Psychedelics Design

Designer Gianni Masciopinto—winner of the 2025 Psychedelics Design Award—joins us to discuss speculative branding at the edge of legality and cultural transformation. Gianni shares why he left a secure design role to launch a solo studio, and how a fictional psychedelic chocolate concept sparked real-world recognition and collaboration.We explore emotional intelligence in brand strategy, the tension between intuition and structure, and the role of time, meditation, and regeneration in the creative process. The conversation asks a timely question: What does responsible branding look like in emerging, stigmatized, or transformative industries like psychedelics?-Intro music:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Nutritious⁠⁠⁠⁠–in partnership with ⁠⁠⁠Liquid Culture⁠⁠⁠⁠For more information and additional resources, please visit⁠ ⁠⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠

A conversation with author and psychedelic scholar Jahan Khamsehzadeh, Ph.D., on psilocybin, evolution, and the nature of consciousness.We talk about his book The Psilocybin Connection, the “Stoned Ape” theory, and how psychedelics may have shaped our cultures, our sense of love, art, and belonging.From the ancient Eleusinian Mysteries to modern ceremony, Jahan shares how mushrooms can help us remember who we are: creative, connected, and evolving beings in symbiosis with the living world.-Intro music:⁠ ⁠⁠Nutritious⁠⁠⁠–in partnership with ⁠⁠Liquid Culture⁠⁠⁠ For more information and additional resources, please visit⁠ ⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠

A conversation with creative strategist Koen Oosterbroek, founder of Portier — on creating ceremonial design objects that honor psychedelics with beauty, care, and meaning.After winning his category at the Psychedelics & Design Awards, Koen joins us to talk about designing for reverence in a modern world. From Amsterdam to ancient Egypt, we explore how product design can give psychedelics a rightful place in our homes and culture.We discuss inspiration, materials, sustainability, and the deeper philosophy behind Portier’s ritual boxes — built not just to store, but to honor.-Intro music:⁠ ⁠Nutritious⁠⁠–in partnership with ⁠Liquid Culture⁠⁠ For more information and additional resources, please visit⁠ www.psychedelics.design

In this episode, I sit down with Dylan Meek—a virtuoso pianist and vocalist whose music flows like a love letter to the soul. From his roots in small-town Texas, where nature’s symphony shaped his ears, to mentorship under master Jimmy Neely in New York, Dylan’s journey is one of reverence, mastery, and fearless vulnerability. We dive into his forthcoming album Love Languages, exploring how music can act as medicine, a spiritual practice, and even a technology for connection. Our conversation traces the spiritual architecture of sound, the influence of environment, and the courage to create love songs in a culture that often shies away from sincerity.-Intro music:⁠ ⁠Nutritious⁠⁠–in partnership with ⁠Liquid Culture⁠⁠ For more information and additional resources, please visit⁠ psychedelics.design

In this episode of the Psychedelics Design Podcast, host ⁠⁠⁠⁠Alexandra Plesner⁠⁠⁠⁠—founder of ⁠⁠Psychedelics Design⁠⁠—is joined by Brandon Deroche, founder of Propeller—a platform that empowers artists and fans to take real action on the causes they care about. From touring as a musician to launching high-impact campaigns with some of the world’s biggest artists, Brandon has spent the last decade turning influence into change.We dive into his latest project, PORTAL—a cultural initiative working to destigmatize psychedelics through storytelling, events, and nonprofit partnerships. Brandon shares insights on designing for attention, using culture as a bridge, and how authenticity drives real engagement.Key Topics we cover:How Propeller builds action-driven campaigns with artists and festivalsWhy PORTAL was created, and how it supports psychedelic nonprofitsThe role of music and design in shifting public perceptionThe tension between private use and public advocacy in the psychedelic spacePractical advice for creatives who want to get involved-Intro music: ⁠Nutritious⁠–in partnership with Liquid Culture⁠ For more information and additional resources, please visit psychedelics.design

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!His life is a gentle rebellion—against the myth that mind expansion must be chemically induced, and against the idea that creativity is only accessible through chaos or crisis. Instead, Willy treats creativity like a sacred ritual. No shortcuts, no substances—just presence, patience, and play.-We are stoked to announce our first ever bespoke theme song – launching with yet another Liquid Culture artist with this very episode! Nutritious is a producer, creative visionary, and cultural alchemist, renowned for blending creativity and innovation across diverse industries. -For more information and additional resources, please visit ⁠https://www.psychedelics.design/⁠

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.-For more information and additional resources, please visit https://www.psychedelics.design/

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.-For more information and additional resources, please visit⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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.-For more information and additional resources, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠⁠⁠⁠

