Speakers for 2025
Dr. Rick Doblin
Director & Founder of MAPS - the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies since 1986
Rick Doblin, Ph.D., is the founder and president of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), a pioneering nonprofit focused on advancing the medical, legal, and cultural integration of psychedelics. Since founding MAPS in 1986, Doblin has led efforts to establish legal frameworks for the therapeutic use of psychedelics and marijuana, both as prescription medicines and tools for personal growth. His work has been instrumental in advancing clinical research, particularly with MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, which has earned "breakthrough therapy" designation from the FDA.
A lifelong advocate for the responsible use of psychedelics, Doblin’s vision extends to becoming a legally licensed psychedelic therapist. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Doblin frequently speaks globally, inspiring conversations around mental health and conscious exploration. He resides in Boston with his wife and dog, balancing his transformative work with personal passions for family, environmental advocacy, and fostering a compassionate future through innovative therapies.
Paul Stamets, D.Sc.
Speaker, author, Mycologist, medical researcher and entrepreneur, the author of Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save The World
Paul Stamets, D.Sc. (Honaris causa) is a world-renowned mycologist, speaker, author, medical researcher, and entrepreneur. Stamets is considered an intellectual and industry leader in fungi: habitat, medicinal use, and production. He lectures extensively to deepen the understanding and respect for the organisms that exist under every footstep taken on this path of life. His presentations cover a range of mushroom species and research showing mushrooms can help the health of people and the planet.
Paul Stamets is the author of seven books, including Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Help Save The World, Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms, and Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World.
Stamets has discovered and named numerous new species of psilocybin mushrooms and is the founder and owner of Fungi Perfecti , LLC, makers of the Host Defense Mushrooms supplement line.
Will Siu, MD.
M.D. Psychiatrist, Speaker, Educator in New York
Will Siu, MD, DPhil, completed medical and graduate school at UCLA and the University of Oxford, respectively, before training as a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School. He was on the faculty at Harvard for six years prior to moving to New York to further pursue his interest in psychedelic medicine as a practitioner, educator, speaker, and writer.
Dr. Siu has been trained by MAPS to provide MDMA-assisted therapy and maintains a private practice in New York where he provides individual psychotherapy and manages medications. He is passionate about education in the use of psychedelics as healing tools for both clinicians and the general public.
A 2023 Audible audiobook project he hosted, The goop Pursuit: Healing in a Sick Society, which featured mentors GaborMaté MD and Rick Doblin PhD, was selected by Audible Inc. in their Best of 2023, Top 20 Well-Being Audiobooks. Will also enjoys mountaineering and horsemanship.
Dr. Pam Kryskow
Psychiatrist, Author, Medical Advisor
Dr. Pamela Kryskow is a medical doctor and the medical lead of the Non-Profit Roots To Thrive Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Programs that treats people with PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use challenges, disordered eating and people with end of life distress. She is a founding board member of the Psychedelic Association of Canada and the Medical Chair of the Vancouver Island University Post Graduate Certificate in Psychedelic Medicine assisted Therapy.
Ongoing research includes psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine, micro-dosing, front-line healthcare workers and first responders mental wellness. Prior to studiyng medicine, she was a City of Coquitlam Firefighter for 8 years and provincial forestry firefighter for 4 seasons. In real life she loves hiking in the forest, ocean kayaking, growing kale and daydreaming in the hammock. Her heritage includes Polish, Ukrainian, and German. She currently resides in the traditional unceded territory of the Klahoose First Nations.
Allison Hoots, Esq.
Founder and principal attorney of Hoots Law Practice PLLC, focus on the intersection between law and psychedelics
Allison Hoots, Esq., founder and principal attorney of Hoots Law Practice PLLC, has been practicing law since 2011. Licensed in New York, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia, Allison provides expert legal advice across employment, corporate, business formation, contractual, healthcare, constitutional, and intellectual property matters. She specializes in employment law, offering comprehensive counsel on contracts, compliance, disputes, and settlement agreements.
As a leading attorney in the psychedelics field, Allison advises practitioners, therapists, and religious organizations on the legal, ethical, and regulatory aspects of psychedelic practices, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. She is a founding member of the Psychedelic Bar Association and Head Policy Counsel for New Yorkers for Mental Health Alternatives.
Allison also serves as President of Sacred Plant Alliance and contributes to Chacruna Institute’s initiatives on sacred plant medicines. She authored Chacruna’s Guide to RFRA & Best Practices for Psychedelic Churches.
Anthony P. Bossis, Ph.d.
