.

Visit PsychTalk Radio to hear this 30-minute interview or download it here (32 MB mp3).

December 3, 2011

Rick Doblin at Entheogenesis Australis: Will Psychedelic Medicine Transform Culture?

MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., shares his views on the potential of psychedelic research to transform human culture at Entheogenesis Australis 2011.

November 5, 2011

Honor Thy Daughter author Marilyn Howell Addresses International Drug Policy Reform Conference

On November 5, 2011, Honor Thy Daughter author Marilyn Howell was given the honor of speaking at the closing plenary at the 2011 International Drug Policy Reform Conference. Howell was one of a handful of presenters chosen to address the entire conference audience, owing to the dramatic impact their earlier presentations had on attendees.

Ethan Nadelmann, Ph.D., the founder and executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, explained why Marilyn’s story about how psychedelic therapy helped ease her daughter’s suffering at the end of her life is so important for the drug policy reform community. “We are about trying to reduce the cumulative pain associated both with drugs and the drug war in our society and around the world,” said Nadelmann. “One of the people who spoke beautifully to this issue…was Marilyn Howell.”

As Marilyn wrote to MAPS after the conference (where Honor Thy Daughter sold out): “I’ve always been a bit of an outsider. As a student of multiple mind/body systems, I selectively chose and integrated a variety of useful principles and tools, but I was never drawn to earn certification in a particular discipline or to join an organization of practitioners. Although I facilitated strong communities in the classroom, I was the guide and gatekeeper, not a peer. I never felt as though I belonged to a community. At 69, I’ve finally found my tribe in MAPS.”

November 5, 2011

DPA 2011: Sessions on Psychedelics in Science, Medicine, and Law

MAPS was a proud co-host of the 2011 International Drug Policy Reform Conference, which took place November 2-5 in Los Angeles, CA. In addition to over a dozen panels and discussions on medical marijuana, an unprecedented number of sessions were held on the science, culture, and politics of psychedelics with leading members of the psychedelic research community.

Full audio recordings are available through the following links:

Psychedelic Healing: Can Psychedelics Reinvent Medicine…and Society?
With Rick Doblin, Jim Fadiman, Julie Holland, Marilyn Howell, Amanda Feilding, and Neal Goldsmith.

Psychedelic Science: Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives
With Brad Burge, Earth and Fire Erowid (invited), Ralph Metzner, Nese Lisa Senol, Kenneth Tupper, and Jag Davies.

Bad Trips: How to Respond to Unwanted or Dangerous Side Effects of Psychedelics, Opiates & Stimulants
With Luciano Colonna, Rick Doblin, John Harrison, and Eliza Wheeler.

Psychedelics, Religion and Cultural Translation
With Neal Goldsmith, Ralph Metzner, Dimitri “Mobengo” Mugianis, Mona Polacca, Kenneth Tupper, and Jill Harris.

November 4, 2011

2011 International Drug Policy Reform Conference Psychedelic Sessions Available Online

The Drug Policy Alliance has graciously made a number of sessions from the exciting and impactful 2011 International Drug Policy Reform conference viewable online. In addition to Honor Thy Daughter author Marilyn Howell’s closing address, you may also be interested in:

Psychedelic Healing: Can Psychedelics Reinvent Medicine…and Society? with Rick Doblin, Marilyn Howell, Amanda Feilding, Neal Goldsmith, Jim Fadiman, and Julie Holland
Drug, Set, and Setting Today with Julie Holland, M.D.
Drug, Set, and Setting Today with Gabor Maté, M.D.

October 31, 2011

Dr. Julie Holland on treating PTSD with MDMA and Cannabis

New York-based Dr Julie Holland talks about her work with post traumatic stress disorder sufferers in this live videolink talk filmed at the Envisioning a Post Prohibition World event organised by Know Drugs and Open Democracy. Dr. Holland is the official medical monitor for MAPS’ clinical studies.

