Michael Pollan: How To Change Your Mind | E158

This is the last episode of our USA series, over the past few months we've been releasing some incredible conversations that I'm sure you'll agree have brought us more value, more incredible stories, and more world-beating expertise.
Michael Pollan is an author who between his five New York Times bestsellers has sold millions of books. Through exploring our connection to the natural world, he reveals sides of ourselves that we never knew we had.
Topics:
00:00 Intro
01:32 Follow your passion
05:48 Immersive journalism
09:26 Trying to solve systemic problems with individual acts, BLM & food system
17:09 Caffeine and its impact on us
26:37 Pollination & drugs
30:18 Psychedelics
49:47 Are psychedelics the cure to mental health problems?
52:04 When to do psychedelics
52:04 How to freshen your mind & get out of your comfort zone
01:04:08 Our last guest’s question
Michael:
/ michael.pollan
/ michaelpollan
Michael’s book:
www.amazon.co.uk/This-Your-Pl...
Michael’s Netflix series:
www.netflix.com/title/80229847
Listen on:
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Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT...
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[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

🚨 If we hit 3,000 likes I’m going to make a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT about a major upcoming guest in the next episode!!! 🚨 🤯

[@iifeofdeji5438]

Obama?

[@eleisatrujillo3398]

Elon

[@BronaghMcnamara]

Too soon to say Boris?

[@triciaseddon4301]

@@BronaghMcnamara 🤣🤣🤣

[@annakissed3226]

Why would you want to fix your brain? The whole point of having a brain is to be able to be flexible enough to adapt to a new situation?? Flex your Brain: Don't Fix It!!

[@sarsensurpri5986]

Caffine part starts at 17:25 !!! Long winded start.

[@staycurious3954]

Thx 😅

[@emmawagner471]

Thank you!

[@robertsvideos8702]

Thanks, I was just about to give up on this one even although I'm sure it's a great interviewee I clicked to hear his thoughts on caffine

[@andyrevo8081]

I had a toothache. Then you wrote "17:25". Pain was gone. You should be a doctor.

[@hagibis4535]

Thanks

[@AbbyS.Pumpkins]

Coffee improves my digestion, energy, focus, productivity, creativity, and sense of well-being. I love you coffee. ☕️ ☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️

[@adamhelper3277]

Cocaine does all those better. Doesnt mean it doesnt hurt your health..lol

[@Random-es7yo]

I had to stop because it was making me ill. After you have been clean for a while you think fuck what was I doing to myself.

[@Stierenkloot]

Coffee does nothing for me

[@salvatorerinaldo4613]

I gave up caffeine 14 months ago after abusing it for 20 years. The first couple of months were tough, the first 3 weeks in particular were hell. If you allow enough time, not only you will feel yourself again but better overall. Now I'm less anxious, I have consistent energy throughout the day and I feel I can focus on things better. Like when I was a teenager 🙂 I also rediscovered the pleasure of a proper breakfast in the morning and - most importantly - I sleep like a baby and have lots of dreams. Caffeine is a legalized drug serving a multi-billion dollar industry. It doesn't make sense to wake up tired and need a drug to get through your day. I drink lots of decaf teas now and feel more productive than ever.

[@purplegirl8036]

I’m scared of my dreams tho

[@lauraestes9304]

I remember the day i drank the first coffee ....my air force electronics teacher ordered me to drink coffee because i was falling asleep in class....ive drank the coffee every day since then and its 33 years later. I had never drank tea or coffee or much soda up to that point and it was like cocaine to me. Lol now its just weird to imagine no caffeine. Im determined to quit..

[@salvatorerinaldo4613]

@@lauraestes9304 Good luck! I quit cold turkey and I wouldn't recommend it. Cutting down gradually over an extended period of time is less disruptive though the risk is that you never give up completely. I would recommend reading the book "Caffeine Blues: Wake Up to the Hidden Dangers of America's #1 Drug" by Stephen Cherniske for more info.

[@vaughanreed7920]

I quit coffee cold turkey almost 18 years ago. I was 5 cups a day. First two weeks were hell, bad headaches etc. but have never regretted the decision. I find it amusing that coffee drinkers will always say they are not addicted, but can’t go more than 24 hours without a caffeine hit.

[@apteryx7080]

@@lauraestes9304 I quit about six weeks ago. I drink Organic Decaf (chemical free) instead, or bone broth. For the last two weeks I've beenI adding Real Mushrooms (that's the brand) Reishi and Lion's Mane to the brew. I cannot believe how much better I feel. I do not yawn at all during the day. I sleep and dream and actually look forward to going to bed 😊.

[@lelaanderson7453]

Just turned 78. An auto accident 3 years ago has changed my life. I don’t walk the same. I struggle with my memory. Was forced to stop working. Was forced to isolate due to Covid. This interview has reawaken my determination to restore my social, mental and physical health. I’m encouraged to continue moving toward being the me I want to be. I remember speaking to my psychiatrist 30 years ago after a difficult divorce if he could safely suggest a safe psychedelic experience to better understand myself. He asked if I were asking him to be my drug dealer. I’m now encouraged to seek out a safe inward experience. This program has been a great encouragement for me to continue searching. Thank you, thank you! 🙏🏽🍀

[@tumbleweeduk7479]

Ketogenic diet with intermittent fasting can really help your mind and you can find plenty of details on Dr Berg KZbin. Also vitamin D3 with K2 and NAC help me, plus fish oils. Also emotional freedom technique EFT with Brad Yates on KZbin can be really helpful, in fact life-saving in my case. I am a similar age to you and always looking for improvement and feeling better without drugs. Namaste 🙏

[@SamStone1964]

Do you meditate?

