Robert is the author of multiple books. Huston Smith called his first book Entheogens and the Future of Religion, “the best single inquiry into the religious significance of chemically occasioned mystical experience that has yet appeared.” Forte was introduced to psychedelics in 1980 by Frank Barron, who initiated Timothy Leary and started the Harvard Psilocybin Project with him. From the University of California Forte was invited to Esalen to study with Stanislav Grof, before going to the University of Chicago to study the history and psychology of religion under Mircea Eliade. Over the years Forte has worked closely with many of the most prominent leaders of the psychedelic movement, including R. G. Wasson, Albert Hofmann, Timothy Leary, Ralph Metzner, Alexander Shulgin, Claudio Naranjo, and many others. His second book different perspective of Timothy Leary, Outside Looking In.

Robert shares his journey into the world of psychedelics, and the profound insights he has gained over the years. He discusses the beauty of nature, the power of psychedelics, and the importance of understanding their potential both positively and negatively. Robert reflects on his time spent with key figures in the psychedelic movements, including Timothy Leary, Albert Hoffman and Gordon Wasson.  He describes how his perspectives shifted over the years and how he came to discover some of the shadow side of the psychedelic movement.  The conversation is a rich exploration of personal growth, spirituality, and the complexities of consciousness. Robert delves into the complex interplay between psychedelics and social / cultural engineering. He discusses the weaponization of the term 'conspiracy theorist,' the hidden histories of psychedelics, and the cultural propaganda surrounding their use. Robert emphasizes the importance of questioning authority and understanding the suggestibility inherent in psychedelic experiences, while also addressing the broader societal implications of these themes. Robert is excited for the future and encourages critical thinking and understanding history. 

Chapters

00:00 Living in Nature's Embrace

09:45 The Journey into Psychedelics

21:42 The Call to Consciousness

33:40 Exploring the Psychedelic Experience

45:52 The Intersection of Psychedelics and Society

48:45 Authoritarianism and Psychedelics

50:08 Questioning the Official Story of LSD

52:02 Conversations with Timothy Leary

53:51 The Role of Gordon Wasson

58:45 The Evolution of Psychedelic Research

01:01:08 The Mystery School Model of Psychedelics

01:03:51 Political Psychology and the Kennedy Assassination

01:05:49 Gordon Wasson and the CIA Connection

01:10:04 The MKUltra Subproject and Psychedelic Culture

01:15:51 The Brave New World 

01:23:13 Rebranding Psychedelics in Modern Society

01:25:21 Exploring Psychedelics and the CIA

01:28:43 The Role of Psychedelics in Religious Contexts

01:32:46 The Weaponization of Language in Discourse

01:36:53 Cultural Implications of Psychedelic Use

01:40:32 Historical Context of Psychedelics and Power

01:45:42 The Future of Psychedelic Research and Ethics

Music for every episode 

Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic

Robert Forte’s work https://www.alteredstatesofamerica.net/ 

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Keywords

Greece, psychedelics, consciousness, Robert, journey, spirituality, political psychology, authority, personal growth, nature, psychedelics, conspiracy theories, MKUltra, JFK assassination, cultural programming, Timothy Leary, Brave New World, suggestibility, authority, hidden histories