Psychedelic research is making waves, and it’s fascinating how it’s reshaping our understanding of memory, trauma, and healing. In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Manoj Doss, a Cognitive Neuropsychopharmacologist from the University of Texas, Austin. He took us on his personal journey—from a life-changing concussion that shifted his path from engineering to exploring the mind with psychedelics. You’ll hear how these substances can actually influence our memory systems and what that means for healing deep-seated traumas.
We touched on some thought-provoking topics, like the reliability of memories formed under the influence of psychedelics and the often-misunderstood concept of repressed memories. Manoj also opened up about something called noetic quality—the incredible sense of knowing that can come during these experiences—and what that might tell us about consciousness. It’s a conversation that really encourages you to rethink the power of psychedelics and how they can unlock new understandings about ourselves.
You’ll find this episode packed with intriguing revelations and genuine exploration. You won’t want to miss this chance to challenge your views on memory and healing in a way that feels personal and relatable. Tune in for a chat that’s sure to spark your curiosity!
Key Takeaways:
[00:02:24] Resurgence of psychedelic research.
[00:05:26] Morbid curiosity about drugs.
[00:07:29] Psychedelics in modern science.
[00:11:21] Repressed trauma and memory.
[00:18:37] Trauma recovery and healing experiences.
[00:22:34] Mindfulness vs. Past Trauma
[00:25:26] Birth trauma and psychedelics.
[00:28:34] Illusory truth effect and psychedelics.
[00:32:08] Noetic quality of knowledge.
[00:36:52] Familiarity and novelty in insights.
[00:39:38] Relationship between knowing and spirituality.
[00:42:41] PTSD and memory consolidation.
[00:44:20] Balance of psychedelic experiences.
[00:48:25] Positive knowing and neuroplasticity.
[00:51:46] Learning and memory processes.
[00:55:39] Integration of psychedelic experiences.
[00:58:53] Noeticism as a powerful tool.
[01:00:44] Relationship to knowledge and truth.
Memorable Quotes:
"I kind of felt like the drug studies, although it was still quite basic science with kind of limited application in some ways, at least it made me feel like some of my research was going towards something that had some applicability in my lifetime." [00:04:27] – Manoj Doss
"I think there's something really interesting about the way these drugs impact familiarity and novelty, and then result in these things like knowing. I mean, think about an insight. I think that's kind of the intersection of familiarity and novelty. An insight, by definition, is a novel solution." [00:36:15] – Manoj Doss
Connect with Manoj Doss:
Website: https://dellmed.utexas.edu/directory/manoj-doss
Twitter: https://x.com/manojdoss/
Email: manoj.doss@austin.utexas.edu
Connect with Modern Enlightenment:
Website: https://www.ceremoniacircle.org/podcast/modern-enlightenment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceremoniacircle
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ceremoniacircle
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ceremoniacircle
Apply to be a guest on the show: https://airtable.com/appiLHnhKJH01qCNe/pageThPHAjQNNaJNY/form
Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.