[@marios3202]

Do it. It's a beautiful experience. I did it. Was the best decision I ever made.

[@Philip-Zuco]

This is truly inspiring

[@mitmo03]

You can grow your own very ewsily...uncle bens tek

[@laurab9867]

Now that I am a senior citizen, I notice how jaded older people are. Hearing this brilliant author say he is still naive and talking about 'not losing the sense of wonder' at his age is total validation. I am so glad I have not lost my curiosity and desire to learn new things. He also talks about habits being comforting but also stifling. I stay away from rigid thinkers like the plague. Anyway, there is so much to unpack here... Bravo, Steven! Another brilliant interview.

[@nataliafedor1480]

I too have not lost my sense of wonder and curiosity

[@Sunnahiman]

I am a African American 68 yr of age started drinking coffee 3 yrs ago it keeps me from feeling sad I am very happy drinking this. I drink at lease 4 cups no jitters or tiredness. I loss weight because it suppressed my desire to eat. My sleep is restless but I get about 6 hrs of sleep. I drink water throughout the day. I don't drink or smoke so coffee is my emotional pleasure. I move a lot I am physically in great health and exercise and do vitamins and green juices since the 70s. Caffeine is not addictive to me I drink it because of the level of happiness and energy I feel. If I decide not to drink coffee it's not a problem.

[@findingdori442]

I Heart your comment! 💛💛💛 Speaks volumes to me! 💛

[@Sunnahiman]

@@findingdori442 A natural enjoyment Stay well. ☕️

[@findingdori442]

@@Sunnahiman 💛

[@Sunnahiman]

@@findingdori442 Blessings

[@findingdori442]

@@Sunnahiman 💛

[@Noelsterrr]

I stopped consuming caffeine two months ago and I almost never have anxiety attacks anymore and I'm surprisingly more alert.

[@karenpeatey6226]

More alert wow !! Thankyou for sharing (I’m so addicted) !

[@MarcosAG90]

Wow that's great!! How long did it take you to get over the withdrawal

[@user-tz5rb3dp2j]

@@MarcosAG90 it takes a couple to a few days. The withdrawal symptom is insane headaches.

[@DebtToHealth]

Same here and way more in tune with my natural circadian rhythm.

[@madsquishy3410]

I'm on day 5 of no caffeine and I can't wait to get to day 30 when I can really see all the changes and benefits. Good for you for getting off of it though. Most people won't even consider it lol

[@imartanius]

I quit for about a year. Then I quit alcohol and decided i’d go back to my one cup a day. For about a week it was very nice. The next week I had to make the coffee much stronger to feel anything. About a month later I realized that the only thing coffee was doing anymore was “fixing” my need. So I quit again and since then I only use it as a drug. And wow does it work. Had to work quite late so I had a 20 ounce mug. I was tired when I took the first sip but roughly 3 hours later I still had good energy. Next day I felt no cravings and this to me makes the most sense. Why do something everyday, when it completely loses the effect you do it for to begin with and as an added negative it creates a need… Reminds me of smoking when I was a kid… never got anything from it, but the need was overwhelming.

[@blaedy]

I used to suffer from severe Depression and Anxiety and I can tell you that there is something within you that can get you back on track, for me personally I found my way to nature and to spirituality. I think its not initially the psychedelics, I think they can just trigger that experience you have to make by changing your perspective and way of thinking. I gladly achieved this by meditation and selfcare and I can tell you the worst thing you can do is doing drugs regularly, except maybe psychedelics under guidance. So what I am basically saying is: For those of you who don't want to try psychedelics to achieve that state of mind, you can do this on your own and as Wim Hof says "get high on your own supply" + Find comfort in discomfort!!

[@SamStone1964]

Yes 15 minutes of meditation every morning will have profound effects.

[@kumulsfan8090]

I agree 100% but psychedelics made me go "ooooohh that's my problem" meditation, yoga, spiritually is great but psychedelics for me is like a magnifying glass that takes you right to the problem and shows you

[@18_rabbit]

@@kumulsfan8090 yes indeed, that is precisely how it has no equal actually. I.e, frame-of-reference shift, aka portal, aka finally seeing what's supposed to be in the mind's eye. But yes , otoh, a few ppl can meditate and find similar. Many anxious and depressed ppl are incapable of meditation, yes this is true, just as a psychologist!

[@Bomber411]

As someone who has dealt with CPTSD, anxiety and depression my whole life and had about 20 years of intense psychotherapy trying many different techniques and systems, my sister showed up here once 2 summers ago with some (clean) MDMA, we went into the woods and she held space for me. My next psychotherapy apt a few days later my dr couldn't believe the change. It was night and day. I've done mushrooms a few times which helped in different ways, and I highly recommend these to anyone who isn't benefiting from conventional approach. No amount of meditation or mindful breathing exercises etc etc will do what psychedelics will and you'll lose many years trying to achieve it, where psychedelics can get you there with no delay. I think personally, I could benefit with another MDMA trip if she can source these again, and will definitely be doing mushrooms again, hopefully soon as it's been a few years and I could use a fresh "snowfall". Set and setting is vital!

[@kumulsfan8090]

@@Bomber411 I don't understand people who clearly have not tried a psychedelic drug in their lives yet they want to deter people from them and go the spiritual natural route, they have no idea how special these experience's are, no idea at all.

[@vesnaya999]

I knew a grandma who lived 111, smoked few cigarettes and consumed 3 cups of coffee till her last day. There are no rules that apply to all.

[@lvalesic-bralo2478]

Some people just thont want to live forever ;-)

[@istvanpraha]

Thing is though, many people like that have health issues and lack of strength. Yes they stay alive but it’s not like they are super healthy

[@fredcatcreedy980]

She was probably drinking from the hairy cup.

