In this Psychedelics Today podcast (aired on Jan 7, 2022), Joe delves into the topic of religion and psychedelics with two guests:

RABBI ZAC KAMENETZ AND THE REV HUNT PRIEST

Kamenetz and Priest both had catalyzing psychedelic experiences as participants in research studies, and after gaining interest, noticed that their religions weren't referenced much in psychedelic literature. They're each working to build a broad network of leaders and academics who are Jewish (through Zac's website, Shefa) or Christian (through Hunt's site, Ligare) to act as psychedelic societies, get more people to buy in, be more open, and embrace the renaissance. Do these communities know enough to properly frame and integrate their experiences when they add psilocybin to Seder? What are the best protocols in which to authentically blend in religious tradition and lessons? Is their true purpose to help others use religion to explain mystical and psychedelic experiences? Or use mystical and psychedelic experiences to explain religion?

They also discuss the differences between how Christianity and Judaism talks about psychedelics; the Jewish Psychedelic Summit; why Christianity seems to be so far behind; the concepts of spiritual harm reduction and spiritual literacy; Rick Strassman, DMT, and prophecy; how religious tokens and symbols in psychedelic-assisted therapy can traumatize or influence an intended experience; spiritual emergency; and why serving others should be part of the integration experience.

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College Commons Podcast feat. Zac Kamenetz