NPR and The New York Times Talk The Rise of Psychedelic Therapy and Its Cultural Shift Among Tech Bros

In a recent episode of NPR’s It’s Been a Minute, host Brittany Luse sat down with New York Times reporter Emma Goldberg and University of Tokyo PhD candidate Maxim Tvorun-Dunn to explore a rapidly growing trend: psychedelic therapy. Once dismissed as countercultural or experimental, psychedelic treatments are now being embraced by researchers, clinics—and increasingly, tech entrepreneurs.

So why are CEOs and Silicon Valley types turning to psychedelics for healing and inspiration? And what does this say about where our culture is headed when it comes to spirituality and mental health?

What Is Psychedelic Therapy?

Psychedelic therapy involves the use of mind-altering substances like psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), ketamine, LSD, and MDMA in clinical settings to treat mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. These treatments are typically guided by trained professionals who help patients process their experiences in a safe, structured way.

Unlike traditional psychiatric medications that can take weeks or months to take effect, psychedelic therapy has shown promise in delivering fast and lasting results—even for people who haven’t responded to other treatments.

A New Form of Spiritual Connection

America is becoming less religious, but many still identify as spiritual. In the NPR discussion, Maxim Tvorun-Dunn pointed out that psychedelics offer a form of spiritual exploration that resonates with people who are “spiritual-but-not-religious.” Patients often report feelings of deep connection, clarity, and transcendence—experiences that echo the effects of traditional religious practices, but without the institutions or dogma.

This shift reflects a broader trend: people are seeking healing and meaning in places outside of traditional religion, and for some, psychedelic therapy is becoming that sacred space.

The Role of Silicon Valley

Why Tech Bros Are Turning to Psychedelic Therapy

Emma Goldberg explained that many tech leaders aren’t just curious about psychedelics—they’re actively using them for personal development, stress relief, and productivity. Some are even investing in companies that provide ketamine infusions or fund clinical trials for MDMA and psilocybin therapy.

While this interest has helped bring legitimacy and funding to the field, it also raises important questions: Will these therapies become truly accessible? Or will they become just another elite wellness trend?

Maxim Tvorun-Dunn emphasized the tension between the sacred roots of psychedelics and their modern reinvention as tools for performance and success. What was once part of communal healing rituals is now being sold as a productivity hack.

Why It Matters

For mental health professionals, researchers, and clinics, psychedelic therapy is no longer a fringe concept—it’s a major development in interventional psychiatry. But as the cultural landscape shifts, it’s important to stay grounded in evidence-based care, ethical access, and respect for the histories of these substances.

The NPR conversation with Emma Goldberg and Maxim Tvorun-Dunn offers a thought-provoking lens into how psychedelic therapy is being shaped—not just in labs and clinics, but in the minds of those shaping modern culture. Whether you're a practitioner or a curious patient, understanding this shift is crucial to navigating the future of mental health.

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Citations:

1. Carhart-Harris, R. L., et al. (2021). Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression. New England Journal of Medicine, 384, 1402–1411. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032994

2. Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). (2023). MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD Advances Toward FDA Approval. https://maps.org
   

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