60 years of psychedelic research. Science, spirituality and consciousness with Bill Richards

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast, host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Bill Richards.

Bill Richards, PhD, is a pioneering clinical psychologist and researcher in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Known for his work with psilocybin and LSD since the 1960s, he contributed to groundbreaking studies at Johns Hopkins University and authored the influential book Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences.

We touch upon topics of:

• How Bill began psychedelic research in Germany in the 1960s (01:18–03:39)
• The psychedelic research scene in the U.S. from the 60s to 70s and its shutdown (04:31–07:52)
• The revival of psychedelic research at Johns Hopkins (08:13–08:32)
• The potential of psychedelics to evolve human consciousness (09:30–11:25)
• The role of mystical experiences in healing and behavioral change (13:02–16:43)
• Spiritual language and intuitive knowledge (17:37–20:56)
• Psychedelics and reducing fear of death (22:26–27:18)
• Personal beliefs on life after death and consciousness (27:54–30:56)
• Future of psychedelics in medicine, religion, and education (34:31–36:28)
• Educational value of mystical experiences (39:42–44:41)
• Psychedelics as catalysts and keys, not the source of the experience (46:21–48:36)
• Best non-psychedelic practices for accessing transcendence (50:21–54:44)

If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com

Find more about Bill Richards by reading his book Sacred Knowledge, available in 10 languages including Conocimiento Sagrado in Spanish.