During the middle two hours, Dr. David Luke, a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Greenwich, joined Richard Syrett (Twitter) to discuss the psychedelic substance DMT (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine) and related entity encounter experiences. DMT is produced naturally in animals, including humans, Luke explained. It is most often ingested via a psychotropic plant tea called Ayahuasca. He presented three important protocols for DMT use: substance (purity and dosage of DMT), set (psychological framework one brings to the experience), and setting (the environment in which one does it).
Ayahuasca-induced visions may be slow to come up but when they finally arrive users report experiencing colorful visuals and entopic phenomena of intricate geometric patterns. "Occasionally they can be so intricate as to appear to be extra-dimensional — having more than the three dimensions of space," Luke said. Experiencers may revisit moments in their lives, take extraordinary journeys to alien worlds, and have encounters with other beings, such as large serpents the size of a house, he added. "It becomes seemingly impossible to communicate the fabric of the experience in words," he suggested, noting users report a sense of deep peace, joy, and ecstasy that may be preceded by moments of terror, darkness, and disgust.
There is often a physical experience of vomiting, which Luke described as a sideshow to the deep psychological effects that are going on during a DMT trip. He spoke about the Ayahuasca-inspired imagery of Peruvian artist Pablo Amaringo, and how indigenous tribes in the Amazon recognized the images in his artwork from their own Ayahuasca visions. "They really do depict the kind of elements of the experience, encounters with all kinds of beings, large very vibrant colorful serpents, people vomiting, energetic forces, elemental forces," he revealed. Luke also commented on how much of the imagery is coming from the experience and how much is culturally mediated.
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In the first hour, Twisted Sister founder Jay Jay French talked about his whirlwind story of transformation and redemption, from growing up in New York City in the sixties, to struggling as an addict, and finally, to creating Twisted Sister and turning it into one of the most successful brands in the world. French recalled the time he auditioned for Wicked Lester, a band that would later be known as Kiss. He was turned down but went on to form his own band in 1973. According to French, Twisted Sister went through 11 different iterations before settling on the classic lineup including French, Eddie Ojeda, Dee Snider, Mark Mendoza, and A. J. Pero. The band was around for over a decade before they 'exploded' on the scene with their third album, 1984's Stay Hungry. French also spoke about his T.W.I.S.T.E.D. method of entrepreneurial success.
The final hour was devoted to Open Lines.