How to Change Your Mind Audiobook By Michael Pollan cover art

How to Change Your Mind

What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence

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How to Change Your Mind

By: Michael Pollan
Narrated by: Michael Pollan
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“Pollan keeps you turning the pages . . . cleareyed and assured.” —New York Times

A #1 New York Times Bestseller, New York Times Book Review 10 Best Books of 2018, and New York Times Notable Book

A brilliant and brave investigation into the medical and scientific revolution taking place around psychedelic drugs—and the spellbinding story of his own life-changing psychedelic experiences

When Michael Pollan set out to research how LSD and psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) are being used to provide relief to people suffering from difficult-to-treat conditions such as depression, addiction and anxiety, he did not intend to write what is undoubtedly his most personal book. But upon discovering how these remarkable substances are improving the lives not only of the mentally ill but also of healthy people coming to grips with the challenges of everyday life, he decided to explore the landscape of the mind in the first person as well as the third. Thus began a singular adventure into various altered states of consciousness, along with a dive deep into both the latest brain science and the thriving underground community of psychedelic therapists. Pollan sifts the historical record to separate the truth about these mysterious drugs from the myths that have surrounded them since the 1960s, when a handful of psychedelic evangelists inadvertently catalyzed a powerful backlash against what was then a promising field of research.

A unique and elegant blend of science, memoir, travel writing, history, and medicine, How to Change Your Mind is a triumph of participatory journalism. By turns dazzling and edifying, it is the gripping account of a journey to an exciting and unexpected new frontier in our understanding of the mind, the self, and our place in the world. The true subject of Pollan's "mental travelogue" is not just psychedelic drugs but also the eternal puzzle of human consciousness and how, in a world that offers us both suffering and joy, we can do our best to be fully present and find meaning in our lives.

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Psychology & Mental Health Thought-Provoking Medicine Biographies & Memoirs Science & Technology Mental Health Consciousness Professionals & Academics Health Inspiring Physical Illness & Disease Food Addiction Addiction Memoirs

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While you might listen in order to be entertained, there are also a host of works intended to be purely educational. We chose the best science titles on this list for the fact that they are both. These selections not only bring important perspectives on some of the most pressing scientific issues of our time—they’re also written and performed with a refreshing clarity that makes them easy to swallow and entertaining to the end.

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Balanced Perspective • Transformative Content • Soothing Voice • Educational Storytelling • Compelling Journey

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Michael does a great job deep diving into an area that’s below the radar for many. There were points when it felt like he was a little too long-winded but then he’d turn the corner to a totally different fascinating aspect of the study or use of psychedelics. After finishing it, I look back and felt like he was incredibly thorough, insightful, and open- minded approaching the subject. The topic is not new to me but he still opened my eyes and mind to many new perspectives. Time well spent.

A thorough and insightful exploration.

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The grandpa we all wish we had, this man is an excellent storyteller and has the science background to give his tale the solid foundation it needs. great listen, kept my attention the while time.

Michael Pollan is the man

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This book has it all: thorough, even-handed research; beautiful writing; and thoroughly engaging storytelling (narration). Michael Pollan nails it on every front. Though he's transparent about his own skepticism and materialist leanings going into the endeavor, his insatiable curiosity drives him to find answers, and he knows he won't find answers that feel valid or satisfying if he's anything less than open to new possibilities that might challenge his paradigm. So, despite his lifelong scientific leanings, he allows space for inspiration, spiritual growth, and even mysticism. Even the interpretations of drug trip experiences that don't resonate with him personally carry weight in his overall assessment of the potential value in the use of psychedelics, and he is quick to validate the importance of each person's experience and interpretation, whether or not it's supported by science. And where the science is concerned, he makes brain chemistry and neurological processes accessible and interesting for even the most avowed right-brain creative. This book is a beautifully woven tapestry of brain science, psychology, history, spirituality and mysticism, and though Pollan would never refer to himself as a mystic, he honors those who do. He organized the book in the most satisfying way imaginable and kept my interest all the way through. I'll be recommending this book to a LOT of people. It will intrigue scientists, psychonauts, and mystics alike.

A Fantastic Book, Beautifully Delivered

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This book has given me hope for a new kind of medicine and even a new world. If we can reconnect with the spiritual side of our selves we will be able to take care of each other and the planet and live more fulfilling and happy lives. Thank you for braving this journey, Michael.

A window into our minds

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After listening for this audible I finish this journey with a better understanding of the power of the psychedelics in our mind. We have to propagate awareness and also be aware of its dangers to make the most out of it! thanks for the good work!

opened doors

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