Ido Hartogsohn, "American Trip: Set, Setting, and the Psychedelic Experience in the Twentieth Century" (MIT Press, 2020)

Ido Hartogsohn, "American Trip: Set, Setting, and the Psychedelic Experience in the Twentieth Century" (MIT Press, 2020)

Picture the 1950s and 1960s in America, a time when psychedelics were both celebrated and feared. On this episode of 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery', host Marshall Poe chats with Ido Hartogsohn, the author of 'American Trip: Set, Setting, and the Psychedelic Experience in the Twentieth Century'. Hartogsohn dives into how the psychedelic experience was molded by the era's historical, social, and cultural currents.

He explains how 'set' (the mindset of the user) and 'setting' (the environment) play crucial roles in shaping these experiences. Ever wondered why different cultures have unique psychedelic journeys? Hartogsohn breaks it down, showing how American psychedelic experiences evolved over the decades. He also touches on the diverse reasons people turned to LSD, from spiritual quests to political movements. And if you’re curious about the medical side, Hartogsohn discusses the renewed interest in psychedelics as potential treatments for modern-day issues.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone fascinated by the multifaceted world of psychedelics.