[@TheBillaro]

1 in 100 000. dont like those odds

[@fredcatcreedy980]

@@TheBillaro have you tried bettering the odds by drinking from the hairy cup?

[@YasminA-jm9zs]

This feels like a conversation rather than an interview. I love it! Thank you both.

[@lauralindsay319]

One of the most interesting and informative and humbling hours of listening I've ever had the pleasure of. Thank you for your time and wisdom. I've been a coffee shop manager, I've been a stoner, a borderline alcoholic, a sugar addict, a smoker... I've been depressed for over 2/3rds of this lifetime. I've had a few moving psychedelic experiences and slowly but surely saw that my addictions were what held me down. I'm now a gardener and lover of life and only occasionally dabble with a previous crutch as a passing plaything instead of a lifeline. Now I am blessed enough to see the conciousness in every single thing around me and in everyone I look upon, even if they don't see it in me 👀👀👀 It's wonderful to learn a little bit about the ins and outs of the ride I've been on for nearly 38 years. Thank you again for the insights and the sharing 💞 Love to all who read this from a wonderful wee hill in Scotland 💙🌏💙

[@narelleschulze3959]

Thank you Laura for your informative msg, I’m 62 and you give me hope, much ❤️

[@jeannemeger5491]

Scotland. Famous for the Wee folk who live there. Ever see a Sprite dancing on a wee Scottish hill? Or an ogre? Thinking back over time as you have, feels like a mellow me, shifting to later years. Thanks for sharing your story. Great that you are at a real comfort level. Seems you found what we all seek. Connection with a greater consciousness. You say it better, personal. You have quite a life now. Bet your garden is lovely. Thanks for the wisdom learned thus. Lots of possibilities in living. Wondering would I own a coffee shop in my younger days? Not selected. Still. A fragrance from heaven that is awesome. Bless whoever created hot coffee! Life experiences brought you to now. There is always more. It's not over till the unmistakable bagpipes sound off. Unusual. Haunting. Even then, it is not over. Souls are eternal and live on, until returning to the world to experience physical life once again. What makes it tough? There is no Owner's Manual! It is catch as catch can, by guess and by golly. We muddle thru, gaining insights as years pass. So here we are. Morning is nie. Grateful for the time shared in August, 2022. 😊 Ciao

[@74the_magpie]

You had a lot of enlightenment, touched by an angel as they say. Heaven is helping all of us the same way.

[@elisecurran9497]

So glad you discovered gardening, because I have found that everyone I know who spends any amount of time doing it ALWAYS feels the benefits....I sure do!

[@MM-fb9fi]

The description you give describes a number of people I know. Smart, multifaceted, drink too much off and on, serious sugar addicts, creative and some are ocdc and many are or were smokers. All are serious coffee drinkers. Never fit in, seem to be a square peg in a round hole, always swimming upstream, you are maybe called unconventional. Usually kind, concerned for the people around them and have a pet, many times they feel the pet is their only friend. Well take heart because you are one of the blessed. Sometimes it takes a while to "figure" it out but you are. Gardening is a real soul healer.

[@luisduarte5818]

I agree, in my younger years and working under stress i drank too much coffee and sent me to the hospital with Heart Arithmia, now still enjoy it but I limit myself to two cups a day only and finally learned that in life you can have everything but, only but with a Balance !

[@smallfootprint2961]

I had to quit coffee, for many reasons, but the main one was that I still had the affects (bad affects) at night. I really didn't like the way I felt at night. Now I see that the real me is quieter, more introspective, and more comfortable. Still not really happy. The caffeine hit made me happy, but the end of the day was horrible.

[@owsmindopsystem3617]

"The cleverness of plants..." what a great statement and idea. Hats off. That man seems to really know his stuff. Thank you kindly.

[@kirstinstrand6292]

Plant magic is very similar to Dream magic, only Plants appear to be more accessible. I'm eager for the experience, to be completely honest. My past dream from the Collective Unconscious needs plant magic to verify my interpretation. Pollard is a gift to mankind!

[@NoLefTurnUnStoned.]

@@ronaldrenegade8519 Psychedelics don’t fool you.

[@gosiamalaczek]

I need to see Michael Pollan talk to Dr Amen who is actually scanning the brains and could answer his questions

[@janicevick9088]

It’s people and conversations like this that I feel we need more of to change humanity for the better. Thank you both so much.

[@jimhenry3383]

Bravo 🤝🙏😎 BINGO

[@kirstinstrand6292]

I lost my fear of Death as I lay beside my nearly 107 year old mother, making sure that she did not die alone. Prior to this, was perplexed about how the death experience would feel. I had slight feelings of anxiety, but not terror. Now, I know what to expect. Is there another life to be experienced? Probably, yet it matters not to me. Life just is, for as long as we have it.

