Psychedelics, symbiotic relationships, turning on, tuning in, and Creating

🎙️🎙️🎙️Our guest today stands at the vibrant crossroads where the psychedelic experience meets the art of design, wielding both as tools for transformative change. Alexandra Plesner, founder of Psychedelics Design, is not just exploring but actively shaping the intersections of psychedelics, creativity, and holistic design. With a systems-thinking approach that considers every element of our increasingly complex world, she has built bridges between visionary thought and practical application, giving life to projects that resonate with a profound sense of purpose and humanity.

Her journey began with the co-founding of Psilocybin San Francisco, an educational platform that, over the past two and a half years, has become a beacon of informed practices within this burgeoning field. Alexandra’s work, however, transcends traditional boundaries, combining her expansive knowledge of design theory, psychology, and mixed realities to craft futures that are not only more equitable but regenerative in nature.

Alexandra’s contributions to renowned creative agencies like Normally Ltd, Method Inc, Dazed & Confused Magazine, Tank Magazine, and Karla Otto PR have made her an influential voice in the design world. She’s partnered with global giants such as The Victoria & Albert Museum, Spotify, Nike, Barclays, Puma, and Mercedes-Benz, leaving an indelible mark that marries creativity with strategy. Her work has garnered attention in top publications like Wallpaper*, Fast Company, Wired, iD Magazine, and Design Week, showcasing her ability to blend aesthetic brilliance with meaningful impact.

Academically, Alexandra has deepened her craft with a Master of Arts in Design Studies from Central Saint Martins and a Master of Science in Applied Psychology from London Metropolitan University, where her exploration into virtual, augmented, and mixed reality in relation to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in mental healthcare.

As a writer and thought leader, her insights have graced the pages of Psychedelics Today, Psychedelic Spotlight, Proto.Life, Women on Psychedelics, and Psychedelic Support, amplifying her mission to create a future where design and psychedelics intersect in ways that enhance our collective understanding, wellbeing, and connection to the natural world.

Yet beyond the accolades and achievements, Alexandra Plesner is a creative alchemist, infusing everything she touches with artistic fairydust that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Today, we dive deep into the visionary mind of someone who asks not just what design can do for psychedelics, but what psychedelics can do for design. Welcome, Alexandra Plesner.