Psychedelic researcher and clinical psychologist
Dr. Bossis, has conducted FDA-approved clinical trials with psychedelics for nearly twenty years, focusing primarily on the treatment of end-of-life psycho-existential distress in palliative care, for the study of mystical experience, and for consciousness and religious studies. He is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine, adjunct professor of religious studies at University of Ottawa, and an investigator at Lundquist Institute-Harbor-UCLA.
Dr. Bossis is a training supervisor of psychotherapy at Bellevue Hospital and co-founder of the Bellevue Hospital Palliative Care Service. He is on the editorial board of the Journal of Humanistic Psychology and a guest editor for the journal’s Special Series on Psychedelics. Dr. Bossis is on the faculty of The Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research at the California Institute of Integral Studies and has a private psychotherapy and consulting practice in NYC.
W. Bryan Hubbard
Leader and advocate with a diverse background in law, public and policy
W. Bryan Hubbard is the Executive Director of the REID Foundation's American Ibogaine Initiative. He is the former Chairman and Executive Director of the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. He concurrently served as Special Counsel to the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control and was its prior Executive Director.
He was a member of the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health, the Kentucky Child Support Guidelines Commission, Mine Safety Review Board, and the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy’s Recovery Ready Communities Advisory Council. He previously served as Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Income Support, wherein he led the Commonwealth’s Social Security Disability and Child Support Enforcement programs.
He practiced workers’ compensation law, representing Walmart, Tyson Foods, and Tennessee Valley Authority for sixteen years. During his practice years, he observed the predacious onset of Kentucky’s Opioid Epidemic amid generational joblessness, poverty, disability, and substance use. He was raised in Virginia’s coalfields and is the proud grandson of two grade-school educated coal miners. He is dedicated to the accelerated development of ibogaine as a breakthrough treatment for opioid and other substance use dependencies.
Natalia Rebollo
Human Rights Activist and Attorney
Natalia Rebollo is a Mexican attorney specializing in international human rights law, with credentials from the American University Washington College of Law and a master’s degree in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action from Sciences Po, Paris. She serves as the coordinator and legal counsel for the Ayahuasca Defense Fund under ICEERS, an initiative aimed at protecting the rights of individuals and communities involved with ayahuasca and other sacred plants. Her work focuses on indigenous rights, environmental protection, and the intersection of human rights with traditional medicine practices.
Rebollo advocates for the decolonization of legal frameworks related to entheogens, emphasizing respect for ancestral knowledge and cultural diversity. She has actively contributed to discussions on drug policy reform in Mexico, including defending indigenous practices involving ayahuasca and pushing for legislation that acknowledges the cultural and therapeutic significance of sacred plants.
Yann Stepháne Lasme
Co-founder and managing director of Stedde Capital, which invests and consults in plant medicine
Stéphane Lasme, a celebrated former Gabonese basketball player, has used his successful athletic career as a platform for broader contributions to his homeland. Known for his time in the NBA with the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors, as well as an illustrious European career that included being named EuroLeague Defensive Player of the Year in 2013, Lasme has consistently worked to promote basketball in Gabon. He played a key role in the national team's historic 2015 AfroBasket run to the quarterfinals, a milestone for Gabonese basketball.
Recently, Lasme has shifted focus toward empowering his community through initiatives involving iboga, a psychoactive plant indigenous to Gabon. He advocates for its use in traditional healing and mental health, emphasizing its cultural and spiritual significance. His foundation also promotes youth engagement in sports, aiming to inspire new generations and drive development in Gabon.
Juliana Mulligan
LMSW and Psychotherapist
Juliana Mulligan is a psychotherapist dedicated to advancing ethical and effective approaches to ibogaine treatment and harm reduction. A former opioid user, she overcame addiction in 2011 with ibogaine therapy and has since worked to transform how addiction and treatment are approached. With a Master’s in Social Work from NYU, Juliana has spent over 12 years working in the ibogaine community, including roles as Psychedelic Program Coordinator at the Center for Optimal Living and consultant for the Kentucky Ibogaine Initiative.
Currently, Juliana provides therapy at Chrysalis Integrative Psychotherapy and leads Inner Vision Ibogaine, supporting individuals in preparation and integration for ibogaine treatment. Her harm reduction approach emphasizes meeting clients where they are and empowering them to trust their intuition while exploring diverse paths to healing. Juliana has written extensively on ibogaine, taught at institutions like Charité University, and advocates for survivor rights, ethical standards, and safety in psychedelic treatments.
Marissa Feinberg
Founder of Psychedelics for Climate Action (PSYCA) and Triple Bottom Why PR
Marissa Feinberg is the founder of Psychedelics for Climate Action (PSYCA), an organization dedicated to raising and expanding consciousness to discover pathways through the climate crisis. Previously, Feinberg contributed to the co-working and environmental movements by co-founding Green Spaces NY for social entrepreneurs, which was acquired and became part of the global Impact Hub network.
