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!

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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.

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In this episode of the Psychedelics Design Podcast, host ⁠⁠Alexandra Plesner—founder of Psychedelics Design—sits down with ⁠Mattha Busby⁠, a journalist and author known for his deep reporting on drug and health policy, human rights, society, and the environment.

Currently based in Mexico, Mattha is a regular contributor to The Guardian and VICE, and his work has appeared in Rolling Stone, WIRED, TIME, and more. Together, they explore the power of storytelling in the psychedelic movement, the risks of silence around harm, and how culture shapes the psychedelic experience—both in the media and beyond.

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In this episode of the Psychedelics Design Podcast, host ⁠Alexandra Plesner⁠ the founder of Psychedelics Design, is speaking to Chris Koehn – a true Renaissance man whose talents span architecture, art, and music.

Chris studied architecture in Madrid and moving to Mexico, he founded the GoKo design firm in 2011 where he has developed residential, corporate and commercial spaces, as well as the Chapel Music Studio in Mexico City. Chris also started painting minimal pieces as a healing process when his brother passed away and as a musician, he collaborated with different artists.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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In this episode, my guest is ⁠⁠⁠Jennifer Chesak, an award-winning freelance science and medical journalist, editor, and fact-checker. Her book “The Psilocybin Handbook for Women” took the public by storm.

Jennifer shares her deeply personal journey shaped by health challenges and a profound interest in the mechanisms of the human body, especially the female body, which has been a catalyst for her career in journalism and authorship. She discusses how various health issues throughout her life have influenced her path, emphasizing the importance of learning about medical studies and new research. We also talk about the power of nature and the pivotal role nature played in her life, providing solace and inspiration that enriched her storytelling.

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In this episode, my guest is Lauren Van Der Veen founder of Zen Ren Design, a Los Angeles-based design firm that specializes in architectural design services and project management. Lauren, originally from the South Side of Chicago, brings a modern yet holistic approach to design.

We talked about what inspired Lauren to start Zen Ren Design, how she integrates human psychology into the design process and examples of her work where rituals played a key role in the design and more.

Tune in for a conversation filled with thought-provoking perspectives and inspiring stories.

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In this episode, my guest is ⁠Dr. Grace Blest-Hopley⁠. She is a Neuroscientist with 10 years of experience researching psychedelics. Grace completed her PhD in Neuroscience at King's College London and currently serves as the Chief Scientific Officer at NWPharma Tech. She is the Research Director at Heroic Hearts Project, a charity that supports combat veterans with mental health challenges resulting from trauma and is also the founder of Hystelica, a community focused on understanding women's biology for safe and effective psychedelic use.

This episode will help you better understand the overlap and divergence between scientific and design research, their respective purposes, methodologies, and outcomes. It discusses the challenges of "designing scientific studies," including the distinctions between studies and clinical trials, and strategies for ensuring methodological rigor.

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