The History of Psychedelics

By: Erika Dyck, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Erika Dyck

Mescaline, LSD, and psilocybin mushrooms. There’s been a lot of discussion in the medical world lately about the potential benefits of these and other drugs for certain medical conditions, such as anxiety and depression. As we consider the place of psychedelics in the future, we can draw insight and guidance from the history of how psychedelics have been described, sought after, applied, and prohibited over the centuries.

Erika Dyck, professor of history at the University of Saskatchewan, introduces you to the world of hallucinogens, from the sacred rituals of Indigenous cultures to their role in the social upheavals of the 1960s to the current interest in their potential therapeutic applications. Over six mind-expanding lessons, she’ll cover sacred plants, ayahuasca, mescaline, LSD, mushrooms, and others, looking at the origins, uses, potential, and science behind each.

You will see how psychedelics have broadened horizons and inspired new insights, often in the face of deep-seated prejudice and fear.

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Insightful

Very insightful course. The story telling is amazing. With good performance.
A lot of questions raised and need answers

great informative read

loved the history and acknowledgement for indeginenous peoples and their practices that taught us how and when to use sacred plants. liked how concise and easy to follow it was

The history of one of my favorite things

A very consise and enlightening history of psychedelics. She put out a lot of new information I did not know. Her naration was a little monotone, but she spoke clearly. She got me fired up to get back on the bus.

Information delivered in an organized format.

This lecture was very interesting in smaller doses. Because it is divided into 6 lectures, the listener can choose to listen for shorter periods, and possibly glean more information.

Interesting & well told

I appreciate the balanced approach to this lecture & its attempt to bring historically underrepresented perspectives into light. I found it very interesting and informative!

Boring narrator :(

I liked the story and what they told. There is much more to it but It's an interesting way of introducing someone to this. However, the narrator was incredibly plain. How can someone make such an interesting topic so boring?

Super informative

Great overview & current info on a variety of psychedelic drugs. Open discussion of historical & modern use.

One of the most important course I've heard

Based on science, this course is a short introduction to something that literally could save lives.

More BuzzFeed level lectures

There are obvious facts floating in this cringe broth of opinionated modernity. History is dead. Welcome to society's Ted Talks.

Well communicated and important talking points

I enjoyed this lecture series - I would have like a more in depth look at the experiences themselves but all and all worth a listen