[@Allplussomeminus]

Beautiful

[@jeannemeger5491]

What wonderful human care to share with your Mom, transitioning from physical life. Such a comfort. Experienced my own personal family losses. Was there with Mom at home when time was ending. Quietly urged her to walk into the light ahead, to feel the love, no fear. Breath just stops. When we are born, an inhalation begins life. Breath is given. At the end, there is only an exhalation. Breath is taken away. We say life is a gift. Seems to be one breath from start to finish with all choices in between to educate us thru lifelong experiences on the Earth plane. We are born a blank slate. We move and grow and find in ourselves answers to some questions we seek and ask. Earth life is a schoolroom with untold adventures, up and down surprises, quixotic puzzles with no solutions, suffering and happiness. Comes from the duality making up the physical world. We are on our own spiritual path. Feels right to know myself as a soul experiencing life in a physical body on the Earth. Have no fear of dying or death. My mother-in-law shared her story when she died on vacation. The tunnel felt like perfect peace, birds and butterflies, music filling the air. Wanted to stay. Was sent back by Lord Jesus. Not her time. Prayed in Thanksgiving each day on Earth for eleven more years. The body knows physical life and wants to be here. The soul knows Heaven is our real Home and wants to be there. Therefore, enjoy as much loveliness as you can. Keep the Golden Rule. We really all are precious. Take care of yourself and our special Earth. Humans will not go to the stars. We are a carbon based oxygen dependent physical creation, too fragile to survive outer space. Earth is our home away from Home. Needs our care and commitment. Robots can make the trip to the stars and return. Still in the planning stage.

[@oz8533]

@@jeannemeger5491 Wow that's simply a poem written to my heart. Hope I'm ready to read it soon as I myself have my own morality fears, and taking care of my mother whos up there in years and has endured much throughout her life here. Bless you🙏☮🕊

[@jeannemeger5491]

@@oz8533 Greetings to you. Spend time with your family, with your Mom, now, before her transition. Let her hear your voice, filling moments with warmth, memories of sitting at the kitchen table sharing a meal, coffee and pie. Read a joke of the day for laughs. A brief visit to do some minor repairs, even securing a favorite photo means you care. Taking her to the store, shopping for her, being company on a day of sorrow for comfort are love in action. Little and big moments shared mean a lot. Many NDE Near Death Experience stories are stunning accounts of heaven. Check them out to learn for yourself and share stories with your Mom if doing so relieves fear of dying. All stories are personal and the soul returns to the body to share Heaven with us to not be afraid. Prayers sent to God from a thankful heart are received with the intent intact. A powerful connection to the Other Side. Blessings to you and your family as you live brand new waking hours in joy, finding meaning and purpose. Every thing is choice. Angels guide and protect your coming and going to the end of days as is their purpose. Namaste, I honor the Divine in you.

[@SamStone1964]

@@jeannemeger5491 We are not born a blank slate. We come into this life with passions and desires and preferences and connections.

[@teresastuart1516]

I am 88 years old woman. From Bay Area in California. I can walk and stand straight. Exercise at home. 5 ft 6. 125 weight. I drink coffee every day but only 1 to 2. I was a runner when I was young. I don’t smoke ever also never drank any kind or liquor. No sugar or meat but fish and vegetables and fruit. On vacation over seas Far East. Thanks 😊

[@katesmiles4208]

100% with you ma'am. ❤️

[@MountainofInspiration]

"Curiosity is a muscle that you have to cultivate." Love it

[@Journey2Source]

Michael Pollan...what a guy! Thanks Steven, you're changing the conversation and I genuinely believe the course of history

[@suesjoy]

He is an uncle of one of my daughter’s friends. I would love to meet him one day. Such a beautiful soul.

[@blbrightlights564]

When I had my children I saw things in a new and fresh way. Their energy gives a whole new prospective on life.

[@EagleArrow]

Why a teacher that has children or raised children or has a close family where they are close to children such as younger siblings or nieces and nephews are better. In my experience of raising 3, teachers with no children or don't have a close experience with children are very short tempered, annoyed easily, cold or not 100% invested and just don't understand 'normal kid behaviour' or 'not normal kid behaviour'. Not all, but most. Best teachers are those with children or raised children.

[@darkvanishings4494]

This channel is literally life changing. I am learning so much about health and happiness and it's transforming my life and the life of my family in so many positive ways. This was another incredible guest. Mind blowing. Felt sorry for the cow though. When the cow wasn't saved, Michael described the experience so casually and dispassionately as if the cow was a tin of beans being put back on a supermarket shelf, rather than a sentient, feeling being who deserved to live. He should have saved the cow. I can't get enough of this channel. Brilliant guests. Stephen is so intelligent as well.

[@createwithbarbbl4125]

I agree. He could have saved the cow and he chose not to. That tells me something about him. Doesn't mean I don't enjoy the channel. I checked out a lot of comments people were more interested in caffeine than the cow.

[@darkvanishings4494]

@CreateWithBarb BL totally agree. The cow is far more important than the caffeine:)

[@Starfish2145]

Agree. I had the same reaction

[@patspellman5888]

As much as I enjoy his books, I have noticed that he lacks sensitivity to animals.

[@darkvanishings4494]

@@patspellman5888 and sensitivity towards animals is so important:)

[@GlynTaylor]

Been watching about 3 of these types of podcasts everyday for the past month, and I'm still not bored. Making my life better in ways I couldn't have comprehended before, and there still seems to be no end to what there is to learn

[@noseycow7681]

Try @Triggernometry they have done great guests on there.

[@GlynTaylor]

@@noseycow7681 Thanks Nosey Cow! 😂 Seriously tho I appreciate that, I'll have a look 🙌

[@yannickclaes90]

Good questions, good atmosphere, great guests.

[@georgemooyman7155]

I had to make a coffee to watch this.

[@MishaIsha1]

"My default consciousness was caffeinated consciousness. " WOW 😮 That was a profound statement and not one I'd ever heard.

[@casaMariaPT]

This guy for me has to be the most interesting man on Earth. The time went by so quickly and I was hanging on every word. And hats off to you Stephen, there is nothing ruins my enjoyment of an interview more than an interviewer that doesn’t know when to shut up and listen. You always ask the right questions, always open-ended and just let your guest run with it. Fabulous, fabulous channel, thank you.

