Many still think of MDMA as a substance used by people in their early 20s going to festivals and raves. But new research has revealed MDMA's promise as a treatment, amongst other, for PTSD and depression. And our guest today sees it as a medicine that can be used to foster connection and enliven and deepen relationships, all through the adult lifespan, even and especially in advanced age.

Charley Wininger is a licensed psychotherapist for over 30 years whose mission is to prove MDMA's efficacy as a therapeutic medicine, saying the so-called chemical of connection can offer emotional as well as social benefits to people in all stages of life. Charley is the author of Listening to Ecstasy: The Transformative Power of MDMA. Part memoir and part guidebook, Wininger describes the profound effects MDMA has had on his practice as a psychotherapist, as well as enhancing his personal life and relationship with his wife Shelley, while providing data and advice for safe use and integration.

In this discussion with Charley Wininger, you'll discover:

-How writing Charley's book was a story of "coming out of the closet"...02:10

-How MDMA use has changed Charley as a person and as a therapist...04:45

-MDMA causes a "widening of consciousness" of the world around us and our reactions to it...08:55

-The history of MDMA, legal prohibition, and subsequent decriminalization of it...12:40

-Benefits that couples experience with MDMA therapy...19:30

-The co-creation and curation of a romantic relationship by way of MDMA...22:00

-How does accessing self-love change a person?...26:05

-Misconceptions and prejudices in society regarding MDMA and other psychedelics...30:25

-Connection with others is key to quality of life, and how MDMA facilitates that...34:40

-Why Charley believes psychedelics is a key antidote to many of society's ills...38:30

-Charley's opinion of Tim Leary...42:42

-Safety precautions when it comes to using MDMA...44:10

-What would the world look like if MDMA were more mainstream?...50:30

-And much more!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Charley's website

Listening to Ecstasy: The Transformative Power of MDMA

YouTube

Instagram