In this profound episode of Divergent States, we welcome Wendy Tucker, daughter of Ann Shulgin and stepdaughter of the legendary Sasha Shulgin, the "Godfather of Ecstasy." Wendy shares intimate stories of growing up at the iconic Shulgin Farm, working alongside Sasha in his lab, and her mission to preserve their legacy through the Shulgin Foundation.
Key Topics Covered:
- Sasha’s Lab & Humble Genius: Wendy recounts behind-the-scenes moments with Sasha, his playful humor, and the creation of 200+ psychedelic compounds.
- The Farm’s Future: Why the Shulgin property is being preserved as a living community space—not a museum—with plans for workshops, events, and even weddings.
- MDMA’s Therapeutic Roots: How Leo Zeff and Ann Shulgin pioneered underground therapy, and why veterans are now leading the charge for healing.
- Transform Press: Updates on Sasha’s lecture series, The Nature of Drugs, and other rare archival projects.
- How to Get Involved: Supporting the foundation’s mission to protect psychedelic history and foster education.
Perfect for: Psychonauts, historians, therapy advocates, and anyone curious about the intersection of science, culture, and cognitive liberty.
Links & Resources:
- Donate or learn more: shulginfoundation.org
- Follow Divergent States for more deep dives: [Instagram/YouTube] @DivergentStates]
Subscribe now to explore the minds and movements shaping psychedelics today!
Thank you to all the Guests, Patreon supporters, music submissions, and all the wonderful people that come together to make this thing happen! We couldn't be doing this without YOU!
Big thank you Bryan, Dylalien, Flintwick, Ach, and Brad of Integration Communications!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Shulgin Legacy
03:00 Wendy Tucker's Journey and the Shulgin Foundation
06:04 The Importance of the Shulgin Farm
08:55 Community Engagement and Events
11:50 Women and Psychedelics: The Deva Collective
15:00 Personal Reflections and Lessons from the Shulgins
17:53 MDMA Therapy and Veterans' Healing
21:01 Education and Stigma in Psychedelic Use
24:01 Supporting the Shulgin Foundation
26:58 Future Initiatives and Community Building
29:49 Transform Press and Preserving Knowledge
33:03 Balancing Legacy and Modern Research
35:46 Conclusion and Future Outlook
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