[@menarussell]

He's talking about the 478 breathing technique. I love it. I share it with people. When I lie down to fall asleep, I do it and always fall asleep soon after. It's great to reduce anxiety as well. Dr Weil recommends doing it 3 times which takes less than 2 min and to do it twice daily regularly. He says the body does even better by doing it 2 x day, regularly. I highly recommend it. Great chat. Thank you for sharing this. 😊

[@Nitti4n]

478 breathing technique = let's KZbin it... thanx

[@spindee407]

We did 478 breathing in a yoga class I took today! I did not know it was a thing. And then came home and listen to this podcast 🙏🏻

[@Guanaalex]

What a glowing genius. Thank you for this outstanding guest Michael. One more reason to love this live of wonders. Humble thanks.

[@aubreyj.tennant1123]

20:13 giving up things as an experiment has had a profound effect in my life. As a result it gave me a sense of complete control over all of them including cigarettes, booze, food vía intermittent fasting, exercise and certain relationships! It changed the meaning of “trying to quit” into knowing I’d go back to it anytime I decided to.

[@rootkite]

I believe that discussions such as this are how the world will change. My deepest gratitude to you both; let's usher in and recall the truths and tools we need to transform our civilization for the blossoming of life itself, in resonance with everything 💗

[@andrewmaloney9201]

Excellent Interview - as ALWAYS! Thank You Steven!! Watching You Interview Your, Especially Chosen, Guest Interviewee's has broadened the sphere of my understanding, learning and knowledge base. Exceptional Work!!! I Totally, Fully, Graciously, and Greatly Appreciate This Work that You Do with Much, Much Gratitude, As there is Nothing Else Quite Like It!!!! Top Marks!!!!! 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

[@Mimidalene]

Watched this a few times…Love Michael Pollan’s insight to this life experience ❤

[@mariaspieler2447]

I like the question about what's the cost of caffeine. I study Naturopathy, and learned that caffeine causes an awake feeling, sharper thinking, and a better working digestion, beacuse it accelerates many processes in the body as it enhances many of the functions of the sympathetic nervous system. That's the one which is on when we are stressed, the one which is constantly on when we suffer from chronic stress, the one which breaks down when we burn out. I think the cost of caffeine gets lost in a stressful working/private/everyday life, and remains unseen until you stop.

[@pazsion]

Or there isn’t anything wrong with caffeine, and some just don’t need it because their bodies already produce it. 🤷 so the ones with issues never should of started, they are the 10% of the world that is “normal” right? Just weird …

[@sandyjones1014]

We are so much more than we know. I admire this man for his ability to explore all the things that inspire him. Very fortunate man, and he's thankful for it, which is beautiful to see. Will follow him now.

[@67maezinha]

I drink 3 cups of coffee a day. I sleep very well, at least 8 hrs a night. I do not suffer from anxiety or depression, on the contrary, I am very calm. I am 56 years old and I have been drinking coffee since I was a child. In my country, Brazil, in my time it was normal to give coffee to children. My grandfather had a small farm where he planted coffee. I learned the whole process of preparing coffee until it was roasted, ground, and filtered. All my family drinks coffee. My grandparents died of natural causes in their late 90s. Maybe caffeine tolerance is linked to some genetic factor.

[@CraigSmith-ob9lp]

Psychedelics “unlearn the unlearning”. Beautiful!

[@moepow8160]

This is the first time I've listen to you or known about you. You said something that caught my attention. When you explained what you went through in your garden and you likened it to be a spiritual moment and you said it was very profound for you; and much more. But that's the just of what made me perk up. That's how I feel about my belief in God, believing in God gives me the same profound outlook so much so I have such a close personal relationship with God that I don't think I would have made it through my life and all the horrible things that I went through. I started this relationship at the age of 8 and continued to this day. I don't attend a specific church, I don't have friends that think like I do although there are people out there that believe in God, but I don't know if it's in the same way, I don't fanaticly read the Bible, but I do research. I don't preach to others unless they ask me about it or it comes about in a conversation. Saying what you said gives me a different way of thinking about this spiritual connection, like your garden... Thank you.

[@mishaanton5436]

Their innocent wonder. And enjoyment of a thing, being in the here and now.

[@lbamusic]

Moepow8160...I agree with you about God..but Hes not merely God - He's our sovereign Creator who chose to create us for His purposes. When I view Him as my Creator, Savior, future Eternal righteous King , etc., I move ever closer to Him.

[@kasturiswami784]

Such a wonderful interview. My g.son introduced me to pollan. We are vegetarians and agreed with him. I am a gardener and agree with him in that plants are sentient beings. They respond to you and your love.

[@harveyking5038]

the worst thing about caffeine is that it affects your consciousness, the way u see and feel the world. there's a profound difference between being drugged out and not and life is 1000 times better off caffeine. i just wish i knew this from a young age, im 51 now and my life has changed sooooo much since quitting caffeine

[@JonatanRaven]

This channel is great. It's the only one I can binge-watch anything on that has videos longer than 15-minutes or so.. I've watched several of these interviews in the last few days and I'm actively watching them, not just putting them on in the background while doing something else. Well done!

[@miripiri6519]

Ditto here, same (strange) experience. Very first channel i can fully and actively engage for hours, regardless of the topic. Especially since i usually lack the stamina to get through 10 minutes without getting sidetracked or distracted and it takes no effort on my part, onhere whatsoever! It 's amazing indeed, like being under a spell... im totally atune as in binging as well😀 Enjoy!

[@Dbb27]

Ditto. I think some of it is his voice. It’s calm but engaging.

[@hbrianunderwood4946]

Michael is such a wonderful guest. Love his work.

[@SuzanneU]

I have one cup of coffee with heavy cream in the morning. It's one of the great pleasures of my day.