Dr. Holland has spent her adult life investigating drugs. At the University of Pennsylvania, she majored in the “Biological Basis of Behavior,” a series of courses combining the study of psychology and neural sciences, with a concentration in drugs and the brain, or psychopharmacology. During her college years, she authored an extensive research paper on MDMA. Dr. Holland received her medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine in 1992. At Mount Sinai Medical Center, she completed a residency program in psychiatry, where she was the creator of a research project which treated schizophrenics with a new medication. She is considered an expert on street drugs and intoxication states, and lectures widely on this topic.

October 18, 2011

Mind Body Health and Politics Radio Show Hosts Psychedelic Medicine Series

“Mind Body Health & Politics” with Dr. Richard Miller is hosting a series on Psychedelic Medicine, featuring personal interviews with scientists and thinkers in psychedelic and medical marijuana research. “Mind Body Health & Politics” airs the first and third Tuesday of the month at 9 AM on National Public Radio affiliate KZYX FM (Mendocino County Public Radio). You can also listen live online at mindbodyhealthpolitics.org.

Past Shows:

Psychedelic Medicine I: Ethnobotany with Dennis McKenna
Broadcasted September 20, 2011 (mp3).
Psychedelic Medicine II: The Historic MDMA study
Dr. Miller and MAPS researchers Michael Mithoefer, M.D., and Ann Mithoefer, B.S.N., discuss their FDA-approved clinical trials of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) as a therapeutic tool to assist psychotherapy for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Broadcasted October 4, 2011 (mp3).
Psychedelic Medicine III: The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide
Jim Fadiman, Ph.D. discusses his new book The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic and Sacred Journeys (available in the MAPS Store). Broadcasted October 18th, 2011 (mp3).

More Shows:

November 1: Mark Blumenthal , Ph.D., founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council.
November 15: Dave Nichols, Ph.D., pharmacologist, medicinal chemist, founding president of the Heffter Research Institute, and one of the world’s leading experts on psychedelics.
November 29: Charles Grob, M.D., psychiatrist, psilocybin researcher, and conductor of the first government-approved study of MDMA in humans.

The mission of “Mind Body Health and Politics” is to enhance health, provoke thought, expand consciousness, and encourage mental health.

October 18, 2011

The Other Day at an Undisclosed Location

On October 18, 2011, Health Canada conducted a follow-up inspection of the pharmacy for our planned Phase 2 Canadian study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. The pharmacy inspection is required under Canadian regulations to ensure that the facility used to store and label the MDMA to be used in the study is adequately secure, and that the proper accountability procedures are in place. Once we obtain clearance from Health Canada we will be able to import the MDMA for the study into Canada from Switzerland.

Watch this brief video made by Canadian documentary filmmaker Arwen Hunter featuring a personal interview with pharmacist Colin Holyk discussing the challenges of negotiating the strict security requirements required by Health Canada and for a look inside the Vancouver pharmacy where the MDMA will be stored.

September 13, 2011

Rick Doblin, Gabor Maté, and Philippe Lucas at Out of Mind Benefit Event for MAPS Canada

On September 13, 2011, MAPS Founder Rick Doblin, Ph.D., physician and author Gabor Maté, M.D., and MAPS Canada board member Philippe Lucas, M.A., explored the implications of the launch of MAPS Canada at Out of Mind: The Therapeutic Application of Psychedelics to Treat PTSD and Addiction, a lecture series and benefit event in Victoria, BC.

August 22, 2011

Honor Thy Daughter Author Marilyn Howell, Ed.D., Interviewed on Women’s Voices Radio

On August 22, 2011, Honor Thy Daughter author Marilyn Howell, Ed.D., was interviewed on Women’s Voices with Janie Rezner on KZYX radio. Download the podcast of this interview to learn how Dr. Howell decided to explore the possibilities of psychedelic psychotherapy to ease her daughter’s final days.

August 22, 2011

Marilyn Howell Interviewed on “Conversations with Charlie Dyer”

On August 22, 2011, Honor Thy Daughter author Marilyn Howell, Ed.D., was interviewed on KNews 94.3 FM on “Conversations with Charlie Dyer” about her experience using psychedelic-assisted therapy to ease her daughter’s passing. The interview is now available for download.

