Can MDMA Make You A Better Person? With Neil deGrasse Tyson & Ben Rein

Can MDMA make you a better person? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly learn about the neuroscience of empathy, psychopathy, and MDMA in the brain with neuroscientist Ben Rein, PhD.
What is the scientific definition of empathy? Learn about empathogens like MDMA and how they work on neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Why are MDMA and Meth so close chemically yet so different? Discover empathy as a spectrum and individuals' salience for others' emotions. Can you change how empathetic you are?
Can MDMA increase empathy enough to overcome an individual’s racism? What does it mean to have high EQ? We talk about how neuroscientists talk about empathy and the two types of empathy: cognitive and emotional. Can psychopathy be impacted by MDMA? We discuss how issues and use of drugs in the empathy system could affect free will. What is the adaptive function of empathy?
Is social media desensitizing us to violence? We explore how our empathy systems get impacted by social media and the news. Can the empathy system be shut down? Is there a way to increase our capacity for empathy? Plus, we discuss the moral implications of increasing someone’s empathy through medication.
Thanks to our Patrons Jason Hostens, John Lewis, Maria Dorman, Alejandro Reynoso, Radiel Cardentey, Amir Littman, Allan Rayer, Whitney, Tom Stidham, and Christopher Becks for supporting us this week.
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Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!
#StarTalk #neildegrassetyson
00:00 - Introduction: MDMA
5:45 - MDMA v. Meth
8:50 - Empathy As a Spectrum
13:44 - Can MDMA Cure Racism?
18:34 - What is Empathy?
22:25 - Empathy & Free Will
24:30 - Different Types of Empathy
27:48 - MDMA Treating PTSD
30:44 - Can Social Media Impact Empathy?
36:45 - Desensitization
42:00 - Psychopathy & Ethics in Empathy

[@StarTalk]

So what do you think, can MDMA make you a better person? Drop your thoughts in this thread after watching the episode...

[@michaelccopelandsr7120]

I prefer all natural, not chemical, highs. Weed, 'shrooms and alcohol but my favorites will always be LSD and Absinthe. Problem is, I don't experiment anymore. ;-P

[@H4WK6969]

Not when you are coming down off it.

[@29DPT]

YES

[@avaleesdad]

MDMA from the late 90's has made me into a better person. It's too popular now, so it's adulterated and mostly fake. Always test your substances.

[@michaelccopelandsr7120]

@@avaleesdad Back when the pills were flat and the size of quarters. Ah, good times.

[@dr_brein]

Thank you so much for having me on the show! Very grateful for your interest in this topic and the opportunity to share my work.

[@_negentropy_]

I have so many questions! If you do a “live” q&a or a presentation of your paper on your socials would you be willing to post it here? (On KZbin…please?)

[@ryanjohnwisniewski599]

Very happy to hear and see this talk.

[@DaM0viestar]

Dr Braiiiiin!😂

[@obaz91]

you are wonderful

[@KoloheJ]

Thank you Dr Brain 🧠

[@StoneLogan-dq5hr]

Psychedelics saved me from years of uncontrollable depression, anxiety, smoking, and illicit pills addiction. Imagine carving heavy chains for over a decade and then all of a sudden that burden is gone. Believe it or not, in a couple of years they'll be all over for treatment of mental health related issues.

[@WolfgangKaiser-if2wr]

Congrats on your recovery. Most people don't realize that psilocybin can be used as a miracle medication to save lives.

[@DellyAlava]

To be honest, mushrooms are one of the most amazing things on the planet and it is natural, they serve in many ways not only for mental related issues.

[@Tomas-tw5ju]

Can you help me with a reliable source I would really appreciate it. Many people talk about mushrooms and psychedelics but nobody talks about where to get them. It is very hard to get a reliable source here in Switzerland. Really need!

[@WolfgangKaiser-if2wr]

Yes, Sporeville. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addiction... Mushrooms definitely made a huge difference to why I'm clean today.

