PODCAST

Exploring how altered states can reshape the way we create, The Psychedelics Design Podcast, hosted by founder Alexandra Plesner, seeks inspiration, tools, and ideas to help us realign with life’s intelligence and design regenerative, life-centered worlds.

Willy Christie – Psychedelic Creativity Without the Substance

What happens when the psychedelic experience isn’t something you ingest—but something you become?

In this episode of the Psychedelics Design Podcast, host ⁠⁠⁠Alexandra Plesner⁠⁠⁠—founder of ⁠Psychedelics Design⁠—sits down with Willy Christie, the Kansas-born, LA-based artist behind the music project Kukuni!

Listen to the episode on Spotify

Read More

Jonathan Brown (Quest) – Starting in Psychedelics as a Creative

In this episode of the Psychedelics Design Podcast, host ⁠⁠Alexandra Plesner⁠⁠—founder of Psychedelics Design—sits down with ⁠⁠Jonathan Brown⁠⁠, also known as Quest: a designer, tech leader, musician, and co-founder of the Three Rivers Psychedelic Society. Together, they explore Quest's multifaceted journey from tech and music into the world of sacred medicine and community building.

Through deeply personal stories—including loss and his solo beginnings with psychedelics—Quest shares how creativity, yoga, and sound have shaped his purpose. They dive into the challenges of navigating cultural perceptions, the power of authentic expression, and his latest venture: Heal Homie, a wellness-meets-streetwear lifestyle brand grounded in healing, hip-hop, and bold self-expression.

Listen to the episode on Spotify

Read More

Cesar Marin – Microdosing over 50 & Cultivating Wisdom

In this latest episode of the Psychedelics Design Podcast, Alexandra Plesner engages in a profound conversation with Cesar Marin, the founder of Cultivating Wisdom. This episode delves into the transformative power of microdosing and its role in personal growth, particularly for individuals over 50.

Cesar, a former CNN producer turned thought leader in the psychedelic space, shares his insights on how microdosing can enhance clarity, creativity, and overall well-being.

Listen to the episode on Spotify

Read More

Alexandra Pallas – Creating Nature-Focused Legal Psychedelic Retreats

In this podcast episode of the Psychedelics Design Podcast, we had the honour to speak with Alexandra Pallas, co-founder and advisor of Beckley Retreats, discussing her unique journey from a small-town dreamer to a conscious business entrepreneur.

Pallas recounts her early experiences running in the woods and writing stories, which laid the foundation for her passion for narrative. This diverse background culminated in her role at Beckley Retreats, where she emphasizes the importance of preparation and integration in psychedelic experiences.

Listen to the episode on Spotify

Read More

Tiffany Hurd – Navigating Microdosing

In this episode, my guest is Tiffany Hurd⁠. She is a microdosing consultant, speaker, and business leadership advisor who has supported over 250 individuals and their teams through microdosing experiences. With 15+ years in the corporate medical industry, she blends her expertise in psychedelics, business strategy, and leadership, and helps companies optimize business growth by improving employee mental health, satisfaction, business strategy, and leadership through customized microdosing protocols. Tiffany teaches business leaders and employees to achieve fulfilment using microdosing and emotional intelligence.

She talks about the prospective impact of leadership coaching on culture at large and the potential of microdosing for mental health as well as creativity. We also explore the delicate balance of mindful coaching, preparation and the potential integration of microdosing where it is legal to do so with psychedelics. Our discussion extends to design, industry representation, communication, and how to reach your audience.

Listen to the episode on Spotify

Read More

Larry Norris, PhD – Psychedelic Frontiers and Artistic Expression

In this episode, my guest is Larry Norris, PhD, co-founder and executive director of Entheogenic Research, Integration, and Education (ERIE) and co-founder and board member of Decriminalize Nature. Larry advocates for the unalienable right to develop one's own relationship with Nature and aims to support efforts to decriminalize entheogenic plants and fungi.

This podcast episode is an unscripted and authentic conversation where we explore the integration of psychedelic experiences into creative processes. Larry discusses creativity in the context of psychedelics as a multifaceted concept. Psychedelic experiences often unlock significant creative potential, offering new perspectives and insights that can fuel artistic and innovative endeavours.

He highlights the role of psychedelics in enhancing problem-solving abilities and helping individuals think outside traditional paradigms, leading to novel approaches to both personal and professional challenges. Psychedelic experiences can foster a greater receptivity to new concepts and ways of thinking, broadening one's creative horizons.

We talk about creativity and psychedelics as a way to transform not just individual thinking but also broader societal structures and environments. Creative expressions can influence others and spark change, potentially leading to innovative solutions for societal issues. Throughout the conversation, Larry draws on his extensive experience in the field of psychedelic research and integration, as well as his academic expertise in transpersonal psychology and ayahuasca experiences. And yes, we also share personal art practise and some experiences.

Listen to the episode on Spotify

Read More

Gina Vensel – Psychedelic Entrepreneurship & Community

In this episode, my guest is ⁠Gina Vensel, co-founder of Plant Media Project, a women-owned boutique agency specialising in plant medicine education and advocacy and owner of the events company Easy Street Promotions. Most recently co-founded the Three Rivers Psychedelic Society (TRiPS). She is on the national board of directors for the Students for Sensible Drug Policy and serves on the Global Psychedelic Society team.

Dedicated to maintaining lasting relationships with a focus on building community, Gina is a hard-working entrepreneur and we talked about community building, innovation, building a successful company, cultural awareness, and how to keep sane as an entrepreneur in the psychedelic space.

Listen to the episode on Spotify

Read More

Laura Dawn – Psychedelics, Nature Relatedness and Creative Process

In this episode, my guest is Laura Dawn who teaches business and thought-leaders, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals how to mindfully explore psychedelics and sacred plant medicines as powerful visionary tools for inner transformation, fostering emotional resiliency and unlocking new depths of our creative potential.

We discuss the fascinating intersection of design, psychology, and psychedelics. Laura shares her unique journey of being 'raised by psychedelics' and its profound impact on her relationship with nature. She also gives insights into navigating the balance between tradition and innovation in the creative process.

Listen to the episode on Spotify

Read More

Ece and Toby – Navigating Psychedelic Journeys with Analogue Trip Kits

In this episode, my guests are Ece Doğrucu and Toby Fox, two pioneers in this field, and the founders of Unfold. Both have backgrounds in tech and design.

In a world where the exploration of consciousness is increasingly embraced, many individuals turn to psychedelics as a means of self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. Yet, as these substances remain largely illegal in many parts of the world, users often navigate their journeys without adequate guidance or support.

Listen to the episode on Spotify

Read More