Welcome to the podcast of ALPS, the conference that wants to make us aware of psychedelic science and its effects on the psyche. A whole program with many speakers from Switzerland, Europe and all over the world.

In this episode, syde welcomes Sam Candy, PhD ecologist, independent researcher, consultant and science writer.

Dr. Gandy has varied experience of working within the psychedelic field, as a past scientific assistant to the director of the Beckley Foundation, as a research assistant with the Synthesis Institute, and as a consultant for PsiClone. He is a certified Shinrin Yoku forest bathing practitioner and also leads fungi growing workshops on occasion. He is also collaborating with the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, researching on the capacity of psychedelics to influence human relationships with nature.

Questions asked to Sam:

• What is the link between nature and psychedelics ? 
• Are there psychedelics that have more impact on how we see and perceive Nature ?
• You mentioned ‘setting’. It is true that sometimes we talk about setting in a clinical way. The setting in nature could be also a way to consume psychedelics. Can you explain your thoughts on that?
• The are theories saying that coming from nature, these substances - such as psilocybin - could be a message from nature for us to take care of it. What would be your opinion on that ? 
• How do you see the future of your researches ?

More info on Sam : https://www.instagram.com/samwisegandy https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sam-Gandy-4

This interview was recorded during the Alps Conference 2022 on psychedelic research in Bern, Switzerland on 28.10.2022. More info on the Alps Conference here