[@Hikari-xh2sq]

I wish they were readily available in my place. Microdosing was my next plan of care for my husband. He's 59 & has many mental health issues plus probably CTE & a TBI that left him in a coma 8 days. It's too late now I had to get a TPO as he's 6'6 300+ pound homicidal maniac. He's constantly talking about killing someone. He's violent. Anyone reading this Familiar w/ BPD knows if it is common for an obsession with violence.

[@Josh-oe4ex]

chucks input is seriously underrated. He's not just a comedian

[@odHbo]

I nearly died when Chuck did that Trump on Molly impression. 💀💀💀

[@MADVESSEL]

I'm glad no one has tried to censor Chuck

[@jillcrowe2626]

Chuck was an integral part of this discussion. I really appreciate his explanation and don't care if it's first person or not. He's so articulate.

[@labandalatinband]

Psychedelics are just an exceptional mental health breakthrough. It's quite fascinating how effective they are against depression and anxiety. Saved my life.

[@Sami-cy4yj]

Can you help with the reliable source I would really appreciate it. Many people talk about mushrooms and psychedelics but nobody talks about where to get them. Very hard to get a reliable s0urce here in Australia. Really need!

[@javiermarcu]

Yes, Psychehubs. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.

[@raja-hg6hf]

Is he on instagram?

[@javiermarcu]

Yes he is. Psychehubs

[@HevenEsports]

I wish they were readily available in my place. Microdosing was my next plan of care for my husband. He is 59 & has so many mental health issues plus probable CTE & a TBI that left him in a coma 8 days. It's too late now I had to get a TPO as he's 6'6 300+ pound homicidal maniac. He's constantly talking about killing someone. He's violent. Anyone reading this Familiar w/ BPD know if it is common for an obsession with violence.

[@rockmathias1848]

I am seeing Chuck in a whole different light: he is way more than a comedian. Smart, articulate, empathetic!

[@jasonlow6943]

They don't call him chick NICE for nothing.

[@NerdENerd]

I have come round on Chuck as well. At first I though he was a bit of a C3PO, unnecessary comedic relief for a science based show.

[@markgigiel2722]

Yeah empathetic from MDMA evidently. He sounded like an expert.

[@jks1311]

@@NerdENerd I think he's still annoying lol

[@dr_brein]

Chuck really blew me away. He is brilliant!

[@Phillice]

Best title ever! Opened my KZbin on my phone, first and only video on screen; first time I didn’t even scroll 😂

[@thelimpchubby6318]

Same here😂😂😂

[@gazmad]

Hey Neil i thought you didn't believe in Free Will?

[@ashevillespartan]

Same!!! I am a retired military vet with a lot PTSD/TBI issues and I have been curious of this and ayahuasca-

[@MissMikah420]

Wow it got a lot of us the same way 😂

[@ashevillespartan]

To all the haters...MDMA and a Dark Energy lecture sprinkled with some Annunaki and let's get all these religious texts together and raise our vibrations. Let's ###ing go. The truth is out there. Don't let the powers control truth- I love these videos. Makes you 🤔

[@sherreeacree7306]

I believe MDMA saved my life. My childhood and early adult years were very traumatic. MDMA allowed me to be empathetic to myself. Taught me to love me, even if I wasn't worth it to others.

[@Graycy808]

You're worth it to me!

[@peterclarke6191]

Same experience here

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

That's not empathy, that's introspection. Self-awareness allows you to separate your identity from your experiences. You did not cause your trauma, but you wouldn't allow happiness until you were overwhelmed by euphoria and you accepted that you might be a good person. And you have to love yourself before anyone else can love you.

[@toneycosmos]

Me to. Also used it to treat my adhd for a while

[@InnovativeSustainableSolutions]

Same

[@krispykruzer]

Chucks take on PTSD and effects of MDMA is spot on, I went through a bout of PTSD and a proposed treatment was Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy, which is exactly what Chuck spoke about, and I can see the benefits of MDMA through EMDR therapy. Your my hero chuck !!! On the social media banter, use safe search and it will generally filter all comments out of YT videos And just get rid off those time waster platforms

[@nasababy2279]

lol I’m undergoing emdr too and it is definitely a wonderful rehabilitation process !