[@joshsims7286]

This interview has answered so many questions I've had all my life. Wow. Mind blown. Thank you!

[@thesilverphist6483]

channels like this and minds like yours are burning a new path through reality

[@originalindiechick7999]

Wow, this was a deep chat! 😍 Amazing about the plants & us, and the feeling of being the same as them. 🌱 ❤️

[@johnmetzger8856]

Two masters of the art of conversation., and a very interesting subject. Coffee is the last in a limited repertoire of vices, which I will never give up.

[@Positivemojo111]

OMG, he’s so intriguing, all his ideas have changed our lives! Thank you so much for speaking with him 🙏🏼💯🥰💯🙏🏼

[@saraho5846]

I don’t feel alienated from nature. As a believer in one creator I feel a deep connection with it because the God who with intention created me also created this magnificent world we’ve been blessed to live in. As he created me with a part of him that just allows the connection to become even deeper.

[@dorinaelenidapodasca8335]

Psychedelics helped me cure my CPTSD, depression and anxiety. I’m so happy to see that more and more public figures speak about the benefits of psychedelics. It’s a shame that they are not included in clinical therapy. I hope in the future that will not be the case anymore.

[@lidiaflorova4302]

They are litle by little ruining people's life ... Check up the medical medium blog , about psychadelics .. If this is hour choice , be very alert of your body reactions long term...

[@viking933]

I am 78 years old and drink 3-4 organic Coffee with organic Milk for arround 65 years . And i Love it.

[@ferdinandgleinser2681]

I completely stopped drinking coffee for 2 years now, after at least 15 Years of being a total addict, drinking coffee basically non stop throughout the day. I wasn't even aware of what I was doing to myself until I ran out of coffee over a weekend once. The symptoms of withdrawal where so severe (very strong headaches for more than a week, super low energy throughout the whole day), that I realized, I can't be that dependent on a substance. I can say, that was the best decision ever. I am much more awake and focused now throughout the whole day, than before at the "caffeine-peak". I sleep a lot better, and also all my stomach issues just disappeared. I can recommend everybody, to at least try it for 6 months and see for yourself.

[@gofigure7585]

Your podcast came up in my algorithm. Glad I listened. I found you both to be super interesting . I have a curious mind and love listening to new material, perspectives and ideas. Thank you so much!

[@shazmeenbank1630]

I wait for your podcast to drop. It's opened my mind to the great people that exist in the world. Your podcast teaches so much it saves me time in learning on my own. Thank you Steve.

[@tommurphy2332]

At age 33 I suffered "rapid and irregular heartbeat" that threatened my life and kept me confined to the cardiac care unit of a local hospital for about a week. This was caused by caffeine from coffee, tea, some sodas and hot chocolate. I quit cold turkey and 46 years later I'm still going strong. The withdrawal symptoms were serious but at least my heart didn't stop permanently. I am now an everyday user of fruit juices and have energy for everything that comes my way.

[@bagajabirhanu726]

Happy for you

[@carinwiseman4309]

Mr Pollan changed my life with his book Omnivore's Dilemma. He continues. I hope he lives a very long life and continues to write! Thank you Mr. Pollan!

[@anne-marieh6128]

Absolutely on Breathing!!!’ Never realized how frequently i was holding my breath when stressed!

[@theyellowhouse3569]

I started practicing meditation about 3 years ago but it’s only in the last 6 months since I’ve ventured into breath work. It is fabulous. For me it has a greater result than meditation.

[@giovannigaggia8300]

Simply one of the best interviews I have ever seen!! Loved it! Thank you

[@affiliatemarketingtraining]

Seeking new projects, learning new things... I feel consciousness is an adaptive tool.... 🤩 🎶 🤗

[@lxoxox]

“Getting consciousness right is getting a lot of things right” indeed, please help us Michael P! Thank you Steve B!

[@divinemiss4284]

What a fabulous conversation! Thank you Steven and Michael for the inspiration and kick in the butt I needed. Blessings to you both.

[@chelseyfrancismccarthy4214]

Yes agree , this is groundbreaking information especially beneficial, with the design of fearmantering we have been suffering from during the last three years to date 8.3.23 the anxiety levels may have never been so,oo high ,especially in lockstep worldwide?!!@#

[@hrsman72]

This has a fantastic honesty, a really great dynamic tand thoughtful question,his channel is an unexpectedly rewarding discovery. I look forward to watching the channel grow. Thank you

[@stargazerbird]

I moved to Singapore from the uk 8 years ago. It was amazing. I loved the freshness and everything being so new. After a few years of course it wears off (although Covid lockdowns etc was another newness) and now we are going back to the uk. But I am sure I don’t want to ‘go back’ to the familiar. Looking to travel a lot more and maybe get a job in another country again.

[@ssoundar4808]

A great discussion with Michael Pollan, thank you so much!

[@haniyyah7708]

Wow! Ending the USA series with this podcast is just amazing. I find your podcasts insightful and very interesting. I start to ask questions myself. Not only has this podcast broaden my knowledge but it has also helped me strive for my goals and desires. Thank you!

[@jagdeepkaur7286]

amazing podcast, thank you for bringing michael on

[@jimatsydney]

I love coffee, not as a daily habit, but as a wonderful recovery lift after I have run a big race like a marathon. Using it every day wrecks it’s specialness.

[@billj4525]

Some people use it before exercising as a preworkout. I have never done that personally. I don't drink coffee. Using anything every day can potentially cause a problem. If you take a drug or something like to help with something, once you stop that, your body will have an even harder time dealing with that problem, and you likely will experience some kind of discomfort and withdrawal ranging from mildly uncomfortable to severely uncomfortable. There's no free lunch like they said.

