In the past few years, society has flipped on its head when it comes to psychedelics. What was once relegated to the fringes of counterculture is now getting attention from the mainstream. Psychedelic drugs like psilocybin (in magic mushrooms), LSD, and DMT are getting more and more popular, especially for their therapeutic and wellness benefits.
Scientific research into psychedelics is growing, and the results are undeniable—there’s a direct link between these substances and mental health, creativity and overall well-being. Studies on psilocybin are showing it can dramatically change mood, creativity, introspection and trauma relief, and more and more medical professionals and wellness advocates are taking notice.
Celebrities who need creativity, resilience and personal growth to navigate their public personas are leading the charge in popularizing psychedelics by sharing their stories. These personal accounts are helping to validate the movement to normalize their use—in controlled therapeutic settings and for personal exploration.
Alongside this cultural shift is another growing field—mycology, particularly the study of mushrooms. Mushrooms, whether psychedelic or medicinal, are being celebrated for their many benefits. More and more people are adding mushrooms—not just psilocybin but also Lion’s Mane, Reishi and Cordyceps—to their wellness regimens and experiencing improved mood, cognitive function and physical health.
The Rise of Psychedelics in Wellness
The use of psychedelics in wellness has been gaining momentum in recent years, with many celebrities and thought leaders speaking out about their personal experiences with these substances. From magic mushrooms to ayahuasca, psychedelics are being used to promote mental and spiritual labor, helping individuals achieve a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Personalities like Miley Cyrus and Aaron Rodgers have shared how these substances have helped them navigate the pressures of fame and find inner peace. Their stories highlight the transformative power of psychedelics, not just for recreational use but as tools for profound personal growth and self-discovery.
Growing Acceptance of Psychedelic Therapies
As more research emerges on the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, they are becoming increasingly accepted as a viable treatment option for a range of mental health conditions. Psilocybin mushrooms, in particular, have been shown to have a profound impact on human consciousness and are being used to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Celebrities like Kristen Bell and Prince Harry have also spoken about how psilocybin helped them manage their mental health struggles, providing relief where traditional treatments had failed. This growing body of evidence is helping to shift public perception and pave the way for broader acceptance of psychedelic therapies.
Celebrity Stories: The Depth of Psychedelic Experience
The influence of celebrities on culture is immense. From fashion to lifestyle, many people look to them for inspiration. So when professional athletes, musicians, actors and public figures start sharing their experiences with psychedelic use, the general public takes notice.
Behind the glamour are individuals who, like all of us, are seeking growth, understanding, healing from trauma or an escape from the daily grind. Celebrities operate in high-stakes, high-pressure environments where creativity and performance are key. Their use of psychedelics gives us a glimpse into how these substances can access previously unknown mental spaces—for personal healing, spiritual exploration or creative inspiration.
Below are stories of famous figures who have used mushrooms—both psychedelic and medicinal. Each story is a unique example of the power of fungi—how they can access parts of ourselves we never knew existed, spark creativity, heal emotional wounds or bring spiritual enlightenment.
- Anaïs Nin: The Writer’s Psychedelic Orgasm
The groundbreaking writer Anaïs Nin was never satisfied with ordinary experiences; her work always pushed the boundaries of human emotion, surrealism and existentialism. Nin’s use of psychedelics, particularly psilocybin mushrooms, led to states of consciousness that matched the themes of her work, showcasing the profound impact of mind-altering drugs. Nin described one of her psilocybin sessions as “an orgasm of the entire being"—she was so connected to her mind and body during the experience.
It’s clear that for Nin, these mind-altering experiences were the gateway to her most inspired, intimate writing—especially as a writer who explored the inner psyche, sexual liberation, and emotional honesty.
Nin’s use of psychedelics went beyond recreational use. She was on a mission to find symbols and pathways to new emotional territories, deeper understanding and infinite creativity.
Best Practice: For writers, artists and creatives, consider growing your own mushrooms, both psychedelic (where legal) and medicinal, like Lion’s Mane which boosts cognitive function and creativity. Lion’s Mane supports neurogenesis and neuroplasticity which could help you tap into your full brain potential and maybe see the world in new ways like Nin did.
