Hot Goss with Dennis Walker: Psychedelic Conferences, MAPS, and Dangers of Corporate Psychedelics

The DoubleBlind Magic Hour

This conversation between Shelby Hartman and Dennis Walker focuses on the arrival of the psychedelic trade show (think ketamine clinics and shroom gummies in a convention center), comedy as a tool for political commentary, and the corporatization of psychedelics. As a seasoned satirist and journalist, Walker discusses the "roots versus suits" dilemma in the psychedelic space, a topic he often highlights through his work at major events like the Wonderland Conference. We cover the tension between grassroots movements and the burgeoning pharmaceutical influence in psychedelics, exemplified by organizations like MAPS and figures such as Rick Doblin. We discuss how newcomers to the psychedelic world, even when well-intentioned, sometimes don’t understand the complicated dynamics within the ecosystem before leading ceremony or taking to stages as experts.. The episode finally discusses the importance of maintaining a balance between honoring traditional wisdom and embracing the potential benefits that structured psychedelic therapy can offer when integrated into Western healthcare systems.

What We Cover (Expanded)

1. Satire's role in psychedelic discourse: Dennis Walker uses satire to critique and make sense of the complex narratives and controversies within the psychedelic community, especially highlighted during his presentations at the Wonderland Conference.
2. "Roots vs. Suits" debate: The episode explores the ongoing conflict between grassroots movements and the increasing influx of traditional capital into the psychedelic space.
3. Commercialization of psychedelics: They critically assess how businesses are influencing the direction of psychedelic research and therapy, focusing on the commercial aspects that were apparent in discussions at events like MAPS conferences.
4. Integration into Western healthcare: How psychedelics are being integrated into modern medical systems and the potential benefits and pitfalls of such integration are examined.
5. Psychedelic therapy's future: Insights into the future of psychedelic therapy under the influence of both non-profit organizations and for-profit ventures.
6. Mainstreaming psychedelic culture: The impact of mainstream acceptance of psychedelics and how it alters traditional and contemporary use is debated.
7. Social change through psychedelics: They discuss how psychedelics could serve as catalysts for social and personal transformation beyond their medicinal and therapeutic uses.
8. Preservation of psychedelic traditions: The importance of preserving traditional and indigenous practices in the face of global psychedelic commercialization is emphasized.

Dennis Walker is a satirist and multimedia producer who is best known as the founder of Mycopreneur. He has hosted over 150 mushroom entrepreneurs from 25 countries on 6 continents for the Mycopreneur podcast. He is the co-founder of the functional mushroom chocolate brand Mycoday, and has written for platforms such as High Times and Lucid News among numerous others. His work has been featured in Rolling Stone, Forbes, and many other outlets.

Dennis Walker’s Articles from the episode:

Spiraling Down Wonderland’s Psychedelic Corporate Rabbit Hole - Lucid News

Lykos Therapeutics Highlights the Not-For-Profit to For-Profit Pipeline in Psychedelics | DoubleBlind Mag

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