[@sagar696]

Gary's ability to structure and word his questions so well is very impressive

[@DaM0viestar]

Its amazing how articulate and intelligent Chuck is... he is able to take the complex science and break it down into entertaining and layman terms. Thank you startalk team!

[@lonesom]

Chuck is very revealing. NATURALLY transparent.🙂

[@lordeggo]

MDMA can make permanent changes to your neuro chemistry. Some are often users. Some it only takes once. I would attribute it to over saturation but I can't emphasis enough that if you might have any pre-existing neurological problems be careful.

[@elitealice]

Got to see Dr. Tyson speak in downtown Detroit last week at the fillmore and it was amazing! One of my childhood heroes and the reason I wanted to become an astronomer

[@_negentropy_]

So excited for Dr. Rein and his research! Thanks for having him in the podcast.

[@DaveOz-mx5oh]

MDMA can be legally prescribed in Australia for PTSD, and psilocybin (from magic mushrooms) for treatment-resistant depression

[@onemercilessming1342]

"She goes running to the shelter of her mother's little helper...What a drag it is..." --"The Rolling Stones"

[@loisrossi841]

Neil’s experience is unusual and I think it enhanced his existing empathy. I can’t speak to drugs (medications) as a way to improve a person’s level of empathy. Also, a lack of empathy drifts over into narcissism, another issue all together. Excellent presentation.

[@lisacooke5928]

Makes sense that after you see someone else experience trauma when you yourself were helpless at that time that in the future, you would find a greater incentive to help. Studies have shown that volunteering can help victims of trauma both first and second hand

[@AkshayBharad-kv9su]

Enjoyed this way more than I thought I would.

[@FrankDijkstra]

As someone with ADHD and having a bad distribution of dopamine, MDMA had seriously helped me open up more

[@RDJ1SS]

Neil, I've actually experienced something similar post military duty. As part of my job ive watched some stuff often. The year i got out of the military, I struggled with nightmares and intrusive day dreaming. Once I came to terms with it all, I now have a stronger emotional response to sad moments and happy moments that I see in life or in media

[@jabs22usa]

My question with regards to medication to change a person. Is to ask the CLOCK WORK ORANGE dilemma, When is it wrong, or correct that we as a society give a medication that we find would chemically change a person to what we currently perceive as being an acceptable behavior?

[@stephenschroeder6567]

Outstanding conversation and discussion! BUT...OMG the volume of ads!! When are these advertisers going to realize that their _interruption_ of a program such as this only makes me want to *NEVER* utilize/purchase their product or service?

[@rockmathias1848]

They keep pounding Febreeze onto my screen. Honesty, I’ve bought it before,,, but after all these ads ~> Never will i buy it again

[@TimConly]

Empathy is a logical response to someone else's suffering. Anyone understanding their own experience of suffering in turn understands others' problems. It is harder to identify with someone with a mental disorder like addiction if you haven't experienced that condition themselves.

[@Sonnell]

that is not true. It is explained in the video as well. There is a logical side of it, but the main part is emotional. And that is completely different, and kinda separate. You feel it, even if you do not want to. It is a feeling.

[@666MaRius9991]

What you are describing is just the cognitive empathy and not the emotional empathy.

[@Starryeyed1801]

Isn't it funny how Chuck talks like Neil when he's onto something 😂 Love the enthusiasm!

[@Scott_Hoge]

I used to get drunk when I was 25 and go out with a trash stick picking up litter. My thought while drunk was, "Being nice is fun when you're happy." I haven't had a drink in 15 years and I kept that sentiment with me. Kant's moral philosophy abstracts from *any* empathy-affecting neurological condition. It therefore applies even to the most mentally incapacitated individuals, inasmuch as they are still capable of reason according to a presumption of free will. It is here that a distinction between empathy, on one hand, and morality, on another, can be made.

[@markgigiel2722]

This was more interesting and more fun than some of the other episodes.

[@TheWayVe]

Neil Degrasse Tyson. Imma fan.

[@marvinmauldin4361]

I feel empathy for people on this show without nice fireplaces for a background.

