Merel Kindt: How to Eliminate Phobias and PTSD Permanently

Merel Kindt discusses how fear extinction can be achieved permanently, covering propranolol, epigenetics, psychedelics, and the broader implications of erasing fear. The conversation explores scientific approaches to phobias, PTSD, and future challenges in fear‑removal research.- 00:00 - Introduction to fear extinction- 14:07 - Propranolol and blood/brain barrier- 18:32 - Epigenetics and inherited fears- 26:33 - Removing fear of public speaking- 30:36 - PTSD- 33:45 - Psychedelics MDMA for self‑treatment- 37:29 - Pilot study with cigarette addiction- 42:31 - Should we get rid of fear? Consequences- 43:13 - MDMA vs LSD vs Psilocybin- 48:07 - Fear of silverfish- 50:13 - Modeling‑based phobias- 54:37 - Kindt 2009 paper on memory engrams- 55:34 - Kindt 2019 paper- 58:02 - Imagery scripting- 59:35 - Disgust removal?- 1:00:36 - How beta‑blockers work- 1:02:04 - Sleep for memory reconsolidation- 1:03:33 - Startle reflex measurement- 1:06:07 - Testing alternative beta‑blocker- 1:07:12 - Future challenges and limitationsSPONSORS:- Patreon: https://patreon.com/curtjaimungal- PayPal: https://bit.ly/2EOR0M4- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOEwithCurt- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/better-left-unsaid-with-curt-jaimungal/id1521758802- Pandora: https://pdora.co/33b9lfP- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gL14b92xAErofYQA7bU4e- Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Id3k7k7mfzahfx2fjqmw3vufb44RESOURCES:- DOCUMENTARY SERIES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM3G6kITdYk- MEREL'S WEBSITE: https://kindtclinics.com/en/- http://betterleftunsaidfilm.com Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal features long-form, technically detailed interviews with leading researchers in physics, mathematics, consciousness, and philosophy, exploring topics at the level of active research. For academics, graduate students, and anyone seeking depth beyond popular science. SPONSOR: I subscribe to The Economist for their science and tech coverage. As a TOE listener, get 35% off! No other podcast has this: https://economist.com/TOE FOLLOW: Substack | Spotify | YouTube | Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices