107. How Do Psychedelics Shape Our Understanding of Life, Death & Motherhood? with Katherine MacLean

Katherine MacLean, PhD is a writer, research scientist, mother and adventure-seeker. She has spent the past two decades studying the effects of mindfulness meditation and psychedelics, surviving motherhood, and learning a lot about death and grief. Her debut book covering all of this terrain, Midnight Water: A Psychedelic Memoir is available in print and audio formats.

Episode Highlights

• Katherine reflects on her journey through motherhood and encounters with death
• A childhood fascination with graveyards and their connection to history
• Transformative psilocybin experiences that opened new dimensions of reality
• Exploring the intersection of spirituality and psychedelics in various traditions
• The role of meditation in navigating consciousness and personal growth
• The impact of her sister's death on Katherine’s exploration of grief and psychedelics
• Insights from Johns Hopkins research on consciousness and spiritual experiences
• Cultural narratives around psychedelics and their potential for healing
• The intertwining of motherhood and psychedelic experiences in Katherine’s life
• Addressing personal trauma as a crucial step before engaging with psychedelics
• Reframing death as a transformative experience akin to psychedelic journeys
• Societal perceptions of death and the need for open dialogues about mortality
• Embracing life’s complexities and authenticity in motherhood and mortality
• Personal agency in death care and the importance of meaningful rituals
• The impact of psychedelics on relationships and deeper connections with others
• Katherine’s writing journey and the importance of sharing her memoir
• Future implications of psychedelic research for mental health and spirituality
• Embracing complexity and ongoing self-discovery

Katherine MacLean’s Links 

• Website: www.katherinemaclean.org
• Instagram: @katherine.maclean.phd

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

• Book: Midnight Water: A Psychedelic Memoir by Katherine MacLean
• Advocate for Funeral Industry Reform: Caitlin Doughty
• Study of the Effect of Meditation Practice: The Shamatha Project
• Green Funeral Home Specialized in Human Composting: Recompose
• The Crestone End of Life Project: Open Air Cremation Site

Katherine MacLean’s Special Offer

• For only $5, you will be able to view and download two high-quality videos of Katherine’s 16-minute guided meditations