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Michael Pollan’s journey to understand consciousness

2/19/2026 • 45 min

Science journalist Michael Pollan has written extensively about the therapeutic benefits of mind-altering psychedelics. His new book, ‘A World Appears,’ asks, what is consciousness? “Consciousness has kind of become the secular substitute for the soul,” he tells Terry Gross. Pollan also talks about current studies on consciousness and whether plants and artifici… Play episode

A look at the ethical implications of AI
A daughter's rebellion against a regime and her father
The American Presidency, Redefined
Best Of: Mixed Marriage Project / How Racism Costs Everyone
‘Sinners’ Songwriter Raphael Saadiq
Fela Kuti and the music of political resistance
Excavating the Epstein files
Love, Race & the ‘Mixed Marriage Project’
The Ruby Ridge siege & conspiracy-laced politics in America
Best Of: Fighting for free press in Russia / ‘Fear and Fury’
A 50th anniversary celebration of ‘Taxi Driver’
Following independent journalists fighting for free press in Russia
Is America headed toward dictatorship?
How Rupert Murdoch built an empire and broke his family
Ethan Hawke
Best Of: Novelists Liz Moore & Julian Barnes
Former NBC producer on silence, shame and finding words after #MeToo
Inside the U.S. reversal on climate change action
How Tucker Carlson Became Right-Wing Media’s Most Significant Voice
The Rebirth Of White Rage
Best Of: Writers Rachel Eliza Griffiths & Quiara Alegría Hudes
A Mel Brooks Appreciation!
Writer Quiara Alegría Hudes On ‘White Hot’ Rage
Are ICE Agents In Minneapolis Breaking The Law?
Poet Rachel Eliza Griffiths On Love, Tragedy & ‘Survivor Mode’
How Racism Costs Everyone
Best Of: Jodie Foster / Tessa Thompson
Remembering Grateful Dead Founding Member Bob Weir
Novelist Julian Barnes Faces Mortality Without Fear
Marco Rubio’s Shift From Trump Critic To Champion
Jodie Foster
‘The God of the Woods’ Author Liz Moore
Best Of: Will Arnett / ‘Song Sung Blue’ Director Craig Brewer
Neil Diamond / Noah Wyle On ‘The Pitt’
Tessa Thompson
The Growing Power & Influence Of White Supremacy In America
Marjorie Taylor Greene's Puzzling Political Turn, Explained
Investigating The Great Los Angeles Fires
Ben Stiller / Pedro Pascal
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
Jeff Hiller’s Big Break Came In His 40s
Richard Kind Is Glad He’s Not Super Famous
Malala Finds Her Way
Comic Cristela Alonzo
Bluegrass Star Billy Strings / Laufey
Jane Fonda
The Making Of ‘Born To Run’
‘Morrie’ Writer Mitch Albom On Second Chances
Will Arnett

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