Feinberg subsequently launched Triple Bottom Why, a communications consultancy for values-aligned organizations, leading her to work with Nushama Psychedelic Wellness and inspiring her to help bridge these ecosystems. She continues to support leaders and organizations to share their stories in environmental sustainability, social impact, and psychedelic therapy and research.
Dr. Bruno Rasmussen Chaves
Doctor and co-author for a landmark retrospective study on long-term outcomes from ibogaine treatments
Dr. Bruno Rasmussen Chaves is a leading physician in psychedelic-assisted therapies, with over 30 years of experience in addiction treatment. Based in Brazil, he has pioneered the use of ibogaine in the country, completing more than 2,000 treatments and contributing significantly to the regulation of ibogaine in medical settings. Dr. Rasmussen’s research includes influential studies on ibogaine's role in addiction recovery, such as retrospective and qualitative analyses published in respected journals. He is a MAPS-trained therapist and led Latin America's only pilot study on MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD.
As Chief Medical Officer of Rasmed Medical Assistance, Dr. Rasmussen integrates innovative psychedelic therapies with robust safety protocols. His work has been recognized internationally, including coverage in Newsweek for advancing ibogaine's therapeutic potential. Through clinical research, education, and advocacy, Dr. Rasmussen aims to elevate ethical and effective practices in psychedelic medicine.
Justin Natoli, JD, LMFT
Psychotherapist and founder of the Queer Medicine Community
Justin Natoli, (all pronouns) is a psychotherapist, Hakomi practitioner, retreat facilitator, author, and psychedelic educator. In their private practice in Los Angeles, Justin specializes in Depth and somatic psychotherapies, trauma, addiction, psychedelic therapy, and supporting kink, poly, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Outside of clinical work, Justin’s mission is to bring psychedelic medicine to Queer communities and Queer medicine to psychedelic communities. They serve as an advisor to the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines and contributed to Chacruna’s book Queering Psychedelics. Justin founded the Queer Medicine Community, which hosts transformational retreats, professional trainings, and other gatherings around the world. Justin and their husband built and operate the Sun & Moon Ranch, a retreat space in Joshua Tree, California. Justin received a JD with honors from the UCLA School of Law and a Master’s in Depth Psychology from the Pacifica Graduate Institute. They completed the CIIS psychedelic therapy and research program, the MAPS MDMA-assisted therapy training, and the AWE Foundation’s three-year psychedelic and transpersonal therapy training. Justin thanks the AWE Foundation, the Hakomi Institute, and a lineage of Queer ancestors for their teachings. For more information, visit JustinNatoli.com and QueerMedicine.com.
Biruany & Bixku Huni Kuin
Indigenous leaders and Spiritual Healers
Bixku Huni Kuin is an experienced and respected leader of the Huni Kuin people (Brazilian Amazon), known for his strong commitment to his indigenous heritage. With the trust and respect of both his community and elders, Bixku embodies a deep connection to the wisdom and traditions passed down through generations, rooted in his years of experience with plant medicine and other ancestral practices of his people. Together with his wife Biruany, he advocates for the recognition and preservation of indigenous traditions, sharing the Huni Kuin culture and spirituality not only within Brazil but also on a global scale.
Biruany Huni Kuin is a prominent spiritual leader who combines leadership, spirituality, and empowerment within her cultural context, deep in the Brazilian Amazon. As a representative of the Mawa Isa Keneya group, a collective of female spiritual leaders from Pinuya Village, she holds a pivotal role within her community, where she leads and oversees spiritual practices rooted in healing through plant medicine. Biruany is widely recognized for her groundbreaking achievements, as she is notably the first Huni Kuin woman to lead Ayahuasca works and engage in pioneering studies, challenging traditional gender roles and expectations. Beyond her village, Biruany's influence transcends borders.
Snow Raven
Indigenous singer and music producer from the Republic of Sakha
Snow Raven, also known as Suor, is an indigenous artist from the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) in Arctic Siberia. From the age of three, she immersed herself in the sounds of nature, learning to mimic the calls of birds and animals, which deeply influenced her unique vocal style. Her performances blend traditional Sakha culture with contemporary elements, creating a distinctive fusion that resonates with audiences worldwide. She is the originator of "arctic beatbox," a technique known as the reindeer breath, which emulates the breathing patterns of reindeer. Snow Raven has showcased her talents on various prominent platforms, including America's Got Talent" in 2020, the Sundance Film Festival, and Burning Man. Her innovative soundscapes and captivating stage presence have earned her recognition and acclaim. Beyond her musical endeavors, she is the founder of OLOX DAO: Of Many Beliefs Common Truth, an initiative aimed at uniting diverse cultural perspectives. Her dedication to preserving and sharing her cultural heritage is evident in her music and activism for northern Indigenous peoples’ rights and lands. In her performances, Snow Raven utilizes traditional instruments like the mouth harp and shamanic drum, merging ancient techniques with modern beats. Her voice, deeply rooted in traditional Sakha culture, is truly an instrument, offering a transformative experience that bridges the ancient and the contemporary. Through her artistry, Snow Raven continues to inspire and educate, bringing the rich traditions of the Sakha people to a global audience while advocating for the preservation of Indigenous cultures and the natural world.
