Why Psychedelics May Outperform Antidepressants! | Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris

Why Psychedelics May Outperform Antidepressants! | Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris

Author: Sean Kim October 10, 2025 Duration: 1:30:03

Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris is a neuroscientist and professor of neurology and psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco, where he leads the Psychedelics Division. He is internationally recognized for pioneering research on psychedelics, brain function, and mental health. His studies have revealed how substances like psilocybin and LSD can “reset” brain networks and offer therapeutic potential for conditions such as depression and anxiety. Dr. Carhart-Harris is a leading voice in the renaissance of psychedelic science, making groundbreaking neuroscience accessible to both scientific and public audiences.


In our conversation we discuss:

(00:00) Misunderstandings people have about psychedelics
(02:27) Differentiating psychedelics from drugs like ketamine, MDMA
(08:39) Why people group all drugs together
(14:57) History of ancestral use of psychedelics
(21:46) Visions or insights during dark retreat
(23:17) Biohacks for psychedelic experiences without compounds
(29:10) Natural vs synthetic psychedelics and effects
(32:28) Albert Hoffman’s discovery of LSD
(37:45) Findings from legal LSD human studies
(45:55) Comparing SSRIs and psychedelics for depression
(46:27) Clarification on psilocybin as treatment
(48:49) Qualitative vs quantitative measures in trials
(51:34) No difference between SSRIs and psychedelics?
(54:21) Hesitations about psychedelics despite effectiveness
(54:56) Why clinicians hesitate to provide both options
(58:04) Downsides of SSRIs versus psychedelics
(1:03:46) Dependency risk of SSRIs vs psychedelics
(1:07:49) Personality traits suited for SSRIs vs psychedelics
(1:12:54) Microdosing versus single high psychedelic doses
(1:14:48) Placebo or real effects of microdosing
(1:18:57) Brian Johnson’s blueprint and psychedelics
(1:20:32) Psychedelics and potential longevity benefits
(1:26:01) Key takeaway and misconception to forget
(1:29:04) Where to follow for book updates


Learn more about Dr. Robin:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Carhart-Harris
https://profiles.ucsf.edu/robin.carhart-harris
@Carhartharrislab


Watch full episodes on: https://www.youtube.com/@seankim
Connect on IG: https://instagram.com/heyseankim


Sean Kim hosts Growth Minds with Sean Kim, a podcast built on the idea that meaningful growth touches every part of our lives. Each episode features a deep, unscripted conversation with a leading voice, moving beyond simple tips to explore the philosophies and personal stories behind their success. You’ll hear from an incredibly diverse roster, from financial thinker Robert Kiyosaki and neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman to cultural icons like Dennis Rodman and musicians like Steve Aoki. The discussions naturally weave through interconnected themes of physical health, mental resilience, financial wisdom, and personal relationships. Whether it’s Dr. Jason Fung breaking down metabolic health or Wim Hof explaining his breathing methods, the focus is on practical insights you can apply. This isn’t about abstract theory; it’s about the tangible habits and mindset shifts that help you build a better life. Tune in for a consistently surprising and substantive dialogue that challenges how you think about your own potential.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Growth Minds with Sean Kim
Podcast Episodes
How Your Mindset Is Making You Sick & Age Faster | Dr. Ellen Langer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:18
Dr. Ellen Langer is a social psychologist and professor at Harvard University, widely regarded as the "mother of mindfulness." Her groundbreaking research explores how mindset influences health, aging, and performance, e…
The Real Dangers of AI No One Talks About | Dr. Roman Yampolskiy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:02
Dr. Roman Yampolskiy is a computer scientist, AI researcher, and professor at the University of Louisville, where he directs the Cyber Security Lab. He is widely recognized for his work on artificial intelligence safety,…
Why 90% Of People Fail To Accomplish Their Goals | Dr. Emily Balcetis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:45
Dr. Emily Balcetis is a social psychologist and associate professor at New York University whose research explores perception, motivation, and decision-making. She is the author of Clearer, Closer, Better: How Successful…
Why ChatGPT Will Never Replace All Human Jobs | Laura Huang [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:18
Prof. Laura Huang is a Distinguished Professor of Management and Organizational Dynamics at Northeastern University, and previously taught at Harvard Business School and the Wharton School. She has been recognized as one…
Why Modern Women Choose Status Over Love | Rob Henderson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:27
Dr. Rob Henderson is a psychologist, writer, and U.S. Air Force veteran who coined the term “luxury beliefs.” Raised in foster care, he went on to earn a PhD from the University of Cambridge and now writes for major outl…