[@seanstephenson4029]

Facts. But probably for a different reason. My empathy is for the flames on that fireplace They were not good . dark yellow and wicky at the top. That means there’s too much oxygen not enough gas bad mixture probably causing soot

[@jwmmitch]

I'm approx 30 minutes in. What I heard MDMA does that's good for assisting PTSD is it shuts down the fight-or-flight part of the brain, and that's what allows one to process an event without emotionally reliving it. I could be wrong

[@dontactlikeUdonkno]

Chuck is low-key the world's foremost expert on neuroscience

[@JML6988]

Our empathetic response to war acts in the same manner not only to those hearing about it on the news but to those involved in it. Intense emotion at first but subsiding as time goes on. It seems to me this subsiding is necessary for our well-being.

[@XxTheAwokenOnexX]

We need more conversations like this, as health experts know the benifits of narcotics outweigh any pitfalls, but they won't admit it!

[@fraliexb]

33:33 also with social media some people can be anonymous, so they can say whatever they want and not face any consequences.

[@jmanj3917]

1:42 Dang, Chuck!.. and in the right key, too...🙂

[@riskninja8194]

My fav video so far - do more like these

[@29DPT]

This is really helpful, i had a dream i was in a mental health rehab facility and trying to escape. May is mental health awareness, we need more love more empathy, it goes a long way.if you lack emotions, empathy, you shouldn’t work in medical field

[@maggnar]

Iguess a second episode with Dr. Rein would be important. With many kids into the autistic spectrum empathy is a real challenge from their perspective. Many of this kids have problems identifiying other people's emotions or behaves. If MDMA could help some of this kids to interact with the rest of us would be amazing. Could Dr. Rein have something to say about the subject? Cheers!

[@katrinat6314]

Yes some autistics seem like jerks socially because the lack of empathy- maybe I’m autistic for saying that

[@iChaseCorals]

Magic water for me. And yes. It intensifies the energy of the music. I don’t sense empathy or feelings though. At least not in the 4-6hrs of usage. But i am generally empathetic by choice.

[@erinhansen2110]

Outstanding episode and topic! Ben was a great guest.

[@dr_brein]

Thank you!!

[@erinhansen2110]

@@dr_brein - The item that makes Neil so popular is his ability to take complex topics and explain them in a manner in which others can easily understand it. Ben, your communication skills were amazing! You were able to do the same thing, if not better. Hopefully you'll be on the channel and I encourage you to branch out more on KZbin. You could be some combo of Neil and Mark Rober. Good luck! Cheers! :)

[@user-go6sb8kd6w]

I am always amazed by your StarTalk episodes. The information is truly amazing. Thank you 👍

[@paulwells782]

Thanks for the recommendation, I will definitely give it a try.

[@Ambryu1]

It's hard to be empathetic towards someone's situation if you haven't been there yourself, so experiences are a big part of it.

[@Greatblue56]

What a fascinating episode. Thank you for the wonderful discussion.

[@johnvogel5722]

It is true, we are all born with a very precise percentage of this empathy, when a soul becomes humbled by one way or another this feeling of emaphy thing we all have it encoded in our dna, just release it individually no matter what! The whole world needs this to improve the world of equal human people

[@g5lisa]

With my hyperactive self, too much stimulus for me, glad I recognized that and left it alone. 😊

[@vtksolid9127]

Fair enough but that’s what they were saying about being open minded the stimulus might help u in ways u haven’t thought of.

[@Ryan88881]

MDMA is both an amphetamine and a TAAR1 receptor agonist like Adderall. It literally helps to treat attention deficit hyperactivity...

[@davidgroll-cook7125]

Great subject Thanks Neil

[@jillcrowe2626]

Brilliant discussion! To put these particular brilliant people together to have this discussion really opened my mind. Thank you so much.

[@DaftyBoi412]

100%, it can get you intouch with parts of yourself that you may not of otherwise been able to access given your upbringing or suroundings etc.

[@firemedic23-5]

I'm a retired firefighter/paramedic, I can't speak for all of us but most us do probably do have a higher than normal level of empathy than average . And a whole lot of patience, like when an otherwise healthy adult male calls 911 because he hasn't had a bowel movement in three days!! As for as fires, we get paid to sit at the station and wait for fires, we fight them because we love it!!!!

