Women in Psychedelics with Ashleigh Murphy-Beiner, Nikki Wyrd, Leonie Schneider & Anya Oleksiuk

The dialogue of psychedelic research has mostly emphasized the roles of men, with female mavericks often overlooked. There is an untold history of females in all science and technology. And despite progressive thinking associated with psychedelic-use, females' underrepresentation and unwritten contribution in psychedelic research are undeniable. As the Psychedelic Renaissance is well underway, it is crucial gender-bias patterns of the past don't re-emerge. 

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we are delighted to share footage from the predominantly female-crafted documentary, The Psychedelic Renaissance. The film documents the worldwide re-emergence of the psychedelic movement and roles of psychedelics in our changing cultural, social and ecological spheres. In an attempt to reconcile male predominance in the psychedelic-word, the film focuses on making voices heard from influential female figures who have been pivotal in shaping our ongoing second wave.

From science to culture and policy, this panel discussion will explore the inspiring journeys of the key women in today's psychedelic movement joining us, including our documentary director and our very own Psychedelic Society co-owner Anya Oleksiuk. We will investigate the stigma faced by women in psychedelics, the role of the feminine in plant medicine, honour psychedelic heroines of the past and look with optimism to a future of greater equality and diversity.. Ticket Holders will also receive access to exclusive unseen footage of the documentary.

Ashleigh Murphy-Beiner

Ashleigh Murphy Beiner is a mindfulness meditation teacher, who recently worked as an assistant psychologist for the Psilocybin for Depression clinical trial at Imperial College London. In this, she both guided participants through their psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy treatment and led mindfulness sessions to support participants’ longer-term integration. Ashleigh has also worked with ayahuasca supporting people’s preparation and integration in Peru, and has published research on the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca for treating depression and anxiety. Ashleigh has completed training in embodied therapeutic practices and is interested in the interdisciplinary application of psychology, science and embodied approaches to the therapeutic use of psychedelics. 

Nikki Wyrd

Nikki Wyrd is one of the directors of the psychedelic conference Breaking Convention. She is an editor of the Psychedelic Press Journal and runs the Universe Machine publishing house. Nikki also works as a freelance proofreader/copy editor.

Her copy editing work can be found in most notable books of recent years related to psychedelics, occultism and medicine. Along with Julian Vayne, she co-authored The Book of Baphomet, which beautifully blends scientific rationale with magickal actions.

Nikki often talks at conferences and festivals. She also holds space at retreats and gives workshops centred around shamanic/ceremonial practices. Nikki enjoys dancing to psytrance, and as an ecologist, she actively encourages humans to reconsider how they can live in harmony with other organisms.

Leonie Schneider

Leonie Schneider has held a deep interest in plant medicines and other psychedelics for over 20 years and speaks with passion and clarity of her transformative and life-enhancing experiences of these medicines. In November 2021, she was a participant in the second Psilocybin for Depression study (PsiloDep 2) at Imperial College and to say her life was changed personally and professionally, is an understatement.  Leonie has since turned her gaze from a technology policy career focussed on connecting people via Internet access, to focusing on connecting people to themselves, each other and the planet through these medicines. Whilst retraining to provide therapeutic psychedelic support, 

Leonie is also working part-time as the Psychedelic Retreats & Operations Coordinator for Alalaho (formerly the Psychedelic Society’s Experience Retreats) and provides first-hand insights into Professor David Nutt’s Medical Psychedelic Working Group as a Patient Advocate.

Anya Oleksiuk

Anya is a documentary filmmaker, host and educator. She is a Co-Director of the Psychedelic Society UK, leading on video production, harm reduction and education about psychedelics. She is also associated with the Psychedelic Society of the Netherlands and is a consultant for the Polish Psychedelic Society (Polskie Towarzystwo Psychodeliczne).

Anya is a founder and director of Triptika Studios, which is a collective of independent filmmakers with interests in health, science, innovative solutions, mental health, drug advocacy, social and racial justice and environment-friendly lifestyles. She is also the creator, director and producer of The Psychedelic Renaissance - a not-for-profit documentary film about the worldwide re-emergence of the psychedelic movement and the crucial role of psychedelic substances, plants and mushrooms in human culture.

If you would like to attend this event but are unable to afford the ticket price, please do get in touch with us directly at martha@psychedelicsociety.org.uk. At the Psychedelic Society, we believe that everyone should be able to access our events regardless of employment or health circumstances, so we will do our best to accommodate where we can.

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