July 30, 2011

MAPS Psychedelic Research Presentation at 2011 Women’s Visionary Congress

On July 30, 2011, MAPS staff Amy Emerson (Clinical Program Manager) and Linnae Ponté (Executive & Clinical Research Assistant) gave an interesting and informative presentation about the current state of psychedelic research at the 2011 Women’s Visionary Congress.

Their presentation addressed the prominent role of women in the field of psychedelic therapy research and explored how MAPS’ balanced, respectful approach to its work makes it especially effective as a non-profit pharmaceutical development organization.

The Women’s Visionary Congress (http://visionarycongress.org/) is an annual gathering of visionary women healers, scholars, activists and artists who study consciousness and altered states. The WVC supports the transfer of knowledge among women who apply the insights of their research and spiritual path.

June 7, 2011

Mother’s Loving Care For Dying Daughter Included Psychedelic Drugs

On June 7, Honor Thy Daughter author Marilyn Howell appeared on RadioBoston’s CommonHealth to discuss why she turned to psychedelic therapy to ease the pain and anxiety of her dying daughter. An article explains how Howell’s story fits into the larger history of psychedelic medicine, and how stories like hers are helping show the world the importance of MAPS’ research.

May 26, 2011

Marilyn Howell Describes Her Daughter’s Final Moments with MDMA Therapy on WGBH Boston

In Marilyn Howell’s second appearance on WGBH’s “Greater Boston” with Emily Rooney, she shares what it was like to be with her daughter as she underwent MDMA-assisted therapy during her final moments.

Typically, when a person is in the end stages, you have a choice: do you want to be asleep, or do you want to be in pain? MDMA gave her the…possibility to be alert, and aware, and back to herself for a few hours…She died with a sense of peace and joy.

The episode aired on Thursday, May 26, 2011.

April 18, 2011

MDMA as a Medicine: A 3-Minute Visual History

In this brilliant short cartoon, Australian television show Hungry Beast puts a comical—and accurate—spin on the history of MDMA.

“3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine—thats MDMA, the drug known illicitly as ecstasy—was first created completely by accident in 1912. Its initial foray into the world of medicine was cut short when people started using it recreationally, leading to it being banned as part of the War on Drugs. But doctors continued to campaign to be able to use it in medical research, and recent developments have shown the drugs potential for use in conjunction with psychological counseling to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma, and anxiety.”

April 18, 2011

MDMA Therapy on Showtime Drama “Huff”

Even cable dramas are starting to recognize the therapeutic potential of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. On Season 2, Episode 8 of Showtime drama “Huff,” a psychiatrist informs her patient that MDMA therapy can be like going through a year’s worth of therapy in a single session. This is precisely what some patients in MAPS’ clinical trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD are seeing. This episode originally aired on May 14, 2006.

April 3, 2011

Video: MDMA Debate at Breaking Convention

On April 2-3, 2011, the University of Kent at Canterbury hosted Breaking Convention: A Multidisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Consciousness. The first day of the conference featured a rousing debate on the relative risks and benefits of MDMA.

March 22, 2011

Psychedelic Drugs: Their Role in Legitimately Treating Psychiatric Conditions

On March 22, 2011, Burt Cohen interviewed Phil Wolfson, M.D., a San Francisco Bay Area psychiatrist who argues that psychedelics can be powerful tools for personal and spiritual healing and transformation. With the recent death of LSD pioneer Owsley Stanley, Wolfson discusses how psychedelics came to be feared and vilified in the wake of the 1960s, and how they are once again being accepted as valuable medical treatments. He also discusses the connection between the use of psychedelic for visionary and artistic work on one hand, and for therapeutic purposes on the other.

February 24, 2011

Rick Doblin Interviewed on Drug Truth Radio Network’s “Century of Lies”

On February 24, 2011, MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., gave a short interview on the Drug Truth Network’s “Century of Lies” radio show. He discusses MAPS’ MDMA/PTSD research progress, the recent explosion of MAPS media coverage, his upcoming talk at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and upcoming events in celebration of MAPS’ 25th anniversary. Visit the Drug Truth Network for the complete show, which includes an interview with Paul Armentano of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).

