Take psychedelics (not too many), change your mind

Perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the author of “The Botany of Desire” chose to experiment with and write about psychedelic drugs. They are edible after all. Still, like many people, Michael Pollan wasn’t exactly keen to fool around with mind-altering experiences.

Curiosity about the history of these drugs led him to test their effects firsthand. His discoveries supported a case for the mind-expanding, therapeutic potential of psychedelics. They also lead him to write his new book “How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence.”

Michael Pollan teaches writing at Harvard and UC Berkeley. He is the author of seven books, including “The Omnivore’s Dilemma.” On the Seattle leg of his book tour he was interviewed by Ingrid K. Walker, the author of “High: Drugs, Desire, and a Nation of Users.” Walker is an associate professor of American Studies at the University of Washington, Tacoma.

This conversation took place on May 22 at Seattle’s Temple De Hirsch Sinai. Town Hall Seattle presented the discussion, recorded by KUOW’s Jennie Cecil Moore.

Please note: This recording contains unedited language of an adult nature.