200 Ben Malcolm: 300% Creativity? Using Psychedelics for Innovation, Not Escape
Dr. Ben Malcolm bridges molecule and mystery to help high performers access flow, mental fitness, and long-term mastery. He shows how breath, music, and set/setting transmute discomfort into self-regulation; why psychedelic navigation is a skill you can train; and how to leverage the 72-hour neuroplasticity window to lock new habits. His “person over pills” lens personalizes safety (e.g., MAOI awareness) while honoring cognitive liberty, from microdosing “Perfect Sundays” to guided deep dives. The result: wiser protocols, calmer nervous systems, and bolder creative action—so leaders can Spot what matters, Drop what doesn’t, and Go build a life that flows.
Dr. Ben Malcolm bridges molecule and mystery to help high performers access flow, mental fitness, and long-term mastery. He shows how breath, music, and set/setting transmute discomfort into self-regulation; why psychedelic navigation is a skill you can train; and how to leverage the 72-hour neuroplasticity window to lock new habits. His “person over pills” lens personalizes safety (e.g., MAOI awareness) while honoring cognitive liberty, from microdosing “Perfect Sundays” to guided deep dives. The result: wiser protocols, calmer nervous systems, and bolder creative action—so leaders can Spot what matters, Drop what doesn’t, and Go build a life that flows.
Time Stamps:
[00:00:00] Breath, Sound & Spirit - How the didgeridoo, circular breathing, and Indigenous storytelling opened Ben to spirituality and non-ordinary states.
[00:06:30] When Sound Triggers Fear - Using parasympathetic long breaths to turn sonic overwhelm into mind-body learning and calm.
[00:11:45] Psychedelics Are A Skill - Navigating trips is a trainable craft—more like practicing free throws than chasing a “mystical swoosh.”
[00:17:10] First Mystical? Say Yes - Early mystical experiences are blessings—“when the ocean comes, marry at once”—and can seed lifetime resilience.
[00:23:00] Molecules Meet Mystery - Knowing pharmacology often enhances awe: psychedelics may catalyze adaptive change, not just chemistry.
[00:29:40] Person Over Pills - Interaction questions start with the human: history, intentions, season of life—not a drug chart in a vacuum.
[00:35:20] Ayahuasca Safety Basics - Because of MAOIs, some meds are clearly incompatible; others are fine—nuance and screening matter.
[00:40:00] Microdosing: Beyond Placebo - Newer studies show day-of mood lift and even next-day sleep gains—use with realistic expectations.
[00:45:30] PRN “Perfect Sunday” - Ben’s flexible microdosing idea: occasional, intention-led days with set/setting safeguards to spot-boost mood.
[00:50:50] 72-Hour Plasticity - Window Act fast post-journey: install habits for ~3 weeks and avoid inputs that weigh you down.
[00:56:20] Cognitive Liberty is greater than One-Size-Fits-All - Psychedelics serve healing and performance; evidence has bias—personalize protocols responsibly.
[01:02:00] Dose With Context - Lower-moderate solo, higher with support; stick to tried-and-true compounds over exotic stacks.
[01:07:30] Break “I’m Not A Musician” - Ceremony often dissolves limiting stories; many start singing or playing after ayahuasca.
ACTION GUIDE: “Sit With Discomfort, Unlock Transformation” — Inspired by Dr. Ben Malcolm
Overview: Ben Malcolm teaches that discomfort isn’t a punishment—it’s an opportunity. By staying present with uneasy emotions instead of avoiding them, we unlock resilience, healing, and growth.
Practical Exercise (≤15 mins): The 4-7-8 Breath with Awareness of Discomfort
* Sit quietly and close your eyes.
* Bring to mind a recent moment of discomfort (fear, stress, awkwardness).
* Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, exhale through your mouth for 8 seconds.
* Repeat this cycle 3–5 times while simply observing your body’s sensations without judgment.
Daily Habit: Each day, notice one moment when you feel resistance—whether it’s stress, boredom, or irritation. Instead of distracting yourself, pause, breathe, and lean into it for 60 seconds. Over time, this strengthens your ability to stay grounded in life’s challenges.
Reflection Question: What discomfort in my life could I reframe as a teacher rather than an enemy?
Motivational Quote: “Uncomfortable moments aren’t punishments—they’re opportunities to learn the mind-body connection and reach a heavenly state if you sit with them long enough.” — Ben Malcolm
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[00:00:00] Breath, Sound & Spirit - How the didgeridoo, circular breathing, and Indigenous storytelling opened Ben to spirituality and non-ordinary states.
[00:06:30] When Sound Triggers Fear - Using parasympathetic long breaths to turn sonic overwhelm into mind-body learning and calm.
[00:11:45] Psychedelics Are A Skill - Navigating trips is a trainable craft—more like practicing free throws than chasing a “mystical swoosh.”
[00:17:10] First Mystical? Say Yes - Early mystical experiences are blessings—“when the ocean comes, marry at once”—and can seed lifetime resilience.
[00:23:00] Molecules Meet Mystery - Knowing pharmacology often enhances awe: psychedelics may catalyze adaptive change, not just chemistry.
[00:29:40] Person Over Pills - Interaction questions start with the human: history, intentions, season of life—not a drug chart in a vacuum.
[00:35:20] Ayahuasca Safety Basics - Because of MAOIs, some meds are clearly incompatible; others are fine—nuance and screening matter.
[00:40:00] Microdosing: Beyond Placebo - Newer studies show day-of mood lift and even next-day sleep gains—use with realistic expectations.
[00:45:30] PRN “Perfect Sunday” - Ben’s flexible microdosing idea: occasional, intention-led days with set/setting safeguards to spot-boost mood.
[00:50:50] 72-Hour Plasticity - Window Act fast post-journey: install habits for ~3 weeks and avoid inputs that weigh you down.
[00:56:20] Cognitive Liberty is greater than One-Size-Fits-All - Psychedelics serve healing and performance; evidence has bias—personalize protocols responsibly.
[01:02:00] Dose With Context - Lower-moderate solo, higher with support; stick to tried-and-true compounds over exotic stacks.
[01:07:30] Break “I’m Not A Musician” - Ceremony often dissolves limiting stories; many start singing or playing after ayahuasca.
Ben Malcolm
Psychopharmacology Consultant, Psychedelic Educator, Founder of Spirit Pharmacist
Ben Malcolm, PharmD, MPH
Psychopharmacology Consultant and Psychedelic Educator
Founder of Spirit Pharmacist LLC
Dr. Ben Malcolm earned his bachelor’s degree (BS) in pharmacology at the University of California at Santa Barbara, prior to his Masters in Public Health (MPH) and Doctorate of Pharmacy (PharmD) at Touro University California. He then completed post-graduate residencies in Acute Care at Scripps Mercy Hospital and Psychiatric Pharmacy at the University of California at San Diego Health.
After residency he passed his exam to become Board Certified in Psychiatric Pharmacy (BCPP). He began his career as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Western University of Health Sciences (WUHS), College of Pharmacy before transitioning to his current entrepreneurial role as a Psychopharmacology Consultant, Psychedelic Educator, and Founder of https://www.spiritpharmacist.com
Ben envisions a society in which access to psychedelic drugs in a variety of safe and supported settings is available for purposes of psychospiritual well-being, personal development, ceremonial sacraments, and treatment of mental illness. is focus is on the intersection between psychiatric medications and psychedelic therapies. He has given several Continuing Education presentations to pharmacists and other healthcare professionals as well as published over a dozen articles in peer-reviewed literature relating to psychedelics or psychiatric medications.
His vision guides his clinical and education service-related professional activity.
