Today we welcome Roland Griffiths and David Yaden. Dr. Roland Griffiths is a professor of neuroscience, psychiatry, and behavioral science, and director of the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He has authored over 400 scientific publications and has trained more than 60 postdoctoral research fellows. His initial 2006 publication on psilocybin is often attributed as the catalyst for the re-initiation of psychedelic research after decades of halted drug research.Dr. David Yaden is an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine working in The Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research. His research focus is on transformative experiences that can result in long-term changes and how they temporarily alter consciousness and self. His work has been covered by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, and NPR.In this episode, I talk to Roland Griffiths and David Yaden about the latest research on psychedelics. They answer some of my burning questions such as: What are the common characteristics of a mystical experience? Are hallucinations necessary for a transformative experience? How do psychedelics affect our brain? We also touch on the topics of mindfulness, religion, mental illness, and creativity as they share about the latest developments in the field. Website: griffithsfund.orgTwitter: @ExistWell Topics02:36 Roland’s background in psychopharmacology 09:44 Roland’s meditation practice13:57 David’s mystical experience18:35 Roland’s mystical experience22:02 Common characteristics of mystical experiences27:48 Transformative experience or mental illness?39:15 Was Timothy Leary right about psychedelics?46:05 The future of psychedelic research 48:39 The neuroscience of psychedelics53:14 Creativity and therapeutic use of psychedelics56:33 Are hallucinations needed for transformation?1:02:50 Roland’s cancer diagnosis1:13:41 The Griffiths Professorship Fund