You may have noticed that there's a large and growing interest in psychedelics lately.

Silocybin, ayahuasca, toad venom, are being closely studied by researchers for their potential

in treating persistent conditions like major depressive disorder or PTSD.

Potential users of these treatments are paying close attention, too, because, my God, maybe something will help.

You may have wanted to try some of this stuff yourself.

Maybe you're in a situation where none of the more established approaches has provided you with enough relief.

You may have also noticed that trying these treatments is not so easy. You can't go down to Walgreens and pick up some toad venom. Bottles of ayahuasca are not available at the convenience store. Beer and wine, both depressive, are, but not ayahuasca.

Now, to try these things out for yourself might involve traveling to some largely

unregulated locations where largely unlicensed people help you trip out. And that's expensive

and scary. That's why it's so valuable in this world to have journalists who'll try these

experiences out and let you know how it went.

It's Depression Mode. I'm John Moe. I'm glad you're here.

Ernesto Londonio is a national correspondent for the New York Times and the author of a new

book Trippy, The Peril and Promise of Medicinal Psychedelics. It tells a story of his near-suicidal

depression, his experience in taking psychedelic treatments, and his exploration of this rapidly

growing and sometimes disturbing industry.

A lot of what happened with Ernesto's mental state and these substances ended up being

pretty positive, and we're going to talk about that in some detail. The experiences also get

pretty intense as well as he relates in this conversation.

And we wanted to let you know that in advance.

Ernesto Londano, welcome to Depression Mode.

Thanks so much for having me.

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