- Carrie Fisher: Healing from Addiction with Psychedelics
Carrie Fisher was forever Princess Leia in Star Wars, but she also battled addiction and mental health issues. Late in life, she revealed a big part of her healing process—psychedelics. Many are unaware that beyond traditional recovery methods, Fisher used psychedelics to work through trauma, anxiety and addiction. Her endorsement of psychedelics as part of a holistic recovery practice opened the door for others who struggle with the same.
Addiction has always been seen as needing abstinence-based approaches, but Fisher’s openness shows how substances like psilocybin can break the addictive cycle and restructure our emotional and psychological framework.
Clinical research is catching up with Fisher’s experience. Psilocybin specifically has been shown to help people reduce their dependence on substances like nicotine and alcohol by creating introspective, life-changing experiences during the sessions where people can reframe their relationship with addiction.
Best Practice: Pair psilocybin (with a qualified therapist) with non-psychoactive therapeutic mushrooms like Reishi and Cordyceps for ongoing mental balance and physical stability. For daily maintenance, Lion’s Mane can support brain function and help mitigate addictive tendencies.
- Brendon Urie: Boosting Musical Creativity
Musician and lead singer of Panic! at the Disco, Brendon Urie has never been shy about his psychedelic experiences and how they help his musical creativity and exploration. In interviews, he’s talked about how these substances allow him to escape the mental constructs that limit creative thinking and create music outside the box.
Psychedelics and music have been together since the 1960s and the electronic beats of today. Urie’s use of psychedelics fits with this synergy, as substances like psilocybin allow artists to access trippy fluid mental states where time, sound and space become malleable. These altered states can lead to bold choices in song composition and lyrics, which Urie, as a boundary-pushing artist appreciates.
Best Practice: Not every artist or musician needs psychedelics to unlock their creativity. Medicinal mushrooms like Cordyceps can boost energy, while Lion’s Mane supports cognitive function, both of which can enhance creativity. Incorporate these functional mushrooms into your diet and lifestyle to increase mental flexibility. You can even grow your own mushrooms using our mushroom grow kits, grain spawn bags, and substrates—you might be surprised at the creativity that comes with cultivating your own fungi!
- Mike Tyson: From Raging Fighter to Psychedelic Peace Advocate
Once the face of fury and aggression in the world of boxing, Mike Tyson has gone from world-class fighter to peace advocate and inner explorer. This radical shift is mostly due to his experiences with psychedelics, specifically 5-MeO-DMT, a powerful substance from the venom of the Sonoran Desert toad. Tyson has credited 5-MeO-DMT and other psychedelics with neutralizing his anger and allowing him to connect to himself in ways he never imagined.
The transformation from violent combatant to focused and peaceful presenter of mental wellness is a testament to how psychedelics can bring clarity, emotional healing and perspective-shifting experiences. For Tyson, psychedelics revealed parts of himself he had hidden beneath layers of trauma and anger. Now instead of lashing out, he channels that energy into introspection and shows he’s not just a former fighter but a seeker of truth within.
Best Practice: Psilocybin is becoming a tool for emotional processing and trauma healing. But if you’re looking for non-psychedelic supplements, Reishi mushrooms are a great choice, as they have been used for centuries for peace, mental calm and stress reduction.
- Miley Cyrus: A Journey through Fame, Psychedelics and Self-Discovery
In the wild world of celebrity, Miley Cyrus found solace in psychedelics at key points in her career. Known for going from Disney star to bold artist, Miley credits psilocybin mushrooms with helping her with anxiety, stress and identity questions.
Psychedelics gave Miley the opportunity to peel back the layers of societal pressure and see who she was without the influence of external opinion. Her experiences have reportedly allowed her to navigate the fine line between self-expression and societal expectations—a challenge many in the entertainment industry face.
For some, the public eye can be a source of stress leading to identity crises, unrelenting pressure and creative blocks. By using psychedelics to center herself, Miley shows how career transformation can happen through altered states of consciousness, leading to very profound experiences.
Best Practice: If you want a more grounded way to manage stress or anxiety, try medicinal mushrooms like Lion’s Mane and Reishi. They support emotional stability and cognitive clarity without the hallucinogenic effects. Lion’s Mane specifically has been shown to lower depression and anxiety, making it a great supplement for mental health during times of change or stress.
