A Wild And Crazy Time with Don Lattin

Program Description

As the 1950s came to a close, a new era of social, spiritual, sexual, political and psychological revolution was beginning. Here, in this provocative dialogue, you will meet some of the wild characters, who made the 1960s the most memorable decade of the 20th century. Lattin says, “[The] big question at the time was: are these experiences people are having the same as a mystical experience or religious experience? People would report the same kind of things, like a sense of wonder, awe, transcendence, and empathy. . . The important question is what do you do with the experience, and how does it affect the way you live your life? Are you living your life with more awareness and compassion after the experience?” This engrossing program tells the story of how it all began. You will be entertained and perhaps even shocked. (Hosted by Michael Toms)

Don Lattin is a journalist covering alternative and mainstream religious movements. His work has appeared in dozens of U.S. magazine and newspapwers. He’s been a commentator on many T.V. news programs, and is the author of many books including Jesus Freaks: A True Story of Murder and Madness on the Evangelical Edge (HarperOne 2008), Following Our Bliss: How Spiritual Ideals of the Sixties Shape Our Lives Today (Harper Collins 2004), and is coauthor of Shopping for Faith: American Religion in the New Millennium (Jossey-Bass 2002). He is also the author of The Harvard Psychedelic Club: How Timothy Leary, Ram Dass, Huston Smith, and Andrew Weil Killed the Fifties and Ushered in a New Age for America (HarperOne 2010). To learn more about the work of Don Lattin go to www.donlattin.com

Topics Explored in this Dialogue:

• What actually happened at Harvard
• How Gerald Heard influenced Aldous Huxley and the psychedelic movement
• Who was Timothy Leary
• Why did Richard Alpert become Baba Ram Dass
• What is the story behind Dr. Andrew Weil’s healing journey

Program Number: 3361                Host: Michael Toms                Interview Date: 6/15/2010