This week, host Alexandra Plesner⁠ sat down with David Good, the creative director at DoubleBlind Magazine and a professor of graduate design at Pratt Institute in New York.David is not only a brand strategist, illustrator, and graphic designer with an impressive portfolio—including projects for the Museum of Sex and the Center for Optimal Living—but also a passionate educator and thought leader in the intersection of design, psychedelics, and culture.-For more information and additional resources, please visit www.psychedelics.design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Psychedelics Design Podcast, host⁠ ⁠Alexandra Plesner⁠⁠ speaks with Floris Wolswijk, psychedelic consultant, facilitator, founder of Blossom and co-founder of FLO Coaching. He also works as Senior Project Manager & EU Lead for the strategic consultancy Delphi.Floris talks about his journey into the field of psychedelics and his motivations for starting Blossom. He explains how his background in psychology and personal experiences with psychedelics inspired him to create a platform that consolidates psychedelic research for public accessibility. Floris also shares insights into his coaching practice in the Netherlands, where he and his wife help individuals explore life direction and personal growth using psilocybin-assisted sessions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparation, intention-setting, and integration in psychedelic experiences, distinguishing coaching from therapy and highlighting the evolving role of psychedelics in both personal development and medical contexts.-For more information and additional resources, please visit⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Psychedelics Design Podcast, host ⁠Alexandra Plesner⁠ interviews ⁠Dr. Bruce Damer⁠ and ⁠Matt Gillespie⁠ from ⁠MINDS⁠.The discussion explores the intersection of psychedelics, design, and scientific breakthroughs. Dr. Bruce Damer, an astrobiologist, shares his experiences using mindfulness and psychedelics to achieve key insights in his scientific work, including his hot spring hypothesis for the origin of life. He discusses the concept of "endotrips" (internally generated insights) and "exotrips" (psychedelic-assisted insights) and how combining the two can lead to innovative solutions. Matt Gillespie discusses his background in industrial design and his belief that psychedelics can shift our fundamental understanding of the world, leading to a more sustainable and innovative future. -For more information and additional resources, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠⁠⁠⁠

In the latest episode of the Psychedelics Design Podcast, host ⁠Alexandra Plesner⁠ welcomes ⁠Joe Moore⁠, co-founder and CEO of ⁠Psychedelics Today⁠. This engaging conversation delves into the transformative power of psychedelics, their intersection with design, and the importance of education in this evolving field. - For more information and additional resources, please visit ⁠⁠⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠⁠⁠

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. This episode should interest creatives, educators, activists, entrepreneurs, and design enthusiasts. - For more information and additional resources, please visit ⁠⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠⁠ Contribute and fill out the ⁠⁠research survey⁠⁠ aimed at investigating how psychedelic substances affect the design process.

In this episode, my guest is Devon Phillips⁠, Community & Partnerships Officer at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). He is also the founder of the innovative harm-reduction fashion company, More Life.  Devon has a background in neuroscience and human-centred design. With his work, he develops strategies and partnerships to answer the question: “How do we responsibly mainstream psychedelics?” He is a creative through and through and a lover of innovation, art, design, music, and fashion – we had the absolute pleasure of having him speak at our event this summer and are super happy to have the chance to extend that conversation today. This episode should interest creatives, educators, activists, entrepreneurs, and design enthusiasts. - For more information and additional resources, please visit ⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠ Contribute and fill out the ⁠research survey⁠ aimed at investigating how psychedelic substances affect the design process.

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. - For more information and additional resources, please visit ⁠⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠⁠ Contribute and fill out the ⁠⁠research survey⁠⁠ aimed at investigating how psychedelic substances affect the design process.

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. This episode should interest creatives, educators, activists, entrepreneurs, and design enthusiasts. - For more information and additional resources, please visit www.psychedelics.design Contribute and fill out the research survey aimed at investigating how psychedelic substances affect the design process.

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. – For more information and additional resources, please visit ⁠⁠www.psychedelics.design. ⁠⁠Contribute and fill out the ⁠⁠research survey⁠⁠ aimed at investigating how psychedelic substances affect the design process.

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. – For more information and additional resources, please visit ⁠www.psychedelics.design. ⁠Contribute and fill out the ⁠research survey⁠ aimed at investigating how psychedelic substances affect the design process.

In this episode, my guest is Marc Violo, the founder of MycoStories, a global fungi innovation and conservation network focused on exploring and promoting the applications of fungi for sustainable solutions across industries. MycoStories supports academic research and early-stage startups through business and investment strategy.   We talked with Marc about the transformative potential of fungi, exploring their applications in various fields that range from food, materials, agriculture and carbon storage to physical and mental health. – For more information and additional resources, please visit www.psychedelics.design. Contribute and fill out the research survey aimed at investigating how psychedelic substances affect the design process.