[@janaenae1338]

I wish I could give you millions and millions of hugs!!!🤗💖🤗💖🤗💖

[@ByEliPerry]

Glad I came across this! Great way to challenge the idea that we have control over our consciousness. I feel that more research is leading back to the idea of psychedelics unlocking higher consciousness.

[@NoLefTurnUnStoned.]

@@ronaldrenegade8519 No. You can’t control it.

[@Bomber411]

As someone who has dealt with CPTSD, anxiety and depression my whole life and had about 20 years of intense psychotherapy trying many different techniques and systems, my sister showed up here once 2 summers ago with some (clean) MDMA, we went into the woods and she held space for me. My next psychotherapy apt a few days later my dr couldn't believe the change. It was night and day. I've done mushrooms a few times which helped in different ways, and I highly recommend these to anyone who isn't benefiting from conventional approach. No amount of meditation or mindful breathing exercises etc etc will do what psychedelics will and you'll lose many years trying to achieve it, where psychedelics can get you there with no delay. I think personally, I could benefit with another MDMA trip if she can source these again, and will definitely be doing mushrooms again, hopefully soon as it's been a few years and I could use a fresh "snowfall". Set and setting are vital!

[@churnetvalleyrunner3635]

Where does one source “clean” MDMA from?

[@Bomber411]

@@churnetvalleyrunner3635 that's a great question. My sister brought it to me. She's a trained social worker and has some connections. I think that helped. I'll tell you, they looked like clear capsules with powdery herbs inside. If you google mdma and go to images, a bunch of pills and rocks show up. If you scroll down and look on the right there you'll see exactly what it looked like. Be careful not to take stuff you aren't absolutely sure about. People are hiding all kinds of crap in pills these days. I knew my sister wouldn't give me street crap and it was the most healing experience of my life. The whole way through, it was beautiful. I could definitely go for another "trip" like that.

[@jennierussell7439]

Thank you, Steven , for having amazing guests and asking great questions.

[@markmacfarlane3169]

Well let's face it, who knows a person who takes caffeine multiple times every day who is happy and calm. A morning coffee or tea seems to be the optimum.

[@mikebeaumont7558]

I do and I am..no foolin’

[@newhealingfunandknowledge7785]

My whole life is a psychedelic trip and now I realized it for real. And because I can talk about it with my true feelings, it is hard for others to be unemotional.

[@XpRnz]

Got stuck in the loop?

[@newhealingfunandknowledge7785]

@@XpRnz Re-traumatization loop because of my habits. Memorie puzzling is tough without a real safe place. A good Book for understanding the complexity and magically of the human mind and body. : "Healing the fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors" - Janina Fisher

[@roblh31]

Great guest and show. Bring this guest back.

[@MayaLove1976]

If Michael Pollen reads these comments I’d highly recommend looking into Non-Duality as a concept on consciousness, particularly the teacher Rupert Spira. To Put it in one sentence it’s the theory that a tree doesn’t have consciousness but that conciousness has a tree. That everything is in consciousness, not the other way around. It would be so great to bring this to the mainstream through one of his books. ☺️🙏🏼

[@bigben42]

I like it when he tells me to keep it to myself, it’s a nice trick

[@shimmerychick]

Amazing episode. I wish you could invite Sharhoo Izadi and Michael Pollan together for a discussion with each other. The Kindness Method seems to be another response to fill up the grooves of learned self-perception, and open our minds again to who we really are and who we can be.

[@sailingsam3815]

I am so impressed with Mr. Pollan

[@resonatingspirit]

One of the best interviews you have done … thank you

[@leightaylor806]

Beez get a "buzz" out of caffeine! That was on purpose. What a delightful interviewee. I'm so glad I found this channel. Saying this is refreshing is an understatement 💯

[@maakusensei]

28:05 "We don't know if they get a buzz", I see what you did there, Michael "Pollen" 🐝😂

[@Pharesm]

Interesting the point he makes about his writing style. I used to only read the most mind-bending authors, like Harlan Ellison, but these days, I'll be perfectly good with a plain old lecture, as long as I get the needed information in the shortest time possible, so I can return to whatever project I'm on...

[@midgecooper1772]

I didn't think I would like this man. I'm ashamed to say, I observed his bony face and thought he would annoy me, speaking about caffeine. I watched the whole thing and I LOVE him.

[@billj4525]

Yeah, sometimes you can look at someone and think you won't like them lol, but we have to avoid those judgments since they're wrong some of the time.

[@biggiraffe]

Funny I felt the same. I came back and finished it.

[@michellehenrico9480]

Great discussion, loved the Q&A trend... Thank you for valuable content👌

[@beccavry]

I'm a new subscriber, and just wanted to say how impressed I am with the thoughtful conversations you inspire with your guests. I've learned so many new ways of looking at life situations with the episodes I've watched so far. Thank you for sharing your talents, curiosity and wisdom with us!

[@tammiepulley7167]

I met Pollen in line at the airport and he was very chill and approachable.

[@snezananikolic7107]

poenta je disati kao medved u hibernaciji, plitko a ne duboko. To se vežba, nikad ne udahnuti do kraja i nikad ne izdahnuti do kraja.

[@Thedesertguy75]

I'm in my first week and the first few days were rough, mild headaches, some anxiety,and difficulty focusing. Today I felt a calm and peace of mind I haven't felt in years. I never thought caffeine was a real problem until I stopped. My stomach isn't as bloated, my skin feels more hydrated, no mid-day crashes....thank goodness....and my sleep has gotten so much better. My mood has improved which is great. I don't feel like a freaking Grinch every morning! 😊 Holy crap, it's just another legal drug that eats away at the nervous system, the gut, and the mind....it might as well be liquid cocaine... because those are the effects it has in the body. I hope to never touch it again. Health truly is number 1 in healing...the mind will follow...!Cheers!!😮🎉

[@NannyOggins]

Stephen you really do find the most fascinating people to interview, this was so incredible! Thank you for consistently opening up my world.

