“Listening to Ecstasy shows how Charley and his wife Shelley have used MDMA as an inspiring teacher and friend to enhance their marriage, build a loving community of fellow travelers, and continually nurture a connection to the joys of life. A true and touching story, Listening to Ecstasy demonstrates how MDMA can be a unique life-enhancing opportunity for healthy people across their entire adult lifespan. It’s filled with great tips for the responsible recreational and celebrational use of MDMA and how it can be used to enrich one’s spiritual journey during these tumultuous times.”
Rick Doblin, Ph.D., founder and executive director of MAPS
“Bravo, Charley, for advocating a substance that offers life-enhancing results to those of adult age, including us seniors. Thank you and your beloved for your candor on the journey toward healing through MDMA, empowering you as a healer in service to others.”
Alex Grey & Allyson Grey, artists and cofounders of the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors (CoSM)
“Reading Wininger’s book, Listening to Ecstasy, is like a lovely conversation with a joyful, liberated person…He and his wife are having enough fun in their seventies to rid aging of its anxieties.”
“A deeply personal story from a therapist who is done hiding in the chemical closet. Wininger says, ‘I’ve lived through it all, and now it all lives through me.’ In modeling responsible recreational MDMA use, he not only heals the shame that binds him, he helps to heal us all.”
Julie Holland, M.D., editor of Ecstasy: The Complete Guide and author of Good Chemistry
“Wise. Flirtatious. Adventurous. Wininger’s memoir, Listening to Ecstasy, eschews psychedelic clichés and does the writer’s work of wringing lessons from life. The transforming love of his wife Shelley and their chemical exploration show the rewards of authenticity. It is a fun, wondrous read.”
Nicholas Powers, Ph.D., author of The Ground Below Zero
“Listening to Ecstasy tells the story of Charley Wininger’s relationship with MDMA, a chemical of connection, and how it helped him evolve as a therapist, husband, and human. In this love poem to MDMA, Charley personalizes a substance that many only know through research reports of MDMA’s tremendous healing potential. As a trusted elder in the psychedelic community, he shares his wisdom about how to maximize the lifeenhancing potential of MDMA while minimizing risk. In coming out of the closet as a ‘responsible recreational drug user,’ he ‘roll’ models the courage to live authentically. He challenges prohibition and the demonization of drugs, arguing for personal liberation. He argues for our right to decide on the chemistry and cognitive liberty within, rather than be at the mercy of the forces of social control. Wininger also shows us how, at any age, we can live ecstatically, sexually, and joyfully, balancing and celebrating life and having extraordinary and serious fun along the way. Finally, Charley invites us to join him and his welcoming psychedelic community in connection and love. This delightful book left me feeling inspired to create a more fulfilling life and feeling hopeful for humanity.”
Andrew Tatarsky, Ph.D., author of Harm Reduction Psychotherapy
“Whether you’re just curious about the benefits of MDMA or an experienced ‘traveler,’ you’ll be thoroughly engaged by Charley Wininger’s life-affirming, love-affirming memoir of how MDMA opened his heart and mind, inspired his second marriage, and regularly rejuvenates his spirit. Filled with tenderness toward the human condition and useful information on the skillful use of this amazing molecule, the book is about more than just the benefits of MDMA. Listening to Ecstasy is about how to ward off the forces of fear and pessimism so you can fully embrace the precious experience of life.”
Rich Orloff, playwright and performer of It’s a Beautiful Wound
“A heartfelt storyteller and adventurous guide, Charley Wininger reveals to both the experienced user and the neophyte how responsible use of MDMA can open up one’s life. Read this book if you’re curious about what can happen after listening to Ecstasy.”
Ingmar Gorman, Ph.D., cofounder of Fluence and MDMA therapist and researcher
“Listening to Ecstasy is not only an ode of appreciation to MDMA but a love letter to life itself. Disarmingly authentic and heartfelt, Charley has given us a guided tour of his own spiritual journey with MDMA, paired with practical knowledge and a blueprint for living life to its fullest.”
Dee Dee Goldpaugh, LCSW, psychedelic integration therapist