Dr. David Erritzoe
Director in Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London
Dr. David Erritzoe is a psychiatrist and neuroscientist. He holds a Clinical Senior Lectureship in General Psychiatry in the Centres for Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London and CNWL Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Following training in neuroreceptor PET imaging at Columbia University in New York in 2002/03, he undertook a PhD at University Hospital Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen. Since moving to Imperial College in 2009 he has been conducting and overseeing clinical and neuroimaging trials (using PET, MRI, and EEG) into affective disorders and addiction. David is the Clinical Director of Imperial’s Centre for Psychedelic Research. Since early 2021 he has also headed up a new NHS-based research clinic at St Charles Hospital, the CIPPRes Clinic. He is topic lead in Psychiatry at Imperial College London’s Medical School, whilst also lecturing in MSc and BSc neuroscience programs. He has authored more than 125 peer-reviewed scientific papers and 4 book chapters.
Anne Phillippi
Founder of The New Health Club and host of Europe's No. 1 Podcast about Psychedelics of the same name
Born in Alsace, based in Berlin (plus Amsterdam & NYC) Anne Philippi is a former author & reporter at Vanity Fair, GQ & VOGUE. She also worked as a Silicon Valley correspondent. She lived in Los Angeles for six years reporting on Hollywood and the West Coast tech world, creating a new storytelling around tech. She discovered psychedelic-assisted therapy in 2019 and founded “The New Health Club Show” podcast and newsletter, creating a space where people from the new psychedelic ecosystem and businesses could talk about the disruptive power of psychedelics.
By 2021 she was part of the 100 most important people in psychedelics and is part of the international, psychedelic ecosystem and industry, Now “The New Health Club” is working on content, creating new narratives, podcasts and products around the new health we need in our world. Also, since 2024 “The New Health Consulting” is offering solutions with the science of psychedelics for businesses and individuals. The New Health Institute, the first foundation connected to the company, will be launched in January 2025.
Simeon Schnapper
Managing Partner at JLS Fund, psychedelic investor and general partner
Simeon's passion and expertise span over 30 years in the fields of research, philanthropy, advocacy, policy, criminal justice reform, and the science of psychedelics. He provides valuable guidance to a wide range of organizations, including non-profits, psychedelic and impact startups, family offices, heads of state, royalty, and several newly formed governments.
He co-founded JLS Fund, a groundbreaking VC in this field, and spearheaded the world's inaugural Psychedelic Investment Summit at the start of the decade. Simeon's companies have been recipients of John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awards and he is an Aspen Institute Fellow. While embracing a global outlook of impact, and when not living on airplanes visiting portfolio companies he splits his time between Manhattan, Montenegro, and West and Central Africa.
William Leonard Pickard
Former deputy director of the Drug Policy Research Program at the University of California and Research Affiliate
Alleged to have produced "90% of the world's LSD," William Leonard Pickard is a former drug policy fellow at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, research associate in neurobiology at Harvard Medical School, and deputy director of the Drug Policy Analysis Program at UCLA.
With two life sentences without parole, he served 20 years in maximum security federal prisons, and was given compassionate release in 2020. His book "The Rose of Paracelsus" - written in pencil while imprisoned – is published by Synergetic Press (Santa Fe/ London), and in Italian translation by Mondadori (Milan). His 1996 prediction of the fentanyl epidemic, and recommendations for prevention, were confirmed by the RAND Corporation in its seminal volume "The Future of Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids".
Currently he is a senior advisor for JLS Fund II LP and the Fireside Project. He is a research affiliate with Harvard Law School, Petrie-Flom Center on Health Law Policy, Biotechnology and Bioethics, Program on Psychedelics Law and Regulation. Leonard is a public speaker on the history and future of psychedelics, genomic and pharmacological cognitive enhancement, AI in drug development, the fentanyl epidemic, and criminal justice reform.