- Harry Styles: Psychedelics and Self-Reflection
Harry Styles, former member of One Direction and now solo artist, has publicly spoken about psychedelics as a tool for self-exploration and artistic expression. During one of his sessions, Styles accidentally bit off the tip of his tongue while under the influence of psilocybin-infused chocolate, highlighting the unpredictable nature of these experiences.
During the making of his album Fine Line, Styles described mushroom sessions as game-changing experiences where he could step outside his normal mind to reflect on his life and music. For Styles, psychedelic sessions may have contributed to him being more vulnerable—a quality evident in his introspective songwriting, which goes beyond the manufactured pop star image and into much more real and emotional territory.
Styles isn’t alone among musicians who have credited psychedelics for their artistic introspection. There’s a long history of creative people benefiting from the unusual thought patterns and new insights that substances like psilocybin bring.
Best Practice: You don’t need to take psychedelics to tap into your creative side. Growing mushrooms like Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane can give you indirect mental benefits like focus and clarity. Growing mushrooms can even be an invitation to nature’s meditative qualities and get you creative and reflective momentum.
- Reggie Watts: The Psychedelic Journey of a Comic Creative
Known for his humor, improvisation and surrealist music, Reggie Watts credits some of his most creative epiphanies to psychedelic experiences. Watts, who has openly spoken about using psychedelics like magic mushrooms, views them not only as performance enhancers but as a gateway to higher forms of creativity. For Watts, comedy, music and psychedelics are intertwined.
When under the influence of substances like psilocybin, Watts says he feels like he can break down creative barriers and do anything. This sense of “anything is possible” is visible in his comedy, which often jumps between reality and abstract realms.
Watts’ story is another example of how psychedelics can expand our everyday perception of reality and how we express ideas. His experiences demonstrate that creative development doesn't necessarily need to follow rules; it can be unrestricted, evolving, and exploratory.
Best Practice: Whether you’re growing mushrooms for medicinal or psychedelic purposes, their ability to open mental doors is well documented. Lion’s Mane for cognitive enhancement can be especially useful for creativity and Cordyceps for mental and physical energy.
- Aaron Rodgers: Expanded Perspective and Athletic Performance
NFL legend Aaron Rodgers made headlines not just for his on-field skills but for his advocacy of psychedelics, specifically his experience with consuming ayahuasca. Rodgers has spoken about how his psychedelic journeys gave him mental clarity and emotional resilience. He directly attributes his continued success in the high-pressure world of professional football to his experiences.
Rodgers’ specific journey with Ayahuasca expanded his sense of self, humanity and emotional maturity, culminating in better athletic and personal performance. He’s said he feels more “in alignment” with himself, which translates to better focus, energy and passion on the field and in everyday life.
Indigenous shamans' ayahuasca ceremonies, which frequently involve profound psychedelic experiences, are growing in popularity as a tool for personal growth and healing. Rodgers’ willingness to talk about his experiences has helped to open minds about the benefits of psychedelics even for high-performance roles like sports.
Best Practice: While psilocybin isn’t required for athletic performance, medicinal mushrooms like Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps can support physical endurance and mental acuity. These nutrient-dense mushrooms increase oxygen use and reduce fatigue and focus, making them perfect for athletes looking to optimize mental and physical performance.
- Kristen Bell: Managing Depression and Anxiety with Psychedelics
Kristen Bell is an advocate for mental health and has spoken openly about her struggles with anxiety and depression. Adding psychedelics to her healing process was a key part of managing those challenges—a reflection of the growing research around psilocybin’s ability to treat major depressive disorder, PTSD and anxiety. Bell’s experience isn’t unique.
More and more people with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety are finding success in controlled psilocybin therapy, often with a licensed professional. Bell credits these sessions with giving her new perspective on her mental health struggles, detaching from the ego-based loops of negative self-talk, and finding relief.
Research has shown psilocybin can connect disparate parts of the brain, allowing individuals to form new thought patterns free of past trauma, fear and deep-rooted anxiety.
Best Practice: While psilocybin is still illegal in most of the world, if you want to support mental health with natural compounds, you can look to Lion’s Mane and Reishi. Lion’s Mane is associated with neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement, while Reishi can balance mood and reduce stress, making it a powerful combination for mental wellness.
