What Psychedelics Actually Do to Creativity, with Reggie Watts

Psychedelics are often framed as creativity boosters, but that’s not exactly what’s happening. In this conversation with Reggie Watts, we explore what psychedelics actually do to the creative process, from removing self-judgment to unlocking flow states and dissolving the internal filters that normally shape how we think and create. Reggie shares how different substances affect improvisation, why dissociatives offer a unique kind of creative space, and how altered states can shift the way we experience music, performance, and collaboration. Along the way, we get into ego, flow, and what it really means to “tap into” creativity—both with and without psychedelics. This isn’t about becoming more creative. It’s about understanding what’s already there—and what’s getting in the way. ⏱️ Chapter Markers 00:00 Intro 02:39 Meeting Reggie Watts 03:39 Psychedelics & Creative Process 04:54 Creating in Different States 06:01 Flow State & Self-Judgment 07:33 Psychedelics & Improvisation 09:07 Past vs Future Consciousness 10:12 Creativity Without Psychedelics 11:55 Music, Trance, and Flow 13:12 Dissociatives & Creative Exploration 15:12 Mixing Substances & States 17:24 Cannabis, Nitrous, and Experience 18:38 Memory, Consciousness, and Identity 20:21 Collaborative Creation 22:32 Control vs Openness in Creativity 24:15 Mindset & Creative Outcomes 25:58 Processing Difficult Emotions 27:52 Movement, Music, and Healing 29:14 Letting Go & Permission to Be 30:54 Psychedelics: Tools or Collaborators? 32:58 Outro / Patreon Segment 🎵 Thanks to Sndbagz for the music! https://on.soundcloud.com/rbYppKLjmcdWUBSrqQ Send us Fan Mail Love the podcast? Help keep the conversations going by checking out our official merch shop! We've got t-shirts, hoodies, hats, mugs, stickers, and more, with new designs added regularly. Every purchase helps support independent, honest conversations about psychedelics, science, and culture. Shop now: https://divergent-states-shop.fourthwall.com/ FiresideProject.org Download the app or text/call 62-FIRESIDE Zendo Project Our listeners get 10% off the Zendo Project SIT Program with the code DIVERGENTS10 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Special Thanks to our Macrodosers, Super D and Mike, and our Thumbprint Tier member, Angie on Patreon! https://linktr.ee/3L1T3Mod