Alcohol, Psychedelics, and a 4500-Mile Sahara Run with Charlie Engle

Journey to the Sunnyside

In a heart-to-heart, Mike and Charlie discuss Charlie’s fight against addiction, his evolving stance on alcohol, and the role of community and awareness in recovery. They explore the promise of psychedelic therapies for profound healing and the importance of sharing recovery stories with intention.

• Key topics include the exploration of non-traditional treatments like psilocybin for alcohol dependency and mental health, emphasizing its potential over conventional SSRIs.
• They critique the influence of pharmaceutical giants on treatment options, advocating for a variety of healing paths.
• The conversation underscores individual recovery journeys, the significance of gratitude and self-compassion, and the therapeutic power of nature and outdoor activities.
• Charlie’s upcoming adventure is highlighted as a metaphor for life’s journey and choosing happiness amidst adversity.

Takeaways:

• Reflect on behaviors' benefits rather than labeling oneself.
• Recovery thrives on community support and conscious drinking choices.
• Psychedelic therapies, with proper guidance, can offer significant healing.
• Sharing experiences should inspire and be grounded in personal truth.
• Research backs psilocybin's effectiveness for mental health and addiction.
• The big pharma’s sway can limit access to alternative treatments.
• Personal growth in recovery involves gratitude, kindness to oneself, and connecting with nature.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Catching Up

03:00
Charlie's Journey with Addiction and Recovery

13:59
Charlie's Evolving View on Alcohol and Addiction

33:25
The Importance of Community and Mindful Drinking

42:02
Exploring Psychedelic Therapies

46:04
Sharing Experiences Responsibly

47:15
Promising Studies on Medicines for Alcohol Use Disorder and Mental Health

48:14
Comparing the Effectiveness of Psilocybin and SSRIs for Depression

49:34
The Benefits of Psilocybin Compared to SSRIs

51:00
The Influence of Big Pharma and Lobbyists on Mental Health Treatments

52:22
The Potential Impact of Alternative Treatments on Veterans' Lives

53:44
The Availability of Different Solutions for Changing Alcohol Relationships

55:36
The Importance of Individual Paths and Gratitude in Recovery

56:47
The Significance of One Day at a Time and Avoiding Shame in Recovery

58:39
The Importance of Giving Yourself Grace and Starting Again

01:01:14
The Power of Nature and Outdoor Activities in Healing

01:09:30
The Need for Personalized Solutions and a Variety of Resources

01:16:38
Charlie's Epic Adventure: From the Lowest to the Highest Point on Earth

01:22:32
Choosing Happiness and Joy in the Face of Hardship