Ann Harrison
Psychedelic Journalist and Founder of Lucid News
Ann Harrison is the founder of Lucid News, a leading publication dedicated to covering developments in the psychedelic ecosystem with integrity and depth. A veteran journalist and editor, Harrison brings decades of experience in investigative reporting and storytelling, with her work featured in prominent outlets such as The Guardian and Wired. Recognizing the growing importance of psychedelics in mental health, science, and culture, she launched Lucid News to provide accurate, thoughtful, and nuanced coverage of this emerging field.
Harrison's commitment to informed dialogue has made Lucid News a trusted resource for researchers, practitioners, and the general public alike. Passionate about elevating conversations around consciousness, healing, and societal transformation, she works to bridge the gap between science and mainstream understanding. Based in Northern California, Harrison is also a dedicated advocate for ethical journalism and sustainability. She continues to lead Lucid News with a vision of fostering awareness and responsible exploration of psychedelics.
Bismark Dadzie
Chief Operations Officer at ANP Farms Ltd Company
Bismark Dadzie is a multifaceted professional who bridges the worlds of agricultural entrepreneurship and progressive plant medicine research. With a robust academic foundation in Accounting from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, Dadzie has strategically leveraged his financial acumen to support his passionate exploration of agricultural systems and the transformative potential of plant medicine. Bismark Dadzie currently works as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) for ANP Farms Ltd Company located in Ghana. ANP Farms Ltd Company are into farming and processing of plant medicine into finished and semi finished products.
As a dedicated advocate for holistic wellness and sustainable agricultural practices, Dadzie has committed himself to raising global awareness about the profound therapeutic and cultural significance of psychedelic plants. His work transcends traditional boundaries, focusing on educating and destigmatizing the understanding of plant-based medicinal approaches.
Drawing from his academic training and entrepreneurial spirit, Dadzie has developed a unique perspective on how scientific research, economic principles, and traditional botanical knowledge can intersect to create meaningful societal impact. His mission centers on demonstrating the intrinsic value of plant medicine in addressing contemporary human health challenges and promoting alternative healing modalities.
Through strategic communication and research-driven initiatives, Dadzie continues to be a pivotal voice in advancing dialogue around plant medicine, agricultural innovation, and holistic human wellness. His interdisciplinary approach reflects a commitment to bridging scientific understanding with compassionate, forward-thinking advocacy.
Dr. Gül Dölen
Professor and Endowed Chair at the University of California.
Dr. Gül Dölen is a Professor and the Bob & Renee Parsons Endowed Chair in the Department of Neuroscience, and Department of Psychology, the Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics and the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr Dölen also maintains an Adjunct Professorship in Neuroscience and Neurology at the Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine. Dr. Dölen is the recipient of several prestigious awards including the Joukowsky Family Foundation Outstanding Dissertation Award, the Conquer Fragile X Rising Star Award, the Angus MacDonald Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, the Society for Social Neuroscience Early Career Award, the Searle Scholars Award, and the Johns Hopkins University President’s Frontier Award.
Robert Rooks
EO of One for Justice
Robert Rooks is a nationally recognized leader in criminal justice reform with over two decades of experience as a grassroots organizer, strategist, and movement builder. His expertise in scaling social justice organizations has helped drive significant policy changes across the country.
Growing up in Dallas, Texas, Robert witnessed firsthand how the crack cocaine epidemic devastated his community. His mother moved their family to a suburban area in search of better opportunities, exposing Robert to the stark disparities in safety, education, and resources. These experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to advocating for crime survivors, justice-involved individuals, and formerly incarcerated people.
As the former CEO of REFORM Alliance, Robert led efforts to transform America’s probation and parole systems, successfully championing legislative reforms in states like California, Georgia, and Mississippi. Under his leadership, REFORM expanded its impact, reducing unnecessary supervision and promoting pathways to stability and opportunity.
Previously, Robert co-founded and served as CEO of the Alliance for Safety and Justice (ASJ), the largest state-focused public safety reform organization in the U.S. He grew ASJ’s presence from one to eight states, including those with the nation’s highest incarceration rates. He spearheaded key initiatives such as the Neighborhood Safety Act in Illinois, which expanded support for crime victims and rehabilitation opportunities. He also played a pivotal role in California’s "Yes on Proposition 47" campaign, a groundbreaking initiative that reduced incarceration and redirected millions of dollars to community services.
Currently serving as President Emeritus of ASJ, Robert remains at the forefront of efforts to create a fairer, more effective justice system. His leadership continues to inspire policy change, ensuring safer communities and more just outcomes nationwide.
