Gallery

Book Sizzle Reel

A “sizzle reel” is Hollywood jargon for a short promotional video designed to generate excitement—typically used to pitch films or TV shows to executives. 🎬 Since books are tragically un-cinematic (no explosions, car chases, or CGI dragons), the concept rarely crosses over to publishing. But this isn’t a normal book. 📚✨ What you’re about to watch is a two-minute montage showcasing the artwork and design elements that make Unburdened more than words on a page. 🎨 Think of it as a trailer for a movie that happens entirely inside your head.

Warning: The background music may cause spontaneous dancing. Side effects can include increased book purchases and an inexplicable urge to contemplate existence.

A Life Among the Influential

Understand something about credibility in the New Age industry. 🌟 You can’t just write a book about daemon possession 👻 and expect people to take you seriously unless you’ve been photographed with the right people. 📸 That’s how legitimacy works in this space. ✨

One of the great privileges of this work has been the opportunity to connect with thought leaders, visionaries, and cultural icons across multiple fields. 🤝 These photographs document moments of exchange, collaboration, and mutual recognition that have shaped my journey. The kind of moments that get you invited back to exclusive camps at Burning Man, 🔥 VIP dinners at consciousness conferences, and backstage access at TED talks. 🎤

From groundbreaking researchers in psychedelic science 🍄 to spiritual leaders guiding millions, from media luminaries amplifying consciousness to philosophers redefining our understanding of mind and healing—each encounter has deepened my commitment to making these practices accessible. ✨ I’m grateful to have earned a place in these circles, where serious inquiry meets transformative practice, where academic rigor dances with mystical experience, 💫 and where the work of bridging ancient wisdom and modern science continues. These are the kinds of relationships that fund first-class flights ✈️ and hotel suites at Art Basel Miami. 🎨

(Yes, dear reader arriving here cold—this is, in fact, theatrical self-mockery. 🎭 But it’s also how this game actually works, which makes the mockery more complicated than simple satire. The photos below are obviously fake.) 😏

With Dick Schwartz discussing IFS paradigm shifts

With Dr. Richard Schwartz, creator of Internal Family Systems, at the 2019 IFS Annual Conference. We discussed the integration of contemplative practices with parts work.

With Michael Winkelman at consciousness studies symposium

With Dr. Michael Winkelman, leading scholar of shamanism and altered states, at UC Berkeley's Center for the Science of Psychedelics symposium, 2021.

With Graham Hancock backstage at consciousness conference

Backstage with Graham Hancock after his keynote on ancient wisdom traditions at the Horizons Psychedelic Conference, 2020.

With Jamie Wheal at the Center for MINDS, MAPS, and Ultranative event at SXSW 2025. Discussing flow states and the future of consciousness research.

With Michael Pollan at the How to Change Your Mind book launch, comparing notes on the psychedelic renaissance, 2018.

With Trevor Noah at TED2023 in Vancouver. We compared notes on using humor to smuggle serious ideas past people's intellectual defenses. He cryptically mentioned something about collaborating with a South African defense contractor. I'm sure he was joking?

With Tim Ferriss at psychedelic research fundraiser

With Tim Ferriss at a Johns Hopkins psychedelic research fundraiser. He's been instrumental in legitimizing this field, 2021.

With the Dalai Lama at Mind and Life Institute dialogue

At the Mind and Life Institute's dialogue on neuroplasticity and contemplative practice with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala, 2019.

With Pope Leo XIV at Vatican consciousness summit

With Pope Leo XIV at a Vatican summit on consciousness studies and contemplative practice, 2025. The first American pope brings a refreshing openness to dialogue between neuroscience and spirituality.

With Oprah at her studio, sitting in front of an inspirational plaque reading "BELIEF," 2025. The irony of promoting my book in front of that particular piece of motivational decor was not lost on either of us. Fortunately, she found it hilarious.

With Rick Doblin at MAPS Psychedelic Science conference

With Rick Doblin at MAPS Psychedelic Science 2023 in Denver. His decades of persistence in bringing MDMA therapy to reality continues to inspire.

With David Nutt at Imperial College London

With Professor David Nutt at Imperial College London, 2022. I've always appreciated his work across the pond—the man got famously sacked from his government advisory position for telling the truth about drug harms. I was rather taken aback when he generously extended an invitation to go horseback riding together. Of course I politely declined!

Hamilton's Pharmacopeia podcast, 2021. Not many journalists also synthesize novel psychedelics and co-author papers about them. When Hamilton invites you on his show, you know you've either made it or you're about to be thoroughly debunked. The jury's still out.

With Elon Musk at the White House, 2025. Nothing says "credible consciousness researcher" like being mistaken for a tech billionaire's four-year-old during official government business. This is either my most successful infiltration of elite circles or my most elaborate piece of performance satire. Possibly both.