Science, the Brain, and Psychedelics - An Interview With Manesh Girn, PhD

The Bottom Line with Nicholas Kusmich

Dr. Manesh Girn is a postdoctoral neuroscientist at the University of California, San Francisco, where he investigates the brain mechanisms underlying psychedelic experiences and their therapeutic potential. He serves as the Scientific Director at The Center for MINDS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to exploring how psychedelics and consciousness practices can enhance creativity and problem-solving. Dr. Girn has authored over 20 peer-reviewed scientific publications on topics including psychedelics, brain networks, and complex cognition. Passionate about public science education, he created The Psychedelic Scientist, a platform on Instagram and YouTube to share the latest findings in psychedelic science with a broad audience.

In this episode…

The human brain is an intricate network of thoughts, emotions, and memories, constantly shaping how we perceive the world. But what if there were a way to enhance its adaptability, unlock creativity, and even heal past trauma? Could psychedelics hold the key to rewiring our minds and optimizing brain function?

According to Dr. Manesh Girn, a leading psychedelic neuroscientist and researcher, psychedelics have the potential to induce profound shifts in consciousness by enhancing neuroplasticity. He highlights how these substances temporarily increase the brain’s ability to form new connections, helping people break free from rigid thought patterns and emotional loops. When used in the right setting, psychedelics can facilitate deep introspection, emotional release, and even lasting behavioral changes. Recent studies also suggest they may reduce inflammation, improve brain health, and aid in trauma recovery, positioning them as a promising tool for mental and physical well-being.

In this episode of The Bottom Line podcast, host Nicholas Kusmich sits down with Dr. Manesh Girn, The Psychedelic Scientist, to discuss the science behind psychedelics, the brain, and consciousness. They explore how psychedelics promote neuroplasticity, why different compounds have unique effects, and what the latest research reveals about their therapeutic benefits. Dr. Girn also explains how psychedelics might protect the brain from injury and enhance cognitive function over time.