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. And above all that she magically found time to bring the Earthstar festival into life, a mix of music festivals with workshops and talks, coming to Joshua Tree, California this October! 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. Tune in for a conversation filled with thought-provoking perspectives and inspiring stories. _ For more information and additional resources, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Contribute and fill out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠research survey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ aimed at investigating how psychedelic substances affect the design process in context with psychedelic-induced nature-relatedness.

In this episode, my guest is ⁠Carly Dutch-Greene⁠, the founder and creative director of Studiodelic a branding, design, and consulting studio for businesses dedicated to psychedelic medicine. We talked about her starting her own design agency, the importance of early integration of branding into the process of building a successful company, cultural awareness in design, and psychedelic space design specifics. Tune in for a conversation filled with thought-provoking perspectives and inspiring stories. _ For more information and additional resources, please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠⁠⁠⁠ Contribute and fill out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠research survey⁠⁠⁠⁠ aimed at investigating how psychedelic substances affect the design process in context with psychedelic-induced nature-relatedness.

In this episode, my guest is ⁠Stephanie Karzon Abrams⁠, a neuropharmacologist with a Master of Science in Clinical Pharmacology and the founding advisor of ⁠Beyond The Bench consultancy⁠.  We talked about Stephanie's career as a clinical pharmacologist and researcher transcends traditional boundaries, clinical excellence, entrepreneurship, music, philanthropy, genius and the fantastic world of fungi. Tune in for a conversation filled with thought-provoking perspectives and inspiring stories. _ For more information and additional resources, please visit ⁠⁠⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠⁠⁠ Contribute and fill out the ⁠⁠⁠research survey⁠⁠⁠ aimed at investigating how psychedelic substances affect the design process in context with psychedelic-induced nature-relatedness.

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. Join us for a conversation filled with thought-provoking perspectives and inspiring stories. Further linkssimonandschuster.comjenniferchesak.cominstagram.com/jenchesak _ For more information and additional resources, please visit ⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠ Contribute and fill out the ⁠research survey⁠ aimed at investigating how psychedelic substances affect the design process in context with psychedelic-induced nature-relatedness.

In this episode, my guest is ⁠⁠⁠Tracy DeLuca, founder of How Might We Design, a healthcare innovation consultancy. We talk about the meaning of design strategy and explore design beyond mere aesthetics. We discuss how processes, systems, relationships, and business models can embody psychedelic principles. Additionally, we highlight the benefits of implementing thoughtful design from the early stages of a project, the importance of designing with nature in mind, and the concept of conscious design. We also examine how design teams operate within agencies, emphasizing the significance of industry knowledge while maintaining a disruptive mindset. Join us for a conversation filled with thought-provoking perspectives and inspiring stories. _ For more information and additional resources, please visit ⁠⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠⁠ Contribute and fill out the ⁠⁠research survey⁠⁠ aimed at investigating how psychedelic substances affect the design process in context with psychedelic-induced nature-relatedness.

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. _ For more information and additional resources, please visit ⁠⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠⁠ Contribute and fill out the ⁠⁠research survey⁠⁠ aimed at investigating how psychedelic substances affect the design process in context with psychedelic-induced nature-relatedness.

In this episode, my guest is ⁠Raad Seraj Angel Investor in Therapeutic Psychedelics, Host of the Minority Trip Report Podcast and Founder of the Mission Club. To Read, entrepreneurship is about creating value amid complexity, ambiguity, and uncertainty i.e. amplifying if it exists, building if it doesn’t.  In this podcast episode, we explore psychedelics beyond the substance, touching on if processes, relationships, and business models could embody psychedelic principles. We touch on social impact, sustainability and designing in synergy with nature, posing profound questions about agency, programming, and the nature of human civilization. We discuss the amplifying effects of psychedelics on good and bad, their lack of a moral compass, and their potential to expand our imagination and cosmic connection. Join us for a conversation filled with thought-provoking perspectives and inspiring stories. _ For more information and additional resources, please visit ⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠ Contribute and fill out the ⁠research survey⁠ aimed at investigating how psychedelic substances affect the design process in context with psychedelic-induced nature-relatedness.

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.  Join us for a conversation filled with thought-provoking perspectives and inspiring stories. _ For more information and additional resources, please visit www.psychedelics.design Contribute and fill out the research survey aimed at investigating how psychedelic substances affect the design process in context with psychedelic-induced nature-relatedness.