Dr. Kasia Malinowska, PH
Director, Advancing Drug Policy Reform at Open Society Foundations
Kasia Malinowska is the director of Advancing Drug Policy Reform Opportunity. The Drug Policy team promotes drug policies rooted in human rights, social justice, and public health. She previously led the Open Society’s International Harm Reduction Development and Global Drug Policy Programs. Before joining OSF, she worked for the United Nations Development Program in New York and Warsaw, leading capacity building and drug and HIV policy reform in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Kasia publishes regularly on drug policy as it relates to women, social justice, public health, human rights, civil society, and governance. Her academic publications include works in the Lancet, the British Medical Journal, and multiple book chapters. She wrote her doctoral dissertation on “HIV among Drug Users in Poland: The Paradoxes of an Epidemic.” Kasia coauthored Poland’s first National AIDS program; helped formulate policy at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria; the World Health Organization; and the Millennium Project Task Force on HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria. She is an part-time faculty at Montclair State University. Kasia holds an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania and a DrPH from Columbia University.
Dr. Lowan H. Stewart
Medical Director Axonklinikken, Independent Medical Advisor DPS Nordre Østfold
Dr. Stewart is a specialist Emergency Physician, Fellow of the American College of Emergency Medicine, practicing since 2003. He trained at the University of New Mexico School of medicine, the University of Texas at Austin and Oregon Health and Sciences University. He served as Emergency Department Chair at Willamette Falls Hospital and as an associate clinical professor at Oregon Health Sciences University. He was a cofounder of Insight Ketamine in New Mexico - the first in the state in 2016, Axon Clinic - the first in Norway in 2018, and the first public ketamine treatment unit in Scandinavia at Sykehuset Østfold in 2020. His past research includes studies on the evolution of emotions and winter depression. He has also has studied complexity theory, space medicine, and international public health. His current research interests include using novel psychoactive medications in the treatment of mood disorders and addiction. He is a medical consultant for PsykForsk, DPS Nordre Østfold working on clinical trials with psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine and esketamine, (site-initiated and previously with MAPS and COMPASS). He is an advisor to the public ketamine treatment center at DPS Moss, assisting and training additional treatment centers in the public health system. He served as the Regional Director of the nordics for Awakn Life Sciences, and is now the medical Director of Axon Clinics. He is a founding member of the national research group Norwegian Rapid-Acting Antidepressant Network (NORAAD), is part of the psychedelic research group at the Department of Psychology at the University of Oslo and the Eating Disorder Lab at Oslo Nye Høyskole. Dr. Stewart is the co-founder of the Norwegian Association for Psychedelic Science, an Expert Faculty Member of the American Society of Ketamine Physicians and serves as an associate editor for the Journal of Psychedelic Studies.
Dr. med. Stefan Frädrich
Founder at Reality Upgrade
Dr. Stefan Frädrich is a Physician, author, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, trainer, and coach. The experienced coach and renowned founder of numerous coaching companies, including Greator, Leaders Academy, and Reality Upgrade, Dr.Frädrich has been actively integrating psychedelics into his work since 2021 as part of exclusive coaching sessions and retreats, together with his wife Pia Isabel. His work in Leadership has helped thousands of entrepreneurs, self-employed, and managers. His latest project is the Iconic Leadership Summit on Richard Branson’s Necker Island from March 22-26.
Joel Brierre
Founder & CEO of FIVE and Tandava Institute
Joel Brierre is the co-founder and CEO of FIVE, a training, research, & public education company dedicated to unlocking the full potential of 5-MeO-DMT, the world’s most powerful psychedelic.
FIVE is a team of leading psychedelic innovators, building world-class training and advancing groundbreaking research with the industries top university researchers, including the first official EEG study of the 5-MeO peak experience.
The FIVE 9-month facilitation program is recognized as the world-leading training certificate, setting the standard of care in collaboration with top neuroscientists, pharmacologists, psychotherapists and transformational discipline practitioners.
Joel is also the founder of the Tandava Institute in Tepoztlán, Mexico, a first of it’s kind center that has facilitated thousands of experiences, collecting Real-World Evidence Data through multi-day retreats to further inform the quality of education, training, best practices and safety protocols in the industry.
Orla Mallon
President's PhD Scholar at Centre for Psychedelic Research and Neuropsychopharmacology
Orla Mallon is a cognitive neuroscientist at the Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, where she is a President’s PhD Fellow. She leads the neuroimaging arm of the PsilOpioid trial, the UK’s first clinical trial integrating psychedelics into the treatment of opioid dependency. Her research explores how psilocybin may reshape addiction circuitry in the brain and whether this, combined with psychotherapy, has the potential to prevent relapse in individuals living with Opioid Use Disorder. A key question driving her work is whether psychedelics can enhance social reward and how this might mediate therapeutic success.
