Brian is the author of the New York Times-bestselling book, "The Immortality Key: The Secret History of the Religion With No Name." Brian is fluent in Ancient Greek, Latin, and Sanskrit, and spent over a decade putting together an incredible story about the intentional use of psychoactive plants in the ancient world, including scientific evidence for the ritual use of spiked beers and wines. Nick and Brian cover topics related to his book, including the use of psilocybin mushrooms in the present to treat end of life anxiety, how “Mystery Schools” in the ancient Greco-Roman world, such as Eleusis, may have utilized psychedelic beverages, the evidence for the potential widespread use of psychoactive plants in ritual settings in ancient times, and how this may have influenced early Christianity, and how psychedelic drugs may induce brain states similar to those produced in near-death experiences. Support the showSign up for the free weekly Mind & Matter newsletter:[https://mindandmatter.substack.com/?sort=top]Learn how you can further support the podcast: [https://mindandmatter.substack.com/p/how-to-support-mind-and-matter]Become a Premium Subscriber to access full content library, including full premium episodes:[https://mindandmatter.substack.com/subscribe?utm_source=menu&simple=true&next=https%3A%2F%2Fmindandmatter.substack.com%2F]Try the Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. Use code MIND for $50 off:[https://www.lumen.me/shop?fid=8731&utm_source=influencer&utm_medium=influencer&discount=MIND]