Andrés Gomez Emilsson is the director of the San Francisco–based Qualia Research Institute (QRI), a nonprofit developing formal models of consciousness and emotional valence. QRI’s research aims to untangle the harmonic, computational, and symmetry-driven mechanisms underlying phenomenological experience. They approach the optimization of subjective experience through two powerful psychotechnologies — psychedelics and meditation — using them to explore the state-space of mind and map the structure of qualia. In this conversation, we discuss the phenomenology of enlightenment, the non-local field effects of consciousness, and one of Andrés’ side projects: how perfumes and smells modulate perception and emotional geometry. Check out his work at https://qri.org/ and follow his channel at https://www.youtube.com/@QualiaResearchInstitute. MAKE HISTORY WITH US THIS SUMMER: https://demystifysci.com/demysticon-2025 PATREON https://www.patreon.com/c/demystifysci PARADIGM DRIFT https://demystifysci.com/paradigm-drift-show 00:00 Go! 00:04:22 Research Phases and Insights 00:06:37 Dynamic Systems and Brain Waves 00:10:00 Neural Oscillation and Interaction 00:15:17 Coupled Oscillators and Consciousness 00:21:55 Brain Activity and Anesthesia 00:23:35 Understanding Brain Patterns and Psychedelics 00:26:03 Consciousness Beyond Molecular Interactions 00:28:06 Meditation and Psychedelic Experiences 00:30:19 Tracer Effects as Psychedelic Signatures 00:34:09 Insights into High-Dose Psychedelic Experiences 00:40:05 Safety and Ethics in Psychedelic Use 00:44:16 Psychedelics and Meditation's Impact 00:51:55 Frames of Perception and Transformation 00:56:00 Psychedelic Experiences and Emotional Well-being 01:01:13 Harm Reduction and Substance Use 01:05:09 Acceptance and Stress Management 01:06:30 Meditation Techniques for DMT Experiences 01:10:18 Nature's Role in Stress Dissipation 01:14:18 Psychedelics in Modern Society 01:22:03 Meditation vs. Psychedelics 01:26:39 Psychedelic Experiences and Personal Growth 01:28:01 Laser Chess as a Metaphor for Brain Function 01:32:42 Expectation and Experience 01:36:07 Ego and Enlightenment 01:41:03 Identifying Enlightenment and Cultural Dynamics 01:46:16 Recognizing and Switching Views 01:48:24 Understanding Ego and Motivation 01:51:00 The Artist's Dilemma 01:53:37 Enlightenment and Motivation 01:57:07 Paths to Enlightenment 02:00:16 Psychedelics and Consciousness 02:06:32 Flow States in Art and Life 02:09:24 Meditation and Music as Repetitive Practices 02:11:57 Awakening and Functionality Post-Transformation 02:14:31 The Hive Mind and Inner Harmony 02:18:11 The Impact of 5-MeO-DMT on Consciousness 02:22:49 Visual Illusions and Perceptions of Reality 02:24:49 Neural Annealing Theory 02:30:02 Music and Neural Annealing 02:34:20 Surprise, Comedy, and Sensory Experience 02:37:47 The Art and Science of Perfumery 02:44:09 Using Scents to Influence Emotional States 02:51:48 Scents Inspired by the Natural World 02:55:04 Premium Fragrances for Fundraising 02:57:28 Pear and Violet Perfume Exploration 03:00:47 Sensory Experiences with Perfumes 03:03:00 Perfume Ingredients and Experimentation 03:05:06 Visualization of Psychedelic Experiences 03:13:32 Understanding Brain Dynamics with Psilocybin 03:16:04 Personal Experiences and Differences in Psychedelic Effects #psychedelicscience , #consciousness , #neuroscience, #brainwaves , #psychedelictherapy, #meditationscience , health, #psychedelicexperience, #neuroplasticity #philosophypodcast, #sciencepodcast, #longformpodcast ABOUS US: Anastasia completed her PhD studying bioelectricity at Columbia University. When not talking to brilliant people or making movies, she spends her time painting, reading, and guiding backcountry excursions. Shilo also did his PhD at Columbia studying the elastic properties of molecular water. When he's not in the film studio, he's exploring sound in music. They are both freelance professors at various universities. PATREON: get episodes early + join our weekly Patron Chat https://bit.ly/3lcAasB MERCH: Rock some DemystifySci gear : https://demystifysci.myspreadshop.com/all AMAZON: Do your shopping through this link: https://amzn.to/3YyoT98 DONATE: https://bit.ly/3wkPqaD SUBSTACK: https://substack.com/@UCqV4_7i9h1_V7hY48eZZSLw@demystifysci BLOG: http://DemystifySci.com/blog RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/2be66934/podcast/rss MAILING LIST: https://bit.ly/3v3kz2S SOCIAL: - Discord: https://discord.gg/MJzKT8CQub - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DemystifySci - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DemystifySci/ - Twitter: https://twitter.com/DemystifySci MUSIC: -Shilo Delay: https://g.co/kgs/oty671