Amanda Feilding’s Talks

For two decades, our founder and director Amanda Feilding has been one of the most prominent voices speaking out against the harms and injustices wrought by global drug policy, as well as one of the most active players advancing psychedelic research. In demand as a speaker among lawmakers, scientists, and public audiences, she has spoken before diverse audiences – ranging from the House of Lords, to local activist groups. A selection of her talks can be seen below..

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LSD and the Importance of Changes in the Cerebral Blood Supply:
from Expanded States of Consciousness to New Therapeutic Interventions

In September 2022, Amanda presented the Beckley Foundation’s new Double-Headed Research Programme at ICPR 2022 in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and laid out the theoretical underpinnings of new research into the effects of psychedelics on brain blood flow, and a case study that led her to design a clinical study investigating the therapeutic potential of LSD microdosing on Alzheimer’s Disease. Her talk was widely praised and received a standing ovation.

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The Beckley Talks Psychedelic Renaissance Series

In August 2022, the Beckley Talks Psychedelic Renaissance Series commenced with episode 1, featuring a panel-style discussion with the co-founders of Beckley Retreats, Amanda Feilding and Neil Markey, moderated by Sylvia Benito. This live community event celebrates the weakening stigma around psychedelics and the need for safe and affordable access to these medicines.

 

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The Psychedelic Renaissance: A Family Affair

In May 2022, Amanda Feilding was joined by her son, and CEO of Beckley Psytech, Cosmo Fielding Mellen at the PSYCH Symposium for a special and unique family conversation. They discuss the psychedelic renaissance, and the industry’s transformation since the psychedelic research of the sixties.

 

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Catalyzing Consciousness

In May 2022, Amanda joined Deepak Chopra and Julia Mande at the Psychedelic House of Davos for a panel discussion: ‘How do we catalyze consciousness in the wake of existential crisis. What are the steps we take today to preserve tomorrow?’. The talk celebrates the overcoming of the taboo on consciousness, and the invaluable tools that psychedelics are to enhance our ordinary state.

 

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50 Years of Psychedelic Activism

In June 2020, in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, Amanda presented online at Prohibition Partners Live. In conversation with Matt Freemantle, she talked about her background and the history of the Beckley Foundation, as well projects currently underway with the foundation, and her thoughts on the rapidly evolving psychedelic space. 

 

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Microdosing: Big Steps in Small Doses

In August 2019, Amanda presented “Microdosing: Big Steps in Small Doses” to a packed out amphitheatre at the 5th International Conference on Psychedelic Consciousness. The talk covers the state of microdosing research and the projects which the Beckley Foundation is supporting to contribute to this understudied area of psychedelic science.

 

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A Psycho-vitamin to give more energy to the brain

In June 2018, Amanda spoke at the Beyond Psychedelics convention in Prague. In this interview with psychedelic researcher David Luke, she explains the enormous potential that psychedelics possess, and outlines current and upcoming research at the Beckley Foundation.

 

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From Problem Child to Wonder Child: An Evolving Story…

On Bicycle Day 2018, Amanda Feilding addressed the LSD75.CH Symposium in Basel. In her speech, ‘From Problem Child to Wonder Child: An Evolving Story..’, she reflects on her memories of Albert Hofmann, her research into psychedelic medicines, and the future she envisions for LSD in both science and culture. Read more here.

 

 

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Why Science Needs Psychedelics: A Paradigm Shift for Psychiatry

In April 2018, Amanda presented “Why Science Needs Psychedelics: A Paradigm Shift for Psychiatry” at the 5th Session of the World Congress for Freedom of Scientific Research. This conference, hosted in the European Parliament, focused on individual rights to benefit from science, and the freedom to perform medical research and receive medical treatment. Read more here.

 

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From the Mystical Experience to Microdosing

Horizons: Perspectives on Psychedelics is an annual forum that examines the role of psychedelic drugs science, medicine, culture, and spirituality. In 2017, Amanda Feilding presented her talk ‘From the Mystical Experience to Microdosing’, where she explored the mystical experiences in her own life which lead her to dedicate her life to psychedelic research.

 

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From Taboo to Treatment: The Coming of Age of Psychedelic Medicine 

In 2017, the Beckley Foundation together with MAPS co-hosted Psychedelic Science. The international scientific community came together in Oakland, California to explore new research into the benefits and risks of MDMA, LSD, cannabis, and other emerging treatments in psychedelics science. Here, Amanda presents her talk “From Taboo to Treatment: The Coming of Age of Psychedelic Medicine”.

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