Luminous: A Podcast about the Science, Philosophy and Culture of Psychedelics

Are you ready for the psychedelic revolution? Researchers are developing novel treatments for depression, PTSD and addiction, while biotech companies are racing to patent new psychedelic drugs. But for all the headlines, many questions still swirl around this psychedelic renaissance. Why do hallucinogens have such a remarkable capacity to transform lives? Is healing driven by the mind-bending experience itself — or by molecules rewiring the brain? Psychedelics also raise profound questions about the nature of consciousness and mystical experience. Are these simply hallucinations, or do they reveal something profound about the mind — or even about reality itself? "Luminous" explores these questions through in-depth, intimate conversations with leading scientists, philosophers, historians and healers. Some episodes examine groundbreaking research. What happens to an octopus on MDMA? Why do psychedelics ease our fear of death? Other episodes venture into the trippier reaches of psychedelic culture and history. One week we might uncover the hidden history of ancient sacred ceremonies. Another week we'll meet a psychonaut pushing his mind to the outer limits — or rediscover Timothy Leary's "acid queen."  Originally, these interviews aired on "To The Best Of Our Knowledge," the Peabody Award-winning Wisconsin Public Radio show that Steve co-founded with Anne Strainchamps. They eventually grew into the spinoff podcast "Luminous." Today, "Luminous" has a new home at Wonder Cabinet Productions, produced in partnership with the University of Wisconsin–Madison's Center for Psychedelic Research and Education with support from Usona Institute, a nonprofit medical research organization. This partnership reflects Madison's emergence as one of the world's most innovative psychedelic centers and marks a new chapter for "Luminous" as we continue to explore the science, philosophy and lived experience of psychedelics.