Can a profound, altered state of consciousness unlock the secrets of life's origins? In this episode of the Harvest Series, Rose Claverie interviews Dr. Bruce Damer, a leading mind in virtual worlds and astrobiology, who reveals his groundbreaking theory on how life began. Though his revelation caused a stir, Bruce kept the mystical experience that inspired it, an Ayahuasca journey, quietly under wraps. Dive into this fascinating discussion on the implications of his discoveries and the unconventional path that led him to them. [3:05] Bruce helps explain his discovery about the origins of life to my 9- and 12-year-old children. [9:00] What is life, fundamentally? [11:00] The philosophical impact of Bruce’s discovery: life’s ancestor is a community, not an individual. [19:19] Bruce discusses his journey with psychedelics, his adopted childhood, and how ayahuasca brought healing and clarity to his internal suffering. [24:40] He shares a powerful ayahuasca vision that unlocked his scientific breakthrough three months later during breathwork. [33:00] Bruce recalls a childhood moment of radical connection. If you want to know more about Center for Minds. You can follow us on Instagram : @Harvestseries, or @rose.claverie for updates and watch our filmed podcast or speakers on Youtube : Harvest Series. Sound editing by @lesbellesfrequences Technicians in Kaplankaya : Joel Moriasi, Hanan Yasir and team Music by Chambord Artwork : Davide d'Antonio Harvest Series is produced in partnership with Athena Advisers and Capital Partners The founders of Harvest Series are Burak Öymen and Roman Carel.