• Feeling disoriented, divided or triggered by the news?
• Unsure how to stay grounded and open in a world that feels increasingly polarised?

When conflict becomes deeply entrenched, it can become difficult to see and listen to people we perceive as the other. But what happens when the division is not only about difference, but is also shaped by entrenched dynamics of oppression, power and domination?

What might collective liberation look like when we begin to imagine beyond the structures that divide us?

Join us for a conversation exploring how psychedelic experiences might change the way we relate to conflict, difference and liberation.

About

In this talk, Leor Roseman, Senior Lecturer and Psychedelic Researcher at the University of Exeter, will explore what happens when Palestinians and Israelis come together in shared ayahuasca ceremonies, drawing on phenomenological research with participants from both communities.

The research explores moments of unity and shared humanity, but also moments when cultural difference, fear, resistance, trauma and political realities enter the experience. Rather than simply dissolving difference, these encounters can bring us into a more direct relationship with it. 

In the pilot project, groups of Palestinians and Israelis were invited to explore ayahuasca as a ceremonial and healing space grounded in the political reality of conflict and oppression, with intentions to address collective trauma, explore liberation from rigid narratives, foster solidarity and care, and translate insights into action.

In this lecture, Leor will weave political realities with liberatory imaginaries, sharing results, stories, revelations, reflections and updates from Ripples Alliance. 

By the end of the talk, we will have explored:

• Can shared psychedelic experiences create moments of connection and shared humanity across deep divides?
• What happens when cultural and religious differences are encountered not as barriers, but as part of a shared experience?
• How might psychedelic experiences bring personal and collective trauma into awareness?
• How do we recognise the humanity of “the other” without losing sight of power, oppression and injustice?
• Can experiences of connection and expanded awareness strengthen our capacity to imagine and act toward liberation?
• What is the relationship between inner transformation, collective healing and social change?

What to Expect

• 18:30-19:15: Gathering and networking
• 19:15-20:15: Talk by Leor Roseman (live stream starts)
• 20:15-20:45: Q&A
• 20:45: Event ends

Ripples Alliance 

Leor Roseman is also the Founder and Director of Ripples Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to peacebuilding supported by psychedelics (https://www.ripplesalliance.org/).

Ripples Alliance weaves psychedelics, peacebuilding, science, art and rituals to foster a movement of peace and liberation – in Palestine and Israel, and beyond. It is the continuation of seven years of research, now transformed into a non-profit to continue and expand this work. Ripples Alliance pilot projects, launched as research studies at Imperial College London, revealed the potential of psychedelic medicines for societal healing. Working with a cohort of Palestinian and Israeli researchers, peacemakers, and artists, the organisation led several successful sessions for deep personal & collective healing and visionary future building. 

Psychedelics Unfitered

Psychedelics Unfiltered is a speaker series bringing together neuroscientists, academics and practitioners working across the psychedelic field.

The series creates candid evenings of questions, science and reflection,  a space to explore psychedelics beyond the headlines, challenge assumptions and unpack the myths and stigma that surround them.

All questions are welcome. The aim is to create open and thoughtful conversations that encourage curiosity, deepen understanding, and leave space for people to form their own views.

Your Speaker

Leor Roseman is a Senior Lecturer and Psychedelic Researcher at the department of psychology, University of Exeter. Leor is deeply fascinated by the ways psychedelics modify consciousness from a biopsychosocial perspective. He has previously worked at the Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, under the mentorship of Prof. Robin Carhart-Harris and Prof. David Nutt. Leor has been in the midst of a so-called psychedelic revolution, supporting the foundational work of a re-emerging research field.

His interdisciplinary research covers neuroscience, psychology, phenomenology, anthropology and conflict resolution, using a wide array of research methods such as fMRI, quantitative, qualitative, microphenomenology, ethnographic, and participatory research.
Leor co-developed and is teaching the MSc Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine, and Culture, together with Peter Sjostedt-Hughes, Andy Lecther, Anjali Bhat, Simon Ruffell, and Celia Morgan.

Profile Page in Exeter: 
(https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/41893-leor-roseman)

For a full list of publications, see: 
(https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=9psXUfEAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao)

Your Host

Amalia Izzo is the Event Coordinator for West and Central London for The Psychedelic Society and an MSc student in Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine and Culture at the University of Exeter. She is also the co-founder and Director of Karuna Communitas, a non-profit organisation dedicated to making psychedelic support and education more accessible to all.

After a 20-year career in investment banking, Amalia transitioned into the field of psychedelic science and community-based wellbeing with a commitment to widening access to ethical, safe and culturally sensitive care. She is currently training in curanderismo in the Shipibo tradition under the direct supervision of Maestro Heberto at Onikano centre in Peru.

A lifelong learner, Amalia’s interests span psychedelic ethics, cross-cultural approaches to healing, Native American cosmology, and meditation. Her lived experience informs her passion for sharing knowledge about the transformative potential of psychedelics and helping reduce stigma around their responsible use.

Venue  

Home House Studio, Private Members' Club, 44 Great Cumberland Place, London W1H 7BS.

Please ask for the Montagu Room.

Public transport:
Marble Arch Station (7-min walk)

REFUNDS POLICY: Please note, we do not arrange refunds or exchanges. When possible we encourage reselling on Ticketswap.

ACCESS:  We do our best to include everyone in our events, regardless of health circumstances. If you have access requirements please email the event organiser directly to discuss. Many facilitators are able to offer reduced ticket prices for those truly unable to afford the ticket price. If this applies to you, do please get in touch with the event organiser.

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