- Seth Rogen: Cannabis and Psilocybin Mushrooms for Creativity and Well-being
Comedian and filmmaker Seth Rogen is well known for his love of cannabis but he’s also started to talk more openly about his positive experiences with mushrooms. For Rogen, both cannabis and psychedelic mushrooms are tools for creativity; he can break out of the monotony of thought and approach filmmaking, writing and acting from new angles.
Many artists and creatives find that psychedelics dissolve the walls of tradition and allow them to explore new ideas without the constraints of logic and structure. Creatives who are already predisposed to “outside the box” thinking may find that psilocybin allows them to continually stretch the mind’s boundaries, make new connections and challenge their assumptions about what art can or should be.
Best Practice: Experiment with medicinal mushrooms as part of your creative routine. Try Lion’s Mane to improve brain plasticity and tap into your inner creativity. Also venture into gourmet mushrooms like Shiitake and Oyster species for culinary adventures and making creativity real in the kitchen.
- Susan Sarandon: Psychedelics for Spiritual Enlightenment in Later Life
Actress Susan Sarandon has been interested in psychedelics for spiritual exploration for years. As she ages, she sees the value in these substances to deepen her understanding of life, death, existence and her place in the universe. For Sarandon taking psychedelics in later life has had profound effects not only in contemplating what’s beyond physical existence but also in rekindling wonder. Instead of fearing aging, Sarandon is embracing it through her spiritual journeys and says psychedelics can open windows far beyond ordinary sightlines.
Psychedelics like psilocybin are used as tools for spiritual exploration—to confront death, question existence, or open up to mystical experiences. Sarandon’s approach to psychedelics seems to be in line with these goals: to shift aging from something to fear to something to explore.
Best Practice: Even without psychedelics, spirituality can be deepened with intentional practices like microdosing medicinal mushrooms. Lion’s Mane is associated with neurogenesis and can increase mindfulness and awareness. Mushrooms like Reishi have been used in Eastern medicine for centuries and are connected with longevity and spiritual balance.
- Prince Harry: Using Psychedelics to Tackle Trauma and Mental Health
In a major public confession Prince Harry revealed he had tried psychedelics to deal with grief and trauma. Losing his mother, Princess Diana at a young age had a profound impact on his mental health—something he carried with him for decades. Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, helped him process long suppressed feelings and trauma, gain insight into his experiences and promote emotional healing.
In sharing his mental health struggles and healing journey, Prince Harry humanized the conversation around psychedelics. Instead of positioning them as recreational indulgences, Harry shows how mushrooms and psychedelics can be used to manage grief, trauma and existential pain.
Best Practice: While psilocybin is being accepted as a trauma healing tool, medicinal mushrooms like Lion’s Mane and Reishi can be used as daily supportive supplements. Lion’s Mane is known for its neuroprotective effects and ability to combat cognitive decline, while Reishi is an adaptogen and popular for emotional resilience and stress reduction.
- Rosie Perez: Psychedelics as Cognitive Explorers
Actress and activist Rosie Perez has been exploring how psychedelics enhance cognition and creativity. Feeling free from societal expectations, Perez uses psychedelics to challenge norms and push boundaries of conventional thinking. She sees psychedelics as companions for cognitive and artistic exploration.
Perez’s story is about how psychedelics like psilocybin can shift perception, expand creativity and induce playfulness. Perez’s journey through psychedelics is about not taking life or our ideas too seriously and embracing the fluidity of thought. Her experiences show the balance between serious introspection and the fun chaos that psychedelics can bring, a lighter side to the often intense journeys.
Best Practice: Engage in lighthearted or creative activities post-psychedelic experiences to process new perceptions. Mushrooms like Lion’s Mane aren’t just for serious cognitive benefits; they can also stimulate curiosity and adventure in ideas and help you enjoy life.
- Steve Jobs: The Psychedelic Roots of Apple Innovation
Not directly related to psilocybin mushrooms, Steve Jobs did attribute his innovative vision and creativity to the influence of psychedelics, specifically LSD. But at its core, his experience is about expanded imagination, progress through altered states of consciousness and breaking down mental barriers. Jobs believed his experiences with psychedelics allowed him to think differently, not just about new products but about new ways of thinking about technology, interaction and design.
