Topic: Rick Strassman

Rick Strassman comes up in 16 chapters across 13 episodes of The Higherside Chats Free Show, from April 2012 to November 2025.

April 2012 November 2025

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Dr. Joanna Kujawa | The Alien Goddess, Spiritual Machines, & Baba Yaga
• 34:33 - 40:38

Dr. Joanna Kujawa | The Alien Goddess, Spiritual Machines, & Baba Yaga

Archonic Intelligence, DMT Research and Silicon Valley Hijacking

There is a claim that Silicon Valley "tech bros" are using psychedelics to link up with "archonic" intelligences that direct their technological development. Kujawa reveals that DMT researchers have been approached by wealthy donors interested in "intercepting" or "hijacking" the DMT realm for AI integration. She argues that humanity is "hot stuff" because we have natural access to these signals, which technological agendas seek to co-opt or cut off.

Free Plus Show:  Chris Knowles | Lucifer’s Technologies & The Mk Ultra-terrestrials
• 43:02 - 49:24

Free Plus Show: Chris Knowles | Lucifer’s Technologies & The Mk Ultra-terrestrials

MKUltra 2.0, DMT and Entity Possession

Knowles presents a controversial interpretation of MKUltra, suggesting its ultimate goal was preparing human vessels for entity possession rather than simple mind control. He views the current surge in university-funded psychedelic research as "MKUltra 2.0." He warns that industrialized use of DMT and other potent hallucinogens may be leading people to become "food" or "batteries" for extra-dimensional entities.

Gordon White | The Top 10 Paranormal Books Of All Time
• 21:27 - 24:22

Gordon White | The Top 10 Paranormal Books Of All Time

Rick Strassman and Shamanic Origins, Number 7 Book Picks

Gordon White selects "DMT: The Spirit Molecule" by Dr. Rick Strassman, arguing it provides a scientific interface for the spirit world through consistent cross-cultural psychedelic encounters. The host considers "Origins of the Gods" by Greg Little and Andrew Collins, which links shamanism to earth energies and plasma beings, though he notes it may be too recent for an "all-time" list. They briefly discuss the ethics of authors putting their own recent works on such lists.

Chris Knowles | Lucifer’s Technologies & The Mk Ultra-terrestrials
• 43:59 - 46:31

Chris Knowles | Lucifer’s Technologies & The Mk Ultra-terrestrials

DMT Research, Silicon Valley Microdosing and Entity Predation

The rise of well-funded psychedelic research in universities and Silicon Valley's microdosing culture are viewed as modern methods for contacting entities. The hosts discuss the "machine elves" reported in DMT experiences and express concern that these entities may be preying on human psyches.

Dr. Rick Strassman | DMT Beings, Prophetic State Contact, & Theoneurology
• 0:00 - 4:07

Dr. Rick Strassman | DMT Beings, Prophetic State Contact, & Theoneurology

Higher Side Chats Plus Membership and Dr. Rick Strassman Introduction

Greg Carlwood introduces the Higher Side Chats Plus membership benefits before transitioning into the history of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's fireside chats as a thematic backdrop for the show. The guest, Dr. Rick Strassman, is introduced as a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico and author of DMT: The Spirit Molecule. The discussion sets the stage for exploring Strassman's 1990-1995 human DMT trials and his more recent literary works.

greg carlwoodrick strassmandimethyltryptaminethe spirit moleculecottonwood research foundation
Dr. Rick Strassman | DMT Beings, Prophetic State Contact, & Theoneurology
• 4:08 - 6:58

Dr. Rick Strassman | DMT Beings, Prophetic State Contact, & Theoneurology

Pineal Gland Research and Selection of DMT for Clinical Trials

Dr. Rick Strassman explains his initial scientific interest in the pineal gland as a potential biological seat for spiritual experiences. He details the transition from studying melatonin to dimethyltryptamine (DMT) due to DMT's powerful psychedelic properties and endogenous nature. The choice of DMT for clinical trials was influenced by its short duration of action, which minimized the risk of prolonged adverse reactions in a hospital setting compared to LSD.

Dr. Rick Strassman | DMT Beings, Prophetic State Contact, & Theoneurology
• 1:00:45 - 1:05:45

Dr. Rick Strassman | DMT Beings, Prophetic State Contact, & Theoneurology

Greg Carlwood Outro and Plus Episode Preview

Greg Carlwood reflects on the interview, noting Dr. Strassman's measured and methodical approach to a subject often dominated by "bro science." He previews the second hour for Plus subscribers, which includes discussions on the Huxley-Leary debate, the origin of ideas, and an anecdote about Strassman's 1986 DMT trip administered by Terence McKenna. Carlwood also credits the show's audio editor for improving the recording quality.

Chris Knowles | A Synchromystic State Of The Union, The Great Seal, Lyra & The Space Altar
• 1:04:34 - 1:07:51

Chris Knowles | A Synchromystic State Of The Union, The Great Seal, Lyra & The Space Altar

DMT Research, Rick Strassman and Entity Encounters

Rick Strassman's DMT research is discussed, specifically the consistent reports of encounters with non-human entities. Knowles shares a personal experience of a high-fever hallucination that mirrored DMT and Ayahuasca trips described by Graham Hancock. The conversation concludes that the distinction between aliens and spirits is currently impossible to define.

