A Comedian's Psychedelic Awakening with Negin Farsad

Hotter Than Ever

“Mushrooms are for getting over your horseshit so you can move on with life.”

Like most comedians, Negin Farsad was a self-described skeptic, especially when it came to the trendy world of "magic mushrooms" and psychedelic retreats sweeping the wellness scene. But when a writing assignment led her to participate in a psilocybin retreat, she found herself on a transformative path she never expected.

In this captivating episode, Negin shares her initial doubts and ultimate revelations as she delves into the world of psychedelics. What began as a journalistic endeavor quickly evolved into a deeply profound experience, challenging Negin to confront past traumas and rediscover and forgive herself in unexpected ways. Whether you're a mushroom enthusiast or a curious skeptic, Negin’s story offers incredible insights into the potential of psychedelics to heal and transform. Join us as we explore:

• The immersive experience of a psychedelic retreat and its fusion of therapy and medicine
• Negin's surreal journey into an "ego death" and how embodying Serena Williams helped her banish self-doubt
• The pervasive nature of self-doubt among women and how we can dispel it
• Confronting suppressed trauma and finding forgiveness and healing through psilocybin
• The sense of unity and connection fostered among a diverse group of participants during the retreat
• Neuroplasticity and how psychedelics create a unique window for personal growth and transformation

OUR GUEST: Negin Farsad is a TEDFellow and gave a TEDTalk on social justice comedy seen by millions. She is a regular on NPR’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me and Neil deGrasse Tyson’s StarTalk. She is author of the Thurber Prize-nominated How to Make White People Laugh and host of the podcast Fake the Nation. You can see her on HBO’s High Maintenance, Hulu’s Not Okay, and starring on HBOMax’s Birdgirl. She’s also a gutsy woman on Hillary Clinton’s Gutsy series for Apple TV+. Farsad has written for the Guardian, Oprah Magazine, and the New York Times. She once sued the MTA for the right to put up funny posters about Muslims, and won.

Want more Negin? Find her online at http://neginfarsad.com/ and listen to her podcast “Fake the Nation HERE. You can follow Negin on social media:

• Instagram: @neginfarsad
• Twitter/X: @NeginFarsad
• Facebook: @neginfarsad
• TikTok: @neginfarsad

Read Negin’s Afar Magazine article At a Magic Mushroom Retreat, a Comedian Reluctantly Embraces Her “Healing Journey” and watch her TED talk HERE.

Want more Hotter Than Ever? Find us and episode transcripts online at www.hotterthaneverpod.com and sign up for our mailing list! Follow us on:

• Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod
• TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod
• Youtube: @hotterthaneverpod
• Facebook: @hotterthaneverpod

Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode!

We’d love to hear what you think about the show - tell us what stories are resonating with you by writing us a review on Apple Podcasts.