108: Jeremy Gardner on Founding Mystic Ventures, Crypto's Evolution & Ethical Psychedelic Investing

SHOW NOTES:Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/ywqLDnnvNB0 Jeremy Gardner is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Mystic Ventures, a venture fund focused on psychedelic medicine. In this episode, Jeremy joins the podcast to share his journey from rebellious youth to impactful investor. He discusses his early work in crypto, passion for psychedelics, views on masculinity, and the importance of empathy in leadership and life. We also explore his filmmaking journey and direct philanthropic work that’s changing lives around the world.Chapters:00:00 – Existential Drive & Crypto Disillusionment Jeremy talks about being driven by impact, not money, and shares insights from the crypto industry.07:25 – Van Life & Love for Colorado Jeremy discusses traveling in a camper van, visiting Colorado, and enjoying nature and freedom.11:02 – Childhood & Upbringing in Northampton He reflects on growing up in a progressive town and how that shaped his worldview.18:40 – School Struggles & Formative Japan Experience Jeremy shares about getting arrested, ADHD, and a life-changing stint in Japan as a kid.26:25 – College Chaos & Rediscovering Purpose Stories of dropping out, psychedelic revelations, and developing a self-designed major at Bard.34:15 – Political Internship & Occupy Wall Street Roots Jeremy details his work at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and how Occupy led him to crypto.42:50 – Founding the Blockchain Education Network How Jeremy launched a global student movement that became foundational in crypto education.50:00 – Reflections on Crypto’s Evolution He critiques the industry’s trajectory, Wall Street influences, and his return to crypto with a new company.55:42 – MadeMan Skincare & Positive Masculinity Jeremy shares the vision behind his skincare brand aimed at redefining masculinity.1:00:05 – Psychedelics, Purpose & Mystic Ventures His lifelong relationship with psychedelics and launching Mystic Ventures to support ethical psychedelic businesses.1:10:50 – Investing Ethically & Impact Over Profit Jeremy discusses founder alignment, success metrics, and why impact drives his portfolio decisions.1:18:15 – Filmmaking & Crypto Castle Productions From dream to reality—producing films, lessons from Cannes to Netflix, and staying creatively fulfilled.1:28:50 – Making Impact Tangible Stories of helping people directly, including funding food aid in Afghanistan and empowering entrepreneurs.1:36:40 – Global Empathy, Conflict & Perspective Deep dive into Middle East politics, the need for empathy, and perspectives on conflict and identity.1:45:35 – Legacy, Gratitude & What Matters Most Jeremy reflects on life satisfaction, fulfillment, and what he’s most grateful for if it all ended tomorrow.Jeremy:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jg1578/https://www.instagram.com/gonzogardner/https://x.com/DisruptepreneurMystic Ventures:https://www.linkedin.com/company/mystic-ventures/https://venture.angellist.com/v/back/mystic-ventures-2Host: Jeffrey M. ZuckerProducer: Kait GreyEditor: Nick CaseRecording date: 6/16/25