In this episode, we discover the story of Matthew Johnson, a professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at John Hopkins University, and one of the first scientists to publish extensive research on the effect of psychedelic drugs on the brain. Specifically, how compounds like psilocybin can help cure mental illness. He is also the Associate Center Director of the Center for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research which recently received $17 million dollars of funding from private donors including Tim Ferriss.

As a disillusioned engineering major and in the middle of a midlife crisis, Matthew’s drive to help others led him to the study of behavioral psychology. Then, as a graduate student at Hopkins, Matthew’s research took a pivotal turn towards the study of LSDs and other drugs, and to the discovery of how these chemical compounds may be the key to solving addiction and even help patients combating cancer.

Now, Matthew tells us more about his scientific journey, and clues us in on how psychedelics can potentially help shape the future of mental health.

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