[@healthlineberlin]

I quit caffeine and i felt the same as well, not feeling like myself and unmotivated to do basically anything But now i have loads of energy, it really makes sense the way he explains it

[@tracywatts1459]

Morning coffee. First thing I do from the second I wake up even before the bathroom. I also tried to cold turkey quit and I couldn’t get through my day. Dizzy headaches withdrawals were awful. Advice … wean start with 1/2 the Caf cutback volume and break it down over time to one cup a day.

[@0ptimal]

Psychedelics strike me as something seemingly custom made for mind. Perception is the ultimate aspect of being conscious. To experience the world is to perceive the world. Everything we experience is constructed in our own unique way, we shape how we see life and everything in it, consciously or not. And this aspect of perception is highly malleable, you can see anything from countless perspectives. It can take effort and time, or it can be quick, but altering how you see something is very possible, and the impact can be as profound as you can imagine. But psychedelics somehow tap into the process, and take you directly to arguably the ultimate perspective. But how? How is it that nature just happened to create something that influences mind to take on the optimal perspective? It's astonishing. I think these compounds mean something, I think they're a huge clue into the inner workings of reality and mind. That mind isn't just some result of a mechanical process, but something fundamental and psychedelics are grown out of or from the same source. It's like an early human walking in the woods and finding a glove, having no idea what it is, but realizing that the fit was too perfect to be random.(a possible explanation could be that the two have evolved together. Often you see things in nature that seem perfectly balanced and there's a long evolutionary process that's made it so. Could that be the case here idk)

[@sharonsephton4066]

Brilliant subjects. I’m 50 and a strong dose of psychedelics completely shifted me in my early 20s.

[@blaz3ofglory570]

Shifted you in what way? How do you rate the experience..

[@johnnyxmusic]

Yes, please say more…

[@ClaytonHardee]

Fascinating discussion, really appreciated you sharing it! Michael is definitely a very interesting person. On the subject of psychedelics, Denver Colorado in 2019 decriminalized psilocybin mushrooms and in 2022 voted on an initiative that has legalized possession and use. “The initiative allows for the use of psilocybin at state-regulated centers under the supervision of licensed facilitators. It also legalizes personal private use, growing and sharing of psilocybin and psilocin, as well as three additional psychedelic compounds - DMT, ibogaine and mescaline - by adults over the age of 21.” -NBC News. Hopefully, the scientific and medical research will continue, and these psychedelics will also continue to help as many people as possible.

[@nefrettitim]

📚 YES!! Readers should be taken along on the journey!!🌄

[@adolfputlerson]

I'm 67, never tried any drugs and since years ago I see my death (through non painful suicide) as the best way to avoid ALL kinds of suffering inevitable if staying alive being old. When I was 20 I worked during some short weeks in a nursing home in Sweden. It marked me for life. And for death, hahaha.

[@007adlibitum]

I feel often the same way.

[@mauratierney371]

Aging can become a Vocation ....a calling. There are better ways to meet these changes and challenges. Spiritual growth is delightful 🙂.

[@mrsbee6368]

Non painful suicide. No such thing. It is a idea to make us more comfortable with losing someone to suicide. It's a lie. The body fights and twists and gasps. It doesn't matter what you take or do there is no non painful suicide. Your brain panics you have a rush of emotions and thoughts. Often seeing feeling and thinking things are there that are not. You struggle to comprehend why all these crazy things are happening. Time lasts much longer than expected. Seconds feel like hours and it's hours of mental torture. It is believed that dehydration to the extreme helps a more peaceful natural death but dehydration hurts but your body is shutting down functional movement. Dehydration to that extreme feels like broken glass sprinkled in your brain up your nose down your throat then in your eye then guts then skin. Then comes the burn. Everywhere feels like it's on fire as you go deeper into dehydration. But the fire sensation is so real you can feel it undulating on your skin. Death isn't something that comes gently. Even cutting off your head isn't instant. It has been reported that the beheading head would be functional for a short while after decapitation. All the nerve endings in your neck will be screaming whether or not there is the function available to push those signals to the brain. The best we can hope for is quick.

[@carlogambiino]

A podcast which makes you question but analysis so much which is right in front of us, fantastic and informative. Keep them coming Steven!

[@christineodonnell2431]

Plants have consciousness. I've always felt this. Someone recently told me about trees and a scientific experiment. Trees in a certain region were subject to insect attack. A huge population of leaf eating insects would descend and start munching. The Trees would then produce a bitter compound to make the leaves unpalatable to the bugs. A scientist recorded the sound of thousands of bugs munching and played the recording to trees where no insects were present. The Trees reacted to the sound by producing

[@gregmaggio5217]

I was up to 32 ounces of iced coffee per day, as an effort to stay awake in a feast or famen sales job, and although the coffee did keep me alert all day, it also negatively affected my sleep, mood, and anxiety levels. I decided to stop many times, but each time I failed because of the considerable withdrawal headaches that followed. I finally quit for good, and had consequently suffered from debilitating migraine headaches for nearly two weeks, and it was those painful headaches that compelled me never to start with coffee again..

[@danskdna8550]

Or...just have 2 mugs when you wake up in the morning and call it good. Moderation is key.

[@SpaceMuffin]

He said "i'm not sure if the bees get a caffeine BUZZ" LOL