[@ryanjohnwisniewski599]

Love watching these moments. The real versions of these very real people having honest discussions on meaningful topics.😊

[@xantiom]

Regarding to the lack of empathy for the lack of face-to-face interactions. Before email we had the telegraph and before that we had snail mail. There were no hostilities or trolling via letters. In fact, most mails were beautifully written, in all aspects including the calligraphy, grammar, narration, and packed with emotions.

[@earthiswatching1649]

StarTalk is THE best !

[@user-du6zo7zp2k]

Yes it definitely can; it's clear to see. Although it is not a universal panacea for all people, all different personalities it definitely can help you become a better person than you were by moving you to a better place than you were before. I have experienced this first hand and seen it first hand in many friends.

[@HelpMeFindTheseSongs]

I've done Molly several times in my life, at social events and night clubs. It's extremely fun. It's like being in love but with everyone and you feel amazing on it. HOWEVER, the come-down is horrendous. You will have the worst night's sleep of your life (if you even sleep at all that night), and the following day you feel horrible. Like, depressed horrible. Is it worth it? It's up to you.

[@dennissmith7214]

Thanks for the first hand testimony😳……………I’ll pass based on the second part of said testimony! 😂😂🤷🏽‍♂️

[@ExTern-nl4ov]

If you try to limit the use to like half of a normal Dose, its pretty handable.

[@duudnivek409]

That’s if you don’t know how to properly prepare for a come down LMAOO

[@HelpMeFindTheseSongs]

@@duudnivek409 Okay cool guy 👍

[@imdiyu]

This new StarTalk intro is really Cosmic. It fills your heart with wonder, more so than before. 🥂

[@EricDavidRocks]

Maybe without evidence Chuck Nice was added to this channel way back when, but I have grown in science knowledge along with him, and I love his questions that don't waste time like another comic's would.

[@romulusmars3766]

Helps with ptsd and depression

[@Darkflowerchyld718]

I've had some of the best nights of my life on ecstasy. It connected me to myself and those around me in a way I'd never expected or experienced before. It makes me sad for today's young adults that fentyal has ruined this incredible experience that generations before them have experienced.

[@drsaddomia]

The Phoenix is my favorite mythological creature. Loved this reading.

[@nasababy2279]

Topics like this need to be talked about more! so drug rehabilitation science can continue to help all sorts of people! Shot Neil! 🎉

[@BenjieK9-xm1yy]

Best Episode Ever gonna Smoke A Blunt for yah to celebrate 🙌 how awesome this show just dropped on this episode 🔥

[@janiebarber5772]

I love you Neil! You fascinate me!

[@writeJANTYRATLIFF4President24]

bless topic, ndt and crew - bless

[@MaxFerney]

Thank you for elaborating how empathy works. I've felt high in empathy most of my life, and this gives me better knowledge on how to handle it.

[@mrstevo32100]

You should put yourself in my shoes, I still have no idea how it works!

[@spawn142001]

It would've been nice if you guys acknowledged mdmas neurotoxicity or explored the research of that. This could have also provided some education on how to prevent neurotoxicity either through ingestion of say antioxidants or discussing that maybe it only becomes neurotoxic above a certain dose threshold. This is really useful, prevalent information that alot of users either don't have or have inaccurate information about.

[@dr_brein]

I hope in the future if I'm invited back on the show we can discuss this in greater detail!

[@EricDavidRocks]

Some studies have shown that reading novels can increase empathy, so drugs are not necessarily necessary, but it's interesting to consider that we can increase empathy with either fiction or conscious therapy.

[@vtksolid9127]

Empathy I think is a learned trait through each individuals life experiences also like reading a book

[@Pluralofvinylisvinyls]

I read every single day and I hate people.

[@Ryan88881]

Alright but you're missing the point. Lots of things can and will enhance empathy, but that's not even remotely abnormal or special. Just like how one should already have a decent stratum of empathy naturally. The point outlined here however is that drug compounds are obviously going to do it *much* more powerfully than any other practical method. A drug would be the 'nuclear option' here, not the necessarily the first. With that said though, there are much much more effective compounds for creating/enhancing "empathy" than MDMA.

