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A trip to the magic mushroom megachurch

Overview

Shownote

Highlights

Transcript

Chapters

Pins

A trip to the magic mushroom megachurch

Planet Money

Jan 24
Planet Money

Planet Money

Jan 24
OverviewShownoteHighlightsTranscriptChaptersPins

Shownote

Book tour dates and ticket info here. Just as every market has its first movers, every religion has its martyrs — the people willing to risk everything for what they believe. Pastor Dave Hodges just might be a little bit of both. He’s the spiritual leader...

Highlights

This episode dives into the unexpected rise of psychedelic megachurches in America—where psilocybin mushrooms aren’t drugs, but sacred sacraments, and religious freedom is being tested in real time.
02:48
The church offers sacramental psychedelics—including various mushroom strains and DMT—based on religious freedom
08:40
John Rapp shifted his entire legal career to defend psychedelic churches after his son found relief in ayahuasca ceremonies
15:04
Over 300 psychedelic religious organizations operate in the U.S., most small and struggling, except one large and successful church that may serve as a legal test case
18:09
Pastor Hodges had a life-altering vision on mushrooms in 2019 and re-centered the church around magic mushrooms
24:28
The church runs on cash, and Dave uses some of it for a comfortable life and to support other psychedelic churches
27:28
Pastor Dave Hodges believes consuming mushrooms is a religious experience

Chapters

What happens when a church puts psilocybin at the center of worship?
00:00
How does a lawyer help psychedelic churches stay out of jail?
05:33
What does a court actually look for to call something a 'real religion'?
15:04
Why did a police raid make this mushroom church go viral?
18:09
Can a cash-only, federally illegal church survive—and thrive?
21:31
Is this movement about faith, freedom, or the future of drug policy?
27:28

Transcript

Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi: We've got some big news. Planet Money is going on tour to promote our first ever book. It comes out in April. We'll be celebrating in about a dozen cities. There's a limited edition tote bag included with your ticket while supplies la...