Before joining Imperial, she spent five years studying cognitive science at Aarhus University in Denmark, a place where she learned the value of community-centered thinking. She is deeply curious about how mental health care could evolve if we shifted from an individual-focused approach to one emphasizing collective responsibility. This curiosity is driven by her belief that peer-supported, community-based approaches could redefine treatment paradigms in profound and impactful ways. I am always open to collaborations with others who share a drive to bring more and better pathways to recovery for those living with addiction.
Ethan Nadelmann
Founder & former executive director at Drug Policy Alliance
Described by Rolling Stone as "the point man" for drug policy reform efforts and “the real drug czar,” Ethan Nadelmann is widely regarded as the outstanding proponent of drug policy reform both in the United States and abroad.
He was born in New York City, received his BA, MA, JD and PhD in Political Science at Harvard, taught at Princeton University (from 1987 to 1994) and then founded and directed first The Lindesmith Center (1994-2000) and then the Drug Policy Alliance (2000-2017), the world’s leading drug policy reform organization. He also co-founded the Open Society Institute’s International Harm Reduction Development program. Ethan has authored two books on the internationalization of criminal law enforcement (Cops Across Borders and (with Peter Andreas) Policing The Globe), published extensively, and spoken publicly in roughly forty states and forty countries. His TED Talk on ending the drug war has over two million views, with translations into 28 languages.
Ethan and his colleagues were at the forefront of dozens of successful campaigns to legalize marijuana, reduce the incarceration of drug law offenders, treat drug use and addiction as health, not criminal, issues, and otherwise promote alternatives to the war on drugs. He played a key role as drug policy advisor to George Soros and other prominent philanthropists as well as elected officials ranging from mayors, governors and state and federal legislators in the U.S. to presidents and cabinet ministers outside the United States.
Ethan hosts the leading podcast about all things drugs: PSYCHOACTIVE. And he has become increasingly engaged in the debate over tobacco harm reduction.
Dr. Christopher Timmermann
Research Fellow at Imperial College London
Chris Timmermann (PhD) is the head of the DMT Research Group at Imperial College London, where he investigates the action of psychedelics and advanced meditation on the brain and mind. His empirical and theoretical work employs an interdisciplinary approach to the neuroscience, psychiatry, psychology, and ethics of psychedelics and meditation, their relationship to consciousness and applications in mental health. His work aims to explore altered states to understand their contribution to studying human consciousness and their impact on mental health. His work has been published in high-impact scientific journals and covered by mass media outlets, such as BBC, The New York Times, and Wired.
Tobias Erny
Director at Global Iboga Therapy Alliance
Tobias Erny began his career in the chemical-pharmaceutical industry in Basel, Switzerland, where he first experienced the healing potential of Ibogaine in 2006. Intrigued by its vast possibilities, he committed to extensive research and work with this remarkable molecule. In 2008, he started working with the traditional plant medicine Iboga. He is initiated into the Dissoumba-Fang tradition of Bwiti and regularly visits Gabon to deepen his understanding. Alongside the team at Nachtschattenverlag—publisher of Albert Hofmann and Stanislav Grof in the German-speaking world—he published the German standard on Iboga, organized conferences, and lectured on the subject. In addition to his educational efforts at universities and various events, he serves as the Co-Director of the Global Iboga Therapy Alliance (GITA), a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about Iboga and its alkaloids. GITA promotes Iboga's sacramental and therapeutic benefits through sustainability initiatives, scientific research, education, and knowledge transfer while also acting as a provider hub. Currently, he is conducting a study focused on the effects of Iboga microdosing for patients with Parkinson's disease.
Julian Palmer
Director at Anastomose Productions
Julian Palmer is an Australian researcher, facilitator, filmmaker, and writer who has been deeply exploring and researching psychedelics for over 25 years. In the mid-noughties, he developed “Changa”, a blend of DMT in herbs, which is now a global phenomenon. In 2015, he released his book “Articulations: On The Meanings and Utilisations of Psychedelics”.In 2022 he released his documentary “Contemplations: On The Psychedelic Experience". He has been featured on ABC Radio National, SBS television, ABC TV, VICE magazine, and many well-known podcasts.
Tadeusz Hawrot
Founder and Executive Director at Psychedelic Access and Research European Alliance (PAREA)
Tadeusz is dedicated to advancing brain health and has over 15 years of experience collaborating with European Union institutions. He has led policy and advocacy initiatives for organizations such as the European Brain Council and the European Federation of Neurological Associations.He firmly believes in the power of partnerships and has been instrumental in establishing various alliances at both national and international levels. His work extends beyond Europe, having collaborated with global organizations like the WHO. Tadeusz has played a key role in the formation of the OneNeurology global partnership and contributed to the WHO's global action plan on neurological conditions. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Psychedelic Access and Research European Alliance (PAREA), Tadeusz is dedicated to driving systemic change in Europe’s healthcare system. He is passionate about addressing the urgent, unmet needs in mental health by investigating the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. In the last several years, he has co-authored publications on brain health in journals like the Lancet Neurology, Lancet Global Health and Nature Reviews Neurology.
