Matt Zemon with Amanda LeClaire for CultureShift on Detroit’s NPR
Get your copy of Psychedelics for Everyone
And everywhere that books are sold.

Synopsis
Matt discusses the transformative potential of psychedelic medicine in this interview, highlighting its resurgence in therapeutic settings after decades of stigma. He notes the groundbreaking research at over 300 academic institutions studying psychedelics like MDMA and psilocybin, which have received FDA breakthrough therapy designation for conditions like PTSD. He attributes the renewed interest in psychedelics to their efficacy where traditional antidepressants fail, particularly among veterans and trauma survivors.
He traces the cultural shift back to the 1970 Controlled Substances Act, which halted psychedelic research, and contrasts it with current bipartisan support for psychedelic therapy. Matt emphasizes the safety and efficacy of psychedelics such as ketamine, which enhances neuroplasticity and reduces anxiety by suppressing the default mode network. He explores microdosing, where sub-perceptual doses of substances like psilocybin offer relief from depression and anxiety without the side effects of traditional medications.
Matt addresses misconceptions and stigma surrounding psychedelics, debunking decades-old propaganda and highlighting their potential for spiritual growth and personal optimization. He discusses the broader applications beyond therapy, touching on cultural uses in indigenous traditions and modern contexts like Silicon Valley’s biohacking trends. He also addresses concerns about the safe integration of psychedelic experiences into everyday life and their potential as tools for personal growth and healing.
For those interested in exploring psychedelic therapy, Matt recommends seeking out ketamine clinics or reputable trip sitters for a guided experience. He acknowledges the need for accessible, safe settings where individuals can benefit from these medicines responsibly.