[@Pluralofvinylisvinyls]

@@Ryan88881 I tried but I cannot think of any other drug that causes as much empathy as MDMA. I once confessed my love to a janitor for whole minutes while on MDMA.

[@Keyspoet27]

​@Pluralofvinylisvinyls Which is more a funtion of what you are reading, rather than the act of reading itself.

[@davidletarte214]

for me, all psychedelic drugs promote empathy not only during but after experiences are over. but, also for me, i may need to have several psilocybin or LSD experiences to get to the place where MDMA reliably brings me mainly without fail. i think classic psychedelics require a bit more intention, work & reflection where drugs like MDMA, ketamine (& oral DMT in the form of huasca) kind of force you to get to a helpful place where there is less noise than with the classics. but obviously to maximize the therapeutic value of any experience will require intention, work & reflection just like anything else in life. i'm not trying to downplay the advantages of the classics, because they have the potential to go even farther than things like MDMA or ketamine but the reflection may generally be quite a bit more intense.

[@Ryan88881]

Is this a joke or something? It's clearly the other way around lol. Especially the statement in your 3rd sentence.. That assertion is quite literally, and specifically; completely backwards. If anything, true psychedelics are what "force" this kind of stuff. MDMA and ketamine absolutely do not though, especially MDMA. They're literally known for that too.

[@davidletarte214]

@@Ryan88881 i agree with that, so i think maybe i didn't explain it well enough. what i will add is that classic psychs will require a lot more integration after the experience to maximize benefits. & to generally elucidate my point i'll say that MDMA & ket will reliably bring me to a headspace where therapeutic work is relatively easy whereas classics are far more dependent on external factors to create therapeutic environment. summary: MDMA, ket, DMT will relaiably bring me to their respective zones, & classics depend on environment more to bring me to a therapeutic zone, does that make sense?

[@Kheper-Nefer]

Get it Chuck! Show what ya know! ❤

[@onigvd77]

Chuck was on fire with this episode :)

[@licenciadogarufa]

I love you guys.Thank you for making this video.

[@Agoncor]

this is incredible

[@patmazzotta868]

It is a very relevant topic. There are cases where some individuals are asking for help, due to PTSD and deep depression, in Canada. I know of one case where an individual suffers from PTSD and keeps reliving some bad experiences. That individual had several appointments with several different phycologist to get referrals to point them in the right direction. Possibly for referrals to physiatrists. But in the end, no one helped, for some unexplained reasons. So that person suffers silently, internally. One positive aspect is that they realised that alcohol and heavy drugs only made thing worse and stopped. But still.

[@Sammasambuddha]

A "friend"....right? 😂

[@carolspencer6915]

Yip Yip and YIP. Brilliant shared conversation indeed. Particularly the trauma aspects. Oh and the wee laughs too!😀 Truly grateful. 💜

[@user-ek8gs4ij4r]

I have a high degree of empathy and I can only speculate about where it came from. In fact, I sometimes feel I'm figuratively drowning in it!

[@Keyspoet27]

Right there with you. I'm a lifelong empath, and though mostly it's a positive mindset, it's not beneficial when I have to be in crowded areas and can work against my own mental health in those situations. Why I left the city for a more pastoral region.

[@ryanrutledge922]

MDMA : the only time I THOUGHT I could dance well . Thanks Molly , and Neil , and Gary and mr.b.rain , and chucky baby . ❤from🇨🇦

[@redonk1740]

4:55 - I AM

[@stevekirkby6570]

Really enjoyable... astrophysacist, comedian and sports commentator talk molly with a specialist :) Gotta say Chuck showed some great qualities on this one :)

[@mseeflanimsoo]

Wow, Chuck is a very smart guy. He seemed like the scientist in this conversation.

[@pohkeee]

The best comedians are the highest functioning observers of behavior!

[@emmmski77]

So great. So interesting!

[@29DPT]

I loved this ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Sam-nv6ug]

Yes it definitely can

[@henryoutlaw]

Great episode, I really enjoyed the content. I have one question, that has nothing to do with the content. Neil, what is the "Globe" on the desk behind you, and where can I get one. It seems so interesting that it almost distracted me from that content.

