David Blackbourn

David Blackbourn is a freelance writer, author, podcaster, and musician, living in London, dreaming of the countryside. He is an avid gardener, voracious listener of audiobooks and podcasts, a huge fan of sci-fi and comic books, and has a long-standing fascination with psychedelics and mind-altering substances.


Profile photo of the author David Blackbourn.
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Opinion

Psychedelics foster epistemic humility by temporarily disrupting the brain's rigid predictive models, offering both individuals and society a path out of entren

Psychedelics Foster Epistemic Humility

Psychedelics foster epistemic humility by temporarily disrupting the brain's rigid predictive models, offering both individuals and society a path out of entren
David Blackbourn - 05/01/2026
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News & Updates

April 2026 marked a watershed moment for psychedelic therapy, with Trump fast-tracking research and patient access, Cambridge launching new trials, and MAPS cel

PSYCH NEWS - 27/04/2026

April 2026 marked a watershed moment for psychedelic therapy, with Trump fast-tracking research and patient access, Cambridge launching new trials, and MAPS cel
David Blackbourn - 04/27/2026
Vast galaxy filled with vibrant purple and blue nebulae, scattered stars, and cosmic dust against a dark backdrop.
Science

Psychedelic mystical experiences can involve insights and visions with cosmic themes. David Blackbourn explores why these experiences might occur, and what thei

What Are We to Make of Cosmic Insights and Visions on Psychedelics

Psychedelic mystical experiences can involve insights and visions with cosmic themes. David Blackbourn explores why these experiences might occur, and what thei
David Blackbourn - 04/10/2026
A speaker addresses a large, attentive crowd seated on the ground, with diverse faces and expressions visible.
Philosophy

Herbert Marcuse argued that Western capitalism has conditioned people to desire consumerist "false needs" and proposed a radical "Great Refusal" and shift in co

Marcuse on Psychedelics and Revolutionary Consciousness

Herbert Marcuse argued that Western capitalism has conditioned people to desire consumerist "false needs" and proposed a radical "Great Refusal" and shift in co
David Blackbourn - 03/12/2026
Abstract profile silhouette with flowing, colorful lines representing thoughts and emotions against a dark background.
News & Updates

Recent research and industry developments suggest psychedelics such as psilocybin, MDMA, DMT, and ketamine may treat mental health conditions by physically repa

PSYCH NEWS - 09/03/2026

Recent research and industry developments suggest psychedelics such as psilocybin, MDMA, DMT, and ketamine may treat mental health conditions by physically repa
David Blackbourn - 03/09/2026
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Opinion

Somatic flashbacks involve the re-experiencing of intense bodily sensations from a traumatic event. While psychedelics and emerging therapies aim to unlock and

Psychedelics and Somatic Flashbacks

Somatic flashbacks involve the re-experiencing of intense bodily sensations from a traumatic event. While psychedelics and emerging therapies aim to unlock and
David Blackbourn - 02/26/2026
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News & Updates

In February 2026, major advances in psychedelic medicine included a rapid 25-minute DMT therapy showing strong results for depression, psilocybin moving closer

PSYCH NEWS - 18/02/26

In February 2026, major advances in psychedelic medicine included a rapid 25-minute DMT therapy showing strong results for depression, psilocybin moving closer
David Blackbourn - 02/18/2026
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Science

The ancient, subterranean networks of fungi underpin life on Earth and are now emerging as a powerful foundation for future sustainable biotechnologies.

Beyond the Trip: How Fungi Are Engineering Our Future

The ancient, subterranean networks of fungi underpin life on Earth and are now emerging as a powerful foundation for future sustainable biotechnologies.
David Blackbourn - 02/01/2026