Sam Gandy is a an ecologist, writer, speaker and researcher whose special interest lies in examining the capacity of psychedelic substances to dramatically and radically shift our interactions with the natural world for the betterment of all.

In this episode, Sam shares his journey from his early forays into consciousness exploration and the wonders of nature, through his academic studies into soil and living systems. We talk about the value of psychedelics and how their expanding use can be harnessed as a force for good in this rapidly changing world.

As well as his role as Scientific Assistant to the Director of the Beckley Foundation, Sam recently collaborated on a ground-breaking study with the Centre for Psychedelic Research team at Imperial College, London. Their findings demonstrated a reliable and robust positive association between psychedelic use and nature relatedness. This study and others like it are vitally important as we enter a new paradigm in which the value of psychedelics as tools for deeply positive change is undisputable and backed by science.

Be sure to read Sam's latest article for Eco Hustler, a perfect companion piece to this episode of the podcast.

Since the last episode the world has changed. A global pandemic has been declared. You will no doubt be involved in measures to minimise the spread of the viral disease known as Covid-19. The Coronavirus has made a dramatic impact on the rhythms of our society and gifted the Earth a much-needed break from our selfish destruction as a result. We can all feel that something has shifted and however this unfolds, it is clear that life will never be the same again.

We are in the midst of the sixth mass extinction and the time to make significant, lasting changes to the way we live on the Earth was yesterday. As humans, we must slow down our greedy, consumptive habits. We must remember our place in the vast, interconnected web of life and we must care for it as best we can.

Wishing you all good health,

Jody

Psychedelics and Nature Connection – EcoHustler
TEDx Oxford – From Egoism to Ecoism: Psychedelics and Nature Connection
Imperial College Study on Psychedelics and Nature Connection
Sam @ Breaking Convention 2019 – Psychedelic Biophilia
Sam @ Breaking Convention 2017 – Dying to Live

Sounds to Soothe – An improvised sound journey
Jody on Instagram

I have always offered this podcast in the spirit of the gift. It is not, and never will be, a for-profit enterprise. At the present time, many self-employed artists and creative types, myself included, are struggling in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. My usual income has dried up.

If you have enjoyed the episodes I've put out and are able to show a small token of your appreciation financially, that support would be gratefully appreciated.

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Six Organs of Admittance
Drag City Records

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