February 21, 2011

Study Finds Ecstasy Not As Harmful As First Thought

In this interview on Australian community radio, Shant Fabricatorian speaks with Professor John Halpern from Harvard Medical School/McLean Hospital, the lead researcher on a new study that threatens to overturn established thinking on the popular party drug Ecstasy. According to most studies on the subject, Ecstasy has traditionally been viewed as a relatively dangerous drug, with the symptoms linked to it including brain damage and memory loss. Dr. Halpern’s research, a $1.8 million study funded by the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse and using pilot data provided by MAPS, argues that ecstasy use does not result in cognitive damage, and that previous conclusions suggesting otherwise were overstated, or reached through flawed methods.

February 16, 2011

Rick Doblin Interviewed on Louisville Late Night

In this friendly, in-depth, and casual 2006 interview, journalist Patrick Moore of the Louisville Late Night TV Show speaks with MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., about the risks and benefits of MDMA and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and the politics of psychedelic research.

February 3, 2011

Rick Doblin Interviewed on Reality Sandwich

On February 3, 2011, MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., was interviewed on the Reality Sandwich Radio Show, a bimonthly program featuring renowned thinkers and activists and addressing issues of science, consciousness, and personal and global transformation. In this episode, Doblin discusses MAPS’ research into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD.

January 18, 2011

Rare Video of Woman in 1950s LSD Experiment

CNN's Brooke Baldwin speaks with freelance journalist Don Lattin about his discovery of a rare video from the 1950s of a woman participating in a government-run LSD experiment. Lattin discusses the long history of investigations into the therapeutic potential of LSD, in particular its possible effectiveness for addiction treatment. The video also highlights how LSD may help enable spiritual awakenings--and thus the possibility for healing--even in people who aren't necessarily religious. Lattin is the author of The Harvard Psychedelic Club: How Timothy Leary, Ram Dass, Huston Smith, and Andrew Weil Killed the Fifties and Ushered in a New Age for America.

January 9, 2011

Rick Doblin Interviewed on Carl’s Cannabis Corner

On January 9, 2011, MAPS Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., was interviewed on Carl’s Cannabis Corner, which hosts weekly podcasts and videos related to marijuana and the law. In the hour-long interview, Rick talks about MAPS’ efforts to conduct research on the possible benefits of marijuana for PTSD and break the monopoly on cannabis research currently held by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). They also discuss current federal attempts to reschedule cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids. The interview is available both as a streaming video and as a downloadable mp3.

December 26, 2010

Rick Doblin Interviewed on Tributaries Radio (Part 2)

In Part 2 of his interview on Tributaries Radio, Rick Doblin continues to discuss MAPS’ work to develop psychedelics and marijuana into prescription medicines. The show aired on December 26, 2010. The mp3 is available on the MAPS website as well as at Tributaries Radio.

December 19, 2010

Rick Doblin Interviewed on Tributaries Radio (Part 1)

In Part 1 of his interview on Tributaries Radio, Rick Doblin discusses MAPS’ work to develop psychedelics and marijuana into prescription medicines. The show aired on December 19, 2010. The mp3 is available on the MAPS website as well as at Tributaries Radio.

December 6, 2010

Not Just a Day of Ecstasy

Reporter Joel Werner finds out about the role the drug ecstasy might play in easing the torment of those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Warner interviews Michael Mithoefer, M.D. and his patient Donna Kilgore.

December 4, 2010

Medical Psychedelics: Soma for the Masses?

In this podcast, experiential journalist Rak Razam moderates a panel discussion at Entheogenesis Australis in Melbourne, Australia in December 2010. The panel features MAPS Founder and Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., Australian psychologist and addictions researcher Steven Bright, a practitioner using ibogaine to break addiction, and La Trobe University psychologist Anna Kokavec, Ph.D.

November 22, 2010

Author Marilyn Howell and MAPS Founder Rick Doblin Interview on Greater Boston

“Greater Boston” host Emily Rooney interviews Rick Doblin, Ph.D. (Founder and Executive Director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) and Marilyn Howell, Ed.D. (educator and author of Honor Thy Daughter) about the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy to help treat anxiety associated with terminal illness. Howell discusses how psychedelics (including MDMA, the main ingredient in the street drug Ecstasy) combined with therapy helped her adult daughter come to terms with her illness and reestablish her lost connection with her family. Doblin describes what scientists are learning about the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and how they might help patients overcome trauma and anxiety.

