On today’s show, we learned that MDMA (commonly known as ‘ecstasy’) is the love drug.  My guest – Randy Hencken, director of Communications and Marketing for MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) said that when people take MDMA, they feel compassion and empathy.

I asked him if there was any way to get some for the Republicans… but now that I’ve had a chance to think about it, perhaps we could get some to Bibi Netanyahu as well.

Tonight’s show began with a wonderful conversation with a fascinating man. Uri Avnery is an Israeli writer, and founder of the Gush Shalom peace movement.

Avnery served three terms in the Knesset from 1965-74 and 1979-81.  He is famous for crossing the lines during the Battle of Beirut to meet Yassir Arafat on 3 July 1982, the first time the Palestinian leader ever met with an Israeli. Avnery is the author of several books about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including 1948: A Soldier’s Tale, the Bloody Road to Jerusalem (2008); Israel’s Vicious Circle (2008); and My Friend, the Enemy (1986).

Of the attack on the Free Gaza flotilla, Avnery wrote “A government of pyromaniacs sets fire to the region.”  At 87 years old, Avnery is an old man and has a fairly thick accent. But our interview is certainly worth a listen for anyone interested in what Israel is doing.

My interview with Uri Avnery was followed by the previously mentioned interview with MAPS’ Randy Hencken.   I first learned of MAPS and their research into using psychedelics to treat PTSD and anxiety from an article in Playboy, “The New Psychedelic Renaissance” a couple of months ago.  I’ve been fascinated ever since, and was thrilled to speak with Randy today.  Unfortunately, the so-called “war on drugs” makes research into the use of psychedelics and even marijuana extremely difficult.

Perhaps a little ecstasy might help those in our government too….