Humans have been using substances to have ‘extraordinary experiences’ for millenia. 

Sometimes this is motivated by a simple sense of curiosity, and at other times it might be to ‘fill a void,’ while in other cases it might be motivated by a promise of an elusive ‘spiritual experience.’ 

In some cases it leads to addiction and dependence, while in others it might just be a bucket-list experience that someone moves on from.

In this episode, Thom takes a non-judgemental look at the motivation and impact of such experiences, and outlines an alternative approach, one that’s more sustainable and that leads to a ‘permanent high’ that most people couldn’t even conceive of.

Episode Highlights: 

[00:40] The Desire to Belong

[02:29] Tribal Life 

[04:27] A Sense of Identity 

[06:00] Join the Club 

[07:14] Human Beings Crave Variety 

[08:33] The Nature of the Knower 

[09:51] Badge of Rank 

[11:29] The Difference Between a Cult and a Religion 

[12:39] Shibboleth 

[13:25] Drugs 

[14:35] Why Drugs Work

[15:59] Endogenous Chemicals 

[18:03] The Prime Directive of the Body

[19:32] Ayahuasca, LSD, THC 

[21:13] Mimicking Molecules 

[22:44] Lizards on LSD and Psychotic Dogs 

[24:31] The Confused Body 

[26:23] Sublimation and Addiction 

[27:47] An Overload of Experience 

[29:35] Premature Cognitive Commitments 

[31:10] Psychedelic Experiences 

[33:11] Where Are the Icons of Drug Use? 

[35:19] A Sustainable Systematic Approach 

[37:32] What About Soma? 

[38:30] Vedic Meditation - A Better Methodology 

[39:44] An Overload of Experience 

[41:21] Supreme, Inner Contentedness 

[43:01] An Experience of Self 

[44:57] Our Body is a Drug-Producing Machine 

[46:19] Unsustainable Ways to Extraordinary Experiences 

[47:26] The 4/20 Club and Counterfeit Substances 

[49:13] Consciousness-Led Experiences 

[50:35] A Perpetual Psychedelic State 

[51:59] Learning the Sustainable Way 

[53:28] Being in the Tribe 

[54:29] A Regular Daily Practice 

Useful Links

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https://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/

Registration is now open for Thom’s only rounding retreat for 2026, in Sedona from May 21-25.

This is your one and only opportunity this year for deep rest, stress release and consciousness expansion through industrial-strength meditation, along with twice-daily knowledge sessions with Thom.

You’ll enjoy delicious retreat-friendly meals and the beauty and healing powers of the Red Rocks of Sedona. 

Register before February 28th and you’ll save $500 on your retreat fee. 

You can find out more at thomknoles.com/sedona.