October 28, 2010

Rick Doblin Interview on the The Entheogenic Evolution Part 2

MAPS Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., speaks with the The Entheogenic Evolution podcast.

October 4, 2010

Rick Doblin Interview on the The Entheogenic Evolution Part 1

MAPS Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D., speaks with the The Entheogenic Evolution podcast.

September 17, 2010

Evolver the Podcast: Sacred Psychedelics and Their Transformative Power

The podcast linked here is from Evolver and focuses on transformations inspired the psychedelic use. MAPS friends and colleagues Jonathan Talat Phillips, Isabella Stoloff, and Charles Shaw are interviewed in this podcast.

August 15, 2010

Present! Psychedelic Science in the 21st Century

MAPS Director of Communication Randolph Hencken, M.A., spoke about the Psychedelic in the 21st Century conference and other MAPS related issues in this interview.

July 3, 2010

Freelance Writer and Wanderer Extraordinaire Rak Razam has Made Available a Number of MP3 Podcasts

Freelance writer and wanderer extraordinaire Rak Razam has made available a number of MP3 podcasts of interviews with prominent participants in the psychedelic research renaissance who were present at the Psychedelic Science in the 21st Century conference.

Episode 1: In a Perfect World: New MAPS of Hyperspace with Rick Doblin, Ph.D., Charles Grob M.D. and Ralph Metzner, Ph.D.

Episode 2: In a Perfect World: New MAPS of Hyperspace with Sasha Shulgin, Carolyn Garcia, and Alex and Allyson Grey.

Episode 3: In a Perfect World: New MAPS of Hyperspace with Stan Grof, M.D. and Nick Sand.

June 11, 2010

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MAPS Executive Director Rick Doblin, Ph.D. gave a one hour interview on the show "Of Consuming Interest" on the Progressive Radio Network. (Click here for the file on the MAPS Website, or Click here to hear the file on the Progressive Radion Network website.)

June 2, 2010

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Entheoradio. "Live interview with Randolph Hencken of MAPS." (Permalink) With host Trevhar Hughes.

Randy discusses MAPS' mission, drug prohibition, his personal story, and strategies for mainstreaming psychedelics safely into society.

May 21, 2010

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KMVT. "Present! - Psychedelic Art at the 2010 MAPS Conference."

Mel Van Dusen presents a visual tour for the psychedelic and visionary art at the 2010 MAPS Conference in San Jose, California.

May 19, 2010

NPR. “Can Marijuana Ease PTSD? A Debate Brews”

This article reports on persons with PTSD, including veterans of war, who are using medical marijuana to ease anxiety and other symptoms, the debate within the Veterans Affairs, and the conflict between state laws and federal laws.

April 26, 2010

Rick Doblin and Charles Grob spoke on KQED, San Franciso’s largest NPR station

MAPS Executive Director Rick Doblin and researcher Charles Grob speak on KQED about psychedelic research.

April 26, 2010

Can ‘ecstasy’ cure PTSD?

An illegal psychedelic has promise as a cure for post-traumatic stress disorder in soldiers. Following, a quick guide to "the peace drug"

April 26, 2010

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Rick Doblin and Charles Grob spoke on KQED, San Franciso's largest NPR station. The audio file can also be heard at KQED's Website:

April 23, 2010

CNN: Hallucinogens Could Treat Ailments

CNN reports on the potential medical benefits of psychedelic drugs.

April 23, 2010

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CNN: Hallucinogens Could Treat Ailments.

April 23, 2010

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Associated Press: "Cancer Patients go on Psychedelic Trip."

Welcome to our Audio and Video Archive!

See below for a comprehensive and up-to-date archive of audio and visual files related to psychedelic and medical marijuana research.

Psychedelic Science Presenter Podcasts

Psychedelic Spotlight Podcasts

LSD Problem Child and Wonder Drug, International Symposium Podcasts

A Practical Introduction to the Principles of Psychedelic Therapy