Alex Tsakiris | The Consciousness Quarantine, Skeptiko, & Data From The Fringe
• 28:14 - 30:31

Alex Tsakiris | The Consciousness Quarantine, Skeptiko, & Data From The Fringe

Tom DeLonge, To The Stars Academy, Disclosure Charade

Alex Tsakiris criticizes the UFO disclosure narrative promoted by Tom DeLonge and the New York Times as a "charade" that ignores the spiritual and consciousness-related aspects of the phenomena. He contrasts DeLonge's focus on hardware and free energy with the profound ontological shifts reported by DMT researchers like Rick Strassman. The segment suggests the official disclosure movement is a controlled narrative designed to steer public inquiry away from deep spirituality.

Anthony Peake | Consciousness, Altered States, & The Pleroma
• 46:41 - 48:13

Anthony Peake | Consciousness, Altered States, & The Pleroma

TARS Receptors, Sigma 1 and Reality Modulation

The human brain contains specific receptor sites, such as TARS and Sigma 1, that appear designed to interact with dimethyltryptamine. This suggests that DMT functions as an endogenous neurotransmitter and a modulator of reality. Rick Strassman's work is referenced to support the idea that these chemical interactions are fundamental to how the brain processes and filters the external world.

tars receptorssigma 1neurotransmittersrick strassmanreality modulation
Anthony Peake | Consciousness, Altered States, & The Pleroma
• 48:13 - 50:54

Anthony Peake | Consciousness, Altered States, & The Pleroma

Rick Strassman, The Spirit Molecule and Machine Elves

During the 1990s, Professor Rick Strassman conducted government-approved research on DMT volunteers at the University of New Mexico. Participants consistently reported entering a "more real" reality inhabited by autonomous entities, which Terence McKenna famously termed "machine elves." These beings often resembled the "Greys" described in UFO abduction accounts and appeared to be expecting the human visitors.

The 100th Episode Special
• 9:50 - 16:01

The 100th Episode Special

Anthony Peake, Pineal Gland and Endogenous DMT Research

Anthony Peake discusses his book, The Infinite Mindfield, focusing on the neurological and esoteric significance of the pineal gland. He highlights recent research by Gimo Borjigin at the University of Michigan which detected dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in the pineal glands of live rats. Peake argues that the brain is biologically designed to process DMT as a neurotransmitter to modulate reality, linking these findings to ancient Sumerian and Vatican symbolism.

THC 57: Foster Gamble | Thrive, Free Energy Suppression, & ET Contact
• 4:04 - 9:55

THC 57: Foster Gamble | Thrive, Free Energy Suppression, & ET Contact

DMT Initiation and Emotional Honesty in Society

The hosts discuss an upcoming initiation into DMT use, referencing Rick Strassman's book The Spirit Molecule. Kyle shares how past psychedelic experiences led to lasting emotional honesty and a rejection of societal norms regarding male stoicism. They explore the concept of alienation as a necessary byproduct of facing truth in a society that encourages numbing through routine and self-medication.

dmtrick strassmanpsychedelicsemotional honestyalienation
THC 36: Nick Redfern | The World’s Weirdest Places
• 1:00:29 - 1:02:29

THC 36: Nick Redfern | The World’s Weirdest Places

Rick Strassman and DMT Entity Interaction

Dr. Rick Strassman's book, The Spirit Molecule, is cited as a modern study on how DMT can provide access to realms inhabited by advanced entities. This research supports the idea that altered states of mind, whether achieved through drugs or ritual, allow for interaction with non-human intelligences. The work of Adam Gorightly is also mentioned regarding how occultists like Parsons and Crowley may have opened permanent doorways for these entities.

THC 22: Martin Ball | Psychedelics & The Ego
• 1:11:45 - 1:14:20

THC 22: Martin Ball | Psychedelics & The Ego

Rick Strassman, the Pineal Gland, and Modern Interests

Martin Ball addresses Rick Strassman's hypothesis regarding DMT production in the pineal gland, noting it remains pure speculation without scientific evidence. When asked about pineal symbolism in the Catholic Church, Ball admits he no longer focuses on mystical systems or ancient cultures. He shares that his current interests have shifted toward teaching Tibetan Buddhism and reading fiction by authors like Stephen King.

THC 21: Anthony Peake | Consciousness & Reality
• 39:55 - 43:05

THC 21: Anthony Peake | Consciousness & Reality

Dimethyltryptamine, Pineal Gland and Rick Strassman

The role of Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in the brain is examined as a potential facilitator for altered states and the near-death experience. While Rick Strassman popularized the theory of DMT release at death, Peake explores the presence of "trace amine receptors" (TARS) in the brain that act as locks for the DMT key. The molecular similarity between DMT, serotonin, and melatonin suggests the brain is biologically wired to process this powerful endogenous hallucinogen.