Tom Feegel
Co-Founder and CEO at Beond Ibogaine
Tom Feegel is a co-founder of Beond Ibogaine, a groundbreaking treatment and research facility in Cancun Mexico. Beond serves a global clientele dealing with trauma, PTSD, and addiction, as well as high performance individuals seeking health optimization. Combining the best of a hospital, rehab center, and resort, it’s a place where leading-edge research, therapeutic, medical and psychedelic technology meet compassionate care. Rooted in self-guidance and self-motivation, Beond empowers individuals to explore the deeper causes of disconnection – from themselves, loved ones, and the natural world – offering a transformative path to healing. Previously, Tom held leadership roles in innovation consulting, EO Products, and Brandless.
Colin Kilty
Head of Business Development & Strategy at Psygen
Colin Kilty is the Head of Business Development & Strategy at Psygen, a global manufacturing partner for psychedelics and neuroplastogens. Colin’s work with Psygen focuses on supporting academic research, pharmaceutical development programs, and humanitarian efforts with psychedelics around the world. After early experience in Banking, Oil & Gas, Tobacco, and Consumer Products, he shifted his career in 2021 to align with his desire to improve the state of humanity. Through his work with Psygen, Colin hopes to contribute to global healing and an improved understanding of people – a necessary foundation to build a better world.
Alongside his work, Colin aims to contribute to the cultural conversation as it relates to our understanding of people and their place in the world. With an education in Consumer Behaviour and Psychology, he is interested in how the structure and dynamics of society influence people. Colin spends his time outside of work studying Jungian psychology, neuroscience, art history, sociology, and physics. He is grateful to be able to share his perspective and hopes to help craft a lens that will benefit humanity into the future.
Presenters and Moderators
Dr. Julie Holland
Psychiatrist, Author, Medical Advisor
Dr. Julie Holland is a psychiatrist and author of the NYT bestsellers Moody Bitches and Weekends at Bellevue. She is the editor of two non-profit books: Ecstasy: The Complete Guide and The Pot Book: A Complete Guide to Cannabis. While now a medical advisor to MAPS, she was a medical monitor for several clinical studies examining the efficacy of using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy or cannabis in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Her newest book is Good Chemistry: The Science of Connection, From Soul to Psychedelics.
Gina Vensel
Director of Media & Community Partnerships, Psychedelic Science 2025 • Co-Founder, Plant Media Project
Gina Vensel is a community builder, plant medicine activist, events professional, and marketer. She is the co-founder of Plant Media Project, a women-owned boutique marketing and events company working with psychedelic and cannabis brands and organizations. She is the Director of Communications & Events for Students for Sensible Drug Policy where she also serves as an Appointed Director.
Vensel is currently the Director of Media & Community Partnerships for Psychedelic Science 2025. She co-founded the Three Rivers Psychedelic Society in her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, is on the Global Psychedelic Society team, and is an advisor for the Psychedelic Parenthood Collective.
Dominic Munton
Aspiring psychologist and artist
Dominic Munton is a slam poet and published author. He is also the founder of Norway's first student psychedelic science society and a board member of Norwegian Psychedelic Science. He is currently training as a psychologist at the University of Oslo.
His eclectic career has included roles as a poet, street musician, and even running an organic mushroom farm in France. Munton has a diverse background that feeds into his creative work, especially in writing. He is known for his deep involvement in themes that explore human nature, environment, and society. Munton's current work is focused on psychology, and he is actively pursuing his path to becoming a professional therapist. His past experiences and current studies intersect to influence his perspectives, particularly regarding holistic and transformative healing, which includes his views on psychedelics and their therapeutic potential.
Krista Tippett
CEO/ Founder at On Being Project
Krista Tippett is a Peabody award-winning broadcaster, National Humanities Medalist, and New York Times bestselling author. She created the groundbreaking public radio show and podcast On Being, which pursues deep thinking, moral imagination, social creativity, and joy towards the renewal of inner life, outer life, and life together. It has won the highest honors in broadcast, Internet, and podcasting and has been downloaded over 450 million times. The On Being Project, which Krista founded in 2013, also engages “quiet conversations” to accompany the generative people and possibilities within this tender, tumultuous time to be alive. She received the National Humanities Medal at the White House in 2014 for "thoughtfully delving into the mysteries of human existence. On air and in print, Ms. Tippett avoids easy answers, embracing complexity and inviting people of every background to join her conversation about faith, ethics, and moral wisdom.