EP 1290
1290. Can Injectable MDMA Become the Next Biohack in 2026? RFK Jr. vs FDA – Rick Doblin
In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Host Dave Asprey sits down with psychedelic science trailblazer Rick Doblin, PhD, to explore the future of MDMA therapy, trauma healing, and conscious evolution. They uncover how the FDA’s latest decision could reshape mental health forever—and why separating psychedelics from therapy is the most dangerous path forward. You’ll learn how MAPS went from nonprofit to pharma startup, why group and couples therapy with MDMA shows staggering results, and how psychedelics can reverse generational trauma through epigenetic change. This episode blends neuroscience, regulatory warfare, and deep spiritual insight for a rare, high-level look at how altered states can unlock the next frontier of healing, connection, and human performance.
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In this Episode of The Human Upgrade™...
Psychedelic therapy is on the verge of reshaping mental health, trauma healing, and human consciousness. This episode reveals what’s really happening behind the scenes at the FDA, inside pharmaceutical companies, and within the global movement to legalize MDMA-assisted therapy.
Host Dave Asprey sits down with Rick Doblin, PhD, the legendary founder of MAPS and one of the most influential figures in psychedelic science. With nearly 40 years leading clinical research on MDMA, psilocybin, and trauma healing, Rick brings unmatched insight into how these compounds are transforming functional medicine, emotional resilience, and neuroplasticity.
They break down the regulatory battle over MDMA therapy, the clash between pharmaceutical profit and public benefit, and the urgent need to combine pharmacology with therapy for real results. You’ll also learn how psychedelics impact neurohacking, epigenetics, and the default mode network—and why the next frontier of self-transformation may be couples therapy with MDMA.
This episode offers critical knowledge for anyone serious about biohacking, trauma release, mental performance, and accessing deeper states of healing. This podcast channel dives into the intersections of psychedelics with fasting, ketosis, cold therapy, and self-quantification—and how altered states can unlock more energy, better relationships, and lasting change.
You’ll Learn:
- Why separating therapy from psychedelics is the most dangerous path forward
- How MAPS evolved into a public benefit pharma company—and what went wrong
- The real story behind the FDA’s rejection of MDMA therapy in 2024
- How MDMA affects neuroplasticity, mitochondria, and trauma recovery
- Why group therapy and couples therapy are the future of psychedelic healing
- The dangers of overusing ketamine—and how it’s being exploited by profit-driven clinics
- What the Psychedelic Science 2025conference will reveal about the future of medicine, spirituality, and consciousness hacking
- How psychedelics could reverse epigenetictrauma passed down through generations
- The role of default mode network suppression in spiritual experiences and trauma resolution
- Why the war on drugs was never about safety—and what a post-drug-war world might look like
Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade is the top podcast for people who want to take control of their biology, extend their longevity, and optimize every system in the body and mind. Each episode features cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, neurohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living.
Episodes are released every Tuesday and Thursday, where Dave asks the questions no one else dares, and brings you real tools to become more resilient, aware, and high performing.
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– Leela Quantum Tech | Head to https://leelaq.com/DAVE for 10% off.
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“The war on drugs has never really been about drug abuse. It’s been about suppression of minorities for other reasons.”
Rick Doblin
- 00:00 Trailer
A powerful preview of what’s at stake in the fight to legalize MDMA therapy.
- 02:00 Intro
Dave Asprey and Rick Doblin set the stage for a deep dive into psychedelic science and policy.
- 03:43 Rise of Psychedelic Pharma
How the nonprofit roots of MAPS gave way to for-profit pharmaceutical models.
- 05:00 Therapy vs. Profit
The dangerous shift from healing-focused therapy to investor-driven drug sales.
- 06:44 Neurofeedback + Psychedelics
Combining brainwave training with ketamine and MDMA for deeper transformation.
- 08:28 Origins of Drug Laws
How early U.S. drug policy was shaped by racism, politics, and control—not science.
- 12:38 MDMA’s Social Impact
What happened when MDMA replaced alcohol in British rave culture and beyond.
- 14:06 MDMA Safety + Usage
What the research really says about long-term MDMA use, memory, and brain health.
- 16:32 Psychedelics in Therapy + Meditation
Why integration, rest, and mindfulness are essential to lasting psychedelic outcomes.
- 25:18 Psychedelic Hierarchy for New Users
Dave’s tiered approach to starting safely with psychedelics—from cannabis to ayahuasca.
- 26:51 Psychedelic Churches + Culture
How spiritual communities are legally serving psychedelics in the U.S. today.
- 28:34 Context Shapes the Experience
Why set, setting, and culture determine whether a psychedelic heals or harms.
- 28:58 Ayahuasca: Spiritual Insights
The intense masculine energy of ayahuasca and its risks without skilled guidance.
- 29:39 Personal Ayahuasca Reflections
Dave and Rick share raw experiences and lessons from their own jungle journeys.
- 30:24 MDMA and Federal Policy
How RFK Jr. and FDA leadership could reshape psychedelic policy at the highest level.
- 31:09 Inside the FDA Decision
Why the FDA delayed MDMA approval—and what it means for the future of treatment.
- 32:52 Therapeutic Promise of Psychedelics
From PTSD to suicide, how MDMA-assisted therapy is changing clinical outcomes.
- 34:43 Psychedelics + Spirituality
How default mode network suppression relates to ego death and mystical states.
- 37:37 Neuroscience of Psychedelics
New research on critical periods, brain plasticity, and the power of set and setting.
- 40:12 Epigenetics + Generational Trauma
How trauma is inherited—and how psychedelics may break the cycle.
- 41:53 Stan Grof’s Legacy
Honoring the father of transpersonal psychology and his influence on Rick’s path.
- 43:50 War on Drugs Revisited
Why the drug war persists—and how to redirect DEA focus toward real public safety.
- 46:37 Future of Legalization
Which countries might legalize psychedelic therapy next—and why the U.S. could lead.
- 49:55 MDMA for Couples
Why MDMA-assisted therapy may revolutionize relationships and emotional healing.
- 51:29 Group Therapy with Psychedelics
The power of shared witnessing and how group settings amplify therapeutic breakthroughs.
- 52:26 Psychedelic Science 2025 Preview
What to expect at the largest psychedelic conference in the world—and why it matters.
Resources:
- Dave Asprey’s New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/
- Psychedelic Science Conference 2025 Website – https://www.psychedelicscience.org/
- Rick’s Website: https://maps.org/
- Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com
- Dave Asprey’s Website: https://daveasprey.com
- Dave Asprey’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/daveasprey
- Upgrade Collective – Join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com
- Own an Upgrade Labs: https://ownanupgradelabs.com
- Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com
- 40 Years of Zen – Neurofeedback Training for Advanced Cognitive Enhancement: https://40yearsofzen.com
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