Psychedelic Alchemy Speaker Series

Naropa Center For Psychedelic Studies Presents Psychedelic Alchemy, a speaker series dedicated to exploring the modern psychedelic landscape.

Featuring prominent and emerging leaders in the field, these public events will investigate salient topics in the psychedelic space such as psychedelic-assisted therapy, science, social action, spirituality, healing integration and more. Whether you’re a novice or well-researched expert, join us for this curated series of inspiring à la carte discussion panels, lectures, and interviews with galvanizing psychedelic luminaries.


Most Recent Event

Dr. Rosalind Watts

Mycelial Networks, Anchoring the Psychedelic Revolution in Community

Rosaling Watts Headshot

November 14, 2023 // 12:30 - 2:00pm MT // Free Online Talk

What can the wisdom of nature teach us about building a collaborative, safe, and caring psychedelic revolution?

Join Dr. Rosalind Watts, clinical psychologist, as she explores profound insights gained as the visionary behind ACER (Accept, Connect, Embody, Restore) integration—a psychedelic integration community rooted in acceptance and commitment therapy and ecopsychology.

In this special Psychedelic Alchemy presentation, Dr. Watts will explain how fundamental principles of nature, such as slow growth, circular rhythms, and interconnectedness, can serve as instructive guides for creating a sustainable, collaborative, and more accountable psychedelic field. Furthermore, Dr. Watts will delve into the potential pitfalls of the psychedelic revolution and provide innovative solutions rooted in her ACER model. 

Join us as we examine the myriad ways we can glean wisdom from our natural world, with the goal of laying a strong foundation for an ever-evolving psychedelic landscape.

About The Speaker

Dr. Rosalind Watts is a clinical psychologist and the founder of ACER Integration. Her contributions to the field of psychedelic therapy are numerous and include the development of the the ACE model ‘Accept, Connect, Embody’, which has been used in clinical trials of both psilocybin and DMT, as well as the Watts Connectedness Scale, which is a psychometric tool for measuring outcomes of psychedelic therapy. Dr. Watts is the former clinical lead on the Psilocybin for Depression trial at Imperial College London, and sits on the clinical advisory board of the Usona Institute.


Featured Past Events

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Bwiti-inspired mural artwork by Chor Boogie (Nganga Gnyangou)

Iboga Panel with Bwiti Elders & Visiting Instructors

While the exact cause of Iboga’s potentiating activity remains unknown, its ability to treat addiction has sparked interest in its therapeutic potential.

This special session on Iboga was organized for Naropa’s 2022 Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies, and offered during the program’s December 10, 2022 live online class. Convened by Kevin Franciotti, this session features presentations from Kevin, Kenneth Alper, Elizabeth Bast, and two elders from Gabon, as well as a special panel Q&A with the presenters. The Naropa Center for Psychedelic Studies and Naropa Extended Campus are pleased to share this informative and multifaceted session for the benefit of the public

Valeria McCarroll PhD, LMFT — Are psychedelics doomed to be tools of oppression, or can they be agents of liberation?

On October 20th, 2022, NCPS hosted Valeria McCarroll for an engaging talk on psychedelics, mysticism and possibilities for transformation. Valeria is a consciousness guide, teaches somatic and transpersonal psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), and serves as the Embodied Wisdom Advisor for Synthesis Institute. Valeria’s interests lie at the nexus of nondual wisdom traditions, somatics, psychedelics, and social/transformative justice, which culminate into her healing work called Somadelics℠. Valeria lives in Northern California with her husband and daughter and, when not synthesizing and refining liberative systems for deconstructing patriarchy, enjoys playing outdoors and creating beauty.

Erik Davis headshot

Erik Davis, PhD — LSD and the Alchemy of Modernity

On August 17th, 2022, NCPS hosted author, teacher, and award-winning journalist Erik Davis for an explorative Psychedelic Alchemy speaker event.

Davis’ talk, “LSD and the Alchemy of Modernity” examined the historical and mythopoetic legacy of LSD, and investigated how this substance’s underground lineage may offer precisely the sort of sacred values to guide us through the maelstrom of our moment!

Nicholas Powers headshot

Nicholas Powers, PhD — Flowers in Gun Barrels: How the Psychedelic Renaissance Can Stop War

NCPS was pleased to host professor, poet, novelist, and journalist Nicholas Powers for an inspiring Psychedelic Alchemy speaker event.

Dr. Powers’ lecture, “Flowers in Gun Barrels: How the Psychedelic Renaissance Can Stop War” examined the ways in which patriarchy, militarism, and poverty distort self-image and censor consciousness, and how a re-imagined psychedelic social movement can begin to repair these damages.

Spring Washam

Spring Washam — Buddhism and Plant-Based Medicine: A Dharma Teacher's Journey

NCPS was thrilled to host meditation teacher, author, and visionary leader Spring Washam for our inaugural Psychedelic Alchemy event!

Spring is considered a pioneer in bringing mindfulness-based healing practices to diverse communities. She is one of the founders and core teachers at the East Bay Meditation Center, and has practiced and studied Buddhist philosophy for the last 25 years. In addition to being a dharma teacher, Spring is a shamanic practitioner who has studied indigenous healing practices for over a decade. She is the founder of Lotus Vine Journeysan organization that blends indigenous healing practices with Buddhist wisdom.

Check out the event recording to learn more about the profound synergy between contemplative practice and psychedelic experience, and hear about Spring’s unique journey on this blended path!

Recent Events in Partnership with Chacruna Institute

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Naropa Campuses Closed on Friday, March 15, 2024

Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed Friday, March 15, 2024.  All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. All online and low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.

Based on the current weather forecast, the Healing with the Ancestors Talk & Breeze of Simplicity program scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday will be held as planned.

Staff that do not work remotely or are scheduled to work on campus, can work remotely. Staff that routinely work remotely are expected to continue to do so.

As a reminder, notifications will be sent by e-mail and the LiveSafe app.  

Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors.  Naropa University trusts you to make thoughtful and wise decisions based on the conditions and situation in which you find yourself in.