Many see Apple’s innovation as an outgrowth of the free thinking and countercultural thinking that psychedelics inspire. Jobs’ journey was with LSD but the principles of neuroplasticity and creativity enhancement apply to psilocybin mushrooms. These experiences allow pattern breaking, which can lead to creative innovation, just like Jobs’ journey with Apple.
Best Practice: Drink mushroom coffee made from Lion’s Mane or other cognitive-enhancing varieties as part of your daily routine to stimulate innovative thinking. Growing and exploring mushrooms is like a metaphorical deep dive into how nature’s systems work in harmony—a hands-on way to access innovation and creativity.
How We See the Future of Psychedelics in Wellness
As the stigma around psychedelics continues to fade, it’s likely that we’ll see even more mainstream acceptance of these substances in the years to come. With FDA approval for psychedelic therapies on the horizon, we can expect a surge in research and development in this area.
This could lead to new, innovative treatments for mental health conditions, offering hope to millions of people around the world. The potential for psychedelics to revolutionize mental health care is immense, and the future looks promising for those seeking alternative therapies.
Mainstream Acceptance and Research
As psychedelics become more widely accepted, we can expect to see more research into their therapeutic benefits. This will likely lead to the development of new treatments and therapies, further legitimizing the use of psychedelics in wellness.
The stories of celebrities who have benefited from these substances are helping to drive this change, encouraging more people to explore the potential of psychedelics for healing and personal growth. With continued research and advocacy, psychedelics could become the cornerstone of modern mental health care.
Connecting Celebrity Experiences to Responsible Psychedelic Exploration
These celebrity experiences show the massive potential of psychedelics for personal healing, creative power and emotional toughness. Their stories also remind us that although psychedelics may seem exciting, it’s crucial to approach these substances with respect, safety and a clear understanding of how they work.
If you’re interested in the world of psychedelics, starting with the study and cultivation of non-psychoactive medicinal mushrooms is a great way to get into mushroom wellness without the legal or personal risk. Growing varieties like Lion’s Mane and Reishi can give you benefits for stress reduction, brain function and even emotional resilience—all without the hallucinogenic component.
In our modern world, psychedelics are slowly losing the stigma they’ve had for decades and becoming tools for the mentally and emotionally curious. Whether you want emotional healing, a creative boost or mental clarity, mushrooms—psychedelic or medicinal—offer a tangible way to reconnect, realign and grow. Whatever way you choose to engage with mushrooms—whether you’re interested in the wellness benefits of adaptogenic varieties or want to dive deep into psilocybin—take the time to research, cultivate and approach these ancient beings responsibly.
Story Highlights:
Anaïs Nin said psilocybin facilitated creative and sensual breakthroughs and described one experience as “an orgasm of the whole being.”
Carrie Fisher talked about how psychedelics helped her in her recovery from addiction and their potential uses in mental health.
Brendon Urie credited psychedelics with unlocking his creative blocks to music—a common benefit cited by many artists.
Mike Tyson had an emotional and behavioral transformation with 5-MeO-DMT and went from being an aggressive person to an inner peaceful one.
Harry Styles used psilocybin to explore himself while working on music, showing the compound’s ability to make us vulnerable and clear.
Kristen Bell and Prince Harry both found psychedelics helpful for anxiety, depression, and long-term trauma, proving the clinical potential of psilocybin in overcoming mental health hurdles.
Athletes like Aaron Rodgers and innovators like Steve Jobs have also talked about using psychedelics to expand their capabilities—from mental clarity in sports to life-changing ideas.
The stories of celebrities who have used psychedelics to promote mental and spiritual labor are helping to raise awareness and reduce stigma around these substances. From Steve Jobs to Sting, many thought leaders have spoken out about the profound experiences they’ve had with psychedelics and the impact that these substances have had on their lives.
Their testimonies are not just about personal transformation but also about the broader potential of psychedelics to enhance human consciousness and well-being. As we continue to explore and understand these substances, we can look forward to a future where psychedelics are an accepted and valuable part of our wellness toolkit.