Stephanie Wang – Heart-Centered Creativity, The Kanna Connection
In this episode, my guest is Stephanie Wang, Founder and CEO of KA! Empathogenics, plant-based empathogenic supplements featuring Kanna - a heart-opening succulent plant from South Africa that is clinically proven to reduce tension, lift mood and improve focus, helping people feel more alive, capable and connected as they navigate everyday stress.
The discussion revolves around the intersection of psychedelics, design, and human consciousness. Wang shares her journey from a successful finance career to exploring healing modalities and eventually founding her company, which focuses on creating plant-based products with a mission of enhancing human consciousness, by bringing more heart-centeredness to the world via greater awareness of our interconnection with each other and nature.
Stephanie also gives many insights into building a brand mindful and within social, environmental and cultural contexts. You will also learn how her brand communication and visualisation are based on solid grounds.
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Jennifer Chesak – Psychedelics and Women's Health
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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Dr. Grace Blest-Hopley – Designing Scientific Studies
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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