[@susanneternovsky646]

I bought your book STARRY MESSENGER at Las Vegas McCarran airport store. Ansver to page 93 complain. I love your book!

[@jwmmitch]

Interesting considering the cognitive vs emotional empathy being someone on the autistic spectrum that was diagnosed as an adult. What I'm thinking is that in making I've gotten really good at the cognitive empathy. And I've always been called sensitive but struggle to directly feel my emotions (as opposed to notice other changes, usually my thoughts, as clues to what emotions in having) but I'm guessing that I'm better online because I have more practice at the cognitive piece, which would translate to online interactions....

[@syedarmaghanhassan4652]

I really like the new Intro! twinkling sounds

[@thebelgamo]

chuck really did his homework!!

[@Gooldy87]

Its also a lot of fun

[@wario8855]

MDMA has shown, other a well and consistent possibility to heal PTSD and other “traumatic files” we have to live and deal with everyday, also a way to cure Acufene. Definitely a compound with a great potential but, with an high level of neurotoxicity if abused. Should be used as a healing substance instead of a “party drug” (which mostly ends up in a regular use). Shulgin himself said he take it sporadically and move on to other phenethylamines. To me, it’s been a great tool to explore old memories and understand/let go some old traumatic events.

[@mykodemgrzybodem]

2CB is probably the future

[@wario8855]

@@mykodemgrzybodem ❤️

[@mujisu9717]

Great show ❤❤... and btw as an introvert, I always prefer to text rather than call people on the phone lol...

[@jmanj3917]

27:00 Not all firefighters and paramedics are paid. There are a lot of volunteer departments in between the coasts, and anywhere else where it's a rural setting.

[@dr_brein]

Agree - that was one of my regrets listening back to the episode. I wish I had said more to emphasize the role of altruism and genuine desire to help. Obviously it's not all about a paycheck!

[@jmanj3917]

@@dr_brein Well, you caught it because you're aware of it, so that's always a great start! Plus, you've done the most important part by stating it as publicly as possible. So, again: Well done, Doc. Great video. Psilocybin has benefited me immensely (after and during many, many therapy sessions of various types...But, as you know, Doc, All the psilocybin in the world won't help you if you don't already have the cognitive toolkit to use while you're micrososing.) 🙂

[@The-binge_710]

Great Content

[@Hypnostedon]

Ι love mdma

[@danielafrunzapopescu271]

Also, motherhood enhances greatly empathy.

[@JeffKaylin-ft5cx]

So much talk about "Free Will", unlike the previous Vid.

[@RakhiPatil-qm3uo]

man i love chuck

[@billionsandbillionsofstars]

I like how nice we all are to each other in the comments. 😊 Wish everyone can just get along.

[@karlharvymarx2650]

When I take antidepressants that are supposed to increase serotonin activity, I lose a lot of empathy. Without them I'm the sort of person that has a hard time being around a lot of people at once because I feel so much of what everyone else is feeling, it is overwhelming. Somewhere in the range of hours to a day after quitting antidepressants, I have several hours of off the charts empathy, well beyond non-drugged me. I mean like balling my eyes out because a cat in a video obviously wanted to be petted but the owner walked by hardly noticing the cat which made the cat feel rejected. Or getting swept away by the girl's personality in Anne (I think that's the name of the TV series), feeling like an exuberant child again. A few hours after that I depression hits hard and I turn more self concerned but still with heightened emotions. The flavor of that depression tends to be more melodramatic and melancholic than my regular depressions but it does eventually become a regular depression, just worse. My native depression generally feels dark, windswept and icy cold and kind of deathy. When that ends after a few months to a year, I return to baseline me when not depressed. What the heck is that all about? I assume it has something to do with various serotonin receptor sub types going through different levels of activation or deactivation? I haven't tried MDMA but I assume it is tickling different subtypes also. Is there much chance of creating an antidepressant that only damps down depressive type feelings but leaves other emotions intact? Numbness is getting really old, and as I being to forget what normal is like so I can fake feeling normal, it is starting to negatively impact relationships.