Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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What role do psychedelics play in shaping culture, spirituality, and the future of consciousness?

In this new episode of Liminal News, I sit down with journalist and author Joe Dolce to explore his latest book on psychedelics, the neuroscience of altered states, the wisdom of indigenous traditions, and the risks of commercialization. From ayahuasca to MDMA to microdosing, our conversation opens new perspectives on how psychedelics can transform our lives — and society.

👉About Joe Dolce
Joe Dolce is a journalist, author, and media coach. He served as editor-in-chief of Details magazine and has written extensively on culture, consciousness, and psychoactive substances. His book Brave New Weed explored cannabis culture, and his new work brings a fresh, integrative perspective on psychedelics, blending neuroscience, indigenous wisdom, and personal practice.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction & context
06:40 – Early life, NYC nightlife & journalism beginnings
08:55 – From Harper’s Bazaar to Details magazine
09:45 – Exploring consciousness through psychedelics
12:20 – Why revisit psychedelics later in life
13:30 – Writing Brave New Weed & transition to new book
15:00 – Neuroscience, octopuses on MDMA & critical periods
17:45 – Mysticism, spirituality & ego dissolution
23:13 – Ayahuasca experiences: harsh vs. visionary
24:36 – Ritualized MDMA use & relationship insights
29:00 – Psychedelics, ego & the 80/20 rule
30:17 – Concerns about the psychedelic movement & capitalism
33:17 – Politics, control & medicalization of psychedelics
35:34 – Tech elites, ketamine & the shadow side
37:09 – Amplification of good and bad through psychedelics
38:55 – Microdosing: lessons & limits
40:25 – The value of difficult trips & integration
43:11 – Language, rhetoric & shaping psychedelic culture
45:16 – Rituals, theater, Burning Man & community
47:23 – Psychedelics, alienation & authoritarianism
49:05 – Hope, danger & the future of psychedelics
52:25 – Joe’s new book release & closing thoughts

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