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. We talk about the challenges and ethical considerations involved in creating such products. And yes, we also touch on their beautiful brand story! _ For more information and additional resources, please visit ⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠ Contribute and fill out the ⁠research survey⁠ aimed at investigating how psychedelic substances affect the design process in context with psychedelic-induced nature-relatedness. _ Unfold Unfold make kits that facilitate creative and fulfilling psychedelic trips. These trip kits are physical packages containing curated objects, activities, and guidance. No drugs are included. Each kit is themed according to your environment, who you’re tripping with, and intentions such as connection, exploration, and growth.  https://unfoldtrips.com

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.  We also touch on data collection in scientific research, minimizing bias in complex research settings like psychedelics, and aligning research processes with the active nature of psychedelic experiences.  _ For more information and additional resources, please visit ⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠ Contribute and fill out the ⁠research survey⁠ aimed at investigating how psychedelic substances affect the design process in context with psychedelic-induced nature-relatedness. _ Hystelica An organisation dedicated to understanding safe and effective psychedelic use for women.  To ensure that the specific needs of women are considered in the future of psychedelics, Hystelica are conducting, promoting, and inspiring - research and education within the psychedelic community.  ⁠https://www.hystelica.com⁠ _ Further References: Research Survey Hystelica: https://www.hystelica.com/survey NWPharma Tech: ⁠https://nwpharmatech.com/⁠ Heroic Hearts Project: ⁠https://heroicheartsproject.org/⁠ King's College London: ⁠https://www.kcl.ac.uk/⁠ Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS): ⁠https://maps.org

In this episode, my guest is Jess Papp, head of marketing of SERO. She is a diverse marketer from Toronto with over 9 years of experience. Her knowledge and experience stem from a diverse advertising background where she’s worked with a number of clients ranging from smaller start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Jess played a pivotal role in developing and building the brand identity of what Sero is today. Jess talks about the journey behind the inception of a pioneering psychedelic mushroom startup. Learn what drove a passionate group to enter the industry, driven by a deep belief in the healing power of psychedelics and plant-based medicines. Hear firsthand about the initial hurdles faced in bootstrapping the company and the ongoing challenges of operating in a regulated environment. We also touch on the intricacies of crafting a distinctive branding strategy and designing packaging that reflects the essence of the brand and product.  _ For more information and additional resources, please visit ⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠ Contribute and fill out the ⁠research survey⁠ aimed at investigating how psychedelic substances affect the design process in context with psychedelic-induced nature-relatedness. _ Sero  Sero is a Canadian-founded company that sells psilocybin microdosing and macrodosing formulas. Sero believes in advocating for the social and cultural acceptance of psychedelics, but also for legal and medical legitimacy. https://heysero.co/⁠ _ Hotpot Hotpot Variety is a crochet brand that combines a love of vibrant colours with versatile patterns, creating designs for the eccentric in all of us. Every piece is designed in Canada and carefully hand-crafted with sustainability and slow fashion in mind. ⁠https://hotpotvariety.com

In this first episode, my guest is Hector Pottie. He is the Creative Director and Head of Creative Europe at the design agency Moving Brands. Hector has worked in the design and branding industry for over 25 years. He works at the forefront of defining and making brands through the holistic experiences they create. Hector cares deeply about what we create and believes designers have the ability and responsibility to help change the world for good. He talks about the prospective impact of design on the burgeoning psychedelic industry. We also explore the delicate balance between adhering to conventions for practicality and pushing the boundaries to craft distinctive experiences. Our discussion extends to drawing inspiration from nature in the design process.  We also talk about the hypothesis about the integration of insights from psychedelic experiences into the creative design process, envisioning products and services in synergy with nature. This episode should interest creatives, educators, activists, entrepreneurs, and design enthusiasts. _ For more information and additional resources, please visit ⁠⁠www.psychedelics.design⁠⁠ Contribute and fill out the ⁠⁠research survey⁠⁠ aimed at investigating how psychedelic substances affect the design process in context with psychedelic-induced nature-relatedness. _ Moving Brands  Moving Brands is a global, independent design studio, founded in 1998, creating the brands, products and experiences of tomorrow. Their multi-disciplinary teams have helped the UN, The University of Cambridge, The Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and Community Clothing inspire people and change their behaviour; branded HP, Netflix, Asana and Swisscom; designed and launched products and services with Apple, Google, Microsoft and the BBC; and invented new futures, interfaces and immersive experiences with Intel, Cruise, Samsung and Stella McCartney. https://movingbrands.com/ _ Further References: Bionic Chandelier: https://www.julianmelchiorri.com Calatrava′s spiral tower in Chicago: https://www.domusweb.it