Episode 107

Written By Michaela Carlin
 
 
 
 

Can psychedelics help us embrace life’s profound cycles of birth and death as well as our never-ending process of self discovery?

Dr. Katherine MacLean shares her journey from psychonautical exploration to psychedelic scientific inquiry to spiritual transformation, discussing how psilocybin has opened her understanding of mortality, consciousness and the mystical aspects of existence.

Her reflections reveal the powerful role that psychedelics have played in her life, especially in processing personal grief and cultivating a unique spiritual perspective that nourishes her parenting, creativity and soul.

Katherine MacLean, PhD is a writer, research scientist, mother and adventure-seeker. She has spent the past two decades studying the effects of mindfulness meditation and psychedelics, surviving motherhood, and learning a lot about death and grief. Her debut book covering all of this terrain, Midnight Water: A Psychedelic Memoir is available in print and audio formats.

Episode Highlights

  • Katherine reflects on her journey through motherhood and encounters with death

  • A childhood fascination with graveyards and their connection to history

  • Transformative psilocybin experiences that opened new dimensions of reality

  • Exploring the intersection of spirituality and psychedelics in various traditions

  • The role of meditation in navigating consciousness and personal growth

  • The impact of her sister's death on Katherine’s exploration of grief and psychedelics

  • Insights from Johns Hopkins research on consciousness and spiritual experiences

  • Cultural narratives around psychedelics and their potential for healing

  • The intertwining of motherhood and psychedelic experiences in Katherine’s life

  • Addressing personal trauma as a crucial step before engaging with psychedelics

  • Reframing death as a transformative experience akin to psychedelic journeys

  • Societal perceptions of death and the need for open dialogues about mortality

  • Embracing life’s complexities and authenticity in motherhood and mortality

  • Personal agency in death care and the importance of meaningful rituals

  • The impact of psychedelics on relationships and deeper connections with others

  • Katherine’s writing journey and the importance of sharing her memoir

  • Future implications of psychedelic research for mental health and spirituality

  • Embracing complexity and ongoing self-discovery

Katherine MacLean’s Links 

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

Katherine MacLean’s Special Offer

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Special thanks to Jeremy Colbert (Taragápe) for the original podcast theme music.

You can find out more about Jeremey’s work here:
taragape.com and @taragape

Michaela Carlin
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