Good Chemistry

The Science of Connection, from Soul to Psychedelics

By: Julie Holland

Narrated by: Jean Ann Douglass

Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

A psychiatrist and psychedelic researcher explores the science of connection - why we need it, how we’ve lost it, and how we might find it again.

We are suffering from an epidemic of disconnection that antidepressants and social media can’t fix. This state of isolation puts us in "fight or flight mode", deranging sleep, metabolism, and libido. What’s worse, we’re paranoid of others. This kill-or-be-killed framework is not a way to live. But when we feel safe and loved, we can rest, digest, and repair. We can heal. And it is only in this state of belonging that we can open up to connection with others.

In this powerful audiobook, Holland helps us to understand the science of connection as revealed in human experiences from the spiritual to the psychedelic. The key is oxytocin - a neurotransmitter and hormone produced in our bodies that allows us to trust and bond. It fosters attachment between mothers and infants, romantic partners, friends, and even with our pets. There are many ways to reach this state of mental and physical well-being that modern medicine has overlooked. The implications for our happiness and health are profound.

We can find oneness in meditation, in community, or in awe at the beauty around us. Another option: psychedelic medicines that can catalyze a connection with the self, with nature, or the cosmos. Good Chemistry points us on the right path to forging true and deeper attachments with our own souls, to one another, and even to our planet, helping us heal ourselves and our world.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2020 Julie Holland (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

Life Altering

Great book with great perspective. Discusses every aspect of life with connecting the chemistry of the body and soul. Dives deep into every connection and chemical connection that happens.

Essential for anyone looking for deeper connections to self and others

This book is Essential for anyone looking for deeper connections to self and others. Well written, easy to follow, grow and share as the exploration expands. I will be recommending it to many clients and friends.

Anecdotal and research both in an amazing book!

Excellent story telling and research regarding the benefits of using plant medicine for psychological healing!

Holy F’ing Sh*t! YAS!

This book is going to be instrumental in psychedelic movement! Dr. Holland- thank you!!! Moody Bitches changed my life and this book validated sooooo much of my personal experience with psychedelics, particularly Ayahuasca as well as my journey into psychedelic parenthood.

Thank you for this blueprint of sorts!

It’s beautifully read, entertaining and educational the whole way through. This isn’t a part you’ll want to skip.

Pro tip: screen record sections on your phone and share with friends 🤘🏼

(Josie W.)

One of the best books I have read in years

While This isn’t a riveting novel it is a riveting story about how our bodies work in conjunction with a series of psychedelics. I didn’t know that cannabinoids were psychedelics until I read this let alone a host of other interesting facts! The narrator has a wonderful voice and moves the story of our good chemistry along nicely.

If you are Curious about how psychedelics can help with PTSD, depression, and a host of other issues like social anxiety this is a must read.

Interesting Research but Unnecessary sections

This book delves deep into the medical and therapeutic advantages of psychedelics. The first half exposed me to a variety of ideas and interesting research. Towards the last half though, I feel things start to become less interesting. For example, the author explains how she had a pleasant conversation with someone that could not have happened if she had known they were NRA supporters, and continued to explain how that is because conservatives live in a horrible sad world and don't take drugs, not because she's judgemental. Those sections just seem unnecessary and even wrong, and make me start to doubt her other arguments.

Very insightful for those looking to do self work

Almost finished, found most of it to be insightful, and encouraging. The author seems to have a strong case of Trump Derangement Syndrome, and repeatedly talks about how horrible Trump is, and how conservatives are to blame for much of what is wrong with our country.

For a book on connection, her rhetoric can come across as polarizing and divisive. Half the country voted Republican in 2020, and while we are all entitled to our opinions, her repeated bouts of trump bashing is distasteful. The fact that she couldn’t have a casual conversation with a 2A supporter because of his hat speaks to the authors own biases and closed mindedness.

Besides the detracting strong political opinions of the author, good book.

useful smart and informative

this book is presents a lot of information in a useful understandable way. The narration is clear (for those of us who listen in the car) and not overly dramatic. There is a .pdf that you can download easily that includes links for information that you might want to know more about. You will not regret a minute of your time listening to this.

Thank You🤗

Thank you for this comprehensive education on psychedelics and connection. Reading this is inspiring as I am going through a program to become a licensed therapist and then get my psychedelic certification..

Loved it!

Heard about this book from a previous read. It was awesome! Great way to connect the science & the psychological. Great notes!